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Patent 3067445 Summary

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Claims and Abstract availability

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(12) Patent Application: (11) CA 3067445
(54) English Title: WRAPPED CONTAINER
(54) French Title: RECIPIENT ENVELOPPE
Status: Dead
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • B65D 75/66 (2006.01)
  • B65D 85/10 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • TRITZ, FRANZ-JOSEF (Germany)
  • WINKEL, JURGEN (Germany)
(73) Owners :
  • JT INTERNATIONAL SA (Switzerland)
(71) Applicants :
  • JT INTERNATIONAL SA (Switzerland)
(74) Agent: SMART & BIGGAR LP
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued:
(86) PCT Filing Date: 2018-06-20
(87) Open to Public Inspection: 2018-12-27
Availability of licence: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): Yes
(86) PCT Filing Number: PCT/EP2018/066386
(87) International Publication Number: WO2018/234369
(85) National Entry: 2019-12-16

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
17176979.7 European Patent Office (EPO) 2017-06-20

Abstracts

English Abstract

A wrapped container of consumer goods, comprising a container for housing consumer goods enclosed by a wrapper with a tear tape, a label positioned between the container and the wrapper, the label and the tear tape arranged such that actuation of the tear tape to open the wrapper causes the label to become severed, wherein at least a portion of the tear tape is at an angle with the longitudinal axis of the container and with a transverse axis of the container.


French Abstract

L'invention concerne un récipient enveloppé de biens de consommation, comprenant un récipient pour contenir des biens de consommation enfermés par une enveloppe avec une bande de déchirure, une étiquette positionnée entre le récipient et l'enveloppe, l'étiquette et la bande de déchirure étant agencées de telle sorte que l'actionnement de la bande de déchirure pour ouvrir l'enveloppe provoque la séparation de l'étiquette, au moins une partie de la bande de déchirure formant un angle avec l'axe longitudinal du récipient et avec un axe transversal du récipient.

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


17

CLAIMS
1. A wrapped container of consumer goods, comprising:
a container (11) for housing consumer goods enclosed by a wrapper (6)
with a tear tape (1),
a label (10) positioned between the container and the wrapper (6) at a
side or rear wall of the container (11), the label (10) and the tear tape (1)
arranged such that actuation of the tear tape (1) to open the wrapper (6)
causes
the label (10) to become severed,
wherein at least a portion of the tear tape (1) is at an angle with the
longitudinal axis of the container (11) and with a transverse axis of the
container
(11).
2. A wrapped container according to claim 1, wherein the label (10) is
located between distal ends of the tear tape (1).
3. A wrapped container according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the label
(10) is substantially rectangular and is positioned such that the shortest
side of
the rectangular label (10) is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis
of the
container (11).
4. A wrapped container according to any preceding claim, wherein the label
(10) is positioned at a height of less than 50% of the total height of the
container
(11), the height measured from a bottom edge of the container (11) along the
longitudinal axis of the container (11).
5. A wrapped container according to any preceding claim, wherein the label
(10) comprises a weakening (16) arranged such that actuation of the tear tape
(1) to open the wrapper (6) causes the label (10) to become severed at least
at
the weakening (16).
6. A wrapped container according to any preceding claim, wherein the tear
tape (1) comprises first and second bands (2, 5) that intersect each other at
an
intersection (8) to form two intersecting branches (3, 4).

18

7. A wrapped container according to claim 6, wherein the first and second
bands (2, 5) are arranged such that opening of the product wrapper (6) follows
a
first opening stage along a first branch (3) from a first end thereof,
followed by a
second stage along the two intersecting branches (3, 4) from said intersection

(8) until at least one of a second end of the first branch (3) and an end of
the
second branch (4).
8. A wrapped container according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the at
least
one portion of the tear tape (1) that is at an angle with the longitudinal
axis of the
container (11) and with a transverse axis of the container (11) is one of the
bands (2, 5).
9. A wrapped container according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein one band
(2, 5) is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the
container (11).
10. A wrapped container according to any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the
label
(10) is located between the intersection (8) of both bands (2, 5) and the
distal
end of one of the bands (2, 5).
11. A wrapped container according to any of claims 6 to 10, the container
(11) comprising a plurality of walls, wherein the intersection (8) between the
two
bands (2, 5) and the label (10) are provided at the same wall of the container

(11).
12. A wrapped container according to any preceding claim, wherein the
container (11) comprises a box with an open top end closed by a lid hinged to
the box along a hinge line, and wherein an end of the tear tape (1) is
provided
near a longitudinal edge connecting a box front wall to a box side wall.
13. A method of manufacturing a wrapped container of consumer goods
according to any of claims 1 to 12, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a container (11) of consumer goods;
providing a sheet of wrapping material;

19

applying a label (10) to one of the sheet of wrapping material and the
container (11);
applying a tear tape (1) to the sheet of wrapping material;
applying the wrapping material comprising the tear tape (1) to the
container (11) such that at least a portion of the tear tape (1) is at an
angle with
the longitudinal axis of the container (11) and with a transverse axis of the
container (11), and such that the label (10) is adhered to both the container
(11)
and the tear tape (1) of the wrapping material, such that actuation of the
tear
tape (1) to open the wrapper (6) causes the label (10) to become severed; and
sealing the container (11) with the wrapping material.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the tear tape (1) is affixed to the
label
(10) by the application of a heat-activatable adhesive to one or both of the
tear
tape (1) and the label (10).
15. The method of claim 13 or claim 14, further comprising the step of
providing a weakening (16) in the label (10).

Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


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1
WRAPPED CONTAINER
The present invention relates to a wrapped container for consumer goods.
For reasons of hygiene, freshness and safety, many consumer products are
provided in a package which is over wrapped with a sealed wrapper. Such a
wrapper may be provided by cellophane, a metal foil or similar material. Many
products which are provided within such a wrapper are required to have a
label,
such as a stamp or seal associated with them, which is torn when the products
are accessed by a user such that there is an indication that the products have

been accessed. The label may provide such an indication for health and safety
reasons or to meet the requirements such as taxation and duty obligations that

are required for products such as tobacco or alcohol.
In the past, attempts have been made to combine the need for a wrapper for
wrapping a product package and the label such that removal of the product
wrapper removes or breaks the label when it is removed from the package by a
user. The benefit of such an arrangement is that a user removes the outer
wrapper and breaks a label in a single action which is simple for the user to
operate, and also ensures breaking of the label for accuracy of indication.
However, such arrangements have problems in that they require any opening
mechanism from the outer product wrapper and the label to be in quite
particular
locations with respect to one another to ensure both opening and tearing in
that
single action. This can constrain significantly the design freedom for the
product
package that is overwrapped by the wrapper as it can limit the relative
position of
any opening in the internal package and the opening mechanism for the product
wrapper, as well as also constrain the location of other information that may
be
required on the package, such as safety or health information.
The present invention therefore seeks to provide a product wrapper that
enables
provision of a label of the above type, ensures tearing of that label during
removal of that product wrapper, yet which also enables a flexibility of
removal of
the outer product wrapper mechanism location when compared to the location of
any opening mechanism on the package provided under the wrapper.

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According to the present invention there is provided a wrapped container of
consumer goods, comprising:
a container for housing consumer goods enclosed by a wrapper with a tear tape,
a label positioned between the container and the wrapper,
the label and the tear tape arranged such that actuation of the tear tape to
open
the wrapper causes the label to become severed,
wherein at least a portion of the tear tape is at an angle with the
longitudinal axis
of the container and with a transverse axis of the container.
The angle is generally a non-zero angle.
With the present invention it is possible to provide a product wrapper that
has an
associated label and tear tape and in which there is a significant amount of
design freedom in terms of the location of the label on the wrapper yet in
which it
is still possible for the wrapper to be removed easily to access the package
being covered by the wrapper in use. Furthermore, with the arrangement of the
present invention there is a configuration in which there is certainty in
relation to
the breaking of the label when the wrapper is removed.
Preferably, the tear tape comprises actuating means, such as a pull tab, for a

user to actuate the tear tape to initiate opening of the wrapper. Preferably,
the
actuating means are provided on the wrapper and proximate an end of the tear
tape.
It is envisaged that the angle between the tear tape and either the
longitudinal or
transverse axis of the container may be between 10 and 80 , preferably the
angle is between 5 and 75 , and more preferably between 35 and 55 .
In some examples, the tear tape may comprise at least two bands provided on a
surface of the product wrapper, the two bands intersecting each other to form
at
least two intersecting branches, an end of a first band being located within a
tab
provided in the product wrapper, wherein the intersection between the branches

is located between the distal ends of the first band and wherein the label
overlies

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at least a portion of either the first or the second band. A tear tape for a
product
wrapper comprising at least two intersecting branches is described in EP 2 861

507.
With the provision of two bands that intersect one another it is possible to
provide an opening mechanism for the wrapper that is simple for a user to
operate and which ensures both easy removal of the wrapper and simple
breakage of the label. Such an arrangement also provides further design
freedom in relation to the positioning of the label on the container.
Preferably, the first and second bands are arranged such that, in use, only
one
band extends over a corner or folded edge of the container, and opening of the

product wrapper follows a first opening stage along a first branch from a
first end
thereof, followed by a second stage along the two intersecting branches from
said intersection until at least one of a second end of the first branch and
an end
of the second branch. Preferably, the label becomes severed during the second
opening stage.
With this configuration a very simple opening mechanism is provided, which
does not require a large amount of tape, but which still ensures breakage of
the
label and ease of removal of the wrapper.
In some examples, the at least two intersecting branches are made of at least
two separate adhesive bands.
Preferably, the angle a between the at least two intersecting branches is
between 10 and 80 , preferably between 5 and 75 , and more preferably
between 35 and 55 .
Preferably, the at least two branches intersect to provide a Y-shaped junction

located between said distal ends of the first of the two intersecting
branches.
Preferably, at least one of the two branches is linear or comprises at least
one
linear segment starting from an end of the tear tape.

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In some examples, one of the two branches may be substantially parallel to
either the longitudinal or transverse axis of the container. Preferably, the
first
branch is substantially parallel to the transverse axis of the container, and
the
second branch forms an acute angle with the first branch.
Preferably the label is located between two distal ends of the tear tape. In
examples where the tear tape comprises two intersecting bands, the label is
preferably located between two distal ends of one of the bands. In such
examples, it is further preferred that the label is located between the
intersection
between both bands and the distal end of one of the bands.
Preferably, the container is a pack for smoking articles, such as a cigarette
pack.
For example, the container may be a so-called hinged lid pack for smoking
articles, which comprises a box with an open top end closed by a lid hinged to

the box. The lid is rotatable about a hinge line to cover and uncover the open

top end of the box, thus denying or allowing access to the contents of the
container. The container is said to be in a closed position when the lid
covers
the open top end of the box. Similarly, the container is said to be in an open
position when the lid uncovers the open top end of the box.
Where the container is a hinged lid pack for smoking articles, the box
preferably
comprises front, rear, side and bottom walls, but no top wall, and the lid
preferably comprises front, side, top walls, but no bottom wall. Preferably,
the
box front wall is shorter than the box rear wall in the direction of the
longitudinal
axis of the container and the box side walls have slanted top edges. The lid
may
further comprise a rear wall, in which case the lid rear wall is shorter than
the lid
front wall in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the container and the
lid side
walls have slanted bottom edges. Preferably, the lid is hingedly connected to
the top edge of the box rear wall at either the bottom edge of the lid rear
wall or
the rear edge of the lid top wall.
In examples in which the container is a hinged lid pack for smoking articles,
it is
preferred that an end of the tear tape is provided near or proximate a
longitudinal

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edge connecting the box front wall to one of the box side walls. This eases
grasping of the end of the tear tape to initiate opening of the wrapper. It is
also
preferred that the end of the tear tape is positioned near or proximate the
upper
front edge of the box front wall.
5
In examples in which the container is a hinged lid pack for smoking articles
and
the tear tape comprises two intersecting bands, the first end of the first
band is
preferably located near or proximate a longitudinal edge connecting the box
front
wall to one of the box side walls. Preferably, the intersection between both
bands is located at a main face or wall of the container, i.e., at the front
or rear
wall of the container. This gives additional options to select the angle
between
both bands whilst ensuring that the label becomes severed during opening of
the
wrapper.
In such examples, the first band is preferably substantially perpendicular to
the
longitudinal axis of the container and is positioned near or proximate the
upper
front edge of the box front wall. Particularly, the first band may be
positioned
anywhere between 3 mm above the upper front edge of the box front wall and 15
mm below the upper front edge of the box front wall. This eases removal of the
portion of the wrapper that wraps the lid.
Preferably, the label is positioned at a height, measured from a bottom edge
of
the container along its longitudinal axis, of less than 50% of the total
height of
the container. The total height of the container is the distance between the
bottom and top edges of the container measured along the longitudinal axis of
the container. Such an arrangement is particularly advantageous for hinged lid

packs for smoking articles as it avoids interference with the lid opening
movement.
Preferably, the label and the intersection between the first and second bands
are
positioned at the same wall of the container. By locating the label and the
intersection between the bands at the same wall of the container, severing of
the
wrapper is eased as tearing along the edge once the tear tape is split into
two
bands is prevented.

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The label is preferably rectangular. Rectangular labels are preferably
positioned
such that the shortest side of the rectangular label is parallel to the
longitudinal
axis of the container. By arranging rectangular labels in such fashion,
actuation
of the tear tape needs to sever less material of the label, resulting in a
greater
degree of design freedom.
As used herein, the term "near" when used to express a relative position of
two
elements shall be interpreted to mean less than about 10 mm.
As used herein, the terms "front", "back", "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom"
and
"side" refer to the relative positions of portions of containers according to
the
invention and components thereof when the container is in an upright position.

Where the container is a hinged lid pack for smoking articles, the terms
"front",
"back", "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom" and "side" refer to the relative
positions of
portions of hinged lid packs for smoking articles when the pack is in an
upright
position with the lid of the outer housing in the closed position and the
hinge line
at the back of the pack.
According to the present invention, there is also provided a method of
manufacturing a wrapped container of consumer goods as described above, the
method comprising the steps of:
providing a container of consumer goods;
providing a sheet of wrapping material;
applying a label to one of the sheet of wrapping material and the
container;
applying a tear tape to the sheet of wrapping material;
applying the wrapping material comprising the tear tape to the container
such that at least a portion of the tear tape is at an angle with the
longitudinal
axis of the container and with a transverse axis of the container, and such
that
actuation of the tear tape to open the wrapper causes the label to become
severed; and
sealing the container with the wrapping material.

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Thus, it is envisaged that in use, the tear tape is pulled through the label
thereby
severing the label that is sandwiched between it and the wrapping material.
Preferably, the method further includes the step of applying a layer of
adhesive
to the tear tape or label, such that a portion of the tear tape is adhered to
the
label and/or the wrapping material.
In some examples, the method further includes the step of applying a layer of
adhesive on a portion of the sheet of wrapping material or a portion of the
label,
such that the label is adhered to the wrapper.
Preferably, the method of manufacturing further includes the step of applying
a
layer of adhesive to the label or a portion thereof or to the container, such
that
the label or a portion thereof is adhered to the container. This may be in
addition
to another part of the label being adhered to the wrapper. It is envisaged
that in
use, opening of the wrapper will sever the label and therefore it is intended
that
only part of the label may be adhered to the container. The portion that is
not
adhered to the container would advantageously be removed with the product
wrapper, thus the label would be ripped or otherwise broken upon opening of
the
wrapper. The label may contain a weakened region, for example a scored or
perforated region, to ease detachment.
In certain examples, the method further includes the step of applying a layer
of
adhesive to the tear tape or label, such that a portion of the tear tape is
adhered
to the label and/or the wrapping material. Preferably, the tear tape is
adhered to
a portion of the label that is not adhered to the container.
It is envisaged that the adhesive will ensure that the label and/or tear tape
remain in position such that in use, severing of the label upon activation of
the
tear tape is guaranteed.
According to the present invention, there is also provided an apparatus for
performing the method as described above.

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An example of the present invention will now be described with reference to
the
accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a container wrapped in a product
wrapper according to the present invention in a closed position showing the
tear
tape and label;
Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a container wrapped in a product
wrapper according to the present invention being opened by pulling the tear
tape;
Figures 3A and 3B are plan views of product wrappers according to the present
invention comprising tear tape and label according to different examples of
the
present invention;
Figure 4A and 4B show two sectional views of containers according to the
invention;
Figure 5 shows an exemplary apparatus for performing a method to make a
product wrapper according to the invention and subsequently apply the product
wrapper to a container;
Figures 6A to 6C show the steps of a possible manufacturing method according
to the invention; and
Figures 7A and 7B are front and rear perspective views of a further example of
the invention.
Referring to figure 3A, a tear tape 1 is provided on a product wrapper 6. The
tear tape 1 comprises an adhesive band 2 which, in use, is adhered to the
surface 7 of the product wrapper 6. The adhesive band 2 is configured to
comprise first and second branches 3, 4 which meet at an intersection 8 on the

tear tape 1. Band 2 can be formed as a unitary adhesive component with the
separate branches 3, 4 prior to application onto the surface 7 of the wrapper
6.

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It can also be formed from two or more separate adhesive bands 2, 5 forming
the separate branches 3, 4. Label 10 is shown in this example at the base of
branch 4 adhered to the product wrapper but could be placed at any point and
either underlies or overlies a portion of the tear tape 1, such that in use
the label
10 is severed by action of the tear tape 1. The label 10 may also, or
alternatively, be adhered to the container. In this example the angle a
between
the two branches 3, 4 is approximately 45 but it can be anywhere between 1
and 80 , or preferably between 5 and 75 , and even more preferably between
35 and 55 . Preferably, the angle a between each branches 3, 4 of the
adhesive band 2 can be chosen and adjusted in the previously defined range
depending on the shape and/or size of the product to be wrapped in wrapper 6
to ensure efficient and complete tearing of the wrapper 6 and severing of
label
10 in a single opening action by an end user.
Figure 3B shows an alternative example with a single tear tape 1 provided on a

product wrapper 6. Tear tape 1 is formed of a single band at an angle of
approximately 45 to the longitudinal or transverse axis of the product
container.
Label 10 is shown in this example at a mid-point along tear tape 1 adhered to
the product wrapper (and/or container) but could be placed at any point
overlying
a portion of the tear tape 1, such that in use the label 10 is severed by
action of
the tear tape 1.
Referring to Figure 4A, a first example container 11 is shown in partial
sectional
view with the wrapper 6 also shown, together with a dual-band tear tape 1 and
label 10. As can be seen from this view, in this particular construction the
label
10 is adhered to the surface of the container 11 but not the wrapper 6.
However,
the label 10 is adhered to band 5 via glue component 12 such that when the
tear
tape 1 is removed during an opening action the label 10 is severed.
Figure 4B shows an alternative example of container 11 according to the
invention, again with the wrapper 6, label 10 and dual-band tear tape 1 shown
in
sectional view. Here the label 10 is adhered to the wrapper 6 and band 5 then
overlies the wrapper 6, with the wrapper placed around the container 11.

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Similar to the example described in Figure 4A, the label 10 may be adhered to
band 5 such that the tear tape 1 is connected to the label 10. This can be
achieved for example by the application of an adhesive, particularly a heat-
activatable adhesive, onto one or both of the tear tape 1 and the label 10.
5 Alternatively, the tear tape 1 can be fused to the label 10.
Removal of the tear tape 1 removes the wrapper 6 and pulls band 5, removing
and severing the label 10. In some examples, the label 10 is adhered to both
the container and the wrapper 6. For example, the label 10 may be partially
10 adhered to the surface of the container 11 to ensure it severs as the
band 5
passes thereth rough as it is removed.
The label 10 may comprise a weakening to ease the severing action of the tear
tape 1. Preferably, the weakening is formed by perforating or scoring the
label
10.
Figure 5 shows an exemplary apparatus for performing a method to make a
product wrapper and container according to the present invention and as shown
in Figures 1 and 4B. The apparatus provides two separate adhesive bands 2, 5
forming branches 3, 4 of the tear tape 1.
Referring to figure 5, a bobbin 33 provides a sheet of film 6 comprising
multiple
labels 10, the film 6 is passed over a number of rollers and ultimately cut by
a
film cutting rotary knife 35 and wrapped using a wrapping wheel over
containers
11 to form over wrapped containers 11 and 6 on a conveyor 37. As the film 6 is

passed over the rollers a spool of tear tape 31 is provided via a rolling
cutting
knife component 32 onto the surface of the film 6. The spool 31 and knife
component 32 are inclined at an angle to the direction of movement of the film
6
such that individual cut tear tape components 5 are applied at an angle to the
direction of movement of the film 6 that is selected at a desired angle in the

range described above with reference to the end wrapping product. The spool
31 and knife component 32 are also arranged and appropriately controlled such
that each tear tape component 5 overlies a label 10. The individual band 5 may

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11
be adhered to the surface of the film 6 and label 10 by traditional adhesive
or
other forms as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art.
The combination of the band 5, label 10 and film 6 is then passed onward from
where the bands 5 and label 10 are applied to the film 6 at location A to a
location B where a bobbin 34 of band 2 is also applied to the film 6 at a
location
at which it forms an intersection with a respective band 5. Again, the band 2
may be applied on the surface 7 using adhesive or other known techniques.
Following application of the band 1 to the surface of the film 6, the film 6
is
passed through a cutting knife 35 and individual sections of film, together
with
the adhered bands 2, 5 forming a tear tape 1 and label 10 arrangement
according to the present invention, are wrapped using the wrapping wheel 36
over individual containers 11. The label 10 may be fully or partially coated
with
adhesive prior to wrapping such that the label 10 is partly or fully adhered
to the
container 11 as well as the wrapper 6.
Inclined band 5 is provided by cut strips from spool 31 of adhesive band
material. The cut strips are positioned at regular intervals according to the
label
10 positions on the film 6 and maintained with a vacuum belt on the product
wrapper film 6 which is unwound in a continuous manner in a product packaging
line. The spool 31 from which the inclined bands 5 are made is orientated at
an
angle to the unwinding direction of the wrapper film 6 corresponding to the
desired angle between the two branches 3, 4 of the tear tape 1. Once attached
to the film 6 and label 10, the cut strips forming bands 5 join the main
horizontal
adhesive band 2 of the tear tape 1 dispensed from a bobbin 34 during the
unwinding process. Thereby, a product wrapper film 6 with inclined and
horizontal adhesive bands 2, 5 forming a unitary tear tape 1 overlying a label
10
is produced and can be wrapped inline around containers 11 to be wrapped.
Figures 6A to 6C show an alternative manufacturing process for producing a
container in accordance with the invention and generally as described in
relation
to Figure 1 and Figure 4A.

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Here in a first step shown in Figure 6A, wrapper 6 has inclined band 5 applied

thereto and dots of glue 13 are applied to the band 5. Band 2 is then adhered
to
the wrapper 6 in the second step to form tear tape 1 as shown in Figure 6B. In
a
third step shown in Figure 6C, label 10 is adhered via dots of glue 14 onto
container 11. The wrapper 6 is then wrapped around the container 11 with the
inclined band 5 aligned over the label 10. As part of the wrapping process the

wrapper 6 is heat-shrunk about the container 11, activating the dots of glue
13 to
adhere the band 5 to the label 10.
Once the wrapper is wrapped around the container 11, the inclined band 5 is
adhered to the label 10 at a contact area 15 between two parallel rows of
perforations 16. The tear tape 1 is, therefore, connected to the label 10 at
the
contact area 15, which is not adhered to the container 11. As a result,
actuation
of the tear tape 1 severs the label 10 along the perforation lines 16 and
removes
the portion of the label 10 between the perforation lines 16 (contact area
15).
Preferably, the contact area 15 of the label 10 lies between the two ends of
the
inclined band 5 to ensure full removal of the contact area 15.
In the example described above, the connection between the tear tape 1 and the
label 10 is achieved by the application of glue dots 13 to the inclined band
5. In
other examples, the tear tape 1 is connected to the label 10 at the contact
area
15 by the application of any suitable adhesive, preferably a heat-activatable
adhesive, onto one or both of the tear tape 1 and the label 10. Alternatively,
the
tear tape 1 can be fused to the label 10 at the contact area 15.
Alternative apparatus arrangements for producing a product wrapper of the
present invention with a single tear tape would be appreciated by a skilled
person in the art.
In use the product wrapper 6 is provided as an overwrap over container 11 such

as a cigarette pack as shown in figures 1 and 2. A tab 9 is provided on the
product wrapper 6 such that an end portion of the band 2 is within the tab 9,
thereby forming the starting or grasping end of the tear tape I. In use, a
user
can grasp the tab 9 to remove the tear tape 1 from the wrapper 6 and thereby

CA 03067445 2019-12-16
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13
sever the label 10, disposed anywhere along the length of the tear tape 1.
Pulling on the tab 9 initiates a first stage of the opening of the wrapper 6,
wherein the band 2 breaks the wrapper 6, along a first linear direction, in a
clean
linear cut at a first angle relative to the container 11 until the
intersection 8 of the
branches 3, 4 is reached, the intersection 8 being located over a main face of

the container 11. At this point, a second stage of the opening is engaged
whereby further pulling on the tear tape 1 breaks the wrapper 6 in two
directions,
along bands 2, 5, removing a portion of the wrapper 6 with it, as shown in
figure
2, and severing the label 10 located at the end of band 5 in this example.
This
allows a user to remove the wrapper 6 and sever the label 10 with a single
action. This also allows the user to gain access to the inner container 11
more
easily in a single motion, two-stage opening action. This also allows the
label 10
to be placed anywhere on the product wrapper 6 and/or the container 11,
providing it is over or under a part of the tear tape 1, thereby allowing much
increased design freedom over containers in the art.
It should be appreciated that the location of the intersection 8 between the
distal
ends of the main band 2 of the tear tape 1 in this example is preferably
located
at a distance from the distal ends of the main band 2. For example, the
intersection 8 may be located mid-way along the component of main band 2 that
extends over a main face of the container 11. A particular advantage of this
arrangement is that it ensures that, when the wrapper 6 is placed over
container
11, the ends of the band 2, forming the first branch 3 of the tear tape 1, are

located adjacent to a first face of the container 11, preferably a side face
of a
cigarette container 11 as shown in the figures. Meanwhile, the intersection 8
overlies a main face 7 of said container 11 which is adjacent to the first
face.
This configuration ensures proper initiation of the wrapper opening process
during the first stage and complete removal of said wrapper 6 starting from
the
intersection 8 during the second stage of the opening.
In addition, it is important that only one band 2 of the tear tape 1 extends
over a
corner or folded edge of the container 11 in order to avoid wrinkling of the
wrapper 6 at the corners or folded edges when the wrapper 6 is heat-shrunk in
a
usual manner.

CA 03067445 2019-12-16
WO 2018/234369 PCT/EP2018/066386
14
Figures 7A and 7B illustrate front and rear views of an example container 11
with
an example wrapper 6 provided as an overwrap.
In this example, the container 11 is a hinged lid pack that comprises a lid
part
which is hingeably connected to an upper portion of a rear wall of the
container
11. The lid part may move relative to the box by rotating about a hinging
mechanism on the hingeable connection, between a first position in which the
container is closed and the contents of the container are covered, and a
second
position in which the lid part swings open to reveal an opening at the top of
the
container such that a user may access the contents of the container. In the
closed position, an upper edge of a front wall of the container 11 and a lower

edge of a front wall of the lid part meet at a closure line.
A tab 9 is provided on the product wrapper 6 such that a first end portion of
the
first band 2 is within the tab 9, thereby forming a starting or grasping end
of the
tear tape 1. The tab 9 is positioned near the closure line and near a first
side
edge of the front wall of the container 11. In this example, a portion of the
tab 9
extends past the first side edge of the front wall such that a portion of the
tab 9
protrudes from the container 11 and wrapper 6. This eases grasping of the tab
9.
In contrast with the example of Figures 1 and 2, the wrapper 6 in this example
is
arranged around the container 11 such that the intersection 8 and label 10 are
positioned at a wall of the container 11 different to the wall where the pull
tab 9 is
located. Namely, intersection 8 and label 10 are positioned at a rear wall of
the
container 11, while the pull tab 9 is positioned at a side wall of the
container 11.
The first band 2 is located proximate the upper front edge of the front wall
of the
box of container 11 (i.e., the closure line along the front wall of the
container 11)
and is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container
11. As
shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the first band 2 surrounds the container 11 at or
below the closure line.

CA 03067445 2019-12-16
WO 2018/234369 PCT/EP2018/066386
In this example the label 10 is rectangular and is positioned near the bottom
part
of the container 11 such that its shortest side is parallel to the
longitudinal axis of
the container 11. As label 10 is below the closure line of the container 11,
any
remaining material of the label 10 that is not removed after opening will not
5 hinder lid movement.
As the label 10 is located near the bottom part of the container 11,
unnoticeable
tampering with the label 10 is yet more difficult. The latter is further
enhanced
when the label 10 is positioned at a height, measured from a bottom edge of
the
10 container 11, of less than 50% of the total height of the container 11.
In this
particular example, the label 10 is positioned at a height of less than 25% of
the
total height of the container 11.
To ensure that the label 10 becomes severed upon actuation of the tear tape 1,
15 the label 10 is positioned between the two distal ends of the second
band 5.
In use, a user can grasp the tab 9 to remove the tear tape 1 from the wrapper
6.
In a first stage of the opening of the wrapper 6, the band 2 breaks the
wrapper 6
along a first linear direction, in a clear linear cut substantially
perpendicular to
the longitudinal axis of the container 11, and a portion of the wrapper 6 at
the
side wall of the container 11 is broken. As the user continues to pull on the
tab
9, the band 2 guides the breaking action around to the rear wall of the
container
11 until the intersection 8 of the branches 3, 4 is reached. At this point, a
second stage of the opening is engaged whereby further pulling on the tear
tape
1 breaks the wrapper 6 in two directions, along branches 3, 4 of bands 2, 5,
respectively, thus removing a portion of the wrapper 6 with it, and severing
the
label 10 located at the end of the band 5.
This allows the user to pull on a tab 9 located at a front wall of the
container 11,
proximate the closure line of the lid part, and sever a label 10 located at a
rear
wall of the container 11, below the hingeable connection of the lid part. This
also
allows the label 10 to be positioned at a wall of the container that is
different to
the wall at which the pull tab 9 is located. In particular, the wrapper 6
allows a
label 10 to be placed at a rear wall of the container 11, away from the front
of the

CA 03067445 2019-12-16
WO 2018/234369 PCT/EP2018/066386
16
container 11 from which the lid part is opened, while maintaining an ergonomic

pull tab 9.
As will be appreciated from the above, the present invention provides a
wrapper
for a product which is simple and cost effective to manufacture, yet which is
also
beneficial to an end consumer in terms of improved removal of the wrapper and
access to the contents of internal container. The present invention is also
beneficial to the manufacturer enabling increased design freedom in displaying

graphics on the container alongside the requirement to include a label (e.g.
duty
stamp) that is severed when the packing is opened by an end user.

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

For a clearer understanding of the status of the application/patent presented on this page, the site Disclaimer , as well as the definitions for Patent , Administrative Status , Maintenance Fee  and Payment History  should be consulted.

Administrative Status

Title Date
Forecasted Issue Date Unavailable
(86) PCT Filing Date 2018-06-20
(87) PCT Publication Date 2018-12-27
(85) National Entry 2019-12-16
Dead Application 2023-12-20

Abandonment History

Abandonment Date Reason Reinstatement Date
2022-12-20 FAILURE TO PAY APPLICATION MAINTENANCE FEE
2023-10-03 FAILURE TO REQUEST EXAMINATION

Payment History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Amount Paid Paid Date
Application Fee 2019-12-16 $400.00 2019-12-16
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 2 2020-06-22 $100.00 2020-06-08
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 3 2021-06-21 $100.00 2021-06-07
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
JT INTERNATIONAL SA
Past Owners on Record
None
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
Documents

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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Abstract 2019-12-16 1 53
Claims 2019-12-16 3 98
Drawings 2019-12-16 6 75
Description 2019-12-16 16 686
Representative Drawing 2019-12-16 1 5
International Search Report 2019-12-16 3 87
National Entry Request 2019-12-16 6 139
Prosecution/Amendment 2019-12-16 2 78
Cover Page 2020-01-31 1 32