Packaging assembly

Abstract

A package assembly (1) comprising a package (2) containing an elongate product (3) extending between a product first end (3a) and a product second end (3b) to thereby define an elongate axis, the package (2) comprising a continuous sheet of material (5) having a first end portion (5a) and a second end portion (5b), a first side portion (5c) and a second side portion (5d), the first and second side portions each extend in the direction of the elongate axis and between a first end portion (5a) and a second end portion (5b), where the sheet of material (5) is folded around the product (3) and facing portions of the first side portion (5c) are fixed to each other and facing portions of the second side portion (5d) are fixed to each other, and the first end portion (5a) and the second end portion (5b) are fixed or sealed together to provide an openable seal at a location between the product first end (3a) and the product second end (3b) on the intended front face of the packaging assembly (1) and transverse to the elongate axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to packaging and particularly, but not exclusively, to packaging assemblies for food products and more particularly to packaging assemblies for confectionery products such as chocolate. Background Art

[0002] It is known to package food (including sweet products, such as chocolate and other sweet and snack-type products) in a package formed from a length of flexible film-like material. The film-like material has an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface facing the food product. Typically, the outer surface is printed with information for the consumer, such as branding and nutritional information.

[0003] For snacks, chocolate bars and other sweets, it is known to provide packaging using flow wrapping technology (also known as "fin seal wrapping" and "horizontal bagging"). Such technology allows the product to be wrapped in a plastic film that features curled end seals and an additional seal extending between the two end seals, which three seals secure the product within the package. The additional seal is usually located on the intended back of the product to ensure that the consumer can see the desired branding or other information on the intended front of the package.

[0004] For elongated products (e.g., chocolate bars), a film is typically provided that is fed in the running direction. The flow wrapper secures the ends of the film together to form a seal extending in the running direction (commonly referred to as a fin seal) to form a tubular structure. The product is then introduced into the tubular structure, typically with the elongated axis of the product extending in the same direction as the seal. Transverse seals are then formed in the tubular structure at either end of the product, thereby enclosing the product within the package. As described above, the elongated seal is formed on the back of the package so as not to obscure the brand mark or other desired information on the intended front side.

[0005] Although flow wrap is very popular, it is not suitable for resealing due to the nature of many seals and packaging materials. That is, once the package is opened, it cannot be resealed. While this may not be a significant problem for individual serving sizes of edibles, it is undesirable for products that are provided in a form larger than a serving size.

[0006] Further, when the flow wrapped product is opened, it is often the case that the package is torn apart and sometimes separated into two or more parts. This, together with the presence of an additional elongated seam extending between the curled ends, has inhibited the use of the inner surface of the package for additional messaging, such as further branding, competitive information or other useful and / or desired messaging.

[0007] Some edibles (e.g., chocolate products) are sold in a form larger than a portion size, meaning that the chocolate in the package is not intended for one-time consumption by an individual, but is intended for multiple consumption and / or is intended to be shared by multiple individuals. For convenience, such chocolate products can be provided in the form of a sheet that is divided into rows and columns of individual portions that can be separated from each other along a breakable line to allow a consumer to separate one or more portions (e.g., a row or column of these portions) from the remainder (these can be considered as "portion control features" of the product). For example, a chocolate product can be provided in an array of 4 columns and 9 rows in the form of a sheet to produce 36 individual portions. For example, a consumer can separate a row of four portions from a sheet for one-time consumption. In the case of a chocolate product, these features can be formed by molded chocolate.

[0008] It is known to package such edibles using the aforementioned flow wrapping technology, or to provide such packaging in which the chocolate is wrapped in a paper or paper / foil laminate sleeve which can then be secured in place with a tubular overwrap. The second method does allow for an element of resealability, as long as the paper sleeve can be folded around the remainder of the product and the inside of the sleeve can be used for branding, etc. However, the use of two materials (sleeve and overwrap) is inefficient and brings additional processing steps. Further, even when a sleeve is used without an overwrap, the engagement point of the sleeve is at the back of the product (to allow for the desired branding on the expected front), which means that the consumer opens the package and sees the back of the product. This limits the visual impact of the product, which is usually designed to visually stimulate or inform the consumer.

