U.S. patent application number 13/862810 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-07 for packaging.
The applicant listed for this patent is Cadbury Holdings Limited. Invention is credited to Parbinder Cheema, Jason Denis Willey.
Application Number | 20130292458 13/862810 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42471591 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130292458 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cheema; Parbinder ; et
al. |
November 7, 2013 |
PACKAGING
Abstract
A method of manufacturing a packaging material comprises
laminating together at least two layers of materials to form a
laminated packaging material having an inner laminate structure
(20) and an outer laminate structure (22), one of which (22) is
translucent or transparent and the other (20) opaque. The method
includes forming a score line (28) in the opaque laminate structure
to define a section (26) within the opaque laminate structure which
can be wholly or partially removed. The score line (28) can
encircle the section to allow its removal after lamination to form
a window (14, FIG. 1) in the packaging. Alternatively, the score
line (328, FIG. 7) may only partially encircle the section (326,
FIG. 7) such that it remains attached to the remainder of the
opaque laminate structure along a line (332, FIG. 5) about which
section of opaque laminate structure can be folded in the manner of
a flap.
Inventors: |
Cheema; Parbinder;
(Bournville, GB) ; Willey; Jason Denis; (Barry,
GB) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cadbury Holdings Limited; |
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|
US |
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|
Family ID: |
42471591 |
Appl. No.: |
13/862810 |
Filed: |
April 15, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13703500 |
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PCT/GB2011/051041 |
Jun 2, 2011 |
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13862810 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
229/87.01 ;
156/248; 156/268; 53/461 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B31B 2155/00 20170801;
B31B 2170/20 20170801; B65D 85/60 20130101; B32B 2307/412 20130101;
B32B 2307/75 20130101; B32B 1/08 20130101; B65D 25/54 20130101;
B65D 33/04 20130101; Y10T 156/1082 20150115; B32B 7/12 20130101;
B32B 15/08 20130101; B32B 2307/41 20130101; B32B 15/12 20130101;
B65D 75/04 20130101; B32B 15/20 20130101; B32B 29/002 20130101;
B32B 2553/00 20130101; B31B 70/14 20170801; B32B 2307/7242
20130101; B32B 2439/70 20130101; B65D 75/522 20130101; B31B 2160/10
20170801; B31B 70/81 20170801; B65D 65/40 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
229/87.01 ;
53/461; 156/268; 156/248 |
International
Class: |
B65D 75/04 20060101
B65D075/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 14, 2010 |
GB |
1009899.4 |
Claims
1. A method of manufacturing a packaging material for use in
forming a package to enclose one or more items, the method
comprising: a. laminating together at least two layers of materials
to form a laminated packaging material having an inner laminate
structure and an outer laminate structure, one of the inner and
outer laminate structures being translucent or transparent and the
other being opaque; b. forming a score line in the opaque laminate
structure to define a section within the opaque laminate structure
which can be wholly or partially removed.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the score line in the
opaque layer is formed so as to completely encircle the section,
such that the section can be completely removed from the
material.
3. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the method comprises
subsequently removing the section of the opaque laminate structure
after lamination of the at least two layers.
4. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising forming the score
line so that it only partially encircles the section such that the
section remains attached to the remainder of the opaque laminate
structure along a line about which the opaque laminate structure
can be folded.
5. A method as claimed in claim 4, the method comprising forming a
line of weakness in the opaque laminate structure along which the
opaque laminate structure may be torn to completely remove the
section.
6. A method as claimed in claim 1, the method comprising bonding
the inner and outer laminate structures together over substantially
the whole of their opposed surface areas except for an area which
is, or is to be, bounded by the score line.
7. A method as claimed in claim 6, the method comprising applying a
permanent laminating adhesive to substantially the whole of the
lamination face of at least one of the inner and outer laminate
structures except for an area which is, or is to be, bounded by the
score line and bringing the lamination faces of the inner and outer
laminate structures into contact.
8. A method as claimed in claim 7, the method comprising leaving
the lamination faces of the inner and outer laminate structures in
the area which is, or is to be, bounded by the score line free of
any adhesive.
9. A method as claimed in claim 7, the method comprising applying a
peclable adhesive to the lamination face of at least one of the
inner and outer laminate structures within the area which is, or is
to be, bounded by the score line.
