ES2366488T3 - PACKAGING OF CONFITTERY ITEMS. - Google Patents

Abstract

Packaging of a stack (22) of confectionery granules (24) with a longitudinal axis that extends through all the granules inside the stack, packaging comprising a wrapping sheet (26) that covers the stack, the wrapping being folded around the stack and, prior to folding, the wrapping sheet has opposite side edges (40, 42) that are aligned essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stack and opposite longitudinal end portions (44, 46) that protrude beyond their respective stack ends. The wrapper circumferentially folds around the stack to form a side wall portion (32) that surrounds the stack around the longitudinal axis so that the opposite side edges (40, 42) overlap and each of said longitudinal end portions of the wrapper have the form of tongues (62, 66, 68, 72) folded to cover a respective axial end of the stack to form an end flap (30) of the wrapper that encloses the respective axial end, with the overlapping of each other. at least some of the tabs (62, 66, 68, 72) that form each end flap; which wrapper also comprises a tear guide (28) that helps the user to open the package by tearing the wrap along a line, where said tear guide extends over the shaft; characterized by the fact that the tear guide comprises an outer longitudinal edge (34) and an inner longitudinal edge (36) separated from said outer longitudinal edge, and by the fact that the tear guide (28) is positioned such such that at least the outer longitudinal edge (34) of the tear guide is within one of the end flap regions (30), so that the tear guide extends through at least two overlapping tabs (62, 66, 68, 72) in said end region.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the packaging of confectionery articles and, in particular, but not exclusively, to the packaging of confectionery granules, such as chewing gum granules.

[0002] Individual confectionery units are provided in the form of granules, pills, tablets or the like. For example, chewing gum may be in the form of granules with a relatively hard wrap or coating and a soft center. The granules usually have a shape similar to that of a small pillow. There are other confectionery products that are also presented in a similar way. For example, hard candies, candies, chocolates, soft candies and mint pills can be presented in the form of granules or pills as well as other types of candies, both soft and hard. For ease of reference, from now on the terms granule and granules will be used, but it will be understood that these terms include other similar arrangements, such as pills, tablets and the like.

[0003] The terms gum and chewing gum as used herein include inflatable gum.

[0004] In the packaging of confectionery products in the form of granules, several granules adjacent to each other are arranged in a row to create a stack with a longitudinal axis extending through all the granules in the stack, and to wrap the stack In a wrapping sheet. The wrapping is folded over the stack circumferentially, so that the edge of one side of the wrapping overlaps with the edge of the other side and is held in such place by an adhesive to create a seal. In this arrangement, the side edges are generally aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stack. The wrapper is longer than the confectionery unit stack, so that the ends of the wrapper extend beyond the ends of the stack. Each end of the wrapper folds to provide closure tabs that are placed on the respective ends of the stack and form a flap or final closure of the wrapper. The tabs are normally held by means of an adhesive, so that the wrapper forms a tight seal for the confectionery granules. Thus, the completed wrapper comprises a side wall portion that surrounds the granule stack, as well as flap portions that cover the ends of the stack.

[0005] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a stack 10 of chewing gum granules 12 packaged in a wrapper 14 in a conventional manner to form the parts of the side walls 16 and the closure flaps

18. The wrapper 14 typically comprises a layer of single or multiple foil that helps keep the product fresh. Occasionally, a second inner wrap is also used that folds over the stack of rubber granules in a manner similar to that of the main or outer wrap 14 before applying the outer wrap. This is known as "double wrap". However, in many cases only a single wrap is known as a "single wrap." Many confectionery products are packaged in this way.

[0006] To facilitate the user access to the confectionery units, it is a common practice to provide a tear guide in the wrapper that helps the user to tear the packaging following a preset line for opening. A known form of tear guide is the tear band 20 that extends circumferentially around the stack of confectionery units and that is near the end but maintains a certain distance therefrom. Such an arrangement allows the user to hook the tip of the tear band that is loose and pull it to tear the wrap along the line of the band and remove one end of the wrap consisting of the end flap as well as a considerable part of the side wall. The confectionery granules are thus accessed, which can be removed from the packaging one by one.

[0007] In certain packaging arrangements, the tear band 20 is placed inwardly from the end of the stack at a distance approximately equivalent to the thickness of one of the granules 12. Thus, the packaging is easier to manufacture and open but involves several problems. First, when opening the wrapper there is a risk that the first granule 12a located at that end of the stack, which protrudes at least partially from the tear band 20, is lost when the end of the wrapper is removed. Secondly, once the wrapper is opened and the first confectionery unit 12a is removed, the torn end of the parts of the remaining side walls of the wrapper will tend to be at the same level or near the outer face of the second granule 12b of the stack . Consequently, the packaging cannot be closed again, so that at least the outer face of the second confectionery article 12b of the battery is exposed to the risk of contamination or softening before use. There is also a risk that the remaining granules in the stack will leave the package as it is not effectively closed at the open end. These problems arise especially when the battery has a simple wrapping, since there is no internal wrapping to hold and protect the granules.

[0008] In confectionery wrappers of the type described above, the tear band is usually formed by fixing a band of material to the inner surface of the wrapper. The band is made of a material, generally a plastic material, which is stronger than the base material of the wrapping. One end of the band is fixed to a tongue that protrudes from the superimposed end of the wrap so that the user can pick it up and pull it to open the packaging. Because the web material is stronger than that of the wrap, the wrap is torn at least at one edge of the web. Normally the band extends laterally through the wrapper from one edge from side to side, so that when the wrap is folded over the stack, the band surrounds the stack circumferentially around the longitudinal axis. Although this type of tear band is effective in facilitating the user's opening of the packaging, the presence of another band of material may be an unsightly line or protuberance that extends around the formed wrap.

[0009] US Patent 1,132,781 to Lile discloses a package for a stack of chewing gum sticks comprising an inner wrapper 1 that envelops the stack and an outer wrapper 2 that surrounds a central part of the stack. Between the tip of one of the bars and the wrapper, a cardboard insert 3 is placed that has a tongue 3 'that lines one end of the bars inside the end flap region of the inner wrap 1. To open the The user must insert the thumbnail into the inner wrap between the 3 'tongue and the ends of the bars and lift the tongue up to remove the end flap region of the inner wrap. While this document discloses the extraction of the end flap region of the inner wrap 1, all the products packaged in this case are individually wrapped, so that the problems associated with packaging of confectionery granules with individual wrap are not taken into account . In addition, because the bars are aligned longitudinally in the wrapper 1, this document does not take into account the problems related to the need to reseal the packing to prevent the contents from leaving the open wrapper 1. On the contrary, this document It refers to easier ways to extract the contents of its packaging.

[0010] Mester U.S. Patent 1,329,056 also discloses the packaging of a stack of gum sticks. In the arrangement shown, a stack of individually wrapped rubber bars 6 is coated with a wrapper 1. A tear band is delimited at one end of the wrapper 1 by separate perforation lines 2, 3. While the tear band in this embodiment is located adjacent to the end flap region of the wrapper, the tear band is wide and thus a considerable part of the side wall area of the wrapping is detached. For reasons similar to those mentioned above in relation to the Lile patent, this document does not take into account the very different problems related to the packaging of confectionery granules without packaging. In particular, it is considered that the use of a wrap with perforation lines 2, 3 to delimit a tear band would be inappropriate in simple wrappers of piles of confectionery granules, since the wrapping would not seal the contents with respect to the outside environment.

[0011] US Patent No. 25,143 published again by Engleson et al. discloses the packaging according to the preamble of claim 1, of a pile of pills or candy. The packaging comprises an envelope that folds over the pile and covers it. A tear guide in the form of a strand or filament of thread is fixed to the inner surface of the wrap. The tear guide is spaced inwardly from and parallel to one end of the wrapper so that it is aligned just above the highest article in the stack.

[0012] There is a need, therefore, to create an improved packaging and a method of packing a stack of confectionery granules that overcomes, or at least mitigates, the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0013] Especially it is necessary to improve the packaging and packaging method of a confectionery granule stack so that the open packaging so that it can be re-closed more efficiently, especially when the stack has an individual wrapper.

[0014] It is also necessary to improve the packaging and packaging method of a confectionery granule stack so that it is visually more attractive than the known packaging.

[0015] According to a first aspect of the invention, a packaging of a confectionery granule stack is provided with a longitudinal axis extending through all the granules in the stack, the packaging comprising a wrapping sheet that covers the stack , which wrapping folds around the stack, before folding, the wrapping sheet has the edges of opposite sides that line essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stack, and opposite longitudinal end portions that protrude beyond their respective Pile tips The wrapper folds circumferentially over the stack to form a side wall portion that surrounds the stack on the longitudinal axis with the overlapping of the edges of the sides and each of said longitudinal end portions of the wrapper takes the form of tabs that are fold to overlap on their respective axial end of the stack to form an end flap of the wrapper that encloses the respective axial end, with the overlapping of at least some of the tabs that form each end flap, the wrapper further comprises a tear guide to facilitate the user opening the packaging by tearing the wrap along a line, where said tear guide extends over the shaft; characterized in that the tear guide comprises an outer longitudinal edge and an inner longitudinal edge separated from said outer longitudinal edge, and that the tear guide is positioned such that at least the outer longitudinal edge of the guide tear is located within one of the end flap regions, the tear guide extending through at least two tabs superimposed on said one of the end regions.

[0016] Although in practice it is accepted to position a tear guide inwards from the end of a pile of granules, the applicant discovered that by positioning the tear guide at least partially inside the flap region of end, the packaging can be opened without having to remove anything or only a small part of the side wall portion of the wrapper. As a result, the chances of the granule at the end of the battery being lost accidentally when the package is opened are reduced. In addition, once the packaging has been opened and the first granule removed from said end of the stack, the remaining portion of the side wall of the package will extend beyond the end of the stack thus reduced and which can therefore be folded to enclose the remaining granules and protect them. The stack may have a double wrap, in which case the inventive wrap comprises the outer wrap. However, the wrapping of the inventive packaging can be a great advantage when used as a single wrapping in an individual wrapping arrangement, where the ability to effectively re-close the packaging after opening is a great benefit.

[0017] The tear guide may comprise a tear band, in which case, at least one longitudinal outer edge of the tear band is located in the region of the end flap of the wrapper. In one arrangement, the inner longitudinal edge of the tear band is located in the side wall portion of the wrap adjacent to the end of the stack. In this arrangement, the tear band is located at the transition between the side wall portion of the wrapper and the end flap. In addition to obtaining the removal of a minimum portion of the side wall of the wrapper, it has the advantage of ensuring that the opening made is as wide as possible. In this arrangement, the inner longitudinal edge of the tear band can be located no more than 3mm from the edge of the end flap region. Preferably, the longitudinal inner edge of the tear strip will be located no more than 2mm from the edge of the end flap region and particularly no more than 1.5mm from the edge of the end flap region. Alternatively, the inner longitudinal edge of the tear band can also be located on the end flap, such that the entire tear band is located on the end flap of the wrap.

[0018] The tear band can be formed by fixing a band of material on the inner surface of the wrap. The material from which the band is made may be stronger than the material of the rest of the wrapping. The band may comprise a polymeric material. The band may comprise a plastic material. Otherwise, the wrapper can have two lines of weakness spaced apart that extend across at least part of the width of the wrapper to delimit a tear band between them. Weakness lines can be formed on the inner surface of the wrap by engraving and, in particular, with laser engraving. The use of a line of weakness etched or otherwise formed allows a tear guide to be formed in the package that is essentially invisible to the user, and therefore does not affect the aesthetics of the package.

[0019] The wrapper may further comprise a tear band tab that protrudes from the first side edge of the wrapper that the user can grasp and pull from it to initiate tearing of the wrapper. The tear band tab may comprise a protrusion extending from the wrapper. The tear band tongue can extend from the side edge of the wrap and can be formed entirely with the wrap sheet.

[0020] The tear band can be arranged to be substantially parallel to the first longitudinal edge of the wrapper. The outer longitudinal edge of the tear band can be separated from the edge of the first longitudinal end of the wrapper at a distance in the range of 5 mm to 10 mm, and the inner longitudinal edge of the tear band can be separated from the edge of the tear. first longitudinal end of the wrapper in a distance in the range of 6mm to 12mm. The tear band can extend laterally through at least part of the width of the from the first lateral edge and can follow a curvilinear path.

[0021] The tear guide may surround at least part of the end flap, at least partially. The tear guide can completely surround the entire end flap or part thereof. This allows the whole

or part of the end flap can be completely removed. Otherwise, the tear guide can only partially surround all or part of the end flap. This results in all or part of the end flap extending in the tear strip remaining fixed to the rest of the wrapper to form a tongue-shaped opening.

[0022] The wrapping may comprise a sheet of silver paper and may have a single or several layers. The sheet may be a sheet of composite material comprising a layer of silver paper and a layer of paper or other material.

[0023] The overlapping side edges of the wrapper can be glued together by using an adhesive. Some of the tabs that form each of the end flaps can be fixed in place by an adhesive. The adhesive can be a pressure or heat activated adhesive and can be applied previously to the wrapper before disposing of the latter around the confectionery unit stack.

[0024] The packaging may also include a second inner wrap which is placed on the granule stack before applying said wrap. Otherwise, the wrapper may comprise the only wrap to coat the granule stack.

[0025] Each stack granule can be individually wrapped.

[0026] Confectionery granules may be rubber granules and, in particular, chewing gum granules.

[0027] The tear guide may completely or partially surround the longitudinal axis of the confectionery granule stack.

[0028] According to a second aspect of the invention, the method of packaging a confectionery granule stack with a longitudinal axis extending through all the granules of the stack is provided, the method comprising: the arrangement of a sheet of wrapping having opposite side edges and portions of opposite longitudinal end edges adjacent to a stack of confectionery granules, so that the side edges are aligned essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stack and so that the end edge portions opposite lengths of the wrap protrude beyond their respective stack ends; folding the wrap circumferentially around the stack to form a side wall portion that surrounds the stack around the longitudinal axis with overlapping opposite side edges; the formation of each of said longitudinal ends of the wrapper in tongues covering its respective axial stack end to form a region of flap end of the wrapper that encloses said respective axial ends of the stack, with the superposition of at least some of the tabs that form each end flap region; the wrapping also comprising a tear guide that facilitates the user to open the packing by tearing the wrap along a line; which is characterized by the fact that the tear guide has an outer longitudinal edge and an inner longitudinal edge separated from said outer longitudinal edge, and by the fact that the method comprises the arrangement of the tear guide such that it it extends around the axis with at least the outer longitudinal edge of the guide disposed inside the end flap region of the wrapper and such that it extends through at least two tabs superimposed on said end flap region when the wrapper has formed completely.

[0029] The method may comprise the arrangement of the tear band, such that the longitudinal inside edge of the tear band is located in the side wall portion of the wrapper. The method may comprise the arrangement of the tear band so that the inner longitudinal edge of the band is no more than 3mm from the edge of the end flap region. Preferably, the method comprises positioning the tear band so that the longitudinal inside edge of the band is no more than 2mm from the edge of the end flap region and, especially, no more than 1.5mm from the edge of the end flap region. Otherwise, the method may comprise the arrangement of the tear band so that the longitudinal edges of the tear band, both exterior and interior, are positioned on the end flap of the wrapper.

[0030] The method may further comprise the formation of a tear band in the wrapper that extends across the entire width of the wrapper from one side edge to another, so that, in the completely formed wrapper, the band completely surrounds at least part of the end flap. Otherwise, the method may comprise the formation of a tear band in the wrapper that extends through only a part of the width of the wrapper from a first side edge so that it only partially surrounds at least part of the flap of end in the complete wrapping.

[0031] The method may comprise the formation of a tear band in the envelope by fixing a band of material to an inner surface of the envelope. The band is made of material that can be stronger than the rest of the wrapping material. The material band may comprise a polymeric material. The band may comprise a plastic material.

[0032] Otherwise, the method may comprise the formation of two separate lines of weakness that extend through only a part of the width of the wrapper to delimit a tear band between them. Weak lines can form on the inner surface of the wrap. Weakness lines can be formed by etching the inner surface of the wrapper. In particular, the method can comprise the formation of the weakness lines by using an engraving laser on the inner surface of the wrapper. The method can also comprise the production of a tongue that extends outwardly from the side edge of the wrapper to position itself between the two lines of weakness. The tongue can be formed entirely with the wrapper.

[0033] The method may comprise the formation of the tear band in the envelope so that the outer longitudinal edge of the tear band is separated from the edge of the first longitudinal end of the envelope at a distance in a range of 5mm to 10mm, and the inner longitudinal edge of the tear band is separated from the edge of the first longitudinal end of the wrapper at a distance in a range of 6mm to 12mm.

[0034] The wrapper may comprise a sheet of silver paper and have one or multiple layers. The sheet may be a sheet of composite material comprising a layer of silver paper and a layer of paper or other material.

[0035] The method may comprise fixing each other of the overlapping side edges of the wrapper by using an adhesive. The method may also comprise fixing some of the tabs that form each end flap in position by means of an adhesive. The adhesive may be by pressure or heat activated and the method may comprise prior application of the adhesive in the wrapper before it is wrapped around the confectionery granule stack.

[0036] The method may comprise wrapping a second inner wrap around the granule stack before applying said wrap.

[0037] The method may comprise the individual wrap of each of the candied granules before disposing them in the stack.

[0038] The method can be specifically adapted for packing a stack of chewing gum granules.

[0039] In the following, different embodiments of the invention are described only by way of examples, and in reference to the drawings, in which:

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a stack of packaged chewing gum granules according to the present invention;

Figure 3 is a plan view of a wrapper that is part of the packaging of Figure 2;

Figure 4 schematically shows the different phases of the simple wrapping process of the rubber granule stack by using the wrapper of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a stack of packed chewing gum granules according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a view similar to that of Figure 5, but illustrates the packaging of Figure 5 in its opening;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the packaging of Figure 5, but shows the packaging after being opened and illustrates the removal of a granule;

Figure 8 is a view similar to that of Figure 5, but shows the packaging of Figure 5 being closed again after opening;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a stack of packed chewing gum granules according to the third embodiment of the present invention; Y

Figure 10 is a view similar to that of Figure 8, but illustrates the packaging of Figure 9 once opened.

[0040] The same reference numbers will be used to indicate the same or equivalent characteristics in the different embodiments described below.

[0041] Figure 2 shows a stack 22 of chewing gum granules 24 packaged in an outer wrapper 26 in a manner similar to the wrapping of the prior art stack 10 described above. However, unlike the prior art, the wrapper 26 of the present embodiment has a tear band 28 that is arranged such that when the wrapper 26 is folded over the stack, it extends over the longitudinal axis and is it locates at least partially in an end flap region 30 of the wrapper adjacent to the outer end face of an end 24a of the granules 24 of the stack 22.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2, the tear band 28 is located at the intersection present between the end flap 30 and the side wall portion 32 of the wrapper. Thus, the outer longitudinal edge 34 of the tear strip is located on the end flap 30, while the inner longitudinal edge 36 is positioned slightly within the side wall portion 32 of the wrap essentially aligned with the end face. exterior of the last granule 24a. The tear band 28 extends across the entire width of the wrap so that it completely surrounds the end flap 30 when the wrap is formed. This means that the end flap 30 is completely removed when the user opens the package using the tear band 28. However, only a minimum amount of the side wall portion 32 of the wrapper is removed with the end flap 30. In Preferred embodiments, no more than 3mm is removed from the side walls, although preferably no more than 2mm, and even more preferably no more than 1.5mm.

[0043] By positioning the tear band 28 such that it extends at least partially over the end flap 30 at one end of the stack 22, many of the disadvantages of prior art packaging arrangements are overcome. Because the last outer granule 24a is properly located within the tear band 28, it is less likely that it will be lost when the user opens the package. In addition, when the last granule 24a is removed from the stack, sufficient side wall portion 32 of the wrapper remains protruding from the outer end face of the next granule 24b in the stack 22, so that the user can fold the open end of the wrapper to enclose the remaining granules 24, thus protecting them from exposure and preventing them from leaving the packaging.

[0044] Figure 3 is a plan view of the wrapper 26 comprising a sheet of paper or a sheet of silver paper. The wrapper 26 may also be made of a sheet of composite material comprising a silver paper on one side, usually the inner side 37, and a paper or other material on the outer side. The outer surface 39 of the package may be printed to provide information about the product such as its name, a list of ingredients and / or a trademark, etc. Parts with adhesive 38 are previously applied to the outer and inner surfaces of the wrapper to keep them in place on the granule stack, as will be described later in more detail.

[0045] The wrapping sheet 26 has two opposite side edges 40, 42 and two opposite longitudinal end edges 44, 46 and generally has a rectangular shape. However, it should be borne in mind that the shape of the wrapper 26 may vary depending on the dimensions of the granules 24 and the number of granules in the stack

22. The tear band 28 is located near the edge of a longitudinal end 44 and can be of any suitable type, including any type currently known in the art.

[0046] In the present embodiment, the tear band 28 is in the form of a band of material that is fixed to the inner surface 37 of the wrapper. The tear band 28 is fixed to the wrapper so that it extends from the first side edge 40 towards the opposite side edge 42 essentially parallel to the first longitudinal end edge 44. A tab 48 protrudes from the first side edge 40 and one end of the material band 28 is fixed to the tongue 48. When the wrapper is folded over the stack, the first side edge 40 of the wrapper is superimposed on the other side edge 42 and fixed on it by means of an adhesive 38, instead the tongue 48 is free for a user to catch. The tear band 28 is made of a material, for example plastic, more resistant than the rest of the wrapper, so that a user can tear and open the package by taking the tongue 48 with the tear band 28 attached and pulling the tear band in generally circumferential direction around the stack. Since the band 28 of material is more resistant than the rest of the wrap, the wrap tends to break along at least one of the longitudinal side edges of the band 28 when the user pulls the tongue.

[0047] The tear band 28 is positioned inwardly from the edge of the first longitudinal end 44 of the wrapping sheet 26 so that the longitudinal outer edge 34 of the band is within the end flap 30 formed in the end of the battery The exact separation space of the tear band will depend on the dimensions of the granules and the wrapping sheet. However, in the present embodiment, the outer longitudinal edge 34 of the tear band is separated from the edge of the first longitudinal end 44 of the wrapper 28 at a distance in a range of 5mm to 10mm and the longitudinal inner edge 36 of the Band is separated from the edge of the first longitudinal end 44 of the wrapping sheet at a distance in a range of 6mm to 12mm.

[0048] The wrapper 26 can be formed as part of a continuous sheet of wrappers 50 and can be applied to the stack 22 of granules using a known wrapper, such as the Sapal Chewpac ™ supplied by SIG Sapal SA of Av. Du Tir Federal 44, 1024 Ecublens, Switzerland.

[0049] A method of applying the wrapper 26 for a stack 22 of chewing gum granules 24 will be described below in reference to Figure 4, which schematically illustrates the sequence of the folding steps performed to form the packaging by means of the use of wrapper 26 as described above.

[0050] A stack 22 of rubber granules 24 is inserted into a wrapper to form a vertically aligned wrapper 26 with the inner surface 37 of the wrapper facing the stack. The wrapper 26 is inserted into the machine as part of a continuous sheet 50 and separated from the sheet before being folded onto the stack 22. The wrapper 26 has a tear band 28 that aligns with the outer face of the end 52 of the tip granule 24a of one end of the stack 22.

[0051] As shown in 54, the second side edge 42 of the wrapper 26 is folded to extend partially through the bottom surface of the stack 22 while the first side edge 40 folds over the top surface to protrude outward from the side of the pile. The longitudinal end edges 44, 46 of the wrap protrude beyond the ends of the stack 22.

[0052] The granule stack 22 together with the partially folded wrapper 26 is then reversed as indicated by arrow 56. As shown in 58, with the stack 22 inverted, the second side edge 42 of the wrapper 26 extends longitudinally around half through the current upper surface of the stack 22 generally parallel to a longitudinal axis 60 of the stack 22. At this point, or during the process of inverting the stack, the first side portions 62 of the envelope 26 protruding beyond each stack end they fold inwardly to be in contact with the end faces of the stack, and the wrapper folds over the fold lines 64 to partially form larger first and second end closure tabs 66 , 68 at each end of the stack.

[0053] The first side edge 40 of the wrapper 26 is folded over the present upper surface of the stack to cover the second side edge 42 of the wrapper, as shown in 70. The second side portions 72 of the wrapper 26 protruding beyond the ends of the stack 22 are then folded inwards to make contact with the end face of the stack, and the wrap is folded over the fold lines 74 to complete the first and second large end tabs of the ends 66, 68 at both ends. The second side portions 72 may overlap with the second side portions 62 so that the ends of the stack are completely coated.

[0054] The first major end closure tabs 66 of each end are folded down to be in contact with the side portions62, 72 on the face of the ends of the stack 22 as shown in 75. The last phase in the The formation of the wrapping is to fold the second large end closure tabs 68 over the first large end closure tabs 66 as shown in 76. The side portions 62, 72 and the first and second major end closure tabs 66, 68 they combine to form the end closures or end flaps 30 of the wrapper.

[0055] In a manner well known in the art, some or all overlapping regions of the wrapper adhere to each other by means of the previously applied adhesive 38. This keeps the wrapper 26 in place and can be arranged. such that the packaging is sealed to protect the packed rubber granules. Any suitable adhesive can be used, either by pressure and / or heat sensitive.

[0056] Figures 5 to 8 illustrate an alternative embodiment in which the tear band 28 is positioned such that it extends fully into the end flap 30 of the completely formed wrap 26. The wrap 26 in this form of embodiment is formed in another way, as described above with respect to the first embodiment. As illustrated in Figure 6, with this arrangement, no side wall portion 32 of the wrapper 26 is removed when the package is opened. Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the way in which the open end of the wrapping can be folded down after removing one of the granules 24a from the open packing to enclose and protect the remaining granules.

[0057] Figures 9 and 10 illustrate another embodiment of a package for a pile of granules. In Figures 9 and 10, a lower portion of the wrapper 26 can be seen transparent so that the rubber granules 24 can be clearly seen in place. In this embodiment, the tear band 28 is created in the wrapper by forming two separate weakness lines 80, 82 on the inner surface of the wrap 26. The weakness lines are arranged transversely from the first side edge 40 to through part of the width of the packaging. A tab 84 protrudes from the first side edge 40 of the wrapper in a position between the two lines of weakness that the user must take. It is arranged in such a way that when the user pulls the tongue, the wrapper will preferably tear along the two lines of weakness.

[0058] The tear band 28 is disposed in such a way that it is placed entirely within an end flap 30 of the completely formed envelope 26. Because the tear band extends only in a part of the envelope, it surrounds only partially the central zone 86 of the end flap 30. As a result, the central zone 86 is not completely removed from the wrapper 26 when the package is opened and remains attached along an edge 88 to form a tongue. This reduces the amount of garbage produced, since the user cannot throw away the open-end flap region 86. The tongue 86 can also be used to re-close the package. However, it should be borne in mind that the tear strip can be extended along the entire width of the wrap 28 so that the end flap 30, or at least part of it, is completely detached when the package is opened.

[0059] By forming the tear band by using lines of weakness instead of a band of material, the tear band 28 can be formed to provide a more attractive opening, and the tear band material can be printed In a different color for more design effect. In this way, lines of weakness 80, 82 can follow a curvilinear path to produce a formed opening.

[0060] Weak lines 80, 82 can be made by any suitable method, but it is preferable to use an engraving laser on the inner surface of the wrapper. Other methods of producing lines of weakness include engraving with methods other than laser, marking the inner surface or forming perforations that extend through at least one inner layer of the wrapper. Preferably, the formation of weakness lines should not void the integrity of the formed envelope, particularly when the stack has a simple envelope. Thus, for example, if a line of weakness occurs with perforations, it is preferable that they extend only through one or more inner layers and do not extend completely from one side of the wrapper to the other.

[0061] It should be borne in mind that the exact nature of the wrapper and the method of applying the wrapper to the granule stack may vary within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. For example, a second inner wrap (not shown) can be provided and disposed around the granule stack prior to wrap 26, which becomes an outer wrap. In addition, each granule in the stack can be individually wrapped. It should also be taken into account that the use of the packaging and the method according to the invention is not limited to the packaging of rubber granules and can be adapted to package other confectionery products or articles in the form of granules that can be formed in a stack. For example, hard candies, candies, chocolates, soft candies, mint pills and other similar confectionery products can be packaged according to the invention.

[0062] Although the invention has been described in relation to what is currently considered the most practical and preferred embodiment, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the described arrangements, but is intended to cover various modifications and constructions equivalents included in the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims (12)

one.

Packaging of a stack (22) of confectionery granules (24) with a longitudinal axis that extends through all the granules inside the stack, packaging comprising a wrapping sheet (26) that covers the stack, the wrapping being folded around the stack and, prior to folding, the wrapping sheet has opposite side edges (40, 42) that are aligned essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stack and opposite longitudinal end portions (44, 46) that protrude beyond their respective stack ends. The wrapper circumferentially folds around the stack to form a side wall portion (32) that surrounds the stack around the longitudinal axis so that the opposite side edges (40, 42) overlap and each of said longitudinal end portions of the wrapper have the form of tongues (62, 66, 68, 72) folded to cover a respective axial end of the stack to form an end flap (30) of the wrapper that encloses the respective axial end, with the overlapping of each other. at least some of the tabs (62, 66, 68, 72) that form each end flap; which wrapper also comprises a tear guide (28) that helps the user to open the package by tearing the wrap along a line, where said tear guide extends over the shaft; characterized by the fact that the tear guide comprises an outer longitudinal edge (34) and an inner longitudinal edge (36) separated from said outer longitudinal edge, and by the fact that the tear guide (28) is positioned such such that at least the outer longitudinal edge (34) of the tear guide is within one of the end flap regions (30), so that the tear guide extends through at least two overlapping tabs (62, 66, 68, 72) in said end region.

2.

Packaging according to claim 1, wherein the inner longitudinal edge (36) of the tear guide (28) is also located on the end flap (30).

3.

Packaging according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the tear guide (28) is formed by fixing a band of a material to an inner surface (37) of the wrapper (26), a band made of a more resistant material than the rest of the wrapping material.

Four.

Packaging according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the tear guide (28) is defined between two separate lines of weakness (80, 82) that extend through at least part of the width of the wrapper (26).

5.

Packaging according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tear guide (28) only partially surrounds all or part of said one of the end flaps (30).

6.

Packaging according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tear guide (28) extends in a curvilinear path.

7.

Packaging according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the confectionery granules (24) are chewing gum granules.

8.

Packaging method of a stack (22) of candied granules (24) with a longitudinal axis extending through all the granules in the stack, method comprising: the arrangement of a wrapping sheet (26) with opposite side edges ( 40, 42) and portions of opposite longitudinal end edges (44, 46) adjacent to a stack of confectionery granules, so that the side edges (40, 44) are aligned essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stack and so that the portions of the opposite longitudinal end edges (44, 46) of the wrapper protrude beyond their respective ends of the stack; the wrapping of the wrap circumferentially around the stack to form a side wall portion (32) that surrounds the stack around the longitudinal axis with the superposition of the opposite lateral edges, the formation of each of said longitudinal ends of the tongue wrap ( 62, 66, 68, 72) covering its respective axial end of the stack to form an end flap region (30) of the wrapper enclosing said respective axial end of the stack, with the superposition of at least some of the tabs (62, 66, 68, 72) that form each end flap region (30); the wrapper further comprising a tear guide (28) to assist the user in opening the package by tearing the wrap along a line; characterized in that the tear guide has an outer longitudinal edge (34) and an inner longitudinal edge (36) separated from said outer longitudinal edge, and by the fact that the method comprises the arrangement of the tear guide ( 28) so that it extends around the axis with at least the outer longitudinal edge (34) of the guide located within an end flap region (30) of the wrapper, and so that it extends through the minus two overlapping tabs (62, 66, 68, 72) in said end flap region (30) when the wrapper is fully formed.

9.

A method according to claim 8, wherein the method comprises the arrangement of the tear guide, (28) so that both the outer longitudinal edge (34) and the inner edge (36) are located within said end flap (30 ) of the packaging.

10.

Method according to claim 8 or claim 9, method comprising the formation of a tear guide (28) in the wrapper (26) extending across the entire width of the wrapper from one side edge (40, 42) to another , so that in the completely formed wrapper, it completely surrounds at least part of the end flap (30).

Method according to claim 8 or claim 9, method comprising the formation of a tear guide (28) in the wrapper (26) extending only through a part of the width of the wrapper from the first side edge (40, 42) so that, in the completed wrapper, it only partially surrounds at least a portion of the end flap (30). 12. A method according to any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the method comprises the formation of a 10 tear guide (28) in the wrapper (26) by fixing a band of a material to an inner surface (37) of the wrapping (26). 13. Method according to any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the method comprises the formation of two separate lines of weakness (80, 82) in the wrapper (26). These lines of weakness extend through at least part of the width of the envelope to delimit the tear guide (28) between them. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the method is adapted for the packaging of chewing gum granules (24).