JP6876000B2 - Container with improved curved corners - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to containers for consumer goods and cellulosic fiber-based thin-layer blanks for forming such containers, which have specific uses for holding elongated consumer goods such as smoking articles (eg, cigarettes).

Smoking items such as cigarettes and cigars are usually provided in soft or hard packaging such as flip-top boxes or boxes with hinged lids. They typically have a box portion with a box front wall, a box rear wall, a box side wall and a box bottom. They also usually have a lid portion having a lid front wall, a lid rear wall, a lid side wall and a lid top. The lid is typically hinged to the box along a hinge line extending across the rear wall of the container. Hinge lines are usually provided as pre-folded lines, vertical ruled lines, or horizontal ruled lines.

Rigid packaging, or at least a portion thereof, is usually obtained from a thin layer blank containing multiple panels. To assemble the container, one of these blanks is folded so that the panels of the blanks form the walls of the container.

In rigid packaging boxes, it is known that some corners (edges) of the box and lid are rounded or chamfered to give the container a distinctive appearance. It was previously typical to achieve this by providing a streak or push line to the blank in the area forming the corner of the vessel. These lines do not have corners that bend along a single line, but instead gradually bend between two adjacent walls (in the case of rounded corners) or on adjacent walls. Allows the blank to fold so that it bends (in the case of sloping corners) at two or more distinct positions in between.

However, these streaks or streaks can add complexity to the manufacturing process. In addition, in some cases, the outer surface may not be perfectly smooth and may contain ridges or corrugations from where the creases occur, which can affect the visual and tactile perception of the vessel.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide a consumer goods container with one or more curved corners with an improved appearance. It is also desirable to provide a container for consumer goods with improved strength and a curved end that is easier to manufacture. In addition, it is desirable to provide blanks for manufacturing consumer goods containers that make the production and assembly process easier and more flexible.

According to the first aspect of the invention, it is a container for consumer goods, which is formed at least partially from a cellulosic thin layered blank having a thickness (T), and the thin layered blanks are bonded to each other by curved ends. Defines a portion of the container with at least a first flat wall and a second flat wall, the curved end has an inner surface and an outer surface, and the inner surface of the curved end is the excision area. (A) is defined, the cut region has a longitudinal length (L) of a curved end and a width (W) extending across the curved end, and the cut region has a curved end. Containing two or more excised lines that extend substantially longitudinally, each excised line is at least about 20%, preferably at least about 25, more preferably at least about 30% of the thickness (T) of the blank. A container with a minimum residual thickness (RT) of is provided. As an addition or alternative, the residual thickness of each cut line is preferably less than about 65%, more preferably less than about 60%, less than about 55% of the blank thickness (T). Is even more preferable.

The inventor of the present invention also provides a residual thickness of claims and a spacing of at least about 0.2 millimeters between the low points of two adjacent cut lines in order to obtain a curved end. I found a combination. The distance between the low points of two adjacent excised lines is preferably at least about 0.4 millimeters, and even more preferably at least about 0.6 millimeters. As an addition or alternative, the spacing between the low points of two adjacent excised lines is less than about 1.6 mm, more preferably less than about 1.3 mm, even more less than about 1.0 mm. preferable.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a portion of a container having a thickness (T) and having at least a first flat wall and a second flat wall bonded to each other by curved ends is defined. A thin-layer blank for forming a container for consumer goods, the curved end having an inner surface and an outer surface, and the inner surface of the curved end defining a cut region (A). The excision region has a longitudinal length (L) of the curved end and a width (W) extending across the curved end, and the excision region is substantially longitudinal of the curved end. A minimum residual thickness of at least about 20%, preferably at least about 25, more preferably at least about 30% of the thickness (T) of the blank, each containing two or more excised lines extending in the direction. A thin layered blank having (RT) is provided. As an addition or alternative, the residual thickness of each cut line is preferably less than about 65%, more preferably less than about 60%, less than about 55% of the blank thickness (T). Is even more preferable.

In addition, the inventor of the present invention combines the residual thickness of the claims with a spacing of at least about 0.2 mm between the low points of two adjacent cut lines to obtain a curved end. I found that. The distance between the low points of two adjacent excised lines is preferably at least about 0.4 mm, even more preferably at least about 0.6 mm. As an addition or alternative, the spacing between the low points of two adjacent excised lines is less than about 1.6 mm, more preferably less than about 1.3 mm, even more less than about 1.0 mm. preferable.

Of course, any feature described in relation to one aspect of the invention is equally applicable to any other aspect of the invention.

In contrast to known containers that use mechanical streaks to define the curved end of the container, the present invention presents the material from a particular location within the portion of the blank that defines the curved end of the container. Including removing. It is required to advantageously fold the blank around the curved end by providing an excised area containing the excised line (eg, by laser excision) to form the curved end of the vessel. The force can be reduced. In addition, the rounded corners of the container are effectively approximated to the theoretical reference rounded shape with a relatively small number of streaks. Therefore, at the same time, the force of the container can be well maintained at the rounded corners.

This makes it possible to easily form a container from such a single blank by a conventional packaging machine. Also, since the outer surface of the blank is unaffected by the excision process, the resulting outer surface of the container does not exhibit local ridges or corrugations at the excision line position (which can be present with mechanical streaks).

Thus, bending the blank according to the invention is easier by forming the curved end of the container and the outer surface of the container with a gentler and smoother curvature during some visual and tactile tests of the consumer. Is brought about.

The blanks of the present invention can advantageously be made by precisely removing material from curved edges with a linear cutting tool (eg, laser or blade). Lasers are a particularly preferred ablation tool because they can digitally program non-invasive, improved and flexible designs. In particular, the use of a laser as a cutting tool can allow a wide variety of cutting profiles and configurations with the minimum adjustments required for the laser tool. Repeated passage of the excision tool over the required portion of the blank results in a higher percentage of material removal, i.e. reduction in residual thickness. In this way, the manufacturing process can be simplified. Laser ablation is obtained using any suitable instrument, preferably a 1000 W CO2 laser commercially available from DIAMOND, such as E-1000. The excision is obtained in the longitudinal and lateral directions of the thin layer blank. Laser ablation is obtained using any suitable instrument, preferably a 1000 W CO2 laser commercially available from DIAMOND, such as E-1000. The excision is obtained in the longitudinal and lateral directions of the thin layer blank.

The container made of the thin layer blank of the present invention can be obtained without the pre-bending step normally required by conventional methods for obtaining rounded corners such as embossing.

The term "end" as used herein refers to the portion of the blank that defines the corner between two adjacent walls of a container. The curved end is the portion of the blank that defines the corner of the container that lies between the first flat wall and the second flat wall.

The term "curved end" as used herein refers to the end of a container having an arcuate shape, as seen in a cross section. The term "arc" refers to any non-straight line including an annular arc, a parabolic arc, a hyperbolic arc, an elliptical arc, and the like. The curved edges can be measured by visual examination by one or more examiners on the outer surface of the thin layer blank, or by microscopic measurements with statistical analysis, for example using a NIKON SMZ800 microscope. For each sample, the XY coordinates can be recorded on a fine grid (10 contour points). The recorder XY coordinates can be used for linear spline interpolation and can capture the profile of the resulting first derivative. The first derivative, which constantly changes or jumps, indicates a sample of curved ends.

As used herein, "cellulosic fiber-based thin-layer blank" refers to a thin-layer blank containing at least 50% by weight of cellulosic fibers based on the total fiber content of the thin-layer blank. The cellulosic fiber-based thin layer blank of the present invention may contain other types of fibers such as polymer fibers.

The term "internal surface" is used throughout the specification for the side of a portion of a blank facing the inside of a container (eg, facing consumer goods) when the container is assembled and the container is closed. Refers to the department. Thus, the inner surface is not directly visible to the consumer when the container is closed. The term "outer surface" refers throughout the specification to the side of a portion of a blank facing the outside of a container when the container is assembled.

As used herein, the term "cut area" refers to the smallest area of the blank that surrounds all the cut lines of the portion of the blank that forms the curved end of the container.

As used herein, the term "cut line" refers to a line along the internal surface of an end where material has been cut (eg, removed by a laser beam or blade). Therefore, the residual thickness of the excised line is thinner than the thickness (T) of the thin layer blank. The excised line is preferably provided as a groove in the blank. It may be formed using a linear ablation tool such as a laser or blade.

The "thickness" (T) of the blank is the thickness of the blank after the blank is manufactured, but before the cut or streak is formed on the blank. That is, the blank thickness (T) is the thickness in any region of the blank that does not contain the cut lines or vertical ruled lines.

The term "residual thickness" as used herein refers to the minimum distance measured between two opposing surfaces of a layered blank or the wall of a container formed from a blank. In practice, the distance at a given position is measured locally perpendicular to the opposing surfaces. The residual thickness of the excised line can vary depending on the width of the excised line (eg, V-shaped, U-shaped grooves).

The term "minimum residual thickness" as used herein refers to the minimum value of "residual thickness" measured at a given position on the excised line.

The residual thickness of each excised line is determined by using a 2D surface non-contact optical roughness meter such as a MicroSpy (RTM) profile (Fries Research & Technology GmbH, Bergisch Gladbach, commercially available from Germany). Can be done. It is preferable to measure the minimum residual thickness of some points over the length of the excised line, where the measurement points are evenly spread over the length of one excised line and the arithmetic mean is calculated. Will be done.

It is even more preferred to make five measurements that spread evenly over the length of the excised line and then calculate the arithmetic mean in order to obtain the "minimum residual thickness" according to the invention.

For example, if the length of the excised line is 80 millimeters, the residual thickness is measured at both ends of the excised line and three additional points are from one end of the excised line, preferably from the bottom edge of the excised line, respectively. 20 mm, 40 mm, and 60 mm apart.

The term "interval" as used herein refers to the distance between the low points of two adjacent excised lines.

It is preferable that the spacing of several points be measured over the length of a pair of parallel excised lines, where the measurement points are evenly spread over the length of the parallel part of the excised line and are arithmetic. The average is calculated.

It is even more preferred to make five measurements that spread evenly over the length of the parallel portion of the two adjacent excised lines to obtain the "spacing" according to the invention, and then calculate the arithmetic mean.

For example, if the length of the parallel part of two adjacent cut lines is 80 mm, respectively, the spacing will be 20 mm and 40 mm, respectively, from both ends and one end of the parallel part, preferably the bottom edge of the cut line. And measured at three additional points 60 millimeters apart.

The term "residual stiffness" is used to describe the stiffness of a thin-layer blank as measured over the minimum residual thickness of a given cut line, in the bending direction of the thin-layer blank multiplied by a percentage of the residual thickness. Calculated using stiffness. For example, if the stiffness of the uncut thin-layer blank in the bending direction is 100 millinewtons and the minimum residual thickness is 30%, the residual stiffness in the bending direction is 100 millinewtons multiplied by 30% to be 30 millinewtons. Become. The stiffness of the thin-layer blank is 15 degrees along ISO2493, for example, a sample of blank material from a portion of the blank that has not been muscle-pressed or excised (the sample is printed or coated if in final form). It can be measured by taking a print.

The tests and conditions are 23 degrees Celsius, 50% relative humidity, and 2 weeks post-excision, according to ISO187.

As used herein, the terms "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "upper", "lower" and "side" refer to the access opening as the upper part of the container. Means the relative position of the container and its components according to the invention when the container is in an upright position. In particular, if the container is a hinged lid container, this means a container in an upright position with the lid in the closed position and the hinge wire at the rear of the container. When describing a container according to the invention, these terms are used regardless of the orientation of the container being depicted.

The container according to the invention is formed at least partially from a thin layer blank having a preset thickness (T). This blank defines a portion of a container that comprises at least a first flat wall and a second flat wall that are joined together by curved ends. The internal surface of the curved end defines a cutting area having a longitudinal length of the curved end and a width extending across the curved end. The excision area comprises two or more excision lines extending substantially longitudinally at the curved end.

The thickness (T) of the thin layer blank is preferably about 300 micrometer to about 360 micrometer. The thickness (T) of the thin layer blank is more preferably about 330 micrometer to about 350 micrometer. The thickness (T) of the thin layer blank can be measured according to ISO 534: 2011.

The excision area may include any number of excision lines suitable for forming curved ends. For example, in some preferred embodiments, the excised area comprises at least four excised lines at any given longitudinal position on the curved end. If less than four excised lines are provided at any given longitudinal position on the curved end, it is possible to obtain a gentle curvature that approximates the theoretical curved profile of the excised area, and therefore It can be difficult unless the width of the curved end is significantly reduced.

The basis weight of the thin layer blank is preferably about 150 grams per square meter to about 350 grams per square meter, more preferably about 175 to about 350 grams per square meter, and about 200 to about 200 grams per square meter. Even more preferably 300 grams. The basis weight is calculated according to ISO 536 and can fluctuate from plus 10% to minus 10%, preferably from plus 5% to minus 5%.

The excised width (X) of each excision line is preferably at least about 0.05 mm, more preferably at least about 0.1 mm, or at least about 0.12 mm. In some preferred embodiments, the excised width of each excision line can be at least about 0.2 mm, or at least about 0.3 mm. In addition, or as an alternative, the excised width of each excision line is less than about 0.5 mm. The excised width of each excision line is more preferably less than about 0.45 mm. In some preferred embodiments, the excised width of each excision line is from about 0.00.5 mm to about 0.5 mm. The excised width of each excision line is even more preferably about 0.1 mm to 0.45 mm, more preferably about 0.125 mm to 0.4 mm.

The width (W) of the excision area is preferably at least about 2 mm. More preferably, the width of the excision area is at least about 4 mm. As an addition or alternative, the width of the excision area is preferably less than about 8 mm. More preferably, the width of the excision area is less than about 6 mm.

The rigidity of the thin layer blank in the bending direction is preferably at least about 50 millinewtons, preferably at least about 75 millinewtons, and most preferably at least about 90 millinewtons. In addition or alternative, the flexural rigidity of the thin layer blank is less than about 500 millinewtons, preferably less than about 200 millinewtons, more preferably less than about 160 millinewtons. The flexural rigidity of the thin layer blank is preferably about 50 millinewtons to about 200 millinewtons. The flexural rigidity of the thin layer blank in the longitudinal direction is more preferably about 75 millinewtons to about 160 millinewtons. “Bending direction” rigidity means that bending rigidity is measured in the direction in which the finishing paper is intended to be folded around the cutting zone.

The residual rigidity of the thin layer blank in the bending direction is preferably at least 25 millinewtons, preferably 30 millinewtons, and more preferably 40 millinewtons. The residual rigidity of the thin layer blank in the bending direction is more preferably 100 millinewtons or less, preferably 85 millinewtons or less, and even more preferably 75 millinewtons or less.

The surface roughness of the thin layer blank is preferably about 0.5 micrometer to about 1.5 micrometer. The surface roughness of the thin layer blank is more preferably about 0.75 μm to about 1.25 μm. Surface roughness can be measured according to ISO8791-4.

The surface strength of the thin layer blank is preferably about 1 meter per second to about 2 meters per second. The surface strength of the thin layer blank is more preferably about 1.25 meters per second to about 1.75 meters per second. Surface roughness can be measured according to ISO3783.

Two or more excised lines may have any suitable extension profile in the longitudinal direction of the curved end. For example, the excised line can follow a curved trajectory over at least a portion of its extension profile in the longitudinal direction of the curved end. In such an embodiment, the plane created by these cut lines will have a non-linear perimeter.

In some preferred embodiments, the excised area comprises at least two excised lines extending parallel to at least a portion of the curved end in its longitudinal direction. This can produce a substantially rectangular parallelepiped surface at the curved end. In some particularly preferred embodiments, all excised lines in the excised area extend parallel along the longitudinal direction of the curved end. This can produce a curved end having substantially only a rectangular parallelepiped surface.

The first flat wall is preferably orthogonal to the second flat wall.

The vessel preferably has a springback force of less than about 10 millinewton meters between two flat walls joined by curved ends.

In some preferred embodiments, the thin layer blank is at least one of the containers comprising a box portion having a box front wall, a box rear wall and a box side wall extending between the box front wall and the box rear wall. The curved ends form a portion and connect one of the box side walls to the box front wall or box rear wall. Alternatively or additionally, the curved end can join the box bottom wall to one of the box side wall, the box front wall or the box rear wall.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the thin layer blank is at least a container comprising a lid front wall, a lid rear wall and a lid side wall extending between the lid front wall and the lid rear wall. The curved ends, which form part, join one of the lid side walls to the lid front wall or lid rear wall. Alternatively or additionally, the curved end can join the lid top wall to one of the lid side wall, lid front wall or lid rear wall.

In some particularly preferred embodiments, the container comprises two or more curved ends along its lateral corners, longitudinal corners, or both, each of which is curved. It has any of the above preferred characteristics.

The container according to the present invention has a use as a container for consumer goods, particularly a container for elongated consumer goods such as smoking articles. However, it can also be used for some other types of consumer goods such as confectionery.

The blank is formed from a cellulosic fiber-based material, preferably a plant-derived material, more preferably a wood-derived material. The blank may contain at least 50% by weight, preferably at least 60% by weight, and even more preferably 70% by weight of cellulose fibers based on the total fiber content of the blank. The thin layer blank is preferably formed of wood fiber cardboard or paperboard. Alternatively, the cellulosic fiber-based material may also contain other fibers such as polymer fibers. The blank may or may not be coated and is preferably coated on both sides.

The container may optionally include an outer wrapper, which may be a clear polymeric film such as, for example, high density or low density polyethylene, polypropylene, directional polypropylene, polyvinylidene chloride, cellulose film, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the outer wrapper is applied in a conventional manner. The outer wrapper may include an opening tape. In addition, the outer wrapper may have images, consumer information, or other data printed on it.

In addition, consumer goods may be provided in a container in the form of a bundle wrapped in an inner package made of metal leaf or metallized paper. The inner packaging material can be formed as a laminate of metallized polyethylene film and liner material. The liner material may be super-finished glassine paper. In addition, the inner packaging material may provide a print-acceptable topcoat. The inner package has an access opening from which consumer goods can be removed when the lid of the container is in its respective opening position.

The container is preferably a rectangular parallelepiped, which includes two wide walls with two narrow walls through a gap. The hinge lid container according to the present invention may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape with longitudinal and lateral corners. In such an embodiment, at least one of the longitudinal or lateral corners is curved. That is, the hinge lid vessel includes one or more curved longitudinal corners, curved lateral corners, or a combination thereof. Each such curved corner portion may have any of the above preferred features.

The width of the curved end is preferably from about 2 mm to about 8 mm, preferably from about 4 to about 6 mm.

The container according to the invention has a specific use as a pack for elongated smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars or cigarillos. Of course, with proper selection of its dimensions, the containers according to the invention can be designed for a different number of conventional sizes, king sizes, super king sizes, slim or super slim cigarettes. Alternatively, other consumer goods may be contained in the container.

With proper selection of dimensions, the container according to the invention can be designed to hold a different total number of smoking articles, or different arrangements of smoking articles. For example, with proper selection of dimensions, the container according to the invention can be designed to hold a total of 10-30 smoking articles.

Smoking items can be arranged in different arrangements, depending on the total number of smoking items.

Containers according to the invention may hold smoking articles of the same type or brand, or of different types or brands. In addition, it may include both unfiltered smoking items and smoking items with various filter tips, as well as smoking of different lengths (eg, about 40 mm to about 180 mm) and diameters (eg, about 4 mm to about 9 mm). Goods may also be included. The dimensions of the container are preferably adapted to the length of the smoking article and the arrangement of the smoking article. The external dimensions of the container are typically about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm larger than the dimensions of the bundle of smoking articles contained within the container.

The length, width and depth of the container according to the invention can be such that the resulting overall dimensions of the container are similar to those of a typical disposable pack of 20 cigarettes.

The height of the container according to the present invention is preferably from about 60 mm to about 150 mm, more preferably from about 70 mm to about 125 mm, where the height is from the bottom wall of the container. It is measured up to the upper wall.

The width of the container according to the invention is preferably from about 12 mm to about 150 mm, more preferably from about 70 mm to about 125 mm, where the width is from one side wall of the container to the other. It was measured up to the side wall.

The depth of the container according to the present invention is preferably from about 6 mm to about 150 mm, more preferably from about 12 mm to about 25 mm, where the depth is from the front wall to the rear wall of the container. Is measured up to.

The ratio of container height to container depth is preferably about 0.3: 1 to about 10: 1, more preferably about 2: 1 to about 8: 1, and more preferably about 3: 1 to 1. Most preferably, it is 5 to 1.

The ratio of the width of the container to the depth of the container is preferably about 0.3: 1 to about 10: 1, more preferably about 2: 1 to about 8: 1, and about 2: 1 to 3. Most preferably, it is one-to-one.

The ratio of the height of the lid rear wall to the height of the box rear wall of the outer sleeve is preferably from about 0 to 1 (the lid is located at the top of the container) to about 1: 1 and preferably from about 1: 5 to. It is more preferably about 1:10, most preferably about 1 to 6 to about 1 to 8.

The ratio of the height of the lid front wall of the outer sleeve to the height of the box front wall of the outer sleeve is preferably from about 1 to 0 (the lid covers the entire front wall) to about 1:10. , About 1: 1 to about 1: 5, and most preferably about 1: 2 to about 1: 3.

The outer surface of the container according to the invention may be decorated by printing, embossing, debossing or other methods using the manufacturer's or brand's logo, trademarks, slogans and other consumer information and markings.

Containers according to the invention may be filled and assembled using conventional equipment and methods modified to include the step of forming two or more cut lines in the blank. The ablated line may be generated using an ablation tool such as a laser or blade. Lasers are particularly preferred as a cutting tool that can enable a wide variety of cutting profiles and configurations with the minimum adjustments required for the laser tool. For example, the laser can repeatedly pass through a given position in the blank to repeatedly remove different amounts of material, allowing for a very finely controlled ablation profile. It is also useful when narrow and thin cut lines are required. The relative motion of the laser and blank can be precisely controlled to form any kind of pattern with ablation intensity (“depth”) that varies over the excision area.
The present invention will be further described, but only as an example, with reference to the accompanying drawings below.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a container having at least one curved end according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a photograph which shows the enlarged view of the cross section of the thin layer blank (Example 1) by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a photograph which shows the perspective view of the blank (Example 1) of FIG. It is a photograph which shows the enlarged view of the cross section of the thin layer blank (Example 2) by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a photograph which shows the perspective view of the blank (Example 2) of FIG. It is a photograph which shows the enlarged view of the cross section of the thin layer blank (Example 3) by this invention. It is a photograph which shows the perspective view of the blank Example 3) of FIG. It is a photograph which shows the enlarged view of the cross section of the thin layer blank (Comparative Example 1) not according to this invention. It is a photograph which shows the perspective view of the blank (comparative example 1) of FIG. It is a photograph which shows the enlarged view of the cross section of the thin layer blank (Comparative Example 2) which does not depend on this invention. It is a photograph which shows the perspective view of the blank (comparative example 2) of FIG.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, FIG. 1 shows a consumer goods container 100 that can be formed by folding a cardboard or paperboard thin layer blank having a thickness (T).

The container 100 is substantially rectangular parallelepiped and includes a box portion 30 and a hinged lid 40 coupled to the box portion 30 along a hinge wire 50 extending across the rear wall of the container 100. The overall size and structure of the box 30 and lid 40 of container 100 is substantially the same as that of a standard hinged lidded cigarette pack. The box portion 30 includes a box front wall, a box rear wall, a box bottom wall, a box left side wall and a box right side wall. The hinged lid 40 includes a lid front wall, a lid rear wall, a lid top wall, a lid left wall and a lid left wall. The hinged lid 40 is pivotable around the hinge line 50 between the closed and open positions. In the closed position, the hinged lid 40 covers the access opening of the container 100, and the wall of the hinged lid 40 forms an extension of the corresponding wall of the box portion 30. In the open position, the hinged lid 40 pivots around the hinge wire 50 and projects rearward from the box portion 30, with the access opening at the top of the box portion 30 being completely exposed. The box portion 30 and the hinged lid 40 can be formed together from a single thin layer blank having a thickness T. The container can be assembled from a thin layer blank and can be filled using standard equipment.

The container includes a first flat wall 4, which is the side wall of the box portion 30 in FIG. The container also includes a second flat wall 8, which is the front wall of the box portion 30 in FIG. The side wall 4 and the front wall 8 are connected to each other by a curved end 20. Although not visible from the perspective view of FIG. 1, the internal surface of the curved end 20 includes a plurality of cut lines that together define the curved end 20 when the container 100 is assembled.

Five different thin-layer blanks were generated and folded to form curved ends. Details of each of the thin layer blanks are provided below, and photographs of each of the thin layer blanks and their individual curved ends are shown in FIGS. 2-13. For all examples, the thin layer blank was provided with a plurality of parallel cut lines on its inner surface. The excision line was formed by applying a laser excision tool to the inner surface of the thin layer blank to remove material from such surface. As a result, a substantially V-shaped groove was formed on the inner surface of the thin layer blank. The goal is to determine which thin-layer blank or multiple thin-layer blanks produce curved edges with a smooth, gentle curvature that better approximates the theoretical curved profile (when folded). It was to judge. The tests and conditions were performed at 23 degrees Celsius and 50% relative humidity in line with ISO187, 2 weeks after excision line formation.

Example 1:
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a cross section of a thin layer blank (Example 1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the blank (Example 1) of FIG.
The basis weight of the blank of Example 1 was 240 grams per square meter, and the thickness (T) was 298 micrometers. When each of the excised lines was measured, the minimum residual thickness was 33% of the blank thickness (T) and the excised width was 0.49 mm.
The spacing is 0.7 mm and the residual stiffness in the bending direction calculated based on the lateral stiffness before laminating is 32 millinewtons. The rigidity of the thin layer blank before excision is 197 millinewtons in the vertical direction and 98 millinewtons in the horizontal direction (the horizontal direction is the bending direction in this embodiment).
As can be seen from FIGS. 2 and 3, the blank of Example 1 exhibited a well-defined curved end with a gentle curvature that better approximated the theoretical curved profile. The location of the excision line could not be easily identified on the outer surface of the curved end.

Example 2:
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a cross section of a thin layer blank (Example 2) according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the blank (Example 2) of FIG.

The basis weight of the blank of Example 2 was 270 grams per square meter and the thickness (T) was 340 micrometers. When each of the excised lines was measured, the minimum residual thickness was 53% of the blank thickness (T) and the excised width was 0.26 mm.

The spacing is 0.7 mm and the bending residual stiffness calculated based on the lateral stiffness before laminating is 76 millinewtons. The rigidity of the thin layer blank before excision is 290 millinewtons in the vertical direction and 145 millinewtons in the horizontal direction (the horizontal direction is the bending direction in this embodiment).

As can be seen from FIGS. 4 and 5, the blank of Example 2 exhibited a well-defined curved end with a gentle curvature that better approximated the theoretical curved profile. The location of the excision line could not be easily identified on the outer surface of the curved end.

Example 3:
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a cross section of a thin layer blank (Example 3) according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the blank (Example 3) of FIG.

The basis weight of the blank of Example 3 is 240 grams per square meter, and the thickness (T) is 298 micrometers. When each of the excised lines is measured, the minimum residual thickness is 58% of the blank thickness (T) and the excised width is 0.25 mm.

The spacing is 0.7 mm and the bending residual stiffness calculated based on the lateral stiffness prior to laminating is 56 millinewtons. The rigidity of the thin layer blank before excision is 197 millinewtons in the vertical direction and 98 millinewtons in the horizontal direction (horizontal direction in the bending direction in this embodiment).

As can be seen from FIGS. 6 and 7, the blank of Example 3 exhibited a well-defined curved end with a gentle curvature that better approximated the theoretical curved profile. The location of the excision line could not be easily identified on the outer surface of the curved end.

Comparative Example 1
FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a cross section of a thin layer blank (Comparative Example 1) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the blank (Comparative Example 1) of FIG.

The basis weight of the blank of Comparative Example 1 is 240 grams per square meter, and the thickness (T) is 298 micrometers. When each of the excised lines is measured, the minimum residual thickness is 59% of the blank thickness (T) and the excised width is 0.36 mm.

The spacing is 2.1 mm. The rigidity of the thin layer blank before excision is 197 millinewtons in the vertical direction and 98 millinewtons in the horizontal direction (horizontal direction in the bending direction in this embodiment).

As can be seen from FIGS. 8 and 9, the blank of Comparative Example 1 did not exhibit a well-defined curved end. That is, the curved ends did not have a gentle curvature to approximate the theoretical curved profile. Instead, the curved edges transitioned unevenly and randomly from the first flat panel to the second flat panel, and delamination was clearly visible along the curved edges.

Comparative Example 2
FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a cross section of a thin layer blank (Comparative Example 2) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the blank (Comparative Example 2) of FIG.

