Package for collating plurality of smoking articles

Abstract

A package (10) for sorting a plurality of smoking articles is disclosed. The package comprises a substantially cubic pouch (32), the pouch comprising: a front main portion (110); a rear main portion (112); a top secondary portion (114); a bottom secondary portion (116); a first side portion (118); and a second side portion (120). The pouch is made of a material configured and sealed to prevent transfer of moisture into and out of the pouch. The pouch is formed from a wrap (122) that is folded and sealed along a lap seal (48) between an upper lap section (34) and a lower lap section (36) of the wrap at the front main portion that extends across a width of the front main portion. An edge region (37) of the upper lap section is configured to be pulled such that the lap seal breaks open along at least a portion of the width of the front main portion, thereby opening the pouch.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a package for collating a plurality of smoking articles, and a container including a package for collating a plurality of smoking articles. Background Art

[0002] Smoking articles (such as cigarettes) are often wrapped in sachets which are sealed to prevent moisture exchange. The use of sealed sachets extends the shelf life of the smoking articles and ensures the provision of high-quality products to consumers. Such sachets are typically contained within another container (such as a hinged lid box) which provides additional structural protection for the smoking articles contained within the sachet.

[0003] There is a desire to provide a sachet for smoking articles which is reliably sealed against the external environment while also allowing a user to easily open the sachet and access the smoking articles. There is a further desire to achieve this while improving manufacturability and preferably utilising environmentally friendly packaging materials.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to solve one or more of these problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a package for collating a plurality of smoking articles, the package comprising: a substantially cubic sachet including: a front major portion; a rear major portion; a top minor portion; a bottom minor portion; a first side portion; and a second side portion, wherein the sachet is made of a material configured and sealed to prevent moisture transfer in and out of the sachet, wherein the sachet is formed from a wrapper which is folded and sealed along a lap seal between an upper lap section and a lower lap section at the front major portion, the lap seal extending across the width of the front major portion, and wherein an edge region of the upper lap section is configured to be pulled such that the lap seal is broken along at least a portion of the width of the front major portion, thereby opening the sachet.

[0006] In this way, the sachet is provided with a reliable opening mechanism without the need to attach any additional material to the sachet, i.e., the sachet including the opening mechanism is constructed only from the wrapper. In contrast, in a conventional sachet, the wrapper is typically attached with a separate adhesive seal that is positioned over a pre-cut opening area of the wrapper. When the seal is pulled, the seal opens and the contents of the sachet are revealed through the pre-cut opening area. This conventional way is more difficult to manufacture and typically requires the use of plastic seals to ensure reliable opening. By constructing the sachet from a (single) wrapper that is sealed to itself along a lap seal that spans across the major part of its front, the manufacturability of the sachet is improved. Additionally, since the upper lap section is configured to be pulled along its edge region rather than a region remote from the edge of the upper lap section, the sachet can be opened easily and reliably. This configuration (i.e., the sachet is made from a single piece of material) enables the sachet to be constructed from sustainable materials such as paper.

[0007] Those skilled in the art will understand that the width of the major part of the front is the (e.g., vertical) distance between the first side and the second side. Those skilled in the art will also understand that the edge region of the upper lap section refers to the region at the perimeter of the upper lap section, e.g., the region at the lower edge or margin of the upper lap section. In other words, the edge of the upper lap section defines a tab or seal that can be pulled.

[0008] Preferably, at least a portion of the edge region of the upper lap section is not sealed to the lower lap section. In this way, the ease of opening of the sachet is further improved. More preferably, the (entire) edge region of the upper lap section is not sealed to the lower lap section.

[0009] Preferably, a pair of weakening lines are formed in the upper lap section such that when the edge region is pulled, the upper lap section tears along each weakening line to open the sachet. In this way, the sachet tends to split along the weakening lines, thereby increasing the speed and reliability of opening.

[0010] Preferably, each weakening line includes a slit that extends from the edge of the upper lap section and terminates at or before the lap seal, wherein the edge region configured to be pulled is defined between a pair of slits. In this way, the presence of each slit further biases the sachet to open as intended by providing an initial crack along which the tear can propagate. Advantageously, since each slit does not extend beyond the lap seal, the seal of the sachet is not compromised by the presence of each slit.

