Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02971966 2017-06-22
WO 2016/102918
PCT/GB2015/053512
PACKAGE
Background
It is desirable that a packaged product remains fresh for as long as possible.
One
type of packaged product is a tobacco industry product, such as cigarettes.
A popular type of cigarette packaging comprises a container with a box and a
hinged
lid. A plastic film wrapper is initially provided around the container. After
initial opening of the
package, the plastic film is discarded. A disadvantage of this packaging is
that the container
offers little protection against moisture once the package has been opened for
the first time.
Another known type of cigarette packaging comprises a laminate wrapper around
a
container which does not have a lid. Access to the cigarettes is gained by a
resealable label.
A disadvantage of this packaging is that a separate label is required in
addition to the
laminate wrapper. This requires additional processing steps.
There is a requirement for alternative packaging.
Summary
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified
form
that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is
not intended to
identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor
is it intended to
be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
An aspect of the invention provides a package comprising:
a container comprising a body and a lid, wherein the lid is attached to the
body by a
hinge, the lid being movable between a closed position in which the lid meets
the body along
a line of contact and an open position;
a wrapper of flexible multi-layer laminate sheet material surrounding the
container,
the wrapper comprising:
a first layer;
a second layer outside the first layer;
a first cut line in the first layer but not the second layer, the first cut
line
defining a first region of the first layer which overlies the lid;
a second cut line in the second layer but not the first layer, wherein at
least
part of the second cut line is offset from the first cut line, the second cut
line defining a second
region of the second layer, wherein the second region overlies the lid and
includes a
peripheral portion where the second layer extends beyond the lid;
1
CA 02971966 2017-06-22
WO 2016/102918
PCT/GB2015/053512
a resealable adhesive between the peripheral portion of the second layer and
the first layer;
wherein the peripheral portion of the second layer is separable from the first
layer and can be used to lift the lid into the open position, and wherein the
peripheral portion
can be resealed against the first layer.
The first cut line may be aligned with the line of contact between the lid and
the body.
The container may comprise a front face, a rear face and two side faces,
wherein the
hinge is located on the rear face, and wherein the line of contact extends
along the front face
and the two side faces of the container.
The first cut line may be offset from the second cut line by a smaller amount
on the
side faces of the container compared to on the front face of the container.
The first cut line may be co-located with the second cut line on the side
faces of the
container.
The container may comprise a front face, a rear face, two side faces and a top
face,
wherein the lid is a flap comprising at least part of the top face and a cut-
out part of the front
face of the container.
The flap may be attached to the first region of the wrapper and is movable
with the
flap portion when the peripheral portion of the second layer is lifted.
The hinge may be located on an edge of the container between the top face and
the
rear face.
The second cut line may be offset from the first cut line on the top face and
the front
face of the container to provide the peripheral region around a perimeter of
the flap.
The line of contact may be offset inwardly from side edges of the top face and
side
edges of the front face.
The wrapper may be attached to the lid of the container.
The wrapper may be attached to the body of the container.
The first cut line may be a line of weakness which requires an opening force
to
separate the first layer along the line of weakness.
The second cut line may be a line of weakness which requires an opening force
to
separate the second layer along the line of weakness.
The line of weakness may be one of: a perforated line, a score line, a scribe
line, a
crenellated line.
2
CA 02971966 2017-06-22
WO 2016/102918
PCT/GB2015/053512
Another aspect of the invention provides a wrapper of flexible multi-layer
laminate
sheet material for forming a package around a container of the type comprising
a body and a
lid, wherein the lid is attached to the body by a hinge, the lid being movable
between a closed
position in which the lid lies against the body along a line of contact and an
open position, the
wrapper comprising a flexible multi-layer laminate sheet material to surround
the container,
the wrapper comprising:
a first layer;
a second layer outside the first layer;
a first cut line in the first layer but not the second layer, the first cut
line defining a first
region of the first layer to overlie the lid;
a second cut line in the second layer but not the first layer, wherein at
least part of the
second cut line is offset from the first cut line, the second cut line
defining a second region of
the second layer, wherein the second region is configured to overlie the lid
and includes a
peripheral portion where the second layer extends beyond the lid;
a resealable adhesive between the peripheral portion of the second layer and
the first
layer;
wherein the peripheral portion of the second layer is separable from the first
layer and
can be used to lift the lid into the open position, and wherein the peripheral
portion can be
resealed against the first layer.
Another aspect of the invention provides a package comprising:
providing a container comprising a body and a lid, wherein the lid is attached
to the
body by a hinge, the lid being movable between a closed position in which the
lid lies against
the body along a line of contact and an open position;
fitting a wrapper of flexible multi-layer laminate sheet material around the
container,
the wrapper comprising:
a first layer;
a second layer outside the first layer;
a first cut line in the first layer but not the second layer, the first cut
line
defining a first region of the first layer which overlies the lid;
a second cut line in the second layer but not the first layer, wherein at
least
part of the second cut line is offset from the first cut line, the second cut
line defining a second
region of the second layer, wherein the second region overlies the lid and
includes a
peripheral portion where the second layer extends beyond the lid;
a resealable adhesive between the peripheral portion of the second layer and
the first layer;
wherein the peripheral portion of the second layer is separable from the first
layer and can be used to lift the lid into the open position, and wherein the
peripheral portion
can be resealed against the first layer.
3
CA 02971966 2017-06-22
WO 2016/102918
PCT/GB2015/053512
In this specification, the term "resealable adhesive" means an adhesive which
allows
two surfaces to adhere to one another and which also allows the surfaces to be
separated
non-destructively from one another and to re-adhere to one another. An example
of a
resealable adhesive is a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA), such as a peelable
PSA, where
an adhesive bond is achieved by applying pressure to the adhesive.
In this specification, the term "resealed" means that two surfaces can be
refastened
to one another. A degree of sealing may be achieved between the two surfaces
when they
are refastened to one another. However, the term "resealed" does not require
the two
surfaces to form a fully airtight seal during the subsequent fastening of the
surfaces.
The preferred features may be combined as appropriate, as would be apparent to
a
skilled person, and may be combined with any of the aspects of the invention.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example, with
reference to
the following drawings, in which:
Figures 1 and 2 show a first example of a container (with lid open) which can
form an
inner part of a package;
Figure 3 shows a package comprising a laminate wrapper around the container of
Figures 1 and 2, the package shown in an unopened state;
Figure 4 shows the package of Figure 3 in an opened state;
Figure 5A shows the package of Figure 4 in a resealed state;
Figure 5B shows a cross-section through Figure 5A;
Figures 6 and 7 show a second example of a container (open) which can form an
inner part of a package;
Figure 8 shows a package comprising a laminate wrapper around the container of
Figures 7 and 8, the package shown in an unopened state;
Figure 9 shows the package of Figure 8 in an opened state;
Figure 10 shows the package of Figure 9 in a resealed state;
Figure 11A shows an example of a two-layer laminate wrapper;
Figures 11B and 11C show cut lines in the layers of the laminate wrapper of
Figure
11A;
Figure 12A shows an example of a three-layer laminate wrapper;
4
CA 02971966 2017-06-22
WO 2016/102918
PCT/GB2015/053512
Figures 12B and 12C show lines of weakness in the layers of the laminate
wrapper of
Figure 12A;
Figure 13 shows a web of laminate material;
Figure 14 shows a method of forming a package.
Common reference numerals are used throughout the figures to indicate similar
features.
Detailed Description
Embodiments of the present invention are described below by way of example
only.
These examples represent the best ways of putting the invention into practice
that are
currently known to the Applicant although they are not the only ways in which
this could be
achieved. The description sets forth the functions of the example and the
sequence of steps
for constructing and operating the example. However, the same or equivalent
functions and
sequences may be accomplished by different examples.
