JP2016511729A - Especially a smoking tool, in particular a package for tobacco, and a method of manufacturing the package - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a smoking device, particularly a cigarette package, and further to a method for manufacturing the package. The package comprises a packet 1 containing a smoking tool and an outer wrapper 3 made around the packet 1, the outer wrapper 3 being torn to at least partially separate the outer wrapper 3 from the packet 1. It has element 5. The tearing element 5 is a label 6 that is affixed to a portion of the packaging material sheet 2 and extends over a portion of the length and width of the packaging material sheet 2. [Selection] Figure 1a

Description

  The present invention relates to a smoking device, particularly a cigarette package, and further to a method for manufacturing the package.

  More specifically, the present invention relates to a package made by wrapping wrapping paper around a packet of tobacco or a carton of tobacco packets.

  As is well known, tobacco packets are usually provided with a protective outer wrapper, commonly referred to as an “overlap material,” made from a transparent material, which may be a heat shrink material. .

  Usually, the overlap material is made of polypropylene.

  One wrapping machine wraps the overlap material around the packet and then heats it if it is a heat shrink material so that it adheres well to the outer wall of the packet.

  The outer wrapper typically has a narrow tape known as an opening tape, which can be used to tear the outer wrapper quickly and easily in opening a packet.

  To make the outer wrapper, the tear tape is continuously drawn from the roll and affixed to a web of overlapping material that is fed continuously or intermittently by heat sealing or gluing. In some cases, a series of U-shaped incisions may be made on the overlap material, each of which is located on the tear tape to facilitate the opening of the package to help create the tear tape's pinch end (free end). is there. After the incision is made, or at the same time, the web of overlapping material bonded to the tear tape is fed to the packaging machine and cut to a length that defines the outer wrapper.

  For example, in the case of a cigarette packet with a hinge lid, when the tear tape is pulled, when the package is completed, the tear tape is cut so that the outer wrapper is cut along the direction crossing the longitudinal extension of the packet and the outer wrapper. , Located on the inner surface of the outer wrapper and along the periphery of one end of the packet. In these packets, the tear tape is placed at the top of the packet to divide the outer wrapper into two parts: a small part that is wrapped around the top of the packet and a large part that is wrapped around the packet body. .

  In the case of cigarette packet cartons, especially cartons having the same shape as the tobacco packet, tear tape is often placed at one end of the carton to divide the outer wrapper into small and large parts.

  Once the outer wrapper has been torn with the tear tape, the two portions of the outer wrapper often have to be further torn to allow complete removal. However, complete removal is not always easy. Because, as described above, the overlap material made in a state of being attached to the outer wall of the package by heat shrinkage is attached very closely to the package, so that the removal thereof can be a problem. It is.

  This problem is particularly noticeable when the wrapper portion to be removed is a large portion.

  In order to overcome this problem, or at least minimize it, one patent document teaches that the slit forming the outer wrapper is made in the overlap material near the tear tape (e.g., Patent Document 1). reference.). These slits constitute the starting point for tearing the outer wrapper. When a tear tape is used to open the outer wrapper, the tape applies stress to the slit, which also tears the adjacent overlap material portion. The slit creates a guide line in the packaging material that extends away from the tear tape.

  However, these slits are sometimes not very effective and have a negative effect on the seal and appearance of the package.

  Also, in some patent documents, the tear tape is arranged to contact the packaging material constituting the outer wrapper, whereas it is arranged to give a substantially helical shape around the packaged packet. (For example, refer to Patent Documents 2 and 3.) As a result of this arrangement, the tear tape can be used to reliably tear the overlap material, and the torn outer wrapper can be easily removed from its associated package.

  While this solution is very effective, it is clearly not attractive in terms of aesthetics.

European Patent No. 1839845 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 08-164926 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-321882

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a package for a smoking article that does not have the above drawbacks described with reference to the prior art, in particular a package for tobacco.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a package for a smoking article which does not have the above-mentioned drawbacks described with reference to the prior art, and which can be carried out easily and relatively inexpensively.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides a package for a smoking article as set forth in the appended claims, particularly a tobacco package and a method for manufacturing the package.

  The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show non-limiting embodiments thereof.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing one of three modified embodiments of a package for smoking equipment according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing one of three modified embodiments of a package for smoking equipment according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing one of three modified embodiments of a package for smoking equipment according to the present invention. It is the figure which showed one of the two deformation | transformation embodiment of the packaging material sheet | seat which can acquire the outer wrapper by this invention. It is the figure which showed one of the two deformation | transformation embodiment of the packaging material sheet | seat which can acquire the outer wrapper by this invention. FIG. 2 shows a support web with various tear elements made according to the present invention bonded together. FIG. 2 shows a support web with various tear elements made according to the present invention bonded together. FIG. 2 shows a support web with various tear elements made according to the present invention bonded together. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a package manufacturing system according to the present invention.

  Referring to FIGS. 1, 1b and 1c, reference numeral 1 generally indicates a tobacco packet or carton that forms part of a package C manufactured in accordance with the present invention.

  Unless otherwise specified, hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the cigarette packet 1 is referred to.

  Here, the packet 1 is schematically shown as an element having a parallelepiped shape, but since the shape is not related to the present invention, it may have a different shape. For example, the detailed portions of the packet 1 such as a lid or a box-like body containing a smoking tool (cigarette) are not particularly relevant to the description of the present invention, since their presence, shape, and mutual dimensions are not relevant here. Not shown.

  The packet 1 includes a smoking tool (not shown) made of, for example, tobacco, and is preferably made of a paper-based material such as paperboard. On its outside, the packet 1 is covered by a sheet 2 which is made of a transparent heat sealing material, for example polypropylene, which constitutes the outer wrapper 3 of the packet 1. The sheets 2 are preferably obtained one after the other by cutting them from the web 4 which is fed continuously or intermittently.

  The sheet 2 is also part of the package C like the packet 1.

  A part of the surface of the sheet 2 on either the inside or the outside of the wrapper 3 is attached to the tearing element 5, and by using this, a substantial part of the wrapper 3 itself can be torn by hand. The tearing allows the user to easily remove the wrapper 3 prior to starting to use the packet 1.

  As shown in the accompanying drawings, the tearing element 5 is made in the form of a label 6 bonded to the sheet 2. Bonding is preferably accomplished using an adhesive such as a hot resealable adhesive such as a non-drying adhesive. Alternatively, a cold adhesive such as a vinyl adhesive may be used.

  In another embodiment, label 6 and sheet 2 may be joined together by heat sealing.

  In the case of connection by an adhesive, the label 6 preferably takes the form of a self-adhesive label, that is, an adhesive applied to one side.

  Even after the sheets 2 are cut from the webs 4, they are successively attached to predetermined areas of the webs 4 in such a way as to exist on each sheet 2.

  Prior to being applied to the web 4, the label 6 is preferably connected to the support web 7 shown in FIGS. 4-6, so that they can be attached to the area to be applied to the web 4 in a known manner not shown. It is conveyed.

  Alternatively, the label 6 may be obtained from a roll of adhesive tape or partially adhesive tape. This tape must preferably be cut to a certain length in order to obtain the label 6 forming the tearing element 5.

  Each label 6 preferably has an edge or side 6 'that can identify a hand-pull pull tab 8 in a substantially intermediate region. The pull tab 8 is not connected to the sheet 2 and the label 6 is adhered to the sheet 2 and can be separated from the sheet 2 by the user to start opening the wrapper 3 as described below and can be easily picked. Is preferred.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 2, although not shown, corresponding to the package C that can be easily inferred from its contents, the label 6 is in contact with either side of the sheet 2 itself to form the sheet 4 part of the web 4 Is pasted. The pull tab 8 is arranged to follow the cutting line 10 ′ that can separate the sheet 2 from the web 4 with a slight extension. When the package C is completed, the cutting line 10 ′ is on the side wall L of the packet 1.

  The two parts of the sheet 2 are preferably formed with elements for starting to tear the sheet 2 itself adjacent to each side of the pull tab 8. The tear initiation element is preferably formed by two incisions 11. The incision 11 runs in a direction crossing the cutting line 10 '. Preferably, the incision portion 11 is formed by each through slit.

  The purpose of the incision 11 is to start tearing the sheet 2 following the pull tab 8 when the pull tab 8 is picked and pulled to tear the sheet 2 and remove it from the package C.

  More specifically, the sheet 2 of packaging material has at least one incision 11 that converges in the vicinity of the pull tab 8. In this configuration, the presence of the incision portion 11 allows the tearing of the sheet 2 to be started from the pull tab 8, and it is possible to remove the portion of the sheet 2 that is at least equal in size to the surface area of the label 6.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 3, corresponding to the package C of FIG. 1 a, the label 6 is affixed to the portion of the web 4 that forms the sheet 2 while being in contact with the surface of the sheet 2 outside the packet 1. The pull tab 8 is arranged so that one end edge portion thereof is located on the fold line 10. When the package C is completed, the fold line 10 substantially corresponds to the edge of the packet 1.

  On the sheet 2 there is an incision 11 ′ located under and covered by the label 6. The incision 11 ′ preferably follows the profile of the label 6, that is, the outer periphery thereof. Specifically, the incision 11 ′ runs along the edge 6 ′ of the label 6 that forms the pull tab 8.

  Preferably, the incision 11 ′ runs along a line substantially parallel to the end edge 6 of the label 6 forming the pull tab 8.

  Preferably, the incision 11 'is formed by a continuous slit.

  Preferably, the incision 11 'is formed by a through slit.

  Advantageously, the incision 11 ′ is completely covered by the label 6 so as to ensure the sealing of the package C. In other words, the label 6 covers and seals the line along which the wrapper 3 can be opened and formed by the incision 11 '.

  In practice, for each label 6 to be affixed to the web 4, an incision 11 'is made on the web 4 made of packaging material. The manufacturing process of the incision portion 11 ′ precedes the label 6 affixing step, and the label 6 affixing step completely covers the incision portion 11 ′.

  In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 a, 1 c, 2, 3 and 4, the side 6 ′ or edge of the label 6 with a pull tab 8 and the edge or Both sides 6 "are of the same arc shape and each end portion is joined in pairs by the straight sides of the label 6. Similarly, the end portions may be separated by another without limiting the scope of the invention. May be joined in a way.

  FIG. 4 shows a support web 7 on which a plurality of labels 6 of the type shown in FIGS. 1a, 1c, 2 and 3 are superimposed. The labels 6 are all of the same shape and are bonded to each other without being separated from each other, i.e. without intervening blanks or extra material between two successive labels 6.

  In an embodiment not shown, the web 7 itself constitutes a 6-multiple label 7. More specifically, webs that are sticky in succession or partially sticky may be cut to form individual labels 6.

  Referring to FIG. 7, wrapping the packet 1 supplies a web 7 defining a plurality of continuous labels 6 from the first roll 13 to the labeling device 15, and from the second roll 14 of the packaging material. The webs 6 are fed and the labels 6 such that each label 6 defines a tearing element 5 are separated from the web 7 defining them and are continuously and etc. to the packaging material web 4 using a labeling device 15. The label 6 is attached to the web 4 portion extending over a part of the length and width of the packaging material sheet 2 at intervals, and the packaging material web 4 provided with the label 6 is cut by the cutting device 16 to provide each tearing element 5. Obtain a series of packaging material sheets 2 designed to be wrapped around each packet 1 of the smoking implement, supply the packaging material sheet 2 to the packaging device 18, and supply the packaging device 18 with the packaging unit 18. Supplying smoking tool packet 1 to be wrapped by a preparative 17, and consists of winding the packaging material sheet 2 around each smoking implement packet 1 with a wrapping device 18. With respect to webs that “define” a plurality of labels, the term “define” in the present invention means “the possibility that the web acts as a support for the label from which it can be removed” or “the web is sticky” It is used to mean "the possibility of making a label from the web itself by cutting it into lengths or partially sticky lengths".

  If the labels 6 are obtained from the webs 7 that support them, each label is removed by a labeling machine that can remove or peel off each label 6 from the support while the web 7 is being fed out. Preferably it is supplied. If the labels are arranged side by side without any spacing, or if the labels are of a type that does not discharge dust, the labels removed or partially removed before being attached to the sheet Another device may be provided in the labeling device 15 to move the label. More specifically, the labels can be rotated in a desired direction, or an intermediate unit can be provided for setting the labels 6 at an interval that allows the labels 6 to stick to the packaging material web 4. Also good. This intermediate unit may be an integral part of the labeling device or may be provided upstream of the labeling machine.

  The label 6 may be obtained from a roll of adhesive tape or partial adhesive tape. At that time, the tape is cut into long pieces of a predetermined size. Each cut length of adhesive tape or partially adhesive tape forms a label 6 corresponding to the tearing element 5 of each package C. In such a case, it is also possible to provide an intermediate unit as described above. is there.

