Patent Publication Number: US-2017349365-A1

Title: Package

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     It is desirable that a packaged product remains fresh for as long as possible. One type of packaged product is a tobacco industry product, such as cigarettes. 
     A popular type of cigarette packaging comprises a container with a box and a hinged lid. A plastic film wrapper is initially provided around the container. After initial opening of the package, the plastic film is discarded. A disadvantage of this packaging is that the container offers little protection against moisture once the package has been opened for the first time. 
     Another known type of cigarette packaging comprises a laminate wrapper around a container which does not have a lid. Access to the cigarettes is gained by a resealable label. A disadvantage of this packaging is that a separate label is required in addition to the laminate wrapper. This requires additional processing steps. 
     There is a requirement for alternative packaging. 
     SUMMARY 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     An aspect of the invention provides a package comprising: 
     a container comprising a body and a lid, wherein the lid is attached to the body by a hinge, the lid being movable between a closed position in which the lid meets the body along a line of contact and an open position; 
     a wrapper of flexible multi-layer laminate sheet material surrounding the container, the wrapper comprising:
         a first layer;   a second layer outside the first layer;   a first cut line in the first layer but not the second layer, the first cut line defining a first region of the first layer which overlies the lid;   a second cut line in the second layer but not the first layer, wherein at least part of the second cut line is offset from the first cut line, the second cut line defining a second region of the second layer, wherein the second region overlies the lid and includes a peripheral portion where the second layer extends beyond the lid;   a resealable adhesive between the peripheral portion of the second layer and the first layer;       

     wherein the peripheral portion of the second layer is separable from the first layer and can be used to lift the lid into the open position, and wherein the peripheral portion can be resealed against the first layer. 
     The first cut line may be aligned with the line of contact between the lid and the body. 
     The container may comprise a front face, a rear face and two side faces, wherein the hinge is located on the rear face, and wherein the line of contact extends along the front face and the two side faces of the container. 
     The first cut line may be offset from the second cut line by a smaller amount on the side faces of the container compared to on the front face of the container. 
     The first cut line may be co-located with the second cut line on the side faces of the container. 
     The container may comprise a front face, a rear face, two side faces and a top face, wherein the lid is a flap comprising at least part of the top face and a cut-out part of the front face of the container. 
     The flap may be attached to the first region of the wrapper and is movable with the flap portion when the peripheral portion of the second layer is lifted. 
     The hinge may be located on an edge of the container between the top face and the rear face. 
     The second cut line may be offset from the first cut line on the top face and the front face of the container to provide the peripheral region around a perimeter of the flap. 
     The line of contact may be offset inwardly from side edges of the top face and side edges of the front face. 
     The wrapper may be attached to the lid of the container. 
     The wrapper may be attached to the body of the container. 
     The first cut line may be a line of weakness which requires an opening force to separate the first layer along the line of weakness. 
     The second cut line may be a line of weakness which requires an opening force to separate the second layer along the line of weakness. 
     The line of weakness may be one of: a perforated line, a score line, a scribe line, a crenellated line. 
     Another aspect of the invention provides a wrapper of flexible multi-layer laminate sheet material for forming a package around a container of the type comprising a body and a lid, wherein the lid is attached to the body by a hinge, the lid being movable between a closed position in which the lid lies against the body along a line of contact and an open position, the wrapper comprising a flexible multi-layer laminate sheet material to surround the container, the wrapper comprising: 
     a first layer; 
     a second layer outside the first layer; 
     a first cut line in the first layer but not the second layer, the first cut line defining a first region of the first layer to overlie the lid; 
     a second cut line in the second layer but not the first layer, wherein at least part of the second cut line is offset from the first cut line, the second cut line defining a second region of the second layer, wherein the second region is configured to overlie the lid and includes a peripheral portion where the second layer extends beyond the lid; 
     a resealable adhesive between the peripheral portion of the second layer and the first layer; 
     wherein the peripheral portion of the second layer is separable from the first layer and can be used to lift the lid into the open position, and wherein the peripheral portion can be resealed against the first layer. 
     Another aspect of the invention provides a package comprising: 
     providing a container comprising a body and a lid, wherein the lid is attached to the body by a hinge, the lid being movable between a closed position in which the lid lies against the body along a line of contact and an open position; 
     fitting a wrapper of flexible multi-layer laminate sheet material around the container, the wrapper comprising:
         a first layer;   a second layer outside the first layer;   a first cut line in the first layer but not the second layer, the first cut line defining a first region of the first layer which overlies the lid;   a second cut line in the second layer but not the first layer, wherein at least part of the second cut line is offset from the first cut line, the second cut line defining a second region of the second layer, wherein the second region overlies the lid and includes a peripheral portion where the second layer extends beyond the lid;   a resealable adhesive between the peripheral portion of the second layer and the first layer;       

     wherein the peripheral portion of the second layer is separable from the first layer and can be used to lift the lid into the open position, and wherein the peripheral portion can be resealed against the first layer. 
     In this specification, the term “resealable adhesive” means an adhesive which allows two surfaces to adhere to one another and which also allows the surfaces to be separated non-destructively from one another and to re-adhere to one another. An example of a resealable adhesive is a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA), such as a peelable PSA, where an adhesive bond is achieved by applying pressure to the adhesive. 
     In this specification, the term “resealed” means that two surfaces can be refastened to one another. A degree of sealing may be achieved between the two surfaces when they are refastened to one another. However, the term “resealed” does not require the two surfaces to form a fully airtight seal during the subsequent fastening of the surfaces. 
     The preferred features may be combined as appropriate, as would be apparent to a skilled person, and may be combined with any of the aspects of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, in which: 
         FIGS. 1 and 2  show a first example of a container (with lid open) which can form an inner part of a package; 
         FIG. 3  shows a package comprising a laminate wrapper around the container of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the package shown in an unopened state; 
         FIG. 4  shows the package of  FIG. 3  in an opened state; 
         FIG. 5A  shows the package of  FIG. 4  in a resealed state; 
         FIG. 5B  shows a cross-section through  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIGS. 6 and 7  show a second example of a container (open) which can form an inner part of a package; 
         FIG. 8  shows a package comprising a laminate wrapper around the container of  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the package shown in an unopened state; 
         FIG. 9  shows the package of  FIG. 8  in an opened state; 
         FIG. 10  shows the package of  FIG. 9  in a resealed state; 
         FIG. 11A  shows an example of a two-layer laminate wrapper; 
         FIGS. 11B and 11C  show cut lines in the layers of the laminate wrapper of  FIG. 11A ; 
         FIG. 12A  shows an example of a three-layer laminate wrapper; 
         FIGS. 12B and 12C  show lines of weakness in the layers of the laminate wrapper of  FIG. 12A ; 
         FIG. 13  shows a web of laminate material; 
         FIG. 14  shows a method of forming a package. 
     
    
    
     Common reference numerals are used throughout the figures to indicate similar features. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention are described below by way of example only. These examples represent the best ways of putting the invention into practice that are currently known to the Applicant although they are not the only ways in which this could be achieved. The description sets forth the functions of the example and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the example. However, the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different examples. 
       FIGS. 1-5B  show a first example of a package.  FIG. 1  shows a container  10  which can form an inner part of the package. The container  10  is shaped as a cuboid, with a front face  1 , rear face  2 , side faces  3 , base  4  and top face  5 . The container  10  comprises a first container portion (body)  11  and a second container portion (lid)  12 . The second container portion  12  is hingedly connected to the first container portion  11  about a hinge line  13  located part-way down the rear face  2 . In use, items (e.g. cigarettes) are held in the first container portion  11 . The second container portion  12  forms a hinged lid for the first container portion  11 . In this example the lid  12  is in the form of a hood-shaped part of the container.  FIG. 1  shows the hinged lid  12  in an open position.  FIG. 2  shows the hinged lid in the closed position. A frame  8  is fixed to the first container portion  11 . The frame  8  defines an access opening  9 . The frame  8  retains contents of the container, while also allowing access to the contents. The frame  8  serves to provide frictional resistance when the lid  12  is closed, and serves to prevent the lid from accidentally opening. The frame  8  can be fixed (e.g. by adhesive) to an inner region of the front face  1 . The lid  12  meets the first container portion along a line of contact  14 A,  14 B. In the closed position the lid  12  abuts against the body  11  along the line of contact  14 A,  14 B. A part of the line of contact  14 A extends along the front face  1 . Another part of the line of contact  14 B extends diagonally along each of the side faces  3 , from  14 A to the hinge line  13 . 
     The package can be for tobacco industry products, such as cigarettes. More generally, a package can be provided for any type of packaged commodity. 
       FIGS. 3-5B  show a package  30  comprising a laminate wrapper  20  fitted around the container  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 .  FIG. 3  shows the package  30  in an initial, unopened, state.  FIG. 4  shows the package  30  in an opened state.  FIGS. 5A, 5B  show the package  30  in a re-sealed state. 
     The laminate wrapper  20  comprises two or more layers of flexible sheet material which are laminated together. The laminate wrapper  20  is secured around the container  10  and, advantageously, is sealed along all free edges. For example, an edge located along a longitudinal face (e.g. side face  3  or back face  2 ) is sealed. Edges  26  of the wrapper located on top and bottom faces  4 ,  5  of the package are sealed. Advantageously, the wrapper  20  is sealed in an airtight manner (i.e. hermetically sealed) around the container  10 . The wrapper  20  is intended to remain around the container after the package has been opened for the first time. The wrapper  20  has a flap  21  which can be opened by a user. 
     The wrapper  20  has cut lines defined in the layers of the laminate. In use, the wrapper can be separated along the cut lines to allow part of an outer layer of the wrapper to function as a flap  21 . The flap  21  can be lifted to open the lid  12  of the package. The flap  21  can be resealed against the inner layer of the wrapper to close the package. In a simplest case of a two layer laminate wrapper  20 , the flap  21  comprises a portion of an outer layer of the laminate wrapper  20 . The remaining, inner, layer of the laminate wrapper  20  remains located alongside the front face  1  of the container  10 . Resealable adhesive  23  can be provided in all, or a part of, region  23 . Resealable adhesive in region  23  allows the outer layer of the laminate wrapper  20  to separate from the inner layer to form the flap  21 . Adhesive in region  23  allows the flap  21  to reseal against the inner layer of the laminate when the package is closed. 
     The laminate wrapper  20  has two cut lines. There is a first cut line in the first (inner) layer of the laminate wrapper  20  but not the second (outer) layer of the laminate wrapper  20 . Advantageously, the first cut line is defined along, or adjacent to, the line of contact  14 A,  14 B between the body  11  and the lid  12  of the container. This allows the inner layer of the laminate wrapper  20  to separate along the line of contact  14 A,  14 B. Part of the inner layer of the laminate wrapper  20  remains around the body  11  of the container. Part of the inner layer of the laminate wrapper  20  overlies the lid  12  of the container and moves with the lid  12  when the lid is opened. There is a second cut line in the second layer of the laminate wrapper  20  but not the first layer of the laminate wrapper  20 . This allows the outer layer of the laminate wrapper  20  to separate along the second cut line when the lid is opened. Part of the outer layer of the laminate wrapper  20  remains around the body  11  of the container. Part of the outer layer of the laminate wrapper  20  overlies the lid  12  of the container and moves with the lid  12  when the lid is opened. The second cut line is offset from part  14 A of the line of contact between the body  11  and the lid  12  of the container. The part of the second (outer) layer which overlies the lid  12  includes a peripheral portion  21  which extends beyond the lid  12 . This allows the peripheral portion  21  of the second (outer) layer of the wrapper  20  to serve as a flap  21 . The flap  21  can be resealed against the first layer in region  23 , as shown in  FIG. 5A . In the hatched regions shown in  FIG. 4  only one of the layers of the laminate wrapper is present. Both layers of the laminate wrapper are present where the wrapper surrounds the lid  12 , and in all other places where the wrapper surrounds the body apart from region  23 . The second cut line can be co-located with the first cut line on the sides of the container. Alternatively, the second cut line can be offset from the first cut line on the sides of the container. 
     A tight fitting of the wrapper  20  around the container can maintain the wrapper in place around the lid  12  when the flap  21  is lifted. Advantageously, the wrapper  20  is secured to the lid  12  in all, or a part of, region  28  shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 . This improves grip between the part of the wrapper  20  around the lid  12 , and allows the wrapper  20  to securely remain around the lid  12  when the flap  21  is lifted. It prevents the wrapper  20  from slipping off the lid  12  when the flap  21  is lifted. Health and Safety regulations in a territory may also require that any wrapper is secured to the container. 
     Advantageously, the flap  21  is of a suitable area to provide a reliable reclosing. Referring to  FIG. 5A , the flap  21  has a height  32 . The front face of the package has a height  31 . In a non-limiting example, the flap can have a maximum height of around 25% of the height of the front face. In other examples the flap can have a maximum height which is greater than, or less than, 25% of the height of the front face. 
       FIG. 5B  shows a cross-section along the line A-A′ of  FIG. 5A . This shows detail of the wrapper  20  and container  10  in the region where the flap  21  is formed. Wrapper  20  comprises a first (inner) layer  201  and a second (outer) layer  202 . The first cut line  206  is through the first layer  201  but not through the second layer  202 . The second cut line  208  is through the second layer  202  but not through the first layer  201 . The cut lines  206 ,  208  are offset to form a flap  21 . Resealable adhesive  204  is present between the first layer  201  and the second layer  202  in the region where the flap  21  is formed. In this example, the first cut line  206  is aligned with the line of contact  14 A between the body  11  and the lid  12  of the container. In use, the flap  21  of the second layer  202  is separable from the first layer  201  due to the cut line  208  and the resealable adhesive  204  between the layers  201 ,  202 . This allows a user to lift the flap  21 . Due to cut line  206 , the layers  201 ,  202  of the wrapper in region  36  beyond the cut line  206  remain attached to one another. Also, due to adhesive  35  and/or due to tight fitting of the wrapper around the lid  12 , lifting the flap  21  causes the lid  12  to open. The flap  21  of the second layer  202  can be resealed against the first layer  201 . 
       FIG. 5B  shows an optional feature of a region  209  without adhesive adjacent the second cut line  208  which allows the flap  21  to be grasped more easily by a user.  FIG. 5B  shows adhesive  35  between the first (inner) layer  201  and the lid  12 . Adhesive  35  may also be present between the first (inner) layer  201  and the body  11  of the container (as shown) or it may be omitted.  FIG. 5B  is not to scale, to improve clarity. For example, the layers can have different relative thicknesses to that shown in  FIG. 5B . 
       FIGS. 6-10  show a second example of a package.  FIG. 6  shows a container  110  which can form an inner part of the package. The container  110  is shaped as a cuboid, with a front face  101 , rear face  102 , side faces  103 , base  104  and top face  105 . The container  110  comprises a first container portion (body)  111  and a second container portion (lid)  112 . The lid  112  is of a different configuration in this example and is in the form of a flap. The second container portion  112  is hingedly connected to the first container portion  111  about a hinge line  113  located along an edge of the container  110  between the top face  105  and rear face  102 . In use, items (e.g. cigarettes) are held in the first container portion  111 . The second container portion  112  forms a hinged lid for the first container portion  111 . The lid  112  is a flap comprising at least part of the top face  105  and a cut-out part of the front face  101  of the container.  FIG. 6  shows the hinged lid  112  in an open position.  FIG. 7  shows the hinged lid  112  in the closed position. An access opening  109  is defined in the front face  101  of the container. A perimeter of the access opening  109  is set inwardly from an outside edge of the container. The front face  101  of the container has a shoulder portion  128  between the side edge of the front face  101  and the perimeter of the access opening  109 . Similarly, the top  105  of the container has a shoulder portion  129  between the side edge of the top  105  and the perimeter of the access opening  109 . These shoulder portions  128 ,  129  are present on both sides of the container. In use, the shoulder portions  128 ,  129  provide a support surface when resealing the wrapper  120 . The lid  112  meets the first container portion along a line of contact  114 A,  114 B,  114 C. In the closed position the lid  112  abuts against the body  111  along the line of contact  114 A,  1148 ,  114 C. Parts  114 A,  1148  of the line of contact extend along the front face  101 . Another part of the line of contact  114 C extends along the top face  105 , from the front face  101  to the hinge line  113 . 
       FIGS. 8-10  show a package  130  comprising a laminate wrapper  120  fitted around the container  10  shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 .  FIG. 8  shows the package  130  in an initial, unopened, state.  FIG. 9  shows the package  130  in an opened state.  FIG. 10  shows the package  130  in a re-sealed state. 
     The laminate wrapper  120  comprises two or more layers of flexible sheet material which are laminated together. The laminate wrapper  120  is secured around the container  110  and, advantageously, is sealed along all free edges. The wrapper  120  has a portion  121  which can be opened by a user and resealed. 
     The wrapper  120  has cut lines defined in the layers of the laminate. In a simplest case of a two layer laminate wrapper  120 , the flap  121  comprises part of an outer layer of the laminate wrapper  120 . The remaining, inner, layer of the laminate wrapper  120  remains located alongside the front face  101  of the container  110 . Resealable adhesive can be provided in all, or a part of, region  123 . Adhesive in region  123  allows the outer layer of the laminate wrapper  120  to separate from the inner layer to form the flap  121 . Adhesive in region  123  allows the outer layer of the laminate to reseal against the inner layer of the laminate when the package is reclosed. 
     The laminate wrapper  120  has two cut lines. There is a first cut line in the first (inner) layer of the laminate wrapper  120  but not the second (outer) layer of the wrapper  120 . Advantageously, the first cut line is defined along, or adjacent to, the line of contact  114 A,  114 B,  114 C between the body  111  and the lid  112  of the container. This allows the inner layer of the laminate wrapper  120  to separate along the line of contact  114 A,  114 B,  114 C. Part of the inner layer of the laminate wrapper  120  remains around the body  111  of the container. Part of the inner layer of the laminate wrapper  120  overlies the lid  112  of the container and moves with the lid  112  when the lid is opened. There is a second cut line in the second (outer) layer of the laminate wrapper  120  but not the first (inner) layer of the laminate wrapper  120 . Part of the outer layer of the laminate wrapper  120  remains around the body  111  of the container. Part of the outer layer of the laminate wrapper  120  overlies the lid  112  of the container and moves with the lid  112  when the lid is opened. The second cut line is offset from the line of contact  114 A,  114 B,  114 C. This provides a peripheral portion of the wrapper where the second (outer) layer of the wrapper  120  extends beyond the lid  112 . The peripheral portion  121  is separable from the first (inner) layer. In the hatched regions shown in  FIG. 9  only one of the layers of the laminate wrapper is present. The peripheral portion can be resealed against the first layer in regions  123 A,  123 B,  123 C: region  123 A is beneath the front lip of the access opening  109 ; region  123 B is alongside the access opening  109  on the front face and region  123 C is alongside the access opening  109  on the top face. These regions fully surround the perimeter of the access opening  109  and therefore provide a more effective resealing of the wrapper. Although a cross-section is not shown through the wrapper of  FIG. 10 , it has the same features as shown in  FIG. 5B . 
     Advantageously, the wrapper  120  is secured to the lid  112  in the region where the wrapper overlies the lid  112 . This allows the wrapper  120  to remain connected to the lid  112  when the peripheral portion is lifted. Health and Safety regulations in a territory may also require that any wrapper is secured to the container. 
     In any of the examples described above the container can be formed of card, a polymer material, or any other suitable material. The material may be biodegradable and/or compostable. 
     In any of the examples described above the package can be for tobacco industry products, such as cigarettes. More generally, a package can be provided for any type of packaged commodity. 
     In any of the examples described above the first cut line and/or the second cut line can be a laser-formed cut line, or a cut line formed by another type of cutting machine, such as a die cutter. 
     In any of the examples described above the first cut line can be a cut line which extends fully through the inner layer of the wrapper. Alternatively, the first cut line can be a line of weakness, such as a perforated line, a score line or a crenellated line. An opening force is required to fully separate, or sever, the inner layer along the line of weakness. This can provide evidence of tampering. In a perforated cut line, the cut line comprises perforated portions where the cut line extends fully through the layer and uncut portions where the layer is intact. In a score or scribe line, the cut line extends partially through the layer. In a crenellated line the cut line alternates between a first cut depth and a second cut depth. The first depth may be zero, such that the line has some portions which are not cut at all, and some portions where the cut line extends partially into the layer. 
     The second cut line can be a cut line which extends fully through the outer layer of the wrapper. Alternatively, the second cut line can be a line of weakness, such as a perforated line, a score line or a crenellated line. An opening force is required to fully sever the outer layer along the line of weakness when the flap is first lifted. This provides evidence that any tampering has occurred. 
     An advantage of this package is that it can help to keep the products fresh after the package has been opened for the first time, as the outer wrapper  20 ,  120  and the flap  21 ,  121  continue to provide protection to the contents. An advantage of providing a wrapper  20 ,  120  around a container  10 ,  110  is that the container can be a simpler, lower cost, item as it no longer forms the exterior of the package. For example, the exterior finish of the container can be a simpler, lower cost, finish (e.g. matt instead of glossy) and does not need to be printed. 
     An example of a two layer laminate is shown in  FIG. 11A , comprising: a first (inner) layer  201  and a second (outer) layer  202 . The first layer  201  is bonded to the second layer  202  by adhesive  204 . The first layer  201  can be formed, for example, of a polymer material, such as orientated polypropylene (OPP), a foil or a metallised polymer. The second layer  202  can be formed of a similar material as the first layer, or a different material. A metal layer is particularly advantageous at providing a moisture barrier to maintain freshness. A resealable flap  21  can be created in the laminate package by using a resealable adhesive, such as a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA), to bond the second layer  202  to the first layer  201  at least in the region  21 . The Pressure Sensitive Adhesive can be used between these layers  201 ,  202  locally in the region  23  where the flap  21  overlies the first layer  202 , or can be used generally between these layers. 
       FIGS. 11B and 11C  show cut lines formed in the layers  201  and  202  respectively. First layer  201  will form the inside of the wrapper  20  and second layer  202  will form the outside of the wrapper  20 . Solid lines denote cut lines formed in that layer. Dashed lines denote cut lines formed in the other layer. A first cut line  205 ,  206  is formed in the first layer  201 . Portions  205  of the cut line will be aligned, in the assembled package, with the parts  14 B of the line of contact between the lid  12  and body  11  of the container. Portion  206  of the line of weakness will be aligned, in the assembled package, with the part  14 A of the line of contact between the lid  12  and body  11  of the container. The first cut line defines a first region  231  which, in the assembled package, overlies the lid. A second cut line  207 ,  208  is formed in the second layer  202 . Portions  207  of the second cut line can be aligned to, or slightly offset from and parallel to, parts  14 B of the line of contact between the lid  12  and body  11  of the container. The second cut line  207 ,  208  defines a first region  232  which, in the assembled package, overlies the lid and includes a peripheral portion (flap)  21  which extends beyond the lid. Portion  208  of the second cut line will be offset, in the assembled package, from the part  14 A of the line of contact between the lid  12  and body  11  of the container. This offsetting of the second cut line  208  from the first cut line  206  defines the flap  21  of the second layer  202 . The cuts  206 ,  208  form a flap  21  of laminate material which is unitary with the rest of the sheet  202  along the top edge of the flap  21 . Resealable adhesive in the region  23  between the layers  201 ,  202  provides a resealable seal for the flap  21 . 
     Cut lines  205 ,  207  can be slightly offset from one another to maintain seal integrity of the package before the first opening of the package. The offsetting of the cut lines provides a peripheral portion where the second layer  202  overlies the first layer  201  and can reseal against the first layer  201 . Cut lines  205 ,  207  on the side faces of the container are offset by a much smaller amount compared to the cut lines  206 ,  208  on the front face of the container. The cut lines  20 ,  207  may be lines of weakness which do not fully cut through their respective layer (or layers). This can further help to maintain seal integrity of the package before the first opening of the package. 
     In an alternative arrangement cut lines  205 ,  207  can be aligned, and the peripheral portion is not present. The cut lines  205 ,  207  are lines of weakness which do not fully cut through their respective layer, thereby maintaining seal integrity of the package before the first opening of the package. The cut lines  205 ,  207  can be formed as lines of weakness on just the side faces of the container, or on the side faces and front face. 
     It will be understood that the same principles are applied to obtain the wrapper  120  for the package of  FIGS. 6-10 . Offset cut lines provide a peripheral portion  121  in the second layer of the wrapper which extends beyond the lid. 
       FIGS. 12A-12C  show a three layer laminate wrapper comprising: a first (inner) layer  301 , a second (intermediate) layer  302  and a third (outer) layer  303 . Similar to  FIG. 11A , the first layer  301  is bonded to the second layer  302  by adhesive  304 . The second layer  302  is bonded to the third layer  303  by adhesive  305 . One or more of the layers can be a metal foil, or a metallised polymer layer. 
       FIGS. 12B and 12C  show cut lines formed in the layers  301 - 303 . Two of the three layers have the same cut lines. Layer  301  will form the inside of the wrapper  20  and layer  303  will form the outside of the wrapper  20 . A cut line  205 ,  206  is formed in at least the layer  301 . A cut line  207 ,  208  is formed in at least layer  303 . 
     The intermediate layer  302  can have the same cut lines as layer  301  or layer  303 . In a first example, layer  301  has the cut lines  205 ,  206  shown in  FIG. 12B  and the pair of layers  302 ,  303  have the cut lines  207 ,  208  shown in  FIG. 12C . Resealable adhesive is provided in the region  23  between the layers  301  and  302  having different cut lines to provide a resealable seal for the flap  21 . In a second example, layers  301 ,  302  have the same cut lines  205 ,  206  shown in  FIG. 12B  and the layer  303  has the cut lines  207 ,  208  shown in  FIG. 12C . Resealable adhesive is provided in the region  23  between the layers  302  and  303  having different cut lines to provide a resealable seal for the flap  21 . The first example provides the flap  21  with additional thickness as the flap  21  comprises the pair of layers  302  and  303 . 
     The adhesive (e.g. pressure sensitive adhesive) applied to region  23  of any of the embodiments may be patterned to leave an area without any adhesive to make the flap easier to open. In  FIG. 11B , an area  209  can be left free of adhesive. This allows layer  202  to be easily lifted up and used to pull open the flap  21 . Similarly, in  FIG. 12B , an area  209  can be left free of adhesive. This allows the flap comprising layers  302  and  303 , or layer  203 , to be easily lifted up and used to pull open the flap  21 . In the three-layer example, a permanent adhesive can be used between the layers which are not required to separate. 
     As will be appreciated the shape and design of the cuts may be varied according to the aesthetic and functional requirements of each design. For example, different shapes may be utilised according to design, or the curvature and shape of the cuts may be selected to avoid tearing of the materials as the flap is opened. As the cut designs become more complex and/or the dimensions of the cut lines increase the time taken to form the openings may increase. 
     The above embodiments have been described in relation to a two-layer and three-layer laminates, but as will be appreciated any number of layers may be utilised. The layers of the laminate material may be selected to provide the desired mechanical and tactile performance. For example, a thicker material may give a better feel to a user opening the flap. Different aspects of the package may require different characteristics, requiring a design compromise to select an appropriate material. For example, the body of the package may preferably have a thicker material to give a more rigid package, whereas the flap may preferably use a thinner material to make opening the closure more tactile. The relative thicknesses of the materials may also affect the performance of the product. For example, thickening a metallic layer will have a different effect to thickening a plastic layer. 
     The PSA is selected such that a sufficient bond is formed to retain the flap  21  in the closed position, while also allowing the flap to be opened by the application of an appropriate force. A PSA can be used to bond the layers  201  and  202  in other regions away from the region  23  that retains the flap  21 . The strength of the PSA bond in the other regions can be modified compared to the strength of the bond used for the flap region  23 . Advantageously, the bond in the other regions can be of higher strength than the bond in region  23  to prevent delamination during use. The required bond may be achieved by the selection of an appropriate adhesive and/or by the amount of that adhesive utilised. 
     Although the illustrated example is of a standard size and shape of a cigarette box, the package can be designed for any quantity of products and is not limited to the size and/or shape shown in the illustrated example. The size of the lid relative to the body of the container can be modified, as necessary. The package is not limited to a package for tobacco products and can be applied to a package for other types of products such as, for example, confectionery or foodstuffs. 
       FIG. 13  shows a web  70  of laminate material for forming the wrappers described above. The web  70  comprises a continuous length of laminate material. The web  70  can be divided into pieces  71  by cutting along lines  72 . Each piece  71  is used to form a wrapper  20 . The web has the cut lines  205 ,  206 ,  207 ,  208  to define a flap  21 . Typically, the outer surface of the web is printed with labelling indicia. 
     A method of packaging a product will now be described with reference to  FIG. 14 . At block  401  a container is provided. The container has a body and a lid. The container has a line of contact between the body and lid. At block  402  the container is filled with a product, such as tobacco industry product (e.g. cigarettes) or a foodstuff. At block  403  a laminate wrapper is fitted around the container. The wrapper is fitted such that lines of weakness in the wrapper are in register with a line of contact between the body and the lid of the container. Edges of the wrapper  20  are sealed. At block  403  the wrapper  20  is sealed to the container  10 . This can be achieved in various ways. In a first way, adhesive is applied to an outer face of the container  10  (e.g. to the front face  1  of the lid) and the wrapper adheres to the container when it is fitted. In a second way, adhesive is applied to an inner surface of the wrapper  20  before the wrapper is fitted around the container  10  and the wrapper adheres to the container when it is fitted. In a third way, the wrapper  20  is provided, in advance, with an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer may be covered by a cover sheet during storage of the wrapper. When the wrapper is fitted to the container the cover sheet is removed to expose the adhesive, and the wrapper adheres to the container when it is fitted around the container. 
     It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the stated problems or those that have any or all of the stated benefits and advantages. 
     Any reference to ‘an’ item refers to one or more of those items. The term ‘comprising’ is used herein to mean including the method blocks or elements identified, but that such blocks or elements do not comprise an exclusive list and a method or apparatus may contain additional blocks or elements. 
     The steps of the methods described herein may be carried out in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from any of the methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Aspects of any of the examples described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other examples described to form further examples without losing the effect sought. 
     It will be understood that the above description of a preferred embodiment is given by way of example only and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. Although various embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention.