Europäisches Patentamt *EP000942880B1* (19) European Patent Office

Office européen des brevets (11) EP 0 942 880 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Date of publication and mention (51) Int Cl.7: B65D 85/10 of the grant of the patent: 17.01.2001 Bulletin 2001/03 (86) International application number: PCT/GB97/03184 (21) Application number: 97913303.0 (87) International publication number: (22) Date of filing: 19.11.1997 WO 98/22368 (28.05.1998 Gazette 1998/21)

(54) PACKAGING OF SMOKING ARTICLES VERPACKUNG FÜR RAUCHWAREN EMBALLAGE D’ARTICLES DE TABAC

(84) Designated Contracting States: (72) Inventors: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC • PARKER, Michael, Patrick NL PT SE Bedfordshire LU7 8BL (GB) Designated Extension States: • BATES, David, John LT LV RO Buckinghamshire MK18 3ER (GB)

(30) Priority: 21.11.1996 GB 9624274 (74) Representative: Walford, Margot Ruth et al 06.08.1997 GB 9716699 Patents Department 03.10.1997 GB 9721080 British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited R & D Centre (43) Date of publication of application: Regents Park Road 22.09.1999 Bulletin 1999/38 Southampton SO15 8TL (GB)

(73) Proprietor: British American Tobacco (56) References cited: (Investments) Limited GB-A- 789 627 GB-A- 1 514 174 London WC2R 3LA (GB) US-A- 1 755 579 US-A- 4 606 956 US-A- 4 720 423 US-A- 5 333 729

Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). EP 0 942 880 B1

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR) 1 EP 0 942 880 B1 2

Description parent plastic or of , to give protection to the pack-forming sheet and, if desired, barrier properties. [0001] This invention relates to the packaging of [0013] The barrier sheet is a barrier material such as smoking articles such as cigars, cigarillos and ciga- a metal foil/plastics laminate or a metallised plastics rettes. They will be referred to herein for brevity and clar- 5 film. It is sealed to form an enclosure around the charge ity as cigarettes. and frame which is as far as practical hermetic. Forma- [0002] Cigarette packs fall into two broad classes rigid tion of sealed seams in a wrapping or barrier layer, es- and soft. Soft packs are more common in the USA and pecially on the sides of a pack, is assisted by the pres- Japan. They are as the name implies formed essentially ence of the side panels (wings) of the inner frame which of soft sheet materials. Rigid packs, more frequently en- 10 abut against cigarettes of the charge and spread the countered in Europe, have an outer shell of card to con- pressure exerted by the sealer on them. This is espe- tain a charge of cigarettes. cially useful when the charge has different numbers of [0003] The rigid type allows for good protection of the cigarettes in different rows, as in a 7-6-7 array, when cigarettes and of any inner wrappings such as a barrier otherwise a channel would tend to be formed in the layer provided to hinder moisture ingress or escape, but 15 sides. they are quite complex in construction and assembly [0014] The pack will be provided with means for giving and can be a significant cost factor. access to the charge of cigarettes; there may be a tear [0004] Soft packs are simpler and cheaper but there strip around at least part of the pack circumference near is more risk of damage to the contents in transport or the end intended to be its top end so that part of the handling. 20 sheet may be wholly or more preferably only partly sep- [0005] The present invention proposes a new form of arated. In the latter the inner frame may include, packaging for cigarettes which may be described as integrally or separately, an internal -defining portion semi-rigid. to facilitate reclosure of the pack. [0006] In the prior art, various reinforcement or pro- [0015] Separation for the purpose of access may be tective sheets have been placed between a charge of 25 provided for, or assisted by, line(s) of weakening or par- cigarettes and an outer wrap. tial cuts in the pack-forming sheet. [0007] GB-A-2264483, for example, shows a folded [0016] A sealed enclosure may be resealable. In that cap of card placed over the vulnerable ends of a charge case, an access aperture is defined in the barrier layer of cigarettes. and a cover is provided which may extend over the ap- [0008] GB-A-1514174 has an inner liner with front and 30 erture and engage the barrier layer adjacent all sides of back panels linked through a base panel, and side pan- the aperture. The cover has a permanently tacky sur- els, forming an open-ended within an outer wrapper. face for engaging the barrier layer, allowing the packag- EP-A-633202 shows an external open-topped box into ing to be resealed after accessing the cigarettes through which a wrapped charge is inserted. the aperture. [0009] GB-A-918388 has a largely rigid box within a 35 [0017] The wrapper or barrier layer may be continu- wrapper but one side panel of the box is not secured as ous over one minor end of the pack or charge, and have in a conventional pack and can be depressed inwardly side seams along both minor sides of the pack and an so as to allow severance of the outer wrapper for access or similar fold over the opposite minor end. to the cigarettes. The layer need not be applied in that manner - it can [0010] US-A-1755579 has a frame around a charge 40 equally well be applied so as to be continuous over one of cigarettes that is overwrapped with tin foil or equiva- minor side and sealed over both minor ends and one lent. minor side. [0011] In the packaging of the invention a pack of cig- [0018] Various patterns of heat sealable portions of arettes has a frame of card or equivalent material with barrier layer, achieved by the application of glue, lacquer a major panel, two side wings and at least a partial end 45 or the like to the barrier material, can when heat-sealed flap placed adjacent a face, sides and at least part of at with each other or with the barrier material form an en- least one end, respectively of the charge of smoking ar- which is as near as possible hermetic. ticles, and a flexible barrier sheet wrapping the charge [0019] Furthermore, flavourant may be provided in and frame and sealed around them, as in GB-A- the permanently tacky used for resealing such 1514174 as far as a single end flap is concerned. In the 50 a barrier layer. Thus, a quantity of the flavourant will be invention, however, all of the sealed seams overlie at released each time the cigarettes are accessed. This least partly a part of the frame. contrasts with previously known systems (such as de- [0012] The frame is preferably open and may be scribed in US-A-5249676) which release only a single channel-like (that is, the side wings are not linked except burst of flavourant, on initial opening of the packaging. through a sole major panel) but will have at least partial 55 [0020] The flavourant is preferably micro-encapsulat- end flaps. There is usually no rigid shell outside the flex- ed, each action of disengaging the tacky surface from ible sheet, though the pack may have an outer wrap, the barrier layer causing a proportion of the micro-cap- outside the sealed barrier sheet, of for example a trans- sules to be ruptured, and so release their contents. US-

