TWI565630B - Wrapped package with opening tab - Google Patents

Description

Sealed box with opening tape

The present invention relates to a sealed package for a consumer product comprising a closure film having an opening tape formed by an opening slit; and a method of producing a sealed package. The sealed package has a special application in the case of a sealed package as a smoking article.

Conventionally, consumer goods are packaged in many types of containers. For example, certain consumer goods are packaged in containers formed from folded layered paperboard. For example, long-form smoking articles such as cigarettes or cigars are generally sold as hinged boxes having a box for containing articles of smoking and attached to the box and wound around the container A hinged wire that extends over the back wall. Other types of consumer goods, particularly fragile or fragile goods, are packaged in rigid containers formed of molded plastic or metal materials. In other instances, consumer goods can be packaged in bags, pouches, or 'soft' packages made of softer materials such as paper or cellophane.

Conventionally, a filling container for a consumer product such as a smoking article is often covered by a sealing film of a transparent polymeric film, and the sealing film is provided with a tear tape for facilitating removal of the outer sealing film from below the container. . Removal of the tear strip separates the outer seal film into two parts which are then individually removed from the container. However, since such an outer sealing film is generally shrink-wrapped onto the container, the film material is tightly coated on the container. As a result, even after the tear tape is removed, it is still difficult for the consumer to remove the rest of the outer cover film from the container in order to obtain the consumer goods.

The application of the tear tape to the sealing film outside the filling container requires additional procedure steps and the introduction of equipment in the program to produce the outer container. The tear strip is also typically made of a different material than the outer seal film, thus requiring additional material in the production of the package. In addition, additional imaging equipment is required as part of the quality control process to detect any defects in the tear strip that prevent the outer seal film from being effectively opened.

It is therefore desirable to provide a novel means for opening the outer envelope of the overwrapped packaging of consumer goods, which is a novel means for the consumer to remove the outer sealing film. It is particularly desirable that such opening means be contained within an outer envelope without the need for additional or special equipment or techniques.

A sealed package for a consumer product according to the present invention comprises: a filled package containing one or more consumer goods; and an outer cover film wrapped around the filled package for outer sealing The first and second opposing edges of the film overlap each other along a longitudinal overlap region that extends through the first side of the package. The outer sealing film is provided with an opening slit extending transversely through all of the longitudinal overlapping regions to form an opening band in the outer sealing film. The outer sealing film can be opened by pulling open the opening tape.

The term 'longitudinal' refers to the direction along the length of the overlap region of the outer envelope film. The term 'lateral' refers to a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the overlap region.

The sealed package of the present invention comprises a novel configuration of an outer cover film which allows the outer cover film to be removed from the sealed package at any time without the need to provide a tear strip. As in the conventional outer seal film, the first and second edges of the outer seal film overlap along a longitudinal region extending through one of the faces of the package. In the sealed package according to the present invention, an opening slit passes through the overlapped area such that when the opening belt is pulled along the overlapping area, the opening slit expands along the edge of the longitudinal section toward the longitudinal overlapping area. The edge of the longitudinal overlap zone thus effectively provides a predetermined break line which is torn along the break line as the open strip is pulled in the longitudinal direction of the overlap zone.

The longitudinal portion forming the seal film outside the overlap region is torn away from the remainder of the outer seal film such that the strip of outer seal film is removed from the sealed package. In this manner, the package is opened via the removal of the strip of film material forming the outer seal, but no additional tear strips are required. The remainder of the outer seal film around the package can then be removed sequentially to completely open the package.

Advantageously, the means for opening the sealed package according to the present invention does not require the inclusion of additional materials or ingredients on the film material forming the outer sealing film. Moreover, because existing outer sealing films typically comprise an overlap region when folded around the package, the longitudinal overlap regions of the sealed packages according to the present invention can be coated and sealed using conventional techniques and equipment. It is advantageously provided without the need for additional steps or mechanical equipment. Preferably, the sheet material used to form the outer seal film can be pre-cut with the opening slit, so that the existing wrapping apparatus requires minimal adjustment. Since the use of the tear tape is no longer required, the quality control device for detecting defects during the execution of the tear tape can be eliminated from the coating production line. For all of these reasons, the sealed package of the present invention can be produced in a more cost effective and efficient manner than conventional sealed packages containing tear tape.

Opening the slit forms an opening strip that is used to separate the longitudinal overlap region from the remainder of the outer seal film. Therefore, the opening slit preferably extends through the two layers of the outer sealing film in the overlap region. Open the slit extension all the way through the overlap zone. The opening slit may be entirely disposed within the overlap region, or the opening slit portion may extend through one of the overlapping regions to enter a region adjacent the sealing film outside the overlapping region. Preferably, the opening slit extends through the entire width of the overlap region and extends a short distance into the adjoining portion of the outer seal film on either side of the overlap region. This configuration facilitates the removal of the entire overlap area.

The opening slit can be formed into any suitable shape to form an opening strip for effectively removing the overlap region. Preferably, the opening slit is substantially a U-shaped slit which may be curved or formed by three or more connected straight lines. The use of a U-shaped slit advantageously provides resistance to forces during operation such that the outer sealing film is not inadvertently torn before opening. Other suitable shapes for opening the incision include, but are not limited to, V- or S-type.

In order for the opening slit to effectively expand along the edge of the overlap region, preferably at least one end of the opening slit is substantially aligned with the longitudinal direction of the overlap region. For example, in the case of a U-shaped slit, it is preferred that the opposite ends of the U-shaped slit are substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the overlap region.

The opening slit is preferably formed in the sheet material from which the outer sealing film is formed before the outer sealing film is overlaid around the filling package. In some embodiments, the entire shape of the opening slit can be provided on both the first and second edges of the outer sealing film such that the opening slits on each side must be sequentially aligned during the outer covering of the package. To overlap each other correctly. In another embodiment, one of the opening slits is formed at the first edge and a portion of the opening slit is formed at the second edge such that when the first and second edges overlap, the entire opening slit is joined by the combination of its two individual portions. form. Preferably, the alignment and overlap of the opening slits in this case can be facilitated by the adaptation of the shape of the slit such that the slits are generally straight in the overlapping portion.

Preferably, the outer sealing film is substantially transparent, so that the lower package can be seen through the outer sealing film before opening. Suitable transparent polymeric films forming the outer cover film include, for example, high or low density polyethylene, polypropylene, oriented polypropylene, polyvinylidene chloride, cellulose films, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the outer sealing film is made of polypropylene, oriented polypropylene, which can then be torn along the edges of the longitudinal overlap region.

Unlike conventional tear tapes made of opaque materials, the longitudinal overlap region can be substantially transparent. This means that the overlapping area does not obscure the printed text or graphics on the outside of the box below. Thus the position of the overlap zone relative to the lower surface is more elastic than where the tear strip is.

The outer sealing film of the sealed package according to the present invention can be printed at some or all parts of its surface. In certain preferred embodiments, the outer cover film is advantageously printed in some manner to indicate the position of the open tape. In conventional outer sealing films that use a more accessible perforation line instead of a tear tape, such printing is not necessarily feasible near the perforation line. When printing is performed on the perforation line, the ink leaks through the outer sealing film and causes the inner package to be contaminated. Thus, in order to provide an overlap region, such perforations are not required in the outer envelope in accordance with the present invention, so that the printing can be provided along the overlap region if desired. This allows the sealed package of the present invention to have a unique appearance.

Preferably, the outer seal film includes two additional opposing slits spaced apart from the end of the open cut forming the open strip and forming a continuation of the open cut. For example, in the case where the opening slit is U-shaped, the two additional opposing slits are continuous at both ends of the U-shape. Preferably, the two additional opposing slits can be separated from the end of the opening slit by about 1 mm and about 2 mm. When the opening strap is pulled in the longitudinal direction, the additional slit facilitates removal of the longitudinal overlap region and ensures that the outer sealing film is torn away along the edge of the overlap region.

Preferably, the two additional opposing slits extend at an angle between about 0 degrees and about 45 degrees, more preferably at an angle between about 0 degrees and about 30 degrees to the longitudinal direction of the overlap region, and The cut ends at the opposite longitudinal edges of the overlap zone. Where the opposing slit extends at an angle of about 0 degrees to the longitudinal direction of the overlap region, the slit is substantially parallel to the region. Where the opening strap is fully disposed within the longitudinal overlap region, the opposing slits can be advantageously positioned to connect the end of the opening slit to the edge of the overlap region to facilitate removal of the entire region.

In addition to or instead of two additional opposing slits, the outer envelope further includes an additional transverse slit located on one side of the opening slit and the longitudinal overlap region and extending generally perpendicular to the longitudinal overlap region . It has been found that once the longitudinal overlap zone is removed, the additional transverse slits are provided to facilitate removal of the remainder of the outer seal film from the package.

The longitudinal overlap region extends through at least one side of the sealed package. The overlap zone can be provided on either side of the package, but is preferably arranged to extend through the front wall of the package, or to extend in a vertical direction, or to extend through one side of the package at any other angle. In a preferred embodiment of the invention wherein the package is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, the longitudinally overlapping regions preferably extend longitudinally, generally also vertically, toward the package.

The outer cover film preferably covers the periphery of the package and is folded and sealed at the opposite ends. For example, the outer cover film is preferably folded and sealed at both ends of an envelope seal. In a preferred embodiment, the opening slit is provided in one of the sealed ends in the overlap region. In other embodiments, the opening slits are provided at each of the sealed ends.

Preferably, the opening slit is located between about 5% and about 25% of the length of the longitudinal overlap region from one of the packages. Preferably, the opening slit is oriented such that the opening strip is used to pull from about 75% to about 95% of the remainder of the length of the overlapping strip. In this manner, the outer seal film is opened at least about 75% of its length along the overlap region, or at least about 75% of the length or width of the face of the package through which the overlap region extends. For example, where the opening slit is U-shaped, the opening slit is preferably positioned such that the open end of the U-shape is oriented from about 75% to about 95% of the length of the overlap region.

The lateral extent of the overlap zone can vary as desired and is preferably between about 3 mm and about 10 mm, more preferably between about 4 mm and about 7 mm. It is significantly wider than the general width of the tear strip, which further facilitates the removal of the outer seal film of the package of the present invention.

Preferably, the opposite edges of the outer sealing film are sealed together along the longitudinal overlap region to ensure that the outer sealing film is secured in place around the filling package and that it is formed in the first and second edges of the opening slit The cuts remain aligned correctly.

The package containing the outer packaging of the consumer goods of the present invention may take a wide variety of forms, such as a hinged container including a box member for accommodating consumer goods and a lid; or a sliding member and a shell-shaped container, The utility model comprises an inner sliding part for accommodating consumer goods and an outer casing for closing the container. Alternatively, the package can be in the form of a 'soft package' in which the consumer goods are wrapped in a soft liner that does not have a rigid container. In this case, the outer seal film is applied directly around the inner liner. Alternatively, the package may be a molded plastic or metal box or container, such as for storing a compact disc (CD) or a multi-function digital compact disc (DVD).

In certain embodiments of the invention, the sealed package may contain two or more packages of consumer goods that are detachable when the outer cover film is removed. For example, a sealed package may be in the form of a multi-package of consumer goods in which a group of separately wrapped packages are covered by an outer cover film. Each box can contain a single consumer goods item, or a group or bundle of consumer goods.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sealed package contains two or more consumer goods packages that are in contact with each other along the interface, wherein the longitudinal overlap region is placed between the consumer goods on one side of the package. . In this embodiment, it is preferred that the opening slits are arranged to pass through the interface such that two or more consumer packages can be separated from each other when the outer sealing film is opened by removing the longitudinal overlapping regions. This configuration facilitates the removal of multiple packages of consumer goods by the vendor or consumer. Preferably, the sealed package comprises from 2 to 20 packages of consumer goods, more preferably between about 5 and 10, and most preferably 10 packages of consumer goods.

A package of a plurality of sealed packages according to the present invention may be made of any suitable material including, but not limited to, cardboard, cardboard, plastic, metal, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the package is made from one or more folded layered cardboard sheets, and preferably the cardboard has a weight of between about 100 grams per square meter and about 350 grams per square meter. between.

A plurality of packages according to the present invention may be in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped having a longitudinal side of a right angle and a lateral side of a right angle. Alternatively, the sealed package may include one or more rounded longitudinal edges, rounded transverse edges, beveled longitudinal edges, or beveled transverse edges, or combinations thereof. For example, a sealed package according to the present invention may include, but is not limited to:

- one or two longitudinally rounded or beveled edges on the front wall and/or one or two longitudinally rounded or beveled edges on the back wall;

- one or two transversely rounded or beveled edges on the front wall and/or one or two transversely rounded or beveled edges on the back wall;

- a longitudinally rounded edge and a longitudinal beveled edge on the front wall, and/or a transversely rounded edge and a laterally beveled edge on the back wall;

- one or two transversely rounded or beveled edges on the front wall and one or two longitudinally rounded or beveled edges on the front wall;

- two longitudinally rounded or beveled edges on the first side wall or two laterally rounded or beveled edges on the second side wall.

In the case where the package includes one or more rounded edges and is made of one or more layered paperboard, preferably the cardboard comprises three, four, five, six or seven scribe lines or fold lines for combination Each rounded edge is formed in the rear package. The score line or fold line can be on the inside of the package or on the outside of the package. Preferably, the score lines or fold lines are spaced apart from each other by between about 0.3 mm and 4 mm.

Preferably, the spacing of the score lines or fold lines varies with the thickness of the layered paperboard. Preferably, the spacing between the score lines or fold lines is between about 0.5 and about 4 times the thickness of the layered paperboard.

Where the package includes one or more beveled edges, preferably the beveled edges have a width of between about 1 mm and about 10 mm, more preferably between about 2 mm and about 6 mm. Alternatively, the package may include a double bevel formed by three parallel score lines or fold lines that are spaced such that two different bevels are formed on the edges of the container.

Where the package includes a beveled edge and is made of one or more layered paperboard, the bevel may be formed by two parallel score lines or fold lines in the layered paperboard. The score line or fold line may be configured to be symmetrical about the edge between the first wall and the second wall. Alternatively, the score line or fold line may be configured to be asymmetric with respect to the edge between the first wall and the second wall such that the bevel angle reaches the first wall of the package further than the second wall of the package.

Alternatively, the package may have a non-rectangular cross section, such as a polygon, such as a triangle or a hexagon, or an ellipse, a semi-ellipse, a circle, or a semi-circle.

The sealed package according to the present invention can be used in a wide range of consumer goods, and is also found to be particularly useful for packaging long-form smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars, or cigarillos. . It will be appreciated that by appropriately selecting the size thereof, the package according to the present invention can be designed to supply a different number of conventional, extra large, super large size, flat or ultra flat cigarettes.

By appropriately selecting its size, the package according to the invention can be designed to accommodate different total numbers of smoking articles, or different configurations of smoking articles. For example, a package according to the present invention can be designed to accommodate 10 and 30 smoking articles by appropriately selecting its size. In other examples, a package in accordance with the present invention can be designed to accommodate a plurality of packages of smoking articles, each of which can be designed to accommodate 10 and 30 smoking articles.

Depending on the total number of items, the items in the box can be arranged in different order. For example, smoking articles can be configured in a single row of 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10. Alternatively, the smoking article can be configured in two or more columns. Two or more columns may contain the same number of smoking articles. For example, the smoking article can be configured as: two columns of 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10; three columns of 5 or 7; or four columns of 4, 5, or 6. Alternatively, two or more columns may comprise at least two columns containing different numbers of smoking articles from each other. For example, the smoking article can be configured as: a row of 5 and a row of 6 (5-6); a column of 6 and a column of 7 (6-7); a column of 7 and a column of 8 (7-8); Column 5 and outer two columns each 6 (6-5-6); one middle column 5 and the outer two columns each 7 (7-5-7); one middle column 6 and the outer two columns each 5 (5-6-5); 6 in the middle column and 7 in the outer two columns (7-6-7); 7 in the middle column and 6 in the outer two columns (6-7-6); Column 9 and outer two columns each 8 (8-9-8); or a middle column 6 and an outer column 5 and the other 7 (5-6-7).

A sealed package according to the present invention can accommodate smoking articles of the same type or brand, or of different types or brands. In addition, it may include: a filterless article of smoke and a smoking article having different filter attachments, and different lengths (eg, between about 40 mm and about 180 mm), diameter (eg, at about 4 mm) A smoking article with between about 9 mm). In addition, smoking articles can differ in taste intensity, suction resistance, and total particulate matter. Preferably, the size of the package is adapted to the length of the smoking article and the ordering of the smoking article. In general, the outer dimensions of the package may be greater than between about 0.5 mm and about 5 mm for a single or multiple bundle of items contained within the container.

The length, width and depth of the sealed package according to the present invention, in the case of closure, the final overall size of the sealed package is similar to the size of a disposable hinged package having typically 20 cigarettes. In another embodiment, the length, width and depth of the sealed package according to the present invention are also mostly such that, in the case of closure, the final overall size of the sealed package is similar to 10 hinges with 20 cigarettes. The size of the general carton of the lid container.

Preferably, the sealed package according to the present invention has a height between about 60 mm and about 150 mm, more preferably between about 70 mm and about 125 mm, wherein the height is from the top of the package. Wall to the bottom wall.

Preferably, the packaged container according to the present invention has a width between about 12 mm and about 150 mm, and more preferably between about 70 mm and about 125 mm, wherein the width is from the sealed package. One side wall to the other side wall.

Preferably, the sealed package according to the present invention has a depth between about 6 mm and about 100 mm, more preferably between about 12 mm and about 25 mm, wherein the depth is from the sealed package. The front wall to the back wall (including the hinge between the box and the lid).

Preferably, the ratio of the height of the container to the depth of the sealed package is between about 0.3 to 1 and about 10 to 1, more preferably between about 2 to 1 and about 8 to 1, most preferably About 3 to 1 and about 5 to 1.

Preferably, the ratio of the width of the sealed package to the depth of the container is between about 0.3 to 1 and about 10 to 1, more preferably between about 2 to 1 and about 8 to 1, most preferably About 2 to 1 and about 3 to 1.

In addition, the sealed package contained with a bundle of smoking articles may include other consumer goods such as matches, lighters, fire extinguishing means, breath fragrances or electronic equipment. Other consumer goods may be attached to the outside of the package, to the compartment in which the article of suction is contained within the package, or to a compartment separate from one of the packages, or the like.

Preferably, the outer sealing film is coated with a sealable polyolefin, such as one or a combination of the following: polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene, ethylene-propylene copolymer, propylene-butene copolymer, ethylene- Butene copolymer, ethylene-propylene-butene terpolymer. Preferably, the coating material of the outer film is different from any coating on the outer side of the package such that when sealed, the outer film is not sealed to the package. This allows a bundle of individually wrapped packages to be coated. Preferably, the sealing temperature of the outer sealing film is below the sealing temperature of any outer tissue paper used to wrap the individual packaging in the sealed package, with sufficient selection of the sealable material. Preferably, the sealing temperature is between about 5% and about 25% lower than the outer sealing film compared to the sealing temperature of the outer sealing film of any individual package. Thus, the outer sealing film of the package can be individually sealed at a first higher temperature to cover each of the packaging boxes, and then a bundle of individual outer packaging boxes is then placed at a lower temperature. The outer sealing film is sealed.

The outer surface of the package according to the present invention can be manufactured by means of printing, embossing, embossing, or other cosmetic modification to produce a manufacturer's or brand's trademark, registered trademark, slogan, and other consumer information and indicators.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a method for producing a sealed package of the present invention as described above. The method comprises: providing a filling package containing one or more consumer goods; wrapping an outer sealing film around the packaging box in one direction, and overlapping the first and second opposite sides of the outer sealing film to form a longitudinal overlap region extending through the first side of the package; sealing the end of the outer seal film; and providing an opening slit in the outer seal film, the open cut extending laterally through at least a portion of the longitudinal overlap region to form an opening band.

After the outer seal film overlaps along the longitudinal overlap region, the outer seal film forms an open end tube around the filled package. The opposite ends of the open tube of the outer seal film are preferably folded and sealed using an envelope folding method in a conventional manner. The outer seal film can be sealed by itself using any suitable technique, such as heat sealing or coating via a suitable adhesive. This method of forming a longitudinal overlap region and opposing envelope seals is well known to those skilled in the art.

The outer seal film is preferably at least partially sealed along the longitudinal overlap region, for example using a heat seal as described above or with a suitable adhesive.

Preferably, the first portion of the opening slit is formed in the first one of the opposite sides of the outer sealing film, and the second portion of the opening slit is formed in the second one of the opposite sides of the outer sealing film, and as described above, the outer sealing film The opposite sides overlap each other such that the first and second portions of the opening slit are stacked together to form a complete opening slit.

Preferably, this is achieved by providing a plurality of isolated opening slits on the continuous sheet of the sheet forming the outer sealing film, wherein the continuous sheet is cut transversely through each of the opening slits to form an individual outer portion. Sealing film.

Preferably, the opening slit is formed using a knife having a cutting edge having a shape corresponding to the desired shape of the opening slit. For example, when a U-shaped slit is required, it is preferred to use a U-shaped knife or blade to form an opening slit in the sheet.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a method of removing an outer sealing film from a sealed package according to the present invention, as described above, comprising: pinching an opening tape formed by the opening slit; and pulling the opening tape toward the longitudinal overlapping region, To tear the longitudinal overlap region away from the remainder of the outer seal film; and once the longitudinal overlap region has been separated from the outer seal film, the remainder of the outer seal film is removed from the package.

The present invention will be further illustrated by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: the package 10 of FIG. 1 is a rectangular parallelepiped and includes a cardboard box 12 containing 10 articles containing 20 smoking articles. An individual hinged container (not visible) and an outer sealing film 14 wrapped around the carton. The carton 12 and the hinged container contained within the carton are of conventional design and construction, as is well known to those skilled in the art.

The outer sealing film 14 is made of a transparent polypropylene film. The outer seal film 14 has been wrapped around the carton 12 in the longitudinal direction such that the first opposite side 16a and the second opposite side 16b of the outer seal film 14 overlap to form a longitudinal overlap region 18. The overlap region 18 extends in a straight strip manner, through the front wall 20 of the carton toward one side of the front wall 20, and generally parallel to the longitudinal sides of the carton. At the end of the carton 12, the outer envelope film 14 is folded and sealed in place in a conventional manner.

An opening slit 22 is provided on the way from an edge of the front wall 20 of the carton along the longitudinal overlap zone, the opening slit extending transversely across the entire width of the overlap zone 18 and ending on either side of the overlap zone. The opening slit 22 is U-shaped, and the open end of 'U' is toward the remaining 90% of the length of the overlap region 18. A U-shaped opening slit 22 is provided on either side of the overlap region 18 and extends generally parallel to the longitudinal direction of the overlap region. The U-shaped opening slit forms an opening band 24.

As can be seen in the enlarged view of the opening slit of Fig. 2, a number of additional slits are also provided on the outer sealing film adjacent to the U-shaped slit 22. A pair of opposing linear slits 26 are provided at a short distance from the end of the U-shaped opening slit 22 and form a continuation of the U-shaped opening slit. Each additional slit 24 extends generally parallel to adjacent edges of the longitudinal overlap region 18. An additional transverse slit 28 is disposed between the U-shaped opening slit 22 and the closest longitudinal edge of the front wall 20. The transverse slit 28 is formed by a straight slit extending from the U-shaped opening slit 22, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the overlap region 18.

In order to open the sealed package 10 of Fig. 1, the consumer can pinch the opening band 24 formed by the U-shaped slit 22 and pull it toward the longitudinal overlap region 18. The U-shaped slit 22 will propagate along the longitudinal edges of the overlap region 18 such that the overlapping first edge 16a and second edge 16b will be removed from the remainder of the outer seal film 14. Once the overlap region 18 is removed, the remainder of the outer seal film 14 can be assisted by the transverse slits 28 of the outer seal film 14 and then removed from the carton.

The outer sealing film 14 of the package 10 shown in Fig. 1 is made of a continuous sheet 114 of transparent polypropylene material which is cut to form a suitable outer size sealing film to cover the tobacco article. Cardboard box 12. Figure 3 shows a schematic of a sheet 114 for forming an outer envelope film 14 comprising a plurality of isolated U-shaped slits 122. The U-shaped slits 122 are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the continuous sheet, and the open end faces of each slit are on one side of the sheet.

The sheet 114 is cut along the dashed line '101' of Fig. 3 into individual outer sealing films which extend transversely through the sheet in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the sheet. The cutting position of the sheet is such that the continuous sheet is cut at about the midpoint of the U-shaped slit 122 such that one half of the U-shaped slit is provided at the first edge 16a of the outer sealing film, and the other half is provided at the outer sealing film. The opposite second edge 16b.

The outer sealing film 14 is wrapped around the cardboard box 12 in the longitudinal direction by first contacting the first edge 16a of the outer sealing film with the front wall of the cardboard box 12, and winding the outer sealing film around the cardboard box 12 once. The opposite second edge 16b of the outer envelope overlaps the first edge 16a such that the two halves of the U-shaped slit are aligned and together form a complete U-shaped opening slit 22 in the outer envelope film 14. The ends of the outer envelope film 14 are folded and glued in place in a conventional manner.

It must be understood here that by matching the size and shape of the outer sealing film and the position of the opening slit, the sealing film of a similar type can be applied to various packaging boxes of different shapes and sizes.

10. . . Packing box

12. . . cardboard box

14. . . Outer seal film

16a. . . First opposite side

16b. . . Second opposite side

18. . . Overlapping area

20. . . Front wall

22, 122. . . U-shaped opening incision

twenty four. . . Opening belt/cut

26. . . Straight cut

28. . . Transverse slit

114. . . Continuous sheet

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a front perspective view showing a sealed package of a smoking article according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a plan view showing a sheet for providing an outer seal film of the sealed package of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged view showing the opening slit of the outer envelope film of the sealed package of Fig. 1.

10. . . Packing box

12. . . cardboard box

14. . . Outer seal film

16a. . . First opposite side

16b. . . Second opposite side

18. . . Overlapping area

20. . . Front wall

twenty two. . . U-shaped opening incision

twenty four. . . Opening belt

Claims (14)

A sealed package for consumer goods, comprising: a filled package containing one or more consumer goods; and an outer sealing film wrapped around the filled packaging box to make the outer sealing film first And the second opposing edges overlap each other along a longitudinal overlapping region extending through the first side of the package, wherein the outer sealing film is provided with an opening slit extending transversely through the longitudinal overlapping region to form a portion in the outer sealing film An opening tape; and wherein the outer sealing film further includes an additional transverse slit located on one side of the opening slit and the longitudinal overlapping region and extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal overlapping region. The sealed package of claim 1, wherein the opening slit is substantially U-shaped, substantially S-shaped, or substantially V-shaped. The sealed package of claim 1, wherein the outer sealing film further comprises two additional opposing slits spaced apart from the end of the opening slit forming the opening tape and forming the opening The slit is continuous. The sealed package of claim 3, wherein the two additional opposing slits extend in a longitudinal direction of the overlap region at an angle between 0 and 45 degrees, and wherein the opposite slit is The opposite longitudinal edges of the overlap region are terminated. The packaged package of claim 1, wherein the opening slit is between 5% and 25% of the path from the edge of the package along the length of the longitudinal overlap region. Such as the sealed box of claim 1 of the patent scope, wherein the overlapping area The lateral width is between 3mm and 10mm. A sealed package according to claim 1 wherein the opposite edges of the outer envelope are sealed together along the longitudinal overlap region. A sealed package as claimed in claim 1 wherein the longitudinal overlap region extends through the front wall of the package. The sealed package of claim 1, comprising two or more consumer goods contacting each other along an interface, wherein the longitudinal overlap region is located at an interface between the consumer goods on one side of the package, and Wherein the opening slit is configured to pass through the interface such that two or more consumer items can be separated from each other when the outer sealing film is opened by removing the longitudinal overlapping region. A sealed package according to claim 1 of the patent application, which comprises a container filled with a bundle of smoking articles and coated in an outer sealing film. A method of producing a sealed package as claimed in claim 1, the method comprising: providing a filled package containing one or more consumer goods; wrapping an outer cover film in a direction around the package And overlapping the first and second opposite sides of the outer sealing film to form a longitudinal overlapping region extending through the first side of the packaging; sealing the end of the outer sealing film; and setting in the outer sealing film Opening the slit, the opening slit extends laterally through the longitudinal overlap region to form an opening strip; and providing an additional transverse slit in the outer sealing film, the additional transverse slit is disposed in the opening slit and the longitudinal overlap One side of the zone extends in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal overlap zone. The method of claim 11, wherein the first portion of the opening slit is formed in a first one of opposite sides of the outer sealing film, and the second portion of the opening slit is formed on an opposite side of the outer sealing film Wherein the second one, and wherein the opposite sides of the outer sealing film overlap each other such that the first and second portions of the opening slit are stacked together to form a complete opening slit. The method of claim 11, wherein the plurality of isolated opening slits are provided on a continuous sheet of the sheet for forming the outer sealing film, and wherein the continuous sheet is cut transversely through each of the opening slits Point to form individual outer seal films. A method for removing an outer sealing film from a sealed package according to claim 1 of the patent application, comprising: pinching an opening tape formed by opening the slit; pulling the opening tape in a direction of the longitudinal overlapping region to extend the longitudinal overlapping region from the outside The remainder of the seal is peeled off; and the remaining portion of the outer seal is removed from the package once the longitudinal overlap has been separated from the outer seal.