A hinged-lid pack

Abstract

A hinged-lid pack for delivery systems is disclosed. The hinge-lid pack comprises a base containing a group of tobacco industry products wrapped in a barrier layer to form a bundle; a lid mounted to the base for rotation between open and closed positions; a section in the barrier layer defined by a line of weakness; and a label having a first portion that extends over and is attached to the section, the first portion of the label including a peripheral region, and a second portion attached to an inside surface of the lid such that, when the lid is rotated into its open position, the peripheral region of the label is peeled away from the barrier material and the section in the barrier layer lifts together with the label to define an extraction opening in the barrier material. A part of the peripheral region of the first portion of the label is attached to the barrier material so that the peripheral region of the first portion provides an indication that the lid has previously been rotated into an open position when the lid is subsequently closed.

Description

[0001] A Hinged- Lid Pack

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a hinged-lid pack for delivery systems.

[0004] Background

[0005] Smoking articles, such as cigarettes, are sold in packages. Known packages often comprise an outer carton made from cardboard which has a base and a hinged lid. The base typically receives a tobacco industry product and the lid is rotatable relative to the base between open and closed positions.

[0006] Summary

[0007] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a hinged-lid pack for delivery systems, the hinged-lid pack comprising: a base containing a group of tobacco industry products wrapped in a barrier layer to form a bundle; a lid mounted to the base for rotation between open and closed positions; a section in the barrier layer defined by a line of weakness; and a label having a first portion that extends over and is attached to the section, the first portion including a peripheral region, and a second portion attached to an inside surface of the lid such that, when the lid is rotated into its open position, the peripheral region of the label is peeled away from the barrier material and the section in the barrier layer lifts together with the label to define an extraction opening in the barrier material, wherein a part of the peripheral region of the first portion of the label is attached to the barrier material so that the peripheral region provides an indication that the lid has previously been rotated into an open position when the lid is subsequently closed.

[0008] The peripheral region on the first portion of the label may be releasably attached via releasable adhesive to the barrier material surrounding the section. The line of weakness may be configured to break to provide audial and / or resistive feedback when the lid is rotated into an open position for the first time.

[0009] The line of weakness may be a cut that extends partially through the thickness of the material of the barrier layer and / or a line of perforations in the material of the barrier layer. A part of the line of weakness may include a cut that extends entirely through the thickness of the material of the barrier layer.

[0010] The bundle may have an upper face and a front wall that meet at an edge. The section in the barrier layer may comprise at least a pair of spaced parallel lines of weakness that extend in said upper face, over said edge and down the front wall, and a lateral line of weakness in the front wall that extends between said pair of parallel lines of weakness.

[0011] The spaced parallel lines of weakness may each comprise a line of perforations, and the lateral line of weakness may comprise a cut extending partially or fully through the thickness of the barrier material.

[0012] Only the part of the spaced parallel lines of weakness that extend down the front wall of the bundle may comprise a line of perforations, that part of the spaced parallel lines of weakness formed in the upper face may comprise a cut extending partially or fully through the thickness of the barrier material.

[0013] The part of the peripheral region of the first portion of the label attached to the barrier material may comprise at least one area configured to provide audial and / or resistive feedback when the lid is rotated into an open position for the first time.

[0014] The or each area can be defined, and be enclosed by, a line of weakness in the label. The or each area may remain attached to the barrier material when the lid is opened, with a window or opening being formed in the label.

[0015] There may be a plurality of areas in the label, each area being equally spaced from one another.

[0016] The plurality of areas may be arranged in a row extending in a direction parallel to an edge of the label.

[0017] The at least one area may be attached to the barrier material with adhesive. The adhesive can be permanent or semi-permanent adhesive. Alternatively, the at least one area may be attached to the barrier material with varnish. If the peripheral region of the first portion of the label is attached to the barrier layer with an adhesive, then the at least one area may be attached to the barrier material with an adhesive that is different to the adhesive that attaches a remainder of the peripheral region of the first portion of the label to the barrier material. The adhesive that attaches the or each area to the barrier material may be a permanent, semi-permanent or simply a stronger adhesive than the adhesive that attaches the remainder of the peripheral region of the first portion of the label to the barrier material. Instead of adhesive, a varnish may be used. Even if no line of weakness is present, the different adhesive attaching the at least one area to the barrier material will result in the label tearing to form at least one window or opening in the label with the at least one area remaining attached to the barrier material.

[0018] The part of the peripheral region of the first portion of the label attached to the barrier material may comprise at least one a line of weakness, said line of weakness maybe configured to break to provide audial and / or resistive feedback when the lid is rotated into an open position for the first time.

[0019] The peripheral region of the first portion of the label may define an edge area of the label bounded by the line of weakness. The adhesive attaching the edge area to the barrier material can be different to the adhesive attaching a remainder of the peripheral region of the first portion of the label to the barrier material.

[0020] The adhesive attaching the edge area to the barrier material may be a stronger adhesive than the resealable adhesive.

[0021] Alternativelt, the adhesive attaching the at edge area to the barrier material can be a semi-permanent or permanent adhesive.

[0022] The at least one line of weakness may comprises a cut that extends partially through the thickness of the material of the label and / or a line of perforations in the material of the label.

[0023] A part of the line of weakness may include a cut that extends entirely through the thickness of the material of the barrier layer. The at least one line of weakness may extend from one edge of the label to another edge of the label. The peripheral region of the first portion of the label may comprise a pair of elongate side portions, each of which extend from the line of weakness defining the section in the barrier layer towards a side of the pack, and a lateral section that extends between said pair of elongate side portions. In this case, the line of weakness in the label may be formed in one or both of said elongate side portions.

[0024] The line of weakness in one or both of said elongate side portions may extend parallel to the line of weakness defining the section in the barrier layer from which the elongate side portions extend towards the side of the pack. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a hinged-lid pack according to an embodiment of the invention with the lid in the open position; and Figures 2 to 5 are front elevation views of hinged-lid packs according to embodiments of the invention.

[0027] Detailed Description

[0028] As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, and includes: combustible aerosol provision systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own or for make-your-own cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable material); non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosol-generating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials; and aerosol-free delivery systems that deliver the at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

[0029] According to the present disclosure, a “combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0030] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo and a cigar.

[0031] According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0032] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.

[0033] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0034] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosolgenerating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product. Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a noncombustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the noncombustible aerosol provision device.

[0035] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a noncombustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

[0036] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent.

[0037] In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol-modifying agent.

[0038] In some embodiments, the delivery system is an aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

[0039] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material that is not intended to be aerosolised. As appropriate, either material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0040] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance. The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.

[0041] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

[0042] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

[0043] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like. Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint maybe chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Mentha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens

[0044] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises, or is derived from, one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco.

[0045] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises, or derived from, one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.

[0046] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises, or derived from, one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel. In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour.

[0047] As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang- ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They maybe imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and / or peppermint.

[0048] In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and / or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.

[0049] In some embodiments, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucalyptol, WS-3. Figure 1 illustrates a pack according to embodiments of the invention. The pack comprises a rigid card pack 1 with a hinged lid 2 and a base 3 containing a group of cigarettes 4 wrapped in a barrier layer 5 to form a bundle 6 that protrudes from an open end of the base 3 of the pack 1 when the lid 2 is in its open position. The bounds or edges 7 of an extraction opening 8 form a removable flap or section 5a, in the barrier layer 5 for allowing access to the cigarettes 4 and extends from the rear side of the barrier layer 5 across the top or upper face of the bundle 6, over an edge of the bundle 6 between the upper face and a front wall, and down the front wall as far as a lateral lower front wall extraction opening edge 7a. The section in the barrier layer 5 can be defined by at least a pair of spaced parallel lines of weakness that extend in said upper face, over said edge and down the front wall, and a lateral line of weakness in the front wall that extends between said pair of parallel lines of weakness. In some embodiments, only part of the line of weakness defining the section may be formed by perforations. For example, the spaced parallel lines of weakness may each comprise a line of perforations, and the lateral line of weakness may comprise a cut extending partially or fully through the thickness of the material of the barrier layer 5. It is also possible for only the part of the spaced parallel lines of weakness that extend down the front wall of the bundle 6 to comprise a line of perforations, that part of the spaced parallel lines of weakness formed in the upper face comprising a cut extending partially or fully through the thickness of the material of the barrier layer.

[0050] In addition to a reduced thickness cut or line of perforations, a part of the line of weakness may be formed by a cut extending through the full thickness of the material of the barrier layer. It will be understood that irrespective of whether the line of weakness is formed from a reduced thickness cut in the barrier material, or by a line of perforations, or a combination of both, the consumer will experience different feedback when the pack is opened for the first time compared to when the pack is subsequently opened. In particular, consumer will feel greater resistance as the remaining material breaks along the cut or perforation line during opening of the pack for the first time. An audible sound may also be heard as the perforations break.

[0051] The barrier layer 5, which wraps about the cigarettes 4, maybe made of metallized plastics or of a plastics / metal foil laminate. A label 9 is provided to lift flap 5a as will be explained below.

[0052] The label 9 is made of a flexible thin sheet of material and comprises a first portion overlying the extraction opening 8 and section 5a, prior to a first opening of the pack 1. The first portion 10 of the label 9 overlaps the extraction opening 8 and extends beyond it, so that a peripheral region of the first portion 10 lies beyond the extraction opening 8. In some embodiments, this allows for releasable adherence of the label 9 to the bundle 6.

[0053] In some embodiments, a part of a first surface formed by the first portion 10 of the label 9 facing the barrier layer 5, and section 5a, is coated with a releasable or re-stick adhesive. For the avoidance of doubt, the first surface of the label 9 is the underside of the label, that is, the side of the label 9 facing the barrier material. Alternatively, a permanent bonding adhesive maybe applied to the part of the underside of the first portion to of the label 9 that overlaps section 5a but does not extend beyond it, with a coating of re-stick adhesive applied to the peripheral region. In use, the label 9 is peeled progressively from a lower edge 27 away from the bundle 6 to reveal the extraction opening 8 as described below. If re-stick adhesive is used to stick the label to the removable section 5a, the strength of that adhesive is selected so that the label will always remain adhered to the removable section 5a so that the removable section 5a always lifts together with the label 9.

[0054] The lid 2 hinges with respect to the base 3 along a lower edge 13 of a rear wall 14 and further comprises a front wall 15 disposed opposite the rear wall 14 and separated by side panels 16, 17. Lower edges of the front wall 15, rear wall 14 and side panels 16, 17 define an opening through which the protruding part of the bundle 6 is received when the lid 2 is in its closed position.

[0055] A part of a second surface formed by a second portion 12 of the label 9 is permanently adhered to the inside surface of the front wall 15 of the lid 2 so that the label 9 is peeled away from the barrier layer 5 simultaneously with opening of the lid 2. It shall be appreciated that the second surface of the label 9 is the opposite side of the label 9 to the first surface, so that the second surface faces away from the barrier layer 5.

[0056] When the lid 2 is pivoted about its hinge into its open position, the label 9 is also pulled due to the connection between the second portion 12 of the label 9 and the lid 2. This results in the label 9 being peeled back or rolled away from the extraction opening 8 with the section 5a of the barrier layer 5 also being lifted away from the extraction opening 8 together with the label 9, as most clearly illustrated by figure 1.

[0057] On first opening, the edge 7 of the extraction opening 8 separating section 5a from the remainder of the barrier layer 5 may be defined by lines of weakening in the barrier material 5 or by actual cuts so that, when the label 9 is pulled back, the section 5a of the barrier layer 5, which remains adhered to the underside of the first region 10 of the label 9, separates from the remainder of the barrier layer 5 along the lines of weakening or cuts to open the extraction opening 8. The consumer is then free to remove cigarettes 4 from the bundle 6 through the extraction opening 8. To reseal or close the extraction opening 8 the consumer moves the lid into its closed position and the label 9 is rolled back over the extraction opening 8 so that the peripheral region of the label 9 re-adheres to the barrier layer 5 in a region surrounding the periphery of the extraction opening 8. The section 5a of barrier layer 5 formed by the separation when label 9 is peeled back is returned to its previous position within the extraction opening 8. Although there is a line of separation in the barrier layer 5, it is covered by the adhered peripheral region of the label 9.

[0058] In embodiments where the edge 7 of the extraction opening 8 separating section 5a from the remainder of the barrier layer 5 is defined by lines of weakening in the barrier material 5, the lines of weakening may be configured to provide audial and / or resistive feedback when the lid 2 is rotated into an open position for the first time. The audial and / or resistive feedback can provide a consumer with an indication as the whether the pack 1 has been previously opened. Since the line of weakening will break on first opening of the pack 1, during subsequent opening of the pack 1 a consumer will not receive audial and / or resistive feedback from the line of weakening breaking.

[0059] Furthermore, as seen in Figure 1, the edge 7 of the extraction opening 8 comprises a pair of vertical or spaced parallel portions and a horizontalor lateral portion extending between the pair of vertical portions. It is to be appreciated that in some embodiments, only at least one of the pair of vertical portions is defined by a line of weakness configured to break to provide audial and / or resistive feedback. Alternatively, both vertical portions, or even the entire edge 7 maybe configured to provide such feedback.

[0060] The line of weakening can be formed from perforations in which case, the tactile feeling and / or sound of the perforations breaking can provide the consumer with an indication that they are opening the pack for the first time. Alternatively, if the line of weakening is formed from a cut, the cut may not extend through the entire thickness of the barrier layer, and so additional resistance maybe felt when the pack is opened for the first time, compared to subsequent openings of the pack. The resistance is generated from having to apply an increased force sufficient to break or tear the remaining material forming the cut as the lid is opened.

[0061] As seen in Figure 1, part of the peripheral region of the first portion 10 of the label 9 is attached to the barrier material 5 so that the peripheral region provides an indication that the lid 2 has previously been rotated into an open position when the lid 2 is subsequently closed. In particular, the part of the peripheral region attached to the barrier material 5 comprises at least one zone or area 18 configured to provided audial and / or resistive feedback to a consumer when the lid 2 is rotated into an open position for the first time. The at least one area 18 is attached to the barrier material 5 via a substance, which is configured to break and provide audial and / or resistive feedback when the pack 1 is opened for the first time, but that will not re-adhere to the barrier material 5 when the lid 2 is subsequently closed. Thus, the substance is configured to only provide audial and / or resistive feedback to a consumer upon first opening of the pack 1.

[0062] In some embodiments, onlty the at least one area 18 of the label is adhered to the barrier material with adhesive, which can be of the permanent or semi— permanent type. The remainder of the peripheral region may not being attached to the barrier material. When the label is lifted as a result of the lid being opened, it will tear or break due to the permanent connection between the at least one area 18 and the barrier material.

[0063] In embodiments where the peripheral region is adhered to the barrier material, the substance that adheres the at least one area 18 may be a different, preferably stronger, adhesive than the adhesive which adheres the remainder of the peripheral region of the label to the barrier material. It can also be a permanent or semi-permanent adhesive. The area or areas may be defined by a pattern of lines of weakness that form an enclosed shape and which break when the lid is first opened to leave a portion of the label enclosed by the lines of weakness behind, i.e. remaining adhered to the barrier material, and forming an opening in the label. Even if the area or areas are attached to the barrier using the same adhesive as the remainder of the label, the lines of weakness may be such that they have minimum resistance so that they break prior to separation of the label from the barrier material as the label is peeled back, i.e. the lines of weakness are weaker than the releasable adhesive. Instead of adhesive, the areas 18 may be attached to the barrier layer using varnish. The at least one region 18 is substantially circular in shape, however it is to be appreciated that the at least one region 18 maybe any suitable shape. In some embodiments, the at least one region 18 is in the form of an elongate strip.

[0064] Figure 2 illustrates a front elevation view of a pack according to an embodiment of the invention. Here, the peripheral region of the first portion 10 of the label 9 comprises a plurality of rareas 18 configured to provide audial and / or resistive feedback when the lid 2 is rotated into an open position for the first time. In some embodiments, the plurality of areas 18 may be adhered to the barrier mater 5 as described above. The plurality of regions 18 are equally spaced from one another. However, the plurality of areas 18 may be randomly arranged within the peripheral region of the first portion 10 of the label 9. In some embodiments, the plurality of areas 18 are arranged such that a continuous adhesive pattern is formed. Alternatively, the plurality of areas 18 are arranged into random discrete separate regions. As seen in Figure 2, the plurality of areas 18 comprises three areas equally spaced from one another and arranged in a substantially triangular formation. It is to be appreciated, the plurality of areas 18 may comprise any number of areass such as two, three, four, five or six areass arranged in any suitable manner such as to provide audial and / or resistive feedback when the pack 1 is opened form the first time.

[0065] In an alterative embodiment, depicted in Figure 3, the plurality of areas 18 are arranged in a row extending in a direction parallel to an edge of the label 9 laterally aside of the edge 7 of the extraction opening 8. In some embodiments, the row may extend at an angle to the edge 7 of the extraction opening 8 such that the row converges or diverges towards or away from the edge 7. When the pack 1 is opened for the first time, a consumer would hear and / or feel a sequence of audial and / or resistive indications. Therefore, on subsequent opening of the pack 1, a consumer would not receive any indication and would be aware that the pack 1 has been previously opened.

[0066] Figure 4 illustrates another embodiment of a hinged-lid pack. Here, the part of the peripheral region of the first portion of the label attached to the barrier material 5 comprises at least one line of weakness 19. When the lid 2 is rotated into an open position of the first time, the at least one line of weakness 19 is configured to break to provide audial and / or resistive feedback to indicate that the pack 1 is being opened for the first time. In some embodiments, the at least one line of weakness 19 is provided by perforations in the material of the label 9 which break in a non-continuous manner and thus provide both audial and resistive feedback. Alternatively, the at least one line of weakness 19 may be defined by a region of reduced thickness in the material of the label 9 which tears to provide both audial and resistive feedback. In some embodiments, the peripheral region of the first portion of the label defines an edge area 20 bounded by the edge of the label and the line of weakness. The adhesive attaching the edge area to the barrier material can be different to the adhesive attaching a remainder of the peripheral region of the first portion of the label to the barrier material. The adhesive attaching the edge area 20 to the barrier material can be a stronger adhesive than the resealable adhesive. Alternatively, the adhesive attaching the edge area to the barrier material is a semi-permanent or permanent adhesive. The at least one edge area 20 is attached to the barrier material 5 such that when the line of weakness 19 breaks, the at least one edge area 20 remains attached to the barrier material 5. In particular, a portion of the line of weakness 19 extends parallel to an edge of the label 9 such that when the lid 2 is opened for the first time and the line of weakness 19 breaks, the width of the label 9 is reduced.

[0067] It is to be appreciated that the part of the peripheral region of the label 9 attached to the barrier material 5 may comprise a plurality of lines of weakness 19 defining a plurality of edge areas 20 configured to remain attached to the barrier material 5 when the lid is rotated into an open position for the first time. For example, the peripheral portion of the label 9 may comprise a pair of lines of weakness 19 extending parallel to an edge of the label 9 either side of the extraction opening 8.

[0068] In addition to a reduced thickness cut or line of perforations, a part of the line of weakness may be formed by a cut extending through the full thickness of the material of the label. Furthermore, it will be understood that irrespective of whether the line of weakness 19 is formed from a reduced thickness cut in the label, or by a line of perforations, or from a combination of both, the consumer will experience different feedback when the pack is opened for the first time compared to when the pack is subsequently opened. In particular, a consumer will feel greater resistance as the remaining material of the label breaks along the cut or perforation line during opening of the pack for the first time. An audible sound may also be heard as the perforations break.

[0069] Figure 5 illustrates another hinged-lid pack according to an embodiment of the invention. The at least one zone or area 20 is a completely enclosed shaped limited by the at least one line of weakness 19. The at least one area 20 is attached to the barrier material 5 via a permanent adhesive, or at least a stronger adhesive than the adhesive that attaches the remainder of the label to the barrier material, such that when the lid 2 is rotated into an open position for the first time, the at least one line of weakness 19 breaks and the at least one area20 remains attached to the barrier material 5. This forms at least one window in the label 9. In some embodiments, the part of the peripheral region of the first portion of the label 9 comprises a plurality of lines of weakness 19 which break to form a plurality of windows in the label 9 when the lid 2 is rotated into an open position for the first time. For example, the part of the peripheral region of the first portion of the label 9 attached to the barrier material 5 may be configured such that a pair of windows form either side of the extraction opening 8 when the lid 2 is rotated into an open position for the first time. Additionally, it is to be appreciated that the part of the peripheral region of the first portion of the label 9 attached to the barrier material may comprise any combination of the embodiments described above. For example, the part of the peripheral region portion attached to the label 9 may comprise at least one area 18 described above located on one side of the extraction opening 8 and at least one area 20 delimited by the at least one line of weakness 19 on the other side of the extraction opening 8.

[0070] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

Claims1. A hinged-lid pack for delivery systems, the hinged-lid pack comprising: a base containing a group of tobacco industry products wrapped in a barrier layer to form a bundle; a lid mounted to the base for rotation between open and closed positions; a section in the barrier layer defined by a line of weakness; and a label having a first portion that extends over and is attached to the section, the first portion including a peripheral region, and a second portion attached to an inside surface of the lid such that, when the lid is rotated into its open position, the peripheral region of the label is peeled away from the barrier material and the section in the barrier layer lifts together with the label to define an extraction opening in the barrier material, wherein a part of the peripheral region of the first portion of the label is attached to the barrier material so that the peripheral region provides an indication that the lid has previously been rotated into an open position when the lid is subsequently closed.

2. A hinged-lid pack according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral region of the first portion of the label is releasably attached via releasable adhesive to the barrier material surrounding the section.

3. A hinged-lid pack according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the line of weakness is configured to break to provide audial and / or resistive feedback when the lid is rotated into an open position for the first time.

4. A hinged-lid pack according to claim 1, wherein the line of weakness comprises a cut that extends partially through the thickness of the material of the barrier layer and / or a line of perforations in the material of the barrier layer.

5. A hinged-lid pack according to claim 4, wherein a part of the line of weakness includes a cut that extends entirely through the thickness of the material of the barrier layer.

6. A hinged-lid pack according to any any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the bundle has an upper face and a front wall that meet at an edge, and the section in the barrier layercomprises at least a pair of spaced parallel lines of weakness that extend in said upper face, over said edge and down the front wall, and a lateral line of weakness in the front wall that extends between said pair of parallel lines of weakness.

7. A hinged-lid pack according to claim 6, wherein the spaced parallel lines of weakness each comprise a line of perforations, and the lateral line of weakness comprises a cut extending partially or fully through the thickness of the barrier material.

8. A hinged-lid pack according to claim 7, wherein only the part of the spaced parallel lines of weakness that extend down the front wall of the bundle comprise a line of perforations, that part of the spaced parallel lines of weakness formed in the upper face comprising a cut extending partially or fully through the thickness of the barrier material. . A hinged-lid pack according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the part of the peripheral region of the first portion of the label attached to the barrier material comprises at least one area configured to provide audial and / or resistive feedback when the lid is rotated into an open position for the first time.

10. A hinged-lid pack according to claim 9, wherein the or each area is defined, and is enclosed by, a line of weakness in the label.

11. A hinged-lid pack according to claim 9 or 10, comprising a plurality of areas, each area being spaced from one another.

12. A hinged-lid pack according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of areas are arranged in a row extending in a direction parallel to an edge of the label.

13. A hinged-lid pack according to any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the at least one area is attached to the barrier material with adhesive, preferably a permanent or semipermanent adhesive.

14. A hinged-lid pack according to claim 13, when dependent on claim 2, wherein the at least one area is attached to the barrier material with an adhesive that is differentto the resealable adhesive that attaches a remainder of the peripheral region of the first portion of the label to the barrier material.

15. A hinged-lid pack according to claim 14, wherein the adhesive attaching the at least one area to the barrier material is a stronger adhesive than the resealable adhesive.

16. A hinged-lid pack according to claim 15, wherein the adhesive attaching the at least one area to the barrier material is a semi-permanent or permanent adhesive.

17. A hinged-lid pack according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the part of the peripheral region of the first portion of the label attached to the barrier material comprises at least one line of weakness, said line of weakness being configured to break to provide audial and / or resistive feedback when the lid is rotated into an open position for the first time.

18. A hinged-lid pack according to claim 17, wherein the peripheral region of the first portion of the label defines an edge area of the label bounded by the line of weakness, and wherein the adhesive attaching the edge area to the barrier material is different to the adhesive attaching a remainder of the peripheral region of the first portion of the label to the barrier material.

19. A hinged-lid pack according to claim 18, wherein the adhesive attaching the edge area to the barrier material is a stronger adhesive than the resealable adhesive.

20. A hinged-lid pack according to claim 19, wherein the adhesive attaching the at edge area to the barrier material is a semi-permanent or permanent adhesive.

21. A hinged-lid pack according to any of claims 18 to 20, wherein the at least one line of weakness comprises a cut that extends partially through the thickness of the material of the label and / or a line of perforations in the material of the label.

22. A hinged-lid pack according to claim 21, wherein a part of the line of weakness includes a cut that extends entirely through the thickness of the material of the barrier layer.

23. A hinged-lid pack according to any of claims 17 to 22, wherein the at least one line of weakness extends from one edge of the label to another edge of the label.

24. A hinged-lid pack according to any of claims 17 to 23, wherein the peripheral region of the first portion of the label comprises a pair of elongate side portions, each of which extend from the line of weakness defining the section in the barrier layer towards a side of the pack, and a lateral section that extends between said pair of elongate side portions, and wherein the line of weakness in the label is formed in one or both of said elongate side portions.

25. A hinged-lid pack according to claim 24, wherein the line of weakness in one or both of said elongate side portions extends parallel to the line of weakness defining the section in the barrier layer from which the elongate side portions extend towards the side of the pack.

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