2 3 EP 0 942 880 B1 4

A-4720423, again relating to a one-off flavourant re- between the panels (producing sharp edges) or double lease system, describes how flavourant-bearing micro- folds (producing bevelled edges). Alternatively, the capsules may be incorporated into adhesive. sides of the frame may be rounded, for example to be [0021] By flavourant is meant any substance which used in a so-called "oval" pack. releases, produces, neutralises, masks or alters odours, 5 [0030] Furthermore, multiple charges, each within an for example a perfume or deodorant. inner frame, may be overwrapped together in a single [0022] Flavourant may alternatively or additionally be pack-forming sheet, to form a semi-rigid pack containing incorporated into an integer which is included inside the multiple charges. wrapping. The integer may be of a porous substance, [0031] Flavourant may be added to the packaging in for example a pad, a sheet or may be the card 10 the form of so-called "scratch and sniff" panels. That is, inner frame of a semi-rigid pack. the flavourant may be coated on the packaging in a form Alternatively, the flavourant may be encapsulated or in- (for example micro-encapsulated) which allows release cluded in a , the capsule or sachet being included of the flavourant when abraded. Such scratch and sniff within the packaging. panels are well known, for example in magazine adver- [0023] This flavourant may permeate the cigarettes 15 tisements for perfume. included within the packaging, so as to affect the taste [0032] Seams of the wrapper may be formed using or odour of smoke produced when smoking the ciga- glue or heat-sealable strips which are added to the rettes. A preferred such flavourant is menthol. wrapper, for example by being printed on. This finds par- [0024] Flavourant may be incorporated into both a re- ticular applicability when the wrapper is a metal/paper sealable adhesive layer (outside a barrier layer) and an 20 laminate or metallized paper. However, one or more ex- insert (inside the wrapping). The flavourants may be the ternal faces of a plastic laminate or foil may be of heat- same, so that their effects reinforce, or different, for ex- sealable material. ample to provide one flavour on opening the packaging [0033] In the drawings: and a different flavour in the cigarette. [0025] We also disclose an inner frame, particularly 25 Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment suitable for the resealable packaging of this invention. of pack in its closed condition; Such an inner frame has panels which are foldable rel- Figure 2 shows the pack open; ative to each other to form four at least partial faces of Figure 3 is a face view of a blank for an inner frame a cuboid including one major face, and additionally has of the embodiment; a flap or flaps which form(s) an incomplete fifth face of 30 Figure 4 is a top view of the frame folded to accom- the cuboid. modate a charge of cigarettes; [0026] In a preferred configuration, the frame has a Figure 5 is a face view of a sheet for overwrapping major panel, two elongate side wings and a (bottom) end the frame and cigarettes; panel, and two flaps. The long edges of the side wings Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views of a second and the end panel are the major edges and a minor35 embodiment in closed and open conditions respec- edge, respectively, of the major face. The flaps are at tively; the top ends of the side wings. Thus, upon folding, the Figures 8 and 9 are perspective views of a third em- frame forms a major face, two long side faces and a bot- bodiment in closed and open conditions respective- tom end face of a cuboid, with the flaps forming two parts ly; of an incomplete top end face. 40 Figures 10 and 11 are perspective views of a fourth [0027] It is preferable that the major face is not a com- embodiment in closed and open conditions respec- plete rectangle, but has a recess in the top edge. When tively; such a recess is present, it is further preferable that the Figure 12 shows an adhesive in position; end panel is shaped so that two blank, unfolded, frames Figure 13 shows a fifth embodiment of inner frame placed end-to-end tessellate (i.e. can lie next to each 45 according to the present invention, in an unfolded other without overlaps or gaps) thus minimizing the state; amount of material needed. Figure 14 shows the inner frame of Figure 13 in a [0028] When this inner frame is used in a resealable folded state; pack, the aperture in the barrier sheet through which cig- Figure 15 shows a second embodiment of cut blank arettes may be accessed preferably overlies the region 50 of barrier material; between the flap(s) and the recess in the major panel. Figure 16 shows a front view of the second embod- The flap(s), being supported on any cigarettes remain- iment when made up into a ; ing in the pack (because it is preferable that the length Figure 17 shows a top plan view of the second em- of the side edge is similar to that of the cigarettes), pro- bodiment when made up into a container, with a vide(s) an anvil which supports the barrier layer adjacent 55 small portion cut away; the aperture, allowing the adhesive cover to be pressed Figure 18 shows one side view of the second em- firmly against the barrier layer, to aid resealing. bodiment when made up into a container; [0029] Of course, inner frames may have single folds Figure 19 shows the other side view of the second

3 5 EP 0 942 880 B1 6

embodiment when made up into a container; be reclosed by tucking the lid of a flap 9 into the lip 8 of Figure 20 shows a third embodiment of cut blank of the barrier material formed by the removal of the tear barrier material; strip 2. Figure 21 shows a front view of the third embodi- [0039] Looking now in more detail at the structural el- ment when made up into a container; 5 ements of the pack, Figure 3 shows the blank for the Figure 22 shows a top plan view of the third embod- inner frame. The blank 10 has a central portion 11 which iment when made up into a container, with a small is to form a front panel and side wings 12 which are portion cut away; hingedly linked to the front panel and are to be folded at Figure 23 shows one side view of the third embod- right angles to it. Between the panels however is a dou- iment when made up into a container; 10 ble score line or line of weakening 13 and at the edge Figure 24 shows a second side view of the third em- of each wing a score line 14 which results in a confor- bodiment when made up into a container; mation best seen in Figure 4 with angled corners when Figure 25 shows heat-sealable areas on an inner the wings 12 are brought round to right angles to the face of a barrier blank; panel 11 and the inner frame forms a channel in which Figure 26 shows heat-sealable areas on an outer 15 a charge 15 of cigarettes, here twenty of them, is con- face of a barrier blank; tained. Figure 27 shows a sixth embodiment of inner frame; [0040] At the top of panel 11 a cut line 18 defines an Figure 28 shows a pack made up using the sixth end of the flap 9 of a lid-forming portion 7 of the blank embodiment; and 10. At the sides of the flap mutually inner lines 13 are Figure 29 shows the pack of Figure 28, opened. 20 continued as cut lines 19, but interruptions 20 in and between the cut lines ensure that the lid portion 7 re- [0034] In Figure 1 a sheet of flexible barrier material mains attached to the remainder of the blank until delib- such as a metal foil-laminated plastics or a metallized erately severed from it. Hinge panel 21 joins the flap 9 flexible plastics sheet has been overwrapped round an to an end panel 22 of the lid-forming portion 7, defined inner frame and a charge of cigarettes to form a pack of 25 by hinge line 17. cigarettes. It is heat sealed or otherwise permanently [0041] A sheet 24 of material which is to form the wrap sealed to itself to form a closed pack. It may be over- around the inner frame and its charge of cigarettes is wrapped by an outer soft layer such as cellophane or a seen in Figure 5. The sheet 24 is rectangular and when transparent plastics (not shown). brought around the inner frame and its charge of ciga- [0035] Near the top of the pack a reinforcing tear strip 30 rettes it will first fold at lines 26 at the front and back is secured inside the barrier material from one side respectively of the base of the inner frame with its seam 3 to the other (not shown) with a tab 2 left exposed charge. Then, folds are formed at the side of the base beyond seam 3 for handling by the user when he wishes by folding at positions 27 of the lines 25. Then it is folded to gain access to the cigarettes, having removed any along lines 25 to overlie the side wings 12 of the inner outer . Alternatively the tab 2 may have been 35 frame and form side seams 3. Diamond folds are formed protected by an adhesive patch, such as a coupon, label at its top 5 using the flaps beyond the tear strip 28 and or excise stamp. beyond fold line 29, and all overlapping parts are sealed [0036] Separation of the barrier material due to oper- together to form a hermetic enclosure. ation of the tear strip may, if necessary, be assisted by [0042] Lines 6 show the edges of tear strip 28 which lines of weakening 6 in the barrier material which should 40 underlies the sheet and offers the tab 2 already de- not however harm its barrier properties. For example a scribed. These edges may be followed by lines of weak- laser cut line may penetrate only part of the thickness ening or partial cuts in the material of the sheet 24. of the plastic of a metallized plastic sheet leaving the [0043] End panel 22 is heat-sealed, or otherwise per- metallization undisturbed. manently sealed, to the inner surface of the barrier ma- [0037] The folding of the sheet (the nature of which is 45 terial forming the top 5. Hinge-line 17 corresponds with described with reference to Figure 6) around the charge, the edge of the overlying portion of the sheet 24. and its folding 4 near the base of the pack and on its top [0044] To open the pack the user removes any outer surface 5 are operations readily carried out on, for ex- wrap or adhesive patch and pulls the tab 2 to remove ample, Molins HLP or Schemermund cigarette packag- the barrier material between lines 6 and side seams 3 ing machinery modified for the provision of an effectively 50 at the front of, and front portions of the sides of, the pack full-length inner frame, to allow for the presence of the 1. The end panel 22 remains attached to the inside sur- tear strip and to perform the requisite heat or other seal- face of the sheet 24 and, via remaining portions 30 of ing. the sides of the barrier layer of the pack, remains at- [0038] Figure 2 shows the pack after the tear strip has tached to the rest of the pack. The flap 9, whose lower been used to remove a strip of the barrier material. A lid 55 edge at cut line 18 lies below the lip 8 of material left portion of the frame remains attached in the pack by after the tear strip has been removed, can be folded up- bonding to the inside of the top surface 5 of the pack wardly and backwardly on the hinge panel 21, breaking and can be folded upwardly by the user. The pack can the discontinuities 20, to gain access to the cigarettes.

4 7 EP 0 942 880 B1 8

To reclose the flap 9 may be tucked into the lip again. gle, having a recess in its top edge. The bottom panel [0045] The embodiment in Figures 6 and 7 is a pack- is shaped to match the recess, so that, as can be seen age 31 having a single side seam 32 in the barrier ma- from Figure 13, two unfolded frames laid end-to-end terial wrapped around an inner frame 33. This mode of would tessellate. folding is performed, for example, on a GD machine. A 5 [0054] In the resealable semi-rigid pack the major tear strip 28' goes all the way round the package so that face forms the front of the pack, with the aperture for when tab 2' is pulled, the whole of the upper part of the cigarette access overlying the recess in the major face barrier material is removed, exposing the cigarettes 15 and the gap in the top face between the two flaps. The as seen in Figure 7, no lid portion being provided on the two flaps 112, when supported by cigarettes remaining inner frame blank. 10 in the pack, provide an anvil against which the adhesive [0046] Figures 8 and 9 show how a tear strip 28" may cover of the resealable barrier layer may be pressed to extend all around a pack having two side seams 3', as ensure good resealing. The length of the major edges in the first embodiment. Tear strip 28" has two compo- of the major face of the major panel 102 is similar to that nents, welded to each other in the region 34 upon the of the cigarettes to be contained, so that end cigarettes folding up and heat sealing of the barrier material. Upon 15 supported, and may be gently squeezed longitudinally severance by this tear strip the cigarettes 15 are pre- by, those flaps by virtue of the latter being wrapped by sented in the inner frame 33 as seen in Figure 9. the barrier layer. [0047] Figure 10 shows how a tear strip 28''' may ex- [0055] A flavourant-bearing integer can be included tend from one side to the other of a pack, the inner frame inside the barrier layer, for example a sachet, capsule, 34 of which does not have a lid portion. 20 scratch-pad or porous sheet. Alternatively the inner [0048] When the tear strip 28''' is pulled to sever a strip frame can be made of card on which is coated or in of the barrier material of the pack, the result is as shown which is included a flavourant, e.g. menthol. in Figure 11. The envelope folded top 5 of the pack re- [0056] Microcapsules bearing flavourant can be in- mains attached by its rear edge and part of its side edg- cluded in the permanently tacky adhesive of a reseala- es and can be folded along its major midline to give ac- 25 ble enclosure so that flavourant is released each time cess to the cigarettes 15 but retain some lid-like func- the cigarettes are accessed. A suitable adhesive is tion. In such embodiments one edge of the tear strip available from Sessions of York, Huntington Road, York should coincide with the edge of the top 5, otherwise YO3 9HS, England. folding of the top will involve distortion or tearing of the [0057] Figure 15 shows a cut blank for forming a bar- barrier material. 30 rier seal around a charge of smoking articles, usually [0049] Figure 12 shows how an adhesive patch such contained in an inner frame. This blank is generally ap- as a coupon, label or excise stamp 35 can be used to plicable in all the situations envisaged above and may protect the top 5 of the pack of, for example, the first or be made of any of the materials mentioned there, but fourth embodiment. A portion 36 of the patch goes down differs in that it is designed to be applied by folding over the side of the pack which has the tab 2 and covers 35 around one minor side edge of the charge and of any over that tab both to prevent accidental opening and to inner frame rather than around one minor end. provide a tamper-proof indicator. [0058] The blank 200 has major panels 201 and 202 [0050] Figures 13 and 14 show an inner frame usable which are respectively to be front and rear panels of the with any form of barrier layer but has the advantage for made-up package. An intermediate panel 203 will be a resealable enclosure of end flaps on the top face. 40 continuous around one of the minor side edges of the [0051] An inner frame 101 as shown in Figure 13 is charge. End panels 204 and 205 will overlie each other formed from a blank sheet of stiff card or similar foldable on the other of the side panels of the charge and will be material. A major panel 102, which is generally rectan- heat sealed together in a seam. gular, has elongate rectangular side wings 104 extend- [0059] To one edge of panels 201 to 205 are respec- ing from the two major edges 106, the long edges of the 45 tive end flaps 206 and 207 on the major panels and gus- side wings being co-extensive with the major edges 106. sets 208, 209 and 210 on the minor panels. First, end A generally rectangular end panel 108 extends from a panels 206 and 207 are folded in and gussets 208, 209 minor edge 110 (the "bottom" edge) of the major panel, and 210 are then folded out. The end panels and gus- the long edge of the end panel being co-extensive with sets are then sealed, usually, as with the side seam be- the bottom edge. At the top ends of the side wings are 50 tween panels 204 and 205, by heat sealing, and then small rectangular flaps 112, which are effectively con- the gussets are tucked to lie along the side panels, tinuations of the side wings, along the top edges 114 of where they may be tacked in position. the side wings. [0060] At the other edge of the panels 201 to 205 are [0052] Figure 14 shows the inner frame folded inward- other end flaps and gussets 211' to 214 respectively ly along lines 106, 110, 114, the panels and wings 102, 55 which correspond generally to flaps and gussets 206 to 104, 108 forming four faces of a cuboid, the flaps 112 210 but which, in flaps 211' and 211, are slit so as to forming two ends of an incomplete fifth face. form an openable access flap for the user of the eventual [0053] The major panel 102 is not a complete rectan- pack to gain access to its contents.

5 9 EP 0 942 880 B1 10

[0061] Flap 211' is interrupted by parallel cuts 215 sure formed by this blank around a charge of smoking which extend into the main front panel 201 to a narrow articles. Cuts 247 run parallel across flap 241 from bridge 216. A U-shape cut 217 extends from one bridge closely adjacent its free edge into the main panel 230 to to the other in the main panel 201. pips 248 from one to the other of which runs a U-shaped [0062] In end flap 211 parallel cuts 218 extend to the 5 cut 249 in the main panel. potential fold line which divides panel 202 from flap 211 [0073] On end flap 242 are J-shaped cuts 250 extend- being there brought round in a J form at 219. ing from near the free edge of the flap to its potential [0063] Adjacent to the extreme edge of the flap 211 fold line with panel 231, and leading to bridges 251 ad- are bridges 220 and beyond bridges 220 short final cuts jacent to which short cuts 252 lead to the free edge of 221 co-linear with cuts 218 and extending to the free 10 the flap. edge of the flap 211. [0074] Figure 21 shows a front view of the blank of [0064] Figure 16 shows how the main panel 201 and Figure 20 made up to a pack, and Figure 22 a top view the cuts 215 and 217 and bridges 216 may appear when where again it is to be noted that cuts 247 and 251 do the pack is made up. Of course, since the pack is re- not coincide, although in contrast to the fourth embodi- sealable the cuts will not be visible since they will be15 ment cuts 250 are further apart in their flap than cuts overlaid by the resealable permanently adhesive layer. 247 are. Again, the drawing has a small relief in flap 241 Furthermore, the pack may be contained within an outer so that the bridge 251 in cut 250 can be seen. of any suitable type and/or be overwrapped. [0075] Figure 23 shows the side seam 253 formed be- [0065] Figure 17 shows a top view of the barrier en- tween panels 233 and 234 and Figure 24 shows panel closure when made up around a charge, flap 211' having 20 232 on the other minor side of the charge. The clean been heat sealed in the region 222 over flap 211. It can effect on the sides can be noted, due to the formation be seen that the spacing apart of cuts 215 is slightly of folds only on the top and bottom minor ends of the greater than that of cuts 218 so that they do not coincide charge. in the made-up pack, there thus being continuity of bar- [0076] Further embodiments of barrier layer blank rier action. Flap 210 has been cut away somewhat to 25 258, 259 are seen in Figures 25 and 26. The outline of show the position of bridge 220 between cuts 218 and these is schematic only - they may, for example, be any 221. of the specific forms of blank described above where the [0066] Figure 18 shows a side seam heat sealed re- barrier is continuous over one minor end of the charge gion 223 between side flaps 204 and 205, with gussets and inner frame, and may have access-aperture defin- 209,210,213,214 forming grocer's folds 224,225 at the 30 ing lines or cuts. top and bottom ends of that minor edge of the pack. [0077] In Figures 25 and 26 major panels 260,261 are [0067] The opposite minor edge as seen in Figure 19 joined by base panel 262 and lead to top flaps 263,264. shows the continuity of the barrier material around it and Side and corner flaps 265 to 269 are along each side of folds 226,227 formed by gussets 208 and 212. the panels and flaps 260 to 264. [0068] In the third embodiment of blank 229 seen in 35 [0078] Cross-hatching shows areas 270 on the face Figures 20 to 24, different folding means are provided, (Figure 25) destined to be inner and 271 (Figure 26) on giving a cleaner effect to the side walls of the made-up the face destined to be outer in the made-up pack are pack but somewhat restricting the width available for the areas of heat-sealable lacquer or glue; alternatively formation of an access flap. heat-sealable areas of a plastics composition of the bar- [0069] In this embodiment of blank main panels 230 40 rier material itself complement each other to form a con- (Figure 20) and 231 are front and back panels respec- tinuous seal around all seams and folds of the sealed tively and are linked by side panel 232 which is to pass barrier enclosure. continuously round one minor side edge of the charge [0079] A sixth embodiment of the inner frame blank of smoking articles and any inner frame. In the made- 10' is seen in Figure 27. It has similarities to that of Fig- up pack panels 233 and 234 overlap and are sealed to 45 ure 3 and for that reason like reference numbers will be each other on the opposite minor side edge. used, primed (') where there are differences. [0070] End flaps 235 to 239 are respectively joined to [0080] Top panel 21' is extended in comparison with panels 230 to 234 with potential fold lines being indicat- panel 21, to have a width similar to the front-to-back ed in dotted lines. In particular, diagonal fold lines 240 depth of the charge of smoking articles 15 to be pack- interrupt the more major of the end flaps, namely flaps 50 aged, and end panel 22' is to lie behind the charge 15. 235 and 236. So that blanks may be cut without waste from a web of [0071] At the other edge of the main panels 230 to card, front panels 11' is correspondingly shortened. 234 are end flaps 241 to 245 respectively corresponding [0081] The pack is made up as before, as seen in Fig- generally to flaps 235 to 239, and with fold lines 246 ure 28. The end panel 22' is heat-sealed to the barrier corresponding generally to fold lines 240. 55 layer only at its portion which lies below tear strip 2 - see [0072] However, as in the second embodiment, the the corresponding hatched portion of end panel 22' in major end flaps 241 and 242 are interrupted by cut lines Figure 27. When the tear strip 2, extending around the which are to define an access flap into a sealed enclo- whole periphery of the pack, is pulled the whole of the

6 11 EP 0 942 880 B1 12 top of the barrier material wrapping may be removed; 9. A pack according to claim 8 wherein the permanent- the user then presses the front flap 9 inwardly to break ly tacky adhesive includes microcapsules of a fla- the interruption 20, and can then lift that flap and top vourant. panel 21' as a lid hinged on the end panel 22', as seen in Figure 29. Since the line of cut 18' is below the lower 5 10. A pack according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the edge of the tear strip 2, an edge portion of the front flap frame (10,10',101) surrounds two minor sides, at 9 may be tucked into the remaining barrier material at least one end and only one major face of a cuboid the front of the pack, to reclose the pack. said charge (15) of smoking articles.

10 11. A pack according to claim 10 wherein the two side Claims wings (12,104) of the frame are attached by one edge to the major panel (11,11',102), the opposite 1. A pack of smoking articles having a frame (10,10', edge of each side flap being free. 101) with a major panel (11,11',102), two side wings (12,104) and at least a partial end flap (21/22, 21'/ 15 12. A pack according to claim 10 or claim 11 wherein 22', 108, 112) placed adjacent a face, sides and at the frame (101) overlies both ends of the charge least part of at least one end, respectively, of a (15), with a base flap (108) to surround a base of charge (15) of smoking articles, and a flexible bar- the charge and top flaps (112) only partially sur- rier sheet (24,200,229,258,259) wrapping the rounding a top of the charge. charge and frame and forming a sealed enclosure 20 around them by virtue of sealed seams character- 13. A pack according to claim 11 or claim 12 wherein ized in that all of the sealed seams overlie at least each of the side wings (104) and end flaps (108,112) partly a part (12, 21/22, 21'/22', 104, 112) of the is attached through only one edge. frame. 25 14. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims 2. A pack according to claim 1 wherein a said end flap wherein the charge (15) is a 7-6-7 charge of ciga- is a base flap (108) below the bottom of the charge. rettes.

3. A pack according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein a 15. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims said end flap consists of top flaps (112) extending 30 which includes a flavourant. only partially over the top of the charge. 16. A pack according to claim 15 wherein the flavourant 4. A pack according to claim 2 wherein the base flap is borne by the frame (10, 10', 101). (108) and side wings (104) are hingedly linked to respective edges of the major panel (102) and top 35 17. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims flaps (112) extending only partially over the top of wherein a top end flap (21/22, 21'/22'), where pro- the charge are respectively hingedly linked to the vided, is at least partly removable from the frame side wings (104). (10, 10').

5. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims 40 18. A method of making a pack of smoking articles wherein the said major panel (102) is the only major which includes placing around a charge of smoking panel. articles a frame with a major panel, two side flaps and at least a partial end flap, in such a way that the 6. A pack according to claim 5 wherein free edges of major panel, side flaps and end flap are placed the side wings (12,104) remote from the major pan- 45 abutting a face, sides and at leat part of at least one el (11,11',102) form edges of the frame. end, respectively, of the charge, enwrapping the charge and frame with a flexible barrier sheet and 7. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims forming a sealed enclosure around the charge and wherein the barrier sheet (200,229) has a reseala- frame by pressing portions of the flexible barrier ble access aperture (211, 211', 241, 242). 50 sheet together by a sealer to form seams which seams each overlie at least in part a respective part 8. A pack according to claim 7 wherein the resealable of the frame, the frame spreading the pressure ex- access aperture (211, 211', 241, 242) is covered by erted by the sealer on the smoking articles in the a cover layer having edge portions overlapping the formation of at least part of all of the seams. barrier material surrounding the access aperture, 55 with a permanently tacky adhesive on said edge 19. A method according to claim 18 wherein a fold in portions. the barrier material is formed and sealed together over the at least partial end flap(s).

7 13 EP 0 942 880 B1 14

Patentansprüche klebrige Klebstoff Mikrokapseln eines Flavormittels enthält. 1. Päckchen für Rauchwaren mit einer Zarge (10, 10', 101) mit einer Hauptfläche (11, 11', 102), zwei Sei- 10. Päckchen nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei die Zarge tenlaschen (12, 104) und wenigstens einer teilwei- 5 (10, 10', 101) zwei kleinere Seiten, wenigstens ein sen Stirn- bzw. Endlasche (21/22, 21'/22', 108, Ende und nur eine größere Fläche eines Quaders 112), die in der Nähe einer Fläche, von Seiten bzw. aus der Füllung (15) der Rauchwaren umgibt. wenigstens zum Teil wenigstens eines Endes einer Füllung (15) von Rauchwaren angeordnet sind, und 11. Päckchen nach Anspruch 10, wobei die beiden Sei- mit einem flexiblen Sperr- bzw. Schutz-Flächenge- 10 tenlaschen (12, 104) der Zarge durch eine Kante an bildet/Blatt (24, 200, 229, 258, 259), das um die Fül- der Hauptfläche (11, 11', 102) angebracht sind, lung und die Zarge gewickelt ist bzw. diese umhüllt während die gegenüberliegende Kante jeder Sei- und dank versiegelter Nähte eine abgedichtete/ver- tenklappe frei ist. siegelte Umhüllung um sie bildet, dadurch gekenn- zeichnet, dass alle versiegelten Nähte wenigstens 15 12. Päckchen nach Anspruch 10 oder Anspruch 11, wo- teilweise über einem Teil (12, 21/22, 21'/22', 104, bei die Zarge (101) über beiden Enden der Füllung 112) der Zarge liegen. (15) liegt, mit einer Basislasche (108), um eine Ba- sis der Füllung zu umgeben, und mit Ober- bzw. 2. Päckchen nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Stirnlasche Top-Laschen (112), die ein oberes Ende der Füllung eine Basis-Lasche (108) unter dem Boden der Fül- 20 nur teilweise umgeben. lung ist. 13. Päckchen nach Anspruch 11 oder 12, wobei jede 3. Päckchen nach Anspruch 1 oder Anspruch 2, wobei der Seitenlaschen (4) und End- bzw. Stirn-Laschen eine Stirnlasche aus Ober-Laschen (112) besteht, (108, 112) durch nur eine Kante befestigt ist. die sich nur teilweise über das obere Ende der Fül- 25 lung erstrecken. 14. Päckchen nach einem der vorhergehenden An- sprüche, wobei die Füllung (15) eine 7-6-7 Füllung 4. Päckchen nach Anspruch 2, wobei die Basislasche von Cigaretten ist. (108) und die Seitenlaschen (104) an die jeweiligen Kanten der Hauptfläche (102) angelenkt sind, und 30 15. Päckchen nach einem der vorhergehenden An- wobei Ober- bzw. Top-Laschen (112), die sich nur sprüche, das ein Flavormittel enthält. teilweise über das obere Ende der Füllung erstrek- ken, jeweils gelenkig mit den Seitenlaschen (104) 16. Päckchen nach Anspruch 15, wobei das Flavormit- verbunden sind. tel durch die Zarge (10, 10', 101) getragen wird. 35 5. Päckchen nach einem der vorhergehenden An- 17. Päckchen nach einem der vorhergehenden An- sprüche, wobei die Hauptfläche (102) die einzige sprüche, wobei eine Ober- bzw. Top-Stirnlasche Hauptfläche ist. (21/22, 21'/22'), wo vorgesehen, wenigstens teil- weise von der Zarge (10, 10') entfernbar ist. 6. Päckchen nach Anspruch 5, wobei die freien Kan- 40 ten der Seitenlaschen (12, 104) entfernt von der 18. Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Päckchens von Hauptfläche (11, 11', 102) die Kanten der Zarge bil- Rauchwaren mit den Schritten: Anordnen einer Zar- den. ge mit einer Hauptfläche, zwei Seiten-Laschen bzw. -Klappen und wenigstens einer teilweisen End- 7. Päckchen nach einem der vorhergehenden An-45 bzw. Stirnklappe rund um eine Füllung von Rauch- sprüche, wobei das Sperrblatt (200, 299) eine wie- waren in der Weise, dass die Hauptfläche, die Sei- derversiegelbare Zugangsöffnung (211, 211', 241, ten-Laschen bzw. -Klappen und die Stirnlasche sich 242) hat. in einer solchen Lage befinden, dass sie an einer Fläche, an den Seiten bzw. wenigstens einem Teil 8. Päckchen nach Anspruch 7, wobei die wiederver- 50 wenigstens eines Endes der Füllung anliegen, Um- siegelbare Zugangsöffnung (211, 211', 241, 242) wickeln der Füllung und der Zarge mit einem flexi- durch eine Abdeckschicht mit Kantenbereichen be- blen Sperr- bzw. Schutz-Flächengebilde/Blatt, und deckt ist, die das die Zugangsöffnung umgebende Ausbilden einer abgedichteten bzw. versiegelten Sperrmaterial überlappen, und zwar mit einem per- Umhüllung rund um die Füllung und die Zarge durch manent klebrigen Klebstoff auf den Kantenberei- 55 Zusammendrücken von Bereichen des flexiblen chen. Schutzblattes durch eine Versiegelungseinrich- tung, um Nähte zu bilden, die wenigstens zum Teil 9. Päckchen nach Anspruch 8, wobei der permanent über einem jeweiligen bzw. zugeordneten Teil der

8 15 EP 0 942 880 B1 16

Zarge liegen, wobei die Zarge den durch die Ver- 8. Paquet selon la revendication 7, dans lequel siegelungseinrichtung auf die Rauchwaren ausge- l'ouverture d'accès pouvant être refermée de ma- übten Druck bei der Ausbildung wenigstens eines nière étanche (211, 211' ; 241, 242) est recouverte Teils aller Nähte verbreitet bzw. verteilt. par une couche de couvercle ayant des parties de 5 bord sus-jacentes au matériau formant barrière en- 19. Verfahren nach Anspruch 18, wobei eine Falte in tourant l'ouverture d'accès, un adhésif collant en dem Sperrmaterial über der bzw. den wenigstens permanence étant situé sur lesdites parties de bord. teilweisen Stirn- bzw. End-Lasche(n) ausgebildet und zusammen damit versiegelt wird. 9. Paquet selon la revendication 8, dans lequel l'ad- 10 hésif collant en permanence comporte des micro- capsules d'un produit aromatisant. Revendications 10. Paquet selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel 1. Paquet d'articles à fumer ayant un cadre (10 ; 10' ; le cadre (10 ; 10'; 101) entoure deux petits côtés, 101) ayant un grand panneau (11 ; 11' ; 102), deux 15 au moins une extrémité et une seule grande face ailes latérales (12 ; 104) et au moins un volet d'ex- d'un parallélépipède rectangle constitué de ladite trémité partielle (21, 22 ; 21', 22' ; 108, 112) placé charge (15) d'articles à fumer. adjacent à une face, aux côtés et à au moins une partie d'au moins une extrémité, respectivement, 11. Paquet selon la revendication 10, dans lequel les d'une charge (15) d'articles à fumer, et une feuille 20 deux ailes latérales (12 ; 104) du cadre sont reliées formant barrière souple (24 ; 200 ; 229 ; 258 ; 259) par un bord au grand panneau (11 ; 11' ; 102), le enrobant la charge et le cadre et formant une en- bord opposé de chaque volet latéral étant libre. ceinte étanche autour de ceux-ci du fait de joints étanches, caractérisé en ce que tous les joints étan- 12. Paquet selon la revendication 10 ou 11, dans lequel ches sont sus-jacents au moins partiellement à une 25 le cadre (101) recouvre les deux extrémités de la partie du cadre (2 ; 21, 22 ; 21', 22 ; 104, 112). charge (15), en ayant un volet de base (108) destiné à entourer une base de la charge et des volets su- 2. Paquet selon la revendication 1, dans lequel un vo- périeurs (112) entourant uniquement partiellement let d'extrémité est un volet de base (108) situé en une partie supérieur de la charge. dessous de la partie inférieure de la charge. 30 13. Paquet selon la revendication 11 ou 12, dans lequel 3. Paquet selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel chacune des ailes latérales (104) et des volets d'ex- le volet d'extrémité est constitué de volets supé- trémité (108, 112) est reliée par l'intermédiaire d'un rieurs (112) s'étendant uniquement partiellement seul bord. au-dessus de la partie supérieure de la charge. 35 14. Paquet selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4. Paquet selon la revendication 2, dans lequel le volet précédentes, dans lequel la charge (15) est une de base (108) et les ailes latérales (104) sont reliés charge de cigarettes du type 7-6-7. de manière articulée à des bords respectifs du grand panneau (102), et des volets supérieurs (112) 40 15. Paquet selon l'une quelconque des revendications s'étendant uniquement partiellement au-dessus de précédentes, qui comporte un produit aromatisant. la partie supérieure de la charge sont respective- ment reliés de manière articulée aux ailes latérales 16. Paquet selon la revendication 15, dans lequel le (104). produit aromatisant est supporté par le cadre (10 ; 45 10' ; 101). 5. Paquet selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit grand panneau (102) 17. Paquet selon l'une quelconque des revendications est le seul grand panneau. précédentes, dans lequel un volet d'extrémité su- périeur (21, 22 ; 21', 22'), lorsqu'il est agencé, peut 6. Paquet selon la revendication 5, dans lequel les50 au moins partiellement être enlevé du cadre (10 ; bords libres des ailes latérales (12 ; 104) éloignés 10'). du grand panneau (11 ; 11' ; 102) forment des bords du cadre. 18. Procédé de fabrication d'un paquet d'articles à fu- mer qui consiste à placer autour d'une charge d'ar- 7. Paquet selon l'une quelconque des revendications 55 ticles à fumer un cadre ayant un grand panneau, précédentes, dans lequel la feuille formant barrière deux volets latéraux et au moins un volet d'extrémi- (200 ; 229) a une ouverture d'accès pouvant être té partielle, de manière telle que le grand panneau, refermée de manière étanche (211, 211' ; 241, 242). les volets latéraux et le volet d'extrémité sont placés

9 17 EP 0 942 880 B1 18

en butée contre une face, les côtés et au moins une partie d'au moins une extrémité, respectivement, de la charge, à envelopper la charge et le cadre à l'aide d'une feuille formant barrière souple et à former une enceinte étanche autour de la charge et du cadre 5 en appuyant ensemble des parties de la feuille for- mant barrière souple par un dispositif d'étanchéifi- cation pour former des joints, lesquels joints recou- vrent chacun au moins en partie une partie respec- tive du cadre, le cadre répartissant la pression exer- 10 cée par le dispositif d'étanchéification sur les arti- cles à fumer lors de la formation d'au moins une par- tie de tous les joints.

19. Procédé selon la revendication 18, dans lequel un 15 pli dans le matériau formant barrière est formé et réuni de manière étanche sur le ou les volets d'ex- trémité au moins partielle.

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

10 EP 0 942 880 B1

11 EP 0 942 880 B1

12 EP 0 942 880 B1

13 EP 0 942 880 B1

14 EP 0 942 880 B1

15 EP 0 942 880 B1

16 EP 0 942 880 B1

17 EP 0 942 880 B1

18 EP 0 942 880 B1

19 EP 0 942 880 B1

20 EP 0 942 880 B1

21 EP 0 942 880 B1

22 EP 0 942 880 B1

23