U.S. patent application number 13/997686 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-05 for hinge lid container having hermetic seal.
This patent application is currently assigned to PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS S.A.. The applicant listed for this patent is Sergey Ledermann. Invention is credited to Sergey Ledermann.
Application Number | 20130319886 13/997686 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43983627 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130319886 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ledermann; Sergey |
December 5, 2013 |
HINGE LID CONTAINER HAVING HERMETIC SEAL
Abstract
A container (2, 50) for consumer goods comprises: a box (10,
10') for housing the consumer goods; an inner frame (30) mounted
within the box and having an upper portion extending above the
upper edges of the box; and a hinge lid (20, 20') connected to the
box along a hinge line (A) and pivotable about the hinge line
between an open position and a closed position, in which the inner
surfaces of the hinge lid are in contact with the outer surfaces of
the upper portion of the inner frame (30). The inner surfaces of
the hinge lid and the outer surfaces of the upper portion of the
inner frame (30) are covered by a sealable coating layer (138) of a
sealable material that is capable of sealing. Prior to the first
opening of the hinge lid the sealable coating layers (138) on the
contacting surfaces of the hinge lid and the inner frame are bonded
to each other to form a hermetic seal.
Inventors: |
Ledermann; Sergey;
(Lausanne, CH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ledermann; Sergey |
Lausanne |
|
CH |
|
|
Assignee: |
PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS S.A.
Neuchatel
`
|
Family ID: |
43983627 |
Appl. No.: |
13/997686 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
December 29, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP11/74240 |
371 Date: |
August 20, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/264 ;
220/266; 53/452 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/6691 20130101;
B65D 85/1045 20130101; B65D 85/1056 20200501 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/264 ;
220/266; 53/452 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/10 20060101
B65D085/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 30, 2010 |
EP |
10252251.3 |
Claims
1. A container for consumer goods comprising: a box for housing the
consumer goods; an inner frame mounted within the box and having an
upper portion extending above the upper edges of the box; and a
hinge lid connected to the box along a hinge line and pivotable
about the hinge line between an open position and a closed
position, in which the inner surfaces of the hinge lid are in
contact with the outer surfaces of the upper portion of the inner
frame; wherein the inner surfaces of the hinge lid and the outer
surfaces of the upper portion of the inner frame are at least
partially covered by a sealable coating layer of a sealable
material and wherein prior to the first opening of the hinge lid
the sealable coating layers on the contacting surfaces of the hinge
lid and the inner frame are bonded to each other to form a hermetic
seal.
2. A container according to claim 1 wherein the sealable material
is selected from the group consisting polyolefin, PVDC or an
adhesive wax.
3. A container according to claim 1 wherein at least one wall of
the container comprises an inner panel and an outer panel overlying
the inner panel, wherein the contacting surfaces of the inner panel
and the outer panel are covered by a sealable coating layer of the
sealable material and wherein the sealable coating layers on the
contacting surfaces of the inner panel and outer panel are bonded
together to form a hermetic seal.
4. A container according to claim 1 wherein the hinge lid and the
box are formed from one or more laminar blanks and wherein the
inner surfaces of the one or more laminar blanks are fully covered
by the sealable coating layer.
5. A container according to claim 1 wherein the consumer products
are wrapped in an inner liner comprising one or more lines of
weakness defining an opening tab, wherein the opening tab is
adhered to an inner surface of the hinge lid such that movement of
the hinge lid to the opening position brings about separation of
the opening tab from the remainder of the inner liner to provide an
access opening in the inner liner.
6. A container according to claim 1 wherein the consumer products
are wrapped in an inner liner at least partially in contact with
the box, wherein the outer surface of the inner liner and the inner
surface of the box are at least partially covered by a sealable
coating layer of the sealable material and wherein the sealable
coating layers on the contacting surfaces of the inner liner and
the box are bonded to each other.
7. A container according to claim 1 further comprising a layer of a
resealable adhesive applied over the sealable coating layer in one
or more areas on the outer surface of the inner frame, wherein the
resealable adhesive releasably seals the hinge lid in the closed
position.
8. A container according to claim 1 wherein the front wall of the
hinge lid comprises a pull tab extending from the free edge of the
front wall.
9. A container according to claim 1 further comprising an adhesive
tear tape applied over one or more of the free edges of the hinge
lid prior to the first opening of the hinge lid in order to seal
the hinge lid in the closed position.
10. A container according to claim 1 wherein the sealing force of
the bond between the sealable coating layer on the inner surface of
the hinge lid and the sealable coating layer on the outer surface
of the inner frame is between 4 Newton and 7 Newton.
11. A container according to claim 1 further comprising an adhesive
label provided over the free edges of the hinge lid and connecting
the hinge lid to the box portion prior to the first opening of the
container, wherein the label comprises a line of weakness
substantially coinciding with a free edge of the hinge lid such
that the label is separated along the line of weakness when the
hinge lid is moved to the open position for the first time.
12. A container according to claim 1 comprising a cut extending
from opposed ends of the hinge line across the back wall to the
adjacent side edge of the back wall of the container, wherein each
cut extends no more than 2 mm from the side edge.
13. A hermetically sealed pack of smoking articles comprising a
container according to claim 1 with a plurality of smoking articles
housed within the box portion, wherein the bond between the
sealable coating layers on the inner surface of the hinge lid and
the outer surface of the inner frame is intact to provide a
hermetic seal.
14. A method of hermetically sealing a container for consumer goods
according to claim 1 comprising: providing a sealable coating layer
on the inner surfaces of the hinge lid and the outer surfaces of
the inner frame; providing the consumer goods within the box
portion; moving the hinge lid to a closed position; and bonding the
sealable coating layers of the contacting surfaces of the inner
frame and the hinge lid to provide a hermetic seal.
15. A container according to claim 2 wherein the hinge lid and the
box are formed from one or more laminar blanks and wherein the
inner surfaces of the one or more laminar blanks are fully covered
by the sealable coating layer.
16. A container according to claim 3 wherein the hinge lid and the
box are formed from one or more laminar blanks and wherein the
inner surfaces of the one or more laminar blanks are fully covered
by the sealable coating layer.
17. A container according to claim 2 wherein at least one wall of
the container comprises an inner panel and an outer panel overlying
the inner panel, wherein the contacting surfaces of the inner panel
and the outer panel are covered by a sealable coating layer of the
sealable material and wherein the sealable coating layers on the
contacting surfaces of the inner panel and outer panel are bonded
together to form a hermetic seal.
18. A container according to claim 1 wherein the consumer products
are wrapped in an inner liner at least partially in contact with
the box, wherein the outer surface of the inner liner and the inner
surface of the box are at least partially covered by a sealable
coating layer of the sealable material and wherein the sealable
coating layers on the contacting surfaces of the inner liner and
the box are bonded to each other, the inner liner comprising one or
more lines of weakness defining an opening tab, wherein the opening
tab is adhered to an inner surface of the hinge lid such that
movement of the hinge lid to the opening position brings about
separation of the opening tab from the remainder of the inner liner
to provide an access opening in the inner liner.
19. A container according to claim 1 wherein the sealable material
is selected from the group consisting polyolefin, PVDC or an
adhesive wax, and wherein the sealing force of the bond between the
sealable coating layer on the inner surface of the hinge lid and
the sealable coating layer on the outer surface of the inner frame
is between 4 Newton and 7 Newton.
20. A container according to claim 2 further comprising a layer of
a resealable adhesive applied over the sealable coating layer in
one or more areas on the outer surface of the inner frame, wherein
the resealable adhesive releasably seals the hinge lid in the
closed position.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a hinge lid container
having a sealable coating layer which provides the container with a
hermetic seal prior to the first opening. The containers of the
present invention find particular application as containers for
smoking articles, such as filter cigarettes.
[0002] It is known to package consumer goods in hinge lid
containers formed from folded laminar blanks. For example, elongate
smoking articles, such as cigarettes and cigars, are commonly sold
in hinge lid packs having a box for housing the smoking articles
and a lid connected to the box about a hinge line extending across
the back wall of the container. Such packs are typically
constructed from one-piece laminar cardboard blanks. In use, the
lid is pivoted about the hinge line to open the pack and so gain
access to the smoking articles held in the box.
[0003] Hinge lid containers are commonly used for packaging
cigarettes and other consumer goods which are adversely affected by
prolonged contact with air or moisture. Prior to the first opening,
a filled container will therefore typically be wrapped in an outer
wrapper, which provides a barrier layer against the ingress or
emersion of air, moisture, odours or flavours into and out of the
container during storage. Transparent plastic materials, such as
polypropylene, are commonly used for this purpose. The provision of
the outer wrapper ensures that the consumer goods are kept fresh
for a longer period of time and increases the shelf life of the
consumer goods. However, the effectiveness of the outer wrapper
depends on the quality of the seal provided at the ends of the
container, where the outer wrapper is folded and sealed.
[0004] Conventional cigarette box packaging consists of a bundle of
cigarettes wrapped in a paper/metal foil laminate sheet, received
in a container typically formed of carton board. The container
usually has a hinged lid to provide access to the cigarette bundle.
The container is often formed from a pre-printed blank of board
stock which is folded and wrapped around the cigarette bundle. The
container is wrapped in a heat sealable clear film, most commonly
polypropylene with an embedded tear tape to assist in easy
opening.
[0005] Of these packaging components, only the outermost film
contributes in a significant manner to the shelf life stability of
the packaged cigarettes. The plastics film acts as a moisture
barrier but its effectiveness is highly dependent upon obtaining
adequate seals in the folded, overlapped areas of the film wrap.
Nevertheless, the low moisture barrier transmission rate through
the plastics film helps maintain the starting moisture and other
volatile components of the cigarettes as manufactured, when the
packaged cigarettes are exposed to environments that have either a
higher or lower relative humidity than the internal humidity of the
cigarette pack. Whilst polypropylene film has commonly been
employed as the outer wrapping, other film materials have been used
which offer reduced moisture transmission rates, for example vacuum
metallised plastics films but these materials are still highly
dependent upon achieving a proper seal of the folded, overlapped
areas of the film when wrapped around the container.
[0006] It has been proposed, for example in WO-A-2009/083344, to
apply a continuous plastic coating layer over a filled container in
order to provide an improved seal.
[0007] It would be desirable to provide a novel way to prevent the
ingress or emersion of air, moisture, odours or flavours into or
out of the container during storage.
[0008] According to the invention there is provided a container for
consumer goods comprising: a box for housing the consumer goods; an
inner frame mounted within the box and having an upper portion
extending above the upper edges of the box; and a hinge lid
connected to the box along a hinge line and pivotable about the
hinge line between an open position and a closed position, in which
the inner surfaces of the hinge lid are in contact with the outer
surfaces of the upper portion of the inner frame. The inner
surfaces of the hinge lid and the outer surfaces of the upper
portion of the inner frame are at least partially covered by a
sealable coating layer of a sealable material. The material may be
capable of being sealable to itself, to other areas of the
container that are non-covered by a sealable coating layer, like
for example coated cardboard, or to both itself and other
non-covered areas of the container. Prior to the first opening of
the hinge lid the sealable coating layers on the contacting
surfaces of the hinge lid and the inner frame are bonded to each
other to form a hermetic seal.
[0009] The `inner surfaces` of the components of containers of the
present invention are the surfaces that are facing inwards towards
the interior of the container and the consumer goods within the
box. The inner surfaces typically provide the inside surfaces of
the container when the hinge lid is in the closed position. The
components of the container comprise the box and the lid of the
container as well as the inner frame.
[0010] The `outer surfaces` of the components of container of the
present invention are the surfaces that are facing outwards towards
the exterior of the container and away from the consumer goods
within the box. In some cases, the outer surfaces of a component,
such as the box, may also provide the outer surfaces of the
container when the hinge lid is in both open position and the
closed position. In other cases, the outer surfaces of a component
may not form the outer surfaces of the container in both the open
position and the closed position, but may instead be covered by the
panels of other components of the container when the hinge lid is
in the open or closed position, or both. For example, the outer
surfaces of the upper portion of the inner frame are covered by the
hinge lid when the hinge lid is in the closed position. The
remainder of the outer surfaces of the inner frame are covered by
the box walls in both positions.
[0011] The term `sealable` is used to refer to a type of adhesive
material that is capable of forming a seal upon exposure to
specific conditions, such as heat, pressure, ultrasound or UV
light. Prior to exposure to these specific conditions, the sealable
material will not typically adhere to itself or other surfaces of
the container. This means that it can be conveniently applied to
the laminar blanks for forming the container according to the
present invention during production of the blanks, prior to the
filling and assembly of the container. In the container of the
present invention, the sealable material is capable of sealing to
itself or to other areas of the container, in order to secure the
hinge lid in a closed position and provide a water vapour tight,
hermetic seal between the hinge lid and the inner frame until the
container is opened for the first time.
[0012] A `hermetic seal` according to the invention is a form of
water vapour tight closure which substantially prevents moisture
and humidity from migrating through the container from the exterior
to the interior where the consumer goods are housed and also from
the interior of the container towards the exterior of the
container. This ensures that the moisture inside of the container
remains substantially constant during the time the container is
closed. This advantageously increases the shelf live of the
consumer goods housed within the container.
[0013] Preferably, the moisture transmission rate through the
hermetic seal of containers according to the invention is less than
15 grams of water per day per square meter when measured according
to the ASTM method D3079-94. More preferably, the moisture
transmission rate through the hermetic seal of containers according
to the invention is between about 0.2 grams of water per day per
square meter and about 8 grams of water per day per square meter of
surface area of the seal.
[0014] In closed hinge lid containers, the main way in which gases
such as oxygen or water vapour can permeate through to the consumer
goods housed inside the box of the container is likely to be
through any gaps between the hinge lid and the box or the inner
frame. In hinge lid containers according to the invention, the
sealable coating layer is therefore provided on the contacting
surfaces of the hinge lid and the inner frame in order to provide a
hermetic seal such that gases can no longer enter the container
through such gaps.
[0015] Advantageously, the hermetic seal provided by the sealable
coating layer provides an effective barrier layer such that an
outer wrapper or coating layer is no longer required in order to
achieve the desired level of freshness of the consumer goods within
the container. Thus, the final step of overwrapping the container
can be eliminated from the wrapping process. Therefore, neither the
overwrapping apparatus nor the wrapping material is required. The
production process of the containers according to the invention is
therefore more efficient than existing processes, both in terms of
time and cost.
[0016] Furthermore, the hermetic seal formed by the bonding of the
sealable coating layers advantageously provides a form of tamper
evident seal which enables the consumer to tell whether or not the
container has been previously opened or tampered with in any way.
The hermetic seal should be intact at the point of sale of the
filled container and must be broken by the consumer in order to
access the consumer goods. The presence of an unbroken seal between
the hinge lid and the inner frame indicates that the hinge lid has
not yet been opened and the consumer goods have not been accessed.
It may also reflect to the consumer that the consumer goods within
the container are still fresh, since the hermetic seal has not yet
been broken.
[0017] Advantageously, the sealable coating material can be applied
to the surfaces of the container during production of the laminar
blanks, so that the process of assembling and filling the
containers according to the invention can be carried out using
conventional apparatus and methods. The only necessary modification
to the process is to subject the filled container to the necessary
conditions, such as heat or pressure, to form the bond between the
sealable coating layers on the hinge lid and the inner frame.
Alternatively, the panels are sealed to each other successively in
separate sealing steps.
[0018] In order to provide a water vapour tight seal between the
hinge lid and the inner frame, the sealable coating layer
preferably covers the entire surface area of the outer surfaces of
the inner frame and the inner surfaces of the hinge lid that are
brought into contact with each other when the hinge lid is in the
closed position. This further prevents the ingress of gases into
the container through any gaps or breaks in the seal.
[0019] The full coverage of the sealable coating layer can
conveniently be achieved by coating an entire surface of the
laminar blank or blanks that are used to form the hinge lid and
inner frame. For example, the inner surface of the laminar blank
for forming the hinge lid (and optionally the box) of containers
according to the invention may be fully covered with a coating
layer of the sealable material. The `inner surface` of the laminar
blank refers to the surface on the side of the blank that will form
the majority of the inner surfaces of the hinge lid and box when
the container is assembled. Typically, the majority of the
opposite, outer surface will be printed with the graphics and text
to be displayed on the exterior of the assembled container.
