WO2024127021A1

WO2024127021A1 - A pack and a method of manufacturing a pack

Info

Publication number: WO2024127021A1
Application number: PCT/GB2023/053235
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: TW202440420A; AR131360A1; EP4634079A1; GB202219115D0; AU2023392768A1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a pack (1) for aerosol-generating articles. The pack comprises a wrapped bundle comprising an inner wrap (3) enclosing a group of aerosol-generating articles. The pack comprises an outer wrap (4) enclosing the inner wrap, wherein the outer wrap comprises an end wall that overlies an end of the wrapped bundle. The end wall comprises one or more lines of strength discontinuity configured such that at least a portion (12) of the end wall is completely separable from the remainder of the outer wrap to provide access to 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 enclosing the inner wrap, wherein the outer wrap comprises an end wall that overlies an end of the wrapped bundle, wherein the end wall comprises one or more lines of strength discontinuity configured such that at least a portion of the end wall is completely separable from the remainder of the outer wrap to provide access to the wrapped bundle.

In some embodiments, the one or more lines of strength discontinuity forms a closed figure. In some embodiments, the one or more lines of strength discontinuity comprise one or more lines of weakening.

In some embodiments, the one or more lines of weakening comprise perforations in the outer wrap.

In some embodiments, the one or more lines of strength discontinuity are configured such that substantially the entire end wall is completely separable from the remainder of the outer wrap to provide access to the wrapped bundle.

In some embodiments, the one or more lines of strength discontinuity are configured such that a second portion of the end wall is completely separable from a first portion of the end wall to form an aperture in the end wall to provide access to the wrapped bundle. In some embodiments, the aperture is spaced from one or more of the edges of the end wall and, optionally, may be spaced by at least i mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm or 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm or 10 mm from said one or more edges of the end wall. In some embodiments, the aperture is spaced from all of the end edges of the end wall and, optionally, may be spaced by at least 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm or 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm or 10 mm from all of the edges of the end wall.

In some embodiments, the second portion comprises at least 50% of the surface area of the end wall. In some embodiments, the outer wrap encloses the wrapped bundle such that the wrapped bundle is not visible prior to opening of the outer wrap. The outer wrap may comprise an opaque material, for example, opaque paper or foil.

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 said portion of the end wall 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 removable portion of the end wall such that the label is removable together with the removable portion. In some embodiments, the label is adhered to the end wall such that the label remains on the pack when the removable portion of the end wall is removed.

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

In some embodiments, no label is provided over the end wall of the outer wrap.

In some embodiments, the end wall of the outer wrap comprises a continuous layer of material.

In some embodiments, the outer wrap is defined by opposing front and rear walls, opposing side walls, and opposing end walls, and wherein the or each line of strength discontinuity does not extend into any of the front, rear or opposing side walls.

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 outer wrap comprises a plurality of end flaps that overlie a second end of the wrapped bundle and, preferably, one or more of the flaps are retained in position by an adhesive.

In some embodiments, the outer wrap comprises a flexible sheet material. 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 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 comprising: providing a wrapped bundle comprising an inner wrap enclosing a group of aerosol-generating articles; and, arranging an outer wrap such that the outer wrap encloses the wrapped bundle and an end wall of the outer wrap overlies an end of the wrapped bundle, wherein the end wall of the outer wrap comprises one or more lines of strength discontinuity configured such that at least a portion of the end wall is completely separable from the remainder of the outer wrap to provide access to the wrapped bundle.

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 first perspective view of the pack of Fig. 1, with both an outer and an inner wrap of the pack in an opened configuration; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a wrapped bundle of the pack of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a top view of the pack of Fig. 1, with the outer wrap in a closed configuration; Fig. 7 is a top view of a pack according to a second embodiment, with the outer wrap of the pack in a closed configuration; Fig. 8 is a top view of a pack according to a third embodiment, with the outer wrap of the pack in a closed configuration;

Fig. 9 is a top view of a pack according to a fourth embodiment, with the outer wrap of the pack in a closed configuration; Fig. io is a top view of a pack according to a fifth embodiment, with the outer wrap of the pack in a closed configuration;

Fig. n is a top view of the pack of Fig. io, with the outer wrap of the pack in an open configuration;

Fig. 12 is a first perspective view of a pack according to a sixth embodiment; Fig. 13 is a top view of the pack of Fig. 12, with the outer wrap of the pack in a closed configuration; and,

Fig. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method of manufacturing a pack. Detailed description

Referring now to Figs. 1 to 6, 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 maybe 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 positon 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 4 may also be constructed from a blank.

In the present example, the top wall 4E of the outer wrap 4 comprises a continuous layer of material, and may comprise a single layer of material. For example, the top wall

4E does not comprise any folds of material. This makes the outer wrap 4 easier to tear to form an aperture in the top wall 4E (as explained below). However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the top wall 4E of the outer wrap 4 may be formed from a plurality of flaps that are folded to form the end wall 4E. The outer wrap 4 comprises a plurality of first end flaps 11A, 12A, 13A, 14A 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 11A, front flap 12A and side flaps 13A, 14A. 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 first end flaps 11A, 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. The adhesive may be a permanent (e.g. non-reusable) adhesive. The adhesive may be, for example, hot melt adhesive or water based adhesive.

In the present example, the adhesive is applied to one or more adhesive regions (not shown) of the rear flap 11A, and the rear flap 11A 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 maybe provided to retain one or more of the flaps 11A, 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, such that the top and bottom walls 4E, 4F of the outer wrap 4 reduce the ingress of air into and out of the pack 1. The top and bottom walls 4E, 4F of the outer wrap 4 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.

The top wall 4E of the outer wrap 4 comprises one or more lines of strength discontinuity 10 configured such that at least a portion 12 of the top wall 4E is completely separable from the remainder 11 of the outer wrap 4 to provide access to the wrapped bundle 3. Thus, said at least a portion 12 of the top wall 4E forms a second portion 12 of the outer wrap 4 that is configured to be removed from the remaining first portion 11 of the outer wrap 4 when the outer wrap 4 of the pack 1 is opened. The user can then access and open the wrapped bundle 3.

The first and second portions 11, 12 of the outer wrap 4 may be integrally formed from the same section of sheet material until the second portion 12 is removed from the first portion 11. The line of strength discontinuity 10 is located between the first and second portions 11, 12 of the outer wrap 4 to separate the first and second portions 11, 12 upon opening of the pack too. That is, the line of strength discontinuity 10 promotes tearing of the outer wrap 4 along the line of strength discontinuity 10 to separate the outer wrap 4 into first and second portions 11, 12.

The one or more lines of strength discontinuity 10 may form a closed figure. In the present example, the pack 1 comprises a single line of strength discontinuity 10 that forms a closed figure, which in the present example is rectangular in shape. Therefore, when the second portion 12 of the outer wrap 4 is removed from the first portion 11, the second portion 12 is rectangular in shape. This also means that a rectangular aperture 14 is formed in the end wall 4E of the outer wrap 4 when the second portion 12 is removed. However, it should be recognised that in other embodiment the closed figure (and thus the second portion 12) may have a different shape, for example, circular, oval, triangular, or D-shaped.

The line of strength discontinuity 10 may extend continuously or may be discontinuous and, for example, may comprise a plurality of spaced cuts in the sheet material of the outer wrap 4 that together form the closed figure. In some embodiments, the or each line of strength discontinuity 10 comprises a line of weakening 10. The line of weakening 10 maybe formed in or on the sheet material of the outer wrap 4. The line of weakening 10 may be formed on the inside and/or outside surface of the outer wrap 4. The line of weakening 10 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 10 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 to comprises a line of perforations. In some embodiments, the line of weakening to is formed by pin embossing the sheet material of the outer wrap 4.

In the present example, the line of weakening 10 comprises a line of perforations 10 that extend through the entire thickness of the sheet material of the outer wrap 4. In some embodiments (not shown), the or each line of strength discontinuity 10 comprises a line of strengthening. 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 1, the user first removes the second portion 12 of the outer wrap 4 from the remainder of the outer wrap 11. This is achieved by tearing the outer wrap 4 along the line of strength discontinuity 10 such that the second portion 12 separates from the first portion 11 (as shown in Fig. 2). For example, the user may grab a corner of the second portion 12 and pull the second portion 12 away from the first portion 11 such that a tear propagates along the line of strength discontinuity 10. Alternatively, or additionally, in some embodiments the user may run a fingernail along the line of strength discontinuity 10 and/or may push a fingernail through the second portion 12 to start a tear along the line of strength discontinuity 10.

In the present example, the line of strength discontinuity 10 is formed in a closed figure and therefore the tear will propagate along the closed figure to surround the second portion 12 of the outer wrap 4 and separate the second portion 12 from the remainder of the outer wrap 4 that forms the top wall 4E of the outer wrap 4. This forms the aperture 14 in the top wall 4E that is surrounded by the closed figure.

Once the user has removed the second portion 12 of the outer wrap 4, an aperture 14 is formed in the outer wrap 4 (as shown in Fig. 3). The user can then gain access to the articles 2 via the aperture 14 by removing a section of the top wall 5E of the inner wrap 5 to form an opening 16 in the inner wrap 5 (as shown in Fig. 4), for example, by ripping or tearing the inner wrap 5. Alternatively, or additionally, the user may gain access to the articles 2 via the aperture 14 by unfolding one or more of 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 1 may comprise a tab portion (not shown) that is configured to be gripped by the user to facilitate removal of the second portion 12 of the outer wrap 4 from the first portion 11. The tab portion maybe integrally formed with the second portion 12, 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 12. In some embodiments, the tab portion may be adjacent the line of strength discontinuity 10.

The line of strength discontinuity 10 may facilitate easier opening of the pack 1. Furthermore, since the second portion 12 of the outer wrap 4 is completely removed from the first portion 11 upon opening of the pack 1 such that an aperture 14 is formed in the outer warp 14, 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 1 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 (e.g. via the aperture 14) due to the second portion 12 of the outer wrap 4 being separated from the remainder of the outer wrap 4, which is therefore in contrast to the pack 1 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 1 is first opened, and will be discouraged from leaving the articles 2 in the pack 1 for an extended period of time after the pack 1 has been opened.

The provision of the top wall 4E of the outer wrap 4 with a line of strength discontinuity 10 to facilitate opening of the outer wrap 4 means that the pack 1 does not need to be closed/sealed 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 assist in sealing/closing the outer wrap (for example, the label is not orientated to hold any flaps in a 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 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 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. 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 less likely to leave 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 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 12 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 1, 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 12 of the outer wrap 4 from the first portion 11.

In the present example, the label 17 is adhered to the outer wrap 4 such that the label 17 remains on the outer wrap 4 that remains on the wrapped bundle 3 when the other second portion 12 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 1 even after the pack 1 has been opened.

In the present example, only a portion 12 (e.g. the second portion 12) of the end wall 4E of the outer wrap 4 is removed to open the outer wrap 4. Advantageously, the remaining portion 11 (e.g. the first portion 11) of the outer wrap 4 helps to reinforce the pack 1 after the outer wrap 4 has been opened. In particular, the outer wrap 4 remains in place covering the front, rear, side and bottom walls 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5F of the inner wrap 5. Moreover, the remaining portion of the end wall 4E of the outer wrap 4 that remains in place after removal of the second portion 12 helps to reinforce the outer wrap 4, prevent the outer wrap 4 from being inadvertently removed from the wrapped bundle 3, and protect the ends of the articles 2.

The end wall 4E of the outer wrap 4 has first, second, third and fourth edges 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D. The first, second, third and fourth edges 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D may together form a rectangle. The first edge 6A may be located between the front wall 4A and top wall 4E of the outer wrap 4, the second edge 6B may be located between the rear wall 4B and top wall 4E of the outer wrap 4, the third edge 6C may be located between a first side wall 4C and top wall 4E of the outer wrap 4, and the fourth edge 6D may be located between a second side wall 4D and top wall 4E of the outer wrap 4. In some embodiments, the line of strength discontinuity 10 is spaced from one or more of the first, second, third and fourth edges 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D of the end wall 4E. In some embodiments, the line of strength discontinuity 10 is spaced from all of the edges 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D of the end wall 4E.

The line of strength discontinuity 10 being spaced from one or more of the edges 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D of the end wall 4E may advantageously help to prevent the tear from extending into the adjacent front, rear or side walls 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D of the outer wrap 4 and thus helps to maintain the structural integrity of the outer wrap 4 when the second portion 12 is removed. Referring now to Fig. 7, a top-view of a second embodiment of a pack too for aerosolgenerating articles 2 is shown. The pack too of the second embodiment is the same as the pack 1 of the first embodiment, with like features retaining the same reference numerals, except that the label 17 is instead located on the removable second portion 12 of the outer wrap 4.

The label 17 is therefore still arranged such that the second portion 12 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 too 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 too. The label 17 of the pack 100 of the second embodiment is adhered to the second portion 12 of the outer wrap 4 such that the label 17 is removable together with the second portion 12. An advantage of this arrangement is that, once the pack too is opened, the user no longer has to look at the label 17 on the pack too 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 11, 12 such that the label 17 must be torn or removed from the first and/or second portions 11, 12 to separate the first and second portions 11, 12 from each other.

In some embodiments, the removable second portion 12 of the outer wrap 4 comprises at least 50% of the surface area of the end wall 4E. This means that the aperture 14 will be at least 50% of the surface area of the end wall 4E, thereby facilitating easier removal of the articles 2 compared to a smaller aperture 14. In some embodiments, the removable second portion 12 of the outer wrap 4 comprises at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of the surface area of the end wall 4E or may be 100% of the surface area of the end wall 4E. However, it should be recognised that in other embodiments the removable second portion 12 of the outer wrap 4 is smaller and may comprise less than 50% of the surface area of the end wall 4E.

Referring now to Fig. 8, a top-view of a third embodiment of a pack 200 for aerosolgenerating articles 2 is shown. The pack 200 of the third embodiment is similar to the pack 1 of the first embodiment, with like features retaining the same reference numerals. A difference is that the line of strength discontinuity 210 on the top wall 4E of the outer wrap 4 of the pack 200 is a different shape. In particular, the line of strength discontinuity 210 has substantially parallel first and second linear portions 210A, 210B that are connected together at a first end by a third linear portion 210C that extends substantially perpendicular to the first and second linear portions 210A, 210B. An opposite second end of each of the first and second linear portions 210A, 210B are connected together by a curved portion 210D of the line of strength discontinuity 210.

The provision of the curved portion 210D may help to prompt the user to dig a fingernail into the curved portion 210D to initiate removal of the second portion 12 of the outer wrap 4 to form the aperture in the end wall 4E. Referring now to Fig. 9, a top-view of 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 1 of the first embodiment, with like features retaining the same reference numerals. A difference is that the line of strength discontinuity 310 on the top wall 4E of the outer wrap 4 of the pack 300 is a different shape. In particular, the line of strength discontinuity 310 is generally oval in shape. Therefore, when the second portion 12 of the outer wrap 4 is removed from the first portion 11, the second portion 12 is also generally oval in shape. This also means that a generally oval aperture 14 is formed in the end wall 4E of the outer wrap 4 when the second portion 12 is removed. However, it should be recognised that in other embodiments the line of strength discontinuity (and thus the second portion 12 of the outer wrap 3) may have a different shape, for example, square, circular, rectangular, triangular, or D-shaped.

In the above described embodiments, the line of strength discontinuity 10, 210, 310 is arranged as a closed figure. This means that the tear will propagate along the closed figure to surround the second portion 12 of the outer wrap 4 and separate the second portion 12 from the remainder of the outer wrap 4 that forms the top wall 4E of the outer wrap 4. This forms the aperture 14 in the top wall 4E that is surrounded by the closed figure. An advantage of the line of strength discontinuity 10, 210, 310 being formed as a closed figure is that the outer wrap 4 can be opened in a predetermined manner, because the closed figure will help to ensure that the aperture 14 will be formed in a predetermined shape that generally corresponds to the shape of the closed figure. It should be recognised that in other embodiments the line of strength discontinuity maybe arranged as an open figure. One such example is shown in Figs. 10 and 11, which are a top view of a fifth embodiment of a pack 400 for aerosol-generating articles 2. The pack 400 of the fifth embodiment is similar to the pack 1 of the first embodiment, with like features retaining the same reference numerals. A difference is that the line of strength discontinuity 410 is formed as an open figure. In the present example, the line of strength discontinuity comprises a first linear portion 410A and second and third linear portions 410B, 410C that extend from opposite ends of the first linear portion 410A and converge towards a notional convergence point 410D. The second and third linear portions 410B, 410C optionally terminate short of the convergence point 410D such that the second and third linear portions 410B, 410C are spaced from the convergence point 410D. To open the pack 400, the user initiates a tear from the first linear portion 410A such that tears then propagate along the converging second and third linear portions 410B, 410C, whereby the tears will reach the ends of the second and third linear portions 410B, 410C and will then continue to converge until the tears meet at, or in proximity to, the convergence point 410D and thereby separate the second portion 12 of the outer wrap 4 from the first portion 11 such that an aperture 14 is formed (as shown in Fig. 11). The skilled person will recognise that Figs. 10 and 11 is just one example and the open figure can have various different shapes. Referring now to Figs. 12 and 13, a top-view of a sixth embodiment of a pack 500 for aerosol-generating articles 2 is shown. The pack 500 of the sixth embodiment is similar to the pack 1 of the first embodiment, with like features retaining the same reference numerals. A difference is that the line of strength discontinuity 510 is configured such that substantially the entire end wall 4E (e.g. the top wall 4E) is completely separable from the remainder of the outer wrap 4 to provide access to the wrapped bundle 3. The end wall 4E of the outer wrap 4 has first, second, third and fourth edges 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D and wherein the line of strength discontinuity 410 extends along the first, second, third and fourth edges 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D. The first, second, third and fourth edges 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D may together form a rectangle. The first edge 6A may be located between the front wall 4A and top wall 4E of the outer wrap 4, the second edge 6B may be located between the rear wall 4B and top wall 4E of the outer wrap 4, the third edge 6C may be located between a first side wall 4C and top wall 4E of the outer wrap 4, and the fourth edge 6D maybe located between a second side wall 4D and top wall 4E of the outer wrap 4. Removing all of the end wall 4E increases the size of the opening for access to the articles 2.

Optionally, in each of the above embodiments (including the embodiments of Figs. 1 to 13), 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 13), the pack 1, too, 200, 300, 400, 500 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, 500 does not comprise an overwrap. In some such embodiments, the outer wrap 4 thus forms the exterior of the pack.

In any event, once the overwrap is removed the outer wrap 4 forms the exterior of the pack 1, too, 200, 300, 400, 500 that is gripped by the user.

In each of the above described embodiments, the end wall 4E of the outer wrap 4 is formed form a continuous sheet of material. However, in other embodiments (not shown) the outer wrap 4 may comprises a plurality of end flaps 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. For example, in one alternate embodiment (not shown) the top wall 4E of the outer wrap 4 may be formed by rear flap, front flap and side flaps (not shown). For example, the side flaps are folded down and then the front flap is folded on top of the side flaps and then the rear flap is folded on top of the front flap to form the top wall 4E. In other embodiments (not shown), the top wall 4E may comprise a different arrangement and/or number of flaps. In alternate embodiments (not shown), the front flap may be folded on top of the rear flap. In yet further alternate embodiments (not shown), the front flap (or rear flap) maybe folded down first, then the rear flap (or front flap) maybe folded on top of the front flap (or rear flap), and then the side flaps are folded down and adhered to the rear and/or front flaps. The skilled person will recognise that the various different arrangements of the end flaps to form the top wall 4E of the outer wrap 4 in these alternative embodiments can also be applied to the end flaps 11A, 12A, 13A, 14A to form the bottom wall 4F of the outer wrap 4. Referring now to Fig. 14, a block diagram illustrating one example of a method 600 of manufacturing a pack for aerosol-generating articles is shown. The method 600 comprises the step (Si) of providing a wrapped bundle comprising an inner wrap enclosing a group of aerosol-generating articles. The method 600 further comprises the step (S2) of arranging an outer wrap such that the outer wrap encloses the wrapped bundle and an end wall of the outer wrap overlies an end of the wrapped bundle, wherein the end wall of the outer wrap comprises one or more lines of strength discontinuity configured such that at least a portion of the end wall is completely separable from the remainder of the outer wrap to provide access to the wrapped bundle. In some embodiments, a web of sheet material of the outer wrap 4 is provided and is wrapped about the wrapped bundle 3. For example, the top wall 5E of the inner wrap 5 of the wrapped bundle 3 may be located generally towards the centre of the sheet material of the outer wrap 4 and then the sheet material may be wrapped around the wrapped bundle to form a cup-shape that has an open end at the bottom wall 5F of the inner wrap 5 of the wrapped bundle 3. The open end of the cup-shape may then be folded down and adhered in position to form the rear, front and side flaps 11A, 12A, 13A, 14A of the bottom wall 4F of the outer wrap 4 and thus enclose the wrapped bundle 3. The adhesive may be applied to the sheet material of the outer wrap 4 after forming the sheet material into a cup-shape, and after folding one or more of the flaps 11A, 12A, 13A, 14A. 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 the cupshape and/or prior to folding down one or more of the flaps 11A, 12A, 13A, 14A. In one such embodiment, the adhesive is subsequently activated by applying heat in the proximity of the adhesive to activate the adhesive.

The method 600 may comprise the step of forming the one or more lines of strength discontinuity. In some embodiments, the or each line of strength discontinuity comprises a line of weakening. The line of weakening may be formed in or on the sheet material of the outer wrap. The line of weakening may be formed on the inside and/ or outside surface of the outer wrap. The line of weakening may be formed by partially cutting into the sheet material of the outer wrap 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 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 comprises a line of perforations. In some embodiments, the line of weakening is formed by pin embossing the sheet material of the outer wrap. In some embodiments, the or each line of strength discontinuity comprises a line of strengthening. The line of strengthening may be formed in or on the sheet material of the outer wrap. 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. In some embodiments, the method 600 comprises forming the one or more lines of strength discontinuity prior to the sheet material of the outer wrap 4 being wrapped about the wrapped bundle 3. In other embodiments, the one or more lines of strength discontinue may be formed after the sheet material of the outer wrap 4 has been wrapped about the wrapped bundle 3 (for example, using laser cutting) or whilst the sheet material of the outer wrap 4 is being wrapped about the wrapped bundle 3.

The flexible sheet material may allow for the sheet material to be wrapped about the wrapped bundle. In some embodiments, the outer wrap does not comprise rigid cardboard.

The articles 2 maybe 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 delivery 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 delivery 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 delivery 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 non- combustible 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 maybe 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 maybe 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 maybe 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 sluriy and then heating the slurry to volatilise at least some of the solvent to form the aerosol- generating film.

The slurry maybe 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 maybe a “monolithic solid”. The amorphous solid maybe substantially non-fibrous. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid maybe 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 maybe 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 enclosing the inner wrap, wherein the outer wrap comprises an end wall that overlies an end of the wrapped bundle, wherein the end wall comprises one or more lines of strength discontinuity configured such that at least a portion of the end wall is completely separable from the remainder of the outer wrap to provide access to the wrapped bundle.

2. A pack according to claim 1, wherein the one or more lines of strength discontinuity forms a closed figure. 3. A pack according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the one or more lines of strength discontinuity comprise one or more lines of weakening.

4. A pack according to claim 3, wherein the one or more lines of weakening comprise perforations in the outer wrap.

5. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more lines of strength discontinuity are configured such that substantially the entire end wall is completely separable from the remainder of the outer wrap to provide access to the wrapped bundle.

6. A pack according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the one or more lines of strength discontinuity are configured such that a second portion of the end wall is completely separable from a first portion of the end wall to form an aperture in the end wall to provide access to the wrapped bundle. . A pack according to claim 6, wherein the second portion comprises at least 50% of the surface area of the end wall.

8. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer wrap encloses the wrapped bundle such that the wrapped bundle is not visible prior to opening of the outer wrap.

9. 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. to. A pack according to claim 9, wherein the label is arranged such that said portion of the end wall is removable without tearing the label and/ or lifting/ removing at least a portion of the label.

11. A pack according to claim 10, wherein the label is adhered to the removable portion of the end wall such that the label is removable together with the removable portion.

12. A pack according to claim 10, wherein the label is adhered to the end wall such that the label remains on the pack when the removable portion of the end wall is removed.

13. A pack according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the label only overlies a single face of the outer wrap. 14. A pack according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein no label is provided over the end wall of the outer wrap.

15. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the end wall of the outer wrap comprises a continuous layer of material.

16. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer wrap is defined by opposing front and rear walls, opposing side walls, and opposing end walls, and wherein the or each line of strength discontinuity does not extend into any of the front, rear or opposing side walls.

17. 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.

18. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer wrap comprises a plurality of end flaps that overlie a second end of the wrapped bundle and, preferably, one or more of the flaps are retained in position by an adhesive. 19. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer wrap comprises a flexible sheet material.

20. A pack according to claim 19, wherein the outer wrap comprises paper. 21. 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.

22. 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.

23. A method of manufacturing a pack for aerosol-generating articles comprising: providing a wrapped bundle comprising an inner wrap enclosing a group of aerosol-generating articles; and, arranging an outer wrap such that the outer wrap encloses the wrapped bundle and an end wall of the outer wrap overlies an end of the wrapped bundle, wherein the end wall of the outer wrap comprises one or more lines of strength discontinuity configured such that at least a portion of the end wall is completely separable from the remainder of the outer wrap to provide access to the wrapped bundle.