WO2025229152A1

WO2025229152A1 - Sealed pouch for a consumable item

Info

Publication number: WO2025229152A1
Application number: PCT/EP2025/062019
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frédérique ETIENNE
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Current assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date: 2024-05-02
Filing date: 2025-05-01
Publication date: 2025-11-06
Anticipated expiration: 2026-11-02

Abstract

A pouch for a consumable item comprises a sheet of flexible packaging material, the sheet having opposed first and second sheet faces, the first sheet face being folded onto itself and sealed along longitudinal sheet edges to form a longitudinal seal flap. The pouch further comprises a first and second transverse seals extending transversely to the longitudinal seal flap at opposite ends of the pouch, such that the pouch defines a sealed internal cavity for housing a consumable item. The longitudinal seal flap is flat-folded to lie against the second sheet face such that the longitudinal seal flap overlies respective portions of the first and second transverse seals to define first and second areas of seal overlap at the opposite ends of the pouch. The pouch comprises a notch to facilitate opening of the pouch. The notch extends from a transverse edge of the pouch, is provided at a location within one of the first and second areas of seal overlap and extends through both the longitudinal seal flap and the respective one of the first and second transverse seal. The notch is positioned substantially on a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the longitudinal seal flap.

Description

SEALED POUCH FOR A CONSUMABLE ITEM

The present invention relates to a pouch for a consumable item. In more detail, the present invention relates to a pouch for a consumable item, the pouch being of the type formed from a sheet of flexible packaging material that is folded and sealed to define an internal cavity for accommodating the consumable item, so that the consumable item can be preserved until the pouch is torn open immediately prior to use of the consumable item.

Packages in the form of pouches are often used to store, ship and sell consumable items that may be perishable and therefore susceptible to oxygenation. For example, pouches made from flexible packaging material are typically used in the confectionery industry for packing snacks and the like.

Certain types of consumable items, such as for example elements for electronic vaping (e-vaping) devices, can suffer some degree of degradation in an oxygenated environment, which may have a negative impact on properties of the consumable items (for example, their flavour). Packaging these consumable items in sealed pouches advantageously isolates them from the outer environment, and so their properties can be preserved until a consumer tears a sealed pouch open to access the consumable item within the pouch and use it.

Use of packages in the form of non-reclosable pouches is also very common for storing, shipping and selling single-use units of detergents, chlorine-based swimming pool chemicals, and the like, which are provided in the form of tablets. In this context, use of sealed pouches has the benefit that loss of detergent or other chemicals into the environment can be substantially prevented during storage and transportation of the sealed pouch, and only when the pouch is opened by a user at the intended location of use are the detergent or other chemicals released immediately prior to use.

It is known to provide at an edge or within a seam of such a non-reclosable pouch made of a flexible material a notch from which a tear can easily propagate through the material. This is intended for facilitating opening of the pouch to gain access to the consumable item stored within the pouch.

However, the provision of such a notch can lead to unintended opening of the pouch through careless or accidental handling during manufacture and transport. Furthermore, the provision of such a notch may undesirably facilitate opening of the package for an unintended user.

For this reason, attempts have been made to provide sealed pouches comprising arrangements that are aimed at facilitating opening of the pouch for the intended user whilst, at the same time, displaying reduced openability for an unintended user. These have found use, for example, for containing detergents or other chemicals that need to be kept away from children. In general, openability of a package depends on a number of factors, including both characteristics of the package and human factors, such as physical strength, dexterity, and cognition. The term “dexterity” is used in this context to denote the extent to which a user can manipulate and handle an object. The term “cognition” is used to denote the extent to which a user can understand appropriate information as it is intended.

Sealed pouches have been provided that have reduced openability for an unintended user because they require higher levels of dexterity or cognition or both.

For example, WO 00/05148 A2 describes a package for containing tablets of detergent, the package being made of a mono-axially oriented film, that is, a film wherein the majority of the constituting polymer molecules are chained along a preferred axis. This polymer construction provides the film with specific mechanical properties, whereby the film tears easily along the preferred direction given by the molecules orientation, whereas tearing the film in a direction substantially perpendicular to the polymer molecules orientation is extremely difficult. In the package of WO 00/05148 A2, such a film is folded and closed by at least one longitudinal seal and two distal seals that are perpendicular to the longitudinal seal. Rectilinear cuttings are provided at the distal sealed extremities of the package and a notch is provided along the package longitudinal seal.

This notch is for use as a tear-propagating means, which allows an adult to initiate a tear along the film and easily open the package in the preferred direction given by the orientation of the polymer molecules. On the other hand, the cuttings provided at the distal sealed extremities of the package mimic the indented distal cuttings children typically find in sachets containing candies, but the cuttings do not actually provide any weak point at the distal border from which an unintended user (a child) could initiate a tear that could then be extended to open the package. Thus, in the package of WO 00/05148 A2 constituted a childdeterrent means.

Another example of a package for consumer goods is known from WO 2018/172125 A1. The package is formed from a sheet material that is folded and is sealed around a consumable item so that a sealing flap is formed, wherein the sealing flap seals the package along at least a transversal sheet edge. An opening cut is formed through the sealing flap in a sealed portion of the sealing flap, and the sealing flap is then folded onto a first face of the package. In order to open the package, the intended user needs first of all to peel the sealing flap from the first face of the package face. Secondly, the intended user needs to fold the flap portion onto itself, so that the opening cut becomes exposed at a periphery of the sealing flap. Sections of the folded first flap portion on either side of the exposed opening cut can at that point be pulled by the intended user in opposite directions to propagate a tear through the sealing flap and open the pouch, thereby enabling access to the consumable item. In practice, the opening cut of the package of WO 2018/172125 A1 is not accessible and cannot facilitate tear propagation unless the intended user manipulates the package in a predefined manner. This requires a certain dexterity and hand coordination as well as cognition of the exact sequence of steps set out above. Accordingly, tearing the package open and accessing the consumable item held within the package is particularly difficult for an unintended user.

However, some of the solutions known in the art have the drawback that, whilst successfully preventing unintended users from accessing the content of a sealed package, they require a level of dexterity or cognition or both that even intended users often find opening the sealed package not easy enough or may struggle to open the sealed package as quickly and smoothly as they would wish to.

Accordingly, a need is generally felt to provide new and improved sealed packages for consumer articles that are configured to desirably prevent or deter unintended users from accessing the consumer articles held within the sealed packages whilst at the same time providing the intended user with satisfactory levels of openability. For example, it would be desirable to provide a new and improved sealed pouch for a consumable item that may prevent or deter an unintended user from accessing a consumable item held within the pouch, whilst at the same time allowing an intended user to tear the sealed pouch open without requiring complex manipulation of the package.

The present disclosure relates to a pouch for a consumable item.

The pouch may comprise a sheet of flexible packaging material, the sheet having opposed first and second sheet faces.

The first sheet face may be folded onto itself and sealed along longitudinal sheet edges to form a longitudinal seal flap.

The pouch may further comprise first and second transverse seals extending transversely to the longitudinal seal flap at opposite ends of the pouch.

Thus, the pouch may define a sealed internal cavity for housing a consumable item.

The longitudinal seal flap may be flat-folded to lie against the second sheet face. Thus, the longitudinal seal flap may overlie respective portions of the first and second transverse seals to define first and second areas of seal overlap at the opposite ends of the pouch.

The pouch may further comprise a notch to facilitate opening of the pouch.

The notch may extend from a transverse edge of the pouch.

The notch may be provided at a location within one of the first and second areas of seal overlap.

The notch may extend through both the longitudinal seal flap and the respective one of the first and second transverse seal. According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pouch for a consumable item, the pouch comprising: a sheet of flexible packaging material, the sheet having opposed first and second sheet faces, the first sheet face being folded onto itself and sealed along longitudinal sheet edges to form a longitudinal seal flap; wherein the pouch further comprises a first and second transverse seals extending transversely to the longitudinal seal flap at opposite ends of the pouch, such that the pouch defines a sealed internal cavity for housing a consumable item; wherein the longitudinal seal flap is flat-folded to lie against the second sheet face such that the longitudinal seal flap overlies respective portions of the first and second transverse seals to define first and second areas of seal overlap at the opposite ends of the pouch; wherein the pouch further comprises a notch to facilitate opening of the pouch, the notch extending from a transverse edge of the pouch, wherein the notch is provided at a location within one of the first and second areas of seal overlap and extends through both the longitudinal seal flap and the respective one of the first and second transverse seal.

Compared with existing sealed pouches configured to deter unintended users from accessing their contents, wherein tear-propagating means are provided that only become accessible to the intended user if the pouch is manipulated in accordance with a specific sequence of steps, opening pouches in accordance with the present disclosure does not require the intended user to be familiar with and implement a predefined opening procedure. Therefore, pouches in accordance with the present disclosure have the advantage of being comparatively easy to open for an intended user as they do not require particularly high levels of dexterity or cognition. Therefore, openability of the pouch for the intended user is advantageously improved.

At the same time, in pouches in accordance with the present disclosure a tearpropagating notch is provided at a location wherein an overall thickness of the pouch is maximised, since in the area of overall both the longitudinal seal flap and the transverse seal flap contribute to the overall thickness of the pouch. Therefore, when opening the pouch, a larger force is required for initiating a tear compared with sealed pouches made of equivalent flexible packaging materials. This is beneficial in that at least certain groups of unintended users, such as for example children, typically lack the necessary strength and coordination in their fingers to initiate and propagate a tear to open pouches in accordance with the present disclosure. Accordingly, the specific placement of the notch provides a deterrent against the content of the pouch being accessed by unintended users.

As will be described in more detail below, this advantageous effect can be further enhanced by adjusting one or more geometric parameters of the pouch, such as the length of the notch relative to the length of the transverse seal within which the notch is formed; the length of the transverse seal within which the notch is formed; the distance between the notch and axis of symmetry of the longitudinal seal flap; and so forth. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors have found that specific combinations of these parameters can make it especially difficult for an intended user to tear the pouch open, whilst at the same time ensuring that intended users can reliably and consistently access the consumable item held within the pouch.

As described briefly above, a pouch according to the present disclosure is typically formed from a sheet of flexible packaging material, which is folded onto itself and sealed along longitudinal sheet edges to form a longitudinal seal flap. Additionally, the pouch typically comprises a first and second transverse seals that extend transversely to the longitudinal seal flap at opposite ends of the pouch. As a result, the pouch defines a sealed internal cavity for housing a consumable item.

As used herein with reference to the invention, the term “length” is used to describe the maximum dimension of the pouch or of the blank of flexible packaging material from which the pouch is formed. The term “longitudinal” is used to describe the direction between opposite ends of the pouch that are separated said maximum dimension.

As used herein with reference to the invention, the term “transverse” is used to describe the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. As used herein with reference to the invention, the term “width” denotes the maximum dimension of the pouch or of the blank of flexible packaging material from which the pouch is formed in a transverse direction.

Unless otherwise stated, references to the “cross-section” of the pouch or the blank of flexible packaging material from which the pouch is formed relate to a cross-section taken in a plane that is perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction.

Preferably, a length of the first transverse seal is greater than a length of the second transverse seal, and the notch is provided at a location within the area of seal overlap between the longitudinal seal flap and the first transverse seal.

Increasing a length of the first transverse seal increases a surface area of the area of overlap between the longitudinal seal flap and the first transverse seal. Accordingly, a larger portion of the pouch presents an overall thickness which corresponds to the sum of the thickness of the longitudinal seal flap and the thickness of the underlying first transverse seal. Even more than that, because the transverse seal extends longitudinally over an increased length, the pouch offers an enhanced resistance to a tear being initiated and propagated through the area of overlap, as the intended user is meant to tear the pouch open precisely in such a longitudinal direction.

As a result, these preferred embodiments are especially suited to deter unintended users from accessing a content of the pouch, as a greater strength is understood to be necessary to tear the pouch open, compared with different arrangements of the notch. In some embodiments, a ratio between the length of the first transverse seal and the length of the second transverse seal is at least 1.5. Preferably, a ratio between the length of the first transverse seal and the length of the second transverse seal is at least 2.0. More preferably, a ratio between the length of the first transverse seal and the length of the second transverse seal is at least 2.5.

In some embodiments, a ratio between the length of the first transverse seal and the length of the second transverse seal is less than or equal to 4. Preferably, a ratio between the length of the first transverse seal and the length of the second transverse seal is less than or equal to 3.5. More preferably, a ratio between the length of the first transverse seal and the length of the second transverse seal is less than or equal to 3.0.

In certain embodiments, a ratio between the length of the first transverse seal and the length of the second transverse seal is from 1.5 to 4, preferably from 1.5 to 3.5, more preferably from 1.5 to 3.0. In other embodiments, a ratio between the length of the first transverse seal and the length of the second transverse seal is from 2.0 to 4, preferably from 2.0 to 3.5, more preferably from 2.0 to 3.0. In further embodiments, a ratio between the length of the first transverse seal and the length of the second transverse seal is from 2.5 to 4, preferably from 2.5 to 3.5, more preferably from 2.5 to 3.0.

In pouches in accordance with the present invention, a length of the first transverse seal may for example be at least 3 millimetres. Preferably, a length of the first transverse seal is at least 4 millimetres. More preferably, a length of the first transverse seal is at least 6 millimetres. Even more preferably, a length of the first transverse seal is at least 8 millimetres.

In pouches in accordance with the present invention, a length of the first transverse seal may for example be less than or equal to 25 millimetres. Preferably, a length of the first transverse seal is less than or equal to 20 millimetres. More preferably, a length of the first transverse seal is less than or equal to 15 millimetres. Even more preferably, a length of the first transverse seal is less than or equal to 10 millimetres.

In certain embodiments, a length of the first transverse seal is from 3 millimetres to 25 millimetres, preferably from 3 millimetres to 20 millimetres, more preferably from 3 millimetres to 15 millimetres, even more preferably from 3 millimetres to 10 millimetres.

In other embodiments, a length of the first transverse seal is from 4 millimetres to 25 millimetres, preferably from 4 millimetres to 20 millimetres, more preferably from 4 millimetres to 15 millimetres, even more preferably from 4 millimetres to 10 millimetres.

In further embodiments, a length of the first transverse seal is from 6 millimetres to 25 millimetres, preferably from 6 millimetres to 20 millimetres, more preferably from 6 millimetres to 15 millimetres, even more preferably from 6 millimetres to 10 millimetres. In yet further embodiments, a length of the first transverse seal is from 8 millimetres to 25 millimetres, preferably from 8 millimetres to 20 millimetres, more preferably from 8 millimetres to 15 millimetres, even more preferably from 8 millimetres to 10 millimetres.

Adjusting the length of the first transverse seal within the ranges described above may advantageously enable fine tuning of the opening force required from an intended user. Increasing said length will generally have the effect that a certain opening force needs to be applied over an increased length of time to efficiently propagate the tear to open the pouch, and this may advantageously act as a further deterrent to prevent unintended users from accessing a consumable item held within the pouch. Without wishing to be bound by theory, certain groups of unintended users (such as children are, for example, for a number of classes of consumable items) are understood to be especially challenged when a larger opening force needs to be applied over a prolonged period of time or where the size of a sealed portion is relatively large compared to the size of their fingertips.

In pouches in accordance with the present invention, a length of the second transverse seal may for example be at least 1 millimetre. Preferably, a length of the second transverse seal is at least 1.5 millimetres. More preferably, a length of the second transverse seal is at least 2 millimetres. Even more preferably, a length of the second transverse seal is at least 3 millimetres.

In pouches in accordance with the present invention, a length of the second transverse seal may for example be less than or equal to 8 millimetres. Preferably, a length of the second transverse seal is less than or equal to 6 millimetres. More preferably, a length of the second transverse seal is less than or equal to 5 millimetres. Even more preferably, a length of the second transverse seal is less than or equal to 4 millimetres.

In certain embodiments, a length of the second transverse seal is from 1 millimetres to 8 millimetres, preferably from 1 millimetres to 6 millimetres, more preferably from 1 millimetres to 5 millimetres, even more preferably from 1 millimetres to 4 millimetres.

In other embodiments, a length of the second transverse seal is from 1.5 millimetres to 8 millimetres, preferably from 1.5 millimetres to 6 millimetres, more preferably from 1.5 millimetres to 5 millimetres, even more preferably from 1.5 millimetres to 4 millimetres.

In further embodiments, a length of the second transverse seal is from 2 millimetres to 8 millimetres, preferably from 2 millimetres to 6 millimetres, more preferably from 2 millimetres to 5 millimetres, even more preferably from 2 millimetres to 4 millimetres.

In yet further embodiments, a length of the second transverse seal is from 3 millimetres to 8 millimetres, preferably from 3 millimetres to 6 millimetres, more preferably from 3 millimetres to 5 millimetres, even more preferably from 3 millimetres to 4 millimetres.

In pouches in accordance with the present invention, a width of the longitudinal seal flap may for example be at least 3 millimetres. Preferably, a width of the longitudinal seal flap is at least 4 millimetres. More preferably, a width of the longitudinal seal flap is at least 6 millimetres. Even more preferably, a width of the longitudinal seal flap is at least 8 millimetres.

In pouches in accordance with the present invention, a width of the longitudinal seal flap may for example be less than or equal to 20 millimetres. Preferably, a width of the longitudinal seal flap is less than or equal to 15 millimetres. More preferably, a width of the longitudinal seal flap is less than or equal to 12 millimetres. Even more preferably, a width of the longitudinal seal flap is less than or equal to 10 millimetres.

In certain embodiments, a width of the longitudinal seal flap is from 3 millimetres to 20 millimetres, preferably from 4 millimetres to 20 millimetres, more preferably from 6 millimetres to 20 millimetres, even more preferably from 8 millimetres to 20 millimetres.

In other embodiments, a width of the longitudinal seal flap is from 3 millimetres to 15 millimetres, preferably from 4 millimetres to 15 millimetres, more preferably from 6 millimetres to 15 millimetres, even more preferably from 8 millimetres to 15 millimetres.

In further embodiments, a width of the longitudinal seal flap is from 3 millimetres to 12 millimetres, preferably from 4 millimetres to 12 millimetres, more preferably from 6 millimetres to 12 millimetres, even more preferably from 8 millimetres to 12 millimetres.

In yet further embodiments, a width of the longitudinal seal flap is from 3 millimetres to 10 millimetres, preferably from 4 millimetres to 10 millimetres, more preferably from 6 millimetres to 10 millimetres, even more preferably from 8 millimetres to 10 millimetres.

In general, a surface area of the area of seal overlap between the longitudinal seal flap and the first transverse seal is preferably greater than a surface area of the area of seal overlap between the longitudinal seal flap and the second transverse seal.

In pouches in accordance with the present disclosure, the notch extends longitudinally from the transverse edge of the pouch over a notch length. A ratio between a notch length and a length of the underlying seal may for example be at least 4 percent. Preferably, a ratio between a notch length and a length of the underlying seal is at least 6 percent, more preferably at least 8 percent, even more preferably at least 10 percent. In particularly preferred embodiments, a ratio between the notch length and the length of the underlying seal is at least 12 percent.

In pouches in accordance with the present disclosure, a ratio between a notch length and a length of the underlying seal may for example be less than or equal to 25 percent, preferably less than or equal to 20 percent, more preferably less than or equal to 15 percent.

In certain embodiments, a ratio between a notch length and a length of the underlying seal is from 4 percent to 25 percent, preferably from 6 percent to 25 percent, more preferably from 8 percent to 25 percent, even more preferably from 10 percent to 25 percent, and particularly preferably from 12 percent to 25 percent. In other embodiments, a ratio between a notch length and a length of the underlying seal is from 4 percent to 20 percent, preferably from 6 percent to 20 percent, more preferably from 8 percent to 20 percent, even more preferably from 10 percent to 20 percent, and particularly preferably from 12 percent to 20 percent.

In further embodiments, a ratio between a notch length and a length of the underlying seal is from 4 percent to 15 percent, preferably from 6 percent to 15 percent, more preferably from 8 percent to 15 percent, even more preferably from 10 percent to 15 percent, and particularly preferably from 12 percent to 15 percent.

For example, a notch length may be at least 0.2 millimetres. Preferably, a notch length is at least 0.5 millimetres. More preferably, a notch length is at least 0.75 millimetres. Even more preferably, a notch length is at least 1.0 millimetres.

For example, a notch length may be up to 3.0 millimetres. Preferably, a notch length is less than or equal to 2.5 millimetres. More preferably, a notch length is less than or equal to 2.0 millimetres. Even more preferably, a notch length is less than or equal to 1.5 millimetres.

In certain embodiments, a notch length may be from 0.2 millimetres to 3.0 millimetres, preferably from 0.2 millimetres to 2.5 millimetres, more preferably from 0.2 millimetres to 2.0 millimetres, even more preferably from 0.2 millimetres to 1.5 millimetres.

In other embodiments, a notch length may be from 0.5 millimetres to 3.0 millimetres, preferably from 0.5 millimetres to 2.5 millimetres, more preferably from 0.5 millimetres to 2.0 millimetres, even more preferably from 0.5 millimetres to 1.5 millimetres.

In further embodiments, a notch length may be from 0.75 millimetres to 3.0 millimetres, preferably from 0.75 millimetres to 2.5 millimetres, more preferably from 0.75 millimetres to 2.0 millimetres, even more preferably from 0.75 millimetres to 1.5 millimetres.

In yet further embodiments, a notch length may be from 1.0 millimetres to 3.0 millimetres, preferably from 1.0 millimetres to 2.5 millimetres, more preferably from 1.0 millimetres to 2.0 millimetres, even more preferably from 1.0 millimetres to 1.5 millimetres.

Adjusting the notch length within the ranges described above may advantageously enable fine tuning of the opening force required from an intended user. Providing a shorter notch may have the additional benefit that the notch is less easy to identify for an unintended user, both visually and under tactile inspection. As such, the notch is conveniently available for an intended user who wishes to initiate and propagate a tear to open the pouch, yet at the same time the reduced length of the notch may act as a further deterrent against unintended user accessing a consumable item held within the pouch.

In pouches according to the present disclosure, the notch may be provided within the area of seal overall at a location that is up to 5 millimetres from a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the longitudinal seal flap. Preferably, the notch is positioned at less than or equal to 4 millimetres from a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the longitudinal seal flap. More preferably, the notch is positioned at less than or equal to 3 millimetres from a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the longitudinal seal flap. Even more preferably, the notch is positioned at less than or equal to 2 millimetres from a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the longitudinal seal flap. In particularly preferred embodiments, the notch is positioned at less than or equal to 1 millimetres from a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the longitudinal seal flap.

In most preferred embodiments, the notch is positioned substantially on a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the longitudinal seal flap.

The inventors have observed that providing the notch particularly close to, or even on, the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the longitudinal seal flap may further contribute to maximising the force required for opening the pouch with the help of the notch. Without wishing to be bound by theory, they have hypothesised that positioning the notch at such a central location within the area of seal overlap help maximise the resistance presented by the overlying sealed portions of flexible packaging materials, and so this may establish a greater deterrent against unintended users being able to access the content of the pouch.

In certain pouches in accordance with the present disclosure, a tear strength of the first transverse seal is preferably greater than a tear strength of the second transverse seal.

In other pouches in accordance with the present disclosure, a tear strength of the second transverse seal is preferably greater than a tear strength of the first transverse seal.

This means that, due to some difference between the first transverse seal and the second transverse seal (for example, a geometric parameter like a length of the seal) a force required for initiating and propagating a tear through the first transverse seal is greater or smaller than a force required for initiating and propagating a tear through the second transverse seal, even if notches for facilitating opening of the pouch are provided in each transverse seal at an equivalent location (for example, at the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the longitudinal seal flap).

A tear strength of a seal can be determined in accordance with a method set out in ASTM D1922-23 (Standard Test Method for Propagating Tear Resistance of Plastic Film and Thin Sheeting by Pendulum Method). This test method covers the determination of the average force to propagate tearing through a specified length of plastic film or non-rigid sheeting after the tear has been started, using an Elmendorf-type tearing tester.

In certain embodiments, a ratio between a tear strength of the first transverse seal and a tear strength of the second transverse seal is preferably at least 1.1. More preferably, a ratio between a tear strength of the first transverse seal and a tear strength of the second transverse seal is at least 1.2. Even more preferably, a ratio between a tear strength of the first transverse seal and a tear strength of the second transverse seal is at least 1 .5. In other embodiments, a ratio between a tear strength of the second transverse seal and a tear strength of the first transverse seal is preferably at least 1.1. More preferably, a ratio between a tear strength of the second transverse seal and a tear strength of the first transverse seal is at least 1.2. Even more preferably, a ratio between a tear strength of the second transverse seal and a tear strength of the first transverse seal is at least 1.5. As described briefly above, a pouch in accordance with the present invention is formed from a sheet of a flexible packaging material. The expression “flexible packaging materials” is generally used to denote materials that are commonly used for packaging a wide variety of consumer products, including food and beverages, pharmaceutical and consumable items. Typically, flexible packaging materials can be used for products provided in a form that is not associated with a specific shape, such as for example liquids, creams, gels and granular powders. In addition, flexible packaging materials are very commonly used for tablet or small consumable items that do have a shape of their own. In their case, use of a flexible packaging material has the benefit of being lightweight - which has a favourable impact on storage and transportation costs - as well as of enabling single-use units to be packaged individually without a significant increase in weight and bulk volume.

Several examples of flexible packaging materials will be known to the skilled person, including polymeric materials such as low density polyethylene (LDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyolefins (POF) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

Sheets of flexible packaging material are often in the form of laminates comprising two or more layers of a polymeric material. The two or more layers may comprise the same polymeric material or different layers in the laminate structure may comprise different polymeric materials, such that their properties can be combined.

Pouches in accordance with the present disclosure may be formed from a sheet of flexible material having for example a thickness of at least 25 micrometres.

Preferably, in a pouch in accordance with the present disclosure a thickness of the sheet of flexible packaging material is at least 30 micrometres, more preferably at least 40 micrometres, even more preferably at least 50 micrometres, and most preferably at least 60 micrometres.

Pouches in accordance with the present disclosure may be formed from a sheet of flexible material having for example a thickness of for example up to 100 micrometres.

Preferably, in a pouch in accordance with the present disclosure a thickness of the sheet of flexible packaging material is less than or equal to 90 micrometres, more preferably less than or equal to 80 micrometres, even more preferably less than or equal to 70 micrometres. In certain embodiments, a thickness of the sheet of flexible packaging material is from 30 micrometres to 100 micrometres, preferably from 40 micrometres to 100 micrometres, more preferably from 50 micrometres to 100 micrometres, even more preferably from 60 micrometres to 100 micrometres.

In other embodiments, a thickness of the sheet of flexible packaging material is from 30 micrometres to 90 micrometres, preferably from 40 micrometres to 90 micrometres, more preferably from 50 micrometres to 90 micrometres, even more preferably from 60 micrometres to 90 micrometres.

In further embodiments, a thickness of the sheet of flexible packaging material is from 30 micrometres to 80 micrometres, preferably from 40 micrometres to 80 micrometres, more preferably from 50 micrometres to 80 micrometres, even more preferably from 60 micrometres to 80 micrometres.

In yet further embodiments, a thickness of the sheet of flexible packaging material is from 30 micrometres to 70 micrometres, preferably from 40 micrometres to 70 micrometres, more preferably from 50 micrometres to 70 micrometres, even more preferably from 60 micrometres to 70 micrometres.

In pouches according to the present disclosure, a combined thickness of the pouch at the area of overlap between the longitudinal seal flap with the first and second transverse seals may be for example at least 100 micrometres.

Preferably, a combined thickness of the pouch at the area of overlap between the longitudinal seal flap with the first and second transverse seals may be for example at least 120 micrometres, more preferably at least 150 micrometres, even more preferably at least 180 micrometres, and most preferably at least 200 micrometres.

In pouches according to the present disclosure, a combined thickness of the pouch at the area of overlap between the longitudinal seal flap with the first and second transverse seals may be for example up to 400 micrometres. Preferably, a combined thickness of the pouch at the area of overlap between the longitudinal seal flap with the first and second transverse seals is less than or equal to 350 micrometres, more preferably less than or equal to 300 micrometres, even more preferably less than or equal to 280 micrometres.

In certain embodiments, a combined thickness of the pouch at the area of overlap between the longitudinal seal flap with the first and second transverse seals is from 120 micrometres to 400 micrometres, preferably from 150 micrometres to 400 micrometres, more preferably from 180 micrometres to 400 micrometres, even more preferably from 200 micrometres to 400 micrometres.

In other embodiments, a combined thickness of the pouch at the area of overlap between the longitudinal seal flap with the first and second transverse seals is from 120 micrometres to 350 micrometres, preferably from 150 micrometres to 350 micrometres, more preferably from 180 micrometres to 350 micrometres, even more preferably from 200 micrometres to 350 micrometres.

In further embodiments, a combined thickness of the pouch at the area of overlap between the longitudinal seal flap with the first and second transverse seals is from 120 micrometres to 300 micrometres, preferably from 150 micrometres to 300 micrometres, more preferably from 180 micrometres to 300 micrometres, even more preferably from 200 micrometres to 300 micrometres.

In yet further embodiments, a combined thickness of the pouch at the area of overlap between the longitudinal seal flap with the first and second transverse seals is from 120 micrometres to 280 micrometres, preferably from 150 micrometres to 280 micrometres, more preferably from 180 micrometres to 280 micrometres, even more preferably from 200 micrometres to 280 micrometres.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is understood that increasing the combined thickness of the pouch at the area of overlap between the longitudinal seal flap with the first and second transverse seals, wherein the notch is provided, helps increase the opening force required to initiate and propagate the tear through the packaging material and open the pouch to access its content. Values of combined thickness of the pouch at the area of overlap between the longitudinal seal flap with the first and second transverse seals falling within the ranges described above may advantageously help deter unintended users from opening the pouch whilst at the same time maintaining the opening force within ranges that are compatible with a reasonable ease of opening for the intended users.

In some preferred embodiments, the sheet of flexible packaging material comprises polypropylene.

Preferably, the sheet of flexible packaging material comprises two or more layers. Further, the sheet of flexible packaging material may comprise an adhesive provided between adjacent layers of the two or more layers of flexible sheet material.

In some embodiments, the sheet of flexible packaging material comprises two or more layers, each layer of the two or more layers comprising polypropylene.

In pouches wherein the sheet of flexible packaging material comprises two or more layers, a thickness of each layer may for example be at least 8 micrometres. A thickness of each layer is preferably at least 10 micrometres, more preferably at least 13 micrometres, even more preferably at least 16 micrometres.

In pouches wherein the sheet of flexible packaging material comprises two or more layers, a thickness of each layer may for example be up to 32 micrometres. A thickness of each layer is preferably less than or equal to 30 micrometres, more preferably less than or equal to 26 micrometres, even more preferably less than or equal to 24 micrometres. For example, a thickness of each layer may be from 8 micrometres to 32 micrometres, preferably from 8 micrometres to 30 micrometres, more preferably from 8 micrometres to 26 micrometres, even more preferably from 8 micrometres to 24 micrometres.

For example, a thickness of each layer may be from 10 micrometres to 32 micrometres, preferably from 10 micrometres to 30 micrometres, more preferably from 10 micrometres to 26 micrometres, even more preferably from 10 micrometres to 24 micrometres.

For example, a thickness of each layer may be from 13 micrometres to 32 micrometres, preferably from 13 micrometres to 30 micrometres, more preferably from 13 micrometres to 26 micrometres, even more preferably from 13 micrometres to 24 micrometres.

For example, a thickness of each layer may be from 16 micrometres to 32 micrometres, preferably from 16 micrometres to 30 micrometres, more preferably from 16 micrometres to 26 micrometres, even more preferably from 16 micrometres to 24 micrometres.

In those embodiments wherein the sheet of flexible packaging material comprises two or more layers and an adhesive provided between adjacent layers, a peel strength between adjacent layers of the sheet of flexible packaging material is at least 2.0N/15mm, preferably at least 2.5N/15mm. The peel strength between adjacent layers of the sheet of flexible packaging material may be up to 20N/15mm. The peel strength between adjacent layers of the sheet of flexible packaging material may be determined in accordance with YBB 00132002-2015 (General requirements for laminated films and products for pharmaceutical packaging).

Preferably, the sheet of flexible packaging material has a water vapour transmission rate of less than 3.0 grams/(square metre ■ 24h). Water vapour transmission rate may be determined in accordance with ISO 2528:2017 (Sheet Materials - Determination of water vapour transmission rate - WVTR).

Thus, the flexible sheet material is substantially gas impermeable, which advantageously help preserve the properties of the consumable item held within the pouch.

In preferred embodiments, an opening strength of a pouch according to the present disclosure is at least 8 N. Preferably, an opening strength of a pouch according to the present disclosure is at least 9 N. More preferably, an opening strength of a pouch according to the present disclosure is at least 10 N. Even more preferably, an opening strength of a pouch according to the present disclosure is at least 11 N.

In the context of the present disclosure, the opening strength of a pouch is determined in accordance with a method set out in ISO 17480:2015 (Packaging - Accessible design - Ease of opening - B.1.2 Tearing). The sealed pouch is held with two clamps, one of which is movable relative to the other clamp. Each clamp holds the pouch on a respective side of the notch. The mobile clamp is pulled at the load end of the equipment in a direction parallel to the notch at a speed of 500 millimetres/minute to tear 20 millimetres in the longitudinal direction. The maximum force read is taken as the opening strength of the pouch. An opening strength of a pouch according to the present disclosure may for example be up to 20 N. In certain embodiments, an opening strength of a pouch according to the present disclosure is less than or equal to 18 N or less than or equal to 16 N. Preferably, an opening strength of a pouch according to the present disclosure is less than or equal to 15 N, more preferably less than or equal to 14 N, even more preferably less than or equal to 13 N.

In certain embodiments, an opening strength of the pouch is from 8 N to 20 N, preferably from 8 N to 18 N, more preferably from 8 N to 16 N, even more preferably from 8 N to 15 N, such as from 8 N to 14 N or from 8 N to 13 N.

In other embodiments, an opening strength of the pouch is from 9 N to 20 N, preferably from 9 N to 18 N, more preferably from 9 N to 16 N, even more preferably from 9 N to 15 N, such as from 9 N to 14 N or from 9 N to 13 N.

In further embodiments, an opening strength of the pouch is from 10 N to 20 N, preferably from 10 N to 18 N, more preferably from 10 N to 16 N, even more preferably from

10 N to 15 N, such as from 10 N to 14 N or from 10 N to 13 N.

In yet further embodiments, an opening strength of the pouch is from 11 N to 20 N, preferably from 11 N to 18 N, more preferably from 11 N to 16 N, even more preferably from

11 N to 15 N, such as from 11 N to 14 N or from 11 N to 13 N.

It has been observed that where an opening force of 9N or more (for example, 10 N) is required to tear through the seals of a pouch in accordance with the present invention, a statistically significant majority of certain unintended users, such as for example children, are consistently unable to access the consumable item held within the pouch. Without wishing to be bound by theory, this is understood to be because, although the pouch relies on a comparatively intuitive opening mechanism - one that does not require for the user to manipulate the pouch according to a predefined sequence of steps - the average finger strength in certain groups of unintended users is insufficient to meet such a demand.

Accordingly, a pouch in accordance with the present invention advantageously provide a strong deterrent against certain unintended users accessing consumable items packaged in the pouch, whilst at the same time making it possible for the intended user to tear the pouch open in a comparatively straightforward manner.

The deterrent effect has been observed to be felt especially in those embodiments wherein the notch is provided at a location where there is a significant area of overlap between the longitudinal seal flap and an underlying transverse seal. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is hypothesised that such an arrangement presents a further challenge to certain groups of unintended users, such as for example small children. It is thought that this may be because propagating a tear through a large area of overlap between the longitudinal seal flap and the underlying transverse seal requires a higher degree of dexterity in combination with the ability to apply a sufficiently large force over an extended period of time using only the one’s fingertips.

In some embodiments, a pouch in accordance with the present disclosure further comprises at least one of a tactile and visual indicator of a position of the notch on an outer surface of the pouch.

One or more indicia may for example be provided on the outer surface of the pouch to provide the intended user with a visual indication of the position of the notch. The indicia may comprise one or more printed signs or symbols drawing the intended user’s attention to the edge of the pouch and towards the area of overlap between the longitudinal seal flap and the transverse seal flap, such as for example an arrow. The indicia may be provided by an area on the outer surface of the pouch having a different colour compared with adjacent portions of the pouch, or be in the form of a recognisable pattern that is different from patterns used elsewhere on the outer surface of the pouch.

Additionally, or as an alternative, the indicia may for example comprise a portion of the sheet of flexible material from which the pouch is formed that is embossed or debossed or otherwise textured so as to provide the intended user a tactile indication of the position of the notch.

As discussed above, pouches of the type disclosed herein may find use as packaging for a number of different articles and consumable items. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a pouch in accordance with the present disclosure is provided which contains a part of an e-vaping device or system, such as for example a cartridge containing a vaporisable e-liquid, as the consumable item. In such a context, a pouch in accordance with the present invention has the specific benefit of keeping a consumable item of that type away from any unintended user, whilst at the same time affording the intended user with a more reliable and efficient opening routine compared with certain pouches currently in use for similar products.

The present disclosure also relates to a method of forming a pouch for a consumer item.

In a first step, the method may comprise providing a sheet of flexible packaging material, the sheet of flexible packing material having opposed first and second sheet faces.

In a second step, the method may comprise placing a consumable item onto the first sheet face.

In a third step, the method may comprise folding the first sheet face onto itself and adhering the first sheet face to itself along longitudinal sheet edges of the sheet to form a longitudinal seal flap.

In a fourth step, the method may comprise adhering the first sheet face to itself to form first and second transverse seals on opposite side of the consumable item, so that the consumable item is held within an internal cavity defined by the folded and sealed sheet. In a fifth step, the method may comprise flat-folding the longitudinal seal flap so that it lies against the second face sheet, such that the longitudinal seal flap overlies respective portions of the first and second transverse seals to define first and second areas of seal overlap at the opposite ends of the folded and sealed sheet.

In a sixth step, the method may comprise forming a notch to facilitate opening of the pouch, the notch extending from a transverse edge of the folded and sealed sheet, the notch being provided at a location within one of the first and second areas of seal overlap and extending through both the longitudinal seal flap and the respective one of the first and second transverse seal.

The invention is defined in the claims. However, below there is provided a non- exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

Examples

Example Ex 1 : A pouch for a consumable item, the pouch comprising a sheet of flexible packaging material, the sheet having opposed first and second sheet faces, the first sheet face being folded onto itself and sealed along longitudinal sheet edges to form a longitudinal seal flap, wherein the pouch further comprises a first and second transverse seals extending transversely to the longitudinal seal flap at opposite ends of the pouch, such that the pouch defines a sealed internal cavity for housing a consumer article, wherein the longitudinal seal flap is flat-folded to lie against the second sheet face such that the longitudinal seal flap overlies respective portions of the first and second transverse seals to define first and second areas of seal overlap at the opposite ends of the pouch, wherein the pouch further comprises a notch to facilitate opening of the pouch, the notch extending from a transverse edge of the pouch, wherein the notch is provided at a location within one of the first and second areas of seal overlap and extends through both the longitudinal seal flap and the respective one of the first and second transverse seal.

Example Ex2: A pouch according to Example Ex1 , wherein a length of the first transverse seal is greater than a length of the second transverse seal and the notch is provided at a location within the area of seal overlap between the longitudinal seal flap and the first transverse seal.

Example Ex3: A pouch according to Example Ex2, wherein a ratio between the length of the first transverse seal and the length of the second transverse seal is at least 1.5, preferably at least 2.0, more preferably at least 2.5.

Example Ex4: A pouch according to Example Ex2 or Example Ex3, wherein a ratio between the length of the first transverse seal and the length of the second transverse seal is less than or equal to 4, preferably less than or equal to 3.5, more preferably less than or equal to 3.0.

Example Ex5: A pouch according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex5, wherein a length of the first transverse seal is at least 4 millimetres, preferably at least 6 millimetres, more preferably at least 8 millimetres.

Example Ex 6: A pouch according to any one of Examples Ex 1 to Ex 5, wherein a length of the first transverse seal is less than or equal to 20 millimetres, preferably less than or equal to 15 millimetres, more preferably less than or equal to 10 millimetres.

Example Ex7: A pouch according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a length of the second transverse seal is at least 1.5 millimetres, preferably at least 2 millimetres, more preferably at least 3 millimetres.

Example Ex8: A pouch according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a length of the second transverse seal is less than or equal to 6 millimetres, preferably less than 5 millimetres, more preferably less than 4 millimetres.

Example Ex9: A pouch according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein a width of the longitudinal seal flap is at least 4 millimetres, preferably at least 6 millimetres, more preferably at least 8 millimetres.

Example Ex10: A pouch according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein a width of the longitudinal seal flap is less than or equal to 15 millimetres, preferably less than or equal to 12 millimetres, more preferably less than or equal to 10 millimetres.

Example Ex11: A pouch according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein a surface area of the area of overlap between the longitudinal seal flap and the first transverse seal is greater than a surface area of the area of overlap between the longitudinal seal flap and the second transverse seal.

Example Ex12: A pouch according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein the notch extends longitudinally from the transverse edge of the pouch over a notch length, wherein a ratio between a notch length and a length of the underlying transverse seal is at least 4 percent, preferably at least 8 percent, more preferably at least 12 percent.

Example Ex13: A pouch according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein the notch extends longitudinally from the transverse edge of the pouch over a notch length, wherein a ratio between a notch length and a length of the underlying transverse seal is less than or equal to 25 percent, preferably less than or equal to 20 percent, more preferably less than or equal to 15 percent.

Example Ex14: A pouch according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein a notch length is at least 0.5 millimetres, preferably at least 0.75 millimetres, more preferably at least 1.0 millimetre. Example Ex15: A pouch according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein a notch length is less than or equal to 2.5 millimetres, preferably less than or equal to 2.0 millimetres, more preferably less than or equal to 1.75 millimetres.

Example Ex16: A pouch according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein the notch is positioned at less than or equal to 4 millimetres from a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the longitudinal seal flap, preferably at less than or equal to 2 millimetres from an axis of symmetry of the longitudinal seal flap, more preferably at less than or equal to 1 millimetre from an axis of symmetry of the longitudinal seal flap.

Example Ex17: A pouch according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein the notch is positioned substantially on a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the longitudinal seal flap.

Example Ex18(a): A pouch according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein a tear strength of the first transverse seal as measured in accordance with ASTM D1922-23 is greater than a tear strength of the second transverse seal as measured in accordance with ASTM D1922-23.

Example Ex18(b): A pouch according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein a tear strength of the second transverse seal as measured in accordance with ASTM D1922- 23 is greater than a tear strength of the first transverse seal as measured in accordance with ASTM D1922-23.

Example Ex19(a): A pouch according to Example Ex18(a), wherein a ratio between the tear strength of the first transverse seal as measured in accordance with ASTM D1922-23 and the tear strength of the second transverse seal as measured in accordance with ASTM D1922-23 is at least 1.1 , preferably at least 1.2, more preferably at least 1.5.

Example Ex19(b): A pouch according to Example Ex18(b), wherein a ratio between the tear strength of the second transverse seal as measured in accordance with ASTM D1922- 23 and the tear strength of the first transverse seal as measured in accordance with ASTM D1922-23 is at least 1.1 , preferably at least 1.2, more preferably at least 1.5.

Example Ex20: A pouch according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein a thickness of the sheet of flexible packaging material is at least 30 micrometres, preferably at least 40 micrometres, more preferably at least 50 micrometres.

Example Ex21 : A pouch according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein a thickness of the sheet of flexible packaging material is less than or equal to 90 micrometres, preferably less than or equal to 80 micrometres, more preferably less than or equal to 70 micrometres.

Example Ex22: A pouch according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein a combined thickness of the pouch at the area of overall between the longitudinal seal flap with the first and second transverse seals is at least 120 micrometres, preferably at least 150 micrometres, more preferably at least 180 micrometres, even more preferably at least 200 micrometres.

Example Ex23: A pouch according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein a combined thickness of the pouch at the area of overall between the longitudinal seal flap with the first and second transverse seals is less than or equal to 400 micrometres, preferably less than or equal to 350 micrometres, more preferably less than or equal to 300 micrometres, even more preferably less than or equal to 280 micrometres.

Example Ex24: A pouch according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein the sheet of flexible material comprises polypropylene.

Example Ex25: A pouch according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein the sheet of flexible material comprises two or more layers, each of the two or more layers comprising polypropylene.

Example Ex26: A pouch according to Example Ex25, wherein the sheet of flexible material further comprises an adhesive provided between adjacent layers of the two or more layers.

Example Ex27: A pouch according to any one of Examples Ex25 and Ex26, wherein a thickness of each layer is at least 10 micrometres, preferably at least 13 micrometres, more preferably at least 16 micrometres.

Example Ex28: A pouch according to any one of Examples Ex25, Ex26 and Ex27, wherein a thickness of each layer is less than 30 micrometres, preferably less than 26 micrometres, more preferably less than 24 micrometres.

Example Ex29: A pouch according to any Example from Ex25 to Ex28, wherein a peel strength between adjacent layers of the sheet material as measured in accordance with YBB 00132002-2015 is at least 2.5N/15mm.

Example Ex30: A pouch according to any Example from Ex25 to Ex29, wherein a peel strength between adjacent layers of the sheet material as measured in accordance with YBB 00132002-2015 less than or equal to 20N/15mm.

Example Ex31 : A pouch according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein a water vapour transmission rate of the sheet of flexible packaging material as determined in accordance with ISO 2528:2017 is less than 3.0 grams/(square metre ■ 24h).

Example Ex32: A pouch according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein the consumable item is a part of an e-vaping device or system.

Example Ex33: A pouch according to any one of the preceding Examples further comprising at least one of a tactile and visual indicator of a position of the notch on an outer surface of the pouch.

Example Ex34: A method of forming a pouch for a consumable item, the method comprising: providing a sheet of flexible packaging material, the sheet having opposed first and second sheet faces; placing a consumable item onto the first sheet face; folding the first sheet face onto itself and adhering the first sheet face along longitudinal sheet edges to form a longitudinal seal flap; adhering the first sheet face to itself to form first and second transverse seals on opposite side of the consumable item so that the consumer article is held within an internal cavity defined by the folded and sealed sheet; flat folding the longitudinal seal flap to lie against the second face sheet such that the longitudinal seal flap overlies respective portions of the first and second transverse seals to define first and second areas of seal overlap at the opposite ends of the folded and sealed sheet; and forming a notch to facilitate opening of the pouch, the notch extending from a transverse edge of the folded and sealed sheet, the notch being provided at a location within one of the first and second areas of seal overlap and extending through both the longitudinal seal flap and the respective one of the first and second transverse seal.

Examples will now be further described with reference to the figures in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic front view of a pouch for a consumable item according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a schematic rear view of the pouch for a consumable item of Figure 2;

Figure 3 shows a schematic top view of a blank from which the pouch for a consumable item of Figures 1 and 2 is formed;

Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the sheet of flexible packaging material from which the pouch for a consumable item of Figures 1 and 2.

A pouch 10 for a consumable item in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, which show respective front and rear views of the pouch 10.

The pouch 10 is made from a sheet of flexible packaging material. In more detail, the pouch 10 is formed by folding the blank 100 illustrated in Figure 3.

The blank 100 is rectangular in shape. An overall length OLB of the blank 100 is 80 millimetres and an overall width OWB of the blank 100 is 74 millimetres.

The sheet of flexible packaging material has the structure shown in Figure 4. In more detail, the sheet of flexible packaging material comprises three layers 200, 202, 204 of polypropylene. In the finished pouch 10, the layer 200 defines an outer surface of the pouch, whereas the layer 204 defines an inner surface of the pouch. The layer 202 is disposed between the outermost layer 200 and the innermost layer 204. The outermost layers 200 and 204 have a thickness of about 20 micrometres, whereas the intermediate layer 202 has a thickness of 18 micrometres. Layers of adhesive 206, 208 are provided between adjacent layers, such as a polyurethane adhesive. An ink layer (not shown) may be provided between the outermost layer 200 and the intermediate layer 202 to provide indicia that will be visible to the intended user and may for example include a marking that points to the location of tear facilitating means.

As illustrated with reference to Figures 1 and 2, the sheet of flexible packaging material has opposed first and second sheet faces 102, 104. To form the pouch 10, the first sheet face 102 is folded onto itself and around a consumable item 300. The first sheet face 102 is then sealed along longitudinal sheet edges to form a longitudinal seal flap 108. A width WLF of the longitudinal seal flap is 9 millimetres.

The pouch 10 further comprises a first and second transverse seals 110, 112 which are formed so that they extend transversely to the longitudinal seal flap 108 at opposite ends 114, 116 of the pouch 10. Thus, the pouch 10 defines a sealed internal cavity for housing the consumable item 300.

A length LFS of the first transverse seal 110 is greater than a length LSS of the second transverse seal 112. Namely, the length LFS of the first transverse seal 110 is 10.5 millimetres whereas the length LSS of the second transverse seal 112 is 5 millimetres. Thus, a ratio between the length LFS of the first transverse seal 110 and the length LSS of the second transverse seal 112 is 2.

An overall length OLP of the pouch 20 is about 77 mm. This is less than the overall length OLB of the blank 100 because the blank is not flat-folded onto itself but around the consumable item 300 to accommodate it within the cavity being formed. An overall width OWP of the pouch 10 is about 29 millimetres. A distance DS between an axis of symmetry of the longitudinal seal flap and a side edge of the transverse seals 110, 112 is about 14.5 millimetres. A longitudinal distance LDTS between the transverse seals 110, 112 is about 61.5 millimetres.

As shown in Figure 2, the longitudinal seal flap 108 is flat-folded to lie against the second sheet face 104. As a result, that the longitudinal seal flap 108 overlies respective portions of the first and second transverse seals 110, 112. Thus, first and second areas 118, 120 of seal overlap are defined at the opposite ends 114, 116 of the pouch 10.

A surface area of the area 118 of overlap between the longitudinal seal flap 108 and the first transverse seal 110 is greater than a surface area of the area of overlap 120 between the longitudinal seal flap 108 and the second transverse seal 112.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pouch further comprises a notch 126 to facilitate opening of the pouch 10. Thus, the notch 122 is provided as a tear-facilitating means.

The notch 122 extends from a transverse edge of the pouch 10, and is provided at a location within the first area 118 of seal overlap, wherein the longitudinal seal flap overlies a portion of the first transverse seal 110.

The notch is formed so as to extends through both the longitudinal seal flap 108 and the underlying first transverse seal 110. That is, both the portions of sheet material forming the longitudinal seal flap 108 and the portions of sheet material forming the first transverse seal 110 are locally weakened by the notch.

As shown in the drawings of Figures 1 and 2, the notch 122 is positioned substantially on a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the longitudinal seal flap 108.

A length NL of the notch 122 is 1.5 millimetres. Thus, a ratio between the notch length NL and the length LFS of the underlying first transverse 110 seal is about 0.14.

Experimental results

Tests were carried out to assess the openability of a pouch in accordance with the present invention as described above with reference to the drawings of the Figures.

Firstly, measurements were carried out to assess a tear force required for opening the pouch according to a procedure described in ISO 17480:2015 (Packaging -Accessible design - Ease of opening).

The measurements were carried out on a tensile tester with two clamps, one of which is mobile. The tester was set up so that the pouch was held with the fixed clamp on one side of the notch and the mobile clamp on the opposite side of the notch.

To measure the tear force, the mobile clamp is pulled at the load end of the equipment at a speed of 500 millimetres/min in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal seal flap and perpendicular to a plane defined by the underlying transverse seal until a tear having a length of 20 millimetres is formed. The maximum force read is taken as the tear force.

Since pouches in accordance with the present invention are not reclosable, and in fact accessing the content of a pouch requires that the pouch be torn open, measurements according to the procedure set out above were carried out on a set of eight substantially identical samples of a Test Pouch 1 in line with the foregoing description of the drawings of Figures 1 to 3. An average of the tear force values determined for said eight samples of Test Pouch 1 was taken as the opening force for a pouch having the features described above.

Equivalent measurements were carried out on a set of eight samples of a Test Pouch 2, which differs from Test Pouch 1 in that the notch extends from the opposite transverse edge of the pouch over a length of 1.5 millimetres, and is provided at a location within the second area of seal overlap. In more detail, the notch is positioned substantially on a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the longitudinal seal flap. As such, in Test Pouch 2 the notch extends through the second transverse seal as well as through the longitudinal seal flap. As noted above, a surface area of the second area of seal overlap is smaller than a surface area of the first area of seal overlap, because a length of the second transverse seal is smaller than a length of the first transverse seal. An average of the tear force values determined for said eight samples of Test Pouch 2 was taken as the opening force for a pouch having the modified notch arrangement described above. Further, equivalent measurements were carried out on a set of eight samples of a Comparative Pouch, which differs from the Test Pouch 1 in that the notch, whilst extending over a length of 1.5 millimetres from the same transverse edge of the pouch as in Test Pouch 1 , is provided at a location outside of the first area of seal overlap. In more detail, the notch is positioned at a location 6 millimetres from a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the longitudinal seal flap. As such, in Comparative Pouch 1 , the notch only extends through the first transverse seal. An average of the tear force values determined for said eight samples of the Comparative Pouch was taken as the opening force for a pouch having the modified notch arrangement described above. Results obtained from the measurements carried out on samples of Test Pouch 1 are shown in the following Table 1. Table 2 shows results obtained from the measurements carried out on the samples of Test Pouch 2. Data relating to the opening force determined for the samples of the Comparative Pouch are shown in Table 3.

Table 4 below contains the averages calculated for each pouch design tested.

Table 1

Table 2 Table 3

Table 4

Tests were also conducted on pouches according to the present invention (Test Pouches 1) to assess whether they can be regarded as being “child-resistant” within the meaning of ISO 28862:2018 (Child-resistant packaging - Requirements and testing procedures for non-reclosable packages for non-pharmaceutical products).

According to a procedure set out in ISO 28862:2018, pouches to be tested are provided under adult supervision to a test group of 200 children aged 42 to 51 months. Each child is given a number of pouches with the request that they be opened by whatever means the child wishes to use within a period of 10 minutes. Children failing to open a minimum of one pouch within the first 5 minutes are shown a demonstration by a test supervisor of the pouch being opened, with no emphasis being placed on the actions of opening and with no verbal instructions. These children then have a further 5 minutes to open the pouch.

The pouch is deemed child-resistant if at least 80 percent of the children are unable to access one or more units within 10 minutes and at least 85 percent of the children are unable to access one or more units within the first 5 minutes.

Only 25 children out of 200 were able to open a pouch in accordance with the present invention as described above within the first 5 minutes, the remaining 87.5 percent of the children failing to gain access to the consumable items held within the pouches. Following a demonstration of the opening mechanism on the part of the adult supervisors, only 38 children out of 200 were able to open a pouch in accordance with the present invention as described above within a further period of 5 minutes, the remaining 81 percent failing to gain access to the consumable items held within the pouches.

Accordingly, pouches in accordance with the present invention have been deemed child-resistant within the meaning of ISO 28862:2018.

Accessibility of the pouch was further assessed by having a test group of 100 adults attempt to open pouches in accordance with the present invention as described above (Test Pouches).

According to a procedure set out in ISO 28862:2018, each adult is given a pouch with any associated written instructions and is allowed 5 minutes to familiarise themselves with the packaging. The number of adults opening the pouch within a 1 minute test period is recorded. The pouch is deemed to comply with the requirements of ISO 28862:2018 if at least 90 percent of the adults are able to access at least one pouch in 1 minute.

All of the 100 adults in the group test were able to open a pouch in accordance with the present invention as described above within a period of 1 minute, and so pouches in accordance with the present invention have been shown to be consistently and reliably easy to open for adult users.

For the purpose of the present description and of the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. In this context, therefore, a number A is understood as A ± 5% of A. Within this context, a number A may be considered to include numerical values that are within general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages enumerated above provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.

Claims

1 . A pouch for a consumable item, the pouch comprising: a sheet of flexible packaging material, the sheet having opposed first and second sheet faces, the first sheet face being folded onto itself and sealed along longitudinal sheet edges to form a longitudinal seal flap, wherein the pouch further comprises a first and second transverse seals extending transversely to the longitudinal seal flap at opposite ends of the pouch, such that the pouch defines a sealed internal cavity for housing a consumable item, wherein the longitudinal seal flap is flat-folded to lie against the second sheet face such that the longitudinal seal flap overlies respective portions of the first and second transverse seals to define first and second areas of seal overlap at the opposite ends of the pouch, wherein the pouch further comprises a notch to facilitate opening of the pouch, the notch extending from a transverse edge of the pouch, wherein the notch is provided at a location within one of the first and second areas of seal overlap and extends through both the longitudinal seal flap and the respective one of the first and second transverse seal, wherein the notch is positioned substantially on a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the longitudinal seal flap.

2. A pouch according to claim 1 , wherein a length of the first transverse seal is greater than a length of the second transverse seal and the notch is provided at a location within the area of seal overlap between the longitudinal seal flap and the first transverse seal.

3. A pouch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a length of the first transverse seal is at least 4 millimetres, preferably at least 6 millimetres, more preferably at least 8 millimetres.

4. A pouch according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a surface area of the area of overlap between the longitudinal seal flap and the first transverse seal is greater than a surface area of the area of overlap between the longitudinal seal flap and the second transverse seal.

5. A pouch according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the notch extends longitudinally from the transverse edge of the pouch over a notch length, wherein a ratio between a notch length and a length of the underlying transverse seal is less than or equal to 25 percent, preferably less than or equal to 20 percent, more preferably less than or equal to 15 percent.

6. A pouch according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a tear strength of the first transverse seal as measured in accordance with ASTM D1922-23 is greater than a tear strength measured in accordance with ASTM D1922-23 of the second transverse seal or wherein a tear strength of the second transverse seal as measured in accordance with ASTM D1922-23 is greater than a tear strength measured in accordance with ASTM D1922-23 of the first transverse seal.

7. A pouch according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a combined thickness of the pouch at the area of overall between the longitudinal seal flap with the first and second transverse seals is at least 120 micrometres, preferably at least 150 micrometres, more preferably at least 180 micrometres, even more preferably at least 200 micrometres.

8. A pouch according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet of flexible material comprises polypropylene.

9. A pouch according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet of flexible material comprises two or more layers, each of the two or more layers comprising polypropylene.

10. A pouch according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a water vapour transmission rate of the sheet of flexible packaging material as determined in accordance with ISO 2528:2017 is less than 3.0 grams/(square metre ■ 24h).

11. A pouch according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the consumable item is a part of an e-vaping device or system.

12. A pouch according to any one of the preceding claims having an opening strength of at least 8 N.

13. A pouch according to any one of the preceding claims comprising at least one of a tactile and visual indicator of a position of the notch on an outer surface of the pouch.

14. A method of forming a pouch for a consumable item, the method comprising: providing a sheet of flexible packaging material, the sheet having opposed first and second sheet faces; placing a consumable item onto the first sheet face; folding the first sheet face onto itself and adhering the first sheet face along longitudinal sheet edges to form a longitudinal seal flap; adhering the first sheet face to itself to form first and second transverse seals on opposite side of the consumable item so that the consumable item is held within an internal cavity defined by the folded and sealed sheet; flat folding the longitudinal seal flap to lie against the second face sheet such that the longitudinal seal flap overlies respective portions of the first and second transverse seals to define first and second areas of seal overlap at the opposite ends of the folded and sealed sheet; forming a notch to facilitate opening of the pouch, the notch extending from a transverse edge of the folded and sealed sheet, the notch being provided at a location within one of the first and second areas of seal overlap and extending through both the longitudinal seal flap and the respective one of the first and second transverse seal; and positioning the notch substantially on a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the longitudinal seal flap.