[0009] Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a package that is capable of being resealable while also providing a possible location for additional branding or other messaging.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, it would be advantageous to have a package that allows a consumer to see the intended front of the packaged product when opened.

[0011] It would be particularly advantageous to have a package that, once opened, reveals a portion or portion-sized amount of a product, particularly a product with a portion control feature. Summary of the invention

[0012] A first aspect of the present invention provides a packaging assembly comprising a package for accommodating an elongated product (e.g., an elongated food, such as a confectionery product, e.g., a chocolate bar), the elongated product extending between a first end of the product and a second end of the product to thereby define an elongated axis, the package comprising a continuous sheet of material having a first end portion and a second end portion, a first side portion and a second side portion, the first side portion and the second side portion each extending in the direction of the elongated axis and between the first end portion and the second end portion, wherein the sheet of material is folded around the product and the facing portions of the first side portion are fixed to each other and the facing portions of the second side portion are fixed to each other, and the first end portion and the second end portion are fixed or sealed together to provide an openable seal at a position between the first end of the product and the second end of the product, preferably on the intended front side of the packaging assembly and transverse to the elongated axis.

[0013] A second aspect of the present invention provides a packaging component, which includes a package for containing a product, the product extending between a first end of the product and a second end of the product, the package including a continuous sheet of flexible material, the flexible material sheet having a first end portion and a second end portion, a first side portion and a second side portion, the first side portion and the second side portion each extending in the direction of the slender axis and between the first end portion and the second end portion, wherein the flexible material sheet is folded around the product, and the facing portions of the first side portion are fixed to each other, and the facing portions of the second side portion are fixed to each other with an adhesive or heat seal that can be opened and / or resealed, and the first end portion and the second end portion are fixed or sealed together to provide an openable and resealable seal.

[0014] Preferably, the openable and resealable seal is disposed at a position between the product first end and the product second end. Preferably, the openable and resealable seal is disposed on the intended front face of the packaging assembly. Preferably, the product is elongated, the product having an elongated axis extending between the product first end and the product second end. Preferably, the openable and resealable seal extends transversely to the elongated axis.

[0015] Advantageously, the feature of an openable and resealable seal extending transversely to the elongated axis of the product provides a more intuitive opening and closing for the consumer.

[0016] The product may be in block form, for example, the product may be block-shaped. The product may be in substantially cubic (eg, cuboid) form.

[0017] The product may include an intended front face and an opposite back face. The front face and / or back face may not contact the seal parallel to the elongated axis of the product.

[0018] Preferably, the transverse seal is offset from the midpoint of the product, which midpoint is half the distance between the first end of the product and the second end of the product. For example, the transverse seal may be positioned towards the first end of the product or towards the second end of the product.

[0019] Preferably, the elongate product is located within the package such that a front face of the elongate product is adjacent the openable seal.

[0020] Advantageously, the packaging assembly is openable at the openable seal to reveal at least one portion of the product.

[0021] Beneficially, when a removable seal is provided on the intended front side of the packaging component (which intended front side may generally be indicated by the type, form or prominence of the brand marking information), the consumer is able to view at least a portion of the intended front side of the product when the removable seal is opened, thereby providing a new and different visual impact to the consumer.

[0022] In addition, in the case of elongated products and transversely openable seals, the openable seals can be positioned to reveal the desired portion of the product when opened. For example, if the product is a chocolate bar, and the chocolate bar is formed into a sheet of multiple rows and columns comprising a single portion, for example, the package can be openable to reveal one or more rows or one or more columns of the single portion. One or more of the single portions in the single portion can be marked or otherwise identified, or can be arranged to produce a visual impact on the consumer. For example, the package can be openable to reveal a single portion, or a single row or single column of a single portion. This can contribute to portion control, thereby providing health benefits to consumers.

[0023] The packaging assembly may include a first side and a second side. The first side and the second side may extend between the first end and the second end of the packaging assembly, and the seal may be opened between the first end and the second end. The first end and the second end of the packaging assembly may be provided by a fold in a continuous sheet of material. The packaging assembly may include a first fold at the first product end or adjacent to the first product end. The packaging assembly may include a second fold at the second product end or adjacent to the second product end. The first fold may represent the first end of the packaging assembly. The second fold may represent the second end of the packaging assembly.

[0024] The package does not comprise a seal extending from the first end portion to the second end portion. Advantageously, this means that the entire inner surface of the package is available for providing markings as long as an elongated seal (such as a flow seal) does not provide an interruption in the main surface of the package.

[0025] Preferably, the releasable seal extends from a first side to a second side of the packaging assembly.

[0026] The releasable seal may be reclosable. The releasable seal may be opened by a consumer with one hand. The releasable seal may be positioned towards the first end of the product.

[0027] Preferably, the first end portion and the second end portion are sealed together using an adhesive. The adhesive can be a pressure sensitive adhesive, such as a cold seal adhesive, which can be used to reseal the first end portion at least partially to the second end portion during use. For example, a self-adhesive thermoplastic material can be used, which adheres to each other when moderate pressure is applied. In some embodiments, the adhesive (e.g., a pressure sensitive adhesive) is a polyurethane or latex adhesive.

[0028] One or both of the first end portion and the second end portion may be provided with an adhesive.

[0029] The first end portion and the second end portion are preferably secured or sealed together using a fin seal (also referred to as a "folded seam") or a lap seal (preferably a fin seal).

[0030] In one embodiment, the first end portion or the second end portion can be folded back on itself to form a foldback. The uppermost surface of the foldback may be provided with an adhesive. The foldback may be fixed to the facing portion of the first end portion or the second end portion, respectively. For example, a first peripheral portion of the foldback adjacent to or close to the first side portion may be fixed to the facing portion of the second end portion. Additionally or alternatively, a second peripheral portion of the foldback adjacent to or close to the second side portion may be fixed to the facing portion of the second end portion.

[0031] The first end portion of the sheet has a distal end. The first portion distal end may be shaped to provide a grip tab. The first portion distal end may include a curved portion or a non-curved portion, for example, the first portion distal end may extend perpendicularly to the first side portion and / or the second side portion.

[0032] The second end portion of the sheet has a distal end. The second portion distal end may be shaped to provide a grip tab. The second portion distal end may include a curved portion or a non-curved portion, for example, the second portion distal end may extend perpendicular to the first side portion and / or the second side portion. The second portion distal end may be shaped in a complementary manner to the first portion distal end.

[0033] At least a portion of the distal end of the first end portion may protrude beyond at least a portion of the distal end of the second end portion.

[0034] Advantageously, the at least a portion of the distal end of the first end portion, which may protrude beyond the at least a portion of the distal end of the second end portion, may provide a grip for a user. The distal end of the first end portion may be free of adhesive and / or may extend beyond an adhesive used to secure the first end portion to the second end portion.

[0035] In one embodiment, the at least a portion of the distal end of the first end portion that may protrude beyond the at least a portion of the distal end of the second end portion may be formed as a gripping tab that extends only halfway along the first end portion. Alternatively, the entire distal end of the first portion may protrude beyond the at least a portion of the distal end of the second end portion. The distal end of the first end portion may protrude beyond the at least a portion of the distal end of the second end portion by a length of 2 mm to 10 mm, for example, one of 2 mm to 9 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm, 6 mm, 5 mm, 4 mm, 3 mm. In one embodiment, we have found that a protrusion length of 2 mm to 5 mm is sufficient.

[0036] At least a portion of the first end portion and / or at least a portion of the second end portion may include a frangible portion, such as a portion represented by a weakened line. The frangible portion may be arranged to separate from the remainder of the corresponding end portion when the openable seal is opened, thereby providing a tamper-evident feature. The frangible portion may be positioned toward the midpoint of the first end portion and / or the second end portion or positioned near the midpoint. If both the first end portion and the second end portion include a frangible portion, then before opening the openable seal, these frangible portions may not be aligned. The frangible portion or each frangible portion may be formed by laser or other techniques known to those skilled in the art.

[0037] The first side portion and the second side portion may extend in a parallel relationship.

[0038] Preferably, the main part (for example, whole first part) of the first side portion and the corresponding part (for example, whole second part) of the first side portion are in facing relationship, to form the first side of the packaging assembly.The first part and the second part of the first side portion in facing relationship, for example, use adhesive or use heat seal preferably fixed or sealed together.One or both of the first part and the second part of the first side portion can be with adhesive.Adhesive can extend along at least a portion of the first part and / or the second part of the first side portion.Preferably, the first part and the second part both comprise adhesive.

[0039] The adhesive may be a pressure sensitive adhesive. The adhesive may be used to at least partially reseal the packaging assembly. The adhesive may be used to open and reseal the packaging assembly multiple times.

[0040] Preferably, the main part (for example, whole first part) of the second side portion and the corresponding part (for example, whole second part) of the second side portion are in facing relationship, to form the second side of the packaging assembly.The first part and the second part of the second side portion in facing relationship are preferably fixed or sealed together using adhesive or using heat sealing.One or both of the first part and the second part of the second side portion can be with adhesive.Adhesive can extend along at least a portion of the first part and / or the second part of the second side portion.Preferably, the first part and the second part both comprise adhesive.

[0041] The or each adhesive may be a pressure sensitive adhesive. The adhesive may be used to at least partially reseal the packaging assembly. The adhesive may be used to open and reseal the packaging assembly multiple times.

[0042] Thus, the packaging assembly can be opened and resealed multiple times.

[0043] The adhesive arranged on the first side portion and / or the second side portion may have a bond strength that varies along its length, for example, the adhesive may include a first region of higher bond strength and a second region of lower bond strength, and / or the adhesive may include a region of relatively high bond strength interspersed with a region of relatively low bond strength, or vice versa. Advantageously, providing a region of high and low bond strength may allow the opening of the packaging assembly to be indicated, for example, corresponding to the portion of the product.

[0044] The adhesive disposed on the first side portion and / or the second side portion may be the same as or different from the adhesive used to seal the first end portion and the second end portion together.

[0045] With the packaging assembly sealed at the first and second end portions and the first and second sides sealed, the product is securely retained within the package.

[0046] In use, the first side portion and the second side portion may be rolled up on themselves or folded back to reveal more of the product.

[0047] The package can be at least partially flattened or flattenable, for example by folding around the first fold and / or the second fold. Therefore, the package can partially or completely expose the product and / or be used as a shallow tray for the product.

[0048] The package may have an inner surface for facing the product and an outer surface.

[0049] The interior surface may include branding or other written or drawn messages or indicia.

[0050] Advantageously, because the package can be folded flat, the entire interior surface of the package can be used for a graphical or textual message.

[0051] Advantageously, because the packaging assembly is configured as described above, the entire inner surface of the sheet material is available for displaying text or visual indicia. Therefore, because there is no elongated seam extending from one end to the other along the middle of the package, the inner surface provides an uninterrupted canvas for displaying text and visual indicia.

[0052] The continuous sheet of material may be formed of a flexible material (e.g., a thin flexible material). The continuous sheet of material may be formed of a plastic material or a paper-based material. If the sheet is formed of a plastic material, it may include at least a portion of recycled material. For example, the sheet may contain polypropylene, preferably at least a portion of recycled polypropylene, such as chemically recycled polypropylene. The sheet material may be paper-based. The inner and / or outer surfaces of the sheet may be coated.

[0053] Because the packages of the present invention can be formed from sustainably sourced materials, such as paper or chemically recycled flexible plastics, the packages can achieve improved sustainability over existing packaging.

[0054] Another aspect of the present invention provides a sheet material for forming an elongated package, the sheet material comprising a first end portion, a second end portion, a first side portion and a second side portion, a main axis extending between the first end portion and the second end portion, a product receiving portion located between the first end portion and the second end portion, and the product receiving portion is located between a first nominal folding line or an actual folding line and a second nominal folding line or a second actual folding line, wherein both the first end portion and the second end portion are shorter than the length of the product receiving portion, but the combined length of the first end portion and the second end portion is greater than the length of the product receiving portion, and wherein one or both of the first end portion and the second end portion include a first adhesive to secure the first end portion to the second end portion to form an openable seal transverse to the main axis, and wherein at least a portion of the first side portion and the second side portion respectively include a second adhesive and a third adhesive to secure the facing portion of the first side portion and the facing portion of the second side portion.

[0055] The first side between the first nominal or actual fold line and the second nominal or actual fold line may include a second adhesive. The second side between the first nominal or actual fold line and the second nominal or actual fold line may include a third adhesive.

[0056] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for forming a packaging assembly comprising a package and an elongated product having a front side and a back side, the method comprising conveying a flexible material having a first edge and a second edge in a machine direction, and securing the first edge to the second edge to form a tubular structure, wherein the first edge and the second edge together provide an openable seal, thereby positioning the elongated product within the tubular structure so that the front side of the product is adjacent to the openable seal, and the openable seal extends transversely relative to the elongated product, thereby securing the elongated product within the tubular structure by sealing facing portions of the flexible material on either side of the elongated product.

[0057] The method can be carried out on a flow wrapping machine.

[0058] Preferably, the openable seal is formed and the elongate product is inserted such that the openable seal is located towards one end of the elongate product.

[0059] The product is preferably a food. The product may be a dessert. The product may be a chocolate bar. The product may include a weakening line or other indicator to define a portion and / or allow the product to be subdivided. For example, when the product is a food (e.g., a chocolate bar), the food may have an indicator thereon or formed therein to subdivide the product into different portions, e.g., columns and / or rows of different portions. Each different portion may represent a bite-sized portion. The number of portions of the product (e.g., a food, such as a dessert product) may be more than the number of portions intended for a single (single) portion of the product.

[0060] Therefore, the package of the packaging assembly can be opened at the openable seal to reveal at least one portion of the product. The package can be fully opened (that is, at the openable seal and the first side and the second side) to reveal the entire product. The package can be fully opened so that the package is generally flat. The package can be reclosed after opening. The package can be reopened and reclosed subsequently, for example, using an adhesive present on the first end portion, the second end portion, the first side, and the second side.

[0061] As mentioned above, the adhesive used about the first side and the second side may not have the same bond strength along the length of the first side and the second side.In one embodiment, the bond strength can alternate between the zone of relatively high bond strength and the zone of relatively low bond strength.This arrangement can be conducive to the package can be preferentially opened in different and known regions to provide the package through the indication of uncovering or opening, for example to expose the known part or the region of the product.

[0062] Thus, in use, the packaging assembly may be opened to reveal at least one portion of the product, and then resealed, for example after the at least one portion of the product has been removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] The present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0064] Figure 1 is a plan view of a packaging assembly according to the present invention;

[0065] Figure 2a to Figure 2c Provides a plan view of the package assembly when opened;

[0066] Figure 2d showing various components of the packaging assembly opened; and

[0067] Figure 3 is a second embodiment of the packaging assembly according to the present invention.

[0068] Now refer to Figure 1 , shows a packaging assembly 1, which includes a package 2 and a product 3 (best seen in Figure 2d ), the product having a first end 3a, a second end 3b and an elongated axis E and an intended upper surface 3u, in which case the chocolate bar comprises 36 individual portions P, which are provided in an array of columns C and rows R (4×9).

[0069] The packaging assembly 1 has a first end 1a and a second end 1b and a first side 1c and a second side 1d. An openable flap 4 comprising an openable seal is located between the first end 1a and the second end 1b. As shown, the openable flap 4 is transverse to the packaging assembly 1 (and product 3), and is positioned closer to the first end 1a than the second end 1b, and the reason for this will be explained below.

[0070] from Figure 2c As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the package 2 is formed from a sheet of material 5 having a first end portion 5a and a second end portion 5b (eg, Figure 2c ). The material sheet 5 has an inner surface 5i and an outer surface 5o, the inner surface 5i facing the product 3, and the outer surface 5o providing a decorative surface and markings, such as brand marking information. The wrapping of the package 2 around the product 3 causes the first end 1a and the second end 1b of the packaging assembly 1 to correspond to the first nominal fold 6a and the second nominal fold 6b in the material sheet 5, respectively. The material sheet 5 has a first side 5c and a second side 5d. The first side 1c of the packaging assembly 1 is formed by the facing portion of the first side 5c of the material sheet 5, and the second side 1d of the packaging assembly 1 is formed by the facing portion of the second side 5d of the material sheet 5.

[0071] The first side portion 5c is nominally subdivided into a first region 5ci extending from the first end portion 5a to the first nominal fold 6a, a second region 5cii extending from the first nominal fold 6a to the second nominal fold 6b, and a third region extending from the second nominal fold 6b to the second end portion 5b. The second side portion 5d is nominally similarly subdivided.

[0072] The first side portion 5c and the second side portion 5d each have a first adhesive A and a second adhesive A' applied respectively along the second region 5cii and the second region 5dii (represented by dotted lines). As will be understood, the first adhesive A and the second adhesive A' are located on the inner surface of the portion of the sheet material 5 intended to form the rearmost surface of the packaging assembly 1, and each adhesive A, A' extends from (or close to) the first fold 6a to (or close to) the second fold 6b along the corresponding second region 5cii and the second region 5dii.

[0073] Additionally, the first side portion 5c and the second side portion 5d may each have an adhesive (not shown) applied along respective third regions 5ciii and 5diii, which may extend from or near the second nominal fold 6b to the second end portion 5b. Further, the first side portion 5c and the second side portion 5d may each have an adhesive (not shown) applied along respective first regions 5ci and 5di, which may extend from or near the first nominal fold 6a to the first end portion 5a.

[0074] In package component 1 (best seen in Figure 2a ), a portion of the first adhesive A is covered by a facing portion of the first side portion 5c (corresponding to the third area 5ciii of the first side portion 5c), and a portion of the second adhesive A' is covered by a facing portion of the second side portion 5d (corresponding to the third area 5diii of the second side portion 5d) to provide a container that covers most of the product 3.

[0075] The remaining portion of the first adhesive A is covered by the facing portion of the first side 5c (corresponding to the first area 5ci of the first side 5c), and a portion of the second adhesive A' is covered by the facing portion of the second side 5d (corresponding to the first area 5di of the second side 5d).

[0076] Additionally, the second end portion 5b of the sheet 5 is folded back on itself to form a folded back portion 5r with a transverse adhesive A′. The inner surface of the first end portion 5a of the sheet material 5 is manipulated to align with the adhesive A′″ to secure the flap 4 .

[0077] Preferably, the first end portion 5a covers the adhesive A" and has a distal end 5a' extending beyond the adhesive A". In this way, the first end portion 5a provides a grip that can be grasped by a consumer to facilitate opening the transverse flap 4 and the packaging assembly 1. The first end portion 5a can extend beyond the adhesive A" by a length of 2mm to 10mm, for example 2mm to 8mm.

[0078] As shown, the distal end 5a' of the end portion 5a has a curved form. In some cases, only the area near the midpoint of the curved form may protrude beyond the adhesive A", thereby providing a gripping tab for the consumer to manipulate to open the openable wing 4. In other cases, the entire curved form may protrude beyond the adhesive A".

[0079] from Figure 2d As can be seen, for example, the inner surface of the sheet material 5 carries indicia I. It should be appreciated that the inner surface of the sheet material provides a continuous surface for presenting indicia (e.g., visual indicia and / or textual indicia), which provides a unique and visually pleasing appearance.

[0080] The packaging assembly 1 can be manufactured using a flow wrapping machine.

[0081] For example, the packaging assembly 1 can be formed by conveying a continuous length of flexible material having a first edge and a second edge in a machine direction, and fixing the first edge to the second edge to form a tubular structure, wherein the first edge and the second edge together provide an openable seal. A product 3 having a length greater than a width is located within the tubular structure so that the front face 3u of the product 3 is adjacent to the openable seal, and the openable seal extends transversely relative to the product 3. The product 3 is fixed within the tubular structure by sealing the facing portion of the flexible material on either side of the product 3.

[0082] In use, such as Figure 1 The packaging assembly 1 shown is presented to the consumer. The consumer knows the expected uppermost surface of the packaging assembly 1 by the position of the brand mark or other mark and the openable flap 4. By pulling the flap 4, for example, using the protruding portion of the first end portion 5a, the consumer will separate the first end portion 5a of the sheet material 5 from the folded portion 5r with the transverse adhesive A ", and separate the first area 5ci of the first side portion 5d and the first area 5di of the second side portion 5d from the corresponding area 5cii and area 5dii with the corresponding adhesive A, A', to reveal a portion of the product 3, particularly a portion of the upper surface 3u of the product 3. It should be understood that after separation, some adhesives may remain on the first area 5ci of the first end portion 5a, the first side portion 5c and / or the first area 5di of the second side portion 5d.

