NZ543882A - Sachets and materials used in manufacture of sachets - Google Patents

Abstract

Sachets for storing and dispensing fluent materials, and elongate webs for use in the manufacture of sachets are disclosed. The sachet is a lamination of first, second, and third layers. The second layer (2) is semi-rigid and has a cut (20) that follows a path which deviates from a straight line is formed in a mid portion. The first layer (1) is sealed to one face of the second layer to seal over and around the ct, and the third layer (3) is fixed to the opposite face of the second layer. The elongate web for use in the manufacture of sachets consists of a semi-rigid layer with a series of cuts that follow paths that deviate from straight lines, and another layer sealed to the face of the semi-rigid layer to seal over and around each cut.

Description

6>3^2- NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT, 1953 No: Date: 30 November 2005 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION SACHETS AND MATERIALS USED IN MANUFACTURE OF SACHETS.

I, HUGH THOMAS HARRY DAVIES, a New Zealand citizen, of 22 Bells Road, West Melton, Christchurch, New Zealand, do hereby declare the invention for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N,Z.

* ) Da 21)05 RECgimsn SACHETS AND MATERIALS USED IN MANUFACTURE OF SACHETS FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to sachets used to package and dispense small predetermined quantities, eg single serves, of fluid or fluent materials such as liquids, sauces, beverages, creams, lotions, sunscreens, lubricants, paints, greases, oils, pastes, glues, resins, powders, particulates, etc. Such sachets can be made from multiple layers of sheet materials which are laminated together to form an enclosed reservoir. The 10 sachet contents are dispensed by rupturing a sachet layer and discharging the contents through the rupture, aided by squeezing the sachet if necessary.

The present invention particularly relates to an arrangement of cuts and/or lines of weakness that are formed in web or sheet materials during manufacture of such sachets, 15 for the purpose of facilitating rupturing of the sachet in a controllable manner when dispensing the sachet contents. The invention also relates to materials prepared for use in manufacture of such sachets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Known packages or sachets are made from layers of plastics and/or metallic foils which are laminated together to form a sealed reservoir between adjacent layers for housing the contents of the sachet. The layers are provided with weakened zones which can be preferentially ruptured to allow the contents of the package to be discharged. The 25 contents of the sachet can be dispensed, for example by an end user at a point of use, by piercing or rupturing at least one layer and thereby creating an opening through which the reservoir contents may be expelled, for example by squeezing the sachet.

Such sachets are typically manufactured using methods and apparatus similar to those 30 used in the printing industry where elongate webs are passed along a line of stations each performing a different function. Typically, the material to be packaged in the sachets is introduced between two webs which are sealed together continuously along 527881-1 their opposite edges. The webs are also sealed transversely at intervals to divide the webs into separate compartments. Individual sachets are produced by cutting the webs transversely at the transverse seals.

Typically, a layer of the sachet is ruptured by flexing the sachet. The flexing ruptures a layer at a predetermined zone, optionally defined by a line or pattern of weakness preformed in at least one of the layers.

Various mechanisms are known to aid in control of the rupturing and dispensing 10 process. Typically, at least one of the webs is made from a relatively stiff or semi-rigid material which has a weakened region or cut. When flexed, the sachet bends or folds preferentially about the weakened region, rupturing the semi-rigid material to form an aperture through which the contents of the sachet may be discharged by an end user at a point-of-use.

Sachets do not always readily rupture in the desired manner or location and can be resistant to rupturing without excessive force being applied. The application of force, and particularly excessive force, to open the sachet pressurizes the contents during the opening operation. This pressurization often leads to the inadvertent discharge of the 20 contents in an uncontrolled manner. An uncontrolled discharge may occur at the desired point of rupture. Alternatively a discharge may occur at the perimeter of the sachet if the strength of the perimeter sealing is inadequate and of a lesser burst strength than that of the desired rupture point.

New Zealand Patent No. 313329 describes a sachet formed from plastics layers sandwiched together to form a reservoir. An outer semi-rigid layer has a region of weakness. An adjacent layer has an aperture adjacent the region of weakness. When the semi-rigid layer is bent, the semi-rigid layer fractures at the region of weakness. The contents of the sachet can then be dispensed upon further bending of the sachet to 30 compress the reservoir and discharge the sachet contents through the aperture.

