POUCH FOR A CIGARETTE PAPER BOOKLET, CIGARETTE PAPER DISPENSER, FLEXIBLE SHEET LAMINATE FOR MANUFACTURING A POUCH AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A POUCH

Abstract

 A pouch (14) for at least one cigarette paper booklet (12) is described. The pouch (14) provides a compartment for accommodation of at least one cigarette paper booklet (12). The compartment has at least one slot (16) through which a paper sheet of the cigarette paper booklet can extend. Further, the compartment is permanently closed on all sides except the at least one slot (16). The pouch (14) comprises a lid portion (20) for covering the slot (16). The pouch (14) has at least one attachment portion (23) with a first attachment means (24) for being releasably attached to a surface of the remainder of the pouch (14). At least the attachment portion (23) is formed by a flexible sheet laminate comprising a first layer and a second layer. The first attachment means (24) is arranged at the first layer (36) in a section in which the first layer (36) is at least partially peelable with respect to the second layer. Alternatively, the first attachment means (24) is arranged at the first layer in a section in which the second layer is at least partially peelable with respect to the first layer. Further, a blank for manufacturing a pouch (14) and a cigarette paper dispenser (10) are disclosed as well as methods of manufacturing a pouch (14) and a cigarette dispenser (10).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a pouch for a cigarette paper booklet and to a cigarette paper dispenser comprising a pouch and a cigarette paper booklet. The invention further relates to a flexible sheet laminate for manufacturing a pouch for a cigarette paper booklet and to a method of manufacturing a pouch for a cigarette paper booklet as well as a method of manufacturing a cigarette paper dispenser.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Cigarette paper for hand-rolling cigarettes is available in booklets that contain a plurality of individual paper sheets. For reasons of comfort the booklets are stored in cigarette paper dispensers which are generally known in the art. A cigarette paper dispenser usually comprises a box containing a stack of cigarette papers and a folding lid coupled to the box by a hinge. Each of the cigarette papers can be retrieved separately from the box through a slot through which a free end of the top one of the cigarette papers extends.

[0003] EP 1 651 066 A2, for example, discloses a cigarette paper dispenser for storing and supplying small paper sheets of cigarette paper for self-made cigarettes. Said cigarette paper dispenser comprises a box containing at least one stack of small paper sheets of cigarette paper. The top paper sheet of said stack extends through a slot that is allocated to the stack and is located on the top face of the box. A flap lid which covers the slot located on the top face of the box in the closed state is hinged to the box. The small covering sheet of the stack, i.e. the small paper sheet placed on top in the new state of the cigarette paper dispenser, is embodied in a manner that is different from the other small paper sheets of the stack. The flap lid is fixed, preferably glued, to the box in the new state of the cigarette paper dispenser such that said flap lid cannot be lifted up.

[0004] GB 2 208 350 A shows a tobacco pouch including a first compartment for storing tobacco and a second compartment for storing a packet of cigarette papers. The packet is inserted through a first slot, and the papers are sequentially obtained through a second slot. The first slot is closed by an adhesive strip.

[0005] It is generally desirable for smokers to protect their cigarette papers from moisture, splash water, dust and dirt. The cigarette paper dispensers known in the art are usually made from blanks of thick paper or thin cardboard which are folded according to complex patterns. These materials can only offer limited protection against humidity. Producing a cigarette paper dispenser from other materials in the same manner, however, would make the manufacturing process more complicated and increase the production costs because not many suitable materials can be folded like paper or carton and other production methods like plastic molding require expensive machines. Irrespective of that, the lids of the known dispensers usually do not provide an all-round coverage of the dispenser.

SUMMARY

[0006] It is an object of the invention to better protect the cigarette papers contained in a cigarette paper booklet at reasonable costs.

[0007] According to an aspect of the invention, a pouch for at least one cigarette paper booklet is provided. The pouch provides a compartment for accommodation of at least one cigarette paper booklet which can be an open tray encompassing a stack of paper sheets or a box with a slot for retrieving separate paper sheets from the stack inside the box, for example. The paper booklet can be only a stack of paper sheets, a stack of paper sheets including an open tray partially encompassing the stack of paper sheets or a box entirely encompassing the stack of paper sheets except for a slit for retrieving separate paper sheets from the stack inside the box, for example. Accordingly, the term booklet does not necessarily imply that there are additional walls around the stack of paper sheets inside the compartment. The compartment has at least one slot through which a paper sheet of the cigarette paper booklet can extend. The paper sheets in the stack of paper sheets are advantageously interleaved. This provides that a subsequent paper sheet is at least partially pulled out of a slot/slit when the preceding paper is removed. Further, the compartment is permanently closed on all sides except the at least one slot. The pouch comprises a lid portion for covering the slot when the pouch is closed. The pouch also comprises an attachment portion having a first attachment means for being releasably attached to a surface of the remainder of the pouch. At least the attachment portion is formed by a flexible sheet laminate comprising a first layer and a second layer wherein the first attachment means are arranged at the first layer in a section in which the first layer is at least partially peelable with respect to the second layer.

[0008] The compartment for the paper booklet can be permanently closed and sealed on all sides except for the slot. This can be done by a permanent adhesive or welding. Permanent adhesives are adhesives that cannot be repeatedly released and resealed without significant loss of adhesion strength. The same applies to welding.

[0009] The attachment means can comprise a non-permanent adhesive. Non-permanent adhesives can be released and resealed without significant loss of adhesion strength for a number of at least five release-and-reseal cycles, or at least ten release-and-reseal cycles or at least twenty release-and-reseal cycles.

[0010] The skilled person is well aware of suitable permanent and non-permanent adhesives that can be used. Exemplary embodiments of non-permanent adhesives to be used herein include pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA).

[0011] In other words, a non-permanent adhesive can be provided between the first layer and the second layer.

[0012] The pouch according to the invention closely surrounds the cigarette paper booklet(s) since its overall dimensions are adapted to the overall dimensions of the paper booklet(s). This means that the pouch is only dedicated to the one or more paper booklet(s) and it is not intended to accommodate anything else additionally, for instance loose tobacco.

[0013] Further, the pouch surrounding the cigarette paper booklet(s) ensures an additional protection of the paper sheets as it protects the cigarette paper booklet(s) from splash water, moisture, dirt and dust. It is to be noted that water, dirt, etc. cannot reach the paper sheets through the slot(s) through which the individual paper sheets can be grabbed since the lid portion of the pouch - in its closed position - covers the slot(s). However, since the lid portion is releasably attached to a surface of the remainder of the pouch, the consumer can open and close the lid portion as often as he/she wants to retrieve a paper sheet and to protect the paper booklet afterwards, respectively.

[0014] In addition, the pouch has adhesive means being protected as the first and second layer are facing each other when the lid portion does not close the slot(s). Accordingly, it is ensured that no dirt or anything else sticks to the attachment means impairing the function of the attachment means when a consumer grabs a paper sheet. The protective function of the attachment portion, in particular the attachment means, is provided by the restoring force of the partially peelable first layer which forces the first layer to get into contact with the second layer when the lid portion is opened. Accordingly, the pouch comprises an integrated adhesive means for releasably sealing the compartment as the adhesive means is an integral part of the flexible sheet laminate which forms the lid portion at least.

[0015] In the pouch of the present invention, the integrated attachment means is formed in the attachment portion of the pouch which can be formed of a flexible sheet laminate. The integrated attachment means is formed by a part of the first layer of the flexible sheet laminate. The first layer comprises an inner surface facing an inner surface of the second layer of the flexible sheet laminate corresponding to the section of the first layer to which the attachment means is applied. Hence, the attachment means is applied to the inner surface of the first layer.

[0016] The integrated attachment means being arranged at the first layer is at least partially peelable from the second layer of the flexible sheet laminate such that the pouch can be closed by peeling the integrated attachment means from the second layer and pressing the integrated attachment means against a surface of the remainder of the pouch. By closing the pouch via the lid portion, the compartment encompassed by the pouch is also sealed.

[0017] The integrated attachment means is integrated into the pouch without the need for additional material and without the need for further application steps. Since the integrated attachment means is formed into pre-existing material of the pouch, the integrated attachment means does not stick-out from the surface of the pouch and the integrated attachment means can be positioned freely within the pouch. It is not necessary that the integrated attachment means is located at a position which is easily accessible for subsequent application.

[0018] Furthermore, since the attachment means of the present invention is physically integrated into one of the walls of the pouch, the integrated attachment means cannot be lost during use of the pouch.

[0019] According to a simple design, the first attachment means are formed by a releasable adhesive being applied to the section of the first layer. The usage of the releasable adhesive to adhere the attachment portion to a surface of the remainder of the pouch in a releasable manner provides a very simple design. The releasable adhesive can be applied to the first layer easily.

[0020] According to another aspect, at least one second attachment means is provided which is arranged at the first layer in a section in which the first layer is at least partially peelable with respect to the second layer. Alternatively, the second attachment means is arranged at the second layer in a section in which the second layer is at least partially peelable with respect to the first layer. The second attachment means can be used when the first attachment means does not work anymore, for instance because of dirt impairing the adhesion of the releasable adhesive.

[0021] Preferably, the second attachment means can be peeled off completely such that they can be attached to the attachment portion, for instance the lid portion. Then, the attachment portion has an alternate attachment means which can be used for closing the pouch. According to this embodiment, the second attachment means can be formed by a section of the second layer to which an adhesive is applied.

[0022] Alternatively, the second attachment means can be provided by a section of the first layer and an adhesive applied thereon wherein the section is arranged on an outer surface of the remainder interacting with the lid portion. The second layer is partially peeled off completely for providing a new attachment means which can be used instead of the first one which does not work anymore.

[0023] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the first layer and/or the second layer are or is partially cut by a laser such that the first and/or the second attachment means are or is at least partially peelable with respect to the second layer and with respect to the first layer, respectively. The integrated first and second attachment means form one piece with the remainder of the pouch as long as they are only partially cut. This means that the integrated attachment means is still continuously connected with the remaining part of the first layer and/or the second layer of the flexible sheet laminate of the pouch by a remaining physical connection. The integrated attachment means cannot be peeled off intentionally or unintentionally without destroying said remaining physical connection. Preferably, the integrated attachment means remains physically connected to the remaining flexible sheet laminate of the pouch such that the attachment means is partially peelable from the second layer and can be hinged away along said physical connection.

[0024] The laser cuts only the first layer or the second layer ensuring that the dedicated layer is at least partly peelable with respect to the other one.

[0025] According to another aspect, at least the second attachment means can be peeled off completely resulting in second attachment means which can be replaced from a portion of the pouch which does not interact with the attachment portion to the attachment portion directly or to another portion interacting with the attachment portion.

[0026] Preferably, the lid portion or the surface of the remainder of the pouch interacting with the lid portion comprises the attachment portion. The attachment means being arranged at the first layer can be provided at the lid portion or at the surface of the remainder interacting with the lid portion. Typically, the first layer partially and the attachment means are peelable with respect to the second layer when the attachment portion is provided at the lid portion. Alternatively or complementary, the second layer can be partially peeled off completely with respect to the first layer in order uncover the first attachment means when the attachment portion is provided at the surface of the remainder of the pouch. However, this is also applicable for embodiments having the attachment portion provided at the lid portion.

[0027] Advantageously, all portions of the pouch are parts of a single blank, in particular a blank made of a flexible sheet laminate. This means that the entire pouch is made from one blank without any further substantial portions of the pouch being connected to the one blank. Using basically a single component for manufacturing the pouch facilitates the assembly process of the pouch - there is no need to connect different components and to seal corresponding connections, for example - and is also advantageous with respect to transport and storage prior to the assembly.

[0028] Particularly, the upper portion and the bottom portion have very similar dimensions with respect to opposite first and second long sides and opposite first and second short sides. Such a blank with basically identically bottom and upper portions is easy to cut. The lid portion preferably has the same dimensions regarding the long sides.

[0029] According to an aspect, the compartment of the paper booklet is sealed on all sides except for the slot(s). Such a configuration ensures that the possible entry sites for water, dirt etc. are reduced to the necessary minimum, for instance the slots through which the paper sheets are extracted by the user.

[0030] Further, at least the flexible sheet laminate may be made of polyethylene (PE) and/or oriented polypropylene (OPP). These materials are flexible and water-repellent. Hence, it is ensured that a splash-proof material is used for accommodating the cigarette paper booklet(s). In addition, these materials, in particular the open ends, can readily be sealed by welding or gluing, for example. Other flexible water-repellent materials may be suitable as well.

[0031] According to an embodiment, an extracting layer is provided on a surface of the lid portion facing towards the at least one slot when the slot is covered by the lid portion such that the extracting layer interacts with the first paper sheet of the cigarette paper booklet. The extracting layer ensures that a consumer can easily grab the first paper sheet when he opens the pouch, in particular the lid portion.

[0032] Particularly, the extracting layer is made by an adhesive, in particular a soft adhesive. The first paper sheet sticks to the adhesive such that the opening of the lid portion extracts the first paper sheet partly. A soft adhesive is preferred as this ensures that the second and further paper sheets do not stick to the extracting layer which might impair their extract. The second and further paper sheets will be partly extracted due to the folding of the whole stack.

[0033] Generally, the paper sheets are stapled such that extracting the first paper sheet results in extracting the second paper sheet partly such that it can easily be grabbed by the consumer. This also applies for the next paper sheets which means that grabbing a paper sheet results in extracting the next paper sheet partly.

[0034] The present invention also provides a blank for manufacturing a pouch for a cigarette paper booklet described above. The blank comprises three adjacent rectangular portions corresponding to the upper portion, the bottom portion and the lid portion.

[0035] According to an aspect, the bottom portion and/or the upper portion have or has attachment zones at the upper edge and/or the side edges. The bottom and the upper portion can be connected to each other, in particular sealed to each other, when the attachment zones are sealed by welding, gluing or melting, for instance. The sealing of the attachment zones ensures that the compartment is completely sealed except the slot(s).

[0036] Particularly, the blank comprises a first layer and a second layer. The first layer may be partly cut by a laser such that the first layer is partially peelable with respect to the second layer or vice versa. The partially peelable first layer can comprise attachment means which are used for sealing the slot(s) provided within the flexible sheet laminate when the attachment means are pressed on an outer surface of the remainder of the pouch. Accordingly, a blank is obtained having at least an integrated attachment means. The manufacturing process of a resealable pouch is simplified due to such a blank.

[0037] The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing a pouch described above from a blank described above. According to an aspect, the attachment zones of the upper portion and the corresponding attachment zones of the bottom portion are sealed with each other in order to seal the compartment of the pouch on all sides except for the slot(s).

[0038] Since the pouch comprises an integrated attachment means, the process of manufacturing the pouch of the invention is less prone to failure compared to the manufacturing process of prior art pouches comprising a separate adhesive tab because further application steps to arrange the extra material for the separate adhesive tab are avoided.

[0039] Further, the upper portion and/or lid portion may be folded around a folding line so that it rests on the bottom portion or the upper portion. The lid portion is folded to the bottom portion or the upper portion depending on the size of the lid portion. The upper portion will always be folded about a folding line such that it rests on the bottom portion.

[0040] The present invention also provides a cigarette paper dispenser comprising the pouch described above, preferably manufactured as described above from a blank described above. According to an aspect, the cigarette paper dispenser also comprises at least one cigarette paper booklet being accommodated in the compartment of the pouch.

[0041] The paper booklet may include only a single stack of paper sheets or several stacks of paper sheets. In any case, the compartment of the pouch has a slot for each stack of paper sheets so that a paper sheet can be retrieved from any of the stacks without the need of rearranging the paper booklet in the pouch.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the first paper sheet of the cigarette paper booklet is folded in a spring-like manner such that at least a part of the first paper sheet extends through the slot when the lid portion is opened due to the restoring force of the folded first paper sheet. This ensures that the first paper sheet can easily be grabbed by a consumer when the surrounding pouch is opened via its lid portion. The adhering force of the attachment means is higher than the restoring force of the folded first paper sheet which guarantees that the cigarette paper dispenser remains in its closed state when the lid portion is closed.

[0043] According to another embodiment, the first paper sheet of the cigarette paper booklet sticks at least partly to an extracting layer provided at the lid portion such that the first paper sheet is at least partly extracted when the lid portion is opened via the extracting layer. The extracting layer ensures that a consumer can easily grab the first paper sheet when he opens the pouch, in particular the lid portion. The extracting layer extracts the first paper sheet out of the compartment at least partly. After opening the pouch, the first paper sheet of the stack of paper sheets is presented to the consumer in a known manner as in a common cigarette paper booklet without any surrounding pouch or pouch, the first paper sheet is extracted partly during the manufacturing process of the cigarette paper booklet by vacuum.