10. A method as claimed in claim 7, the method comprising applying
a peelable, and more particularly a re-sealable, adhesive to the
lamination face of at least one of the inner and outer laminate
structures within an outer peripheral region of the area which is,
or is to be. bounded by the score line.
11. A method as claimed in claim 1, the method comprising forming a
continuous length of laminated packaging material defining a
plurality of package forming portions along its length, and forming
at least one said score line in the opaque laminate structure
within each of the package forming portions.
12. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the material is a
flexible material and the method comprises forming the continuous
length of flexible packaging material into a roll.
13. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method comprises
forming the laminated material so that the inner laminate structure
is opaque and the outer laminate structure is translucent or
transparent.
14. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method comprises
forming the laminated material so that the outer laminate structure
is opaque and the inner laminate structure is translucent or
transparent.
15. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method comprises
printing on the opaque laminate structure so that the printing is
visible on the inner surface of the section of the opaque laminate
structure.
16. A method of manufacturing a packaging assembly comprising at
least one item and a package enclosing the at least one item using
a packaging material manufactured in accordance with claim 1, the
method comprising: folding the material about the at least one item
so as to enclose the item, with the inner laminate structure
proximal to the at least one item and the outer laminate structure
distal from the at least one item.
17. A method as claimed in claim 16, in which the packaging
material is formed as a continuous length of flexible laminated
packaging material having a plurality of packaging wrappers defined
along its length, the method comprising folding each wrapper about
the at least one item and securing the wrapper in position.
18. A method as claimed in claim 17, the method comprising
flow-wrapping each wrapper about the at least one item, more
particularly using a form fill seam machine.
19. A method as claimed in claim 18, the method comprising removing
the section of the opaque laminate structure prior to forming the
wrapper about the at least one item.
20. (canceled)
21. A package assembly comprising at least one item and a package
enclosing the at least one item, in which the package is formed
using a packaging material manufactured in accordance with claim
1.
22. A package assembly comprising at least one item and a package
enclosing the at least one item, the package being formed from a
laminated material having an inner laminate structure and an outer
laminate structure, one of the inner and outer laminate structures
being translucent or transparent, the other of the inner and outer
laminate structures being opaque, in which the opaque laminate
structure has an opening through which the contents of the package
can be at least partially viewed through the translucent or
transparent laminate structure.
23. A package assembly as claimed in claim 22, wherein the outer
laminate structure is translucent or transparent and the inner
laminate structure is opaque.
24. A package assembly as claimed in claim 22, wherein the inner
laminate structure is translucent or transparent and the outer
laminate structure is opaque.
25. A package assembly comprising at least one item and a package
enclosing the at least one item, the package being formed from a
laminated material having an inner and an outer laminate structure,
the inner laminate structure being translucent or transparent and
the outer laminate structure being opaque, in which a section of
the opaque outer laminate structure is movable relative to the
inner laminate structure about a fold line between a closed
position in which it overlies a corresponding section of the inner
laminate structure and an open position in which it is displaced
from the inner laminate structure to enable the contents of the
package to be at least partially seen through the inner laminate
structure.
26. A package assembly as claimed in claim 25, in which a line of
weakness is provided in the outer laminate structure by means of
which the section can be fully removed after opening.
27. A package assembly as claimed in claim 25, wherein the section
of the outer laminate structure is bonded to the inner laminate
structure by means of a peelable and preferably a re-sealable
adhesive.
28. A package assembly as claimed in claim 27, in which the
peelable/re-sealable adhesive is provided about a peripheral edge
region of the section of the outer laminate structure and/or a
peripheral edge region of the corresponding section of the inner
laminate structure.
29. A package assembly as claimed in claim 25, in which printing is
applied to the outer laminate structure within the section so as to
be visible from the inner surface of the section when the section
is moved to the open position.
30. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/703,500, filed Dec. 11, 2012; which
is the National Stage of International Application No.
PCT/GB2011/051041, which designates the U.S., filed Jun. 2, 2011,
which claims the benefit of Great Britain Application No. GB
1009899.4 filed Jun. 14, 2010, the contents of which are
incorporated by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to packaging. The invention
relates in particular, but not exclusively, to packaging for
consumable products such as confectionery. The present invention
also relates to methods of manufacturing such packaging.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0003] Packaging for products often serves a number of functions.
These may include protecting the product and providing information
about the product. In some cases, the primary function of the
packaging is to be attractive to the customer. This may be
particularly so where the product is a confectionery or other food
product which may be given as a treat or gift and where the visual
appearance of the packaging plays an important part in the overall
experience for the end user.
[0004] It is known to package consumable products such as chocolate
bars and other snack type confectionery products in a package which
is formed from a wrapper of flexible material. Such known wrappers
may be in the form of a length of flat, foldable material having an
inner surface directed to the product and an outer surface. The
material may be printed on or otherwise be provided with
information which is visible to the consumer on the outside of the
formed package. In some packaging processes, the wrapper is
supplied as part of a continuous roll or film of wrappers.
[0005] One known packaging arrangement is commonly referred to as a
flow-wrap package. This type of package is produced using a
flow-wrap method in which a film of material is supplied in a roll
to package a number of products in a substantially continuous
process. The material is fed through a machine which folds it about
each product or each stack of products in turn so that opposing
longitudinal side edges are brought into contact, inner face to
inner face, and bonded together to form a longitudinal fin seam.
The material is crimped at either end of the product or stack to
form end seams and the material is cut to separate each package in
turn from the remainder of the film. The seams may be formed using
an adhesive to bond the opposing surfaces of the wrapper or by
heating the material under pressure so that the opposing surfaces
melt and fuse together to form a welded seam.
[0006] The flow-wrap method is often used to package generally
blocked shaped products such as chocolate or other confectionery
bars and the like. However, the method can be modified to package
products of a different shape or to package a stack or array of
smaller products positioned side-by-side.
[0007] It is also known to package a number of products arranged in
an array or stack by folding a wrapper around the stack and
securing the wrapper in the folded condition to form a tubular
package. The wrapper is folded circumferentially about the stack so
that one longitudinal edge of the wrapper overlaps the other
longitudinal edge and is held in place by means of adhesive or
otherwise bonded to form a longitudinal seal. The wrapper is longer
than the stack and the protruding ends of the wrapper are folded to
form tabs in an overlapping arrangement to close the ends of the
package. The end closure tabs can be adhered to one another so that
the wrapper forms a sealed package for the products. This type of
packaging is used for a variety of consumable products such as
biscuits and confectionery items including chewing or bubble gum
pellets and sticks, mints, gums, hard boiled sweets, candies,
chocolates, toffee and the like.
[0008] For either type of packaging, suitable wrappers can be made
from a variety of materials including polymeric materials, metallic
foil, and paper. Often the wrapper will be formed as a laminate
having two or more layers of different materials. For packaging
confectionery products, a commonly used laminate comprises a
metallic, often aluminium, foil which may be laminated together
with a paper layer. However, other materials can be used including
polymeric materials which may include thermoplastic materials such
as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), for example. Depending on the
types of materials used, the known wrappers can be used to form a
fully sealed package which is substantially gas and moisture
impervious. However, for some consumable product applications, a
hermitically sealed package is not desirable.
[0009] The shape and construction of the known types of packaging
are largely functional, with the intention of providing a closed
and often sealed package to protect the contents. Any visual
attractiveness is generally provided by the design printed on the
outside of the wrapper.
[0010] It is an object of the invention to provide an alternative
form of packaging which is attractive to potential customers.
[0011] It is a further object of the invention to provide an
alternative method of manufacturing packaging materials that can be
used to produce packaging having an attractive appearance and/or to
provide an alternative method of manufacturing such packaging.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention,
there is provided a method of manufacturing a packaging material
for using in forming a package to enclose one or more items, the
method comprising:
[0013] laminating together at least two layers of materials to form
a laminated packaging material having an inner laminate structure
and an outer laminate structure, one of the inner and outer
laminate structures being translucent or transparent and the other
being opaque;
[0014] forming a score line in the opaque laminate structure to
define a section within the opaque laminate structure which can be
wholly or partially removed.
[0015] In one arrangement, the method comprises forming the score
line in the opaque layer so as to completely encircle the section,
such that the section can be completely removed from the material.
In this case, the method may comprise subsequently removing the
section of the opaque laminate structure after lamination of the at
least two layers.
[0016] In an alternative arrangement, the method comprises forming
the score line so that it only partially encircles the section such
that the section remains attached to the remainder of the opaque
laminate structure along a line about which the opaque laminate
structure can be folded. In this case, the method may also comprise
forming a line of weakness in the opaque laminate structure along
which the opaque laminate structure may be torn to completely
remove the section.
[0017] The method may comprise permanently bonding the inner and
outer laminate structures together over substantially the whole of
their opposed surface areas except for an area which is, or is to
be, bounded by the score line. The method may comprise applying a
permanent laminating adhesive to substantially the whole of the
lamination face of at least one of the inner and outer laminate
structures except for an area which is, or is to be, bounded by the
score line and bringing the lamination faces of the inner and outer
laminate structures into contact. In one arrangement, the method
comprises leaving the lamination faces of the inner and outer
laminate structures in the area which is, or is to be, bounded by
the score line free of any adhesive. In an alternative arrangement,
the method comprises applying a peelable adhesive to the lamination
face of at least one of the inner and outer laminate structures
within the area which is, or is to be, bounded by the score line.
Where the method comprises forming the score line so that it only
partially encircles the section such that the section remains
attached to the remainder of the opaque laminate structure along a
line about which the opaque laminate structure can be folded, the
method may further comprise applying a peelable, and more
particularly a re-sealable, adhesive to the lamination face of at
least one of the inner and outer laminate structures within an
outer peripheral region of the area which is, or is to be, bounded
by the score line.
[0018] The method may comprise forming a continuous length of
laminated packaging material defining a plurality of package
forming portions along its length, and forming at least one said
score line in the opaque laminate structure within each of the
package forming portions. The laminated packaging material may be a
flexible material, each of the package forming portions comprising
a wrapper for forming into a package for enclosing one or more
items and the method may comprise forming the continuous length of
flexible packaging material into a roll. Where the sections of the
opaque laminate structure are wholly removable, the method may
comprise removing the sections prior to the material being formed
into a roll.
[0019] The method may comprise forming the laminated material so
that the inner laminate structure is opaque and the outer laminate
structure is translucent or transparent.
[0020] The method may comprise forming the laminated material so
that the outer laminate structure is opaque and the inner laminate
structure is translucent or transparent.
[0021] The method may comprise printing on the opaque laminate
structure so that the printing is visible on the inner surface of
the section of the opaque laminate structure.
[0022] The laminated material may be stiff but foldable and method
may comprise forming the laminated material into a blank for
folding into a carton. The laminated material may be a laminated
cardboard or paperboard.
[0023] The method may comprise forming the score line by laser
etching.
[0024] In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention,
there is provided a method of manufacturing a packaging assembly
comprising at least one item and a package enclosing the at least
one item using a packaging material manufactured in accordance with
the first embodiment of the invention, the method comprising,
folding the material about the at least one item so as to enclose
the item, with the inner laminate structure proximal to the at
least one item and the outer laminate structure distal from the at
least one item.
[0025] Where the method in accordance with the first embodiment
comprises forming a continuous length of flexible laminated
packaging material having a plurality of packaging wrappers defined
along its length, the method in accordance with the second
embodiment may comprise folding each wrapper about the at least one
item and securing the wrapper in position. The method may comprise
flow-wrapping each wrapper about the at least one item, more
particularly using a form fill seam machine. The method may
comprise removing the section of the opaque laminate structure
prior to forming the wrapper about the at least one item.
[0026] Where the method in accordance with the first embodiment of
the invention comprises forming the laminated material into a blank
for folding into a carton, the method of the second embodiment may
comprise folding the blank to form a carton.
[0027] In accordance with a third embodiment of the invention,
there is provided a package assembly comprising at least one item
and a package enclosing the at least one item, in which the package
is formed using a packaging material manufactured in accordance
with the first embodiment of the invention.
[0028] In accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention
there is provided a package assembly comprising at least one item
and a package enclosing the at least one item, the package being
formed from a laminated material having an inner laminate structure
and an outer laminate structure, one of the inner and outer
laminate structures being translucent or transparent, the other of
the inner and outer laminate structures being opaque, in which the
opaque laminate structure has an opening through which the contents
of the package to be viewed through the translucent or transparent
laminate structure.
[0029] In one arrangement, the outer laminate structure is
translucent or transparent and the inner laminate structure is
opaque.
[0030] In an alternative arrangement, the inner laminate structure
is translucent or transparent and the outer laminate structure is
opaque.
[0031] The opening in the opaque laminate structure may be provided
by removing a section of the opaque laminate structure.
[0032] In accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention there
is provided a package assembly comprising at least one item and a
package enclosing the at least one item, the package being formed
from a laminated material having an inner and an outer laminate
structure, the inner laminate structure being translucent or
transparent and the outer laminate structure being opaque, in which
a section of the outer laminate structure is movable relative to
the inner laminate structure about a fold between a closed position
in which it overlies a corresponding section of the inner laminate
structure and an open position in which it is displaced from the
inner laminate structure to enable the contents of the package to
be at least partially seen through the inner laminate
structure.
[0033] A line of weakness may be provided in the outer laminate
structure by means of which the section can be fully removed after
opening. The section of the outer laminate structure may be bonded
to the inner laminate structure by means of a peelable adhesive.
The peelable adhesive may be resealable so that the section can be
reclosed. The peelable/re-sealable adhesive may be provided about a
peripheral edge region of the section of the outer laminate
structure and/or a peripheral edge region of the corresponding
section of the inner laminate structure. Printing may be applied to
the outer laminate structure within the section so as to be visible
from the inner surface of the section when the section is moved to
the open position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] Several embodiments of the invention will now be described,
by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0035] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a package assembly in accordance
with a first embodiment of the invention;
[0036] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view on an enlarged through a
section of a laminated wrapper forming part of the packaging
assembly of FIG. 1, taken on line A-A;
[0037] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a package assembly in
accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;
[0038] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a package assembly in
accordance with a third embodiment of the invention;
[0039] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a package assembly in accordance
with a fourth embodiment of the invention, showing a window cover
flap in a closed position;
[0040] FIG. 6 is a view similar to that of FIG. 5 but showing the
window cover flap in an open position; and
[0041] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view through a section of a
laminated wrapper forming part of the packaging assembly of FIG. 5,
taken on line B-B.
[0042] The same reference numerals but increased by 100 in each
case will be used to identify the same or similar features in the
various embodiments described below.
[0043] FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a packaging
assembly 10 in accordance with the invention. The package assembly
10 include one or more items or products, in this case a chocolate
bar 12, which is encased in a tubular package 14 formed from a
wrapper 16 of flexible material.
[0044] The package 14 is a flow-wrap package in which the wrapper
16 of flexible material is folded around the product and sealed to
fully enclose the product. Longitudinal edge regions of the wrapper
16 are bonded together, inner face to inner face, to form a
longitudinal sealed fin seam (not shown) which extends along a rear
face of the package in a known manner. Opposing end edge regions of
the wrapper that extend beyond the ends of the chocolate bar are
bonded together in face to face relation to form transverse sealed
seams 18 at either end of the product, also in a known manner. The
longitudinal and transverse seams 18 can be formed using an
adhesive to bond the opposing surfaces of the wrapper or by heating
the material under pressure so that the opposing surfaces melt and
fuse together to form a welded seam. The longitudinal seam is
referred to as a "fin seam" because it projects outwardly in the
manner of a fin when first formed. Usually, however, the fin seam
will be folded over to one side or the other when the package is
completed.
[0045] The package 14 is formed using a form-fill-seal (FFS)
packaging machine (not shown). The wrapper 16 is provided as part
of a continuous roll or film of wrappers that is roll fed into the
machine and folded about each product in turn. The inner surfaces
of opposing longitudinal edge regions of the wrapper are brought
into contact and bonded together to form the longitudinal fin seam.
Opposing regions of the material at either end of the product are
also brought into contact and bonded to form the transverse end
seams 18 and the material is cut to separate each package 14 from
the remainder of the film.
[0046] The wrapper 16 comprises a lamination of two or more layers
of flexible materials that are bonded together face to face. Where
the product is a consumable product, at least one of the layers may
be substantially moisture and gas impervious and the package can be
hermetically sealed. It should be noted though that for some
consumable products, a hermetically seal package is not
desirable.
[0047] For the purposes of the following description and the
accompanying claims, the laminated wrapper 16 can be considered has
having an inner laminate structure 20, for positioning proximal to
the product, and an outer laminate structure 22, for positioning
distal from the product. The inner and outer laminate structures
20, 22 are bonded together face to face and each comprises one or
more layers of material. For example, the material could be a
lamination of only two layers of material, an inner layer which
forms the inner laminate structure 20 and an outer layer which
forms the outer laminate structure 22. However, in more complex
embodiments, one or both of the inner and outer laminate structures
may be made up of more than layer of material.
[0048] One of the inner and outer laminate structures 20, 22 is
opaque whilst the other is not opaque. The other laminate structure
is at least translucent but is preferably transparent. A viewing
window 24 through which the contents of the package can be at lease
partially seen is provided by removing a section 26 of the opaque
laminate structure. In the present embodiment, the outer laminate
structure 22 is the non-opaque laminate structure whilst the inner
laminate structure 20 is opaque. This is advantageous as it means
the outer surface of the package is continuous, with no exposed
step around the periphery of the viewing window which can become
contaminated with dirt or other debris and which might otherwise
become damaged when the packaging assembly is handled. However,
this is not essential and the opaque laminate structure can be
provided on the outside of the wrapper 16 in some embodiments.
[0049] It is envisaged that in most embodiments the non-opaque
laminate structure will be substantially transparent so that the
contents of the package can be seen clearly through the window 24.
However, in some embodiments the window may be translucent and
could, for example, have a frosted effect but through which the
contents can still be seen. In the remainder of the specific
description, the non-opaque laminate structure will be described as
being transparent for convenience but it should be borne in mind
that it could also be translucent.
[0050] The inner and outer laminate structures 20, 22 can be made
of any suitable materials for use in packaging the products,
subject to the requirement that one is transparent and the other
opaque. For example, the opaque laminate structure may comprise a
metallic foil, such as an aluminium foil, and/or a layer of paper.
The transparent laminate 22 structure may comprise a polymeric
material. Many transparent polymeric materials are used in the
production of laminated packaging materials, as will be well known
by the skilled addressee, and any suitable such materiel can be
adopted in the present embodiment.
[0051] The laminate wrapper 16 is formed by laminating the inner 20
and outer 22 laminate structures together in face to face relation.
A score line 28 is formed through the opaque laminate structure, in
this case the inner laminate structure 20, to define the section 26
which is to be removed to form the viewing window 24. The removable
window section 26 is subsequently removed as indicated by the arrow
X in FIG. 2 which illustrates schematically removal of the section
26. The opaque laminate structure may be scored before, during or
after the lamination process. Similarly, the opaque section can be
removed, before, during or after the lamination process. The
removable window section may be removed prior to the wrapper being
formed into a package 14 about the product or it may be removed
during or after the wrapping process. In one embodiment, the
removable window section is removed using a suction device. The
suction device could be part of a "pick and place" device used to
move a packaged item from a production line into a carton or other
outer packaging arrangement. One of the suckers on the device can
be arranged to contact the removable widow section and be raised
higher than the rest to peel the removable window section away.
[0052] The wrapper 16 may be formed as part of a continuous length
of laminated material having a number wrappers defined along its
length, each with a viewing window. The continuous length of
material may be formed into a roll for subsequent use in a FFS
packaging machine as described above to produce the finished
packaging assembly. The removable window section 26 of the opaque
laminate structure may be removed prior to the material being
formed into a roll or it may be removed after the material has been
formed into a roll as part of the flow-wrapping process.
[0053] The opposed faces of the inner and outer laminate structures
20, 22 that are bonded together in the lamination process will be
referred to herein and the laminations faces.
[0054] The score line 28 can be produced by any suitable means. In
one embodiment, the score line is produced by means of laser
etching through the opaque laminate structure, in a known manner.
The use of laser etching to produce the score line is advantageous
as it enables viewing windows 24 of almost any desired shape to be
produced, including complex shapes with non-linear edges. Laser
etching is also adaptable to allow the same machinery to produce
material having different shaped viewing windows. However, the
score line may be produced by other means. For example, the score
line 28 can be produced using a pair of contra-rotating die
cylinders (not shown) positioned on opposite sides of the laminated
material, one of the die cylinders being positioned for contact
with the opaque laminate structure and having a blade for forming
the score line, the other die cylinder being arranged for contact
with the transparent laminate structure and having no blade.
[0055] The inner and outer laminate structures 20, 22 are laminated
together using any suitable method as known in the art. In one
method, the laminate structures 20, 22 are bonded together using a
permanent laminating adhesive 30. The adhesive is applied to a
laminating surface of one or both of the laminate structures,
except in the area in which the viewing window 24 is defined by the
score line 28, or which is to be defined by the score line if
scoring takes place during or after lamination. Within the area in
which the viewing window is, or is to be defined by the score line
28, either no adhesive is applied so that the inner and outer
laminate structures 20, 22 are not laminated in this region or a
peelable adhesive may be applied so that the removable window
section 26 of the opaque laminate structure can be peeled away from
the transparent laminate structure after the score line 28 has been
produced. This later arrangement enables greater control over the
removal of the section 26. Where a peelable adhesive is used, the
adhesive may be applied to the opaque laminate structure and be
configured so that it peels away from the transparent laminate
structure preferentially so that no or only minimal residue is left
on the transparent laminate structure.
[0056] The provision of a viewing window 24 gives the packaging
assembly 10 an attractive and unusual appearance for the type of
packaging and can be adapted in various ways to appeal to
consumers. Printing may be applied to the laminate material which
is visible to the consumer on the outside of the package to provide
an attractive design and the window 24 can be shaped to form part
of the overall design and/or to fit within a theme of the design.
The window might be shaped to conform to a brand mark or image for
example. In another example, for confectionery material packaged
especially for Valentines Day, the window might be shaped like a
heart. Other novel shapes for the window 24 could also be used such
as animal shapes or cartoon figures. The shape and position of the
window 24 can also be designed to reveal the contents of the
package in an attractive and/or unusual manner to appeal to a
consumer.
[0057] FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment of a packaging
assembly 110 in accordance with the invention. The packaging
assembly 110 in accordance with the second embodiment includes a
number of individual items or products 112 arranged side by side in
a stack. The stack of products 112 is encased in a tubular package
114 formed from a wrapper 116 of flexible material in a known
manner. The products may be any products such as biscuits and
confectionery items including chewing or bubble gum pellets and
sticks, mints, gums, hard boiled sweets, candies, chocolates,
toffee and the like.
[0058] The wrapper 116 is similar to the wrapper 16 in the first
embodiment and is made from a laminated material having inner and
outer laminate structures, one of which is transparent and the
other opaque. A viewing window 124 is formed in the wrapper 116 by
removing a section of the opaque laminate structure using any of
the methods described above in relation to the first
embodiment.
[0059] The packaging assembly 110 of the second embodiment differs
from the first in that the package is not formed using a FFS
process. Rather, in this case the wrapper 116 is folded
circumferentially about the stack so that one longitudinal edge of
the wrapper overlaps the other longitudinal edge and is held in
place by means of adhesive or otherwise bonded to form a flat
longitudinal seam. The wrapper is longer than the stack and the
protruding ends of the wrapper are folded to form tabs 130 in an
overlapping arrangement to close the ends of the package. The end
closure tabs 131 can be adhered to one another so that the wrapper
forms a sealed package for the products.
[0060] With this type of packaging, the overall shape of the
package 114 is determined largely by the shape of the products. In
the packaging assembly 110 in accordance with the second
embodiment, the products 112 have a circular outer profile and as a
consequence the package 114 has a generally cylindrical shape. FIG.
4, illustrates an alternative embodiment of a packaging assembly
210 in which the products 212 have a rectangular or square outer
periphery such that the package 114 has a corresponding square or
rectangular shape in lateral cross section. In all other respects,
the packaging assembly 210 is the same as the packaging assembly
110 and includes a package made from a wrapper 216 of a laminated
material having inner and outer laminate structures, one of which
is transparent and the other opaque. A viewing window 224 is formed
in the wrapper 216 by removing a section of the opaque laminate
structure using any of the methods described above in relation to
the first embodiment.
[0061] FIGS. 5 to 7 illustrate a fourth embodiment of a packaging
assembly 310 in accordance with the invention. The packaging
assembly 310 of the fourth embodiment is similar to the packaging
assembly 10 of the first embodiment and includes one or more items
or products, which in this case is also a chocolate bar 312,
encased in a tubular package 314 formed from a wrapper 316 of
flexible material using flow-wrap techniques.
[0062] The packaging assembly 310 of the fourth embodiment differs
from the packaging assembly 10 of the first embodiment in that the
window is only partially formed. In this embodiment, the removable
window section 326 of the opaque laminate structure is not wholly
removed and forms a flap covering the window. The opaque laminate
322 structure is provided on the outside of package such that the
flap is accessible to a consumer and the inner laminate structure
320 is transparent. To produce the window cover flap 326, the score
line 328 which defines the widow 324 is formed about three sides
only the window so that the section 326 of the opaque laminate
structure remains connected with the remainder of the opaque
laminate structure 322 along a fold line 332 on one side. The
section 326 thus forms a window cover flap, which is movable about
the fold line 332 between a closed position in which it overlies
the transparent laminate structure 320 to cover the window 324 (as
shown in FIG. 5) and an open position in which it extends away from
the transparent laminate structure 320 so that the product 312 can
be seen through the window 324 (as shown in FIG. 6).
[0063] A peelable adhesive 334 is used to hold the window cover
flap 326 in the closed position. The peelable adhesive 334 can be
applied about the periphery of the window 324 on the inner laminate
structure so as to leave a central region of the window clear
through which the interior of the package can be viewed.
Alternatively, the peelable adhesive can be applied to the inner
surface of the flap 326 or to both the window and the flap. The
peelable adhesive may be a cold seal or any other suitable peelable
adhesive and may be applied as a continuous layer or in a pattern.
In an advantageous embodiment, the peelable adhesive 334 is a
re-sealable adhesive so that the window cover flap 326 can be
re-closed a number of times after initial opening. A line of
weakness, such as a score line or a line of perforations, can be
formed in the opaque laminate structure along the fold line 332 to
enable the window closure flap 326 to be removed after opening.
[0064] The window closure flap 326 adds a further aspect to the
packaging which can be used to make it attractive to consumers and
can be adapted in a variety of ways. For example, the opaque
laminate structure 322 may be printed on to provide a message or
other information which can read on the inside of the window cover
flap 326 when it is opened. This could be used to convey a message
or greeting such as "Happy Birthday" for example. The packaging can
be configured so that the inner surface of the window closure flap
326 can be written on by a consumer and the flap re-closed. This
may be particularly beneficial where the product is expected to be
given a gift as it provides the opportunity for the giver to add a
personal message or greeting. Alternatively, a greeting or message
card or the like can be provided for insertion under the flap. Such
a card may have a pre-printed message or greeting and/or may be
configured to be written on.
[0065] In a further alternative application, statutory or other
useful information can be printed on the opaque laminate structure
so as to be visible on the inside of the window closure flap 326
when it is opened. This can be used to advantageously leave the
whole, or at least a larger area, of the exterior of package 314
free of such information providing greater freedom to apply an
attractive design to the package to appeal to consumers.
Promotional information such as prize codes and vouchers can also
be proved on the inside of the flap. In this case, the window
closure flap 326 may be removable as described above.
[0066] A window closure flap as taught in relation to the fourth
embodiment can be provided in any of the embodiments disclosed
herein.
[0067] Whilst the preferred embodiments all comprise packaging
assemblies in which a package is formed from a wrapper of flexible
material, the invention can be extended to other forms of
packaging. For example, a packaging assembly comprising one or more
items contained in a package in the form of a carton made from a
blank of stiff but foldable material can be produced in accordance
with the invention. The material from which the blank is produced
is laminated to have an inner and an outer laminate structure, one
of which is transparent and one opaque. A viewing window is
produced by scoring the opaque laminate structure to wholly or
partially remove a section of the opaque laminate structure in
accordance with the methods taught above. Where the section is only
partially removed, it forms a window closure flap similar to that
in the fourth embodiment described above in relation to FIGS. 5 to
7, except that the flap will be somewhat stiffer and so more like a
card.
[0068] The card could be adapted to form a greetings card and may
be removably attached to the remainder of the opaque laminate
structure via a line of weakness. This type of packaging may have
particular application in packaging for confectionery products such
as chocolates, for example.
[0069] Whilst the invention has been described in particular in
relation to packaging for consumable products and especially
confectionery products, it can be adapted to package any suitable
type of products.
[0070] The foregoing embodiments are not intended to limit the
scope of protection afforded by the claims, but rather to describe
an example as to how the invention may be put into practice.
* * * * *