EP2744729B1 - Cigarette package with microcapsules and method of making it - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to packs for tobacco products, in particular cigarette packs with the features of the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to methods for producing the packs.

The use of microcapsules as flavor carriers or aroma stores for cigarette packs is basically known (US Pat. WO 03/000571 A1 ). Cigarette packs of the folding box type are provided with coatings of aroma-containing microcapsules in the area of selected inner surfaces of a lid. When opening the lid of the folding box, the microcapsules are destroyed due to the friction between the lid and collar of the pack, so that the aroma substances of the microcapsules are released.

In the EP 1 803 662 A1 The microcapsules are activated by a coupon, which is arranged in the box part together with the cigarette block. In the WO 2007/026260 A2 the activation takes place with the aid of a tear strip.

The invention is concerned with a further development and deepening of the use of microcapsules or microspheres as carriers for active substances which are released or activated, in particular, when the (cigarette) pack is put into use.

The invention has for its object to form packs for tobacco products, especially cigarette packs or equip that a reliable, easier for the consumer handling to release the active ingredients is achieved, but on the other hand, a trouble-free mechanical production of the packs is guaranteed.

To solve this problem, the package according to the invention with the features in claim 1 is formed. Other special versions of (cigarette) packs with active ingredients containing microcapsules or other carriers of active substances are the subject of the dependent claims.

A special feature of the package according to the invention is that the carriers of the aroma or other active ingredients - microcapsules - are arranged in a not directly exposed to the consumer area of the pack. Preferably, a separate carrier for the microcapsules is provided, in particular a (folded) coupon, a movable portion of an inner envelope of a cigarette pack (Stanniolzuschnitt) or an externally mounted blank or a band. The collar of a cigarette pack of the folding box type is, according to a further alternative, a carrier for the microcapsules, the aroma substances being exposed by direct manual actuation or by a part of the lid when the pack is opened.

The microcapsules are destroyed when the package is put into use and the active substances are released, in particular due to the relative movement of carriers of the microcapsules. However, these can alternatively or additionally be destroyed by direct intervention by the consumer. Furthermore, in the manufacture of the packages, a method can be used in which the microcapsules are destroyed during the folding and filling process of the package and the flavorings are released. Finally, flavorings can be integrated into the package, which - without destruction - due to corresponding technological properties, the active ingredient, in particular aroma, automatically release over a longer period of time, in particular by evaporation.

Carriers of active ingredients may also be formed as a liquid-receiving workpiece, for example made of foam, non-woven or the like. Such a drug carrier may be positioned in a sealed portion of the package largely sealed, the use of the package, in particular by removing an outer sheath of foil, lead to the release of the drug carrier and thus to the activation of the drug. The active substances are preferably flavoring substances or substances which have a cooling effect.

Fig. 1

eine Zigarettenpackung des Typs Klappschachtel in geschlossener Stellung bei perspektivischer Darstellung,

Fig. 2

die Packung gemäß Fig. 1 bei geöffnetem Deckel,

Fig. 3

eine Klappschachtel für Zigaretten in einer anderen Ausführungsform bei geöffnetem Deckel in perspektivischer Darstellung,

Fig. 4

die Packung im Vertikalschnitt der Ebene IV-IV der Fig. 3, bei vergrößertem Maßstab,

Fig. 5

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer Zigarettenpackung des Typs Klappschachtel in perspektivischer Darstellung,

Fig. 6

die Packung gemäß Fig. 5 im Vertikalschnitt VI-VI der Fig. 5,

Fig. 7

die Packung gemäß Fig. 5, Fig. 6 bei geöffnetem Deckel im Vertikalschnitt entsprechend Fig. 6,

Fig. 8

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer Klappschachtel für Zigaretten im Vertikalschnitt bei geöffnetem Deckel,

Fig. 9

die Packung gemäß Fig. 8 bei fortgesetztem Öffnungsvorgang und Entnahme einer Zigarette im Vertikalschnitt der Fig. 8,

Fig. 10

ein anderes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Klappschachtel in geschlossener Stellung bei perspektivischer Rückansicht,

Fig. 11

einen vertikalen Teilschnitt im Bereich des Deckels in der Schnittebene XI-XI der Fig. 10 bei vergrößertem Maßstab,

Fig. 12

eine Darstellung entsprechend Fig. 11 bei geöffnetem Deckel,

Fig. 13

eine Klappschachtel für Zigaretten in perspektivischer Darstellung mit Wirkstoffträger an der Außenseite,

Fig. 14

die Packung gemäß Fig. 13 in einem Vertikalschnitt eines oberen Teilbereichs in der Schnittebene XIV-XIV der Fig. 13, in vergrößertem Maßstab,

Fig. 15

eine Darstellung analog Fig. 14 bei Ingebrauchnahme der Packung.

Embodiments of cigarette packs are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. It shows:

Fig. 1

a cigarette pack of the type folding box in the closed position in perspective view,

Fig. 2

the pack according to Fig. 1 with lid open,

Fig. 3

a folding box for cigarettes in another embodiment with the lid open in a perspective view,

Fig. 4

the pack in vertical section of the level IV-IV of Fig. 3 on an enlarged scale,

Fig. 5

another embodiment of a cigarette pack of the type folding box in perspective view,

Fig. 6

the pack according to Fig. 5 in vertical section VI-VI of Fig. 5 .

Fig. 7

the pack according to Fig. 5, Fig. 6 with the lid open in vertical section accordingly Fig. 6 .

Fig. 8

Another embodiment of a folding box for cigarettes in vertical section with the lid open,

Fig. 9

the pack according to Fig. 8 with continued opening process and removal of a cigarette in the vertical section of Fig. 8 .

Fig. 10

another embodiment of a folding box in the closed position in perspective rear view,

Fig. 11

a vertical partial section in the region of the lid in the sectional plane XI-XI the Fig. 10 on an enlarged scale,

Fig. 12

a representation accordingly Fig. 11 with lid open,

Fig. 13

a folding box for cigarettes in perspective with drug carrier on the outside,

Fig. 14

the pack according to Fig. 13 in a vertical section of an upper portion in the sectional plane XIV-XIV of Fig. 13 , on an enlarged scale,

Fig. 15

a representation analog Fig. 14 when putting the package into use.

The exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings relate to cigarette packs of the folding box type. In the standard version, this type of packing consists of a (lower) box part 10, a lid 11 and a collar 12. Box part 10 and lid 11 are usually made of a one-piece blank by corresponding folding. The box part 10 forms a (large-scale) box front wall 13, opposite a box rear wall 14, narrow upright box side walls 15, 16 and a bottom wall 17. In an analogous manner, the lid 11 consists of lid front wall 18, lid rear wall 19th , Lid side walls 20, 21 and an end wall 22nd

Box part 10 and lid 11 are connected to each other in the region of the box rear wall 14 and the lid rear wall 19 via a transverse line joint 23. The side walls 15, 16 on the one hand and 20, 21 on the other hand are double-layered, each consisting of an inner and outer side lobes, which are interconnected. Furthermore, the lid front wall 18 is formed in two layers, namely provided with a lid inner tab 24.

The collar 12 is in the present packing examples of a separate blank and forms a collar front wall 25 and transverse collar side tabs 26. The collar 12 is disposed within the box part 10 and fixed by glue points 27 at least on the box front wall 13 so a collar upper part 28 protrudes from the box part 10 and is exposed when the lid 11 is open. The collar front wall 25 forms in the region of the collar upper part 28 a recess or recess 29, which is bounded by a partially curved edge.

In the present case, the contents of the package are a group of cigarettes which is surrounded by an inner blank 30, in particular by a tinfoil blank. The result is a cigarette block 31. The inner blank 30 is folded in such a way that at least lateral folds, namely side folds 32, arise with each other at least partially overlapping fold tabs. Furthermore, an endfold 33 is formed. This has an outer, in particular Trapezoidal folding tabs 34, which merges into a front side peeler - Flap 35 -. This part of the inner blank 30 can be pulled off by detecting the folding tab 34, so that a partial area of the front-side cigarettes is exposed ( Fig. 9 ).

