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 blank for manufacturing a pouch for a cigarette paper booklet and to
a method of manufacturing a pouch for a cigarette paper booklet.
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
top cover 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
sheets of cigarette paper for self-made cigarettes. Said cigarette paper dispenser
comprises a box containing at least one stack of small sheets of cigarette paper.
The top layer 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 top cover 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 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 sheets of the stack. The flap top cover is fixed, preferably glued, to
the box in the new state of the cigarette paper dispenser such that said flap top
cover cannot be lifted up.
[0004] 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. 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
moulding require expensive machines. Irrespective of that, the lids of the known dispensers
usually do not provide an all-round coverage of the dispenser.
[0005] 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.
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 comprising at least one stack of paper sheets is provided. The overall dimensions
of the pouch are adapted to the overall dimensions of the paper booklet(s). The pouch
is made from or coated with a splash-proof material. The pouch provides a compartment
for accommodation of at least one cigarette paper booklet. The pouch comprises a flexible
wrapping being made from or coated with a splash-proof material and being permanently
closed on all sides except for an opening on an upper side of the pouch. The pouch
further comprises a splash-proof rigid lid. The rigid lid comprises a rigid frame
being permanently coupled to the wrapping along a circumference of the opening in
a splash proof manner. The rigid frame is further configured such that a top sheet
of the stack of paper sheets can extend from the cigarette paper booklet, through
the opening and the rigid frame in an open state of the rigid lid. There is further
a rigid top cover for covering the opening. The rigid top cover is coupled to the
frame. The coupling between the top cover and the frame is splash-proof in the closed
state of the rigid lid (top cover firmly coupled to frame).
[0008] The top cover is releasably coupled to the frame and can be removed such that the
opening is accessible and closed again for covering the opening in a splash-proof
manner. In other words, the rigid lid is re-closable and always provides a splash
proof sealing once it is closed.
[0009] In an aspect, the rigid cover can be coupled to the rigid frame by a hinge. The rigid
top cover is then pivotable/rotatable about the hinge for opening and closing the
rigid lid and thereby the pouch. When the top cover is closed, the rigid cover is
splash-proof which means that the entire pouch is splash proof.
[0010] The rigid top cover can also be a separate component that can be fully removed from
the rigid frame for opening the rigid lid. A latching mechanism can then be provided
for firmly closing the lid again by coupling (latching) the top cover to the frame.
[0011] In another aspect, the top cover can be coupled by a thread to the frame. The top
cover and the frame may then be coupled in form of a screw closure or screw coupling.
The rigid frame may then have a corresponding thread or other means (for example protrusions
etc.) for coupling the top cover and the frame in splash proof manner in a closed
state of the lid. In still another embodiment, the top cover and the frame may be
coupled by a snap fit in the closed state.
[0012] The pouch and, in particular the wrapping of the pouch closely surrounds the paper
booklet 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
booklets (or only one, two or more stacks of paper sheets) and is not intended to
accommodate anything in addition, like loose tobacco. Due to its splash-proof material
the pouch protects the paper booklet effectively from splash water, moisture, dirt
and dust. It is to be noted that water, dirt, etc. cannot reach the paper sheets through
the slots in the upper portion of the pouch through which the individual paper sheets
are accessible since the rigid top cover of the pouch - in its closed position - covers
the only opening in the wrapping (i.e. also the slot or slots in the paper booklet).
However, since the rigid top cover is releasably attached to the rigid frame, the
user can open and close the top cover as often as he/she wants to retrieve a paper
sheet and to protect the paper booklet afterwards, respectively.
[0013] The splash-proof wrapping is generally more flexible than the rigid lid (i.e. the
rigid top cover and the rigid frame). In the context of this description, the term
"rigid" implies that the rigid lid is at least more rigid and/or stiff than the wrapping.
[0014] There is further a latching mechanism for coupling the rigid top cover to the rigid
frame in a closed state. The latching mechanism generally provides that the rigid
top cover is firmly and tightly attached to the rigid frame in the closed state of
the lid.
[0015] The latching mechanism can comprise protrusions arranged at the rigid top cover and
corresponding recesses in the rigid frame. Alternatively, the latching mechanism can
comprise protrusions arranged at the rigid frame and corresponding recesses arranged
ate the rigid top cover. The protrusions and the recesses can engage with each other
when the rigid top cover is in the closed state. This aspect generally prevents that
the pouch opens unintentionally and also improves the splash proof sealing between
the top cover and the frame.