[0020] Once sealed, the sealable material should provide a
sufficiently strong seal between the hinge lid and the inner frame
that the seal remains hermetic and the hinge lid remains securely
in place before the first opening of the container. However, it
must also be possible for the consumer to be able to readily break
the seal and separate the hinge lid from the inner frame in order
to access the consumer goods, without damaging the container. The
sealing force between the hinge lid and the inner frame is
therefore preferably between 2 Newton and 7 Newton, preferably,
between about 2 Newton and 4 Newton.
[0021] Preferably, the sealable coating layer on the outer surfaces
of the inner frame extends below the level of the free edges of the
box, so that the sealable coating layer can additionally be used to
provide a hermetic seal between the inner frame and the inner
surfaces of the box. This is particularly convenient in cases where
the inner surface of the laminar blank or blanks forming the hinge
lid and box are fully coated with the sealable material.
Advantageously, this also simplifies the positioning of the inner
frame within the box as there is sealable material below and above
the upper edge of the box front wall. The seal between the inner
frame and the box ensures that the inner frame remains in place
within the box and also further improves the sealing of the
container prior to first opening.
[0022] The sealable coating layer may be formed of any suitable
sealing material that is capable of sealing under certain
conditions that can conveniently be provided during the production
of the filler containers and without adversely affecting the
consumer goods within the container. Preferred sealable materials
include heat sealable materials which become tacky and can seal
upon the application of heat. Suitable sealable materials include
non water based materials or water based materials that can later
become resistant to water or water vapour. For example, suitable
sealable materials but are not limited to polyolefins, PVDC
(polyvinylidene chloride) resin and adhesive waxes. Preferably, the
outer wrapper is coated with a sealable polyolefin like one or a
combination of: polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, an
ethylene-propylene copolymer, a propylene-butylene copolymer, an
ethylene-butylene copolymer, an ethylene-propylene-butylene
terpolymer.
[0023] The sealable coating layer is preferably applied in the form
of a solvent, oil or water borne emulsion or dispersion of at least
one of the coating materials indicated above. The dry weight of the
coating layer is preferably between about 1 gram per square meter
and about 100 grams per square meter (gsm).
[0024] Containers according to the invention will typically be
assembled in the conventional way, by folding one or more laminar
blanks around the consumer goods and sealing overlying panels of
the laminar blanks together in order to retain the container in the
assembled shape. This may be achieved using conventional glues or
adhesives. However, using standard gluing techniques, the adhesive
used to seal overlying panels of the container is not typically
applied to the entire surface area of the contacting surfaces.
Therefore, even though the overlying panels are successfully
secured together, there may be gaps or channels extending between
the exterior of the container and the interior of the container
where no adhesive is provided. This means that the seal between the
overlying panels may not be fully water vapour tight and so air or
moisture can migrate into the container and adversely affect the
consumer goods.
[0025] In preferred embodiments of the present invention at least
one wall of each container comprises an inner panel and an outer
panel overlying the inner panel, wherein the contacting surfaces of
the inner panel and the outer panel are covered by a sealable
coating layer of a sealable material that is capable of sealing and
wherein the sealable coating layers on the contacting surfaces of
the inner panel and the outer panel are bonded to each other to
form a hermetic seal. Preferably, the area that is covered by the
sealable coating is about 100 percent of the contacting surface.
Alternatively, through an appropriate choice of pattern, a lower
coverage may be achieved, for example between about 30 percent and
about 100 percent of the contacting surface. The sealable material
between the overlying inner panel and outer panel is preferably the
same material as used to provide the hermetic seal between the
hinge lid and the inner frame, as described above.
[0026] Preferably, the sealable material is used in place of the
conventional adhesive to hermetically seal all overlying panels of
the container, in addition to sealing the hinge lid and the inner
frame. For example, in a hinge lid container of a conventional
construction, the sealable material may be used to seal overlying
panels forming at the side walls and the bottom wall of the box as
well as the side walls and the top wall of the hinge lid. In this
way, all of the seals provided in the container are water vapour
tight and the migration of moisture into the container can be
further reduced.
[0027] As with the contacting surfaces of the hinge lid and the
inner frame, the sealable material should preferably cover the
entire surface area of the contacting surfaces of the inner panel
and the overlying outer panel so that there are no gaps or breaks
in the resultant seal through which air or moisture may be able to
permeate.
[0028] Preferably, the sealing force between the overlying panels
is adjusted so that the seal remains hermetic and is sufficiently
strong that the container is able to withstand the stresses to
which it may be subjected within the supply chain, or during use.
Unlike the seal between the hinge lid and the inner frame, it is
generally not desirable for the seal between overlying panels of
the container to be breakable by the consumer. Furthermore, the
seals should remain intact when the necessary force is applied to
break the seal between the hinge lid and the inner frame. The
sealing force between the overlying panels is therefore at least
about 4 Newton and is preferably at least the same as the sealing
force between the hinge lid and the inner frame, and more
preferably greater.
[0029] Preferably, the sealable coating layer is applied to the
corresponding panels of the laminar blank or blanks forming the box
and hinge lid such that the panels are fully covered. In preferred
embodiments, the inner surface of the laminar blank or blanks is
fully covered with the sealable coating layer, as described above.
In addition, the outer surfaces of the panels forming the inner
panels of the overlying panels in the hinge lid and box must be
fully covered with the sealable coating layer. If desired, both
sides of the laminar blank or blanks may be fully covered with the
sealable coating layer.
[0030] Preferably, the consumer products within the box of
containers according to the invention are wrapped in an inner liner
to further ensure that the freshness of the consumer goods is
retained during storage. Preferably, the inner liner comprises one
or more lines of weakness defining an opening tab, wherein the
opening tab is separable from the remainder of the inner liner to
provide an access opening in the inner liner through which the
consumer goods can be removed. If desired, a resealable adhesive
label may be provided on the opening tab in the inner liner such
that the opening tab can be resealed in the closed position between
uses.
[0031] In certain preferred embodiments, the opening tab of the
inner liner is adhered to an inner surface of the hinge lid such
that movement of the hinge lid to the opening position brings about
separation of the opening tab from the remainder of the inner liner
to form the access opening. The opening tab may be directly adhered
to the inner surface of the hinge lid, or may be adhered to the
surface by means of an adhesive label.
[0032] Preferably, the inner liner is at least partially in contact
with the box and the outer surface of the inner liner and the inner
surface of the box are at least partially covered by a sealable
coating layer of a sealable material. Preferably, the sealable
coating layers on the contacting surfaces of the inner liner and
the box are bonded to each other. The sealing force between the
inner liner and the box is preferably at least about 4 Newton. The
sealable material used to bond the inner liner and the box is
preferably the same as that used to form the hermetic seal between
the hinge lid and the inner frame. The sealable material secures
the inner liner to the box so that the opening tab can be readily
separated from the remainder of the inner liner without displacing
the inner liner, or pulling the entire inner liner out from the
box.
[0033] Preferably, the inner liner is formed of metal foil or
metallised paper.
[0034] In preferred embodiments, the laminar blank for forming the
box is already fully covered on the inner surface with the sealable
coating layer, as described above. In order to achieve the seal
between the inner liner and the box the sealable coating layer
should also be applied to at least a part of the outer surface of
the inner liner.
[0035] Preferably, containers according to the invention further
comprise a layer of a resealable adhesive applied over the sealable
coating layer in one or more areas on the outer surface of the
inner frame, wherein the resealable adhesive releasably seals the
hinge lid in the closed position. Once the hermetic seal has been
broken, the resealable adhesive allows for the hinge lid to be
sealed in the closed position between uses. This way, the hinge lid
does not become inadvertently opened. This ensures that the
freshness of the consumer goods is retained as much as possible
after the first opening of the container and also prevents dust or
other foreign particles from getting into the container and coming
into contact with the consumer goods.
[0036] Preferably, the resealable adhesive will provide sufficient
adhesion for the hinge lid to be resealed in the closed position at
least as many times as there are consumer goods in the container so
that it can be used to reseal the hinge lid until the container is
empty.
[0037] Suitable materials for use as the resealable adhesive are
known to the skilled person. In one example of the present
invention, the resealable adhesive comprises an acrylate component.
Preferably the resealable adhesive is applied in the form of a
water borne emulsion or dispersion comprising the adhesive
component. The dry weight of the resealable adhesive is preferably
between about 1 gram per square meter and about 50 grams per square
meter (gsm).
[0038] Preferably, the front wall of the hinge lid comprises a pull
tab extending from the free edge of the front wall. Preferably, the
front wall of the box comprises a cut out portion at the free edge,
corresponding in size, shape and position to the pull tab of the
hinge lid, so that the pull tab can lie within the cut out when the
hinge lid is in the closed position. The pull tab facilitates the
opening of the hinge lid and in particular, the breakage of the
hermetic seal between the hinge lid and the inner frame during the
first opening of the container. If desired, the pull tab may be
connected to the front wall along a hinge line, such as a fold
line, to further facilitate the grasping of the pull tab by the
consumer during use. The pull tab may extend part way across the
free edge of the front wall of the hinge lid, or may extend all of
the way across the free edge. Where the pull tab extends only part
way across the free edge, the pull tab is preferably provided
substantially in the centre of the free edge of the front wall.
[0039] In certain preferred embodiments of the invention, the
container further comprises an adhesive tear tape applied over one
or more of the free edges of the hinge lid prior to the first
opening of the hinge lid in order to seal the hinge lid in the
closed position. The adhesive tear tape provides an additional
hermetic seal around at least a part of the junction of the hinge
lid and the inner frame or the corresponding free edge of the box
when the hinge lid is in the closed position. This further improves
the closure seal of the hinge lid. The adhesive tear tape must be
removed from the container before the hinge lid can be moved to an
open position.
[0040] Preferably, the adhesive tear tape extends at least along
the junction of the edge of the front wall of the hinge lid with
the inner frame or the free edge of the box front wall. Optionally,
the adhesive tear tape may also extend along the junction of the
edges of the side walls of the hinge lid with the inner frame or
the corresponding free edges of the box side walls so that the tear
tape covers the entire length of the free edge of the hinge lid.
Preferably, where the adhesive tear tape extends along the
junctions of the side walls of the container, the free edges of the
side walls and front wall of the hinge lid are substantially
horizontal. This way, the junction between the hinge lid and the
inner frame or box extends around the container in a substantially
straight line. This facilitates the application and removal of the
adhesive tear tape.
[0041] Suitable materials for forming the tear tape would be known
to the skilled person. In one example, a tear tape of OPP (oriented
polypropylene) is provided.
[0042] Alternatively or in addition to the adhesive tear tape,
containers according to the present invention may further comprise
an adhesive label provided over the free edges of the hinge lid and
connecting the hinge lid to the box prior to the first opening of
the container, wherein the label comprises a line of weakness
substantially coinciding with a free edge of the hinge lid such
that the label is separated along the line of weakness when the
hinge lid is moved to the open position for the first time. The
adhesive label provides another form of tamper evident seal, since
the presence of an intact adhesive label provides evidence that the
container has not yet been opened or tampered with.
[0043] Preferably, containers according to the invention further
comprise a cut extending from each of the opposed ends of the hinge
line across the back wall to the adjacent side edge of the back
wall of the container. Preferably each cut extends no more than
about 2 mm from the side edge. Typically, similarly positioned cuts
are provided in conventional hinge lid containers in order to
improve the opening and closing of the hinge lid. However, in the
containers of the present invention the cuts are shorter in length
than in conventional containers. For example, preferably the cuts
in containers according to the invention are about half the length
of the cuts in conventional containers. The shortening of the
length of the cuts further reduces any potential pathways into the
container through which oxygen, moisture or other gases could
migrate during storage. Thus the shortened cuts further improve the
seal provided by the containers according to the invention prior to
first opening.
[0044] As described above, containers according to the invention
are preferably formed of one or more laminar blanks which are
provided with the sealable coating layers on the appropriate
surfaces of the blank or blanks.
[0045] According to the invention there is provided a laminar blank
for forming a container according to any preceding claim, the blank
comprising a box defining portion and a hinge lid defining portion,
wherein the inner surface of hinge lid defining portion is covered
with a sealable coating layer of a sealable material that is
capable of sealing. The laminar blank of the present invention is
used in combination with a laminar blank for forming the inner
frame, which is mounted within the box of the container and which
is provided with a sealable coating layer on the outer surfaces,
for bonding with the sealable coating layer on the inner surface of
the hinge lid.
[0046] According to the invention there is also provided a method
of hermetically sealing a container for consumer goods according to
the invention, as described above, the method comprising: providing
a sealable coating layer on the inner surfaces of the hinge lid and
the outer surfaces of the inner frame; providing the consumer goods
within the box portion; moving the hinge lid to a closed position;
and bonding the sealable coating layers of the contacting surfaces
of the inner frame and the hinge lid to provide a hermetic seal.
The bonding step of the method of the present invention preferably
comprises exposing the coating layers to heat, pressure, or both in
order to bring about the adhesion of the sealable material.
[0047] Containers according to the invention may be in the shape of
a rectangular parallelepiped, with right-angled longitudinal and
right-angled transverse edges. Alternatively, the container may
comprise one or more rounded longitudinal edges, rounded transverse
edges, bevelled longitudinal edges or bevelled transverse edges, or
combinations thereof. For example, the container according to the
invention may comprise, without limitation: [0048] One or two
longitudinal rounded or bevelled edges on the front wall, and/or
one or two longitudinal rounded or bevelled edges on the back wall.
[0049] One or two transverse rounded or bevelled edges on the front
wall, and/or one or two transverse rounded or bevelled edges on the
back wall. [0050] One longitudinal rounded edge and one
longitudinal bevelled edge on the front wall, and/or one transverse
rounded edge and one transverse bevelled edge on the back wall.
[0051] One or two transverse rounded or bevelled edges on the front
wall and one or two longitudinal rounded or bevelled edges on the
front wall. [0052] Two longitudinal rounded or bevelled edges on a
first side wall or two transverse rounded or bevelled edges on the
second side wall.
[0053] Where the container comprises one or more rounded edges and
is made from one or more laminar blanks, preferably the blanks
comprise three, four, five, six or seven scoring lines or creasing
lines to form each rounded edge in the assembled container. The
scoring lines or creasing lines may be either on the inside of the
container or on the outside of the container. Preferably, the
scoring lines or creasing lines are spaced from each other by
between about 0.3 mm and 4 mm.
[0054] Preferably, the spacing of the creasing lines or scoring
lines is a function of the thickness of the laminar blank.
Preferably, the spacing between the creasing lines or scoring lines
is between about 0.5 and about 4 times larger than the thickness of
the laminar blank.
[0055] Where the container comprises one or more bevelled edge,
preferably the bevelled edge has a width of between about 1 mm and
about 10 mm, preferably between about 2 and about 6 mm.
Alternatively, the container may comprise a double bevel formed by
three parallel creasing or scoring lines that are spaced such that
two distinct bevels are formed on the edge of the container.
[0056] Where the container comprises a bevelled edge and is made
from one or more laminar blanks, the bevel may be formed by two
parallel creasing lines or scoring lines in the laminar blank. The
creasing lines or scoring lines may be arranged symmetrically to
the edge between a first wall and a second wall. Alternatively, the
creasing lines or scoring lines may be arranged asymmetrically to
the edge between the first wall and the second wall, such that the
bevel reaches further into the first wall of the container than
into the second wall of the container.
[0057] Alternatively, the container may have a non-rectangular
transversal cross section, for example polygonal such as triangular
or hexagonal, or oval, semi-oval, circular or semi-circular.
[0058] Containers according to the invention find particular
application as packs for elongate smoking articles such as, for
example, cigarettes, cigars or cigarillos.
[0059] According to the invention there is provided a hermetically
sealed pack of smoking articles comprising a container according to
invention, as described above, with a plurality of smoking articles
housed within the box, wherein the bond between the sealable
coating layers on the inner surface of the hinge lid and the outer
surface of the inner frame is intact to provide a hermetic
seal.
[0060] It will be appreciated that through appropriate choices of
the dimensions thereof, containers according to the invention may
be designed for different numbers of conventional size, king size,
super-king size, slim or super-slim cigarettes.
[0061] Through an appropriate choice of the dimensions thereof,
containers according to the invention may be designed to hold
different total numbers of smoking articles, or different
arrangements of smoking articles. For example, through an
appropriate choice of the dimensions thereof, containers according
to the invention may be designed to hold a total of between ten and
thirty smoking articles.
[0062] The smoking articles in the container may be arranged in
different collations, depending on the total number of smoking
articles. For example, the smoking articles may be arranged in a
single row of six, seven, eight, nine or ten. Alternatively, the
smoking articles may be arranged in two or more rows. The two or
more rows may contain the same number of smoking articles. For
example, the smoking articles may be arranged in: two rows of five,
six, seven, eight, nine or ten; three rows of five or seven; or
four rows of four, five or six. Alternatively, the two or more rows
may include at least two rows containing different number of
smoking articles to each other. For example, the smoking articles
may be arranged in: a row of five and a row of six (5-6); a row of
six and a row of seven (6-7); a row of seven and a row of eight
(7-8); a middle row of five and two outer rows of six (6-5-6); a
middle row of five and two outer rows of seven (7-5-7); a middle
row of six and two outer rows of five (5-6-5); a middle row of six
and two outer rows of seven (7-6-7); a middle row of seven and two
outer rows of six (6-7-6); a middle row of nine and two outer rows
of eight (8-9-8); or a middle row of six with one outer row of five
and one outer row of seven (5-6-7).
[0063] Containers according to the present invention may hold
smoking articles of the same type or brand, or of different types
or brands. In addition, both filterless smoking articles and
smoking articles with various filter tips may be contained, as well
as smoking articles of differing length (for example, between about
40 mm and about 180 mm), diameter (for example, between about 4 mm
and about 9 mm). In addition, the smoking articles may differ in
strength of taste, resistance to draw and total particulate matter
delivery. Preferably, the dimensions of the container are adapted
to the length of the smoking articles, and the collation of the
smoking articles. Typically, the outer dimensions of the container
are between about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm larger than the dimensions
of the bundle or bundles of smoking articles housed inside the
container.
[0064] The length, width and depth of containers according to the
invention may be such that, in the closed position, the resultant
overall dimensions of the container are similar to the dimensions
of a typical disposable hinge-lid pack of twenty cigarettes.
[0065] Preferably, containers according to the invention have a
height of between about 60 mm and about 150 mm, more preferably a
height of between about 70 mm and about 125 mm, wherein the height
is measured from the top wall to the bottom wall of the
container.
[0066] Preferably, containers according to the invention have a
width of between about 12 mm and about 150 mm, more preferably a
width of between about 70 mm and about 125 mm, wherein the width is
measured from one side wall to the other side wall of the
container.
[0067] Preferably, containers according to the invention have a
depth of between about 6 mm and about 100 mm, more preferably a
depth of between about 12 mm and about 25 mm wherein the depth is
measured from the front wall to the back wall of the container
(comprising the hinge between box and lid).
[0068] Preferably, the ratio of the height of the container to the
depth of the container is in between about 0.3 to 1 and about 10 to
1, more preferably between about 2 to 1 and about 8 to 1, most
preferably between about 3 to 1 and 5 to 1
[0069] Preferably, the ratio of the width of the container to the
depth of the container is between about 0.3 to 1 and about 10 to 1,
more preferably between about 2 to 1 and about 8 to 1, most
preferably between about 2 to 1 and 3 to 1.
[0070] Despite being sealed, once filled, containers according to
the invention may be shrink wrapped or otherwise over wrapped with
a transparent polymeric film of, for example, high or low density
polyethylene, polypropylene, oriented polypropylene, polyvinylidene
chloride, cellulose film, or combinations thereof in a conventional
manner. Where containers according to the invention are over
wrapped, the over wrapper may include one or more a tear tapes. In
addition, the over wrapper may be printed with images, consumer
information or other data. The additional outer wrapper may
advantageously protect the surface of the container for example
against abrasion during handling.
[0071] As well as housing a bundle of smoking articles, the
container may further comprise other consumer goods, for example
matches, lighters, extinguishing means, breath-fresheners or
electronics. The other consumer goods may be attached to the
outside of the container, contained within the container along with
the smoking articles, in a separate compartment of the container or
combinations thereof.
[0072] The exterior surfaces of containers according to the
invention may be printed, embossed, debossed or otherwise
embellished with manufacturer or brand logos, trade marks, slogans
and other consumer information and indicia.
[0073] The invention will be further described, by way of example
only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0074] FIG. 1 shows a front, perspective view of a hinge lid
container according to the present invention with the hinge lid in
an open position;
[0075] FIG. 2a shows a top view of a laminar blank for forming the
box and hinge lid of the container of FIG. 1;
[0076] FIG. 2b shows a top view of a laminar blank for forming the
inner frame of the container of FIG. 1; and
[0077] FIG. 3 shows a front, perspective view of another hinge lid
container according to the present invention with the hinge lid in
a closed position.
[0078] The hinge lid container 2 shown in FIG. 1 is a rectangular
parallelepiped and comprises a box 10 and a lid 20 that is hinged
to the box 10 along a hinge line 45 extending substantially
horizontally along the back wall of the container 2. A wrapped
bundle of cigarettes (not shown) is housed in the box 10 of the
container 2. The overall size and construction of the box 10 and
lid 20 of container 2 are substantially the same as that of a
standard hinge lid cigarette pack.
[0079] The box 10 has a box front wall 12, a box left side wall 14,
a box right side wall 15, a box back wall, and a box bottom wall.
The upper side of the box 10 is open, to provide an upper opening
through which the cigarettes can be removed. The box front wall 12
comprises a semi-circular cut out 16 at the upper free edge 18.
Each of the box side walls 14,15 is formed of an inner panel
14a,15a and an overlying outer panel 14b,14a, wherein the inner
panel and the outer panel are sealed together, as described
below.
[0080] The terms "front", "back", "upper", "lower", "side", "top",
"bottom" and other terms used to describe relative positions of the
components of containers 2 according to the invention refer to the
container in an upright position with the lid 20 at the top end and
the hinge on the back. The terms "left" and "right" are used with
reference to side walls of the container when the container 2 is
viewed from the front in its upright position. When the container
in the upright position is open, the cigarettes contained in the
box 10 may be removed from the upper end of the container 2.
[0081] The lid 20 has a lid front wall 22, a lid left side wall 24,
a lid right side wall 25, a lid back wall and a lid top wall. A
semi-circular pull tab 26 extends from the free edge 28 of the lid
front wall 22. The pull tab 26 corresponds in size, shape and
position to the semi-circular cut out 16 in the box front wall 12.
Each of the lid side walls 24,25 is formed of an inner panel
24a,25a and an overlying outer panel 24b,24a, wherein the inner
panel and the outer panel are sealed together, as described
below.
[0082] When the container 2 is closed, the free edges of the walls
of the lid 20 abut the free edges of the walls of the box 10 along
a line of abutment and the pull tab 26 fits within the
semi-circular cut out 16. In the closed position, the walls of the
lid 20 therefore form extensions of the corresponding walls of the
box 10 to define the walls of the container 2.
[0083] An inner frame 30 is mounted within the box 10 of the
container 2. The inner frame 30 comprises an inner frame front wall
32, an inner frame left side wall 34 and an inner frame right side
wall which are connected to the inner surface of the box front wall
12, box left side wall and box right side wall 14, respectively.
The inner frame front wall 32 includes a rectangular cut out 36 at
the top free edge of the inner frame front wall 32 in order to
facilitate removal of the cigarettes from the box 10. The inner
frame front wall 32 is of sufficient length that it extends below
the cut out 16 provided in the box front wall 12.
[0084] The box 10 and lid 20 of the container 2 are formed from the
single laminar blank 102 shown in FIG. 2a. Dotted lines indicate
fold lines in the blank. The laminar blank 102 comprises a
box-defining portion 110 and a lid-defining portion 120 connected
along the hinge line 45. The inner surface of the laminar blank 102
is fully coated with a sealable coating layer formed of a
polyolefin material that is capable of sealing. The inner surface
of the laminar blank 102 provides the inner surfaces of the hinge
lid 20 and the box 10 and the sealable coating layer therefore
covers the inner surfaces of the assembled container 2. The outer
surface of the laminar blank 102, as shown in FIG. 2a, is
additionally coated with a sealable coating layer on the panels
shown as hatched in FIG. 2a. In the assembled container, these
panels correspond to the inner panels 14a,15a of the box side walls
and the inner panels 24a,25a of the lid side walls.
[0085] The inner frame 30 of the container 2 is formed of the
laminar blank 130 shown in FIG. 2b. Dotted lines indicate fold
lines in the blank. The outer surface of the laminar blank 130, as
shown in FIG. 2b, is coated with a sealable coating layer 138 in
the areas of the frame front wall 32 and frame side walls 34,35
that are located proximate the free edges of the box in the
assembled container. The sealable coating layer also extends down
the frame front wall to cover the area of the wall that is in
contact with the box front wall in the assembled container. As in
FIG. 2a, the sealable coating layer is shown as hatched in FIG.
2b.
[0086] During assembly of the container from the laminar blanks
102,130, the inner frame 30 is mounted in the box portion such that
the sealable coating layer 138 is provided in the correct position
proximate the free edges of the box 10. The sealable coating layer
on the lower part of the frame front wall 32 is brought into
contact with the sealable coating layer on the inner surface of the
box front wall 12 and the sealable coating layers are then heated
so that the layers bond to each other to provide a hermetic seal
between the frame front wall 32 and the box front wall 12.
[0087] After assembly of the container 2 from the laminar blanks
and the filling of the container with the bundle of smoking
articles, the hinge lid 20 is closed so that the sealable coating
layer on the inner surfaces of the hinge lid 20 is brought into
contact with the sealable coating layer on the outer surfaces of
the inner frame 30. The sealable coating layers are then heated so
that the layers bond to each other to provide a hermetic seal
between the hinge lid 20 and the inner frame 30.
[0088] In order to open the container 2 for the first time, the
consumer may grasp the pull tab 26 and pull the hinge lid 20 to
break the hermetic seal between the hinge lid 20 and the inner
frame 30 and to subsequently pivot the hinge lid 20 backwards
towards the open position shown in FIG. 1.
[0089] In alternative embodiments of the container 2 a resealable
adhesive is provided on at least the frame front wall 32 so that
the hinge lid can be resealed in the closed position between uses,
even after the hermetic seal provided by the coating layers has
been broken.
[0090] The container 50 shown in FIG. 3 is similar in construction
to the container 2 shown in FIG. 1 and comprises a hinge lid 20'
connected to a box 10' for housing the smoking articles. The hinge
lid is hermetically sealed to the inner frame as a result of the
bonding of the sealing coating layers, as described above for
container 2. In addition, in the container 50 a tear tape 52 is
provided over the line of abutment between the free edges of the
hinge lid 20' and the free edges of the box portion 10'. The line
of abutment is different to that of container 2, since it extends
in a straight, horizontal line across the front wall and both side
walls of the container. As a result, the position of the hinge line
45 is above the level at which the free edges of the lid side walls
meet the back wall of the container in the closed position of the
hinge lid. In order to maintain the straight line of abutment, no
pull tab or cut out are provided in the lid and box front
walls.
[0091] The container 50 is shown in FIG. 3 with the tear tape 52
partially removed. In order to open the container 50 for the first
time, the tear tape 52 must be fully removed from the container and
the hermetic seal between the hinge lid 20' and the inner frame
broken, as described above.
* * * * *