Package for consumer goods

Abstract

A package for containing an article, the package comprising a sheet shaped to form a closed cavity for containing an article; wherein an outer surface of the sheet comprises: a first line of weakness, the sheet configured to be deformed by a user along or around the first line of weakness; and a second line of weakness configured to break when the sheet deforms along or around the first line of weakness; wherein the second line of weakness is shaped to define at least one stress concentration feature; and wherein the at least one stress concentration feature is configured to be exposed by breakage of the second line of weakness to enable a user to initiate tearing the sheet to form an extraction opening for removing an article contained in the closed cavity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to packaging for consumer products, such as consumer products associated with an aerosol supply system (including components of the aerosol supply system, such as a consumable including a reservoir that contains an aerosolizable material configured to be aerosolized by the aerosol supply system in use to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user). Background Art

[0002] Existing packaging for containing consumer products allows these consumer products to be transported and stored (e.g., in a retail store) before being used / purchased by an end user.

[0003] There are many potential factors that can affect the functional aspects of consumer product packaging design. As a first aspect, the manner in which the packaging is opened to access the enclosed consumer product should ideally be intuitive to the user, and especially to a first-time user who has not opened a package of a given design before. As a second aspect, in some cases, it may be desirable to make the opening of the packaging intuitive to adult users, but to provide an obstacle in the design of the packaging such that it is challenging for a non-adult user to open the packaging to access the enclosed consumer product.

[0004] Various methods are described herein that attempt to help solve or mitigate some of the problems discussed above by providing a packaging that provides an opening method that is intuitive to adult users while providing some obstacle to opening by non-adult users. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of certain embodiments, there is provided a packaging for containing an article, the packaging comprising a sheet formed to form a closed cavity for containing the article; wherein an outer surface of the sheet includes a first weak line, the sheet being configured to be deformed by a user along or around the first weak line; and a second weak line configured to break when the sheet is deformed along or around the first weak line; wherein the second weak line is formed to define at least one stress concentration feature; and wherein the at least one stress concentration feature is configured to be exposed by the breakage of the second weak line to enable the user to start tearing the sheet to form a extraction opening for removing the article contained in the closed cavity.

[0006] According to a second aspect of certain embodiments, there is provided a method of forming a package for containing an article, the method comprising the steps of: shaping a sheet so as to form a closed cavity for containing one or more articles; forming a first weak line in the sheet, the sheet being configured to be deformed by a user along or around the first weak line, forming a second weak line in the sheet, the second weak line being configured to break when the sheet is deformed along or around the first weak line, wherein the second weak line is shaped to define at least one stress concentration feature, and wherein the at least one stress concentration feature is configured to be exposed by the breaking of the second weak line so that the user can start tearing the sheet to form a withdrawal opening for removing the article contained in the closed cavity.

[0007] According to a third aspect of certain embodiments, there is provided a method of forming a withdrawal opening for removing an article contained in a closed cavity of a package, the package comprising a sheet shaped to form a closed cavity for containing an article; the method comprising the steps of: deforming the sheet along or around a first weak line included in the sheet to break a second weak line defining at least one stress concentration feature, thereby exposing the at least one stress concentration feature; starting to tear the sheet at the at least one stress concentration feature to form a withdrawal opening for removing the article contained in the closed cavity.

[0008] It should be understood that the features and aspects of the present invention described above with respect to the various aspects of the present invention are equally applicable to embodiments of the present invention according to other aspects of the present invention, and may be appropriately combined with embodiments of the present invention according to other aspects of the present invention, not only in the specific combinations described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 A package including a closed cavity is schematically shown according to a first set of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is schematically shown Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the package shown.

[0012] Figure 3A and Figure 3B schematically shows various aspects of forming a package according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 4 is schematically shown in a deformed configuration Figure 1 the package shown.

[0014] Figures 5A to 5F Schematically illustrates various aspects of a package according to a first set of embodiments of the present disclosure being manipulated by a user to form a withdrawal opening for removing an article from an enclosed cavity.

[0015] Figure 6 Schematically illustrates a package including an enclosed cavity according to a second set of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 7 Schematically illustrates the package shown Figure 6 in a deformed configuration.

[0017] Figures 8A to 8E Schematically illustrates various aspects of a package according to a second set of embodiments of the present disclosure being manipulated by a user to form a withdrawal opening for removing an article from an enclosed cavity.

[0018] Figure 9 Schematically illustrates an alternative configuration of a second weakened line according to a first set of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 10 Schematically illustrates a configuration of a third weakened line according to a first set of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 11 Schematically illustrates a configuration of at least one third weakened line according to a second set of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 12 Schematically illustrates an alternative configuration of a grippable tab defined by a second weakened line according to a second set of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 13 Schematically illustrates a flowchart presenting steps of a method of forming a withdrawal opening for removing an article from an enclosed cavity of a package according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 14 Schematically illustrates a flowchart presenting steps of a method of opening a package according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0024] Certain aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally, and for the sake of brevity, these aspects and features are not discussed / described in detail. Accordingly, it should be understood that aspects and features of the devices and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail may be implemented according to any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

[0025] The present disclosure relates to packaging for containing one or more consumer products, such as consumer product articles related to an aerosol supply system and its components in certain embodiments. Examples of such packaging are described with reference to Figures 1 to 12 the packagings shown therein.