  The incision 11 shown and described with reference to FIG. 2 may be made before or after the label 6 is pasted. Preferably, in order to minimize processing time, the incision 1 may be made with the cutting device 16, i.e. made simultaneously with the separation of the sheet 2 from the web 4 along the cutting line 10 '. You may do it.

  If the label 6 is pasted on the outer surface of the packaging material sheet 2 (FIG. 3), the incision 11 'is made before the label 6 is pasted.

  In an embodiment not shown, the label 6 may be applied after the package C is completed, that is, when the packet 1 is completely wrapped in each packaging material sheet 2. In this case, the incision or slit may be made during the packaging process or during the labeling process.

  In the embodiment of package C shown in FIG. 1 a, the sheet 2 is folded so that the label 6 connected thereto is superimposed on the large front wall F of the packet 1. The label 6 has a central portion located near the middle portion of the longitudinal edge S1 of the packet 1, and each end located near the upper and lower edges of the front wall F itself. Placed. The pull tab 8 of the label 6 protrudes laterally from the longitudinal edge S1 of the packet 1 at the center of the label 6 itself.

  In the embodiment of package C shown in FIG. 1 c, the sheet 2 is folded so that the label 6 connected thereto is superimposed on the large front wall F of the packet 1. The label 6 has a central portion located in the vicinity of the middle portion of the upper lateral edge S2 of the packet 1, and each end portion extends downward at each longitudinal edge S1 of the packet 1 It arrange | positions so that it may fold on the side wall L of itself. The pull tab 8 of the label 6 protrudes briefly upward from the upper lateral edge S2 of the packet 1 at the central portion of the label 6 itself.

  In the embodiment of the package C shown in FIG. 1b, the label 6 has a substantially isosceles triangle shape, the first vertex is at the top and is located at the upper lateral edge S2 of the packet 1 . The sheet 2 is folded so that the label 6 connected thereto is superimposed on the large front wall F of the packet 1. The pull tab 8 of the label 6 comprises the above-mentioned first apex, and protrudes briefly upward from the upper lateral edge S2 of the packet 1 at the central portion of the label 6 itself.

  In the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 a and 1 b, the label 6 has substantially the same width as the wall surface F of the package C to which the label 6 is attached, and is attached only to the wall surface F of the wrapper 3.

  In these cases, the label 6 extends from edge to edge substantially on the large face of the wrapper 3 along a direction transverse to the direction to tear the label 6.

  On the other hand, in the embodiment of FIG. 1c, the label 6 adheres only to the three wall surfaces F, L of the wrapper 3 adjacent in pairs. In a further embodiment of the invention not shown, the label 6 may be attached only to two adjacent walls of the wrapper 3.

  In any case, generally speaking, each label 6 applied to a part of the packaging material sheet 2 extends over a part of the length and width of the same packaging material sheet 2. In other words, the label 6 has a size that does not cover the entire height or width of the packaging material sheet 2.

  5 and 6, the label 6 has a substantially polygonal shape. Specifically, the label 6 has an isosceles triangle shape as shown in FIG. 1B, and the pull tab 8 coincides with a corner area formed by one of the vertices of the triangle.

  In a further embodiment, not shown, the label may be embodied according to an in-plane geometry for the packaging sheet 2. The side of each label on the opposite side of the pull tab and the maximum width protrusion at the opposite position of the pull tab form at least one tear side of the packaging material sheet 2.

  As for the shape of the label 6, it is preferable that those edge parts do not have an abrupt change or a sudden change about the direction except the corner area | region and joining area | region mentioned above.

  Note that the labels described above may have useful or advertising messages about them, if desired. For example, this is shown in FIG. 1b, where label 6 carries a graphic symbol. The label may also be colored or printed in any desired form with an image or text, and may be a graphical reproduction of the portion of the packet covered by the label. Alternatively, the label may be transparent so that text and images printed on the surface of the packet 1 are not hidden.

  In order to open and completely remove the wrapper 3 of the package C, it is sufficient to pick the pull tab 8 of the label 6 connected to the wrapper 3 with two fingers and pull the tab 8 along the tearing direction. This corresponds to the extending direction of the label 6 starting from the pull tab 8.

  The above description also applies to cigarette packet cartons to remove the protective overlap material that frequently covers them.

