PACKAGING

Abstract

Packaging (1) in which first and second layers (11, 12) are coupled to one another and arranged with a built-in areas of weakness (21) on part of the first layer (11) exposed outside of the packaging (1). The built-in areas of weakness (21) is arranged such that breaking the first layer (11) at the built-in area of weakness (21) thereof enables the first layer (11) to act on the second layer (12) to unfold the second layer (12) to thereby open the packaging (1).

Description

FIELD

The disclosure relates to packaging, packaging blanks and related methods.

BACKGROUND

It is known to package consumable products by placing a number of the products side-by-side to form a stack and enclosing the stack in a tubular packet formed from a wrapper of flexible material. This type of packaging is used for a variety of consumable products such as biscuits and confectionery items, including gum pellets. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a packaging 10 containing a stack of chewing gum pellets 12. The dashed lines indicate the positions of the chewing gum pellets 12 within the packaging 10. A packaging blank is folded circumferentially about the stack so that one side edge 14a of the packaging blank overlaps another side edge and is held in place by means of adhesive or otherwise bonded to form a seal. The packaging blank is longer than the stack of products so that the ends of the packaging blank extend beyond the ends of the stack. Each end of the packaging blank is folded to provide end closure flaps which overlie their respective ends of the stack to form an end wall region 18. The flaps are usually held in place by means of adhesive or otherwise bonded so that the packaging blank forms a sealed, tubular packet for the confectionery pellets. Sometimes a second, inner wrapper is provided which is folded about the product in a similar manner to the main or outer packaging blank before the outer packaging blank is applied. This is referred to as “double wrapped”. However, in many cases only a single packaging blank is used, which is referred to as “single wrapped”. In some cases, each product in the stack is also individually wrapped.

Other food and confectionery items are also provided in the form of pellets, pastilles, tablets or the like and are suitable for packaging in the manner described above. For example, hard boiled sweets, candies, chocolates, toffee or mints may be provided in the form of pellets or pastilles as can many other types of candy, including both hard and soft candy.

The terms gum and chewing gum as used herein include bubble gum.

For use in packaging consumable goods, the packaging blank is usually fabricated from a sheet of material that is substantially gas and moisture impervious and overlapping portions of the packaging blank are adhered to one another so that the packet is fully sealed. Although for certain food and confectionery products, a hermetically sealed package is not desirable. Suitable packaging blanks can be made from a variety of materials including polymeric materials, metallic foil, and paper. Often the packaging blank will be formed from a laminated sheet of material having two or more layers of material.

To assist a consumer in gaining access to the packaged products, it is common practice to provide a tear guide in or on the packaging blank which can be grasped and pulled by a consumer to tear the packet along a predetermined line. One known form of tear guide is a tear strip which is attached to an inner surface of the packaging blank and is made of a material which is stronger than the packaging blank. An end of the tear strip is exposed in the finished packet so that it can be grasped by a user and pulled to tear the packaging blank along the line of the strip. Often the tear guide will be positioned so that it circumscribes the packet at or close to one end. A conventional tear strip arrangement is shown at 20 in FIG. 1, with the dashed lines of the tear strip 20 indicating the position of the tear strip on the inside of the packaging.

Use of a tear strip is disadvantageous as it requires the manufacture and storage of an additional component, i.e. the strip, as well as an additional process step of applying the strip to the packaging blank. This adds to the overall cost of manufacture. In addition, due to the nature of the materials used, packaging blanks that are gas and moisture impervious are often quite tough and can be difficult to tear in a predictable manner using a tear strip.

A further drawback with the conventional packaging arrangement is that the packet often cannot be re-closed so as to effectively retain and protect, at least to some degree, the remaining contents. This is a particular issue where the user will typically remove only one or a few of the products at a time and will wish to safely retain the remaining products for later consumption.

There is a need for an alternative packaging arrangement which overcomes or at least mitigates the disadvantages of one or more of the prior art arrangements.

There is also a need for an improved method of opening a packaging arrangement which overcomes, or at least mitigates, the disadvantages of one or more of the known methods.

SUMMARY

In an example embodiment, the packaging includes first and second layers coupled to one another, arranged with a built-in area of weakness at part of the first layer and exposed outside of the packaging, wherein the built-in areas of weakness is arranged such that breaking the first layer at the built-in area of weakness thereof enables the first layer to act on the second layer to unfold part of the second layer to thereby open the packaging.

Enabling the first layer to act on the second layer to unfold of the second layer facilitates the unfolding process, making it easier to open the packaging.

The first layer may partially separate from the second layer on breaking of the first layer at the built-in area of weakness to form a tail. The second layer and the first layer may be coupled to one another at the folded area of the second layer, such that the partially separated portion of the first layer forms a tail that can be used to pull open and unfold the second layer to thereby open the packaging.

The packaging may include a layer of a metallic foil, for example as the first layer. The packaging may include a layer of paper, for example as the second layer. The metallic foil may be an aluminium foil. The packaging may include a layer of polymeric material, for example a thermoplastic material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The layer of polymeric material may include the outermost layer of the packaging. The layer of polymeric material may be laminated to the metallic foil, for example to provide the first layer, and the outermost layer of the packaging.

The first and second layers may be coupled to one another with a bond across part of their respective areas. The first and second layer layers may be glue laminated. The first and second layers may be coupled to one another at a coupling area. The coupling area may be partially bounded by the built-in area of weakness of the first layer. The packaging may include an area in which the first and second layers are not bonded to one another, where partial separation of the first and second layer may occur on breaking of the first layer at the built-in area of weakness. The area in which the first and second layers are not bonded to one another may include some, or all of the built-in area of weakness of the first layer. The built-in area of weakness and the coupling area may be arranged to cooperate with one another such that partially separating the first layer from the second layer on breaking the first layer at the built-in area of weakness forms a tail from the separated portion of the first layer.

The built-in area of weakness may include a discontinuity in the packaging. The built-in area of weakness may include a discontinuity in the first layer of the packaging only, or a discontinuity in coupling between the first layer and the second layer. The built-in area of weakness may include a laser score, for example a single or double laser score line. The built-in area of weakness may include a die cut, for example a single or double die cut line. The built-in area of weakness may include a scored and/or perforated area. The built-in area of weakness may include a thinned area or an area which is weakened relative to the rest of the packaging by means of being worked, physically, thermally, optically, chemically or otherwise.

The packaging may include one or more end walls and one or more side walls. The packaging may include end walls, with the one or more side walls running between the end walls. The side wall may be folded over itself, for example folded inwardly on itself to form one, or each end wall. The side wall(s) and end wall(s) may meet at an intersection, for example at an edge or at a corner. The end walls may be of generally equal size, and be arranged opposed to one another in generally parallel alignment. The packaging may include a front face and a back face, side faces, and end faces. The side wall may form the front, back and side faces. The end faces may be provided by folded portions of the side wall. The package may be tubular, or prismatic. The package may include generally planar, for example rectangular faces arranged at right angles to one another.

The packaging may be arranged such that the built-in area of weakness of the first layer runs around the outside of the packaging on the side wall, and may extend on the outside of the packaging from the side wall to the intersection of the side wall and the end wall. The packaging may be arranged such that the built-in area of weakness of the first layer extends from the front face onto the side faces. The packaging may be arranged such that the built-in area of weakness of the first layer does not extend beyond the front and side walls on the outside of the packaging. The packaging may be arranged such that the built-in area of weakness of the first layer is folded into an end wall with material from the first and second layers. The packaging may be arranged such that a first end of the built-in area of weakness of the first layer outside the packaging terminates at the intersection of a side wall and an end wall, for example at the intersection of a side face and an end face. The packaging may be arranged such that a second end of the built-in area of weakness of the first layer outside the packaging terminates at the intersection of the side wall and the end wall. The packaging may be arranged such that first, and/or second end of the built-in area of weakness outside the packaging terminate(s) at the intersection of three faces, for example at a corner where the side, end and back faces meet.

The area in which the first and second layers are not bonded to one another may extend from the side wall to end wall of the packaging, for example across a front face to side faces of the packaging, and may further extend from a front face to an end face of the packaging.

The packaging may be arranged such that breaking the first layer at the built-in area of weakness forms a separable portion of the packaging. The packaging may be arranged such that the first layer is peelable or tearable from the second layer after breaking the built-in area of weakness, to form a separable portion. The packaging may be arranged such that a tail produced by partially separating the first layer from the second layer on breaking of the first layer at the built-in area of weakness forms the separable portion.

The packaging may enclose a plurality of products, for example each of corresponding dimensions. The packaging may enclose a stack of products in side-by-side arrangement. The packaging may include end walls corresponding to dimensions of individual products stacked therein, and may include one or more side walls corresponding to the length of the stack. The products may each include characteristic dimensions of 5 mm by 10 mm by 20 mm, for example within a generally cuboidal envelope.

The unfolded part of the second layer may define an opening area of the packaging, corresponding to a cross-sectional area of one of the product or products within the packaging. The opening may be defined by a generally uninterrupted web of material from the second layer. The opening area may be slightly larger than dimensions of the product where the cross-sectional area is taken in a plane of the product which aligned generally parallel to the opening area. The opening area may be dimensioned so that it has an area that is less than 1.5, or 1.4, or 1.3, or 1.2, or 1.1 times the cross sectional area of one of the products. The opening area may be dimensioned so that one product only can pass through at a time.

The unfolded part of the second layer may extend beyond the original dimensions of the packaging. The unfolded part of the second layer may fold outward from a folded position, folding away from, for example beyond the plane of an end wall of the unopened packaging, on opening thereof.

The built-in area of weakness of the first layer and the area at which the first and second layers are not coupled to one another may together form a frangible portion of the packaging exterior. The frangible portion may lie within the first layer, without extensions, tabs, or any other graspable projection. The frangible portion may be broken by application of a pressing force to the outside of the packaging. The frangible portion may be broken by application of a pressing force that provides friction along the side wall, by pressing into and along the side wall. The pressing force may be into and along a front face of the packaging. The built-in area of weakness may be arranged such that application of a pressing force into and along the front face causes breaking of the built-in area of weakness across its length. The built-in area of weakness may be arranged such that application of a pressing force into and along the front face causes initial breaking of the built-in area of weakness across its length, and may be further arranged such that continued application of the pressing force produces tearing more along its length, as the built-in area of weakness is of different orientation along its length. The frangible portion may be arranged such that the first layer, at the area where the first and second layers are not coupled to one another, can bundle up and/or turn inside out by continued application of the pressing force after breaking of the built-in area of weakness. The frangible portion may be arranged to provide a tail for the packaging, as the first layer turns inside out.

Part of the first layer, or of the first and second layers may be arranged, on opening of the packaging, to form a chute by which product from within the packaging may be dispensed. The packaging may be formed with a strong coupling between the first and second layers at their edge, where the opening is formed in the package. The strong coupling may include a bond which is resistant to manual peeling or tearing. The first layer may be coupled to the second layer in a way that enables the tail to remain in place on the open packaging, for example as an inverted, inside-out portion of the first layer. The open package may, on opening provides a region formed as a chute from which product can be dispensed. A part of the first layer including the chute formed in the open packaging may be arranged to be rolled up as a means of re-closure of the packaging.

In an example embodiment, a method of opening packaging is also disclosed, wherein the packaging includes first and second layers coupled to one another, arranged with a built-in area of weakness at part of the first layer and exposed outside of the packaging, the method including breaking the first layer at the built-in area of weakness, then causing the first layer to act on the second layer to unfold part of the second layer to thereby open the packaging.

The method may include partially separating the first layer from the second layer on breaking of the first layer at the built-in area of weakness, to form a tail. The method may include forming a tail and pulling thereon to pull open and unfold the second layer, thereby opening the packaging.

The method may include breaking the first layer at the built-in area of weakness and forming a separable portion of the packaging by peeling or tearing the separable portion from the second layer after breaking the built-in area of weakness.

The method may include breaking the built-in area of weakness by application of a pressing force to the outside of the packaging. The method may include application of a pressing force that provides friction along a side wall of the packaging in which the built-in area of weakness is formed, by pressing into and along the side wall to break the built-in area of weakness. The method may include providing a pressing force may be into and along a front face of the packaging. The method may include providing a pressing force into and along the front face to causes breaking of the built-in area of weakness across its length. The method may include application of a pressing force into and along the front face to cause initial breaking of the built-in area of weakness across its length, and may further include continued application of the pressing force to produces tearing more along the length of the built-in area of weakness, as the built-in area of weakness is of different orientation along its length. The method may include bundling up, or turning inside out of the first layer at an area where the first and second layers are not coupled to one another after breaking of the built-in area of weakness.

The method may include breaking the first layer at the built-in area of weakness and forming a chute from a portion of the first layer, or a portion of the first and second layers, and dispensing product from the chute. The method may include forming an inside out part of the first layer into a chute.

The packaging may include that as set out in more detail in the description of example embodiments above.

In an example embodiment, a packaging blank is disclosed, wherein the blank includes first and second layers coupled to one another, arranged with a built-in area of weakness at part of the first layer, wherein when formed as packaging around a product the built-in area of weakness lies in part of the first layer exposed outside of the packaging and the second layer within the packaging, such that breaking the first layer at the built-in area of weakness thereof enables the first layer to act on the second layer to unfold the second layer to open the packaging.

The packaging blank may include a layer of a metallic foil, for example as the first layer. The packaging may include a layer of paper, for example as the second layer. The metallic foil may be an aluminium foil. The packaging may include a layer of polymeric material, for example a thermoplastic material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The layer of polymeric material may be laminated to the metallic foil, for example to provide the first, and the outermost layer of the packaging.

The built-in area of weakness may include a laser score. The built-in area of weakness may include a die cut. The built-in area of weakness may include a scored and/or perforated area.

The first and second layers may be coupled to one another with a bond across part of their respective areas. The first and second layer layers may be glue laminated. The first and second layers may be coupled to one another at a coupling area. The coupling area may extend around the edges of the packaging blank. The coupling area may include a portion proximate to each edge of the packaging blank. The coupling area may form a perimeter, for example an uninterrupted perimeter around the packaging blank. The built-in area of weakness may lie in an area of the packaging blank at which the first and second layers are not coupled to one another. The built-in area of weakness may lie entirely in an area of the packaging blank at which the first and second layers are not coupled to one another. The packaging blank may include an area in which the first and second layers are not coupled to one another. The area in which the first and second layers are not coupled to one another may include a boundary that runs alongside the built-in area of weakness of the first layer. The area in which the first and second layers are not bonded to one another may extend across the built-in area of weakness from one side thereof to another, for example transverse to the length of the built-in area of weakness. The packaging blank may be arranged such that the area in which the first and second layers are not bonded to one another includes a border region which runs alongside, for example generally parallel to the built-in area of weakness.

The packaging blank may be generally rectangular.

The packaging blank may be arranged such that the built-in area of weakness of the first layer runs across the packaging blank from one edge to another. The built-in area of weakness of the first layer may be provided as a line of weakness. The packaging blank may be arranged such that the built-in area of weakness of the first layer runs across the packaging blank in a non-linear fashion. The packaging blank may be arranged such that the built-in area of weakness of the first layer runs across the packaging blank from one corner region thereof to another corner region thereof. The packaging blank may be arranged such that the built-in area of weakness of the first layer runs across the packaging blank from one corner region thereof to another corner region thereof, the another corner region being non-diagonally opposed to the one corner region. The packaging blank may be arranged such that the built-in area of weakness of the first layer runs across the packaging blank from a generally central region, which is arranged to form the front face of packaging formed from the packaging blank, toward a portion, or portions of the packaging blank that are arranged to form side faces, edges, corners or intersections with an end wall region of packaging formed from the packaging blank.

The packaging blank may be provided with adhesive on at least a portion of its periphery, to enable edges of the blank to be sealed to one another during formation of packaging from the packaging blank. The adhesive may be provided on only one layer, for example the first layer. The adhesive may include hot melt adhesive regions.

The packaging blank may include a cut-out region, arranged to reduce the material present in an end wall region, or in another folded region, when the blank is formed around a product.

The disclosure further provides a packaging blank according to any of the example embodiments described above, in combination with an item or arrangement of items to be packaged. The arrangement of items to be packaged may include a stack of confectionery items, or a stack of gum pellets.

In an example embodiment, the disclosure provides method of packaging, including:

providing a packaging blank including first and second layers;

providing a built-in area of weakness at part of the first layer; and

forming the packaging blank around an item or arrangement of items to be packaged; wherein the forming positions part of the first layer including the built-in area of weakness so as to be exposed outside of the packaging and the built-in area of weakness of the second layer within the packaging, with the built-in areas of weakness arranged such that breaking the first layer at the built-in area of weakness thereof enables the first layer to act on the second layer to unfold the second layer to open the packaging.

The first and second layers may be provided as coupled to one another. The step of providing the built-in area of weakness may be performed before the forming step, or alternatively may be performed there-after. The step of providing the built-in area of weakness may be split into sub-steps of providing a part of the built-in area of weakness before the forming step, and providing a further part of the built-in area of weakness after the forming step. The step of providing the built-in area of weakness may be performed partially before and partially after the forming step, for example with one or more area of weakness being added or expanded after the forming step. The step of providing a built-in area of weakness may include a laser scoring step. The step of providing a built-in area of weakness may include a die cutting step. The step of providing a built-in area of weakness may includes scoring and/or perforating operations.

The packaging blank may be that according to any of the example embodiments described above.

BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE FIGURES

For a better understanding, and to show how example embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

FIG. 2 shows a front view of packaging according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the packaging of FIG. 2 with a consumer's hand in place to start opening the packaging;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the packaging of FIG. 2 with a consumer's hand in the process of opening the packaging, with a built-in area of weakness in a first layer thereof partially broken;

FIGS. 5A and 5B show an end perspective view and a front view of the packaging of FIG. 2 with the built-in area of weakness in the first layer thereof broken;

FIGS. 6A and 6B show an end perspective view and a front view of the a packaging of FIG. 2 with the built-in area of weakness in the first layer thereof broken, and the end of the second layer unfolded and open;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the packaging of FIG. 2 with the open end re-closed by partially rolling up;

FIG. 8 shows a plan view of the packaging of FIG. 2 with the open end fully rolled up;

FIG. 9 shows a schematic plan view of a packaging blank, illustrating an area over which the first and second layers are coupled to one another;

FIG. 10 shows a schematic plan view of the packaging blank of FIG. 9, illustrating an area over which adhesive is provided to enable closure of the packaging formed from the packaging blank;

FIG. 11 shows a schematic plan view of the packaging blank of FIG. 9, illustrating both the area over which the first and second layers are coupled to one another and the area over which adhesive is provided to enable closure of the packaging formed from the packaging blank;

FIG. 12 show a schematic plan view of a packaging blank according to another example embodiment;

FIG. 13 shows a schematic plan view of a packaging blank according to yet another example embodiment; and

FIGS. 14 through 16 show an end, perspective and side views of packaging according to another example embodiment, with the built-in area of weakness in the first layer thereof broken, and the end of the second layer unfolded and open so as to dispense a product from within the packing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 2-8 show a package 1 in accordance with an example embodiment The package 1 includes a generally tubular packet which encases a stack of products (not shown in FIG. 2 but seen as 100 in FIG. 6A). The tubular packet is formed from a packaging blank of flexible material which is folded about the stack and sealed to itself with adhesive. Accordingly, the tubular packet has a side wall region 3 which encircles the stack of products, the ends of the tube being closed by means of end wall regions 4A, 4B constructed from folded flaps (41 in FIG. 5A). In the present embodiment, the products 100 are chewing gum pellets which are shaped like small pillows having a rectangular outer periphery. As a result, the side wall region 3 is rectangular in lateral cross-section, and has opposed front 32 and rear 34 faces and opposed side faces 36, 38, with the end wall regions 4A, 4B forming rectangular end faces. Between intersecting faces are right-angle corners.

The package 1 is formed by wrapping a packaging blank around the stack of products to be packaged 100, to form the side wall region 3 into the front and rear faces 32, 34, with the side faces 36, 38 therebetween. The end faces provided by the end wall regions 4A, 4B are formed by folding the side wall 3 in on itself.

FIGS. 9-13 illustrate suitable packaging blanks, in accordance with example embodiments. A packaging blank 2 is shown in FIG. 9 as a generally rectangular two-layered blank. The packaging blank 2 includes an outer, first layer 11 and an inner, second layer 12. Here, “inner” and “outer” describe the arrangement of the layers when the blank is formed into the package 1, or other related packages. The first and second layers 11, 12 are a laminated construction, and in example embodiments include a metallic foil layer and a paper layer respectively. The first and second layers 11, 12 are coupled to one another, for example by adhesive. Coupling the layers facilitates handling of the packaging blank during wrapping the products in the packaging. The areas of the blanks 2, 2′ that are to form front, side and end faces of the packaging are indicated using chain-dashed lines.

FIG. 9 shows, as the hatched area, the portions of first and second layers 11, 12 which are coupled. In the un-hatched area 33 the first and second layers 11, 12 are not adhered to one another. The area in which the first and second layers 11, 12 are not adhered to one another is indicated by the boundary 22. The first and second layers 11, 12 are coupled to one another apart from at a single part of their areas.

FIGS. 9-13 show as the crosshatched area, the portions of first layer 11 which are provided with adhesive to hold the package together when it is formed around the product. In the un-crosshatched areas no adhesive or additional means for holding the package together are provided. The crosshatched area on the first layer represents hot melt adhesive regions 35A, 35B used when the packaging blank 2, 2′ is formed around the stack of products 100, and used to hold the packaging together.

FIGS. 2-8, 11 and 12 each show a built-in area of weakness 21 in the first layer 11.

