Background

It is desirable that a packaged product remains fresh for as long as possible. One type of packaged product is a tobacco industry product, such as cigarettes.

A known type of cigarette packaging comprises a container with a box and a hinged lid. A wrapper is located within the container. An opening is defined in the wrapper to allow access to the contents within the wrapper. A label is provided which is connected to the lid and seals around the opening. The label reveals the opening when the lid is opened, and reseals the opening when the lid is closed. A package of this type is described in WO 2008/142540 Al, WO 2013/098109 Al and WO 2013/120915 Al.

There is a requirement for alternative packaging.

Summary

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

An aspect of the invention provides a package comprising:

a container comprising a body and a lid, wherein the lid is attached to the body by a hinge, the lid being movable between a closed position and an open position; a wrapper of flexible multi-layer laminate sheet material forming an inner enclosure within the container, the wrapper comprising:

a first layer;

a second layer inside first layer;

a flap defined by:

a first cut line in the first layer but not the second layer, the first cut line defining a first flap portion in the first layer; a second cut line in the second layer but not the first layer, the second cut line defining a second flap portion in the second layer, wherein the second cut line is offset inwardly from the first cut line to define a peripheral region of the first flap portion which surrounds the second flap portion;

a resealable adhesive between at least part of the peripheral region of the first flap portion and the second layer;

wherein the arrangement of the first cut line and the second line allows the first flap portion and the second flap portion to be lifted together, the first flap portion separating from the second layer in the peripheral region,

wherein the flap is attached to the lid, and wherein the flap is configured to provide an opening in the wrapper when the lid is moved to the open position and the peripheral region of the first flap portion is configured to reseal against the second layer when the lid is moved to the closed position.

The flap may be attached to the lid by a permanent adhesive region, and an outer face of the wrapper may comprise at least one region of an adhesive repelling coating adjacent to the permanent adhesive region.

The outer face of the wrapper may comprise a region of an adhesive repelling coating on each side of the permanent adhesive region.

The flap may be attached to an inner part of a front wall of the lid. The wrapper may further comprise a third layer inside the second layer, wherein the second cut line extends through the second layer and the third layer but not the first layer.

The second layer may be a metal layer.

The wrapper may further comprise a third layer outside the first layer, wherein the first cut line extends through the first layer and the third layer but not the second layer.

The first layer may be a metal layer.

The resealable adhesive between the peripheral region of the first flap portion and the second layer may have a first bond strength, the wrapper further comprising resealable adhesive between the first flap portion and the second flap portion having a second bond strength, where the second bond strength is higher than the first bond strength.

Part of the peripheral region may be an adhesive-free region.

The adhesive-free region may be adjacent a distal edge of the first flap portion. The wrapper of the package may comprise a third cut line in an outermost layer of the wrapper. The third cut line extends transversely across the flap. The third cut line may be formed to a depth which extends fully through, or partially through, the outermost layer.

The wrapper may comprise a plurality of the third cut lines. For example, the plurality of third cut lines may be parallel to one another.

The wrapper of the package may further comprise a fourth cut line in an outermost layer of the wrapper. The fourth cut line extends transversely across the peripheral region of the flap. The fourth cut line may be formed to a depth which extends partially through the outermost layer. The first layer may have a thickness of at least 35μιη, or at least 38μιη, or at least 40μιη.

The package may further comprise an inner frame within the wrapper.

The package may comprise an ink layer on an inner surface of the first layer and a lacquer between the ink layer and the resealable adhesive. The lacquer may be a matte lacquer, or any lacquer, coating or layer which improves adhesion.

The package may be for tobacco articles, such as cigarettes.

An advantage of at least one example is that a resealable seal is provided around the opening without the need to provide a separate label element. Instead, the opening is sealed by part of the wrapper itself. This reduces the number of components of the package, simplifies production of the package and reduces cost of the package.