  In the completed package C, the pull tab shown in the attached drawing protruding outward from each wrapper 3 is folded and shaped to adhere to one wall of the packet 1 and is loose. The pull tab 8 prevents problems when packing a group of packages C into cartons or packs.

Claims (16)

A packet (1) or carton containing a smoking tool, a packaging material sheet (2) wrapped around the packet (1) or carton to form an outer wrapper (3), and the packet (1 A smoking implement, in particular a package for tobacco, with a tearing element (5) with a pull tab (8) designed to at least partly separate said outer wrapper (3) from
The tear element (5) is a label (6) coupled to the outer wrapper (3) without the pull tab (8), and the label (6) is attached to a part of the packaging material sheet (2). Attached and extends over a portion of the length and width of the packaging sheet (2),
The packaging material sheet (2) converges in the vicinity of the pull tab (8) and at least one break for tearing the wrapper (3) when the label (6) is picked and pulled by a user Package characterized in that at least one incision (11) designed to form a starting point is provided.   2. Package according to claim 1, characterized in that the incision (11) is covered by the label (6).   The wrapper (3) is formed by a plurality of walls, and the label (6) is attached to only one wall (F) of the wrapper (3). package.   Package according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the wrapper (3) is formed by a plurality of walls and the label (6) is attached to only two walls of a continuous wrapper (3). .   The wrapper (3) is formed by a plurality of walls, and the label (6) is attached to only three walls (F, L) of the continuous wrapper (3) in pairs. The package according to claim 1 or 2.   The package according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the label (6) is joined to the wrapper (3) by an adhesive, and the label (6) is an adhesive label.   The package according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the label (6) is joined to the wrapper (3) by heat sealing.   The package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the label (6) is joined to the inner surface of the wrapper (3) in contact with a package of smoking utensils.   The package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the label (6) is joined to the outer surface of the wrapper (3).   The package according to claim 1, wherein the incision is formed by a through slit.   11. The label (6) is delimited by two generally arcuate opposing edges joined to each other at two sets of ends. Package described in.   Package according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the label (6) has a polygonal shape.   13. Package according to claim 12, characterized in that the label (6) has a substantially triangular shape and the pull tab (8) extends from the apex of the triangle.   The label (6) extends substantially from edge to edge of the large wall of the wrapper (3) in a direction transverse to the direction to tear the label (6). The package according to any one of claims 1 to 13. 15. A method of manufacturing a smoking device, in particular a package for tobacco, according to one or more of claims 1-14.
The method comprises at least
Supplying a web (7) supporting a plurality of continuous labels (6) from the first roll (13) to the labeling device (15);
Supplying a web (4) of packaging material from a second roll (14) and thereby obtaining a plurality of packaging material sheets (2);
Separating the labels (6) from the web (7), each defining a tear element (5);
The label (6) is continuously and evenly spaced from the packaging material web (4) using the labeling device (15) over a part of the length and a part of the width of the packaging material sheet (2). Attaching to the extending web (4) region;
A series designed to wrap around each packet (1) or carton of a smoking device with each tear element (5) by cutting said packaging web (4) with label (6) Obtaining a packaging material sheet (2) of
Supplying the packaging material sheet (2) to the packaging device (18);
Supplying the unwrapped smoking equipment packet (1) or carton to the packaging device (18);
And a step of wrapping the packaging material sheet (2) around each smoking equipment packet (1) or carton using the packaging device (18). 15. A method of manufacturing a smoking device, in particular a package for tobacco, according to one or more of claims 1-14.
The method comprises at least
Providing a tacky web or partial tack from a first roll and then obtaining a plurality of labels (6);
Supplying a web (4) of packaging material from a second roll (14) and thereby obtaining a plurality of packaging material sheets (2);
Cutting the adhesive web or partially adhesive web to obtain labels (6), each defining a tear element (5);
The label (6) is applied to the packaging material web (4) continuously and at equal intervals in the region of the web (4) extending over part of the length and part of the width of the packaging material sheet (2). Attaching process,
A series designed to wrap around each packet (1) or carton of a smoking device with each tear element (5) by cutting said packaging web (4) with label (6) Obtaining a packaging material sheet (2) of
Supplying the packaging material sheet (2) to the packaging device (18);
Supplying the unwrapped smoking equipment packet (1) or carton to the packaging device (18);
And a step of wrapping the packaging material sheet (2) around each smoking equipment packet (1) or carton using the packaging device (18).

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