[0001] The present invention relates to a two-pocket pouch, in particular a pouch for tobacco,
each of the two pockets has a cover flap and an extension flap. The two pockets are
symmetric about a mirror folding line. The inner surface of the extension flap adheres
to the inner surface of the cover flap.
[0002] It is known to market consumer goods and in particular tobacco in pouches wherein
the pouches contain a pouch front wall and a pocket rear wall which are connected
to each other at the bottom and their sides but which are open at the upper edges
of the pocket to form an opening to allow the consumer an access to the interior of
the pouch and its contents. These known pouches further comprise a relatively long
flap. This relatively long flap serves the consumer as a support and, if the consumer
goods are tobacco, also as an aid to roll its own cigarettes. This relatively long
flap is folded in the known products forward towards the front side of the pouch and
then wrapped around the bottom of the pouch and is eventually connected to the pouch
rear wall. Such a pouch has the advantage of providing a long flap to the consumer
but has the disadvantage that two separate steps are needed to open the flap, namely
a first step to open the closing mechanism on the pouch rear wall and then folding
the flap around the pouch bottom in order to open the pouch and give the consumer
access to the tobacco or other consumer articles.
[0004] It would be desirable to have a pouch which can be easily opened with one single
action. Moreover, it would be desirable to have a back panel that is non-split. A
non-split back panel or rear wall offers more space for both branding and information
purposes. That means that the extension flap is not wrapped around the back panel
as shown in Figure 1, hereinafter referred to as wrapped-around solution. Furthermore,
it would be desirable to provide a pouch, in particular a non-wrapped-around solution
that provides storage room for wrapper paper or other small articles. Furthermore,
it would be desirable to provide a pouch, in particular a non-wrapped-around solution
that is easy to manufacture at high speeds.
[0005] Moreover, it would be desirable to provide a pouch that allows for better freshness
and handling by the consumer.
[0006] According to the invention a two-pocket pouch comprising a first pocket and a second
pocket is provided. The first pocket and the second pocket are symmetric about an
optionally perforated mirror folding line.
[0007] Each of the first and the second pocket comprises
- a pocket front wall and a pocket rear wall,
- an access opening, wherein the access opening is provided between the upper edges
of the pocket front wall and the pocket rear wall,
- a cover flap, wherein the cover flap extends from the pocket rear wall, and
- an extension flap, wherein the extension flap extends from the cover flap.
[0008] In the closed position of the pouch, the cover flap is folded over the pocket front
wall. The cover flap may be connected to the pocket front wall by way of a connecting
means. The extension flap is folded inwardly such that it is arranged between pocket
front wall and the cover flap. The inner surface of the extension flap adheres to
the inner surface of the cover flap. The adhesion preferably is peelable. In a preferred
embodiment, the peelable adhesion is from 1 to 10 Newton for 35 millimeters as measured
by the peel force test for pouches. Preferably, the peelable adhesion is not reclosable.
Preferably, the peelable adhesion is at least one of a chemical connection such as
an adhesive, thermo sealing, cold sealing, ultrasound sealing, a mechanical connection
such as a hook and loop fastener, Velcro or a micro-suction surface, or an electrostatic
connection. In the closed position of the pouch, the cover flap substantially covers
the front wall of the pocket. Preferably, from 95 percent to 100 percent of the surface
area of the front wall of the pocket are covered by the cover flap. Preferably, the
pocket front wall and the pocket rear wall are rectangular and have the same height.
The pockets of the pouch preferably contain tobacco. The pocket front wall and the
pocket rear wall are permanently sealed to each other on their side and bottom edges
of the pocket front wall and the pocket rear wall by way of thermo sealing, cold sealing,
ultrasound sealing or an adhesive. Preferably, the force for opening the permanent
seal is from 20 to 30 Newton as measured by the peel force test for pouches.
[0009] Preferably, this adherence is peelable and extends along adherence zones along the
side edges of the inner surfaces of the cover flap and the extension flap. Preferably,
the adherence of the extension flap to the cover flap is peelable and extends along
adherence zones along the side edges of the inner surfaces of the cover flap and the
extension flap. The first pocket and the second pocket may be connected by way of
a connecting means. The mirror folding line may be a line of weakening.
[0010] A further object of the invention is a method of preparing a pouch according to the
invention comprising the steps of
providing a first rectangular sheet,
placing a second rectangular sheet on the first sheet, the second rectangular sheet
having essentially the same width and being shorter than the first rectangular sheet.
permanently sealing along the mirror folding line and the side edges to form the first
and the second pocket,
optionally weakening the mirror folding line
filling the consumer goods into the first and the second pocket, so that these consumer
goods are within the first and the second pocket after the folding step,
permanently or reclosably sealing the access opening to close the first and second
pocket
folding the open end of the first rectangular sheet twice by about 180 degrees to
form the cover and the extension flap, such that the extension flap is arranged between
pocket front wall and cover flap,
adhering the inner surface of the extension flap to the inner surface of the cover
flap,
optionally connecting the cover panel by way of a connecting means,
folding the first and the second pocket about the mirror folding line, and optionally
connecting the two pockets by way of a connecting means.
[0011] Thus the cover flap and the extension flap are non-wrapped solutions. That means
that they are not folded around the bottom of the pouch as in the prior art. Instead
the cover flap and the extension flap both being folded against each other and both
lying on the pouch front wall adhering to one another along the adherence zones. This
has the advantage to allow the consumer an easy opening of the flap and the pouch
and an easy access to the pouch content such as loose tobacco. At the same time the
long combined cover and extension flap and their advantages are maintained. Furthermore,
due to the non-split back panel or rear wall of the pouch of the present invention,
more space is available for both branding and information purposes.
[0012] Furthermore, in another embodiment, in its closed position, the adhered extension
and cover flaps provide an additional pocket. This pocket can store consumer articles,
in particular accessories such as cigarette paper or other wrappers.
[0013] Moreover, the pouch of the invention is easy to manufacture as the inner surface
of the extension flap adheres to the inner surface of the cover flap forming adherence
zones. The adherence zones are preferably located along the side edges of the inner
surface of the cover flap and the inner surface of the extension flap.
[0014] The two pockets of the pouch of the invention are symmetric about the mirror folding
line. Distributing the consumer articles in two pockets allows for better freshness
and convenience. Also, two types of tobacco may be stored in the two pocket pouch
of the invention.
[0015] The mirror folding line may be perforated.
[0016] This allows the consumer to detach the first pocket after consumption and have fresh
tobacco in the second pocket until the depletion of the tobacco of the first pocket.
[0017] The first and the second pocket are adjacent.
[0018] The mirror folding line, as herein referred to, corresponds to the horizontal symmetry
axis between the two adjacent pockets.
[0019] Also, there may be several substantially parallel mirror folding lines, i.e. one,
two, three or more mirror folding lines. The symmetry then is about the one or two
central mirror folding lines.
[0020] The contents of the first and of the second pocket are separated by a permanent seal.
[0021] Thus, in the closed position of the pouch, the two pockets are bent along the horizontal
symmetry axis.
[0022] The mirror folding line may be weakened for convenient separation of the first and
the second pocket by the consumer.
[0023] Weakening may be obtained by mechanical creasing, heat creasing or by mechanical
perforation or by laser perforation or any other suitable means of weakening.
[0024] The first and the second pocket may be connected by a suitable connecting means.
The connecting means may be reclosable, permanent or tearable, for example in the
form of a tax stamp or a polymeric adherend.
[0025] The reclosable or resealable connecting means includes a pressure sensitive adhesive.
A pressure sensitive adhesive is an adhesive which forms a bond when pressure is applied
to marry the adhesive with the adherend. Solvent, water, or heat is not needed to
activate the adhesive. Pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) are known to possess properties
such as: (1) aggressive tack at room temperature, (2) adherence to a substrate with
no more than finger pressure, (3) sufficient ability to hold onto an adherend, and/or
(4) sufficient cohesive strength to be removed cleanly from the adherend. Furthermore,
the pressure sensitive adhesive can be a single adhesive or a combination of two or
more pressure sensitive adhesives. Pressure sensitive adhesives are usually based
on an elastomer that may be compounded with a tackifier. Useful elastomers include
acrylics, rubbers, styrene block copolymers or vinyl ethers, for example. Pressure
sensitive adhesives are commercially available from 3M Company, St. Paul, MN.
[0026] The pouch can be made of flexible plastic sheets, laminate sheets, for example laminates
made from layers of paper, metal, plastics and combinations thereof.
[0027] The pocket front wall and the pocket rear wall are connected to each other at the
bottom and at their side edges. For example, pouch side walls can be present extending
between the side edges of pouch front wall and pouch rear wall. The upper ends of
pouch front wall and pouch rear wall are not connected to each other with the consequence
that an access opening results which allows the consumer to access the contents of
the pouch.
[0028] The inner surface of the extension flap adheres to the inner surface of the cover
flap. The adhering surfaces are hereinafter referred to as adherence zones. The adherence
zones can be defined, that means local in the form of spots or thin or broader lines
for example along the side edges of the extension flap. Various portions of the inner
surface of the extension flap may form adherence zones, for example 25 percent, preferably
50 percent, more preferably 75 percent of the inner surface of the extension flap
or more adhere to the inner surface of the cover flap.
[0029] Preferably, the adherence zones are lines along the side edges of the cover flap
and the extension flap. The length of the adherence zones may vary, for example, the
adherence zone may extend 25 percent, preferably 50 percent more preferably 75 percent
and most preferably along entire length of the side edge of the extension flap. That
means, in the case of an extension flap whose side edge is 43 millimeters, the adherence
zone may be from 10 millimeters to up to 43 millimeters.
[0030] These lines may vary in their broadness, for example from 1 millimeter to 10 millimeters,
preferably from 2 to 5 millimeters.
[0031] The inner surface of the extension flap can also adhere substantially throughout
the inner surface of the extension flap. That means that about the entire inner surface
of the extension flap adheres to the inner surface of the cover flap, for example
more than 90 percent, preferably more than 95 percent and even more preferably more
than 99 percent of the inner surface of the extension flap adheres to the inner surface
of the cover flap.
[0032] The adherence may be permanent. Permanent adherence as used herein requires an opening
force of from more than 15 Newton to 40 Newton, preferably from 20 Newton to 30 Newton
for 35 millimeters peeling distance.