The built-in area of weakness 21 is provided to facilitate opening of the package, and to do so in a way which enables a degree of re-closing of the package after one of the stack of products 100 has been removed. The built-in area of weakness 21 in the first layer 11 is exposed on the outside of the packaging 1 when the packaging blank 2, 2′ is formed around a stack of products 100 to provide the packaging 1. The built-in area of weakness 21 is arranged to provide a breakable section on the side wall 3 of the packaging 1 across the front 32 and side faces 36, 38. Breaking the packaging 1 along the built-in area of weakness 21 in the first layer 11 can be initiated by pressing on the front face 32, pushing the first layer 11 toward the end wall region 4A, as shown in FIG. 3. Breaking the built-in area of weakness 21 on the front face 32 and side faces 36, 38 causes the first layer 11 to separate from the second layer over the un-laminated region. The separated first layer 11 turns inside out to form a tail for the packaging, as shown in FIG. 5A and in 5B.

The end wall region 4A is provided with a portion adjacent to the back face 34 in which the first and second layers are laminated. The end wall region 4A is also provided with portions of the adhesive regions 35A, 35B so that the folded flaps hold together while the first layer is intact with the second, but which allows the tail to be removed from the package by delaminating the first and second layers at their edge. Before the first and second layers are delaminated, pulling of the first layer causes the previously folded, joined edge sections of first and second layers to unfold. FIGS. 12 and 13 include rectangular regions C on the surface of the blank 2, 2′. The regions C include photomarks, which are machine-recognisable markings, useful in determining alignment of the blank 2′ as it is processed by machinery to form a package. In other embodiments (not shown), a cut-out region may be provided on the blank, to reduce the amount of material needed for the packaging. Providing a cut-out region can reduce bulk in the end wall region 4A when the side wall is formed into flaps and folded in on itself.

The delaminated portion of the first layer is torn off, leaving the unfolded end wall region as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

With the built-in area of weakness 21 of the first layer 11 broken, the torn portion of the first layer can be removed by pulling thereon, for example in the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 5B. Pulling on the first layer 11 causes the first layer 11 at the end wall region 4A to act on the second layer to enable delamination of the layers. Removal of the torn portion from the rest of the packaging 1 uncovers an unfolded opening extensive over the whole end wall region 4A.

The side wall 3 the of open packaging 1 extends beyond its original, pre-opening length when the end wall region 4A is removed, with the open end of the packaging 1 having a side wall portion made up of only the second layer 12 at region 3a, as shown in FIG. 6B. The region 3a corresponds to the unfolded portion of the second layer 12.

After opening of the packaging 1 and dispensing of the product 100 positioned at the open end of the packaging 1 the region 3a can be rolled over to close the packaging 1, which is useful to retain the rest of the stack of products 100 in the packaging 1. FIGS. 7 and 8 show partial and fully rolled up packaging 1. With a conventional tear strip that opens the packaging on its side wall, closure of the packaging is more difficult until two or more products have typically been dispensed from the opening.

As mentioned above, in the present embodiment, the products 100 are chewing gum pellets which are shaped like small pillows having a generally rectangular outer periphery. The typical dimensions of this product are 20 mm wide by 10 mm high by 5 mm deep along the packaging. These dimensions may vary by up to one or two millimetres according to product specification or manufacturing variation. The packaging 1 may accommodate 10 or 12 gum pellets, closely wrapped therein. The second layer is in contact with the products 100 at one or more of their edges. As can be seen in FIG. 6A the packaging 1 as opened at the end wall 4A provides an opening that generally corresponds to the dimensions of the product 100 within the packaging 1, as the products 100 are aligned in a stack. Typically, a small amount of clearance is provided around to prevent excessive friction during dispensing of the products 100 and to take into account a degree of variation in product dimensions within the manufacturing tolerance of the products 100. The opening in the packaging 1 is slightly larger than a cross-sectional area of one of the products 100, where the cross-sectional area is taken in a plane of the product which aligned generally parallel to the opening area. In this way the opening area is set so one product 100 only can pass through at a time.

Dispensing of products 100 is shown in FIGS. 14 through 16, which show a package 1′ according to another example embodiment. The package 1′ is formed with layers and a built in area of weakness 21 in the side wall 3 that are broadly similar to those of the embodiment of FIGS. 2 through 8. However, whereas the earlier embodiment is designed with the possibility of removal of the tail from the package by delaminating the first and second layers at their edge, the package 1′ is formed with a strong coupling between the first and second layers at their edge, where the opening is formed in the package by unfolding. The strong coupling, for example a bond which is resistant to manual peeling or tearing, enables the tail to remain in place on the open packaging 1′, as an inverted, inside-out portion of the first layer. The open package 1′ therefore provides a region 3a corresponding to the unfolded portion of the second layer 12 and a further region 3b formed as a chute from which products 100 can be dispensed. The presence of the chute can help products 100 to be accurately delivered from the opening, for example into the hand of a consumer. Furthermore the region 3a, 3b including the chute can be rolled up to provide a means of re-closure of the packaging

The packaging blank can be made from any suitable foldable material such as paper, metallic foil and/or one or more polymeric materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE) or orientated polypropylene (OPP). As described above, the packaging blank is made from a laminated material having a first, outer layer and a second, inner layer. The built-in area of weakness is formed in the outer layer. In one embodiment, the packaging blank has a layer of aluminium foil and a layer of paper positioned inwardly from the foil. The packaging may also have a further layer of a polymeric material, which may be a thermoplastic material such as PET laminated to the outside of the aluminium foil to provide a composite first layer. In other embodiments, the packaging may include PE/OPP or OPP/OPP laminate structures.

The built-in area of weakness can be formed using any suitable method such as by scoring. One method is to produce the line of weakness by laser etching. The wavelength of the laser can be selected so that it is absorbed by one layer, e.g. a foil layer and reflected by another layer, e.g. a paper layer within, so that the built-in area of weakness is formed in the outer layer only. In embodiments produced in this way the formation of the built-in area of weakness includes ablation of parts of the foil layer. The built-in area of weakness may be continuous or discontinuous, using e.g. a pulsed laser or suitable die cutters. The embodiments of the packaging blank described above may be prepared before wrapping of products to produce the packaging, but the ability to laser score layers means that scoring of the first layer may be performed after the packaging has been formed from the packaging blank. Furthermore, although a single packaging blank has been described in isolation, the packaging blank may be provided initially on a roll or sheet for later separation during formation of the packaging.

The packaging can be printed on to provide a consumer with guidance and instructions for opening. For example, the packaging can be printed on to provide the user with an externally visible indication of where the opening region and/or the built-in area of weakness of the first layer are located. The printing may indicate figuratively, or in writing, the method of applying a pressing force to the outside of the packaging to produce friction at a side wall of the packaging in which the built-in area of weakness is formed, and the possibility of pressing into and along the side wall to break the built-in area of weakness. FIG. 2 shows printing P giving such an indication.

Printing may be applied to the outermost layer. Alternatively, if the packaging has an outermost layer which is transparent, the printing may be applied to an adjacent layer so as to be visible through the outermost layer. As with the step of forming the built-in areas of weakness, the printing steps may be performed on the blank before the packaging is formed, or on the formed packaging. In the example embodiments shown in the Figures, the portion of the second layer which is uncovered by breaking the built-in area of weakness, and the facing area on the surface of the tail formed from the first layer after the built-in area of weakness are not marked or printed to appear visibly different to other parts of the layers. However, in other example embodiments the area of the first, or indeed both first and second layers that becomes visible after opening of the packaging by breaking of the built-in area of weakness may be marked or printed with information. Such information would only become visible to a purchaser of the packaged product, and may include promotional information, codes, vouchers, collectable or game information, or the like.

In the embodiments described so far, the packaging is designed for use with gum pellets having a generally rectangular outer profile. As a result, the side wall regions of the tubular packets also have a generally rectangular outer profile when viewed in lateral cross section and define two pairs of opposed faces all of which are generally planar. However, this is not essential in all embodiments of the disclosure and the outer profile of the side wall region can vary depending on the shape of the products being packaged.

It will be appreciated that the packaging in the described examples is made from a laminated material, with the line of weakness formed in only one of the layers at any given position on the packaging. This means that the integrity of the packaging is maintained until it is first opened. The packaging in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-8 can be constructed using any of the materials and methods shown and described in relation to FIGS. 9-13.

It can be seen that the packaging provides a simple and cost effective packaging that is easy to open and which can be effectively re-closed.

The packaging, packaging blank, and methods described above can be applied to the packaging of any suitable products but is particularly suitable for use with consumable products, including confectionery products such as gum pellets, when arranged side-by-side in a stack.

Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1-48. (canceled)

49. Packaging comprising first and second layers coupled to one another, arranged with a built-in area of weakness at part of the first layer and exposed outside of the packaging, wherein the built-in areas of weakness is arranged such that breaking the first layer at the built-in area of weakness thereof enables the first layer to act on the second layer to unfold part of the second layer to thereby open the packaging.

50. The packaging of claim 49, wherein the built-in area of weakness comprises a discontinuity in the packaging

51. The packaging of claim 49, wherein the built-in area of weakness comprises a discontinuity in the first layer of the packaging.

52. The packaging of claim 49, wherein the built-in area of weakness comprises a discontinuity in coupling between the first layer and the second layer.

53. The packaging of claim 49, wherein the built-in area of weakness comprises one or more of: a laser score, a die cut, a scored area or a perforated area.

54. The packaging of claim 49, wherein the first layer is arranged to partially separate from the second layer on breaking of the first layer at the built-in area of weakness to form a tail, such that the tail that can be used to pull open and unfold the second layer to thereby open the packaging.

55. The packaging of claim 49, wherein the built-in area of weakness is arranged to cooperate with a coupling area over which the first and second layers are coupled to one another, such that partially separating the first layer from the second layer on breaking the first layer at the built-in area of weakness forms a tail from the separated portion of the first layer.

56. The packaging of claim 49, comprising an end wall and a side wall, wherein the side wall is folded over itself to form the end wall.

57. The packaging of claim 56, wherein the built-in area of weakness of the first layer runs around the outside of the packaging on the side wall, and extends on the outside of the packaging from the side wall to the intersection of the side wall and the end wall.

58. The packaging of claim 56, wherein the built-in area of weakness of the first layer does not extend beyond the front and side walls on the outside of the packaging.

59. The packaging of claim 56, wherein the built-in area of weakness of the first layer is folded into an end wall with material from the first and second layers.

60. The packaging of claim 56, wherein first and second ends of the built-in area of weakness of the first layer outside the packaging terminate at the intersection of a side wall and an end wall.

61. The packaging of claim 49, comprising a front face and a back face, side faces, and end faces, wherein a side wall forms the front, back and side faces and at least one end face is provided by folded portions of the side wall.

62. The packaging of claim 61, wherein the built-in area of weakness of the first layer extends from the front face onto the side faces.

63. The packaging of claim 61, wherein a first, and optionally a second end of the built-in area of weakness outside the packaging terminate(s) at the intersection of three faces, at a corner where the side, end and back faces meet.

64. The packaging of claim 49, wherein breaking the first layer at the built-in area of weakness forms a separable portion of the packaging.

65. The packaging of claim 49, arranged to enclose a stack of products in side-by-side arrangement.

66. The packaging of 49, comprising an end wall corresponding to dimensions of individual products stacked therein, and comprising one or more side walls corresponding to the length of the stack.

67. The packaging of claim 49, wherein the built-in area of weakness of the first layer and an area at which the first and second layers are not coupled to one another together form a frangible portion of the packaging exterior.

68. The packaging of claim 67, wherein the frangible portion is arranged to be broken by application of a pressing force to the outside of the packaging that provides friction along the side wall, by pressing into and along the side wall.

69. The packaging of claim 67, wherein the frangible portion is arranged such that the first layer, at the area where the first and second layers are not coupled to one another, can bundle up and/or turn inside out by continued application of the pressing force after breaking of the built-in area of weakness.

70. The packaging of claim 49, wherein part of the first layer, or of the first and second layers are arranged, on opening of the packaging, to form a chute by which product from within the packaging may be dispensed.

71. A method of opening packaging, the packaging comprising first and second layers coupled to one another, arranged with a built-in area of weakness at part of the first layer and exposed outside of the packaging, the method comprising breaking the first layer at the built-in area of weakness, then causing the first layer to act on the second layer to unfold part of the second layer to thereby open the packaging.

72. The method of claim 71, comprising forming a tail and pulling thereon to pull open and unfold the second layer, thereby opening the packaging.

73. The method of claim 71, performed with packaging comprising first and second layers coupled to one another, arranged with a built-in area of weakness at part of the first layer and exposed outside of the packaging, wherein the built-in areas of weakness is arranged such that breaking the first layer at the built-in area of weakness thereof enables the first layer to act on the second layer to unfold part of the second layer to thereby open the packaging.

74. A packaging blank comprising first and second layers coupled to one another, arranged with a built-in area of weakness at part of the first layer, wherein when formed as packaging around a product the built-in area of weakness lies in part of the first layer exposed outside of the packaging and the second layer within the packaging, such that breaking the first layer at the built-in area of weakness thereof enables the first layer to act on the second layer to unfold the second layer to open the packaging.

75. The packaging blank of claim 74, wherein the built-in area of weakness of the first layer runs across the packaging blank from one corner region thereof to another corner region thereof, the another corner region being non-diagonally opposed to the one corner region.

76. The packaging blank according to claim 74, in combination with an item or arrangement of items to be packaged.

77. A method of packaging, comprising: providing a packaging blank comprising first and second layers;providing a built-in area of weakness at part of the first layer; andforming the packaging blank around an item or arrangement of items to be packaged;

78. A package, packaging blank or method substantially as herein described, with reference to the accompanying FIGS. 2-16.