EP3272235A1

EP3272235A1 - Pouch for tobacco with at least two compartments

Info

Publication number: EP3272235A1
Application number: EP16180162.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Edward Cooper; James Adams
Original assignee: Reemtsma Cigarettenfabriken GmbH
Current assignee: Reemtsma Cigarettenfabriken GmbH
Priority date: 2016-07-19
Filing date: 2016-07-19
Publication date: 2018-01-24
Anticipated expiration: 2036-07-19
Also published as: ES2842291T3; EP3272235B1; WO2018015143A1

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a pouch (1) for tobacco with at least two compartments, the pouch comprising a first flexible sheet part (3) forming a pouch front wall and a second flexible sheet part (2) forming a pouch back wall, wherein pouch front wall and pouch back wall are sealed together along opposing side edges of the pouch by first and second pouch side seals (12, 13), respectively; and a first compartment (8) defined by the pouch back wall, the pouch front wall, the first and the second pouch side seals; wherein at least one of the first and second flexible sheet part comprises or consists of a layered material (7) with at least a first layer (5) and a second layer (6), the first layer comprising a tongue (4) of extra material which has no corresponding counterpart in the second layer; and the pouch further comprising a second compartment formed by folding the tongue of extra material against a part of the first layer of the layered material and by sealing opposing tongue side edges by first and second tongue side seals (14, 15).

Description

The present invention is directed to a pouch for tobacco which, in addition to a first compartment to house tobacco, further comprises a second compartment which is suitable to accommodate objects or articles like e.g. give-aways, commercial products, lighter, matches or a booklet of cigarette paper, as well as to a method of producing the same.
Consumables like e.g. tobacco are often sold in form of a pouch package. Pouches for tobacco as well as methods of manufacturing the same are well known in the art. However, the consumer willing to enjoy a cigarette usually needs further articles in order to prepare and ignite a cigarette prepared from the tobacco in the pouch. It would be advantageous to provide means associated with the tobacco pouch which allows the consumer to carry said additional articles together with the pouch.
Pouches with a second compartment to house articles in addition to tobacco are known in the art. Exemplary embodiments are disclosed in DE 20 2011 001 898 U1 , NL 8701152 and EP 1 913 826 B1 . However, the pouch packages described in the prior art always require the use of additional pieces of flexible flat material which is then welded to a classical pouch in order to form the further pocket. The use of such additional pieces of flexible flat material is cost intensive and the need for additional welding steps lead to more complicated manufacturing processes with increased failure rates.
An object of the present invention is to provide a pouch comprising a second compartment which requires less material and which does not complicate manufacturing processes.
According to a first embodiment, the present invention provides a pouch for tobacco with at least two compartments, the pouch comprising a first flexible sheet part forming a pouch front wall and a second flexible sheet part forming a pouch back wall, wherein pouch front wall and pouch back wall are sealed together along opposing first and second side edges of the pouch by first and second pouch side seals, respectively. The pouch comprises a first compartment defined by the pouch back wall, the pouch front wall, as well as the first and the second pouch side seals. The pouch of the present invention is characterized in that at least one of the first and second flexible sheet part is at least in part a layered material with at least a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer comprises a tongue of extra material which has no corresponding counterpart in the second layer. That means that the tongue forms integral part of the first layer and, thus, consists of first layer material. The pouch comprises a second compartment formed by folding the tongue of extra material against a part of the first layer of the layered material and by sealing opposing first and second tongue side edges by first and second tongue side seals. Thus, the second compartment is defined by the tongue and a part of the first layer of the layered material forming front and back wall of the second compartment and by first and second tongue side seals.
According to a second embodiment, the present invention provides a pouch for tobacco with at least two compartments, the pouch comprising a first flexible sheet part forming a pouch front wall and a second flexible sheet part forming a pouch back wall, wherein pouch front wall and pouch back wall are sealed together along opposing side edges of the pouch by first and second pouch side seals. The pouch comprises a first compartment defined by the pouch back wall, the pouch front wall, as well as the first and the second pouch side seals, wherein an access opening of the first compartment is defined by the pouch back wall and an upper edge part of the pouch front wall. Said pouch of the present invention is characterized in that the first flexible sheet part is at least in part a layered material with at least a first layer, a second layer and at least one additional layer being arranged between the first and second layer. At the upper edge part of the pouch front wall, the first and second layer extend over the additional layer and form a layered tongue of extra material which has no corresponding counterpart in the additional layer. In other words, the tongue forms integral part of the first and second layer and, thus, consists of first and second layer material. The pouch further comprises a second compartment formed by folding the layered tongue of extra material and by sealing opposing first and second tongue side edges by first and second tongue side seals. Preferably, the layered tongue is folded twice such that a second compartment is formed which is defined by layered tongue material forming the front and back wall and by first and second tongue side seals.
In the pouch of the present invention, the second compartment is formed into one of the walls of the pouch which is formed of a flexible sheet part, e.g. the second compartment is integrated into a part of the flexible sheet that is formed of a layered material which is used to form a flap, front wall and/or back wall of the pouch. Front and/or back wall of the second compartment are formed by a tongue of extra material which is integral part of the first or the first and the second layer of the layered material of the flexible sheet part.
By doing so, the second compartment is integrated into the pouch without the need for arranging additional pieces of material. If the tongue side seals are formed together with the pouch side seals, the pouch of the present invention can be produced without the need for further welding steps. It is not necessary that the second compartment is located at a position which allows for successful placement of additional pieces of material. The process of manufacturing the pouch of the invention is less prone to failure compared to the manufacturing process of prior art pouches comprising an additional pocket because arrangement of extra pieces of material for the second compartment are avoided. Since in the pouch of the present invention, the second compartment is formed from material which does not comprise all layers of the layered part of the flexible sheet, the total amount of material used is reduced.