[0044] Further, the paper booklet may include several stacks of paper sheets and the compartment has a slot for each stack of paper sheets. This embodiment ensures that the consumer can choose between different paper sheets. For instance, different sizes, colors, materials of paper sheets can be accommodated within the compartment of one cigarette paper dispenser.

[0045] The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing a cigarette paper dispenser described above with a pouch according described above. Particularly, the pouch is manufactured as described above from a blank described above. According to an aspect, a paper booklet is placed on the bottom portion and the upper portion is folded about a folding line such that the upper portion rests on the bottom portion. The paper booklet is arranged on the bottom portion such that its opening aligns with the slot within the pouch, in particular the upper portion to be folded. This ensures that the paper sheets can be grabbed by the consumer via the slot and the opening. Afterwards, the attachment zones are sealed providing a complete sealing of the compartment.

[0046] According to another aspect, the first layer is partially peeled with respect to the second layer and the lid portion is attached to an outer surface of a remainder of the pouch. The integrated attachment means is peeled such that the lid portion can be attached to the outer surface of the remainder of the pouch.

[0047] In general, the first or second layer is never peeled off in its entirety. Hence, it is described that the first or second layer are partially peeled in order to highlight that just a part or a section of the first layer or the second layer is peeled.

[0048] Further, this part or section of the first layer or the second layer can be peeled partly or completely as the part or section of the dedicated layer can still be connected to the remainder of the pouch via a physical connection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0049] Further aspects and characteristics of the invention ensue from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein

FIG. 1 is a simplified top view of an embodiment of cigarette paper dispenser including a pouch and a cigarette paper booklet accommodated therein with an open lid portion;

FIG. 2 is a detail top view of the closed lid portion of the cigarette paper dispenser;

FIG. 3 is a simplified sectional view of the lid portion in an open state;

FIG. 4 is a simplified sectional view of the lid portion in a closed state;

FIG. 5 is a detail top view of the remainder of the pouch to which the lid portion can be attached according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a detail top view of the remainder of the pouch to which the lid portion can be attached according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a simplified side view of another embodiment of cigarette paper dispenser including a pouch and a cigarette paper booklet accommodated therein with an open lid portion;

FIG. 8 is a simplified top view of another embodiment of cigarette paper dispenser including a pouch and a cigarette paper booklet accommodated therein with an open lid portion; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic top view of a blank for manufacturing a pouch.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES EMBODIMENTS

[0050] The cigarette paper dispenser 10 shown in FIG. 1 mainly comprises a cigarette paper booklet 12 and a flexible pouch 14 surrounding the paper booklet 12. The cigarette paper booklet 12 is not visible as it is accommodated in the pouch 14.

[0051] The paper booklet 12 contains a plurality of individual cigarette paper sheets that can be retrieved separately from the paper booklet 12. In a very simple form, the paper booklet 12 is just a paper or cardboard tray surrounding a stack of paper sheets at three sides so that the individual paper sheets can be taken from the open fourth side. The paper booklet 12 may also be a paper or cardboard box fully surrounding a stack of paper sheets except for an opening through which the individual paper sheets can be grabbed.

[0052] In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1 the paper booklet 12 is a so-called double booklet, for instance two stacks of paper sheets are held in a single box. Of course, the paper booklet 12 itself (i. e. not the paper sheets contained therein) may also be made from other materials than paper or cardboard.

[0053] The pouch 14 surrounding the paper booklet 12 is made from or coated with an at least splash-proof material like polyethylene (PE) or oriented polypropylene (OPP), for example. The pouch 14 provides a compartment for the paper booklet 12 which is fully closed on all sides, except for a slot 16 for each stack of paper sheets formed in an upper portion 18 of the pouch 14. Accordingly, in the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the pouch 14 has two slots 16 for the two stacks of paper sheets wherein the first paper sheets 19 of each stack are extracted partly as will be described later.

[0054] Apart from the compartment, the pouch 14 includes a lid portion 20 for covering the slots 16. The lid portion 20 can be folded upwards and downwards around a folding line 22 which extends along a lateral side of the compartment.

[0055] It is to be noted that the pouch 14 does not contain any additional compartment for tobacco, a lighter, matches or the like. Rather, the overall dimensions of the pouch 14 are adapted to the overall dimensions of the paper booklet 12, so that the pouch 14 snugly surrounds the paper booklet 12.