[0011] Preferably, each weakening line includes a line segment that is partially cut through the thickness of the sachet (e.g., at least partially cut through the wrapper without extending through the moisture barrier coating). The line segment is substantially continuous with the corresponding slit and extends towards the minor part at the top.

[0012] Preferably, each line segment includes a cut line, a kiss cut line, a score line, an embossed line, or a crease line. Each line segment can be made by laser scoring, mechanical indentation, or mechanical scoring. Advantageously, by only partially extending through the sachet, the sealing of the sachet is not adversely affected by the presence of each line segment.

[0013] Preferably, each line segment further extends along at least a portion of the top minor portion. In this way, the sachet is further biased to split along the top minor portion, thereby increasing the opening area of the sachet and improving the accessibility of the smoking article contained in the sachet.

[0014] In an alternative embodiment, each weakening line can consist of a cut line, a kiss cut line, a score line, an embossed line, or a crease line (i.e., a weakening line that partially cuts through the thickness of the sachet) extending from the edge of the upper overlapping section towards the top minor portion.

[0015] Preferably, the wrapper is further sealed along a first fin seal and a second fin seal, the first fin seal extending along the length of the first side, and the second fin seal extending along the length of the second side. Using fin seals is advantageous because the smoking article contained in the sachet is not compressed by the sealing action during sealing of the sachet along the fin seals.

[0016] Those skilled in the art will understand that the lengths of the first side and the second side refer to the (e.g., vertical) distance between the top minor portion and the bottom minor portion. This can also be referred to as the height of the sachet.

[0017] Preferably, each of the first fin seal and the second fin seal is folded towards the rear major portion of the sachet. Alternatively, the first fin seal and the second fin seal can be folded towards the front major portion of the sachet.

[0018] Preferably, the wrapper is a cellulose-based wrapper, and the sachet further includes a moisture-proof coating formed on the wrapper. In this way, the sachet is constructed of sustainable materials that effectively seal and protect the smoking article contained therein from the external environment.

[0019] For example, the wrapper can include paper, hemp, formed cellulose pulp, or tobacco dust with paper (or consist of them).

[0020] Preferably, the moisture-proof coating is an aqueous paint. Alternatively, the moisture-proof coating can be a hot melt adhesive.

[0021] Preferably, the moisture-proof coating also reduces or prevents the transfer of oxygen, air, flavorings, and / or menthol.

[0022] Preferably, the sachet (i.e., the wrapper and the moisture barrier coating) can have a water vapor transmission rate of 2 - 10 g / m2 / day (at 23°C, 50% RH) and an oxygen transmission rate of < 10 ccm / m2 / day (at 23°C, 50% RH).

[0023] Preferably, the thickness of the sachet (i.e., the wrapper and the moisture barrier coating) is 65 to 85 microns.

[0024] Preferably, the density of the sachet (i.e., the wrapper and the moisture barrier coating) is 50 to 85 grams per square meter.

[0025] Preferably, the moisture barrier coating is formed on the inner surface of the sachet. Preferably, the kiss cut line is formed in the outer surface of the sachet.

[0026] Preferably, the package further includes a reinforcing element, which is disposed inside the sachet and is arranged to be substantially flush against the inner surface of the sachet. Preferably, the reinforcing element comprises a cellulose-based material. In this way, since the reinforcing element provides additional stiffness, the size of the opening area of the sachet can be increased while maintaining the appropriate stiffness of the package.

[0027] Preferably, the reinforcing element is a folding element having a front section, a first side section, and a second side section, wherein the front section, the first side section, and the second side section are arranged to butt against the front main part, the first side part, and the second side part of the sachet respectively, and wherein the lengths of the first side section and the second side section are each equal to the length of the sachet. More preferably, the reinforcing element consists of the front section, the first side section, and the second side section. In this way, the weight of the package is reduced while maintaining high stiffness.

