U.S. patent application number 14/435014 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-27 for packaging.
The applicant listed for this patent is CADBURY UK LIMITED, INTERCONTINENTAL GREAT BRANDS LLC. Invention is credited to Aidy Aidyev, Sebastien Bouline, Sophie Caron, Nicolas Gres, Oliver Schembri.
Application Number | 20150239629 14/435014 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47459039 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150239629 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Caron; Sophie ; et
al. |
August 27, 2015 |
PACKAGING
Abstract
Packaging (1) in which first and second layers (11, 12) are
coupled to one another and arranged with a built-in areas of
weakness (21) on part of the first layer (11) exposed outside of
the packaging (1). The built-in areas of weakness (21) is arranged
such that breaking the first layer (11) at the built-in area of
weakness (21) thereof enables the first layer (11) to act on the
second layer (12) to unfold the second layer (12) to thereby open
the packaging (1).
Inventors: |
Caron; Sophie; (Eysins,
CH) ; Bouline; Sebastien; (Eysins, CH) ; Gres;
Nicolas; (Eysins, CH) ; Schembri; Oliver;
(Eysins, CH) ; Aidyev; Aidy; (Velikiy Novgorod,
RU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
INTERCONTINENTAL GREAT BRANDS LLC
CADBURY UK LIMITED |
Deerfield,
Birmingham |
IL |
US
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
47459039 |
Appl. No.: |
14/435014 |
Filed: |
October 17, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
October 17, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2012/055672 |
371 Date: |
April 10, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/526 ;
229/87.05; 53/476; 53/492 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 85/60 20130101;
B65B 69/00 20130101; B65D 75/585 20130101; B65B 7/00 20130101; B65D
75/08 20130101; B65D 75/5827 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 75/08 20060101
B65D075/08; B65B 69/00 20060101 B65B069/00; B65B 7/00 20060101
B65B007/00; B65D 75/58 20060101 B65D075/58; B65D 85/60 20060101
B65D085/60 |
Claims
1-48. (canceled)
49. Packaging comprising first and second layers coupled to one
another, arranged with a built-in area of weakness at part of the
first layer and exposed outside of the packaging, wherein the
built-in areas of weakness is arranged such that breaking the first
layer at the built-in area of weakness thereof enables the first
layer to act on the second layer to unfold part of the second layer
to thereby open the packaging.
50. The packaging of claim 49, wherein the built-in area of
weakness comprises a discontinuity in the packaging
51. The packaging of claim 49, wherein the built-in area of
weakness comprises a discontinuity in the first layer of the
packaging.
52. The packaging of claim 49, wherein the built-in area of
weakness comprises a discontinuity in coupling between the first
layer and the second layer.
53. The packaging of claim 49, wherein the built-in area of
weakness comprises one or more of: a laser score, a die cut, a
scored area or a perforated area.
54. The packaging of claim 49, wherein the first layer is arranged
to partially separate from the second layer on breaking of the
first layer at the built-in area of weakness to form a tail, such
that the tail that can be used to pull open and unfold the second
layer to thereby open the packaging.
55. The packaging of claim 49, wherein the built-in area of
weakness is arranged to cooperate with a coupling area over which
the first and second layers are coupled to one another, such that
partially separating the first layer from the second layer on
breaking the first layer at the built-in area of weakness forms a
tail from the separated portion of the first layer.
56. The packaging of claim 49, comprising an end wall and a side
wall, wherein the side wall is folded over itself to form the end
wall.
57. The packaging of claim 56, wherein the built-in area of
weakness of the first layer runs around the outside of the
packaging on the side wall, and extends on the outside of the
packaging from the side wall to the intersection of the side wall
and the end wall.
58. The packaging of claim 56, wherein the built-in area of
weakness of the first layer does not extend beyond the front and
side walls on the outside of the packaging.
59. The packaging of claim 56, wherein the built-in area of
weakness of the first layer is folded into an end wall with
material from the first and second layers.
60. The packaging of claim 56, wherein first and second ends of the
built-in area of weakness of the first layer outside the packaging
terminate at the intersection of a side wall and an end wall.
61. The packaging of claim 49, comprising a front face and a back
face, side faces, and end faces, wherein a side wall forms the
front, back and side faces and at least one end face is provided by
folded portions of the side wall.
62. The packaging of claim 61, wherein the built-in area of
weakness of the first layer extends from the front face onto the
side faces.
63. The packaging of claim 61, wherein a first, and optionally a
second end of the built-in area of weakness outside the packaging
terminate(s) at the intersection of three faces, at a corner where
the side, end and back faces meet.
64. The packaging of claim 49, wherein breaking the first layer at
the built-in area of weakness forms a separable portion of the
packaging.
65. The packaging of claim 49, arranged to enclose a stack of
products in side-by-side arrangement.
66. The packaging of 49, comprising an end wall corresponding to
dimensions of individual products stacked therein, and comprising
one or more side walls corresponding to the length of the
stack.
67. The packaging of claim 49, wherein the built-in area of
weakness of the first layer and an area at which the first and
second layers are not coupled to one another together form a
frangible portion of the packaging exterior.
68. The packaging of claim 67, wherein the frangible portion is
arranged to be broken by application of a pressing force to the
outside of the packaging that provides friction along the side
wall, by pressing into and along the side wall.
69. The packaging of claim 67, wherein the frangible portion is
arranged such that the first layer, at the area where the first and
second layers are not coupled to one another, can bundle up and/or
turn inside out by continued application of the pressing force
after breaking of the built-in area of weakness.
70. The packaging of claim 49, wherein part of the first layer, or
of the first and second layers are arranged, on opening of the
packaging, to form a chute by which product from within the
packaging may be dispensed.
71. A method of opening packaging, the packaging comprising first
and second layers coupled to one another, arranged with a built-in
area of weakness at part of the first layer and exposed outside of
the packaging, the method comprising breaking the first layer at
the built-in area of weakness, then causing the first layer to act
on the second layer to unfold part of the second layer to thereby
open the packaging.
72. The method of claim 71, comprising forming a tail and pulling
thereon to pull open and unfold the second layer, thereby opening
the packaging.
73. The method of claim 71, performed with packaging comprising
first and second layers coupled to one another, arranged with a
built-in area of weakness at part of the first layer and exposed
outside of the packaging, wherein the built-in areas of weakness is
arranged such that breaking the first layer at the built-in area of
weakness thereof enables the first layer to act on the second layer
to unfold part of the second layer to thereby open the
packaging.
74. A packaging blank comprising first and second layers coupled to
one another, arranged with a built-in area of weakness at part of
the first layer, wherein when formed as packaging around a product
the built-in area of weakness lies in part of the first layer
exposed outside of the packaging and the second layer within the
packaging, such that breaking the first layer at the built-in area
of weakness thereof enables the first layer to act on the second
layer to unfold the second layer to open the packaging.
75. The packaging blank of claim 74, wherein the built-in area of
weakness of the first layer runs across the packaging blank from
one corner region thereof to another corner region thereof, the
another corner region being non-diagonally opposed to the one
corner region.
76. The packaging blank according to claim 74, in combination with
an item or arrangement of items to be packaged.
77. A method of packaging, comprising: providing a packaging blank
comprising first and second layers; providing a built-in area of
weakness at part of the first layer; and forming the packaging
blank around an item or arrangement of items to be packaged;
wherein the forming positions part of the first layer comprising
the built-in area of weakness so as to be exposed outside of the
packaging and the built-in area of weakness of the second layer
within the packaging, with the built-in areas of weakness arranged
such that breaking the first layer at the built-in area of weakness
thereof enables the first layer to act on the second layer to
unfold the second layer to open the packaging.
78. A package, packaging blank or method substantially as herein
described, with reference to the accompanying FIGS. 2-16.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The disclosure relates to packaging, packaging blanks and
related methods.
BACKGROUND
[0002] It is known to package consumable products by placing a
number of the products side-by-side to form a stack and enclosing
the stack in a tubular packet formed from a wrapper of flexible
material. This type of packaging is used for a variety of
consumable products such as biscuits and confectionery items,
including gum pellets. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a packaging
10 containing a stack of chewing gum pellets 12. The dashed lines
indicate the positions of the chewing gum pellets 12 within the
packaging 10. A packaging blank is folded circumferentially about
the stack so that one side edge 14a of the packaging blank overlaps
another side edge and is held in place by means of adhesive or
otherwise bonded to form a seal. The packaging blank is longer than
the stack of products so that the ends of the packaging blank
extend beyond the ends of the stack. Each end of the packaging
blank is folded to provide end closure flaps which overlie their
respective ends of the stack to form an end wall region 18. The
flaps are usually held in place by means of adhesive or otherwise
bonded so that the packaging blank forms a sealed, tubular packet
for the confectionery pellets. Sometimes a second, inner wrapper is
provided which is folded about the product in a similar manner to
the main or outer packaging blank before the outer packaging blank
is applied. This is referred to as "double wrapped". However, in
many cases only a single packaging blank is used, which is referred
to as "single wrapped". In some cases, each product in the stack is
also individually wrapped.
[0003] Other food and confectionery items are also provided in the
form of pellets, pastilles, tablets or the like and are suitable
for packaging in the manner described above. For example, hard
boiled sweets, candies, chocolates, toffee or mints may be provided
in the form of pellets or pastilles as can many other types of
candy, including both hard and soft candy.
[0004] The terms gum and chewing gum as used herein include bubble
gum.
[0005] For use in packaging consumable goods, the packaging blank
is usually fabricated from a sheet of material that is
substantially gas and moisture impervious and overlapping portions
of the packaging blank are adhered to one another so that the
packet is fully sealed. Although for certain food and confectionery
products, a hermetically sealed package is not desirable. Suitable
packaging blanks can be made from a variety of materials including
polymeric materials, metallic foil, and paper. Often the packaging
blank will be formed from a laminated sheet of material having two
or more layers of material.
[0006] To assist a consumer in gaining access to the packaged
products, it is common practice to provide a tear guide in or on
the packaging blank which can be grasped and pulled by a consumer
to tear the packet along a predetermined line. One known form of
tear guide is a tear strip which is attached to an inner surface of
the packaging blank and is made of a material which is stronger
than the packaging blank. An end of the tear strip is exposed in
the finished packet so that it can be grasped by a user and pulled
to tear the packaging blank along the line of the strip. Often the
tear guide will be positioned so that it circumscribes the packet
at or close to one end. A conventional tear strip arrangement is
shown at 20 in FIG. 1, with the dashed lines of the tear strip 20
indicating the position of the tear strip on the inside of the
packaging.
[0007] Use of a tear strip is disadvantageous as it requires the
manufacture and storage of an additional component, i.e. the strip,
as well as an additional process step of applying the strip to the
packaging blank. This adds to the overall cost of manufacture. In
addition, due to the nature of the materials used, packaging blanks
that are gas and moisture impervious are often quite tough and can
be difficult to tear in a predictable manner using a tear
strip.
[0008] A further drawback with the conventional packaging
arrangement is that the packet often cannot be re-closed so as to
effectively retain and protect, at least to some degree, the
remaining contents. This is a particular issue where the user will
typically remove only one or a few of the products at a time and
will wish to safely retain the remaining products for later
consumption.
[0009] There is a need for an alternative packaging arrangement
which overcomes or at least mitigates the disadvantages of one or
more of the prior art arrangements.
[0010] There is also a need for an improved method of opening a
packaging arrangement which overcomes, or at least mitigates, the
disadvantages of one or more of the known methods.
SUMMARY
[0011] In an example embodiment, the packaging includes first and
second layers coupled to one another, arranged with a built-in area
of weakness at part of the first layer and exposed outside of the
packaging, wherein the built-in areas of weakness is arranged such
that breaking the first layer at the built-in area of weakness
thereof enables the first layer to act on the second layer to
unfold part of the second layer to thereby open the packaging.
[0012] Enabling the first layer to act on the second layer to
unfold of the second layer facilitates the unfolding process,
making it easier to open the packaging.
[0013] The first layer may partially separate from the second layer
on breaking of the first layer at the built-in area of weakness to
form a tail. The second layer and the first layer may be coupled to
one another at the folded area of the second layer, such that the
partially separated portion of the first layer forms a tail that
can be used to pull open and unfold the second layer to thereby
open the packaging.
[0014] The packaging may include a layer of a metallic foil, for
example as the first layer. The packaging may include a layer of
paper, for example as the second layer. The metallic foil may be an
aluminium foil. The packaging may include a layer of polymeric
material, for example a thermoplastic material such as polyethylene
terephthalate (PET). The layer of polymeric material may include
the outermost layer of the packaging. The layer of polymeric
material may be laminated to the metallic foil, for example to
provide the first layer, and the outermost layer of the
packaging.
[0015] The first and second layers may be coupled to one another
with a bond across part of their respective areas. The first and
second layer layers may be glue laminated. The first and second
layers may be coupled to one another at a coupling area. The
coupling area may be partially bounded by the built-in area of
weakness of the first layer. The packaging may include an area in
which the first and second layers are not bonded to one another,
where partial separation of the first and second layer may occur on
breaking of the first layer at the built-in area of weakness. The
area in which the first and second layers are not bonded to one
another may include some, or all of the built-in area of weakness
of the first layer. The built-in area of weakness and the coupling
area may be arranged to cooperate with one another such that
partially separating the first layer from the second layer on
breaking the first layer at the built-in area of weakness forms a
tail from the separated portion of the first layer.
[0016] The built-in area of weakness may include a discontinuity in
the packaging. The built-in area of weakness may include a
discontinuity in the first layer of the packaging only, or a
discontinuity in coupling between the first layer and the second
layer. The built-in area of weakness may include a laser score, for
example a single or double laser score line. The built-in area of
weakness may include a die cut, for example a single or double die
cut line. The built-in area of weakness may include a scored and/or
perforated area. The built-in area of weakness may include a
thinned area or an area which is weakened relative to the rest of
the packaging by means of being worked, physically, thermally,
optically, chemically or otherwise.
[0017] The packaging may include one or more end walls and one or
more side walls. The packaging may include end walls, with the one
or more side walls running between the end walls. The side wall may
be folded over itself, for example folded inwardly on itself to
form one, or each end wall. The side wall(s) and end wall(s) may
meet at an intersection, for example at an edge or at a corner. The
end walls may be of generally equal size, and be arranged opposed
to one another in generally parallel alignment. The packaging may
include a front face and a back face, side faces, and end faces.
The side wall may form the front, back and side faces. The end
faces may be provided by folded portions of the side wall. The
package may be tubular, or prismatic. The package may include
generally planar, for example rectangular faces arranged at right
angles to one another.
[0018] The packaging may be arranged such that the built-in area of
weakness of the first layer runs around the outside of the
packaging on the side wall, and may extend on the outside of the
packaging from the side wall to the intersection of the side wall
and the end wall. The packaging may be arranged such that the
built-in area of weakness of the first layer extends from the front
face onto the side faces. The packaging may be arranged such that
the built-in area of weakness of the first layer does not extend
beyond the front and side walls on the outside of the packaging.
The packaging may be arranged such that the built-in area of
weakness of the first layer is folded into an end wall with
material from the first and second layers. The packaging may be
arranged such that a first end of the built-in area of weakness of
the first layer outside the packaging terminates at the
intersection of a side wall and an end wall, for example at the
intersection of a side face and an end face. The packaging may be
arranged such that a second end of the built-in area of weakness of
the first layer outside the packaging terminates at the
intersection of the side wall and the end wall. The packaging may
be arranged such that first, and/or second end of the built-in area
of weakness outside the packaging terminate(s) at the intersection
of three faces, for example at a corner where the side, end and
back faces meet.
[0019] The area in which the first and second layers are not bonded
to one another may extend from the side wall to end wall of the
packaging, for example across a front face to side faces of the
packaging, and may further extend from a front face to an end face
of the packaging.
[0020] The packaging may be arranged such that breaking the first
layer at the built-in area of weakness forms a separable portion of
the packaging. The packaging may be arranged such that the first
layer is peelable or tearable from the second layer after breaking
the built-in area of weakness, to form a separable portion. The
packaging may be arranged such that a tail produced by partially
separating the first layer from the second layer on breaking of the
first layer at the built-in area of weakness forms the separable
portion.
[0021] The packaging may enclose a plurality of products, for
example each of corresponding dimensions. The packaging may enclose
a stack of products in side-by-side arrangement. The packaging may
include end walls corresponding to dimensions of individual
products stacked therein, and may include one or more side walls
corresponding to the length of the stack. The products may each
include characteristic dimensions of 5 mm by 10 mm by 20 mm, for
example within a generally cuboidal envelope.
[0022] The unfolded part of the second layer may define an opening
area of the packaging, corresponding to a cross-sectional area of
one of the product or products within the packaging. The opening
may be defined by a generally uninterrupted web of material from
the second layer. The opening area may be slightly larger than
dimensions of the product where the cross-sectional area is taken
in a plane of the product which aligned generally parallel to the
opening area. The opening area may be dimensioned so that it has an
area that is less than 1.5, or 1.4, or 1.3, or 1.2, or 1.1 times
the cross sectional area of one of the products. The opening area
may be dimensioned so that one product only can pass through at a
time.
[0023] The unfolded part of the second layer may extend beyond the
original dimensions of the packaging. The unfolded part of the
second layer may fold outward from a folded position, folding away
from, for example beyond the plane of an end wall of the unopened
packaging, on opening thereof.
[0024] The built-in area of weakness of the first layer and the
area at which the first and second layers are not coupled to one
another may together form a frangible portion of the packaging
exterior. The frangible portion may lie within the first layer,
without extensions, tabs, or any other graspable projection. The
frangible portion may be broken by application of a pressing force
to the outside of the packaging. The frangible portion may be
broken by application of a pressing force that provides friction
along the side wall, by pressing into and along the side wall. The
pressing force may be into and along a front face of the packaging.
The built-in area of weakness may be arranged such that application
of a pressing force into and along the front face causes breaking
of the built-in area of weakness across its length. The built-in
area of weakness may be arranged such that application of a
pressing force into and along the front face causes initial
breaking of the built-in area of weakness across its length, and
may be further arranged such that continued application of the
pressing force produces tearing more along its length, as the
built-in area of weakness is of different orientation along its
length. The frangible portion may be arranged such that the first
layer, at the area where the first and second layers are not
coupled to one another, can bundle up and/or turn inside out by
continued application of the pressing force after breaking of the
built-in area of weakness. The frangible portion may be arranged to
provide a tail for the packaging, as the first layer turns inside
out.
[0025] Part of the first layer, or of the first and second layers
may be arranged, on opening of the packaging, to form a chute by
which product from within the packaging may be dispensed. The
packaging may be formed with a strong coupling between the first
and second layers at their edge, where the opening is formed in the
package. The strong coupling may include a bond which is resistant
to manual peeling or tearing. The first layer may be coupled to the
second layer in a way that enables the tail to remain in place on
the open packaging, for example as an inverted, inside-out portion
of the first layer. The open package may, on opening provides a
region formed as a chute from which product can be dispensed. A
part of the first layer including the chute formed in the open
packaging may be arranged to be rolled up as a means of re-closure
of the packaging.
[0026] In an example embodiment, a method of opening packaging is
also disclosed, wherein the packaging includes first and second
layers coupled to one another, arranged with a built-in area of
weakness at part of the first layer and exposed outside of the
packaging, the method including breaking the first layer at the
built-in area of weakness, then causing the first layer to act on
the second layer to unfold part of the second layer to thereby open
the packaging.
[0027] The method may include partially separating the first layer
from the second layer on breaking of the first layer at the
built-in area of weakness, to form a tail. The method may include
forming a tail and pulling thereon to pull open and unfold the
second layer, thereby opening the packaging.
[0028] The method may include breaking the first layer at the
built-in area of weakness and forming a separable portion of the
packaging by peeling or tearing the separable portion from the
second layer after breaking the built-in area of weakness.
[0029] The method may include breaking the built-in area of
weakness by application of a pressing force to the outside of the
packaging. The method may include application of a pressing force
that provides friction along a side wall of the packaging in which
the built-in area of weakness is formed, by pressing into and along
the side wall to break the built-in area of weakness. The method
may include providing a pressing force may be into and along a
front face of the packaging. The method may include providing a
pressing force into and along the front face to causes breaking of
the built-in area of weakness across its length. The method may
include application of a pressing force into and along the front
face to cause initial breaking of the built-in area of weakness
across its length, and may further include continued application of
the pressing force to produces tearing more along the length of the
built-in area of weakness, as the built-in area of weakness is of
different orientation along its length. The method may include
bundling up, or turning inside out of the first layer at an area
where the first and second layers are not coupled to one another
after breaking of the built-in area of weakness.
[0030] The method may include breaking the first layer at the
built-in area of weakness and forming a chute from a portion of the
first layer, or a portion of the first and second layers, and
dispensing product from the chute. The method may include forming
an inside out part of the first layer into a chute.
[0031] The packaging may include that as set out in more detail in
the description of example embodiments above.
[0032] In an example embodiment, a packaging blank is disclosed,
wherein the blank includes first and second layers coupled to one
another, arranged with a built-in area of weakness at part of the
first layer, wherein when formed as packaging around a product the
built-in area of weakness lies in part of the first layer exposed
outside of the packaging and the second layer within the packaging,
such that breaking the first layer at the built-in area of weakness
thereof enables the first layer to act on the second layer to
unfold the second layer to open the packaging.
[0033] The packaging blank may include a layer of a metallic foil,
for example as the first layer. The packaging may include a layer
of paper, for example as the second layer. The metallic foil may be
an aluminium foil. The packaging may include a layer of polymeric
material, for example a thermoplastic material such as polyethylene
terephthalate (PET). The layer of polymeric material may be
laminated to the metallic foil, for example to provide the first,
and the outermost layer of the packaging.
[0034] The built-in area of weakness may include a laser score. The
built-in area of weakness may include a die cut. The built-in area
of weakness may include a scored and/or perforated area.
[0035] The first and second layers may be coupled to one another
with a bond across part of their respective areas. The first and
second layer layers may be glue laminated. The first and second
layers may be coupled to one another at a coupling area. The
coupling area may extend around the edges of the packaging blank.
The coupling area may include a portion proximate to each edge of
the packaging blank. The coupling area may form a perimeter, for
example an uninterrupted perimeter around the packaging blank. The
built-in area of weakness may lie in an area of the packaging blank
at which the first and second layers are not coupled to one
another. The built-in area of weakness may lie entirely in an area
of the packaging blank at which the first and second layers are not
coupled to one another. The packaging blank may include an area in
which the first and second layers are not coupled to one another.
The area in which the first and second layers are not coupled to
one another may include a boundary that runs alongside the built-in
area of weakness of the first layer. The area in which the first
and second layers are not bonded to one another may extend across
the built-in area of weakness from one side thereof to another, for
example transverse to the length of the built-in area of weakness.
The packaging blank may be arranged such that the area in which the
first and second layers are not bonded to one another includes a
border region which runs alongside, for example generally parallel
to the built-in area of weakness.
[0036] The packaging blank may be generally rectangular.
[0037] The packaging blank may be arranged such that the built-in
area of weakness of the first layer runs across the packaging blank
from one edge to another. The built-in area of weakness of the
first layer may be provided as a line of weakness. The packaging
blank may be arranged such that the built-in area of weakness of
the first layer runs across the packaging blank in a non-linear
fashion. The packaging blank may be arranged such that the built-in
area of weakness of the first layer runs across the packaging blank
from one corner region thereof to another corner region thereof.
The packaging blank may be arranged such that the built-in area of
weakness of the first layer runs across the packaging blank from
one corner region thereof to another corner region thereof, the
another corner region being non-diagonally opposed to the one
corner region. The packaging blank may be arranged such that the
built-in area of weakness of the first layer runs across the
packaging blank from a generally central region, which is arranged
to form the front face of packaging formed from the packaging
blank, toward a portion, or portions of the packaging blank that
are arranged to form side faces, edges, corners or intersections
with an end wall region of packaging formed from the packaging
blank.
[0038] The packaging blank may be provided with adhesive on at
least a portion of its periphery, to enable edges of the blank to
be sealed to one another during formation of packaging from the
packaging blank. The adhesive may be provided on only one layer,
for example the first layer. The adhesive may include hot melt
adhesive regions.
[0039] The packaging blank may include a cut-out region, arranged
to reduce the material present in an end wall region, or in another
folded region, when the blank is formed around a product.
[0040] The disclosure further provides a packaging blank according
to any of the example embodiments described above, in combination
with an item or arrangement of items to be packaged. The
arrangement of items to be packaged may include a stack of
confectionery items, or a stack of gum pellets.
[0041] In an example embodiment, the disclosure provides method of
packaging, including:
[0042] providing a packaging blank including first and second
layers;
[0043] providing a built-in area of weakness at part of the first
layer; and
[0044] forming the packaging blank around an item or arrangement of
items to be packaged; wherein the forming positions part of the
first layer including the built-in area of weakness so as to be
exposed outside of the packaging and the built-in area of weakness
of the second layer within the packaging, with the built-in areas
of weakness arranged such that breaking the first layer at the
built-in area of weakness thereof enables the first layer to act on
the second layer to unfold the second layer to open the
packaging.
[0045] The first and second layers may be provided as coupled to
one another. The step of providing the built-in area of weakness
may be performed before the forming step, or alternatively may be
performed there-after. The step of providing the built-in area of
weakness may be split into sub-steps of providing a part of the
built-in area of weakness before the forming step, and providing a
further part of the built-in area of weakness after the forming
step. The step of providing the built-in area of weakness may be
performed partially before and partially after the forming step,
for example with one or more area of weakness being added or
expanded after the forming step. The step of providing a built-in
area of weakness may include a laser scoring step. The step of
providing a built-in area of weakness may include a die cutting
step. The step of providing a built-in area of weakness may
includes scoring and/or perforating operations.
[0046] The packaging blank may be that according to any of the
example embodiments described above.
BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE FIGURES
[0047] For a better understanding, and to show how example
embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will
now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic
drawings in which:
[0048] FIG. 2 shows a front view of packaging according to an
example embodiment;
[0049] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the packaging of FIG. 2
with a consumer's hand in place to start opening the packaging;
[0050] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the packaging of FIG. 2
with a consumer's hand in the process of opening the packaging,
with a built-in area of weakness in a first layer thereof partially
broken;
[0051] FIGS. 5A and 5B show an end perspective view and a front
view of the packaging of FIG. 2 with the built-in area of weakness
in the first layer thereof broken;
[0052] FIGS. 6A and 6B show an end perspective view and a front
view of the a packaging of FIG. 2 with the built-in area of
weakness in the first layer thereof broken, and the end of the
second layer unfolded and open;
[0053] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the packaging of FIG. 2
with the open end re-closed by partially rolling up;
[0054] FIG. 8 shows a plan view of the packaging of FIG. 2 with the
open end fully rolled up;
[0055] FIG. 9 shows a schematic plan view of a packaging blank,
illustrating an area over which the first and second layers are
coupled to one another;
[0056] FIG. 10 shows a schematic plan view of the packaging blank
of FIG. 9, illustrating an area over which adhesive is provided to
enable closure of the packaging formed from the packaging
blank;
[0057] FIG. 11 shows a schematic plan view of the packaging blank
of FIG. 9, illustrating both the area over which the first and
second layers are coupled to one another and the area over which
adhesive is provided to enable closure of the packaging formed from
the packaging blank;
[0058] FIG. 12 show a schematic plan view of a packaging blank
according to another example embodiment;
[0059] FIG. 13 shows a schematic plan view of a packaging blank
according to yet another example embodiment; and
[0060] FIGS. 14 through 16 show an end, perspective and side views
of packaging according to another example embodiment, with the
built-in area of weakness in the first layer thereof broken, and
the end of the second layer unfolded and open so as to dispense a
product from within the packing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0061] FIGS. 2-8 show a package 1 in accordance with an example
embodiment The package 1 includes a generally tubular packet which
encases a stack of products (not shown in FIG. 2 but seen as 100 in
FIG. 6A). The tubular packet is formed from a packaging blank of
flexible material which is folded about the stack and sealed to
itself with adhesive. Accordingly, the tubular packet has a side
wall region 3 which encircles the stack of products, the ends of
the tube being closed by means of end wall regions 4A, 4B
constructed from folded flaps (41 in FIG. 5A). In the present
embodiment, the products 100 are chewing gum pellets which are
shaped like small pillows having a rectangular outer periphery. As
a result, the side wall region 3 is rectangular in lateral
cross-section, and has opposed front 32 and rear 34 faces and
opposed side faces 36, 38, with the end wall regions 4A, 4B forming
rectangular end faces. Between intersecting faces are right-angle
corners.
[0062] The package 1 is formed by wrapping a packaging blank around
the stack of products to be packaged 100, to form the side wall
region 3 into the front and rear faces 32, 34, with the side faces
36, 38 therebetween. The end faces provided by the end wall regions
4A, 4B are formed by folding the side wall 3 in on itself.
[0063] FIGS. 9-13 illustrate suitable packaging blanks, in
accordance with example embodiments. A packaging blank 2 is shown
in FIG. 9 as a generally rectangular two-layered blank. The
packaging blank 2 includes an outer, first layer 11 and an inner,
second layer 12. Here, "inner" and "outer" describe the arrangement
of the layers when the blank is formed into the package 1, or other
related packages. The first and second layers 11, 12 are a
laminated construction, and in example embodiments include a
metallic foil layer and a paper layer respectively. The first and
second layers 11, 12 are coupled to one another, for example by
adhesive. Coupling the layers facilitates handling of the packaging
blank during wrapping the products in the packaging. The areas of
the blanks 2, 2' that are to form front, side and end faces of the
packaging are indicated using chain-dashed lines.
[0064] FIG. 9 shows, as the hatched area, the portions of first and
second layers 11, 12 which are coupled. In the un-hatched area 33
the first and second layers 11, 12 are not adhered to one another.
The area in which the first and second layers 11, 12 are not
adhered to one another is indicated by the boundary 22. The first
and second layers 11, 12 are coupled to one another apart from at a
single part of their areas.
[0065] FIGS. 9-13 show as the crosshatched area, the portions of
first layer 11 which are provided with adhesive to hold the package
together when it is formed around the product. In the
un-crosshatched areas no adhesive or additional means for holding
the package together are provided. The crosshatched area on the
first layer represents hot melt adhesive regions 35A, 35B used when
the packaging blank 2, 2' is formed around the stack of products
100, and used to hold the packaging together.
[0066] FIGS. 2-8, 11 and 12 each show a built-in area of weakness
21 in the first layer 11.
[0067] The built-in area of weakness 21 is provided to facilitate
opening of the package, and to do so in a way which enables a
degree of re-closing of the package after one of the stack of
products 100 has been removed. The built-in area of weakness 21 in
the first layer 11 is exposed on the outside of the packaging 1
when the packaging blank 2, 2' is formed around a stack of products
100 to provide the packaging 1. The built-in area of weakness 21 is
arranged to provide a breakable section on the side wall 3 of the
packaging 1 across the front 32 and side faces 36, 38. Breaking the
packaging 1 along the built-in area of weakness 21 in the first
layer 11 can be initiated by pressing on the front face 32, pushing
the first layer 11 toward the end wall region 4A, as shown in FIG.
3. Breaking the built-in area of weakness 21 on the front face 32
and side faces 36, 38 causes the first layer 11 to separate from
the second layer over the un-laminated region. The separated first
layer 11 turns inside out to form a tail for the packaging, as
shown in FIG. 5A and in 5B.
[0068] The end wall region 4A is provided with a portion adjacent
to the back face 34 in which the first and second layers are
laminated. The end wall region 4A is also provided with portions of
the adhesive regions 35A, 35B so that the folded flaps hold
together while the first layer is intact with the second, but which
allows the tail to be removed from the package by delaminating the
first and second layers at their edge. Before the first and second
layers are delaminated, pulling of the first layer causes the
previously folded, joined edge sections of first and second layers
to unfold. FIGS. 12 and 13 include rectangular regions C on the
surface of the blank 2, 2'. The regions C include photomarks, which
are machine-recognisable markings, useful in determining alignment
of the blank 2' as it is processed by machinery to form a package.
In other embodiments (not shown), a cut-out region may be provided
on the blank, to reduce the amount of material needed for the
packaging. Providing a cut-out region can reduce bulk in the end
wall region 4A when the side wall is formed into flaps and folded
in on itself.
[0069] The delaminated portion of the first layer is torn off,
leaving the unfolded end wall region as shown in FIGS. 6A and
6B.
[0070] With the built-in area of weakness 21 of the first layer 11
broken, the torn portion of the first layer can be removed by
pulling thereon, for example in the direction of the arrow A in
FIG. 5B. Pulling on the first layer 11 causes the first layer 11 at
the end wall region 4A to act on the second layer to enable
delamination of the layers. Removal of the torn portion from the
rest of the packaging 1 uncovers an unfolded opening extensive over
the whole end wall region 4A.
[0071] The side wall 3 the of open packaging 1 extends beyond its
original, pre-opening length when the end wall region 4A is
removed, with the open end of the packaging 1 having a side wall
portion made up of only the second layer 12 at region 3a, as shown
in FIG. 6B. The region 3a corresponds to the unfolded portion of
the second layer 12.
[0072] After opening of the packaging 1 and dispensing of the
product 100 positioned at the open end of the packaging 1 the
region 3a can be rolled over to close the packaging 1, which is
useful to retain the rest of the stack of products 100 in the
packaging 1. FIGS. 7 and 8 show partial and fully rolled up
packaging 1. With a conventional tear strip that opens the
packaging on its side wall, closure of the packaging is more
difficult until two or more products have typically been dispensed
from the opening.
[0073] As mentioned above, in the present embodiment, the products
100 are chewing gum pellets which are shaped like small pillows
having a generally rectangular outer periphery. The typical
dimensions of this product are 20 mm wide by 10 mm high by 5 mm
deep along the packaging. These dimensions may vary by up to one or
two millimetres according to product specification or manufacturing
variation. The packaging 1 may accommodate 10 or 12 gum pellets,
closely wrapped therein. The second layer is in contact with the
products 100 at one or more of their edges. As can be seen in FIG.
6A the packaging 1 as opened at the end wall 4A provides an opening
that generally corresponds to the dimensions of the product 100
within the packaging 1, as the products 100 are aligned in a stack.
Typically, a small amount of clearance is provided around to
prevent excessive friction during dispensing of the products 100
and to take into account a degree of variation in product
dimensions within the manufacturing tolerance of the products 100.
The opening in the packaging 1 is slightly larger than a
cross-sectional area of one of the products 100, where the
cross-sectional area is taken in a plane of the product which
aligned generally parallel to the opening area. In this way the
opening area is set so one product 100 only can pass through at a
time.
[0074] Dispensing of products 100 is shown in FIGS. 14 through 16,
which show a package 1' according to another example embodiment.
The package 1' is formed with layers and a built in area of
weakness 21 in the side wall 3 that are broadly similar to those of
the embodiment of FIGS. 2 through 8. However, whereas the earlier
embodiment is designed with the possibility of removal of the tail
from the package by delaminating the first and second layers at
their edge, the package 1' is formed with a strong coupling between
the first and second layers at their edge, where the opening is
formed in the package by unfolding. The strong coupling, for
example a bond which is resistant to manual peeling or tearing,
enables the tail to remain in place on the open packaging 1', as an
inverted, inside-out portion of the first layer. The open package
1' therefore provides a region 3a corresponding to the unfolded
portion of the second layer 12 and a further region 3b formed as a
chute from which products 100 can be dispensed. The presence of the
chute can help products 100 to be accurately delivered from the
opening, for example into the hand of a consumer. Furthermore the
region 3a, 3b including the chute can be rolled up to provide a
means of re-closure of the packaging
[0075] The packaging blank can be made from any suitable foldable
material such as paper, metallic foil and/or one or more polymeric
materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene
(PE) or orientated polypropylene (OPP). As described above, the
packaging blank is made from a laminated material having a first,
outer layer and a second, inner layer. The built-in area of
weakness is formed in the outer layer. In one embodiment, the
packaging blank has a layer of aluminium foil and a layer of paper
positioned inwardly from the foil. The packaging may also have a
further layer of a polymeric material, which may be a thermoplastic
material such as PET laminated to the outside of the aluminium foil
to provide a composite first layer. In other embodiments, the
packaging may include PE/OPP or OPP/OPP laminate structures.
[0076] The built-in area of weakness can be formed using any
suitable method such as by scoring. One method is to produce the
line of weakness by laser etching. The wavelength of the laser can
be selected so that it is absorbed by one layer, e.g. a foil layer
and reflected by another layer, e.g. a paper layer within, so that
the built-in area of weakness is formed in the outer layer only. In
embodiments produced in this way the formation of the built-in area
of weakness includes ablation of parts of the foil layer. The
built-in area of weakness may be continuous or discontinuous, using
e.g. a pulsed laser or suitable die cutters. The embodiments of the
packaging blank described above may be prepared before wrapping of
products to produce the packaging, but the ability to laser score
layers means that scoring of the first layer may be performed after
the packaging has been formed from the packaging blank.
Furthermore, although a single packaging blank has been described
in isolation, the packaging blank may be provided initially on a
roll or sheet for later separation during formation of the
packaging.
[0077] The packaging can be printed on to provide a consumer with
guidance and instructions for opening. For example, the packaging
can be printed on to provide the user with an externally visible
indication of where the opening region and/or the built-in area of
weakness of the first layer are located. The printing may indicate
figuratively, or in writing, the method of applying a pressing
force to the outside of the packaging to produce friction at a side
wall of the packaging in which the built-in area of weakness is
formed, and the possibility of pressing into and along the side
wall to break the built-in area of weakness. FIG. 2 shows printing
P giving such an indication.
[0078] Printing may be applied to the outermost layer.
Alternatively, if the packaging has an outermost layer which is
transparent, the printing may be applied to an adjacent layer so as
to be visible through the outermost layer. As with the step of
forming the built-in areas of weakness, the printing steps may be
performed on the blank before the packaging is formed, or on the
formed packaging. In the example embodiments shown in the Figures,
the portion of the second layer which is uncovered by breaking the
built-in area of weakness, and the facing area on the surface of
the tail formed from the first layer after the built-in area of
weakness are not marked or printed to appear visibly different to
other parts of the layers. However, in other example embodiments
the area of the first, or indeed both first and second layers that
becomes visible after opening of the packaging by breaking of the
built-in area of weakness may be marked or printed with
information. Such information would only become visible to a
purchaser of the packaged product, and may include promotional
information, codes, vouchers, collectable or game information, or
the like.
[0079] In the embodiments described so far, the packaging is
designed for use with gum pellets having a generally rectangular
outer profile. As a result, the side wall regions of the tubular
packets also have a generally rectangular outer profile when viewed
in lateral cross section and define two pairs of opposed faces all
of which are generally planar. However, this is not essential in
all embodiments of the disclosure and the outer profile of the side
wall region can vary depending on the shape of the products being
packaged.
[0080] It will be appreciated that the packaging in the described
examples is made from a laminated material, with the line of
weakness formed in only one of the layers at any given position on
the packaging. This means that the integrity of the packaging is
maintained until it is first opened. The packaging in the
embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-8 can be constructed using any of the
materials and methods shown and described in relation to FIGS.
9-13.
[0081] It can be seen that the packaging provides a simple and cost
effective packaging that is easy to open and which can be
effectively re-closed.
[0082] The packaging, packaging blank, and methods described above
can be applied to the packaging of any suitable products but is
particularly suitable for use with consumable products, including
confectionery products such as gum pellets, when arranged
side-by-side in a stack.
[0083] Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and
described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
various changes and modifications might be made without departing
from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended
claims.
[0084] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are
filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in
connection with this application and which are open to public
inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such
papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.
[0085] All of the features disclosed in this specification
(including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or
all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be
combined in any combination, except combinations where at least
some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
[0086] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any
accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by
alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar
purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly
stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a
generic series of equivalent or similar features.
[0087] The invention is not restricted to the details of the
foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or
any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this
specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and
drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the
steps of any method or process so disclosed.
* * * * *