U.S. patent application number 12/352478 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-24 for naked collation package.
This patent application is currently assigned to Innovia Films Limited. Invention is credited to John Fell, Barry Frizell, Wolfgang Zimmerer.
Application Number | 20100155292 12/352478 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40343792 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100155292 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fell; John ; et al. |
June 24, 2010 |
NAKED COLLATION PACKAGE
Abstract
A naked collation package comprising a plurality of individual
units laid end-to-end or side-by-side to form a unit row comprising
at least one interface between a neighbouring pair of individual
units in the unit row, the unit row being overwrapped with a sheet
of polymeric film having a length and a width, the length of the
sheet being sufficient to envelop the unit row with sufficient
overlap between the ends of the sheet to provide an overlap region
for providing a girth seal along at least part of the length of the
unit row, the sheet being sealed to itself in that region to
provide the girth seal, and the sheet being provided along its
length, or part or parts of it, with a line of weakness positioned
in substantial register with the interface.
Inventors: |
Fell; John; (Wigton, GB)
; Frizell; Barry; (Wigton, GB) ; Zimmerer;
Wolfgang; (Wigton, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET, FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Assignee: |
Innovia Films Limited
Wigton
GB
|
Family ID: |
40343792 |
Appl. No.: |
12/352478 |
Filed: |
January 12, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/738 ;
206/739; 53/461; 53/543 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 75/585 20130101;
B65D 85/1072 20130101; B65B 11/48 20130101; B65B 61/02
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/738 ; 53/543;
53/461; 206/739 |
International
Class: |
B65D 75/58 20060101
B65D075/58; B65B 35/30 20060101 B65B035/30; B65B 11/00 20060101
B65B011/00; B65D 65/28 20060101 B65D065/28 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 18, 2008 |
GB |
GB0823072.4 |
Claims
1. A naked collation package comprising: a plurality of individual
units laid end-to-end or side-by-side to form a unit row comprising
at least one interface between a neighbouring pair of individual
units in the unit row; the unit row being overwrapped with a sheet
of polymeric film having a length and a width; the length of the
sheet being sufficient to envelop the unit row with sufficient
overlap between the ends of the sheet to provide an overlap region
for providing a girth seal along at least part of the length of the
unit row, the sheet being sealed to itself in that region to
provide the girth seal; the width of the sheet being longer than
the unit row to provide an envelope seal region in at least one end
of the unit row so that the wrapped and girth-sealed sheet is able
to fold over and seal to itself at the at least one end of the unit
row to provide an envelope seal, the sheet being folded and sealed
to itself in that region to provide the envelope seal; and the
sheet being provided along its length, or part or parts of it, with
a line of weakness positioned in substantial register with the
interface, wherein the line of weakness is an oscillating line of
weakness propagating sequentially above and below a longitudinal
axis running along a length of the oscillating line of weakness
through a centre thereof.
2. A naked collation package according to claim 1, wherein flexing
the package in the region of the interface causes an individual
unit or group of units to be snapped off from the remainder of the
package whilst leaving the remainder of the package substantially
intact.
3. A naked collation package according to claim 1, further
comprising a plurality of interfaces between neighbouring pairs of
individual units.
4. A naked collation package according to claim 3 comprising a
plurality of lines of weakness along the length of the sheet; each
line of weakness positioned in substantial register with a
respective interface.
5. A naked collation package according to claim 1, wherein the
oscillating line of weakness comprises a sinusoidal profile.
6. A naked collation package according to claim 1, wherein the
oscillating line of weakness comprises a zigzag line.
7. A naked collation package comprising: a plurality of individual
units laid end-to-end or side-by-side to form a unit row comprising
at least one interface between a neighbouring pair of individual
units in the unit row; the unit row being overwrapped with a sheet
of polymeric film having a length and a width; the length of the
sheet being sufficient to envelop the unit row with sufficient
overlap between the ends of the sheet to provide an overlap region
for providing a girth seal along at least part of the length of the
unit row, the sheet being sealed to itself in that region to
provide the girth seal; the width of the sheet being not
substantially longer than the unit row so that the wrapped and
girth-sealed sheet forms an open-ended sleeve around the unit row;
and the sheet being provided along its length, or part or parts of
it, with a line of weakness positioned in substantial register with
the interface, wherein the line of weakness is an oscillating line
of weakness propagating sequentially above and below a longitudinal
axis running along a length of the oscillating line of weakness
through a centre thereof.
8. A naked collation package according to claim 7, wherein flexing
the package in the region of the interface causes an individual
unit or group of units to be snapped off from the remainder of the
package whilst leaving the remainder of the package substantially
intact.
9. A naked collation package according to claim 7, further
comprising a plurality of interfaces between neighbouring pairs of
individual units.
10. A naked collation package according to claim 9 comprising a
plurality of lines of weakness along the length of the sheet; each
line of weakness positioned in substantial register with a
respective interface.
11. A naked collation package according to claim 7, wherein the
oscillating line of weakness comprises a sinusoidal profile.
12. A naked collation package according to claim 7, wherein the
oscillating line of weakness comprises a zigzag line.
13. A process for the production of a naked collation package, the
process comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of
individual units laid end-to-end or side-by-side to form a unit row
comprising at least one interface between a neighbouring pair of
individual units in the unit row; providing a sheet of polymeric
film having a length and a width; the length of the sheet being
sufficient to envelop the unit row with sufficient overlap between
the ends of the sheet to provide an overlap region for providing a
girth seal along at least part of the length of the unit row; and
the width of the sheet being longer than the unit row to provide an
envelope seal region in at least one end of the unit row; providing
along the length of the film an oscillating line of weakness
propagating sequentially above and below a longitudinal axis
running along a length of the oscillating line of weakness through
a centre thereof; registering the oscillating line of weakness with
the interface; wrapping the length of the film around the unit row
and sealing the film to itself to provide a girth seal; and folding
and sealing the film to itself in the envelope seal region to
provide the envelope seal.
14. A process for the production of a naked collation package, the
process comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of
individual units laid end-to-end or side-by-side to form a unit row
comprising at least one interface between a neighbouring pair of
individual units in the unit row; providing a sheet of polymeric
film having a length and a width; the length of the sheet being
sufficient to envelop the unit row with sufficient overlap between
the ends of the sheet to provide an overlap region for providing a
girth seal along at least part of the length of the unit row; and
the width of the sheet being not substantially longer than the unit
row; providing along the length of the film an oscillating line of
weakness propagating sequentially above and below a longitudinal
axis running along a length of the oscillating line of weakness
through a centre thereof; registering the oscillating line of
weakness with the interface; and wrapping the length of the film
around the unit row and sealing the film to itself to provide an
open-ended girth-sealed sleeve around the unit row.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to Great
Britain Patent Application No. GB 0823072.4, filed Dec. 18, 2008,
all of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety
herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a naked
collation package.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Naked collation refers to a packaging application in which a
plurality of individual units (generally of an article of commerce)
are collated and then wrapped directly (without any intermediate
packaging such as a carton or tube) in a packaging film, which
holds the collated units together in the resulting naked collation
package. Naked collation provides a number of benefits, including
reducing the quantity of packaging material (at least by avoiding
the need for any intermediate packaging) and, in the case of a
transparent packaging film, allowing the individual units to be
visible.
[0006] The packaging technique of naked collation is particularly
useful in connection with the packaging of relatively rigid
articles and/or articles which are not especially susceptible to
flexing, for example, cigarette cartons, boxed pharmaceutical
products, playing cards, packaged perfumes and cosmetics, CD cases,
DVD cases, and the like. Although they need not be, commonly such
articles will themselves be unit wrapped with an overwrap film so
that once removed from the naked collation package they are then
ready for display on the shelves of a retailer or for use by a
consumer, for example. The problem of avoiding sealing the exterior
film of the naked collation package to the unit wrap film is
addressed for example in our co-pending application
PCT/GB2008/050662.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Several embodiments of the present invention are concerned
with removing the individual units from the naked collation package
in a manner which is easy to effect and which preferably allows
individual units or groups, bundles, or bunches of units to be
removed from the naked collation package without compromising the
integrity of the remainder of the package. In several embodiments,
scored lines are applied to a film at predetermined or desired
positions to coincide with the edges (or desired locations) of
packs in the collation bundles. This feature, in some embodiments,
gives localised weakening of the film and offers users the benefits
of snapping the film at the scored lines to remove one or more
packs at a time, whilst the remainder of the bundle stays collated.
As described below, the scored lines may be straight, curved, or
wavy.
[0008] Commonly in naked collation, as in many other types of
packaging, a shrink film is employed to ensure a tight wrap.
Whether a tight wrap, desirable from both a practical and an
aesthetic point of view, is achieved by means of a shrink film or
by other means, end users or retailers often experience
difficulties in removing individual units or groups thereof from
the naked collation package as a whole. This is because the film
can be so tightly wrapped around the collated units that the user
is unable to gain any substantial purchase on the film in order to
tear and remove the exterior film. The user may resort to using a
sharp implement or brute force to assist with the opening process,
but this may then cause damage to the individual units, or may
cause the whole package to be compromised, thereby releasing and
spilling all of the individual units, even though the intention of
the user was to remove only one, or some, of the units from the
package.
[0009] In a naked collation package individual units (such as
unit-wrapped cigarette cartons by way of example) are generally
stacked, laid end-to-end, and then wrapped in a sheet of naked
collation film. Stack heights vary from a single unit stack to
double or triple (or more) unit stacks. Pack lengths may be from
two to about twenty, or more, but will often be in the range of
from about three to ten units in length. Pack lengths of from about
four to about seven are common in the field of nakedly collated
cigarette cartons, for example.
[0010] In a naked collation package the risk of damage to the
wrapped article by the use for example of sharp implements to
pierce the overwrap film is acute; and it would be desirable to
provide a ready means of opening such packs manually. It would also
be desirable to provide a means for separating individual units, or
groups of units, from the main body of the pack whilst leaving the
remaining wrapped units in the pack substantially intact.
[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention there
is provided a naked collation package comprising a plurality of
individual units laid end-to-end or side-by-side (or other
formation) to form a unit row comprising at least one interface
between a neighbouring pair of individual units in the unit row.
The unit row can be overwrapped with a sheet of polymeric film
having a length and a width. The length of the sheet can be
sufficient to envelop the unit row with sufficient overlap between
the ends of the sheet to provide an overlap region for providing a
girth seal along at least part of the length of the unit row. The
sheet can be sealed to itself in that overlap region to provide the
girth seal. The width of the sheet can be longer than the unit row
to provide an envelope seal region in at least one end of the unit
row so that the wrapped and girth-sealed sheet is able to fold over
and seal to itself at the at least one end of the unit row to
provide an envelope seal. The sheet can be folded and sealed to
itself in that region to provide the envelope seal. The sheet can
have provided along its length, or part or parts of it, with a line
of weakness positioned in substantial register with the
interface.
[0012] In one embodiment, a naked collation package is configured
such that flexing the package in the region of the interface causes
an individual unit or group of units to be snapped off from the
remainder of the package whilst leaving the remainder of the
package substantially intact. In one embodiment, a naked collation
package also includes a plurality of interfaces between
neighbouring pairs of individual units. In one embodiment, a naked
collation package also includes a plurality of lines of weakness
along the length of the sheet; each line of weakness positioned in
substantial register with a respective interface. In one
embodiment, the line of weakness is a substantially straight line
of weakness. In another embodiment, the line of weakness is an
oscillating line of weakness.
[0013] It would further be desirable to reduce the quantity of
overwrap film used in a naked collation packet. Thus, also provided
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is a
naked collation package comprising a plurality of individual units
laid end-to-end or side-by-side to form a unit row comprising at
least one interface between a neighbouring pair of individual units
in the unit row. The unit row can be overwrapped with a sheet of
polymeric film having a length and a width. The length of the sheet
can be sufficient to envelop the unit row with sufficient overlap
between the ends of the sheet to provide an overlap region for
providing a girth seal along at least part of the length of the
unit row. The sheet can be sealed to itself in that overlap region
to provide the girth seal. The width of the sheet is not
substantially longer than the unit row so that the wrapped and
girth-sealed sheet forms an open-ended sleeve around the unit row.
The sheet can have provided along its length, or part or parts of
it, with a line of weakness positioned in substantial register with
the interface.
[0014] The naked collation packages of the invention provide the
advantage that by flexing the package in the region of the
interface, an individual unit or group of units can be snapped off
from the remainder of the package whilst leaving the remainder of
the package substantially intact.
[0015] The unit row comprises at least two individual units, but
may comprise at least three or at least about four or five
individual units, for example. The unit row may be a single unit in
height, or may be double or triple-stacked, for example.
[0016] When the unit row comprised more than two individual units,
there will be a corresponding plurality of interfaces between
neighbouring pairs of individual units. In these circumstances
there is preferably provided a plurality of lines of weakness along
the length of the sheet; each line of weakness positioned in
substantial register with a respective interface.
[0017] The, or each, line of weakness may be provided in the sheet
by any suitable means such as ablation, incision or perforation for
example.
[0018] Typically, the sheet is a polymeric film having a machine
direction and a transverse direction. Preferably in this case the
length of the sheet is in the machine direction and the or each
line of weakness is provided by feeding the sheet in web form to a
suitable ablation, incision or perforation tool so that the or each
line of weakness is provided in the machine direction.
[0019] Preferably, the film is a shrink film so that after or
during sealing of the film to itself around the unit row, the film
can be shrunk to form a tight fit.
[0020] Preferably each individual unit is of substantially the same
shape and size as each other individual unit in the pack. It is
also preferred that each individual unit be of substantially
regular shape, and that the or each interface between neighbouring
units be a substantially straight line interface.
[0021] The line of weakness provided in substantial register with
an interface between neighbouring packs may be a substantially
straight line of weakness. However, we have found it to be
especially preferable for the line of weakness to have an
oscillating pattern. For example, the line of weakness may be
provided as a zigzag line or with a sinusoidal profile, for
example. This allows a greater margin of error in registering the
line of weakness with the interface. The line of weakness is
continuous or discontinuous and may comprise a series of repeat
patterns.
[0022] Preferably, the line of weakness is an oscillating line of
weakness. More preferably the line of weakness is an oscillating
line of weakness with a repeat unit which itself is
oscillating.
[0023] By oscillating is preferably meant that the line of weakness
propagates sequentially above and below a longitudinal axis running
along the length of the line of weakness through the centre
thereof
[0024] Also provided in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention is a process for the production of a naked collation
package, the process comprising the steps of:
[0025] a) providing a plurality of individual units laid end-to-end
or side-by-side to form a unit row comprising at least one
interface between a neighbouring pair of individual units in the
unit row;
[0026] b) providing a sheet of polymeric film having a length and a
width; the length of the sheet being sufficient to envelop the unit
row with sufficient overlap between the ends of the sheet to
provide an overlap region for providing a girth seal along at least
part of the length of the unit row; and the width of the sheet
being longer than the unit row to provide an envelope seal region
in at least one end of the unit row;
[0027] c) providing along the length of the film a line of
weakness;
[0028] d) registering the line of weakness with the interface;
[0029] e) wrapping the length of the film around the unit row and
sealing the film to itself to provide a girth seal; and
[0030] f) folding and sealing the film to itself in the envelope
seal region to provide the envelope seal.
[0031] One embodiment of the invention also provides a process for
the production of a naked collation package, the process comprising
the steps of:
[0032] a) providing a plurality of individual units laid end-to-end
or side-by-side to form a unit row comprising at least one
interface between a neighbouring pair of individual units in the
unit row;
[0033] b) providing a sheet of polymeric film having a length and a
width; the length of the sheet being sufficient to envelop the unit
row with sufficient overlap between the ends of the sheet to
provide an overlap region for providing a girth seal along at least
part of the length of the unit row; and the width of the sheet
being not substantially longer than the unit row;
[0034] c) providing along the length of the film a line of
weakness;
[0035] d) registering the line of weakness with the interface;
and
[0036] e) wrapping the length of the film around the unit row and
sealing the film to itself to provide an open-ended girth-sealed
sleeve around the unit row.
[0037] The steps identified in the processes above need not be
performed in the order listed. Moreover, one or more steps may be
omitted.
[0038] The films used in accordance with the present invention can
be of a variety of thicknesses according to the application
requirements. For example they can be from about 10 to about 240
.mu.m thick and preferably from about 50 to about 90 .mu.m thick.
The line of weakness in the film is preferably of a narrower gauge
than the rest of the film--for example 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 20% or 50%
narrower than the bulk of the film, or the line of weakness may
extend all or substantially all the way through the film.
[0039] The films used in the present invention, prior to deposition
of any coating and/or skin or lamination layer may comprise any
suitable polymeric filmic substrate, such as films made from
biopolymers such as any of those described herein [preferably
polylactic, polygalactic and/or cellulosic films (e.g. microbial
and/or regenerated cellulose film)]; thermoplastic films; polymeric
films (for example films comprising: polyolefins [e.g.
polypropylene and/or polyethylene] polyurethanes, polyvinylhalides
[e.g. PVC], polyesters [e.g. polyethylene terephthalate-PET],
polyamides [e.g. nylons] and/or non-hydrocarbon polymers); and/or
multilayer and/or composite sheets formed by any suitable
combinations and/or mixtures of thereof Suitable filmic substrates
therefore include polyolefinic films, but also polyester films,
polyurethane films, cellulosic and PLA films.
[0040] The films of the present invention may consist of only one
layer, or may comprise a plurality of layers. Layers when present
can be combined by lamination and/or co-extrusion and/or coating
and/or melt coat extrusion. Films may be otherwise treated (for
example by corona discharge treatment) to improve certain
characteristics of the film; printability or coating adhesion for
example.
[0041] The films of the invention may comprise one or more additive
materials such as: dyes; pigments, colorants; voiding agents;
metallised and/or pseudo metallised coatings (e.g. aluminium);
lubricants, anti-oxidants, surface-active agents, stiffening aids,
gloss-improvers, prodegradants, UV attenuating materials (e.g. UV
light stabilisers); sealability additives; tackifiers,
anti-blocking agents, additives to improve ink adhesion and/or
printability, cross-linking agents; anti-slip and/or anti-block
additives and the like.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] These and other features, embodiments, and advantages of the
present invention will now be described in connection with
preferred embodiments of the invention, in reference to the
accompanying drawings. The illustrated embodiments, however, are
merely examples and are not intended to limit the invention.
Embodiments of the present invention are described further
hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0043] FIG. 1 illustrates in perspective a naked collation pack in
accordance with a first embodiment of the invention with a
substantially straight line of weakness and an envelope seal.
[0044] FIG. 2 illustrates in perspective a naked collation pack in
accordance with a second embodiment of the invention with an
oscillating line of weakness and an envelope seal.
[0045] FIG. 3 illustrates in perspective a naked collation pack in
accordance with a third embodiment of the invention with a
substantially straight line of weakness.
[0046] FIG. 4 illustrates in perspective a naked collation pack in
accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention with an
oscillating line of weakness.
[0047] Throughout the figures, the same reference numerals and
characters, unless otherwise stated, are used to denote like
features, elements, components or portions of the illustrated
embodiments. In certain instances, similar names may be used to
describe similar components with different reference numerals which
have certain common or similar features. Moreover, while the
subject invention will now be described in detail with reference to
the figures, it is done so in connection with the illustrative
embodiments. It is intended that changes and modifications can be
made to the described embodiments without departing from the true
scope and spirit of the subject invention as defined by the
appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0048] In accordance with the present disclosure, various
embodiments of naked collation packaging are provided. Some
advantages of naked collation packaging over use of cartons, boxes
or other packaging materials include more efficient use of
materials, lighter materials, stronger materials, cheaper
materials, more environmentally-friendly materials, smaller overall
package size, resistance to moisture, and in some embodiments that
use at least partially transparent sections of film materials, the
underlying units are visible to the consumer.
[0049] In one embodiment of naked collation a shrink film is
employed to ensure a tight wrap. Whether a tight wrap, desirable
from both a practical and an aesthetic point of view, is achieved
by means of a shrink film or by other means, end users or retailers
often experience difficulties in removing individual units or
groups thereof from the naked collation package as a whole. This is
because the film can be so tightly wrapped around the collated
units that the user is unable to gain any substantial purchase on
the film in order to tear and remove the exterior film. In some
instances, the film may be difficult to break open manually due to
the thickness, geometry, or other characteristic of the film. In
some instances, attempts to open packaging may result in injury to
the hands. The user may resort to using a sharp implement or brute
force to assist with the opening process, but this may then cause
damage to the individual units, or may cause the whole package to
be compromised, thereby releasing and spilling all of the
individual units, even though the intention of the user was to
remove only one, or some, of the units from the package.
[0050] In one embodiment of a naked collation package, individual
units (such as unit-wrapped cigarette cartons by way of example)
are generally stacked, laid end-to-end, and then wrapped in a sheet
of naked collation film. Stack heights may vary from a single unit
stack to double or triple (or more) unit stacks. For example, some
pack lengths may be from two to about twenty, or more, but will
often be in the range of from about three to ten units in length.
Pack lengths of from about four to about seven are common in the
field of nakedly collated cigarette cartons, for example.
[0051] In a naked collation package, the risk of damage to the
wrapped article by the use for example of sharp implements to
pierce the overwrap film is acute; and it would be desirable to
provide a ready means of opening such packs manually. It would also
be desirable to provide a means for separating individual units, or
groups of units, from the main body of the pack whilst leaving the
remaining wrapped units in the pack substantially intact. For
example, bundles or groupings of articles or units could be removed
from the overall package and remain grouped together until
individual units or smaller sets of units are removed. It would
also be desirable to provide a means for opening the packaging with
ease, and minimizing potential injury to the person opening the
packaging.
[0052] Several embodiments of the present invention are concerned
with removing the individual units or consumer items from the naked
collation package in a manner which is easy to effect and which
preferably allows individual units or groups, bundles, or bunches
of units to be removed from the naked collation package without
compromising the integrity of the remainder of the package.
[0053] According to one embodiment of the present invention there
is provided a naked collation package 1 comprising a plurality of
individual units 2 laid end-to-end or side-by-side to form a unit
row comprising at least one interface 3 between a neighbouring pair
of individual units 3 in the unit row. The unit row can be
overwrapped with a collation film 4. In one embodiment the
collation film 4 is a sheet of polymeric film having a length and a
width. The length of the sheet can be sufficient to envelop the
unit row with sufficient overlap between the ends of the sheet to
provide an overlap region for providing a girth seal along at least
part of the length of the unit row. The sheet can be sealed to
itself in that overlap region to provide the girth seal. The width
of the sheet can be longer than the unit row to provide an envelope
seal region in at least one end of the unit row so that the wrapped
and girth-sealed sheet is able to fold over and seal to itself at
the at least one end of the unit row to provide an envelope seal 5.
In various embodiments, envelope seal 5 can include any number of
folds in any number of orientations. The sheet can be folded and
sealed to itself in that region to provide the envelope seal 5. The
sheet can have provided along its length, or part or parts of it,
with a line of weakness 6 in the collation film 4 positioned in
substantial register with the interface 3.
[0054] In various embodiments, a line of weakness 6 can be a region
with a thinner, or reduced thickness in the film 4, a series of
perforations, such as dots, dashes, or other patterns which provide
a guide for breaking the film 4 along a specific route or
orientation along the film 4. In various embodiments the, or each,
line of weakness 6 may be provided in the sheet by any suitable
means such as ablation, incision or perforation for example. The
film 4 can have a reduced thickness at a line of weakness 6 by
applying a chemical, solvent, or heat or other means in a pattern
or orientation to create the line of weakness 6.
[0055] In one embodiment, when a unit row comprises more than two
individual units 2, there will be a corresponding plurality of
interfaces 3 between neighbouring pairs of individual units 2. In
these circumstances there is preferably provided a plurality of
lines of weakness 6 along the length of the sheet; each line of
weakness 6 positioned in substantial proximity or substantial
register with a respective interface 3 between units 2.
[0056] In one embodiment, the sheet is a polymeric film having a
machine direction and a transverse direction. In one embodiment the
length of the sheet is in the machine direction and the, or each,
line of weakness 6 is provided by feeding the sheet in web form to
a suitable ablation, incision or perforation tool so that the, or
each, line of weakness 6 is provided in the machine direction.
[0057] In one embodiment, the film is a shrink film so that after
or during sealing of the film to itself around the unit row, the
film can be shrunk to form a tight fit.
[0058] In one embodiment, each individual unit 2 is of
substantially the same shape and size as each other individual
unit(s) 2 in the pack. In one embodiment each individual unit 2 can
have a substantially regular shape, and that the, or each,
interface 3 between neighbouring units 2 can be a substantially
straight line interface 3. In various embodiments, the line of
weakness 6 can be provided in substantial register with an
interface 3 between neighbouring packs, and may be a substantially
straight line of weakness 6.
[0059] In various embodiments, a naked collation package 1
comprising a plurality of individual units 2 may be laid end-to-end
or side-by-side to form a unit row comprising at least one
interface 3 between a neighbouring pair of individual units 2 in
the unit row; the unit row being overwrapped with a collation film
4. In one embodiment, the collation film 4 is a sheet of polymeric
film having a length and a width; the length of the sheet being
sufficient to envelop the unit row with sufficient overlap between
the ends of the sheet to provide an overlap region for providing a
girth seal along at least part of the length of the unit row, the
sheet being sealed to itself in that region to provide the girth
seal; the width of the sheet being longer than the unit row to
provide an envelope seal region in at least one end of the unit row
so that the wrapped and girth-sealed sheet is able to fold over and
seal to itself at the at least one end of the unit row to provide
an envelope seal 5, the sheet being folded and sealed to itself in
that region to provide the envelope seal 5.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown one embodiment of a naked
collation package 1 comprising ten collated individual units 2,
double stacked in height and with five along the length of the unit
row. Each individual unit 2 is placed side-by-side with its
neighbour and with an interface 3 therebetween. Collation film 4 is
wrapped around the unit row and sealed to itself by means of a
girth seal (not shown, being on the underside of the package 1 as
depicted). An envelope seal 5 is provided at each end of package 1,
although only one such end is depicted in FIG. 1. Lines of weakness
6 in the machine direction of the film 4 are provided in
substantial register with each interface 3 and, in the embodiment
shown in FIG. 1 comprise a straight-line perforation in the film.
In use the package 1 may be held as one end and two, four, six or
eight individual units 2 may be snapped off from the other end by
flexing the package 1 in the region of the appropriate interface 3.
In various embodiments of naked collation packages 1, different
numbers of units 2 may be configured in varying numbers of stacks,
rows and/or columns, and may be temporarily held together with a
collation film 4.
[0061] In one embodiment, the line of weakness has an oscillating
pattern. For example, the line of weakness may be provided as a
zigzag line or with a sinusoidal profile, for example. This allows
a greater margin of error in registering the line of weakness with
the interface. One advantage of an oscillating line of weakness is
the reduction in the need for precision in aligning the interface
of the units with the line of weakness. For example, in one
embodiment if a substantially straight line of weakness 6 is
misaligned with an interface 3 (e.g., by about 0.5 to about 1.0
mm), it may make it difficult to break the film 4, such as in one
example, through flexion of the units 2 with respect to each other.
In various embodiments, the line of weakness can be continuous or
discontinuous and may comprise a series of repeat patterns. In one
embodiment the line of weakness is an oscillating line of weakness
26. In one embodiment the line of weakness is an oscillating line
of weakness with a repeat unit which itself is oscillating. By
"oscillating" is preferably meant that the line of weakness
propagates sequentially above and below a longitudinal axis running
along the length of the line of weakness through the centre thereof
An oscillation pattern according to several embodiments herein may
range in width (e.g., amplitude from a center line) from about 0.1
mm to about 10 mm, preferably about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm. In other
embodiments, the width of the oscillation patterns may be smaller
or greater to accommodate desired separation between units 2. In
yet other embodiments, the width of the oscillation patterns may be
smaller or greater to accommodate desired tolerance levels between
the interface 3 and line of weakness 6. The widths may differ along
a longitudinal axis.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 2 there is shown a naked collation package
21 with similar features to those described in relation to FIG. 1,
except that the lines of weakness 26 comprise a sinusoidal-line
perforation in the film.
[0063] In one embodiment, the line of weakness can include any
pattern with discrete, continuous, or discontinuous patterns to
make certain portions of the line of weakness easier or harder to
break than other portions of the line of weakness. For example, in
one embodiment corners or edges of a unit may be made easier or
harder to break based on the relative strength of the line of
weakness. In one embodiment, a perforated line of weakness may be
made more difficult to break in a region by increasing the distance
between portions of the film that are relatively thinner or
increasing the distance between though holes. In one embodiment, a
line of weakness may include thinning and through-pattern
perforation. In one embodiment, the line of weakness may be
configured with lettering, text, numbers, symbols or patterns.
[0064] In one embodiment, the quantity of overwrap film used in a
naked collation packet can be reduced to save material. Thus, also
provided in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
is a naked collation package 31 comprising a plurality of
individual units 32 laid end-to-end or side-by-side to form a unit
row comprising at least one interface 33 between a neighbouring
pair of individual units in the unit row. The unit row can be
overwrapped with a collation film 34. In one embodiment, the
collation film 34 is a sheet of polymeric film having a length and
a width. The length of the sheet can be sufficient to envelop the
unit row with sufficient overlap between the ends of the sheet to
provide an overlap region for providing a girth seal along at least
part of the length of the unit row. The sheet can be sealed to
itself in that overlap region to provide the girth seal. The width
of the sheet is not substantially longer than the unit row so that
the wrapped and girth-sealed sheet forms an open-ended sleeve
around the unit row. The sheet can have provided along its length,
or part or parts of it, with a line of weakness 36 positioned in
substantial register with the interface.
[0065] In one embodiment, the naked collation packages 31 provide
the advantage that by flexing the package in the region of the
interface 33, an individual unit 32 or group of units 32 can be
snapped off from the remainder of the package whilst leaving the
remainder of the package substantially intact. In various
embodiments, the unit row comprises at least two individual units
32, but may comprise at least three or at least about four or five
individual units 32, for example. The unit row may be a single unit
in height, or may be double or triple-stacked, for example.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 3 there is shown a naked collation package
31 comprising ten collated individual units 32, double stacked in
height and with five along the length of the unit row. Each
individual unit 32 is placed side-by-side with its neighbour and
with an interface 33 therebetween. Collation film 34 is wrapped
around the unit row and sealed to itself by means of a girth seal
(not shown, being on the underside of the package 31 as depicted).
The width of the film 34 is not substantially greater than the
length of the unit row so that the film 34 forms an open-ended
sleeve around the unit row. Lines of weakness 36 in the machine
direction of the film 34 are provided in substantial register with
each interface 33 and, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 comprise a
straight-line perforation in the film. In use the package 31 may be
held as one end and two, four, six or eight individual units 32 may
be snapped off from the other end by flexing the package 31 in the
region of the appropriate interface 33.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 4 there is shown a naked collation package
41 with similar features to those described in relation to FIG. 3,
except that the lines of weakness comprise an oscillating line of
weakness 46. In one embodiment, the oscillating line of weakness 46
is a sinusoidal-line perforation in the film.
[0068] In one embodiment, any of the lines of weakness disclosed
can be paired in two or more parallel lines of weakness separated
by a distance such that pulling on the film between the parallel
lines of weakness results in a strip of film that may be used to
open the package at that interface. In various embodiments, the
strip can be about 0.5 cm, 1 cm, 2 cm or any width to facilitate
the breaking of the package manually. Select strips can be pulled
off or removed in order to remove one unit, or groups of two or
more units. The user may tear a strip out in order to remove blocks
or groups of units with each block or group of units retaining at
least some of the collated packaging material around them to hold
the grouped units together. One advantage of the strip lines of
weakness is a reduction in the need for tolerances in attempting to
align unit interfaces with the lines of weakness. Another advantage
of the strip lines of weakness is that it provides an easy way to
selectively separate the film 4 manually without needing to grasp
or flex the units packaged therein.
[0069] In any of the embodiments, the films used in accordance with
the present invention can be of a variety of thicknesses according
to the application requirements. For example they can be from about
10 to about 240 .mu.m thick and preferably from about 50 to about
90 .mu.m thick. The line of weakness in the film is preferably of a
narrower gauge than the rest of the film--for example 1%, 2%, 5%,
10%, 20% or 50% narrower than the bulk of the film, or the line of
weakness may extend all or substantially all the way through the
film.
[0070] In some embodiments, the films used in the present
invention, prior to deposition of any coating and/or skin or
lamination layer may comprise any suitable polymeric filmic
substrate, such as films made from biopolymers such as any of those
described herein such as (but not limited to) polylactic,
polygalactic and/or cellulosic films (e.g. microbial and/or
regenerated cellulose film); thermoplastic films; polymeric films
(for example films comprising: polyolefins [e.g. polypropylene
and/or polyethylene] polyurethanes, polyvinylhalides [e.g. PVC],
polyesters [e.g. polyethylene terephthalate-PET], polyamides [e.g.
nylons] and/or non-hydrocarbon polymers); and/or multilayer and/or
composite sheets formed by any suitable combinations and/or
mixtures of thereof In some embodiments, filmic substrates can
include polyolefinic films, polyester films, polyurethane films,
cellulosic and/or PLA films. Other materials for the film may also
be used in accordance with several embodiments of the invention,
including but not limited to paper coverings, laminated materials,
composites, biodegradable materials, etc.
[0071] In various embodiments, the films of the present invention
may consist of only one layer, or may comprise a plurality of
layers. Layers when present can be combined by lamination and/or
co-extrusion and/or coating and/or melt coat extrusion. Films may
be otherwise treated (for example by corona discharge treatment) to
improve certain characteristics of the film; printability or
coating adhesion for example.
[0072] In various embodiments, the films of the invention may
comprise one or more additive materials such as: dyes; pigments,
colorants; voiding agents; metallised and/or pseudo metallised
coatings (e.g. aluminium); lubricants, anti-oxidants,
surface-active agents, stiffening aids, gloss-improvers,
prodegradants, UV attenuating materials (e.g. UV light
stabilisers); sealability additives; tackifiers, anti-blocking
agents, additives to improve ink adhesion and/or printability,
cross-linking agents; anti-slip and/or anti-block additives and the
like.
[0073] Embodiments of the invention have are described above. While
the structure has been described in terms of certain specific
embodiments, there is no intention to limit the invention to the
same. It will be understood that the foregoing is only illustrative
of the principles of the invention, and that various modifications,
alterations, and combinations can be made by those skilled in the
art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited,
except as by the appended claims.
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