US4386925A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for producing a tear line in the multi-layered foil of a cigarette pack
Assignee: Focke and Co GmbH and Co KG
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Filing: 1981-05-26
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Granted: 1983-06-07
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Expires: 2001-05-26
Abstract
Abstract A multi-layer bonded foil 10 which forms the inner wrapper of a cigarette pack is provided with a tear line 14 to facilitate opening a tear flap 15. The tear line is formed by a fixed lower tool 25 having a raised rib 28 flanked by grooves 29, 30 and a reciprocable upper tool 20 having a pointed edge 21 and movable between guide supports 22, 23. The upper tool is heated and forced into the foil to stretch-weaken its upper polyester layer 11 and central aluminum foil layer 12, and to simultaneously heat soften and deform its lower polyethylene layer 13.
Inventors
- 👤 Heinz Focke
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 22:13
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D5/00; B65D5/42; B65D5/54; B29; B29C; B29C59/00; B29C59/007; B65B; B65B61/00; B65B61/02; B65D85/00; B65D85/07; B65D85/08; B65D85/10; B65D85/1036; B65D85/1045; B29C37/00; B29C37/0053; B29C37/0057; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S493/00; Y10S493/916; Y10S493/93
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
100 words
An apparatus for producing a tear line in a multi-layered, composite bonded foil for cigarette packs, said foil having a moisture and aroma proof layer of metal foil, and an exterior layer of a thermoplastic material, particularly polyethylene, characterized by: two oppositely disposed and mutually reciprocable tool members respectively contacting opposite sides of the foil, said tool members having cooperating shaping surfaces configured to form a tear line in said foil defined by the thermal deformation of at least the thermoplastic layer and a reduced thickness of said metal foil, and at least one of said tool members being heated.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
100 words
An apparatus for producing a tear line in a multi-layered, composite bonded foil for cigarette packs, said foil having a moisture and aroma proof layer of metal foil, and an exterior layer of a thermoplastic material, particularly polyethylene, characterized by: two oppositely disposed and mutually reciprocable tool members respectively contacting opposite sides of the foil, said tool members having cooperating shaping surfaces configured to form a tear line in said foil defined by the thermal deformation of at least the thermoplastic layer and a reduced thickness of said metal foil, and at least one of said tool members being heated.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein on the side opposite the thermoplastic layer, a sharp-edged, heated stamper tool with a tapered pressure edge (21) contacts the foil.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
A device according to claim 2, where the foil outside the area of the stamper tool is placed under tension by rigid supports (22, 23) having guide legs (24) which rest on the foil.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein one of the tool members is an opposing receptacle (25) whose surface is shaped to form a groove (18).
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
39 words
A device according to claim 4, wherein the opposing receptacle has a protuberance (28) for forming the groove and indentations (29, 30) for forming convoluted beads (31, 32) in the polyethylene layer (13) on both sides of the groove.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
19 words
A device according to claims 4 or 5, wherein the opposing receptacle is provided with an anti-stick layer (26).
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-06-06 | 1986-12-06 | 1987-06-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-06-06 | 1990-12-06 | 1991-06-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-06-06 | 1994-12-06 | 1995-06-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |