U.S. patent application number 11/798443 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-15 for cigarette package, wrapping paper for cigarette package, and method and machine for manufacturing wrapping paper.
This patent application is currently assigned to Japan Tobacco Inc.. Invention is credited to Kinya Onimaru, Hitoshi Tanbo, Kanji Yukifune.
Application Number | 20070261704 11/798443 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36407025 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070261704 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tanbo; Hitoshi ; et
al. |
November 15, 2007 |
Cigarette package, wrapping paper for cigarette package, and method
and machine for manufacturing wrapping paper
Abstract
A cigarette package is provided with an outer box (44) and an
inner pack (56) contained within the outer box (44), and the inner
pack (56) includes a cigarette bundle and an inner wrapper (58)
covering the cigarette bundle. The inner wrapper (58) has first and
second paper layers (4, 6) forming the opposite surfaces of the
inner wrapper (58), and a moisture-proof layer (8) interposed
between the first and second paper layers (4, 6), the
moisture-proof layer (8) is made of only paraffin wax and functions
also as an adhesive agent for bonding the first and second paper
layers (4, 6).
Inventors: |
Tanbo; Hitoshi; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Yukifune; Kanji; (Tokyo, JP) ; Onimaru;
Kinya; (Tokyo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Assignee: |
Japan Tobacco Inc.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
36407025 |
Appl. No.: |
11/798443 |
Filed: |
May 14, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/JP05/20630 |
Nov 10, 2005 |
|
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11798443 |
May 14, 2007 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
131/240.1 ;
131/360; 198/370.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B32B 9/06 20130101; B32B
2307/7246 20130101; B32B 2307/718 20130101; D21H 11/18 20130101;
B32B 29/06 20130101; B32B 2439/62 20130101; B32B 2307/7163
20130101; D21H 27/36 20130101; B32B 29/00 20130101; B65D 85/10568
20200501; B32B 7/12 20130101; B32B 9/02 20130101; D21H 27/10
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
131/240.1 ;
131/360; 198/370.11 |
International
Class: |
A24F 19/00 20060101
A24F019/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 17, 2004 |
JP |
2004-333293 |
Claims
1. A cigarette package, comprising: an openable and closable outer
box, and an inner pack contained within said outer box, said inner
pack including a bundle of rod-shaped smoking articles and an inner
wrapper covering the bundle, the inner wrapper having a first paper
layer forming one surface of the inner wrapper, a second paper
layer forming the other surface of the inner wrapper, and a
moisture-proof layer interposed between the first and second paper
layers, the moisture-proof layer containing paraffin wax as a major
constituent and having a thickness sufficient to function as an
adhesive agent for bonding the first and second paper layers.
2. The cigarette package according to claim 1, wherein the
moisture-proof layer consists only of paraffin wax.
3. The cigarette package according to claim 2, wherein the
moisture-proof layer has an adhesive strength of about 15 mN/cm or
greater relative to the first and second paper layers.
4. The cigarette package according to claim 3, wherein the
moisture-proof layer has a thickness produced by applying paraffin
wax in an application quantity of about 6 g/m.sup.2 or more.
5. The cigarette package according to claim 1, wherein the first
and second paper layers are both made of glassine paper.
6. The cigarette package according to claim 5, wherein the first
and second paper layers each have a basis weight of 20 to 40
g/m.sup.2.
7. The cigarette package according to claim 5, wherein at least one
of the first and second paper layers are made of translucent
glassine paper.
8. The cigarette package according to claim 7, wherein the paper
layer made of translucent glassine paper has information printed on
the surface facing the moisture-proof layer.
9. The cigarette package according to claim 1, wherein said outer
box includes a separation line for separating said outer box into a
box body and a hinge lid.
10. Wrapping paper for a cigarette package, where the cigarette
package comprises an openable and closable outer box and an inner
pack contained within the outer box, the inner pack including a
bundle of rod-shaped smoking articles and an inner wrapper formed
from the wrapping paper and covering the bundle, the wrapping paper
comprising a first paper layer forming one surface of the wrapping
paper, a second paper layer forming the other surface of the
wrapping paper, and a moisture-proof layer interposed between said
first and second paper layers, said moisture-proof layer containing
paraffin wax as a major constituent and having a thickness
sufficient to function as an adhesive agent for bonding said first
and second paper layers.
11. The wrapping paper according to claim 10, wherein said first
and second paper layers are both made of glassine paper.
12. The wrapping paper according to claim 10, wherein said
moisture-proof layer consists only of paraffin wax.
13. A method of manufacturing wrapping paper for a cigarette
package, where the cigarette package comprises an openable and
closable outer box and an inner pack contained within the outer
box, the inner pack including a bundle of rod-shaped smoking
articles and an inner wrapper formed from the wrapping paper and
covering the bundle, the method comprising the steps of: applying a
moisture-proof material containing paraffin wax as a major
constituent onto a first paper web, thereby forming a
moisture-proof layer with a thickness greater than or equal to a
predetermined thickness, placing a second paper web on said
moisture-proof layer of said first paper web, thereby forming a
laminated web with said moisture-proof layer interposed between
said first and second paper webs, and applying pressure to said
laminated web within a predetermined pressure range, while keeping
said laminated web at a temperature which is higher than a melting
point of the moisture-proof material within a predetermined
temperature difference range, thereby bonding said first and second
paper webs by means of said moisture-proof layer functioning as an
adhesive agent.
14. The method according to claim 13, wherein said predetermined
temperature difference range is 10 to 50.degree. C. and said
predetermined pressure range is 0.20 to 0.40 mPa.
15. The method according to claim 14, wherein said first and second
paper webs are both made of glassine paper.
16. A machine for manufacturing wrapping paper for a cigarette
package, where the cigarette package comprises an openable and
closable outer box and an inner pack contained within the outer
box, the inner pack including a bundle of rod-shaped smoking
articles and an inner wrapper formed from the wrapping paper and
covering the bundle, the machine comprising a first feed path for
feeding a first paper web, an applicator provided on said first
feed path, for applying a moisture-proof material containing
paraffin wax as a major constituent onto the first paper web,
thereby forming a moisture-proof layer with a thickness greater
than or equal to a predetermined thickness, a second feed path for
feeding a second paper web to said first feed path, a roller unit
provided between a terminal end of said second feed path and said
first feed path, for receiving the first and second paper webs from
said first and second feed paths, forming a laminated web with the
moisture-proof layer interposed between the first and second paper
webs, and delivering the laminated web, and a bonding device for
applying pressure to the laminated web within a predetermined
pressure range, while keeping the laminated web at a temperature
which is higher than a melting point of the moisture-proof material
within a predetermined temperature difference range, thereby
bonding the first and second paper webs by means of the
moisture-proof layer functioning as an adhesive agent.
17. The machine according to claim 16, wherein said applicator
includes a wax tub for holding the moisture-proof material, and
said bonding device includes a first heater for heating the
moisture-proof material held in the wax tub.
18. The machine according to claim 17, wherein said roller unit
includes a rotatable receiver roller disposed on said first feed
path, and a rotatable press roller disposed at the terminal end of
said second feed path, for forming the laminated web in cooperation
with the receiver roller, and said bonding device further includes
a second heater incorporated in the receiver roller for heating the
receiver roller, a rotatable arm supporting the press roller
rotatably, and an air cylinder for rotating the arm toward the
receiver roller, thereby applying pressure to the laminated
web.
19. The machine according to claim 17, wherein said applicator
further includes rollers in a pair, each rotatably arranged within
the wax tub with the cylindrical surface partly immersed in the
moisture-proof material, in the manner that a gap between the
rollers is adjustable, and a rotatable back roller arranged
opposite to one of the rollers in a pair, with said first feed path
between.
20. The machine according to claim 16, wherein the first and second
paper webs are both made of glassine paper.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to an environmentally-friendly
cigarette package which can exclude moisture and retain an aroma
satisfactorily. This invention also relates to wrapping paper with
high biodegradability suitable for such cigarette package, and a
method and machine for manufacturing such wrapping paper.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] The cigarette package comprises an outer box and an inner
pack contained within the outer box, and the inner pack includes a
bundle of smoking articles such as cigarettes or filter cigarettes
and an inner wrapper, that is, wrapping paper covering the
smoking-article bundle.
[0003] For such inner wrapper, aluminum-vapor-deposited paper is
generally used. The aluminum-vapor-deposited paper has a paper
layer and an aluminum film vapor-deposited on one surface of the
paper layer. Such aluminum film is very thin, so that the
aluminum-vapor-deposited paper is insufficient in respect of the
capacity to block moisture and air. Thus, regarding the
moisture-excluding capacity, namely the capacity to protect the
smoking-article bundle from moisture, and the aroma-retaining
capacity, namely the capacity to retain the aroma of the smoking
articles, the aluminum-vapor-deposited paper cannot exclude
moisture and retain the aroma for a long period of time.
[0004] Thus, normally, the cigarette package further comprises a
film enveloping the outer box, and the film includes a tear tape.
Such film not only protects the smoking-article bundle from
moisture and retains the aroma thereof, but also is useful to
prevent tampering with the smoking-article bundle.
[0005] The above-described packaging for the smoking-article bundle
has, however, a triple structure consisting of the
aluminum-vapor-deposited paper, the outer box and the film, which
is a factor causing an increase in the cost of the cigarette
package.
[0006] Further, unlike the aluminum-vapor-deposited paper and the
outer box, the film is disposed of as nonburnable matter. Thus, the
existence of the film is a factor causing an increase of
environmental burdens associated with disposal.
[0007] For these reasons, the cigarette package without the film is
desired. In such cigarette package, the inner wrapper covering the
smoking-article bundle needs to have in itself the
moisture-excluding and aroma-retaining capacities for the smoking
articles.
[0008] Wrapping paper which satisfies such demand is disclosed in
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 10-183498, for
example. The laminated paper disclosed in this publication has two
paper layers and a moisture-proof layer interposed between these
paper layers.
[0009] The moisture-proof layer of the laminated paper disclosed in
this publication, however, contains a polymer. Thus, when such
laminated paper is used for the inner wrapper of the cigarette
package, the odor of the polymer can spread from the laminated
paper to the smoking articles and damage the flavor and taste of
the smoking articles.
[0010] Further, since the polymer which is the major constituent of
the moisture-proof layer is of low biodegradability, the disposal
of the laminated paper increases environmental burdens.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0011] An object of this invention is to provide a cigarette
package which can exclude moisture and retain an aroma
satisfactorily and which can decrease environmental burdens
associated with disposal. Another object of this invention is to
provide wrapping paper suitable for such cigarette package and a
method and machine for manufacturing such wrapping paper.
[0012] In order to achieve the above object, a cigarette package
according to this invention comprises an openable and closable
outer box, and an inner pack contained within the outer box, the
inner pack including a bundle of rod-shaped smoking articles and an
inner wrapper covering the bundle, the inner wrapper including a
first paper layer forming one surface of the inner wrapper, a
second paper layer forming the other surface of the inner wrapper,
and a moisture-proof layer interposed between the first and second
paper layers, the moisture-proof layer containing paraffin wax as a
major constituent and having a thickness sufficient to function as
an adhesive agent for bonding the first and second paper
layers.
[0013] Since the inner wrapper has a moisture-proof layer within
itself, the inner wrapper has a capacity to protect the rod-shaped
smoking articles from moisture and retain the aroma thereof,
satisfactorily, for a long period of time. Further, since the major
constituent of the moisture-proof layer is paraffin wax, the inner
wrapper has high biodegradability. Thus, the environmental burdens
which the disposal of the inner wrapper influences are decreased to
a great degree. Further, since the paraffin wax is odorless, the
moisture-proof layer does not have an adverse effect on the aroma
of the rod-shaped smoking articles.
[0014] Specifically, the moisture-proof layer consists only of
paraffin wax and has an adhesive strength of about 15 mN/cm or
greater relative to the first and second paper layers. Such
moisture-proof layer has a thickness produced by applying paraffin
wax in an application quantity of about 6 g/m.sup.2 or more.
[0015] Meanwhile, the first and second paper layers are both made
of glassine paper, and each of them has a basis weight of 20 to 40
g/m.sup.2, for example.
[0016] A method of manufacturing wrapping paper for obtaining the
above-described inner wrapper comprises steps of: applying a
moisture-proof material containing paraffin wax as a major
constituent onto a first paper web, thereby forming a
moisture-proof layer with a thickness greater than or equal to a
predetermined thickness, placing a second paper web on the
moisture-proof layer of the first paper web, thereby forming a
laminated web with the moisture-proof layer interposed between the
first and second paper webs, and applying pressure to the laminated
web within a predetermined pressure range, while keeping the
laminated web at a temperature which is higher than a melting point
of the moisture-proof material within a predetermined temperature
difference range, thereby bonding the first and second paper webs
by means of the moisture-proof layer functioning as an adhesive
agent.
[0017] In this case, it is desirable that the predetermined
temperature difference range should be 10 to 50.degree. C. and that
the predetermined pressure range should be 0.20 to 0.40 mPa.
[0018] Further, a machine for manufacturing the above-described
wrapping paper comprises a first feed path for feeding a first
paper web; an applicator provided on the first feed path, for
applying a moisture-proof material containing paraffin wax as a
major constituent onto the first paper web, thereby forming a
moisture-proof layer with a thickness greater than or equal to a
predetermined thickness; a second feed path for feeding a second
paper web to the first feed path; a roller unit provided between a
terminal end of the second feed path and the first feed path, for
receiving the first and second paper webs from the first and second
feed paths, forming a laminated web with the moisture-proof layer
interposed between the first and second paper webs, and delivering
the laminated web; and a bonding device for applying pressure to
the laminated web within a predetermined pressure range, while
keeping the laminated web at a temperature which is higher than a
melting point of the moisture-proof material within a predetermined
temperature difference range, thereby bonding the first and second
paper webs by means of the moisture-proof layer functioning as an
adhesive agent.
[0019] The above-described method and machine manufactures the
wrapping paper suitable for the inner wrapper of the cigarette
package. The other objects, advantages, etc. of this invention will
become clear from the description given below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 A cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of
wrapping paper.
[0021] FIG. 2 A diagram schematically showing the structure of a
machine for manufacturing the wrapping paper shown in FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 3 A graph showing the relation between application
quantity and peel strength when pressure applied to the laminated
web is varied as a parameter.
[0023] FIG. 4 A graph showing the relation between application
quantity and peel strength when temperature difference from the
melting point of paraffin wax is varied as a parameter.
[0024] FIG. 5 A perspective view of a cigarette package in which
the wrapping paper shown in FIG. 1 is used for an inner
wrapper.
[0025] FIG. 6 A perspective view showing the cigarette package of
FIG. 5 in an opened state.
[0026] FIG. 7 A cross-sectional view showing how an inner wrapper,
an inner frame and an outer box are bonded to each other when the
cigarette package of FIG. 5 is not opened yet.
[0027] FIG. 8 A graph comparing friction coefficients for
aluminum-vapor-deposited paper, an inner wrapper, and waxed
paper.
[0028] FIG. 9 A perspective view showing an inner pack contained in
the cigarette package of FIG. 5.
BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Wrapping Paper
[0029] As clear from FIG. 1, an embodiment of wrapping paper 2 has
a triple structure. The wrapping paper 2 includes translucent first
and second paper layers 4, 6, where the first and second paper
layers 4, 6 form the opposite surfaces of the wrapping paper 2.
Desirably, the first and second paper layers 4, 6 are both made of
glassine paper, for example. The basis weight of the glassine paper
is selected within the range of 20 to 40 g/m.sup.2, more desirably,
25 to 35 g/m.sup.2. In a specified example, the basis weights of
the first and second paper layers 4, 6 are each 30.5 g/m.sup.2.
[0030] The wrapping paper 2 further includes a moisture-proof layer
8 between the first and second paper layers 4, 6, where the
moisture-proof layer is virtually made of paraffin wax. Here, the
word "virtually" means that substances other than paraffin wax are
allowed to be contained in the moisture-proof layer 8 to the extent
that they do not have an adverse effect on the biodegradability of
the moisture-proof layer 8.
[0031] In order to impart a high biodegradability to the
moisture-proof layer 8, however, it is desirable that the
moisture-proof layer 8 should be made only of paraffin wax. More
desirably, the paraffin wax forming the moisture-proof layer 8
contains about 10 weight % or more of isoparaffin.
[0032] The moisture-proof layer 8 has a function as an adhesive
agent for bonding the first and second paper layers 4, 6, in
addition to the original function of blocking the passage of air,
aroma and moisture that have penetrated into the first or second
layer 4, 6. Here, the moisture-proof layer 8 has an adhesive
strength of about 15 mN/cm or greater, more desirably, 20 mN/cm or
greater, relative to the first and second paper layers 4, 6.
[0033] In order to have the above-mentioned adhesive strength, the
moisture-proof layer 8 is formed by applying paraffin wax onto the
first or second paper layer 4, 6 in the quantity of about 6
g/m.sup.2 or more. When pressure is applied onto the first and
second paper layers 4, 6 from both sides, with paraffin wax in a
melted state with low viscosity interposed between the first and
second paper layers 4, 6, part of the paraffin wax can spread
between the fibers of glassine paper forming the first and second
paper layers 4, 6, since the thickness of the paraffin wax is great
as mentioned above. The paraffin wax that has spread this way
functions as an adhesive agent for bonding the first and second
paper layers 4, 6. Thus, the first and second paper layers 4, 6 are
bonded with the moisture-proof layer 8 between, so that the
wrapping paper 2 having the above-mentioned triple structure is
obtained.
[0034] Since the wrapping paper 2 has the moisture-proof layer 8,
that is, the paraffin wax layer within itself, even when air, aroma
or moisture penetrates into the first or second paper layer 4, 6,
further penetration thereof is blocked by the paraffin wax layer.
Thus, the wrapping paper 2 has high moisture-excluding and
aroma-retaining capacities and is particularly suited to be used
for wrapping articles which dislike moisture or have a
characteristic aroma, etc.
[0035] Further, since the moisture-proof layer 8 is virtually
formed of paraffin wax, the moisture-proof layer 8 is odorless, and
therefore, spread of odor from the moisture-proof layer 8 to the
articles does not happen.
[0036] Further, if the moisture-proof layer 8 is made only of
paraffin wax, the moisture-proof layer 8 as well as the first and
second paper layers 4, 6 has high biodegradability. Thus, the
disposal of the wrapping paper 2 does not increase environmental
burdens.
Machine and Method for Manufacturing Wrapping Paper
[0037] The above-described triple-structure wrapping paper 2 is
manufactured with a machine shown in FIG. 2. This manufacturing
machine and the method of manufacturing the wrapping paper 2 will
be described below.
[0038] The manufacturing machine comprises a first web roll
WR.sub.1, and a first paper web W.sub.1, which will form a first
paper layer 4, is unwound from the first web roll WR.sub.1. A first
feed path 10 extends from the first web roll WR.sub.1, and a feed
roller (not shown) is provided on the first feed path 10. As the
feed roller is rotated, the first paper web W.sub.1 is fed from the
first web roll WR.sub.1, along the first feed path 10.
[0039] The first feed path 10 includes a plurality of guide rollers
12, and downstream of the guide rollers 12, an applicator 14 is
disposed. The applicator 14 includes a wax tub 16, and the wax tub
16 holds paraffin wax Q.
[0040] The applicator 14 includes a heater 18 arranged at the
bottom of the tub 16, and the heater 18 heats paraffin wax Q to
temperature of 90 to 120.degree. C. This heating temperature is
higher than the general melting-point of paraffin wax which ranges
from 40 to 70.degree. C. Thus, the paraffin wax in the wax tub 16
is in a melted state and has low viscosity.
[0041] Within the wax tub 16, an applicator roller 20 is rotatably
arranged, with the cylindrical surface thereof partly immersed in
the paraffin wax Q. Within the wax tub 16, adjacent to the
applicator roller 20, also an adjuster roller 20 is rotatably
arranged, with the cylindrical surface thereof partly immersed in
the paraffin wax Q. The adjuster roller 22 rotates in the opposite
direction to the applicator roller 20, and a gap between the
rollers 20, 22 determines the thickness of a film of paraffin wax Q
formed on the cylindrical surface of the applicator roller 20.
Thus, the thickness of the film of paraffin wax Q on the applicator
roller 20 can be changed by adjusting the gap between the rollers
20, 22.
[0042] Further, near the applicator roller 20, a back roller 24 is
rotatably arranged. The back roller 24 and the applicator roller 20
are on the opposite sides of the first feed path 10. When the first
paper web W.sub.1 passes between the back roller 24 and the
applicator roller 20, a film of paraffin wax Q is applied onto one
side of the first paper web W.sub.1 by the applicator roller 20.
The amount of paraffin wax Q applied is greater than or equal to
about 6 g/m.sup.2, and the paraffin wax Q applied forms a
moisture-proof layer on one side of the first paper web
W.sub.1.
[0043] On the first feed path 10, downstream of the applicator 14,
a roller unit 26 is disposed. The roller unit 26 includes a
receiver roller 28 and a press roller 30 adjacent to the receiver
roller 28.
[0044] The press roller 30 can receive-a second paper web W.sub.2,
which will form a second paper layer 6, in addition to the first
paper web W.sub.1. The second paper web W.sub.2 is fed to the press
roller 30 from a web roll WR.sub.2 along a second feed path 32. The
first and second paper webs W.sub.1, W.sub.2 are arranged in layers
on the cylindrical surface of the press roller 30, where the
above-mentioned moisture-proof layer is located between the first
and second paper webs W.sub.1, W.sub.2. Thus, a triple-structure
laminated web LW is formed on the press roller 30.
[0045] Then, when the laminated web LW passes between the receiver
roller 28 and the press roller 30, pressure is applied to the
laminated web LW by means of the press roller 30. Specifically, a
pressure within the range of 0.2 to 0.40 mPa, for example a
pressure of 0.30 mPa is applied to the laminated LW. In this case,
the heating temperature for paraffin wax Q is 10 to 50.degree. C.
higher than the melting point thereof, for example 30.degree. C.
higher than the melting point.
[0046] As clear from FIG. 2, in order to apply pressure to the
laminated web LW, the press roller 30 is rotatably supported by a
swing arm 34 at the lower end of the arm 34, and the swing arm 34
is rotatably supported by a bracket 36 fitted to a frame, at the
upper end of the arm 34. The swing arm 34 and the frame are
connected by means of an air cylinder 38, and the air cylinder 38
forces the swing arm 34 toward the receiver roller 28. Thus, the
press roller 30 is pressed against the receiver roller 28, with the
laminated web LW between, thereby applying pressure to the
laminated web LW within the above-mentioned pressure range.
[0047] The receiver roller 28 and the press roller 30 incorporate
heaters 40, 42, respectively. The heaters 40, 42 heat the laminated
web LW through the rollers 28, 30, thereby keeping the
moisture-proof layer, that is, the paraffin wax Q at a temperature
higher than its melting point within the above-mentioned
temperature difference range.
[0048] Thus, even if the temperature of the applied melted paraffin
wax Q drops in the period of time from a film of paraffin wax Q is
applied onto one side of the first paper web W.sub.1 until that
part of the first paper web W.sub.1 reaches the roller unit 26, the
laminated web LW is heated by heat from the rollers 28, 30 when
passing between the receiver roller 28 and the press roller 30, so
that the paraffin wax Q is kept at a temperature sufficiently
higher than its melting point and therefore the viscosity thereof
is kept low. In this condition, the press roller 30 applies
pressure to the laminated web LW, so that in the laminated web LW,
part of the paraffin wax Q with low viscosity spreads between the
fibers of the first and second paper webs W.sub.1, W.sub.2.
[0049] Then, in the process in which the laminated web LW passes
through the roller unit 26 and is fed along the first feed path 10,
the paraffin wax Q within the laminated web LW is cooled to below
its melting point by air around and become solidified. The
solidified paraffin wax Q, that is, the moisture-proof layer
functions as an adhesive agent for bonding the first and second
paper webs W.sub.1, W.sub.2, so that a triple-structure wrapping
web PW with the moisture-proof layer between the first and second
paper webs W.sub.1, W.sub.2 is obtained. Then, the wrapping web PW
is cut into a desired size, so that the above-mentioned wrapping
paper 2 is obtained.
[0050] As clear from the above description of the manufacturing
machine, the method of manufacturing the wrapping paper 2 comprises
a step of first applying paraffin wax Q in a melted state onto one
side of a first paper web W.sub.1, thereby forming a moisture-proof
layer on the first paper web W.sub.1; a step of placing a second
paper web W.sub.2 over the first paper web W.sub.1 with the
moisture-proof layer between, thereby forming a laminated web LW;
and a step of applying a predetermined pressure to the laminated
web LW while keeping the paraffin wax Q at a temperature 30.degree.
C. higher than its melting point.
Embodiments of Wrapping Paper
[0051] Different wrapping papers A, B with paraffin wax Q applied
in different quantities were manufactured. Regarding the wrapping
papers A, B, the adhesive strength of the moisture-proof layer 8
and the moisture permeability of the wrapping paper were measured.
The measurement results are shown in table 1 below.
[0052] Regarding isoparaffin concentration, the paraffin wax Q
forming the moisture-proof layer 8 of the wrapping paper A contains
10 weight % or less (specifically, 2.1 weight %) of isoparaffin,
while the paraffin wax Q forming the moisture-proof layer 8 of the
wrapping paper B contains 10 weight % or more (specifically, 13.5
weight %) of isoparaffin.
[0053] The adhesive strength of the moisture-proof layer 8 was
measured according to the test method stipulated in JIS K6854-3
(measurement temperature 25.degree. C.), and the moisture
permeability was measured according to the test method stipulated
in JIS Z0208 (measurement temperature 40.degree. C., humidity 90%).
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Adhesive strength (mN/cm) Moisture-
Moisture- proof proof Moisture permeability Application layer of
layer of (g/m.sup.2/24 hr) quantity wrapping wrapping Wrapping
Wrapping (g/m.sup.2) paper A paper B paper A paper B 3.2 6.9 --
137.8 -- 3.3 -- 7.6 -- 156.2 4.5 7.5 -- 105.6 -- 4.7 -- 7.8 -- 99.8
5.4 7.9 -- -- -- 5.6 -- 9.8 -- 50.6 6.1 15.1 -- 35.4 -- 6.2 -- 19.5
-- 42.1 6.4 17.0 -- 34.6 -- 6.8 -- -- -- -- 7.2 28.5 -- 32.2 -- 7.3
-- 35.5 -- 41.7
[0054] As clear from table 1, when the moisture-proof layer 8 in
the wrapping papers A, B is formed from paraffin wax Q in the
application quantity of about 6 g/m.sup.2 or more, the
moisture-proof layer 8 has a thickness sufficient to function as an
adhesive layer, or in other words, to have an adhesive strength of
about 15 mN/cm or greater, and the wrapping papers A, B have a
moisture permeability of about 45 g/m.sup.2/24 hr or less.
[0055] Further, wrapping papers C to F were manufactured by using
paraffin waxes Q which were different in isoparaffin concentration
(weight %). Also regarding the wrapping papers C to F, the adhesive
strength of the moisture-proof layer 8 was measured according to
the same test method (JIS K6854-3). The measurement results are
shown in table 2 below. TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Wrap- Wrapping
Wrapping Wrapping ping paper C paper D paper E paper F Melting
point .degree. C. 58.2 60.5 68.2 70.0 Concentration 2 2.1 6.0 13.2
(weight %) Application 6.4 6.2 6.4 6.5 quantity (g/m.sup.2)
Adhesive 20.degree. C. 13.8 14.1 15.2 29.8 power at 30.degree. C.
16.8 17.7 20.4 36.2 each 40.degree. C. 18.5 21.4 22.2 44.9
measurement 50.degree. C. 9.8 14.6 21.5 28.3 temperature 55.degree.
C. Unmeasurable 10.4 18.3 20.8 (mN/cm)
[0056] As clear from table 2, in any of the wrapping papers C to F,
the moisture-proof layer 8 is formed from paraffin wax Q in the
application quantity of 6 g/m.sup.2 or more, and therefore has
sufficient adhesive strength. Further, table 2 shows that when the
concentration of isoparaffin in paraffin wax Q is 10 weight % or
higher, the moisture-proof layer 8 has much increased adhesive
strength.
[0057] FIG. 3 shows the relation between the paraffin wax Q
application quantity and the peel strength of the first and second
paper layers 4, 6 when the pressure P applied to the laminated web
LW is varied as a parameter. Meanwhile, FIG. 4 shows the relation
between the paraffin wax Q application quantity and the peel
strength of the first and second paper layers 4, 6 when the
temperature difference .DELTA.(y) between the melting point of
paraffin wax and the heating temperature for the laminated web LW
is varied a parameter. In FIG. 3, x in P(x) is a value in mPa, and
in FIG. 4, y in .DELTA.T(y) is a value in .degree. C.
[0058] As clear from FIG. 3, as the pressure P applied to the
laminated web LW increases, the peel strength increases. The peel
strength is, however, lower when the pressure P is 0.40 mPa than
when the pressure P is 0.35 mPa. The reason for this is thought to
be that too high pressure P applied to the laminated web LW
produces wrinkles in the first and second paper layers 4, 6, such
wrinkles decreasing the peel strength. Thus, in order for the
moisture-proof layer 8 to produce desired peel strength, or in
other words, to have the adhesive strength as mentioned above, it
is desirable to restrict the pressure P applied to the laminated
web LW to the range of 0.20 to 0.40 mPa.
[0059] Meanwhile, regarding the temperature difference .DELTA.T, as
clear from FIG. 4, as the temperature difference .DELTA.T
increases, the peel strength increases. Too great temperature
difference .DELTA.T can, however, lead to alteration of paraffin
wax Q by oxidation, and therefore, production of an off-flavor.
Such off-flavor spreads to the first and second paper layers 4, 6.
Thus, considering the peel strength of the first and second paper
layers 4, 6, that is, the adhesive strength of the moisture-proof
layer 8, it is desirable to restrict the temperature difference
.DELTA.T to the range of 10 to 50.degree. C.
Cigarette Package
[0060] FIGS. 5 and 6 show a cigarette package using the
above-described embodiment of wrapping paper 2.
[0061] The cigarette package comprises an outer box 44, and the
outer box 44 includes a box body 46 and a hinge lid 50 connected to
the body box 46 with a separation line 48 between. After separated
from the box body 46 along the separation line 48, the hinge lid 30
can be rotated about a hinge 52. Thus, the outer box 44 is opened
as shown in FIG. 6. Once the outer box 46 is opened this way, the
separation along the separation line 48 leaves break marks Z at the
separation edge 46a of the box body 46 as well as at the separation
edge of the hinge lid 50, that is, an opening-defining edge 50a. It
is to be noted that the outer box 44 is formed by folding a
blank.
[0062] Within the outer box 44, an inner pack 54 is contained with
an inner frame 56. The inner pack 54 includes a cigarette bundle
having 20 filter cigarettes FC and an inner wrapper 58 covering the
cigarette bundle. The inner wrapper 58 is made of the
above-described wrapping paper.
[0063] The inner frame 56 has a U-shaped cross section, and partly
covers the front surface and side surfaces of the inner pack 54. As
clear from FIG. 6, when the hinge lid 50 is opened, the part of the
inner frame 56 not covered by the box body 46 becomes exposed,
where the edge of the inner frame 56 defines the opening of the box
body 46. Meanwhile, when the hinge lid 50 is closed, the hinge lid
50 covers the part of the inner frame 56 not covered by the box
body 46, where the opening-defining edge 50a meets the separation
edge 46a of the box body 46.
[0064] The inner frame 56 includes a front wall part 56a not
covered by the front wall of the box body 46, and the front wall
part 56a has a U-shaped separation line 60. Also the inner wrapper
58 of the inner pack 54 has a U-shape separation line 62 (see FIG.
9) corresponding to the separation line 60.
[0065] When the outer box 44 is first opened by turning the hinge
lid 50 in the opening direction, the inner frame 56 and the inner
wrapper 58 are separated along the separation lines 60, 62,
respectively, so that a part of the inner frame 56 and a part of
the inner wrapper 58 are separated off the other parts of the inner
frame 56 and of the inner wrapper 58, as separation pieces 64, 66,
respectively.
[0066] Consequently, as shown in FIG. 6, a U-shaped aperture 68 is
formed in the inner frame 56, so that the cigarette bundle of the
inner pack 54 becomes partly exposed, within the aperture 68. The
separation pieces 64, 66 which have been separated off the inner
frame 56 and inner wrapper 58 are kept stuck to the inner surface
of the hinge lid 50.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 7, in order that the separation pieces 64,
66 can be separated along the separation lines 60, 62, the part of
the inner frame 56 surrounded by the separation line 60 is bonded
to the inner surface of the front wall of the hinge lid 50 by a
glue applied region 70, and the part of the inner wrapper 58
surrounded by the separation line 62 is bonded to the inner surface
of the inner frame 56 by a glue applied region 72. The
above-mentioned part of the inner wrapper 58 is bonded also to the
ceiling surface of the hinge lid 50 with a glue applied region
74.
[0068] When the above-described wrapping paper 2 is used for the
inner wrapper 58, the moisture-proof layer 8 present within the
inner wrapper 58 satisfactorily protects the cigarette bundle,
i.e., the individual cigarettes FC from moisture present outside
the outer box 44 and satisfactorily prevents the aroma of the
filter cigarettes FC from escaping to outside the outer box 44,
until the outer box 44 is opened. Thus, the inner wrapper 58 stably
maintains the quality of the cigarette bundle for a long period of
time.
[0069] Once the outer box 44 is opened, break marks Z are left at
the separation edge 46a of the box body 46 and the opening-defining
edge 50a of the hinge lid 50. The production of the break marks Z
is useful to prevent tampering with the cigarette bundle. Thus, the
cigarette package only requires the outer box 44 that covers the
inner pack 56, not requires a film that covers the outer box 44.
Accordingly, not only excess packaging of the cigarette bundle can
be avoided, but also the need to dispose of the film is obviated.
Thus, the cigarette package according to the present invention
contributes much to a decrease of environmental burdens.
[0070] The moisture-proof layer 8 of the inner wrapper 58 does not
come into direct contact with the filter cigarettes FC, and in
addition, the moisture-proof layer 8 is odorless. Thus, the
moisture-proof layer 8 does not have an adverse effect on the aroma
of the filter cigarettes FC.
[0071] Further, the first and second paper layers 4, 6 of the inner
wrapper 58 are made of glassine paper. Thus, as shown in FIG. 8,
the static and kinetic friction coefficients for the first and
second paper layers 4, 6 are smaller, as compared with a paper
layer made of aluminum-vapor-deposited paper generally used as the
inner wrapper, and a paper layer made of waxed paper used as
wrapping paper for a carton.
[0072] Further, since the glassine paper is very thin, the
resilience of the inner wrapper 58 resisting folding is small
although the inner wrapper 58 has the above-described triple-layer
structure. Accordingly, the inner wrapper 58 can be easily folded
around the cigarette bundle, and after folding, the inner wrapper
58 does not unfold back. Thus, the inner wrapper 58 can be stably
folded around the cigarette bundle, and therefore, the wrapping
paper 2 is particularly suitable for the inner wrapper of the inner
pack 56.
[0073] As mentioned above, the first and second paper layers 4, 6
of the inner wrapper 58 are both translucent, but exceptionally,
they are allowed to be not translucent. However, if one of the
first and second paper layers 4, 6 is translucent, one surface of
the translucent paper layer can be used as a printing surface to
print desired character information, designs, etc., on.
[0074] Specifically, if the first paper layer 4 of the inner
wrapper 58 is in direct contact with the cigarette bundle and the
second paper layer 6 in contact with the moisture-proof layer 8 is
translucent, the surface of the second paper layer 6 in contact
with the moisture-proof layer 8 can be used as a printing surface.
In this case, information, etc. can be printed on the printing
surface, in desired positions such as on the front face and side
faces of the inner pack 56, as indicated by hatching in FIG. 9.
[0075] Even when information, etc. is printed on the second paper
layer 6, ink or its odor does not pass through the moisture-proof
layer 8. Thus, the ink does not stain the filter cigarettes FC, and
the odor of the ink does not transferred to the filter cigarettes
FC.
[0076] In order to print information, etc. on the inner wrapper 58
on the inner wrapper 58 production line, a printing unit 76 can be
disposed on the second feed path 32 for the second paper web
W.sub.2, as shown in FIG. 2. Alternatively, information, etc. may
be printed on the second paper web W.sub.2 in advance.
[0077] The wrapping paper according to the present invention is
suited not only for the inner wrapper 58 of the inner pack 56 but
also for wrapping various articles that dislike moisture.
* * * * *