EP3744183A1

EP3744183A1 - A kit-of-parts including a flavour insert and a container

Info

Publication number: EP3744183A1
Application number: EP19177428.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: designation of the inventor has not yet been filed The
Original assignee: Nerudia Ltd
Current assignee: Nerudia Ltd
Priority date: 2019-05-29
Filing date: 2019-05-29
Publication date: 2020-12-02
Also published as: WO2020240008A1

Abstract

A kit of parts including a flavour insert (5) and a container, said container for an oral smokeless article or a smoking article, the container including a container body (3) and a lid (2), the flavour insert (5) having a polymeric substrate dosed with a flavourant, and wherein the polymeric substrate does not include cellulosic material and/or silicone.

Description

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a kit of parts comprising a flavour insert and a container, said container for an oral smokeless article or a smoking article.

Background

Smoking is generally considered to expose a smoker to potentially harmful substances. It is generally thought that the majority of the potentially harmful substances are formed by the heat generated during burning (combustion) of the smoking article. There is interest in so-called heat not burn products, which heat a tobacco or similar substrate at a lower temperature than a conventional cigarette. These products are usually described as less harmful than conventional cigarettes. Both conventional cigarettes and heat not burn products are visible during use and produce smoke or vapour.
As used herein "smoking article" is intended to mean smokeable products such as cigarettes, cigars, and cigarellos.
In view of the above, there is increasing demand for "smokeless" alternatives that continue to meet user expectations. Smokeless articles are a suitable alternative because they do not require heating for substance delivery to the user. Instead, smokeless articles rely on saliva to extract soluble substances, typically nicotine and/or flavours, from the smokeless article.
Conventional smokeless articles have a saliva permeable pouch housing a content. The content is generally in the form of tobacco. Said tobacco containing a soluble element, typically nicotine. Such a product may be referred to a portion snus. It is typically provided as prepackaged (traditionally moist) powder in small teabag-like pouches. Each pouch is a single portion or unit. This moistened product may be referred to as original snus.
Smokeless articles are placed in the mouth where saliva extracts the soluble element from the tobacco contained within. Typically, the smokeless article is placed in the oral cavity, sublingually or in the oral vestibule (between the teeth and lips/cheeks). The user may assist extraction by oral manipulation, such as by chewing and/or sucking or pressing on the outside of the mouth to squeeze the pouch.
Users of smoking articles and/or smokeless articles are increasingly desiring opportunities to customise their experience to meet their own bespoke needs. In particular, it is desirable for the users themselves to be able to tailor the flavour of smoking articles and/or smokeless articles after the point of sale. The present invention has been devised in light of the above considerations.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect, there is kit of parts comprising a flavour insert and a container, said container for an oral smokeless article or a smoking article, the container comprising a container body and a lid, wherein the flavour insert comprises a polymeric substrate dosed with a flavourant, and wherein the polymeric substrate does not include cellulosic material and/or silicone.
In this way, the user is supplied with additional flavour when using the container to store an oral smokeless article (e.g. snus) or a smoking article (e.g. cigarettes, heat-not-burn consumable etc.). Also, by using a polymeric substrate which does not include cellulosic material, an insert with improved storage properties is provided. For example, it is less prone to spoilage by microbes, such as fungi and mildew. Also, unlike substrates that include cellulosic material, it does not absorb moisture from the oral smokeless article(s) or smoking article(s) stored within the container, thus it does not lead to drying out of such articles. Also, unlike substrates that include cellulosic material, the polymeric substrate is less prone to warping or distortion of its physical form due to moisture absorption, therefore is less likely to inconvenience the user whilst in use. Furthermore, as the polymeric substrate does not include silicone it is less prone to attracting lint and dust. This acts to keep the flavour insert clean and/or aesthetically appealing to the user.