In or on the package active ingredients are attached, in particular flavorings, which are activated by indirect or direct action of the user of the pack, for example pressure and / or friction or even by exposing a drug carrier. The active substances may also be substances which cause a cooling effect, for example by evaporation. The drug carriers in the embodiment as microcapsules or microspheres are arranged between two layers or layers of the pack. By exerting pressure on the area of the microcapsules or by relative displacement of the layers or walls, the microcapsules are destroyed and released the flavors.

In the embodiment according to Fig. 1, Fig. 2 a pressure application by the consumer is required to activate the flavoring agents. These are attached to the correspondingly enlarged or extended collar front wall 25, in the area of the box front wall 13, that is in the box part 10. The box front wall 13 has an opening 36, in this case a rectangular or square punched in the area Box front wall 13. As a result, a corresponding surface area of the collar front wall 25 is free for external influences. Arranged on the collar front wall 25 in the opening 36 are carriers of aroma substances, in particular microcapsules. These are presently provided with a decorative cover, for example a printed film. Alternatively, the aroma carriers may directly have the shape of the image. By transfer of pressure and / or friction, the flavorings are released. The collar 12 may include in this embodiment in the visible part of the collar front wall 25 (collar top 28) with information about the aroma flavor used in each case.

According to embodiment in Fig. 3, Fig. 4 a separate blank as a carrier for the flavoring substances or microcapsules is integrated into the package. In the present case, a blank or coupon 37 is arranged as a carrier of microcapsules 38 in the pack, namely in the box part 10, in such a way that the coupon 37 can be detected with the lid 11 open and completely or partially pulled out of the pack. This creates friction (and pressure) due to the contact forces between the package walls or between the contents of the package and the packing walls. In the present case, the blank or coupon 37 is arranged between the cigarette block 31 on the one hand and the collar 12 or the collar front wall 25 on the other hand. The coupon 37 is designed and positioned so that a grip 39 in the region of the recess 29 of the collar front wall 25 is exposed for detection - with the cover 11 open.

The blank or coupon 37 is arranged in a special formation, so that upon removal the microcapsules 38 are destroyed and the aroma substances are released. The (elongated, strip-shaped) coupon 37 is folded several times to form present three adjacent legs 40. Between the adjacent layers or legs 40 of the coupon 37, the microcapsules 38 are arranged to rest on both adjacent legs 40. An (extended) end leg 41 - in the present case on the collar front wall 25 facing side - in the package (releasably) fixed by (two) glue points 42. This ensures that when pulling out of the coupon 37 - by pressing the handle 39 - the layers 38 successively be unfolded and slide together when pulling out. This creates friction between the adjacent legs 40, 41, with the result that the microcapsules 38 are destroyed. The coupon 37 may additionally contain a decorative print and / or informational notes.

The coupon 37 is formed or folded such that the microcapsules 38 are positioned exclusively between legs 40, 41 of the coupon 37. The cigarette block 31 on the one hand and the box part 10 or the collar front wall 25 on the other hand facing surfaces of the folded unit of the coupon 37 are free of microcapsules here. The coupon 37 with the microcapsules 38 may be inserted into the package as a separately prefabricated unit be, preferably such that a unit of collar 12 and associated with this coupon 37 is placed on the cigarette block 31. The unit thus formed is then - as known in principle - introduced into the partially folded blank of the folding box. The handle 39 is here formed as an extension of the cigarette block 31 facing leg 40 and is located in the recess 29 of the collar front wall 25. Thus, the coupon 37 during (initial) opening the lid 11 detected by hand and preferably completely out of the pack are pulled out, with destruction of the microcapsules 38.

The technology of the development of active ingredients, in particular flavorings in packages for tobacco products can also be used in such a way that the microcapsules 38 targeted destroyed in the production of the package or the filling process and thus the active ingredients are released. Fig. 4 shows a corresponding application example. Microcapsules 38 are between folding flaps of the pack - here: usual folding box - arranged and pressure is exerted on the adjacent folding flaps to connect the same or to stabilize the folding position. Preferably, the microcapsules may be disposed between the lid front wall 18 and the lid inner tab 24 of the lid 11. The lid inner tab 34 is folded in the manufacture of the folding box against the inside of the lid front wall 18. In this case, pressure is exerted on the folding tabs 18, 24. The arranged between these folding tabs 18, 24 microcapsules are destroyed. It is advantageous for the implementation of this method, a device according to DE 24 63 386 C2 , The font shows the complete manufacturing and filling process for a folding box. Fig. 7 shows the detail of the folding of the lid inner flap 24 by a toggle assembly, which exerts sufficient for the destruction of the microcapsules pressure on the adjacent flaps 18, 24.

In the package according to Fig. 5 to Fig. 7 the package construction has changed compared to a standard version. The lid 11 and the lid front wall 18 is provided with a (one-piece) extension, namely a lid tongue 43. This is formed with a round contour, but can also have a different shape exhibit. The lid tongue 43 is dimensioned so that it can be inserted with the lid 11 closed as insertion tongue in the area between the box front wall 13 and package contents, in this case in a gap between the box front wall 13 and collar front wall 25. Between lid tab 43 (inside) and collar front wall 25, the aroma carriers are arranged, here a number of microcapsules 38. When (first) opening the lid 11 or when pulling the lid tongue 43 out of the plug position, frictional or shear forces are transmitted to the microcapsules 38. These are destroyed and release the flavorings ( Fig. 7 ).

The collar 12 is usually connected by glueing in the region of the collar front wall 25 with the box front wall 13. In the present case, this area is glue-free. Instead, the collar 12 is connected via glue points 44 in the region of the collar side tabs 26 to the inside of the box side walls 15, 16.

In the embodiment according to Fig. 8, Fig. 9 For example, a package member directly associated with the package causes the release of the flavorings by destroying microcapsules 38. When the package is put into use, the flap 35 is removed as part of the cigarette block 31, namely pulled upwards out of the package. On the outside, the microcapsules 38 are arranged in the region of the flap 35. These are opposite to the inside of the collar 12, in particular on the collar front wall 25th

The use of a separate aroma carrier, namely a capsule blank 45, is advantageous. The microcapsules 38 are attached to the capsule blank 45 on the side facing the flap 35. This is preferably formed as an adhesive blank, so as a piece of material with adhesive surface for receiving the microcapsules 38. At the free, the collar front wall 25 facing side of the blank 45 is preferably connected via at least one glue point 46 with the collar front wall 25.

In this application example, the microcapsules 38 are destroyed when the package is put into use by pulling out the flap 35. The Microcapsules 38 may be connected to the flap 35 and its front wall, respectively, so that the microcapsules are destroyed by shear forces. The aroma carrier, namely the capsule blank 45, is arranged so that this package detail is not visible from the outside, but is covered by the collar front wall 25.

In the package according to 10 to FIG. 12 For example, in order to release the flavorings, mechanical forces are transferred to microcapsules 38 due to the deformation of a capsule carrier. In the area of the rear of the package, namely on the box rear wall 14 and the lid rear wall 19, a blank is fixed by gluing, preferably a band 47, a preferably elongated, rectangular blank, which covers the line joint 23. By glue points 48, the band 47 is connected on the one hand with the box rear wall 14 and on the other hand with the lid rear wall 19. In an intermediate region, in particular centrally to the line joint 23, a flavoring strip 49 is formed from microcapsules 38. When the lid 11 is opened, in particular the region of this aroma strip 49 of the band 47 is deformed and lifted off the package walls 14 and 19, whereby the microcapsules 38 are destroyed and the aroma substances are released. In this embodiment too, the area of the aroma substances or of the microcapsules 38 is concealed. The band 47 remains in the position shown, even after repeated opening and closing of the lid 11th

Active substance carriers, in particular microcapsules with flavorings, can also be applied to other pack forms for tobacco products for the release of the active substances. This applies to soft-cup packs, cap boxes, Shell and Slide packs, but also packs, such as foil bags, for cut tobacco. The microcapsules are mounted so that the microcapsules are destroyed by compressive force, by tensile force, by frictional force or by shear forces the first time the package or bag opening and the active ingredients are released.

For folding boxes with cigar removal equipment, the picking device is suitable for attaching the microcapsules. this applies especially for packs according to DE 10 2009 053 202 A1 , A tote bag for the cigarettes is arranged between the cigarette block and the collar front wall. The microcapsules may be mounted on the inside and / or outside of the sampling tab.

In a package according to DE 10 2009 034 705 A1 For example, an opening or closing tab for a closed cigarette or inner block is suitable as a carrier for microcapsules. The multiple-actuated tab is releasably secured with permanently adhesive areas on the film of the cigarette block. In the area of the adhesive connection microcapsules may be attached, which are destroyed when first pressing the tab.

In the package according to EP 0 589 289 B1 the cigarette block or the inner or Stanniolumhüllung is provided with a Abziehlasche or a flap which extends approximately into the region of a bottom wall. This enlarged flap is advantageous as a carrier for microcapsules. These are destroyed when the flaps are removed.

For the attachment of destructible drug carriers, in particular microcapsules, at least two cooperating, flat packing parts are required, wherein the microcapsules are attached to one or both flat carriers, preferably by glue, for example PSA glue (pressure sensitive adhesive). Advantageously, a solution in which a separate capsule carrier is arranged in the package, that when removing the separate capsule carrier due to interaction with an adjacent packing wall friction or shearing forces occur, which cause the destruction of the capsules. Alternatively or additionally, areas of a pack with (concealed) microcapsules can be activated by active participation of the consumer, namely by transmission of pressure or frictional forces.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 13 to 15 As an alternative, a planar substance carrier 50 is provided. This is designed so that the active substance can be stored. In liquid execution of the Substance carrier 50 consist of a foam layer, a nonwoven, absorbent paper or the like. The thin-walled substance carrier 50 is attached to the respective active substance on the outside of the pack or folding box, in the present exemplary embodiment on the lid front wall 18.

The substance-enriched substance carrier 50 is disposed in a sealed portion of the package. In the present case, the lid front wall 18 is provided with a recess 52 formed by embossing. In this, the planar substance carrier 50 is positioned, wherein the dimension of the recess 52, in particular the depth, is adapted to the dimensions of the substance carrier 50, so that it is preferably outside with the remaining part of the lid front wall 18 (approximately) flush. The cover inner tab 24 is shortened accordingly, is outside the range of the recess 52nd

The recess 52 forms a space for receiving the drug carriers (microcapsules) or the substance carrier 50 in the described embodiment. The recess 52 is preferably surrounded by a sealing strip 53 around. At this is - to the putting into use of the pack - a recess 52 to the outside final cover. In the present case, an outer envelope 51 of film or the like which is customary in cigarette packs is provided as a seal or cover. The outer sheath 51 is bonded to the sealing strip 53 by (thermal) sealing so that the substance carrier 50 is in a sealed chamber. When the package is used for the first time, an upper part of the outer sheath 51 is removed (by means of tear strips), namely a foil cap 54. This is arranged such that, until the package is opened, the foil cap 54 or a front wall thereof serves as cover or seal of the depression 52 serves. By the usual opening process, the substance carrier 50 is exposed on the outside, so that the active ingredient, in particular a cooling medium, can unfold. This embodiment of the package or arrangement can also be used for the use of microcapsules as drug carriers. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 10 box part 39 grip 11 cover 40 leg 12 collar 41 end leg 13 Box front wall 42 spot of glue 14 Box rear wall 43 lid tab 15 Box side wall 44 spot of glue 16 Box side wall 45 capsule cut 17 bottom wall 46 spot of glue 18 Lid front wall 47 banderole 19 Lid rear wall 48 spot of glue 20 Lid sidewall 49 flavor strips 21 Lid sidewall 50 substance carrier 22 bulkhead 51 outer wrapper 23 line joint 52 deepening 24 Lid inner tab 53 weatherstrip 25 Collar front wall 54 foil cap 26 Collar side tabs 27 Leimstelle 28 Collar shell 29 recess 30 inner blank 31 cigarette block 32 page fold 33 end folding 34 folding tabs 35 Flap 36 opening 37 coupon 38 microcapsule

Claims (8)

1. A pack for tobacco products, in particular a cigarette pack, made from at least one pack blank, in particular made of thin cardboard, paper or multilayer material, wherein microcapsules (38), microspheres or other carriers of active substances, such as aromas or flavourings, which release active substances when the pack is opened for the first time or during use, are placed in or on the pack, and wherein regions, arranged in or on the pack, having microcapsules (38) are destructible by direct or indirect pressure or by friction or by removing a blank or a blank part from the pack or by deforming a blank having microcapsules (38) on the pack, wherein

   a) the microcapsules (38) are destructible by a part of the inner wrapper (30) of the cigarette block (31) being pulled out, in particular by a flap (35) being pulled out when the pack is opened for the first time,

   b) the microcapsules (38) are placed on a capsule blank (45) as a separate carrier, wherein the capsule blank (45) which faces, with a layer of microcapsules (38), the flap (35) that can be pulled out of the pack or out of the box part (10), and wherein the capsule blank (45) is fixed in the box part (10) by being connected to the inner side of the collar front wall (25).
2. The pack as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that a pack wall, in particular a box front wall (13) of a pack of the hinge-lid box type, has an opening (36) which exposes an internal pack wall, in particular a collar front wall (25), wherein regions composed of microcapsules or other (manually) destructible active substance carriers are arranged in the region of the opening (36) on the internal wall, in particular on the collar front wall (25).
3. The pack as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that microcapsules (38) having active substances are arranged between pack walls that are exposed at least when the pack is opened, in particular between the lid front wall (18) and lid inner tab (24), wherein the microcapsules are destructible by (manual) pressure on the pack walls.
4. The pack as claimed in claim 1 or one of the further claims, characterized in that microcapsules (38) are arranged on a separate capsule carrier within the pack, in particular on a coupon (37), wherein the capsules (38) are activatable by the capsule carrier being partially or completely pulled out of the pack.
5. The pack as claimed in claim 4 or one of the further claims, characterized in that the capsule carrier, in particular the coupon (37), is configured as a multilayer, in particular folded blank, wherein microcapsules (38) are placed on the legs (40, 41), formed by folding, of the coupon (37) such that the microcapsules (38) are destructible as a result of the coupon (37) being pulled out of the pack and unfolding brought about thereby, wherein preferably at least three layers or legs (40) of the coupon (37) are arranged in a region between the collar front wall (25) and cigarette block (31) and a grip element (39) is exposed as a continuation of one leg (40), in particular in the region of a recess (29) in the collar front wall (25), and preferably a different leg - end leg (41) - is connected releasably to the collar front wall (25).
6. The pack as claimed in claim 5 or one of the further claims, characterized in that microcapsules (38) are arranged only between adjacent legs (40, 41) of the coupon (37), and the folded coupon (37) is located in the pack with the legs (40, 41) having the microcapsules (38) in the region of the collar (12) or of the collar front wall (25), below the recess (29).
7. The pack as claimed in claim 1 or one of the further claims, characterized in that microcapsules (38) are arranged on an inner side, facing the cigarette block (31), of the collar front wall (25) and/or of the collar side tabs (26), in particular as an area or layer of microcapsules (38) in the region of the flap (35) of the inner wrapper (30), such that the microcapsules are destructible when the flap (35) is pulled out.
8. The pack as claimed in claim 1 or one of the further claims, characterized in that microcapsules (38) are destructible when the lid (11) is opened (for the first time) on account of being arranged on an outer capsule carrier, in particular by being arranged on a label (47) arranged on the outer side of the pack, preferably in the region of a linear articulation (23) between the box part (10) and lid (11), wherein the label (47), connected to the box rear wall (14) on one side and to the lid rear wall (19) on the other side, has an aroma strip (49) having microcapsules (38) in the region of the linear articulation (23), said microcapsules (38) being destructible during the opening movement of the lid (11) by being lifted off the pack walls (14, 19) and/or by the capsule carrier being bent.

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