Although this arrangement addresses some of the difficulties relating to control of the rupture and discharge, the score or region of weakness can fail prior to intended 527881-1 discharge of the sachet contents. Such a premature loss of seal can lead to spoiling of the sachet contents before the intended time of use.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION One object of at least one embodiment of the invention is to provide a sealed sachet that overcomes some of the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least provides the public with a useful choice.

A second object of at least one embodiment of the invention is to provide a sachet with a sealed reservoir, the contents of which can be discharged from the reservoir in a controlled manner by first flexing the sachet to rupture a first layer sealing a discharge aperture in a second layer.

A third object of at least one embodiment of the invention is to provide an elongate web for use in the manufacture of sealed sachets that overcome some of the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least provide the public with a useful choice.

In a first aspect the present invention may be broadly said to be a sachet for storing and 20 dispensing a fluent material, the sachet comprising a lamination of first, second and third layers; wherein the second layer is a semi-rigid layer; a cut is formed in a mid-portion of the second layer, the cut following a path which deviates from a straight line; the first layer is sealed to one face of the second layer to seal over and around the cut; and the third layer is fixed to the opposite face of the second layer.

The first layer is preferably a relatively flexible layer, and the third layer is preferably a relatively flexible layer. The third layer may be sealed to the opposite face of the second layer at least around a peripheral region of the sachet.

Preferably, the second layer is substantially planar, a pouch is formed in a mid-portion of the third layer and the third layer is sealed to the opposite face of the second layer 30 around a peripheral region of the sachet to provide a reservoir for housing contents of the sachet. 527881-1 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. 1 8 MAY 2007 RECEIVED The cut may extend through the full thickness of the mid-portion of the second layer. Preferably, the cut is a V-shaped cut comprising two substantially straight cut lines which meet an angle not equal to 180 degrees. Alternatively, the cut is a U-shaped cut.

The sachet is preferably adapted so that when a compression force is applied to opposite 5 edges of the sachet to flex the sachet, the sachet flexes preferentially about the cut so that portions of the second layer on opposite sides of the cut move apart and rupture the first layer in the vicinity of the cut to form a discharge opening through which contents of the sachet may be discharged.

Preferably, a first line of weakness is formed in the first layer, and the first line of 10 weakness is spaced apart from, and is at least approximately aligned with, the cut. Preferably, second layer bends in the vicinity of the cut upon flexure of the sachet about the line of weakness.

More preferably, a second line of weakness is formed in the first layer, the first and second lines of weakness are at least approximately aligned with one another and with 15 the cut, the first and sccond lines of weakness are respectively located adjacent opposite ends of the cut, and each line of weakness is spaced apart from the respective adjacent end of the cut. The first and second lines of weakness may extend to respective outer edges of the sachet, and each line of weakness may be aligned with the respective adjacent end of the cut.

The, or each, line of weakness may be a score line extending at least partially through the thickness of the first layer.

The sachet is preferably adapted so that when a compression force is applied to edges of the sachet on opposite sides of the first line of weakness to flex the sachet, the sachet flexes preferentially about the first line of weakness so that portions of the second layer 25 on opposite sides of the cut move apart and rupture the first layer in the vicinity of the cut to form a discharge opening through which contents of the sachet may be discharged.

In a second aspect the present invention may be broadly said to be an elongate web comprising a lamination of first and second layers, wherein the second layer is a semi- 527881-1 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. 1 8 MAY 2007 RECEIVED rigid layer; a series of cuts is formed in a mid-width portion of the second layer, each cut following a respective path which deviates from a straight line; and the first layer is sealed to a first face of the second layer to seal over and around each cut.

Preferably, the first layer is a relatively flexible layer.

Each cut may extend through the full thickness of the mid-width portion of the second layer. Preferably, each cut is a V-shaped cut comprising two substantially straight cut lines which meet an angle not equal to 180 degrees. Alternatively, each cut is a U-shaped cut.

Preferably, a corresponding series of lines of weakness is formed in the first layer with each respective line of weakness being spaced apart from and at least approximately aligned with a corresponding one of the cuts. The second layer preferably bends in the vicinity of one of the cuts upon flexure of the web about the corresponding line of weakness.