The container comprises a container body and a lid. The container body and lid define an enclosed volume when the lid is in a closed position. The container may take any suitable shape. In one embodiment the container is cylindrical. In one embodiment the container is cuboid. The lid of the container may attach to the container body portion by a push-fit, screw thread or any other suitable method. Preferably the material from which the container is formed is impermeable to moisture, for example metal or plastic. Most preferably, the material from which the container is formed is High Density Polyethylene (HDPE).
As used herein, the term "flavour insert" is intended to mean a discrete insert that is capable of providing flavour. It is separate and distinct to tobacco product(s) that may be contained within the container. It is separate and distinct to tobacco substitute product(s) (e.g. non-tobacco products that are intended as a tobacco replacement) that may be contained within the container. In particular, it is separate and distinct to an oral smokeless article(s) that may be contained within the container (e.g. snus). In particular, it is separate and distinct to smoking article(s) that may be contained within the container (e.g. cigarettes, cigars, heat-not-burn consumables etc.).
As used herein, the term "polymeric substrate" is intended to refer to a substrate that is substantially a polymer. The polymer may contain additives to modify its properties, such as, fillers, pigments, colourings, plasticizers, anti-static agents, antimicrobials, UV stabilisers and impact modifiers. For example, the polymeric substrate may comprise more than 50 % polymer by total weight of the substrate, such as more than 60 % polymer, such as more than 70 % polymer, such as more than 80 % polymer, such as more than 90 % polymer, such as more than 95 % polymer. Preferably, the polymeric substrate comprises more than 98 % polymer by weight of the substrate. Preferably, the polymeric substrate is completely made from polymer.
As used herein, the term "cellulosic" is intended to mean of, relating to, or made from cellulose or a derivative of cellulose (e.g. cellulose esters, such as cellulose acetate; cellulose ethers, such as methyl cellulose).
The polymeric substrate may be fibrous or non-fibrous. Preferably, the polymeric substrate is non-fibrous.
In this way, a non-fibrous polymeric substrate enables a flavourant to be uniformly coated on the polymeric substrate.
The polymeric substrate is dosed with a flavourant, the flavourant may be provided on or within the polymeric substrate. The flavourant may be applied to the polymeric substrate by dip coating, spray coating or brush coating.
Preferably, the polymeric substrate comprises a spray-coating of a composition comprising the flavourant.
Advantageously, a spray-coating provides a uniform and homogeneous dispersion of flavourant on the polymeric substrate. This provides an improved flavour release, thereby improving the pharmaceutical/recreational effect experienced by the user.
The polymeric substrate may be comprised of any suitable polymer. Preferably, the polymeric substrate comprises a polymer selected from Nylon 6, Nylon 6.6, polyoxymethylene, polyethylene 300, polyethylene 500, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polypropylene, polyester, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and combinations thereof.
In this way, a polymeric substrate having suitable structural and mechanical properties is provided. In addition, these polymers are deemed to be of "food-grade" standard, and therefore pose minimal health risk to the user.
Preferably, the flavourant is selected from menthol, peppermint, spearmint, liquorice, chocolate, fruit flavour (incuding e.g. citrus, cherry, pineapple etc.), vanilla, spice (e.g. ginger, cinnamon), coffee, coconut, eucalyptus, and tobacco flavour.
Advantageously, these flavours are found desirable by the user and provide the user with an improved flavour profile.
Preferably, the polymeric substrate is porous.
In this way, the surface area to volume ratio of the polymeric substrate is increased. This allows the polymeric substrate to be dosed with a larger amount of flavourant.
The polymeric substrate may be a solid, semi-solid or a gel. Preferably, the polymeric substrate is a solid.
The flavour insert can take any shape that is suitable for it to be contained within the interior of the container.
Preferably, the flavour insert is a sheet.
In this way, a larger surface area is provided (for example, in comparison to a cube of flavour insert of similar weight) to provide an improved rate of flavour delivery. Also, the shape of a sheet allows a plurality of flavour inserts to be conveniently stacked together in a layered arrangement.
Preferably, the flavour insert is located in the interior of the container.
In this way, by having the kit of parts pre-assembled for use (i.e. with the flavour insert located within the container) loss of flavourant is avoided during storage.
Preferably, the kit of parts is configured to provide removable insertion of the flavour insert into the interior of the container.
Advantageously, this allows the user to replace an exhausted flavour insert with a fresh flavour insert, thereby allowing the user to re-use the container. It also allows the user to easily clean the container. In addition, it allows the user to switch to a different flavour insert having a different flavour when desired.
Preferably, the flavour insert is securable to an inner surface of the lid.
Advantageously, this provides greater exposure of the flavour insert to the atmosphere of the container, whilst keeping the flavour insert separate from the other contents of the container. Any suitable element to secure the flavour insert may be used. This includes adhesives, hook-and-loop-fasteners, magnets and other fasteners known in the art. In one embodiment the flavour insert is securable to an inner surface of the lid by an interference fit.
Preferably, the flavour insert is configured to cover at least 50 % of an inner surface of the lid. Such as at least 60 % of an inner surface of the lid, such as at least 70 %, such as at least 80 %, such as at least 90 %.
Preferably, the flavourant is present in an amount resulting in a level of up to 25 % by weight of the polymeric substrate.
In this way, a satisfactory flavour "hit" can be effected to the user.
The amount of flavourant may be present in a level up to 25 % by weight of the polymeric substrate, such as up to 20 %, such as up to 15 %, such as up to 10 %, such as up to 5 %.
The amount of flavourant may be present in a level of at least 5 % by weight of the polymeric substrate, such as at least 10 %, such as at least 15 %, such as at least 20 %, such as at least 25 %.
Preferably, the flavourant is present in an amount of from 50 to 500 mg per cm³ volume of the polymeric substrate.
The amount of flavourant may be present in a level of at least 50 mg per cm³ volume of the polymeric substrate, such as at least 100 mg per cm³, such as at least 150 mg per cm³, such as at least 200 mg per cm³, such as at least 250 mg per cm³, such as at least 300 mg per cm³, such as at least 350 mg per cm³, such as at least 400 mg per cm³, such as at least 450 mg per cm³.
The amount of flavourant may be present in a level of at most 50 mg per cm³ volume of the polymeric substrate, such as at most 100 mg per cm³, such as at most 150 mg per cm³, such as at most 200 mg per cm³, such as at most 250 mg per cm³, such as at most 300 mg per cm³, such as at most 350 mg per cm³, such as at most 400 mg per cm³, such as at most 450 mg per cm³.
Preferably, the flavour insert is provided within a flavour permeable wrapper.
In this way, contact of the flavour insert with the user is minimised. This minimises flavour loss through i) handling during adjustment of the flavour insert within the container and/or ii) transfer of the flavour insert to and from the container.
Preferably, the kit of parts comprises a plurality of flavour inserts.
This allows the user to tune the flavour "hit" as desired. For example, by increasing the number of flavour inserts a stronger flavour "hit" can be achieved.
Preferably, the plurality of inserts comprises at least two populations of flavour inserts, each population of flavour insert having a different flavour.
In this way, the user can mix different flavours of inserts, the combination of which can provide a new flavour. For example, two pineapple flavour inserts combined with one coconut flavour insert may provide a combined flavour that resembles piña colada flavour.
Preferably, the kit of parts comprises at least one oral smokeless article and/or smoking article.
In one embodiment the oral smokeless article is snus. In one embodiment the smoking article is a cigarette. In one embodiment the smoking article in a heat-not-burn consumable.
According to a second aspect there is provided use of the kit of parts according to the first aspect to store an oral smokeless article and/or a smoking article.
The invention includes the combination of the aspects and preferred features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.

Summary of the Figures

Embodiments and experiments illustrating the principles of the invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

Figure 1.: is a partially exploded view illustrating the assembly of an embodiment of a kit-of-parts.
Figure 2.: is a side-sectional view of the lid of the assembly of the kit-of-parts of Figure 1.
Figure 3.: is a perspective view of an assembly of the kit-of parts of Figure 1.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All documents mentioned in this text are incorporated herein by reference.
Figure 1 shows a partially exploded view illustrating the assembly of an embodiment of a kit-of-parts 1 including a flavour insert 5, and a container having a container body 3 and a lid 2. The lid 2 is configured to attach to the container body 3 to provide a seal, as shown by Figure 3, this is typically achieved by a push-fit arrangement. The container body 3 and lid 2 are preferably made from a material impermeable to moisture, for example high density polyethylene (HDPE). Within the container a smoking article and/or an oral smokeless article is contained (not shown). A typical oral smokeless article is snus, in particular pouched snus. A flavour insert 5 is inserted and secured to the lid 2.
Figure 2 illustrates a side-sectional view of the lid 2 of the assembly of kit-of-parts according to Figure 1. The flavour insert 5 is secured to an inner surface of the lid using a securing element 4. Typically the securing element is an adhesive. The flavour insert 5 includes a polymeric substrate dosed with a flavourant (e.g. cherry). The polymeric substrate does not include cellulosic material and/or silicone.
In use, a user places a smoking article and/or an oral smokeless article within the container body 3. A flavour insert 5 is then inserted into the container (such as by securing to an inner surface of the lid). The user then closes the lid 2 onto the container body 3 to store the smoking article and/or smokeless article within the enclosed volume of the container. During storage the flavour insert will impart additional flavour to the stored smoking article and/or smokeless article to provide the user with an enhanced flavour experience. The user may selectivity mix different flavour inserts to provide new combinations of flavours and/or to adjust the strength of imparted flavour (e.g. by inserting multiple flavour inserts of the same flavour to get a stronger flavour hit). Once the flavour insert is exhausted the user may remove the exhausted insert and replace it with a fresh flavour insert.
The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.
While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.
Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.
Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" and "include", and variations such as "comprises", "comprising", and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.
It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term "about" in relation to a numerical value is optional and means for example +/- 10%.

Claims

A kit of parts comprising a flavour insert and a container, said container for an oral smokeless article or a smoking article, the container comprising a container body and a lid, wherein the flavour insert comprises a polymeric substrate dosed with a flavourant, and wherein the polymeric substrate does not include cellulosic material and/or silicone.
The kit of parts of claim 1, wherein the polymeric substrate is non-fibrous.
The kit of parts of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the polymeric substrate comprises a spray-coating of a composition comprising the flavourant.
The kit of parts of any preceding claim, wherein the polymeric substrate comprises a polymer selected from Nylon 6, Nylon 6.6, polyoxymethylene, polyethylene 300, polyethylene 500, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polypropylene, polyester, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and combinations thereof.
The kit of parts of any preceding claim, wherein the polymeric substrate is porous.
The kit of parts of any preceding claim, wherein the flavour insert is a sheet.
The kit of parts of any preceding claim, wherein the flavour insert is located in the interior of the container.
The kit of parts of any preceding claim, wherein the kit of parts is configured to provide removable insertion of the flavour insert into the interior of the container.
The kit of parts of any preceding claim, wherein the flavourant is present in an amount resulting in a level of up to 25 % by weight of the polymeric substrate.
The kit of parts of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the flavourant is present in amount from 50 to 500 mg per cm³ volume of the polymeric substrate.
The kit of parts of any preceding claim, wherein the flavour insert is provided within a flavour permeable wrapper.
The kit of parts of any preceding claim comprising a plurality of flavour inserts.
The kit of parts of claim 12, wherein the plurality of inserts comprises at least two populations of flavour inserts, each population of flavour insert having a different flavour.
The kit of parts of any preceding claim comprising at least one oral smokeless article and/or smoking article.
Use of the kit of parts according to any preceding claim to store an oral smokeless article and/or a smoking article.