EP3412159A1

EP3412159A1 - Tobacco flavouring mat and related container

Info

Publication number: EP3412159A1
Application number: EP17175337.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Clément BESSO; Nazan Gunduz
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Current assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date: 2017-06-09
Filing date: 2017-06-09
Publication date: 2018-12-12

Abstract

An article (10) includes a container (12) for smoking material (16) or smoking accessories and a mat (14) for preparing smoking material (16) for use in a smoking article (10). The mat (14) includes a surface (20) and a flavourant disposed on the surface (20). The flavourant is configured to transfer from the surface (20) to smoking material (16) disposed on the surface (20) when an amount of the smoking material (16) is manipulated on the surface (20). The mat (14) may be integrated or removably coupled to the container (12). The mat (14) may be used separately from the container (12).

Description

This disclosure relates to tobacco accessories, such as a mat with flavourant for transferring the flavourant onto the smoking material for handmade smoking articles and a container including the mat.
Handmade smoking articles are made, usually by the smoker, by wrapping a rectangular sheet of cigarette wrapping paper around tobacco material. The tobacco material may be prepared for tubing, rolling, or making a smoking article after being removed from a container and manipulated by the smoker. Smokers typically collect the tobacco material with their fingertips and place the tobacco material onto cigarette paper. The wrapping may be done by hand or by use of a cigarette rolling mat or by use of a hand operated device.
Tobacco for handmade cigarettes is often supplied in pouch-style containers. Some rolling mats, such as in the form of an extended cover flap, are integrated into pouches made with a plastic sheet, which may be susceptible to static build-up and inconvenient sticking to the tobacco material. Meanwhile, the available surface as provided by an extended cover flap of a pouch itself may be quite limited and may increase the pack manufacturing cost.
A consumer of 'roll your own' or 'make your own' cigarettes requires tobacco, wrapping papers, and other optional components, such as filters. Some cigarette wrapping paper includes embedded aromas or frangible microcapsules to be released on demand by the consumer. The flavourants may be embedded into the wrapper or on an outer surface of the cigarette in a band of "Peel and Sniff" or "Scratch and Sniff" microcapsules. In "Peel and Sniff" sampling systems an aroma is released by the consumer physically separating two strips of film, paper or other material between which the microencapsulated odorant has been deposited. Separation of the strips ruptures the microcapsules containing the odorant, thereby releasing the aroma to the consumer. In "Scratch and Sniff" sampling systems an aroma is released by the consumer scratching or rubbing paper, film or other material to which the microencapsulated odorant has been applied. The friction generated by the scratching or rubbing ruptures the walls of the microcapsules containing the odorant, thereby releasing the aroma to the consumer.
It would be desirable to provide a mat for use with preparing and flavouring tobacco material for handmade smoking articles, including 'make your own' and 'roll your own' cigarettes. It would also be desirable to provide a convenient way to save unused tobacco material and to store the mat. It would further be desirable to provide the smoker with options for assorted flavours to impart on the tobacco material.
The present disclosure provides a container that includes a mat for preparing tobacco material for use in a smoking article. The mat has a surface and a flavourant disposed on the surface. The flavourant is configured to transfer from the surface to tobacco material disposed on the surface when an amount of the tobacco material is manipulated on the surface. The mat may be included with a container. The mat may be used separately from the container. The mat may include foldable material and may define folding lines across the surface. The mat may include two or more flavourants disposed in distinct regions on the surface. Indicia visible on the surface of the mat may define the distinct regions.
Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to an article. The article includes a container for smoking material or smoking accessories and a mat for preparing smoking material for use in a smoking article. The mat includes a surface and a flavourant disposed on the surface. The flavourant is configured to transfer from the surface to smoking material disposed on the surface when an amount of the smoking material is manipulated on the surface.
The mat may be coupled to the container.
The mat may be removably coupled to the container.
The mat may be stored in a pocket or compartment of the container.
The mat may be an integral part of the container.
The mat may be formed of a foldable material.
The mat may include one or more folding lines across the surface.
The mat may be formed of a cardboard or plastic material.
Two or more different flavourants may be disposed on the surface.
Two or more flavourants may be disposed in distinct regions on the surface.
The article may include indicia visible on the surface of the mat indicating the flavourant in each distinct region.
The article may include advertising information or an aesthetic pattern.
The one or more flavourants may be disposed in frangible flavoured microcapsules.
Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to a flavouring mat for preparing smoking material for use in a smoking article. The mat includes a surface and a flavourant disposed on the surface. The flavourant is configured to transfer from the surface to smoking material disposed on the surface when an amount of the smoking material is manipulated on the surface.
Utilizing the mat, or flavouring mat, described herein may provide a convenient and large preparation surface for preparing tobacco material that may, conveniently, impart flavour on the tobacco material and also may scent the smoker's fingers during typical steps of tubing, rolling, or making a handmade smoking article. The size of the mat may be sufficient to prevent excess waste of tobacco material. The mat may be foldable to facilitate guiding or pouring unused tobacco back into a tobacco container, portable storage of the mat with the tobacco container or elsewhere, protecting flavourants from release when not in use, and keeping the preparation surface clean. The mat may provide a selection of flavours for the smoker and corresponding visual indicia for each different flavour. Further, the mat provides more surface area for advertisement or aesthetics. In general, the mat may be used in any suitable manner for its flavouring and structural characteristics.
All scientific and technical terms used herein have meanings commonly used in the art unless otherwise specified. The definitions provided herein are to facilitate understanding of certain terms used frequently herein.
The terms "upper," "lower," "side," "top," "bottom," "end," and other similar terms are used to describe relative positions or orientations of the components of the mat or the container. When describing components according to the present invention, these terms are used irrespective of the orientation of the container being described.
The term "smoking article" refers to cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos and other articles in which a smoking material, such as a tobacco material, forms a tobacco rod and is lit and combusted to produce smoke. Preferably, a smoking article comprises a mouthpiece filter segment at one distal end of the tobacco rod.
The term "container for smoking material or smoking accessories" refers to any suitable container for holding smoking material or smoking accessories. Such containers may have any suitable shape and be made of any suitable material, such as round tins, square or rectangular tins, stand up bags, roll pouches, side fold pouches, and buckets. Some containers have lids or flaps to close the pocket or compartment used to store smoking material. Examples of containers include packs of loose tobacco and packages for smoking accessories.
The term "smoking accessories" refers to lighters, filters, various cigarette papers (for example, cigarette wrapping paper), cigarette tubes, rolling mats, devices of making make-your-own cigarettes, or other devices for handmaking smoking articles.
The term "smoking material" refers to any material suitable for smoking, particularly tobacco material.
The term "tobacco material" refers shredded tobacco or tobacco cut filler, or it may include reconstituted tobacco or cast leaf tobacco, or a mixture of both. Tobacco used may be of any suitable type for smoking in cigarettes or other smoking articles.
The term "loose tobacco material" refers to tobacco material that is not incorporated into a smoking article.
The term "manipulation" refers to manual interaction and, in particular, refers to using one's hands to interact with a flavouring mat and tobacco material on the flavouring mat. For example, a smoker may place tobacco material on the flavouring mat and scoop the tobacco material with a pinch of the fingers to lift and place the tobacco material onto cigarette wrapping paper. Interacting with tobacco material on the flavouring mat may result in incidental contact of the hands (for example, fingertips) and a surface of the flavouring mat. The incidental contact may result in a frictional interface of the flavouring mat surface by the hands of the smoker, which may be described as scratching or rubbing. Interacting with the flavouring mat may include peeling away a layer from the surface of the flavouring mat.
The container may include smoking material, smoking accessories, or both. The smoking material may be tobacco material, particularly loose tobacco material for 'roll your own' or 'make your own' smoking articles.
The mat may be included with the container. However, the mat may not need to be accompanied by the container and may be used separately from the container. In some embodiments, the mat may be an integral part of the container. For example, mat may be integrated as part of an extended flap that is also used to close a tobacco pouch. In some embodiments, the mat is removably coupled to the container. For example, the mat may be coupled when stored with the container but removable before use as a surface to prepare tobacco material.
The mat may be removably coupled to the container in any suitable manner. The mat may be coupled by being placed in a pocket or compartment of the container. In some embodiments, the pocket or compartment may also be used to store smoking material, smoking accessories, or both. In some embodiments, the mat may be stored in a different pocket or compartment of the container from the smoking material, smoking accessories, or both. In some embodiments, the mat is attached or otherwise coupled adjacent to an interior surface or an exterior surface of the container.
The mat may include a preparation surface. The surface may be used to manipulate tobacco material or other types of smoking material. In some embodiments, the surface may be flat or substantially flat in use. The surface may be an upper surface or oriented upwards in use.
The mat may include a flavourant. The flavourant may be configured to transfer from the surface when the smoker comes into contact with the surface. In some embodiments, the mat may be manipulated by the smoker directly (for example, peeling). In some embodiments, the smoker may incidentally contact the surface when manipulating an amount of smoking material disposed on the surface of the mat, which may include activities to tube, roll, or otherwise handmake a cigarette. The flavourant may transfer from the surface in response to the contact, whether direct or incidental. The transferred flavourant may come into contact with the smoking material or the fingers of the smoker. The smoking material may be flavoured by such contact to form a flavoured smoking material. The fingers of the smoker may also be desirably scented by such contact (like a perfume or fragrance).
The flavourant may be disposed on the surface in any suitable manner that allows flavourant to transfer to smoking material when the smoking material is manipulated on the surface. Being disposed on the surface may include being at least partially or even fully embedded in the surface or material forming the mat, so long as the flavourant is accessible in response to manipulation of the mat or the smoking material.
The flavourant may be disposed in capsules disposed on the surface. The capsules may be microcapsules. Microcapsules may range in diameter from about 5 micrometers to about 30 micrometers.
The capsules containing flavourant may be frangible. The direct or incidental contact described herein may be sufficient to break the capsules. Any suitable type of frangible capsule may be used. In some embodiments, a film, strip, or other material is disposed on the surface and, when removed, may rupture the frangible capsules (for example, peel and sniff). In some embodiments, any suitable frictional force applied to the surface may rupture the frangible capsules (for example, scratch and sniff).
The flavourant may be coated onto the surface, directly or disposed in capsules. The flavourant may also be disposed on other surfaces of the mat. In some embodiments, the mat includes a first surface and an opposite surface. Flavourant may be disposed on one or both surfaces.
One, two, or more flavourants may be disposed on the surface. In some embodiments, multiple flavourants are disposed on the surface. The surface may include one, two, or more distinct regions. Each distinct region may include a flavourant. Each distinct region may include a different flavourant than other distinct regions on the surface.
Any suitable flavourant may be used. Suitable flavourants may include any flavourants commonly used in foods, confections, or other oral products. Examples of suitable flavourants include, but are not limited to, berry flavours such as pomegranate, acai, raspberry, blueberry, strawberry, boysenberry, and/or cranberry. Other examples of suitable flavourants include, without limitation, any natural or synthetic flavour or aroma, such as menthol, peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, cognac, hydrangea, lavender, chocolate, licorice, citrus and other fruit flavours, such as apple, peach, pear, cherry, plum, orange, lime, grape, and grapefruit, gamma octalactone, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, breath freshener flavours, butter, rum, coconut, almond, pecan, walnut, hazelnut, french vanilla, macadamia, sugar cane, maple, cassis, caramel, banana, malt, espresso, kahlua, white chocolate, spice flavours such as cinnamon, clove, cilantro, basil, oregano, garlic, mustard, nutmeg, rosemary, thyme, tarragon, dill, sage, anise, and fennel, methyl salicylate, linalool, jasmine, coffee, olive oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil, bergamot oil, geranium oil, lemon oil, ginger oil, balsamic vinegar, rice wine vinegar, and red wine vinegar. In some embodiments, the flavourant includes an aftercut note, which may include a flavour composition used to flavour cut filler. In some embodiments, the flavourant includes a freshness note, which may include a flavour composition of peppermint, spearmint, or wintergreen.
The distinct regions may be demarcated or otherwise defined with indicia that is visible on the surface. In some embodiments, the distinct regions may be separated by printed lines between the regions. In some embodiments, the distinct regions may at least partially or fully include, or be coextensive with, a printed area. The printed area may be unique to, or represent, the flavourant in the distinct region. Printed areas may include an image, a pattern, a colour, or other distinguishable visual representation. For example, the printed area of a distinct region may include an image of an apple to represent an apple flavour in the distinct region.
The mat may be formed of foldable material. In some embodiments, the distinct regions may be separated by fold lines between the regions.
Any suitable foldable material may be used. Suitable foldable material may be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible. Preferably, the material is rigid or semi-rigid. Creases, indentations, perforations, or the like may be used to form the fold lines in the material. Examples of suitable foldable material includes cardboard, plastic, synthetic paper, glossy paper, or fabric. Preferably, the foldable material is a synthetic or glossy paper. The paper may be about 200 weight as measured in grams per square meter (gsm). For example, synthetic paper may be 200 gsm weight synthetic paper. As another example, glossy paper may be 200 gsm weight glossy paper, such as SAPPI GalerieArt Gloss 200 gsm paper. In some embodiments, the foldable material is upcyclable, or recyclable into the same material, such as a Durabook synthetic sheet.
One or more folding lines may be defined across the surface of the mat. Each folding line may extend straight. Each folding line may extend from one and of the mat to the other end of the mat so that the full mat is foldable along the folding line. The mat may be partially foldable along a folding line to facilitate guiding unused smoking material back into the container. The mat may be fully foldable along a folding line to facilitate folding the mat for thin, or low-profile, storage (for example, with the container).
The folding lines may be indicated on the surface to the smoker by preformed physical features (for example, indentations or perforations in the mat), printed lines to mark the folding lines, or printed areas adjacent to the folding lines (for example, marking a region adjacent to the folding line).
The folding lines may not be coextensive with each distinct region. For example, a fold line may intersect or pass through a distinct region or the surface may include indications of more distinct regions than as would otherwise be indicated by folding lines.
Other visuals may also adorn the surface of the mat. The visuals may include advertising information or an aesthetic pattern. The visuals may be coextensive with the fold lines, distinct regions, or both. The visuals may also be non-coextensive with the fold lines and distinct regions. For example, visuals may be superimposed over fold lines or distinct regions. As another example, visuals may be placed outside of the distinct regions (for example, where the distinct region is not).
Visuals may also adorn other surfaces of the mat. In some embodiments, the surface opposite to the flavoured surface has advertising information or an aesthetic pattern. For example, the flavoured surface may include one or more distinct regions with associated visual indicia, while the opposite surface may include advertising information or an aesthetic pattern.
In some embodiments, one or more visuals are visible while the mat is in use (for example, unfolded). In some embodiments, one or more visuals may be visible while the mat is stored (for example, folded). For example, the mat may be stored in a transparent or translucent pocket of the container, or otherwise coupled adjacent to the exterior of the container, and the visuals may be visible to the smoker.
The mat may be any suitable shape and size sufficient for preparing smoking material for use in a smoking article. The surface may be capable of supporting not only smoking material but also smoking accessories (for example, cigarette wrapping paper) during such preparation.
When unfolded, the mat may include a flat or substantially flat surface area having a maximum dimension (for example, length or width) in a range from about 90 mm to about 420 mm. The surface area may be any suitable geometrical shape, such as a square, rectangle, funnel, trapezoid, rounded, or other geometry. In some embodiments, the surface area may be defined by a size of paper, such as A4 or A5.
When folded, the mat may be a suitable shape and size for convenient storage with the container. In some embodiments, the mat may fold into a shape that fits into a pocket or compartment of the container. For example, the mat may fold into the shape of square, irrespective of the unfolded shape of the mat.
The mat may have any suitable thickness to support the smoking material. In some embodiments, the thickness of the mat may be suitable for folding (for example, sufficiently thin to be folded). In some embodiments, the mat may include physical features (for example, indentations) to facilitate folding of the mat, particularly for thicker mats.
The mat may be used in any suitable manner to prepare smoking material for use in a smoking article. An example method of use includes unfolding the mat, disposing an amount of smoking material (for example, tobacco material) on the surface of the mat, manipulating the smoking material in contact with the surface to form flavoured smoking material. Manipulating the smoking material may include contacting the surface (for example, with a hand) while manipulating the smoking material to release flavourant from the surface. The smoker may further manipulate the mat (for example, peel a layer off, rub, or scratch the surface) to release the flavourant. Flavourant may be released by rupturing frangible capsules. A cigarette or other smoking article may be made from the flavoured smoking material.
The drawings described herein depict one or more aspects described in this disclosure. However, it will be understood that other aspects not depicted in the drawings fall within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Drawings are not necessarily to scale and are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation. Referring now to the drawings, in which some aspects of the present invention are illustrated:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustration of an article 10 including a container 12 in the form of a square tin and a mat 14. Smoking material 16 may be received in a pocket or compartment of the container 12. The container 12 may include a lid 24 to close the smoking material compartment. The container 12 may include a pocket 18 (shown schematically), which may be coupled to the lid of the container and used to store the folded mat 14. The folded mat 14 may be coupled to the container 12 by being placed into the pocket 18.
As illustrated, the mat 14 is shown partially unfolded with an amount of smoking material 16 disposed upon a surface 20 of the mat. Flavourant may be disposed on the surface 20 of the mat. The mat 14 may include one or more folding lines 22 across the surface 20 of the mat. The smoking material 16 that is unused in making a smoking article may be guided back into the container 12.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustration of an article 110 including a container 112 in the form of a pouch and a mat 114. The container 112 may include a flap 224 to close the compartment used to store smoking material. The mat 114 may be integrally formed with the flap 224. For example, the mat 114 may fold out from the flap 224 when the flap is opened and extended further in length or width than the flap 224. The mat 114 may be formed of a semi-rigid material that may flex somewhat like the material used to form the pouch. Although not shown, the matt 114 may also include a fold line, such as a line down a central portion of the mat that is directed toward the container 112 to facilitate guiding unused smoking material back into the container.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustration of contents of an article 210 including a mat 214 and a handmaking cigarette device 240. The handmaking cigarette device 240 may be used to make handmade cigarettes 242 with smoking material 216. The mat 214 includes a surface 220 large enough to support an amount of the smoking material 216, the handmaking cigarette device 240, and one or more handmade cigarettes 242. Fold lines 222 are disposed across the surface 220 of the mat 214, which may facilitate guiding unused smoking material 216 and folding for storage.
FIGS. 4A-E are overhead view illustrations of various mats 401, 402, 403, 404, 405 having various shapes. Turning first to FIG. 4A , mat 401 is in the shape of a trapezoid that, when partially folded along folding lines 421, may guide smoking material and resemble the shape of a funnel. When fully folded, the mat 401 may have a square shape (for example, a 90 mm by 90 mm square). Each of the mats 401, 402, 403, 404, 405 may have a square shape when fully folded along the folding lines 421.

Mat 401 may be measured by a maximum dimension 410 from one end of the mat to the opposite end (for example, a length). The mat 401 may also be measured in another maximum dimension 411, which may be perpendicular to the maximum dimension 410 (for example, a width). As shown, one end of the mat 401 of a trapezoidal shape is wider than the other end of the mat. The maximum dimension 411 refers to the widest end of the mat. The length of the mat 401 may be measured similarly. Other mats 402, 403, 404, 405 may be measured in the maximum dimensions 410,411 in this same manner. As illustrated, the mat 401 has a maximum dimension 410 that is about equal to the maximum dimension 411. For example, the maximum dimensions 410, 411 may be equal to about 180 mm.
As shown in FIG. 4B , mat 402 is also in the shape of a trapezoid with similar characteristics to mat 401 and includes folding lines 422. However, as illustrated, mat 402 has a greater maximum dimension 410 than maximum dimension 411. For example, the maximum dimension 410 may be equal to about 270 mm and the maximum dimension 411 may be equal to about 180 mm. Mat 402 may still be fully folded into the shape of a square of the same size as fully folded mat 401.
As shown in FIG. 4C , mat 403 is in the shape of a square and includes fold lines 423. As illustrated, mat 403 has maximum dimensions 410, 411 that are about equal, for example, about 180 mm. Mat 403 may be fully folded into the shape of a square the same size as fully folded mats 401, 402.
As illustrated, mat 403 also includes distinct regions 431, 432 defined by optional printed lines. The distinct regions 431, 432 may alternatively be defined by folding lines 423 or by printed areas 441, 442 (for example, the images). The printed areas 441, 442 may each correspond to the flavour disposed on the surface of the mat 403 within the distinct region 431, 432. For example, printed area 441 showing an image of an apple may indicate that distinct region 431 is apple flavoured, and printed area 442 showing an image of vanilla ice cream may indicate that distinct region 432 is vanilla flavoured. Although not shown, any one of the other mats 401, 402, 404, 405 may include distinct regions, printed areas, or printed lines in addition to their respective fold lines 421, 422, 424, 425.
As shown in FIG. 4D , mat 404 is in the shape of a rectangle and includes fold lines 424. As illustrated, mat 404 has a greater maximum dimension 410 than maximum dimension 411. For example, maximum dimension 410 may be equal to about 270 mm, and maximum dimension 411 may be equal to about 180 mm. Mat 404 may be fully folded into the shape of a square the same size as fully folded mats 401, 402, 403.
As shown in FIG. 4E , mat 405 is a rounded shape and includes fold lines 425. As illustrated, mat 405 has the same maximum dimensions 410, 411 that are about equal, for example, about 270 mm. Mat 405 may be fully folded into the shape of a square the same size as fully folded mats 401, 402, 403, 404. Mat 405 may include a tab for easy gripping, which may facilitate folding or unfolding. In some cases, the tab may not be considered part of the usable surface.
The specific embodiments described above are intended to illustrate the invention. However, other embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims, and it is to be understood that the specific embodiments described above are not intended to be limiting.

Claims

An article comprising:
a container for smoking material or smoking accessories; and

a mat for preparing smoking material for use in a smoking article, the mat comprising:
a surface; and

a flavourant disposed on the surface;

wherein the flavourant is configured to transfer from the surface to smoking material disposed on the surface when an amount of the smoking material is manipulated on the surface.
The article of claim 1, wherein the mat is coupled to the container.
The article of claim 2, wherein the mat is removably coupled to the container.
The article of claim 3, wherein the mat is stored in a pocket or compartment of the container.
The article of claim 2, wherein the mat is an integral part of the container.
The article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mat is formed of a foldable material.
The article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mat comprises one or more folding lines across the surface.
The article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mat is formed of a cardboard or plastic material.
The article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein two or more different flavourants are disposed on the surface.
The article of claim 9, wherein the two or more flavourants are disposed in distinct regions on the surface.
The article of claim 10, further comprising indicia visible on the surface of the mat indicating the flavourant in each distinct region.
The article of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising advertising information or an aesthetic pattern.
The article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more flavourants are disposed in frangible flavoured microcapsules.
A flavouring mat for preparing smoking material for use in a smoking article, the mat comprising:
a surface; and

a flavourant disposed on the surface;

wherein the flavourant is configured to transfer from the surface to smoking material disposed on the surface when an amount of the smoking material is manipulated on the surface.