In this specification, the term "resealable adhesive" means an adhesive which allows two surfaces to adhere to one another and which also allows the surfaces to be separated non-destructively from one another and to re-adhere to one another. An example of a resealable adhesive is a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA), such as a peelable PSA, where an adhesive bond is achieved by applying pressure to the adhesive.

In this specification, the term "resealed" means that two surfaces can be refastened to one another. A degree of sealing may be achieved between the two surfaces when they are refastened to one another. However, the term "resealed" does not require the two surfaces to form a fully airtight seal during the subsequent fastening of the surfaces.

The preferred features may be combined as appropriate, as would be apparent to a skilled person, and may be combined with any of the aspects of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a first example of a package with a container lid partially open;

Figure 2 shows the package of Figure 1 with the container lid closed;

Figure 3 shows a side view of the package;

Figure 4 shows an example of a two-layer wrapper;

Figure 5 shows the two-layer wrapper in cross-section;

Figure 6 shows example of three-layer wrappers;

Figures 7A and 7B show the three-layer wrappers in cross-section;

Figures 8 and 9 show the flap of the wrapper;

Figure 10 shows an outer face of the wrapper;

Figure 11 shows additional cut lines in the flap of the wrapper;

Figure 12 shows another example of a two-layer wrapper;

Figure 13 shows another example of a three-layer wrapper. Common reference numerals are used throughout the figures to indicate similar features.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention are described below by way of example only. These examples represent the best ways of putting the invention into practice that are currently known to the Applicant although they are not the only ways in which this could be achieved. The description sets forth the functions of the example and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the example. However, the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different examples.

Figures 1 to 3 show a first example of a package 5. A container 10 forms an outer part of the package. A wrapped inner package 15 is located within the container. The wrapped inner package 15 comprise a wrapper 20 which is wrapped around a quantity of tobacco products, such as cigarettes. The container 10 is shaped as a cuboid, with a front face 1, rear face 2, side faces 3, base 4 and top face 6. The container 10 comprises a first container portion (body) 11 and a second container portion (lid) 12. The second container portion 12 is hingedly connected to the first container portion 11 about a hinge line 13 located partway down the rear face 2. The second container portion 12 forms a hinged lid for the first container portion 11. In this example the lid 12 is in the form of a hood-shaped part of the container. Figure 1 shows the hinged lid 12 in a partially open position. Figure 2 shows the hinged lid in the closed position. The lid 12 meets the first container portion along a line of contact 14. In the closed position the lid 12 abuts against the body 11 along the line of contact 14. A part of the line of contact 14 extends along the front face 1. Another part of the line of contact 14 extends diagonally along each of the side faces 3 to the hinge line 13.

The laminate wrapper 20 comprises two or more layers, or plies, of flexible sheet material which are laminated together. The laminate wrapper 20 is fitted around a bundle of tobacco products, such as cigarettes. The wrapper 20 can be sealed along all free edges. The wrapper 20 may be sealed in an airtight manner (i.e. hermetically sealed) around the tobacco products. The wrapper 20 has a flap 30. The flap 30 is a portion of the wrapper 20 which can be pulled back to reveal an access opening 38. The flap 30 is attached to the lid 12. The flap is configured to provide the access opening 38 in the wrapper 20 when the lid 12 is moved to the open position. Figure 1 shows the lid partially opened. The flap 30 is configured to seal the inner package 15 when the lid 12 is returned to the closed position. As will be more described in detail below, the flap 30 is formed within the layers of the laminate wrapper 20 and does not require an additional label element.

In the example shown in Figure 1 the flap 30 extends across substantially the full width of the inner package 15, stopping short of the far edges of the inner package 15. A shoulder portion 36 is present between the edge of the flap 30 and a perimeter 42 of the access opening 38. These shoulder portions 36 are present on both sides of the container. In use, the shoulder portions 36 provide a support surface when resealing the flap 30 against the remainder of the wrapper 20. The flap 30 extends across the top face of the inner package 15 and extends partly down the front face of the inner package 15. The access opening 38 is defined in the top face of the inner package 15 and in part of the front face of the inner package 15.