[0083] from Figure 2aAs can be seen in the figure, the proportions of the packaging assembly 1 can be selected so that for multiple chocolate bars, the first row R of the chocolate bar (and specifically the upper surface 3u of the first row R of the chocolate bar) is fully exposed when the openable flap 4 is in the open state, thereby providing a new and unique display experience. The consumer can break off the first row R for consumption without having to handle the rest of the chocolate bar, thereby limiting the chance of dust or other matter coming into contact with the chocolate bar.

[0084] If another portion of chocolate is desired, the consumer can squeeze the second end 1b of the packaging assembly 1 to expose more of the chocolate portion, or can peel back the sheet material to expose more of the chocolate, such as Figure 2b In fact, the consumer can peel back the entire sheet material 5 to reveal the entire chocolate bar, such as Figure 2c As shown. Figure 2c As shown, the sheet material 5 forms a convenient shallow tray upon which the chocolate bar is located and from which multiple portions (eg, consecutive rows R) of the bar can be removed without the bar coming into contact with an underlying surface.

[0085] As mentioned above, the inner surface of the sheet material 5 carries indicia I which may provide additional messaging, competitive information, sales information, etc. In flow wrapped products it is not possible to provide such a surface for indicia due to the presence of the elongated seam.

[0086] Further, by peeling back the sheet material 5 to reveal row R after row R of chocolate, removal of row R after row R may reveal a sequential step of portions of a message or other markings which may be used for entertainment purposes.

[0087] Once the consumer has consumed the desired amount of chocolate, the steps are reversed to reseal the packaging assembly 1. Because the adhesive A, A', A" retains its tack or is otherwise configured to reseal, it can be used to reseal the packaging assembly, thereby facilitating efficient storage of the chocolate bar for later consumption.

[0088] In order to ensure that the product 3 is firmly held together with the packaging 2, the adhesives A, A', A" used will have the necessary bonding strength. The adhesives A, A', A" may be the same or different, and they may have the same or different bonding strengths, for example, the bonding strength of adhesives A and A' may be greater than the bonding strength of the transverse adhesive A".

[0089] For example, adhesive A and adhesive A' may have different bond strengths along their length in the direction towards second fold line 6b. If the bond strength of the adhesive has peaks and valleys, this may facilitate sequential peeling of the upper layers in alignment with the position of row R of chocolate.

[0090] Now refer to Figure 3 , which shows an alternative packaging assembly 11 ′, similar entities are indicated by the same numerals and the prefix 1.

[0091] Figure 3 The packaging components are different from Figure 1 and the packaging assembly of FIG. 2 .

[0092] First, the distal end 15a' of the first end portion 15a extends in a direction perpendicular to the side 15c' and the side 15d'. The entire distal end 15a' will preferably extend beyond the adhesive 1A" to allow manipulation and facilitate easy opening of the flap 14 by the user.

[0093] Second, the folded back portion 15r extending a distance D may be secured to facing portions of the first side 11c and / or the second side 11d of the packaging assembly 11. This may be accomplished by adhesive, heat sealing or other means.

[0094] Third, the folded portion 15r may be provided with a breakable portion 15f defined by a weakened line. The weakened line may be provided by laser or by die cutting. When the openable flap 14 is opened, the bonding strength of the adhesive 1A" may be sufficient to break the weakened line and separate the breakable portion 15f from the remainder of the folded portion 15r and adhere to the inner surface of the openable flap 14. This construction will provide a certain degree of tampering evidence for the packaging assembly 11.

[0095] Further, in the case where the breakable portion has been removed, it can provide a location for the consumer to help fold or uncover the package to reveal more product portions. Alternatively, a separate tab may be provided on the distal edge of the second end portion.

[0096] Some or all of the features of packaging component 11 may be used in first packaging component 1 .

[0097] Although the above description specifically refers to chocolate, the packages 2, 12 can be used for products other than chocolate, such as other sweets or snack products, particularly products that can be portioned, such as toffee or candy. Further, although multiple slices are discussed in the above description, the packaging assembly 1, 1 ' of the present invention can be used for smaller chocolate bars and other products intended for single consumption.

Claims

1. A packaging assembly, the packaging assembly comprising a package for containing an elongated food product, the elongated food product extending between a first end of the product and a second end of the product to thereby define an elongated axis, the package comprising a continuous material sheet having a first end portion and a second end portion, a first side portion and a second side portion, each of the first side portion and the second side portion extending in the direction of the elongated axis and between the first end portion and the second end portion, wherein the material sheet is folded around the product and facing portions of the first side portion are secured to each other and facing portions of the second side portion are secured to each other, and the first end portion and the second end portion are secured or sealed together to provide an openable seal at a position between the first end of the product and the second end of the product on an intended front face of the packaging assembly and transverse to the elongated axis.

2. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the openable seal is offset from a midpoint of the product.

3. A packaging assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the openable seal is openable to reveal a portion-sized amount of the product.

4. The packaging assembly according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the openable seal extends from the first side to the second side of the packaging assembly.

5. A packaging assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the first end portion and the second end portion are sealed together using an adhesive.

6. The packaging assembly of claim 5, wherein the adhesive comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive and is capable of allowing resealing of the releasable seal.

7. The packaging assembly of claim 5 or 6, wherein one or both of the first end portion and the second end portion carry the adhesive.

8. The packaging assembly of any one of claims 5, 6 or 7, wherein the first end portion has a distal edge, and with the end portion covering the adhesive, at least a portion of the distal edge protrudes beyond the adhesive.

9. The packaging assembly of claim 8, wherein the at least a portion of the distal edge protrudes a distance of 2 mm to 10 mm.

10. A packaging assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the second end portion comprises a distal edge, and the distal edge is folded back to form a fold in the second end portion.

11. The packaging assembly of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the folded back portion is fixed to an outer surface of the packaging member.

12. A packaging assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the first end portion and / or the second end portion comprises a breakable portion defined by one or more lines of weakness.

13. A packaging assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the facing portion of the first side portion and / or the facing portion of the second side portion are secured together using a side adhesive.

14. The packaging assembly of claim 13, wherein the side adhesive comprises an adhesive that allows separation of the facing portions.

15. A packaging assembly according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the side adhesive allows resealing of the facing portion.

16. A packaging assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the package is openable from the openable seal and is foldable into a flattened condition by separating the facing portions of the first and second side portions.

17. The packaging assembly of claim 16, wherein the flattened state is an uninterrupted, continuous sheet of material.

18. A packaging assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein an inner surface of the package carries visual and / or textual indicia.

19. A packaging assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the continuous sheet of material is formed from plastic or paper, and preferably comprises at least a portion of recycled material.

20. A packaging assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the intended front side and / or the opposite back side of the product does not contact the seal parallel to the elongate axis of the product.

21. A sheet material for forming an elongated package, the sheet material comprising a first end portion, a second end portion, a first side portion and a second side portion, a main axis extending between the first end portion and the second end portion, a product receiving portion located between the first end portion and the second end portion, and the product receiving portion is located between a first nominal fold line or a first actual fold line and a second nominal fold line or a second actual fold line, wherein both the first end portion and the second end portion are shorter than the length of the product receiving portion, but the combined length of the first end portion and the second end portion is greater than the length of the product receiving portion, and wherein one or both of the first end portion and the second end portion include a first adhesive to secure the first end portion to the second end portion to form an openable seal transverse to the main axis, and wherein at least a portion of the first side portion and the second side portion respectively include a second adhesive and a third adhesive to secure a facing portion of the first side portion and a facing portion of the second side portion.

22. A method of forming a packaging assembly comprising a package and an elongated product having a front side and a back side, the method comprising conveying a flexible material having a first edge and a second edge in a machine direction, and securing the first edge to the second edge to form a tubular structure, wherein the first edge and the second edge together provide an openable seal to position the elongated product within the tubular structure such that the front side of the product is adjacent to the openable seal and the openable seal extends transversely relative to the elongated product to secure the elongated product within the tubular structure by sealing facing portions of the flexible material on either side of the elongated product.

23. The method of claim 22, performed on a flow wrapping machine.

24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, comprising: The openable seal is formed so that when the elongated product is inserted, the openable seal is positioned towards one end of the elongated product.

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