An ordered group of multiple packages and a method for holding the ordered group of packages together

Abstract

An arrayed group (1) of a plurality of packages (2), each package of the arrayed group being rectangular shaped and including a pair of opposing first faces (11, 12), a pair of opposing second faces (8, 9) and end faces (13, 14), the packages being arranged in a plurality of rows (16, 17) such that the second faces of the packages face the second faces of adjacent packages in the same row and the first faces of the packages in a row face the first faces of the packages in an adjacent row, the second faces of the packages at both ends of each row, the first faces and each end face of each package in a row being exposed, the exposed end faces (13, 14) of the packages of the arrayed group together forming a surface, and a single strip of tape being adhered only to said surface of the arrayed group such that the single strip of tape (22) holds the packages of the arrayed group together.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ordered group of a plurality of packages. A method for holding the ordered group of a plurality of packages together is also disclosed. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional delivery systems, such as combustion and non-combustion aerosol delivery systems and other tobacco industry products, are typically packaged in packages. Multiple packages are often grouped together in an arranged group and packaged in a carton. The carton may be made from paperboard or similar material. Alternatively, multiple packages may be wrapped in plastic. The carton and / or wrapper may be opened to allow access to the individual packages. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect of the disclosure, an array of packages is provided, each package in the array is rectangular and includes a pair of opposing first faces, a pair of opposing second faces, and an end face, the packages are arranged in a plurality of rows such that the second faces of the packages face the second faces of adjacent packages in the same row and the first faces of the packages in a row face the first faces of the packages in an adjacent row, the second faces of the packages at both ends of each row, the first faces and each end face of each package in a row are exposed, the exposed end faces of the packages in the array together form a surface, and a single strip of tape is adhered only to the surface of the array such that the single strip of tape holds the packages in the array together.

[0004] The packages may each include a lid and the end surfaces may be formed by the lids such that the exposed end surfaces of the packages in an arranged group together form a top surface.

[0005] The packages may each include a base and the end surfaces may be formed by the bases such that the exposed end surfaces of an array of packages together form a bottom surface.

[0006] The packages may each include a lid and a base, the end surfaces may include a lid end surface and a base end surface, the exposed lid end surfaces of the packages in the arrayed group form top surfaces and the exposed base end surfaces of the packages in the arrayed group form bottom surfaces, and a single strip of tape may be attached to each of the top and bottom surfaces of the arrayed group.

[0007] A single strip of tape may extend across the entire width of the array.

[0008] A single strip of tape may extend the entire length of the array.

[0009] A single strip of tape may be adhered to the entire surface of the array to which it is applied.

[0010] The single strip of tape may include areas of adhesive, and at least one area may be associated with each package in a group arranged such that the single strip of tape is adhered to all of the packages.

[0011] The separate strip of tape may include an extension tab configured to facilitate removal of the separate strip of tape.

[0012] The single strip of tape may include adhesive-free areas configured to facilitate removal of the single strip of tape from the array.

[0013] The adhesive free area may be located at one end of a single strip of tape.

[0014] The adhesive free areas may be located on the long edges of a single strip of tape or may extend along the length of an array.

[0015] A single strip of tape may include a set of adhesive-free areas, and each adhesive-free area may be located on a long edge of the single strip of tape or may extend along the length of the array.

[0016] In another aspect of the disclosure, a method for holding a plurality of packages together in an arrayed group is provided, the method including providing an arrayed group of a plurality of packages each having a rectangular shape including a pair of opposing first sides, a pair of opposing second sides, and an end side; arranging the packages in a plurality of rows such that the second sides of the packages face the second sides of adjacent packages in the same row and the first sides of the packages in a row face the first sides of the packages in an adjacent row, exposing the second sides of the packages at both ends of each row, the first sides and each end side of each package in a row; forming together a surface with the exposed end sides of the packages in the arrayed group; and adhering a single strip of tape only to the surfaces of the arrayed group to join the packages in the arrayed group. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] In order that the invention may be more fully understood, embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] 1 shows an array of packages for a delivery system without a single strip of tape applied to the package. [Diagram 2] 1 shows an individual package of an arrayed group of packages. [Diagram 3] 1 shows a first embodiment of an arranged group of packages for a delivery system. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a second embodiment of an arranged group of multiple packages for a delivery system. [Diagram 5] 13 illustrates a third embodiment of an array of packages for a delivery system. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a method for holding packages together in an ordered group. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to encompass a system that delivers a substance to a user; Combustion-based aerosol delivery systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars and pipe or roll-your-own tobacco, whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smoking materials; non-combustion aerosol delivery systems that release compounds from an aerosolizable material without burning the aerosolizable material, such as e-cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems that generate an aerosol using a combination of aerosolizable materials; an article that includes an aerosolizable material and is configured for use within one of these non-combustion based aerosol delivery systems; and Includes aerosol-free systems such as lozenges, gums, patches, articles containing inhalable powders, and smokeless tobacco products such as snus and snuff that deliver nicotine-containing or non-nicotine-containing materials to the user without forming an aerosol.

[0019] For purposes of this disclosure, a "combustion-based" aerosol delivery system is one in which the constituent aerosolizable materials (or components thereof) of the aerosol delivery system are combusted or burned to facilitate delivery to a user.

[0020] For purposes of this disclosure, a "non-combustion based" aerosol delivery system is one that does not burn or ignite to facilitate delivery of the aerosolizable component materials of the aerosol delivery system (or components thereof) to a user.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1, there is shown an array 1 of packages 2 for a delivery system (not shown). The array 1 of packages 2 includes a plurality of individual rectangular shaped packages 2. A typical individual package 2 for a delivery system is shown in Figure 2.

[0022] Referring to Figure 2, the package 2 may be, for example, but not limited to, a hinged lid package as shown. The package 2 includes a container 3 and a lid 4 hingedly connected to the container 3 along a hinge line 5 to allow the package to be opened and closed. Of course, the container 3 defines a delivery system receiving space in which smoking articles or other tobacco industry products are received and stored. The delivery system is accessible when the lid 4 is in an open position, and the delivery system is retained within the delivery system receiving space 6 when the lid 4 is in a closed position. Other types of packages, such as those known as folding or sliding shell packages, are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0023] The package 2 includes a pair of opposing first faces 11, 12, a pair of opposing second faces 8, 9, and end faces 13, 14. The pair of opposing first faces 11, 12 are separated by opposing second faces 8, 9. In this embodiment, the opposing first faces 11, 12 form the larger panels 11, 12, which constitute the front and rear panels of the package 2. The front first face or larger panel 11 may include a front container wall and a front lid wall. The rear first face or larger panel 12 may include a rear container wall and a rear lid wall. In this embodiment, the opposing second faces 8, 9 form the smaller walls 8, 9, which constitute the side walls of the package 2. The second faces or side walls 8, 9 of the package 2 may include a container side wall and a lid side wall. Both ends of the package 2 are closed by opposing end faces 13, 14, which include a top end face 13 and a bottom end face 14. In this embodiment, the top end surface 13 may comprise a top lid wall and the bottom end surface 14 may comprise a bottom container wall.

[0024] 1, it can be seen that a number of individual packages 2 for a delivery system are arranged side-by-side in a number of rows forming an arrayed group 1 of packages 2. In the embodiment shown in FIG 1, the arrayed group 1 of packages 2 includes a first row 16 and a second row 17. The first and second rows 16, 17 are adjacent to one another.

[0025] In this embodiment, the packages 2 are arranged side by side in rows 16, 17 such that the second surface 8, 9 of one package 2 faces the second surface 8, 9 of an adjacent package 2 in the same row. The packages 2 are further arranged such that the first surfaces 11, 12 of the packages 2 in the row 16 face the first surfaces 11, 12 of the packages 2 in the adjacent row. Additionally, the packages 2 are arranged such that the second surfaces 8, 9 of the packages 2, the first surfaces 11, 12 of each package 2 along the rows 16, 17 and each end surface 13, 14 are exposed at the ends 18, 19 of each row 16, 17. The exposed end surfaces 13, 14 of the packages of the arranged group together form a surface. The arranged group includes a top surface 20 and a bottom surface 21 formed by the exposed end surfaces 13, 14 of the packages 2, respectively. In other words, the top surface 20 of the arranged group 1 is formed by the combination of the exposed top end surfaces 13 of the packages 2, and the bottom surface 21 of the arranged group 1 is formed by the combination of the exposed bottom end surfaces 14 of the packages 2.

[0026] However, it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the packages 2 may be arranged such that the first faces 11, 12 of a package 2 face the first faces 11, 12 of adjacent packages 2 in the same row 16, 17, or such that the end faces 13, 14 of adjacent packages in the same row 16, 17 face each other.

[0027] In this embodiment, the arranged group 1 includes two rows of five packages 2. However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the number of packages in a row may be different and the number of rows may be greater than those shown.

[0028] 3, the arrayed group 1 of packages 2 further includes a separate strip of tape 22 configured to hold the packages 2 together in the arrayed group 1. The separate strip of tape 22 is adhered only to the surface formed by the end faces 13, 14 of the arrayed group 1 packages 2. In other words, the separate strip of tape 22 does not extend onto either the exposed first faces 11, 12 or the exposed second faces 8, 9 of the arrayed group 1 packages 2.

[0029] In this embodiment, the separate strip of tape 22 is adhered only to the top surface 20 of the arrayed group 1, which is formed by the exposed end surfaces 13 of the packages 2 in the arrayed group 1. Of course, in other embodiments, the separate strip of tape 22 is adhered only to the bottom surface 21 of the arrayed group, which is formed by the exposed end surfaces 14 of the packages 2 in the arrayed group 1. Alternatively, the separate strip of tape 22 is adhered to each of the top surface 20 and bottom surface 21 of the arrayed group 1.

[0030] Where a single strip of tape 22 extends across both the top 20 and bottom 21 faces of the array, one of the tape strips need not necessarily be adhered to every end face 13, 14. One strip of tape may be adhered to some of the package end faces and the other strip of tape adhered to the remaining package end faces. However, the packages are better held in the array if each strip of tape is applied to all of the end faces it covers.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, the single strip of tape 22 extends across the entire width and length of the array of groups 1 to completely cover the top surface 20 of the array of groups 1. However, it will be appreciated that the single strip of tape 22 does not necessarily extend across the entire width and length of the array of groups 1. For example, the single strip of tape 22 may be spaced apart from the edges of the top surface 20 and bottom surface 21. Additionally, the single strip of tape 22 may extend across the entire length of the array of groups 1 but not across the entire width, or alternatively, the single strip of tape 22 may extend across the entire width of the array of groups 1 but not across the entire length. The single strip of tape may cover a portion of each of the end surfaces 13, 14 that form the top surface 20, bottom surface 21 such that each of the packages 2 is retained within the array of groups 1.

[0032] The separate strip of tape 22 may be adhered to all surfaces 20, 21 of the arrayed group 1 to which it is applied. Alternatively, the separate strip of tape 22 may include an area of ​​adhesive. At least one area of ​​adhesive is associated with each package of the arrayed group 1 such that the separate strip of tape 22 is adhered to every package.

[0033] Additionally, the single strip of tape 22 includes an extension tab 23 configured to facilitate removal of the single strip of tape 22 from the arranged group 1. To remove the package 2 from the arranged group 1, a consumer can lift the tab 23 and pull the extension tab 23 in a direction along the length of the arranged group 1. Because the extension tab 23 is integral with the single strip of tape 22, such pulling of the extension tab removes the single strip of tape 22 from the arranged group 1.

[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the array 1. The independent strip of tape 22 includes an adhesive-free area 24 configured to facilitate removal of the independent strip of tape 22 from the array 1. The adhesive-free area 24 is located at an end of the independent strip of tape 22. In this embodiment, the adhesive-free area is substantially triangular and located at one corner of the independent strip of tape 22. Of course, the adhesive-free area may be any shape or size that facilitates removal of the independent strip of tape 22 from the array 1. To remove the package 2 from the array 1, the consumer can lift the adhesive-free area 24 and pull the independent strip of tape 22 away from the array 1.

[0035] 5 illustrates another embodiment of the arrayed group 1, where the adhesive-free areas 24 are located on a long edge 25 of the single strip of tape 22 and extend along the length of the arrayed group 1. To remove the package 2 from the arrayed group 1, the consumer can lift the adhesive-free areas 24 and pull the single strip of tape 22 away from the arrayed group 1. In this embodiment, the single strip of tape 22 includes a set of adhesive-free areas 24. Each adhesive-free area is located on a long edge 25 of the single strip of tape 22 and extends along the length of the arrayed group 1.

[0036] Of course, the above-described configuration of the separate strip of tape is not limited to embodiments in which a separate strip of tape is attached to the top or bottom surface of the array of groups, nor is it limited to embodiments in which a separate strip of tape is attached to each of the top and bottom surfaces of the array of groups, where a separate strip of tape covers the top surface of the array of groups and another separate strip of tape covers the bottom surface of the array of groups. It is also envisioned that the separate strips of tape attached to each of the top and bottom surfaces of the array of groups may have the same characteristics, but the separate strips of tape attached to each of the top and bottom surfaces of the array of groups may be different. For example, the separate strips of tape attached to each of the top and bottom surfaces of the array of groups may include an extension tab as shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively, for example, the separate strip of tape attached to the top surface of the array of groups may include an extension tab as shown in FIG. 3, and the separate strip of tape attached to the bottom surface of the array of groups may include an adhesive-free area as shown in FIG. 4. Of course, a single strip of tape may include any combination of the features disclosed above.

[0037] The separate strip of tape may be formed from a film material, particularly a transparent film material that allows a consumer to read information on the end face of the group of packages. Alternatively, the separate strip of tape may be formed from a paper-based material to allow for recycling. Additionally, the separate strip of tape may include indicia, such as a product code that is scanned or general information regarding the group of packages.

[0038] Fig. 6 shows a method of holding packages together in an array. The method of the invention includes a first step S1 which involves providing an array of packages each having a rectangular shape with a pair of opposing first faces, a pair of opposing second faces, and an end face. A second step S2 involves arranging the packages in rows with the second faces of the packages facing the second faces of the adjacent packages in the same row and the first faces of the packages in a row facing the first faces of the packages in an adjacent row, exposing the second faces of the packages at the end of each row, the first faces of the packages in a row, and each end face. A third step S3 involves forming a surface at the exposed end faces of the packages in the array. Finally, a fourth step S4 involves bonding a single strip of tape only to the surfaces of the array to hold the packages together in the array.

[0039] The various embodiments described herein are provided merely to aid in understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are merely representative examples and are not intended to be comprehensive or exclusive. It is also to be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure to the scope of the claims or to the equivalents of the claims, but that other embodiments may be utilized or modified without departing from the scope and / or spirit of the present disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, or other combinations. The present disclosure also includes other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. an array of packages, each package in the array having a rectangular parallelepiped shape and including a pair of opposing first faces, a pair of opposing second faces, and an end face; the packages are arranged in a plurality of rows such that the second faces of the packages face the second faces of adjacent packages in the same row and such that the first faces of the packages in a row face the first faces of the packages in an adjacent row, the second faces of the packages at both ends of each row, the first faces of each package in a row, and each end face are exposed; the exposed end faces of the packages of the arrayed group together form a surface; a separate strip of tape is adhered to only said surface of the arrayed group such that the separate strip of tape holds the packages of the arrayed group together; each of said packages includes a lid and a base, the end surfaces including a lid end surface and a base end surface, whereby a separate strip of tape is adhered to each of the top and bottom surfaces of the arrayed group to join the packages of the arrayed group together such that the exposed lid end surface of each package of the arrayed group forms a top surface and the exposed base end surface of each package of the arrayed group forms a bottom surface, wherein: a separate strip of tape adhered to the top surface of the arrayed group is adhered to the end surfaces of some of the packages in the arrayed group, and a separate strip of tape adhered to the bottom surface of the arrayed group is adhered to the end surfaces of the remaining packages in the arrayed group; An array of multiple packages.

2. 2. The array of claim 1, wherein a single strip of tape extends across the entire width of the surface.

3. 2. The array of claim 1, wherein a single strip of tape extends the entire length of the surface.

4. 2. The array of a plurality of packages according to claim 1, wherein the single strip of tape is adhered to the entire surface of the array to which it is applied.

5. 2. The array of packages according to claim 1, wherein the single strip of tape includes areas of adhesive, at least one area being associated with each package in the array such that the single strip of tape is adhered to all of the packages.

6. 2. The array of multiple packages of claim 1, wherein the separate strip of tape includes an extension tab configured to facilitate removal of the separate strip of tape.

7. 2. The array of multiple packages of claim 1, wherein the single strip of tape includes an adhesive-free area configured to facilitate removal of the single strip of tape from the array.

8. 8. The array of claim 7, wherein the adhesive free area is located at one end of a single strip of tape.

9. 8. The array of multiple packages of claim 7, wherein the adhesive-free area is located on a long edge of a single strip of tape and extends along the length of the array.

10. 8. The array of multiple packages of claim 7, wherein the single strip of tape includes a set of adhesive-free areas, each adhesive-free area being located on a long edge of the single strip of tape and extending along the length of the array.

11. 1. A method for holding a plurality of packages together in an arranged group, the method comprising: providing an array of a plurality of rectangular parallelepiped shaped packages, each package including a pair of opposing first faces, a pair of opposing second faces, and an end face; arranging the packages in a plurality of rows such that the second faces of the packages face the second faces of adjacent packages in the same row and the first faces of the packages in a row face the first faces of the packages in an adjacent row, exposing the second faces of the packages at both ends of each row, the first faces of each package in a row, and each end face; forming a surface together on exposed end faces of a plurality of packages in the array; and adhering a separate strip of tape to only said surface of the arrayed group to hold the packages of the arrayed group together; each of said packages includes a lid and a base, the end surfaces including a lid end surface and a base end surface, whereby the exposed lid end surface of each package in the array forms a top surface and the exposed base end surface of each package in the array forms a bottom surface when a separate strip of tape is adhered to each of the top and bottom surfaces of the array to join the packages in the array together such that: a separate strip of tape that is adhered to the top surface of the array is adhered to the end surfaces of some of the packages in the array, and a separate strip of tape that is adhered to the bottom surface of the array is adhered to the end surfaces of the remaining packages in the array; method.

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