Packet for collating a plurality of smoking articles

Abstract

A packet (10) for collating a plurality of smoking articles (8), comprising: a substantially cuboidal pouch (100) comprising: 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), wherein the pouch is formed from a wrapper (122) that is folded and sealed by a plurality of fin seals to define the pouch, wherein the plurality of fin seals comprises a first fin seal (104) extending along the length of the top minor portion of the pouch, and wherein a line of weakening (64) is formed in the pouch such that, when a portion of the first fin seal is pulled by a user, a corner section of the pouch can be separated from the remainder of the pouch by way of a tear propagating along the line of weakening.

Description

[0001] PACKET FOR COLLATING A PLURALITY OF SMOKING ARTICLES

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to a packet for collating a plurality of smoking articles, and a system comprising a packet and a plurality of smoking articles contained therein.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Smoking articles, such as cigarettes or heat-not-burn aerosol generation articles are typically stored within packets which are sealed to prevent the ingress of moisture.

[0006] The most common type of packet for smoking articles is known as a hard pack. Hard packs generally include a sealed pouch (e.g. made of foil, paper or plastic) in which the smoking articles are held. The pouch is housed within a further container, such as a hinged-lid box, which provides structural protection for the smoking articles contained within the pouch and allows the packet to be reclosed after opening.

[0007] An alternative type of packet is known as a soft pack. Soft packs usually include a thin paper or foil pouch which is wrapped around the smoking articles. An outer sleeve may also be wrapped around the pouch on which brand and other information can be printed.

[0008] Whether rigid or soft, a key problem in the design of existing sealed packets for smoking articles is their resistance to biodegradation. Due to the requirement for smoking articles to be kept sealed from the environment during storage, it is common for pouches to be covered by a transparent plastic overwrapping film or be made from impermeable plastic or metal in order to prevent the ingress of air or moisture. For example, pouches are often made from a plastic film or a paper laminate comprising barrier plastic, or a laminate of plastic and metal. However, such materials are not biodegradable or compostable and are difficult to recycle. Attempts have been made to design packets which are suitable for construction with environmentally friendly materials, such as paper or card. However, in such packets, it is difficult to achieve good sealing properties whilst also allowing smoking articles within the packet to be quickly and easily accessed by the user.

[0009] An object of the invention is to address one or more of these issues.

[0010] SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a packet for collating a plurality of smoking articles, comprising: a substantially cuboidal pouch comprising: a front major portion; a rear major portion; a top minor portion; a bottom minor portion; a first side portion; and a second side portion, wherein the pouch is formed from a wrapper that is folded and sealed by a plurality of fin seals to define the pouch, wherein the plurality of fin seals comprises a first fin seal extending along the length of the top minor portion of the pouch, wherein a line of weakening is formed in the pouch such that, when a portion of the first fin seal is pulled by a user, a corner section of the pouch is separated from the remainder of the pouch by way of a tear propagating along the line of weakening.

[0012] In this way, a soft pack is provided which has a reliable opening mechanism whilst also being effectively sealed from the environment. In particular, this is achieved by the use of fin seals in combination with a line of weakening that is arranged to define a removable corner. By pulling the first fin seal, a tear can be initiated in the line of weakening adjacent the first fin seal which then propagates around the line of weakening to form an opening in the pouch. The fin seals ensure good sealing properties of the pouch prior to opening, whilst the line of weakening enables the pouch to be easily and reliably opened by a user. This pouch configuration is also compatible with environmentally friendly materials, such that the sustainability of the packet can be improved.

[0013] It is further noted that the use of fin seals to seal the pouch ensures that smoking articles contained within the pouch are not compressed when the pouch is sealed along each fin seal. In contrast, the use of lap seals to seal the pouch would result in smoking articles contained within the pouch being compressed during sealing of the pouch along the lap seals. The skilled person will appreciate that the pouch is sealed using fin seals only, e.g. the pouch is not sealed using lap seals.

[0014] The skilled person will appreciate that the length of the top minor portion is the perpendicular distance between the first side portion and the second side portion.

[0015] The front major portion and the rear major portion may also be referred to as the first major portion and the second major portion respectively. The top minor portion and the bottom minor portion may also be referred to as the first minor portion and the second minor portion respectively.

[0016] Preferably, the line of weakening extends from the edge of the first fin seal, such that the tear initiates at the edge of the first fin seal.

[0017] Preferably, wherein a cut is formed in the first fin seal, and wherein the line of weakening is formed in the pouch such that, when the portion of the first fin seal is pulled by a user, the corner section of pouch is separated from the remainder of the pouch by way of a tear initiating at the cut and propagating along the line of weakening.

[0018] By pulling the first fin seal, a tear can be initiated at the cut in the first fin seal which then propagates around the line of weakening to form an opening in the pouch. The fin seals ensure good sealing properties of the pouch prior to opening, whilst the cut in the first fin seal which is aligned with the line of weakening enables the pouch to be easily and reliably opened by a user.

