Package for arranging a plurality of smoking articles

Abstract

A package (10) for arranging a plurality of smoking articles is disclosed. The package includes a substantially cubic pouch (32) having a front major portion (110), a rear major portion (112), a top minor portion (114), a bottom minor portion (116), a first side portion (118), and a second side portion (120). The pouch is made of a material configured and sealed to prevent moisture transfer into and out of the pouch. The pouch is formed from a wrapper (122) that is folded and sealed at the front major portion along a lap seal (48) between an overlap portion (34) and an underlap portion (36) of the wrapper, the lap seal extending across the width of the front major portion. An edge region (37) of the overlap portion is configured to be pulled so that the lap seal ruptures along at least a portion of the width of the front major portion, thereby opening the pouch.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a package for arranging a plurality of smoking articles, and a box including a package for arranging a plurality of smoking articles. [Background technology]

[0002] Smoking articles, such as cigarettes, are often packaged in sealed pouches to prevent moisture exchange. The use of sealed pouches extends the shelf life of the smoking articles and ensures a high-quality product for consumers. Such pouches are typically housed within a further box, such as a hinged-lid box, which provides additional structural protection for the smoking articles contained within the pouch.

[0003] It would be desirable to provide a pouch for smoking articles that is reliably sealed against the external environment, yet allows a user to easily open the pouch and access the smoking article. Furthermore, it would be desirable to achieve this objective while improving ease of manufacturing and preferably utilizing environmentally friendly packaging materials. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention aims to address one or more of these problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a package for arranging a plurality of smoking articles, the package comprising a substantially cubic pouch having a front main portion, a back main portion, a top sub-portion, a bottom sub-portion, a first side portion, and a second side portion, the pouch being made from a material configured and sealed to prevent moisture migration into and out of the pouch, the pouch being formed from a wrapper that is folded and sealed along a lap seal between an overlap portion and an underlap portion of the wrapper at the front main portion, the lap seal extending across the width of the front main portion, and an edge region of the overlap portion configured to be pulled so that the lap seal breaks along at least a portion of the width of the front main portion, thereby opening the pouch.

[0006] In this way, the pouch is provided with a reliable opening mechanism without the need for any additional materials to be attached to the pouch; i.e., the pouch, including the opening mechanism, is made from only the wrapper. In contrast, in conventional pouches, a separate adhesive flap is often attached to the wrapper and positioned over a pre-cut opening area of ​​the wrapper. When the flap is pulled, it opens, revealing the contents of the pouch through the pre-cut opening area. This conventional approach makes manufacturing more difficult and typically requires the use of a plastic flap to ensure reliable opening. By creating a pouch from a single wrapper that is sealed to itself along a lap seal across its main front portion, the pouch is more manufacturable. Additionally, because the overlap is configured to be pulled along its edge region rather than away from the edge, the pouch can be easily and reliably opened. This configuration, i.e., the pouch is made from a single material, allows the pouch to be made from sustainable materials such as paper.

[0007] Those skilled in the art will understand that the width of the front main portion is the (e.g., vertical) distance between the first side portion and the second side portion. Those skilled in the art will also understand that the edge region of the overlap portion refers to the periphery of the overlap portion, e.g., the bottom edge or border region of the overlap portion. In other words, the edge of the overlap portion defines a pullable tab or flap.

[0008] Preferably, at least a portion of the edge region of the overlap portion is not sealed to the underlap portion, thus further improving ease of opening the pouch, and more preferably, the entire edge region of the overlap portion is not sealed to the underlap portion.

[0009] Preferably, pairs of lines of weakness are formed in the overlapping portions such that when the edge regions are pulled, the overlapping portions tear along each line of weakness to open the pouch. In this way, the pouch is more likely to tear along the lines of weakness, thereby increasing the speed and reliability of opening.

[0010] Preferably, each line of weakness includes a slit extending from an edge of the overlap and terminating at or short of the lap seal, with the edge region configured for pulling being defined between a pair of slits. In this manner, the presence of each slit makes the pouch more likely to be opened as intended by providing an initial defect along which a tear may propagate. Advantageously, the presence of each slit does not extend beyond the lap seal, so that the sealing of the pouch is not compromised by the presence of each slit.

[0011] Preferably, each line of weakness includes a line segment that cuts partially through the thickness of the pouch, e.g., cuts at least partially through the wrapper without extending through the moisture barrier coating, the line segment being substantially contiguous with each slit and extending toward the top surface sub-portion.

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

[0013] Preferably, each line segment extends further along at least a portion of the top sub-portion, thereby making the pouch more tearable along the top sub-portion, thereby increasing the opening area of ​​the pouch and improving access to the smoking articles contained within the pouch.

[0014] In alternative embodiments, each line of weakness may consist of a cut line, kiss cut line, score line, embossed line, or crease line (i.e., a lone of weakness that cuts partially through the thickness of the pouch) extending from an edge of the overlap portion toward the top sub-portion.

[0015] Preferably, the wrapper is further sealed along a first fin seal extending along the length of the first side portion and along a second fin seal extending along the length of the second side portion. The use of fin seals is advantageous because the smoking articles contained within the pouch are not compressed by the action of the seal while the pouch is being sealed along the fin seals.

[0016] Those skilled in the art will understand that the length of the first side section and second side portion refers to the (e.g., vertical) distance between the top and bottom sub-portions, which may also be referred to as the height of the pouch.

[0017] Preferably, each of the first and second fin seals is folded toward the rear main portion of the pouch. Alternatively, the first and second fin seals may be folded toward the front main portion of the pouch.

[0018] Preferably, the wrapper is a cellulosic wrapper and the pouch further comprises a moisture barrier coating formed on the wrapper, such that the pouch is made from a sustainable material that is effective in sealing and protecting the smoking articles contained within the pouch from the external environment.

[0019] For example, the wrapper may comprise (or consist of) paper, hemp, extruded cellulose pulp, or tobacco powder with paper.

[0020] Preferably, the moisture barrier coating is a water-based lacquer. Alternatively, the moisture barrier coating may be a hot melt adhesive.

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

[0022] Preferably, the pouch (i.e., wrapper and moisture barrier coating) has a packing density of 2 to 10 g / m 2 / day (23°C, 50%RH) and water vapor transmission rate of 10 ccm / m 2 / day (23°C, 50% RH) or less.

[0023] Preferably, the thickness of the pouch (ie, wrapper and moisture barrier coating) is between 65 and 85 microns.

[0024] Preferably, the density of the pouch (ie, wrapper and moisture barrier coating) is between 50 and 85 grams per square meter.

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

[0026] Preferably, the package further comprises a reinforcing element disposed within the pouch and positioned so as to lie substantially flush against the inner surface of the pouch, and preferably the reinforcing element comprises a cellulosic material. In this manner, the reinforcing element provides additional rigidity, allowing the size of the opening area of ​​the pouch to be increased while maintaining adequate rigidity of the package.

[0027] Preferably, the reinforcing element is a foldable element having a front section, a first side section, and a second side section, the front section, the first side section, and the second side section being arranged to contact the front main portion, the first side section, and the second side section, respectively, of the pouch, the first side section and the second side section each having a length equal to the length of the pouch. More preferably, the reinforcing element consists of a front section, a first side section, and a second side section. In this way, the weight of the package is reduced while maintaining high rigidity.

[0028] Preferably, the reinforcing element is a cellulosic reinforcing element, for example, the reinforcing element may comprise (or consist of) paper, hemp, or molded cellulose pulp.

[0029] Preferably, the reinforcing element has a higher stiffness than the pouch, for example, the reinforcing element may have a density of 130 to 200 grams per square meter.

[0030] Preferably, the front section of the reinforcing element has a notch at its top edge, the notch extending at least as high as the edge of the underlap portion, in this way improving access to the smoking articles while maintaining high package rigidity.

[0031] Preferably, the cutout has a width of at least 50% of the width of the front section, and preferably a length of 10 to 20% of the length of the front section.

[0032] Preferably, the notch is centrally located along the top edge of the front section of the reinforcing element.

[0033] Preferably, the pouch and / or the stiffening element does not comprise a plastic film or metal, in particular the pouch and / or the stiffening element is not made of a paper laminate that comprises a plastic film or metal.

[0034] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a box for smoking articles, comprising an outer casing having a lid movable between an open position and a closed position, and a package according to the first aspect, the package contained within the outer casing.

[0035] Preferably, the edge region is bonded to the inner surface of the lid so that when the lid is opened, the lap seal ruptures along at least a portion of the width of the front main portion, thereby opening the pouch.

[0036] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising a package according to the first aspect or a box for smoking articles according to the second aspect, and a plurality of smoking articles contained within pouches.

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

[0038] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a box for smoking articles with the lid in an open position and containing a partially opened pouch; FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a box with the pouch completely opened. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the pouch in a closed position and sealed along the lap seal. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the pouch. [Figure 4B] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the pouch. [Figure 4C]FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional top view of the pouch. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a pouch with the lap seal shown visible for illustrative purposes. [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a pouch including a wrapper and a moisture barrier coating formed thereon. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic view of a reinforcing element of the box in an unfolded configuration. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of a blank that can be used to form a pouch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] 1 and 2 show a packet 10 for smoking articles 8 according to the present invention. The packet 10 comprises an outer casing 12 which includes a body 14 and a lid 16. The lid 16 is hingedly connected to the body 14 by a hinge 30 such that the lid 16 may move between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, a user has access to contents contained within the outer casing 12. In the closed position, the contents of the outer casing 12 are not accessible, and the body 14 and lid 16 cooperate to define a cubical box. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the packet 10 or outer casing 12 may also be referred to as a hinged lid box.

[0040] The body 14 includes multiple panels 18-26, including a front panel 18, a back panel 20, a bottom panel 22, a first side panel 24 (i.e., the left side panel), and a second side panel 26 (i.e., the right side panel). These panels 18-26 cooperate to define a main compartment having an opening 28 on the side opposite the bottom panel 22. The height of the back panel 20 is preferably greater than the height of the front panel 18, such that the first side panel 24 and the second side panel 26 increase in height toward the back panel 20.

[0041] The lid 16 includes multiple panels 72-80, including a front panel 72, a back panel 74, a top panel 76, a first side panel 78 (e.g., left side panel), and a second side panel 80 (e.g., right side panel). These panels 72-80 cooperate to define a subcompartment having an opening on the opposite side from the top panel 76. The height of the front panel 72 is preferably greater than the height of the back panel 74, such that the first side panel 78 and the second side panel 80 increase in height toward the back panel 74.

[0042] The lid 16 is connected to the body 14 by a hinge 30 disposed between the back panel 74 of the lid 16 and the back panel 20 of the body 14. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the hinge 30 is not a separable component of the box 10, but instead is the connection between the back panel 74 of the lid 16 and the back panel 20 of the body 14 about which the lid 16 can pivot. That is, the hinge 30 may be described as a fold or crease line in the outer casing 12, which is formed from the same material as the body 14 and lid 16.

[0043] The outer casing 12 may be made of a cellulosic material. For example, the outer casing 12 may include (or consist of) paper, hemp, or molded cellulose pulp.

[0044] The pouch 32 is housed within the outer casing 12. Specifically, the pouch 32 is received within the main compartment of the body 14 such that a portion of the pouch 32 protrudes through the opening 28 and is completely contained within the outer casing 12 when the lid 16 is moved to the closed position. The pouch 32 is sized to house and align multiple smoking articles 8. That is, the height of the pouch 32 is substantially equal to the height of the smoking articles 8 so that the smoking articles 8 can be securely held within the pouch 32. In one example, the smoking articles 8 can be cigarettes. In another example, the smoking articles 8 can be non-combustion heat-activated sticks.

[0045] As shown in Figure 3, pouch 32 is substantially cubic and includes a front major portion 110, a back major portion 112, a top minor portion 114, a bottom minor portion 116, a first side portion 118 (e.g., the left side portion), and a second side portion 120 (e.g., the right side portion). Pouch 32 is shown in more detail in Figures 4A-4C. Figure 4A shows a schematic view of front major portion 110 of pouch 32, Figure 4B shows a schematic view of second side portion 120 of pouch 32, and Figure 4C shows a schematic cross-sectional view taken along top minor portion 114 of pouch 32.

[0046] The pouch 32 includes a wrapper 122 having a moisture barrier coating 124 formed thereon. The wrapper 122 is folded and sealed to form a substantially cubical pouch 32 having an exterior surface 126 and an interior surface 128. In particular, the pouch 32 is sealed by a lap seal 48 extending across the width of the front main portion 110 of the pouch 32, a first fin seal 50 extending along the length of the first side portion 118 of the pouch 32, and a second fin seal 52 extending along the length of the second side portion 120 of the pouch 32. Those skilled in the art will understand that a lap seal refers to a seal formed by sealing an area of ​​the interior surface 128 of the wrapper 122 to an area of ​​the exterior surface 126 of the wrapper 122. Those skilled in the art will also understand that a fin seal refers to a seal formed by sealing an area of ​​the interior surface 128 of the wrapper 122 to another area of ​​the interior surface 128 of the wrapper 122.

[0047] The lap seal 48 is formed between the underlap portion 34 of the wrapper 122 and the overlap portion 36 of the wrapper 122. That is, at the front main portion 110 of the pouch 32, the overlap portion 36 of the wrapper 122 extends over the underlap portion 34 of the wrapper 122, and the overlap portion 36 and the underlap portion 34 are joined to one another. It will be understood that the overlap portion 34 refers to the portion of the front main portion 110 that extends from the top sub-portion 114 of the pouch 32 to the lower edge 37 of the overlap portion 36. The underlap portion 34 refers to the portion of the front main portion 110 that extends from the rear sub-portion 116 to the upper edge 39 of the underlap portion 34.

[0048] The lap seal 48 is best seen in Figure 5, where for ease of understanding, the overlap portion 36 is shown as transparent adjacent to the underlying lap seal 48 to indicate the location of the lap seal 48. The lap seal 48 extends across the entire width of the front main portion 110 (i.e., extending between the first side portion 118 and the second side portion 120), and preferably across at least a portion of the width of each of the first side portion 118 and the second side portion 120. Preferably, the lap seal 48 is sealed using an adhesive configured to peel upon application of a threshold tensile force to ensure that the pouch 32 can be opened, as described further below.

[0049] In the assembled pouch 32, the first fin seal 50 and the second fin seal 52 are typically folded (e.g., positioned substantially flush) against the front first side portion 118 and the second side portion 120 of the pouch 32, respectively. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first fin seal 50 and the second fin seal 52 may be folded toward the back main portion 112 of the pouch 32. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 3-5, the first fin seal 50 and the second fin seal 52 may be folded toward the front main portion 110 of the pouch 32. The first fin seal 50 and the second fin seal 52 are typically sealed after the lap seal 48 is sealed.

[0050] Edge 37, which may also be called the border, edge, or fringe of overlap portion 36, is the bottom edge of overlap portion 36 that is located opposite top sub-portion 114 of pouch 32. Edge region 38 of overlap portion 36 is defined by edge 37. That is, edge region 38 is adjacent to and defined along edge 37 of overlap portion 36. This means that edge region 38 is a peripheral region of overlap portion 36.

[0051] The edge region 38 is configured to be pulled by a user to open the pouch 32 by separating at least a portion of the overlap portion 36 from the underlap portion 34. In particular, pulling the edge region 38 causes the lap seal 48 to break along at least a portion of the width of the front main portion 110, thereby providing access to the smoking articles 8 contained in the pouch 32. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the edge region 38 may also be described as providing a tab that may be pulled by a user. To break the lap seal 48, the edge region 38 should preferably be pulled in a generally upward direction relative to the height of the pouch 32. It will be understood that the overlap portion 36 may also be referred to as a tearable flap that provides access to the smoking articles 8 contained in the pouch 32 and secured by the lap seal 48.

[0052] As best shown in FIG. 5 , the edge region 38 of the overlap portion 36 is not sealed to the underlap portion 34. That is, the lap seal 48 does not extend to the edge 37 of the overlap portion 36. In this manner, the edge region 38 can be easily grasped and pulled by a user. In another example, the lap seal 48 can extend to the edge 37 of the overlap portion 36 such that the edge region 38 is sealed to the underlap portion 34. In this case, to facilitate opening of the pouch 32, the outer surface of the edge region 38 can be bonded to the inner surface of the lid 16 such that when the lid 16 is initially opened, the edge region 38 is pulled, causing the lap seal 48 to break along at least a portion of the width of the front main portion 110 and opening the pouch 32. Alternatively, a graspable element can be attached to the outer surface of the edge region 38 to be grasped and pulled by a user.

[0053] In some embodiments, the lap seal 48 may extend to the top edge 39 of the underlap portion 34 , while in other embodiments, the lap seal 48 may not extend to the top edge 39 of the underlap portion 34 .

[0054] The overlap portion 36 includes a pair of lines of weakness 40. The lines of weakness 40 are configured so that, when the edge region 38 is pulled, the pouch 32 tears along each line of weakness 40, thereby opening the pouch 32. As shown, the lines of weakness 40 are parallel and extend in a direction parallel to the height of the pouch 32 from the edge 37 of the overlap portion 36 to the top sub-portion 114. The lines of weakness 40 also extend along the top sub-portion 114 of the pouch 32. However, in alternative embodiments, the lines of weakness 40 may not extend along the top sub-portion 114, or may extend along only a portion of the top sub-portion 114. Additionally, in some embodiments, the lines of weakness 40 may terminate short of the top sub-portion 114 of the pouch 32.

[0055] Each line of weakness 40 includes a slit 42 extending from the edge 37 of the overlap portion 36. Each slit 42 may also be referred to as a pre-cut line. The slits 42 extend toward the top sub-portion 114 but terminate adjacent to or short of the lap seal 48. In this manner, the slits 42 ensure that air does not enter or exit the sealed pouch 32. A user-pullable edge region 38 is defined between a pair of slits 42. The slits 42 provide an initial defect along which a tear can begin to propagate, thereby providing a reliable mechanism for opening the pouch 32. Accordingly, it will be understood that the lap seal 48 can extend to the edge 37 of the overlap portion 36 along the region of the overlap portion 36 opposite the slits 42 from the edge region 38.

[0056] Each line of weakness 40 further includes a line segment 44 disposed parallel to and contiguous with each slit 42. The line segment 44 extends partially through the thickness of the pouch 32, i.e., at least partially through the wrapper 122 without extending through the moisture barrier coating. In this example, the segment 44 includes a kiss-cut line; however, in other examples, the segment may include a cut line, a score line, an embossed line, or a crease line. The line segment 44 may be created by laser scoring, mechanical indentation, mechanical scoring, or any other suitable technique. When the edge portion 38 is pulled, the pouch 32 tears along each slit 42, and the tear then propagates along each line segment 44. Thus, the overlap portion 38 forms a flap that allows access to the smoking article 8 contained in the pouch 32. Because each line segment 44 extends only partially through the thickness of the pouch 32, the seal of the pouch 32 is not compromised by the presence of the line segment 44.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, each line segment 44 extends from the lap seal 48 to the top sub-portion 114 of the pouch 32, along the width of the top sub-portion 114. It will be understood that the width of the top sub-portion 114 refers to the (e.g., vertical) distance between the front main portion 110 and the back main portion 112 of the pouch 32. However, it will be understood that in alternative embodiments, the line segment 44 may extend from the edge 37 of the overlap portion 36, i.e., no slits are formed in the overlap portion 36, and each line of weakness 40 includes only a line segment 44 (i.e., a cut line, kiss-cut line, score line, embossed line, or crease line). Additionally or alternatively, the line segment 44 may not extend the entire width of the top sub-portion 114, or the line segment 44 may terminate at or short of the top sub-portion 114. In a further alternative embodiment, the line segments 44 may not be present, ie, each line of weakness includes only a slit 42 .

[0058] 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the wrapper 122 and moisture barrier coating 124 that form the pouch 32. The moisture barrier coating 124 is formed on (or forms) the interior surface 128 of the pouch 32. The kiss-cut line 44 is formed on the exterior surface 126 of the pouch 32.

[0059] The thickness of the pouch 32 (i.e., the wrapper 122 and the moisture barrier coating 124) may be between 65 and 85 microns. The density of the pouch 32 (i.e., the wrapper 122 and the moisture barrier coating 124) may be between 50 and 85 grams per square meter.

[0060] The wrapper 122 is made of a cellulosic material such as paper, hemp, molded cellulose pulp, or tobacco powder containing paper. The moisture barrier coating 124 prevents moisture from penetrating through the wrapper 122, thereby protecting the smoking articles 8 contained within the pouch 32. Advantageously, using a cellulosic wrapper 122 with a moisture barrier coating 124, rather than a wrapper containing plastic or metal, improves the biodegradability and sustainability of the package 10 without compromising the seal quality. The moisture barrier coating 124 may also reduce or prevent the transfer of oxygen, air, flavors, and / or menthol through the pouch 32.

[0061] In one example, the moisture barrier coating 124 may be a water-based lacquer. In another example, the moisture barrier coating 124 may be a hot melt adhesive.

[0062] Due to the properties of the wrap sealing and fin sealing and the moisture barrier coating 124, the pouch 32 (i.e., the wrapper 122 and the moisture barrier coating 124) has a weight capacity of 2 to 10 g / m 2 / day (23°C, 50%RH) and water vapor transmission rate of 10 ccm / m 2 / day (23°C, 50% RH) or less.

[0063] Although not visible in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the reinforcing element 82 is located within the pouch 32 between the interior surface 128 of the pouch 32 and the smoking article 8 contained within the pouch 32 .

[0064] The reinforcing element 82 is a folded element including a front section 84, a first side section 88 (e.g., left side section), and a second side section 90 (e.g., right side section). FIG. 7 shows the reinforcing element 82 in an unfolded form. The first side section 88 and the second side section 90 are connected to opposite sides of the front section 84 by respective fold lines. When the box 10 is assembled, the first side section 88 and the second side section 90 are folded approximately 90 degrees about their respective fold lines, and the reinforcing element 82 is positioned between the pouch 32 and the smoking article 8 such that the front section 84, the first side section 88, and the second side section 90 of the reinforcing element 82 are positioned adjacent to (i.e., in contact with) the front main portion 110 of the pouch 32, the first side portion 118 of the pouch 32, and the second side portion 120 of the pouch 32, respectively.

[0065] Advantageously, the presence of the reinforcing element 82 increases the rigidity of the box 10 , thereby providing additional protection and support to the smoking articles 8 contained within the pouches 32 .

[0066] The height of the reinforcing element 82, and in particular the height of the first side section 88 and the second side section 90 of the reinforcing element 82, is preferably equal to the height of the pouch 32. This arrangement provides optimal protection and support for the smoking articles 8 contained in the pouch 32.

[0067] The reinforcing element 82 has a top edge 85 in which a notch 86 is formed. That is, a portion of material is removed along the top edge 85 of the front section 84 of the reinforcing element 82 to form the notch 86. The notch 86 may also be referred to as a recess.

[0068] The cutout 86 extends to the level of or below the top edge 39 of the underwrap portion 34 of the wrapper 122. In this manner, when the edge portion 38 of the overlap portion 36 is pulled to open the pouch 32, the smoking article 8 is exposed through the cutout 86, allowing a user to easily grasp and remove the smoking article 8.

[0069] The cutout 86 is centrally located along the top edge 85 of the front section 84 of the reinforcing element 82, thereby providing optimal access to the smoking article 8. The cutout 86 may have a width that is at least 50% of the width of the front section 84 of the reinforcing element 82.

[0070] The reinforcing element 82 may be made from a cellulosic material such as paper, hemp, or molded cellulose pulp. Advantageously, the reinforcing element 82 may have a higher stiffness than the pouch 32. For example, the reinforcing element 82 may have a density of 130 to 200 grams per square meter.

[0071] The pouch 32 may be formed from a blank 130 that includes the wrapper 122 and the moisture barrier coating 128. The blank 130 is shown in FIG.

[0072] The blank 130 includes a plurality of panels 132-150 separated by fold lines. The plurality of panels 132-150 includes a rear blank panel 132 for forming the rear major portion 112 of the pouch 32, a top blank panel 134 for forming the top minor portion 114 of the pouch 32, and a bottom blank panel 136 for forming the bottom minor portion 116 of the pouch 32. The plurality of panels 132-150 further includes a first front blank panel 146, a second front blank panel 148, and a third front blank panel 150 for cooperatively forming the front major portion 110 of the pouch 32. In particular, the first front blank panel 146 corresponds to the overlap portion 36 of the pouch 32, and the second front blank panel 148 and the third front blank panel 150 correspond to the underlap portion 34 of the pouch 32. However, in some embodiments, the third front blank panel 150 may be omitted. An adhesive area 152, such as a peelable seal, is disposed on the first front blank panel 146 to form the lap seal 48 between the overlap portion 36 and the underlap portion 32. Alternatively or additionally, the adhesive area 152 may be located on the second front blank panel 148. The first front blank panel 146 includes an edge area 158 that corresponds to the edge portion 38 in the assembled pouch 32.

[0073] The plurality of panels 132-150 further includes a pair of first side blank panels 138, 140 that cooperate to form the first side portion 118 and a pair of second side blank panels 142, 144 that cooperate to form the second side portion 120. The blank 130 further includes a first longitudinal fin tab 154 and a second longitudinal fin tab 156 that form the longitudinal boundaries (i.e., edge portions) of the blank 130.

[0074] The weakened line 40 includes a pair of slits 42 and a pair of line segments 44 (e.g., kiss-cut lines) extending along the first front blank panel 146 and the top blank panel 134, although it will be understood that this arrangement may vary as described above.

[0075] The blank 130 (and therefore the panels 132-150 and tabs 154-156) can be described as having two surfaces: an exterior surface and an opposing interior surface. Once formed, the exterior surface 126 of the pouch 32 corresponds to the exterior surface of the blank 130, and the interior surface 128 of the pouch 32 corresponds to the interior surface of the blank 130. A moisture barrier coating 128 is formed on the interior surface of the blank 130, and kiss-cut lines 44 are formed on the exterior surface of the blank 130.

[0076] To form the pouch 32 from the blank 130, each of the panels 132-150 and tabs 154-156 is folded about a respective fold line connecting it to the other panels 132-150 and tabs 154-156 of the blank 130. Each of the panels 136-150 and tabs 154-160 is folded about a respective fold line approximately 90 degrees, except for the (optional) third front blank panel 150, which is folded relative to the second front blank panel 148 (i.e., folded approximately 180 degrees relative to the second front blank panel 148). The interior surface of the first front blank panel 146 is sealed to the exterior surface of the second front blank panel 148 along the adhesive region 152. The first longitudinal fin tab 154 is sealed to itself along its interior surface, thereby forming the first fin seal 50. The second longitudinal fin tab 156 is sealed to itself along the interior surface, thereby forming the second fin seal 52. Each fin seal 50, 52 may be sealed using a suitable adhesive. An edge area 158 of the first front blank panel 146 is not sealed to the second front blank panel 148 when forming the pouch 32, thereby providing a tab configured to be pulled by a user.

[0077] As described above, in the assembled pouch 32, the first fin seal 50 and the second fin seal 52 are typically folded against the first side portion 118 and the second side portion 120. The lap seal 48 and the fin seals 50, 52 are effective to seal the pouch 32 from the external environment. A smoking article 8 may be provided within the pouch 32 before or during the folding and sealing process.

Claims

1. A package for arranging a plurality of smoking articles, comprising: A substantially cubic pouch comprising a front major portion, a back major portion, a top minor portion, a bottom minor portion, a first side portion, and a second side portion. Including, the pouch is made from a material configured and sealed to prevent the transfer of moisture into or out of the pouch; the pouch is formed from a wrapper; the wrapper is folded and sealed along a lap seal between the overlap and underlap portions of the wrapper at the front main portion; the lap seal extends across the width of the front major portion; an edge region of the overlap configured to be pulled to cause the lap seal to rupture along at least a portion of the width of the front major portion, thereby opening the pouch; package.

2. At least a portion of the edge region of the overlap portion is not sealed to the underlap portion. The package of claim 1.

3. pairs of lines of weakness are formed in the overlapping portion such that when the edge regions are pulled, the overlapping portion tears along each line of weakness to open the pouch; 3. The package of claim 1 or 2.

4. each line of weakness includes a slit extending from the edge of the overlap portion and terminating at or short of the lap seal, and the edge region configured to be tensioned is defined between the pair of slits; The package of claim 3.

5. each line of weakness includes a line segment cutting partially through said pouch; the line segments are substantially continuous with each of the slits and extend toward the upper surface sub-portion; The package of claim 4.

6. Each line segment comprises a cut line, a kiss-cut line, a score line, an embossed line, or a crease line; The package of claim 5.

7. each line segment further extends along at least a portion of said upper surface sub-portion; 7. The package according to claim 5 or 6.

8. the wrapper is further sealed along a first fin seal extending along the length of the first side portion and along a second fin seal extending along the length of the second side portion; A package according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. the wrapper is a cellulosic wrapper; the pouch further comprises a moisture barrier coating formed on the wrapper; Preferably, the moisture barrier coating is formed on the inside of the wrapper. A package according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. the moisture barrier coating is a water-based lacquer; 10. The package of claim 9.

11. a reinforcing element disposed within the pouch and positioned to lie substantially flush against an inner surface of the pouch; Preferably, the reinforcing element comprises a cellulosic material. A package according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. the reinforcing element is a folded element having a front section, a first side section, and a second side section; the front section, the first side section, and the second side section are positioned to contact the front main portion, the first side portion, and the second side portion of the pouch, respectively; the first side section and the second side section each have a length equal to a length of the pouch; The package of claim 11.

13. A box for smoking articles, an outer casing having a lid movable between an open position and a closed position; The package according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the package is contained within the outer casing. A box body including:

14. the edge region is bonded to an inner surface of the lid such that when the lid is opened, the lap seal ruptures along at least a portion of the width of the front major portion, thereby opening the pouch. The box according to claim 13.

15. The package according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or the box according to claim 13 or 14, a plurality of smoking articles contained within the pouch; Including, the system.

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