Figures 1-5B show a first example of a package. Figure 1 shows a container 10
which can form an inner part of the package. The container 10 is shaped as a
cuboid, with a
front face 1, rear face 2, side faces 3, base 4 and top face 5. The container
10 comprises a
first container portion (body) 11 and a second container portion (lid) 12. The
second
container portion 12 is hingedly connected to the first container portion 11
about a hinge line
13 located part-way down the rear face 2. In use, items (e.g. cigarettes) are
held in the first
container portion 11. The second container portion 12 forms a hinged lid for
the first
container portion 11. In this example the lid 12 is in the form of a hood-
shaped part of the
container. Figure 1 shows the hinged lid 12 in an open position. Figure 2
shows the hinged
lid in the closed position. A frame 8 is fixed to the first container portion
11. The frame 8
defines an access opening 9. The frame 8 retains contents of the container,
while also
allowing access to the contents. The frame 8 serves to provide frictional
resistance when the
lid 12 is closed, and serves to prevent the lid from accidentally opening. The
frame 8 can be
fixed (e.g. by adhesive) to an inner region of the front face 1. The lid 12
meets the first
container portion along a line of contact 14A, 14B. In the closed position the
lid 12 abuts
against the body 11 along the line of contact 14A, 14B. A part of the line of
contact 14A
extends along the front face 1. Another part of the line of contact 14B
extends diagonally
along each of the side faces 3, from 14A to the hinge line 13.
The package can be for tobacco industry products, such as cigarettes. More
generally, a package can be provided for any type of packaged commodity.
Figures 3-5B show a package 30 comprising a laminate wrapper 20 fitted around
the
container 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2. Figure 3 shows the package 30 in an
initial,
5
CA 02971966 2017-06-22
WO 2016/102918
PCT/GB2015/053512
unopened, state. Figure 4 shows the package 30 in an opened state. Figures 5A,
5B show
the package 30 in a re-sealed state.
The laminate wrapper 20 comprises two or more layers of flexible sheet
material
which are laminated together. The laminate wrapper 20 is secured around the
container 10
and, advantageously, is sealed along all free edges. For example, an edge
located along a
longitudinal face (e.g. side face 3 or back face 2) is sealed. Edges 26 of the
wrapper located
on top and bottom faces 4, 5 of the package are sealed. Advantageously, the
wrapper 20 is
sealed in an airtight manner (i.e. hermetically sealed) around the container
10. The wrapper
20 is intended to remain around the container after the package has been
opened for the first
time. The wrapper 20 has a flap 21 which can be opened by a user.
The wrapper 20 has cut lines defined in the layers of the laminate. In use,
the
wrapper can be separated along the cut lines to allow part of an outer layer
of the wrapper to
function as a flap 21. The flap 21 can be lifted to open the lid 12 of the
package. The flap 21
can be resealed against the inner layer of the wrapper to close the package.
In a simplest
case of a two layer laminate wrapper 20, the flap 21 comprises a portion of an
outer layer of
the laminate wrapper 20. The remaining, inner, layer of the laminate wrapper
20 remains
located alongside the front face 1 of the container 10. Resealable adhesive 23
can be
provided in all, or a part of, region 23. Resealable adhesive in region 23
allows the outer
layer of the laminate wrapper 20 to separate from the inner layer to form the
flap 21.
Adhesive in region 23 allows the flap 21 to reseal against the inner layer of
the laminate when
the package is closed.
The laminate wrapper 20 has two cut lines. There is a first cut line in the
first (inner)
layer of the laminate wrapper 20 but not the second (outer) layer of the
laminate wrapper 20.
Advantageously, the first cut line is defined along, or adjacent to, the line
of contact 14A, 14B
between the body 11 and the lid 12 of the container. This allows the inner
layer of the
laminate wrapper 20 to separate along the line of contact 14A, 14B. Part of
the inner layer of
the laminate wrapper 20 remains around the body 11 of the container. Part of
the inner layer
of the laminate wrapper 20 overlies the lid 12 of the container and moves with
the lid 12 when
the lid is opened. There is a second cut line in the second layer of the
laminate wrapper 20
but not the first layer of the laminate wrapper 20. This allows the outer
layer of the laminate
wrapper 20 to separate along the second cut line when the lid is opened. Part
of the outer
layer of the laminate wrapper 20 remains around the body 11 of the container.
Part of the
outer layer of the laminate wrapper 20 overlies the lid 12 of the container
and moves with the
lid 12 when the lid is opened. The second cut line is offset from part 14A of
the line of contact
between the body 11 and the lid 12 of the container. The part of the second
(outer) layer
which overlies the lid 12 includes a peripheral portion 21 which extends
beyond the lid 12.
This allows the peripheral portion 21 of the second (outer) layer of the
wrapper 20 to serve as
a flap 21. The flap 21 can be resealed against the first layer in region 23,
as shown in Figure
6
CA 02971966 2017-06-22
WO 2016/102918
PCT/GB2015/053512
5A. In the hatched regions shown in Figure 4 only one of the layers of the
laminate wrapper
is present. Both layers of the laminate wrapper are present where the wrapper
surrounds the
lid 12, and in all other places where the wrapper surrounds the body apart
from region 23.
The second cut line can be co-located with the first cut line on the sides of
the container.
Alternatively, the second cut line can be offset from the first cut line on
the sides of the
container.
A tight fitting of the wrapper 20 around the container can maintain the
wrapper in
place around the lid 12 when the flap 21 is lifted. Advantageously, the
wrapper 20 is secured
to the lid 12 in all, or a part of, region 28 shown in Figures 3 and 5. This
improves grip
between the part of the wrapper 20 around the lid 12, and allows the wrapper
20 to securely
remain around the lid 12 when the flap 21 is lifted. It prevents the wrapper
20 from slipping
off the lid 12 when the flap 21 is lifted. Health and Safety regulations in a
territory may also
require that any wrapper is secured to the container.
Advantageously, the flap 21 is of a suitable area to provide a reliable
reclosing.
Referring to Figure 5A, the flap 21 has a height 32. The front face of the
package has a
height 31. In a non-limiting example, the flap can have a maximum height of
around 25% of
the height of the front face. In other examples the flap can have a maximum
height which is
greater than, or less than, 25% of the height of the front face.
Figure 5B shows a cross-section along the line A-A' of Figure 5A. This shows
detail
of the wrapper 20 and container 10 in the region where the flap 21 is formed.
Wrapper 20
comprises a first (inner) layer 201 and a second (outer) layer 202. The first
cut line 206 is
through the first layer 201 but not through the second layer 202. The second
cut line 208 is
through the second layer 202 but not through the first layer 201. The cut
lines 206, 208 are
offset to form a flap 21. Resealable adhesive 204 is present between the first
layer 201 and
the second layer 202 in the region where the flap 21 is formed. In this
example, the first cut
line 206 is aligned with the line of contact 14A between the body 11 and the
lid 12 of the
container. In use, the flap 21 of the second layer 202 is separable from the
first layer 201 due
to the cut line 208 and the resealable adhesive 204 between the layers 201,
202. This allows
a user to lift the flap 21. Due to cut line 206, the layers 201, 202 of the
wrapper in region 36
beyond the cut line 206 remain attached to one another. Also, due to adhesive
35 and/or due
to tight fitting of the wrapper around the lid 12, lifting the flap 21 causes
the lid 12 to open.
The flap 21 of the second layer 202 can be resealed against the first layer
201.
Figure 5B shows an optional feature of a region 209 without adhesive adjacent
the
second cut line 208 which allows the flap 21 to be grasped more easily by a
user. Figure 5B
shows adhesive 35 between the first (inner) layer 201 and the lid 12. Adhesive
35 may also
be present between the first (inner) layer 201 and the body 11 of the
container (as shown) or
7
CA 02971966 2017-06-22
WO 2016/102918
PCT/GB2015/053512
it may be omitted. Figure 5B is not to scale, to improve clarity. For example,
the layers can
have different relative thicknesses to that shown in Figure 5B.
Figures 6-10 show a second example of a package. Figure 6 shows a container
110
which can form an inner part of the package. The container 110 is shaped as a
cuboid, with a
front face 101, rear face 102, side faces 103, base 104 and top face 105. The
container 110
comprises a first container portion (body) 111 and a second container portion
(lid) 112. The
lid 112 is of a different configuration in this example and is in the form of
a flap. The second
container portion 112 is hingedly connected to the first container portion 111
about a hinge
line 113 located along an edge of the container 110 between the top face 105
and rear face
102. In use, items (e.g. cigarettes) are held in the first container portion
111. The second
container portion 112 forms a hinged lid for the first container portion 111.
