U.S. patent application number 16/480031 was filed with the patent office on 2019-12-05 for wrapper for tobacco industry products.
The applicant listed for this patent is British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited. Invention is credited to Steven HOLFORD.
Application Number | 20190367235 16/480031 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58463046 |
Filed Date | 2019-12-05 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190367235 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HOLFORD; Steven |
December 5, 2019 |
Wrapper for Tobacco Industry Products
Abstract
A wrapper for a group of tobacco industry products including a
barrier material, and a cut-line in the barrier material to form a
tab arranged to be pulled so that a tear propagates from an end of
the cut-line to form an extraction opening in the barrier material,
where the barrier material includes a weakened region having a
width greater than the width of said cut-line and which extends in
a direction across the end of said cut-line to control the
direction of the tear propagating from the end of said
cut-line.
Inventors: |
HOLFORD; Steven; (London,
GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited |
London |
|
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
58463046 |
Appl. No.: |
16/480031 |
Filed: |
January 18, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
January 18, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2018/050139 |
371 Date: |
July 23, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 77/003 20130101;
B65D 77/02 20130101; B65D 85/1045 20130101; B65D 75/5838
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 77/02 20060101
B65D077/02; B65D 85/10 20060101 B65D085/10; B65D 75/58 20060101
B65D075/58 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 23, 2017 |
GB |
1701096.8 |
Claims
1. A wrapper for a group of tobacco industry products comprising: a
barrier material; a cut-line in the barrier material to form a tab
arranged to be pulled so that a tear propagates from an end of the
cut-line to form an extraction opening in the barrier material;
wherein the barrier material includes a weakened region having a
width greater than the width of said cut-line and which extends in
a direction across the end of said cut-line to control the
direction of the tear propagating from the end of said
cut-line.
2. A wrapper according to claim 1, wherein said weakened region is
configured to guide a tear propagating from the end of the
cut-line.
3. A wrapper according to claim 1, wherein the barrier material
comprises a major surface and an end surface separated from the
major surface by a fold-line, wherein the cut-line is formed in
said major surface so that when the tab is pulled, the tear
propagates in the major surface from the end of the cut-line
towards said fold-line between said major surface and said end
surface.
4. A wrapper according to claim 3, wherein the weakened region
extends into the end surface from the major surface over the
fold-line.
5. A wrapper according to claim 3, wherein the weakened region
comprises a plurality of parallel lines of weakness in the barrier
material that extend in a direction away from the end of said
cut-line towards the end surface, said lines of weakness being
parallel to a direct tear propagation path, the direct tear
propagation path being defined as the shortest path that extends
from the end of the cut-line to the end surface.
6. A wrapper according to claim 5, wherein the cut-line extends
between the lines of weakness.
7. A wrapper according to claim 5, wherein the lines of weakness
are spaced from the end of the cut-line in the direction of the
direct tear propagation path.
8. A wrapper according to claim 5, wherein one of said parallel
lines of weakness extends along said direct tear propagation
path.
9. A wrapper according to claim 3, wherein the weakened region is
configured to redirect a tear propagating from the end of the
cut-line towards a direct tear propagation path, the direct tear
propagation path being defined as the shortest path that extends
from the end of the cut-line to the fold-line between the major
surface and the end surface.
10. A wrapper according to claim 9, wherein the weakened region
comprises a first and a second converging line of weakness, said
first and second converging lines of weakness meeting on said
direct tear propagation path.
11. A wrapper according to claim 10, wherein the end of the
cut-line extends between said first and second converging lines of
weakness.
12. A wrapper according to claim 10, wherein a third line of
weakness extends along said direct tear propagation path from where
said first and second lines of weakness meet.
13. A wrapper according to any of claim 5, wherein the lines of
weakness are score lines extending partially through the thickness
of the barrier material.
14. A wrapper according to claim 13, wherein the lines of weakness
are laser cut score lines.
15. A wrapper according to claim 1, wherein the cut-line extends
fully through the thickness of the barrier material.
16. A wrapper according to claim 3, comprising a cover flap on the
barrier material that extends over the cut-line, said cover flap
being adhered to the barrier material such that lifting the cover
flap pulls the tab to propagate the tear from the end of the
cut-line.
17. A wrapper according to claim 16, wherein at least a peripheral
region of the cover flap extending beyond the cut-line is adhered
to the barrier material by a pressure sensitive releasable
adhesive.
18. A wrapper according to claim 16, wherein the cover flap is
adhered to an outer face of the barrier material and said weakened
region is formed on said outer face.
19. A wrapper according to claim 16, wherein the cover flap is
adhered to an outer face of the barrier material and said weakened
region is formed on an inner face.
20. A bundle comprising the wrapper of claim 1, wrapped around a
group of tobacco industry products.
21. A tobacco industry product pack comprising the bundle of claim
20 and a container having a base, and a lid hingedly attached to
the base, the bundle being received in the base.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a wrapper for a group of
tobacco industry products, particularly but not exclusively to a
wrapper for packaging smoking articles such as cigarettes. The
invention also relates to a bundle comprising the wrapper according
to the invention and to a tobacco industry product pack comprising
the bundle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Cigarette packs are known to have a re-closable label
provided on a wrapped bundle of cigarettes. Pulling the label
exposes an extraction opening for extracting the cigarettes from
the bundle. The label includes a region of pressure sensitive
adhesive that allows the label to be re-positioned to close the
extraction opening after first opening.
SUMMARY
[0003] In accordance with embodiments of the invention, there is
provided a wrapper for a group of tobacco industry products
comprising: [0004] a barrier material; [0005] a cut-line in the
barrier material to form a tab arranged to be pulled so that a tear
propagates from an end of the cut-line to form an extraction
opening in the barrier material; [0006] wherein the barrier
material includes a weakened region having a width greater than the
width of said cut-line and which extends in a direction across the
end of said cut-line to control a direction of the tear propagating
from the end of said cut-line.
[0007] The weakened region is preferably configured to guide a tear
propagating from the end of the cut-line.
[0008] The barrier material may comprise a major surface and an end
surface separated from the major surface by a fold-line. The
cut-line may be formed in said major surface so that when the tab
is pulled, the tear propagates in the major surface from the end of
the cut-line towards said fold-line between said major surface and
said end surface.
[0009] Preferably, the weakened region extends into the end surface
from the major surface over the fold-line.
[0010] The weakened region may comprise a plurality of parallel
lines of weakness in the barrier material that extend in a
direction away from the end of said cut-line towards the end
surface, said lines of weakness being parallel to a direct tear
propagation path, the direct tear propagation path being defined as
the shortest path that extends from the end of the cut-line to the
end surface.
[0011] The cut-line may extend between the lines of weakness.
[0012] In another embodiment, the lines of weakness may be spaced
from the end of the cut-line in the direction of the direct tear
propagation path.
[0013] In any embodiment employing parallel lines of weakness, one
of said parallel lines of weakness may extend along said direct
tear propagation path.
[0014] In another embodiment, the weakened region is configured to
redirect a tear propagating from the end of the cut-line towards
the direct tear propagation path.
[0015] In this embodiment, the weakened region may comprise a first
and a second converging line of weakness, said first and second
converging lines of weakness meeting on said direct tear
propagation path.
[0016] In some embodiments, the end of the cut-line extends between
said first and second converging lines of weakness.
[0017] Preferably, a third line of weakness extends along said
direct tear propagation path from where said first and second lines
of weakness meet.
[0018] In preferred embodiments, the lines of weakness are score
lines extending partially through the thickness of the barrier
material. Most preferably, the lines of weakness are laser cut
score lines.
[0019] The cut-line preferably extends fully through the thickness
of the barrier material.
[0020] In a preferred embodiment, there is a cover flap on the
barrier material that extends over the cut-line, said cover flap
being adhered to the barrier material such that lifting the cover
flap pulls the tab to propagate the tear from the end of the
cut-line.
[0021] Preferably, at least a peripheral region of the cover flap
extending beyond the cut-line is adhered to the barrier material by
a pressure sensitive releasable adhesive.
[0022] The cover flap may be adhered to an outer face of the
barrier material with the weakened region formed on said outer
face. Alternatively, the weakened region may be formed on an inner
face, i.e. the surface of the barrier material that faces the
smoking articles.
[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a bundle comprising the wrapper of the invention, which
has been wrapped around a group of tobacco industry products.
[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a tobacco industry product pack comprising the bundle of
the invention and a container having a base, and a lid hingedly
attached to the base, the bundle being received in the base.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way
example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0026] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a wrapped bundle of
tobacco industry products with the label in a closed position;
[0027] FIG. 2 is the perspective view of the wrapped bundle of FIG.
1 with the adhesive label in an open position;
[0028] FIG. 3A shows the cut-line formed in the barrier layer of
FIGS. 1 and 2, together with the weakened region, according to a
first embodiment of the invention;
[0029] FIG. 3B shows a modified version of the first embodiment
shown in FIG. 3A;
[0030] FIG. 3C shows a modified embodiment of FIG. 3A, in which the
weakened region extends below the ends of the cut-lines in the
major face of the wrapped bundle;
[0031] FIG. 3D shows a modified embodiment of FIG. 3B, in which the
weakened region extends below the ends of the cut-lines and the
score line lying on the direct tear propagation path extends from
the end of the cut-line;
[0032] FIG. 4 shows the cut-line formed in the barrier layer of
FIGS. 1 and 2, together with the weakened region according to a
second embodiment of the invention;
[0033] FIG. 5 shows an inner frame for a wrapped bundle of tobacco
industry products;
[0034] FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a process for making a
wrapped bundle of tobacco industry products according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0035] FIG. 7 shows a wrapped bundle of tobacco industry products
according to an embodiment of the invention that has fin seals;
[0036] FIG. 8 shows an alternative schematic diagram of a process
for making a wrapped bundle of tobacco industry products according
to an embodiment of the invention;
[0037] FIG. 9 shows a pack containing the wrapped bundle of tobacco
industry products of any previous FIG.;
[0038] FIG. 10 shows a first example of a pack containing a wrapped
bundle of tobacco industry products according to embodiments of the
invention, wherein a part of the barrier material is attached to
the lid; and,
[0039] FIG. 11 shows a second example of a pack containing the
wrapped bundle of tobacco industry products according to an
embodiment of the invention, where a part of the barrier material
is attached to the lid.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] FIG. 1 shows a wrapped bundle 1 of tobacco industry
products, for example smoking articles. In this example, the
tobacco industry products are cigarettes 2.
[0041] The wrapped bundle 1 comprises a flexible and tearable
barrier material 3 wrapped around a group of cigarettes 2, for
example twenty cigarettes as shown. The cigarettes 2 are arranged
in rows such that the overall shape of the wrapped bundle 1 is
substantially cuboid, or parallelepiped in shape.
[0042] The barrier material 3 comprises a major surface 4, a rear
surface 5, opposing side surfaces 6, 7 and an upper end surface 8.
The wrapped bundle 1 as shown in the accompanying drawings has
square edges but it will be appreciated that the edges may also be
rounded or chamfered.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, the major surface 4 is provided with a
starting cut 9. The major surface 4 is at least partially cut
through in a `U` shape. The starting cut 9 comprises a first or
central cut line 10 extending transversely across the major surface
4 in a direction between the opposing side surfaces 6, 7 and second
and third cut lines 11, 12 extending for a short distance from the
ends of the first cut line 10 in a longitudinal direction that
extends towards the upper end surface 8 of the barrier material 3.
The starting cut 9 defines a tab 13 formed by the first, second and
third cuts 10, 11, 12.
[0044] The starting cut 9 may comprise other shapes. For example,
the starting cut 9 may incorporate or be formed by a curved
shape.
[0045] An adhesive label 14 is adhered to the barrier layer 3 such
that it covers and seals the starting cut 9.
[0046] The adhesive label 14 shown in FIG. 1 extends from the major
surface 4 of the barrier material 3, over a front end edge 15 and
onto the upper end face 8 of the barrier material 3. The adhesive
label 14 may also extend over a rear end edge 16 onto the rear face
5 of the barrier material 3, as shown in FIG. 1.
[0047] Also shown in FIG. 1, the adhesive label 14 comprises a pull
tab 17. When a user pulls on the pull tab 17 in a direction away
from the major surface 4 the adhesive label 14 peels off the front
face 4 and pulls on the tab 13 defined by the starting cut 9.
[0048] As the tab 13 is pulled in response to pulling on the pull
tab 17, tears propagate through the barrier material 3 of the major
surface 4, starting from the end 11a, 12a of each of the second and
third cuts 11, 12. Ideally, the tears propagate along a direct tear
propagation path 18 (represented by dashed lines in FIG. 1), which
is a linear extension of the second and third cuts, towards the
upper end surface 8 of the barrier material 3. The direct tear
propagation path 18 represents the shortest route in the major
surface 4 between the end 11a, 12a of each of the second and third
cuts 11, 12 and the front end edge 15 between the major surface 4
and the upper end surface 8. In particular, as a force is applied
to the pull tab 17, the tears propagate in the major surface 4 of
the barrier material 3, over the front end edge 15 and across the
end surface 8. The front end edge 15 is formed by a fold line
between the major surface 4 and the end surface 8.
[0049] Depending on the arrangement and extent of the adhesive
label 14, and the extent to which a user pulls on the pull tab 17,
the tears may propagate to a point on the end surface 8, to the
rear end edge 16, or over the rear end edge 16 and onto the rear
surface 5 of the wrapped bundle 1.
[0050] The above described application of a pulling force to the
adhesive label 14 and the consequential tearing of the barrier
material 3 creates an extraction opening 19, as shown in FIG. 2.
The extraction opening 19 extends from the major surface 4, over
the front end edge 15 and into the end surface 9 of the barrier
material 3. The cigarettes 2 can be removed from the wrapped bundle
1 via the extraction opening 19 when the adhesive label 14 is in
the position shown in FIG. 2.
[0051] In an alternative embodiment, the starting cut 9 comprises a
line of weakness, rather than a through cut as described above. In
this way, the application of a pulling force to the pull tab 17
will cause the line of weakness to tear and create a starting cut,
from which the barrier material 3 will tear in order to form the
extraction opening 19.
[0052] As indicated above, the direct tear propagation path 18 in
the major surface 4 is essentially the shortest linear path
extending from each end 11a, 12a of the second and third cut lines
11, 12 to the front end edge 15 in a longitudinal direction towards
the upper end surface 8. However, depending on slight variations to
the direction to which a pulling force may be applied to the tab
17, the tear may start to propagate from each end 11a,12a of the
second and third cut lines 11, 12 along a tear propagation path
that does not exactly correspond or align with the direct tear
propagation path 18.
[0053] According to embodiments of the present invention, to
provide control in the direction in which the tear propagates from
each end 11a, 12a of the second and third cut lines 11, 12 of the
starting cut 9, the barrier material 3 is provided with a weakened
region 20, represented only in outline in FIGS. 1 and 2, that
extends in a direction across the ends 11a, 12a of the cut-line 11,
12 in the major surface 4 and which serves to control the direction
in which a tear propagates from each end 11a, 12a of the second and
third cut-lines 11, 12 so that a tear that is propagating away from
the direct tear propagation path 18 is guided back towards the
direct tear propagation path 18. Alternatively, the the weakened
region 20 may prevent the tear deviating any further away from the
direct tear propagation path 18.
[0054] The weakened region 20 extends transversely across the major
surface 4 of the barrier layer so that it bridges the direct tear
propagation path 18, i.e. it extends in a lateral direction across
the major surface 4 of the barrier material 3 in a direction
between the opposing side surfaces 6,7. The width of each weakened
region 20 is greater that the width of each of the second and third
cut-lines 11, 12. In particular, the total width of the weakened
region 20, in a direction extending between the opposing side
surfaces 6, 7 is at least sufficient to ensure that a tear
propagating from the ends 11a, 12a of the second and third cut
lines 11, 12 as a result of pulling on the tab 17 will always meet
the weakened region 20 and so be guided thereby, even when a tear
propagating from each end 11a, 12a of the second and third cut
lines 11, 12 is not propagating along the direct tear propagation
path 18.
[0055] A separate weakened region 20 extends across the ends 11a,
12a of each of the second and third cut lines, as shown in FIGS. 1
and 2. However, it is envisaged that a single weakened region 20
could extend over the major surface 4 of the barrier layer and
across ends 11a,12a of both the second and third cut lines 11,
12.
[0056] The weakened region 20 is spaced from each end 11a, 12a of
the second and third cut lines 11, 12 so that a tear propagating
from each end of the second and third cut lines 11, 12 will meet or
intersect the weakened region 20 after a tear has been initiated.
However, in some embodiments, the weakened region 20 may be
positioned so that a direction in which a tear propagates from each
end of the second and third cut lines is directly influenced and
controlled by the weakened region 20 as soon as the tear has been
initiated. For example, the weakened region 20 may extend over or
below the ends 11a, 12a of the cut-lines 11,12, and the weakened
region may extend directly from the ends 11a, 12a of the cut-lines
11, 12.
[0057] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the weakened region 20 may extend
from the major surface 4 of the barrier layer, over the front end
edge 15 and across the upper end surface 8 to the rear end edge 16.
However, the weakened region 20 may extend only partly across the
upper end surface 8, or may terminate in the major surface 4 prior
to reaching the front end edge 15. Preferably, the weakened region
20 extends so that the tear will be guided by the weakened region
20 over its full length.
[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the barrier layer is provided
with the weakened region 20 on its inner surface, i.e. its surface
that faces the smoking articles. However, it is also possible for
the weakened region 20 to be formed on the outer surface, facing
the adhesive label 14.
[0059] FIG. 3A shows the cut-line 9 and a part of the weakened
region 20 according to a first embodiment of the invention in more
detail. In particular, the weakened region 20 comprises a series of
spaced parallel score lines 21 in the barrier material, each of
which extend parallel to the direct tear propagation path 18 so
that a tear propagating from the ends 11a, 12a of the cut line 11,
12 will intersect one of the score lines 21 if it deviates from the
direct tear propagation path 18, which extends between two score
lines 21. As each score line 21 presents a weakening in the major
surface 4 of the barrier material 3, it forms a path of least
resistance so that further pulling on the tab 13 will cause the
tear to propagate along the score line 21 which has been
intersected by the propagating tear. Thus, further propagation of
the tear is guided by the score line 21 and prevents any further
deviation of the tear from the direct tear propagation path 18
because the score lines 21 are parallel to the direct tear
propagation path 18.
[0060] In an alternative arrangement, as shown in FIG. 3B, one of
the score lines 21 may correspond and be in alignment with the
direct tear propagation path 18 so that if the tear initially
propagates from the end 11a, 12a of the second and third cut-lines
11, 12 along the direct tear propagation path 18, it will be guided
by the score line 21 aligned with the direct tear propagation path
18 so that deviation of the tear from the direct tear propagation
path 18 is prevented. Tearing along the direct tear propagation
path 18 is also made easier as a result of the score line 21 that
is aligned with it.
[0061] In a modified embodiment of FIG. 3A, shown in FIG. 3C, the
score lines 21 extend below the ends 11a, 12a of the cut-lines 11,
12 so that the score lines 21 and the cut-lines 11, 12 overlap in a
direction across the face of the barrier material. Similarly, FIG.
3D shows a modified embodiment of FIG. 3B, in which the score lines
21 extend below the ends 11a, 12a of the cut-lines 11, 12 and so
that the one score line which lies on the direct tear propagation
path 18 extends directly from the ends 11a, 12a of the cut-lines
11, 12. In either embodiment, it will also be appreciated that the
score lines may be aligned with the ends 11a, 12a of the cut-lines,
rather than overlap the ends 11a, 12a of the cut-lines 11, 12.
[0062] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the weakened
region 20 comprises score lines which together form an inverted
Y-shape pattern in the major surface 4 of the barrier material 3.
More specifically, the weakened region 20 comprises a first score
line 22 and a second score line 23 that converge towards each other
across the weakened region 20 and in a direction away from the cut
line 11, 12 towards the end surface 9. The first and second score
lines 22, 23 meet on the direct tear propagation path 18. A third
line of weakness 24 extends from the point at which the first and
second score lines 22, 23 meet on the direct tear propagation path
24 in a direction away from the second and third cut-lines 11, 12
towards the end surface 9. In a similar way to the previous
embodiment, the ends 22a, 23a of the first and second score lines
22, 23 may be spaced from the ends 11a, 12a of the cut-line 9 in a
the direction of the direct tear propagation path 18.
Alternatively, the ends 22a, 23a may be aligned with the ends 11a,
12a, or extend below them so as to overlap in a direction extending
across the face of the barrier layer.
[0063] It will be appreciated that the weakened region, provided by
the first and second score lines 20,23, has a width greater than
the width of the cut-line, i.e. the distance between the ends 22a,
23a of the score lines 22, 23 is much greater than the width of the
cut-line 11, 12. As the mouth of the converging score lines is open
in a direction facing the ends 11a, 12a of the cut-lines 11, 12,
they extends across the end of said cut-line and control the
direction of the tear propagating from the end 11a, 12a of the
cut-line 11, 12, even if the tear is not following the line of the
direct tear propagation path 18.
[0064] When a tear propagates from each end of the second and third
cut lines 11, 12 in a direction other than along the direct tear
propagation path 18, it will intersect one of the first and second
score lines 22, 23. As the tab 13 continues to be pulled, the tear
is guided by the intersected score line 22, 23, which forms a path
of least resistance, in a direction towards the direct tear
propagation path 18 until it reaches the direct tear propagation
path at the point at which the first and second score lines 22, 23
meet each other. Once the tear has reached this point, further
pulling on the tab 13 causes the tear to propagate along the direct
tear propagation path 18 by the third score line 24, which forms a
further path of least resistance for the tear to follow. This
embodiment therefore has the advantage of guiding a tear that is
deviating away from the direct tear propagation path 18 in a
direction back to the direct tear propagation path 18 and then
guiding it along the direct tear propagation path 18.
[0065] In a modified embodiment, the third score line 24 may be
omitted so that the tear is guided to the point at which the first
and second score lines 22, 23 meet on the direct tear propagation
path 18. The tear then continues to propagate beyond this point
without further guidance as the tab 13 is pulled further.
[0066] It will be appreciated that in the embodiments described
above, the starting cut 9 is preferably a through cut in the major
surface 4 of the barrier material 3. However, it may be a line of
weakness formed by scoring or partially cutting the barrier
material along the starting cut 9.
[0067] The adhesive label 14 may be at least partially adhered to
the barrier material 3 with pressure sensitive adhesive. In
particular, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the edges of the
adhesive label 14 are offset from the cut lines 10, 11, 12 of the
starting cut 9 and are therefore offset from the edges of the
extraction opening 19 in the barrier material 3 after first opening
of the wrapped bundle 1.
[0068] Therefore, the label 14 comprises an overlapping region 26
that surrounds the extraction opening 19. This overlapping region
26 of the adhesive label 14 may be provided with a coating of
pressure sensitive adhesive so that the adhesive label 14 can be
repositioned over the extraction opening 19 so that the pressure
sensitive adhesive will re-adhere to the barrier material 3 and
hold the adhesive label 14 in place over the extraction opening
19.
[0069] The underside surface of the adhesive label 14 may be
entirely coated with pressure sensitive adhesive or, regions of the
underside surface may be coated with permanent adhesive or no
adhesive, in addition to the pressure sensitive adhesive in the
overlapping region 26.
[0070] The torn section 27 of the barrier material 3, which has
been separated from the remainder of the barrier material 3 to form
the extraction opening 19, remains adhered to the adhesive label 14
as shown in FIG. 2.
[0071] The torn section 27 may be attached to the adhesive label 14
by pressure sensitive adhesive, or by a region of permanent
adhesive provided between the torn section 27 and the adhesive
label 14. If the torn section 27 is attached to the adhesive label
14 by pressure sensitive adhesive then the pressure sensitive
adhesive may have an increased coating weight in the region of the
torn section 27 to prevent the torn section 27 from detaching from
the adhesive label 14 during use. The strength of the adhesive that
adheres the label 14 to the torn section 27 is such that the
barrier layer 3 will tear. Separation of the torn section 27 from
the adhesive label 14 is prevented.
[0072] Therefore, the adhesive label 14 and the torn section 27 of
the barrier material 3 form a re-usable cover flap 28 for closing
the extraction opening 19 after first opening. The pressure
sensitive adhesive on the overlapping region 26 of the adhesive
label 14 is used to reattach the cover flap 28 and the barrier
material 3.
[0073] In another embodiment, the adhesive label 14 is provided
with single-use adhesive in the overlapping region 26, so that the
cover flap 28 can be repositioned over the extraction opening 19
but the adhesive label 14 will not re-adhere to the barrier
material 3.
[0074] A part of the adhesive label 14 may be permanently adhered
to the barrier material 3, so that the cover flap 28 is retained on
the wrapped bundle 1 and cannot be completely removed. In other
embodiments, the cover flap 28 may be removed completely from the
wrapped bundle 1 on opening, by using single-use adhesive over the
whole of the adhesive label 14, or by providing a tear-off line
through the adhesive label 14.
[0075] In combination with the adhesive label 14 covering the
starting cut 9, the front face 5, end face 9 and rear face 5, the
wrapped bundle 1 is sealably closed prior to first opening by
pulling on the pull tab 17.
[0076] FIG. 5 shows an inner frame 3o that holds the cigarettes 2
(see FIG. 2) and is wrapped by the barrier material 3 to form the
wrapped bundle 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In other words, the inner
frame 30 shown may be positioned between the cigarettes 2 and the
barrier material 3.
[0077] The inner frame 30 comprises a front wall 31, a rear wall
32, opposing side walls 33, 34, a bottom wall 35 and a top wall 36,
that correspond to the front face 4, rear face 5, opposing side
faces 6, 7 and end faces 8, 9 of the wrapped bundle 1, once the
inner frame 30 is wrapped in the barrier material 3. The inner
frame 30 also comprises an aperture 37 formed in the end wall 36
and front wall 31 that is aligned with the above described
extraction opening 19 after first opening of the wrapped bundle 1,
as shown in FIG. 2.
[0078] In this example, the aperture 37 in the inner frame 30
extends partially across the top wall 36 and front wall 31 of the
inner frame 30. Therefore, when the extraction opening 19 is formed
it is aligned with the aperture 37 in the inner frame 30.
[0079] The inner frame 30 provides additional strength and supports
the cigarettes 19. Moreover, if the wrapped bundle 1 is provided
with a reduced internal pressure, for example a partial vacuum,
then the inner frame 30 helps protect the cigarettes 2 against the
crushing force of the atmospheric pressure acting on the outside of
the wrapped bundle 1.
[0080] In some examples, the aperture 37 in the inner frame 30 is
sized and positioned such that, after creating the extraction
opening 19 in the barrier material 3 by pulling the adhesive label
17, at least some edges of the aperture 37 lie within the
extraction opening 19.
[0081] The unbroken portion of the barrier material 3 preferably
comprises a polymer, such as polypropylene. In this case, the
fibres of the polymer material may be orientated and the barrier
material 3 arranged such that the fibres are orientated in the
direction of the desired tear lines. Therefore, the polymer
material will tear more easily and more neatly as the adhesive
label 14 is pulled to form the extraction opening 19. Otherwise,
the polymer may stretch and deform as it is torn, leaving the
extraction opening 19 with uneven edges and the adhesive label 14
may not easily seal over such edges.
[0082] The barrier material 3 may be cut or weakened by mechanical
means, for example a rotary cutter having a fixed blade depth.
Alternatively, the barrier material 3 may be cut using lasers with
a preselected power and/or wavelength so that the laser cuts
through only the desired parts of the layers of the barrier
material 3.
[0083] The barrier material 3 may comprise a polymer (for example
polypropylene), a metal foil, a metallised film (for example a
metallised polymer) or any other flexible material suitable for
packaging.
[0084] In a preferred example, the barrier material 3 comprises a
three-layer laminate, having outer layers of orientated
polypropylene and a middle layer of metal foil, for example
aluminium foil.
[0085] As described hereinafter, to form the wrapped bundle 1 the
barrier material 3 is wrapped around a group of cigarettes 19 and
sealably closed. The cigarettes 19 may first be placed within an
inner frame 30 to support and protect the cigarettes 19, and then
the barrier material 3 can be wrapped around the inner frame 30 and
group of cigarettes 19.
[0086] In one example, the edges of the barrier material 3 may be
folded against the sides of the contents of the wrapped bundle 1,
for example the inner frame 30, to form overlapping flaps that are
sealed to each other, for example by using adhesive, heat seal or
ultrasonic welding.
[0087] In another example, shown in FIG. 6, the barrier material 3
may be folded around the inner frame 30, and the ends of the
barrier material 3 may be fin sealed.
[0088] In particular, the cigarettes 19 can be placed into the
inner frame 30, for example by folding the inner frame 30 around
the group of cigarettes 19, and then the barrier material 3 can be
wrapped around the inner frame 30 as shown.
[0089] Firstly, edges of the barrier material 3 can be fin sealed
to each other to form a first fin seal 45 that means the barrier
material 3 is tubular around the inner frame 30. Then, the ends of
the tubular barrier material 3 can also be fin sealed together, to
form second and third fin seals 46, 47, as shown in FIG. 6. In this
example, the fin sealed bundle 1 shown in FIG. 7 has the first fin
seal 45 extending across the rear face 5 of the wrapped bundle 1,
and the second and third fin seals 46, 47 extending along the
opposing side faces 6, 7 of the wrapped bundle 1.
[0090] In another example, schematically shown in FIG. 8, the first
fin seal 45 may be formed across the end face 8 of the wrapped
bundle 1 which is opposite to the end face 9 having the adhesive
label 14. The second and third fin seals 46, 47 can then be formed
along the opposing side faces 6, 7 of the wrapped bundle 1.
[0091] In an alternative example, the first fin seal 45 may be
formed across the front face 4 of the wrapped bundle 1, below the
adhesive label 14.
[0092] As shown in FIG. 7, the fin seals 45, 46, 47 can be folded
flat against the faces of the wrapped bundle 1.
[0093] A fin seal can be formed by pressing parts of the barrier
material 3 together and applying heat and/or adhesive to join those
parts of the barrier material 3 together. The heat may melt and/or
fuse components of the barrier material 3 together.
[0094] A fin sealed wrapped bundle 1, as described above, will
provide a strong hermetic seal capable of holding a pressure
differential. For example, the interior of the wrapped bundle may
be provided with a pressure above or below atmospheric
pressure.
[0095] An increased pressure within the wrapped bundle 1 can be
provided by adding air, or some other gas, or liquid, to the
interior of the wrapped bundle 1 prior to forming the final seal. A
reduced pressure, for example a partial vacuum, can be provided to
the interior of the wrapped bundle 1 by extracting air prior to
forming the final seal, for example by carrying out the wrapping
and sealing process described with reference to FIG. 6 or FIG. 8 in
a low pressure environment.
[0096] Alternatively, the wrapped bundle 1 may be provided with a
one-way valve adapted to permit flow of air in one direction and
not the other. The valve on the wrapped bundle 1 can then be
provided with either a high pressure source or a low pressure
source to move air into or out of the wrapped bundle 1.
[0097] Alternatively, the interior of the wrapped bundle 1 may be
provided with a gas other than air, for example an inert gas.
