WO2025088465A1

WO2025088465A1 - Machine and method for making tubular articles and tubular article

Info

Publication number: WO2025088465A1
Application number: PCT/IB2024/060324
Authority: WO
Inventors: Valentina CALABRIA; Ivan Eusepi; Federico QUARELLI DI LESEGNO; Roberto Polloni
Original assignee: GD SpA
Current assignee: GD SpA
Priority date: 2023-10-25
Filing date: 2024-10-21
Publication date: 2025-05-01
Anticipated expiration: 2026-04-25
Also published as: IT202300022359A1

Abstract

Machine (1) and method for making multilayer tubular articles (A), in particular for the food or tobacco industry. The tubular article (A) comprises a first tubular element (E1) defining an inner layer of the tubular article (A) and a second tubular element (E2) defining an outer layer of the tubular article (A). The first tubular element (E1) has a plurality of cuts (I2) having a longitudinal component while the second tubular element (E2) is enfolded around the first tubular element (E1).

Description

DESCRIPTION

MACHINE AND METHOD FOR MAKING TUBULAR ARTICLES AND TUBULAR ARTICLE.

Technical field

The present invention relates to a tubular article, in particular multilayered, for the food or smoking article industry. The present invention further relates to a machine and a method for making this type of tubular articles.

Background art

In the relevant field of the present invention, it is known to make tubular articles from a monolayer web of paper, in particular thick paper or cardboard. The expression "thick paper or cardboard” means that the starting web has a considerable thickness when compared to the diameter.

Such thickness, necessary for some applications, causes difficulties during the enfolding step, due to the considerable flexural strength of the material as well as the risk of tearing or breaking during the bending step.

Such technology is for example known from patent EP2845499. In fact, the document describes the making of a tubular element from a monolayer web of paper, in particular thick paper or cardboard, on which a plurality of longitudinal "V" shaped incisions are made (before bending) which have the purpose of carrying out a localized removal of material aimed at achieving increased flexibility and at the same time a geometrically stable formation of the tubular element. In fact, the edges of each "V" shaped incision can approach each other during the enfolding, avoiding the formation of wrinkles or tears. In particular, this document describes the possibility of making the incisions on a surface of the web corresponding, subsequently, to the inner surface of the tubular element. Once the weakening incisions have been made, the web is enfolded in the shape of a tube. The tubular configuration is stabilized by superimposing and gluing the end edges of the web itself to each other.

The Applicant has observed that such technology, albeit operable, has some disadvantages.

Firstly, the tubular element of the background art has a configuration which is not very stable over time: in fact, the relative edges, which as mentioned have a considerable thickness, can tend to uncouple from each other, especially if the tube is subject to external stresses.

Further, the tube thus formed has a configuration which does not easily lend itself to possible manipulation and/or further processing following the formation thereof: in fact, the relative outer surface is characterized by excessive inhomogeneity due to the overlapping of the "thick" edges overlapped and glued to each other, which form a sort of "step" on the outer surface of the tubular element itself. This aspect further increases the structural fragility of the tubular element and also compromises the aesthetics thereof.

Disclosure of the mventicm

Therefore, the technical task of the present invention is to provide a multilayer tubular article as well as a machine and a method for making such a type of tubular articles which are able to overcome the drawbacks emerged from the background art.

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a multilayer tubular article as well as a machine and a method for making such a type of tubular articles which ensure adequate structural strength of the tubular article.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a multilayer tubular article as well as a machine and a method for making such a type of tubular articles which ensure a high quality standard of the tubular article, including the aesthetics of the final product, and which have a more uniform outer surface with respect to the tubular articles of the background art. The specified technical task and the specified objects are substantially achieved by a tubular article, a machine and a method for making tubular articles comprising the technical features presented in the appended claims 1 , 13 and 24, respectively, and/or in one or more of the claims dependent thereon.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following indicative and thus non-limiting description of an embodiment of a tubular article, a machine and a method for making tubular articles and of a tubular article according to the invention.

Brief description of drawings

A further object of the present invention is to provide a multilayer tubular article as well as a machine and a method for making such a type of tubular articles which ensure a high quality standard of the tubular article, including the aesthetics of the final product, and which have a more uniform outer surface with respect to the tubular articles of the background art.

The specified technical task and the specified objects are substantially achieved by a tubular article, a machine and a method for making tubular articles comprising the technical features presented in the appended claims 1 , 13 and 24, respectively, and/or in one or more of the claims dependent thereon. Further features and advantages of the present invention win become more apparent from the following indicative and thus non-limiting description of an embodiment of a tubular article, a machine and a method for making tubular articles and of a tubular article according to the invention.

Such a description is presented below with reference to the accompanying drawings, provided by way of mere and thus non-limiting indication, in which:

- Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic view of a machine for making tubular articles, according to the present invention;

- Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a portion of the machine of Figure 1 ;

- Figure 3 shows a sectional view of a first web used to make the tubular articles according to the present invention;

- Figures 4A-4B show a first embodiment of respective production steps for a first tubular element from the web of Figure 3, according to the present invention;

- Figure 4C shows the tubular element of Figure 4B in a perspective view;

- Figures 5A-5B show a second embodiment of respective production steps for a first tubular element from the web of Figure 3, according to the present invention;

- Figure 5C shows the tubular element of Figure 5B in a perspective view;

- Figures 6A-6B show a sectional view of a second web used to make the tubular articles according to the present invention in two distinct processing steps;

- Figure 7A shows a sectional view of a multilayer tubular article according to the invention, made by means of the webs of Figures 4A and 6A;

- Figure 8A shows a sectional view of a multilayer tubular article according to the invention, made by means of the webs of Figures 5A and 6A;

- Figures 7B-8B show the multilayer tubular articles of Figures 7A-8A, respectively, in perspective view;

- Figures 9A-9D show further respective embodiments of incisions made on the first web of Figure 3.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

With reference to the accompanying drawings, the reference numeral 1 is used to indicate a machine for making tubular articles "A", in particular multilayered, according to the invention. The tubular articles "A" described and claimed herein find particular application in the food or smoking article industry.

Application for the "food industry" means, but is not limited to, the creation of straws for beverages.

Application for the "smoking articles industry" means, but is not limited to, the creation of tubular articles (filters, spacers or others), paper tubes, hollow filters and the like.

The term "tubular article" is intended to mean a hollow article of predetermined length, in particular made by cutting a tube, having preferably circular or substantially circular section.

In particular, the invention is aimed at multilayer tubular articles made from at least two distinct continuous webs "N1", "N2”: in particular, the tubular article "A" has a first inner tubular element "ET defining an inner layer, which is made from a first web "N1 ", and a second outer tubular element "E2" defining an outer layer, which is made from a second web "N2".

It is understood that the first web ”N1 “ and/or the second web ”N2“ can be multilayer webs, i.e., they can be formed by overlapping several webs with each other. Consequently, also the first tubular element "E1" and/or the second tubular element ”E2" may be multilayer elements.

The first web "N1" and/or the second web "N2" may comprise a coating, for example a metal coating.

In case of multilayer webs/tubular elements, in the following description with reference to the thicknesses, reference will be made to the "overall" thickness thereof, i.e., the one given by overlapping all the layers on each other. Preferably, the finished tubular article "A" can have an overall diameter of between 4.5 mm and 10 mm and an overall length of between 5 mm and 350 mm. It is important to highlight that the sizes of the tubular articles "A" are determined, for example, by the particular destination thereof, and are therefore not limiting. For example, in the field of smoking articles, the tubular article "A" can have a maximum overall length of 150 mm, while in the field of food straws the tubular article "A" can have a maximum overall length of 350 mm.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the first web "N1" has a thickness greater than the second web "N2".

Preferably, the first web "N1" has a thickness between 0.3 mm and 2 mm. In other words, the first web "N1" can have a thickness between 3% and 25% of the size of the diameter of the finished tubular article "A".

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, regardless of the thickness of the first web "N1", the second web "N2" preferably has a thickness between 0.04 mm and 0.3 mm. The second web "N2" can have, for example, a thickness between 0.5% and 2% of the size of the diameter of the finished tubular article "A".

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the second web "N2" has a substantially smooth outer surface, without cuts. In other words, the second web "N2" can be a smooth web made directly from unfolding a reel, without intermediate processing or in any case without incision or cutting processing.

Advantageously, the aforesaid size ranges bring significant advantages, as will be further explained in the following of the present description.

With reference instead to the materials used to make the tubular article "A", the two webs "N1 ", "N2" can be made of the same material or can be made of different materials.

In accordance with an example, the first web "N1" can be made of, or comprise a paper material. Alternatively, the first web "N1" can be made of, or comprise a plastic material, preferably of organic type. For example, the first web "N1" can be made of, or comprise one of the foilowing materials: PLA, PHA, PHB, PET, PP, PE.

Further, the second web "N2" can be made of, or comprise a paper material (for example cellulose, paper, linen, cotton, rapeseed, hemp, alginates, or other materials of vegetable origin). Alternatively, the second web "N2" can be made of, or comprise a plastic material, preferably of organic type. For example, the second web "N2” can be made of, or comprise one of the following materials: PLA, PHA, PHB, PET, PP, PE. Alternatively, the first web "N1" and/or the second web "N2" can be made of, or comprise a metallic material, for example aluminium.

However, it should be noted that the choice of materials for the two webs "N1", "N2", as well as the possible combination thereof, represents a specific design decision in the production of tubular articles "A". Such a choice is influenced by factors such as the intended use (which can concern, for example, the food industry or that of smoking articles), waste disposal needs, compliance with current regulations and other further criteria.

With reference now to Figure 1 , the machine 1 comprises first feeding means 100 of the first web "N1" configured to advance the first continuous web "N1" along a first feed path. Structurally, the first feeding means 100 comprise a reel 101 from which the first web "N1" is progressively unfolded, and special guide rollers 102 arranged along the first feed path configured to unfold the first web "N1" from the respective reel 101 and to convey it along the first feed path. The first web N1 " is shown in Figure 3.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the first web "N1" has a plurality of incisions "11" with at least one longitudinal component, preferably with longitudinal extension with respect to the first web N1 and preferably parallel.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, in the step of feeding the first web "N1", a step of operating the aforesaid plurality of incisions "11" on a surface of the first web "N T¹ is included. Preferably, such a sub-step is operated by means of at least one incising roller 301 .

Alternatively, said sub-step is operated by means of a plurality of blades, for example rotating blades.

According to an alternative, such a sub-step is operated by laser.

To this end, the machine 1 comprises at least one incising member 300, preferably an incising roller 301 or a laser device (not shown), arranged on the first feed path to make a plurality of incisions "11", preferably longitudinal and parallel to each other, on the first web "N1 Advantageously, the alternative which envisages the use of a laser device as an incising member allows to adjust the incisions (for example the depth thereof) quickly and easily and, furthermore, allows to make the incisions on different types of material, for example on plastic and paper materials.

In an alternative embodiment, the first web "N1" is pre-processed and already has the aforesaid incisions "11". In other words, the machine 1 does not comprise a special incising member 300 but the first web "N1" is provided pre-cut and enfolded on the respective reel 101 .

Preferably, regardless of the origin, the incisions "11 ” are made on a surface of the first web "N1" corresponding to the outer surface of the first tubular element "E1" once it is formed, so that when the first web “N1” is enfolded into a tubular shape, each incision "11" is spread open to form a respective cut “I2". In other words, the at least one incising member 300 is arranged and/or configured to make the plurality of incisions "11" on a surface of the first web "N1" corresponding to the outer surface of the first tubular element "E1

In the present description, the term "incision" is therefore intended to mean the cuttings made by the incising member 300 on the surface of the first web "N1". Preferably, the term "incision" refers to the action of making cuttings (through and/or not through, as will be better described below) on the surface of the first material web "NT, preferably without removing material therefrom. Therefore, these incisions "11“ create lateral discontinuities, or longitudinal grooves, along the length of the first web "N1".

Likewise, the term "cut" refers to the specific shape of the incisions "11" present on the outer surface of the completed first tubular element "E1 ", i.e., after the first web "NT has been enfolded. Functionally, during the enfolding of the first web "N1" in tubular form, each incision "11" is spread open, forming the respective cut "I2". The cuts "I2” assume a substantially “V” section shape (as seen from Figures 4B, 4C).

In accordance with an embodiment, at least one of the incisions "11" can be made uninterruptedly on the first web "N1". In particular, the incision "11 " penetrates to a depth less than the thickness of the first web ”N1 ”, i.e., it is a non-through incision. In other words, the at least one incising member 300 is configured to make at least one continuous incision "11" on the first web ”N1", in which the continuous incision "11 ” penetrates for a depth less than the thickness of the first web "N1 ".

Preferably, the incision depth is between 40% and 80% of the thickness of the first web "N1 ", more preferably between 50% and 75%.

Preferably, in a first embodiment (visible in Figures 4A-4C) all the incisions are continuous along the first web "N1 ".

In accordance with a second embodiment visible in Figures 5A-5C, at least one of the incisions "II" can be made discontinuously on the first web "N1 ”. In particular, at least one of the incisions "11“ made discontinuously can be an incision "11" passing through the entire thickness of the first web "N1". In other words, the at least one incising member 300 is configured to make at least one discontinuous incision ”11“ on the first continuous web "N1", in which the discontinuous incision "11" is preferably passing through the entire thickness of the first continuous web "N1 ”.

Preferably, in this second embodiment, all the incisions are made discontinuously along the first web "N1 ".

Preferably, all the discontinuous incisions pass through the entire thickness of the first web “NT. However, in accordance with other embodiment variants, some of them may be through and others may only affect a fraction of the thickness of the first web "NT, or all the discontinuous incisions may be non-through.

Advantageously, in particular if the incisions are at least partially through, the operation of enfolding the first web "N1" on itself to form the tubular element "E1 " is further favored.

Figures 9A-9D show further possible embodiment variants of the incisions made on the first web "N1

In an embodiment solution, in accordance with the solutions of Figures 9A- 9C, the incisions are defined by an at least partially discontinuous cutting pattern (through and/or not through) which is repeated periodically. This can be achieved, in particular, by means of special incising rollers.

In accordance with a variant not illustrated, the incisions are defined by an at least partially discontinuous cut pattern (through and/or non-through) which has a non-periodic but, for example, random or in any case non- repetitive pattern. This can be achieved, in particular, by means of laser incision.

In a different embodiment solution, according to the solution of Figure 9D, the incisions are defined by uninterrupted parallel lines forming an acute angle with respect to the extension direction of the first web "NT¹, thus having a component in the longitudinal direction and also having a transverse component. Such incision lines can be made by non-through incisions, by through incisions, or by a combination thereof.

In accordance with further embodiments not shown, the cutting lines (through and/or non-through) may not be parallel to each other and/or not equidistant from each other, preferably maintaining at least one longitudinal component.

In accordance with further embodiments not shown, the cutting lines (through and/or non-through) can be non-rectilinear and/or be defined at least by curved lines and/or having at least some curved portions. For example, the cutting lines may have a zig-zag or wavy structure. The first web "N1" is usually unfolded from a reel along the relative longitudinal extension direction, along which direction it is then enfolded into a tubular element. The weakening by means of incisions (especially if through) also allows the first web "N1" to be unfolded and enfolded in the transverse direction, opposite to the aforesaid direction (i.e., it allows the first tubular element "E1" to be made by "rolling" up to abutting end edges).

It is important to note that, although not shown, embodiments may be included in which the tubular article "A" has respective combinations of continuous incisions "11" and discontinuous incisions "11 ", in accordance with the generality of the invention.

For example, in accordance with an embodiment not shown, it is possible to include continuous incisions and discontinuous incisions on the same first web "N1", for example arranged along alternating longitudinal lines, along the width of the first web "N1 ".

Returning to Figure 1 , the machine 1 further comprises second feeding means 200 for feeding at least a second web "N2" configured to advance the at least a second web "N2" along a respective second feed path, merging with the first feed path.

Preferably, the second feeding means 200 are configured to advance a single second web "N2" along the second feed path. Structurally, the second feeding means 200 comprise a respective reel 201 from which the second web "N2" is progressively unfolded, and special guide rollers 202 arranged along the second feed path configured to unfold the second web "N2" from the reel and to convey it along the second feed path. The second web "N2" is shown in Figure 6A.

In other words, the first web "NT is fed and conveyed along the first feed path while the second web "N2" is fed and conveyed along a second feed path, merging with the first feed path.

In accordance with a preferred variant, the machine 1 further comprises at least one gluing member 600 arranged and/or configured for applying an adhesive substance "C" on at least one of the two webs "NT, "N2" so that the adhesive substance "C" defines at least one respective gluing zone between the two tubular elements "E1 ", "E2".

Preferably, in the embodiment shown, the machine 1 comprises a gluing member 600 arranged along the second feed path and configured for applying an adhesive substance "C" on the surface of the second web "N2" intended to be enfolded and in contact with the first adhesive web "N1", so as to define at least the aforesaid gluing zone between the two tubular elements.

Even more preferably, the adhesive substance "C" is applied on the entire surface of the second web "N2” or substantially on the entire surface (where "substantially" means at least 90%), as shown in Figure 6B, so that it can stably adhere to the first continuous web "N1", enfolded or being enfolded.

The machine 1 then comprises a first enfolding station 400 configured for enfolding the first web "N1 " into a tubular shape to make the aforesaid first tubular element "E1". In other words, the first continuous web "N1" is enfolded in the shape of a tube to make the first tubular element "E1

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the first tubular element "E1" has end edges mutually abutting each other to define a butt splice. In other words, the first enfolding station is configured so as to enfold the first web "N1" in the shape of a tube so that the end edges are respectively abutting.

A first embodiment of the first tubular element "E1 " is shown in Figures 4B- 4C.

A second embodiment of the first tubular element "E1" is shown in Figures 5B-5C.

Advantageously, this feature allows to obtain a substantially axially symmetrical first tubular element "E1". This results in a first tubular element "E1" which has optimized structural stability and good mechanical strength. Furthermore, abutting the end edges of the first continuous web "N1" it is possible to use a very thick first web "N1" without substantial thickness limits. This advantage further affects the strength of the finished tubular article "A" as well as the insulation capacity of the tubular article "A".

The machine 1 comprises a second enfolding station 500 configured for enfolding the second web "N2" into a tubular shape around the first tubular element "Er (made by the first enfolding station 400), making a second tubular element "E2" enfolded around the first continuous tubular element "E1": together, the tubular elements "E1", "E2" define a multilayer tube. In other words, the second web "N2" is enfolded into a tubular shape around the first tubular element "E1", making a second tubular element "E2" enfolded around the first tubular element "El ".

In accordance with the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the second enfolding station 500 is arranged downstream of the first enfolding station 400. In such an embodiment, the enfolding of the second web "N2" around the first tubular element "E1" takes place after making the latter. In other words, in such an embodiment, firstly the first tubular element "E1" is made and then the second tubular element "E2" is made.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the machine 1 , the first enfolding station 400 and the second enfolding station 500 are substantially made and/or arranged so that the two tubular elements "El", "E2" are made simultaneously. In other words, the first enfolding station 400 and the second enfolding station 500 can coincide.

Alternatively to the first enfolding station 400 and the second enfolding station 500, two separate machines could be included which work in series (situation not shown). For example, the first machine can be included to make cuts on the first web "N1" and the second machine to make the coupling between the first web "N1¹¹ and the second web "N2".

In accordance with an embodiment, in the enfolding step of the second web "N2", the end edges of the second tubular element "E2" are abutting each other to define a butt splice "S" as shown in Figures 7A-7B. Preferably, such a butt splice is arranged at a distance from the adjacent incisions ”12", substantially equal to the transverse step between the incisions themselves.

Alternatively, in the enfolding step of the second web ”N2“, the end edges of the second tubular element "E2" are mutually overlapped and glued defining an overlap splice "S", as shown in Figures 8A-8B.

Advantageously, the second tubular element "E2", enfolded around the first tubular element "E1 ", allows to increase the stability and cohesion of the tubular article "A". Such an advantage is even more evident in the embodiments envisaging the use of the adhesive substance "C" interposed between the two tubular elements "E1 ", "E2" so as to mutually glue them.

Advantageously, moreover, the abutting or overlapping and gluing of the end edges of a substantially thin web allows to control the axial symmetry of the finished tubular article "A" and to make the outer surface uniform, covering the cuts "I2": in fact, the use of a second thin web "N2" allows to obtain a substantially axially symmetrical tubular article "A", even in the case of overlapping flap splices, for the benefit of functionality of the tubular article "A" as well as for the benefit of aesthetics of the tubular article "A” itself.

However, the solution where the second web "N2“ is applied to the first web “NT before the formation of the first continuous tubular element “E1" or during such formation (for example while the first web "N1 " is folded in a "U") is included in the same inventive concept of the invention.

Preferably, the (butt) splice of the edges of the first web "N1" is angularly offset with respect to the splice "S" (butt or overlap) of the edges of the second web "N2" as shown in Figures 7A-7B. Preferably, such an offset is substantially a substantially opposite arrangement. Alternatively, the splice of the edges of the first web "N1 “ is substantially coincident with the splice "S" of the edges of the second web "N2" as illustrated in Figures 8A-8B.

Lastly, the machine 1 comprises a cutting station 700 arranged downstream of the second enfolding station 500 to divide the multilayer tube into multilayer tubular articles "A" of predetermined length.

In accordance with the present invention, the finished multilayer tubular article “A" therefore has a first tubular element "E1“ defining an inner layer of the tubular article "A" and a second tubular element "E2" defining an outer layer of the tubular article "A". In particular, the first tubular element "E1" has a plurality of cuts "I2" having at least one longitudinal component and the second tubular element "E2" is enfolded around the first tubular element "E1 ", preferably so as to completely cover it. Preferably, the first tubular element "E1" has a greater thickness than the second tubular element "E2".

Preferably, the first tubular element "E1" and the second tubular element "E2" are mutually glued, for the benefit of stability and cohesion of the tubular article "A".

Preferably, the cuts "I2" are arranged on an outer surface of the first tubular element "E1". In particular, the cuts "I2" define respective interruption zones of the outer surface of the first tubular element "E1" aimed at locally weakening the strength of the material and allowing an elongation of the perimeter caused by the (substantial) difference between the inner and the outer diameter of the first tubular element "E1

At least one of said cuts "I2" can extend uninterruptedly for the entire length of the first tubular element "E1 ”, the cuts "I2" preferably extending uninterruptedly for the entire length of the first tubular element "E1". Alternatively or simultaneously, at least one of said cuts "I2" can extend discontinuously for the length of the first tubular element "E1" and/or has a length less than the length of the first tubular element "E1". For example, the cuts "I2" can extend discontinuously for the entire length of the first tubular element "E1" and/or are shorter in length than the first tubular element "E1". In particular, at least one, preferably each of the cuts “I2" which extends discontinuously along the surface of the first tubular element "E1" and/or is shorter in length than the first tubular element "E1" can be a cut "12" passing through entire the thickness of the first tubular element "E1 ”.

In accordance with the embodiment of Figures 7A-7B, the tubular article "A" has the cuts "I2” which all extend uninterruptedly for the entire length of the tube.

In accordance with the embodiment of Figure 8A-8B, the tubular article "A" has the cuts "I2" which all extend discontinuously for the length of the tube. In particular, each cut "I2" passes through the thickness of the first tubular element "E1

Preferably, the first tubular element "E1" has end edges mutually abutting each other to define a butt splice, so that the inner and outer surfaces of the two end flaps are respectively aligned with each other.

Preferably, the second tubular element "E2" has end edges mutually abutting each other to define a butt splice "S" or mutually overlapped and glued together to define an overlap splice "S".

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the second tubular element "E2", which defines the outer layer of the tubular article "A", has a substantially smooth outer surface, without cuts. Such a configuration helps to ensure a uniform and regular surface of the tubular article "A", improving aesthetics and functionality of the product.

The present invention achieves the intended objects, eliminating the drawbacks highlighted by the background art: in this regard, it should first be noted that the tubular article "A" as described and/or claimed ensures excellent structural stability and an excellent mechanical strength.

It should further be noted that the tubular article "A" as described and/or claimed ensures optimal functionality as well as satisfactory aesthetics. Such a result is achieved by virtue of the use of a second continuous web "N2" which allows a substantially axially symmetrical tubular article "A" to be made despite the possible overlapping zone of the end edges of the second web "N2" itself.

Claims

CLAMS

1. A multilayer tubular article (A), in particular for the food industry or for smoking articles, comprising: a first tubular element (E1) defining an inner layer of the tubular article (A); a second tubular element (E2) defining an outer layer of the tubular article (A); wherein the first tubular element (E1 ) has a plurality of cuts (I2) having a longitudinal component and wherein the second tubular element (E2) is enfolded around the first tubular element (E1 ).

2. The tubular article (A) according to claim 1 , wherein the first tubular element (E1 ) has a thickness which is greater than that of the second tubular element (E2).

3. The tubular article (A) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cuts (I2) are made on an outside surface of the first tubular element (E1 ), in particular defining respective break zones of the outer surface of the first tubular element (E1 ),

4. The tubular article (A) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the cuts (I2) extends uninterruptedly for the entire length of the first tubular element (E1), the cuts (I2) preferably extending uninterruptedly for the entire length of the first tubular element (E1 ).

5. The tubular article (A) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the cuts (I2) extends discontinuously along the length of the first tubular element (E1) and/or is shorter in length than the first tubular element, said cuts (I2) preferably extending discontinuously along the entire length of the first tubular element (E1) and/or being shorter in length than the first tubular element (E1).

6. The tubular article (A) according to claim 5, wherein at least one, preferably each one, of the cuts (I2) which extends discontinuously along the surface of the first tubular element (El ) and/or is shorter in length than the first tubular element (E1 ) is a cut (I2) passing through the entire thickness of said first tubular element (E1).

7. The tubular article (A) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first tubular element (E1) has a thickness of between 0.3 mm and 2 mm.

8. The tubular article (A) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first tubular element (E1) is made by enfolding a sheet or web and has end edges which are abutted against each other to define a butt splice.

9. The tubular article (A) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second tubular element (E2) has a thickness of between 0.04 mm and 0.3 mm.

10. The tubular article (A) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second tubular element (E2) has a substantially smooth outer surface, without cuts.

11 . The tubular article (A) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second tubular element (E2) is made by enfolding a sheet or web and has end edges abutted against each other or overlapped and glued to each other to define a butt or overlap splice (S) respectively.

12. The tubular article (A) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first tubular element (E1) is made of, or comprises a metallic or plastic material, for example, one of the following materials: PLA, PHA, PHB, PET, PP, PE, aluminium; and/or wherein the second tubular element (E2) is made of, or comprises a metallic or plastic material, for example, one of the following materials: PLA, PHA, PHB, PET, PP, PE, aluminium.

13. The tubular article (A) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first tubular element (E1 ) and the second tubular element (E2) are glued to each other.

14. A method for making a multilayer tubular article (A) for the food industry or for smoking articles, in particular for making an article according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps:

■ feeding a first web (N1) along a first feed path, the first web (N1 ) having a plurality of incisions (11 ) with at least one longitudinal component;

- feeding a second web (N2) along a second feed path which merges with the first feed path,

- enfolding the first web (N1 ) into a tubular shape to make a first tubular element (E1 );

- enfolding the second web (N2) into a tubular shape around the first tubular element (E1 ) to make a second tubular element (E2) enfolded around the first tubular element (E1 ); said two tubular elements (El , E2) defining a multilayer tube;

■ cutting the multilayer tube into multilayer tubular articles (A) of predetermined length.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein said step of feeding the first web (N1) comprises a sub-step of making a plurality of incisions with at least one longitudinal component on a surface of said first web (N1), preferably by means of at least one incising roller or by laser.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein said incisions (11 ) are made on a surface of the first web (N1 ) corresponding to the outer surface of the first tubular element (El ), so that during the enfolding of the first web (N1 ) into a tubular shape, each incision (11 ) is spread open to form the respective cut (I2).

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein at least one of said incisions (11 ) is made uninterruptedly on said first web (N1 ), said incision (11 ) penetrating to a depth less than the thickness of the first web (N1 ).

18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein at least one of said incisions (11 ) is made discontinuously on said first web (N1) and is preferably an incision (11 ) passing through the entire thickness of the first web (N 1 ).

19. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein said first web (N1) has a thickness of between 0.3 mm and 2 mm.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein in said step of enfolding the first web (N1 ), the end edges of said first web (N1 ) are abutted against each other to form a butt splice.

21. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein said second web (N2) has a thickness of between 0.04 mm and 0.3 mm.

22. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 21 , wherein the second tubular element (E2) has a substantially smooth outer surface, without cuts.

23. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein the first web (N1 ) is made from, or comprises a plastic or metallic material, for example, one of the following materials: PLA, PHA, PHB, PET, PP, PE, aluminium; and/or wherein the second web (N2) is made from, or comprises a plastic or metallic material, for example, one of the following materials: PLA, PHA, PHB, PET, PP, PE, aluminium.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein in said step of enfolding the second web (N2), the end edges of said second tubular element (E2) are abutted against each other or overlapped and glued to define a butt splice (S) or an overlap splice (S), respectively.

25. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 24, further comprising a step of applying an adhesive substance (C) on at least one of the two webs (N1 , N2) so that the adhesive substance defines at least one respective gluing zone between the two tubular elements (E1 , E2).

26. A machine (1 ) for making tubular articles (A) for the food industry or for smoking articles, comprising:

- first feeding means (100) for at least a first web (N1) and configured to advance the at least a first web (N1 ) along a first feed path;

- second feeding means (200) for at least a second web (N2) and configured to advance the at least a second web (N2) along a respective second feed path, merging with the first feed path;

- at least a first incising member (300), preferably an incising roller (301 ) or a laser device, arranged on the first feed path to make a plurality of incisions (11 ) with at least one longitudinal component on said first web (N1 );

- a first enfolding station (400) configured for enfolding said first web (N1 ) into a tubular shape to make a first tubular element (E1 );

- a second enfolding station (500) configured for enfolding said second web (N2) into a tubular shape around said first tubular element (E1 ), making a second tubular element (E2) enfolded around said first tubular element (El ); said tubular elements (E1 , E2) defining a continuous multilayer tube;

■ a cutting station (700) arranged downstream of the second enfolding station (500) to divide the continuous multilayer tube into multilayer tubular articles (A) of predetermined length.

27. The machine (1 ) according to claim 26, wherein said at least one incising member (300) is arranged and/or configured to make said plurality of incisions (11) on a surface of the first web (N1 ) corresponding to the outer surface of the first tubular element (E1).

28. The machine (1 ) according to claim 26 or 27, wherein said at least one incising member (300) is configured to make at least one continuous incision (11 ) on said first web (N1), said continuous incision (11 ) penetrating to a depth less than the thickness of the first web (N1 ).

29. The machine (1 ) according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein said at least one incising member (300) is configured to make at least one discontinuous incision (11) on said first web (N1 ), said discontinuous incision (11 ) preferably passing through the entire thickness of the first web (N 1 ).

30. The machine (1 ) according to any one of claims 26 to 29, further comprising at least one gluing member (600) arranged and/or configured for applying an adhesive substance (C) on at least one of the two webs (N1 , N2) so that said adhesive substance defines at least one respective gluing zone between the two tubular elements (E1 , E2).