The lid 112 is a
flap comprising at least part of the top face 105 and a cut-out part of the
front face 101 of the
container. Figure 6 shows the hinged lid 112 in an open position. Figure 7
shows the hinged
lid 112 in the closed position. An access opening 109 is defined in the front
face 101 of the
container. A perimeter of the access opening 109 is set inwardly from an
outside edge of the
container. The front face 101 of the container has a shoulder portion 128
between the side
edge of the front face 101 and the perimeter of the access opening 109.
Similarly, the top
105 of the container has a shoulder portion 129 between the side edge of the
top 105 and the
perimeter of the access opening 109. These shoulder portions 128, 129 are
present on both
sides of the container. In use, the shoulder portions 128, 129 provide a
support surface when
resealing the wrapper 120. The lid 112 meets the first container portion along
a line of
contact 114A, 114B, 114C. In the closed position the lid 112 abuts against the
body 111
along the line of contact 114A, 114B, 114C. Parts 114A, 114B of the line of
contact extend
along the front face 101. Another part of the line of contact 114C extends
along the top face
105, from the front face 101 to the hinge line 113.
Figures 8-10 show a package 130 comprising a laminate wrapper 120 fitted
around
the container 10 shown in Figures 6 and 7. Figure 8 shows the package 130 in
an initial,
unopened, state. Figure 9 shows the package 130 in an opened state. Figure 10
shows the
package 130 in a re-sealed state.
The laminate wrapper 120 comprises two or more layers of flexible sheet
material
which are laminated together. The laminate wrapper 120 is secured around the
container 110
and, advantageously, is sealed along all free edges. The wrapper 120 has a
portion 121
which can be opened by a user and resealed.
The wrapper 120 has cut lines defined in the layers of the laminate. In a
simplest
case of a two layer laminate wrapper 120, the flap 121 comprises part of an
outer layer of the
laminate wrapper 120. The remaining, inner, layer of the laminate wrapper 120
remains
located alongside the front face 101 of the container 110. Resealable adhesive
can be
8
CA 02971966 2017-06-22
WO 2016/102918
PCT/GB2015/053512
provided in all, or a part of, region 123. Adhesive in region 123 allows the
outer layer of the
laminate wrapper 120 to separate from the inner layer to form the flap 121.
Adhesive in
region 123 allows the outer layer of the laminate to reseal against the inner
layer of the
laminate when the package is reclosed.
The laminate wrapper 120 has two cut lines. There is a first cut line in the
first (inner)
layer of the laminate wrapper 120 but not the second (outer) layer of the
wrapper 120.
Advantageously, the first cut line is defined along, or adjacent to, the line
of contact 114A,
114B, 114C between the body 111 and the lid 112 of the container. This allows
the inner
layer of the laminate wrapper 120 to separate along the line of contact 114A,
114B, 114C.
Part of the inner layer of the laminate wrapper 120 remains around the body
111 of the
container. Part of the inner layer of the laminate wrapper 120 overlies the
lid 112 of the
container and moves with the lid 112 when the lid is opened. There is a second
cut line in the
second (outer) layer of the laminate wrapper 120 but not the first (inner)
layer of the laminate
wrapper 120. Part of the outer layer of the laminate wrapper 120 remains
around the body
111 of the container. Part of the outer layer of the laminate wrapper 120
overlies the lid 112
of the container and moves with the lid 112 when the lid is opened. The second
cut line is
offset from the line of contact 114A, 114B, 114C. This provides a peripheral
portion of the
wrapper where the second (outer) layer of the wrapper 120 extends beyond the
lid 112. The
peripheral portion 121 is separable from the first (inner) layer. In the
hatched regions shown
in Figure 9 only one of the layers of the laminate wrapper is present. The
peripheral portion
can be resealed against the first layer in regions 123A, 123B, 123C: region
123A is beneath
the front lip of the access opening 109; region 123B is alongside the access
opening 109 on
the front face and region 123C is alongside the access opening 109 on the top
face. These
regions fully surround the perimeter of the access opening 109 and therefore
provide a more
effective resealing of the wrapper. Although a cross-section is not shown
through the
wrapper of Figure 10, it has the same features as shown in Figure 5B.
Advantageously, the wrapper 120 is secured to the lid 112 in the region where
the
wrapper overlies the lid 112. This allows the wrapper 120 to remain connected
to the lid 112
when the peripheral portion is lifted. Health and Safety regulations in a
territory may also
require that any wrapper is secured to the container.
In any of the examples described above the container can be formed of card, a
polymer material, or any other suitable material. The material may be
biodegradable and/or
com postable.
In any of the examples described above the package can be for tobacco industry
products, such as cigarettes. More generally, a package can be provided for
any type of
packaged commodity.
9
CA 02971966 2017-06-22
WO 2016/102918
PCT/GB2015/053512
In any of the examples described above the first cut line and/or the second
cut line
can be a laser-formed cut line, or a cut line formed by another type of
cutting machine, such
as a die cutter.
In any of the examples described above the first cut line can be a cut line
which
extends fully through the inner layer of the wrapper. Alternatively, the first
cut line can be a
line of weakness, such as a perforated line, a score line or a crenellated
line. An opening
force is required to fully separate, or sever, the inner layer along the line
of weakness. This
can provide evidence of tampering. In a perforated cut line, the cut line
comprises perforated
portions where the cut line extends fully through the layer and uncut portions
where the layer
is intact. In a score or scribe line, the cut line extends partially through
the layer. In a
crenellated line the cut line alternates between a first cut depth and a
second cut depth. The
first depth may be zero, such that the line has some portions which are not
cut at all, and
some portions where the cut line extends partially into the layer.
The second cut line can be a cut line which extends fully through the outer
layer of
the wrapper. Alternatively, the second cut line can be a line of weakness,
such as a
perforated line, a score line or a crenellated line. An opening force is
required to fully sever
the outer layer along the line of weakness when the flap is first lifted. This
provides evidence
that any tampering has occurred.
An advantage of this package is that it can help to keep the products fresh
after the
package has been opened for the first time, as the outer wrapper 20, 120 and
the flap 21, 121
continue to provide protection to the contents. An advantage of providing a
wrapper 20, 120
around a container 10, 110 is that the container can be a simpler, lower cost,
item as it no
longer forms the exterior of the package. For example, the exterior finish of
the container can
be a simpler, lower cost, finish (e.g. matt instead of glossy) and does not
need to be printed.
An example of a two layer laminate is shown in Figure 11A, comprising: a first
(inner)
layer 201 and a second (outer) layer 202. The first layer 201 is bonded to the
second layer
202 by adhesive 204. The first layer 201 can be formed, for example, of a
polymer material,
such as orientated polypropylene (OPP), a foil or a metallised polymer. The
second layer 202
can be formed of a similar material as the first layer, or a different
material. A metal layer is
particularly advantageous at providing a moisture barrier to maintain
freshness. A resealable
flap 21 can be created in the laminate package by using a resealable adhesive,
such as a
Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA), to bond the second layer 202 to the first
layer 201 at
least in the region 21. The Pressure Sensitive Adhesive can be used between
these layers
201, 202 locally in the region 23 where the flap 21 overlies the first layer
202, or can be used
generally between these layers.
Figures 11B and 11C show cut lines formed in the layers 201 and 202
respectively.
First layer 201 will form the inside of the wrapper 20 and second layer 202
will form the
CA 02971966 2017-06-22
WO 2016/102918
PCT/GB2015/053512
outside of the wrapper 20. Solid lines denote cut lines formed in that layer.
Dashed lines
denote cut lines formed in the other layer. A first cut line 205, 206 is
formed in the first layer
201. Portions 205 of the cut line will be aligned, in the assembled package,
with the parts
14B of the line of contact between the lid 12 and body 11 of the container.
Portion 206 of the
line of weakness will be aligned, in the assembled package, with the part 14A
of the line of
contact between the lid 12 and body 11 of the container. The first cut line
defines a first
region 231 which, in the assembled package, overlies the lid. A second cut
line 207, 208 is
formed in the second layer 202. Portions 207 of the second cut line can be
aligned to, or
slightly offset from and parallel to, parts 14B of the line of contact between
the lid 12 and body
11 of the container. The second cut line 207, 208 defines a first region 232
which, in the
assembled package, overlies the lid and includes a peripheral portion (flap)
21 which extends
beyond the lid. Portion 208 of the second cut line will be offset, in the
assembled package,
from the part 14A of the line of contact between the lid 12 and body 11 of the
container. This
offsetting of the second cut line 208 from the first cut line 206 defines the
flap 21 of the
second layer 202. The cuts 206, 208 form a flap 21 of laminate material which
is unitary with
the rest of the sheet 202 along the top edge of the flap 21. Resealable
adhesive in the region
23 between the layers 201, 202 provides a resealable seal for the flap 21.
Cut lines 205, 207 can be slightly offset from one another to maintain seal
integrity of
the package before the first opening of the package. The offsetting of the cut
lines provides a
peripheral portion where the second layer 202 overlies the first layer 201 and
can reseal
against the first layer 201. Cut lines 205, 207 on the side faces of the
container are offset by
a much smaller amount compared to the cut lines 206, 208 on the front face of
the container.
The cut lines 20, 207 may be lines of weakness which do not fully cut through
their respective
layer (or layers). This can further help to maintain seal integrity of the
package before the first
opening of the package.
In an alternative arrangement cut lines 205, 207 can be aligned, and the
peripheral
portion is not present. The cut lines 205, 207 are lines of weakness which do
not fully cut
through their respective layer, thereby maintaining seal integrity of the
package before the
first opening of the package. The cut lines 205, 207 can be formed as lines of
weakness on
just the side faces of the container, or on the side faces and front face.
It will be understood that the same principles are applied to obtain the
wrapper 120
for the package of Figures 6-10. Offset cut lines provide a peripheral portion
121 in the
second layer of the wrapper which extends beyond the lid.
Figures 12A-12C show a three layer laminate wrapper comprising: a first
(inner) layer
301, a second (intermediate) layer 302 and a third (outer) layer 303. Similar
to Figure 11A,
the first layer 301 is bonded to the second layer 302 by adhesive 304. The
second layer 302
11
CA 02971966 2017-06-22
WO 2016/102918
PCT/GB2015/053512
is bonded to the third layer 303 by adhesive 305. One or more of the layers
can be a metal
foil, or a metallised polymer layer.
Figures 12B and 12C show cut lines formed in the layers 301-303. Two of the
three
layers have the same cut lines. Layer 301 will form the inside of the wrapper
20 and layer
303 will form the outside of the wrapper 20. A cut line 205, 206 is formed in
at least the layer
301. A cut line 207, 208 is formed in at least layer 303.
The intermediate layer 302 can have the same cut lines as layer 301 or layer
303. In
a first example, layer 301 has the cut lines 205, 206 shown in Figure 12B and
the pair of
layers 302, 303 have the cut lines 207, 208 shown in Figure 12C. Resealable
adhesive is
provided in the region 23 between the layers 301 and 302 having different cut
lines to provide
a resealable seal for the flap 21. In a second example, layers 301, 302 have
the same cut
lines 205, 206 shown in Figure 12B and the layer 303 has the cut lines 207,
208 shown in
Figure 12C. Resealable adhesive is provided in the region 23 between the
layers 302 and
303 having different cut lines to provide a resealable seal for the flap 21.
The first example
provides the flap 21 with additional thickness as the flap 21 comprises the
pair of layers 302
and 303.
The adhesive (e.g. pressure sensitive adhesive) applied to region 23 of any of
the
embodiments may be patterned to leave an area without any adhesive to make the
flap easier
to open. In Figure 11B, an area 209 can be left free of adhesive. This allows
layer 202 to be
easily lifted up and used to pull open the flap 21. Similarly, in Figure 12B,
an area 209 can be
left free of adhesive. This allows the flap comprising layers 302 and 303, or
layer 203, to be
easily lifted up and used to pull open the flap 21. In the three-layer
example, a permanent
adhesive can be used between the layers which are not required to separate.
As will be appreciated the shape and design of the cuts may be varied
according to
the aesthetic and functional requirements of each design. For example,
different shapes may
be utilised according to design, or the curvature and shape of the cuts may be
selected to
avoid tearing of the materials as the flap is opened. As the cut designs
become more
complex and/or the dimensions of the cut lines increase the time taken to form
the openings
may increase.
The above embodiments have been described in relation to a two-layer and three-
layer laminates, but as will be appreciated any number of layers may be
utilised. The layers
of the laminate material may be selected to provide the desired mechanical and
tactile
performance. For example, a thicker material may give a better feel to a user
opening the
flap. Different aspects of the package may require different characteristics,
requiring a design
compromise to select an appropriate material. For example, the body of the
package may
preferably have a thicker material to give a more rigid package, whereas the
flap may
preferably use a thinner material to make opening the closure more tactile.
The relative
12
CA 02971966 2017-06-22
WO 2016/102918
PCT/GB2015/053512
thicknesses of the materials may also affect the performance of the product.
For example,
thickening a metallic layer will have a different effect to thickening a
plastic layer.
The PSA is selected such that a sufficient bond is formed to retain the flap
21 in the
closed position, while also allowing the flap to be opened by the application
of an appropriate
force. A PSA can be used to bond the layers 201 and 202 in other regions away
from the
region 23 that retains the flap 21. The strength of the PSA bond in the other
regions can be
modified compared to the strength of the bond used for the flap region 23.
Advantageously,
the bond in the other regions can be of higher strength than the bond in
region 23 to prevent
delamination during use. The required bond may be achieved by the selection of
an
appropriate adhesive and/or by the amount of that adhesive utilised.
Although the illustrated example is of a standard size and shape of a
cigarette box,
the package can be designed for any quantity of products and is not limited to
the size and/or
shape shown in the illustrated example. The size of the lid relative to the
body of the
container can be modified, as necessary. The package is not limited to a
package for
tobacco products and can be applied to a package for other types of products
such as, for
example, confectionery or foodstuffs.
Figure 13 shows a web 70 of laminate material for forming the wrappers
described
above. The web 70 comprises a continuous length of laminate material. The web
70 can be
divided into pieces 71 by cutting along lines 72. Each piece 71 is used to
form a wrapper 20.
The web has the cut lines 205, 206, 207, 208 to define a flap 21. Typically,
the outer surface
of the web is printed with labelling indicia.
A method of packaging a product will now be described with reference to Figure
14.
At block 401 a container is provided. The container has a body and a lid. The
container has
a line of contact between the body and lid. At block 402 the container is
filled with a product,
such as tobacco industry product (e.g. cigarettes) or a foodstuff. At block
403 a laminate
wrapper is fitted around the container. The wrapper is fitted such that lines
of weakness in
the wrapper are in register with a line of contact between the body and the
lid of the container.
Edges of the wrapper 20 are sealed. At block 403 the wrapper 20 is sealed to
the container
10. This can be achieved in various ways. In a first way, adhesive is applied
to an outer face
of the container 10 (e.g. to the front face 1 of the lid) and the wrapper
adheres to the
container when it is fitted. In a second way, adhesive is applied to an inner
surface of the
wrapper 20 before the wrapper is fitted around the container 10 and the
wrapper adheres to
the container when it is fitted. In a third way, the wrapper 20 is provided,
in advance, with an
adhesive layer. The adhesive layer may be covered by a cover sheet during
storage of the
wrapper. When the wrapper is fitted to the container the cover sheet is
removed to expose
the adhesive, and the wrapper adheres to the container when it is fitted
around the container.
13
CA 02971966 2017-06-22
WO 2016/102918
PCT/GB2015/053512
It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may
relate to
one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments. The embodiments are not
limited to
those that solve any or all of the stated problems or those that have any or
all of the stated
benefits and advantages.
Any reference to an item refers to one or more of those items. The term
'comprising'
is used herein to mean including the method blocks or elements identified, but
that such
blocks or elements do not comprise an exclusive list and a method or apparatus
may contain
additional blocks or elements.
The steps of the methods described herein may be carried out in any suitable
order,
or simultaneously where appropriate. Additionally, individual blocks may be
deleted from any
of the methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject
matter described
herein. Aspects of any of the examples described above may be combined with
aspects of
any of the other examples described to form further examples without losing
the effect sought.
It will be understood that the above description of a preferred embodiment is
given by
way of example only and that various modifications may be made by those
skilled in the art.
Although various embodiments have been described above with a certain degree
of
particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those
skilled in the art
could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing
from the
spirit or scope of this invention.
14