[0028] Preferably, the reinforcing element is a cellulose-based reinforcing element. For example, the reinforcing element can include paper, hemp, or formed cellulose pulp (or consist thereof).

[0029] Preferably, the hardness of the reinforcing element is higher than that of the sachet. For example, the reinforcing element can have a density of 130 to 200 grams per square meter.

[0030] Preferably, the front section of the reinforcing element has a cut on its top edge, and wherein the cut extends downward to at least be flush with the edge of the lower overlapping section. In this way, the accessibility of the smoking article is improved while maintaining the high stiffness of the package.

[0031] Preferably, the width of the cut is at least 50% of the width of the front section. Preferably, the length of the cut is 10% to 20% of the length of the front section.

[0032] Preferably, the cut is centered along the top edge of the front section of the reinforcing element.

[0033] Preferably, the sachet and / or the reinforcing element do not comprise a plastic film or metal. In particular, the sachet and / or the reinforcing element are not made of a paper laminate comprising a plastic film or metal.

[0034] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container for a smoking article, the container comprising: a housing having a lid movable between an open position and a closed position; and a package according to the first aspect, wherein the package is received within the housing.

[0035] Preferably, the edge region is coupled to the inner surface of the lid such that when the lid is opened, the lap seal breaks along at least a portion of the width of the front major portion, thereby opening the sachet.

[0036] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising: a package according to the first aspect; or a container for a smoking article according to the second aspect; and a plurality of smoking articles received within the sachet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a container for a smoking article, the container having a lid in the open position and including a sachet that has been partially opened;

[0039] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the container, wherein the sachet has been fully opened;

[0040] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the sachet in the closed state and sealed along the lap seal;

[0041] Figure 4A is a schematic front view of the sachet;

[0042] Figure 4B is a schematic side view of the sachet;

[0043] Figure 4C is a schematic cross-sectional top view of the sachet;

[0044] Figure 5 is a schematic front view of the sachet, wherein the lap seal is shown as visible for illustrative purposes;

[0045] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the sachet including a wrapper and a moisture barrier coating formed thereon;

[0046] Figure 7 is a schematic view of the reinforcing element in the deployed form of the container; and

[0047] Figure 8 is a schematic top view of a blank that can be used to form a sachet. Detailed implementation

[0048] Figure 1 and Figure 2 shows a container 10 for a smoking article 8 according to the present invention. The container 10 includes an outer shell 12, which includes a body 14 and a lid 16. The lid 16 is hingedly connected to the body 14 by a hinge 30 such that the lid 16 can move between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the user can access the contents contained within the outer shell 12. In the closed position, the contents of the outer shell 12 are inaccessible, and the body 14 and the lid 16 together define a cubic box. Those skilled in the art will understand that the container 10 or the outer shell 12 can also be referred to as a hinged lid box.

[0049] The body 14 includes a plurality of panels 18 - 26, which include a front panel 18, a rear panel 20, a bottom panel 22, a first side panel 24 (i.e., the left side panel), and a second side panel 26 (i.e., the right side panel). These panels 18 - 26 together define a main compartment that has an opening 28 opposite the bottom panel 22. The height of the rear panel 20 is preferably greater than the height of the front panel 18 such that the height of the first side panel 24 and the second side panel 26 increases towards the rear panel 20.

[0050] The lid 16 includes a plurality of panels 72 - 80, which include a front panel 72, a rear panel 74, a top panel 76, a first side panel 78 (e.g., the left side panel), and a second side panel 80 (e.g., the right side panel). These panels 72 - 80 together define a secondary compartment that has an opening opposite the top panel 76. The height of the front panel 72 is preferably greater than the height of the rear panel 74 such that the height of the first side panel 78 and the second side panel 80 increases towards the rear panel 74.

[0051] The lid 16 is connected to the body 14 by a hinge 30 that is positioned between the rear panel 74 of the lid 16 and the rear panel 20 of the body 14. Those skilled in the art will understand that the hinge 30 is not a separable part of the container 10, but instead is a connecting portion between the rear panel 74 of the lid 16 and the rear panel 20 of the body 14 about which the lid 16 can pivot. That is, the hinge 30 can be described as a fold line or crease line in the outer shell 12 that is formed from the same material as the body 14 and the lid 16.

[0052] The outer shell 12 can be made of a cellulose-based material. For example, the outer shell 12 can include paper, hemp, or molded cellulose pulp (or consist thereof).

[0053] The sachet 32 is received within the outer housing 12. Specifically, the sachet 32 is received within the main compartment of the body 14 such that a portion of the sachet 32 projects through the opening 28 and is fully received within the outer housing 12 when the lid 16 is moved to the closed position. The sachet 32 is sized to store and organize a plurality of smoking articles 8. That is, the height of the sachet 32 is substantially equal to the height of the smoking article 8 such that the smoking article 8 can be securely held within the sachet 32. In one example, the smoking article 8 can be a cigarette. In other examples, the smoking article 8 can be a heat-not-burn stick.

[0054] As Figure 3 shown, the sachet 32 is substantially cubic in shape and includes a front major portion 110, a rear major portion 112, a top minor portion 114, a bottom minor portion 116, a first side 118 (e.g., a left side) and a second side 120 (e.g., a right side). The sachet 32 is shown in more detail in Figures 4A to 4C . Figure 4A A schematic view showing the front major portion 110 of the sachet 32 is Figure 4B shown, a schematic view showing the second side 120 of the sachet 32 is shown, and Figure 4C a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the top minor portion 114 of the sachet 32 is shown.

[0055] The sachet 32 includes a wrapper 122 on which a moisture-proof coating 124 is formed. The wrapper 122 is folded and sealed to form the substantially cubic sachet 32 having an outer surface 126 and an inner surface 128. Specifically, the sachet 32 is sealed by a lap seal 48 that extends across the width of the front major portion 110 of the sachet 32, a first fin seal 50 that extends along the length of the first side 118 of the sachet 32, and a second fin seal 52 that extends along the length of the second side 120 of the sachet 32. Those skilled in the art will understand that a lap seal refers to a seal formed by sealing an area of the inner surface 128 of the wrapper 122 to an area of the outer surface 126 of the wrapper 122. Those skilled in the art will also understand that a fin seal refers to a seal formed by sealing an area of the inner surface 128 of the wrapper 122 to another area of the inner surface 128 of the wrapper 122.

[0056] The lap seal 48 is formed between the lower lap section 34 and the upper lap section 36 of the wrapper 122. That is, at the main front portion 110 of the sachet 32, the upper lap section 36 of the wrapper 122 extends over the lower lap section 34 of the wrapper 122, and the upper lap section 36 and the lower lap section 34 are bonded together. It should be understood that the upper lap section 34 refers to the portion of the main front portion 110 that extends from the minor top portion 114 of the sachet 32 to the lower edge 37 of the upper lap section 36. The lower lap section 34 refers to the portion of the main front portion 110 that extends from the minor rear portion 116 to the upper edge 39 of the lower lap section 34.

[0057] The lap seal 48 is best shown in Figure 5 which, for ease of understanding, shows the upper lap section 36 as a transparent section adjacent to the underlying lap seal 48 to show the location of the lap seal 48. The lap seal 48 extends across the entire width of the main front portion 110 (i.e., between the first side 118 and the second side 120), and preferably extends across at least a portion of the width of each of the first side 118 and the second side 120. Preferably, the lap seal 48 is sealed using an adhesive that is configured to debond when a threshold tensile force is applied, such that the sachet 32 can be reliably opened, as will be discussed further below.

[0058] In the assembled sachet 32, the first fin seal 50 and the second fin seal 52 typically fold against (e.g., are arranged to lie substantially flat against) the fronts of the first side 118 and the second side 120 of the sachet 32, respectively. For example, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the first fin seal 50 and the second fin seal 52 can fold towards the main rear portion 112 of the sachet 32. Alternatively, as Figures 3 to 5 shown, the first fin seal 50 and the second fin seal 52 can fold towards the main front portion 110 of the sachet 32. The first fin seal 50 and the second fin seal 52 are typically sealed after sealing the lap seal 48.

