U.S. patent application number 11/727990 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-04 for method of producing overwrap material, and a pack furnished with the material produced.
Invention is credited to Silvano Boriani, Stefano Negrini.
Application Number | 20070228040 11/727990 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37998355 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070228040 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Boriani; Silvano ; et
al. |
October 4, 2007 |
Method of producing overwrap material, and a pack furnished with
the material produced
Abstract
Transparent outer wrappers for cigarette packets are prepared by
advancing a continuous strip of overwrap material along a given
feed path in a given direction, piercing a predetermined area of
the strip with a series of slits spaced apart one from another and
extending nominally transverse to the feed direction, and bonding a
narrow ribbon to the strip along the predetermined area, aligned on
at least one portion of the slits; the strip then passes under a
blade shaped so as to cut a series of "U" notches spaced apart one
from the next, each creating a pull tab at the end of the ribbon,
before being divided ultimately into leaves by a pair of
contrarotating cutter rollers equipped with respective blades. Each
single leaf serves as a wrapper for a relative pack, fashioned so
that when torn open by pulling the ribbon, the ribbon encounters
the slit and initiates two break lines extending away from the
ribbon on either side to facilitate the removal of the wrapper in
its entirety.
Inventors: |
Boriani; Silvano; (Bologna,
IT) ; Negrini; Stefano; (Calderara Di Reno,
IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Harbin King & Klima
500 Ninth Street SE
Washington
DC
20003
US
|
Family ID: |
37998355 |
Appl. No.: |
11/727990 |
Filed: |
March 29, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/62.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B31B 70/146 20170801;
B31B 50/16 20170801; B31B 70/16 20170801; B65D 85/1027 20130101;
B31B 50/8126 20170801; B65D 75/66 20130101; B31B 70/8123
20170801 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/62.2 |
International
Class: |
B65D 3/22 20060101
B65D003/22 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 29, 2006 |
IT |
BO2006A000214 |
Claims
1. A method of producing overwrap material, including the steps of:
causing a continuous strip of overwrap material to advance along a
predetermined feed path in a predetermined feed direction;
processing a predetermined area of the strip of overwrap material
in such a way as to make at least one slit or incision having a
geometrical component transverse to the feed direction; applying a
ribbon of small transverse dimensions to the strip, along the
predetermined area.
2. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of making at least one
slit is effected prior to the step of applying the ribbon of small
transverse dimensions.
3. A method as in claim 1, including the step of making at least
one U-shaped notch in the predetermined area of the strip, effected
after the step of applying the ribbon.
4. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of applying the ribbon
of small transverse dimensions involves placing the selfsame ribbon
so as to coincide with at least one portion of the at least one
slit.
5. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of applying the ribbon
of small transverse dimensions involves placing the selfsame ribbon
alongside the at least one slit.
6. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of making the at least
one slit involves placing the slit at right angles to the
longitudinal dimension of the ribbon of small transverse
dimensions.
7. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of making the at least
one slit involves placing the slit at an oblique angle to the
longitudinal dimension of the ribbon of small transverse
dimensions.
8. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of making the at least
one slit involves creating a slit of chevron shape presenting a
vertex over which the ribbon is applied.
9. A method as in claim 8, wherein the at least one slit of chevron
shape is disposed with the vertex oriented in a direction
coinciding with the tear direction of the ribbon of small
transverse dimensions.
10. A method as in claim 8, wherein the at least one slit of
chevron shape is disposed with the vertex oriented in a direction
opposite to the tear direction of the ribbon of small transverse
dimensions.
11. A method as in claim 1, including a step of making a succession
of slits along the predetermined area of the strip.
12. A method as in claim 3, including the further steps, effected
following the step of making the at least one U-shaped notch, of
dividing the strip into discrete leaves and feeding the leaves to
an overwrapping unit.
13. A method as in claim 2, including a step, effected following
the step of applying the ribbon of small transverse dimensions, of
winding the strip onto a reel for use by an overwrapping unit.