[0016] The rigid top cover can further comprise a top plate and at least one peripheral
wall extending substantially perpendicularly from the top plate and towards the rigid
frame in a closed state of the lid. The rigid frame can then comprise a base plate
and at least one peripheral wall extending substantially perpendicularly from the
base plate and towards the top cover in a closed state of the lid. This peripheral
wall of the top cover and the peripheral wall of the frame can be arranged close to
or even in contact with each other in order to improve the tightness of the rigid
lid when the lid is closed.
[0017] In another embodiment, the rigid top cover can comprise at least two peripheral walls,
for example an inner peripheral wall and an outer peripheral wall extending substantially
perpendicularly from the top plate and towards the rigid frame in a closed state of
the lid. The rigid frame can also comprise at least two peripheral walls, for example
an inner peripheral wall and outer peripheral wall extending substantially perpendicularly
from the base plate and towards the top cover in a closed state of the lid. The peripheral
walls of the top cover and the peripheral walls of the frame can be arranged close
to or even in contact with each other in order to improve the tightness of the rigid
lid when the lid is closed. In other words, the peripheral walls of the top cover
and the peripheral walls can advantageously overlap when the rigid cover is in a closed
state. This further improves the tightness.
[0018] In an embodiment, the inner and the outer peripheral walls of the top cover can reside
between the inner and the outer peripheral walls of the frame in a closed state of
the lid. This further improves the tightness of the rigid lid.
[0019] The rigid frame can be permanently attached to an outer surface of the wrapping by
a permanent adhesive or welding.
[0020] In the embodiments using a hinge, the hinge can advantageously be formed by a weakening
line. This provides that the hinge is inherently splash-proof. A peripheral wall on
the frame and/or on the top cover can then be omitted along the hinge. This relates
to the fact that the hinge itself is configured splash-proof and does therefore not
require an additional peripheral wall.
[0021] A maximum diameter of the opening in the wrapping can be equal to or slightly greater
than the length of a slot in the cigarette paper booklet.
[0022] A dimension of the rigid top cover is advantageously greater than the width (extension
in the longitudinal direction a cigarette to be made with the paper) of a paper of
the stack of papers.
[0023] The splash-proof material of the wrapping can be polyethylene (PE) and/or oriented
polypropylene (OPP). The wrapping can be made of a single layer or a laminate of multiple
layers.
[0024] The present invention also provides a blank for manufacturing the wrapping for the
pouch. The blank can comprise three adjacent and contiguous rectangular portions.
The blank further comprises a cut-out for the opening. The cut-out is located in the
middle portion of the blank located between two of the other portions of the blank.
The opening is dimensioned such that paper sheets can be retrieved from the cigarette
paper booklet through the opening.
[0025] The paper booklet can only be 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] The wrapping for the paper booklet can be permanently closed and sealed on all sides
except for the opening that can be accessed by opening the rigid top cover of the
lid.
[0028] The lid, and in particular the rigid frame of the lid can be attached to an outer
side of the wrapping by a permanent adhesive or welding.
[0029] Permanent adhesives are adhesives that cannot be repeatedly released and resealed
without significant loss of adhesion strength. The same applies to welding.
[0030] Preferably, the wrapping for the paper booklet is advantageously permanently sealed
on all sides except for the opening (cut-out). Such a configuration ensures that the
possible entry sites for water, dirt etc. are reduced.
[0031] The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing the pouch described
above from the blank described above. According to an aspect of the invention, the
method comprises the step of sealing the attachment zones of the blank (attachment
portions of the first/upper portion and the corresponding attachment zones of the
bottom portion(s)) with each other. The sealing can be performed by welding or gluing,
for example, without the need of additional components for forming the pouch.
[0032] According to a very simple, quick and effective way of manufacturing the pouch, the
paper booklet can be placed on the inner side of the upper portion of the blank of
the wrapping such that the slot(s) of the paper booklet coincide(s) with the opening.
For closing and sealing the wrapping around the paper booklet, two half bottom portions
extending from opposite sides of the upper portion can then be folded around respective
folding lines/areas so that the attachment zones of the upper portion come to rest
against the corresponding attachment zones of the bottom portions. Also corresponding
attachments zones of the half-bottom portions can come to rest against each other.