[0033] Preferably the adherence is peelable. Peelable adherence as used herein requires
an opening force from 0.5 to 15 Newton, preferably from 1 to 10 Newton, more preferable
from 2 to 6 Newton.
[0034] The opening force is determined using the peel force test for pouches.
[0035] The peel force test for pouches measures the force needed to separate adhered surfaces,
for example to separate sealed surfaces.
[0036] Two clamps are placed on a pouch of the invention as shown in Figure 4 to pull the
adhered zones. A load cell measures the force to pull apart the peelably adhered zones
for 35 millimeters distance, hereinafter referred to as peeling distance. Ten samples
are measured during 30 minutes testing time and the average opening force is calculated.
The testing is performed on a Tensile testing machine, for example commercially available
under the tradename Instron 5566. Samples are conditioned for at least 24 hours at
22 ± 2 °C and 60 ± 5 % relative humidity before testing. The Tensile testing machine
is set at 10 Newton in respect of the load cell, the speed is set at 150 millimeters
per minute, the peeling distance is set at 35 millimeters. The evaluation can be made
using acquisition software, for example commercially available under the tradename
Bluewhill.
[0037] The peelable adhesion of the inner surface of the extension flap and the inner surface
of the cover flap can be reclosable. This means that after the peeling of the extension
flap from the cover flap, the extension flap does re-adhere to the cover flap when
folded back.
[0038] Preferably, the peelable adhesion of the inner surface of the extension flap and
the inner surface of the cover flap are not reclosable. This means that after the
peeling of the extension flap from the cover flap, the extension flap does not re-adhere
to the cover flap when folded back.
[0039] Permanent adhesion can be obtained using for example thermo sealing, cold sealing,
ultrasound sealing or an adhesive.
[0040] Peelable adhesion is at least one of a chemical connection such an adhesive, thermos
sealing, cold sealing, ultrasound sealing, a mechanical connection such as a hook
and loop fastener, Velcro or a micro-suction surface, or an electrostatic connection.
[0041] Preferably, in the closed position of the pouch, the cover flap substantially covers
the pocket panel. Substantial coverage means a coverage of more than half of the surface
of the pocket panel, preferably more than 75 percent, more preferably more than 90
percent and even more preferably more than 95 percent of the surface of the pocket
panel. The pocket panel is the consumer good containing part of the front panel in
its fully filled state.
[0042] The consumer goods are preferably tobacco, more preferably loose fine cut tobacco
for roll-your-own cigarettes or make-your-own cigarettes.
[0043] Terms such as "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "side", "upper", "lower", "height",
"width", "depth" and other terms used to describe relative positions of the components
of the pouch according to the invention refer to the pouch in an upright position
with the consumer goods housed in the pouch and with the opening of the pouch at the
top and the consumer goods accessible from the top.
[0044] Preferably the pouch front wall and the pouch rear wall are both rectangular. Further
preferably, pouch front wall and the pouch rear wall do have the same height. It is
more preferred that pouch rear wall and pouch front wall are both rectangular and
of same size and are directly connected to each other at their side edges and their
lower edges.
[0045] Preferably, the extension flap and the cover flap have a width which corresponds
essentially to the width of the pocket rear wall. This has the advantage that, when
the cover flap and the extension flap are folded, the pocket is substantially completely
closed, reducing the likelihood of consumer goods falling out of open gaps at the
top of the pouch.
[0046] The pocket front wall starts at its bottom and ends at its upper edge. The pocket
rear wall starts at its bottom and ends where the cover flap starts. There is not
necessarily a folding line or hinge line between pocket rear wall and cover flap but
more preferred the cover flap is just a continuation of the pocket rear wall. The
cover flap in turn ends where the extension flap starts. The extension flap ends either
at its upper edge or where an optional further, second extension flap starts. The
further, second extension flap ends either at its upper edge or where an optional
third extension flap starts. The third extension flap ends at its upper edge.
[0047] Preferably, in the upper third of the pocket rear wall or, alternatively, at the
end of the pocket rear wall and the beginning of the cover flap there is provided
a first folding line. At the end of the cover flap and the beginning of the extension
flap there is provided a second folding line. Optionally, at the end of the extension
flap and the beginning of the further, second extension flap there is provided a third
folding line. Further optionally, at the end of the second extension flap and the
beginning of the third extension flap there is provided a fourth folding line.
[0048] In case of cover flap and only one extension flap, the distance between first and
second folding lines preferably is 3 to 8 centimeters, more preferably 4 to 7 centimeters,
and even more preferably 5 to 6 centimeters. In case of cover flap and two or three
extension flaps the distance between second and third folding lines is 3 to 7 centimeters,
preferably 4 to 7 centimeters, and more preferably 5 to 6 centimeters and the distance
between third and fourth folding lines is 3 to 6 centimeters, preferably 4 to 6 centimeters,
and more preferably 4 to 5 centimeters.
[0049] Preferably, only the cover flap and the extension flap are present. In that case
the cover flap and the extension flap are bent forward around the first folding line
and towards the pocket front wall. The extension flap is then bent inwardly by about
180° around the second folding line such that it is lying on the pouch front wall
and essentially parallel to the pouch front wall and the cover flap. The inner surface
of the extension flap is adhered to the inner surface of the cover flap along adherence
zones preferably along the side edges of the extension and cover flaps.
[0050] In the event that two extension flaps are present, the cover flap and the first extension
flaps are bent the same way as described above in the preceding paragraph and the
second extension flap is then bent by about 180° such that it is lying between and
parallel to cover flap and first extension flap. In the event that three extension
flaps are present they and the cover flap are bent in a similar way as described above
with the result that all extension flaps and the cover flap are arranged in the closed
position of the pouch in a more or less parallel arrangement. Preferably, the one
extension flap depends from the cover flap or panel. If not specified otherwise, the
description refers to one extension flap.
[0051] The bent and folded cover and extension flaps lying on the pocket front wall may
then be connected to the pocket in a reclosable or a not reclosable manner by way
of a connecting means. The reclosable connection can be obtained by at least one of
a chemical connection such as an adhesive, a mechanical connection such as a hook
and loop fastener, a sticker or a micro-suction surface, or an electrostatic connection.
The reclosable connection is either between the cover flap and the pocket, more preferably
the pocket front wall, or between the extension flap and the pocket, more preferably
the pocket front wall, or between both the cover flap and the extension flap and the
pocket, more preferably the pocket front wall. For example, it is preferred that an
adhesive is applied to the cover flap such that it comes into contact with the pocket,
more preferably the pocket front wall, and closes the pocket. The adhesive is of such
a nature that it allows a repeated opening and closing of the pocket.
[0052] The not reclosable connecting means may be a paper sticker, preferably in the form
of a tax stamp.
[0053] In the same way, the first and the second pocket may be connected by way of reclosable
or not reclosable connecting means.
[0054] What is described herein for the opening of the first or the second pocket, also
applies to the opening of the connecting means that may be applied to connect the
first and second pocket.
[0055] Preferably, the pocket is provided with a sticker which allows repeated opening and
closing of the pocket. Part of such a sticker is in a fixed connection to the cover
flap such that it is permanently connected to the cover flap and cannot be removed
during normal operation conditions of the pouch. A further part of the sticker which
is not connected to the cover flap is provided with an adhesive which gets in contact
with the pouch, more preferably the pouch front wall, and allows a repeated opening
and closing of the pocket. It is more preferred that the adhesive on the sticker is
not applied to the whole part of the sticker which is not fixed to the cover flap
and in particular not to the free end of this part. This allows the consumer an easy
grip of the sticker for opening and closing and reopening the pocket.
[0056] In the closed position of the pocket, the inner surface of the extension flap will
preferably cover from 15 to 95 percent, preferably from 25 to 75 percent and more
preferably 30 to 60 percent of the inner surface of the cover flap.
[0057] In a preferred embodiment, if the cover flap is from 70 to 80 millimeters long, the
length of the extension flap will be from 40 to 50 millimeters.
[0058] Preferably the cover flap is rectangular, the extension flap is rectangular and the
heights and the widths of the extension flap and of the cover flap are essentially
the same.
[0059] A further object of the invention is a method of preparing a pouch of the invention.
A first rectangular sheet is provided. The first rectangular sheet is dimensioned
to provide for the pocket rear wall, the cover flap and the extension flap. A second
rectangular sheet is placed on the first sheet. The second rectangular sheet substantially
has the width of the first sheet. However, the second sheet is dimensioned to provide
for the pocket front panel and thus is essentially shorter than the first rectangular
sheet.
[0060] The method further comprises the step of permanently sealing along the mirror folding
line and the side edges to form the first and the second pocket. The permanent seal
preferably is a heat seal. The mirror folding line may then optionally be weakened.
This allows for easier folding. Also text may be perforated in the area of the weakening
line to allow for easier bending while conferring a message or any other type of information.
[0061] Then consumer goods are filled into the first and the second pocket, so that these
consumer goods are within the first and the second pocket after the folding step.
[0062] Then, the access opening is permanently or reclosably sealed to close the first and
second pocket
[0063] Then, the open end of the first rectangular sheet is folded twice by about 180 degrees
to form the cover and the extension flap, such that the extension flap is arranged
between pocket front wall and cover flap.
[0064] Then, the inner surface of the extension flap is adhered to the inner surface of
the cover flap. Optionally, the cover panel may then be connected to the pocket by
way of a connecting means.
[0065] Then, the first and the second pocket are folded about a mirror folding line. The
mirror folding line corresponds to the horizontal symmetry axis of the two pocket
pouch of the invention.
[0066] Optionally, the two pockets are then connected by way of a connecting means. In the
case of heat sealing, the step order of the manufacturing process may be as follows.
The adhesive is applied either online during the manufacturing of the pouch or preapplied
to the sheet by the sheet supplier. Then the sheet is folded to form the pouch as
described above. Finally, the adhesive is heat activated to provide for the permanent
and peelable seal.
[0067] Where connecting of different walls or parts of the pocket is necessary, for example
of the edges of the pocket front wall and the pocket rear wall, this can be done by
heat-sealing, ultrasonic welding, adhesive, cold sealing or other suitable connecting
techniques that preferably create a substantially gas or moisture tight connection
between the walls. Either before that connecting step or thereafter consumer goods,
such as loose or cut tobacco, can be introduced into the pocket formed by the pocket
front wall and the pocket rear wall. Thereafter the cover flap and the extension flap
are folded at least twice and each time by about 180 degrees around first and second
folding lines as described above. Thereinafter the inner surface of the extension
flap is adhered, preferably peelably sealed to the inner surface of the cover flap.
An adhesive or a sticker may be applied to the pocket and the pocket of the invention
is closed, yielding the pocket of the invention in closed position.
[0068] Optionally, the rectangular sheet wherefrom the pouch is made includes a second and
further optionally a third extension flap. In that case the second extension flap
depends from the first extension flap and a third folding line is provided between
first and second extension flaps and the third extension flap depends from the second
extension flap and a fourth folding line is provided between second and third extension
flaps. If present, the second extension flap is folded by about 180 degrees around
the third folding line and the third extension flap is folded by about 180 degrees
around the fourth folding line.
[0069] A further object of the invention is preparing a pouch comprising the steps of
providing a first rectangular sheet,
placing a second rectangular sheet on the first rectangular sheet, the second rectangular
sheet having essentially the same width and being shorter than the first rectangular
sheet,
permanently sealing along a mirror folding line and along the side edges to form a
first pocket with an access opening and a second pocket with an access opening,
optionally weakening the mirror folding line,
filling consumer goods into the first and the second pocket,
permanently or reclosably sealing the access openings to close the first and second
pocket,
folding both ends of the first rectangular sheet each twice by about 180 degrees to
each form a cover flap and an extension flap, such that each extension flap is arranged
between a pocket front wall and a cover flap,
adhering the inner surface of one or both of the extension flaps to the inner surfaces
of their respective cover flaps,
optionally connecting one or both of the cover flaps to the front walls of their respective
pockets by way of a connecting means,
folding the first and the second pocket about the mirror folding line,
optionally connecting the two pockets by way of a connecting means, and
optionally closing the pouch by a sticker, wherein the sticker is permanently attached
to part of the cover flap or to part of the pocket rear wall.
[0070] The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to
the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows a front view of a pouch 10 of the invention in opened position;
Figure 2 shows a front view of the pouch 10 of the invention open position;
Figure 3 shows a front view of the pouch 10 of the invention in closed position and
Figure 4 shows the setting of the peel force test for pouches.
[0071] The reference numerals in Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3 and Figure 4 have the following
meanings:
- 10
- Pouch
- 12
- Cover flap
- 14
- Extension flap
- 16
- Mirror folding line
- 17
- Pocket opening
- 18
- First pocket
- 20
- Second pocket
- 22
- Front wall or panel of the pocket
- 24
- Rear wall or panel of the pocket
- 26
- First folding line
- 28
- Second folding line
- 32
- Sticker
- 34
- Adherence zone
- 36
- Side edge
- 38
- Clamp
- 40
- Roll
- 42
- Tensile measurement equipment
- 44
- Wire
[0072] Figure 1 is a front view of a pouch 10 of the invention. The first pocket 18 and
the second pocket 20 are two implementations of the pouch of Figure 2 that are symmetric
about the mirror folding line 16. The mirror folding line 16 may be perforated for
easy separation of the first pocket 18 and the second pocket 20. In another embodiment
the mirror folding line 16 is a bent line. The cover flap 12 can be seen just as part
of the pocket front wall 22 and a sticker 32 for closing the pouch 10 which means
for connecting the cover flap 12 and extension flap 14 to front wall of the pocket.
The inner surface of the extension flap 14 is adhered to the inner surface of the
cover flap 12.
[0073] In Figure 2 one half of the non-wrapped-around pouch 10 of the invention as separated
by mirror folding line 16 is seen in a side view and in open position with pocket
front wall 22 and pocket rear wall 24. The side edges 36 of the pocket front wall
and the pocket back wall are permanently sealed. The pocket opening 17 is given at
the top of the open pouch 10, and it can be seen that the consumer goods, for example
loose tobacco inside the pouch, can easily be accessed by the consumer. Pocket front
wall 22 and pocket rear wall 24 do have the same height. In the upper third of pocket
rear wall 24 a first folding line 26 is given. A cover flap 12 extends between the
upper end of the pocket rear wall 24 and second folding line 28, whereas the extension
flap 14 depends from flap 12. The extension flap 14 is folded inwardly around second
folding line 28 and is eventually arranged essentially parallel to pocket front wall
22 and cover flap 12. The inner surface of the extension flap 14 adheres to the inner
surface of the cover flap 12. The inner surface of the extension flap 14 adheres to
the inner surface of the cover flap 12 along the adherence zones 34. The sticker 32
(not shown) connects the cover flap 12 to the pocket.
[0074] In Figure 3 the non-wrapped-around pouch 10, half of which is sketched in Figure
2, is seen in a side view and in closed position. In Figure 3 the cover flap 12 and
the extension flap 14 are folded downwards around second first folding line 26. The
extension flap 14 is folded inwardly around second folding line 28 and is eventually
arranged essentially parallel to pocket front wall 22 and cover flap 12. The inner
surface of the extension flap 14 adheres to the inner surface of the cover flap 12
along the adherence zones 34. The adherence zones cover the side edges of the inner
surfaces of the cover flap 12 and the extension flap 14.
[0075] The pouch 10 in Figure 3 is closed by sticker 32. Part but not all of sticker 32
is fixed to part of the cover flap 12 in a permanent and under normal handling conditions
of the pouch 10 non-removable way. The remaining part of sticker 32 is partially applied
with an adhesive which allows a repeated opening and closing of the pouch. However,
only part of the sticker 32 is applied with such an adhesive meaning that a free end
of sticker 32 results. This free end can be used by the consumer as a grip to open
and close the pouch 10.
[0076] Figure 4 shows the peel force test for pouches. A pouch sample 10 is laid down horizontally
and two clamps 38 are set at the free edge of the extension flap 14 in equal distance
from the middle of the free, that means non-adhered, edge of the extension flap 14.
Wires 44 lead the opening force from the clamps 38 to the Tensile testing equipment
42 over the direction roller 40. The force necessary to pull the extension flap and
cover flap apart is measured.
1. A pouch (10) in its closed position comprising a first pocket (18) and a second pocket
(20),
wherein the first pocket (18) and the second pocket (20) are symmetric about a mirror
folding line (16),
characterized in that each of the first and the second pocket (18,20) comprises
- a pocket front wall (22) and a pocket rear wall (24),
- an access opening, wherein the access opening is provided between the upper edges
of the pocket front wall (22) and the pocket rear wall (24),
- a cover flap (12), wherein the cover flap (12) extends from the pocket rear wall
(24), and
- an extension flap (14), wherein the extension flap (14) extends from the cover flap
(12),
wherein the cover flap (12) is folded over the pocket front wall (22),
wherein the extension flap (14) is folded inwardly such that it is arranged between
pocket front wall (22) and the cover flap (12),
wherein the inner surface of the extension flap (14) adheres to the inner surface
of the cover flap (12).
2. The pouch (10) of claim 1 wherein the first pocket (18) and the second pocket (20)
are connected by way of a connecting means.
3. The pouch (10) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the mirror folding
line (16) is a line of weakening.
4. The pouch (10) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the inner surface
of the extension flap (14) is peelably adhered to the inner surface of the cover flap
(12).
5. The pouch (10) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the force for opening
the peelably adhered cover flap (12) is from 1 Newton to 10 Newton for 35 millimeters
peeling distance as measured by the peel force test for pouches.
6. The pouch (10) according to anyone of the preceding claims wherein the peelable adhesion
is at least one of a chemical connection such as an adhesive, thermo sealing, cold
sealing, ultrasound sealing, a mechanical connection such as a hook and loop fastener,
velcro or a micro-suction surface, or an electrostatic connection.
7. The pouch (10) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the peelable adhesion
is not reclosable.
8. The pouch (10) according to anyone of the preceding claims wherein, in the closed
position of the pocket, the cover flap (12) substantially covers the front wall of
the pocket (22).
9. A pouch (10) according to anyone of the preceding claims wherein, in the closed position
of the pouch (10) the cover flap (12) covers 95 percent to 100 percent of the surface
area of the front wall of the pocket (22).
10. A pouch (10) according to anyone of the previous claims wherein the pocket front wall
(22) and the pocket rear wall (24) are rectangular and have the same height.
11. A pouch (10) according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein the cover flap (12)
is connected to the front wall of the pocket (22) by way of a connecting means.
12. A pouch (10) according to anyone of the previous claims which contains tobacco.
13. A pouch (10) according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein the pocket front
wall (22) and the pocket rear wall (24) are permanently sealed to each other on their
side and bottom edges of the pocket front wall (22) and the pocket rear wall (24)
by thermo sealing, cold sealing, ultrasound sealing or an adhesive.
14. A pouch (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the force for opening the permanent
seal is from 20 to 30 Newton for 35 millimeters peeling distance as measured by the
peel force test for pouches.
15. A method of preparing a pouch (10) according to any of the proceeding claims comprising
the steps of
providing a first rectangular sheet,
placing a second rectangular sheet on the first sheet, the second rectangular sheet
having essentially the same width and being shorter than the first rectangular sheet,
permanently sealing along a mirror folding line (16) and the side edges (36) to form
a first and a second pocket (18,20),
optionally weakening the mirror folding line (16),
filling consumer goods into the first and the second pocket (18,20), so that these
consumer goods are within the first and the second pocket (18,20) after a folding
step,
permanently or reclosably sealing the access opening to close the first and second
pocket (18,20),
folding both ends of the first rectangular sheet each twice by about 180 degrees to
each form a cover and an extension flap (14), such that each extension flap (14) is
arranged between a pocket front wall (22) and a cover flap (12),
adhering the inner surface of the extension flap (14) to the inner surface of the
cover flap (12),
optionally connecting the cover panel by way of a connecting means,
folding the first and the second pocket (18,20) about the mirror folding line (16),
and
optionally connecting the two pockets by way of a connecting means.