[0056] In the shown embodiment, the lid portion 20 comprises an attachment portion 23 provided with an attachment means 24 that can be releasably attached to an outer surface of the pouch 14. The function and design of the attachment means 24 will be described later with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

[0057] The close state of the pouch 14 is shown in Figure 2 wherein the lid portion 20 closes and seals the slots 16.

[0058] The lid portion 20 can be sized such that the lid portion 20 is folded about a lower edge 26 of the pouch 14 as shown in Figure 2. Then, the attachment means 24 can be attached to an outer surface of a bottom portion 28 of the pouch 14 being opposite to the upper portion 18.

[0059] The pouch 14 also has an upper edge 30 being provided at the rim of the lid portion 20 in the closed state which coincides with the folding line 22. The manufacturing of the cigarette paper dispenser 10 will be described in the following.

[0060] The pouch 14 is made from a single blank 50 that can be virtually divided into three adjacent rectangular portions (please refer to Figure 9). The three portions correspond to the upper portion 18, the bottom portion 28 and the lid portion 20, respectively, in accordance with their positions and function in the assembled state of the pouch 14. The top and bottom portions 18, 28 are subdivided by another folding line 31 whereas the lid portion 20 is separated from the bottom portion 28 by the folding line 22. In general, the folding line 22 corresponds to the common long side of the bottom portion 28 and the lid portion 20 whereas the folding line 31 corresponds to the lower edge 26 of the pouch 14.

[0061] In the upper portion 18, the slots 16 are already cut out which later grant access to the stacks of paper sheets.

[0062] The single blank 50 comprises several attachment zones. The upper portion 18 has an attachment zone 32 within the area of the lower edge 26 of the folded pouch 14 which means in the area of the free end of the upper portion 18. Further, the upper portion 18 comprises attachment zones 34, 35 at the sides.

[0063] The bottom portion 28 has corresponding attachment zones 32, 34, 35 which interact with the attachment zones 32, 34, 35 of the upper portion 18 when the upper portion 18 is folded about the folding line 31 as described later.

[0064] In general, the upper portion 18 has three attachment zones 32, 34, 35 as well as the bottom portion 28 does.

[0065] For manufacturing the dispenser 10, the paper booklet 12 is placed on the bottom portion 28. In order to build the compartment around the paper booklet(s) 12, the upper portion 18 is folded about the folding line 31 until the long attachment zone 32 and the two short attachment zones 34, 35 at the side edges rest on the corresponding attachment zones 32, 34, 35 of the bottom portion 28.

[0066] In this folded state, the free long side of the upper portion 18 basically coincides with the folding line 22, and the slots 16 formed in the upper portion 18 are positioned above the paper booklet 12.

[0067] After the folding step, the attachment zones 32, 34, 35 of the upper and bottom portions 18, 28 are sealed with each other. The sealing is performed in a manner so that the resulting sealing connections of the attachment zones 32, 34, 35 are at least splash-proof.

[0068] Of course, the paper booklet 12 can also be placed between the upper portion 18 and the bottom portion 28 during or after the step of folding the upper portion 18 about the folding line 31.

[0069] If the pouch 14 comprises more than one stack of paper sheets (without having additional surrounding walls on all sides of the stack(s) of paper sheets) and a corresponding number of slots 16 for retrieving the paper sheets of each of the stacks through a slot 16, there can be an additional sealing/welding or seam (or attachment portion) 52 in the upper portion 18 of the pouch 14 and between the slots 16. Along the additional attachment portion 52 or seal, the upper portion 18 and the bottom portion 28 of the pouch 14 are permanently coupled/attached to each other by welding or a permanent adhesive or the like.

[0070] Finally, the lid portion 20 is folded along the folding line 22 such that it rests on the upper portion 18 or the bottom portion 28. This depends on the size of the lid portion 20, in particular the length of its short edges. The lid portion 20 is attached to the remainder of the pouch 14 such that the slots 16 are closed and sealed. This will be described hereinafter with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

[0071] In this embodiment, at least the lid portion 20 is made of a flexible sheet laminate comprising a first layer 36 and a second layer 38 as can be seen in Figures 3 and 4 wherein the lid portion 20 is partly shown in an open state (Figure 3) and in a closed state (Figure 4). However, the other portions of the pouch 14 can also be made of the flexible sheet laminate.

[0072] The first layer 36 is partly cut such that the first layer 36 has a section 40 which can be peeled with respect to the second layer 38. In the shown embodiment, a releasable adhesive 42 is applied to the inner surface of the section 40 which faces an inner surface of the second layer 38 when the first layer 36 is not partially peeled. The section 40 and the releasable adhesive 42 applied thereto form the attachment means 24.

[0073] The first layer 36 is cut with respect to the second layer 38 by a laser which ensures that an exact cut can be realized. Accordingly, the first layer 36 and the second layer 38 are still connected to each other via a physical connection 44 which acts as a hinge for the first layer 36 when it is partially peeled, in particular the section 40 of the first layer 36.

[0074] In general, when the first layer 36 is partially peeled, the section 40 and the releasable adhesive 42 applied to its inner surface are also peeled which results in a peeling of the attachment means 24.

[0075] Due to the restoring force of the physical connection 44, the first layer 36 is always restored in its origin position in which the inner surfaces of the first layer 36 and the second layer 38 are facing and contacting each other. This ensures that the releasable adhesive 42 will not get polluted by dirt which would impair the adhseive function.

[0076] In addition, the physical connection 44 ensures that the attachment means 24 cannot get lost as it is connected to the remainder of the pouch 14.

[0077] According to Figure 4, the lid portion 20 can be attached to an outer surface of the remainder of the pouch 14 by peeling the first layer 36 partially, in particular the attachment means 24, such that the releasable adhesive 42 contacts the outer surface of the bottom portion 28 or the upper portion 18 depending on the size of the lid portion 20.

[0078] Another embodiment is shown in Figures 5 and 6 wherein second attachment means 46 are provided at the pouch 14 on an outer surface of the remainder of the pouch 14 with respect to the lid portion 20. This remainder of the pouch 14 may be the bottom portion 28 or the top portion 18.

[0079] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the first attachment means 24 (dashed line) is provided on the inner surface of the lid portion 20 which faces the outer surface of the remainder of the pouch 14 in its closed state. This first attachment means 24 provides the originally intended closing mechanism.

[0080] The second attachment means 46 can be used when the first attachment means 24 does not work anymore, for instance because of dirt.

[0081] According to one aspect, the second attachment means 46 are provided by the partially peelable second layer 38 wherein the second layer 38 also comprises a releasable adhesive. Hence, the second attachment means 46 can be peeled off completely and afterwards attached to the lid portion 20 such that the lid portion 20 can be attached to the outer surface of the pouch 14 via the attached second attachment means 46 being peeled off before (please refer to Figure 6). The lower right second attachment means 46 has been used to close the lid portion 20. This second attachment means 46 has been peeled off completely as can be seen.

[0082] Further, the second attachment means 46 can be provided within an area in the upper portion 18 which is normally covered by the lid portion 20 when the pouch 14 is closed.

[0083] Figure 7 shows another embodiment in a simplified side view wherein the lid portion 20 is opened. The first paper sheets 19 of each stack is folded in a springlike manner which ensures that an end of the first paper sheet 19 jumps out when the pouch 14 is opened due to the restoring force of the first paper sheet 19, in particular when the lid portion 20 is opened. Then, a customer can grab the first paper sheet 19 easily.

[0084] Figure 8 shows a further embodiment wherein two extracting layers 48 are provided at the inner surface of the lid portion 20 which faces the slots 16 in the closed state of the pouch 14.

[0085] The extracting layers 48 are formed by a soft adhesive which interacts with the first paper sheets 19 of each stack. The first paper sheets 19 stick to the extracting layers 48 such that they are partly extracted when the lid portion 20 is opened. This ensures that a customer can grab the first paper sheets 19 easily as the customer knows it from common cigarette paper booklets.

[0086] A soft adhesive is used ensuring that the second and further paper sheets do not interact with the extracting layer 48 which could impart their extracting.

[0087] Generally, the first layer 36 of the flexible sheet laminate may be the inner layer or the outer layer of the whole pouch 14. This depends on the positioning of the attachment portion 23.

[0088] Although the invention has been described hereinabove with reference to specific embodiments, it is not limited to these embodiments and no doubt further alternatives will occur to the skilled person that lie within the scope of the invention as claimed.

Claims

1. A pouch (14) for at least one cigarette paper booklet (12) comprising at least one stack of paper sheets, the pouch (14) providing a compartment for accommodation of at least one cigarette paper booklet (12), the compartment having at least one slot (16) through which a paper sheet of the cigarette paper booklet can extend, the compartment further being permanently closed on all sides except the at least one slot (16), the pouch (14) comprising a lid portion (20) for covering the slot (16), the pouch (14) having at least one attachment portion (23) with a first attachment means (24) for being releasably attached to a surface of the remainder of the pouch (14), at least the attachment portion (23) being formed by a flexible sheet laminate comprising a first layer (36) and a second layer (38), the attachment means (24) being arranged at the first layer (36) in a section in which the first layer (36) is at least partially peelable with respect to the second layer (38).

2. The pouch (14) according to claim 1, wherein the first attachment means (24) is formed by a releasable adhesive (42), in particular a non-permanent adhesive as a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), being applied to the section (40) of the first layer (36).

3. The pouch (14) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a second attachment means (46) is provided which is arranged at the first layer (36) in a section in which the first layer (36) is at least partially peelable with respect to the second layer (38) or which is arranged at the second layer (38) in a section in which the second layer (38) is at least partially peelable with respect to the first layer (36).

4. The pouch (14) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first layer (36) and/or the second layer (38) are or is partially cut by a laser such that the first and/or second attachment means (24, 46) are or is at least partially peelable with respect to the second layer (38) and with respect to the first layer (36), respectively.

5. The pouch (14) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lid portion (20) or the surface of the remainder of the pouch (14) interacting with the lid portion (20) comprises the attachment portion (23).

6. The pouch (14) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an extracting layer (48) is provided on a surface of the lid portion (20) facing towards the at least one slot (16) when the at least one slot (16) is covered by the lid portion (20) such that the extracting layer (48) interacts with the first paper sheet (19) of the cigarette paper booklet (12), in particular wherein the extracting layer (48) is made by an adhesive, advantageously a soft adhesive.

7. A blank (50) for manufacturing a pouch (14) for a cigarette paper booklet (12) according to any of claims 1 to 6, the blank (50) comprising three adjacent rectangular portions corresponding to the upper portion (18), the bottom portion (28) and the lid portion (20).

8. The blank (50) according to claim 7, wherein the bottom portion (28) and/or the upper portion (18) have or has attachment zones (32, 34, 35) at the upper edge (30) and the side edges.

9. The blank (50) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the blank (50) comprises at least partly a first layer (36) and a second layer (38), the first or second layer (36, 38) being partly cut by a laser such that the first or second layer (36, 38) is peelable with respect to the second layer (38) or the first layer (36).

10. A method of manufacturing a pouch (14) according to any of claims 1 to 6 from a blank (50) according to any of claims 7 to 9, the method comprising the step of sealing the attachment zones (32, 34, 35) of the upper portion (18) and/or the corresponding attachment zones (32, 34, 35) of the bottom portion (28) with each other in order to seal the compartment of the pouch (14) on all sides except for the slot(s) (16).

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the method comprises the step of folding the upper portion (18) about a folding line (31) and/or the lid portion (20) around a folding line (22) so that it rests on the bottom portion (28) or the upper portion (18).

12. A cigarette paper dispenser (10), comprising
a pouch (14) according to any of claims 1 to 6, preferably being manufactured according to claim 10 or 11 from a blank (50) according to any of claims 7 to 9, and
at least one cigarette paper booklet (12) comprising a first paper sheet (19) and further paper sheets,
the cigarette paper booklet (12) being accommodated in the compartment of the pouch (14).

13. The cigarette paper dispenser (10) according to claim 12 wherein the first paper sheet (19) of the cigarette paper booklet (12) is folded in a spring-like manner such that at least a part of the first paper sheet (19) extends through the slot (16) when the lid portion (20) is opened due to the restoring force of the folded first paper sheet (19).

14. The cigarette paper dispenser (10) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the first paper sheet (19) of the cigarette paper booklet (12) sticks at least partly to an extracting layer (48) provided at the lid portion (20) such that the first paper sheet (19) is at least partly extracted when the lid portion (20) is opened via the extracting layer (48).

Drawing