In a next step, the respective portions are permanently sealed/attached to each other
in the attachment zones. In a further step, the rigid lid can be permanently attached
to the upper portion of the wrapping along a circumferential edge of the opening.
This can be done by a permanent adhesive or welding etc.
[0033] The present invention also provides a cigarette paper dispenser comprising the pouch
described herein, preferably manufactured as described herein and from the blank described
herein. According to an aspect of the invention, the cigarette paper dispenser further
comprises a cigarette paper booklet that is accommodated in the compartment of the
pouch.
[0034] The paper booklet may include only a single stack of paper sheets or several stacks
of paper sheets. The compartment of the pouch can then have 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. If the compartment of the
pouch comprises more than one stack of paper sheets and a corresponding number of
slots for retrieving the paper sheets of each of the stacks, there can be an additional
sealing/welding or seam in the upper portion of the pouch and between the slots.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0035] 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 perspective top view of an embodiment of cigarette paper dispenser including
a pouch and a cigarette paper booklet accommodated therein in an open state of the
rigid top cover;
FIG. 2 is a top view on the cigarette paper dispenser of FIG. 1 in a closed state
of the rigid top cover;
FIG. 3 is a simplified cross-sectional and exploded view of the cigarette paper dispenser
along line A-A indicated in FIG. 2, and
FIG. 4 is top view on a blank to be used for the wrapping.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0036] The cigarette paper dispenser 1 shown in FIG. 1 comprises a pouch 10 and a cigarette
paper booklet 12. The pouch 10 comprises a flexible wrapping 14 surrounding the paper
booklet 12 (except for an opening 32) and a rigid lid 16.
[0037] The paper booklet 12 contains a plurality of individual cigarette paper sheets that
can be retrieved separately from the paper booklet 12. The paper booklet 12 may be
a paper or cardboard box fully surrounding a stack of paper sheets except for one
or more slit(s) 22, 24 through which the individual paper sheets 26, 28 can be retrieved.
In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1 the paper booklet 12 is a so-called double
booklet, i. e. 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.
[0038] The wrapping 14 surrounding the paper booklet 12 can be made from or coated with
an at least splash-proof material like polyethylene (PE) or oriented polypropylene
(OPP), for example. The wrapping 14 thereby provides a compartment for the paper booklet
12 which is fully closed on all sides, except for an opening 32 formed in an upper
portion 30 of the wrapping 14.
[0039] The rigid lid 16 includes a rigid top cover 18 and rigid frame 20 which are coupled
to each other by a hinge 34. The top cover 18 can be rotated about the hinge 34 for
opening and closing the rigid lid 16. The hinge is configured as a weakening line
between the rigid top cover 18 and the rigid frame 20. In the present embodiment,
the hinge 34 comprises two parts, i.e. the hinge 34 is configured as a double hinge.
Along the hinge 34, the top cover 18 is permanently coupled to the frame 20.
[0040] In another embodiment (not shown), the rigid top cover 18 can also be a separate
component that can be fully removed from the rigid frame 20 for opening the rigid
lid 16. A latching mechanism can then be provided for firmly closing the lid 16 again
by coupling (latching) the top cover 18 to the frame 20.
[0041] In still another embodiment (not shown), the top cover 18 can be coupled by a thread
to the frame 20. The coupling may then have the form of a screw closure or screw coupling
between the top cover 18 and the frame 20. The rigid frame 20 may then have a corresponding
thread or other means (for example protrusions etc.) for coupling the top cover 18
and the frame 20 in a splash proof manner in a closed state of the lid.
[0042] In still another embodiment, the top cover 18 and the frame 20 may be coupled in
form of a snap fit.
[0043] The rigid lid 16 is provided with a latching mechanism consisting of protrusions
36 on the top cover 18 and corresponding recesses 38 provided in the rigid frame 20.
In the closed state of the rigid lid 16 (top cover 18 closed), the protrusions 36
engage with the recesses 38 thereby keeping the top cover 18 in the closed position.
This prevents unintentional opening of the top cover 18 and improves tightness. The
top cover 18 is of course only releasably closed in the closed state and can be opened
if sufficient force is provided. The protrusions 36 can extend from an outer peripheral
edge of the top cover 18. The corresponding recesses 38 can be arranged within the
outer peripheral wall 50 of the rigid frame 20.
[0044] It is to be noted that the wrapping 14 does not contain any additional compartment
for tobacco, a lighter, matches or the like. Rather, the overall dimensions of the
wrapping are adapted to the overall dimensions of the paper booklet 12, so that the
wrapping 14 snugly surrounds the paper booklet 12.
[0045] The rigid top cover 18 further comprises a top plate 46 and two peripheral walls
42, 44 extending substantially perpendicularly from the top plate 46. There is an
outer peripheral wall 42 and inner peripheral wall 44. The inner peripheral wall 42
is circumferentially encompassed by the outer peripheral wall 44. The top cover 18
further comprises a small handle 54 for grasping the rigid top cover 18.
[0046] The rigid frame 20 comprises a base plate 48 (or a base ring) and two peripheral
walls 50, 52 extending substantially perpendicularly from the base plate 48. There
is an outer peripheral wall 50 and an inner peripheral wall 52. The inner peripheral
wall 52 is circumferentially encompassed by the outer peripheral wall 50. The outer
peripheral wall 50 is omitted along the hinge 34. The inner peripheral wall 52 is
omitted along the slots 22, 24 of the paper booklet 12.
[0047] The rigid lid (i.e. the rigid top cover 18 and the rigid frame 20) are made of a
rigid material as for example plastic or thermoformed paper pulp.
[0048] FIG. 2 is a top view on the pouch 10 of FIG. 1 in a closed state of the rigid top
cover 18 (i.e. in a closed state of the rigid lid 16). In the closed state, the rigid
top cover 18 snuggly fits on the rigid frame 20 thereby closing and sealing the pouch
10 in an entirely splash-proof manner.
[0049] FIG. 3 is a simplified cross-sectional exploded view of the pouch 10 along line A-A
indicated in FIG. 2. The rigid top cover 18 comprises the top plate 46 and two peripheral
walls 42, 44 which extend substantially perpendicularly from the top plate 46. The
rigid frame 20 comprises the base plate 48 and two peripheral walls 50, 52 which extend
substantially perpendicularly from the base plate 48. The base plate 48 is rather
a ring (not circular) around the opening 32 provided in the upper part 14-1 of the
wrapping 14. It can be seen that the inner peripheral wall 44 and the outer peripheral
wall 42 of the rigid top cover 18 have dimensions and a distance from each other which
are chosen such that they fit between the outer peripheral wall 50 and inner peripheral
wall 52 of the rigid frame 20. In the closed state of the rigid top cover 18, the
inner peripheral wall 44 can contact/touch the inner peripheral wall 52 of the rigid
frame 20 and the outer peripheral wall 42 of the rigid top cover 18 can contact/touch
the outer peripheral wall 50 of the rigid frame 20. The upper edges of the peripheral
walls 44, 42 of the top cover 18 can extend beyond the upper edges of the peripheral
walls 50, 52 of the rigid frame 20. This means that the upper edges of the peripheral
walls 44, 42 and peripheral walls 50, 52 at least partially overlap each other. In
the overlapping area (not visible in this exploded view) the peripheral walls of the
lid and those of the frame can be in mutual close contact. This provides an increased
sealing and an improved tightness. Furthermore, in the closed state of the lid 16,
the outer peripheral wall 42 of the top cover 18 is circumferentially encompassed
by the outer peripheral wall 50 of the frame. All this improves the sealing and tightness
of the lid 16.
[0050] From the cross-sectional view in FIG. 3, it becomes also apparent that the wrapping
14 is sealed entirely along attachment areas A (left and right from the cigarette
paper booklet 12) but also along the bottom side. The wrapping 14, or more specifically,
the blank to be used for the wrapping 14, may have three adjacent and contiguous rectangular
portions 14-1, 14-2 and 14-3. The first portion 14-1 forms the upper part of the wrapping
14 and also comprises the opening 32. The second and third portions 14-2 and 14-3
together form the bottom part of the wrapping and at least partially overlap along
the attachment area A, which has the form of a seam from left to right.
[0051] FIG. 4 is top view on a blank to be used for the wrapping 14. The blank comprises
three adjacent rectangular and contiguous portions 14-1, 14-2 and 14-3. The first
portion 14-1 forms the upper part of the wrapping 14 and contains the cut-out for
the opening 32. The second and third portions 14-2 and 14-3 together form the bottom
part of the wrapping 14. The second and third portions 14-2 and 14-3 may be referred
to as half-bottom portions. The portions can then be attached/sealed along attachment
zones A along the edges of the blank. The dashed lines delimit folding or bending
areas B arranged between the first portion 14-1 and the second portion 14-2 and the
third portion 14-3, respectively, about which the second and third portions 14-2 and
14-3 can be bent or folded backwardly in order to envelop/wrap a cigarette paper booklet
(not shown).
[0052] In other embodiments, there can be additional sealings/weldings or seams (attachment
portions A) on the blank. Along any additional attachment portions A or seals, the
portions of the blank can then also be permanently coupled/attached to each other
by welding or a permanent adhesive or the like.
[0053] During manufacturing, the paper booklet 12 can be placed (for example upside-down)
on the upper portion 14-1. In order to build the compartment around the paper booklet
12, the second and third portions 14-2 and 14-3 may be folded around the folding lines/areas
B. After the step of folding, the attachment zones A are sealed with each other. The
sealing is performed in a manner so that the resulting sealing connections of the
attachment zones A are at least splash-proof.
[0054] In a further step, the rigid to cover 16, or more specifically the bottom side of
the base plate (base ring) 48 of the rigid frame 20 can be attached to the upper side
(opposite to the cigarette paper booklet 12) of the upper portion 14-1 of the wrapping
14. The base plate 48 of the rigid frame 20 can then be attached to the upper portion
14-1 of the wrapping 14 by a permanent adhesive or by welding. 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.
1. A splash-proof pouch (10) for at least one cigarette paper booklet (12) comprising
at least one stack of paper sheets, the overall dimensions of the pouch (10) being
adapted to the overall dimensions of the paper booklet(s) (12), the pouch (10) providing
a compartment for accommodating the at least one cigarette paper booklet (12), the
pouch (10) comprising
- a flexible wrapping (14) being made from or coated with a splash-proof material
and being permanently closed on all sides except for an opening (32) on an upper side
of the pouch (10) and
- a rigid lid (16), wherein the rigid lid (16) comprises
- a rigid frame (20) being permanently coupled to the wrapping (14) along a circumference
of the opening (32) in a splash proof manner and the rigid frame (20) being configured
such that a top sheet of the stack of paper sheets can extend through the opening
(32) and through the rigid frame (20),
- a rigid top cover (18) being coupled to the frame (20) and configured to releasably
close the rigid lid (34).
2. The splash-proof pouch (10) according to claim 1, wherein the rigid top cover (18)
is permanently coupled to the frame by a hinge
3. The splash-proof pouch (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rigid lid (16)
further comprises a latching mechanism for coupling the rigid top cover (18) to the
rigid frame (20) in a closed state of the rigid lid (16).
4. The splash-proof pouch (10) according to claim 3, wherein the latching mechanism comprises
protrusions (36) arranged at the rigid top cover (18) and corresponding recesses (38)
arranged at the rigid frame (20).
5. The splash-proof pouch (10) according to claim 2 the preceding claims, wherein the
hinge (34) is formed by a weakening line.
6. The splash-proof pouch (10) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the
rigid top cover (18) further comprises a top plate (46), an inner peripheral wall
(44) and an outer peripheral wall (42) extending substantially perpendicularly from
the top plate (46) and towards the rigid frame (20) in a closed state of the rigid
lid (16) and the rigid frame (20) comprises a base plate (48), an inner peripheral
wall (52) and outer peripheral wall (50) extending substantially perpendicularly from
the base plate (48) and towards the rigid top cover (18) in a closed state of the
lid.
7. The splash-proof pouch (10) according to claim 6, wherein the inner peripheral wall
(44) and the outer peripheral wall (42) of the rigid top cover (18) reside between
the inner peripheral wall (52) and the outer peripheral wall (50) of the rigid frame
(20) in a closed state of the lid (16).
8. The splash-proof pouch (14) according to claim 6 or 7, inasmuch as dependent on claim
2, wherein a peripheral wall (50) of the frame is omitted along the hinge (34).
9. The splash-proof pouch (10) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the
rigid frame is permanently attached to an outer surface of the wrapping by a permanent
adhesive or welding.
10. The splash-proof pouch (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the
splash-proof material of the wrapping is polyethylene (PE) and/or oriented polypropylene
(OPP).
11. A blank for manufacturing a wrapping (14) of the splash-proof pouch (10) according
to any of claims 1 to 10, the blank comprising three adjacent and contiguous rectangular
portions and a cut-out in the middle portion located between two of the other portions.