1. Beutel (10) in seiner geschlossenen Stellung, der eine erste Tasche (18) und eine
zweite Tasche (20) aufweist,
wobei die erste Tasche (18) und die zweite Tasche (20) um eine Spiegelfaltlinie (16)
herum symmetrisch sind,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sowohl die erste als auch die zweite Tasche (18, 20) aufweist
- eine Taschenvorderwand (22) und eine Taschenrückwand (24),
- eine Zugangsöffnung, wobei die Zugangsöffnung zwischen den oberen Kanten der Taschenvorderwand
(22) und der Taschenrückwand (24) vorgesehen ist,
- eine Abdeckklappe (12), wobei sich die Abdeckklappe (12) von der Taschenrückwand
(24) erstreckt, und
- eine Erweiterungsklappe (14), wobei sich die Erweiterungsklappe (14) von der Abdeckklappe
(12) erstreckt,
wobei die Abdeckklappe (12) über die Taschenvorderwand (22) gefaltet ist,
wobei die Erweiterungsklappe (14) nach innen gefaltet ist, sodass sie zwischen der
Taschenvorderwand (22) und der Abdeckklappe (12) angeordnet ist,
wobei die Innenfläche der Erweiterungsklappe (14) an der Innenfläche der Abdeckklappe
(12) anhaftet.
2. Tasche (10) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die erste Tasche (18) und die zweite Tasche (20)
durch ein Verbindungsmittel verbunden sind.
3. Beutel (10) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Spiegelfaltlinie (16)
eine Schwächungslinie ist.
4. Tasche (10) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Innenfläche der Erweiterungsklappe
(14) an der Innenfläche der Abdeckklappe (12) ablösbar befestigt ist.
5. Beutel (10) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Kraft zum Öffnen der
ablösbar angehafteten Abdeckklappe (12) wie gemessen durch den Ablösekrafttest für
Beutel zwischen 1 Newton und 10 Newton für eine Ablösedistanz von 35 Millimeter beträgt.
6. Beutel (10) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die ablösbare Anhaftung mindestens
eines ist von einer chemischen Verbindung, wie ein Klebstoff, eine Thermoabdichtung,
eine Kaltabdichtung, eine Ultraschallabdichtung, einer mechanischen Verbindung, wie
ein Klettverschluss, ein Klettband oder eine Mikrosaugfläche, oder einer elektrostatischen
Verbindung.
7. Beutel (10) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die ablösbare Haftung nicht
wiederverschließbar ist.
8. Beutel (10) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei in der geschlossenen Stellung
der Tasche die Abdeckklappe (12) im Wesentlichen die Vorderwand der Tasche (22) abdeckt.
9. Beutel (10) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei in der geschlossenen Stellung
des Beutels (10) die Abdeckklappe (12) 95 Prozent bis 100 Prozent der Fläche der Vorderwand
der Tasche (22) abdeckt.
10. Beutel (10) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Taschenvorderwand (22)
und die Taschenrückwand (24) rechteckig sind und die gleiche Höhe aufweisen.
11. Tasche (10) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Abdeckklappe (12) mit
der Vorderwand der Tasche (22) über ein Verbindungsmittel verbunden ist.
12. Beutel (10) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, der Tabak enthält.
13. Beutel (10) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Taschenvorderwand (22)
und die Taschenrückwand (24) an ihren Seiten- und Unterkanten der Taschenvorderwand
(22) und der Taschenrückwand (24) durch Thermoschweißen, Kaltschweißen, Ultraschallschweißen
oder einen Klebstoff dauerhaft zueinander abgedichtet sind.
14. Beutel (10) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Kraft zum Öffnen der
permanenten Abdichtung wie gemessen durch den Ablösekrafttest für Beutel 20 bis 30
Newton für eine Ablösedistanz von 35 Millimeter beträgt.
15. Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Beutels (10) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche,
aufweisend die Schritte
Bereitstellen eines ersten rechteckigen Flächengebildes,
Platzieren eines zweiten rechteckigen Flächengebildes auf dem ersten Flächengebilde,
wobei das zweite rechteckige Flächengebilde im Wesentlichen die gleiche Breite wie
das erste rechteckige Flächengebilde aufweist und kürzer als dieses ist,
dauerhaft Abdichten entlang einer Spiegelfaltlinie (16) und den Seitenrändern (36),
um eine erste und eine zweite Tasche (18, 20) zu bilden,
optional Schwächen der Spiegelfaltlinie (16),
Füllen von Konsumgütern in die erste und die zweite Tasche (18, 20), sodass diese
Konsumgüter sich nach einem Faltschritt in der ersten und der zweiten Tasche (18,
20) befinden,
dauerhaft oder wiederverschließbar Abdichten der Zugangsöffnung, um die erste und
die zweite Tasche (18, 20) zu schließen,
Falten der beiden Enden des ersten rechteckigen Flächengebildes jeweils zweimal um
ungefähr 180 Grad, um jeweils eine Abdeck- und eine Erweiterungsklappe (14) zu bilden,
sodass jede Erweiterungsklappe (14) zwischen einer Taschenvorderwand (22) und einer
Abdeckklappe (12) angeordnet ist,
Anhaften der Innenfläche der Erweiterungsklappe (14) an der Innenfläche der Abdeckklappe
(12),
optional Verbinden der Abdeckplatte mittels eines Verbindungsmittels,
Falten der ersten und der zweiten Tasche (18, 20) um die Spiegelfaltlinie (16) und
optional Verbinden der zwei Taschen mittels eines Verbindungsmittels.
