EP4685078A1

EP4685078A1 - A container for nicotine pouches

Info

Publication number: EP4685078A1
Application number: EP24190852.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Pier Paolo MONTICONE; Alec WRIGHT; Jacob DAHLBECK
Original assignee: JT International SA
Current assignee: JT International SA
Priority date: 2024-07-25
Filing date: 2024-07-25
Publication date: 2026-01-28

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a container (100) for nicotine pouches, comprising: a first compartment (110) comprising a reservoir for receiving and retaining a liquid; a second compartment (120) comprising nicotine pouches; and a liquid permeable layer (130) between the first compartment (110) and the second compartment (120), wherein the liquid permeable layer (130) is configured to permit liquid or vapour to pass from the first compartment (110) to the second compartment (120) in order to hydrate the nicotine pouches.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein is a container for nicotine pouches. In particular, a container which enables the hydration of nicotine pouches disposed therein.

BACKGROUND

Nicotine pouches known in the art comprise cellulose-based filler held in a porous sachet, which supports nicotine and flavourings. The nicotine and flavourings pass out of the sachet when a user places a pouch into their mouth, underneath one of their lips. This is because the nicotine and flavourings dissolve in the user's saliva. Containers for nicotine pouches known in the art typically comprise two compartments separated by a solid layer of material. The pouches are stored in one compartment, and the additional compartment is intended to hold used pouches before they are discarded.
Within the nicotine pouch category two main types of product can be differentiated, dry nicotine pouches and moist nicotine pouches. Whilst dry nicotine pouches provide a long-lasting experience, moist nicotine pouches have become more and more attractive in the past decade as they provide a more intense and immediate release of nicotine. However, with a high water content, the manufacturing process of such pouches demands a high control in the homogeneity and in the pH of the moist formulation itself to avoid clumping of the formulation with aggregates of different pH. For example, aggregates of high pH could cause burning issues in the mouth of user during use of said moist pouches. In consequence, it would be desirable to supply nicotine pouches in a dehydrated state, having less than 10% moisture by weight, to increase the ease of the manufacturing process of such moist nicotine pouches and to maintain product quality and shelf life. Furthermore, soluble ingredients such as nicotine and flavourings may seep out of the pouches if the moisture content of the pouches is too great. In order to present a user with a fresh and hydrated product ready for use, for instance 25% to 55% moisture by weight, moisture must be added to such dehydrated pouches.
Presently, containers for nicotine pouches known in the art do not provide a means for determining the moisture content of nicotine pouches held therein. As such, users of nicotine pouches do not currently have an accurate means for determining product quality.
There is therefore a need to provide a container for nicotine pouches that enables effective hydration of the nicotine pouches held therein. There is also a need to provide a means for determining the moisture content of nicotine pouches held within a container.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In an aspect of the present invention there is provided a container for nicotine pouches, comprising: a first compartment comprising a reservoir for receiving and retaining a liquid; a second compartment comprising nicotine pouches; and a liquid permeable layer between the first compartment and the second compartment, wherein the liquid permeable layer is configured to permit liquid or vapour to pass from the first compartment to the second compartment in order to hydrate the nicotine pouches.
A user can add a suitable liquid to the reservoir of the first compartment and then introduce the liquid to the second compartment, by way of the liquid permeable layer, to hydrate the nicotine pouches. In this way, the user can be presented with a fresh product that is ready for use. A suitable liquid may be water. However, the liquid may further comprise humectant, flavourings, and/or nicotine. This design provides a user-friendly container that enables effective hydration of the pouches stored therein. The nicotine pouches stored in the second compartment are preferably dehydrated pouches having a moisture content that is below 10%, preferably below 8%, below 5%, below 2%, most preferably about 0%.
The first compartment may be further configured to house used nicotine pouches. Preferably, the first compartment is closable with a lid. The permeable layer preferably forms a base of the first compartment and a ceiling of the second compartment when the container is assembled. The first compartment and the second compartment are preferably removably affixable to one another so that the pouches in second compartment can be accessed. An indictor may be provided within the first compartment or the reservoir to indicate a volume of liquid that should be added by a user.
Preferably, the liquid permeable layer comprises a perforated sheet or a mesh. In this way, liquid droplets can form in the second compartment once the liquid or vapour has passed through the permeable layer. It has been found that liquid droplets can more evenly hydrate nicotine pouches than a bulk quantity of liquid. In embodiments of the invention comprising a mesh, an appropriate pore size of the mesh may be less than 2 mm. A perforated sheet may comprise one or more holes therethrough.
