UA123356C2 - Container having improved curved edge - Google Patents

Abstract

A container for consumer articles is at least partially formed from a cellulose-fiber based laminar blank having a thickness (T) and defining a portion of the container, which comprises at least a first planar wall and a second planar wall that are connected to one another by a curved edge portion. The curved edge portion has an inner surface and an outer surface, and the inner surface of the curved edge portion defines an ablation area (A), having a length (L) in the longitudinal direction of the curved edge portion and a width (W) that extends across the curved edge portion. The ablation area comprises two or more ablated lines extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the curved edge portion. Each ablated line has a minimum residual thickness (R.T) that is less than the thickness (T) of the laminar blank wherein the minimum residual thickness (RT) of each of the two or more ablated lines is at least about 30 percent and less than about 60 percent of the thickness (T) of the blank. The gap between the low points of two adjacent ablated lines is more than 0.2 millimetres and less than 1.6 millimetres.

Description

The present invention relates to a container for consumer goods and to a laminated preform based on cellulosic fibers to form such a container, which finds particular application in the storage of elongated consumer goods such as smoking products (eg cigarettes).

Smoking products such as cigarettes and cigars are usually offered in soft packs or hard packs such as flip-top boxes or hinged-top boxes. They typically include a box-like part that has a box front wall, a box back wall, box side walls, and a box base. They typically also include a lid portion with a front lid wall, a back lid wall, lid side walls, and a lid top. The lid part is usually hinged to the box part along a hinge line running across the rear wall of the container. The pivot line is usually provided as a pre-assembled line, taxi line, or jog line.

Containers in the form of solid packs, or at least parts thereof, are usually obtained from a laminated blank that contains several panels. To assemble the container, one such blank is folded in such a way that the panels of the blank can form the walls of the container.

In the case of hard packs, some box edges and lids are known to be rounded or chamfered to give the container a distinctive appearance. In the past, this was usually done by forming scoring lines or running lines in the workpiece in the areas that form the edges of the container. These lines allow the workpiece to be folded in such a way that the edge does not simply bend along one line, but instead either bends gradually between two adjacent walls (in the case of a rounded edge) or bends in two or more separate places between adjacent walls (in the case of a beveled edge ).

However, such running or grooving lines can increase the complexity of the manufacturing process, in addition, in some cases, the visual and tactile perception of the container may be disturbed by the fact that the outer surface is not completely smooth and may contain folds or wave-like irregularities passing from the grooving site.

Thus, it would be desirable to provide a consumer product container having one or more curved edges that have an improved appearance. It would also be desirable to provide a consumer goods container with a curved edge portion that would be stronger and also easier to manufacture. Additionally, it would also be desirable to provide a preform for manufacturing consumer goods containers that would simplify the manufacturing process and the assembly process and make them more flexible.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container for consumer products, wherein the container is at least partially formed from a layered preform based on cellulose fiber having a thickness (T), the layered preform forming part of the container, which includes at least a first flat wall and a second flat wall wall, which are connected to each other by means of a part in the form of a curved edge; wherein the curved edge portion has an inner surface and an outer surface, and the inner surface of the curved edge portion forms an ablation area (A), wherein the ablation area has a length (I) in the longitudinal direction of the curved edge portion and a width (MU ), which passes across the part in the form of a curved edge; wherein the ablation region comprises two or more ablation lines that extend substantially longitudinally of the portion as a curvilinear edge, each ablation line having a minimum residual thickness (RT) that is at least about 20 percent, preferably at least about 25, more preferably at least about 30 percent of the thickness (T) of the workpiece. Additionally or alternatively, each of the ablation lines preferably has a residual thickness that is less than about 65 percent, more preferably less than about 60 percent, and even more preferably less than about 55 percent of the thickness (T) of the workpiece.

The authors of this invention also found that to obtain a part in the form of a curvilinear edge, the declared range of residual thickness is combined with a gap of at least approximately 0.2 millimeters between the lower points of two adjacent ablation lines.

Preferably, the gap between the lower points of two adjacent ablation lines is at least about 0.4 millimeters and even more preferably at least about 0.6 millimeters.

Additionally or alternatively, the gap between the lower points of two adjacent ablation lines is less than about 1.6 millimeters, more preferably less than about 1.3 millimeters, and even more preferably less than about 1.0 millimeters.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a layered preform for forming a container for consumer products, wherein the preform has a thickness (T) and forms part of the container, which includes at least a first flat wall and a second flat wall, which are connected to each other by means of a part in the form of a curved edge; wherein the curved edge part has an inner surface and an outer surface, and the inner surface of the curved edge part forms an ablation area (A), and the ablation area has a length (I) in the longitudinal direction of the curved edge part and a width ( M/), which passes across the part in the form of a curved edge; wherein the ablation region comprises two or more ablation lines that extend substantially longitudinally of the portion as a curvilinear edge, each ablation line having a minimum residual thickness (RT) that is at least about 20 percent, preferably at least about 25, more preferably at least about 30 percent of the thickness (T) of the workpiece. Additionally or alternatively, each of the ablation lines preferably has a residual thickness that is less than about 65 percent, more preferably less than about 60 percent, and even more preferably less than about 55 percent of the thickness (T) of the workpiece.

The authors of this invention also found that to obtain a part in the form of a curvilinear edge, the declared range of residual thickness is combined with a gap of at least approximately 0.2 millimeters between the lower points of two adjacent ablation lines.

Preferably, the gap between the lower points of two adjacent ablation lines is at least about 0.4 millimeters and even more preferably at least about 0.6 millimeters.

Additionally or alternatively, the gap between the lower points of two adjacent ablation lines is less than about 1.6 millimeters, more preferably less than about 1.3 millimeters, and even more preferably less than about 1.0 millimeters.

It should be understood that any features described in relation to one aspect of the present invention may equally be applied to any other aspect of the present invention.

Unlike existing types of containers, which use mechanical scoring lines to form a part in the form of a curved edge of the container, the present invention involves removing material from special places in the part of the workpiece that forms a part in the form of a curved edge of the container. Providing ablation areas that include ablation lines (eg, formed by laser ablation) to form a part in the form of a curvilinear edge of the container, advantageously reduces the effort required to assemble the workpiece into the part in the form of a curvilinear edge. In addition, the rounded edge of the container effectively approximates the theoretical reference rounded shape with a relatively small number of running lines. Thus, at the same time, the possibility of better preservation of the strength of the container can be provided

From places of rounded edges.

This can ensure the traditional formation of a container from one such blank using a traditional packaging machine. Additionally, since the outer surface of the blank is not ablated, the resulting outer surface of the container does not have localized folds or undulations at the location of the ablation line (as would be the case with mechanical scoring lines).

Accordingly, the bending of the blank according to the present invention when forming a part in the form of a curvilinear edge of the container is simplified and results in the formation of the outer surface of the container, which has a curvature that is smoother and smoother in the visual and tactile perception of the part by the consumer.

A workpiece according to the present invention can preferably be produced by precisely removing material from a part in the form of a curved edge using a linear ablation tool (eg, a laser or a blade). The laser is a particularly preferred tool for ablation because it is non-invasive and can be digitally programmed for increased design flexibility. In particular, the use of a laser as an ablation tool provides the possibility of obtaining a wide range of ablation profiles and configurations with a minimal need to adjust the laser tool. As a result of multiple passes of the ablation tool over a given part of the workpiece, a larger percentage of the material located in the area of reduced residual thickness is removed. Thus, the manufacturing process can be simplified. Laser ablation can be performed using any suitable equipment, preferably a 1000 watt carbon dioxide laser such as the commercially available RIAMOMO E-1000. Ablation can be performed in the direction of processing the layered workpiece or in the transverse direction. Laser ablation can be performed using any suitable equipment, preferably a 1000-power carbon dioxide laser

Watt, such as commercially available from the OIAMOMO company, for example, E-1000. Ablation can be performed in the direction of processing the layered workpiece or in the transverse direction.

A container made from a layered preform according to the present invention can be obtained without a pre-bending step, which is usually necessary with traditional methods of obtaining rounded corners, for example, congruent embossing.

The term "part in the form of an edge" in the context of this document refers to the part of the blank that forms an edge between two adjacent walls of the container. The part in the form of a curved edge is a part of the workpiece that forms the edge of the container, which is located between the first flat wall and the second flat wall.

The term "curved edge part" in the context of this document refers to the part in the form of the edge of the container, which has an arcuate shape, as seen in a cross section.

The term "arcuate" refers to any indirect line, including an arc of a circle, an arc of a parabola, an arc of a hyperbola, an arc of an ellipse, and the like. A part in the form of a curved edge can be measured by visual inspection by one or more testers, or by microscopic measurement followed by statistical analysis, for example, using a MIKOM 5M2800 microscope on the outer surface of a layered workpiece. X-M-coordinates can be recorded on a small calculation grid (10 contour points) for each sample. The X-Y coordinates of the recording device can be used for linear spline interpolation, and the profile of the resulting first derivative can be captured. The first derivative, which changes continuously or jumps, displays the pattern of the part as a curved edge. "Cellulosic fiber-based laminate" as used herein refers to a laminate that contains at least 50 percent by weight of cellulose fibers based on the total fiber content of the laminate. The layered preparation based on cellulose fiber according to the present invention may contain other types of fibers, for example, polymer fibers.

The term "inner surface" in the context of this description refers to the side of the part of the blank which, in the case of an assembled container, faces the inside of the container, for example, in the direction of the consumer goods when the container is closed. Thus, the inner surface is not directly visible to the consumer when the container is closed. The term "external surface" in the context of this document refers to the side of the part of the blank which, in the case of an assembled container, faces outward from the container.

The term "ablation area" in the context of this document refers to the minimum area of the workpiece that contains all the ablation lines on the part of the workpiece that forms a part in the form of

From the curved edge of the container.

The term "ablation line" in the context of this document refers to a line along the inner surface of a part in the form of an edge from which material has been ablated (eg, removed with a laser beam or blade). Accordingly, the residual thickness of the ablation line is less than the thickness (T) of the layered workpiece. Preferably, the ablation line is performed in the form of a groove in the workpiece. It can be created with a linear ablation tool such as a laser or a blade. The "thickness" (T) of the workpiece is the thickness of the workpiece after its manufacture, but before any ablation lines or gouge lines are formed on the workpiece. That is, the thickness (T) of the workpiece is the thickness in any part of the workpiece that does not contain an ablation line or a gouge line.

The term "residual thickness" in the context of this document refers to the minimum distance that is measured between two opposite surfaces of a layered blank or container wall that is formed from a blank. In practice, the distance at a given location is measured along a direction locally perpendicular to opposite surfaces. The residual thickness of the ablation line can vary along the width of the ablation line (for example, M-shaped, O-shaped grooves).

The term "minimum residual thickness" in the context of this document refers to the smallest value of "residual thickness" that is measured in the ablation line at a given location.

The residual thickness of each ablation line can be determined using an optical profilometer for non-contact surface metrology, such as a profile

Misgozru (KTM) (commercially available from Egie5 Kezeagopy 45 Tesppoisdu OtrN, Bergysh-

Gladbach, Germany). Preferably, several points of minimum residual thickness are measured along the length of the ablation line, with the measurement points evenly distributed along the length of one ablation line, and the arithmetic mean is calculated.

Even more preferably, to obtain the "minimum residual thickness" according to the present invention, five measurements are performed, evenly distributed along the length of the ablation line, and then the arithmetic mean is calculated.

For example, if the length of the ablation line is 80 millimeters, the residual thickness is measured at both ends of the ablation line and at three additional points located at a distance of 20 millimeters, forty millimeters and sixty millimeters, respectively, from one end of the ablation line, because preferably from the lower end of the ablation line.

The term "gap" in the context of this document refers to the distance between the lower points of two adjacent ablation lines.

Preferably, several points of the gap are measured along the length of a pair of parallel ablation lines, while the measurement points are evenly distributed along the length of the parallel parts of the ablation lines, and the arithmetic mean is calculated.

Even more preferably, to obtain a "gap" according to the present invention, five measurements are performed, evenly distributed along the length of the parallel parts of two adjacent ablation lines, and then the arithmetic mean is calculated.

For example, if the length of the parallel portion of two adjacent ablation lines is 80 millimeters, respectively, the gap is measured at both ends and at three additional points located 20 millimeters, forty millimeters, and sixty millimeters, respectively, from one end of the parallel portion, preferably from the lower end of the ablation line .

The term "residual stiffness" is used to describe the stiffness of an existing laminate, which is measured at the minimum residual thickness of one given ablation line and is calculated using the bending stiffness of the laminate multiplied by the residual thickness percentage. For example, if the bending stiffness of an unablated laminate is 100 mN, and the minimum residual thickness is thirty percent, then the residual bending stiffness is 100 mN multiplied by thirty percent, and is 30 mN. The hardness of a laminated workpiece can be measured according to IBO 2493, 15 degrees, for example, by taking a sample of the workpiece material from a part of the workpiece that is not bent or ablated (the sample can be printed or otherwise covered if it is in the finished form).

Tested and held at 23 degrees Celsius, 50 95 relative humidity according to IBO 187 two weeks after ablation.

In the context of this description, the terms "front", "back", "top", "bottom", top", "bottom" and "side" refer to the relative positions of parts of the container according to 3 of the present invention and its components when the container is in a vertical position position with an access opening at the top of the container In particular, when the container is a container with a hinged lid, this means that the container

The container is in an upright position with the lid in the closed position and the hinge line at the back of the container. When describing a container according to the present invention, these terms are used regardless of the orientation of the container being described.

The container according to the present invention is at least partially formed from a layered blank that has a given thickness (T). The blank forms part of the container, which contains at least a first flat wall and a second flat wall, which are connected to each other by means of a part in the form of a curved edge. The inner surface of the curved edge portion forms an ablation region having a length extending in the longitudinal direction of the curved edge portion and a width extending across the curved edge portion.

The ablation site contains two or more ablation lines that run substantially in the longitudinal direction of the part in the form of a curvilinear edge.

Preferably, the thickness (T) of the laminated blank is from about 300 micrometers to about 360 micrometers. More preferably, the thickness (T) of the laminated blank is from about 330 micrometers to about 350 micrometers. The thickness (T) of the layered workpiece can be measured according to IBO 534:2011.

The ablation site may contain any suitable number of ablation lines to form a curved edge portion. For example, in some preferred embodiments, the ablation region comprises at least four ablation lines at any given longitudinal position on the curved edge portion. If less than four ablation lines are provided at any given longitudinal position on the curved edge portion, it may be difficult to obtain a smooth curvature that approximates the theoretical curvilinear profile without greatly reducing the width of the ablation region and thus the curved edge portion.

The laminate preferably has a basis weight of from about 150 grams per square meter to about 350 grams per square meter, more preferably from about 175 to about 350 grams per square meter, and even more preferably from about 200 to about 300 grams per square meter. The basis weight is calculated using IBO 536 and can vary from plus ten percent to minus ten percent, preferably from plus five percent to minus five percent.

Preferably, the ablation width (X) of each ablation line is at least about 0.05 60 millimeters, more preferably at least about 0.1 millimeters or at least about

0.12 millimeters. In some embodiments, the ablation width of each ablation line may be at least about 0.2 millimeters or at least about 0.3 millimeters.

Additionally or alternatively, the ablation width of each ablation line is less than about 0.5 millimeters. More preferably, the ablation width of each ablation line is less than about 0.45 millimeters. In some preferred embodiments, the ablation width of each ablation line is from about 0.05 millimeters to about 0.5 millimeters. Even more preferably, the ablation width of each ablation line is from about 0.1 millimeter to about 0.45 millimeter, more preferably from about 0.125 millimeter to about 0.4 millimeter.

Preferably, the width (M/) of the ablation site is at least about 2 millimeters.

More preferably, the width of the ablation site is at least about 4 millimeters.

Additionally or alternatively, the width of the ablation site is less than about 8 millimeters. More preferably, the width of the ablation site is less than about 6 millimeters.

Preferably, the laminated preform has a stiffness in the bending direction of at least about 50 mN, preferably at least about 75 mN, most preferably at least about 90 mN. Additionally or alternatively, the laminated blank has a flexural stiffness of less than about 500 mN, preferably less than about 200 mN, more preferably less than about 160 mN. The laminated preform preferably has a bending stiffness of from about 50 millinewtons to about 200 millinewtons. More preferably, the layered blank has a stiffness in the machining direction of about 75 mN to about 160 mN. Stiffness in the "direction of bending" means that the bending stiffness is measured in the direction in which the finished panel should fold around the ablation zone.

Preferably, the layered blank has a residual stiffness in the bending direction of at least 25 millinewtons, preferably 30 millinewtons, more preferably 40 millinewtons.

More preferably, the laminated blank has a residual stiffness in the bending direction of 100 mN or less, preferably 85 mN or less, even more preferably 75 mN or less.

Preferably, the layered blank has a surface roughness of from about 0.5 micrometers to

From about 1.5 micrometers. More preferably, the layered blank has a surface roughness of about 0.75 micrometers to about 1.25 micrometers. Surface roughness can be measured according to IBO 8791-4.

Preferably, the laminated preform has a surface strength of from about 1 meter per second to about 2 meters per second. More preferably, the laminate has a surface strength of from about 1.25 meters per second to about 1.75 meters per second. Surface roughness can be measured according to ISO 3783.

The two or more ablation lines may have any suitable profile along the length in the longitudinal direction of the part in the form of a curvilinear edge. For example, the ablation line can pass along a curvilinear trajectory of at least part of its profile along the length in the longitudinal direction of the part in the form of a curvilinear edge. In such embodiments, the face formed by such an ablation line will have a non-linear perimeter.

In some preferred embodiments, the ablation section comprises at least two ablation lines that run parallel to at least part of said portion in the form of a curvilinear edge in its longitudinal direction. This can form an essentially rectangular face on a curved edge part. In some specific preferred embodiments, all ablation lines in the ablation area run parallel along the longitudinal direction of the part in the form of a curvilinear edge. This can form a part in the form of a curvilinear edge that has only essentially rectangular faces.

Preferably, the first flat wall is perpendicular to the second flat wall.

Preferably, the container has an elastic restoring force of less than about 10 millinewton meters between two flat walls which are connected by means of a portion in the form of a curved edge.

In some preferred embodiments, the layered preform forms at least part of a container that includes a box portion having a box front wall, a box back wall, and box side walls extending between the box front wall and the box back wall, wherein one of the side walls of the walls of the box is connected to the front wall of the box or the back wall of the box with the help of a part in the form of a curved edge. Alternatively or additionally, a part in the form of a curved edge can connect the bottom wall of the box with one of the side walls of the box, the front wall of the box or the back wall 60 of the box.

Additionally or in alternative embodiments, the layered preform preferably forms at least part of a container that includes a lid portion having a front lid wall, a back lid wall, and lid side walls extending between the front lid wall and the back lid wall, and one from the side walls of the lid is connected to the front wall of the lid or the back wall of the lid by means of a part in the form of a curved edge. Alternatively or additionally, the part in the form of a curved edge can connect the top wall of the lid with one of the side walls of the lid, the front wall of the lid or the rear wall of the lid.

In some particularly preferred embodiments, the container comprises two or more curved edge portions along its transverse edges, longitudinal edges, or both, wherein each curved edge portion has any of the preferred features described above.

The container according to the present invention finds application as a container for consumer goods, in particular, elongated consumer goods, such as smoking products. However, it can also be used for some other types of consumer goods, such as confectionery.

The blank is formed from a material based on cellulose fiber, mainly of plant origin and more preferably of wood origin. The preform may contain at least 50 percent by weight, preferably at least 60 percent by weight, and even more preferably at least 70 percent by weight of cellulosic fibers, based on the total fiber content of the preform. Preferably, the layered blank is formed from cardboard or thick paper based on wood fibers. Alternatively, the cellulosic fiber-based material may also contain other fibers, such as polymeric fibers. The workpiece can be coated or uncoated, and preferably coated on both sides.

The container may optionally contain an outer wrap, which is preferably a transparent polymer film, for example, of high or low density polyethylene, polypropylene, oriented polypropylene, polyvinylidene chloride, cellulose film, or combinations thereof, while the outer wrap is applied in a conventional manner. The outer wrapper may contain a tear-off strip. In addition, images, information for

Co) of the consumer or other data.

Additionally, the consumer products can be placed inside the container in the form of a kit wrapped in an inner package formed from metal foil or metallized paper.

The material of the inner packaging can be formed in the form of a layered structure of metallized polyethylene film and facing material. The facing material can be super calendered glazed paper. In addition, the material of the inner packaging can be provided with a top coating on which printing is possible. The inner package includes an access opening through which the consumer goods can be removed when the container lid is in the corresponding open position.

The container is mostly a rectangular parallelepiped containing two wider walls separated by two narrower walls. A container with a hinged lid according to the present invention can have the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with longitudinal and transverse edges. In such embodiments, at least one of the longitudinal or transverse edges is curved. That is, a container with a hinged lid contains one or more curved longitudinal edges or curved transverse edges, or a combination thereof. Each of said curved edges may have any of the preferred features described above.

Preferably, the curved edge portion has a width of from about 2 mm to about 8 mm, preferably from about 4 to about 6 mm.

The container according to the present invention finds specific use as a pack for elongated smoking products, such as, for example, cigarettes, cigars or cigarillos. It will be clear that by properly choosing the size of the container according to this invention, it is possible to manufacture it for different quantities of cigarettes of the usual format and the formats Kipu 5i2e, zireg-Kkipa 5i2e, 5iit or 5i!iregziit. Alternatively, other consumer goods may be stored inside the container.

By properly choosing the dimensions, the container according to the present invention can be made to store different total quantities of smoking products or different compositions of smoking products. For example, by properly selecting the dimensions, the container according to the present invention can be made to store a total of ten to thirty smoking products.

Smoking products can be arranged in different layouts, depending on the total number of smoking products.

The container according to the present invention can store smoking products of the same type or brand or different types or brands. In addition, it is possible to store both unfiltered smoking products and smoking products with different filters, as well as smoking products of different lengths (e.g., from about 40 mm to about 180 mm) and diameters (for example, from about 4 mm to about 9 mm). Preferably, the dimensions of the container are adapted to the length of the smoking products and the composition of the smoking products. Typically, the outer dimensions of the container exceed the dimensions of the kit or kits of smoking products placed inside the container by about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm.

The length, width and depth of the container according to the present invention can be such that the overall dimensions of the container obtained as a result are similar to the dimensions of a typical single-use pack of twenty cigarettes.

Preferably, the container according to the present invention has a height of about 60 mm to about 150 mm, more preferably a height of about 70 mm to about 125 mm, the height being measured from the bottom wall to the top wall of the container.

Preferably, the container according to the present invention has a width of about 12 mm to about 150 mm, more preferably a width of about 70 mm to about 125 mm, with the width measured from one side wall to the other side wall of the container.

Preferably, the container according to the present invention has a depth of from about b mm to about 150 mm, more preferably a depth of from about 12 mm to about 25 mm, with the depth being measured from the front wall to the back wall of the container.

Preferably, the ratio of container height to container depth is from about 0.3 to 1 to about 10 to 1, more preferably from about 2 to 1 to about 8 to 1, most preferably from about 3 to 1 to 5 to 1.

Preferably, the ratio of container width to container depth is from about 0.3 to 1 to about 10 to 1, more preferably from about 2 to 1 to about 8 to 1, most preferably from about 2 to 1 to 3 to 1.

Preferably, the ratio of the height of the back wall of the lid to the height of the back wall of the box of the outer body is from about 0 to 1 (the lid is located on the upper edge of the container) to about 1 to 1, more preferably from about 1 to 5 to about 1 to 10,

Co) is most preferably from about 1 to 6 to about 1 to 8.

Preferably, the ratio of the height of the front wall of the lid of the outer housing to the height of the front wall of the box of the outer housing is from about 1 to 0 (lid covering the entire front wall) to about 1 to 10, more preferably from about 1 to 1 to about 1 to 5, most preferably from about 1 to 2 to about 1 to 3.

The outer surfaces of containers according to the present invention may be printed, embossed, blint embossed or otherwise decorated with manufacturer or brand logos, trademarks, slogans and other consumer information and signs.

Containers according to the present invention can be filled and assembled using conventional equipment and methods modified to include the step of forming two or more ablation lines in the blank. Ablation lines can be performed using an ablation tool such as a laser or a blade. The laser is particularly preferred as an ablation tool because it provides the ability to obtain a wide range of ablation profiles and configurations with minimal need for adjustment of the laser tool. For example, the laser can be repeatedly passed over a given part of the workpiece to stepwise remove different amounts of material, providing the ability to obtain an ablation profile with very high control accuracy. It is also useful if thin ablation lines with small width values are required. It is possible to precisely adjust the relative movement of the laser and the workpiece in such a way as to form any type of pattern at the ablation intensity ("depth") that varies along the ablation site.

The present invention will be further described only by way of examples with reference to the accompanying graphic materials, in which: in fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a container having at least one part in the form of a curved edge according to an embodiment of the present invention; fig. 2 is a photograph showing an enlarged cross-sectional view of a layered blank according to the first embodiment of the present invention (Example 1); fig. C is a photograph showing a perspective view of the workpiece in FIG. 2 (Example 1); fig. 4 is a photograph showing an enlarged cross-sectional view of a layered blank according to the second embodiment of the present invention (Example 2);

fig. 5 is a photograph showing a perspective view of the workpiece of FIG. 4 (Example 2); fig. b is a photograph showing an enlarged cross-sectional view of a layered blank according to the present invention (Example 3); fig. 7 is a photograph showing a perspective view of the workpiece of FIG. 6 (Example 3); fig. 8 is a photograph showing an enlarged cross-sectional view of a layered blank that does not correspond to this invention (Comparative example 1); fig. 9 is a photograph showing a perspective view of the workpiece shown in FIG. 8 (Comparative example 1); fig. 10 is a photograph showing an enlarged cross-sectional view of a layered blank that does not correspond to this invention (Comparative Example 2); fig. 11 is a photograph showing a perspective view of the workpiece of FIG. 10 (Comparative example 2);

As can be understood by a specialist in this field of technology, in fig. 1 shows a consumer product container 100 that can be formed by stacking a laminated stock of cardboard or paperboard having a thickness (T).

The container 100 has the shape of an essentially rectangular parallelepiped and contains a part ZO in the form of a box and a hinged cover 40, which is connected to the part 30 in the form of a box along the line 50 of the hinge, which passes essentially along the back wall of the container 100. External dimensions and construction of the box 30 i lids 40 tare 100 are essentially the same as a standard cigarette pack with a hinged lid. The box part 30 includes a front wall of the box, a back wall of the box, a bottom wall of the box, a left side wall of the box, and a right side wall of the box. The hinged cover 40 includes a front cover wall, a rear cover wall, an upper cover wall, a left side cover wall, and a right side cover wall. The hinged cover 40 is designed to be rotatable around the hinge line 50 between the closed position and the open position. In the closed position, the hinged cover 40 closes the opening for access to the container 100, and the walls of the hinged cover 40 form a continuation of the corresponding walls of the part 30 in the form of a box. In the open position, the hinged cover 40 rotates about the hinge line 50 projecting back from

From the box part 30 and fully opening the access hole at the top end of the box part 30. The box-shaped part 30 and the hinged lid 40 can be formed together from a single laminated preform having a thickness T. The container can be assembled from the laminated preform and filled using a standard device.

The container contains the first flat wall 4, which in fig. 1 is a side wall of part 30 in the form of a box. The container also contains a second flat wall 8, which in fig. 1 is the front wall of part 30 in the form of a box. The side wall 4 and the front wall 8 are connected to each other by means of a part 20 in the form of a curved edge. Also invisible in the view in the perspective image in fig. 1, the inner surface of the curved edge portion 20 includes a plurality of ablation lines that together form the curved edge portion 20 in the case of the assembled container 100.

Five different layered blanks were made and folded to form a part in the form of a curvilinear edge. Details of each layered preform are provided below, and photographs of each layered preform and their respective curved edge portions are shown in FIG. 2-11. In all examples, the layered blank was provided with multiple parallel ablation lines on its inner surface. The ablation lines were formed by applying a laser ablation tool to the inner surface of the layered blank to remove material from the specified surface. This led to the formation of essentially M-shaped grooves on the inner surface of the layered workpiece. The goal was to determine which laminated blank or laminated blanks (when assembled) would form a curvilinear edge part that has a smooth and smooth curvature that most closely approximates the theoretical curvilinear profile.

Testing and holding were performed at 23 degrees Celsius and 50 percent relative humidity according to ISO 187, two weeks after the formation of ablation lines.

Example 1:

In fig. 2 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a layered blank according to the first embodiment of the present invention (Example 1). In fig. From the perspective view of the workpiece shown in Fig. 2 (Example 1).

The workpiece according to Example 1 has a basis weight of 240 grams per square meter, a thickness (T) of 298 micrometers. Each ablation line was measured to have a minimum residual thickness of 33 percent of the workpiece thickness (T) and an ablation width of 0.49 millimeters.

The gap is 0.7 millimeters and the residual stiffness in the bending direction, calculated from the stiffness in the transverse direction before lamination, is 32 millinewtons.

The stiffness of the laminated blank before ablation is 197 mN in the machining direction and 98 mN in the transverse direction (in this example, the transverse direction is the bending direction).

Lk can be seen in fig. 2 and 3, it was found that the workpiece according to Example 1 has a clearly defined part in the form of a curvilinear edge, which has a smooth curvature that is closest to the theoretical curvilinear profile. The location of the ablation lines cannot be easily identified on the outer surface of the part in the form of a curved edge.

Example 2:

In fig. 4 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a layered blank according to the second embodiment of the present invention (Example 2). In fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the workpiece according to fig. 4 (Example 2).

The workpiece according to Example 2 has a basis weight of 270 grams per square meter, a thickness (T) of 340 micrometers. Each ablation line was measured to have a minimum residual thickness of 53 percent of the workpiece thickness (T) and an ablation width of 0.26 millimeters.

The gap is 0.7 millimeters and the residual stiffness in the bending direction, calculated from the stiffness in the transverse direction before lamination, is 76 mN.

The stiffness of the laminated blank before ablation is 290 mN in the machining direction and 145 mN in the transverse direction (in this example, the transverse direction is the bending direction).

As can be seen in fig. 4 and 5, it was found that the workpiece according to Example 2 has a clearly defined part in the form of a curvilinear edge, which has a smooth curvature that is closest to the theoretical curvilinear profile. The location of the ablation lines cannot be easily identified on the outer surface of the part in the form of a curved edge.

Example 3:

In fig. 6 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a layered blank according to the second embodiment of the present invention (Example 3). In fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the workpiece according to fig. 6 (Example 3).

Z The blank according to Example C has a basis weight of 240 grams per square meter, a thickness (T) of 298 micrometers. Each ablation line was measured to have a minimum residual thickness of 58 percent of the workpiece thickness (T) and an ablation width of 0.25 millimeters.

The gap is 0.7 millimeters and the residual stiffness in the bending direction, calculated from the stiffness in the transverse direction before lamination, is 56 mN.

The stiffness of the laminated blank before ablation is 197 millinewtons in the processing direction and 98 millinewtons in the transverse direction (in this Example, the transverse direction is the bending direction).

As can be seen in fig. b and 7, it was found that the workpiece according to Example 3 has a clearly defined part in the form of a curvilinear edge, which has a smooth curvature that is closest to the theoretical curvilinear profile. The location of the ablation lines cannot be easily identified on the outer surface of the part in the form of a curved edge.

Comparative example 1:

In fig. 8 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a layered blank that does not correspond to an embodiment of the present invention (Comparative example 1). In fig. 9 shows a perspective view of the workpiece according to fig. 6 (Comparative example 1).

The workpiece according to Comparative Example 1 has a basis weight of 240 grams per square meter, a thickness (T) of 298 micrometers. Each ablation line was measured to have a minimum residual thickness of 59 percent of the workpiece thickness (T) and an ablation width of 0.36 millimeters.

The gap is 2.1 millimeters. The stiffness of the laminated blank before ablation is 197 mN in the machining direction and 98 mN in the transverse direction (in this example, the transverse direction is the bending direction).

As can be seen in fig. 8 and 9, it was found that the workpiece according to Comparative Example 1 does not have a clearly defined part in the form of a curved edge. That is, the part in the form of a curvilinear edge does not have a smooth curvature close to the theoretical curvilinear profile. Instead, the curved edge portion transitions unevenly and randomly from the first flat panel to the second flat panel, with delamination along the curved edge portion clearly visible.

Comparative example 2:

In fig. 10 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a layered blank that does not correspond to an embodiment of the present invention (Comparative example 2). In fig. 11 shows a perspective view of the workpiece according to fig. 10 (Comparative example 2).

The workpiece according to Comparative Example 2 has a basis weight of 240 grams per square meter, a thickness (T) of 298 micrometers. Each ablation line was measured to have a minimum residual thickness of 66 percent of the workpiece thickness (T) and an ablation width of 0.35 millimeters. The gap is 0.71 millimeters. The stiffness of the laminated blank before ablation is 197 mN in the machining direction and 98 mN in the transverse direction (in this example, the transverse direction is the bending direction).

As can be seen in fig. 10 and 11, it was found that the workpiece according to Comparative Example 2 does not have a clearly defined part in the form of a curved edge. That is, the part in the form of a curvilinear edge does not have a smooth curvature close to the theoretical curvilinear profile. Instead, the curved edge portion transitions unevenly and randomly from the first flat panel to the second flat panel, with delamination along the curved edge portion clearly visible.

In fig. 2-7 shows that an unexpectedly neater, more clearly defined part in the form of a curvilinear edge can be obtained, which has a smooth curvature that most closely approximates the theoretical curvilinear profile, when ablation lines are applied to a layered workpiece according to the present invention.

Claims (15)

FORMULA OF THE INVENTION 1. A container for consumer products, wherein the container is at least partially formed from a layered preform based on cellulose fiber, which has a thickness (T), and the layered preform 25 forms part of the container, which includes at least a first flat wall and a second flat wall, which connected to each other by means of a part in the form of a curved edge; wherein the curved edge portion has an inner surface and an outer surface, and the inner surface of the curved edge portion forms an ablation area (A), wherein the ablation area has a length (I) in the longitudinal direction of the curved edge portion and a width ( M/), which passes across the part in the form of a curved edge; wherein the ablation section contains two or more ablation lines that pass essentially in the longitudinal direction of the part in the form of a curvilinear edge, while each ablation line has a minimum residual thickness (CT) that is less than the thickness (T) of the layered workpiece; 35 wherein the minimum residual thickness (CT) of each of the two or more ablation lines is at least about 30 percent and less than about 60 percent of the thickness (T) of the workpiece; and at the same time, the gap between the lower points of two adjacent ablation lines is more than 0.2 millimeters and less than 1.6 millimeters; and wherein the thickness (T) of the laminated blank is from about 320 micrometers to about 40 about 360 micrometers. 2. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that the ablation section contains five or more of said ablation lines substantially along the length in any longitudinal position of the part in the form of a curvilinear edge. 3. A container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the laminated blank has a basis weight of from about 160 grams per square meter to about 300 grams per square meter. 4. The package of any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the two or more ablation lines has an ablation width (X) of less than about 0.5 millimeters when measured transversely to the longitudinal direction of the curvilinear edge portion. 50 5. The container of claim 4, wherein each of the two or more ablation lines has an ablation width (X) of from about 0.1 millimeter to about 0.5 millimeter when measured transverse to the longitudinal direction of the curvilinear edge part. 6. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the width (M/) of the ablation site is from about 2 millimeters to about 8 millimeters. 55 7. The container of any of the preceding claims, wherein the distance between adjacent ablation lines in the ablation region is less than about 1.2 millimeters. 8. A package according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the laminated preform has a stiffness in the bending direction of from about 50 millinewtons to about 500 millinewtons. 9. A package according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the laminated preform has a residual stiffness in the bending direction of from about 25 millinewtons to about 100 millinewtons. 10. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the laminated preform has a surface roughness of from about 0.5 micrometers to about 1.5 micrometers. 11. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the laminated preform has a surface strength of from about 1 meter per second to about 2 meters per second. 12. A container according to any of the preceding items, characterized in that the ablation section comprises at least two ablation lines that run parallel to at least part of said section in the form of a curvilinear edge in its longitudinal direction. 13. A container according to any of the preceding items, characterized in that the first flat wall is substantially perpendicular to the second flat wall. 14. A container according to any of the preceding items, which contains: a box-shaped part, which includes a front wall of the box-shaped part, a rear wall of the box-shaped part, first and second side walls of the box-shaped part and a bottom wall of the box-shaped part a box, and a lid portion extending along the hinge line from the upper edge of the box portion, wherein the lid portion is movable around the hinge line between the open position and the closed position. 15. A layered preform based on cellulose fiber for forming a container for consumer products, wherein the preform has a thickness (T) and forms part of the container, which includes at least a first flat wall and a second flat wall, which are connected to each other by means of a part in in the form of a curved edge; wherein the curved edge portion has an inner surface and an outer surface, and the inner surface of the curved edge portion forms an ablation area (A), wherein the ablation area has a length (I) in the longitudinal direction of the curved edge portion and a width (MU ), which passes across the part in the form of a curved edge; in this case, the ablation section contains two or more ablation lines that pass essentially in the ZO longitudinal direction of the part in the form of a curvilinear edge, while each ablation line has a minimum residual thickness (CT) that is less than the thickness (T) of the layered workpiece; wherein the minimum residual thickness (CT) of each of the two or more ablation lines is at least about 30 percent and less than about 60 percent of the thickness (T) of the workpiece; while the gap between the lower points of two adjacent ablation lines is more than 0.2 millimeters and less than 1.6 millimeters; and wherein the thickness (T) of the laminated blank is from about 320 micrometers to about 360 micrometers. 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