Abstract: A packaging apparatus, in particular for packaging smoking articles, includes a wrapping device for wrapping a barrier film around an item to be packaged, such as a pack of smoking articles; and at least one sealing head having a contact surface for contacting the barrier film wrapped around the item and sealing the barrier film along a seam to form a protective enclosure around the item. The contact surface of the sealing head is at least partially discontinuous to provide a non-sealing region in the sealing head. In this way, the non-sealing region can be positioned to at least partially, and preferably wholly, overlie a frangible part or strip provided in the barrier film.

Abstract: The present invention provides a packaging film (1) for use in packaging a consumer product, especially a pack of smoking articles, comprising: an area or expanse (2) of film material configured to cover the consumer product; and opening means (3) formed in the area or expanse (2) of the film material to assist or promote opening or removal of the film when it covers the product in order to access the product, the opening means (3) including at least two frangible seams (5) which extends across at least a portion of the area or expanse (2) of the film material, wherein the at least one frangible seam (5) comprises at least two lines of weakness (7) that extend generally parallel and together define a single, desirably substantially linear, tear path (P).

Abstract: The present invention provides a packaging film (1) for use in packaging a consumer product, especially a pack of smoking articles, comprising: an area or expanse (2) of film material configured to cover the consumer product; and opening means (3) formed in the area or expanse (2) of the film material to assist or promote opening or removal of the film when it covers the product in order to access the product, the opening means (3) including at least two frangible seams (5) which extends across at least a portion of the area or expanse (2) of the film material, wherein the at least one frangible seam (5) comprises at least two lines of weakness (7) that extend generally parallel and together define a single, desirably substantially linear, tear path (P).

Abstract: A packaging apparatus, in particular for packaging smoking articles, includes a wrapping device for wrapping a barrier film around an item to be packaged, such as a pack of smoking articles; and at least one sealing head having a contact surface for contacting the barrier film wrapped around the item and sealing the barrier film along a seam to form a protective enclosure around the item. The contact surface of the sealing head is at least partially discontinuous to provide a non-sealing region in the sealing head. In this way, the non-sealing region can be positioned to at least partially, and preferably wholly, overlie a frangible part or strip provided in the barrier film.