Bundles of consumer goods containers and their wrappers

Abstract

A bundle (1) of consumer good containers (90), the bundle (1) comprising a plurality of consumer good containers (90) and a wrapper (100) wrapped around the plurality of containers to form a bundle housing (2). The wrapper (100) comprises first and second opening portions (10, 20) separate from one another on the wrapper (100). The wrapper (100) is wrapped around the plurality of containers (90) such that a first end segment (11) of the first opening portion (10) overlaps and is attached to a first end segment (21) of the second opening portion (20) to form a tear strip for the bundle (1).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a bundle for consumer goods and a wrapper for wrapping around the consumer goods to form a bundle. Bundles according to the invention have particular application as bundles of multiple containers of consumer goods, such as aerosol-generating articles. [Background technology]

[0002] It is commonly known to package and sell aerosol-generating articles and other consumer goods in rigid, box-shaped containers.

[0003] It is also known to display and sell containers for aerosol-generating articles and other consumer goods in multipacks or bundles containing multiple containers. The multiple containers may be arranged in an array of rows and columns and may be wrapped in a transparent film wrapper to form a bundle of containers. The wrapper typically provides for one or both of storage and transportation. Alternatively, or in addition, the multiple containers may be placed in a display carton to form a bundle. The display carton may typically be made from a folded cardboard layered blank that forms a box in which the containers reside. The display carton may be used in addition to or instead of a transparent film wrapper wrapped around the multiple containers.

[0004] In some known bundles, a wrapper surrounding the containers is provided with a tear strip or perforations to facilitate opening of the bundle, for example, a consumer can tear along the strip or perforation so that a portion of the bundle wrapper can be lifted or removed away from the bundle to expose the internal containers. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is generally desirable to provide a bundle of consumer goods containers and a wrapper for the bundle, where the bundle maintains the multiple containers as a tightly packed bundle, at least until access to the containers is desired. However, in some conventional bundles, the wrappers that serve this purpose are simply discarded after the bundle is opened, without serving any further function.

[0006] Furthermore, in some conventional bundles, the containers may first be removed from the surrounding display carton housing and then the surrounding wrapper may be removed from the containers before any of the containers can be fully accessed. Thus, such an arrangement may be unduly burdensome for those using or handling the bundle. Furthermore, such an arrangement may involve the use of multiple different components, which may be formed of different materials. This may be undesirable for environmental and / or cost reasons.

[0007] It is therefore desirable to provide a bundle of consumer goods containers and their wrappers that can securely hold multiple containers together in the bundle while allowing easy access to the containers when desired without suffering from one or more of the drawbacks discussed above. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 shows a perspective view of a stack of containers of consumer goods according to a first embodiment of the invention; [Diagram 2] 2 shows the bundle of FIG. 1 with the bundle wrapper in a partially opened state. [Diagram 3] 3 shows the bundle of FIG. 2 with the tear strip of the wrapper completely removed to divide the housing of the bundle into two portions. [Figure 4] 4 shows the bundle of FIG. 3 with a first portion of the housing moved away from the remainder of the bundle. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 shows a wrapper for wrapping around a plurality of containers of consumer goods to form a bundle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The present disclosure relates to a bundle of containers of consumer goods. The bundle may include a plurality of containers of consumer goods and a wrapper wrapped around the plurality of containers to form a bundle housing. The bundle housing may include a bundle front wall, a bundle rear wall, a bundle top wall, a bundle bottom wall, a first bundle side wall, and a second bundle side wall. The wrapper may include a first opening portion and a second opening portion. The first opening portion may be separate from the second opening portion on the wrapper. The wrapper may be wrapped around the plurality of containers such that a first end segment of the first opening portion overlaps and is affixed to a first end segment of the second opening portion to form a tear strip for the bundle. The tear strip may extend along the bundle front wall, the first bundle side wall, and the bundle rear wall.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bundle of containers of consumer goods, the bundle comprising a plurality of containers of consumer goods and a wrapper wrapped around the plurality of containers to form a bundle housing including a bundle front wall, a bundle rear wall, a bundle top wall, a bundle bottom wall, a first bundle side wall, and a second bundle side wall, the wrapper including a first opening portion and a second opening portion, the first opening portion being separate from the second opening portion on the wrapper, the wrapper wrapped around the plurality of containers such that a first end segment of the first opening portion overlaps and is affixed to a first end segment of the second opening portion to form a tear strip for the bundle, the tear strip extending along the bundle front wall, the first bundle side wall, and the bundle rear wall.

[0011] "Side," "top," "bottom," "front," "rear," and other terms used to describe the relative positions of components of a bundle according to the invention, as used herein, refer to the bundle in an upright position with the access openings of the bundle's multiple containers at the top. When describing bundles according to the invention, these terms are used regardless of the orientation of the bundle being described. The "bottom" of the bundle means the side of the bundle that is opposite the "top" of the bundle.

[0012] The term "panel" means a portion of a bundle or consumer goods container that is formed from a single continuous piece of material forming the bundle or consumer goods container. The term "wall" means a face of a bundle or consumer goods container more generally, and a wall may be formed from a single panel or flap, or a wall may be formed from two or more abutting or overlapping panels or flaps.

[0013] The term "envelope fold" is used herein to describe the result of a folding in which two or more panels or flaps of a wrapper at least partially overlap to form a wall. Thus, the wall formed by an envelope fold consists of overlapping wall portions where two or more partially overlapping panels or flaps overlap, and non-overlapping wall portions formed by the non-overlapping portions of the partially overlapping panels or flaps.

[0014] The term "depending" is used herein to describe a physical connection between two elements of a bundle according to the invention. More specifically, the term "depending" is used to indicate that there is a material continuity between two elements, such as two walls or panels, of a bundle or blank. This includes both cases where a wall or panel is directly dependent on an adjacent wall or panel, as well as cases where an intermediate wall or panel effectively connects the two walls or panels.

[0015] As an example, a side wall or panel may depend directly from an adjacent front wall or panel. In such cases, the wall or panel typically depends from the adjacent wall along a fold line. Alternatively, the side wall or panel may depend indirectly from the front wall or panel, especially in bundles with rounded or chamfered edges. In such cases, the wall or panel with the rounded or chamfered edge connects the side wall or panel to the front wall or panel. In the case of a chamfered edge, both the side wall or panel and the front wall or panel may depend from the wall or panel with the chamfered edge that connects them along the respective fold lines.

[0016] The term "longitudinal" means from side to side. The term "transverse" means from front to back or vice versa, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The term "vertical" means from bottom to top or vice versa, perpendicular to both the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0017] The term "length" refers to the dimension of an element, such as a panel of a blank, or a wall of a bundle or container of consumer goods, measured along its long axis.

[0018] The term "width" is used to describe the dimension of an element, such as a panel of a blank, or a wall of a bundle or container of consumer goods, measured in a cross direction. The term "height" is used to describe the dimension of one such element, measured in a vertical direction. When describing an element of a container, such as a panel of a blank, or a wall of a bundle or container of consumer goods, reference is made to the element in a generally flat state.

[0019] The term "line of weakness" is used herein to describe a portion of the surface of the bundle (or blank forming the bundle) where the structural strength of the material forming the bundle (or blank) is weakened by any suitable technique, for example by bending, folding or opening along the line of weakness. The line of weakness may be a straight, curved, piecemeal or continuous line, or a combination thereof. A line of weakness can be created by removing material, by displacing material, by compressing material, by locally reducing the forces holding the material together (for example by breaking fibers in a fibrous material), and by a combination of all of the above. For example, the line of weakness may be formed as a score line, a score line, a cut line, or a perforation line.

[0020] The term "scoreline" is used to describe a line formed by partially cutting into the material of a blank. A scoreline may be formed by removing material from the blank, i.e., by forming a groove or valley in the blank. Alternatively, a scoreline may be formed without removing any material from the blank. This generally involves partial lateral displacement and compression of the material.

[0021] The term "score line" generally refers to a line formed by displacing a portion of material substantially perpendicular to the plane of the blank, which results in the formation of a groove or valley in the blank. The displacement may involve compression, typically accomplished by a compression tool such as a roller. Alternatively, or additionally, the material in the score line may be displaced to protrude at least partially from the opposite side of the blank. Generally, no material is removed when the score line is formed.

[0022] The term "ablation line" is instead used to describe a line formed by removing material from the surface of a blank by ablation (such as by a laser beam or blade) to a predetermined depth.

[0023] The term "perforation line" describes a line or array of individual holes or slots in a blank. The holes may be formed by pushing an object through the blank so that material may be removed from the blank, for example by punching. Alternatively, the holes may be created by using an object to push material outward from the center of the hole, effectively without removing material.

[0024] As used herein, the term "susceptor element" refers to a material capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat. When located within a varying electromagnetic field, induced eddy currents in the susceptor element cause the susceptor element to heat up.

[0025] As briefly described above, the present invention relates to a bundle of containers of consumer goods. The bundle may include a plurality of containers of consumer goods and a wrapper wrapped around the plurality of containers to form a bundle housing. The wrapper may have first and second separate tear portions that overlap and are affixed to one another when the wrapper is wrapped around the plurality of containers. The first and second tear portions and their overlapping end segments form a tear strip that can be opened to allow access to the containers in the bundle.

[0026] By arranging the separate tear portions to have end segments that overlap and are attached to one another in the assembled bundle, an action of opening the wrapper along one of the tear portions can be continued without interruption to an action of opening the wrapper along the other of the tear portions. This allows a single tear strip to be formed in the wrapper from the two separate tear portions. For example, if a consumer pulls a first tear portion away from the remainder of the wrapper to open the wrapper along the first tear portion, such an opening action, if continued, will eventually open the wrapper at the first end segment of the first tear portion as well. At this point, the opening action will transition to the second tear portion of the wrapper because the first end segment of the first tear portion overlaps and is attached to the first end segment of the second tear portion. As a result, the user will experience a continuous opening of the wrapper along two separate tear portions because the ends of the tear portions overlap and are attached to one another in the assembled bundle. Thus, the tear strip can be considered to extend continuously along the bundle front wall, over the first bundle side wall, and then onto the bundle rear wall.

[0027] The bundles and wrappers of the present invention provide one or more advances compared to the prior art of bundles of consumer goods and their wrappers. In contrast to existing bundles, the bundles according to the present invention have a tear strip arrangement that allows easy access to the bundle's containers while allowing the wrapper of the bundle to function for at least one additional purpose after the wrapper is opened along the tear strip. In particular, the tear strip arrangement allows the wrapper to form a bundle housing in which a first portion of the bundle housing can be lifted to allow access to the multiple containers while a second portion of the bundle housing remains wrapped around the multiple containers. The second portion of the bundle housing can then provide a convenient structure in which multiple containers can reside. This advantageously allows the containers to be easily visible and accessible, and still remain securely held together even after a portion of the wrapper has been removed from the bundle. Such a structure or tray may be desirable for retailers wishing to display bundles of consumer goods containers in a retail environment. Alternatively, or additionally, such a tray may be desirable for utilization by the consumer after the consumer has acquired the bundle.

[0028] Furthermore, by arranging the tear strip so that in an assembled stack it is formed from two separate tear portions having end segments that are overlapping and affixed to one another, a single tear strip may be advantageously used to open the stack. The tear strip may have a simple design. The tear strip may require only minor modifications to the wrapper. The tear strip may also be incorporated into the wrapper design, which is particularly suitable for use in high speed machine environments.

[0029] Furthermore, in contrast to some prior art bundles, the wrapper of the present invention can be configured to act as a protective wrapper, which can be easily removed to allow access to the container when desired, and can act as a display housing, in the form of a tray, when a portion of the wrapper is removed. Such dual functionality from a single component of the bundle can provide a simplified user experience. Furthermore, such dual functionality from a single component of the bundle can also mean that less material is needed to form the entire bundle or carton structure. This can lead to improvements in either or both of the costs and sustainability associated with the manufacture of such bundles.

[0030] The first end segment of the first opening portion may overlap and be affixed to the first bundle side wall with the first end segment of the second opening portion. Arranging for overlap to occur on the bundle side walls may reduce the chance of wrapper overlap being required on another or other wall of the bundle, such as one or more of the bundle front wall, bundle top wall, bundle rear wall, and bundle bottom wall. Advantageously, this may mean that the other wall or walls are less likely to have a visible interruption caused by wrapper overlap on the other or other wall. This may be desirable if the other wall or walls are used for communication purposes, for example, by carrying one or more indicia.

[0031] The first stack side wall may be formed by an envelope fold of the wrapper. The overlap between the first end segment of the first opening portion and the first end segment of the second opening portion may be formed by overlapping a portion of the envelope fold of the wrapper at the first stack side wall. The second stack side wall may be formed by an envelope fold of the wrapper. Of course, an envelope fold is illustrative of only one type of fold that may be used to form an overlap in the wrapper at the first stack side wall. Other types of folds that provide an overlap between the first end segment of the first opening portion and the first end segment of the second opening portion will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0032] The first opening portion may define a portion of the tear strip that extends along at least the bundle front wall. In other words, the first opening portion may extend at least along the bundle front wall. The portion of the tear strip that extends along at least the bundle front wall may extend from a first side edge of the bundle front wall to an opposing second side edge of the bundle front wall. The tear strip may extend over at least the entire length of the bundle front wall.

[0033] The second opening portion may define a portion of the tear strip that extends along at least the rear bundle wall. In other words, the second opening portion may extend along at least the rear bundle wall. The portion of the tear strip that extends along at least the rear bundle wall may extend from a first side edge of the rear bundle wall to an opposing second side edge of the rear bundle wall. The tear strip may extend over at least the entire length of the rear bundle wall.

[0034] The tear strip may extend further along the second stack sidewall.The tear strip may span at least the full width of the second stack sidewall.

[0035] The tear strip may completely surround the stack. The tear strip may extend along the entire length of the stack front wall, the entire length of the stack rear wall, and the entire width of each of the first and second stack side walls.

[0036] The tear strip may be spaced apart from one or both of the stack top wall and stack bottom wall. The tear strip is preferably spaced apart from the stack top wall by a distance equal to at least about 20 percent of the stack height, more preferably at least about 40 percent of the stack height. The tear strip is preferably spaced apart from the stack bottom wall by a distance equal to at least about 20 percent of the stack height, more preferably at least about 40 percent of the stack height. This advantageously allows a sufficient amount of wrapper to be removed from the stack to allow access to the container, while also ensuring that the tray formed by the wrapper can have sufficiently high side walls.

[0037] The first opening portion may include a second end segment. The second end segment of the first opening portion may include a pull tab. The pull tab may be disposed in the second stack sidewall.

[0038] The wrapper may be wrapped around the multiple containers such that opposing edges of the wrapper form an overlap extending along one of the bundle front wall, the bundle rear wall, the bundle top wall, and the bundle bottom wall. The overlap may form a seam of the wrapper. The seam may be formed in the overlap by adhesive disposed between the overlapping layers of the wrapper. The seam may be formed in the overlap by welding between the overlapping layers of the wrapper. The seam may extend along the bundle bottom wall.

[0039] With wrappers and bundles of the present invention, there may be a risk that the first and second tear portions will not align well with one another and therefore will not properly overlap at the ends of the tear portions when the wrapper is wrapped around multiple containers. Such problems may undesirably result in the tear strip being unreliable and / or ineffective. This is particularly true in embodiments where the first and second tear portions are relatively narrow compared to, for example, the remainder of the wrapper or bundle.

[0040] Thus, the wrapper of the present invention may be provided with one or more of the following features that help address the problem that continuous opening of the wrapper along two separate opening portions may not occur because the first and second opening portions do not align well with each other and therefore do not overlap properly at the ends of the opening portions:

[0041] For example, the first end segment of the first opening portion may have a generally trapezoidal shape. In other words, the first end segment of the first opening portion may have a width that increases gradually along the length of the first end segment of the first opening portion. In particular, the width of the first end segment of the first opening portion may increase gradually along the entire length of the first end segment of the first opening portion. Such an arrangement may be considered to provide the first end segment of the first opening portion with a generally trapezoidal shape. Where the first opening portion is bounded by a pair of spaced apart lines of weakness, the width of the first opening portion may be considered to be the distance between the lines of weakness.

[0042] By increasing the width of the first opening portion along the length of the first end segment of the first opening portion, the overall area of ​​the first opening portion available for overlapping with the second opening portion may be increased relative to the remainder of the first opening portion. This may allow for a more effective overlap between the first opening portion and the second opening portion without requiring precise alignment of the first opening portion and the second opening portion on one or both of the wrapper and the assembled bundle. As a result, a more effective transfer of the opening action from the first opening portion to the second opening portion may be achieved. Such an arrangement may also advantageously help to better distribute the opening force applied to the wrapper, and therefore help to avoid unintentional breakage of the tear strip.

[0043] The present disclosure also contemplates providing features in the second opening portion to address such alignment issues, alternatively or in addition to providing such features in the first opening portion. Thus, the first end segment of the second opening portion may have a generally trapezoidal shape. The first end segment of the second opening portion may have a width that increases progressively along the length of the first end segment of the second opening portion. In particular, the width of the first end segment of the second opening portion may increase progressively along the entire length of the first end segment of the second opening portion.

[0044] The first end segment of the first opening portion and the first end segment of the second opening portion may be configured to have their widest portions overlap one another.

[0045] The first opening portion may be delimited by at least one line of weakness. The lines of weakness described herein may be formed as one or more of a score line, a score line, a cut line, and a perforation line. The lines of weakness are preferably formed as perforation lines.

[0046] The first opening portion may be bounded by a pair of spaced apart lines of weakness, which may improve the ease with which the wrapper can be opened along the first opening portion, which may further improve the consistency of opening the wrapper.

[0047] The pair of spaced apart lines of weakness of the first opening portion may extend substantially parallel to one another along the stack front wall. As a result, the tear strip may have a constant width along the stack front wall.

[0048] The pair of spaced apart lines of weakness of the first opening portion may extend substantially parallel to one another along at least a portion of the second stack sidewall. As a result, the tear strip may have a constant width along at least a portion of the second stack sidewall.

[0049] The pair of spaced apart lines of weakness of the first opening portion may diverge from each other along at least a portion of the first bundle sidewall. The pair of spaced apart lines of weakness of the first opening portion may diverge from each other at a first end segment of the first opening portion. This may improve the reliability of the opening action transition from the first opening portion to the second opening portion in a region of the bundle where the first end segment of the first opening portion and the first end segment of the second opening portion overlap. In particular, by having the lines of weakness diverge from each other in this region of the bundle, the width of the first opening portion, and consequently the width of the opening strip, in that region may be increased. This in turn increases the likelihood of a greater overlap between the first end segment of the first opening portion and the first end segment of the second opening portion. As a result, a more reliable transition of the opening action from the first opening portion to the second opening portion may be achieved. Furthermore, this advantageous feature means that there is less reliability in achieving a precise alignment between the first end segment of the first opening portion and the first end segment of the second opening portion during manufacturing. As a result, with respect to this stack aspect, manufacturing tolerances of the stack can be relative without significantly impairing the functionality of the stack's tear strip.

[0050] The second opening portion may be delimited by at least one line of weakness, which may be formed as one or more of a score line, a score line, a cut line, and a perforation line. Preferably, the line of weakness is formed as a perforation line.

[0051] The second opening portion may be bounded by a pair of spaced apart lines of weakness, which may improve the ease with which the wrapper can be opened along the second opening portion, which may further improve the consistency of opening the wrapper.

[0052] The pair of spaced apart lines of weakness of the second tear portion may extend substantially parallel to one another along the rear wall of the stack. As a result, the tear strip may have a constant width along the rear wall of the stack.

[0053] The pair of spaced apart lines of weakness of the second opening portion may extend substantially parallel to one another along at least a portion of the second stack sidewall. As a result, the tear strip may have a constant width along at least a portion of the second stack sidewall.

[0054] The pair of spaced apart lines of weakness of the second opening portion may diverge from each other along at least a portion of the first stack sidewall. The pair of spaced apart lines of weakness of the second opening portion may diverge from each other at a first end segment of the second opening portion. This may improve the reliability of the opening action transition from the first opening portion to the second opening portion in a region of the stack where the first end segment of the first opening portion and the first end segment of the second opening portion overlap. In particular, by having the lines of weakness diverge from each other in this region of the stack, the width of the second opening portion and, consequently, the width of the opening strip may be increased in that region. This in turn increases the likelihood of a greater overlap between the first end segment of the first opening portion and the first end segment of the second opening portion. As a result, a more reliable transition of the opening action from the first opening portion to the second opening portion may be achieved. Furthermore, this advantageous feature means that there is less reliability in achieving a precise alignment between the first end segment of the first opening portion and the first end segment of the second opening portion during manufacturing. As a result, with respect to this aspect of the bundle design, the manufacturing tolerances of the bundle can be relatively large without significantly compromising the functionality of the bundle's tear strip.

[0055] Each line of weakness may include one or more of an embossed line, a debossed line, a score line, and a perforation. When the bundle includes one or more lines of weakness defining a first opening portion or a second opening portion, and the lines of weakness include perforations, the bundle may further include an adhesive applied to at least a portion of the perforation holes.

[0056] The wrapper may be configured to be opened along the tear strip to divide the bundle housing into a first portion and a second portion. When the wrapper is opened along the tear strip, the first portion of the bundle housing may be configured to be lifted away from the second portion of the bundle housing to allow access to the multiple containers within the bundle housing. When the wrapper is opened along the tear strip, the first portion of the bundle housing may be removable from the remainder of the bundle.

[0057] The second portion of the bundle housing may include at least a portion of each of the bundle bottom wall and the bundle front wall, the bundle rear wall, the first bundle sidewall, and the second bundle sidewall.

[0058] The second portion of the bundle housing may carry one or more indicia.

[0059] The first portion of the bundle housing may include at least a portion of each of the bundle top wall and the bundle front wall, a bundle rear wall, a first bundle side wall, and a second bundle side wall.

[0060] The bundle housing may be in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The rectangular parallelepiped may include rectangular longitudinal edges and rectangular transverse edges. The bundle housing may include one or more longitudinal rounded edges, transverse rounded edges, longitudinal chamfered edges, or transverse chamfered edges, or combinations thereof. The rectangular parallelepiped may include two wider walls, such as a front wall and a rear wall, separated by two narrower side walls.

[0061] The first end segment of the first opening portion may be affixed to the first end segment of the second opening portion by an adhesive. Suitable adhesives include polyvinyl acetate, styrene acrylate, and latex.

[0062] The first end segment of the first opening portion may be affixed to the first end segment of the second opening portion by welding. Such thermal welding may be particularly applicable when the wrapper is made of a layered blank that includes a polymer layer.

[0063] The wrapper may be wrapped around the plurality of containers such that the second end segment of the first opening portion overlaps the second end segment of the second opening portion. The second end segment of the first opening portion may be affixed to the second end segment of the second opening portion. The second end segment of the first opening portion may be affixed to the second end segment of the second opening portion by an adhesive. The second end segment of the first opening portion may overlap the second end segment of the second opening portion at the second bundle sidewall.

[0064] The wrapper may be a folded layered blank. The wrapper may be a sheet of paper or cardboard. In some preferred embodiments, the wrapper may be a multi-layer sheet. The multi-layer sheet may include a cellulosic layer and a polymer layer. The polymer layer may be provided on one or both of the inside of the cellulosic layer and the outside of the cellulosic layer. The polymer layer is preferably provided on the inside of the cellulosic layer (i.e., the side facing the contained container). The polymer layer may provide the wrapper with one or both of a moisture barrier and a heat sealable layer. The wrapper may have a thickness of about 70 micrometers to about 110 micrometers. Such wrappers may be preferred compared to other wrapper materials in ease of manufacture because they can be folded to form a bundle without necessarily requiring additional process steps such as shrink wrapping. Paper wrappers may also provide a convenient tray to securely hold multiple containers after opening while allowing the user to easily open the bundle in a single motion. Paper wrappers may also be suitable for printing, which may be particularly desirable if the wrapper forms a tray for the container.

[0065] The wrapper preferably includes a metallization layer.

[0066] The barrier characteristics of the wrapper may be improved by providing the wrapper with a metallized layer, or a metallized wrapper, which may provide additional protection to consumer goods contained within the bundle housing, since the metallized wrapper is significantly less permeable to gases or vapors, such as oxygen or moisture.

[0067] The wrapper may include additional layers, for example additional barrier layers, to enhance the barrier performance of the resulting bundle. For example, a pre-coated cellulosic layer may be used as a substrate for the manufacture of the wrapper of the present invention. The pre-coated cellulosic layer may include, for example, one or more layers of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polyethylene-co-vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyvinylidene dichloride coating (PVDC), and styrene-butadiene or styrene-acrylate based latex. These pre-applied coatings (often applied to the paper mill) can help achieve a cellulosic layer with excellent surface planarity, thus further enhancing the performance of the coating described in the present invention. Furthermore, pre-applied coatings such as PVOH, EVOH, and PVDC can add additional functionality to the resulting bundle of the present invention, such as a barrier against odors, fragrances, and oxygen. Such pre-applied coatings often contain mineral fillers, such as calcium carbonate, kaolin, talcum, mica, or other platelet-type minerals.

[0068] When the first polymer layer is a heat-sealable polymer layer, the heat-sealable polymer layer may be the first heat-sealable polymer layer. The bundle according to the invention may include a second polymer layer on the wrapper. The second polymer layer may be between the cellulosic layer and the first heat-sealable polymer layer. Alternatively, the second polymer layer may be on the outer surface of the cellulosic layer. The second polymer layer may be a moisture barrier. The moisture barrier may provide a better barrier between the outside of the bundle and the inside of the bundle, thus providing additional protection to consumer goods contained within the bundle. The second polymer layer may include a filler such as calcium carbonate, kaolin, talcum, mica, or other platelet-type minerals. Preferably, the second polymer layer is not sealable and may be crosslinked or include a crosslinking agent.

[0069] The second polymer layer may be on at least 50 percent of the inner surface of the wrapper, preferably the second polymer layer is on at least 80 percent of the inner surface of the wrapper, and more preferably the second polymer layer extends over the entire inner surface of the wrapper. It is desirable to have a large coverage area of ​​the second polymer layer because the greater the coverage of the second polymer layer, the greater the seal that is achieved between the inside of the bundle and the outside of the wrapper.

[0070] Preferably, one or both of the first or second polymer layers comprises a composition including one or more of an ethylene polymer or copolymer, a propylene polymer or copolymer, a styrene acrylate copolymer, a styrene butadiene copolymer, a styrene isoprene copolymer, a hydrogenated styrene butadiene copolymer, a hydrogenated styrene isoprene copolymer, a copolymer of an acrylic or methacrylic acid ester, a vinyl acetate copolymer, or a polybutene copolymer.

[0071] Preferably, the composition comprises a polymer, copolymer, or omopolymer of ethylene and one of propylene, 1-butene, isobutylene, 1-octene, 1-ecene, norbornene, vinyl acetate, an acrylic or methacrylic acid ester, acrylic or methacrylic acid, dicyclopentadiene.

[0072] Preferably, the composition comprises a polymer, copolymer, or omopolymer of propylene and one of ethylene, 1-butene, isobutylene, 1-octene, 1-ecene, norbornene, vinyl acetate, an acrylic or methacrylic acid ester, an acrylic or methacrylic acid, dicyclopentadiene, and polybutene.

[0073] The composition preferably further comprises a wax. The wax may comprise one or more of paraffin wax, polyethylene wax, microcrystalline wax, and polypropylene wax. The composition may have any wax content. The wax content may preferably comprise 10 weight percent to 40 weight percent of the composition.

[0074] The composition preferably further comprises a hydrocarbon resin. The hydrocarbon resin may comprise one or more of a hydrogenated hydrocarbon resin and a polyterpene resin. The composition may have any content of the hydrocarbon resin. The content of the hydrocarbon resin is preferably 30 weight percent to 50 weight percent of the composition.

[0075] The polymer or copolymer content preferably comprises 30 to 50 percent by weight of the composition.

[0076] The first heat-sealable polymer layer preferably has a basis weight of 4 grams / square meter to 10 grams / square meter.

[0077] The second polymer layer preferably has a basis weight of from 5 grams per square meter to 10 grams per square meter.

[0078] The first heat-sealable polymer layer preferably has a melting point of less than 120 degrees Celsius as measured according to Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC).

[0079] The second polymer layer preferably does not exhibit thermoplastic behavior at the temperatures and pressures used to melt the first heat-sealable polymer layer. This can ensure that the second polymer layer is not affected by the heating of the first heat-sealable polymer layer. Thus, when the first heat-sealable polymer layer is heated to seal the wrapper onto the stack, the second polymer layer remains intact.

[0080] The second polymer layer preferably has a melting point, as measured according to differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), that is higher than the melting temperature of the first heat-sealable polymer layer.

[0081] The wrapper preferably includes a metallized layer. For example, the pre-coated cellulosic layer may be a metallized paper. For the purposes of the present invention, the cellulosic layer may be metallized before applying one or more polymeric layers. The metallized layer may be a barrier layer intended to enhance the barrier performance of the resulting bundle. By providing a wrapper with a metallized layer, or a metallized wrapper, the barrier characteristics of the wrapper may be improved. The metallized wrapper may provide additional protection for consumer goods contained within the bundle, since it is significantly less permeable to gases or vapors, such as oxygen or moisture. The metallized layer may also be used for decorative purposes.

[0082] Preferably, the metallized layer may be applied to the cellulosic layer.

[0083] The metallized layer may be on the inner surface of the cellulosic layer. Alternatively, the metallized layer may be on the outer surface of the cellulosic layer. If the metallized layer is on the outer surface of the cellulosic layer, the metallized layer may impart a more attractive appearance to the wrapper.

[0084] The metallization layer is preferably an aluminum layer, however, the metallization layer may be a layer comprising any suitable metal.

[0085] The metallized layer is preferably between the cellulosic layer and the first polymeric layer.

[0086] The first polymer layer may be on at least 50 percent of the inner surface of the metallized layer, preferably the first polymer layer is on at least 80 percent of the inner surface of the metallized layer, and more preferably the first polymer layer is on the entire inner surface of the metallized layer.

[0087] The metallization layer may have a thickness of at least 10 nanometers, and preferably the metallization layer has a thickness of at least 15 nanometers.

[0088] The metallization layer may be deposited using physical vapor deposition (PVD) techniques under high vacuum.

[0089] A primer layer may be between the cellulosic layer and the metallized layer, which may smooth the surface of the cellulosic layer and provide a suitable anchoring layer for deposition of the metallized layer.

[0090] The metallized layer may be covered with a protective layer. The protective layer may protect the metallized layer from damage that may occur during handling and forming of the bundle. The protective layer may be prepared by applying a solution or dispersion of a suitable polyester resin, such as a polycondensate of terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, adipic acid, azelaic acid, and one or more diols, such as ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4 propanediol, diethylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, and the like. The protective layer may also be prepared from a mixture of at least two dibasic acids or their methyl ester monomers with at least one glycol, which allows the formation of a polymer with good solubility and adhesion to the metal layer. Other suitable compositions suitable for the preparation of the top coating include solutions of polymers such as cellulose acetate or cellulose propionate, dispersions of copolymers of ethylene and various olefins such as acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, and solutions or dispersions of hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins.

[0091] The cellulosic layer preferably has a basis weight of from 40 grams per square meter to 70 grams per square meter.

[0092] The bundle may include a plurality of consumer goods contained within each container. The plurality of consumer goods may be a plurality of aerosol-generating articles. Each aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-generating substrate, which may comprise a nicotine-containing material, such as a tobacco material. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a susceptor element. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a susceptor element.

[0093] The aerosol-generating article may be a filter cigarette or other smoking article in which the aerosol-generating substrate includes tobacco material that is combusted to form smoke. The aerosol-generating article may also be an article in which the aerosol-generating substrate, e.g., tobacco material, is heated to form an aerosol rather than combusted. The aerosol-generating article may also be an article in which a nicotine-containing aerosol is generated from tobacco material, tobacco extract, or other nicotine source without the use of combustion, and in some cases without the use of heat, e.g., through a chemical reaction.

[0094] The plurality of consumer goods may include a plurality of elongated articles, such as elongated aerosol-generating articles. Each of the elongated articles may be substantially cylindrical.

[0095] Each container in the bundle may include a box portion and a lid portion hingedly connected to the box portion at a hinge line. The lid portion may be pivotable about the hinge line between a closed position in which the lid portion covers an opening in the box portion and an open position in which the consumer goods may be removed from the box portion. The lid portion may include a lid portion front wall, a lid portion rear wall, a lid portion top wall, and first and second opposing lid portion sidewalls. The box portion may include a box portion front wall, a box portion rear wall, a box portion bottom wall, and first and second opposing box portion sidewalls.

[0096] Each container in the bundle may be in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The rectangular parallelepiped may include rectangular longitudinal edges and rectangular transverse edges. The container may include one or more longitudinal rounded corners, transverse rounded corners, longitudinal chamfered corners, or transverse chamfered corners, or combinations thereof. The rectangular parallelepiped may include two wider walls, such as a front wall and a rear wall, separated by two narrower side walls.

[0097] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a wrapper for packaging a plurality of containers of consumer goods to form a bundle of containers of consumer goods, the wrapper comprising a plurality of panels and a plurality of folds separating the plurality of panels, the plurality of panels being configured to be folded about the plurality of folds to form a bundle housing including a bundle front wall, a bundle rear wall, a bundle top wall, a bundle bottom wall, a first bundle side wall, and a second bundle side wall, the wrapper further comprising a first opening portion and a second opening portion, the first opening portion being separate from the second opening portion on the wrapper, the first opening portion and the second opening portion being disposed on the wrapper such that when the wrapper is folded to form the bundle housing, a first end segment of the first opening portion overlaps and is affixed to a first end segment of the second opening portion to form a tear strip for the bundle, the tear strip extending along the bundle front wall, the first bundle side wall, and the bundle rear wall. The wrapper may have any feature or combination of features of the wrappers described above with respect to the bundle of the invention.

[0098] Features described with respect to one example or embodiment may also be applicable to other examples and embodiments.

[0099] [Example] Below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples, any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of other examples or embodiments described herein.

[0100] Example 1. 1. A bundle of consumer good containers, the bundle comprising: a plurality of consumer good containers; and a wrapper wrapped around the plurality of containers to form a bundle housing including a bundle front wall, a bundle rear wall, a bundle top wall, a bundle bottom wall, a first bundle side wall, and a second bundle side wall, the wrapper including a first opening portion and a second opening portion, the first opening portion being separate from the second opening portion on the wrapper, the wrapper wrapped around the plurality of containers such that a first end segment of the first opening portion overlaps and is affixed to a first end segment of the second opening portion to form a tear strip for the bundle, the tear strip extending along the bundle front wall, the first bundle side wall, and the bundle rear wall. Example 2. The stack according to example 1, wherein a first end segment of a first opening portion overlaps and is affixed to a first end segment of a second opening portion at a first stack sidewall. Example 3. 3. The stack according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the first stack side wall is formed by an envelope fold of the wrapper. Example 4. A stack according to any of Examples 1-3, wherein the second stack side wall is formed by an envelope fold of the wrapper. Example 5. A stack according to any of Examples 1-4, wherein the first opening portion defines a portion of a tear strip extending along at least the stack front wall. Example 6. A bundle according to example 5, wherein at least a portion of the tear strip extending along the bundle front wall extends from a first side edge of the bundle front wall to an opposing second side edge of the bundle front wall. Example 7. The stack according to any of Examples 1-6, wherein the second opening portion defines a portion of a tear strip extending along at least the stack rear wall. Example 8. The bundle according to example 7, wherein at least a portion of the tear strip extending along the bundle rear wall extends from a first side edge of the bundle rear wall to an opposing second side edge of the bundle rear wall. Example 9. A stack according to Example 1, wherein the tear strip also extends along the second stack side wall. Example 10. The bundle according to any of Examples 1-9, wherein the second end of the first opening portion comprises a pull tab. Example 11. The bundle according to example 10, wherein the pull tab is disposed on the second bundle sidewall. Example 12. A bundle according to any of Examples 1-11, wherein the wrapper is wrapped around the plurality of containers such that opposing edges of the wrapper form an overlap extending along one of the bundle front wall, the bundle rear wall, the bundle top wall, and the bundle bottom wall. Example 13. A bundle according to Example 12, where the overlap forms a seam. Example 14. A bundle according to Example 13, wherein the seam extends along the bundle bottom wall. Example 15. The bundle according to any of Examples 1-14, wherein the first end segment of the first opening portion has a generally trapezoidal shape. Example 16. The bundle according to any of Examples 1-15, wherein the first end segment of the second opening portion has a generally trapezoidal shape. Example 17. The bundle according to any of Examples 1-16, wherein the first opening portion is bounded by at least one line of weakness. Example 18. A bundle according to any of Examples 1-17, wherein the first opening portion is bounded by a pair of spaced apart lines of weakness. Example 19. The bundle according to example 18, wherein the pair of spaced apart lines of weakness in the first opening portion extend substantially parallel to each other along the bundle front wall. Example 20. 20. The bundle according to example 18 or 19, wherein the pair of spaced apart lines of weakness of the first opening portion diverge from one another along at least a portion of the first bundle sidewall. Example 21. 23. The bundle according to any of Examples 21 and 22, wherein the pair of spaced apart lines of weakness of the first opening portion extend substantially parallel to one another along at least a portion of the second bundle sidewall. Example 22. The bundle according to any of Examples 1 to 21, wherein the second opening portion is separated by at least one line of weakness. Example 23. The bundle according to any of Examples 1-22, wherein the second opening portion is bounded by a pair of spaced apart lines of weakness. Example 24. The bundle according to example 23, wherein the pair of spaced apart lines of weakness in the second opening portion extend substantially parallel to each other along the bundle rear wall. Example 25. 25. The bundle according to example 23 or 24, wherein the pair of spaced apart lines of weakness of the second opening portion extend substantially parallel to one another along at least a portion of the second bundle sidewall. Example 26. The bundle according to any of Examples 25-27, wherein the pair of spaced apart lines of weakness in the second opening portion extend substantially away from one another along at least a portion of the first bundle sidewall. Example 27. A bundle according to any of Examples 1-26, wherein each line of weakness comprises one or more of an embossed line, a debossed line, a score line, and a perforation. Example 28. A bundle according to Example 27, wherein each line of weakness comprises a row of perforations. Example 29. The bundle according to example 28, wherein the bundle further comprises an adhesive applied to the perforations. Example 30. The bundle according to any of Examples 1-29, wherein the first end segment of the first opening portion has a width that gradually increases along the length of the first end segment of the first opening portion. Example 31. The bundle according to any of Examples 1-30, wherein the first end segment of the second opening portion has a width that gradually increases along the length of the first end segment of the second opening portion. Example 32. The bundle according to example 1 or 31, wherein the wrapper is configured to be opened along the tear strip to divide the bundle housing into a first portion and a second portion. Example 33. A bundle according to Example 32, configured such that when the wrapper is opened along the tear strip, a first portion of the bundle housing is lifted away from a second portion of the bundle housing to allow access to the multiple containers within the bundle housing. Example 34. 34. The bundle according to embodiment 32 or 33, wherein the first portion of the bundle housing is removable when the wrapper is opened along the tear strip. Example 35. The bundle according to any of Examples 32-34, wherein the second portion of the bundle housing includes at least a portion of each of the bundle bottom wall and the bundle front wall, the bundle rear wall, the first bundle side wall, and the second bundle side wall. Example 36. The bundle according to any of Examples 32-36, wherein the first portion of the bundle housing includes at least a portion of each of the bundle top wall and the bundle front wall, the bundle rear wall, the first bundle side wall, and the second bundle side wall. Example 37. The bundle according to any of Examples 1-36, wherein the bundle housing is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. Example 38. The bundle according to any of Examples 1-37, wherein the first end segment of the first opening portion is affixed to the first end segment of the second opening portion by an adhesive. Example 39. The bundle according to any of Examples 1-38, wherein the wrapper is wrapped around the plurality of containers such that the second end of the first opening portion overlaps the second end of the second opening portion. Example 40. The bundle according to example 39, wherein the second end of the first opening portion is affixed to the second end of the second opening portion. Example 41. The bundle according to example 40, wherein the second end segment of the first opening portion is affixed to the second end segment of the second opening portion by an adhesive. Example 42. The bundle according to any of Examples 38-41, wherein the second end segment of the first opening portion overlaps with the second end segment of the second opening portion at the second bundle sidewall. Example 43. A bundle according to any of Examples 1-42, wherein the wrapper is a folded layered blank. Example 44. A bundle according to any of Examples 1 to 43, wherein the wrapper is a sheet of paper or cardboard. Example 45. A bundle according to any of Examples 1-44, wherein the wrapper has a thickness of from about XX micrometers to about YY micrometers. Example 46. The bundle according to any of Examples 1-45, further comprising a plurality of consumer goods contained within each container. Example 47. A bundle according to example 46, wherein the plurality of consumer goods is a plurality of aerosol-generating articles. Example 48. 1. A wrapper for wrapping around a plurality of containers of consumer goods to form a bundle of the containers of consumer goods, the wrapper comprising a plurality of panels and a plurality of folds separating the plurality of panels, the plurality of panels being configured to be folded about the plurality of folds to form a bundle housing including a bundle front wall, a bundle rear wall, a bundle top wall, a bundle bottom wall, a first bundle side wall, and a second bundle side wall, the wrapper further comprising a first opening portion and a second opening portion, the first opening portion being separate from the second opening portion on which the wrapper is folded to form the bundle housing, the first and second opening portions being disposed on the wrapper such that a first end segment of the first opening portion overlaps and is affixed to a first end segment of the second opening portion to form a bundle tear strip when the wrapper is folded to form the bundle housing, the tear strip extending along the bundle front wall, the first bundle side wall, and the bundle rear wall. Example 49. The wrapper according to example 48, wherein the wrapper is wrapped around the plurality of containers such that the second end segment of the first opening portion overlaps and is attached to the second end segment of the second opening portion.

[0101] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0102] 1 shows a bundle 1 of containers 90 of consumer goods. The bundle 1 has an outer housing 2 formed by a wrapper 100 wrapped around the containers 90.

[0103] The bundle housing is rectangular in shape and includes a bundle front wall 3, a bundle rear wall, a bundle top wall 4, a bundle bottom wall, a first bundle side wall 5, and a second bundle side wall. The bundle rear wall, the bundle bottom wall, and the second bundle side wall are not visible in the perspective view of FIG.

[0104] The wrapper 100 comprises a first opening portion 10 having a first end segment 11 and a second opening portion 20 having a first end segment 21. As will become more apparent from the following description in conjunction with FIG. 5, the first opening portion 10 is separate from the second opening portion 20 on the wrapper 100. As shown in FIG. 1, when the wrapper 100 is wrapped around a plurality of containers 90, the first end segment 11 of the first opening portion 10 overlaps and is affixed to the first end segment 21 of the second opening portion 20. The overlap is in the form of an envelope fold for the wrapper. This results in the stack 1 having a tear strip 30 that can be opened from the remainder of the wrapper 100 to open the stack 1 and provide access to the containers 90. The tear strip 30 extends along the entire length of the stack front wall 2, along the entire width of the first stack side wall 5, and along the entire length of the stack rear wall. The tear strip 30 also extends along the second stack side wall.

[0105] The first tear strip 10 is bounded by a pair of spaced apart perforation lines 13, 14. The perforation lines 13 and 14 extend substantially parallel to one another along the entire length of the bundle front wall 2. The perforation lines 13 and 14 diverge from one another at a first end segment 11 of the first tear portion 10, specifically where the lines 13 and 14 extend along the first bundle side wall 5. This causes the first end segment 11 of the first tear portion 10 to have a generally trapezoidal shape with the width of the first end segment 11 gradually increasing along its length.

[0106] The second tear strip 20 is bounded by a pair of spaced apart perforation lines 23, 24. The perforation lines 23 and 24 extend substantially parallel to one another along the entire length of the bundle rear wall. The perforation lines 23 and 24 diverge from one another at a first end segment 21 of the second tear portion 20, specifically where the lines 23 and 24 extend along the first bundle side wall 5. This causes the first end segment 21 of the second tear portion 20 to have a generally trapezoidal shape, with the width of the first end segment 20 gradually increasing along its length.

[0107] As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2, by arranging the separate opening portions 10, 20 in the assembled stack 1 to have end segments 21, 11 that overlap and are attached to one another, an operation of opening the wrapper 100 along the first opening portion 10 can be continued without interruption to an operation of opening the wrapper along the second opening portion 20. This allows a single tear strip 30 to be formed in the wrapper 100 from the two separate opening portions 110, 120. As a result, when a consumer pulls the first opening portion 10 away from the remainder of the wrapper 100 to open the wrapper 100 along the first opening portion 10, such an opening operation, if continued, will eventually open the wrapper 100 at the first end segment 11 of the first opening portion 10 as well. At this point, the opening operation will transition to the second opening portion 20 of the wrapper 100 because the first end segment 11 of the first opening portion 10 overlaps and is attached to the first end segment 21 of the second opening portion 20. The opening operation can be continued down the remainder of the second opening portion 20 until the tear strip 30 is completely removed from the stack 1 .

[0108] This may result in the bundle 1 being in the condition shown in Figure 3, where the tear strip 30 has been completely removed. The wrapper 100 has been split in two such that the bundle housing 2 includes a first portion 40 and a second portion 50. The first portion 40 of the bundle housing 2 includes at least a portion of each of the bundle top wall 4 and the bundle front wall 3, the bundle rear wall, the first bundle side wall 5, and the second bundle side wall. The second portion 50 of the bundle housing includes at least a portion of each of the bundle bottom wall and the bundle front wall 3, the bundle rear wall, the first bundle side wall 5, and the second bundle side wall.

[0109] As best seen in FIG. 4 , the first portion 40 of the bundle housing 2 can be lifted away from the remainder of the bundle to further expose the containers 90 contained therein. At this point, each container 90 in bundle 1 can be easily accessible. Additionally, by leaving the second portion 50 of the housing 2 in place, the second portion 50 can act as a tray for the containers 90 in bundle 2. Such a structure may be desirable for a retailer wishing to display the bundle 1 of containers 90 in a retail environment. Alternatively, or additionally, such a tray may be desirable for utilization by the consumer after the consumer has obtained bundle 1.

[0110] FIG 5 illustrates a wrapper 100 for wrapping around a plurality of containers 90 of consumer goods to form the bundle 1 of FIG 1. The wrapper 100 is shown in FIG 5 in an unwrapped state in which the wrapper is substantially planar. The wrapper 100 comprises a plurality of panels connected together by a plurality of folds. Specifically, the wrapper 100 comprises a bundle rear wall panel 106 connected by respective folds to a bundle top wall panel 107. The bundle top wall panel 107 is connected to the bundle front wall panel 103 by respective folds.

[0111] The wrapper also includes a first panel 108a and a second panel 108b for forming a bundle bottom wall, the panels 108a, 108b being configured to overlap one another when the wrapper 100 is wrapped around the plurality of containers 90 to form the bundle bottom wall. The overlapping of the panels 108a, 108b may then be secured by adhesive or welding to form a seam. The first panel 108a for forming the bundle bottom wall is connected to the bundle rear wall panel 106 by a respective fold. The second panel 108b for forming the bundle bottom wall is connected to the bundle front wall panel 103 by a respective fold.

[0112] The wrapper also includes a plurality of interconnected panels 105 for forming a first stack sidewall 5. The panels 105 may be folded about their respective creases to form an envelope fold in the first stack sidewall 5. Similarly, the wrapper further includes a plurality of interconnected panels 109 for forming a second stack sidewall. The panels 109 may be folded about their respective creases to form an envelope fold in the second stack sidewall.

[0113] A pair of spaced apart lines of weakness 13, 14 extend across the entire length of wrapper 100, specifically across one of interconnected panels 109, one of interconnected panels 105, and bundle front wall panel 103 to define a first opening portion 110 of the wrapper. The lines of weakness 13, 14 extend substantially parallel to one another across interconnected panels 109 and bundle front wall panel 103. However, the lines of weakness 13, 14 then diverge from one another as they extend across interconnected panel 105. Specifically, the gap between the lines of weakness 13, 14 progressively increases as the lines of weakness extend across panel 105 and away from bundle front wall panel 103. This defines a first end segment 111 of first opening portion 110 having a generally trapezoidal shape.

[0114] Similarly, a pair of spaced apart lines of weakness 23, 24 extend across the entire length of the wrapper 100, specifically across one of the interconnected panels 109, one of the interconnected panels 105, and the bundle rear wall panel 106 to define a second opening portion 120 of the wrapper. The lines of weakness 23, 24 extend substantially parallel to one another across the interconnected panels 109 and the bundle rear wall panel 106. However, the lines of weakness 23, 24 then diverge from one another as they extend across the interconnected panel 105. Specifically, the gap between the lines of weakness 23, 24 progressively increases as the lines of weakness extend across panel 105 and away from the bundle rear wall panel 106. This defines a first end segment 121 of the second opening portion 120 having a generally trapezoidal shape.

[0115] The second end segment 112 of the first opening portion 110 is disposed to overlap with the second end segment 122 of the second opening portion 120 when the wrapper 100 is wrapped around the plurality of containers 90. The second end segment 112 of the first opening portion 110 includes a pull tab 60. The pull tab 60 is configured to provide a suitable user gripping point for the stack 1 when it is desired to open the wrapper 100 along the tear strip.

Claims

1. A bundle of containers of consumer goods, said bundle comprising: a plurality of containers of consumer goods; a wrapper wrapped around the plurality of containers to form a bundle housing including a bundle front wall, a bundle rear wall, a bundle top wall, a bundle bottom wall, a first bundle side wall, and a second bundle side wall; the wrapper includes a first opening portion and a second opening portion, the first opening portion being separate from the second opening portion on the wrapper; the wrapper is wrapped around the plurality of containers such that a first end segment of the first tearing portion overlaps and is attached to a first end segment of the second tearing portion to form a tear strip for the bundle, the tear strip extending along the bundle front wall, the first bundle side wall, and the bundle rear wall; The stack, wherein the first end segment of the first opening portion has a generally trapezoidal shape.

2. 2. The stack of claim 1, wherein the first tear portion defines at least a portion of the tear strip extending along the stack front wall.

3. 3. The stack of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second tear portion defines at least a portion of the tear strip that extends along the stack rear wall.

4. 3. The bundle of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first end segment of the second opening portion has a generally trapezoidal shape.

5. 3. The bundle of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first opening portion is delimited by at least one line of weakness.

6. 3. The bundle of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first opening portion is delimited by a pair of spaced apart lines of weakness.

7. 7. The bundle of claim 6, wherein the pair of spaced apart lines of weakness of the first opening portion extend substantially parallel to one another along the bundle front wall.

8. 7. The bundle of claim 6, wherein the pair of spaced apart lines of weakness of the first opening portion diverge from each other along at least a portion of the first bundle sidewall.

9. 7. The bundle of claim 6, wherein the pair of spaced apart lines of weakness of the first opening portion extend substantially parallel to one another along at least a portion of the second bundle sidewall.

10. 3. The bundle of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the wrapper is configured to be opened along the tear strip to divide the bundle housing into a first portion and a second portion.

11. 11. The bundle of claim 10, wherein the first portion of the bundle housing is configured to be lifted away from the second portion of the bundle housing when the wrapper is opened along the tear strip, thereby allowing access to the plurality of containers within the bundle housing.

12. 3. The bundle of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the wrapper is wrapped around the plurality of containers such that the second end segment of the first opening portion overlaps and is attached to the second end segment of the second opening portion.

13. 3. The bundle of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the wrapper is a sheet of paper or cardboard.

14. 3. The bundle of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the wrapper is a multi-layer sheet.

15. 15. The bundle of claim 14, wherein the multi-layer sheet comprises a cellulosic layer and a polymeric layer.

16. The bundle of claim 15 , wherein the polymeric layer is provided inside the cellulosic layer.

17. the polymer layer is a first polymer layer; 16. The bundle of claim 15, wherein the multilayer sheet includes a second polymeric layer.

18. 18. The bundle of claim 17, wherein the second polymeric layer is located between the cellulosic layer and the first polymeric layer.

19. 20. The bundle of claim 18, wherein the second polymeric layer is a moisture barrier layer.

20. The first polymer layer or the second polymer layer is - polymers or copolymers of ethylene, - propylene polymers or copolymers, - styrene acrylate copolymers, - styrene butadiene copolymer, - styrene-isoprene copolymers, - Hydrogenated styrene butadiene copolymer, - Hydrogenated styrene-isoprene copolymer, copolymers of esters of acrylic or methacrylic acid, - copolymers of vinyl acetate, 18. The bundle of claim 17, comprising a composition comprising one or more of: a copolymer of polybutene.

21. 21. The bundle of claim 20, wherein the composition further comprises a wax.

22. 21. The bundle of claim 20, wherein the composition further comprises a hydrocarbon resin.

23. 1. A wrapper for wrapping around a plurality of containers of consumer goods to form a bundle of containers of consumer goods, said wrapper comprising: a plurality of panels and a plurality of fold lines separating the plurality of panels, the plurality of panels being configured to be folded about the plurality of fold lines to form a bundle housing including a bundle front wall, a bundle rear wall, a bundle top wall, a bundle bottom wall, a first bundle side wall, and a second bundle side wall; the wrapper further comprises a first opening portion and a second opening portion, the first opening portion being separate from the second opening portion on the wrapper; the first and second tear portions are disposed on the wrapper such that, when the wrapper is folded to form the bundle housing, a first end segment of the first tear portion overlaps and is attached to a first end segment of the second tear portion to form a tear strip for the bundle, the tear strip extending along the bundle front wall, the first bundle side wall, and the bundle rear wall; The wrapper wherein the first end segment of the first opening portion has a generally trapezoidal shape.

Images