[0059] The edge 37 (which may also be referred to as the boundary, margin or periphery of the upper lap section 36) is the lower edge of the upper lap section 36 that is on the opposite side of the upper lap section 36 from the minor top portion 114 of the sachet 32. The edge region 38 of the upper lap section 36 is defined at the edge 37. That is, the edge region 38 is defined as being adjacent to and along the edge 37 of the upper lap section 36. This means that the edge region 38 is the peripheral region of the upper lap section 36.

[0060] The edge region 38 is configured to be pulled by a user to open the sachet 32 by separating at least a portion of the upper lap section 36 from the lower lap section 34. Specifically, by pulling the edge region 38, the lap seal 48 is broken along at least a portion of the width of the front main portion 110, thereby allowing access to the smoking article 8 contained in the sachet 32. Those skilled in the art will understand that the edge region 38 can be described as providing a tab that can be pulled by the user. To break the lap seal 48, the edge region 38 should preferably be pulled in a direction generally upward relative to the height of the sachet 32. It should be understood that the upper lap section 36 can also be referred to as a tearable lid that allows access to the smoking article 8 contained in the sachet 32 and is secured by means of the lap seal 48.

[0061] As best shown in Figure 5 the edge region 38 of the upper lap section 36 is not sealed to the lower lap section 34. That is, the lap seal 48 does not extend to the edge 37 of the upper lap section 36. In this way, the edge region 38 can be easily grasped and pulled by the user. In other examples, the lap seal 48 can extend to the edge 37 of the upper lap section 36 such that the edge region 38 is sealed to the lower lap section 34. In this case, to allow the sachet 32 to be easily opened, the outer surface of the edge region 38 can be adhered to the inner surface of the lid 16 such that when the lid 16 is initially opened, the edge region 38 is pulled, thereby breaking the lap seal 48 along at least a portion of the width of the front main portion 110 to open the sachet 32. Alternatively, a grippable element can be attached to the outer surface of the edge region 38 for the user to grasp and pull.

[0062] In some embodiments, the lap seal 48 can extend to the upper edge 39 of the lower lap section 34, but in other embodiments, the lap seal 48 can not extend to the upper edge 39 of the lower lap section 34.

[0063] The upper lap section 36 includes a pair of score lines 40. The score lines 40 are configured such that when the edge region 38 is pulled, the sachet 32 splits along each score line 40, thereby opening the sachet 32. As shown, the score lines 40 are parallel and extend from the edge 37 of the upper lap section 36 to the top minor portion 114 in a direction parallel to the height of the sachet 32. The score lines 40 also extend along the top minor portion 114 of the sachet 32. However, in alternative embodiments, the score lines 40 can not extend along the top minor portion 114, or can only extend along a portion of the top minor portion 114. Additionally, in some embodiments, the score lines 40 can terminate before the top minor portion 114 of the sachet 32.

[0064] Each weakening line 40 includes a slit 42 extending from the edge 37 of the upper lap section 36. Each slit 42 can also be described as a pre-cut line. The slit 42 extends towards the top minor portion 114 but terminates near or before the lap seal 48. In this way, it is ensured that the slit 42 does not allow air to enter or leave the sealed sachet 32. An edge region 38 that can be pulled by the user is defined between the pair of slits 42. The slit 42 provides an initial crack along which the tear can start to propagate, thereby providing a reliable mechanism for opening the sachet 32. Therefore, it should also be understood that the lap seal 48 can extend along the region of the upper lap section 36 on the side opposite to the edge region 38 of the slit 42 to the edge 37 of the upper lap section 36.

[0065] Each weakening line 40 further includes a line segment 44 that is arranged parallel and continuous to the corresponding slit 42. The line segment 44 extends partially through the thickness of the sachet 32, that is, at least partially through the wrapper 122 without extending through the moisture-proof coating. In this example, the segment 44 includes a kiss cut line, but in other examples, the segment can include a cut line, a score line, an embossed line, or a crease line. The line segment 44 can be created by laser scoring, mechanical indentation, mechanical scoring, or any other suitable technique. When the edge portion 38 is pulled, the sachet 32 tears along each slit 42, and then the crack propagates along each line segment 44. Thus, the upper lap section 38 forms a lid that allows access to the smoking article 8 contained in the sachet 32. Since each line segment 44 only extends partially through the thickness of the sachet 32, the seal of the sachet 32 is not compromised by the presence of the line segment 44.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, each line segment 44 extends from the lap seal 48 to the top minor portion 114 of the sachet 32 and extends along the width of the top minor portion 114. The width of the top minor portion 114 will be understood to refer to the (e.g., vertical) distance between the front major portion 110 and the rear major portion 112 of the sachet 32. However, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the line segment 44 can extend from the edge 37 of the upper lap portion 36, that is, no slit is formed in the upper lap portion 36, and each weakening line 40 only includes the line segment 44 (i.e., a cut line, a kiss cut line, a score line, an embossed line, or a crease line). Additionally or alternatively, the line segment 44 can not extend across the entire width of the top minor portion 114, or the line segment 44 can terminate at or before the top minor portion 114. In further alternative embodiments, the line segment 44 can be absent, that is, each weakening line only includes the slit 42.

[0067] Figure 6A cross-sectional view of the wrapper 122 and the moisture barrier coating 124 forming the sachet 32 is shown. The moisture barrier coating 124 is formed on (or forms) the inner surface 128 of the sachet 32. A kiss cut line 44 is formed on the outer surface 126 of the sachet 32.

[0068] The thickness of the sachet 32 (i.e., the wrapper 122 and the moisture barrier coating 124) can be 65 to 85 microns. The density of the sachet 32 (i.e., the wrapper 122 and the moisture barrier coating 124) can be 50 to 85 grams per square meter.

[0069] The wrapper 122 is made of a cellulose-based material (such as paper, hemp, formed cellulose pulp, or tobacco dust with paper). The moisture barrier coating 124 prevents moisture from entering through the wrapper 122, thereby protecting the smoking article 8 contained within the sachet 32. Advantageously, by using a cellulose-based wrapper 122 with a moisture barrier coating 124, as opposed to a wrapper containing plastic or metal, the biodegradability and sustainability of the package 10 are improved without sacrificing the sealing quality. The moisture barrier coating 124 can also reduce or prevent the transfer of oxygen, air, flavorings, and / or menthol through the sachet 32.

[0070] In one example, the moisture barrier coating 124 can be an aqueous paint. In another example, the moisture barrier coating 124 can be a hot melt adhesive.

[0071] Due to the lap seal and fin seal and the properties of the moisture barrier coating 124, the sachet 32 (i.e., the wrapper 122 and the moisture barrier coating 124) can have a water vapor transmission rate of 2 - 10 g / m2 / day (at 23°C, 50% RH) and an oxygen transmission rate of < 10 ccm / mm2 / day (at 23°C, 50% RH).

[0072] Although not visible in Figure 1 or Figure 2 a reinforcing element 82 is positioned within the sachet 32, between the inner surface 128 of the sachet 32 and the smoking article 8 contained within the sachet 32.

[0073] The reinforcing element 82 is a folding element that includes a front section 84, a first side section 88 (e.g., a left side section), and a second side section 90 (e.g., a right side section). Figure 7Shows the reinforcing element 82 in an unfolded form. The first side section 88 and the second side section 90 are connected to opposite sides of the front section 84 by respective fold lines. When constructing the container 10, the first side section 88 and the second side section 90 are folded approximately 90 degrees about the respective fold lines, and the reinforcing element 82 is disposed between the sachet 32 and the smoking article 8 such that the front section 84, the first side section 88, and the second side section 90 of the reinforcing element 82 are arranged to be adjacent to (i.e., butt against) the front main portion 110 of the sachet 32, the first side portion 118 of the sachet 32, and the second side portion 120 of the sachet 32, respectively.

[0074] Advantageously, the presence of the reinforcing element 82 increases the stiffness of the container 10, thereby further enhancing the protection and support of the smoking article 8 contained in the sachet 32.

[0075] The height of the reinforcing element 82, particularly the height of the first side section 88 and the second side section 90 of the reinforcing element 82, is preferably equal to the height of the sachet 32. This arrangement provides optimal protection and support for the smoking article 8 contained in the sachet 32.

[0076] The reinforcing element 82 has a top edge 85 on which a cutout 86 is formed. That is, a portion of the material is removed along the top edge 85 of the front section 84 of the reinforcing element 82 to form the cutout 86, which can also be referred to as a recessed portion.

[0077] The cutout 86 extends flush with or below the upper edge 39 of the lower overlapping section 34 of the wrapper 122. In this way, when pulling the edge portion 38 of the upper overlapping section 36 to open the sachet 32, the smoking article 8 is exposed through the cutout 86, thereby allowing the user to easily grasp and take out the smoking article 8.

[0078] The cutout 86 is centered along the top edge 85 of the front section 84 of the reinforcing element 82, thereby providing optimal access to the smoking article 8. The width of the cutout 86 can be at least 50% of the width of the front section 84 of the reinforcing element 82.

[0079] The reinforcing element 82 can be made of a cellulose-based material such as paper, hemp, or molded cellulose pulp. Advantageously, the hardness of the reinforcing element 82 can be higher than the hardness of the sachet 32. For example, the reinforcing element 82 can have a density of 130 to 200 grams per square meter.

[0080] The sachet 32 can be formed from a blank 130 including a wrapper 122 and a moisture-proof coating 128. Figure 8 The blank 130 is shown.

[0081] The blank 130 includes a plurality of panels 132 - 150 separated by fold lines. The plurality of panels 132 - 150 includes a blank rear panel 132 for forming a major rear portion 112 of the pouch 32, a blank top panel 134 for forming a minor top portion 114 of the pouch 32, and a blank bottom panel 136 for forming a minor bottom portion 116 of the pouch 32. The plurality of panels 132 - 150 further includes a blank first front panel 146, a blank second front panel 148, and a blank third front panel 150 for jointly forming a major front portion 110 of the pouch 32. Specifically, the blank first front panel 146 corresponds to the upper overlap section 36 of the pouch 32, and the blank second front panel 148 and the blank third front panel 150 correspond to the lower overlap section 34 of the pouch 32. However, in some embodiments, the blank third front panel 150 may be omitted. An adhesive area 152 (such as a peelable seal) is disposed on the blank first front panel 146 for forming an overlap seal 48 between the upper overlap section 36 and the lower overlap section 32. Alternatively or additionally, the adhesive area 152 may be located on the blank second front panel 148. The blank first front panel 146 includes an edge area 158 that corresponds to an edge portion 38 in the assembled pouch 32.

[0082] The plurality of panels 132 - 150 further includes a pair of blank first side panels 138, 140 for jointly forming a first side 118, and a pair of blank second side panels 142, 144 for jointly forming a second side 120. The blank 130 further includes a first longitudinal fin tab 154 and a second longitudinal fin tab 156 that form a longitudinal boundary (i.e., an edge portion) of the blank 130.

[0083] The score line 40 includes a pair of slits 42 and a pair of line segments 44 (e.g., kiss cuts) that extend along the blank first front panel 146 and the blank top panel 134, but it should be understood that this arrangement can vary as discussed above.

[0084] The blank 130 (and thus also the panels 132 - 150 and the tabs 154 - 156) can be described as having two surfaces: an outer surface and an opposite inner surface. When formed, the outer surface 126 of the pouch 32 corresponds to the outer surface of the blank 130, and the inner surface 128 of the pouch 32 corresponds to the inner surface of the blank 130. A moisture - resistant coating 128 is formed on the inner surface of the blank 130, while the kiss cuts 44 are formed in the outer surface of the blank 130.

[0085] To form the pouch 32 from the blank 130, each of the panels 132-150 and the tabs 154-156 is folded about a respective fold line that connects these panels and tabs to the other panels 132-150 and tabs 154-156 of the blank 130. Each of the panels 136-150 and the tabs 154-160 is folded about a respective fold line at approximately 90 degrees, except for the (optional) third front panel 150 of the blank that folds against the second front panel 148 of the blank (i.e., folds approximately 180 degrees relative to the second front panel 148 of the blank). The inner surface of the first front panel 146 of the blank is sealed to the outer surface of the second front panel 148 of the blank along the adhesive area 152. The first longitudinal fin tab 154 is sealed to itself along the inner surface, thereby forming the first fin seal 50. The second longitudinal fin tab 156 is sealed to itself along the inner surface, thereby forming the second fin seal 52. Each fin seal 50, 52 can be sealed using a suitable adhesive. When the pouch 32 is formed, the edge region 158 of the first front panel 146 of the blank is not sealed to the second front panel 148 of the blank, thereby providing a tab configured to be pulled by a user.

[0086] As discussed above, in the assembled pouch 32, the first fin seal 50 and the second fin seal 52 are generally folded against the first side 118 and the second side 120. The lap seal 48 and the fin seals 50, 52 effectively seal the pouch 32 relative to the external environment. The smoking article 8 can be provided into the pouch 32 before or during the folding and sealing process.

Claims

1. A package for collating a plurality of smoking articles, the package comprising: A substantially cubic sachet, the sachet comprising: a front main portion; a rear main portion; a top minor portion; a bottom minor portion; a first side portion; and a second side portion, wherein the sachet is made of a material configured and sealed to prevent moisture transfer into and out of the sachet, wherein the sachet is formed from a wrapper that is folded and sealed along a lap seal between an upper lap section and a lower lap section of the wrapper at the front main portion, the lap seal extending across the width of the front main portion, and wherein an edge region of the upper lap section is configured to be pulled such that the lap seal is broken along at least a portion of the width of the front main portion, thereby opening the sachet.

2. The package according to claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the edge region of the upper lap section is not sealed to the lower lap section.

3. The package according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, A pair of weakened lines are formed in the upper lap section such that when the edge region is pulled, the upper lap section tears along each weakened line to open the sachet.

4. The package according to claim 3, wherein, Each weakened line includes a slit that extends from the edge of the upper lap section and terminates at or before the lap seal, wherein the edge region configured to be pulled is defined between the pair of slits.

5. The package according to claim 4, wherein, Each weakened line includes a line segment that is partially cut through the sachet, wherein the line segment is substantially continuous with the corresponding slit and extends towards the top minor portion.

6. The package according to claim 5, wherein Each line segment includes a cut line, a kiss cut line, a score line, an embossed line, or a crease line.

7. The package according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein, Each line segment further extends along at least a portion of the top minor portion.

8. The package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The wrapper is further sealed along a first fin seal and a second fin seal, the first fin seal extending along the length of the first side portion, and the second fin seal extending along the length of the second side portion.

9. The package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The wrapper is a cellulose-based wrapper, and wherein the sachet further includes a moisture-proof coating formed on the wrapper, preferably wherein the moisture-proof coating is formed on the inner side of the wrapper.

10. The package according to claim 9, wherein, The moisture-proof coating is an aqueous paint.

11. The package according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a reinforcing element, the reinforcing element being disposed within the sachet and being arranged to lie substantially flush against the inner surface of the sachet, preferably wherein, The reinforcing element comprises a cellulose-based material.

12. The package according to claim 11, wherein, The reinforcing element is a folding element having a front section, a first side section, and a second side section, wherein the front section, the first side section, and the second side section are arranged to abut against the front main portion, the first side portion, and the second side portion of the sachet respectively, and wherein the lengths of the first side section and the second side section are each equal to the length of the sachet.

13. A container for smoking articles, the container comprising: A housing having a lid movable between an open position and a closed position; And A package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the package is contained within the housing.

14. The container according to claim 13, wherein, The edge region is coupled to the inner surface of the lid such that when the lid is opened, the lap seal is broken along at least a portion of the width of the front main portion, thereby opening the sachet.

15. A system, the system comprising: A package according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or a container according to claim 13 or claim 14; And A plurality of smoking articles contained within the sachet.

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