Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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NAKED COLLATION PACKAGE
The present invention relates to a naked collation package.
Naked collation refers to a packaging application in which a plurality of
individual units (generally of an article of commerce) are collated and then
wrapped directly (without any intermediate packaging such as a carton or
tube) in a packaging film, which holds the collated units together in the
resulting naked collation package. Naked collation provides a number of
benefits, including reducing the quantity of packaging material (by avoiding
the need for any intermediate packaging) and, in the case of a transparent
packaging film, allowing the individual units to be visible.
The packaging technique of naked collation is particularly useful in
connection
with the packaging of relatively rigid articles and/or articles which are not
especially susceptible to flexing, for example, cigarette cartons, boxed
pharmaceutical products, playing cards, packaged perfumes and cosmetics,
CD cases, DVD cases, and the like. Although they need not be, commonly
such articles will themselves be unit wrapped with an overwrap film so that
once removed from the naked collation package they are then ready for
display on the shelves of a retailer, for example. The problem of avoiding
sealing the exterior film of the naked collation package to the unit wrap film
is
addressed for example in our co-pending application PCT/GB2008/050662
Conversely, this invention is concerned with removing the individual units
from
the naked collation package in a manner which is easy to effect and which
prnf tv hE\' owevc, individual units or group-- of un;t-- to hr removed from
the
comp
C E Wollation, i any oto
ensure
b a
._. r._ .
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difficulties in removing individual units or groups thereof from the naked
collation package as a whole. This is because the film can be so tightly
wrapped around the collated units that the user is unable to gain any
substantial purchase on the film in order to tear and remove the exterior
film.
The user may resort to using a sharp implement or brute force to assist with
the opening process, but this may then cause damage to the individual units,
or may cause the whole package to be compromised, thereby releasing and
spilling all of the individual units, even though the intention of the user
was to
remove only one, or some, of the units from the package.
In a naked collation package individual units (such as unit-wrapped cigarette
cartons by way of example) are generally stacked, laid end-to-end, and then
wrapped in a sheet of naked collation film. Stack heights vary from a single
unit stack to double or triple (or more) unit stacks. Pack lengths may be from
two to about twenty, or more, but will often be in the range of from about
three
to ten units in length. Pack lengths of from about four to about seven are
common in the field of nakedly collated cigarette cartons, for example.
In a naked collation package the risk of damage to the wrapped article by the
use for example of sharp implements to pierce the overwrap film is acute; and
it would be desirable to provide a ready means of opening such packs
manually. It would also be desirable to provide a means for separating
individual units, or groups of units, from the main body of the pack whilst
leaving the remaining wrapped units in the pack substantially intact.
Ai- `ing to the present invenlif-,n there is provided naked collatio_ . ,_
ackage
a plurality of indi~w- - ` pits lai- -jr sides hx . form
au 3f
pi 59 ;:6 , Set 4
st k'--,',_ :o envelop the
to provide an c
2
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to provide an envelope seal region in at least one end of the unit row so that
the wrapped and girth-sealed sheet is able to fold over and seal to itself at
the
at least one end of the unit row to provide an envelope seal, the sheet being
folded and sealed to itself in that region to provide the envelope seal; the
sheet being provided along its length, or part or parts of it, with a line of
weakness positioned in substantial register with the interface.
Also provided according to the present invention is a naked collation package
comprising a plurality of individual units laid end-to-end or side-by-side to
form
a unit row comprising at least one interface between a neighbouring pair of
individual units in the unit row; the unit row being overwrapped with a sheet
of
polymeric film having a length and a width; the length of the sheet being
sufficient to envelop the unit row with sufficient overlap between the ends of
the sheet to provide an overlap region for providing a girth seal along at
least
part of the length of the unit row, the sheet being sealed to itself in that
region
to provide the girth seal; the width of the sheet being longer than the unit
row
to provide an envelope seal region in at least one end of the unit row so that
the wrapped and girth-sealed sheet is able to fold over and seal to itself at
the
at least one end of the unit row to provide an envelope seal, the sheet being
folded and sealed to itself in that region to provide the envelope seal; the
sheet being provided along its length, or part or parts of it, with at least
one
line of weakness positioned in substantial register with the interface.
It would further be desirable to reduce the quantity of overwrap film used in
a
naked collation packet.
ThIlc ?r' Vided in rc with the
-jr
- , O s
a sheet Im having a =-ngth and a -ie
being su_' envelop the unit row with _:licient
CA 02746149 2011-06-08
WO 2010/070331 PCT/GB2009/051712
being sealed to itself in that region to provide the girth seal; the width of
the
sheet being not substantially longer than the unit row so that the wrapped and
girth-sealed sheet forms an open-ended sleeve around the unit row; the sheet
being provided along its length, or part or parts of it, with a line of
weakness
positioned in substantial register with the interface.
Thus, also provided in accordance with the present invention is a naked
collation package comprising a plurality of individual units laid end-to-end
or
side-by-side to form a unit row comprising at least one interface between a
neighbouring pair of individual units in the unit row; the unit row being
overwrapped with a sheet of polymeric film having a length and a width; the
length of the sheet being sufficient to envelop the unit row with sufficient
overlap between the ends of the sheet to provide an overlap region for
providing a girth seal along at least part of the length of the unit row, the
sheet
being sealed to itself in that region to provide the girth seal; the width of
the
sheet being not substantially longer than the unit row so that the wrapped and
girth-sealed sheet forms an open-ended sleeve around the unit row; the sheet
being provided along its length, or part or parts of it, with at least one
line of
weakness positioned in substantial register with the interface.
The naked collation packages of the invention provide the advantage that by
flexing the package in the region of the interface, an individual unit or
group of
units can be snapped off from the remainder of the package whilst leaving the
remainder of the package substantially intact.
Th= unit row comprises at least two individual units, but may comprise at
least
r at leA,-t about four rr five individual units, f r -xampl `1 h,- snit row
rE it unit be :)r
the-_
p Sere VV
c ;tlui i_ of indium al
units. In thee;. ciruuinst e. e is led pity of lines
4
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WO 2010/070331 PCT/GB2009/051712
of weakness along the length of the sheet; each line of weakness positioned
in substantial register with a respective interface.
The naked collation package may comprise at least two lines of weakness in a
spaced relationship, said at least two lines positioned in substantial
register
with a respective interface.
The naked collation package may comprise a first line of weakness in a
spaced relationship with a second line of weakness, the first line of weakness
positioned on one side of the respective interface, and the second line of
weakness positioned on an opposite side of the respective interface. This
arrangement provides positionally a greater margin of error when registering
the at least one line of weakness with the respective interface.
The or each line of weakness may be provided in the sheet by any suitable
means such as ablation, incision or perforation for example.
Typically, the sheet is a polymeric film having a machine direction and a
transverse direction. Preferably in this case the length of the sheet is in
the
machine direction and the or each line of weakness is provided by feeding the
sheet in web form to a suitable ablation, incision or perforation tool so that
the
or each line of weakness is provided in the machine direction.
Preferably, the film is a shrink film so that after or during sealing of the
film to
itself around the unit row, the film can be shrunk to form a tight fit.
Pt each individual unit is of substantially t h, h-nom Ord ci s
line of Irv, i ivided in with an interface
m nay h rt.. n
l-i M1 to be
5
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weakness to have an oscillating pattern. For example, the or each line of
weakness may be provided as a zigzag line or with a sinusoidal profile, for
example. This allows a greater margin of error in registering the or each line
of weakness with the interface. The or each line of weakness is continuous or
discontinuous and may comprise a series of repeat patterns.
Preferably, the or each line of weakness is an oscillating line of weakness.
More preferably the or each line of weakness is an oscillating line of
weakness with a repeat unit which itself is oscillating.
By oscillating is preferably meant that the or each line of weakness
propagates sequentially above and below a longitudinal axis running along
the length of the or each line of weakness through the centre thereof.
Also provided in accordance with the invention is a process for the production
of a naked collation package, the process comprising the steps of:
a) providing a plurality of individual units laid end-to-end or side-by-side
to
form a unit row comprising at least one interface between a
neighbouring pair of individual units in the unit row;
b) providing a sheet of polymeric film having a length and a width; the
length of the sheet being sufficient to envelop the unit row with
sufficient overlap between the ends of the sheet to provide an overlap
region for providing a girth seal along at least part of the length of the
unit row; and the width of the sheet being longer than the unit row to
provide an envelope seal region in at least one end of the unit row;
c) ~Loviding along the length of the film a line of weakness;
d) r ;~:`ering the line of v õi:-ss with the interface
e) f rows -n
-id
f) t ..,~ s. to itself in th I *o
1.
6
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WO 2010/070331 PCT/GB2009/051712
Also provided in accordance with the invention is a process for the production
of a naked collation package, the process comprising the steps of:
a) providing a plurality of individual units laid end-to-end or side-by-side
to
form a unit row comprising at least one interface between a
neighbouring pair of individual units in the unit row;
b) providing a sheet of polymeric film having a length and a width; the
length of the sheet being sufficient to envelop the unit row with
sufficient overlap between the ends of the sheet to provide an overlap
region for providing a girth seal along at least part of the length of the
unit row; and the width of the sheet being longer than the unit row to
provide an envelope seal region in at least one end of the unit row;
c) providing along the length of the film at least one line of weakness;
d) registering substantially the at least one line of weakness with the at
least one interface;
e) wrapping the length of the film around the unit row and sealing the film
to itself to provide a girth seal; and
f) folding and sealing the film to itself in the envelope seal region to
provide the envelope seal.
The invention also provides a process for the production of a naked collation
package, the process comprising the steps of:
a) providing a plurality of individual units laid end-to-end or side-by-side
to
form a unit row comprising at least one interface between a
neighbouring pair of individual units in the unit row;
b) providing a sheet of polymeric film having a length and a width; the
length of the sheet being sufficient to à iv,- 'op the unit row with
icy: ant overl2 between the ends of tf provide an
3
c) 1 of the fil-n a lin
Cl it .. L
I
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e) wrapping the length of the film around the unit row and sealing the film
to itself to provide an open-ended girth-sealed sleeve around the unit
row.
The invention also provides a process for the production of a naked collation
package, the process comprising the steps of:
a) providing a plurality of individual units laid end-to-end or side-by-side
to
form a unit row comprising at least one interface between a
neighbouring pair of individual units in the unit row;
b) providing a sheet of polymeric film having a length and a width; the
length of the sheet being sufficient to envelop the unit row with
sufficient overlap between the ends of the sheet to provide an overlap
region for providing a girth seal along at least part of the length of the
unit row; and the width of the sheet being not substantially longer than
the unit row;
c) providing along the length of the film at least one line of weakness;
d) registering substantially the at least one line of weakness with the at
least one interface; and
e) wrapping the length of the film around the unit row and sealing the film
to itself to provide an open-ended girth-sealed sleeve around the unit
row.
The films used in accordance with the present invention can be of a variety of
thicknesses according to the application requirements. For example they can
'5 be from about 10 to about 240pm thick and preferably from about 50 to about
90pm thick. The line of weakness in the film is preferably of a narrower gauge
than the Y t of the film - for example 1%, 2% 5%, 10%, or 50%
r .he line c . all or
invention, prior to deposition of any
~.. may comprise any suitable polymeric t'ni.iic
-9 44
8
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microbial and/or regenerated cellulose film)] ; thermoplastic films; polymeric
films (for example films comprising: polyolefins [e.g. polypropylene and/or
polyethylene] polyurethanes, polyvinyl halides [e.g. PVC], polyesters [e.g.
polyethylene terephthalate-PET], polyamides [e.g. nylons] and/or non-
hydrocarbon polymers) ; and/or multilayer and/or composite sheets formed by
any suitable combinations and/or mixtures of thereof. Suitable filmic
substrates therefore include polyolefinic films, but also polyester films,
polyurethane films, cellulosic and PLA films.
The films of the present invention may consist of only one layer, or may
comprise a plurality of layers. Layers when present can be combined by
lamination and/or co-extrusion and/or coating and/or melt coat extrusion.
Films may be otherwise treated (for example by corona discharge treatment)
to improve certain characteristics of the film; printability or coating
adhesion
for example.
The films of the invention may comprise one or more additive materials such
as: dyes; pigments, colorants; voiding agents; metallised and/or pseudo
metallised coatings (e.g. aluminium); lubricants, anti-oxidants, surface-
active
agents, stiffening aids, gloss-improvers, prodegradants, UV attenuating
materials (e.g. UV light stabilisers); sealability additives; tackifiers, anti-
blocking agents, additives to improve ink adhesion and/or printability, cross-
linking agents; anti-slip and/or anti-block additives and the like.
The present invention is described further hereinafter, by way of example
only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
1 collation pack in accordance with a
r .aka !; in aci with a
f the
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Fig. 3 illustrates in perspective a naked collation pack in accordance with a
third aspect of the invention.
Fig. 4 illustrates in perspective a naked collation pack in accordance with a
fourth aspect of the invention,
Fig. 5 illustrates in perspective a naked collation pack in accordance with a
fifth aspect of the invention.
Fig. 6 illustrates in perspective a naked collation pack in accordance with a
sixth aspect of the invention.
Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a naked collation package 1 comprising
ten collated individual units 2, double stacked in height and with five along
the
length of the unit row. Each individual unit 2 is placed side-by-side with its
neighbour and with an interface 3 therebetween. Collation film 4 is wrapped
around the unit row and sealed to itself by means of a girth seal (not shown,
being on the underside of the package 1 as depicted). An envelope seal 5 is
provided at each end of package 1, although only one such end is depicted in
Figure 1. Lines of weakness 6 in the machine direction of the film 4 are
provided in substantial register with each interface 3 and, in the embodiment
shown in Figure 1 comprise a straight-line perforation in the film. In use the
package 1 may be held as one end and two, four, six or eight individual units
2 may be snapped off from the other end by flexing the package 1 in the
region of the appropriate interface 3.
Referring to Figure 2 there is shown a naked collation package 21 with similar
features to those 1e crib d in relation to Figure 1, except that the lines of
wea, r- 3 ca -line perfa_ ~n the film.
--gng to F . there is shown a 31 cor
Rata ivi_ ual units 32, double s._ .. c t .d with
ath mnit row. Each individual unit 32 placed side-b
wrali
CA 02746149 2011-06-08
WO 2010/070331 PCT/GB2009/051712
shown, being on the underside of the package 31 as depicted). The width of
the film 34 is not substantially greater than the length of the unit row so
that
the film 34 forms an open-ended sleeve around the unit row. Lines of
weakness 36 in the machine direction of the film 34 are provided in
substantial
register with each interface 33 and, in the embodiment shown in Figure 3
comprise a straight-line perforation in the film. In use the package 31 may be
held as one end and two, four, six or eight individual units 32 may be snapped
off from the other end by flexing the package 31 in the region of the
appropriate interface 33.
Referring to Figure 4 there is shown a naked collation package 41 with similar
features to those described in relation to Figure 3, except that the lines of
weakness 46 comprise a sinusoidal-line perforation in the film.
Referring to Figure 5 there is shown a naked collation package 51 comprising
ten collated individual units 52, double stacked in height and with five along
the length of the unit row. Each individual unit 52 is placed side-by-side
with
its neighbour and with an interface 53 therebetween. Collation film 54 is
wrapped around the unit row and sealed to itself by means of a girth seal (not
shown, being on the underside of the package 51 as depicted). An envelope
seal 55 is provided at each end of package 51, although only one such end is
depicted in Figure 5. Lines of weakness 56a and 56b in the machine direction
of the film 54 are provided in substantial register with each interface 53
and, in
the embodiment shown in Figure 5 comprise a straight-line perforation in the
film 54. A first line of weakness 56a is in a spaced relationship with a
second
line of weakness 56b; the first line of weakness 56a positioned on one side
57P of the respective inf rf 53, and the second line of weakness 56b
lis
-7b -pective int.,, 53. M is
of errs'.
the dui isÃa e tà rest'
e 1t more than two lines o4 v
respective interface. F 4
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WO 2010/070331 PCT/GB2009/051712
51 may be held as one end and two, four, six or eight individual units 52 may
be snapped off from the other end by flexing the package 51 in the region of
the appropriate interface 53.
Referring to Figure 6 there is shown a naked collation package 61 comprising
ten collated individual units 62, double stacked in height and with five along
the length of the unit row. Each individual unit 62 is placed side-by-side
with
its neighbour and with an interface 63 therebetween. Collation film 64 is
wrapped around the unit row and sealed to itself by means of a girth seal (not
shown, being on the underside of the package 61 as depicted). The width of
the film 64 is not substantially greater than the length of the unit row so
that
the film 64 forms an open-ended sleeve around the unit row. Lines of
weakness 66a and 66b in the machine direction of the film 64 are provided in
substantial register with each interface 63 and, in the embodiment shown in
Figure 6 comprise a straight-line perforation in the film. Lines of weakness
66a and 66b in the machine direction of the film 64 are provided in
substantial
register with each interface 63 and, in the embodiment shown in Figure 6
comprise a straight-line perforation in the film 64. A first line of weakness
66a
is in a spaced relationship with a second line of weakness 66b; the first line
of
weakness 66a positioned on one side 67a of the respective interface 63, and
the second line of weakness 66b positioned on an opposite side 67b of the
respective interface 63. This arrangement provides positionally a greater
margin of error when registering the lines of weakness with the respective
interface. Of course, in other embodiments, more than two lines of weakness
in spaced relationship may be provided at a respective interface. In other
embodiments, the lines of weakness may be oscillating lines of weakness,
such as a sinu-oidal-line perforation in the film (as seen in 4 for
1 ... -.1 : e y held as one .. d ~, four, six
c~... by flexing
ac av
t 1 1 8 U c s Ãt a i to F _t'
12
