SHEET OF WRAPPING MATERIAL, PACKET FOR SMOKABLE ARTICLES AND METHOD FOR MAKING THE SHEET OF WRAPPING

MATERIAL

Technical field

This invention relates to a sheet of wrapping material, to a packet for smokable articles and to a method for making the sheet of wrapping material.

This invention is applicable in particular in the packaging industry and, in particular, to the manufacture of packets for smokable articles, preferably cigarettes or the like.

Background art

In the prior art, it is common practice to wrap cigarette packets in a sealed wrapper, typically made from a sheet of cellophane, which the user removes when opening the packet for the first time.

Usually, to facilitate removal, the sheet is provided with a tear tape which the user can grip to make it easier to tear the material along a predetermined line, defined by the band itself.

In the most common solution, which has been known for a long time, a circumferential tear tape is used which extends in annular manner all the way around the cigarette packet and which, in hinge-lid packets, is located at the front opening line of the lid.

This solution, however, often has the disadvantage of being limited to the creation of a separating line between the upper portion and the lower portion of the overwrap which, on account of the heat seal, remains at least partly attached to the packet and is difficult to remove.

To overcome these disadvantages, several solutions have been developed in recent years, all based on a double diverging band where the overwrap is not torn along a single line but along two diverging lines defining a triangular tear flap.

In particular, document WO 2013/189944 describes a tear tape solution where a traditional annular band, after extending for an initial circumferential stretch, comprises a further diagonal band which branches out into the lower half of the packet overwrap to allow that portion of the overwrap to be torn.

A similar solution is disclosed in document WO 2013/042593, where the cellophane overwrap of the cigarette packet comprises two bands which diverge from each other but which both extend in annular manner and are joined at the tear tab which can be gripped by the user.

Disadvantageously, neither of the above mentioned solutions guarantees simple removal of the top portion of the overwrap, typically the one which creates the most inconvenience for the user, and in many respects both solutions are even more awkward than the traditional solution described above.

Moreover, with reference in particular to the overwrap shown in WO 2013/042593, it is stressed that this type of overwrap considerably complicates the process of fixing the bands to the cellophane film.

In effect, these processes are typically performed continuously and the application of two bands shaped in the manner described, following two distinct paths, makes it very difficult to coordinate the speeds at which the two bands are applied. In particular, concurrently fixing a rectilinear band and a curvilinear one, having distinct contact speeds, greatly complicates the step of applying the bands and considerably increases the defective rate of the operation.

A further prior art solution is disclosed in document WO 2013/120899, where the opening means are defined by a V-shaped band oriented horizontally and extending at least partly around the packet. This solution, although it allows tearing also the top portion of the overwrap, is awkward to use and necessitates major modifications to the overwrapping equipment used. Disclosure of the invention

This invention therefore has for an aim to provide a sheet of wrapping material, a packet for smokable articles and a method for making the sheet of wrapping material to overcome the above mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

More specifically, an aim of this invention is to provide a sheet of wrapping material which is simple to make and formed in such a way that it can be easily torn open.

Another aim of the invention is to provide a pack for smokable articles which is quick and easy to open.

Yet another aim of the invention is to provide an efficient and easy to implement method for making a sheet of wrapping material.

These aims are achieved by a sheet of wrapping material according to one or more of claims 1 to 12, a packet for smokable articles according to one or more of claims 13 to 16 and a method for making a sheet of wrapping material according to one or more of claims 14 to 18.

More specifically, these aims are achieved by a sheet of wrapping material for making an overwrap of a container, where the sheet extends between a first edge and a second edge along a wrapping direction and comprises opening means, which, in use, can be gripped by a user to tear open the overwrap in order to access the container.

According to one aspect of the invention, the opening means comprise:

- a first band extending along the wrapping direction, dividing the sheet into a first portion and a second portion, and defining a first tear line;

- a second band extending from the first edge away from the first band inside the second portion of the sheet and defining a second tear line inclined at an angle to the first tear line;

- a third band incident upon the first band at at least one junction point and extending at least partly inside the first portion of the sheet, where the third band defines a third tear line extending from the junction point away from the first tear line inside the first portion of the sheet.

Advantageously, therefore, by acting on one of the bands, typically the first, the user can easily tear open both portions of the sheet because the second and third bands define tear lines extend from, and on opposite sides of, the first band.

Thus, advantageously, the first and second tear lines can be "activated" simultaneously by a simple pulling action by the user.

Preferably, the second band is proximal to the first edge of the sheet, while the third band is proximal to the second edge of the sheet.

It should be noted that the first band and the second band each extend from the first edge. In other words, the first and the second band each have their origin at the first edge.

Still more preferably, the first tear line and the second tear line extend, like the first and second bands, from the first edge and away from each other but have their origins at distinct points on the first edge. Thus, the first and second tear lines are not incident upon each other.

Preferably, the third band has an end segment extending in the first portion of the sheet, starting from the first band, to define the junction point, and away therefrom to define the third tear line. More precisely, the third band extends from the end segment and away therefrom towards the second portion of the sheet.

More in detail, the second and third bands both extend between a first end segment which is proximal to the first edge of the sheet, and a second end segment which is distal from the first edge of the sheet.

It should be noted that the first end segment of the second band and the second end segment of the third band define portions of the first edge and of the second edge of the sheet, respectively, both extending from the first band, for a predetermined length, inside the second portion of the sheet. This is preferably accomplished by the method for making the sheet, also forming an object of this invention, which allows obtaining three bands and three tear lines quickly and easily.

In effect, the method comprises the following steps:

- preparing a continuous film of (heat-sealable) wrapping material, a (reinforcement) tape and a plurality of (reinforcement) strips;

- feeding the film along a predetermined feed direction;

- superposing (and fixing) the tape on the film in parallel with the feed direction in such a way as to divide the film into a first portion and a second portion on opposite sides of the tape;

- superposing (and separately fixing) each strip on the film in such a way that each band is spaced from the next one and has a zone of intersection with the tape, where the zone of intersection is interposed between at least one first stretch located in the first portion of the sheet and at least one second stretch located in the second portion of the sheet; and

- cutting the film along a cutting line transversal (preferably at right angles) to the feed direction at each strip to divide the latter into a first half-part, containing the first stretch, and a second half-part, at least partly containing the second stretch and extending from the tape.

Thus, the cutting step divides the film into two adjacent sheets, where the first half-part of the strip defines the third band of one sheet, whilst the second half-part defines the second band of the other sheet. The tape defines the first band in both of the sheets.

Thus, advantageously, in only two operations, that is, the step of applying the tape and the step of sequentially applying the strips, it is possible to obtain three bands and three tear lines allowing the packet overwrap to be completely opened, both in its top portion and in its containment portion. Brief description of the drawings

These and other features will become more apparent from the following description of a preferred non-limiting example embodiment of a sheet of wrapping material, of a packet for smokable articles and of a method for making the sheet of wrapping material, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 shows a plan view of a sheet of wrapping material according to this invention;

- Figures 2, 3 and 4 show successive steps of opening the overwrap of a packet for smokable articles according to this invention;

- Figure 2a is a view from below of the packet of Figures 2, 3 and 4 before opening;

- Figures 5a-5d show successive steps of the method for making the sheet of wrapping material according to this invention;

- Figure 6 shows a detail from Figure 5c; and

- Figure 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the sheet according to the invention.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 denotes a sheet of wrapping material (more specifically, an overwrap) for a container for smokable articles.

More specifically, but without thereby limiting the scope of the invention, this description refers explicitly to a container such as, for example, a packet 100 of cigarettes.

It is specified, however, that the sheet 1 according to the invention might also be used to wrap (and more specifically, to overwrap) any type of container 102.

The sheet 1 of wrapping material is made preferably of heat sealable material such as, for example, cellophane or the like, which, in use, is designed to be wrapped around a container 102 to seal it, preferably by heat sealing to form the overwrap 101 .

In this regard, the sheet 1 is made preferably of a transparent material . The sheet 1 extends in a plane between a first edge 2 and a second edge 3 along a wrapping direction "A".

It should be noted that the wrapping direction "A" defines the circumferential direction along which the sheet 1 is wrapped around the container 101 during the packaging process.

The first edge 2 and the second edge 3 are preferably parallel to and facing each other.

Preferably, the sheet 1 is substantially quadrilateral and has two longitudinal edges 4 oriented according to the wrapping direction "A" and joining to each other the first edge 2 and the second edge 3.

Thus, the sheet 1 has a first dimension "D1 ", defined by the distance between the first edge 2 and the second edge 3, and a second dimension

"D2", defined by the distance between the two longitudinal edges.

Obviously, the values of these dimensions are a function of the size of the container 101 which is to be wrapped by the sheet 1 .

Also associated with the sheet 1 are opening means 5 which can be gripped by a user to tear the sheet 1 (in use defining the overwrap 101 ) in order to access the container 102.

The opening means 5 are of the tape type, that is to say, they comprise at least a band of material (different from that of the sheet 1 ) which is superposed on and fixed to the sheet 1 itself (by adhesive means or by sealing) and a tab 6 which can be gripped by the user.

In use, when the tab is pulled, the difference between the tear strength of the sheet and the tear strength of the band produces on the sheet 1 a tear line extending along the band itself.

According to one aspect of the invention, the opening means 5 comprise a first band 6 extending along the wrapping direction "A" and defining a first tear line "L1 " on the sheet 1 .

It should be noted that the first band 6 divides the sheet 1 into a first portion 1 a and a second portion 1 b.

Preferably, the first band 6 extends between the first edge 2 and the second edge 3.

Thus, the first band 6 extends over the full length of the dimension "D1 " of the sheet 1 .

In other words, the first band 6 has a first end 6a and a second end 6b located at the first edge 2 and at the second edge 3.

The opening means 5 also comprise a second band 7 extending away from the first band 6 inside the second portion 1 b of the sheet 1 .

Thus, the first band 6 and the second band 7 are divergent.

The second band 7 defines a second tear line "L2" which is inclined at an angle to the first tear line "L1 ".

Preferably, the first band 6 and the second band 7 have at least one point of intersection 8.

Advantageously, therefore, the user pulling once on one tab causes two diverging tear lines to be propagated on the sheet 1 .

In use, the first tear line "L1 " and the second tear line "L2" allow the second portion 1 b of the sheet 1 to be easily removed from the container 101 .

More in detail, the second band 7 from its first end segment 7a, incident upon the first band 6 and proximal to the first edge 2 of the sheet 1 , and its second end edge 7b, away from the first band 6 and distal from the first edge 2 of the sheet 1.

Preferably, the first band 6 and the second band 7 both extend from the first edge 2. Thus, the first end segment 7a is located at the first edge 2. More precisely, the first end segment 7a of the second band 7 defines a portion 2a of the first edge 2 of the sheet 1 .

The point of intersection 8 is also located in the proximity of (or at) the first edge 2 of the sheet 1.

Preferably, the second band 7 is shaped in such a way that the second tear line L2 extends from its first end 1 1 , located at the first edge 2 (that is, at the portion 2a) to a predetermined distance from the first band 6. Thus, the first tear line "L1 " and the second tear line "L2" do not intersect at any point.

In other words, the second tear line "L2" extends from the end 1 1 , proximal to, but spaced from, the first tape 6 and away therefrom.

It should be noted that the portion 2a of the first edge 2 interposed between the (first) end 6a of the first band 6 and the end 1 1 of the second tear line "L2" defines a portion (or, in use, tab 104) to be gripped by a user.

Preferably, the second band 7 has the shape of a quadrilateral whose sides are defined by the first end segment 7a, by the second end segment 7b and by two side segments 7c, 7d which connect the first end segment 7a and the second end segment 7b to each other.

In the embodiment illustrated, the second band 7 has the shape of a trapezium, where the lateral segments 7c, 7d define the bases of the trapezium. More precisely, the second band 7 has the shape of a right angle trapezium in which the diagonal side is defined by the first end segment 7a (that is, the portion 2a of the first edge 2 of the sheet 1 ).

Thus, the second tear line "L2" is preferably defined by one of the two lateral segments 7c, 7d of the second band 7, and more specifically, by the lateral segment 7d distal from the first band 6.

According to one aspect of the invention, the opening means 5 also comprise a third band 9 incident upon the first band 6 at at least one junction point 10 and extending at least partly inside the first portion 1 a of the sheet 1 .

The third band 9 defines a third tear line "L3" extending from the junction point 10 away from the first tear line "L1 "(that is, from the first band 6) inside the first portion of the sheet 1 a.

Advantageously, therefore, no less than three tear lines can be propagated from the shared first band 6, where:

- the first tear line "L1 " extends circumferentially along the wrapping direction "A";

- the second tear line "L2" extends away from the first tear line "L1 " for at least a first stretch of it, preferably for its full length, inside the second portion 1 b of the sheet 1 ;

- the third tear line "L3" extends away from the first tear line "L1 " inside the first portion 1 a of the sheet.

It should be noted that, preferably, the second tear line "L2" and the third tear line "L3" both extend towards the second edge 3 of the sheet 1 and are inclined at equal and opposite angles to the first tear line "L1 ".

It should be noted that the first tear line "L1 " and the second tear line "L2" define a branch (that is a "V") whose origin is at the point of intersection 8 between the first band 6 and the second band 7 and which extends towards the second edge 3.

On the contrary, the third tear line "L3" preferably defines an extension of the first tear line "L1 " extending at a predetermined angle to the first tear line "L1 " from the junction point 10 between the first band 6 and the third band 9 towards the second edge 3 of the sheet 1 .

Structurally, the third band 9 preferably has at least one end segment 9a extending inside the first portion 1 a of the sheet 1 starting from the first band 6, that is, at the junction point 10.

The end segment 9a extends away from the junction point 10 in such a way as to define the third tear line "L3".

More precisely, the third band 9 (similarly to the second band 7 extends between a first end segment 9a which is proximal to the first edge 2 of the sheet, and a second end segment 9b which is distal from the first edge 2 of the sheet. Thus, the third tear line "L3" is defined by the first end segment 9a of the third band 9.

The third band 9 extends from the first end segment 9a and away therefrom towards the second portion 1 b of the sheet.

More precisely, the third band 9 extends transversely (preferably at right angles) to the first end segment 9a (that is, to the third tear line "L3") towards the second portion 1 b of the sheet.

More in detail (and similarly to the second band 7), the third band has the shape of a quadrilateral whose sides are defined by the first end segment 9a, by the second end segment 9b and by two side segments 9c which connect the first end segment 9a and the second end segment 9b to each other.

It should be noted that in the preferred embodiment, the second tear line "L2" is defined by a lateral segment 7c of the second band 7, whilst the third tear line L3" is defined by the first end segment 9a of the third band 9.

Preferably, the third band 9 has the shape of a trapezium, where the lateral segments 9c define the bases of the trapezium In the embodiment illustrated, the third band 9 has the shape of a right angle trapezium in which the diagonal side is defined by the second end segment 9b.

In other words, the third band 9 has a width which is equal to the length of its first end segment 9a and which corresponds to the third tear line "L3". It should be noted that the second end segment 9b of the third band 9 defines a portion 3a of the second edge 3 of the sheet.

More in detail, the first end segment 7a of the second band 7 and the second end segment 9b of the third band 9 define portions 2a, 3a of the first edge 2 and of the second edge 3 of the sheet, respectively, both extending from the first band 6 for a predetermined length, inside the second portion 1 b of the sheet 1 .

Further, the second band 7 and the third band 9 have the same width (that is, the dimension at right angles to the direction of extension). Preferably, the width is equal to the dimension of the third tear line "L3". Preferably, the first band 6 is defined by a reinforcement tape 12 fixed to the sheet 1 . The second band 7 and the third band 9, on the other hand, are defined by strips 13 at least partly superposed on (that is, surmounting) the tape 12 of the first band 6 (at the point of intersection 8 and at the junction point 10) and are also fixed to the sheet 1 .

