EP2986532B1 - Container with substance carrier - Google Patents
Container with substance carrier Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2986532B1 EP2986532B1 EP14785270.1A EP14785270A EP2986532B1 EP 2986532 B1 EP2986532 B1 EP 2986532B1 EP 14785270 A EP14785270 A EP 14785270A EP 2986532 B1 EP2986532 B1 EP 2986532B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- container
- substance
- seal
- chamber
- carrier material
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
- A24B15/00—Chemical features or treatment of tobacco; Tobacco substitutes, e.g. in liquid form
- A24B15/18—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes
- A24B15/28—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances
- A24B15/30—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances by organic substances
- A24B15/301—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances by organic substances by aromatic compounds
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
- A24B15/00—Chemical features or treatment of tobacco; Tobacco substitutes, e.g. in liquid form
- A24B15/18—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes
- A24B15/28—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances
- A24B15/281—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances the action of the chemical substances being delayed
- A24B15/282—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances the action of the chemical substances being delayed by indirect addition of the chemical substances, e.g. in the wrapper, in the case
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F23/00—Cases for tobacco, snuff, or chewing tobacco
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F25/00—Devices used by the smoker for controlling the moisture content of, or for scenting, cigars, cigarettes or tobacco
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
- B65D51/28—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/18—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
- B65D81/20—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
- B65D81/2069—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas in a special atmosphere
- B65D81/2076—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas in a special atmosphere in an at least partially rigid container
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/18—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
- B65D81/22—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient in moist conditions or immersed in liquids
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2203/00—Decoration means, markings, information elements, contents indicators
- B65D2203/12—Audible, olfactory or visual signalling means
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2209/00—Provisions for used articles
Definitions
- This invention relates to a container, particularly but not exclusively to a container for a smokeless tobacco product.
- Snus tobacco may be sold either in loose form or in portions disposed in permeable bags and is packaged in portable containers having a re-closable lid to maintain the moisture of the snus during transport, storage and display of the product. Snus is typically consumed by placing it under the upper lip for an extended period of time.
- WO 2008/148702 describes a disposable humidifier for use with tobacco products comprising a moisture-releasing element that emits water vapour and a semi-permeable one-way membrane that encloses the moisture-releasing element and transmits water vapour from the moisture-releasing element and substantially blocks the passage of water vapour and liquid water to the moisture-releasing element.
- the humidifier may also have an outer layer that is impermeable to water vapour and which is removed or breached before use of the humidifier in a package or container of tobacco product. The humidifier may be incorporated into the package.
- WO 2004/034819 describes attaching a matrix having an aroma fraction dispersed therein inside the lid of a package to release aroma into a headspace of the package.
- This known package has the features of the preamble of claim 1.
- WO 2009/106493 describes a tobacco pouch formed from a laminate structure comprising a moisture-containing layer between two polymeric layers and removable strips on the inner polymeric layer for exposing the moisture-containing layer.
- a container for a recipient product as set out in claim 1.
- the seal may be attached to or over the substance carrier by a removable adhesive such that the seal is re-closable once opened.
- the surface of the container may be an internal surface, within the first chamber.
- the surface of the container may be an outer surface and said substance carrier is removable from said outer surface for insertion into said first chamber.
- the seal may be attached to the substance carrier by adhesive.
- the recipient product may be smokeless tobacco.
- the recipient product may be a snus tobacco product.
- the substance emitted by the substance carrier may be a sensate substance to impart an organoleptic characteristic to said recipient product.
- the substance emitted by the substance carrier may be a moisturising substance to impart moisture to said recipient product.
- the container may be pocket-sized.
- the container may contain one or more recipient products.
- Figure 1 shows a container 1 for snus tobacco pouches 2 which comprises a body 3 and a removable lid 4.
- the example shown in Figure 1 is a round container which is pocket-sized for the convenience of the consumer, although it will be appreciated that other shapes and sizes are also possible and fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
- the body 3 of the container 1 comprises a planar bottom wall 5 and a cylindrical side wall 6 which extends perpendicularly to the bottom wall 5 to define a first chamber 7 with one open side 8 which is closed by the removable lid 4.
- the lid also comprises a planar top wall 9 with a cylindrical side wall 10 that extends perpendicularly to the top wall 9.
- the cylindrical side wall 10 of the lid 4 and the cylindrical side wall 6 of the body 3 are configured to have a push-fit relationship in the region where the two overlap, to allow the lid 4 to be removably attached to the body 3.
- the side wall 6 of the body 3 and/or the side wall 10 of the lid 4 may be stepped such that when the lid 4 is attached to the body 3 the outer circumferential face of the assembled container is level and smooth, as shown in Figure 2 .
- the first chamber 7 within the container 1, as defined between the body 3 and the lid 4, is for containing a smokeless snus tobacco product which may be provided in pouches 2 for the consumer's convenience, as shown in Figure 1 .
- the container 1 of the invention may instead be used for other products, such as loose snus tobacco, loose rolling tobacco or other tobacco products, smokeless or otherwise.
- the tobacco product may or may not be provided within a pouch.
- non-tobacco products such as inert materials with or without nicotine, or plant matter other than tobacco, could be used.
- the smokeless snus tobacco product (or alternative) contained in the first chamber 7 may be known as the recipient product.
- the lid 4 of the container 1 attaches to the body 3 by means of a push fit - the tolerance between the lid 4 and the body 3 is tight so that the consumer must push the lid 4 firmly onto the body 3 to close the container 1. This ensures that the container 1 is adequately sealed from the outside environment while still being removable to allow the consumer to open the container and retrieve the products 2.
- the first chamber 7 within the container 1 is sealed to ensure that the product 2 within the container 1 remains fresh from the time of packaging to the time of consumption.
- the lid 4 may alternatively be attachable to the body 3 of the container 1 in other ways, for example, the lid and body may be provided with screw elements that engage with each other so that the lid is screwed onto the body. Any other suitable method of allowing the lid 4 to be attachable to the body 3 may also be used.
- the body 3 and lid 4 of the container shown in Figure 1 may hermetically seal the first chamber 7 from the atmosphere outside the container 1.
- the examples of containers described with reference to Figures 3 to 11 hereinafter all impart an organoleptic characteristic on products within the container after packaging. That is, the containers of Figures 3 to 11 are configured such that, at a time after the product is packaged, an organoleptic characteristic is imparted on the product. According to the invention, a consumer may be able to select if, when and for how long to impart an organoleptic characteristic to the recipient product.
- Figures 3 and 4 show examples of containers 1 which both include a carrier material 11 and a seal 12 which are arranged so that the seal 12 is removed from the container 1 to expose the carrier material 11. In this way, an organoleptic characteristic is imparted on the recipient product 2 within the first chamber 7.
- the carrier material 11 is provided with a sensate substance which is emitted from the carrier material and thereby released into the first chamber 7 such that an organoleptic characteristic is imparted on the recipient products 2 in the container 1.
- a sensate substance will impart a characteristic on the recipient products that can be perceived by the senses.
- the sensate substance may impart a flavour and/or an aroma to the recipient products.
- Figure 3 shows the container as described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 with a carrier material 11 attached to an inside surface of the top wall 9 of the lid 4.
- Figure 3 also shows a seal 12 disposed over the carrier material 11 which can be removed by the consumer to expose the carrier material 11.
- the carrier material 11 is attached to the inside surface of the lid 4 such that, after the seal 12 is removed and the container 1 is closed, the carrier material 11 remains attached to the lid 4 and is directly exposed to the products 2 in the first chamber 7 so that the sensate substance being emitted from the carrier material 11 is transferred to the snus product 2 to impart an organoleptic characteristic on those products 2.
- the removable seal 12 is placed over the carrier material 11 to seal the carrier material between the seal 12 and the lid 4 and prevent the sensate substance from emitting from the carrier material 11. Therefore, the sensate substance of the carrier material 11 will be contained within the carrier material 11, under the seal 12, until a consumer removes the seal 12.
- the seal 12 may be a polymer material or a release paper and may be attached over the carrier material 11 and/or to the carrier material 11 by means of adhesive.
- the adhesive used on the seal 12 may be a removable adhesive, to allow a consumer to easily remove the seal 12 and expose the carrier material 11. In this case, the seal 12 may be re-attachable to the lid 4.
- the adhesive may be a permanent adhesive and the seal 12 is at least partly destroyed when a consumer removes the seal 12 to expose at least a part of the carrier material 11. For example, only a part of the seal 12 is removed by the consumer (the remainder being left on the container) but the part removed will expose at least a part of the carrier material 11 and allow transfer of the sensate substance into the first chamber 7.
- the seal 12 may be provided with a weakened tear line (not shown in Figures).
- the seal 12 may be adhered around a peripheral edge 13 of the seal 12, directly onto the top wall 9 of the lid 4, or the seal 12 may be adhered to the carrier material 11 itself, in addition to or instead of being adhered to the top wall 9 of the lid 4.
- the seal 12 may be provided with a weakened tear-line (not shown in Figures) so as to allow a consumer to remove only a predetermined portion of the seal.
- the carrier material 11 may comprise different portions, each of which is covered by respective portions of the seal 12 that are separable along weakened tear lines. Each portion of the carrier material 11 may have a different sensate substance.
- each portion of the seal 12 could be positioned so as to correspond with a respective sub-chamber.
- a different organoleptic characteristic may then be imparted on the products 2 in each of the different sub-chambers.
- the products 2 in each of the different sub-chambers may be the same, or they may be different, chosen so as to complement the imparted organoleptic characteristics associated with that sub-chamber.
- the seal 12 may also be provided with at least one tab 14 which extends from a side of the seal 12 and is not attached to the top wall 9 of the lid 4 or to the carrier material 11. This tab 14 is provided for a consumer to grip and pull in order to remove the seal 12 and expose the carrier material 11 and allow the sensate substance to move from the carrier material 11 to the first chamber 7 of the container 1 to impart an organoleptic characteristic to the recipient products 2.
- the seal 12 as described with reference to Figure 3 may also be adapted so that it is removed to expose a portion of the carrier material 11 automatically once the lid 4 of the container 3 is opened by the consumer.
- the seal 12 could be attached to both the top wall 9 of the lid 4 and to the inner surface of the cylindrical side wall of the first chamber 7 such that the seal 12 bridges the boundary between the lid 4 and the cylindrical side wall of the first chamber 7.
- the seal 12 is ruptured and a portion of the carrier material 11 is exposed.
- this allows the provision of the sensate substance to the product 2 to be started as soon as the container 3 is opened, to counteract any loss in flavour that occurs in additives in the product 2 once the container 3 has been opened.
- Figure 4 shows an example of a container 1 according to the invention, having a carrier material 11 which is sealed beneath a removable seal 12.
- the carrier material 11 and seal 12 are disposed on an outside surface of the container 1, in this case the top wall 9 of the lid 4.
- the carrier material 11 is not attached to the container 1 so that, when the carrier material 11 is released by removing the seal 12, the consumer can move the carrier material 11 into the first chamber 7 (see Fig. 1 ) so that a sensate substance can be transferred from the carrier material 11 to the products 2 in the first chamber 7 and impart an organoleptic characteristic.
- seal 12 and carrier material 11 of this example may be attached to any external surface of the container, not only the top of the lid as shown in Figure 4 .
- the carrier material 11 is loose and retained on the outside surface of the top wall 9 of the container 1 by the removable seal 12.
- the removable seal 12 of this example is not attached to the carrier material 11, it is adhered around a peripheral edge 13 of the seal 12, outside of the carrier material 11, such that the seal 12 is attached only to the top wall 9 of the lid 4.
- the seal 12 comprises at least one tab 14 which extends from a side of the seal 12 and is not attached to the container 1 or the carrier material 11. Therefore, a consumer is able to grip that tab 14 and pull on the seal 12 to remove it from the container 1 and release the carrier material 11 for placing into the first chamber 7 with the products 2.
- the carrier material 11 described with reference to Figure 4 may be attached to the seal 12 such that when the seal 12 is removed the carrier material 11 remains attached to the seal 12.
- the consumer can remove the seal 12 and carrier material 11 from the container 1 together, by pulling on the tab 14, and then place the joined seal and carrier material 11 in the first chamber 7 so that a sensate substance emitted by the carrier material 11 imparts an organoleptic characteristic on products 2 in the container 1.
- the carrier material 11 may be attached to the seal 12 by means of a permeable laminate layer (not shown in the Figures) such that the carrier material 11 and laminate layer are removed from the container together with the sealing layer 12 and placed in the first chamber 7.
- the permeable laminate layer may be made from a permeable, semi-permeable or porous material or may alternatively comprise a material provided with perforations.
- the permeable laminate layer allows the sensate substance to move from one side of the laminate layer to the other, from the carrier material 11 to the first chamber 7.
- the permeable laminate layer is disposed on an opposite side of the carrier material 11 to the seal 12 and is attached to the seal 12, such that the carrier material 11 is laminated between the seal 12 and the permeable laminate layer.
- the perforations of the laminate layer allow the sensate substance of the carrier material 11 to be emitted from the joined seal 12, carrier material 11 and laminate layer once the assembly has been removed from the surface of the container 1.
- the sensate substance may travel from the carrier material 11 to the first chamber 7 but other substances from the products 2 are prevented from moving from the first chamber 7 to the carrier material 11.
- this helps to counteract any loss of the sensate substance carried by the carrier material 11 and may also prevent changes in the characteristics of the sensate substance caused by mixing with substances emitted by the products 2.
- the carrier material 11 described with reference to Figures 3 and 4 may be mounted on a backing material or may be laminated.
- the carrier material 11 may be adhered to polymer film or paper or similar material prior to being sealed underneath the sealing layer 12.
- the carrier material 11 may be laminated, that is, wrapped with a polymer or paper material on either side.
- the laminate material would comprise a plurality of perforations to allow the sensate substance to move from the carrier material 11 to the first chamber 7 of the container 1, through the perforations in the laminate material.
- the container described with reference to Figures 3 and 4 will provide the contents of the container, the recipient product 2, with an organoleptic characteristic which is provided by the sensate substance emitted from the carrier material 11.
- This process of transferring the sensate substance from the carrier material 11 to the recipient product 2 may be activated by the consumer by removing the seal 12 to expose the carrier material 11.
- this arrangement allows the consumer to make a choice about whether or not to remove the seal 12 and activate the process of providing the product 2 with an organoleptic characteristic.
- the container described with reference to Figures 3 and 4 allows a consumer to refresh the products 2 after purchasing, to ensure that the products 2 are fresh and have the desired flavour and/or aroma characteristics when consumed. This can counteract the loss of the organoleptic characteristics of the product after long periods in the container, meaning the life of the product is potentially increased.
- the carrier material 11 of the containers of Figures 3 and 4 may impart different organoleptic characteristics to the products 2 compared to the organoleptic characteristics that may have been imparted to the products 2 when they were originally manufactured. In this case, the consumer is able to change the organoleptic characteristics of the products 2.
- Figures 5 to 7 show a further example not according to the invention, which comprises an element 15 which extends across the open end 8 of the body 3 of the container 1 as described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 .
- the element 15 comprises a wide central portion 17, in this example a substantially circular portion, positioned such that it is central within the open end 8 of the body 3 of the container 1.
- the element 15 also comprises two supporting portions 18 that extend from opposite sides of the wide central portion 17 and support the element 15 on the edge 16 of the cylindrical side wall 6 of the body 3 of the container 1 such that the central portion 17 of the element 15 is suspended within the open end 8 of the body 3 of the container, above the first chamber 7.
- the supporting portions 18 may be removably attached to the edge 16 of the cylindrical side wall 6 or they may extend over the edge 16 and be folded against the outside surface of the side wall 6 of the body 3, such that when the lid 4 of the container 1 is attached the supporting portions 18 are trapped between the lid 4 and the body 3 and the element 15 is suspended in place.
- the shape of the element 15 shown in Figures 5 and 6 is merely an example and the element 15 may not have a wide central portion 17.
- the element 15 may alternatively be of fixed width and extend with straight edges across the opening 8.
- the element 15 may be any shape and is not limited to the substantially circular shape shown in Figure 5 .
- the element 15 may be provided with more than two supporting portions 18 to support the element 15 in place across the opening 8. For example, it may be provided with three or four supporting portions that may be equispaced around the element.
- Figures 6 and 7 show the element as described with reference to Figure 5 .
- the element 15 comprises a top surface 19 which, when the element 15 is attached to the container 1, faces outwards and away from the first chamber 7.
- Information relating to the product being provided in the container 1 may be printed on the top surface 19 of the element 15.
- the element 15 also has a bottom surface 20, on an opposite side to the top surface 19, which faces the first chamber 7 when the element 15 is attached to the container 1 as described with reference to Figure 5 .
- the bottom surface 20 is configured to emit a sensate substance into the first chamber 7 to impart an organoleptic characteristic on recipient products 2 in the first chamber 7.
- the element 15 comprises three component layers: a top layer 21, a bottom layer 22 and a carrier material 11 layer which is provided with a sensate substance.
- the top layer 21 is a sealed material which extends to form the central portion 17 and support portions 18 (see Fig. 5 ) for supporting the element 15 on the container 1 and also provides the top surface 19 of the element 15.
- the bottom layer 22 is attached to the underside of the top layer 21 with the carrier material 11 disposed therebetween, such that the carrier material 11 is laminated between the top layer 21 and the bottom layer 22.
- the bottom layer 22 comprises a plurality of perforations 23 which allow a sensate substance emitted by the carrier material 11 to pass through the bottom layer 22 and enter the first chamber 7 when the element 15 is attached to the container 1.
- the bottom layer 22 may have perforations that allow the sensate substance to move from the carrier material 11 to the first chamber 7.
- the bottom layer 22 may alternatively comprise a permeable, semi-permeable or porous material through which the sensate substance is conveyed.
- Figure 7 shows the bottom layer 22 only extending far enough over the carrier material 11 to attach to the top layer 21 to laminate the carrier material 11 between the top layer 21 and bottom layer 22.
- the bottom layer 22 may instead extend equally as far as the top layer 21 and may be attached to the top layer 21 in all regions where the carrier material 11 is not disposed between them.
- the top and bottom layers 21, 22 may be made from a polymer film material, paper or other similar material and the bottom layer 22 may be attached to the top layer 21 by means of an adhesive or sonic welding or similar.
- the carrier material 11 is provided with a sensate substance as previously described.
- the carrier material 11 may also be attached to the top layer 21 and/or bottom layer 22 by means of an adhesive or sonic welding or any other suitable means of attachment.
- the element 15 may comprise only a top layer 21 and a carrier material 11, wherein the carrier material 11 is attached to the underside of the top layer 21.
- the top layer 21 is similar to that described with reference to Figures 5 and 6 and is attachable to the container 1 so that the element 15 is suspended across the open end 8 of the body 3 and the carrier material 11 is therefore able to emit a sensate substance into the first chamber 7 of the container 1.
- the carrier material 11 will emit a sensate substance into that sealed first chamber 7 to impart an organoleptic characteristic on products 2 within the chamber 7.
- the element 15 is removable by the consumer to stop further transfer of the organoleptic characteristic and to allow unimpeded access to the first chamber 7 for retrieval of the products 2.
- the element 15 described with reference to Figure 5 may be made from a single layer of material, such as a polymer film or paper, which itself emits a sensate substance, as a donor product, into the first chamber 7 of the container 1 to impart an organoleptic characteristic on recipient products 2.
- the consumer is able to remove the element 15 described with reference to Figures 5 to 7 after first opening of the container 1.
- the element 15 is applied to the container 1 during the packaging process and provides the sensate substance and organoleptic characteristic to the recipient snus product 2 during storage, transport and sales display of the product, up until the point that the container 1 is purchased and opened and the element 15 is removed. Therefore, the sensate substance may be selected to maintain the freshness of the recipient product, in terms of flavour or scent or moisture.
- the container 1 and element 15 described with reference to Figures 5 to 7 will ensure that the consumer is presented with a fresh product on first opening of the container.
- the organoleptic characteristic provided by the sensate substance emitted by the element 15 will counteract the loss of flavour caused by storing the product 2 in the container 1 for long periods of time between packaging and consumption.
- a snus container 1 similar to that described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 , may be provided with a second chamber 24 which is disposed in an opposite side of the body 3 to the first chamber 7.
- the second chamber 24 may be used to store used products 25 when means of disposal are not available. That is, a consumer may use a snus product 2 from the first chamber 7 and, after use, store it in the second chamber 24 for disposal at a later date.
- the second chamber 24 is provided with a second lid 26 which sealably closes the second chamber 24.
- Figures 9 and 10 show another example of the invention, this time relating to a container 1 similar to that described with reference to Figure 8 .
- the body 3 of the container has an open faced recess 27 formed in the bottom wall 5.
- the body 3 of the container comprises a substantially cylindrical side wall 6 and the recess 27 also comprises a substantially cylindrical side wall 28, with a smaller diameter than the body, which extends into the first chamber 7 of the body 3.
- the side wall 28 of the recess 27 has a rim or lip 29 that extends inwards but does not close the recess, leaving an open side 30 through which the first chamber 7 is able to communicate with a second chamber 24 which is formed within the recess 27.
- a laminate wall 32 is attached to the rim 29 of the side wall 28 of the recess 27 such that it closes the open side 30 of the recess 27, dividing the first chamber 7 from the second chamber 24.
- the laminate wall 32 thereby defines a bottom surface of the first chamber 7 and a top surface of the second chamber 24.
- the laminate wall 32 is attached to the rim 29 of the side wall 28 of the recess 27.
- the laminate wall 32 extends across the open side 30 (shown in Figure 9 ) of the recess 27 and divides the first and second chambers 7, 24.
- Recipient products 2 are placed in the first chamber 7, above the laminate wall 32, and used products 25 are stored in the second chamber 24 on the other side of the laminate wall 32.
- the used products 25 will have a high moisture content, especially if the product is a chewing tobacco or a snus pouch as shown in Figure 10 . Therefore, the used product 25 will create a high moisture content in the second chamber 24.
- the laminate wall 32 comprises a top laminate layer 31 and a bottom laminate layer 33 and between these laminate layers 31, 33 are disposed an active heat patch 34 and a carrier material 11 having a sensate substance.
- the active heat patch 34 and carrier material 11 are layered between the top and bottom laminate layers 31, 33 such that the active heat patch 34 is disposed on the side of the second chamber 24 and the carrier material 11 is disposed on the side of the first chamber 7.
- top and bottom laminate layers 31, 33 are both permeable so that moisture from the used products 25 in the second chamber 24 can pass through the bottom laminate layer 33 and activate a reaction in the active heat patch 34 that generates heat. That is, the moisture provided by the used product 25 placed in the second chamber 24 will create an exothermic reaction in the active heat patch 34 within the laminate wall 32.
- the top laminate layer 31 is also permeable so that a sensate substance can pass from the carrier material 11, through the top laminate layer 31 and into the first chamber 7 to impart an organoleptic characteristic on recipient products 2 within the first chamber 7.
- the heat generated by the active heat patch 34 may activate this transfer of a sensate substance from the carrier material 11 to the first chamber 7, or the heat may accelerate the process, which occurs prior to the heat generation.
- top and bottom laminate layers 31,33 are both permeable. It will be appreciated that the top and bottom laminate layers 31, 33 may comprise a permeable, semi-permeable or porous material. Alternatively, the top and bottom laminate layers may be provided with perforations. In any case, substances are able to move from one side of the laminate layer to the other.
- the sensate substance may only be released from the carrier material 11 once heat is generated by the active heat patch 12. This may be achieved by selecting a sensate substance with an evaporation temperature above a pre-determined value.
- the carrier material 11 may emit a sensate substance at room temperature, such that the sensate substance is transferred to the first chamber 7 at a residual rate during storage, transport and sales display, prior to purchase and first opening of the container 1.
- moisture from the used product 25 activates the heat patch 34 which generates heat and the transfer of the sensate substance from the carrier material 11 to the first chamber 7 is accelerated. This acceleration of transfer of the sensate substance is advantageous as it will be activated once the consumer begins to use the product and not before.
- this example of the invention gives a flavour boost which is timed to coincide with the consumer first opening and consuming the product.
- heat from the heat patch 34 may also act to warm the products 2 in the first chamber 7, which will increase the amount of infusion of the sensate substance into the recipient snus product 2.
- the heat generated by the active heat patch 34 of this example does not generate a high temperature. It may be that the heat patch 34 only increases the temperature by a few degrees Celsius, possibly between 2 and 20 degrees Celsius.
- the carrier material 11 may be made from a material as previously described.
- the heat patch 34 will include a material which, when exposed to water, undergoes an exothermic reaction to generate heat.
- the active heat patch may comprise a potassium salt, such as potassium chloride, or any other substance that generates heat when exposed to moisture.
- any other suitable method of allowing or accelerating the transfer of the sensate substance from the carrier material 11 to the first chamber 7 may be used. This method may be activated in response to moisture being provided from the used product 25 in the second chamber 24, or may be activate by other means.
- the top and bottom laminate layers 31, 33 extend further than the active heat patch 34 and carrier material 11 and are attached to each other and to the rim 29 of the side wall 28 of the recess 27.
- the top and bottom laminate layers 31, 33 may be adhered together and to the rim 29, or they may be sonic welded to the rim 29.
- any other attachment means may be used, for example a heat seal or a part of the rim may clamp the edges of the laminate wall.
- top and bottom laminate layers 31, 33 may be differently arranged, for example the bottom laminate layer may not extend to be attached to the rim 29, instead being attached to the top laminate layer similarly to as described with reference to Figure 7 .
- the laminate wall 32 may comprise a single permeable laminate layer with the active heat patch 34 adhered to one side and the carrier material 11 adhered to the opposite side.
- the laminate wall described with reference to Figure 10 may include a third permeable layer which extends between the active heat patch 34 and carrier material 11 to provide support and separation of the other layers.
- Any of the permeable laminate layers may be made from a permeable, semi-permeable or porous material, or the laminate layers may be provided with perforations. In any case, a substance is able to move from one side of the laminate layer to the other.
- the container 1 does not have a recess formed in the base wall of the body which defines the second chamber, as shown in Figures 9 and 10 .
- the container may have a dividing wall 32 which extends across the internal space of the body 3 to define a second chamber within the cylindrical side wall of the body.
- the bottom wall of the body will be provided with an opening for the second chamber and a second lid is provided to close this opening.
- the body of this example may comprise a ring which extends from the inside face of the cylindrical side wall 6 (see Figs. 1 and 2 ) of the body 3, partially into the internal space where the first chamber 7 is formed.
- a laminate dividing wall as previously described, may attach to that ring and extend the remaining distance across the internal space to partition the first and second chambers.
- the second chamber may be formed in the lid 4 of the container 1, as shown in Figure 11 .
- the second chamber 24 is formed in a similar manner to those examples described above, except that it is formed in the lid 4 and not in the body 3 of the container 1. Therefore, a second lid 26 is attachable to the main lid 4 to close the second chamber 24.
- the laminate wall 32 which is the same as previously described, is disposed in the lid 4 such that when the lid 4 is attached to the body 3 of the container 1 the laminate wall 32 divides the first and second chambers 7, 24 and moisture from a used product 25 placed in the second chamber 24 activates an exothermic reaction in the active heat patch (not shown in Figure 11 ) of the laminate wall 32 which causes or accelerates a transfer of a sensate substance from the carrier material 11 of the laminate wall 32 into the first chamber 7, where recipient products 2 are stored.
- any suitable alternative method to the exothermic reaction for causing or accelerating the transfer of the sensate substance may also be used.
- the container 1 and laminate wall 32 described with reference to Figures 9 to 11 may counteract any loss of the flavour and/or aroma of the products 2 in the time between packaging and first opening, and will ensure the products 2 are fresh and have a suitable flavour and/or aroma once a used product 25 is placed in the second chamber 24 to activate the laminate wall 32. Therefore, the consumer is presented with a fresh product on first opening of the container 1 and that fresh flavour/aroma is maintained for further opening of the container for retrieving the products 2.
- the sensate substance provided to the carrier material 11, as described with reference to any of Figures 3 to 11 may be a volatile flavourant, for example an aromatic botanical substance such as a liquid solution, oil or similar. Alternatively, the aromatic substance could be non-botanical.
- the sensate substance may be an organic sensate substance, such as herbs or plants. Indeed, the carrier material 11 itself could be comprised of herb or plant matter, which acts as the sensate substance.
- the sensate substance may be treated to reduce the overall size and/or increase the intensity of the substance they emit. They may also be treated to release moisture and/or oils that carry the sensate substance to the recipient product.
- the sensate substance may provide a flavour to the recipient products 2.
- the terms "sensate substance” and "flavour” refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste or aroma in a product for adult consumers. They may include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamon, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, piment, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or
- the sensate substance may impart an aroma on the recipient product 2, for example a menthol aroma or other.
- a mentholated sensate substance may create a cooling sensation when the infused product 2 is consumed or used, as well as providing flavour and/or scent.
- the carrier material described with reference to any of Figures 3 to 11 may be a polymer foam or any other kind of sorbent sponge or foam suitable for carrying the sensate substance.
- the carrier material 11 may be provided with the sensate substance by means of sorption; the sensate substance is adsorbed onto the surface of the carrier material and/or the sensate substance is absorbed into the carrier material.
- the carrier material may be impregnated with the sensate substance during manufacture of the carrier material, by mixing the sensate substance into the material during a forming process.
- the carrier material 11 may comprise cellulose acetate fibres which absorb the sensate substance.
- the carrier material 11 may be a botanical, absorbent material such as a wood material. Wood is naturally absorbent and any absorbed sensate substance would be gradually released. The wood may be a natural or processed wood. Another suitable botanical, absorbent material could be a tobacco material. Of course, the botanical, absorbent material such as the wood or tobacco may itself contribute to the sensate substance.
- the sensate substance may be a volatile substance, such as an aromatic botanical substance.
- the sensate substance when the sensate substance is released or emitted from the carrier material 11, the sensate substance evaporates and permeates the first chamber 7. When the evaporated sensate substance encounters a recipient product 2 it will impart on that product an organoleptic characteristic.
- the sensate substance may be a liquid which is gradually released from the carrier material 11 and is transferred to the products by contact.
- the liquid may be an oil or a solution which carries a substance which, when transferred to the recipient product 2, imparts an organoleptic characteristic to that product.
- any combination of organoleptic characteristics may be provided by the sensate substance which may also act to provide an aroma to the air in the chamber, such that a consumer can smell the sensate substance on opening the container.
- the substance carrier emits a sensate substance to impart an organoleptic characteristic to the recipient products in the container 1.
- the substance carrier may alternatively emit any other substance which will impart any other characteristic to the recipient products.
- the substance carrier may emit a moisturising substance to provide the recipient products with moisture.
- the moisturising substance emitted by the substance carrier may be any substance that provides the recipient products with moisture, for example a water-based solution or any other substance.
- moisture provided by the substance carrier in this example will prevent the recipient products becoming dry during storage in the container prior to purchase or after purchase.
- the substance carrier provided with a moisturising substance may be placed in the container during packaging so that the consumer is presented with a fresh product on first opening.
- the consumer could place the substance carrier provided with a moisturising substance in the container to impart moisture on the recipient products after first opening to prevent the recipient products from drying out after first opening of the container.
- the substance emitted by substance carrier may impart to the recipient product any characteristic which may be desirable, for example the substance may impart a characteristic of flavour, aroma, moisture content, quality or longevity or any other beneficial characteristic.
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
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Description
- This invention relates to a container, particularly but not exclusively to a container for a smokeless tobacco product.
- Snus tobacco may be sold either in loose form or in portions disposed in permeable bags and is packaged in portable containers having a re-closable lid to maintain the moisture of the snus during transport, storage and display of the product. Snus is typically consumed by placing it under the upper lip for an extended period of time.
WO 2008/148702 describes a disposable humidifier for use with tobacco products comprising a moisture-releasing element that emits water vapour and a semi-permeable one-way membrane that encloses the moisture-releasing element and transmits water vapour from the moisture-releasing element and substantially blocks the passage of water vapour and liquid water to the moisture-releasing element. The humidifier may also have an outer layer that is impermeable to water vapour and which is removed or breached before use of the humidifier in a package or container of tobacco product. The humidifier may be incorporated into the package. -
WO 2004/034819 describes attaching a matrix having an aroma fraction dispersed therein inside the lid of a package to release aroma into a headspace of the package. This known package has the features of the preamble ofclaim 1. -
WO 2009/106493 describes a tobacco pouch formed from a laminate structure comprising a moisture-containing layer between two polymeric layers and removable strips on the inner polymeric layer for exposing the moisture-containing layer. - In accordance with embodiments of the invention, there is provided a container for a recipient product as set out in
claim 1. - The seal may be attached to or over the substance carrier by a removable adhesive such that the seal is re-closable once opened.
- The surface of the container may be an internal surface, within the first chamber.
- The surface of the container may be an outer surface and said substance carrier is removable from said outer surface for insertion into said first chamber.
- The seal may be attached to the substance carrier by adhesive.
- In accordance with embodiments of the invention, there is also provided a method of imparting a characteristic to a recipient product as set out in
claim 6. - The recipient product may be smokeless tobacco.
- The recipient product may be a snus tobacco product.
- The substance emitted by the substance carrier may be a sensate substance to impart an organoleptic characteristic to said recipient product.
- The substance emitted by the substance carrier may be a moisturising substance to impart moisture to said recipient product.
- The container may be pocket-sized.
- The container may contain one or more recipient products.
- Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only. With reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
Figure 1 shows an example of a container for snus tobacco pouches having a body and a removable lid; -
Figure 2 shows the container ofFigure 1 , with the lid attached to the body; -
Figure 3 shows an example of a container not according to the invention, having a sensate substance carrier material and seal disposed on an inside surface of the container; -
Figure 4 shows an example of a container of the invention, having a sensate substance carrier material and seal disposed on an outside surface of the container; -
Figure 5 shows an example of a container not according to the invention, having an element comprising a sensate substance which extends across an opening of the body; -
Figure 6 shows the element ofFigure 5 ; -
Figure 7 shows a cross-section of a container of the invention; -
Figure 8 shows an example of a container of the invention, having a second chamber for storing used snus tobacco; -
Figure 9 shows an example of a container of the invention, having a second chamber for storing used snus tobacco and a dividing laminate wall comprising a sensate substance; -
Figure 10 shows a cross-section of the container ofFigure 9 ; and -
Figure 11 shows an example of a container of the invention, having a second chamber for storing used snus tobacco disposed in the lid of the container. -
Figure 1 shows acontainer 1 forsnus tobacco pouches 2 which comprises abody 3 and aremovable lid 4. The example shown inFigure 1 is a round container which is pocket-sized for the convenience of the consumer, although it will be appreciated that other shapes and sizes are also possible and fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. - The
body 3 of thecontainer 1 comprises aplanar bottom wall 5 and acylindrical side wall 6 which extends perpendicularly to thebottom wall 5 to define afirst chamber 7 with oneopen side 8 which is closed by theremovable lid 4. The lid also comprises a planartop wall 9 with acylindrical side wall 10 that extends perpendicularly to thetop wall 9. Thecylindrical side wall 10 of thelid 4 and thecylindrical side wall 6 of thebody 3 are configured to have a push-fit relationship in the region where the two overlap, to allow thelid 4 to be removably attached to thebody 3. As shown inFigure 1 , theside wall 6 of thebody 3 and/or theside wall 10 of thelid 4, may be stepped such that when thelid 4 is attached to thebody 3 the outer circumferential face of the assembled container is level and smooth, as shown inFigure 2 . - In this example, the
first chamber 7 within thecontainer 1, as defined between thebody 3 and thelid 4, is for containing a smokeless snus tobacco product which may be provided inpouches 2 for the consumer's convenience, as shown inFigure 1 . However, it will be appreciated that thecontainer 1 of the invention may instead be used for other products, such as loose snus tobacco, loose rolling tobacco or other tobacco products, smokeless or otherwise. Moreover, the tobacco product may or may not be provided within a pouch. Also, non-tobacco products, such as inert materials with or without nicotine, or plant matter other than tobacco, could be used. The smokeless snus tobacco product (or alternative) contained in thefirst chamber 7 may be known as the recipient product. - It is noted that in some embodiments (not shown in Figures) the
first chamber 7 may be separated into sub-chambers, each of which contains arecipient product 2. This could allow a different recipient product to be contained in each of the sub-chambers. - As shown in
Figures 1 and 2 , thelid 4 of thecontainer 1 attaches to thebody 3 by means of a push fit - the tolerance between thelid 4 and thebody 3 is tight so that the consumer must push thelid 4 firmly onto thebody 3 to close thecontainer 1. This ensures that thecontainer 1 is adequately sealed from the outside environment while still being removable to allow the consumer to open the container and retrieve theproducts 2. Thefirst chamber 7 within thecontainer 1 is sealed to ensure that theproduct 2 within thecontainer 1 remains fresh from the time of packaging to the time of consumption. It will be appreciated that thelid 4 may alternatively be attachable to thebody 3 of thecontainer 1 in other ways, for example, the lid and body may be provided with screw elements that engage with each other so that the lid is screwed onto the body. Any other suitable method of allowing thelid 4 to be attachable to thebody 3 may also be used. - It is noted that in some embodiments, the
body 3 andlid 4 of the container shown inFigure 1 may hermetically seal thefirst chamber 7 from the atmosphere outside thecontainer 1. - The examples of containers described with reference to
Figures 3 to 11 hereinafter all impart an organoleptic characteristic on products within the container after packaging. That is, the containers ofFigures 3 to 11 are configured such that, at a time after the product is packaged, an organoleptic characteristic is imparted on the product. According to the invention, a consumer may be able to select if, when and for how long to impart an organoleptic characteristic to the recipient product. -
Figures 3 and 4 show examples ofcontainers 1 which both include acarrier material 11 and aseal 12 which are arranged so that theseal 12 is removed from thecontainer 1 to expose thecarrier material 11. In this way, an organoleptic characteristic is imparted on therecipient product 2 within thefirst chamber 7. - For the examples of
Figure 3 and Figure 4 , thecarrier material 11 is provided with a sensate substance which is emitted from the carrier material and thereby released into thefirst chamber 7 such that an organoleptic characteristic is imparted on therecipient products 2 in thecontainer 1. A sensate substance will impart a characteristic on the recipient products that can be perceived by the senses. In particular, the sensate substance may impart a flavour and/or an aroma to the recipient products. -
Figure 3 shows the container as described with reference toFigures 1 and 2 with acarrier material 11 attached to an inside surface of thetop wall 9 of thelid 4.Figure 3 also shows aseal 12 disposed over thecarrier material 11 which can be removed by the consumer to expose thecarrier material 11. Thecarrier material 11 is attached to the inside surface of thelid 4 such that, after theseal 12 is removed and thecontainer 1 is closed, thecarrier material 11 remains attached to thelid 4 and is directly exposed to theproducts 2 in thefirst chamber 7 so that the sensate substance being emitted from thecarrier material 11 is transferred to thesnus product 2 to impart an organoleptic characteristic on thoseproducts 2. - The
removable seal 12 is placed over thecarrier material 11 to seal the carrier material between theseal 12 and thelid 4 and prevent the sensate substance from emitting from thecarrier material 11. Therefore, the sensate substance of thecarrier material 11 will be contained within thecarrier material 11, under theseal 12, until a consumer removes theseal 12. - The
seal 12 may be a polymer material or a release paper and may be attached over thecarrier material 11 and/or to thecarrier material 11 by means of adhesive. The adhesive used on theseal 12 may be a removable adhesive, to allow a consumer to easily remove theseal 12 and expose thecarrier material 11. In this case, theseal 12 may be re-attachable to thelid 4. Alternatively, the adhesive may be a permanent adhesive and theseal 12 is at least partly destroyed when a consumer removes theseal 12 to expose at least a part of thecarrier material 11. For example, only a part of theseal 12 is removed by the consumer (the remainder being left on the container) but the part removed will expose at least a part of thecarrier material 11 and allow transfer of the sensate substance into thefirst chamber 7. To that end, theseal 12 may be provided with a weakened tear line (not shown in Figures). Theseal 12 may be adhered around aperipheral edge 13 of theseal 12, directly onto thetop wall 9 of thelid 4, or theseal 12 may be adhered to thecarrier material 11 itself, in addition to or instead of being adhered to thetop wall 9 of thelid 4. - As already mentioned, the
seal 12 may be provided with a weakened tear-line (not shown in Figures) so as to allow a consumer to remove only a predetermined portion of the seal. In addition, thecarrier material 11 may comprise different portions, each of which is covered by respective portions of theseal 12 that are separable along weakened tear lines. Each portion of thecarrier material 11 may have a different sensate substance. Thus, by removing a predetermined portion of the seal, along the weakened tear line, a consumer may choose from a plurality of different organoleptic characteristics to be imparted on therecipient products 2. - Alternatively, if the
first chamber 7 comprises a plurality of sub-chambers, then each portion of theseal 12 could be positioned so as to correspond with a respective sub-chamber. A different organoleptic characteristic may then be imparted on theproducts 2 in each of the different sub-chambers. Theproducts 2 in each of the different sub-chambers may be the same, or they may be different, chosen so as to complement the imparted organoleptic characteristics associated with that sub-chamber. - The
seal 12 may also be provided with at least onetab 14 which extends from a side of theseal 12 and is not attached to thetop wall 9 of thelid 4 or to thecarrier material 11. Thistab 14 is provided for a consumer to grip and pull in order to remove theseal 12 and expose thecarrier material 11 and allow the sensate substance to move from thecarrier material 11 to thefirst chamber 7 of thecontainer 1 to impart an organoleptic characteristic to therecipient products 2. - The
seal 12 as described with reference toFigure 3 may also be adapted so that it is removed to expose a portion of thecarrier material 11 automatically once thelid 4 of thecontainer 3 is opened by the consumer. For example, theseal 12 could be attached to both thetop wall 9 of thelid 4 and to the inner surface of the cylindrical side wall of thefirst chamber 7 such that theseal 12 bridges the boundary between thelid 4 and the cylindrical side wall of thefirst chamber 7. When thelid 4 is removed, theseal 12 is ruptured and a portion of thecarrier material 11 is exposed. Advantageously, this allows the provision of the sensate substance to theproduct 2 to be started as soon as thecontainer 3 is opened, to counteract any loss in flavour that occurs in additives in theproduct 2 once thecontainer 3 has been opened. -
Figure 4 shows an example of acontainer 1 according to the invention, having acarrier material 11 which is sealed beneath aremovable seal 12. In this example, thecarrier material 11 andseal 12 are disposed on an outside surface of thecontainer 1, in this case thetop wall 9 of thelid 4. In this example, thecarrier material 11 is not attached to thecontainer 1 so that, when thecarrier material 11 is released by removing theseal 12, the consumer can move thecarrier material 11 into the first chamber 7 (seeFig. 1 ) so that a sensate substance can be transferred from thecarrier material 11 to theproducts 2 in thefirst chamber 7 and impart an organoleptic characteristic. - It will be appreciated that the
seal 12 andcarrier material 11 of this example may be attached to any external surface of the container, not only the top of the lid as shown inFigure 4 . - In the example according to the invention shown in
Figure 4 , thecarrier material 11 is loose and retained on the outside surface of thetop wall 9 of thecontainer 1 by theremovable seal 12. Theremovable seal 12 of this example is not attached to thecarrier material 11, it is adhered around aperipheral edge 13 of theseal 12, outside of thecarrier material 11, such that theseal 12 is attached only to thetop wall 9 of thelid 4. Theseal 12 comprises at least onetab 14 which extends from a side of theseal 12 and is not attached to thecontainer 1 or thecarrier material 11. Therefore, a consumer is able to grip thattab 14 and pull on theseal 12 to remove it from thecontainer 1 and release thecarrier material 11 for placing into thefirst chamber 7 with theproducts 2. - In an alternative example, the
carrier material 11 described with reference toFigure 4 may be attached to theseal 12 such that when theseal 12 is removed thecarrier material 11 remains attached to theseal 12. In this way, the consumer can remove theseal 12 andcarrier material 11 from thecontainer 1 together, by pulling on thetab 14, and then place the joined seal andcarrier material 11 in thefirst chamber 7 so that a sensate substance emitted by thecarrier material 11 imparts an organoleptic characteristic onproducts 2 in thecontainer 1. - Similarly, in another example, the
carrier material 11 may be attached to theseal 12 by means of a permeable laminate layer (not shown in the Figures) such that thecarrier material 11 and laminate layer are removed from the container together with thesealing layer 12 and placed in thefirst chamber 7. The permeable laminate layer may be made from a permeable, semi-permeable or porous material or may alternatively comprise a material provided with perforations. In any case, the permeable laminate layer allows the sensate substance to move from one side of the laminate layer to the other, from thecarrier material 11 to thefirst chamber 7. In this example, the permeable laminate layer is disposed on an opposite side of thecarrier material 11 to theseal 12 and is attached to theseal 12, such that thecarrier material 11 is laminated between theseal 12 and the permeable laminate layer. - In the case that the permeable laminate layer is perforated then the perforations of the laminate layer allow the sensate substance of the
carrier material 11 to be emitted from the joinedseal 12,carrier material 11 and laminate layer once the assembly has been removed from the surface of thecontainer 1. - In the case that the laminate layer is semi-permeable, the sensate substance may travel from the
carrier material 11 to thefirst chamber 7 but other substances from theproducts 2 are prevented from moving from thefirst chamber 7 to thecarrier material 11. Advantageously, this helps to counteract any loss of the sensate substance carried by thecarrier material 11 and may also prevent changes in the characteristics of the sensate substance caused by mixing with substances emitted by theproducts 2. - The
carrier material 11 described with reference toFigures 3 and 4 may be mounted on a backing material or may be laminated. For example, thecarrier material 11 may be adhered to polymer film or paper or similar material prior to being sealed underneath thesealing layer 12. Alternatively, thecarrier material 11 may be laminated, that is, wrapped with a polymer or paper material on either side. In this case, the laminate material would comprise a plurality of perforations to allow the sensate substance to move from thecarrier material 11 to thefirst chamber 7 of thecontainer 1, through the perforations in the laminate material. - The container described with reference to
Figures 3 and 4 will provide the contents of the container, therecipient product 2, with an organoleptic characteristic which is provided by the sensate substance emitted from thecarrier material 11. This process of transferring the sensate substance from thecarrier material 11 to therecipient product 2 may be activated by the consumer by removing theseal 12 to expose thecarrier material 11. However, it will be appreciated that this arrangement allows the consumer to make a choice about whether or not to remove theseal 12 and activate the process of providing theproduct 2 with an organoleptic characteristic. - The container described with reference to
Figures 3 and 4 allows a consumer to refresh theproducts 2 after purchasing, to ensure that theproducts 2 are fresh and have the desired flavour and/or aroma characteristics when consumed. This can counteract the loss of the organoleptic characteristics of the product after long periods in the container, meaning the life of the product is potentially increased. - Alternatively, the
carrier material 11 of the containers ofFigures 3 and 4 may impart different organoleptic characteristics to theproducts 2 compared to the organoleptic characteristics that may have been imparted to theproducts 2 when they were originally manufactured. In this case, the consumer is able to change the organoleptic characteristics of theproducts 2. -
Figures 5 to 7 show a further example not according to the invention, which comprises anelement 15 which extends across theopen end 8 of thebody 3 of thecontainer 1 as described with reference toFigures 1 and 2 . - As shown in
Figure 5 , theelement 15 comprises a widecentral portion 17, in this example a substantially circular portion, positioned such that it is central within theopen end 8 of thebody 3 of thecontainer 1. Theelement 15 also comprises two supportingportions 18 that extend from opposite sides of the widecentral portion 17 and support theelement 15 on theedge 16 of thecylindrical side wall 6 of thebody 3 of thecontainer 1 such that thecentral portion 17 of theelement 15 is suspended within theopen end 8 of thebody 3 of the container, above thefirst chamber 7. The supportingportions 18 may be removably attached to theedge 16 of thecylindrical side wall 6 or they may extend over theedge 16 and be folded against the outside surface of theside wall 6 of thebody 3, such that when thelid 4 of thecontainer 1 is attached the supportingportions 18 are trapped between thelid 4 and thebody 3 and theelement 15 is suspended in place. - It will be appreciated that the shape of the
element 15 shown inFigures 5 and 6 is merely an example and theelement 15 may not have a widecentral portion 17. For example, theelement 15 may alternatively be of fixed width and extend with straight edges across theopening 8. However, if theelement 15 does have a widecentral portion 17, it may be any shape and is not limited to the substantially circular shape shown inFigure 5 . Moreover, theelement 15 may be provided with more than two supportingportions 18 to support theelement 15 in place across theopening 8. For example, it may be provided with three or four supporting portions that may be equispaced around the element. -
Figures 6 and7 show the element as described with reference toFigure 5 . As shown inFigure 6 , theelement 15 comprises atop surface 19 which, when theelement 15 is attached to thecontainer 1, faces outwards and away from thefirst chamber 7. Information relating to the product being provided in thecontainer 1 may be printed on thetop surface 19 of theelement 15. Theelement 15 also has abottom surface 20, on an opposite side to thetop surface 19, which faces thefirst chamber 7 when theelement 15 is attached to thecontainer 1 as described with reference toFigure 5 . Thebottom surface 20 is configured to emit a sensate substance into thefirst chamber 7 to impart an organoleptic characteristic onrecipient products 2 in thefirst chamber 7. - As shown in
Figure 7 , theelement 15 comprises three component layers: atop layer 21, abottom layer 22 and acarrier material 11 layer which is provided with a sensate substance. Thetop layer 21 is a sealed material which extends to form thecentral portion 17 and support portions 18 (seeFig. 5 ) for supporting theelement 15 on thecontainer 1 and also provides thetop surface 19 of theelement 15. Thebottom layer 22 is attached to the underside of thetop layer 21 with thecarrier material 11 disposed therebetween, such that thecarrier material 11 is laminated between thetop layer 21 and thebottom layer 22. As shown inFigures 6 and7 , thebottom layer 22 comprises a plurality ofperforations 23 which allow a sensate substance emitted by thecarrier material 11 to pass through thebottom layer 22 and enter thefirst chamber 7 when theelement 15 is attached to thecontainer 1. - It is stated above that the
bottom layer 22 may have perforations that allow the sensate substance to move from thecarrier material 11 to thefirst chamber 7. However, it will be appreciated that thebottom layer 22 may alternatively comprise a permeable, semi-permeable or porous material through which the sensate substance is conveyed. -
Figure 7 shows thebottom layer 22 only extending far enough over thecarrier material 11 to attach to thetop layer 21 to laminate thecarrier material 11 between thetop layer 21 andbottom layer 22. However, it will be appreciated that thebottom layer 22 may instead extend equally as far as thetop layer 21 and may be attached to thetop layer 21 in all regions where thecarrier material 11 is not disposed between them. The top andbottom layers bottom layer 22 may be attached to thetop layer 21 by means of an adhesive or sonic welding or similar. Thecarrier material 11 is provided with a sensate substance as previously described. Thecarrier material 11 may also be attached to thetop layer 21 and/orbottom layer 22 by means of an adhesive or sonic welding or any other suitable means of attachment. - In another example, which is not shown in the drawings, the
element 15 may comprise only atop layer 21 and acarrier material 11, wherein thecarrier material 11 is attached to the underside of thetop layer 21. Thetop layer 21 is similar to that described with reference toFigures 5 and 6 and is attachable to thecontainer 1 so that theelement 15 is suspended across theopen end 8 of thebody 3 and thecarrier material 11 is therefore able to emit a sensate substance into thefirst chamber 7 of thecontainer 1. - The
element 15 of the example shown inFigure 5 does not extend over theentire opening 8 of thebody 3. There is aspace 24 between the edge of theelement 15 and theedge 16 of thecylindrical side wall 6 of thebody 3 of thecontainer 1 so that a consumer can see theproducts 2 in thefirst chamber 7 when theelement 15 is attached. Thisspace 24 may also allow the consumer to remove theproducts 2 from thecontainer 1 without having to remove theelement 15. Furthermore, thespace 24 allows air to circulate between the areas above and below theelement 15 when thelid 4 is placed on thecontainer 1, which may help the transfer of the sensate substance from thecarrier material 11 to theproducts 2. However, it will be appreciated that theelement 15 may extend over theentire opening 8 of thebody 3 of thecontainer 1, thereby sealing thefirst chamber 7. Therefore, thecarrier material 11 will emit a sensate substance into that sealedfirst chamber 7 to impart an organoleptic characteristic onproducts 2 within thechamber 7. In either case, theelement 15 is removable by the consumer to stop further transfer of the organoleptic characteristic and to allow unimpeded access to thefirst chamber 7 for retrieval of theproducts 2. - In an alternative example, the
element 15 described with reference toFigure 5 may be made from a single layer of material, such as a polymer film or paper, which itself emits a sensate substance, as a donor product, into thefirst chamber 7 of thecontainer 1 to impart an organoleptic characteristic onrecipient products 2. - The consumer is able to remove the
element 15 described with reference toFigures 5 to 7 after first opening of thecontainer 1. Theelement 15 is applied to thecontainer 1 during the packaging process and provides the sensate substance and organoleptic characteristic to therecipient snus product 2 during storage, transport and sales display of the product, up until the point that thecontainer 1 is purchased and opened and theelement 15 is removed. Therefore, the sensate substance may be selected to maintain the freshness of the recipient product, in terms of flavour or scent or moisture. - The
container 1 andelement 15 described with reference toFigures 5 to 7 will ensure that the consumer is presented with a fresh product on first opening of the container. The organoleptic characteristic provided by the sensate substance emitted by theelement 15 will counteract the loss of flavour caused by storing theproduct 2 in thecontainer 1 for long periods of time between packaging and consumption. - As shown in
Figure 8 , asnus container 1 similar to that described with reference toFigures 1 and 2 , may be provided with asecond chamber 24 which is disposed in an opposite side of thebody 3 to thefirst chamber 7. Thesecond chamber 24 may be used to store usedproducts 25 when means of disposal are not available. That is, a consumer may use asnus product 2 from thefirst chamber 7 and, after use, store it in thesecond chamber 24 for disposal at a later date. Thesecond chamber 24 is provided with asecond lid 26 which sealably closes thesecond chamber 24. -
Figures 9 and 10 show another example of the invention, this time relating to acontainer 1 similar to that described with reference toFigure 8 . As shown inFigures 9 and 10 , thebody 3 of the container has an openfaced recess 27 formed in thebottom wall 5. Thebody 3 of the container comprises a substantiallycylindrical side wall 6 and therecess 27 also comprises a substantiallycylindrical side wall 28, with a smaller diameter than the body, which extends into thefirst chamber 7 of thebody 3. Theside wall 28 of therecess 27 has a rim orlip 29 that extends inwards but does not close the recess, leaving anopen side 30 through which thefirst chamber 7 is able to communicate with asecond chamber 24 which is formed within therecess 27. - A
laminate wall 32 is attached to therim 29 of theside wall 28 of therecess 27 such that it closes theopen side 30 of therecess 27, dividing thefirst chamber 7 from thesecond chamber 24. Thelaminate wall 32 thereby defines a bottom surface of thefirst chamber 7 and a top surface of thesecond chamber 24. - As shown in
Figure 10 , thelaminate wall 32 is attached to therim 29 of theside wall 28 of therecess 27. Thelaminate wall 32 extends across the open side 30 (shown inFigure 9 ) of therecess 27 and divides the first andsecond chambers Recipient products 2 are placed in thefirst chamber 7, above thelaminate wall 32, and usedproducts 25 are stored in thesecond chamber 24 on the other side of thelaminate wall 32. The usedproducts 25 will have a high moisture content, especially if the product is a chewing tobacco or a snus pouch as shown inFigure 10 . Therefore, the usedproduct 25 will create a high moisture content in thesecond chamber 24. - The
laminate wall 32 comprises atop laminate layer 31 and abottom laminate layer 33 and between theselaminate layers active heat patch 34 and acarrier material 11 having a sensate substance. Theactive heat patch 34 andcarrier material 11 are layered between the top and bottom laminate layers 31, 33 such that theactive heat patch 34 is disposed on the side of thesecond chamber 24 and thecarrier material 11 is disposed on the side of thefirst chamber 7. - The top and bottom laminate layers 31, 33 are both permeable so that moisture from the used
products 25 in thesecond chamber 24 can pass through thebottom laminate layer 33 and activate a reaction in theactive heat patch 34 that generates heat. That is, the moisture provided by the usedproduct 25 placed in thesecond chamber 24 will create an exothermic reaction in theactive heat patch 34 within thelaminate wall 32. - The
top laminate layer 31 is also permeable so that a sensate substance can pass from thecarrier material 11, through thetop laminate layer 31 and into thefirst chamber 7 to impart an organoleptic characteristic onrecipient products 2 within thefirst chamber 7. The heat generated by theactive heat patch 34 may activate this transfer of a sensate substance from thecarrier material 11 to thefirst chamber 7, or the heat may accelerate the process, which occurs prior to the heat generation. - As stated, the top and bottom laminate layers 31,33 are both permeable. It will be appreciated that the top and bottom laminate layers 31, 33 may comprise a permeable, semi-permeable or porous material. Alternatively, the top and bottom laminate layers may be provided with perforations. In any case, substances are able to move from one side of the laminate layer to the other.
- For example, the sensate substance may only be released from the
carrier material 11 once heat is generated by theactive heat patch 12. This may be achieved by selecting a sensate substance with an evaporation temperature above a pre-determined value. Alternatively, thecarrier material 11 may emit a sensate substance at room temperature, such that the sensate substance is transferred to thefirst chamber 7 at a residual rate during storage, transport and sales display, prior to purchase and first opening of thecontainer 1. Following this, once a usedproduct 25 is placed in thesecond chamber 24, moisture from the usedproduct 25 activates theheat patch 34 which generates heat and the transfer of the sensate substance from thecarrier material 11 to thefirst chamber 7 is accelerated. This acceleration of transfer of the sensate substance is advantageous as it will be activated once the consumer begins to use the product and not before. Therefore, this example of the invention gives a flavour boost which is timed to coincide with the consumer first opening and consuming the product. Moreover, heat from theheat patch 34 may also act to warm theproducts 2 in thefirst chamber 7, which will increase the amount of infusion of the sensate substance into therecipient snus product 2. - It should be noted that the heat generated by the
active heat patch 34 of this example does not generate a high temperature. It may be that theheat patch 34 only increases the temperature by a few degrees Celsius, possibly between 2 and 20 degrees Celsius. - The
carrier material 11 may be made from a material as previously described. Theheat patch 34 will include a material which, when exposed to water, undergoes an exothermic reaction to generate heat. For example, the active heat patch may comprise a potassium salt, such as potassium chloride, or any other substance that generates heat when exposed to moisture. - It is noted that instead of the active heat patch 34 (or in combination with the active heat patch 34), any other suitable method of allowing or accelerating the transfer of the sensate substance from the
carrier material 11 to thefirst chamber 7 may be used. This method may be activated in response to moisture being provided from the usedproduct 25 in thesecond chamber 24, or may be activate by other means. - As shown in
Figure 10 , the top and bottom laminate layers 31, 33 extend further than theactive heat patch 34 andcarrier material 11 and are attached to each other and to therim 29 of theside wall 28 of therecess 27. The top and bottom laminate layers 31, 33 may be adhered together and to therim 29, or they may be sonic welded to therim 29. Alternatively, any other attachment means may be used, for example a heat seal or a part of the rim may clamp the edges of the laminate wall. - It will be appreciated that the top and bottom laminate layers 31, 33 may be differently arranged, for example the bottom laminate layer may not extend to be attached to the
rim 29, instead being attached to the top laminate layer similarly to as described with reference toFigure 7 . Furthermore, thelaminate wall 32 may comprise a single permeable laminate layer with theactive heat patch 34 adhered to one side and thecarrier material 11 adhered to the opposite side. Alternatively, the laminate wall described with reference toFigure 10 may include a third permeable layer which extends between theactive heat patch 34 andcarrier material 11 to provide support and separation of the other layers. Any of the permeable laminate layers may be made from a permeable, semi-permeable or porous material, or the laminate layers may be provided with perforations. In any case, a substance is able to move from one side of the laminate layer to the other. - In an alternative example, the
container 1 does not have a recess formed in the base wall of the body which defines the second chamber, as shown inFigures 9 and 10 . Instead, the container may have a dividingwall 32 which extends across the internal space of thebody 3 to define a second chamber within the cylindrical side wall of the body. The bottom wall of the body will be provided with an opening for the second chamber and a second lid is provided to close this opening. The body of this example may comprise a ring which extends from the inside face of the cylindrical side wall 6 (seeFigs. 1 and 2 ) of thebody 3, partially into the internal space where thefirst chamber 7 is formed. A laminate dividing wall, as previously described, may attach to that ring and extend the remaining distance across the internal space to partition the first and second chambers. - In another alternative example, the second chamber may be formed in the
lid 4 of thecontainer 1, as shown inFigure 11 . Thesecond chamber 24 is formed in a similar manner to those examples described above, except that it is formed in thelid 4 and not in thebody 3 of thecontainer 1. Therefore, asecond lid 26 is attachable to themain lid 4 to close thesecond chamber 24. Thelaminate wall 32, which is the same as previously described, is disposed in thelid 4 such that when thelid 4 is attached to thebody 3 of thecontainer 1 thelaminate wall 32 divides the first andsecond chambers product 25 placed in thesecond chamber 24 activates an exothermic reaction in the active heat patch (not shown inFigure 11 ) of thelaminate wall 32 which causes or accelerates a transfer of a sensate substance from thecarrier material 11 of thelaminate wall 32 into thefirst chamber 7, whererecipient products 2 are stored. Of course, as is the case for the example containers given inFigures 9-10 , any suitable alternative method to the exothermic reaction for causing or accelerating the transfer of the sensate substance may also be used. - The
container 1 andlaminate wall 32 described with reference toFigures 9 to 11 may counteract any loss of the flavour and/or aroma of theproducts 2 in the time between packaging and first opening, and will ensure theproducts 2 are fresh and have a suitable flavour and/or aroma once a usedproduct 25 is placed in thesecond chamber 24 to activate thelaminate wall 32. Therefore, the consumer is presented with a fresh product on first opening of thecontainer 1 and that fresh flavour/aroma is maintained for further opening of the container for retrieving theproducts 2. - The sensate substance provided to the
carrier material 11, as described with reference to any ofFigures 3 to 11 , may be a volatile flavourant, for example an aromatic botanical substance such as a liquid solution, oil or similar. Alternatively, the aromatic substance could be non-botanical. The sensate substance may be an organic sensate substance, such as herbs or plants. Indeed, thecarrier material 11 itself could be comprised of herb or plant matter, which acts as the sensate substance. The sensate substance may be treated to reduce the overall size and/or increase the intensity of the substance they emit. They may also be treated to release moisture and/or oils that carry the sensate substance to the recipient product. - The sensate substance may provide a flavour to the
recipient products 2. As used herein, the terms "sensate substance" and "flavour" refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste or aroma in a product for adult consumers. They may include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamon, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, piment, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, oil, liquid, or powder. - Alternatively, the sensate substance may impart an aroma on the
recipient product 2, for example a menthol aroma or other. A mentholated sensate substance may create a cooling sensation when the infusedproduct 2 is consumed or used, as well as providing flavour and/or scent. - The carrier material described with reference to any of
Figures 3 to 11 may be a polymer foam or any other kind of sorbent sponge or foam suitable for carrying the sensate substance. Thecarrier material 11 may be provided with the sensate substance by means of sorption; the sensate substance is adsorbed onto the surface of the carrier material and/or the sensate substance is absorbed into the carrier material. Alternatively, the carrier material may be impregnated with the sensate substance during manufacture of the carrier material, by mixing the sensate substance into the material during a forming process. - In another example, the
carrier material 11 may comprise cellulose acetate fibres which absorb the sensate substance. - In another example, the
carrier material 11 may be a botanical, absorbent material such as a wood material. Wood is naturally absorbent and any absorbed sensate substance would be gradually released. The wood may be a natural or processed wood. Another suitable botanical, absorbent material could be a tobacco material. Of course, the botanical, absorbent material such as the wood or tobacco may itself contribute to the sensate substance. - The sensate substance may be a volatile substance, such as an aromatic botanical substance. In this example, when the sensate substance is released or emitted from the
carrier material 11, the sensate substance evaporates and permeates thefirst chamber 7. When the evaporated sensate substance encounters arecipient product 2 it will impart on that product an organoleptic characteristic. - Alternatively, the sensate substance may be a liquid which is gradually released from the
carrier material 11 and is transferred to the products by contact. The liquid may be an oil or a solution which carries a substance which, when transferred to therecipient product 2, imparts an organoleptic characteristic to that product. - It will be appreciated that any combination of organoleptic characteristics may be provided by the sensate substance which may also act to provide an aroma to the air in the chamber, such that a consumer can smell the sensate substance on opening the container.
- In the examples described above with reference to the Figures the substance carrier emits a sensate substance to impart an organoleptic characteristic to the recipient products in the
container 1. However, it will be appreciated that the substance carrier may alternatively emit any other substance which will impart any other characteristic to the recipient products. - For example, the substance carrier may emit a moisturising substance to provide the recipient products with moisture. The moisturising substance emitted by the substance carrier may be any substance that provides the recipient products with moisture, for example a water-based solution or any other substance. Advantageously, moisture provided by the substance carrier in this example will prevent the recipient products becoming dry during storage in the container prior to purchase or after purchase. The substance carrier provided with a moisturising substance may be placed in the container during packaging so that the consumer is presented with a fresh product on first opening. Alternatively, the consumer could place the substance carrier provided with a moisturising substance in the container to impart moisture on the recipient products after first opening to prevent the recipient products from drying out after first opening of the container.
- It will be appreciated that the substance carrier may emit both a sensate substance and a moisturising substance, which may be a single substance or a combination of two or more substances. For example, the substance emitted may be a sensate substance which is water-based, or carried by a water-based substance, and therefore capable of providing both an organoleptic characteristic and a moisturising characteristic.
- It will therefore be appreciated that the substance emitted by substance carrier may impart to the recipient product any characteristic which may be desirable, for example the substance may impart a characteristic of flavour, aroma, moisture content, quality or longevity or any other beneficial characteristic.
- It should be clear that, in embodiments, any number of recipient products may be used.
- In order to address various issues and advance the art, the entirety of this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention may be practiced and provide for a superior container for a recipient product. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and teach the claimed features. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc.
Claims (12)
- A container (1) for a recipient product (2) comprising a body (3) and a lid (4) which together define a first chamber (7) when the lid is closed, said container comprising a substance carrier (11) which is configured to emit a substance that is transferrable to a recipient product in said first chamber by being provided with a sensate substance and/or a moisturising substance for emission from the substance carrier and transfer to the recipient product to impart an organoleptic and/or moisturising characteristic to the recipient product, and further comprising a seal (12) disposed over the substance carrier to prevent emission of said substance from said substance carrier until the seal is opened by being removed to expose at least part of the substance carrier, the substance carrier being disposed on a surface of the container between said seal and said surface of the container such that the substance carrier is sealed between the seal and the container, characterized in that
the substance carrier is loose beneath the seal such that removal of said seal releases said substance carrier. - The container of claim 1, wherein the seal is attached to or over the substance carrier by a removable adhesive such that the seal is re-closable once opened.
- The container of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said surface of the container is an internal surface, within the first chamber.
- The container of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said surface of the container is an outer surface and said substance carrier is removable from said outer surface for insertion into said first chamber.
- The container of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the seal is attached to the substance carrier by adhesive.
- A method of imparting a characteristic on a recipient product (2) comprising the steps of:providing a container (1) with a body (3) and a lid (4) which together define a first chamber (7) when the lid is closed;placing said recipient product (2) within said first chamber;providing a substance carrier (11) that is provided with a sensate substance and/or a moisturising substance for emission from the substance carrier into the first chamber and transfer to said recipient product to impart an organoleptic and/or moisturising characteristic to said recipient product;providing a seal (12) to be disposed over the substance carrier to prevent emission of said substance from said substance carrier until the seal is opened by being removed to expose at least part of the substance carrier; anddisposing the substance carrier on a surface of the container between said seal and said surface of the container such that the substance carrier is sealed between the seal and the container, wherein the substance carrier is disposed loose beneath the seal such that removal of said seal releases said substance carrier.
- The container of any of claims 1 to 5 or the method of claim 6, wherein the recipient product is smokeless tobacco.
- The container of any of claims 1 to 5 or the method of claim 6, wherein the recipient product is a snus tobacco product.
- The container of any of claims 1 to 5 or the method of claim 6, wherein the substance emitted by the substance carrier is a sensate substance to impart an organoleptic characteristic to said recipient product.
- The container of any of claims 1 to 5 or the method of claim 6, wherein the substance emitted by the substance carrier is a moisturising substance to impart moisture to said recipient product.
- The container of any of claims 1 to 5 or the method of claim 6, wherein the container is pocket-sized.
- The container of any of claims 1 to 5 or the method of claim 6, wherein the container contains one or more recipient products.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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GB1307020.6A GB2513164A (en) | 2013-04-18 | 2013-04-18 | Container |
PCT/GB2014/051170 WO2014170655A2 (en) | 2013-04-18 | 2014-04-15 | Container |
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EP2986532A2 EP2986532A2 (en) | 2016-02-24 |
EP2986532B1 true EP2986532B1 (en) | 2019-01-02 |
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EP (1) | EP2986532B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP6125717B2 (en) |
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GB (1) | GB2513164A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014170655A2 (en) |
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USD837447S1 (en) * | 2015-04-17 | 2019-01-01 | Swedish Match North Europe Ab | Oral snuff package |
GB201510505D0 (en) * | 2015-06-16 | 2015-07-29 | Fiedler & Lundgren Ab | Container |
GB201510503D0 (en) | 2015-06-16 | 2015-07-29 | Fiedler & Lundgren Ab | Container |
CA168414S (en) * | 2015-12-02 | 2017-02-14 | Swedish Match North Europe Ab | Snuff pouch |
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EP3744183A1 (en) * | 2019-05-29 | 2020-12-02 | Nerudia Limited | A kit-of-parts including a flavour insert and a container |
IT202000000919A1 (en) * | 2020-01-20 | 2021-07-20 | Agf88 Holding Srl | CONTAINER WITH INTERNAL PERFUMER |
WO2022210842A1 (en) * | 2021-03-30 | 2022-10-06 | 日本たばこ産業株式会社 | Oral pouch product |
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WO2014170655A3 (en) | 2015-06-11 |
JP6125717B2 (en) | 2017-05-10 |
WO2014170655A2 (en) | 2014-10-23 |
JP2016522680A (en) | 2016-08-04 |
DK2986532T3 (en) | 2019-04-01 |
EP2986532A2 (en) | 2016-02-24 |
GB2513164A (en) | 2014-10-22 |
US20160073680A1 (en) | 2016-03-17 |
GB201307020D0 (en) | 2013-05-29 |
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