[0019] The skilled person will appreciate that the cut is formed in a top edge of the first fin seal. The cut may also be referred to as a slit or an incision. The cut is arranged adjacent or along the line of weakening such that a tear initiating at the cut will then propagate along the line of weakening.

[0020] The skilled person will appreciate that the corner section of the pouch includes a part of each of the top minor portion, the front major portion, the rear major portion, and the first side portion. Preferably, the line of weakening is arranged to bound the corner section. That is, the line of weakening defines the boundary of the corner section. The line of weakening may entirely or substantially bound the corner section. In this way, it is ensured that a clean opening of a predefined size is formed in the pouch when the pouch is tom open along the line of weakening.

[0021] Preferably, the line of weakening extends via the cut. In other words, the line of weakening is arranged to intersect or extend across the cut. In this way, it is ensured that a tear which initiated at the cut will propagate along the line of weakening.

[0022] Alternatively, the line of weakening can be arranged such that an (e.g. small) gap is present on each side of the cut between the line of weakening and the cut, i.e. the line of weakening is discontinuous across the cut. However, each gap is sized such that a tear initiating at the cut will propagate to and along the line of weakening. In other words, the line of weakening is spaced from the cut on either side of the cut, i.e. there is gap in the line of weakening, wherein the gap in the line of weakening extends across the cut. In this way, the sealing properties of the pouch are improved as the likelihood of inadvertently tearing and opening the pouch along the line of weakening is reduced.

[0023] For example, the line of weakening may not extend across the first fin seal.

[0024] Preferably, the line of weakening extends across at least part of each of the front major portion, the first side portion, the rear major portion, and the top minor portion via the cut.

[0025] Preferably, the line of weakening forms a loop across the surface of the pouch. That is, the line of weakening defines a closed curve such that when a tear propagates along the line of weakening, the corner section of the pouch is entirely separated from the remainder of the pouch. In practice, two tears may in fact propogate from the cut in opposite directions around the line of weakening. Preferably, the plurality of fin seals further comprises: a second fin seal extending along the length of the front major portion; and a third fin seal extending along the length of the bottom minor portion.

[0026] Preferably, the second fin seal is arranged such that the line of weakening does not extend across the second fin seal.

[0027] Preferably, the wrapper comprises a cellulose-based wrapper, and wherein the pouch further comprises a moisture barrier coating formed on the cellulose-based wrapper. In this way, the pouch is constructed from sustainable materials which are effective in sealing and protecting the smoking articles housed within the pouch from the external environment.

[0028] For example, the wrapper may comprise (or consist of) paper, hemp, moulded cellulose pulp, virgin fibre pulp or tobacco dust with paper.

[0029] Preferably, the line of weakening extends wholly or partially through the cellulose- based wrapper but does not extend through the moisture barrier coating (and also does not extend through the additional heat sealable coating, if present). In this way, the line of weakening does not affect the seal of the pouch to the external environment.

[0030] Preferably, the moisture barrier coating is formed on the internal surface of the pouch.

[0031] Preferably, the line of weakening is formed in the external surface of the pouch. Alternatively, the line of weakening may be formed in the internal surface of the pouch.

[0032] Preferably, the line of weakening is a laser scored line. Alternatively, the line of weakening may comprise a different type of pre-cut line, e.g. the line of weakening may be made by mechanical indentation or mechanical scoring.

[0033] Preferably, the line of weakening extends partially through the thickness of the pouch, e.g. partially or entirely through the wrapper but not through the moisture barrier coating and not through the additional heat sealable coating if present. In this case, the line of weakening may be referred to as a kiss-cut line.

[0034] Preferably, the line of weakening extends through less than 80%, preferably less than 70%, more preferably less than 60% and more than 20%, preferably more than 30%, more preferably more than 40% of the thickness of the pouch (or the wrapper).

[0035] Preferably, the moisture barrier coating is a heat sealable coating (or a heat seal adhesive). The heat sealable coating (e.g. a thermoplastic film) is bonded to the wrapper by applying pressure and heating the coating. The moisture barrier coating may comprise one or more layers or films. The moisture barrier coating may be a water-based lacquer. The water-based lacquer may act as both a moisture barrier coating and a heat sealable coating. Optionally, an additional heat sealable coating may be applied on top of the moisture barrier coating. Advantageously, the additional heat sealable coating may further improve the sealing strength. The additional heat sealable coating may also be a sealing lacquer. In a less preferred option, the moisture barrier coating is a hot melt adhesive, i.e. an adhesive that is applied in a molten state and forms a bond on cooling to the solid state.

[0036] Preferably, the moisture barrier coating also reduces or prevents the ingress (or transfer) of oxygen, air, flavourings, and / or menthol.

