WO2024127020A1

WO2024127020A1 - A pack and a method of manufacturing a pack

Info

Publication number: WO2024127020A1
Application number: PCT/GB2023/053234
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael CHURCHER
Original assignee: British American Tobacco Investments Ltd IFI
Current assignee: British American Tobacco Investments Ltd IFI
Priority date: 2022-12-16
Filing date: 2023-12-14
Publication date: 2024-06-20
Anticipated expiration: 2025-06-16
Also published as: GB202219114D0; AU2023392766A1; TW202440421A; AR131359A1; EP4634080A1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a pack (1) for aerosol-generating articles. The pack comprises a wrapped bundle (3) comprising an inner wrap enclosing a group of aerosol-generating articles (2). The pack comprises an outer wrap (4) comprising a flexible sheet material that encloses the wrapped bundle such that the wrapped bundle is not visible prior to opening of the pack. The outer wrap comprises a plurality of flaps (11A, 12A, 13A, 14A) that overlie an end of the wrapped bundle and wherein one or more of the flaps is retained in position by an adhesive, wherein the outer wrap is configured to be opened to provide access to said end of the wrapped bundle. The present disclosure also relates to a method of manufacturing a pack for aerosol-generating articles.

Description

A pack and a method of manufacturing a pack

Technical field

The present disclosure relates to a pack for aerosol-generating articles. The present disclosure also relates to a method of manufacturing a pack for aerosol-generating articles.

Background

A soft cup package comprises a soft cup of material which is open at the top. A charge of cigarettes is surrounded by a wrapping, such as a metal foil, and is located in the soft cup. The soft cup pack may have a tax stamp (also referred to as a revenue stamp) extending over the open top of the soft cup.

Summary In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a pack for aerosol-generating articles, the pack comprising: a wrapped bundle comprising an inner wrap enclosing a group of aerosol-generating articles; and, an outer wrap comprising a flexible sheet material that encloses the wrapped bundle such that the wrapped bundle is not visible prior to opening of the pack, wherein the outer wrap comprises a plurality of flaps that overlie an end of the wrapped bundle and wherein one or more of the flaps is retained in position by an adhesive, wherein the outer wrap is configured to be opened to provide access to said end of the wrapped bundle.

In some embodiments, the outer warp comprises first and second portions, and wherein the second portion is configured to be removed from the first portion when the pack is opened.

In some embodiments, the second portion overlies said end of the wrapped bundle.

In some embodiments, at least two of the flaps are retained in position by the adhesive. The at least two flaps may be adhered together. An adhesive may be applied to one of the flaps to adhere the flap to another one of the flaps. The two flaps may be opposing flaps.

Adhesive may be applied between surfaces of the at least two flaps, for example, an outer surface of one flap and an inner surface of another flap that overlies said one flap. The surfaces may be opposing surfaces. In some embodiments, the pack comprises one or more lines of strength discontinuity configured to facilitate removal of the second portion from the first portion when the pack is opened. The outer wrap may comprise the one or more lines of strength discontinuity. In some embodiments, the one or more lines of strength discontinuity comprises one or more lines of weakness in the outer wrap to facilitate tearing of the outer wrap along the one or more lines of weakness.

In some embodiments, the pack comprises a tear strip to facilitate removal of the second portion of the outer wrap from the first portion. In some embodiments, the tear strip comprises a strip of material that is attached to the outer wrap.

In some embodiments, the pack comprise spaced first and second lines of strength discontinuity configured such that the tear strip is located between the first and second lines of strength discontinuity. In some embodiments, the second portion of the outer wrap is removable together with the tear strip.

The outer wrap may comprise an opaque material (e.g. opaque paper or foil) such that the wrapped bundle is not visible prior to opening of the pack.

In some embodiments, the flexible sheet material is or comprises paper. In some embodiments, the outer wrap does not comprise rigid cardboard.

In some embodiments, the pack comprises a line of separation comprising a line of strength discontinuity located between the first and second portions of the outer wrapper to facilitate separation of the first and second portions when the pack is opened. The outer wrap may comprise the line of separation. In some embodiments, the outer wrap is defined by opposing front and rear faces, opposing side faces, and opposing end faces, and wherein the or each line of strength discontinuity or tear strip extends around substantially all of the front and rear faces and opposing side faces of the outer wrap.

In some embodiments, the outer wrap comprises an end wall comprising the plurality of end flaps, and wherein the end wall comprises a line of strength discontinuity configured such that at least a portion of the end wall is removable from the remainder of the end wall to open the pack.

In some embodiments, the pack comprises a tab portion configured to be gripped by a user to facilitate removal of the second portion of the outer wrap from the first portion. In some embodiments, the first portion of the outer wrap is configured to remain in place on the wrapped bundle when the second portion is removed.

In some embodiments, the pack comprises a label applied to the outer wrap and, preferably, the label comprises a tax stamp.

In some embodiments, the label is arranged such that outer wrap is openable to access said end of the wrapped bundle without tearing the label and/ or lifting/ removing at least a portion of the label.

In some embodiments, the label is arranged such that the second portion of the outer wrap is removable without tearing the label and/or lifting/ removing at least a portion of the label. In some embodiments, the label is adhered to the second portion of the outer wrap such that the label is removable together with the second portion.

In some embodiments, the label is adhered to the first portion of the outer wrap such that the label remains on the pack when the second portion of the outer wrap is removed. In some embodiments, the label does not retain the plurality of end flaps in position overlying said end of the wrapped bundle.

In some embodiments, the label only overlies a single face of the outer wrap.

In some embodiments, the outer wrap is adjacent the inner wrap of the wrapped bundle such that no inner frame is located between the outer wrap and the wrapped bundle.

In some embodiments, the adhesive is a permanent adhesive.

In some embodiments, the outer wrap further comprises a plurality of second end flaps that overlie a second end of the wrapped bundle and, preferably, one or more of the second end flaps are retained in position by an adhesive. In some embodiments, the outer wrap comprises paper. In some embodiments, the outer wrap forms an exterior surface of the pack once the pack has been opened.

In some embodiments, the outer wrap is configured to be opened in a non-resealable manner to provide access to said end of the wrapped bundle. In some embodiments, the flaps are configured to be lifted in a non-resealable manner to provide access to said end of the wrapped bundle.

In some embodiments, the flaps are retained in position overlying the end of the wrapped bundle by the adhesive and without a tax stamp retaining the flaps in said position. In alternative embodiments to those described above, the pack may be for articles/consumables for a delivery system and, for example, articles/ consumables for an aerosol-free delivery system.

According to the present disclosure, there is also provided a method of manufacturing a pack for aerosol-generating articles, the method comprising: providing a wrapped bundle comprising an inner wrap enclosing a group of aerosol-generating articles; and, arranging an outer wrap of a flexible sheet material about the wrapped bundle such that the outer wrap encloses the wrapped bundle such that the wrapped bundle is not visible prior to opening of the pack, and wherein the outer wrap is configured to be opened to provide access to an end of the wrapped bundle, wherein said arranging the outer wrap includes adhering a plurality of flaps of the outer wrap together such that the flaps overlie an end of the wrapped bundle and one or more of the flaps is retained in position by the adhesive.

In some embodiments, providing the sheet material of the outer wrap with one or more lines of strength discontinuity or a tear strip to facilitate easier opening of the outer wrap.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a first perspective view of a pack according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 is a second perspective view of the pack of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a first perspective view of the pack of Fig. 1, with an outer wrap of the pack in an opened configuration;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a wrapped bundle of the pack of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the wrapped bundle of the pack of Fig. 1, with the wrapped bundle in an opened configuration;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a pack according to a second embodiment;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the pack of Fig. 6, with an outer wrap of the pack in an opened configuration;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a pack according to a third embodiment, with an outer wrap of the pack in an opened configuration;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a pack according to a fourth embodiment;

Fig. io is a perspective view of the pack of Fig. 9, with the outer wrap of the pack in a partially opened configuration;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the pack of Fig. 9, with the outer wrap of the pack in an opened configuration;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a pack according to a fifth embodiment; and,

Fig. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method of manufacturing a pack.

Detailed description

Referring now to Figs. 1 to 5, a first embodiment of a package 1 for aerosol-generating articles 2 is shown. The package 1 comprises a wrapped bundle 3 and an outer wrap 4.

The wrapped bundle 3 comprises an inner wrap 5 of flexible sheet material, for example, paper or foil (e.g. a metal foil). The inner wrap 5 contains a group of aerosolgenerating articles 2. In the present embodiment, the aerosol-generating articles 2 are combustible articles 2, which optionally are cigarettes 2. However, it should be recognised that in other embodiments, the articles 2 may be non-combustible articles.

The articles 2 may be consumables.

The inner wrap 5 forms an enclosure of the flexible sheet material wrapped around the articles 2. The inner wrap 5 has two major (front and rear) walls 5A, 5B, two side walls 5C, 5D and two (top and bottom) end walls 5E, 5F. The articles 2 can be removed from the wrapped bundle 3 through the top wall 5E once the pack 1 has been opened, as will be described in more detail below.

The outer wrap 4 comprises a flexible sheet material, for example, paper or foil. The outer wrap 4 has two major (front and rear) walls 4A, 4B, two side walls 4C, 4D and two

(top and bottom) end walls 4E, 4F. The front and rear walls 4A, 4B of the outer wrap 4 overlie the front and rear walls 5A, 5B respectively of the inner wrap 5, the two side walls 4C, 4D of the outer wrap 4 overlie the respective side walls 5C, 5D of the inner wrap 5, and the top and bottom walls 4E, 4F of the outer wrap 4 overlie the top and bottom walls 5E, 5F respectively of the inner wrap 5. Thus, the outer wrap 4 overlies the entire outer surface area of the inner wrap 5 such that the wrapped bundle 3 is not visible prior to the pack 1 being opened. The outer wrap 4 is a substantially opaque material.

The inner wrap 5 comprises a plurality of first end flaps 21, 22, 23, 24 that overlie a first end of the group of articles 2 and a plurality of second end flaps (not shown) that overlie a second end of the group of articles 2. In the present example, the top wall 5E of the inner wrap 5 is formed by the first end flaps which comprise a rear flap 21, front flap 22 and side flaps 23, 24. However, it should be recognised that in other embodiments the top wall 5E may comprise a different arrangement and/or number of flaps. In the present example, the bottom wall 5F of the inner wrap 5 is formed by second end flaps (not shown) comprising a rear flap, front flap and side flaps (not shown). However, it should be recognised that in other embodiments the bottom wall 5F may comprise a different arrangement and/or number of flaps. The first end flaps 21, 22, 23, 24 of the inner wrap 5 are folded against each other to form the top wall 5E and, in the present example, are not adhered together. In other embodiments, one or more of the first end flaps 21, 22, 23, 24 are adhered to another one of the first end flaps 21, 22, 23, 24 to retain the first end flaps 21, 22, 23, 24 in the folded position. The second end flaps (not shown) of the inner wrap 5 are folded against each other to form the bottom wall 5F and, in the present example, are not adhered together. In other embodiments, one or more of the second end flaps (not shown) are adhered to another one of the second end flaps to retain the first end flaps in the folded position. However, the first end flaps 21, 22, 23, 24 not being retained in the folded down position by adhesive makes the pack 1 easier to open.

The wrapped bundle 3 may be constructed as conventionally known from a blank. The inner wrap 5 of the wrapped bundle 3 may be formed from a single sheet of material, folded around the articles 2. The edges of the material overlap, and are not sealed or joined together. The outer wrap 4may also be constructed from a blank. The outer wrap 4 comprises a plurality of first end flaps nA, 12A, 13A, 14A that overlie a first end of the wrapped bundle 3, namely the top wall 5E of the inner wrap 5 of the wrapped bundle 3. In the present example, the top wall 4E of the outer wrap 4 is formed by rear flap 11A, front flap 12A and side flaps 13A, 14A. However, it should be recognised that in other embodiments the top wall 4E may comprise a different arrangement and/or number of flaps. The plurality of first end flaps nA, 12A, 13A, 14A of the outer wrap 4 are held down by an adhesive. The adhesive may be applied to one or more of the first end flaps 11A, 12A, 13A, 14A. In the present example, the adhesive is applied to one or more adhesive regions 15 of the rear flap nA, and the rear flap nA is then folded such that an inner surface of the rear flap 11A is adhered to an outer surface of the front flap 12A. However, it should be recognised that in other embodiments (not shown) the adhesive may additionally, or alternatively, be applied to one or more of the front flap 12A or side flaps 13A, 14A. A plurality of adhesive regions may be provided to retain one or more of the flaps nA,

12A, 13A, 14A in the folded closed position.

The adhesive helps to retain one or more of the first end flaps 11A, 12A, 13A, 14A in position such that the outer wrap 4 completely envelopes the wrapped bundle 3, thereby reducing the ingress of air into and out of the pack 1. The adhered flaps nA, 12A, 13A, 14A may therefore help to improve the freshness of the articles 2 and provide an additional layer of protection for the articles 2. Furthermore, the outer wrap 4 envelopes the wrapped bundle 3 such that the wrapped bundle 3 is not visible prior to opening of the outer wrap 4, which improves the perception of the freshness of the articles 2 prior to opening of the outer wrap 4.

In addition, the provision of adhesive to retain one or more of the first end flaps 11A, 12A, 13A, 14A in position means that the first end flaps 11A, 12A, 13A, 14A do not need to be held in place by a separate label (e.g. a tax or revenue stamp or a label printed with other information) . This means that such a label can be dispensed with.

Alternatively, the pack 1 can comprise such a label 17 (e.g. a tax stamp). Optionally, the label 17 is positioned in such a manner that it does not retain the first end flaps 11A, 12A, 13A, 14A in the closed position. This means that the label 17 can be laid flat on a single wall of the outer wrap 4, which may make the label 17 easier to apply to the outer wrap 4. In some embodiments, the label 17 only overlies a single wall 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F of the outer wrap 4. However, it should be recognised that in other embodiments the label 17 may overlie a plurality of the walls 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F of the outer wrap 4.

In some embodiments, the label 17 (e.g. a tax stamp) is located on the outer wrap 4 such that the user does not have to break the label 17 or remove or peel back at least a portion of the label 17 in order to open the outer wrap 4 (for example, the label 17 is not adhered over multiple end flaps nA, 12A, 13A, 14A to retain the flaps in a closed position). This may facilitate easier opening of the pack 1. It may also help to prevent the user from attempting to reseal the outer wrap 4 after opening. The user will thus be discouraged from leaving the articles 2 in the pack 1 for an extended period of time after which the freshness and/or taste of the articles 2 has degraded.

In the present example, the label 17 is located on a side wall 4C of the outer wrap 4. In the present example, the label is a tax stamp 17. In other embodiments (not shown) the label 17 (e.g. a tax stamp) may be located on the other side wall 4D or the front wall 4A, rear wall 4B, top wall 4E or bottom wall 4F of the outer wrap 4, or more than one of said walls 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F.

The adhesive may be a permanent (e.g. non-reusable) adhesive. The adhesive may comprise, for example, hot melt adhesive or water based adhesive. Therefore, once the user has opened the outer wrap 4 (e.g. by pulling the rear flap nA away from the front flap 12A), the user will recognise that the outer wrap 4 cannot be readily resealed. The user will thus be discouraged from leaving the articles 2 in the pack 1 for an extended period of time after which the freshness and/or taste of the articles 2 has degraded.

The outer wrap 4 further comprises a plurality of second end flaps 11B, 12B, 13B, 14B that overlie a second end of the wrapped bundle 3, namely the bottom wall 5F of the inner wrap 5 of the wrapped bundle 3. In the present example, the bottom wall 4F of the outer wrap 4 is formed by rear flap 11B, front flap 12B and side flaps 13B, 14B. However, it should be recognised that in other embodiments the bottom wall 4F may comprise a different arrangement and/or number of flaps. The plurality of second end flaps 11B, 12B, 13B, 14B of the outer wrap 4 are held down by an adhesive.

To open the pack 1, the user first folds the rear flap nA away from the front flap 12A of the outer wrap 4, thereby exposing the top wall 5E of the inner wrap 5 of the wrapped bundle 3. The user can then gain access to the articles 2 by removing a section of the top wall 5E of the inner wrap 5 to form an opening 16, for example, by ripping or tearing the inner wrap 5. Alternatively, or additionally, the user may gain access to the articles 2 by unfolding the first end flaps 21, 22, 23, 24 of the inner wrap 5 to expose the articles 2.

Referring now to Figs. 6 and 7, a second embodiment of a pack too for aerosolgenerating articles 2 is shown. The pack too of the second embodiment is similar to the pack 1 of the first embodiment, with like features retaining the same reference numerals. A difference is that the outer warp 4 of the pack too of the second embodiment comprises first and second portions 101, 102, wherein the second portion 102 is configured to be removed from the first portion 101 when the outer wrap 4 of the pack 1 is opened. The user can then open the wrapped bundle 3 in the same manner as previously described. The first and second portions 101, 102 of the outer wrap 4 may be integrally formed from the same section of sheet material until the second portion 102 is removed from the first portion 101.

The outer wrap 4 comprises a line of separation 103 comprising a line of strength discontinuity 103 located between the first and second portions 101, 102 of the outer wrap 4 to separate the first and second portions 101, 102 upon opening of the pack too. That is, the line of strength discontinuity 103 promotes tearing of the outer wrap 4 along the line of strength discontinuity 103 to separate the outer wrap 4 into first and second portions 101, 102.

In the present example, the first portion 101 of the outer wrap 4 extends from a first side of the line of separation 103 and the second portion 102 of the outer wrap 4 extends from an opposite second side of the line of separation 103. The line of separation 103 may extend continuously or may be discontinuous and, for example, may comprise a plurality of spaced lines of strength discontinuity 103. The line of separation 103 may be spaced from top and bottom edges of the pack 1.

The line of separation 103 may extend about substantially the entire perimeter of the wrapped bundle 3 in order to promote complete separation of the first and second portions 101, 102 of the outer wrap 4. As with the first embodiment, the wrapped bundle 3 of the pack too comprises an inner wrap 5 with opposing front and rear walls 5A, 5B, opposing side walls 5C, 5D, a top wall 5E and a bottom wall (not shown). In the present example, the line of separation 103 may extend about substantially all of the front and rear walls 5A, 5B and opposing side walls 5C, 5D of the inner wrap 5.

In some embodiments, the line of strength discontinuity 103 comprises a line of weakening 103. The line of weakening 103 may be formed in or on the sheet material of the outer wrap 4. The line of weakening 103 may be formed on the inside and/or outside surface of the outer wrap 4. The line of weakening 103 may be formed by partially cutting into the sheet material of the outer wrap 4 or cutting through the entire thickness of the sheet material. The cutting may conveniently be performed by laser cutting with one or more laser cutters. It will also be appreciated that the cutting can be performed using knife blades or the lines of weakness 103 can be formed by creasing the sheet material or by pinching the sheet material from both sides, or by burning the sheet material. In some embodiments, the line of weakening 103 comprises a line of perforations. In some embodiments, the line of weakening 103 is formed by pin embossing the sheet material of the outer wrap 4.

In the present example, the line of weakening 103 comprises a line of perforations 103 that extend through the entire thickness of the sheet material of the outer wrap 4.

In some embodiments, the line of strength discontinuity 103 comprises a line of strengthening 103. The line of strengthening may be formed in or on the sheet material of the outer wrap 4. In such embodiments, a tear may propagate along the sheet material adjacent to the line of strengthening such that the line of strengthening guides the tear. The line of strengthening may comprise, for example, a structural coating such as a varnish or starch that is applied in a line to strengthen the sheet material.

To open the pack too, the user first removes the second portion 102 of the outer wrap 4 from the remainder of the outer wrap 101. This is achieved by tearing the outer wrap 4 along the line of separation 103 such that the second portion 102 separates from the first portion 101 (as shown in Fig. 7). For example, the user may grab a corner of the second portion 102 and pull the second portion 102 away from the first portion 101 such that a tear propagates along the line of separation 103. Alternatively, or additionally, in some embodiments the user may run a fingernail along the line of separation 103. Once the user has removed the second portion 102 of the outer wrap 4, the user can then gain access to the articles 2 by removing a section of the top wall 5E of the inner wrap 5 to form an opening, for example, by ripping or tearing the inner wrap 5 (as described above in relation to the pack 1 of the first embodiment). Alternatively, or additionally, the user may gain access to the articles 2 by unfolding the first end flaps 21, 22, 23, 24 of the inner wrap 5 to expose the articles 2.

In some embodiments (not shown), the pack too may comprise a tab portion (not shown) that is configured to be gripped by the user to facilitate removal of the second portion 102 of the outer wrap 4 from the first portion 101. The tab portion may be integrally formed with the second portion 102, for example, being formed form the sheet material of the outer wrap 4, or may be a separate tab portion that is adhered to the second portion 102. In some embodiments, the tab portion may be adjacent the line of separation 103.

As with the pack 1 of the first embodiment, the pack too of the second embodiment comprises adhesive applied to an adhesive region (not shown) of the rear flap nA of the outer wrap 4, and the rear flap nA is then folded such that an inner surface of the rear flap 11A is adhered to an outer surface of the front flap 12A. However, it should be recognised that in other embodiments (not shown) the adhesive may additionally, or alternatively, be applied to one or more of the front flap 12A or side flaps 13A, 14A.

The adhesive helps to retain one or more of the first end flaps 11A, 12A, 13A, 14A in position such that the outer wrap 4 completely envelopes the wrapped bundle 3, thereby reducing the ingress of air into and out of the pack too. The adhered flaps nA, 12A, 13A, 14A may therefore help to improve the freshness of the articles 2.

Furthermore, the outer wrap 4 envelopes the wrapped bundle 3 such that the wrapped bundle 3 is not visible prior to opening of the outer wrap 4, which improves the perception of the freshness of the articles 2 prior to opening of the outer wrap 4.

The line of separation 103 may facilitate easier opening of the pack too. Furthermore, since the second portion 102 of the outer wrap 4 is completely removed from the first portion 101 upon opening of the pack too, this may help to prevent the user from attempting to reseal the outer wrap 4 after opening. The user will thus be less likely to leave the articles 2 in the pack too for an extended period of time after which the freshness and/or taste of the articles 2 has degraded. This is particularly the case because the wrapped bundle 3 and/ or articles 2 will be visible after the outer wrap 4 has been opened due to the second portion 102 of the outer wrap 4 being separated from the remainder of the outer wrap 4, which is therefore in contrast to the pack too prior to opening when the wrapped bundle 3 is obscured by the outer wrap 4. The user will therefore be given the perception that the articles 2 remain fresh before the pack too is first opened, and will be discouraged from leaving the articles 2 in the pack too for an extended period of time after the pack too has been opened. As discussed in more detail above in respect of the pack 1 of the first embodiment, the provision of adhesive to retain one or more of the first end flaps nA, 12A, 13A, 14A of the pack too in the folded closed position means that the first end flaps nA, 12A, 13A, 14A do not need to be held in place by a separate label (e.g. a tax stamp or a label printed with other information). This means that such a label can be dispensed with. Alternatively, the pack too can comprise such a label 17 (e.g. a tax stamp). Optionally, the label 17 is positioned in such a manner that it does not retain the first end flaps nA, 12A, 13A, 14A in position. This means that the label 17 can be laid flat on a single wall of the outer wrap 4, which may make the label easier to apply to the outer wrap 4. In some embodiments, the label 17 is located on the outer wrap 4 such that the user does not have to break the label 17 or remove or peel back at least a portion of the label 17 in order to open the outer wrap 4 (for example, the label 17 is not adhered over multiple end flaps 11A, 12A, 13A, 14A to retain the flaps in a closed position). This may facilitate easier opening of the pack too. It may also help to prevent the user from attempting to reseal the outer wrap 4 after opening. The user will thus be less likely to leave the articles 2 in the pack too for an extended period of time after which the freshness and/or taste of the articles 2 has degraded.

In the present example, the label 17 is located on a side wall 4C of the outer wrap 4. In the present example, the label 17 is a tax stamp. In other embodiments (not shown), the label may be located on the other side wall 4D or the front wall 4A, rear wall 4B, top wall 4E or bottom wall 4F of the outer wrap 4, or more than one of said walls 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F. In the present example, the label 17 is arranged such that the second portion 102 of the outer wrap 4 is removable without tearing the label 17 or removing/lifting at least a portion of the label 17. An advantage of this arrangement is facilitating easier opening of the pack too, since the user does not have to exert any additional force that would otherwise be required to tear or remove the label 17 when separating the second portion 102 of the outer wrap 4 from the first portion 101.

In the present example, the label 17 is adhered to the first portion 101 of the outer wrap 4 such that the label 17 remains on the first portion 101 when the second portion 102 of the outer wrap 4 is removed. An advantage of this arrangement is that any information printed on the label is retained on the pack too even after the pack too has been opened.

The outer wrap 4 further comprises a plurality of second end flaps (not shown) that overlie a second end of the wrapped bundle 3, namely the bottom wall (not shown) of the inner wrap 5 of the wrapped bundle 3. In the present example, the bottom wall (not shown) of the outer wrap 4 is formed by rear flap, front flap and side flaps (not shown).

However, it should be recognised that in other embodiments the bottom wall may comprise a different arrangement and/or number of flaps. The plurality of second end flaps (not shown) of the outer wrap 4 are held down by an adhesive. Referring now to Fig. 8, a third embodiment of a pack 200 for aerosol-generating articles 2 is shown. The pack 200 of the third embodiment is the same as the pack too of the second embodiment, with like features retaining the same reference numerals, except that the label 17 is instead located on the second portion 102 of the outer wrap 4. The label 17 is therefore still arranged such that the second portion 102 of the outer wrap 4 is removable without tearing or removing/lifting at least a portion of the label 17, which has the advantage of facilitating easier opening of the pack 200 because the user does not have to exert any additional force that would otherwise be required to tear or remove/lift the label 17 when opening the pack 200.

The label 17 of the pack 200 of the third embodiment is adhered to the second portion 102 of the outer wrap 4 such that the label 17 is removable together with the second portion 102. An advantage of this arrangement is that, once the pack 200 is opened, the user no longer has to look at the label 17 on the pack 200 which may be, for example, a tax stamp that is not useful to the end consumer. It should be recognised that in other embodiments (not shown), the label 17 may be applied to both the first and second portions 101, 102 such that the label 17 must be torn or removed from the first and/or second portions 101, 102 to separate the first and second portions 101, 102 from each other.

Referring now to Figs. 9 to 11, a fourth embodiment of a pack 300 for aerosolgenerating articles 2 is shown. The pack 300 of the fourth embodiment is similar to the pack too of the second embodiment, with like features retaining the same reference numerals. As with the packs too, 200 of the second and third embodiments, the pack 300 of the fourth embodiment comprise an outer wrap 4 with first and second portions

301, 302, wherein the second portion 302 is configured to be removed from the first portion 301 when the outer wrap 4 of the pack 300 is opened. A difference is that the pack 300 of the fourth embodiment comprises a tear strip 303 to facilitate removal of the second portion 302 of the outer wrap 4 from the first portion 301.

The outer wrap 4 comprises a pair of spaced first and second lines of strength discontinuity 304, 305 configured such that the tear strip 303 is located between the pair of lines of strength discontinuity 304, 305. In the present example, the second portion 302 of the outer wrap 4 is removable together with the tear strip 303. However, in other embodiments (not shown), the tear strip 303 may be removed from the first and second portions 301, 302 of the outer wrap 4 to separate the first and second portions 301, 302, and then the user removes the second portion 302 from the wrapped bundle 3 to access the wrapped bundle 3 (the first portion 301 may remain in place on the wrapped bundle 3).

The tear strip 303 is located between the first and second portions 301, 302 of the outer wrap 4 to separate the first and second portions 301, 302 upon opening of the pack 300. The lines of strength discontinuity 304, 305 promote tearing of the outer wrap 4 along the lines of strength discontinuity 304, 305 to separate the outer wrap 4 into first and second portions 301, 302.

In the present example, the first portion 301 of the outer wrap 4 extends from the first line of strength discontinuity 304 and the second portion 302 of the outer wrap 4 extends from the second line of strength discontinuity 305. Optionally, the lines of strength discontinuity 304, 305 may extend in parallel to each other. The tear strip 303 may be spaced from the edges of the pack 300. One or both of the first and second lines of strength discontinuity 304, 305 may be spaced from the edges of the pack 300.

Each line of strength discontinuity 304, 305 may extend continuously or may be discontinuous and, for example, may respectively comprise a plurality of spaced lines of strength discontinuity 304, 305. Each line of strength discontinuity 304, 305 may extend intermittently.

Each line of strength discontinuity 304, 305 may extend about substantially the entire perimeter of the wrapped bundle 3 in order to promote complete separation of the first and second portions 301, 302 of the outer wrap 4. As with the first embodiment, the wrapped bundle 3 of the pack 300 comprises an inner wrap 5 with opposing front and rear walls, opposing side walls, a top wall 5E and a bottom wall (not shown). In the present example, each line of strength discontinuity 304, 305 extends around substantially all of the front and rear walls and opposing side walls of the inner wrap 5.

In some embodiments, one or each of the lines of strength discontinuity 304, 305 comprises a line of weakening 304, 305. Each line of weakening 304, 305 may be formed in or on the sheet material of the outer wrap 4. The lines of weakening 304, 305 may be formed on the inside and/ or outside surface of the outer wrap 4. The lines of weakening 304, 305 may be formed by partially cutting into the sheet material of the outer wrap 4 or cutting through the entire thickness of the sheet material. The cutting may conveniently be performed by laser cutting with one or more laser cutters. It will also be appreciated that the cutting can be performed using knife blades or the lines of weakness 304, 305 can be formed by creasing the sheet material or by pinching the sheet material from both sides, or by burning the sheet material. In some embodiments, one or each of the lines of weakening 304, 305 comprises a line of perforations. In some embodiments, the or each of the lines of weakening 304, 305 is formed by pin embossing the sheet material of the outer wrap 4.

In the present example, the first and second lines of strength discontinuity 304, 305 comprise respective lines of weakening 304, 305 each comprising a line of perforations 304, 305 that extend through the entire thickness of the sheet material of the outer wrap 4. In some embodiments (not shown), one or each of the lines of strength discontinuity 304, 305 comprises a line of strengthening. The or each line of strengthening may be formed in or on the sheet material of the outer wrap 4. In such embodiments, a tear may propagate along the sheet material adjacent to the or each line of strengthening such that each line of strengthening guides a respective tear. The or each line of strengthening may comprise, for example, a structural coating that such as a varnish or starch that is applied in a line to strengthen the sheet material. To open the pack 300, the user first removes the second portion 302 of the outer wrap 4 from the remainder of the outer wrap 301. This is achieved by pulling the tear strip 303 such that the second portion 302 starts to separate from the first portion 301 (as shown in Fig. 10) and then is completely removed from the first portion 301 (as shown in Fig 11). For example, the user may grab the end of the tear strip 303 and pull the tear strip 303 such that a tear propagates along the first line of weakening 304 and a tear propagates along the second line of weakening 305.

Once the user has removed the second portion 302 of the outer wrap 4, the user can then gain access to the articles 2 by removing a section of the top wall 5E of the inner wrap 5 to form an opening 16, for example, by ripping or tearing the inner wrap 5 (as described above in relation to the pack 1 of the first embodiment). Alternatively, or additionally, the user may gain access to the articles 2 by unfolding the first end flaps 21, 22, 23, 24 of the inner wrap 5 to expose the articles 2. In the present example, the end of the tear strip 303 comprise a tab portion 306 that is configured to be gripped by the user to facilitate pulling of the tear strip 303. The tab portion 306 may be integrally formed with the sheet material of the outer wrap 4, or may be a separate tab portion (not shown) that is adhered to the tear strip 303. As with the pack 1 of the first embodiment, the pack 300 of the fourth embodiment comprises adhesive applied to one or more adhesive regions (not shown) of the rear flap nA of the outer wrap 4, and the rear flap nA is then folded such that an inner surface of the rear flap nA is adhered to an outer surface of the front flap 12A.

However, it should be recognised that in other embodiments (not shown), the adhesive may additionally, or alternatively, be applied to one or more of the front flap 12A or side flaps 13A, 14A. The adhesive helps to retain one or more of the first end flaps nA, 12A, 13A, 14A in the closed position such that the outer wrap 4 completely envelopes the wrapped bundle 3, thereby reducing the ingress of air into and out of the pack too and providing an additional layer to protect the articles 2. The adhered flaps nA, 12A, 13A, 14A may therefore help to improve the freshness of the articles 2. Furthermore, the outer wrap 4 envelopes the wrapped bundle 3 such that the wrapped bundle 3 is not visible prior to opening of the outer wrap 4, which improves the perception of the freshness of the articles 2 prior to opening of the outer wrap 4.

The tear strip 303 facilitates easier opening of the pack 300. Furthermore, since the second portion 302 of the outer wrap 4 is completely removed from the first portion 301 upon opening of the pack 300, this may help to discourage the user from attempting to reseal the outer wrap 4 after opening. The user will thus be less likely to leave the articles 2 in the pack 300 for an extended period of time after which the freshness and/or taste of the articles 2 has degraded. This is particularly the case because the wrapped bundle 3 and/ or articles 2 will be visible after the outer wrap 4 has been opened due to the second portion 302 of the outer wrap 4 being separated from the remainder of the outer wrap 4, which is therefore in contrast to the pack 300 prior to opening when the wrapped bundle 3 is obscured by the outer wrap 4. The user will therefore be given the perception that the articles 2 remain fresh before the pack 300 is first opened, and will be less likely to leave the articles 2 in the pack 300 for an extended period of time after the pack 300 has been opened.

As discussed in more detail above in respect of the pack 1 of the first embodiment, the provision of adhesive to retain one or more of the first end flaps nA, 12A, 13A, 14A of the pack 300 in the closed position means that the first end flaps nA, 12A, 13A, 14A do not need to be held in place by a separate label (e.g. a tax stamp or a label printed with other information). This means that such a label can be dispensed with. Alternatively, the pack 300 can comprise such a label 17, such as a tax stamp. Optionally, the label 17 is positioned in such a manner that it does not retain the first end flaps nA, 12A, 13A, 14A in the folded closed position. This means that the label 17 can be laid flat on a single wall of the outer wrap 4, which may make the label easier to apply to the outer wrap 4.

In the present example, the label 17 is located on a front wall 4A of the outer wrap 4. In other embodiments (not shown), the label may be located on one of the side walls 4C, 4D or the rear wall 4B, top wall 4E or bottom wall 4F of the outer wrap 4, or more than one of said walls 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F.

In the present example, the label 17 is arranged such that the second portion 302 of the outer wrap 4 is removable without tearing or removing/lifting at least a portion of the label 17. An advantage of this arrangement is facilitating easier opening of the pack 300, since the user does not have to exert any additional force that would otherwise be required to tear or remove/lift the label 17 when separating the second portion 302 of the outer wrap 4 from the first portion 301. That is, in some embodiments the label 17 does not overlie the tear strip 303. In the present example, the label 17 is adhered to the first portion 301 of the outer wrap 4 such that the label 17 remains on the first portion 301 when the second portion 302 of the outer wrap 4 is removed. An advantage of this arrangement is that any information printed on the label is retained on the pack too even after the pack too has been opened. Alternatively, the label 17 may be adhered to the second portion 302 of the outer wrap 4 such that the label 17 is removed together with the second portion 302 of the outer wrap 4. In other embodiments, the label 17 may overlie the tear strip 303. In some such embodiments, the label 17 may be severed and/or removed from the first and/or second portion 301, 302 when the tear strip 303 is pulled by the user.

The outer wrap 4 further comprises a plurality of second end flaps (not shown) that overlie a second end of the wrapped bundle 3, namely the bottom wall (not shown) of the inner wrap 5 of the wrapped bundle 3. In the present example, the bottom wall (not shown) of the outer wrap 4 is formed by rear flap, front flap and side flaps (not shown). However, it should be recognised that in other embodiments the bottom wall may comprise a different arrangement and/or number of flaps. The plurality of second end flaps (not shown) of the outer wrap 4 are held down by an adhesive.

The pack 300 of the fourth embodiment has a tear strip 303 that is formed between two (or more) lines of strength discontinuity 304, 305. However, in an alternate embodiment, the tear strip may comprise a strip of material that extends the entire or at least part of the way across the inner or outer surface of the outer wrap 4. One such example is shown in Fig. 12, which discloses a pack 400 for articles 2 according to a fifth embodiment. The pack 400 of the fifth embodiment is similar to the pack 300 of the fourth embodiment, with like features retaining the same reference numerals. A difference is that the lines of strength discontinuity are omitted and instead the pack 400 has a tear strip 403 that comprises a separate strip of material that is adhered to the inner or outer surface of the outer wrap 4. The tear strip 403 may comprise, for example, paper, plastic or string. Pulling of the tear strip 403 causes the outer wrap 4 to separate into first and second portions 401, 402. The tear strip 403 may optionally comprise a tab portion 406 to aid pulling of the tear strip 403.

In yet another embodiment, the tear strip 403 may be integrally formed with the outer wrap 4 and, for example, may comprise a thicker region of the sheet material of the outer wrap 4. To open the pack 400, the user pulls the tear strip 403 such that the second portion 302 is separated from the first portion 301. The user then opens the top of the wrapped bundle 3 in the manner previously described in order to access the articles 2.

Optionally, in each of the above embodiments (including the embodiments of Figs. 1 to 12), the outer wrap 4 is adjacent the inner wrap 5 of the wrapped bundle 3 such that no inner frame is located between the outer wrap 4 and the wrapped bundle 3. For example, no cardboard inner frame is provided. This makes the pack lighter and easier to manufacture. Optionally, in each of the above embodiments (including the embodiments of Figs. 1 to 12), the pack 1, too, 200, 300, 400 further comprises an overwrap (not shown) that surrounds the outer wrap 4. In some embodiment, the overwrap is transparent. The overwrap helps to seal the pack and optionally may hermetically seal the pack or substantially hermetically seal the pack. The overwrap may comprise, for example, flexible plastic sheet. Optionally, the overwrap has a tear strip to aid removal of the overwrap, as will be known to a person skilled in the art. In embodiments comprising an overwrap, the user first removes the overwrap and then removes the outer wrap 4 in the manner previously described. In other embodiments, the pack 1, too, 200, 300, 400 does not comprise an overwrap. In some such embodiments, the outer wrap 4 thus forms the exterior of the pack.

In each of the above described embodiments, the outer wrap 4 comprises a plurality of first end flaps nA, 12A, 13A, 14A that overlie a first end of the wrapped bundle 3, namely the top wall 5E of the inner wrap 5 of the wrapped bundle 3. In the present example, the top wall 4E of the outer wrap 4 is formed by rear flap nA, front flap 12A and side flaps 13A, 14A. However, it should be recognised that in other embodiments the top wall 4E may comprise a different arrangement and/or number of flaps. For example, in the above embodiments, the side flaps 13A, 14A are folded down and then the front flap 12A is folded on top of the side flaps 13A, 14A and then the rear flap nA is folded on top of the front flap 12A. In alternate embodiments (not shown), the front flap 12A may be folded on top of the rear flap 11A. In yet further alternate embodiments (not shown), the front flap 12A (or rear flap 11A) may be folded down first, then the rear flap 11A (or front flap 12A) may be folded on top of the front flap 12A (or rear flap nA), and then the side flaps 13A, 14A are folded down and adhered to the rear and/or front flaps nA, 12A. The skilled person will recognise that the various different arrangements of the first end flaps nA, 12A, 13A, 14A to form the top wall 4E of the outer wrap 4 can also be applied to the second end flaps 11B, 12B, 13B, 14B to form the bottom wall 4F of the outer wrap 4.

Referring now to Fig. 13, a block diagram illustrating one example of a method 500 of manufacturing a pack for aerosol-generating articles is shown. The method 500 comprises the step (Si) of providing a wrapped bundle comprising an inner wrap enclosing a group of aerosol-generating articles. The method 500 further comprises the step (S2) of arranging an outer wrap about the wrapped bundle such that the outer wrap encloses the wrapped bundle such that the wrapped bundle is not visible prior to opening of the pack, and wherein the outer wrap is configured to be opened to provide access to an end of the wrapped bundle. The step (S2) of arranging the outer wrap includes adhering a plurality of flaps of the outer wrap together such that the flaps overlie an end of the wrapped bundle and are retained in position by the adhesive. In some embodiments, a web of sheet material of the outer wrap 4 is provided and is wrapped about the wrapped bundle 3 to form a tube. The ends of the tube of the sheet material are then folded down and adhered in position to form the rear, front and side flaps 11A, 11B, 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B, 14A, 14B of the top and bottom walls 4E, 4F of the outer wrap 4. The adhesive may be applied to the sheet material of the outer wrap 4 after forming the sheet material into a tube, and after folding one or more of the flaps nA, 11B, 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B, 14A, 14B. Alternatively, the adhesive may be pre-applied to the sheet material of the outer wrap 4, for example, prior to arranging the sheet material into a tube and/or prior to folding down one or more of the flaps 11A, 11B, 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B, 14A, 14B. In one such embodiment, the adhesive is subsequently activated by applying heat in the proximity of the adhesive to activate the adhesive. The flexible sheet material may allow for the sheet material to be wrapped about the wrapped bundle.

The articles 2 may be generally rod-shaped. The articles 2 may comprise a rod of tobacco. Optionally, the articles 2 may further comprise a filter. The articles 2 may be cigarettes.

As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, and includes: combustible aerosol provision systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own or for make-your-own cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable material); non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosol-generating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials; and aerosol-free deliveiy systems that deliver the at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

In the above described embodiments, the articles are articles for an aerosol-generating system. However, it should be recognised that in other embodiments, the articles are articles for an aerosol -free delivery system. The articles may be articles for a deliveiy system.

According to the present disclosure, a “combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate deliveiy of at least one substance to a user.

In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo and a cigar. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a filter, a filter rod, a filter segment, a tobacco rod, a spill, an aerosol-modifying agent release component such as a capsule, a thread, or a bead, or a paper such as a plug wrap, a tipping paper or a cigarette paper.

According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosolgenerating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine.

In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non- combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non- combustible aerosol provision device. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosolgenerating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a noncombustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.

In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.

In some embodiments, the delivery system is an aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine..

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material that is not intended to be aerosolised. As appropriate, either material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and/ or one or more other functional materials. Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or semi-solid (such as a gel) which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material. The aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol former. Optionally, a substance to be delivered and/or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, is also present and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free from botanical material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be in the form of an aerosolgenerating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol former. Optionally, a substance to be delivered and/ or filler may also be present. The aerosol-generating film may be substantially free from botanical material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free. The aerosol-generating film may have a thickness of about 0.015 mm to about 1 mm. For example, the thickness may be in the range of about 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm or 0.15 mm to about 0.5 mm or 0.3 mm.

The aerosol-generating film may be continuous. For example, the film may comprise or be a continuous sheet of material. The sheet may be in the form of a wrapper, it may be gathered to form a gathered sheet or it may be shredded to form a shredded sheet. The shredded sheet may comprise one or more strands or strips of aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating film may be discontinuous. For example, the aerosol-generating film may comprise one or more discrete portions or regions of aerosol-generating material, such as dots, stripes or lines, which may be supported on a support. In such embodiments, the support may be planar or non-planar.

The aerosol-generating film may be formed by combining a binder, such as a gelling agent, with a solvent, such as water, an aerosol-former and one or more other components, such as one or more substances to be delivered, to form a slurry and then heating the slurry to volatilise at least some of the solvent to form the aerosolgenerating film. The sluriy may be heated to remove at least about 60 wt%, 70 wt%, 80 wt%, 85 wt% or 90 wt% of the solvent.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be an “amorphous solid”. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating materiel comprises an aerosol-generating film that is an amorphous solid. The amorphous solid may be a “monolithic solid”. The amorphous solid may be substantially non-fibrous. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may, for example, comprise from about 50wt%, 6owt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or ioowt% of amorphous solid.

The amorphous solid may be substantially free from botanical material. The amorphous solid may be substantially tobacco free. A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor. An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive.

It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

1. A pack for aerosol-generating articles, the pack comprising: a wrapped bundle comprising an inner wrap enclosing a group of aerosol- generating articles; and, an outer wrap comprising a flexible sheet material that encloses the wrapped bundle such that the wrapped bundle is not visible prior to opening of the pack, wherein the outer wrap comprises a plurality of flaps that overlie an end of the wrapped bundle and wherein one or more of the flaps is retained in position by an adhesive, wherein the outer wrap is configured to be opened to provide access to said end of the wrapped bundle.

2. A pack according to claim 1, wherein the outer warp comprises first and second portions, and wherein the second portion is configured to be removed from the first portion when the pack is opened.

3. A pack according to claim 2, comprising one or more lines of strength discontinuity configured to facilitate removal of the second portion from the first portion when the pack is opened.

4. A pack according to claim 3, wherein the one or more lines of strength discontinuity comprises one or more lines of weakness in the outer wrap to facilitate tearing of the outer wrap along the one or more lines of weakness.

5. A pack according to any one of claims 2 to 4, comprising a tear strip to facilitate removal of the second portion of the outer wrap from the first portion.

6. A pack according to claim 5, wherein the tear strip comprises a strip of material that is attached to the outer wrap.

7. A pack according to claim 5, comprising spaced first and second lines of strength discontinuity configured such that the tear strip is located between the first and second lines of strength discontinuity.

8. A pack according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the second portion of the outer wrap is removable together with the tear strip.

9. A pack according to claim 3 or claim 4, comprising a line of separation comprising a line of strength discontinuity located between the first and second portions of the outer wrapper to facilitate separation of the first and second portions when the pack is opened.

10. A pack according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the outer wrap is defined by opposing front and rear faces, opposing side faces, and opposing end faces, and wherein the or each line of strength discontinuity or tear strip extends around substantially all of the front and rear faces and opposing side faces of the outer wrap.

11. A pack according to any one of claims 2 to 10, comprising a tab portion configured to be gripped by a user to facilitate removal of the second portion of the outer wrap from the first portion.

12. A pack according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the first portion of the outer wrap is configured to remain in place on the wrapped bundle when the second portion is removed.

13. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a label applied to the outer wrap and, preferably, the label comprises a tax stamp.

14. A pack according to claim 13, wherein the label is arranged such that outer wrap is openable to access said end of the wrapped bundle without tearing the label and/ or lifting/ removing at least a portion of the label.

15. A pack according to claim 14, when dependent on any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the label is arranged such that the second portion of the outer wrap is removable without tearing the label and/or lifting/ removing at least a portion of the label.

16. A pack according to claim 15, wherein the label is adhered to the second portion of the outer wrap such that the label is removable together with the second portion.

17- A pack according to claim 15, wherein the label is adhered to the first portion of the outer wrap such that the label remains on the pack when the second portion of the outer wrap is removed.

18. A pack according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the label does not retain the plurality of end flaps in position overlying said end of the wrapped bundle.

19. A pack according to any one of 13 to 18, wherein the label only overlies a single face of the outer wrap.

20. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer wrap is adjacent the inner wrap of the wrapped bundle such that no inner frame is located between the outer wrap and the wrapped bundle.

21. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adhesive is a permanent adhesive.

22. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer wrap further comprises a plurality of second end flaps that overlie a second end of the wrapped bundle and, preferably, one or more of the second end flaps are retained in position by an adhesive.

23. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer wrap comprises paper.

24. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer wrap forms an exterior surface of the pack once the pack has been opened.

25. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer wrap is configured to be opened in a non-resealable manner to provide access to said end of the wrapped bundle.

26. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flaps are configured to be lifted in a non-resealable manner to provide access to said end of the wrapped bundle.

2. . A pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flaps are retained in position overlying the end of the wrapped bundle by the adhesive and without a tax stamp retaining the flaps in said position.

28. A method of manufacturing a pack for aerosol-generating articles, the method comprising: providing a wrapped bundle comprising an inner wrap enclosing a group of aerosol-generating articles; and, arranging an outer wrap of a flexible sheet material about the wrapped bundle such that the outer wrap encloses the wrapped bundle such that the wrapped bundle is not visible prior to opening of the pack, and wherein the outer wrap is configured to be opened to provide access to an end of the wrapped bundle, wherein said arranging the outer wrap includes adhering a plurality of flaps of the outer wrap together such that the flaps overlie an end of the wrapped bundle and one or more of the flaps is retained in position by the adhesive.

29. A method according to claim 28, providing the sheet material of the outer wrap with one or more lines of strength discontinuity or a tear strip to facilitate easier opening of the outer wrap.