A second series of lines of weakness may be formed in the first layer, with each line of weakness of the second series being spaced apart from and at least approximately aligned with a respective one of the cuts so that corresponding lines of weakness of the first and second series are at least approximately aligned with one another and with the corresponding cut, and are respectively located adjacent opposite ends of the corresponding cut, and each line of weakness is spaced apart from the respective adjacent end of the corresponding cut.

Each line of weakness may extend to one or other outer edge of the web. Each line of weakness may be a score line extending at least partially through the thickness of the first layer.

In a third aspect the present invention may be broadly said to be a series of interconnected sachets formed by fixing an elongate web according to the above- 527881-1 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. 18 MAY 2007 RECEIVED mentioned second aspect of the invention to a third layer, wherein the third layer is elongate and is fixed to a second face of the second layer of the web.

Preferably, the series of sachets is adapted so that when a compression force is applied to edges of one of the sachets on opposite sides of the corresponding cut or line of 5 weakness to flex the sachet, the sachet flexes preferentially about the corresponding cut or line of weakness so that portions of the second layer on opposite sides of the cut move apart and rupture the first layer in the vicinity of the cut to form a discharge opening through which contents of the sachet may be discharged.

Preferably, the third layer is a relatively flexible layer. The third layer may be sealed to 10 the second face of the second layer at least around a peripheral region of each sachet.

Preferably, the second layer is substantially planar, a series of pouches is formed in a mid-width portion of the third layer and the third layer is sealed to the second face of the second layer at least around a peripheral region of each sachet to provide a series of reservoirs for housing contents of respective sachets.

The invention may further be said to consist in any alternative combination of parts or features mentioned herein or shown in the accompanying drawings. Known equivalents of these parts or features which are not expressly set out are nevertheless deemed to be included.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be further described, by way of example only and without intending to be limiting, with reference to the accompanying 25 drawings of which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of three layers before being laminated together to form a sachet, Figure 2 shows a plan view of a sachet formed by laminating together the three layers as shown in Figure 1, 527881-1 Figure 3 is a plan view of a sachet similar to that of Figure 2, showing alternative locations for lines of weakness in an upper layer, Figure 4 shows a plan view of an alternative sachet having an asymmetrically shaped cut centrally aligned along a lateral line of weakness, Figure 5 shows a plan view of another alternative sachet having a symmetrically shaped cut offset toward one end of a lateral line of weakness, Figure 6 shows a plan view of yet another alternative sachet having an asymmetrically shaped cut centrally aligned along a longitudinal line of weakness, Figure 7 shows a plan view of still another alternative sachet having a 10 symmetrically shaped cut offset toward one end of a longitudinal line of weakness, Figure 8 shows a plan view of another alternative sachet having a symmetrically shaped cut offset toward an edge of the sachet and at one end of a lateral line of weakness, and Figure 9 shows a plan view of still another alternative sachet having a 15 symmetrically shaped cut offset toward an edge of the sachet and at one end of a longitudinal line of weakness.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS It will be appreciated that sachets and preparatory materials can be implemented in 20 various forms while incorporating the current invention. The following description refers to the embodiments shown in the drawings which are given, by way of example only. However, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and may also be applied to sachets having more than the number of layers shown and described, for example.

Figure 1 shows three layers spaced apart from one another prior to being laminated together to form a sachet. A first layer 1 has a line of weakness 10. A second layer 2 has a cut 20 formed in a mid-portion of the layer, i.e. inward of the periphery of the second layer. A third layer 3 has a pouch 30 formed in a mid-portion of the layer, i.e. 30 inward of the periphery of the third layer. 527881-1 The three layers are formed into a sachet 4 by laminating the first, second and third layers together. The first layer 1 is sealed to one face (the upper face 21 as shown in Figure 1) of the second layer 2. The third layer 3 is sealed to the opposite face of the second layer 2.

Figures 2 and 3 show plan views of the three layers when assembled together and laminated to form the sachet 4. The first and second layers are juxtaposed one above the other so that the line of weakness 10 in the first layer is aligned with, and spaced apart from, the cut 20 which is shown in Figures 2 and 3 by a broken line. The sealing 10 of the first layer to the upper face 21 of the second layer seals over and around the cut 20. Preferably, the first and second layers are sealed together over their whole faces. The sealing of the third layer 3 to the lower face of the second layer 2 seals the peripheral region of the third layer, i.e. the portion of the third layer outside the pouch 30, to a corresponding peripheral region of the second layer. The outline of the pouch 15 30 is shown by a dotted line in Figures 2 and 3.

The first and second layers of the sachet 4 are planar and the pouch 30 of the third layer 3 forms a reservoir for housing the contents of the sachet between the second and third layers.

The first and third layers are preferably made of a relatively flexible material and the second layer is preferably made of a semi-rigid material. In one preferred embodiment, the first and third layers are relatively flexible while the second layer is semi-rigid. The second layer 2 bends in the vicinity of the cut 20 upon flexure of the sachet 4 about the 25 line of weakness 10.

A second line of weakness 12 is optionally formed in the first layer 1. The second line of weakness 12 is at least approximately aligned with the first line of weakness. In the sachet 4. the two lines of weakness 10, 12 are aligned with the cut 20 in the second 30 layer, with the two lines of weakness being respectively located adjacent opposite ends of the cut. Each line of weakness is spaced apart from the respective adjacent outer end of the cut to leave a clear zone fully encircling the cut 20 in the second layer where 527881-1 there is no cut or line of weakness formed in either layer. The first layer is sealed over the cut and is sealed to the second layer at the clear zone ensuring that the cut is completely sealed.

Figure 3 shows some possible positions for the lines of weakness in the first layer relative to the cut in the second layer. One pair of lines 1 OA, 12A is aligned with the apex of a V-shaped cut 20. A first alternative pair of lines 10B, 12B is aligned with the outer ends of the V-shaped cut, and a second alternative pair of lines 10C, 12C is slightly offset from the V-shaped cut 20.

In one preferred embodiment of a sachet according to the invention, the lines of weakness formed in the first layer are spaced from the ends of the cut in the underlying second layer by about 2 to 3 mm. This provides a margin between the cut in the second layer and the line of weakness in the first layer so that the seal provided by the first 15 layer over the cut has a sufficient width to maintain integrity of the seal prior to the sachet being flexed and opened.

In another option there is no line of weakness provided in the first layer. The cut 20 in the second layer is itself a zone of weakness about which the sachet will preferentially 20 bend when the sachet is flexed. This option simplifies a sachet manufacturing apparatus by avoiding the need to have a manufacturing station to form a weakness in the first layer. The manufacturing station forming the cut 20 in the second layer can also form extensions to the cut to better define the zone of weakness in that second layer. The extensions to the cut can be made either part way or completely through the thickness of 25 the second layer. At least in the latter case, where the extensions go completely through the thickness of the second layer, the first layer seals over the extensions to maintain the integrity of the sealed sachet, at least until the sachet is to be opened.

The first and second lines of weakness 10, 12 extend to respective outer edges of the 30 sachet. Each line of weakness can be made by scoring the first layer to form a line of weakness that extends partially through the thickness of the first layer. :7881-1 The cut 20 in the second layer 2 preferably extends through the lull thickness of the mid-portion of the second layer. Alternatively, the cut can be formed only partially through the second layer in which case, when the sachet is to be opened, the second layer is ruptured at the cut which then extends completely through the second layer to 5 form an opening through which the contents of the reservoir can be discharged. The opening of the sachet will be discussed further below.

The cut 20 follows a path which deviates from a straight line. The cut 20 is preferably a U-shaped cut or a V-shape cut comprising two substantially straight cut lines which 10 meet an angle not equal to 180 degrees.

To open the sachet, a compression force is applied to edges 42, 44 of the sachet 4 on opposite sides of the line or lines of weakness 10, 12. The compression force flexes the sachet preferentially about the line or lines of weakness 10, 12 so that portions of the 15 second layer 2 on opposite sides of the cut 20 move apart, rupturing the first layer 1 in the vicinity of the cut 20 to form a discharge opening through which contents of the sachet may be discharged. If the cut was formed only partially through the second layer, the cut ruptures completely through the full thickness of the layer when the portions of the second layer 2 on opposite sides of the cut 20 move apart.

The cut formed in the second layer can be symmetric, for example the V-shaped cut 20 as seen in Figures 1 to 3, or it can be an asymmetric cut 50, 52 as shown in Figures 4 and 6.

The cut in the second layer, whether symmetric or asymmetric, can be located centrally in the sachet, for example as in the sachets shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 6. Alternatively, the cut can be offset from a centreline of the sachet. Figures 5 and 7 show cuts 54, 56 that are offset from the centre of a sachet, toward one end of lines of weakness 14, 16 in the first layer of the sachet. In these latter two cases, the cuts in the second layer are 30 shown offset toward one end of a line of weakness provided by a pair of score lines in the first layer. 527881-1 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. 18 MAY 2007 RECEIVED The line or lines of weakness can be aligned laterally across, or longitudinally along, an elongate sachet, in the first layer. For example, lines of weakness are formed in the first layer and are aligned laterally across the rectangular or oblong sachets shown in Figures 1 to 5, and aligned longitudinally along the length of the rectangular or oblong sachets 5 shown in Figure 6 and 7.

Figures 8 and 9 show examples of alternative sachets where cuts in the second layer, whether symmetric or asymmetric, can be located near an edge of the sachet just inside, and clear of, the peripheral seal of the pouch in the third layer.

Figure 8 shows a rectangular sachet with a symmetric cut 58 in the second layer. This cut 58 is offset toward an edge of the sachet, at one end of a single lateral or transverse line of weakness 18 in the first layer. There is no continuation of the line of weakness beyond the outer end of the cut which is located clear inside the peripheral seal of the 15 pouch 30 formed by the third layer.

Figure 9 shows a rectangular sachet with a symmetric cut 59 in the second layer. This cut 59 is offset toward an edge of the sachet, at one end of a single longitudinal line of weakness 19 in the first layer. There is no continuation of the line of weakness beyond 20 the outer end of the cut which is located clear inside the peripheral seal of the pouch 30 formed by the third layer.

Sachets as described can be manufactured by first forming an elongate web comprising a lamination of two web layers. A series of lines of weakness (each being a line of 25 weakness 10 as described above) is formed in the first web layer. A series of cuts (each being a cut 20 as described above) is formed in a mid-width portion of the second web layer. Each respective line of weakness is spaced apart from and at least approximately aligned with the corresponding cut. The web layers are sealed face to face so that the first layer seals over and around each cut. 527881-1 The first web layer is a relatively flexible layer, such as a plastics film. The second web layer is a semi-rigid layer which bends in the vicinity of one of the cuts upon flexure of the web about the corresponding line of weakness.

A second series of lines of weakness can be formed in the first web layer, with each line of weakness of the second series being spaced apart from and at least approximately aligned with a respective one of the cuts in the second web layer so that corresponding lines of weakness of the first and second series are at least approximately aligned with one another and with the corresponding cut, and are respectively located adjacent 10 opposite ends of the corresponding cut, and each line of weakness is spaced apart from the respective adjacent end of the corresponding cut. Preferably, each line of weakness extends to one or other outer edge of the web. The lines of weakness can be score lines which extend partially through the thickness of the first web layer.

Each cut can extend through the full thickness of the mid-width portion of the second web layer. Each cut follows a path which deviates from a straight line, for example, each cut can be a U-shaped cut or a V-shaped cut comprising two substantially straight cut lines which meet an angle not equal to 180 degrees.

The two-layered web as described above can be manufactured prior to use in a sachet loading machine for producing an interconnected series of sachets are formed, loaded with sachets contents, sealed, and separated into individual sachets or into groups of sachets. A series of interconnected sachets can be formed by sealing the two-layered web described above to a third elongate layer. The third layer is relatively flexible and 25 is sealed to a second face of the second layer of the two-layered web.

In a preferred arrangement, a series of pouches is formed in a mid-width portion of the third layer. The third layer is sealed to the second face of the second layer along each longitudinal edge of the web to provide a series of reservoirs for housing the contents of 30 respective sachets. The material intended as sachet contents is then introduced between the longitudinally sealed second and third layers. The second and third layers are then 527881-1 sealed together transversely across the web at spaced locations corresponding to gaps between the pouches.

The two-layered web as described above can be manufactured prior to use in a sachet 5 loading machine.

The sachets can be produced as an interconnected series of sachets which is formed, loaded with sachets contents, sealed, and separated into individual sachets or into groups of sachets. A series of interconnected sachets can be formed by sealing the two-10 layered web described above to a third elongate layer.

The second layer is semi-rigid and substantially flat or planar over the length of each sachet. However, it is to be understood that although the second layer is substantially flat or planar, the web may be wound into a roll for ease of handling long web lengths.

The web or layer material can be any material known to be suitable for the manufacture of sachets and such like containers. Typical web materials include plastics (for example, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, or polyethylene terephthalate glycol), metallic films, and paper or similar materials derived from wood fibre, either 20 plain or treated with waxes or similar coatings. Other materials suitable for making sachets in accordance with the invention are bio-degradable plastics, for example plastics based on cornstarch, soya and/or potato, and polylactic acids (PLAs), the latter being suitable as a biodegradable replacement for polyethylene terephthalates (PETs).

The foregoing describes the invention with reference to a preferred embodiment. Alterations and modifications as will be obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be incorporated within the scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims. For example, when sachets are produced as groups of joined sachets, the joined sachets may be intended to remain together in use, such as when two or more different 30 materials are contained in respective sachets of two or more grouped sachets, eg for simultaneous dispensing such as may be required in a two-part resin formulation. 527881-1 Alternatively the joined sachets may be joined in a manner allowing easy separation, for example at point of sale, or just prior to use.

The term 'comprising' as used in this specification and claims means 'consisting at least 5 in part of. That is to say, when interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present but other features can also be present. 527881-1 • 10

Claims (36)

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A sachet for storing and dispensing a fluent material, the sachet comprising a lamination of first, second and third layers; wherein the second layer is a semi-rigid layer; a cut is formed in a mid-portion of the second layer, the cut following a path which deviates from a straight line; the first layer is sealed to one face of the second layer to seal over and around the cut; and the third layer is fixed to the opposite face of the second layer.

2. A sachet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first layer is a relatively flexible layer.

3. A sachet as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the third layer is a relatively flexible layer.

4. A sachet as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein the third layer is sealed to the opposite face of the second layer at least around a peripheral region of the sachet.

5. A sachet as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second layer is substantially planar, a pouch is formed in a mid-portion of the third layer and the third layer is sealed to the opposite face of the second layer around a peripheral region of the sachet to provide a reservoir for housing contents of the sachet.

6. A sachet as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein the cut extends through the full thickness of the mid-portion of the second layer.

7. A sachet as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein the cut is a V-shaped cut comprising two substantially straight cut lines which meet an angle not equal to 180 degrees.

8. A sachet as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cut is a U-shaped cut. 527881-1 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. 18 MAY 2007 RECEIVED -17- • 10 15 20

9. A sachet as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein the sachet is adapted so that when a compression force is applied to opposite edges of the sachet to flex the sachet, the sachet flexes preferentially about the cut so that portions of the second layer on opposite sides of the cut move apart and rupture the first layer in the vicinity of the cut to form a discharge opening through which contents of the sachet may be discharged.

10. A sachet as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein a first line of weakness is formed in the first layer, and the first line of weakness is spaced apart from, and is at least approximately aligned with, the cut.

11. A sachet as claimed in claim 10, wherein the second layer bends in the vicinity of the cut upon flexure of the sachet about the line of weakness.

12. A sachet as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein a second line of weakness is formed in the first layer, the first and second lines of weakness are at least approximately aligned with one another and with the cut, the first and second lines of weakness are respectively located adjacent opposite ends of the cut, and each line of weakness is spaced apart from the respective adjacent end of the cut.

13. A sachet as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first and second lines of weakness extend to respective outer edges of the sachet.

14. A sachet as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein each line of weakness is aligned with the respective adjacent end of the cut.

15. A sachet as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the, or each, line of weakness is a score line extending at least partially through the thickness of the first layer.

16. A sachet as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the sachet is adapted so that when a compression force is applied to edges of the sachet on opposite sides of the first line of weakness to flex the sachet, the sachet flexes preferentially about the first line of weakness so that portions of the second layer on opposite sides of the cut 527881-1 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICf OF N.Z. 18 MAY 2007 RECEIVED - 18- move apart and rupture the first layer in the vicinity of the cut to form a discharge opening through which contents of the sachet may be discharged.

17. An elongate web comprising a lamination of first and second layers, wherein the second layer is a semi-rigid layer; a series of cuts is formed in a mid-width portion 5 of the second layer, each cut following a respective path which deviates from a straight line; and the first layer is sealed to a first face of the second layer to seal over and around each cut.

18. An elongate web as claimed in claim 17, wherein the first layer is a relatively flexible layer. 10

19. An elongate web as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18, wherein each cut extends through the full thickness of the mid-width portion of the second layer.

20. An elongate web as claimed in any one of claims 17, 18 or 19, wherein each cut is a V-shaped cut comprising two substantially straight cut lines which meet an angle not equal to 180 degrees. 15

21. An elongate web as claimed in any one of claims 17, 18 or 19, wherein each cut is a U-shaped cut.

22. An elongate web as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein a corresponding series of lines of weakness is formed in the first layer with each respective line of weakness being spaced apart from and at least approximately aligned 20 with a corresponding one of the cuts.

23. An elongate web as claimed in claim 22, wherein the second layer bends in the vicinity of one of the cuts upon flexure of the web about the corresponding line of weakness.

24. An elongate web as claimed in claim 22 or 23, wherein a second series of lines 25 of weakness is formed in the first layer, with each line of weakness of the second series being spaced apart from and at least approximately aligned with a respective one of the cuts so that corresponding lines of weakness of the first and second series are at least approximately aligned with one another and with the corresponding cut, and are S2788I-1 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. 18 MAY 2007 RECEIVED - 19- respectively located adjacent opposite ends of the corresponding cut, and each line of weakness is spaced apart from the respective adjacent end of the corresponding cut.

25. An elongate web as claimed in claim 24, wherein each line of weakness extends to one or other outer edge of the web. 5

26. An elongate web as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein each line of weakness is a score line extending at least partially through the thickness of the first layer.

27. A series of interconnected sachets formed by fixing an elongate web as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 21 to a third layer, wherein the third layer is elongate and is 10 fixed to a second face of the second layer of the web.

28. A series of interconnected sachets formed by fixing an elongate web as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 26 to a third layer, wherein the third layer is elongate and is fixed to a second face of the second layer of the web.

29. A series of interconnected sachcts as claimed in claim 27 or 28, wherein the 15 series of sachets is adapted so that when a compression force is applied to edges of one of the sachets on opposite sides of the corresponding cut to flex the sachet, the sachet flexes preferentially about the corresponding cut so that portions of the second layer on opposite sides of the cut move apart and rupture the first layer in the vicinity of the cut to form a discharge opening through which contents of the sachet may be discharged. 20

30. A series of interconnected sachets as claimed in claim 28, wherein the series of sachets is adapted so that when a compression force is applied to edges of one of the sachets on opposite sides of the corresponding line of weakness to flex the sachet, the sachet flexes preferentially about the corresponding line of weakness so that portions of the second layer on opposite sides of the cut move apart and rupture the first layer in the 25 vicinity of the cut to form a discharge opening through which contents of the sachet may be discharged.

31. A series of interconnected sachets as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein the third layer is a relatively flexible layer. „,M1 . INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE 5™""' OF N.Z. 18 MAY 2007 RECEIVED -20-

32. A series of interconnected sachets as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 31, wherein the third layer is sealed to the second face of the second layer at least around a peripheral region of each sachet.

33. A series of interconnected sachets as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 32, 5 wherein the second layer is substantially planar, a series of pouches is formed in a mid- width portion of the third layer and the third layer is sealed to the second face of the second layer at least around a peripheral region of each sachet to provide a series of reservoirs for housing contents of respective sachets.

34. A sachet substantially as herein described with reference to, and/or as illustrated 10 in, any one or more of the accompanying figures.

35. An elongate web substantially as herein described with reference to, and/or as illustrated in, any one or more of the accompanying figures.

36. A series of interconnected sachets substantially as herein described with reference to, and/or as illustrated in, any one or more of the accompanying figures. END OF CLAIMS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.7. 18 MAY 2007 RECEIVED