The pouch of the invention is made from a first and a second sheet part forming front and back wall of the pouch, wherein first and second sheet part may be integral part of one continuous flexible sheet or wherein first and second sheet parts are separate pieces of flexible sheet. Opposing lateral edges of the pouch front wall and the pouch back wall are sealed together to form first and second pouch side seals, respectively. There are several types of pouches for tobacco known in the art. Typical pouch architectures comprise a rolled pouch, a block pouch and a stand-up pouch. The present invention is not limited to a certain type of pouch and in principle works with all known pouch architectures.
The pouch can comprise a flap configured to cover an opening of the first compartment. Said flap can form integral part of the first or the second flexible sheet part. Preferably, the flap is built from the second flexible sheet part forming the back wall of the pouch In the pouch of the invention, the first compartment is built by arranging the first and second sheet parts relative to each other and by sealing the first and second sheet parts together along opposing side edges of the pouch by first and second pouch side seals.
In case the first sheet part and the second sheet part of the pouch of the invention are integral part of one continuous flexible sheet, the first compartment if formed by folding the second sheet part against the first sheet part and by welding of first and second pouch side seals along opposing first and second side edges of the pouch, respectively.
In case the first sheet part and the second sheet part of the pouch of the invention are separate pieces of flexible sheet, the first compartment is formed by arranging the second sheet part on the first sheet part, by welding of first and second pouch side seals along opposing first and second side edges of the pouch and by welding first and second sheet part with a bottom seal along a bottom edge of the pouch.
The second compartment of the pouch of the invention is built by folding the tongue of extra material against a part of the pouch and by sealing opposing tongue side edges by first and second tongue side seals.
In case the tongue is integral part of only the first layer, the second compartment is preferably formed by folding the tongue against a part of the first layer of the layered material of the flexible sheet part and by subsequent sealing of first and second tongue side seals.
In case the layered material comprises first, second and at least one additional layer and the tongue consists of extra material of the first and second layer, the second compartment is preferably formed by folding the tongue twice, wherein the tongue is first folded against a part of the flexible sheet and subsequently a part of the tongue is folded back against the tongue itself. Then, first and second tongue side seals are formed.
The first and second tongue side seals may be formed as independent seals separate from the first and second pouch seals. Alternatively, the first and second tongue side seals may be formed simultaneously with the first and second pouch side seals and, thus, the first and second tongue side seals form part of the first and second pouch side seals. In the latter case, no additional sealing steps are required and the production can be performed on machinery and equipment already available and used for production of classical tobacco pouches without a second compartment as provided by the pouch of the invention.
The second compartment can be arranged at any site of the pouch, provided the tongue of extra material is positioned and folded accordingly. The second compartment may be arranged on an outer surface of the pouch, e.g. on an outward surface of the pouch front wall or the pouch back wall. It is also possible to arrange the second compartment within the first compartment e.g. by arranging the second compartment on an inward surface of the pouch front wall or the pouch back wall.
The dimension of the second compartment is defined by the dimension of the tongue of extra material and by the folding strategy.
Preferably, the tongue of extra material exhibits a width w_t that extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the first and second pouch side seals. The exact value of w_t depends on the overall width of the pouch. Preferably, the width w_t of the tongue extends from the first side edge of the pouch to the second side edge of the pouch. By doing so, it is possible to form the first and second pouch side seals simultaneously with the first and second tongue side seals.
Preferably, the tongue of extra material exhibits a height h_t that extends in a direction parallel to the direction of the first and second pouch side seals. The exact value of the height h_t depends on the overall height of the pouch. Preferably, the height h_t of the tongue is selected such that a height of the resulting second compartment does not exceed a height of the first compartment.
At least one of the first and second flexible sheet parts comprises or consists of a layered material. Said layered material comprises at least a first layer and a second layer. Preferably, the first and the second layer form the opposing outermost layers of the layered material. In other words, the first and second layers build the opposing outer surfaces of the layered material, respectively. Preferably, the first layer faces away from the interior of the first compartment and the second layer faces towards the interior of the first compartment. Alternatively, the first layer faces towards the interior of the first compartment and the second layer faces away from the interior of the first compartment.
Each of the first and second layers can independently be a monolayer or be composed of two or more layers of different material. The person skilled in the art is well aware of materials suitable for the manufacture of the first and/or second layer of the layered material. Preferably, the first and/or second layer of the layered material comprises or consists of a polymer or a mixture of polymers. Suitable polymers for the first and/or second layer are polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyester like e.g. polyethylene terephthalate (PET), cast polypropylene (CPP), oriented polypropylene (OPP), metallized PET (MPET) and combinations thereof.
At least one of or both of the first and second layer can be partially or fully opaque, stained or printed.
At least one or both of the first and the second layer can be transparent. Preferably, the first layer is transparent at least in the area where the second compartment is formed.
Optionally, the layered material comprises one or more additional layers arranged between the first and second layers. In such a case, each additional layer independently can be partially or fully transparent, opaque, stained or printed.
In a preferred embodiment, the first and second layers are transparent and an additional layer is partially or completely opaque, stained or printed.
In the layered material, the first layer and the second layer can be directly or indirectly affixed to each other so that a movement of the first layer relative to the second layer is inhibited or prohibited. Fixation is a direct fixation if at the site of fixation there is no further layer or material between the first and second layer. Fixation is an indirect fixation if at the site of fixation there is some additional material or layer present. Such direct or indirect fixation can be achieved simply by sealing the first and second pouch side seals. However, it is also possible that the first and second layers are affixed prior to formation of the pouch. The first and second layers can be affixed to each other over virtually the whole area of the layered material e.g. in order to build a laminate. However, it is also possible that the first and second layer are affixed to each other only in part, e.g. over only a part of the area of the layered material. Preferably, the first and second layers are affixed to each other at a circumference of the layered material. The person skilled in the art is well aware of techniques to affix the first and second layer. Such fixation can be achieved using welding, gluing or the like.
The layered material may comprise further, additional layers arranged between the first and the second layer. Each of such one or more additional layers can independently be a monolayer or be composed of two or more layers of different material. The person skilled in the art is well aware of materials suitable for the manufacture of such additional layers of the layered material. Preferably, an additional layer of the layered material comprises or consists of paper, cardboard, a polymer or a mixture thereof. Suitable polymers for an additional layer are polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyester like e.g. polyethylene terephthalate (PET), cast polypropylene (CPP), oriented polypropylene (OPP), metallized PET (MPET) and combinations thereof.
Such an additional layer can be present over the whole area in which the first and the second layer overlay each other. Alternatively, an additional layer can be configured to be present only over a part of the area in which the first and second layer overlay each other. Particularly, an additional layer can be smaller in size than the first and second layer and e.g. may spare an area at the circumference of the first and second layer.
In a preferred embodiment, the first and second layer are affixed to each other only at a circumference of the layered material and at least one additional layer is arranged between the first and second layer, wherein said additional layer is smaller in size than the first and second layer. In other words, the at least one additional layer is bagged by the first and second layer. The at least one additional layer may be affixed to prohibit free movement of the at least one additional layer relative to the first and second layer. Alternatively, the at least one additional layer is not affixed to one of the first and second layer and, thus, is moveable within the bag built by the first and second layers affixed to each other at a circumference.
In a preferred architecture, the pouch is formed from a single flexible sheet, wherein the second flexible sheet part is folded against the first flexible sheet part. The single flexible sheet consisting of a layered material, wherein the first layer of the layered material is transparent, preferably made of CPP, the second layer of the layered material is transparent, preferably made of PE and an additional layer is arranged between the first and second layer, said additional layer being opaque, stained and/or printed, preferably said additional layer is made of paper or cardboard. Optionally, said additional layer is smaller in size than the first and second layer and said additional layer is bagged between the first and second layer, wherein the first and second layer are affixed to each other only at a circumference of the layered material.
The present invention is also directed to a method of manufacturing the pouch of the invention from a flexible sheet, wherein the flexible sheet is at least in part a layered material with at least a first layer and a second layer, the first layer comprising a tongue of extra material which has no corresponding counterpart in the second layer, the method comprising the steps:

folding the flexible sheet against itself and sealing along opposing first and second side edges of the pouch by first and second pouch side seals to form a pouch with a pouch front wall, a pouch back wall and a first compartment defined by the pouch back wall, the pouch front wall, the first and the second pouch side seals; and
folding the tongue of extra material against a part of a layer of the flexible sheet to form a second compartment and sealing opposing first and second tongue side edges by first and second tongue side seals.

Preferably, the first and second tongue side seals are formed together with and/or as part of the first and second pouch side seals, respectively.
Further, the present invention is directed to the following aspects:

(a) A pouch for tobacco with at least two compartments, the pouch (1) comprising:
- a first flexible sheet part (3) forming a pouch front wall and a second flexible sheet part (2) forming a pouch back wall, wherein pouch front wall and pouch back wall are sealed together along opposing side edges of the pouch (1) by first and second pouch side seals (12, 13), respectively; and
- a first compartment (8) defined by the pouch back wall, the pouch front wall, the first and the second pouch side seals (12, 13);
- characterized in that
- at least one of the first and second flexible sheet part (3, 2) comprises or consists of a layered material (7) with at least a first layer (5) and a second layer (6), the first layer (5) comprising a tongue (4) of extra material which has no corresponding counterpart in the second layer (6); and
- the pouch (1) further comprising a second compartment (9) formed by folding the tongue (4) of extra material against a part of the first layer (5) of the layered material (7) and by sealing opposing tongue side edges by first and second tongue side seals (14,15).
(b) A pouch for tobacco with at least two compartments, the pouch comprising:
- a first flexible sheet part (3) forming a pouch front wall and a second flexible sheet part (2) forming a pouch back wall, wherein pouch front wall and pouch back wall are sealed together along opposing side edges of the pouch (1) by first and second pouch side seals (12, 13), respectively; and
- a first compartment (8) defined by the pouch back wall, the pouch front wall, the first and the second pouch side seals (12, 13), wherein an access opening (10) of the first compartment (8) is defined by the pouch back wall and an upper edge part of the pouch front wall;
- characterized in that
- the first flexible sheet part (3) is at least in part a layered material (7) with at least a first layer (5), a second layer (6) and at least one additional layer (11) being arranged between the first and second layer (5, 6), wherein at the upper edge part of the pouch front wall the first and second layer extend over the additional layer (11) and form a layered tongue (4) of extra material which has no corresponding counterpart in the additional layer (11); and
- the pouch (1) further comprising a second compartment (9) formed by folding the layered tongue (4) of extra material and by sealing opposing first and second tongue side edges by first and second tongue side seals (14, 15).
(c) A pouch of (a) or (b), wherein the first flexible sheet part (3) and the second flexible sheet part (2) are integral parts of one continuous flexible sheet, with the second flexible sheet part (2) folded against the first flexible sheet part (3).
(d) A pouch of (a) or (b), wherein the first flexible sheet part (3) and the second flexible sheet part (2) are separate pieces of flexible sheet and the pouch (1) further comprises a bottom seal between the first flexible sheet part (3) and the second flexible sheet part (2) along a bottom edge of the pouch (1).
(e) A pouch of one (a) to (d), wherein the first and second tongue side seals (14, 15) form part of the first and second pouch side seals (12, 13), respectively.
(f) A pouch of one of (a) to (e), wherein the first and second layers (5, 6) form the opposing outermost layers of the layered material (7).
(g) A pouch of one of (a) to (f), wherein the first layer (5) faces away and second layer (6) faces towards the interior of the first compartment (8) or vice versa.
(h) A pouch of one of (a) to (g), wherein the first and/or second flexible sheet part (3, 2) consists of the layered material (7).
(i) A pouch of one of (a) to (h), wherein a width w_t of the tongue (4) of extra material extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the first and second pouch side seals (12, 13).
(j) A pouch of one of (a) to (i), wherein a height h_t of the tongue (4) of extra material extends in a direction parallel to the direction of the first and second pouch side seals (12, 13).
(k) A pouch of one of (a) to (j), wherein the tongue (4) of extra material extends from the first side edge to the second side edge of the pouch (1).
(l) A pouch of one of (a) to (k), wherein the pouch (1) further comprises a flap configured to cover an opening (10) of the first compartment (8), preferably the flap forms integral part of the pouch back wall.
(m) A pouch of one of (a) to (l), wherein the second compartment (9) being arranged within the interior of the first compartment (8).
(n) A pouch of one of (a) to (m), wherein the layered material (7) comprises one or more additional layers (11) arranged between the first and second layer (5, 6); preferably wherein one or more of the additional layers (11) are smaller in size than the first and second layer (5, 6); more preferably wherein only part of the layered material (7) comprises one or more additional layers (11).
(o) A pouch of one of (a) to (n), wherein the first and second layer (5, 6) are affixed in part to each other; preferably wherein the first and second layer (5, 6) are affixed to each other at a circumference of the layered material (7); more preferably wherein the first and second layer (5, 6) and optionally one or more additional layers (11) are affixed by welding, gluing or other means.
(p) A pouch of one of (a) to (o), wherein the first and second layer (5, 6) are affixed to each other at a circumference of the layered material (7), at least one additional layer (11) being arranged between the first and second layer (5, 6), wherein said additional layer (11) being smaller than the first and second layer (5, 6) such that the additional layer (11) is bagged between the first and second layer (5, 6), optionally the at least one additional layer (11) is not affixed to one of the first and second layer (5, 6).
(q) A pouch of one of (a) to (p), wherein the layered material (7) is a laminate.
(r) A pouch of one of (a) to (q), wherein the first and second layer (5, 6) each independently comprises or consists of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyester like e.g. polyethylene terephthalate (PET), cast polypropylene (CPP), oriented polypropylene (OPP), metallized PET (MPET) and/or combinations thereof.
(s) A pouch of one of (a) to r), wherein the one or more additional layer (11) each independently comprises or consists of paper, cardboard, metal foil, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyester like e.g. polyethylene terephthalate (PET), cast polypropylene (CPP), oriented polypropylene (OPP), metallized PET (MPET) and/or combinations thereof.
(t) A pouch of one of (a) to (s), wherein the first layer (5) being transparent.
(u) A pouch of one of (a) to (t), wherein the second (6) and/or at least one additional layer (11) are partly or completely printed, stained and/or opaque.
(v) A method of producing a pouch (1) of one of (a) to (u) from a flexible sheet, wherein the flexible sheet is at least in part a layered material (7) with at least a first layer (5) and a second layer (6), the first layer (5) comprising a tongue (4) of extra material which has no corresponding counterpart in the second layer (6), the method comprising the steps of:
- folding the flexible sheet against itself and sealing along opposing first and second side edges of the pouch (1) by first and second pouch side seals (12, 13) to form a pouch (1) with a front wall, a pouch back wall and a first compartment (8) defined by the pouch back wall, the pouch front wall, the first and the second pouch side seals (12, 13);
  and
- folding the tongue (4) of extra material against a part of a layer of the flexible sheet to form a second compartment (9) and sealing opposing first and second tongue side edges by first and second tongue side seals (14, 15).
(w) A method of (v), wherein the first and second tongue side seals (14, 15) are formed as part of the first and second pouch side seals (12, 13), respectively.

The nature of the invention is further exemplified by way of the following figures and examples.

FIGURES:

Fig. 1: shows a front view of a first embodiment of the pouch of the invention.
Fig. 2: shows a cross sectional view along the line A-A of the first embodiment of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3: shows a cross sectional view of a second embodiment of the pouch of the invention.

EXAMPLES:

In Figs. 1 and 2 a front view and a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a pouch of the present invention is shown, respectively.
In Figs. 1 and 2, the pouch 1 is depicted in a straightened configuration.
The pouch 1 comprises a first flexible sheet part 3 which forms the front wall of the pouch 1. Further, the pouch 1 comprises a second flexible sheet part 2 which forms the back wall of the pouch 1. The first flexible sheet part 3 (= pouch front wall) is sealed to the second flexible sheet part 2 (= pouch back wall) at least along opposing side edges of the pouch 1 by opposing first pouch side seal 12 and second pouch side seal 13. Depending on whether the first and second flexible sheet parts 3, 2 form integral part of one single flexible sheet or whether first and second flexible sheet parts are presented as separate pieces of flexible sheet, the first flexible sheet part 3 and the second flexible sheet part 2 can be sealed together along a bottom edge of the pouch by a bottom seal (not shown).
Thus, the pouch 1 comprises a first compartment 8 which is defined by the pouch back wall (second flexible sheet part 2), the pouch front wall (first flexible sheet part 3), as well as first pouch side seal 12 and second pouch seal 13.
The first and second flexible sheet parts 3, 2 are made of a layered material 7, wherein said layered material comprises a first layer 5 and a second layer 6. Said first layer 5 and second layer 6 form opposing outermost layers of the layered material 7. Optionally, the layered material may comprise additional layers between the first layer 5 and the second layer 6. The first layer 5 comprises a tongue 4 of extra material which has no counterpart in the second layer 6. Said tongue 4 forms integral part of the first layer 5 and, thus, consists of the same material as the first layer 5. The tongue 4 has a height h_t which is smaller than the corresponding height of the first compartment 8. The tongue 4 has a width w_t which conforms to the corresponding width of the pouch 1. In other words, the tongue 4 has a width w_t which extends from the first pouch side seal 12 to the second pouch side seal 13.
The pouch 1 further comprises a second compartment 9. Said second compartment 9 is formed by folding the tongue 4 against a part of the first layer 5 of the layered material 7. Subsequently, the side edges of the tongue 4 are sealed to form first tongue side seal 14 and second tongue side seal 15. The first and second tongue side seals 14, 15 can be formed as separate seals. However, it is preferred that the first and second tongue side seals 14, 15 are formed as part of the first and second pouch side seals 12, 13. This allows forming of the first and second tongue side seals 14, 15 simultaneously together with the first and second pouch side seals 12, 13 by a single sealing step.
In pouch 1, the first and second layers 5, 6 each independently comprise or consist of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyester like e.g. polyethylene terephthalate (PET), cast polypropylene (CPP), oriented polypropylene (OPP), metallized PET (MPET) and/or combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the first layer 5 is made of CPP and the second layer 6 is made of PE.
In Fig. 3 a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a pouch of the invention is presented.
The pouch 1 comprises a first flexible sheet part 3 which forms the front wall of the pouch 1. Further, the pouch 1 comprises a second flexible sheet part 2 which forms the back wall of the pouch 1. The first flexible sheet part 3 (pouch front wall) is sealed to the second flexible sheet part 2 (pouch back wall) at least along opposing side edges of the pouch 1 by opposing first pouch side seal 12 and second pouch side seal 13. Depending on whether the first and second flexible sheet parts 3, 2 form integral part of one single flexible sheet or whether first and second flexible sheet parts are presented as separate pieces of flexible sheet, the first flexible sheet part 3 and the second flexible sheet part 2 may be sealed together along a bottom edge of the pouch by a bottom seal (not shown).
Thus, the pouch 1 comprises a first compartment 8 which is defined by the pouch back wall (second flexible sheet part 2), the pouch front wall (first flexible sheet part 3), as well as first pouch side seal 12 and second pouch seal 13. The pouch back wall and an upper edge part of the pouch front wall define an access opening 10 of the first compartment 8.
The first and second flexible sheet parts 3, 2 are made of a layered material 7, wherein said layered material comprises a first layer 5, a second layer 6 and an additional layer 11. Said first layer 5 and second layer 6 form opposing outermost layers of the layered material 7, wherein the additional layer 11 is arranged between the first and second layers 5, 6.
At the upper edge part of the pouch front wall defining the access opening 10, the first and second layers 5, 6 extend over the additional layer 11 and form a layered tongue 4 of extra material which has no corresponding counterpart in the additional layer 11. Said layered tongue 4 forms integral part of the first and second layers 5, 6, respectively, and, thus, consists of the same material as the first layer 5 and the second layer 6. The tongue 4 has a height h_t which is smaller than the corresponding height of the first compartment 8. The tongue 4 has a width w_t which conforms to the corresponding width of the pouch 1. In other words, the tongue 4 has a width w_t which extends from the first pouch side seal 12 to the second pouch side seal 13.
The pouch 1 further comprises a second compartment 9. Said second compartment 9 is formed by folding the layered tongue 4 in a U-shape against a part of the first layer 5 of the layered material 7. Subsequently, the side edges of the tongue 4 are sealed to form first tongue side seal 14 and second tongue side seal 15. The first and second tongue side seals 14, 15 can be formed as separate seals. However, it is preferred that the first and second tongue side seals 14, 15 are formed as part of the first and second pouch side seals 12, 13. This allows forming of the first and second tongue side seals 14, 15 simultaneously together with the first and second pouch side seals 12, 13 by a single sealing step.
In pouch 1, the first and second layers 5, 6 each independently comprise or consist of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyester like e.g. polyethylene terephthalate (PET), cast polypropylene (CPP), oriented polypropylene (OPP), metallized PET (MPET), metallized PEP (MPEP) and/or combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the first layer 5 is made of CPP and the second layer 6 is made of PE.
In pouch 1, the additional layer 11 comprises or consists of paper, cardboard, metal foil, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyester like e.g. polyethylene terephthalate (PET), cast polypropylene (CPP), oriented polypropylene (OPP), metallized PET (MPET) and/or combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the additional layer 11 is made of paper or cardboard.
In pouch 1 of Fig. 3 the first and second layer 5, 6 are preferably affixed to each other only at a circumference of the layered material 7. Additional layer 11 is arranged between the first and second layer 5, 6, wherein said additional layer 11 is smaller than the first and second layers 5, 6 such that the additional layer 11 is bagged by the first and second layer 5, 6. Optionally the additional layer 11 is not affixed to one of the first and second layers 5, 6 and, thus is loose within the bag built by the first and second layers 5, 6.
The pouch 1 of Fig. 3 can be manufactured by various methods. According to one method, firstly the flexible sheet is prepared wherein first and second flexible sheet parts form integral part of said one flexible sheet. In this embodiment, the flexible sheet consists of layered material 7. In order to do so, three layers of the layered material 7, namely first layer 5, second layer 6 and additional layer 11, are arranged relative to each other in the desired configuration. E.g. the first layer 5 is made of CPP, the second layer 6 is made of PE and the additional layer 11 between the first and second layer 5, 6 is made of paper.
The top and bottom edges of the layered material 7 are cut and sealed, e.g. by a hot knife or bar. The additional layer 11 is effectively loose between the first and second layers 5, 6 of the layered material 7, i.e. there is no seal which holds the additional layer 11 in place. Spot application of glue or the like may be used to hold the three layers in place relative to each other. The layered material 7 is then folded to form the pouch 1 with the first and second compartment 8, 9 and side seals are generated and, if applicable, the layered material is cut into individual pouch size. This can be done in one single step using a hot knife. Alternatively, this can be done in a two-step approach by sealing first e.g. with a hot bar and subsequently cutting through the seals. Preferably, first and second pouch side seals 12, 13 and first and second tongue side seals 14, 15 are formed simultaneously.

REFERENCE SIGNS:

1: pouch
2: second flexible sheet part
3: first flexible sheet part
4: tongue of extra material
5: first layer
6: second layer
7: layered material
8: first compartment
9: second compartment
10: opening of first compartment
11: additional layer
12: first pouch side seal
13: second pouch side seal
14: first tongue side seal
15: second tongue side seal

Claims

Pouch for tobacco with at least two compartments, the pouch (1) comprising:
a first flexible sheet part (3) forming a pouch front wall and a second flexible sheet part (2) forming a pouch back wall, wherein pouch front wall and pouch back wall are sealed together along opposing side edges of the pouch (1) by first and second pouch side seals (12, 13), respectively; and

a first compartment (8) defined by the pouch back wall, the pouch front wall, the first and the second pouch side seals (12, 13);

characterized in that

at least one of the first and second flexible sheet part (3, 2) comprises or consists of a layered material (7) with at least a first layer (5) and a second layer (6), the first layer (5) comprising a tongue (4) of extra material which has no corresponding counterpart in the second layer (6); and

the pouch (1) further comprising a second compartment (9) formed by folding the tongue (4) of extra material against a part of the first layer (5) of the layered material (7) and by sealing opposing tongue side edges by first and second tongue side seals (14, 15).
Pouch for tobacco with at least two compartments, the pouch comprising:
a first flexible sheet part (3) forming a pouch front wall and a second flexible sheet part (2) forming a pouch back wall, wherein pouch front wall and pouch back wall are sealed together along opposing side edges of the pouch (1) by first and second pouch side seals (12, 13), respectively; and

a first compartment (8) defined by the pouch back wall, the pouch front wall, the first and the second pouch side seals (12, 13), wherein an access opening (10) of the first compartment (8) is defined by the pouch back wall and an upper edge part of the pouch front wall;

characterized in that

the first flexible sheet part (3) is at least in part a layered material (7) with at least a first layer (5), a second layer (6) and at least one additional layer (11) being arranged between the first and second layer (5, 6), wherein at the upper edge part of the pouch front wall the first and second layer extend over the additional layer (11) and form a layered tongue (4) of extra material which has no corresponding counterpart in the additional layer (11); and

the pouch (1) further comprising a second compartment (9) formed by folding the layered tongue (4) of extra material and by sealing opposing first and second tongue side edges by first and second tongue side seals (14, 15).
Pouch of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first flexible sheet part (3) and the second flexible sheet part (2) are integral parts of one continuous flexible sheet, with the second flexible sheet part (2) folded against the first flexible sheet part (3).
Pouch of one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second tongue side seals (14, 15) form part of the first and second pouch side seals (12, 13), respectively.
Pouch of one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second layers (5, 6) form the opposing outermost layers of the layered material (7).
Pouch of one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and/or second flexible sheet part (3, 2) consists of the layered material (7).
Pouch of one of the preceding claims, wherein a width w_t of the tongue (4) of extra material extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the first and second pouch side seals (12, 13).
Pouch of one of the preceding claims, wherein a height h_t of the tongue (4) of extra material extends in a direction parallel to the direction of the first and second pouch side seals (12, 13).
Pouch of one of the preceding claims, wherein the tongue (4) of extra material extends from the first side edge to the second side edge of the pouch (1).
Pouch of one of the preceding claims, wherein the pouch (1) further comprises a flap configured to cover an opening (10) of the first compartment (8), preferably the flap forms integral part of the pouch back wall.
Pouch of one of the preceding claims, wherein the second compartment (9) being arranged within the interior of the first compartment (8).
Pouch of one of the preceding claims, wherein the layered material (7) comprises one or more additional layers (11) arranged between the first and second layer (5, 6);
preferably wherein one or more of the additional layers (11) are smaller in size than the first and second layer (5, 6); more preferably wherein only part of the layered material (7) comprises one or more additional layers (11).
Pouch of one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second layer (5, 6) are affixed in part to each other; preferably wherein the first and second layer (5, 6) are affixed to each other at a circumference of the layered material (7); more preferably wherein the first and second layer (5, 6) and optionally one or more additional layers (11) are affixed by welding, gluing or other means.
Pouch of one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second layer (5, 6) are affixed to each other at a circumference of the layered material (7), at least one additional layer (11) being arranged between the first and second layer (5, 6), wherein said additional layer (11) being smaller than the first and second layer (5, 6) such that the additional layer (11) is bagged between the first and second layer (5, 6), optionally the at least one additional layer (11) is not affixed to one of the first and second layer (5, 6).
Pouch of one of the preceding claims, wherein the layered material (7) is a laminate.