A frame (not visible) may be located within the wrapped inner package 15. The frame serves to provide some rigidity to the wrapped inner package 15 and provides frictional resistance when the lid 12 is closed. This can prevent the lid 12 from accidentally opening. The frame can prevent the wrapped inner package 15 from collapsing when tobacco products have been removed from the wrapped inner package 15. The frame can comprise a front panel which is located at a front of the inner package 15 and side panels which are located at sides of the inner package 15.

Figure 3 shows a side view of the package with the lid 12 of the container partially opened. The flap 30 is attached to the inside of the lid 12, such as by providing adhesive 37 between the outer face of flap 30 and an inner face of the lid 12. In the view shown in Figure 3 the flap 30 has peeled back to provide an access opening to the wrapped inner package 15.

The package can be for tobacco industry products, such as cigarettes. More generally, a package can be provided for any type of packaged commodity. The laminate wrapper 20 comprises two or more layers, or plies, of flexible sheet material which are laminated together. An example of a two-layer laminate wrapper is shown in Figures 4 and 5. Examples of three-layer laminate wrappers are shown in Figures 6, 7A and 7B. Firstly, a two-layer laminate wrapper will be described. Layer 21 is an outer layer of the wrapper 20. Layer 22 is an inner layer of the wrapper 20. Layer 21 is bonded to layer 22 by adhesive 24. The wrapper 20 has cut lines 41, 42 defined in the layers 21, 22 of the laminate. In use, the wrapper 20 can be separated along the cut lines 41, 42 to allow part of the wrapper to function as a flap 30. The flap 30 can be resealed against the inner layer 22 of the wrapper to close the package. The first layer 21 can be formed, for example, of a polymer material, such as orientated polypropylene (OPP). The second layer 22 can be formed of a similar material as the first layer, or a different material.

The laminate wrapper 20 has two cut lines 41, 42. Figure 4 separately shows each of the layers 21, 22. For each layer 21, 22, the cut line in that layer is shown as a solid line, and the cut line in the other layer is shown as a dashed line. There is a first cut line 41 in the first (outer) layer 21 of the laminate wrapper 20 but not the second (inner) layer 22 of the laminate wrapper 20. There is a second cut line 42 in the second (inner) layer 22 of the laminate wrapper 20 but not the first (outer) layer 21 of the laminate wrapper 20. The first cut line 41 defines a first flap portion 31 in the first (outer) layer 21. The second cut line 42 defines a second flap portion 32 in the second (inner) layer 22. Due to the offset cut lines 41, 42 in the first and second layers 21, 22, the first flap portion 31 is larger than the second flap portion 32. A peripheral region 33 of the first flap portion 31 surrounds the second flap portion 32. In this example, the peripheral region 33 of the first flap portion 31 surrounds the second flap portion 32 on three sides. A resealable adhesive 24 is provided between the peripheral region 33 of the first flap portion 31 and the second layer 22 in at least part of the peripheral region 33. The arrangement of the first cut line 41 and the second line 42 allows the first flap portion 31 and the second flap portion 32 to be lifted together. The first flap portion 31 separates from the second layer 22 in the peripheral region 33. The resealable adhesive 24 allows the first flap portion 31 to reseal against the second layer 22 in the peripheral region 33. This provides the function of a resealable opening without the need to provide a separate label element.

As the flap 30 is attached 37 to the lid 12 of the container, the flap 30 is peeled back to reveal an opening in the wrapper when the lid 12 is moved to the open position. The flap 30 reseals the wrapper when the lid 12 is returned to the closed position.

The cut lines 41, 42 shown in Figure 4 have curved ends. This helps to prevent the flap from propagating any further into the wrapper.

Figure 5 shows a cross-section of the laminate wrapper 20 along the line X-X' of Figure 4. The cross-section is through the assembled laminate wrapper with the flap in the closed configuration. Figure 5 shows the first cut line 41 in layer 21 but not layer 22. Figure 5 shows the second cut line 42 in layer 22 but not layer 21. Figure 5 shows the peripheral region 33 between the cut lines 41, 42.

In this example, a resealable adhesive 24 is provided between layers 21 and 22 in part of the peripheral region 33 between the first layer 21 and the second layer 22. The resealable adhesive is not provided in region 33A. That is, region 33A is an adhesive-free region. Resealable adhesive is provided in region 33B. A suitable resealable adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). Reducing the size of the resealable adhesive region provides a resealable seal, while reducing the opening force needed to peel apart the layers 21, 22. This can make it easier to open the lid 12 of the container, and can reduce stress on the connection 37 between the flap 30 and the lid 12 of the container. In other examples, the resealable adhesive may be provided over a larger portion of the peripheral region 33.

The PSA is selected such that a sufficient bond is formed between layers 21 and 22 when the flap 30 is in the closed position, while also allowing the flap 30 to be opened by the application of an appropriate force to the lid 12 of the container.

In use, the flap portion 31 of the first layer 21 is separable from the second layer 22 due to the cut line 41 and the resealable adhesive 24 (or absence of resealable adhesive) between the layers 21, 22. This allows the flap portion 31 to peel apart from layer 22. Due to cut line 42, the layers 21, 22 of the wrapper in region 34 beyond the cut line 42 remain attached to one another. Flap portions 31, 32 lift together. The flap portion 31 can be resealed against the second layer 22. The strength of the adhesive bond between the first layer 21 and the second layer 22 can be increased in at least part of the region where the first flap portion 31 and the second flap portion 32 overlie one another, i.e. the part of flap 30 where layers 21 and 22 are lifted together. This can help to prevent delamination of layers 21 and 22 during use. The strength of the adhesive bond can be increased by an increased quantity of adhesive per unit area. Mass of adhesive per unit area is expressed as a grammage in units of grams per square metre, (g/m or gsm). An alternative way of increasing bond strength in this region is to use permanent adhesive in all, or at least part of, the region where the first flap portion 31 and the second flap portion 32 overlie one another.

Advantageously, when the flap portion 31 is peeled away from the second layer 22, the resealable adhesive 24 is carried by the peripheral region 33 of the flap portion 31. This provides a more attractive finish when the flap 30 is opened and has an advantage that the 'sticky' surface is lifted away from the access opening 38 where it is less likely to be touched or damaged by a user.

Printing may be provided on an external face of the first layer 21. Alternatively, the printing may be provided on an inner face of the first layer 21. The first layer 21 can be reverse printed before the first layer 21 is laminated to the second layer 22. In a two-layer laminate the second (inner) layer can be printed on an inner most face (i.e. the inside face of the wrapper) or by reverse printing on the face which is laminated against the first layer 21. In a three-layer laminate the layer sandwiched between the outer and inner layers can be printed on either face. Figure 6 shows a three layer laminate wrapper comprising a first layer 21, a second layer 22 and a third layer 23. Similar to Figures 4 and 5, the first layer 21 is bonded to the second layer 22 by adhesive 24. Cut lines 41, 42 in the layers define a flap in the laminate, and allow the flap to peel open and then reseal. There are two options for providing a third layer. The third layer 23 can be provided: (i) as a further layer on the inner part of the wrapper (Figure 7A) or (ii) as a further layer on the outer part of the wrapper (Figure 7B). The third layer 23 is bonded to the second layer 22 (Figure 7 A) or to the first layer (Figure 7B) by adhesive 25. The adhesive 25 between this pair of layers can be a permanent adhesive, as these layers are not required to separate. One or more of the layers 21-23 can be a metal layer, such as a metal foil, or a polymer layer with metallisation. A metal layer is particularly advantageous at providing a barrier to moisture, which helps to maintain product freshness. In an example, the metal foil layer is provided as a middle layer. In the option shown in Figure 7A, the metal layer can be middle layer 22. In the option shown in Figure 7B, the metal layer can be middle layer 21.

The three-layer wrapper is similar to the two-layer wrapper of Figure 4 and 5. Similar features will not be described in detail. Two of the three layers have the same cut lines.

In the option shown in Figure 7A, layers 22 and 23 have the same cut line 42. Adhesive 25 bonds layers 22 and 23 together. Resealable adhesive 24 is provided in at least part of the peripheral region 33 between the layers 21 and 22. When the flap is peeled open, outer layer 21 peels away from layers 22 and 23 in the peripheral region 33. All three layers remain bonded together in region 34. In one example, layers 21 and 22 are each orientated polypropylene (OPP) with a thickness of 38μιη or 40μιη, and layer 23 is a metal foil with a thickness of 9μιη. Adhesive layer 24 is a PSA resealable adhesive. Adhesive layer 25 is permanent adhesive. In the option shown in Figure 7B, layers 21 and 23 have the same cut line 41.

Adhesive 25 bonds layers 22 and 23 together. Resealable adhesive 24 is provided in at least part of the peripheral region 33 between the layers 21 and 22. When the flap is peeled open, layers 21 and 23 peel away from layer 22 in the peripheral region 33. All three layers remain bonded together in region 34. Printing may be provided on an external face of layer 23. Alternatively, the printing may be provided on an inner face of layer 23. Layer 23 can be reverse printed before layer 23 is laminated to layer 21.

The cross-sections of Figure 5 and Figures 7A, 7B are not drawn to scale, to improve clarity. For example, the layers 21-25 can have different relative thicknesses. Figure 8 shows a more detailed view of the laminate wrapper 20 in the area where the flap 30 is formed. Figure 8 shows detail of where adhesive is present between the first layer 21 and the second layer 22. Resealable adhesive is provided between the first layer 21 and the second layer 22, apart from in the hatched region 33A. The peripheral region 33 between the first layer 21 and the second layer 22 has an adhesive-free region 33A. The adhesive-free region 33A is adjacent the leading edge of the flap 30 and continues towards, but stops short of, the cut line 42. As noted above, this reduces the opening force needed to peel apart the layers 21, 22. This can make it easier to open the lid 12 of the container, and can reduce stress on the connection 37 between the flap 30 and the lid 12 of the container.

A resealable bond is provided between the peripheral region 33 of the first flap portion 31 and the second layer 22 in region 33B between cut line 42 and edge 33C of the adhesive-free region 33A. Also, a resealable bond is provided between the first flap portion 31 and the second layer 22 in the remainder of the peripheral region 33. This includes the peripheral region 33 on the sides of the flap 30.

Region 32A between the first layer 21 and the second layer 22 can have a higher strength adhesive bond compared to the adhesive used elsewhere on the flap. For example, a non-limiting value of bond strength in region 32A is around twice the bond strength in region 33. Other comparative values of bond strength in regions 32A and 33 are possible. Region 32A is located within the bounds of flap portion 32 and can either extend up to cut line 42, or can stop short of cut line 42 (as shown in Figure 8). An advantage of providing a region 32A which stops short of the cut line 42 is to aid registration. For example, it can allow some misalignment of the cut line 42 with respect to the adhesive region 32A and/or misalignment of the layers 21, 22 without affecting function of the flap 30). Another advantage of providing a region 32A which stops short of the cut line 42 is to ease opening. Another advantage of providing a region 32A which stops short of the cut line 42 is to make it easier to form the cut line 42.

An alternative way of increasing bond strength in region 32A is to use a permanent adhesive in region 32A. Figure 9 shows the outer face of the flap 30. A permanent adhesive 37 is applied to the outer face of the flap 30 adjacent the leading edge 39 of the flap 30. Depending on which example of the laminate is used, the outer face of the flap is the outer face of layer 21 (two-layer laminate of Figure 5 or the three-layer laminate of Figure 7A) or the outer face of layer 23 (three-layer laminate of Figure 7B). The adhesive securely bonds the flap 30 to the lid 12. Examples of the types of permanent adhesive 37 are hot melt adhesive and PVA adhesive.

Figure 10 shows the outer face of the laminate. Depending on which example of the laminate is used, the outer face of the flap is the outer face of layer 21 (two- layer laminate of Figure 5 or the three-layer laminate of Figure 7A) or the outer face of layer 23 (three-layer laminate of Figure 7B). In regions 51 and 52 an adhesive repelling coating is applied to the outer face of the wrapper. The adhesive repelling coating has a repelling, or neutralising, effect on adhesive which leaks into the regions 51, 52 where the coating is applied. The coating can be called a "kill lacquer" or an anti-adhesive coating. The coating in regions 51, 52 can help to neutralise, or repel, the effect of permanent adhesive 37, should adhesive 37 leak, bleed or smudge into either of the regions 51, 52. The coating has an advantage of preventing the lid of the container from becoming permanently sealed in the closed position. The coating can reduce stress on the flap 30. The adhesive repelling coating may be applied in one, or both, of regions 51, 52. Regions 51, 52 lie either side of where the permanent adhesive is applied to the outer face of the wrapper. The anti-adhesive coating may be based on silane or silicone chemistry. In the examples shown in the drawings the flap 30 is secured to the inner face of the lid 12 near to the lowermost edge of the lid, where the lid 12 contacts the container portion 11. In other examples, the flap 30 may be secured to the lid 12 at a position which is further from the lowermost edge of the lid 12. This can have an advantage of reducing creasing of the flap.

Figure 11 shows another example of the laminate wrapper 20 in the area where the flap 30 is formed. It is possible to add one or more of the additional cut lines 43A, 43B, 44 shown in Figure 11 to any of the examples described above. A cut line 43A is formed in the outermost layer of the laminate. Depending on which example of the laminate is used, the outermost layer is layer 21 (two-layer laminate of Figure 5 or the three-layer laminate of Figure 7A) or the outermost layer is layer 23 (three-layer laminate of Figure 7B). The cut line 43A can be formed to a depth which extends fully through the outermost layer, or cut line 43A can be formed to a depth which extends partially through the outermost layer. A reduced depth can improve speed of production of the wrapper. Cut line 43A can extend transversely across the flap 30, parallel to the leading edge 39 of the flap 30. Cut line 43A can extend up to, or just short of, the cut line 42. The addition of cut line 43A can reduce creasing of the flap 30. In particular, cut line 43A can reduce creasing of a metal foil layer in a three layer laminate (layer 22 in Figure 7 A, layer 21 in Figure 7B). Optionally, a further cut line 43B is provided. Cut line 43B can be of the same type as cut line 43A. Cut line 43B can be offset from cut line 43 A and parallel to cut line 43A.

Figure 11 also shows a cut line 44 formed in the outermost layer of the laminate. Depending on which example of the laminate is used, the outermost layer is layer 21 (two-layer laminate of Figure 5 or the three-layer laminate of Figure 7A) or the outermost layer is layer 23 (three-layer laminate of Figure 7B). The cut line 44 is formed to a depth which extends partially fully through the outermost layer. Cut line 44 is located on the peripheral region 33 of the flap 30, where the first layer 21 separates from the second layer 22. Cut line 44 extends transversely across the flap 30, parallel to the leading edge 39 of the flap 30. Cut line 44 can extend up to the cut line 41. Cut line 44 can improve the opening function of the flap 30. In any of the examples described above, the outermost layer may be reverse printed, i.e. printed on an inner side of the outermost layer. A lacquer may be provided between the ink and the adhesive. This lacquer will be called a "matte lacquer" to avoid confusion with the "kill lacquer" described above. The matte lacquer may have a matte appearance, or may be any lacquer, coating or layer which improves adhesion, such as by increasing surface texture and therefore surface area. The matte lacquer may be applied to a selected region, or regions, of the laminate, or it may be applied over the entire laminate. For example, the lacquer may be applied only in the peripheral region 33. Figure 12 shows a two layer laminate similar to Figure 5 with flexible sheet layers 21, 22 and an adhesive layer 24. Ink 61 is applied to an inner surface of layer 21. A matte lacquer 62 is applied to layer 61. Adhesive 24 is applied to the matte lacquer 62. In use, adhesive 24 separates from layer 22 when the flap of the package is opened. The matte lacquer 62 provides a surface with properties (e.g. texture) which allow better adhesion to the adhesive 24, compared to applying the adhesive 24 directly to the ink 61. This can help to avoid cohesive failure where some of the adhesive 24 separates from the ink 61 and, instead, adheres to the peripheral reseal region 33 when the flap of the package is opened. The matte lacquer 62 may help to provide a smoother peel and/or improve aesthetics. Figure 13 shows a three layer laminate similar to Figure 7A with flexible sheet layers 21, 22, 23 and adhesive layers 24, 25. Ink 61 is applied to an inner surface of layer 21. A matte lacquer 62 is applied to layer 61. Adhesive 24 is applied to the matte lacquer 62. Figures 12 and 13 are not intended to accurately represent relative thicknesses of layers. In Figures 12 and 13, there may be a single ink layer 61 or a plurality of ink layers 61. In Figures 12 and 13, there may be a single matte lacquer layer 62 or a plurality of matte lacquer layers 62. In other examples, the matte lacquer may be provided without any ink layer(s), to improve adhesion between the adhesive and the flexible sheet layer 21 which is intended to "carry" the adhesive when the package is opened.

In any of the examples described above, any of the cut lines can be a laser- formed cut line, or a cut line formed by another type of cutting machine, such as a die cutter.

The package described above may comprise an outer wrapper with a tamper- evident seal, such as a tear strip. The outer wrapper is fitted around the container 10 and provides evidence that the package has not been opened. In a package which does not have an outer wrapper, it is possible to provide a tamper-evident flap 30. One, or both, of the cut lines 41, 42 in the wrapper 20 can be a line of weakness. The term "line of weakness" means a cut line which weakens a layer of the wrapper but which requires additional force at the time of opening to fully form the cut line through the layer. Opening a line of weakness tears or ruptures the wrapper, providing visual evidence that the package has been tampered with. Examples of lines of weakness include a perforated line, a score line, a scribe line and a crenellated line. As will be appreciated the shape and design of the cuts may be varied according to the aesthetic and functional requirements of each design. For example, different shapes may be utilised according to design, or the curvature and shape of the cuts may be selected to avoid tearing of the materials as the flap is opened. As the cut designs become more complex and/or the dimensions of the cut lines increase the time taken to form the openings may increase. The above embodiments have been described in relation to a two-layer and three-layer laminates, but as will be appreciated any number of layers may be utilised. The layers of the laminate material may be selected to provide the desired mechanical and tactile performance. For example, a thicker material may give a better feel to a user opening the flap. Different aspects of the package may require different characteristics, requiring a design compromise to select an appropriate material. The relative thicknesses of the materials may also affect the performance of the product. For example, thickening a metallic layer will have a different effect to thickening a plastic layer.

Although the illustrated example is of a standard size and shape of a cigarette box, the package can be designed for any quantity of products and is not limited to the size and/or shape shown in the illustrated example. The size of the lid relative to the body of the container can be modified, as necessary. The package is not limited to a package for tobacco products and can be applied to a package for other types of products such as, for example, confectionery or foodstuffs. It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the stated problems or those that have any or all of the stated benefits and advantages.

Any reference to 'an' item refers to one or more of those items. The term 'comprising' is used herein to mean including the method blocks or elements identified, but that such blocks or elements do not comprise an exclusive list and a method or apparatus may contain additional blocks or elements.

Aspects of any of the examples described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other examples described to form further examples without losing the effect sought. It will be understood that the above description of a preferred embodiment is given by way of example only and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. Although various embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention.