AU2016251586A1

AU2016251586A1 - Pouch for tobacco with an improved zipper closure

Info

Publication number: AU2016251586A1
Application number: AU2016251586A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Edward Cooper; Claas Gerding-Reimers
Original assignee: Reemtsma Cigarettenfabriken GmbH
Current assignee: Reemtsma Cigarettenfabriken GmbH
Priority date: 2015-04-20
Filing date: 2016-04-20
Publication date: 2017-10-19
Also published as: US20180125116A1; WO2016169947A1; EP3085255A1

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a pouch for tobacco comprising a pocket for containing the tobacco and having an opening providing access to the interior of the pocket, wherein the opening of the pocket is provided with a zipper closure for releasably sealing the opening, and wherein the zipper closure comprises two opposing, longitudinally-extending and interlockable rib and groove profiles, characterized in that at least a part of one of the profiles has intermittent structural alterations along the length of the profiles to provide an intermittent sensory perception, like e.g. an audible and/or tactile sensation, when opening or closing the zipper closure of the pouch.

Description

Pouch for tobacco with an improved zipper closure

The present invention is directed to a pouch for tobacco comprising a pocket for containing the tobacco and having an opening that is provided with a zipper closure, wherein the zipper closure has intermittent structural alterations to provide an intermittent sensory perception, like e.g. an audible and/or tactile sensation, when the zipper is opened or closed.

Consumables like e.g. tobacco are often sold in form of a pouch package. Pouches for tobacco as well as methods of manufacturing the same are well known in the art. Exemplary embodiments of pouches for tobacco are disclosed in NL 1 001 009 C2 and EP 1 215 973 A1. A typical example of a classical pouch for tobacco comprises a pocket and a flap which allows for closing of the pocket of the pouch by folding the flap over the pocket. Such pouches are filled with tobacco, sealed and wrapped for sale. In order to prevent spillage from the content of the pouch as well as loss of moisture and aroma, the pouches of the prior art comprise means to releasably close or seal the pocket of the pouch.

Pouches or bags especially made of thermoplastic materials having a so-called zipper as releasable closure member are known in the prior art. Zippers consist of complementary rib and groove profiles wherein the rib profile is forced into the opposing groove profile to effect closure of the zipper. However, reliable closing of such zippers requires good eyesight because it is difficult to line up the rib and groove profile so that they are in an adequate position for interlocking. Thus, it may happen that a zipper is not or only partially closed. Furthermore, once the closing of the zipper has been attempted, the user is not certain if the pouch is really closed and the content of the pouch is securely packed inside.

This problem has also a great significance especially regarding e.g. pouches that are used for storing tobacco since the consumption of tobacco often takes place in places with poor visibility like e.g. restaurants, bars or clubs. In such places it is even more difficult to align the profiles of the zipper and close it correctly over its entire length to be sure that the expensive tobacco will not be spilled due to an incorrectly closed pouch. Thus, there is a need for further resealable closure members that can be used for tobacco pouches.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a pouch for tobacco with an improved zipper closure.

The present invention provides a pouch for tobacco comprising a pocket for containing the tobacco and having an opening providing access to the interior of the pocket, wherein the opening of the pocket is provided with a zipper closure for releasably sealing the opening, and wherein the zipper closure comprises two opposing, longitudinally-extending and interlockable rib and groove profiles, characterized in that at least a part of one of the profiles has intermittent structural alterations along the length of the profiles to provide an intermittent sensory perception, like e.g. an audible and/or tactile sensation, when opening or closing the zipper closure of the pouch.

The present invention also provides a pouch for tobacco comprising a pocket for containing the tobacco and having an opening providing access to the interior of the pocket, a flap for covering of the pocket of the pouch, wherein the pouch is provided with a zipper closure for releasably sealing the pouch, and wherein the zipper closure comprises two opposing, longitudinally-extending and interlockable rib and groove profiles, wherein one of the profiles is arranged on a surface of the flap and the respective opposing profile is arranged on an outer surface of the pouch, characterized in that at least a part of one of the profiles has intermittent structural alterations along the length of the profiles to provide an intermittent sensory perception, like e.g. an audible and/or tactile sensation, when opening or closing the zipper closure of the pouch.

The structural alterations of the profiles provide an intermittent audible and/or tactile sensation when the rib profile is pressed into the groove profile to close the zipper thereby indicating or confirming to the user that the zipper is properly closed. The audible sensation which is produced by closing the zipper can be perceived by e.g. a clicking sound. The structural alterations of the profiles provide an intermittent audible and/or tactile sensation when the complementary profiles are pulled apart along their length to open the zipper thereby confirming the user that the zipper is properly opened. Therefore, these structural alterations of the reclosable zipper of the pouch for tobacco provide an intermittent sensory perception, like e.g. an audible and/or tactile sensation, when the zipper is opened or closed. Hence, even under difficult conditions like e.g. in places with poor visibility, the user gets confirmation that the pouch for tobacco is properly opened or closed due to the intermittent sensory perception obtained by the intermittent structural alterations.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include singular and plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a profile” includes one profile and a combination of two or more profiles and the like.

The pouch of the invention can be manufactured by methods known in the art for the manufacture of classical pouch packages. There are several types of pouches for tobacco known in the art. The inventive pouch for tobacco comprises a pocket which may be formed by a front wall and a back wall which are opposed to each other. Usually, the side edges of the front and back walls are sealed together, leaving an opening through which the interior of the pocket of the pouch is accessible. The pocket also may be formed of a front wall, a back wall and a bottom wall as well as optionally one or more side walls, like e.g. in a block pouch, block-bottom pouch or stand-up pouch. Optionally, the pouch may comprise a flap which can be arranged as part of the front, back or side wall or which may be provided as separate wall of the pouch. The flap may be arranged at the opening region and allows for covering of the pocket of the pouch by folding the flap over the pocket at or near the opening. Usually, the flap has a length sufficient to cover the opening of the pocket.

The present invention is not limited to a certain type of pouch and in principle works with all known pouch architectures in which the zipper closure is integrated.

For releasably closing the pouch of the present invention, the pouch comprises a zipper closure provided at the opening of the pocket which makes it possible for the consumer to reclose the pocket after accessing the content of the pocket thereby further preventing loss of contents by spillage from the pocket. The reclosable zipper also further reduces ingress of air into the pocket and loss of moisture from the contents of the pocket ensuring that the content remains moist and does not dry out. Thus, tobacco within the pocket is kept fresh (by the preservation of aroma and moisture) over a prolonged period of time after the time of first use.

Alternatively or in addition, for releasably closing the pouch of the present invention, the pouch comprises a flap and a zipper closure wherein one of the two opposing rib and groove profiles forming the zipper closure is arranged on a surface of the flap and the respective opposing rib or groove profile is arranged on an outer surface of the pouch. This makes it possible for the consumer to reclose the pocket of the pouch after accessing the content of the pocket thereby further preventing loss of contents by spillage from the pocket.

The zipper closure of the inventive pouch for tobacco comprises two opposing, longitudinally-extending and interlockable rib and groove profiles wherein the longitudinal extension of the profiles is substantially parallel to the rim of the opening of the tobacco pouch. It is also possible that the longitudinal extension of the profiles is substantially parallel to the rim of the flap and to the longitudinal extension of the base of the tobacco pouch, respectively.

In the present invention, the term “rib profile” means the male part of the zipper which is complementary to the groove profile forming the corresponding counterpart to the rib profile.

The rib profile comprises a stem and a thickened protrusion. Exemplarily, the rib profile may be arrow-shaped or be in the form of a hook.

The zipper closure of the inventive pouch for tobacco also comprises a groove profile. As used herein, the term “groove profile” denotes the female part of the zipper which is complementary to the rib profile forming the corresponding counterpart to the groove profile. The groove profile comprises a mouth and a cavity for enclosing the thickened protrusion of the rib profile.

Each, the rib and the groove profiles are adapted to interengage with their respective corresponding counterpart to form the resealable zipper closure of the opening of the tobacco pouch. It is preferred that the rib and groove profiles jointly form a tight seal along their length in order to form a substantially leak-proof zipper closure.

In case the zipper closure fixes the flap to an outside surface of the pouch, each, the rib and the groove profiles are adapted to interengage with their respective corresponding counterpart to form the resealable zipper closure of the tobacco pouch having a flap to which one of the profiles is attached and wherein the respective opposing profile is attached to an outer surface of the pouch. It is preferred that the rib and groove profiles jointly form a tight seal along their length.

In the manufacture of the pouch for tobacco one side of the pocket, preferably at or near the opening, is provided with either the rib or the groove profile. Accordingly, the opposite side of the opening of the pocket is then provided with the respective complementary profile.

In case the zipper closure fixes the flap to an outside surface of the pouch, in the manufacture of the pouch for tobacco the flap, preferably at or near its rim, is provided with either the rib or the groove profile. Accordingly, an outer surface of the pouch, preferably at the front or back wall of the pocket, is then provided with the respective complementary profile.

The attachment of the profiles to the pouch may be realized by several fixing methods known in the art. Preferably, the rib and groove profiles are attached to the pouch material by thermal bonding or adhesion. Preferably, the rib and groove profiles further comprise respective supports. Such a support is intended to enlarge the basis of the profile thereby providing a larger surface that can be attached to the material of the pouch.

In case the zipper closure is located at or near the opening of the tobacco pouch, it is also preferred that the complementary profiles are sealed together at their ends, e.g. by ultrasonic crushing, to provide permanent closure of the zipper at its ends which prevents detachment of the zipper from the tobacco pouch.

According to the present invention, at least a part of one of the profiles has intermittent structural alterations along the length of the profiles. As used herein, “structural alterations” of the profiles mean that the form or shape of said profiles is not uniform but instead it is irregular, i.e. it comprises structural deformations along the length of the profiles. The structural alterations are intermittently present on the profiles. Hence, the profiles exhibit these structural alterations at distributed spacings so that the structurally altered parts of the profiles are adjacent to parts of the profiles which do not have structural alterations. The spacings can be at regular intervals or at irregular intervals.

Preferably, the structural alterations are arranged at regular intervals along the length of the profiles. It is also preferred that the intermittent structural alterations are arranged along the complete length of the profiles. More preferably, the structural alterations are arranged at regular intervals along the complete length of the profiles. This has the advantage that a constant audible and/or tactile sensation over the whole length of the profiles can be perceived upon opening or closure of the zipper.

The structural alterations of the profiles may be indentations. According to the present invention, the term “indentation” shall be understood as a recess or notch on the edge or surface of the profiles of the zipper closure. Preferably, these indentations are crushings. Similarly preferred are indentations in the form of incisions, wherein the incisions can be either with or without removal of material. The incisions may be produced by a blade, a laser, an ultrasonic or other similar means known in the art.

According to the present invention, the depth of the indentations is at least 10%, preferably 25%, more preferably 50%, even more preferably 75%, most preferably 100% of the height of the profiles. The depth of the indentations is measured towards the base of the profiles starting from the side of the profile that is opposite to the profile's base. The deeper the indentations of the profiles are, the better the audible and/or tactile sensation can be perceived by the user when opening or closing the zipper.

Preferably, the indentations are arranged in the profile in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the profile.

The structural alterations of the profiles may also be flarings. According to the present invention, the term “flaring” shall be understood as a widening in the shape e.g. of the edges or surfaces of the profiles of the zipper closure. Preferably, these flarings are bulges.

The width of the profiles in the area of the flarings is 10% to 200% broader than the width in the adjacent areas of the profiles which do not have flarings. Preferably, the width of the profiles in the area of the flarings is 50% to 150%, more preferably 75% to 125% broader than the width in the adjacent areas of the profiles which do not have flarings.

In case both the rib profile and the groove profile of the zipper closure have the intermittent structural alterations, said structural alterations may be arranged in an offset position to each other when the zipper closure is closed. Especially in case the structural alterations are indentations, like e.g. incisions, it is preferred that the indentations are arranged in an offset position to each other when the zipper closure is closed since this arrangement minimizes the likelihood of spilling the content of the pouch through the closed zipper. This is especially preferred in embodiments where the zipper closure is located at or near the opening of the tobacco pouch.

Alternatively, when both the rib profile and the groove profile of the zipper closure have the intermittent structural alterations it is also possible that said structural alterations are arranged in a directly opposing position to each other when the zipper is closed. Especially in case the structural alterations are flarings, like e.g. bulges, it is preferred that the indentations are arranged in a directly opposing position to each other when the zipper is closed since this arrangement minimizes the likelihood of spilling the content of the pouch through the closed zipper. This is especially preferred in embodiments where the zipper closure is located at or near the opening of the tobacco pouch.

According to the invention, it is possible that at least a part of one of the profiles has intermitting structural alterations of different kinds. This means that the profile may e.g. exhibit flarings and incisions. The flarings and incisions may be arranged along the longitudinal extension of the profile side by side, wherein the flarings and incisions may be arranged at regular and/or irregular intervals. The flarings and incisions may be arranged in an alternating way along the length of the profile. It is possible that profile parts which do not have structural alterations are adjacent to the profile parts exhibiting the flarings or incisions. Alternatively, the flarings and incisions can also be arranged on the same spot of the profile resulting in a profile part with flarings which themselves comprise one or more incisions.

According to the invention, the supports of the profiles may comprise further modifications. Preferably, these modifications are elevations like e.g. ribs. Preferably, the ribs are arranged in a substantially parallel position to the profiles. This may enhance the tactile perception of the user e.g. when closing the zipper since the users fingers are guided by the continuous ribs which confirms that the profiles are in a correct position for interlocking and at the same time the structural alterations of the profiles provide an intermittent sensory perception additionally confirming the correct closure of the zipper.

The pouch of the invention may be manufactured by using one or more flexible sheets according to manufacturing processes and methods known in the art. Preferably, the pouch of the present invention is formed of a single piece of flexible sheet material (also called a blank) which is folded and welded to form the pocket of the pouch. The flexible sheet material preferably comprises or consists of: - a polymer, preferably a plastic polymer like e.g. a polyolefine, polyethylene, polyester or methylized polyester; - a metal, a metal alloy, a metal foil and/or a metallized laminate; - a paper; - or a combination thereof.

The flexible sheet material may comprise or consist of a polymer having thermoplastic properties such as a polyolefin, e.g. polyethylene or the like. The flexible sheet material can have a single layer or multiple layers bonded together. A sheet that is formed by multiple layer bonded together is called a laminate.

The zipper closure of the pouch for tobacco is made of a polymeric material. The polymeric material preferably comprises or consists of polyethylene, polypropylene or mixtures thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the pouch for tobacco comprises a zipper closure wherein one of the profiles has intermittent structural alterations along its length. The structural alterations are indentations which are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the profile and have a depth of at least 25% of the height of the profile.

In a particular preferred embodiment, the pouch for tobacco comprises a zipper closure wherein one of the profiles has structural alterations along the length of the profile. The structural alterations are crushings, which are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the profile and have a depth of at least 25% of the height of the profile.

In a particular preferred embodiment, the pouch for tobacco comprises a zipper closure wherein the rib profile is continuous and has no structural alterations, whereas the groove profile has intermittent structural alterations along its length. The structural alterations are crushings, which are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the profiles and have a depth of at least 25% of the height of the profile. Preferably, the crushings have a depth of 25% to 100% of the height of the profile.

In a preferred embodiment, the pouch for tobacco comprises a zipper closure wherein both the rib and the groove profile have intermittent structural alterations along the length of the profiles. The structural alterations are indentations which are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the profiles have a depth of at least 25% of the height of the profiles.

In a particular preferred embodiment, the pouch for tobacco comprises a zipper closure wherein both the rib and the groove profile have intermittent structural alterations in form of incisions preferably without removal of material. The incisions are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the profiles and have a depth of at least 25% of the height of the profiles. Preferably, the incisions have a depth of 25% to 100% of the height of the profiles. Preferably, the incisions are arranged in an offset position to each other when the zipper closure is closed. Additionally, it is preferred that the profiles further comprise respective supports which comprise further modifications in form of elevations. Preferably, said elevations are ribs.

In a preferred embodiment, the pouch for tobacco comprises a zipper closure wherein both the rib and the groove profile have intermittent structural alterations along the length of the profiles. The structural alterations are flarings and width of the profiles in the area of the flarings is at least 10% to 200% broader than the width in the adjacent areas of the profiles which do not have flarings.

In a particular preferred embodiment, the pouch for tobacco comprises a zipper closure wherein both the rib and the groove profile have intermittent structural alterations along the length of the profiles wherein the structural alterations are flarings. The width of the profiles in the area of the flarings is at least 10% to 200% broader than the width in the adjacent areas of the profiles which do not have flarings. Preferably, the flarings are arranged in a directly opposing position to each other when the zipper closure is closed.

The zipper closure of the pouch of the present invention preferably comprises one or more printed elements arranged on at least one of the surfaces of the zipper closure. Such printed element(s) may comprise text, pictures and/or other visual elements. The skilled person is well aware of materials and techniques commonly used to print elements on surfaces like e.g. polymer layers. The present invention is not limited to a certain method of printing elements on surfaces; however suitable methods of printing elements on surfaces, e.g. on polymer layers, include rotogravure, flexoprint and digital printing.

The provision of printed elements on the zipper closure of the pouch of the present invention allows for additional design and consumer communication options in combination with optional printed elements present on the pouch material as such. Thus, arrangement of appropriate printed elements on a surface of the zipper closure allows avoiding any interruption of the design or appearance of the pouch material used even in the area where the zipper closure is applied (i.e. covers a certain part of a surface of said pouch material). Another advantage of this invention is that it is now possible to convey text, pictures and/or other visual elements, like e.g. branding messages, on the inside of the pouch, without directly printing on a surface of the pouch material. This is less technically complex and cheaper.

At least one printed element may be present on the rib profile. Alternatively, such a printed element may also be present on the groove profile or on both profiles.

Such a printed element can be arranged on an inner surface, an outer surface, a surface between the inner most surface and the outer most surface or on any combination of surfaces of the zipper closure, in particular of the rib profile and/or of the groove profile. The at least one printed element can be applied to the outermost sealant surface of the zipper closure, wherein the sealant surface is the surface of the zipper closure which is used for sealing the zipper closure to the pouch material. By using such a reverse print approach, the ink of the printed element is sandwiched between the surface of the zipper closure and the pouch material. In this setting, the printed elements are viewed through a transparent body of the zipper closure.

Such printed element is preferably provided to cover at least a part of a surface of the zipper closure of the pouch of the invention. However, the zipper closure of the pouch of the present invention can also comprise two or more printed elements arranged on the same or different surfaces of the zipper closure. Thus, it is possible that a first surface of the zipper closure comprises one or more printed elements, whereas a second surface of the zipper closure comprises none, one or more printed elements, wherein said printed elements on the second surface may be the same or different from the printed elements present on the first surface of the zipper closure. A pouch of the present invention comprising a zipper closure with one or more printed elements arranged on at least one surface of the zipper closure can be manufactured by various methods. An exemplary embodiment of such a method comprises the following steps:

Providing elements of the zipper closure, e.g. rib and/or groove profiles, wherein at least one surface of said element of the zipper closure is transparent or stained in a colour which contrasts with the printed element to be applied on said surface;

Print at least one printed element on said at least one surface; and - Applying the zipper closure or element thereof to a pouch in order to form a pouch of the present invention.

Although provision of a printed element on at least one surface of a zipper closure has been disclosed above with regard to the zipper closures of the pouch of the present invention, the teaching of arranging a printed element on a surface of a zipper closure is not limited to the particular types of zipper closures disclosed above. Said teaching is generally applicable to all types of zipper closures suitable for use in pouches for tobacco. This teaching is e.g. also applicable to the pouches and zipper closures disclosed in EP 1 017 593 B1.

In particular, said teaching is applicable to a pouch for tobacco comprising a pocket for containing the tobacco and having a mouth providing access to the interior of the pocket and a flap capable of folding over the pocket at or near the mouth wherein the mouth of the pocket is provided, along one edge, with a closure strip adapted to interengage with a complementary closure strip provided along the other edge to reclosably seal the mouth of the pocket. In said pouch, the mouth of the pocket can be provided, along one edge, with a first extruded plastics strip having a grooved surface and along the other edge with a second extruded plastics strip having a ribbed surface wherein the ribbed surface of the second strip and the grooved surface of the first strip are adapted to form an interlocking seal when pressed together.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a second pouch for tobacco comprising a pocket for containing the tobacco and having a mouth providing access to the interior of the pocket and a flap capable of folding over the pocket at or near the mouth wherein the mouth of the pocket is provided, at one edge, with a closure strip adapted to interengage with a complementary closure strip provided at the other edge to reclosably seal the mouth of the pocket, wherein one or more printed elements are arranged on at least one of the surfaces of the closure strip and/or the complementary closure strip.

Such second pouch can be formed simply from a first rectangular flexible plastics sheet on which a pocket is provided by adhesively bonding a second smaller rectangle of similar material along three of its edges to the first sheet. Preferably, however, the second pouch is formed from a blank comprising a rectangular sheet of plastics material by folding over the sheet on itself and welding together the overlapping edges to form a pocket. The portion of the original blank extending beyond the mouth of the pocket forms the flap which can then be folded over the pocket.

Such second pouch is typically formed from a sheet or film of a thermoplastics material such as a polyolefin, e.g., polyethylene. The sheet or film may be a laminate of two or more layers of similar or different thermoplastics material, metalized or metal coated material and/or printed paper sheet as is used in the manufacture of conventional pouches.

According to the invention, there is provided at the mouth of the pocket in the second pouch a reclosable fastener. This is achieved by providing one edge of the mouth of the pocket with a first closure strip and the opposing edge of the mouth of the pocket with a second closure strip having a profile complementary to that of the first closure strip and capable of interengaging therewith.

The reclosable fastener is a zipper, preferably a zipper one element of which is a closure strip having at least one groove and the other element of which is a closure strip having at least one rib of profile complementary to the groove or grooves of the other closure strip.

In the manufacture of the second pouch the opposing edges of the mouth of the pocket are provided with the complementary closure strips typically by thermally bonding the closure strips to the opposing surfaces of the pocket at or near the mouth thereof. Preferably, the opposing and complementary closure strips at their ends are sealed together, typically by ultrasonic crushing, to provide permanent closure of the fastener at its ends.

The zipper of the second pouch of the present invention preferably comprises one or more printed elements arranged on at least one of the surfaces of the zipper, e.g. arranged on one or more surfaces of at least one of the closure strips forming said zipper. Such printed element(s) may comprise text, pictures and/or other visual elements. The skilled person is well aware of materials and techniques commonly used to print elements on surfaces like e.g. polymer layers. The present invention is not limited to a certain method of printing elements on surfaces; however suitable methods of printing elements on surfaces, e.g. on polymer layers, include rotogravure, flexoprint and digital printing.

The provision of printed elements on the zipper of the second pouch of the present invention allows for additional design and consumer communication options in combination with optional printed elements present on the second pouch material as such. Thus, arrangement of appropriate printed elements on a surface of the zipper allows avoiding any interruption of the design or appearance of the second pouch material used even in the area where the zipper is applied (i.e. covers a certain part of a surface of said second pouch material). Another advantage of this invention is that it is now possible to convey text, pictures and/or other visual elements, like e.g. branding messages, on the inside of the pouch, without directly printing on a surface of the pouch material. This is less technically complex and cheaper.

At least one printed element may be present on a first closure strip. Alternatively, such a printed element may also be present on a second closure strip being complementary to the first closure strip or on both strips.

Such a printed element can be arranged on an inner surface, an outer surface, a surface between the inner most surface and the outer most surface or on any combination of surfaces of the zipper, in particular of the first closure strip and/or of the second closure strip being complementary to the first closure strip. The at least one printed element can be applied to the outermost sealant surface of the zipper, wherein the sealant surface is the surface of the zipper which is used for sealing the zipper to the pouch material. By using such a reverse print approach, the ink of the printed element is sandwiched between the surface of the zipper and the pouch material. In this setting, the printed elements are viewed through a transparent body of the zipper.

Such printed element is preferably provided to cover at least a part of a surface of the zipper of the second pouch of the invention. However, the zipper closure of the second pouch of the present invention can also comprise two or more printed elements arranged on the same or different surfaces of the zipper. Thus, it is possible that a first surface of the zipper comprises one or more printed elements, whereas a second surface of the zipper comprises none, one or more printed elements, wherein said printed elements on the second surface may be the same or different from the printed elements present on the first surface of the zipper. A second pouch of the present invention comprising a zipper with one or more printed elements arranged on at least one surface of the zipper can be manufactured by various methods. An exemplary embodiment of such a method comprises the following steps:

Providing elements of the zipper closure, e.g. first and/or second closure strips, wherein at least one surface of said element of the zipper is transparent or stained in a colour which contrasts with the printed element to be applied on said surface;

Print at least one printed element on said at least one surface; and - Applying the zipper or element thereof to a second pouch in order to form a second pouch of the present invention.

The nature of the invention is further exemplified by way of the following figures and examples.

FIGURES

Fig. 1 shows a front view of one embodiment of the tobacco pouch of the present invention in an open configuration and a cross-sectional line A-A (A). (B) shows a front view of another embodiment of the tobacco pouch of the present invention in an open configuration and a cross-sectional line A-A.

Fig. 2 shows the embodiment of the pouch of Fig. 1A in a cross-sectional view along the line A-A of the pouch in an open configuration (A). (B) shows the embodiment of the pouch of Fig. 1B in a cross-sectional view along the line A-A of the pouch in a closed configuration.

Fig. 3 shows one embodiment of the zipper of Fig. 2 in a cross-sectional view along the A-A line wherein in (A) the zipper is formed by a rib and a groove profile and in (B) the zipper is formed by a rib and a groove profile having respective supports flanking their bases.

Fig. 4 shows individual views of one embodiment of a rib profile (A) and a groove profile (B) forming in combination a zipper closure of the pouch for tobacco according to the present invention, wherein the intermittent structural alterations are incisions without removal of material.

Fig. 5 shows individual views of one embodiment of a rib profile (A) and a groove profile (B) forming in combination a zipper closure of the pouch for tobacco according to the present invention, wherein the intermittent structural alterations of the groove profile are crushings.

Fig. 6 shows individual views of one embodiment of a rib profile (A) and a groove profile (B) forming in combination a zipper closure of the pouch for tobacco according to the present invention, wherein the intermittent structural alterations are flarings.

EXAMPLES

In Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 a pouch 1 according to the present invention is shown. The A-A line indicates a cross-section through the pouch 1 of Fig. 1.

The pouch 1 is formed of a blank which can be a rectangle of flexible thermoplastics sheet, e.g., polyethylene, which has been folded back along itself to form a base 2 and sealed along side edges 3 and 4, for instance, by thermal welding. The pouch has a pocket portion 5 and a flap portion 7. The flap 7 is shown in an open configuration although this will normally be folded over the pocket 5 when access to the pocket 5 is not required (Fig. 1).

Figure 2 shows the different embodiments of the pouch 1 of Fig. 1 in a cross-sectional view along the line A-A, wherein in Fig. 2A the pouch (1) of Fig. 1A is shown with a flap in opened configuration and in Fig. 2B the pouch (1) of Fig. 1B is shown with a flap in closed configuration.

The pocket 5 has an opening 6 to allow access to the pocket 5. As depicted in Fig. 2A the inner side of the opening 6 comprises a zipper closure 8 which can reclosably seal the opening 6. The zipper closure 8 comprises two opposing rib and groove profiles 9 and 10 which are fixed to the respective opposing surfaces of the opening 6 of the pocket 5 by e.g. thermal welding. The complementary rib and groove profiles 9 and 10 of the zipper closure 8 get interlocked when pressed together thereby closing the opening 6 of the pocket 5. The end sections of the profiles 9, 10 may be permanently sealed e.g. by ultrasonically crushing, in order to prevent an opening of the zipper closure 8 from its ends.

As illustrated in Fig. 2B the zipper closure 8 can reclosably seal the pouch 1. The zipper closure 8 comprises two opposing rib and groove profiles 9 and 10. The rib or groove profile 9 or 10 is arranged on a surface of the flap 7 and the respective opposing profile 9 or 10 is arranged on an outer surface of the pouch 1 by e.g. thermal welding. The complementary rib and groove profiles 9 and 10 of the zipper closure 8 get interlocked when pressed together thereby closing the pouch 1.

In Fig. 3 different embodiments of the zipper closure 8 are shown in a closed configuration.

Fig. 3A illustrates the closed zipper 8 wherein the rib profile 9 and the groove profile 10 are interlocked. The rib profile 9 comprises a stem 9.1 and a thickened protrusion 9.2. The groove profile 10 comprises a mouth 10.1 and a cavity 10.2 for enclosing the thickened protrusion 9.2 of the rib profile 9.

The rib profile 9 and the groove profile 10 may further comprise a respective support 1 land 12 (Fig. 3B). Such supports comprise a larger surface compared to the bases of the profiles 9 and 10. The former can be an advantage for the fixation of the profiles 9 and 10 on the opposing surfaces of the opening 6 of the pocket 5.

In Fig. 4, a first embodiment of the zipper 8 of the inventive pouch 1 for tobacco is shown.

Fig. 4A shows the rib profile 9 which comprises a support 11. The profile 9 has structural alterations in the form of incisions at regular intervals along its length which are in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the profile 9. For these incisions no material has been removed from the rib profile 9. The side of the support 11 from which the rib profile 9 rises, the support 11 further comprises elevations 15 in the form of ribs which are situated substantially parallel to the rib profile 9.

The opposing groove profile 10 is illustrated in Fig. 4B. The profile 10 also comprises a support 12 and has structural alterations in the form of incisions at regular intervals along the length of the profile. These incisions are in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the profile 10 and no material has been removed from the profile 10. The side of the support 12 from which the groove profile rises, the support 12 further comprises elevations 15 which are situated substantially parallel to the groove profile 10. The elevations 15 are ribs.

In Fig. 5, a second embodiment of the zipper 8 of the inventive pouch 1 for tobacco is depicted.

Fig. 5A shows a rib profile 9 of the zipper closure 8 wherein the rib profile 9 is formed of continuous material and therefore does not comprise any directly visible structural alterations. The rib profile 9 comprises a support 11. The support 11 does not comprise any further modifications.

The corresponding groove profile 10 of the zipper closure 8 is shown in Fig. 5B. The groove profile 10 is sequentially altered by crushings 13 which are arranged at regular intervals along the length of the groove profile 10. The groove profile comprises a support 12 which does not comprise any further modifications.

In Fig. 6, a third embodiment of the zipper 8 of the inventive pouch 1 for tobacco is shown.

Fig. 6A shows the rib profile 9 of the zipper closure 8 which comprises a support 11. The rib profile 9 has flarings 14 as intermittent structural alterations which are arranged at regular intervals along the length of the rib profile 9. The support 11 comprises no further modifications.

The complementary groove profile 10 is shown in Fig. 6B. The groove profile 10 comprises a support 12 which does not comprise further modifications. The groove profile 10 has flarings 14 along its length which are arranged at regular intervals along the longitudinal extension of the groove profile 10.

Claims

1. Pouch (1) for tobacco comprising a pocket (5) for containing the tobacco and having an opening (6) providing access to the interior of the pocket (5), wherein the opening (6) of the pocket (5) is provided with a zipper closure (8) for releasably sealing the opening (6), and wherein the zipper closure (8) comprises two opposing, longitudinally-extending and interlockable rib and groove profiles (9, 10), characterized in that at least a part of one of the profiles (9, 10) has intermittent structural alterations along the length of the profiles (9, 10) to provide an intermittent sensory perception, like e.g. an audible and/or tactile sensation, when opening or closing the zipper closure (8) of the pouch (1).

2. Pouch (1) for tobacco comprising a pocket (5) for containing the tobacco and having an opening (6) providing access to the interior of the pocket (5), a flap (7) for covering of the pocket (5) of the pouch (1), wherein the pouch (1) is provided with a zipper closure (8) for releasably sealing the pouch (1), and wherein the zipper closure (8) comprises two opposing, longitudinally-extending and interlockable rib and groove profiles (9, 10), wherein one of the profiles (9, 10) is arranged on a surface of the flap (7) and the respective opposing profile (9, 10) is arranged on an outer surface of the pouch (1), characterized in that at least a part of one of the profiles (9,10) has intermittent structural alterations along the length of the profiles (9, 10) to provide an intermittent sensory perception, like e.g. an audible and/or tactile sensation, when opening or closing the zipper closure (8) of the pouch (1).

3. Pouch (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the structural alterations are indentations (13).

4. Pouch (1) according to claim 3, wherein the indentations (13) are crushings or incisions.

5. Pouch (1) according to claims 3 or 4, wherein a depth of the indentations is at least 10%, preferably 25%, more preferably 50%, even more preferably 75%, most preferably 100% of the height of the profiles (9, 10).

6. Pouch (1) according to claims 3 to 5, wherein the indentations are in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the profiles (9,10).

7. Pouch (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the structural alterations are arranged at regular or irregular intervals along the length of the profiles (9,10).

8. Pouch (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the structural alterations are flarings (14).

9. Pouch (1) according to claim 8, wherein the flarings (14) are bulges.

10. Pouch (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein only the groove profile (10) of the zipper closure (8) has the intermittent structural alterations.

11. Pouch (1) according to claim 10, wherein the structural alterations are crushings with a depth of 25% to 100% of the height of the profile (10).

12. Pouch (1) according to claims 1 to 9, wherein the rib profile (9) and the groove profile (10) of the zipper closure (8) have the intermittent structural alterations.

13. Pouch (1) according to claim 12, wherein the structural alterations of the profiles (9) and (10) are arranged in an offset position to each other when the zipper closure (8) is closed.

14. Pouch (1) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the structural alterations are incisions with a depth of 25% to 100% of the height of the profiles (9, 10).

15. Pouch (1) according to claim 12, wherein the structural alterations of the profiles (9) and (10) are arranged in a directly opposing position to each other when the zipper closure (8) is closed.

16. Pouch (1) according to claim 15, wherein the structural alterations are flarings (14) and wherein the width of the profiles (9,10) in the area of the flarings (14) is 10% to 200% broader than the width in the adjacent areas of the profiles (9,10) which do not have flarings (14).

17. Pouch (1) according to anyone of the proceeding claims, wherein the zipper closure (8) comprises one or more printed elements arranged on at least one of the surfaces of the zipper closure (8).