[0026] Figure 1 Packaging 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Packaging 100 includes a sheet formed to form an enclosed cavity 110 for containing a consumer product article. The cavity 110 is surrounded by a boundary that is provided between the edge of the cavity 110 and the edge of the packaging 100. Figure 2A and Figure 2B show cross-sectional views along Figure 1 lines A-A and B-B shown, respectively, demonstrating how the cavity 110 is formed by the sheet between the boundaries 105. In the example schematically shown in Figure 1 , the boundary includes four strip boundary regions 105A, 105B, 105C, and 105D. The size and shape of the cavity 110 are designed to receive and store consumer product articles. Figure 2A and Figure 2B each show an indicated position of a consumer product article 200 received within the cavity 110. The enclosed cavity 110 includes an area enclosed by a first layer and a second layer (e.g., sheet) of sheet material that are sealed together to form the boundary 105. In the example of Figure 1 , where the packaging 100 is substantially rectangular in a planar view and has a substantially rectangular cavity 110, the boundary 105 may include boundary regions 105A, 105B, 105C, and 105D, each of which is strip-shaped and each of which is parallel to and adjacent to one of the four straight outer edges of the packaging. However, it should be understood that in an embodiment, the packaging 100 may include any external shape in a planar view, such as circular, oval, trapezoidal, or any other shape known to those skilled in the art, and the cavity may include any external shape in a planar view. Generally, the shape of the cavity 110 and the shape of the outer edge of the packaging 100 will correspond (e.g., such that both are rectangular, as shown in Figure 1 ), or both are circular), but this is not required. In all embodiments, the boundary regions extend from the free outer edge of the sheet of the packaging 100 to the outer boundary of the cavity 110, thereby enclosing the cavity 110 of the packaging 100 and any article 200 received within the cavity 110.

[0027] Figure 3A schematically shows an exemplary process of forming the sheet to form the enclosed cavity 110 as shown in the cross-section of Figure 2A . In this method, as shown in Figure 3AAs shown, the first sheet 101 and the second sheet 102 of the sheet are associated with each other at their major faces, and are sealed together around one or more corresponding regions extending inwardly from the free edges of the overlapping first sheet 101 and second sheet 102 (these regions are indicated by the region "s"), thereby forming a sealed boundary region (105A, 105C, as Figure 2A shown), wherein the first sheet and the second sheet are joined together on the adjacent surfaces to at least partially define a closed cavity 110. Similarly, Figure 3B shows the process of forming the cavity as shown in the cross-section of Figure 2B , wherein the first sheet 101 and the second sheet 102 of the sheet are associated with each other at their major faces, and are sealed together around one or more corresponding edges of the first sheet and the second sheet (indicated by the region "s"), thereby forming a boundary region (105B, 105D, as Figure 2B shown) that at least partially defines the closed cavity 110. Although Figures 2A to 3B shows the separated first sheet 101 and second sheet 102 being placed together at the major faces and sealed around the boundary of the closed cavity (in this region, these sheets are not sealed together), it should be understood that the package 100 can alternatively be formed by folding a single sheet along a symmetry line so that the major surfaces of the two layers of the sheet are associated with each other (where the free edges are also aligned with each other). In such an embodiment, the folded edge of the sheet (which has been sealed) may not be sealed to form a boundary, such that there is no sealed boundary region along at least one of the four edges of the package 100 (in a rectangular or square package configuration including four edges).

[0028] In an embodiment, during the step of shaping the sheet so as to form a closed cavity for accommodating an article, a consumer product article (such as an article of an aerosol generating device) is enclosed within the closed cavity 110. Thus, in the case of placing the two sheets together on the corresponding major faces (as schematically shown in Figure 3A and Figure 3B ), the article can be placed on the major face of the first of the first sheet 101 and the second sheet 102, and the second of the first sheet 101 and the second sheet is placed on the article. This is schematically shown in Figure 3A and Figure 3B , which show in different cross-sectional views how the first sheet 101 of the sheet is placed on the second sheet 102 of the sheet, on which the consumer product article 200 has been placed. Then, the regions of each corresponding sheet surrounding the article are sealed according to the method described herein to form a boundary region enclosing the article 200 in the closed cavity 110, as in Figure 2A and Figure 2BThe same cross-sectional views are schematically shown. Alternatively, the boundary 105 can be partially formed by sealing the sheets of the package 100, but the boundary is not continuous to provide an opening into which the consumer product can be inserted. Thus, for example, with respect to Figure 1 the package 100 in, the boundary regions 105A, 105B, and 105D can be formed by sealing a first sheet of the sheet to a second sheet of the sheet (as described herein), where the boundary region 105C is not sealed. The package 100 formed in this way can be configured with a first score line, a second score line, and an optional third score line as described herein. Thus, when the package 100 is ready to be filled with a consumer product, the consumer product can be introduced into the cavity 110 via the unsealed boundary region 105C, whereupon the sheet is then sealed to form the boundary region 105C and the product is completely enclosed within the enclosed cavity 110. It should be understood that any one or more of the boundary regions 105A to 105D can be selected to be unsealed before the consumer product is introduced into the cavity 110, and the corresponding boundary region is then sealed to completely enclose the cavity 110 and the product.

[0029] Any flexible sheet known to those skilled in the art can be used to form the package 100, such as paper, flexible cardstock, plastic films and membranes, metal foils, and multi-layer composites of any two or more of the above sheets. In an embodiment, the sheet includes a thermoplastic material on at least one outer surface, and a heat-sealing process is utilized to seal together one or more sheets (e.g., two sheets related to each other at the major surfaces, or a single sheet folded to relate the major surfaces to each other), in which thermoplastic sheet regions forming an abutting relationship on the major surfaces are melted together to form a sealed bond. For example, the edges of one or more sheets can be pressed together between a heated plate or roller to bond regions of the major surfaces together in a boundary region 105 surrounding the cavity 110. In an embodiment, the thermoplastic material can comprise a polyolefin. Alternatively, a plurality of sheets (or a plurality of regions of a single sheet) can be sealed together by an adhesive introduced between the boundary regions 105 (or a plurality of regions of a single sheet) of the plurality of sheets. The sheet can include a metal layer, such as a metal foil layer. In the case where the sheet includes a metal layer, such a layer (e.g., in the form of a foil) can be sandwiched between thermoplastic polymer layers such that the sheet layers can be heat-sealed to form the boundary region 105. Incorporating a metal layer in the sheet can be used to block light from the cavity 110, thereby preventing or reducing the photo-degradation of the article received in the cavity 110. In an embodiment, the sheet is liquid-impermeable and / or gas-impermeable. This can be an inherent property of the metal foil and / or thermoplastic material used to form the sheet, or the sheet can be made liquid-impermeable and / or gas-impermeable by a treatment applied to a paper or cardstock sheet, such as waxing or plasticizing treatment. Providing the package 100 with a liquid-impermeable sheet can be beneficial in preventing environmental moisture outside the package 100 from penetrating into the cavity 110 and contaminating the article received in the cavity, and / or preventing liquid from a liquid-containing article received in the cavity 110 from escaping from the package 100.

[0030] A first score line, a second score line, and an optional third score line are described herein, which are defined in the outer surface of the sheet of the package 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be understood that these first score line, second score line, and optional third score line can be applied to the package 100 after sealing the multi-layer sheet to form the boundary 105 of the closed cavity 110, or can be applied to one or more sheets before sealing to form the boundary enclosing the cavity.

[0031] Return Figure 1, the outer surface of the sheet forming the package 100 includes a first weakened line 120, and the sheet is configured to be deformed by a user along or around the first weakened line. In an embodiment, the first weakened line 120 is formed by die-cutting the sheet. In an embodiment, the first weakened line 120 is formed by laser-cutting the sheet. Any method known to those skilled in the art for forming a weakened line can be applied to the sheet of the package 100 to form the first weakened line 120.

[0032] In an embodiment, the first weakened line 120 is configured to be deformed by tearing (i.e., breaking) the sheet along the first weakened line 120 under the manipulation of a user. In such an embodiment, as Figure 1 shown, the first weakened line 120 can extend to at least one edge of the sheet forming the package 100 so that the user can start tearing along the first weakened line 120 at the edge of the sheet. Although not shown in Figure 1 , optionally, supplementary stress concentration features can be provided at one or more junctions of the first weakened line 120 with the edge of the sheet of the package 100 to facilitate the user starting to tear the sheet along the first weakened line 120. The supplementary stress concentration features can, for example, include "V"-shaped notches formed in the edge of the sheet, where the first weakened line 120 terminates at the base of the "V"-shaped notch. However, it should be understood that providing the supplementary stress concentration features is optional and not present in all embodiments. However, in embodiments where the first weakened line 120 is configured to be deformed by tearing, using the supplementary stress concentration features can be beneficial in providing a visual cue to the user to tear the package 100 along the first weakened line 120 (e.g., as opposed to bending or folding around the first weakened line 120 as in other embodiments herein).

[0033] In an embodiment, the first weakened line 120 is provided as a plurality of segments 120A, 120B, where a second weakened line 130, as described herein, is provided between at least two of the plurality of segments. In Figure 1 , the two segments 120A and 120B intersect the first edge and the second edge of the sheet forming one face of the package, respectively. However, in an embodiment, the first weakened line can intersect only a single edge of the sheet, such that in Figure 1 only one of the segments 120A and 120B can be provided.

[0034] In an embodiment where the first weak line 120 is configured to deform by tearing / breaking along the first weak line 120 under the manipulation of a user, the cutting process for forming the first weak line 120 may include cutting multiple segments of the line completely through the thickness of the sheet (or twice the thickness of the sheet, where the line is within the boundary region 105 of the package and two layers of the sheet are sealed together), where each cut segment of the line is separated from the previous and subsequent segments by the uncut portion of the sheet. Alternatively, the first weak line 120 may be formed by scribing away a portion of the entire thickness of the sheet to reduce the overall thickness without completely penetrating the sheet. The latter method may advantageously be used in embodiments where the first weak line 120 is completely defined within the sheet area covering the cavity 110 or at least partially extends into this sheet area, where penetrating the entire thickness of the sheet would compromise the seal between the cavity 110 and the exterior of the package 100.

[0035] In an embodiment where the first weak line 120 is configured to deform by tearing the sheet along the first weak line, the first weak line may optionally be provided between the closed cavity for accommodating one or more articles and the edge of the sheet, thereby defining a tear-away strip 160 between the first weak line and the edge of the sheet. In the case where the shape of the package 100 in a planar view includes at least one straight edge (e.g., the package 100 is rectangular in a planar view, as shown in the example of Figure 1 ), the first weak line 120 may be provided to be substantially parallel to the straight edge of the package 100 to form a tear-away strip with a substantially uniform width along its length.

[0036] In other embodiments of the package 100 schematically shown in Figure 1 , the first weak line 120 is configured not for tearing, but for deforming by the user bending or folding the sheet around the first weak line 120. In such an embodiment, the second weak line 130 is configured to break when the sheet deforms along or around the first weak line 120. It should be understood that the required degree of local weakening of the second weak line 130 (i.e., in terms of the percentage of the extent of the second weak line 130 that includes penetrating the entire thickness of the sheet; or in terms of the scribing depth for forming the second weak line 130 relative to the unscribed thickness of the sheet) can be determined by routine experiments by those skilled in the art to determine the degree of weakening that allows the second weak line 130 to break when the sheet is bent or folded around the first weak line 120. In such an embodiment, in the case where the first weak line 120 is configured to deform by the user bending or folding the sheet around the first weak line 120, the breaking resistance of the second weak line 130 may be less than the breaking resistance of the first weak line, such that the bending or folding of the sheet causes the irreversible breaking of the second weak line 130 and only causes non-destructive deformation of the sheet along the first weak line 120.

[0037] Thus, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first weak line 120 (including the first section 120A and the second section 120B in the example of Figure 1 ) may be configured not to break / tear when the user manipulates the sheet of the package, but rather to allow the sheet to bend and / or fold around the first weak line 120. For example, as shown in Figure 1 , the first weak line 120 may be configured to allow the strip portion 160 between the first weak line 120 and the nearest edge of the package 100 to be folded back substantially 180 degrees around the first weak line 120, so that when the strip portion 160 above the first weak line 120 pivots relative to the sheet below the first weak line, the second weak line 130 breaks.

[0038] Figure 1 The second weak line 130 is schematically shown, which is configured to break when the sheet deforms (i.e., by tearing or bending) along or around the first weak line 120, wherein the second weak line is shaped to define at least one stress concentration feature, and the at least one stress concentration feature is configured to be exposed by the breakage of the second weak line, so that the user can tear the sheet to form a extraction opening for removing the article contained in the enclosed cavity.

[0039] In Figure 1 's embodiment, the second weak line 130 is shaped to form a notch when broken, and the base of the notch forms at least one stress concentration feature. In the example of Figure 1 , the second weak line 130 includes a "V"-shaped line, where the tip of the "V" faces the cavity 110 of the package 100. As shown in Figure 1 , in an embodiment, the first weak line 120 and the second weak line 130 are connected together. For example, as shown in Figure 1 , the first section 120A of the first weak line 120 is disposed between the first edge of the package 100 and the first end of the "V"-shaped second weak line 130, and the second section 120B of the first weak line 120 is disposed between the second opposite edge of the package 100 and the second end of the "V"-shaped second weak line 130. In the case where the first weak line and the second weak line are connected in this way, it should be understood that a continuous weak line including all sections of the first weak line 120 and the second weak line 130 can be considered to be formed. Although Figure 1 shows two sections 120A and 120B of the first weak line 120 connected to the corresponding ends of the second weak line 130, it should be understood that, as further described herein, only one end of the second weak line 130 may be connected to the first weak line 120, and thus referring to Figure 1, only one of the segments 120A and 120B of the first tear line 120 can be provided in the sheet of the package 100. The ends of the first tear line 120 can be connected to the ends of the second tear line 130 such that tearing along the first tear line 120 can cause the second tear line 130 to break. This is particularly relevant for embodiments in which the first tear line 120 is configured to be torn by the user (opposite to the bending / folding axis). However, it should be understood that in embodiments in which the first tear line 120 is configured to be deformed by bending or folding the sheet around the first tear line 120, the first tear line 120 and the second tear line 130 can also be connected.

[0040] Reference Figure 4 It will be more clearly understood that the second tear line 130 does not intersect the edge of the package 100 such that at least one stress concentration feature defined by the second tear line 130 also does not intersect any edge of the sheet. Since at least one stress concentration feature is provided such that the user can start tearing the sheet to form a extraction opening for removing the article contained in the enclosed cavity, positioning the second tear line 130 to prevent at least one stress concentration feature from intersecting the edge of the package 100 can advantageously make the package 100 more difficult to open because tearing the sheet to form an extraction opening for removing the article contained in the enclosed cavity 110 cannot start directly from the edge of the undeformed package 100. Instead, the sheet can only be torn to form an extraction opening for removing the article contained in the enclosed cavity 110 after at least one stress concentration feature is exposed by deforming the sheet along or around the first tear line 120.

[0041] Figure 4 will be achieved and shown by Figure 1 The package 100 in Figure 1 is in such a configuration in which the outer surface of the sheet has been deformed by the user along or around Figure 1 the first tear line 120 in

[0042] In embodiments in which the first tear line 120 is configured for tearing, Figure 4 it should be understood as showing the package 100 in such a configuration in which Figure 1The strip 160 shown has been torn off by starting the tear at the intersection between the first edge of the package 100 and the first score line 120, and pushing the tear through the first section 120A of the first score line 120, into the second score line 130, and into the second section 120B of the first score line 120, reaching the intersection of the second section 120B with the second edge of the package 100. This process results in tear edges 120A' and 120B' that expose the previous positions of the first section 120A and the second section 120B of the first score line 120, respectively. The breakage of the second score line 130 that occurs due to the tearing of the first score line 120 exposes a notch 141, the base of which (i.e., the tip of the "V" of the notch) forms a stress concentration feature 145 at which a user can start tearing the sheet of the package 100 to form a dispensing opening for removing the article contained in the enclosed cavity 110.

[0043] In an embodiment in which the first score line 120 is configured to be deformed by bending or folding the sheet around the first score line, it should be understood that in such an embodiment, the edges 120A' and 120B' (described as tear edges associated with the package 100 configured to be torn along the first score line 120) instead include fold edges. Figure 1 The portion 160 of the sheet above the first score line 120 shown is folded back at an angle along the fold edge relative to Figure 1 the portion of the sheet disposed below the first score line 120. This folding process causes the "V" - shaped flap of the sheet above the second score line 130 to pivot away from the notch 141, thereby exposing the stress concentration feature 145. Thus, regardless of whether the first score line 120 is configured to tear the sheet or bend the sheet (or both), the result of exposing the stress concentration feature 145 is the same.

[0044] In an embodiment, as Figure 4 shown, the stress concentration feature is shaped such that a user can start tearing the sheet in a direction oriented away from the first score line 120. In an embodiment, at least one stress concentration feature can be shaped such that a user can start tearing the sheet in a direction oriented towards the enclosed cavity 110. Figure 4 The direction of starting the tear in Figure 4 is indicated by a dashed line 150 that is substantially perpendicular to the first score line 120 in the

[0045] Figures 5A to 5F example, but it should be understood that this specific angular range with respect to the first score line is optional. Schematically illustrates various aspects of a method of forming a dispensing opening for removing an article contained in an enclosed cavity of a package, the package including a sheet formed to form an enclosed cavity for containing the article (i.e., asFigures 1 to 4 The packaging 100 as shown), the method comprising the steps of: deforming the sheet along or around a first weak line included in the sheet to break a second weak line defining at least one stress concentration feature, thereby exposing the at least one stress concentration feature; and starting to tear the sheet at the at least one stress concentration feature to form a extraction opening for removing an article accommodated in a closed cavity; wherein the second weak line is shaped to form a notch or slit upon breakage, wherein the base of the notch or slit forms at least one stress concentration feature.

[0046] Figure 5A An embodiment of the packaging 100 as described with respect to Figures 1 to 4 is shown, wherein a first weak line 120 including a first section 120A and a second section 120B is connected to a second weak line 130, which is shaped to define a stress concentration feature. In this embodiment, as in Figure 1 , the second weak line 130 forms a "V" shape so as to provide a notch-shaped stress concentration feature at the breakage of the second weak line. However, as further described herein, the second weak line may alternatively include a line connected to the first weak line and oriented towards the cavity 110, and the second weak line is shaped to form a slit upon breakage. In Figure 5A , the packaging 100 is in an undeformed state and the sheet has not been deformed along or around the first weak line 120 to break the second weak line 130.

[0047] Figure 5B Schematically shows that a user starts to tear the first section 120A of the first weak line 120 at the intersection between the first section 120A as shown in Figure 5A and the edge of the sheet of the packaging 100.

[0048] Figure 5C Schematically shows the progress of the tearing, in which view the tearing progresses along the entire first section 120A of the first weak line 120 as shown in Figure 5A , breaking the second weak line 130 as shown in Figure 5A and partially progressing along the second section 120B of the first weak line 120 as shown in Figure 5A .

[0049] Figure 5D Schematically shows the packaging 100 in a condition where the tearing has fully progressed through the first weak line and the second weak lines 120, 130 as shown in Figure 5A , such that the strip 160 of the packaging 100 is completely separated. The breakage of the second weak line exposes the stress concentration feature 145, which includes the base of the notch exposed by removing the strip 160.

[0050] Figure 5E Schematically shows that the user begins to tear from Figure 5D the stress concentration feature 145 shown towards Figure 5A the enclosed cavity 110 shown.

[0051] Figure 5F Schematically shows the progress of the tear 150 starting from Figure 5E where the tear has progressed to the region of the package corresponding to the enclosed cavity 110 at the stage shown, thereby forming a extraction opening. It should be understood that at this stage, the user will be able to extract the article enclosed in the cavity. Figure 5A Shown is another embodiment of a package according to the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 6 The package 300 in Figure 6 can be implemented by the package in Figure 1 and it should be understood that except where specifically described, Figure 6 the features of the package 300 in Figure 1 and the various aspects of its formation are the same as those described with respect to the package 100 in Figures 2A to 3B Thus, for example, the sheet selection, the sealing of the sheet to form an enclosed cavity (as described with respect to Figure 1 the package 100 in Figure 6 the package 300 in

[0053] As will be further described herein, the embodiment according to Figure 6 differs from the embodiment according to Figure 1 in that instead of forming the second weak line to form a notch or slit upon breakage, where the base of the notch or slit forms at least one stress concentration feature (as in the package 100 in Figure 1 ), the second weak line is formed to form a tab feature that can be grasped by the user upon breakage, where the junction between the tab feature and the first weak line forms at least one stress concentration feature.

[0054] Thus, in the embodiment according to Figure 6 the outer surface of the sheet of the package 300 includes a second weak line 330 that is formed to form a tab feature upon breakage, where the junction between the tab feature and the first weak line 320 forms at least one stress concentration feature. In the example of Figure 6 the second weak line 330 includes a "V" - shaped line having a parallel line segment connected to the first weak line 320, where the tip of the "V" points away from the cavity 310 of the package 300. As Figure 6As shown, in an embodiment, the first weak line 320 and the second weak line 330 are connected together. In Figure 6 , a first section 320A of the first weak line 320 is disposed between a first edge of the package 300 and a first end of the second weak line 330, and a second section 120B of the first weak line 320 is disposed between a second opposite edge of the package 300 and a second end of the second weak line 330. In the case where the first weak line and the second weak line are connected in this way, it should be understood that a continuous weak line including all sections of the first weak line 320 and the second weak line 330 can be considered to be formed. Although Figure 6 shows two sections 320A and 320B of the first weak line 320 connected to respective ends of the second weak line 330, it should be understood that, as further described herein, only one end of the second weak line 330 can be connected to the first weak line 320, and thus referring to Figure 6 , only one of the sections 320A or 320B of the first weak line 320 can be provided in the sheet of the package 300. As described for the embodiment in Figures 1 to 5F , the end of the first weak line 320 can be connected to the end of the second weak line 330 such that tearing along the first weak line 320 can cause the second weak line 330 to break. This can be considered to be particularly relevant to embodiments in which the first weak line 320 is configured to be torn by a user (as opposed to being an axis of bending / folding). However, it should be understood that in embodiments in which the first weak line 320 is configured to be deformed mainly by bending or folding of the sheet around the first weak line 320, the first weak line 320 and the second weak line 330 can also be connected. In embodiments in which the first weak line 320 is configured to be deformed by bending or folding of the sheet around the first weak line 320 (as opposed to tearing along the first weak line 320), the first weak line 320 can be continuous from a first edge to a second edge of the sheet forming the package 300. In other words, Figure 6 the first section 320A and the second section 320B shown can be linked by a third section ( Figure 6 not shown in

[0055] such that the first weak line 320 passes through the flap feature formed by the second weak line 330. Figure 7 As will be more clearly understood with reference to Figure 1In an embodiment, positioning the second weak line 330 to prevent at least one stress concentration feature from intersecting the edge of the package 300 can advantageously make the package 300 more difficult to open because the tear sheet for forming a withdrawal opening for removing the article housed in the enclosed cavity 310 cannot start directly from the edge of the undeformed package 300. Instead, the tear sheet can only start after at least one stress concentration feature has been exposed by a prior deformation of the sheet along or around the first weak line 320 to form a withdrawal opening for removing the article housed in the enclosed cavity 310. Thus, as with all embodiments of the present disclosure, a two-stage opening mechanism is provided whereby two different manipulations of the sheet must be performed to form a withdrawal opening in the cavity.

[0056] Figure 7 will be achieved and shown Figure 6 in which the package 300 in Figure 6 is in such a configuration that the outer surface of the sheet has been deformed by the user along or around Figure 6 the first weak line 320 in

[0057] In an embodiment where the first weak line 120 is configured for tearing, Figure 7 it will be understood that the package 300 is shown in such a configuration that, as Figure 6 shown, the strip 360 has been torn off by starting the tear at the intersection between the first edge of the package 100 and the first weak line 320 and pushing the tear through the first segment 320A of the first weak line 320, into the second weak line 330, and into the second segment 320B of the first weak line 320, reaching the intersection of the second segment 320B with the second edge of the package 300. This tearing process produces torn edges 320A' and 320B' corresponding to the previous positions of the first and second segments 320A and 320B of the first weak line 320. The second weak line 330 breaks during the tearing of the first weak line 320 to expose the grippable flap 340, and the grippable flap 340 forms stress concentration features 345A and 345B at the right-angle intersection with the exposed torn edges 320A' and 320B' respectively, at which stress concentration features the user can start tearing 350A and 350B the sheet of the package 300 to form a withdrawal opening for removing the article housed in the enclosed cavity 310.

[0058] In an embodiment where the first weak line 120 is configured to be deformed by bending or folding the sheet around the first weak line, it should be understood that in such an embodiment, the edges 320A' and 320B' (described as torn edges associated with the package 300 configured to be torn along the first weak line 320) instead include folded edges,Figure 6 The sheet portion 360 above the first weakened line 320 shown is folded back at an angle along this fold edge relative to Figure 6 the sheet portion disposed below the first weakened line 320 in

[0059] As Figure 7 shown, the stress concentration feature 345 formed by the junction of the flap 340 and the first weakened line 320 is shaped such that a user can begin tearing the sheet in a direction oriented away from the first weakened line 320. Thus, at least one stress concentration feature 345 can be shaped such that a user can begin tearing the sheet in a direction oriented towards the enclosed cavity 310. Figure 7 The starting tear directions in Figure 7 are indicated by dashed lines 350A and 350B for initiating a tear at stress concentration features 345A and 345B, respectively, where a user grasps the flap 340 and pulls it in the direction towards the cavity 310 to initiate the tear. In

[0060] Figures 8A to 8E schematically shows aspects of a method of forming a dispensing opening for removing an article housed in an enclosed cavity of a package, the package including a sheet formed to form an enclosed cavity for housing the article (i.e., the package 300 as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 ), the method comprising the steps of: deforming the sheet along or about a first weakened line included in the sheet to break a second weakened line defining at least one stress concentration feature, thereby exposing the at least one stress concentration feature; and initiating a tear of the sheet at the at least one stress concentration feature to form a dispensing opening for removing the article housed in the enclosed cavity; wherein the second weakened line is shaped to form a flap feature grippable by a user upon breaking, and wherein the junction between the flap feature and the first weakened line forms at least one stress concentration feature.

[0061] Figure 8A shows as with respect to Figure 6 and Figure 7An embodiment of the described package 300, in which a first score line 320 including a first section 320A and a second section 320B is connected to a second score line 330, which is shaped to form a tab feature that can be grasped by a user when broken, wherein the junction between the tab feature and the first score line forms at least one stress concentration feature. In this embodiment, as in Figure 6 as shown, the second score line 330 forms a tab shape pointing away from the cavity 310 so as to provide a stress concentration feature at the junction between the tab feature and the first score line 320 when the second score line 330 breaks. In Figure 8A as shown, the package 300 is in an undeformed state and the sheet has not deformed along or around the first score line 320 to break the second score line 330.

[0062] Figure 8B Schematically shown is the user bending or folding the sheet around the first score line, thereby causing the second score line to break.

[0063] Figure 8C Schematically shown is the exposure of the tab 340 by the breakage of the second score line 330, wherein stress concentration features 345A and 345B are exposed at a first junction and a second junction between the tab 340 and the first score line by the breakage of the second score line.

[0064] Figure 8D Schematically shown is the user's finger grasping the tab 340 as Figure 8C shown, to prepare to start tearing the sheet at the stress concentration features 345A and 345B as Figure 8C shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the first score line is not torn, but the sheet is bent around the first score line, leaving the sheet intact on the side of the first score line opposite the cavity. This can advantageously provide an area of the sheet that can be grasped (as by the Figure 8D leftmost hand in Figure 8D shown) to provide resistance against pulling the tab towards the cavity (as by the

[0065] Figure 8E rightmost hand in Figure 8C shown). Figure 8A shown) to provide resistance against pulling the tab towards the cavity (as by the

[0066] Schematically shown is the progress of the tearing 350A and 350B starting at the stress concentration features 345A and 345B respectively asFigures 9 to 12 Describe certain alternative aspects of the embodiments previously described with respect to Figure 1 FIGS. 8.

[0067] Figure 9 Illustrates a variation of the configuration of the first and second score lines included in the outer surface of the sheet of the package 100 as described with respect to Figures 1 to 4 Instead of the second score line 130 being formed to form a notch as shown in Figure 1 In this variation, the second score line 130 is formed to form a slit upon breakage, wherein the base of the slit forms a stress concentration feature. The second score line 130 is connected to the first score line 120 and extends from the first score line towards the cavity of the package such that the tear starting at the base of the slit can be pushed towards the cavity. Figure 9 The dashed line 170 in

[0068] is used to indicate that the features within the dashed line 170 can be disposed at any location on the outer surface of the sheet of the package 100 as described herein. Thus, while the first and second score lines 120, 130 can generally be formed within the boundary region of the package where the multi-layer sheets are sealed together, the first and second score lines of any of the embodiments described herein can be disposed within a single layer sheet covering the cavity configured to receive the consumer product article. Additionally, while the first score line configured to be torn generally extends to the edge of the sheet forming the first score line, this is not required, and the first score line configured to be torn and the first score line configured to allow the sheet to bend or fold about a given first score line may not extend all the way to one or more edges of the sheet(s) forming the package.

[0069] Figure 10 Illustrates the region 170 of the sheet of the package 100 as shown herein Figure 1 wherein the second score line 130 is disposed. The dashed line 170 is used as in Figure 9 In this embodiment, the second score line 130 is formed to form a notch upon breakage, wherein the base of the notch forms a stress concentration feature, just as Figure 1As in []. However, in this embodiment, the third weak line 180 configured to assist the user in starting to tear at the stress concentration feature is connected to the second weak line at the location of the stress concentration feature. The third weak line 180 is oriented away from the first weak line 120 and generally will be oriented towards the cavity 110 of the package 100. Thus, when the user exposes the stress concentration feature including the notch formed by the second weak line 130 and manipulates the sheet on either side of the notch (i.e., as Figure 5E shown, by pulling the material on opposite sides of the notch in opposite directions), the third weak line 130 can assist in guiding the initial tear of the sheet in a direction oriented towards the cavity 110, thereby assisting in the successful formation of a extraction opening for removing the article housed in the enclosed cavity 110.

[0070] Figure 11 shows the region 370 of the sheet of the package 300 as shown herein, in which the second weak line 330 is provided. The dashed line 170 is used as in Figure 6 and Figure 9 and Figure 10 In this embodiment, the second weak line 130 is shaped to form a tab feature that can be grasped by the user when broken, wherein the junction between the tab feature and the first weak line forms at least one stress concentration feature, as described with respect to Figure 6 and Figure 7 In this embodiment, the third weak line 180 configured to assist the user in starting to tear at the stress concentration feature is connected to the second weak line at the location of each of the two stress concentration features, the two stress concentration features including the junctions of the second weak line 330 with each of the first segment 120A and the second segment 120B of the first weak line. Each of the third weak lines 380A and 380B is oriented away from the first weak line 120 and generally will be oriented towards the cavity 110 of the package 100. Thus when the user exposes the tab formed by the second weak line 130 and exposes the stress concentration feature including the junction of the tab and the first weak line, the third weak lines 330A and 330B assist in guiding the initial tear of the sheet in a direction oriented towards the cavity 310 when the user grasps and pulls the tab (i.e., as Figure 8D and Figure 8E shown), thereby assisting in the successful formation of a extraction opening for removing the article housed in the enclosed cavity 310.

[0071] It should be understood that in embodiments in which one or more third weak lines are formed in the sheet of the package, these weak lines can be formed using the methods described herein with respect to the second weak lines (e.g., die cutting or laser cutting).

[0072] In embodiments where the second weakened line is formed as a tab feature that can be grasped by a user upon breakage (as shown in FIGS. Figure 6 7 to 8), it should be understood that the tab can be set to any of a variety of shapes, provided that the tab is disposed on the opposite side of the first weakened line from at least a portion of the cavity enclosed by the sheet of the package. Figure 12 FIG. Figure 6 shows a region 370 of the sheet of the package 300 as shown herein, in which a second weakened line 330 is provided, which forms Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 11 alternative geometric tab features 330 of the geometric shape shown. In Figure 12 , the second weakened line 330 is formed to form a rectangular tab feature. The dashed line 170 is used as shown in Figures 9 to 11 .

[0073] Although the foregoing disclosure tends to describe embodiments in terms of whether the first weakened line is configured to deform by bending or folding the sheet around the first weakened line, or the first weakened line is configured to tear along the first weakened line by tearing the sheet, it should be understood that these may not be mutually exclusive, and a first weakened line that will bend or fold without tearing under one form of manipulation by the user can be configured to tear under a different form of manipulation by the user. Thus, although certain methods for forming the first weakened line (i.e., scoring a partial thickness, or piercing the entire thickness at intervals) can be used to preferably configure the first weakened line for tearing or bending, respectively, the user can determine, according to preference, how to manipulate the sheet to cause one or the other form of deformation.

[0074] In any of the embodiments herein, in accordance with the overall shape described by the edges of the package and the geometry of the enclosed cavity, it can be appreciated that these can have any desired geometry depending on what article is configured to be received in the cavity in use. In principle, any consumer article (or more broadly any object) can be located in the cavity as required. Although the packages described herein can have a particular application for receiving consumer articles related to an aerosol supply system, such as a cartridge or single-piece device containing a liquid (which includes an active substance), or a consumable containing a plant material such as tobacco, this is not required. Thus, according to some more specific embodiments, the enclosed cavity can receive any of the following types:

[0075] i) Consumer articles;

[0076] ii) Accessories for such consumer articles; and / or

[0077] iii) Labels / instructions for such consumer articles.

[0078] For example, an application can include a cavity for receiving an article, such as an aerosol delivery system, and / or one or more consumables for such an aerosol supply system, where each consumable includes a reservoir containing aerosolizable material. Since it is desirable to make such packaging more difficult for children to open, the packaging according to the embodiments described herein may be particularly suitable for receiving articles containing active substances (e.g., cartridges or other consumables for an aerosol delivery system) for storage and / or sale.

[0079] Other consumer goods articles that are not necessarily related to an aerosol supply / generation system can be received in the cavity of any of the packages described herein, such consumer goods articles being, for example, wearable consumer goods (such as earrings, or some other form of jewelry) or cosmetic articles or pharmaceuticals.

[0080] Understanding the above, a package for containing an article is accordingly described, the package including a sheet shaped to form an enclosed cavity for receiving the article; wherein the outer surface of the sheet includes: a first score line, the sheet being configured to be deformed by a user along or around the first score line; and a second score line configured to break when the sheet is deformed along or around the first score line; wherein the second score line is shaped to define at least one stress concentration feature; and wherein at least one stress concentration feature is configured to be exposed by the breaking of the second score line so that the user can start tearing the sheet to form a withdrawal opening for removing the article received in the enclosed cavity.

[0081] It is also described that the package as described above further includes a third score line connected to the second score line at the location of the stress concentration feature, the third score line being oriented towards the enclosed cavity of the package.

[0082] It is also described that the package as described above further includes an article (e.g., a consumer goods article) in the cavity.

[0083] Alternatively, this can be described as a package for containing an article, the package including a sheet shaped to form an enclosed cavity for receiving the article; wherein the outer surface of the sheet includes a first score line and a second score line, the sheet being configured to be deformed by a user along or around the first score line, the second score line being configured to break when the sheet is deformed along or around the first score line; wherein the second score line is shaped to define at least one user-interactive element; and wherein at least one user-interactive element is configured to be exposed by the breaking of the second score line so that the user can start tearing the sheet to form a withdrawal opening for removing the article received in the enclosed cavity.

[0084] Also described is a sheet configured to be formed into a package that includes an enclosed cavity for receiving an article package, such as the package described above, wherein the surface of the sheet includes: a first score line, the sheet being configured to be deformed by a user along or around the first score line; and a second score line configured to break when the sheet is deformed along or around the first score line; wherein the second score line is formed to define at least one stress concentration feature; and wherein at least one stress concentration feature is configured to be exposed by the breakage of the second score line so that the user can start tearing the sheet.

[0085] According to the method further elaborated herein, the sheet can be formed into a package including an enclosed cavity.