The basis weight of the blank of Comparative Example 2 was 240 grams per square meter, and the thickness (T) was 298 micrometers. When each of the excised lines was measured, the minimum residual thickness was 66% of the blank thickness (T) and the excised width was 0.35 mm. [1] The spacing is 0.71 mm. The rigidity of the thin layer blank before excision is 197 millinewtons in the vertical direction and 98 millinewtons in the horizontal direction (horizontal direction in the bending direction in this embodiment).

As can be seen from FIGS. 10 and 11, the blank of Comparative Example 2 did not exhibit a well-defined curved end. That is, the curved ends did not have a gentle curvature to approximate the theoretical curved profile. Instead, the curved edges transitioned unevenly and randomly from the first flat panel to the second flat panel, and delamination was clearly visible along the curved edges.

Thus, FIGS. 2-7, surprisingly, have a cleaner appearance with a gentle curvature that better approximates the theoretical curved profile when the cut lines are applied to the thin layer blank of the present invention. Indicates that a better defined curved end can be produced.

Claims (15)

A container for consumer goods formed at least partially from a cellulosic thin layered blank having a thickness (T), wherein the thin layered blank is at least the first flat that is bonded to each other by curved ends. It defines a part of a container with a clean wall and a second flat wall.
The curved end has an inner surface and an outer surface, and the inner surface of the curved end crosses the longitudinal length (L) of the curved end and the curved end. An excision region (A) having a width (W) to be stretched is defined and
The excised area comprises two or more excised lines extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the curved end, each excised line being thinner than the thickness (T) of the thin layer blank. Has a minimum residual thickness (RT) and
The minimum residual thickness (RT) of each of the two or more excised lines is at least about 30% of the blank said thickness (T) and less than about 60%.
The distance between the low points of two adjacent excised lines is greater than 0.2 millimeters and less than 1.6 millimeters, and the thickness (T) of the thin layer blank is from about 320 micrometers. A container that is about 360 micrometers. The container of claim 1, wherein the cut region comprises five or more of the cut lines over a substantial length at any longitudinal position of the curved end. The container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thin layer blank has a basis weight of about 160 grams per square meter to about 300 grams per square meter. Claim that each of the two or more excised lines has an excised width (X) of less than about 0.5 mm, measured laterally with respect to the longitudinal direction of the curved end. The container according to any one of 1 to 3. Each of the two or more excised lines has an excised width (X) of about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm, measured laterally with respect to the longitudinal direction of the curved end. The container according to claim 4. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the width (W) of the excised region is about 2 mm to about 8 mm. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the distance between adjacent excised lines in the excised area is less than about 1.2 millimeters. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the thin layer blank has a rigidity in the bending direction of about 50 millinewtons to about 500 millinewtons. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the thin layer blank has a residual rigidity in the bending direction of about 25 millinewtons to about 100 millinewtons. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the thin layer blank has a surface roughness of about 0.5 micrometer to about 1.5 micrometers. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the thin layer blank has a surface strength of about 1 meter per second to about 2 meters per second. The container of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the cut area comprises at least two cut lines extending parallel to its longitudinal direction over at least a portion of the curved end. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first flat wall is orthogonal to the second flat wall. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
A box with a front wall of the box, a rear wall of the box, side walls of the first and second boxes, and a bottom wall of the box.
A container comprising a lid portion dependent on a hinge wire from the upper end of the box portion, the lid portion being movable between an open position and a closed position about the hinge wire. A cellulosic fiber-based thin-layer blank for forming containers for consumer goods, the blank having a thickness (T) and at least the first flat wall and bonded to each other by curved ends. It defines a part of a container with a second flat wall,
The curved end has an inner surface and an outer surface, and the inner surface of the curved end crosses the longitudinal length (L) of the curved end and the curved end. An excision region (A) having a width (W) to be stretched is defined and
The excised area includes two or more excised lines extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the curved end, each of which is thinner than the thickness (T) of the thin layer blank. Has a minimum residual thickness (RT) and
The minimum residual thickness (RT) of each of the two or more excised lines is at least about 30% of the blank and less than about 60%.
The distance between the low points of two adjacent excised lines is greater than 0.2 millimeters and less than 1.6 millimeters.
The thickness (T) of the thin layer blank is a cellulose fiber-based thin layer blank having a thickness (T) of about 320 micrometers to about 360 micrometers.

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