Alternatively, the tape 12 of the first band 6 might be partly superposed on (that is, surmounting) the strips 13 of the second and third bands 7 and 9. Advantageously, what is described in the foregoing makes the sheet 1 easy to make using a simple and reliable method.

In this regard, this invention also has for an object a method for making the sheet 1 of wrapping material.

The method comprises the preliminary steps of preparing a continuous film 14 of (heat sealable) wrapping material, the tape 12 and the strips 13 made of a material which can be coupled to the film 14 (and preferably having a tear strength greater than the tear strength of the film).

It should be noted that the strips 13 may be provided ready cut or cut in process from a continuous roll.

Also, the strips 13 are wider than the tape 12.

The film 14 is then made to advance along a predetermined feed direction

"B". Preferably, the feed direction "B" corresponds to the wrapping direction "A" described above.

As it advances, the tape 12 is superposed on and fixed to the film 14 in a line parallel to the feed direction "B".

That way, the tape 12 divides the film 14 into a first portion 14a and a second portion 14b on opposite sides of the tape 12 itself. The portions 14a, 14b of the film 14 correspond to the portions 1 a, 1 b of the sheet 1 described above.

Preferably, the tape 12 is fixed by chemical means, that is, for example, by means of an adhesive. In this regard, the tape 12 is an adhesive- coated tape. It should be noted that the tape 12 is preferably applied to the film as the film moves, that is to say, as the film 14 advances along the feed direction "B".

After or before the tape 12 is applied, there is a step of superposing and separately fixing each strip 13 on the film 14 in such a way that each of them is spaced from the next one and has a zone of intersection 13a with the tape 12;

It should be noted that the expression "separately fixing" is used to mean arranging the strips 13 in such a way that they are spaced from one another along the feed direction "B".

More precisely, the step of superposing and separately fixing each strip 13 is performed by repeating a step of superposing and fixing a single reinforcement strip 13 on the film 14, in sequence and at regular intervals in order to position the strips 13 at a predetermined spacing from each other.

Thus, after the two steps of superposing and fixing described above, the film 14 is provided with a continuous band extending along the feed direction "B", that is, the tape 12 and a succession of separate strips 13 arranged in sequence along the film 14 (and along the tape 12).

Preferably, the zone of intersection 13a is interposed between at least one first stretch 13b located in the first portion 14a of the film 14 and at least one second stretch 13c located in the second portion 14b of the film 14.

Thus, each strip 13 extends transversely to the tape 12 and crosses it at the zone of intersection 13a.

More in detail, it should be noted that the zone of intersection 13a is a substantially rectilinear segment extending along the direction of extension of the tape 12 between two ends, where a first end corresponds to the point of intersection 8 and a second end corresponds to the junction point 10, both described above in the description of the sheet 1 .

Preferably, each strip 13 is inclined to the tape 12 (and thus to the feed direction "B") at a predetermined angle different from 90°.

It should be noted that in the preferred embodiment, each strip 13 is defined by an elongate polygonal element 16 with at least two long sides 16a, extending along a main axis "C" of the polygonal element 16, and at least one short side 16b" which connects the long sides 16a to form two vertices 17.

Preferably, the polygonal element 16 is rectangular in shape.

Thus, the steps of superposing and separately fixing each strip 13 are performed by positioning each polygonal element 16 on the film 14 in such a way that one of the vertices 17 is superposed on (or intersects) the tape 12. Further, the polygonal element 16 is oriented in such a way that its main axis "C" is inclined at a predetermined angle to the feed direction "B" (that is, to the tape 12).

According to what is stated in the foregoing, the axis "C" is inclined to the tape 12 at an angle different from 90°.

Alternatively, with reference in particular to Figure 7, the strips 13 might be positioned on the film at the same angle as that stated above but in such a way that both vertices 17 of the polygonal element 16 lie in the first portion 14a of the film 14.

It should noted that in this way, the third tear line "L3" is inclined at an angle opposite to that described above, that is say, it is defined at least partly by a lateral segment 9c of the third band 9 and extends towards the first edge 2.

Whatever the case, similarly to the tape 12, the strips 13 are also preferably fixed by chemical means, that is, for example, by means of an adhesive. In this regard, the strips 13 are preferably adhesive coated. Once the tape 12 and the strips 13 have been positioned, the method according to the invention comprises a step of cutting the film 14 along a cutting line "T" which is transversal (preferably at right angles) to the feed direction.

The cutting step is performed (that is, carried out) at each strip 13 in order to divide the latter into a first half-part 15a, containing the first stretch 13b, and a second half-part 15b, at least partly containing the second stretch 13c.

More precisely, after the cutting step, the first half-part 15a of each strip 13 is positioned partly in the first portion 14a and partly in the second portion 14b of the film 14.

Also following the cutting step, the second half-part 15b of each strip 13 is positioned completely in the second portion 14b of the film 14.

Preferably, the second half-part 15b of the strip 13 extends from the tape 12.

It is therefore preferable for the cutting step to be performed at the zone of intersection 13a.

It should be noted that the cutting step makes the edges 2, 3 of the sheet 1 of wrapping material according to the invention.

More precisely, each cutting step makes the first edge 2 of one sheet 1 and the second edge 3 of the next.

Also as a result of the cutting step, the long sides 16a of the polygonal element 16 are divided to form the lateral segments 7c, 9c of the second band 7 and of the third band 9 of the opening means 5, respectively.

Thus, each sheet 1 is the result of two consecutive cutting steps performed at two consecutive strips 13.

As stated above, the sheet 1 of wrapping material made using the method according to this invention is used preferably, but not exclusively, to make an overwrap 101 of a packet 100 for smokable articles.

In effect, the packet 100 comprises a container 102, and the overwrap

101 is wrapped around the container 102.

Inside it, the container 102 has a group of smokable articles (not illustrated), preferably cigarettes.

In the embodiment illustrated, the container 102 is substantially in the shape of a parallelepiped. Thus, the container 102 has a front wall, a rear wall, a bottom wall, a top wall and two lateral flanks.

The container can then be divided into a first half-part 102a and a second half-part 102b.

More in detail, the container 102 has at least a top portion defining the first half-part 102a and openable by a user to take out the smokable articles, and a containment portion defining the second half-part 102b and housing the smokable articles.

The top portion 102a preferably defines a lid which is hinged to the containment portion 102b at the rear wall.

Alternatively, the top portion might be defined by a reclosable label or other known opening system.

According to the invention, the overwrap 101 is defined by a sheet 1 of wrapping material made according to what is described above, wrapped around the container 102.

More precisely, the first band 6 of the opening means 5 of the sheet 1 extends circumferentially around the container 102. Thus, the wrapping direction "A" of the sheet 1 runs annularly around a central, longitudinal axis "D" of the container 102.

More in detail, it should be noted that the first portion 1 a and the second portion 1 b of the sheet 1 overlap at the first and the second half-part 102a and 102b of the container 102, respectively.

Thus, with reference to the embodiment illustrated, the first portion 1 a and the second portion 1 b of the sheet 1 overlap at the top portion and at the containment portion, respectively.

Advantageously, therefore, all the user has to do is act on the first band 6 to make on the sheet 1 no less than three tear lines extending both along the containment portion and along the top portion. Thus, thanks to the sheet 1 according to this invention, the overwrap 101 of the packet 100 is easy to remove from the container 102.

It should be noted that the sheet 1 of wrapping material, that is, the overwrap 101 , has two flaps 103, proximal to the first edge 2 and second edge 3, respectively, which are heat-sealed to each other in such a way that the first edge 2 defines, at least at the first band 6 and second band 7, a tab or gripping portion 104 grippable by a user to tear the overwrap 101 along the tear lines "L1 ", "L2", "L3".

Preferably, the grip tab 104 is located at one flank of the container 102. The invention achieves the above mentioned aims and brings important advantages.

In effect, the three bands which produce three distinct tear lines make it very easy for the user to remove the overwrap from the packet.

Furthermore, the method according to the invention allows making the three bands in only two steps, that is, fixing the tape and the strips, thus facilitating and speeding up the manufacturing process.