Additionally, other substances may be added to the interior of the
pack as a liquid and allowed to evaporate within the wrapped bundle
1, for example to increase the pressure within the wrapped bundle
1.
[0098] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the various examples of wrapped
bundles 1 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, may be received
within a hinged-lid container 48 to provide a pack of
cigarettes.
[0099] Alternatively, the wrapped bundle 1 may be provided as
packaging itself, without any further pack outer or lid.
[0100] As shown in FIG. 9, the hinged-lid pack 48 has a base
portion 49 having a parallelepiped form and which is adapted to
receive the wrapped bundle 1 such that the wrapped bundle 1
protrudes from the base portion 49. In this position, the adhesive
label 14, in particular the pull tab 17, is accessible for opening
the wrapped bundle 1 and providing access to the cigarettes
within.
[0101] A lid 50 is hingedly connected to the base portion 49 about
a hinge 51. The lid 50 is pivotable between a closed position,
where the lid 50 covers the wrapped bundle 1, and an open position,
where the wrapped bundle 1 is exposed. FIG. 9 shows the lid 50 in
the open position, such that a user can grasp the pull tab 17 on
the adhesive label 14 and pull to tear the barrier material 3 and
form an extraction opening.
[0102] In further embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a part
of the adhesive label 14, such as the pull tab 17, is attached to
an inside face 52 of the lid 50, such that the adhesive label 14
lifts when the lid 50 is opened to provide the extraction opening,
and is lowered when the lid 5o is closed, to cover the extraction
opening.
[0103] The outside surface of the tab 17 may be attached directly
to the inside face 52 of the lid front wall 53, as shown in FIG.
10. Alternatively, the tab 17 may be folded back and then attached
to the inside face 52 of the lid front wall 53, as shown in FIG.
11.
[0104] In the embodiments of FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, attaching the
pull tab 17 to the lid 50 has the advantage that the adhesive label
14 is pulled evenly and smoothly as the lid 50 is opened for the
first time, which can help to control the tears in the barrier
material 3.
[0105] The wrapped bundle 1 may be provided with an inner frame 55
positioned between the smoking articles 2 and the barrier material,
to provide further rigidity to the wrapped bundle 1 and to provide
a reaction surface to allow the adhesive label 14 to be pressed
back down over the extraction opening.
[0106] As used herein, the term `pressure sensitive adhesive` means
adhesives that are capable of being reused multiple times. That is,
the adhesive is permanently tacky so that two components can be
detached and reattached repeatedly.
[0107] As used herein, the term `permanent adhesive` means
adhesives that are intended to strongly bond together two
components such that they will not separate in normal use.
[0108] As used herein, the term "tobacco industry product" is to be
understood as including smoking articles comprising combustible
smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, tobacco
for pipes or for roll-your-own cigarettes, (whether based on
tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted
tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable material),
electronic smoking articles such as e-cigarettes, heating devices
that release compounds from substrate materials without burning
such as tobacco heating products; and hybrid systems to generate
aerosol from a combination of substrate materials, for example
hybrid systems containing a liquid or gel or solid substrate.
[0109] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a smoking
article for combustion selected from the group consisting of a
cigarette, a cigarillo and a cigar.
[0110] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a
non-combustible smoking article.
[0111] In one embodiment the tobacco industry product is a heating
device which releases compounds by heating, but not burning, a
substrate material. The material may be for example tobacco or
other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.
In one embodiment the heating device is a tobacco heating
device.
[0112] In another embodiment the tobacco industry product is a
hybrid system to generate aerosol by heating, but not burning, a
combination of substrate materials. The substrate materials may
comprise for example solid, liquid or gel which may or may not
contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a
liquid or gel substrate and a solid substrate. The solid substrate
may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may
or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment the hybrid system
comprises a liquid or gel substrate and tobacco.
[0113] The wrapper and bundle are described with reference to
tobacco industry products, for example cigarettes. However, it will
be appreciated that the wrapper may alternatively be used to wrap a
bundle of non-tobacco industry related products or articles. For
example, food products, electronics or other consumer goods.
[0114] In order to address various issues and advance the art, the
entirety of this disclosure shows by way of illustration various
embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced and
provide for a superior wrapper for a group of tobacco industry
products. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a
representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive
and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in
understanding and teach the claimed features. It is to be
understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions,
features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are
not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by
the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that
other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made
without departing from the scope and/or spirit of the disclosure.
Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist
essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements,
components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. In addition, the
disclosure includes other inventions not presently claimed, but
which may be claimed in future.
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