14. A pack furnished with a protective wrapper, consisting in a
leaf of overwrap material and a ribbon of small transverse
dimensions bonded to a predetermined area of the selfsame material,
wherein the wrapper presents at least one slit made in the
predetermined area of the overwrap material and having a
geometrical component transverse to the longitudinal dimension of
the ribbon of small transverse dimensions.
15. A pack as in claim 14, wherein the at least one slit appears
substantially rectilinear.
16. A pack as in claim 15, wherein the ribbon is placed over a
central portion of the at least one slit lying between two
respective ends of the selfsame slit.
17. A pack as in claim 15, wherein the ribbon is placed over one
end of the at least one slit.
18. A pack as in claim 15, wherein the slit is located alongside
the ribbon.
19. A pack as in claim 14, wherein the at least one slit extends at
right angles to the longitudinal dimension of the ribbon.
20. A pack as in claim 14, wherein the at least one slit extends at
an oblique angle to the longitudinal dimension of the ribbon.
21. A pack as in claim 14, wherein the at least one slit is of
chevron-like shape, presenting a vertex over which the ribbon of
small transverse dimensions is placed.
22. A pack as in claim 21, wherein the vertex of the at least one
slit is oriented in a direction coinciding with a tear direction of
the ribbon.
23. A pack as in claim 21, wherein the vertex of the at least one
slit is oriented in a direction opposite to a tear direction of the
ribbon.
24. A pack as in claim 14, wherein the outer wrapper presents a
notch of "U" shape made in the predetermined area of the overwrap
material and creating a tab at one end of the ribbon such as can be
gripped and pulled to tear the wrapper.
25. A pack as in claim 14, wherein the wrapper comprises a
succession of slits made in the predetermined area of the strip and
spaced apart one from the next.
26. A packet of cigarettes, characterized in that it comprises a
pack as in any of claim 14.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a method of producing
overwrap material, and to a pack covered with the material
obtainable by such a method.
[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to packs for
tobacco products, typically cigarette packets, and indeed reference
is made to products of this type in the following specification,
albeit implying no limitation in scope.
[0003] Conventionally, packets of cigarettes are provided with a
protective outer wrapper of transparent heat-shrinkable material,
referred to generally as overwrap material.
[0004] Dedicated packaging machines first envelop each successive
pack in the overwrap material and then apply heat to the selfsame
material, causing it to tighten against the outer faces of the
pack.
[0005] The outer wrapper also incorporates a so-called tear tape or
tear-off ribbon, of small transverse dimensions, by means of which
the outer wrapper can be broken simply and swiftly when the moment
comes to open up the pack.
[0006] To prepare the aforementioned wrapper, the ribbon is
decoiled continuously from a roll and applied, by welding or
gluing, to a strip of overwrap material moving continuously along a
predetermined feed direction.
[0007] A succession of U-shaped notches can then be fashioned in
the overwrap material, placed along the line of the ribbon. Each
notch serves to free one end of the ribbon, thereby creating a tab
that can be gripped and pulled to break open the pack neatly and
easily.
[0008] Thereafter, the strip of wrapping material with its bonded
ribbon is cut into discrete leaves, each providing one protective
wrapper, and fed to the packaging machine.
[0009] With the wrapper in place around the finished pack, the
ribbon will be positioned on the inside of the overwrap material,
peripherally adjacent to one end face on all sides, in such a way
that the material can be torn in a direction transverse to its
longitudinal dimension.
[0010] In the case of cigarette packets, more exactly, the ribbon
is located near the top end face, so that when pulled along the
tear line, the wrapper will divide into two portions: a smaller
portion enveloping the end face, and a larger portion enveloping
the main body of the packet.
[0011] In this situation, after the tear has been made with the
ribbon, the two portions of the wrapper must often be jerked away
forcibly in order to remove them completely. In effect, because the
overwrap material is pulled so tightly against the outer faces of
the pack, by heat-shrinking, it is difficult to dislodge.
[0012] Accordingly, additional tears or cuts are made by hand to
enable the removal of the larger portion, resulting in damage to
the pack.
[0013] The object of the present invention is to provide a method
of producing overwrap material, also a pack furnished with an
easily removable material obtained by such a method.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The stated object is realized according to the present
invention in a method of producing overwrap material that includes
the steps of causing a continuous strip of overwrap material to
advance along a predetermined feed path in a predetermined feed
direction, piercing a predetermined area of the strip of overwrap
material with at least one slit or incision having a geometrical
component transverse to the feed direction, and applying a ribbon
of small transverse dimensions to the strip, along the
predetermined area.
[0015] The stated object is realized similarly in a pack furnished
with a protective wrapper, consisting in a leaf of overwrap
material and a ribbon of small transverse dimensions bonded to a
predetermined area of the material, wherein the wrapper presents at
least one slit made in the predetermined area of the overwrap
material and having a geometrical component transverse to the
longitudinal dimension of the ribbon of small transverse
dimensions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The invention will now be described in detail, by way of
example, with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration showing the preparation
of an overwrap material in accordance with the present
invention;
[0018] FIGS. 2 to 6 show different solutions for the embodiment of
a detail in the illustration of FIG. 1, viewed in plan from
above;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective illustration showing a packet of
cigarettes furnished with the overwrap material;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective illustration showing a packet of
cigarettes furnished with the overwrap material, in which the
material is partially torn.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] With reference to FIG. 1, the invention relates to a method
of producing overwrap material 1.
[0022] In a first step of the method, a continuous strip of
preferably transparent and heat-shrinkable overwrap material 1 is
caused to advance along a predetermined feed path "P" in a
predetermined direction "A".
[0023] In a further step, a predetermined area 2 of the advancing
strip 1 is provided with at least one slit or incision 4 having a
geometrical component transverse to the aforementioned direction
"A".
[0024] Advantageously, the step in question involves creating a
succession of such slits 4 through the agency of suitable cutting
or punching means 5 composed of a main roller 5a carrying a blade
6, and a matching anvil roller 5b. The two rollers 5a and 5b are
set in contrarotation about respective axes extending transversely
to the aforementioned feed direction "A".
[0025] The blade 6 presents a profile selected according to the
shape of the slit 4 and strikes against the anvil roller 5b with
each rotation of the main roller 5a, producing a slit 4 at each
stroke.
[0026] Thereafter, a ribbon 7 of small transverse dimensions is
applied to the strip of overwrap material 1; the ribbon 7 is
decoiled from a roll 8, directed continuously downstream of a
diverting roller 8a along a path "P1" parallel to the feed path
"P", and applied to the aforementioned area 2 of the strip in
parallel alignment with the feed direction "A".
[0027] To advantage, and by way of example, the ribbon 7 is bonded
utilizing an ultrasonic welding unit 3 of familiar type, not
described in detail.
[0028] It will be seen that the slits 4 are cut before applying the
ribbon 7, so that the ribbon can be positioned relative to the
selfsame slits.
[0029] In FIGS. 1 to 3, the ribbon 7 is shown placed over a central
portion 4a of the slit 4, so that the two respective ends 4b of the
slit will be located on opposite sides of the ribbon 7.
[0030] Alternatively, the ribbon 7 can be placed over one end 4b of
the slit 4, as illustrated clearly in FIG. 4 where the slits are
shown staggered one from the next, or in a part of the area 2
adjacent to but not effectively coinciding with the slits 4.
[0031] In the example of FIG. 1, the slits 4 are cut parallel one
with another and appear substantially rectilinear, extending at
right angles to the feed direction "A" and to the longitudinal
dimension of the ribbon 7.
[0032] In the examples of FIGS. 2 and 3, the slits 4 are cut
parallel with one another and angled obliquely, relative to the
longitudinal dimension of the ribbon 7.
[0033] Alternatively, as in the example of FIG. 4, the slits 4 can
be staggered one from another on opposite sides of the ribbon
7.
[0034] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a further example in which the
slits 4 are generated as chevrons, each presenting a vertex 9 that
coincides with the line of the ribbon 7.
[0035] The chevron slits 4 can be disposed, as in the example of
FIG. 5, with the vertex 9 oriented along a tear direction "B" of
the narrow ribbon. Alternatively, the selfsame slits 4 can be
disposed with the vertex 9 oriented in a direction opposite to the
tear direction "B" of the ribbon 7, as in FIG. 6.
[0036] The step of applying the ribbon 7 to the strip of overwrap
material 1 is followed by a step of forming a U-shaped notch 10 in
the aforementioned area 2 of the strip.
[0037] The U-shaped notch 10 is positioned between two successive
slits 4 of the type cut previously, and serves to create a pull tab
11 at one end of the ribbon 7, as will be described in due course.
To advantage, a succession of the U-shaped notches 10 will be
generated through the agency of a further blade 12 of conventional
type (not illustrated), by which the ribbon 7 is cut
transversely.
[0038] After the U-shaped notches 10 have been cut, as illustrated
in FIG. 1, the strip of overwrap material 1 is divided up into
discrete lengths, or leaves 13, which are then fed into an
overwrapping unit not illustrated in the accompanying drawings,
being of conventional type and only incidental to the present
invention.
[0039] To advantage, the step of dividing the strip of overwrap
material 1 into leaves is effected by a pair of contrarotating
cutter rollers 14 equipped with respective blades 14a. Each leaf 13
cut by the rollers 14 presents a succession of slits 4 and one
U-shaped notch 10.
[0040] Alternatively, after the U-shaped notches 10 have been cut,
the strip of overwrap material 1 might be wound onto a reel (not
illustrated) for use by the overwrapping unit.
[0041] The overwrap material 1 obtained by the method thus
described is utilized for packs 15 of the type illustrated in FIGS.
7 and 8.
[0042] In particular, and with no limitation in scope implied, the
pack 15 of FIGS. 7 and 8 consists in a packet of cigarettes, around
which the overwrap material 1 provides a protective outer wrapper
16.
[0043] The wrapper 16 appears with the aforementioned ribbon 7
extending peripherally around one end face of the pack 15. In
addition, the ribbon 7 is disposed with the tear direction "B"
extending parallel to its own longitudinal dimension, and occupying
a plane transverse to the longitudinal dimension of the pack
15.
[0044] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the wrapper 16 is opened by hand,
gripping the tab 11 of the ribbon 7 and pulling. This causes the
ribbon 7 to break the overwrap material 1 along the aforementioned
tear direction "B" until the slit 4 is encountered. The slit 4,
shown perpendicular to the ribbon 7 in FIG. 7, will at this point
initiate two new break lines 17 departing and diverging from the
line of the ribbon 7 on either side.
[0045] When the ribbon 7 is pulled, accordingly, the break lines 17
will cause the entire wrapper 16 to tear readily in a direction
transverse to the main tear direction "B", and facilitate the
removal of the overwrap material 1 completely.
[0046] In the case of the chevron slit 4 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6,
two break lines 17 are initiated, generating appendages 18 on
opposite sides of the ribbon, from which the wrapper 16 can be torn
toward the ends of the pack 15 and peripherally around the end
faces.
[0047] Whilst the wrapper 16 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 presents just
one slit 4, any given number of such slits 4 could be provided in
order to facilitate the removal of the material 1, depending on the
size of the pack 15.
[0048] Self-evidently, the pack 15 does not need to be extracted
from the wrapper 16 once a tear has been made with the ribbon 7. In
practice, the action of pulling the ribbon 7 serves also to
initiate the break lines 17 and allow the wrapper 16 to be torn off
completely, without the material sticking fast to the outer faces
of the pack 15. Accordingly, the pack 15 is spared any damage that
might be caused in the attempt to remove portions of the overwrap
material 1 that continue to cling to the outer surfaces.
* * * * *