[0086] Also described is a method of forming a package for receiving an article, as Figure 13 schematically illustrated, the method including: step S1, forming the sheet so as to form an enclosed cavity for receiving an article; step S2, forming a first score line in the sheet, the sheet being configured to be deformed by a user along or around the first score line; and step S3, forming a second score line in the sheet, the second score line being configured to break when the sheet is deformed along or around the first score line, wherein the second score line is formed to define at least one stress concentration feature, and wherein at least one stress concentration feature is configured to be exposed by the breakage of the second score line so that the user can start tearing the sheet to form a dispensing opening for removing the article received in the enclosed cavity.

[0087] Also described is a method of forming a dispensing opening for removing an article received in an enclosed cavity of a package, the package including a sheet formed to form an enclosed cavity for receiving an article, as Figure 14 schematically illustrated, the method including: step T1, deforming the sheet along or around a first score line included in the sheet to break a second score line that defines at least one stress concentration feature, thereby exposing at least one stress concentration feature; and step T2, starting to tear the sheet at at least one stress concentration feature to form a dispensing opening for removing the article received in the enclosed cavity.

[0088] To address various problems and advance technological progress, the present disclosure shows, by way of illustration, multiple embodiments in which the claimed invention may be practiced. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are merely representative examples of these embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. These embodiments are presented only to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed invention. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure should not be considered as limitations on the present disclosure defined by the claims or on equivalents of the claims, and that other embodiments may be adopted and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. In addition to the elements, components, features, parts, steps, devices, etc. specifically described herein, multiple embodiments may suitably include, incorporate, or substantially incorporate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, devices, etc., and thus it can be understood that the features of the dependent claims may be combined with the features of the independent claims in combinations other than those explicitly set forth in the claims. For example, as needed, any dependent claim related to independent claim 1 (or other independent claims) may be correspondingly adopted as the corresponding feature in any relevant independent claim listed in the claims. It is also apparent that the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

[0089] For the sake of completeness only, it can also be understood that in some embodiments, any one of the multiple cavities provided may also include, in some embodiments, an observation portion for allowing a view inside the cavity when the package is in an unopened configuration. As to what the observation portion may be, in some embodiments, the observation portion may clearly include at least a partially transparent or at least a partially translucent portion of the sheet covering the cavity, such as a portion made of transparent plastic. By providing this observation portion, the user is enabled to confirm whether the cavity contains the specific consumer product article they desire.

Claims

1. A package for containing an article, the package comprising a sheet formed to form a closed cavity for containing the article; Among them, The outer surface of the sheet includes: a first weakened line, the sheet being configured to be deformed by a user along or around the first weakened line; and a second weakened line configured to break when the sheet is deformed along or around the first weakened line; Wherein the second weakened line is formed to define at least one stress concentration feature; and Wherein the at least one stress concentration feature is configured to be exposed by the breakage of the second weakened line so that a user can start tearing the sheet to form a tear opening for removing the article contained in the closed cavity.

2. The package according to claim 1, wherein The at least one stress concentration feature does not intersect the edge of the sheet.

3. The packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The at least one stress concentration feature is formed such that a user can start tearing the sheet in a direction oriented away from the first weakened line.

4. The package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The second weakened line is formed to form a tab feature that a user can grasp upon breakage, Wherein the junction between the tab feature and the first weakened line forms the at least one stress concentration feature.

5. The package according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The second weakened line is formed to form a notch or slit upon breakage, Wherein the base of the notch or slit forms the at least one stress concentration feature.

6. The packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first weakened line is configured to be deformed by bending or folding the sheet around the first weakened line.

7. The packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The breaking resistance of the second weakened line is less than the breaking resistance of the first weakened line.

8. The packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first weakened line extends to a first edge of the sheet.

9. The package according to claim 8, wherein, The first weakened line is configured to be deformed by tearing the sheet along the first weakened line.

10. The package according to claim 9, wherein, A supplementary stress concentration feature is provided at the junction of the first weakened line and the edge of the sheet so that a user can start tearing the sheet along the first weakened line.

11. The package according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, The first weakened line is provided between the closed cavity for containing one or more of the articles and a second edge of the sheet, thereby defining a tear-off strip between the first weakened line and the second edge of the sheet.

12. The package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first weakened line and the second weakened line are connected.

13. The package according to claim 12, wherein, The end of the first weakened line is connected to the end of the second weakened line so that tearing along the first weakened line can cause the second weakened line to break.

14. The package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet comprises a first sheet and a second sheet, the first sheet and the second sheet being interconnected at a main surface and sealed together around one or more respective edges of the first sheet and the second sheet to form a boundary region at least partially defining the closed cavity.

15. The package according to claim 14, wherein, The first weakened line and the second weakened line are formed within the boundary region.

16. The package according to claim 15, wherein, The at least one stress concentration feature is formed such that a user can start tearing the sheet in a direction oriented towards the closed cavity.

17. The packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, One or more of the articles contain an active substance.

18. The packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, One or more of the articles include one or more components of an aerosol delivery system.

19. The package according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein The sheet contains a thermoplastic material and the boundary region is formed by heat sealing.

20. The package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The sheet includes a metal layer.

21. The package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The sheet is liquid-impermeable.

22. A method of forming a package for containing an article, comprising the steps of: forming the sheet so as to form a closed cavity for containing one or more of the articles; forming a first weakened line in the sheet, the sheet being configured to be deformed by a user along or around the first weakened line, forming a second weakened line in the sheet, the second weakened line being configured to break when the sheet is deformed along or around the first weakened line, wherein the second weakened line is formed to define at least one stress concentration feature, and wherein the at least one stress concentration feature is configured to be exposed by the breakage of the second weakened line so that the user can start tearing the sheet to form a dispensing opening for removing the article contained in the closed cavity.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein, During the step of forming the sheet so as to form the closed cavity for containing the article, the article is enclosed within the closed cavity.

24. A method of forming a extraction opening for removing an article housed in a closed cavity of a package, the package including a sheet formed to form the closed cavity for housing the article; The method comprises the steps of: deforming the sheet along or around a first weakened line included in the sheet to break a second weakened line defining at least one stress concentration feature, thereby exposing the at least one stress concentration feature; and starting to tear the sheet at the at least one stress concentration feature to form a dispensing opening for removing the article contained in the closed cavity.

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