1. Pochette (10) dans sa position fermée comprenant une première poche (18) et une deuxième
poche (20),
dans lequel la première poche (18) et la deuxième poche (20) sont symétriques autour
d'une ligne de pliage en miroir (16),
caractérisé en ce que chacune de la première et de la deuxième poche (18, 20) comprend
- une paroi avant de poche (22) et une paroi arrière de poche (24),
- une ouverture d'accès, dans laquelle l'ouverture d'accès est fournie entre les bords
supérieurs de la paroi avant de poche (22) et la paroi arrière de poche (24),
- un rabat de couvercle (12), dans lequel le rabat de couvercle (12) s'étend à partir
de la paroi arrière de poche (24), et
- un rabat d'extension (14), dans lequel le rabat d'extension (14) s'étend à partir
du rabat de couvercle (12),
dans lequel le rabat de couvercle (12) est plié sur la paroi avant de la poche (22),
dans lequel le rabat d'extension (14) est plié à l'intérieur de manière à ce qu'il
soit agencé entre la paroi avant de poche (22) et le rabat de couvercle (12),
dans lequel la surface interne du rabat d'extension (14) adhère à la surface interne
du rabat de couvercle (12).
2. Pochette (10) selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle la première poche (18) et la
deuxième poche (20) sont reliées par le biais d'un moyen de connexion.
3. Pochette (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle
la ligne de pliage en miroir (16) est une ligne d'affaiblissement.
4. Pochette (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle
la surface intérieure du rabat d'extension (14) adhère de manière pelable à la surface
intérieure du rabat de couvercle (12).
5. Pochette (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle
la force pour l'ouverture du rabat de couvercle adhérent de manière pelable (12) est
de 1 Newton à 10 Newton pour une distance de pelage de 35 millimètres telle que mesurée
par le test de force de pelage pour les pochettes.
6. Pochette (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle
l'adhérence pelable est au moins une d'une connexion chimique telle qu'un adhésif,
un thermoscellage, un scellage à froid, un scellage à ultrasons, une connexion mécanique
telle qu'une attache auto-agrippante, un velcro ou une surface de micro-aspiration,
ou une connexion électrostatique.
7. Pochette (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle
l'adhérence de pelage n'est pas refermable.
8. Pochette (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle,
dans la position fermée de la poche, le rabat de couvercle (12) recouvre sensiblement
la paroi avant de la poche (22).
9. Pochette (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle,
dans la position fermée de la pochette (10), le rabat de couvercle (12) recouvre de
95 pour cent à 100 pour cent de la zone de surface de la paroi avant de la poche (22).
10. Poche (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle la
paroi avant de poche (22) et la paroi arrière de poche (24) sont rectangulaires et
ont la même hauteur.
11. Pochette (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle
le rabat de couvercle (12) est relié à la paroi avant de poche (22) par le biais d'un
moyen de connexion.
12. Pochette (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, qui contient
du tabac.
13. Pochette (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle
la paroi avant de poche (22) et la paroi arrière de poche (24) sont scellées de façon
permanente l'une à l'autre sur les bords latéraux et inférieurs de la paroi avant
de poche (22) et sur la paroi arrière de poche (24) par thermoscellage, étanchéité
à froid, étanchéité à ultrasons ou un adhésif.
14. Pochette (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle
la force pour l'ouverture du joint permanent est de 20 à 30 Newton pour une distance
de pelage de 35 millimètres telle que mesurée par le test de force de pelage pour
des pochettes.
15. Procédé de préparation d'une pochette (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications
précédentes comprenant les étapes de
la fourniture d'une première feuille rectangulaire,
le placement d'une deuxième feuille rectangulaire sur la première feuille, la deuxième
feuille rectangulaire ayant essentiellement la même largeur et étant plus courte que
la première feuille rectangulaire,
le scellage permanent le long d'une ligne de pliage en miroir (16) et des bords latéraux
(36) pour former une première et une deuxième poche (18, 20),
éventuellement l'affaiblissement de la ligne de pliage en miroir (16),
le remplissage des biens de consommation dans la première et la deuxième poche (18,
20), afin que ces biens de consommation se trouvent dans la première et la deuxième
poche (18, 20) après une étape de pliage,
le scellement de façon permanente ou refermable de l'ouverture d'accès pour fermer
la première et la deuxième poche (18, 20),
le pliage des deux extrémités de la première feuille rectangulaire chacune deux fois
d'environ 180 degrés pour que chacune forme un couvercle et un rabat d'extension (14),
de sorte que chaque rabat d'extension (14) soit agencé entre une paroi avant de poche
(22) et un rabat de couvercle (12),
l'adhérence de la surface intérieure du rabat d'extension (14) à la surface intérieure
du rabat de couvercle (12),
la connexion éventuellement du panneau de couverture par le biais d'un moyen de connexion,
le pliage de la première et de la deuxième poche (18, 20) autour de la ligne de pliage
en miroir (16), et
la connexion éventuellement des deux poches par le biais d'une moyen de connexion.