[0037] Preferably, the pouch (i.e. the wrapper, the moisture barrier coating, and optionally the additional heat sealable coating) may have a water vapour transmission rate of 0 - 10 g / m2 / day (at 23°C, 50% RH) and an oxygen transmission rate of <10 cc / nT7day (at 23°C, 50% RH). In one embodiment, the pouch may have a water vapour transmission rate of 2 - 10 g / m2 / day (at 23°C, 50% RH).

[0038] The water vapour transmission rate can be determined using theASTM F1249-13 standard test method or ISO 15106-2 standard test method.

[0039] Preferably, the thickness of the pouch (i.e. the wrapper, the moisture barrier coating, and optionally the additional heat sealable coating) is 65 to 85 pm. Preferably, the density of the pouch (i.e. the wrapper, the moisture barrier coating, and optionally the additional heat sealable coating) is 50 to 92 grams per square metre, more preferably 50 to 85 gram per square metre.

[0040] In one example, the thickness of the pouch may be 75 pm, the density of the pouch may be 90 grams per square metre, and the mean water vapour transmission rate at 23°C, 50% RH may be <1 g / m2 / day. In another example, the thickness of the pouch may be 67 pm, the density of the pouch may be 75 grams per square metre, and the mean water vapour transmission rate at 23°C, 50% RH may be <1 g / m2 / day. In another example, the thickness of the pouch may be 65 - 85 pm, the density of the pouch may be 70 grams per square metre, and the mean water vapour transmission rate at 23°C, 50% RH may be <3 g / m2 / day. In another example, the thickness of the pouch may be 82 pm, the density of the pouch may be 75 grams per square metre, and the mean water vapour transmission rate at 23°C, 50% RH may be <8 g / m2 / day.

[0041] Preferably, the packet further comprises: an outer sleeve arranged to wrap around the pouch in the transverse direction.

[0042] Preferably, the line of weakening is located above the outer sleeve. In this way, the outer sleeve will not impede opening of the pouch.

[0043] Alternatively, a portion of the line of weakening (e.g. a portion extending across the first side portion) may be located substantially level with the top edge of the outer sleeve, and the remainder of the line of weakening may be located above the outer sleeve. In this way, the top edge of the outer sleeve is able to assist tearing along the line of weakening.

[0044] Preferably, the outer sleeve extends across the front major portion, the first side portion, the rear major portion, and the second side portion of the pouch only. In this way, the ease of manufacturability is improved as the outer sleeve is suitable for roll fed material. This configuration also allows for a reduction in material quantity and a simplification in the machinery used to manufacture packets. Preferably, the outer sleeve is adhesively attached to the first side portion or the second side portion of the pouch. For example, the outer sleeve may be attached to the pouch using PVA or hotmelt glue.

[0045] Preferably, the packet further comprises: a stiffening element disposed within the pouch. Preferably, the stiffening element comprises a plurality of panels each arranged to lie (e.g. substantially) flush against the internal surface of the pouch.

[0046] The skilled person will appreciate that the plurality of panels of the stiffening elements are interconnected, e.g. the stiffening element is a folded element. The stiffening element can be formed from a single blank.

[0047] Preferably, the line of weakening is located above the stiffening element. In this way, the stiffening element will not impede smoking articles being extracted from the pouch.

[0048] Alternatively, a portion of the line of weakening (e.g. a portion extending across the first side portion) may be located substantially level with the top edge of the stiffening element, and the remainder of the line of weakening may be located above the stiffening element. In this way, the top edge of the stiffening element is able to assist tearing along the line of weakening.

[0049] Preferably, the stiffening element is a cellulose-based stiffening element. For example, the stiffening element may comprise (or consist of) paper, hemp, or moulded cellulose pulp.

[0050] Preferably, the stiffening element has a higher rigidity than the pouch. For example, the stiffening element may have a density of 130 to 200 grams per square metre. For example, the density of the stiffening element is between about 1 .5 and 4 times higher than the density of the pouch.

[0051] Preferably, the pouch and / or stiffening element do not comprise plastic film or metal. In particular, the pouch and / or stiffening element are not made of a paper laminate comprising plastic film or metal. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a system comprising: a packet according to any preceding claim; and a plurality of smoking articles contained within the packet.

[0052] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts comprising: a first blank configured to form a pouch of the first aspect.

[0053] The kit of parts optionally further comprises: a second blank configured to form a stiffening element of the first aspect; and / or a third blank configured to form an outer sleeve of the first aspect.

[0054] Also described herein is a packet for collating a plurality of smoking articles, comprising: a substantially cuboidal pouch comprising: a front major portion; a rear major portion; a top minor portion; a bottom minor portion; a first side portion; and a second side portion, wherein the pouch is formed from a wrapper that is folded and sealed by a plurality of fin seals to define the pouch, wherein the plurality of fin seals comprises a first fin seal extending along the length of the top minor portion of the pouch, wherein a cut is formed in the first fin seal, and wherein a line of weakening is formed in the pouch such that, when a portion of the first fin seal is pulled by a user, a corner section of the pouch is separated from the remainder of the pouch by way of a tear initiating at the cut and propagating along the line of weakening.

[0055] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0056] Embodiments of the invention are now described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0057] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a packet for smoking articles including a pouch and an outer sleeve;

[0058] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the pouch only;

[0059] Figure 3A is a cross sectional view of the pouch comprising a wrapper and a moisture barrier coating formed thereon; Figure 3B is a cross sectional view of the pouch additionally comprising an additional heat sealable coating;

[0060] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the pouch in which a corner section of the pouch has been removed from the pouch;

[0061] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a stiffening element of the packet;

[0062] Figure 6 is a schematic top view of a blank which may be used to form the pouch;

[0063] Figure 7 is a schematic top view of a blank which may be used to form the outer sleeve; and

[0064] Figure 8 is a schematic top view of a blank which may be used to form the stiffening element.

[0065] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a packet 10 for smoking articles 8 in accordance with the present invention. The packet 10 includes a pouch 100, an outer sleeve 50 wrapped around the pouch 100, and a stiffening element 80 disposed within the pouch 100. The stiffening element 80 is not visible in Figure 1 and will be discussed in further detail below. It will be appreciated that the outer sleeve 50 and the stiffening element 80 are optional components of the packet 10.

[0067] The pouch 100 is illustrated in further detail in Figure 2.

[0068] The pouch 100 is cuboidal and includes a front major portion 110, a rear major portion 112, a top minor portion 114, a bottom minor portion 116, a first side portion 118 (e.g. a left side portion), and a second side portion 120 (e.g. a right side portion).

[0069] The pouch 100 is sized to store and collate a plurality of smoking articles 8. That is, the height of the pouch 100 is substantially equal to the height of the smoking articles 8 such that the smoking articles 8 may be securely held within the pouch 100. In one example, the smoking articles 8 may be cigarettes. In other examples, the smoking articles 8 may be heatable aerosol generating articles such as heat- not-burn sticks for electrical heating devices.

[0070] The pouch 100 comprises a wrapper 122 having a moisture barrier coating 124 formed thereon (as illustrated in Figure 3A). The moisture barrier coating 124 is a heat sealable coating. Optionally, the wrapper 122 may also have an additional heat sealable coating 125 formed on an opposite side of the moisture barrier coating 124 to the wrapper 122 (as illustrated in Figure 3B). The pouch 100 has an exterior surface 126 and an interior surface 128 and is folded and sealed to form the substantially cuboidal pouch 100. In particular, the pouch 100 is sealed by a first fin seal 104 extending along the length of the top minor portion 114 of the pouch 100, a second fin seal 106 extending along the length of front major portion 110 of the pouch 100, and a third fin seal 108 extending along the length of the bottom minor portion of the pouch 100. The skilled person will understand that a fin seal is a seal formed by an edge portion of the interior surface 128 of the wrapper 122 being sealed to another edge portion of the interior surface 128 of the wrapper 122. In contrast, for example, a lap seal is formed by sealing an edge portion of the interior surface of the wrapper to an edge portion of the exterior surface of the wrapper. Advantageously, unlike lap seals, fin seals prevent the smoking articles 8 contained with the wrapper 122 from being compressed during sealing.

[0071] It will be appreciated by the skilled person that the arrangement of the fin seals may vary. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the pouch 100 may be sealed by fin seals extending along the top minor portion 114, the first side portion 118, and the bottom minor portion 116 of the pouch 100.

[0072] A line of weakening 64 is formed in the exterior surface 128 of the pouch 100. The line of weakening 64 is arranged to extend around (and thus outlines or bounds) a corner section 38 of the pouch 100. In particular, as shown in Figure 2, the line of weakening 64 extends across the front major portion 110, the second side portion 120, the rear major portion 112, and the top minor portion 114 of the pouch 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the line of weakening 64 defines a loop or closed curve in the exterior surface 128 of the pouch 100. A cut 66 is formed in the first fin seal 104. The cut 66 may also be described as an incision, slit or cut-out which extends from the top edge of the first fin seal 104. The cut 66 preferably only partially extends across the width of the first fin seal 104 to ensure that the seal of the pouch 100 is not comprised by the cut 66. The cut 66 is illustrated in Figure 2 as being a triangular cut, but it will be appreciated that other configurations are possible, e.g. the cut 66 may be a rectangular cut.

[0073] The line of weakening 64 is arranged to extend across or adjacent to the cut 66. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the line of weakening 64 extends across the first fin seal 104 via the cut 66. That is, the line of weakening 64 is arranged to intersect the cut 66. This means that when the first fin seal is gripped at the corner portion 38, a rip will initiate at the cut 66 and propagate along the line of weakening 64. As a consequence, the corner section 38 of the pouch 100 will be removed from the remainder 40 of the pouch, thereby defining an opening 42 in the pouch 100 through which smoking articles 8 may be extracted by a user. In practice, it will be appreciated that two tears may propagate from the cut 66 in opposite directions around the line of weakening 64.

[0074] In an alternative embodiment, the line of weakening 64 may be aligned with the cut 66 but may form a discontinuous line across the cut 66. In other words, the line of weakening 64 may be arranged such that a gap is present between the cut 66 and the line of weakening 64 on each side of the cut 66. For example, the line of weakening 64 may not extend across the first fin seal 104. In this case, however, each gap will be sized such that a tear initiating at the cut 66 will still propagate to and along the line of weakening 64.

[0075] In one example, the line of weakening 64 may comprise a line of indentations, cuts, or scores. The line of weakening 64 may be formed by laser scoring or mechanical cutting or indentation of the wrapper 122. The line of weakening 64 extends partially through the pouch 100 (e.g. extends partially or entirely through the wrapper 122 but does not extend through the moisture barrier coating 124 and the additional heat sealable coating 125 if present). This form of line of weakening may be referred to as a kiss-cut line. Advantageously, as the line of weakening 64 does not extend all the way through the pouch 100, the pouch 100 remains sealed to the external environment. In another example, the line of weakening 64 may comprise a chemically, radiatively, or mechanically weakened portion. The skilled person will appreciate that in alternative embodiments the line of weakening may instead be formed in the interior surface 126 of the pouch 100.

[0076] The combination of the line of weakening 64 and the cut 66 in the first fin seal 104 provides a reliable opening mechanism whilst also ensuring that the pouch 100 remains well sealed prior to opening. It is noted that this opening mechanism is advantageous compared to utilising a tear tape for opening a pouch, as a tear tape will typically require routing though the pouch wall which can impact the sealing of the pouch.

[0077] In an alternative embodiment, it is possible the cut 66 may be absent. In this case, the tear will initiate in the line of weakening 64 adjacent or at the first fin seal 104 when the corner portion 38 of the pouch 100 is pulled by a user. It is preferable that the line of weakening 64 extends to the edge of the first fin seal 104, such that a tear initiates in the line of weakening 64 at the edge of the first fin seal 104 when the corner portion 38 of the pouch 100 is pulled by a user. It will be appreciated that other features of the packet 10 described throughout this description also apply to this alternative embodiment.

[0078] The outer sleeve 50 is wrapped around the exterior surface 126 of the pouch 100. That is, the outer sleeve 50 extends around the front major portion 110, the first side portion 118, the rear major portion 112, and the second side portion 120 of the pouch 100 in a direction that is perpendicular to the length of the pouch 100. The outer sleeve 50 does not cover the top minor portion 114 or the bottom minor portion 116 of the pouch 100. The outer sleeve 50 may be used as a surface on which text, images or other representations may be printed in order to provide information to the user. This is particularly advantageous in the context of a fin sealed packet, as the presence of fin seals may impact the readability of any information printed on the exterior surface 126 of the pouch 100.

[0079] The outer sleeve 50 and the line of weakening 64 are arranged such that a major part of the line of weakening 64, preferably the whole line, is located above the outer sleeve 50. In this way, the outer sleeve 50 does not hinder removal of the corner section 38 from the remainder 40 of the pouch 100, and ensures that the opening 42 is entirely exposed to the user.

[0080] In one specific embodiment, it is possible for a portion of the line of weakening 64, such as the portion of the line of weakening 64 extending across the second side portion 120, to substantially coincide with the upper edge of the outer sleeve 50. In this way, the top edge of the outer sleeve 50 provides a guiding edge which assists opening of the pouch 100 along the line ofweakening 64. The remainder of the line of weakening 64 will be located above the outer sleeve 50.

[0081] The outer sleeve 50 may be adhesively attached to the first side portion 118 or the second side portion 120 of the pouch 100. For example, the outer sleeve 50 may be attached to the pouch using PVA or hotmelt glue.

[0082] Figure 3A shows a cross-sectional view of the wrapper 122 and the moisture barrier coating 124 which form the pouch 100. As illustrated, the line ofweakening 64 is formed on the exterior surface 126 and the moisture barrier coating 124 is formed on (or forms) the interior surface 128 of the pouch 100. The line of weakening 64 penetrates partially through wrapper 122 but does not penetrate through the moisture barrier coating 124. This configuration means that the line of weakening 64 does not affect the seal of the pouch 100 to the external environment.

[0083] In this case, the moisture barrier coating 124 is a heat sealable coating or film. For example, the moisture barrier coating 124 may be a water-based lacquer which exhibits both moisture barrier and heat sealable properties. In another example, the moisture barrier coating 124 may be a hot melt adhesive.

[0084] In a less preferable alternative embodiment, the line of weakening 64 may be formed on the interior surface 128 of the pouch 100 and the moisture barrier coating 124 may be formed on the exterior surface 126 of the pouch 100. In another less preferable alternative embodiment, the line of weakening 64 and the moisture barrier coating 124 may be formed on the interior surface 128 of the pouch 100.

[0085] Figure 3B shows a cross-sectional view of the pouch 100 in an alternative embodiment, in which the pouch 100 further comprises an additional heat sealable coating 125 (e.g. a heat seal lacquer) formed on an opposite surface of the moisture barrier coating 124 to the wrapper 122. That is, the additional heat sealable coating 125 is formed on (or forms) the interior surface 128 of the pouch 100. Advantageously, the additional heat sealable coating 125 may further improve the sealing strength.

[0086] The thickness of the pouch 100 (i.e. the wrapper 122 and the moisture barrier coating 124 and optionally the additional heat sealable coating 125) may be 65 to 85 microns. The density of the pouch 100 (i.e. the wrapper 122 and the moisture barrier coating 124 and optionally the additional heat sealable coating 125) may be 50 to 92 grams per square metre. For example, the density of the pouch 100 may be 50 to 85 grams per square metre.

[0087] The wrapper 122 is made of a cellulose-based material, such as paper, hemp, moulded cellulose pulp, virgin fibre pulp or tobacco dust with paper. The moisture barrier coating 124 prevents the ingress of moisture through the wrapper 122, thereby protecting the smoking articles 8 contained within the pouch 100. Advantageously, by using a cellulose-based wrapper 122 with a moisture barrier coating 124, as opposed to a wrapper containing plastic or metal, the biodegradability and sustainability of the packet 10 is improved without reducing the seal quality. Particularly, the recyclability in the paper recycling stream of the entire packet 10 can be increased, noting that the recyclability of previous packets has been generally limited by the presence of non-recyclable wrappers.

[0088] The moisture barrier coating 124 may also reduce or prevent the transfer of oxygen, air, flavourings, and / or menthol through the pouch 100.

[0089] As a result of the fin sealing, and the properties of the moisture barrier coating 124, the pouch 100 (i.e. the wrapper 122, the moisture barrier coating 124, and optionally the additional heat sealable coating 125) may have a water vapour transmission rate of 0 - 10 g / m2 / day (at 23°C, 50% RH) and an oxygen transmission rate of <10 cc / m2 / day (at 23°C, 50% RH). For example, the pouch 100 may have a water vapour transmission rate of 2 - 10 g / m2 / day (at 23°C, 50% RH).

[0090] The wrapper 122, moisture barrier coating 124, and optionally the additional heat sealable coating 125 (i.e. the blank 130 as discussed further below) may be manufactured using flexographic or gravure printing.

[0091] Exemplary material specifications for the pouch 100 are provided in the following table:

[0092] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the pouch 100 illustrating the pouch 100 in an open state. In particular, the corner section 38 of the pouch 100 has been removed to define the opening 42 through which smoking articles 8 can be extracted by a user. As the pouch 100 is opened along the predefined line of weakening 64 which forms a complete loop (or substantially complete loop), this means that an appropriately sized opening 38 is created whilst also ensuring the pouch 100 remains structurally intact. In contrast, for example, if the line of weakening 64 was not present or the line of weakening 64 was not formed as a closed loop, a tear initiating at the cut 66 may propagate in an undesirable direction across the entire pouch 100 which may result in a structurally compromised pouch 100.

[0093] The corner section 38 of the pouch 100 includes a part of each of the front major portion 110, the rear major portion 112, the top minor portion 114, and the second side portion 120. The remainder 40 of the pouch 100 includes the bottom minor portion 116 and the other part of each of the front major portion 110, the rear major portion 112, the top minor portion 114, and the second side portion 120.

[0094] Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary stiffening element 80 which may be disposed within the pouch 100. The stiffening element 80 is a folded element that can be located between the pouch 100 and the smoking articles 8 contained within the pouch 100. The stiffening element 80 is configured to lie flush against the interior surface 128 of the pouch 100.

[0095] The stiffening element 80 comprises (or consists of) a first panel 82 (e.g. a front panel), a second panel 84 (e.g. a top panel), and a third panel 86 (e.g. a left panel). The panels 82 - 86 are connected about a plurality fold lines to define a three dimensional structure. In use, the stiffening element 80 is arranged between the pouch 100 and the smoking articles 8 such that the first panel 82, the second panel 84, and the third panel 86 are arranged adjacent to (i.e. interface with) the front major portion 110, the first side portion 118, and the second side portion 120 of the pouch 100 respectively.

[0096] Advantageously, the presence of the stiffening element 80 improves the stiffness of the packet 10, thereby enhancing the protection and support of the smoking articles 8 contained with the pouch 100.

[0097] The stiffening element 80 is preferably configured such that the line of weakening 64 is located above the stiffening element 80. In this way, the stiffening element 80 does not block smoking articles 8 form being extracted when the corner section 38 of the pouch 100 is removed by a user. In one specific embodiment, it is possible for a portion of the line of weakening 64, such as the portion of the line of weakening 64 extending across the second side portion 120, to substantially coincide with the upper edge of the stiffening element 80. In this way, the top edge of the stiffening element 80 provides a guiding edge which assists opening of the pouch 100 along the line of weakening 64. The remainder of the line of weakening 64 will be located above the stiffening element 80.

[0098] The stiffening element 80 may be made from a cellulose-based material, such as paper, hemp, or moulded cellulose pulp. Advantageously, the stiffening element 80 may have a higher rigidity than the pouch 100. For example, the stiffening element 82 may have a density of 130 to 200 grams per square metre.

[0099] It will be appreciated that the stiffening element 80 is an exemplary stiffening element, and various other configurations of stiffening element are possible.

[0100] The pouch 100 may be formed from a blank 130 comprising the wrapper 122 and the moisture barrier coating 124 (and, in some embodiments, the additional heat sealable coating 125). The blank 130 is illustrated in Figure 6.

[0101] The blank 130 comprises a plurality of panels 132 - 152 separated by fold lines. The plurality of panels 132 - 152 include a first front blank panel 132 and a second front blank panel 134 for cooperatively forming the front major portion 110 of the pouch 100. The plurality of panels 132 - 152 further include a rear blank panel 136 for forming the rear major portion 112 of the pouch. The plurality of panels 132 - 152 further include a first top blank panel 138, a second top blank panel 140, and a third top blank panel 142 for cooperatively forming the top minor portion 114 of the pouch 100. The plurality of panels 132 - 152 further include a first bottom blank panel 144, a second bottom blank panel 146, and a third bottom blank panel 148 for cooperatively forming the bottom minor portion 116 of the pouch 100. The plurality of panels 132 - 152 further include a first side blank panel 150 and a second side blank panel 152 for forming the first side portion 118 and the second side portion 120 of the pouch 100 respectively. The blank 130 comprises a first longitudinal fin tab 154 and a second longitudinal fin tab 156, a top transverse fin tab 158, and a bottom transverse fin tab 160 which form the border (i.e. the edge portions) of the blank 130.

[0102] The blank 130 (and thus also panels 132 - 152 and tabs 154 - 160) may be described as having two surfaces: an exterior surface and an opposed interior surface. When formed, the exterior surface 126 of the pouch 100 corresponds to the exterior surface of the blank 130 and the interior surface 128 of the pouch 100 corresponds to the interior surface of the blank 130. The moisture barrier coating 124, or optionally the moisture barrier coating 124 and the additional heat sealable coating 125, is formed on the interior surface of the blank 130. If the additional heat sealable coating 125 is present, it may only be formed on the first longitudinal fin tab 154, the second longitudinal fin tab 156, the top transverse fin tab 158, and the bottom transverse fin tab 160.

[0103] The line of weakening 64 is formed in the exterior surface of the blank 130. The line of weakening 64 begins at or adjacent a first location on a top edge of the blank and terminates at or adjacent a second location on the top edge of the blank 130. The line of weakening 64 extends in turn across the top transverse fin tab 158, the first top blank panel 138, the second side blank panel 152, the second front blank panel 134, the third top blank panel 142, and the top transverse fin tab 158, thereby defining a segment 68 corresponding to the corner section 38 in the assembled pouch 100.

[0104] In the illustrated blank 130, a cut 66 is shown as being formed in the blank 130 at each of the first and second locations. However, in practice, the cut 66 may be formed after the blank 130 has been folded and sealed to form the pouch 100. Alternatively, each cut 66 may be absent entirely as discussed above.

[0105] To form the pouch 100 from the blank 130, each of the panels 132 - 152 and tabs 154 - 160 are folded about the respective fold lines that connect them with other panels 132 - 152 and tabs 154 - 160 of the blank 130. Each of the panels 132 - 152 and tabs 154 - 160 are folded about the respective fold lines at approximately 90 degrees. The first longitudinal fin tab 154 is sealed to the second longitudinal fin tab 156 along the interior surface, thereby forming the second fin seal 106. The top transverse fin tab 158 is sealed to itself along the interior surface, thereby forming the first fin seal 104. The bottom transverse fin tab 160 is sealed to itself along the interior surface, thereby forming the third fin seal 108. Each fin seal 104 - 108 may be sealed using a suitable adhesive.

[0106] In the assembled pouch 100, the first fin seal 104, second fin seal 106 and the third fin seal 108 are typically folded against (e.g. arranged to lie substantially flat against) the top minor portion 114, the front major portion 110, and the bottom minor portion 116 of the pouch 100 respectively. The second fin seal 106 is typically folded against the front major portion 110 prior to sealing of the first fin seal 104 and the third fin seal 108.

[0107] The fin seals 104 -108 are effective in sealing the pouch 100 from the external environment. The smoking articles 8 may be provided within the pouch 100 before or during the folding and sealing process.

[0108] Figure 7 illustrates a blank 190 which may be used to form the outer sleeve 50. The blank 190 comprises a plurality of panels 192 - 199 separated by fold lines. The plurality of panels 192 - 199 includes a front blank panel 192, a rear blank panel 194, a first side blank panel 196, a second side blank panel 198, and a sealable panel 199. To form the outer sleeve 50 from the blank 190, each of the panels 192 - 199 are folded about the respective fold lines that connect them with other panels 192 - 199 of the blank 190. Each of the panels 192 - 199 are folded about the respective fold lines at approximately 90 degrees. The sealable panel 199 is sealed to the second side panel 198 using a suitable adhesive. This forms a three dimensional sleeve structure which may be arranged to surround the pouch 100 and interface with the exterior surface 126 of the pouch 100. In particular, the front blank panel 192 interfaces with the front major portion 110 of the pouch 100, the rear blank panel 194 interfaces with the rear major portion 112 of the pouch 100, the first side blank panel 196 interfaces with the first side portion 118 of the pouch 100, and the second side blank panel 198 (or sealable panel 199) interfaces with second side portion 120 of the pouch 100. Figure 8 illustrates a blank 230 for forming the stiffening element 80. The blank 230 comprises a plurality of panels 232 - 236 separated by fold lines. The plurality of panels include a first blank panel 232 for forming the first panel 82 of the stiffening element 80, a second blank panel 234 for forming the second panel 84 of the stiffening element 80, and a third blank panel 236 for forming the third panel 86 of the stiffening element 80. To form the stiffening element 80, each of the panels 232 - 236 are folded about the respective fold lines that connect them with other panels 232 - 236 of the blank 230. Each of the panels 232 - 236 are folded about the respective fold lines at approximately 90 degrees.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A packet for collating a plurality of smoking articles, comprising: a substantially cuboidal pouch comprising: a front major portion; a rear major portion; a top minor portion; a bottom minor portion; a first side portion; and a second side portion, wherein the pouch is formed from a wrapper that is folded and sealed by a plurality of fin seals to define the pouch, wherein the plurality of fin seals comprises a first fin seal extending along the length of the top minor portion of the pouch, and wherein a line of weakening is formed in the pouch such that, when a portion of the first fin seal is pulled by a user, a corner section of the pouch can be separated from the remainder of the pouch by way of a tear propagating along the line of weakening.

2. The packet of claim 1 , wherein the line of weakening is arranged to define the boundary of the corner section.

3. The packet of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a cut is formed in the first fin seal, and wherein the line of weakening is arranged such that, when the portion of the first fin seal is pulled by the user, the corner section of the pouch can be separated from the remainder of the pouch by way of the tear initiating at the cut and propagating along the line of weakening.

4. The packet of claim 3, wherein the line of weakening extends via the cut.

5. The packet of claim 3, wherein the line of weakening is aligned with the cut, and wherein a gap is present between the cut and the line of weakening on each side of the cut.

6. The packet of claim 5, wherein the line of weakening does not extend across the first fin seal.

7. The packet of any preceding claim, wherein the line of weakening extends across at least part of each of the front major portion, the first side portion, the rear major portion, and the top minor portion.

8. The packet of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of fin seals further comprises: a second fin seal extending along the length of the front major portion; and a third fin seal extending along the length of the bottom minor portion.

9. The packet of claim 8, wherein the second fin seal and the line of weakening are arranged such that the line of weakening does not extend across the second fin seal.

10. The packet of any preceding claim, wherein the wrapper comprises a cellulose-based wrapper, and wherein the pouch further comprises a moisture barrier coating formed on the cellulose-based wrapper.

11. The packet of claim 10, wherein the line of weakening extends at least partially through the cellulose-based wrapper but does not extend through the moisture barrier coating.

12. The packet of claim 10 or claim 11 , wherein the moisture barrier coating is formed on the internal surface of the pouch, and wherein the line of weakening is formed in the external surface of the pouch.

13. The packet of any preceding claim, wherein the line of weakening extends partially through the thickness of the pouch.

14. The packet of any preceding claim, further comprising: an outer sleeve arranged to wrap around the pouch in the transverse direction.

15. The packet of claim 14, wherein the line of weakening is located above the outer sleeve.

16. The packet of any preceding claim, further comprising:a stiffening element disposed within the pouch.

17. A system comprising: a packet according to any preceding claim; and a plurality of smoking articles contained within the packet.

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