In various embodiments, the liquid permeable layer is hydrophobic. For example, a hydrophobic perforated sheet or mesh may be provided. In other terms, the liquid permeable layer is configured to produce droplets of liquid thereon having a hydrophobic contact angle (greater than 90 degrees). For reference, a hydrophilic contact angle is generally considered to be less than 90 degrees. The term "contact angle" may be defined as the angle between a liquid surface and a substrate at the point where they are in contact.
A preferable hydrophobic material is polypropylene. The hydrophobic property of the liquid permeable layer enables small liquid droplets to be produced once the liquid or vapour has passed through the permeable layer. Coalescence of liquid droplets will occur after the fluid passes through the permeable layer if the contact angle is hydrophilic. This is generally undesirable as it will lead to less effective hydration of the pouches. This feature also ensures that liquid does not readily drain through the permeable layer when it is added to the first compartment. A user shaking the container can produce enough force to cause the droplets of liquid to flow through the permeable layer.
In various embodiments, the liquid permeable layer comprises a hydrophobic coating disposed within the first compartment. The permeable layer may comprise stainless steel or aluminium in such embodiments. Permeable layers comprising stainless steel and aluminium in particular may produce droplets thereon having a hydrophilic contact angle. To produce droplets of the liquid thereon having a greater contact angle, the permeable layer can be coated with a polymer or oxide layer, for example. These techniques increase the hydrophobicity of the liquid permeable layer, thereby leading to the production of smaller liquid droplets. A polymer layer could be plasma coated onto the permeable layer. An oxide layer could be formed by anodising the permeable layer. Other materials suitable for forming components of the containers of the various embodiments described herein include polymers, such as polydimethylsiloxane, Poly(hexafluoropropylene), and polypropylene.
In various embodiments, the first compartment comprises a tray forming the reservoir, and the permeable layer is provided separately to the tray. In this way, when the container is shaken, liquid in the tray can flow out of it and through the permeable layer.
Preferably, the permeable layer is provided about the exterior of the tray and at the periphery of the first compartment. In such an embodiment, the permeable layer preferably has an annular shape. The permeable layer acts as a drain for liquid, which is located around the edge of the base of the first compartment. The perforations in the permeable layer are preferably elongate holes in this embodiment.
In various embodiments, the container further comprises a reactant disposed within the first compartment, wherein the reactant is configured to produce vapour via a chemical reaction with the liquid to hydrate the nicotine pouches when the vapour passes through the liquid permeable layer.
In this way, once the liquid has been added to the first compartment, thereby initiating the reaction, the vapour generated will flow into the second compartment and form liquid droplets therein. Preferably, the vapour may be guided to rise upwardly into the second compartment through the hole in the permeable layer when the container is inverted by a user.
By producing vapour or steam, liquid droplets will form in the second compartment that evenly hydrate the pouches. By decreasing the size of liquid droplets, absorption of the liquid by the pouches is enhanced. Preferably, the reactant produces an exothermic reaction with the liquid, which heats any excess liquid to produce vapour. For example, calcium oxide (CaO) may be a suitable reactant as it undergoes an exothermic reaction with water. Other suitable reactants may include MgH₂, MgO, Na, Li, B₂O₃, CuSO₄. In various embodiments, the reactant may be provided separately to the container, to be placed in the first compartment by a user.
Preferably, the reactant is provided within a permeable sack. In this way, the reactant is prevented from seeping into other areas of the container, such as the second compartment. However, the permeable sack still permits vapour produced by the reaction to escape. The permeable sack may further comprise flavourings, humectant and/or nicotine in addition to the reactant. Such permeable sacks could be provided separately to the container comprising the pouches. A user could place a permeable sack within the first compartment themselves.
In various embodiments, the permeable layer comprises a first surface (or surfaces) that is (are) shaped to retain liquid within the first compartment, thereby forming the reservoir, and to guide liquid away from a hole (or holes) in the permeable layer when the container is in a first orientation.
When the user adds the liquid to the first compartment when the container is upright (the first compartment facing upwardly with the second compartment beneath) in the first orientation, the location of the hole in the permeable layer prevents the liquid from draining into the pouches. Such draining is undesirable as this may unevenly hydrate the pouches. The liquid is retained in the reservoir formed at least in part by the first surface in the first compartment.
Preferably, the reservoir has an annular shape, positioned around the hole. For example, the reservoir may be provided around the side or sides of a conical or pyramidal permeable layer. Preferably, the first surface of the permeable layer has a conical or pyramidal profile. The first surface may therefore be an annular tapered surface. Alternatively, the permeable layer may comprise a plurality of tapered surfaces in the first compartment. As a further alternative, the first surface may be curved. The plurality of first surfaces may also be curved. The hole may be located proximal to or at the apex of the conical or pyramidal permeable layer, for example.
In various embodiments, the permeable layer comprises a second surface that is shaped to guide liquid in the second compartment towards the hole when the container is in a second orientation.
When the user inverts the container from the first orientation to the second orientation (the second compartment facing upwardly with the first compartment beneath), vapour produced by the reaction between the reactant and the liquid may pass into the second compartment. Liquid droplets may then form on surfaces of the second compartment. An advantage provided by this feature is that these droplets will be guided back into the first compartment from the second compartment. In this way, the reactant can fully react with the liquid. Furthermore, excess liquid will not remain in the second compartment, ensuring even hydration of the pouches.
Preferably, the second surface of the permeable layer also has a conical or pyramidal profile. The second surface may therefore be an annular tapered surface. Alternatively, the permeable layer may comprise a plurality of tapered surfaces in the second compartment. As a further alternative, the second surface may be curved. The plurality of second surfaces may also be curved.
In various embodiments, the first compartment comprises a removable lid, and the lid may be configured to receive the liquid and the permeable sack comprising the reactant. In other terms, the lid of the first compartment defines a reservoir for the liquid in certain embodiments. A tray on an interior surface of the lid may define the reservoir in this embodiment.
In this way, the lid acts as a vessel to which the liquid can be added. The permeable sack comprising the reactant can be placed into the lid before or after the liquid is added thereto. Once the reaction has been initiated, the first and second compartments can be placed over the lid and vapour can pass upwardly into the first compartment and subsequently into the second compartment. The permeable layer preferably comprises perforated sheet or a mesh sized to prevent the permeable sack from passing therethrough. This enables vapour to pass through the permeable layer without restriction, whilst preventing the reactant from entering the second compartment.
In another aspect of the invention, or in various embodiments, the container further comprises: a hydrochromic and/or thermochromic identification tag disposed within the container, comprising one or more sections of halochromic, hydrochromic and/or thermochromic material, wherein the one or more sections of halochromic, hydrochromic and/or thermochromic material are configured to change colour in response to a change of pH, humidity and/or temperature within the container, thereby changing the appearance of the hydrochromic identification tag.
In this way, a user can clearly identify the moisture content of the container and thus the pouches. For example, when a user adds liquid to any of the containers described herein, they can measure the amount of moisture that they have introduced to the pouches or determine the amount of moisture that they need to add to the pouches. The user can then determine the quality of the product and whether it is ready for use. The identification tag can be provided on an interior surface of the container or provided on a substrate disposed within the container. The container may comprise a window that can be used to view the tag whilst the container is sealed. The tag may comprise multiple sections, each undergoing a colour change at different pH, humidity and/or temperature levels on a scale. Alternatively, it may comprise a section that can undergo a gradual colour change or multiple colour changes. The tag may be provided in conjunction with a key to interpret it.
In various embodiments, the one or more sections of halochromic, hydrochromic and/or thermochromic material may be patterned to form a QR code. By scanning the code using means known in the art, a user can obtain precise information about moisture level, freshness, and safety precautions in relation to the pouches.
Preferably, the one or more sections of halochromic, hydrochromic and/or thermochromic material are configured to become visible or invisible in response to a change of pH, humidity and/or temperature within the container.
For example, the tag may comprise a mixture of halochromic, hydrochromic and thermochromic dyes which react to changes in pH, humidity or temperature to provide a tag with a changing appearance over time. In embodiments where the sections of the tag are patterned to form a QR code, this may provide a changing QR code which can display different information when scanned.
In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for hydrating nicotine pouches, comprising: depositing liquid into a first compartment of a container, the first compartment comprising a reservoir for receiving and retaining the liquid; and introducing liquid or vapour to a second compartment of the container through a liquid permeable layer between the first compartment and the second compartment, the second compartment comprising nicotine pouches.
In various embodiments, the liquid is introduced to the second compartment by shaking the container, thereby causing the liquid to flow from the first compartment through the liquid permeable layer.
In various embodiments, the method comprises: depositing liquid into the first compartment, the first compartment comprising a reactant configured to produce vapour via a chemical reaction with the liquid; and inverting the container to allow the vapour to pass from the first compartment to the second compartment through the liquid permeable layer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, by reference to the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a container for nicotine pouches in an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2A is a perspective view of a container for nicotine pouches in another embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2B is a top view of the container shown in Figure 2A;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a container for nicotine pouches in an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 4A is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of the container shown in Figure 3 in a first orientation;
Figure 4B is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of the container shown in Figure 3 in a second orientation;
Figure 5 is an exploded view of a container for nicotine pouches in another embodiment of the invention;
Figure 6A is a front view of an identification tag in an embodiment of the invention; and
Figure 6B is a front view of an identification tag in another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a container 100 for storing dehydrated nicotine pouches in an embodiment of the invention. The container 100 comprises a first compartment 110 having a side wall 110a that is removably affixable to a second compartment 120. Around twenty dehydrated nicotine pouches (not shown) with a moisture content of less than 10%, preferably below 8%, below 5%, below 2%, most preferably about 0%, are held within the second compartment 120. The first compartment 110 comprises two indicators 111a, 111b which each indicate a volume of liquid to be added to the first compartment 110. A hydrophobic liquid permeable layer 130 comprising a plurality of holes 132 therethrough, thereby forming a perforated sheet that separates the first 110 and second compartments 120. The holes 132 are distributed uniformly across the hydrophobic liquid permeable layer 130. The hydrophobic liquid permeable layer 130 forms a base of the first compartment 110 and a ceiling of the second compartment 120 when the container is assembled. When the first compartment 110 is removed from the second compartment 120, the pouches can be accessed. The first compartment 110 further comprises a lid 140 which can be removed.
Nicotine pouches typically weigh between 0.5g and 1g, with a moisture content between 1% and 55% by weight. Containers typically comprise around 20 pouches. Therefore, in order to hydrate dehydrated pouches to a desirable level, approximately 4ml to 8ml of liquid should be added. In this embodiment, the first indicator 111a and the second indicator 111b are located on the side wall 110a within the first compartment 110 to indicate volumes of 4ml and 8ml respectively. The indicators 111a, 111b therefore each indicate a suitable volume of liquid needed to hydrate the pouches, based on their moisture content. The user can fill the first compartment 110 with liquid up to the level of the first indicator 111a or the second indicator 111b, depending on their preference regarding the desired level of hydration for the nicotine pouches.
In this embodiment, the side wall 110a of the first compartment 110 and the liquid permeable layer 130 collectively define a reservoir for liquid that can be used to hydrate nicotine pouches. Unused, dehydrated nicotine pouches are stored within the second compartment 120. In order to hydrate the pouches, the lid 140 of the first compartment 110 is removed and liquid is added thereto to a level indicated by one the indicators 111a, 111b. Because the liquid permeable layer 130 is hydrophobic, liquid is retained within the first compartment 110 when it is first received therein. The surface tension of the liquid prevents it from flowing through the hydrophobic liquid permeable layer 130. To introduce the liquid to the second compartment 120 to hydrate the pouches, the first compartment 110 is closed with the lid 140 and the can is shaken by a user. The force produced by the shaking motion is sufficient to cause the liquid to flow through the holes 132 of the permeable layer 130. In other words, the force produced by the shaking motion is sufficient to overcome the surface tension of the liquid so that it flows through the holes 132 of the permeable layer 130. Droplets of the liquid then form in the second compartment 120 and hydrate the nicotine pouches contained therein.
In this embodiment, the components of the container 100 comprise polypropylene. Polypropylene is a suitable material for the liquid permeable layer 130 as it is hydrophobic. Other suitable materials include polydimethylsiloxane and Poly(hexafluoropropylene).
In an alternative embodiment, instead of a perforated sheet, the liquid permeable layer 130 of the container 100 comprises a mesh. Such a mesh can be formed from stainless steel or aluminium. However, these materials do not exhibit the same hydrophobic properties of polymers such as polypropylene. In order to produce a hydrophobic mesh, the mesh is coated with a hydrophobic polymer such as polypropylene using plasma coating techniques. Alternatively, the mesh can be anodised to produce a hydrophobic oxide layer. The mesh is formed by techniques known in the art such as weaving or etching from a solid piece of material. It can have a Dutch twill, plain or another weaving pattern. In this alternative embodiment, the pore size of the mesh should be less than 2mm.
Figure 2A is a perspective view of a container 200 for nicotine pouches in another embodiment of the invention and Figure 2B is a top view of the container 200. The container 200 in this embodiment is similar in structure to the container 100 in the embodiment according to Figure 1, except in that it comprises a liquid permeable layer 230 comprising a plurality of elongate holes 232 provided separately about the exterior of a tray 212 within the first compartment 210. The tray 212 of the first compartment 210 forms a reservoir for retaining liquid received therein. The tray is defined by an annular upstanding wall having a lip 212a. The lip 212a of the tray is evenly spaced apart from a side wall 210a of the first compartment. The height of the upstanding wall defining the tray 212 is less than that of the side wall 210a of the tray 212. The plurality of elongate holes 232 of the permeable layer 230 are provided separately and about the exterior of the tray 212 at the periphery of the first compartment 210.
In this embodiment, in order to hydrate nicotine pouches, liquid is added to the tray 212, the lip 212a of which indicates a suitable volume of liquid needed to hydrate the pouches in the second compartment 220. The first compartment 210 is then closed with a lid (not shown) and the container 200 is shaken to transfer the liquid from the tray 212 to the second compartment 220 through the holes 232 of the liquid permeable layer 230. In particular, shaking the container causes the liquid to flow from the tray 212 and over the lip 212a. As the lip 212a of the tray 212 is spaced apart from the side wall 210a of the first compartment 210, and the height of the upstanding wall defining the tray 212 is less than that of the side wall 210a of the tray 212, the liquid can flow towards the permeable layer 230. A trough for liquid is therefore defined between the lip 212a and the side wall 210a of the first compartment 210. The holes 232 function as a series of channels for liquid from the first compartment 210 to flow into the second compartment 220 in this embodiment.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a container 300 for nicotine pouches in another embodiment of the invention. The container 300 is again similar in structure to that of the container 100 in the embodiment according to Figure 1, except in that the liquid permeable layer 330 has a conical profile, with a single hole 332 located at its apex. The apex of the liquid permeable layer 330 is within the first compartment 310. The conical liquid permeable layer 330 comprises a first conical surface 330a disposed within the first compartment 310. A reservoir 312 within the first compartment 310 for receiving and retaining liquid is defined between a side wall 310a of the first compartment 310 and the first surface 330a of conical liquid permeable layer 330, and around the hole 332. The reservoir 312 therefore has an annular shape. A ring is provided about the hole 332 in Figure 3; however, this feature may be omitted.
Figure 3 depicts the container 300 in a first orientation in which the first compartment 310 is disposed above the second compartment 320. The purpose of the first surface 330a of the conical liquid permeable layer 330 is to retain liquid within the first compartment, thereby forming the reservoir 312, and to guide liquid away from the hole 332 in the permeable layer 330 when the container 300 is in the first orientation. The shape of the liquid permeable layer 330, in particular the first surface 330a, therefore prevents liquid that is poured into the reservoir 312 from unintendedly soaking the pouches 322 when the container 300 is in the first orientation.
The process by which nicotine pouches disposed within the second compartment 320 are hydrated using the container 300 is described with reference to Figures 4A and 4B. Figure 4A is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of the container 300 in a first orientation. Figure 4B is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of the container 300 in a second orientation where the can is inverted.
In Figure 4A a lid 340 of the first compartment 310 is depicted in an open configuration. Liquid 301, in this embodiment water, pools in the reservoir 312 in an annular shape, as it would appear from a top view. The liquid 301 in the reservoir 312 has a deep end and a shallow end, since the base of the reservoir 312 is defined by the conical first surface 330a of the permeable layer 330. The side wall 310a of the first compartment 310 comprises an indicator (not shown) similar to those depicted in Figure 1, which indicates a volume of liquid that should be added to the reservoir 312. The conical profile of the first surface 330a of the permeable layer 330 ensures that the liquid 301 is retained within the reservoir 312 when the container is in the first orientation. The container further comprises a permeable sack 350 comprising a calcium oxide (CaO), which is located within the first compartment atop the hole 332 of the conical permeable layer 330. CaO undergoes an exothermic reaction with water, the heat from which heats excess water, thereby producing water vapor. In normal operation, the permeable sack 350 would be removed while liquid is poured into the reservoir 312 and then replaced in position to avoid inadvertently wetting the sack 350 and initiating a chemical reaction. Figure 4Afurtherdepicts nicotine pouches 322 disposed within the second compartment 320. The liquid permeable layer 330 additionally comprises a conical second surface 330b disposed within the second compartment 320.
Figure 4B represents a second orientation in which the container 300 is inverted. The user would be instructed to close the lid 340 and invert the container 300 after water had been introduced to the reservoir 312. In Figure 4B, the lid 340 of the first compartment 310 is in a closed configuration. As the container is in the second orientation, with the second compartment 320 disposed above the first compartment 310, the liquid 301 is no longer retained in the reservoir 312 and instead floods the sack 350 which is resting on the lid 340. The liquid 301 permeates the sack 350 and reacts with the CaO, thereby producing water vapour which rises upwardly from the sack 350 into the second compartment 320 (depicted by dashed arrows). The water vapor condenses in the second compartment 320 to form droplets which hydrate the nicotine pouches 322 disposed therein.
Some liquid droplets may also form on the second conical surface 330b of the liquid permeable layer 330. The second conical surface 330b can guide condensed liquid towards the hole 332 when the container is in the second orientation. This liquid will flow back into the first compartment 310 through the hole 332 and towards the permeable sack 350. As such, the reaction between the CaO and the liquid can be continued. Furthermore, liquid will not undesirably pool within the second compartment 320.
The exothermic reaction between CaO and water produces approximately 64 kJ/mol in energy in forming calcium hydroxide. Water has a heat of vaporisation of approximately 41 kJ/mol. It has been found that, in order to create 6 grams of water vapour in this manner, approximately 12 grams of CaO is required in addition to approximately 10 ml of water. As the volume of the solid CaO will expand when forming calcium hydroxide, the permeable sack 350 is required to have a volume of at least 10 cm³. As such, the volume of the permeable sack 350 should be at least 10 cm³ to produce 6 grams of water vapour.
Figure 5 is a diagram of a container 500 for nicotine pouches in another embodiment of the invention. The container 500 is again similar in structure to that of the container 100 in the embodiment according to Figure 1. However, the container 500 is used in a similar manner to that of the container 300 in the embodiment of the invention according to Figure 3 to hydrate the nicotine pouches disposed within the second compartment 520.
The container 500 differs in structure from the container 100 in the embodiment according to Figure 1 in that the holes 532 in the permeable layer 530 are comparably larger than those in the permeable layer 110 of the container 100. The permeable layer 530 freely permits the flow of water or water vapour therethrough. Furthermore, a permeable sack 550 comprising calcium oxide is present within the first compartment 510. Moreover, in this embodiment, a reservoir is formed by a tray 512 located on an interior surface of the lid 540 of the first compartment 510. The tray, and thus the reservoir, is defined by an annular upstanding perimeter wall having a lip 512a provided on the interior surface of the lid 540.
In order to hydrate the pouches in the second compartment 520, the lid 540 is first removed from the container 500. The permeable sack 550 comprising calcium oxide is placed within the tray 512 of the lid 540. Water is then added to the tray 512, thereby initiating the aforementioned reaction which produces water vapor. The permeable layer 530 and the second compartment 520 are then placed on top of the lid 540 and are closed together. The reaction then takes place within the first compartment 510. Water vapor produced by the reaction rises from the permeable sack 550, through the permeable layer 530 and into the second compartment 520. The water vapor condenses in the second compartment 520 to form water droplets, which hydrate the nicotine pouches disposed therein.
Figure 6A is a diagram of a container 600 for nicotine pouches comprising an identification tag 660 in an embodiment of the invention. The identification tag 660 is ideally provided within the second compartment that is used to house nicotine pouches of any of the containers described herein. The tag 660 can be printed onto a substrate and provided loosely within the second compartment or printed on a surface of the second compartment. The container 600, in particular the second compartment, may comprise a transparent section that can be used to view the identification tag 660 before the container is opened. A plurality of printed numerical values form a key that is provided in conjunction with the tag 660 so that a user can assess the moisture level within the container 600.
The identification tag 660 comprises six sections of hydrochromic material which each change colour in response to a different humidity level. The sections are arranged sequentially based on the humidity level at which each section changes colour, such that the tag 660 forms a colour scale within the container 600. Each section is associated with a numerical value indicating a humidity level value. For example, the third section is labelled "30%".
Figure 6A depicts a change in the appearance of the tag 660 corresponding to a humidity increase within the container 500 from 20% to 40%. When the humidity level is at 20%, the first two sections in the tag 660 have a pink colour. The remaining four sections maintain a blue colour. When the humidity increases to 40% the third and fourth sections in the tag 660 change colour from blue to pink. Four out of six sections of the tag 660 have a pink colour, thereby indicating to a user that the humidity level is at 40%. Other changes of colour may be implemented.
In an alternative embodiment, the tag 660 may comprise one section of hydrochromic material that undergoes multiple different colour changes in response to continual changes in humidity level. In such an embodiment, a colour-coded key may be provided in conjunction with the tag 660 which can be used to interpret the humidity level based on the colour of the tag, or to indicate whether the product is spoiled.
Figure 6B is a diagram of a container 650 for nicotine pouches comprising an identification tag 665 in an embodiment of the invention. The identification tag 665 is ideally provided within the second compartment that is used to house nicotine pouches of any of the containers described herein. The tag 665 can be printed onto a substrate and provided loosely within the second compartment or printed onto a surface of the second compartment. The container 650, in particular the second compartment thereof, may comprise a transparent section that can be used to view the identification tag 665 before the container is opened.
The identification tag 665 comprises a plurality of sections of hydrochromic ink, collectively patterned to form a QR code. Each of the sections of hydrochromic ink change colour at respective humidity levels. As shown in Figure 6B, the hydrochromic ink becomes visible in response to an increase in humidity, displaying the QR code. The QR code 665 can then be scanned using techniques known in the art to obtain information about the pouches in the container 650. Sections of the QR code 665 will become visible or invisible in response to a further increase in humidity, thereby changing the appearance of the QR code 665. When scanned, this new QR code 665 will enable different information to be obtained by the user. Such information can include moisture level, freshness, and safety precautions in relation to the pouches.
The tags 660, 665 described in the embodiments according to Figures 6A and 6B may additionally comprise a halochromic ink, a thermochromic ink, or any combination thereof. The halochromic and/or thermochromic material can change colour in response to a change of pH, and/or temperature within the container.
The identification tags 660, 665 can be printed onto a substrate and provided loosely within the container or printed onto a surface of the interior of the container. Ideally, the tags 660, 665 should be provided in the second compartment of any of the containers described herein or those known in the art, where the pouches are disposed. The container may comprise a transparent section that can be used to view the identification tag before the container is opened.
Examples of halochromic dyes that may be used in conjunction with the tags 660, 665 of the embodiments according to Figures 6A and 6B are: Curcumin, betacyanins, shikonin alizarin, litmus, naphthoquinone, Spirulina sp., and/or anthocyanins. Examples of anthocyanins include Pelargonidin, Cyanidin, Peonidin, Delphinidin, Petunidin and/or Malvidin. At low pH anthocyanins appear red, then have a purple hue at natural pH and finally blue/green at high pH.
Examples of thermochromic dyes that may be used in conjunction with the tags 660, 665 of the embodiments according to Figures 6A and 6B are: Chromazone^®, Kromagen^®, Thermax^® and/or Brady^® VisAlert^®.
Examples of reversible compounds for hydrochromic dyes include cobalt dibromide (CoBr2), copper dichloride (CuCl2) and/or copper dibromide (CuBr2).
Colour changes are possible using a water-soluble dye and a deliquescent salt. The salt dissolves when it reaches a specific humidity level to reveal the dye and give the user a visible colour change. Example salts are ZnCl2, ZnBr2, ZnI2, LiCI, LiBr, Lil, KC2H3O2, CaCl2, Zn(NO3)2, KNO2, KNCS, NaHSO4, NaBr, NaNO2, Mg(C2H3O2)2, NaClO2, NaC2H3O2, Na2S2O3, NHCl4, (NH4)2SO4, KBr, KHSO4, ZnSO4, NaBrO3, Na2SO4 and Na2SO, and the dye is ideally a triarylmethane dye consisting of Acid Violet 19, Acid Blue 1 and/or Acid Blue 9. Alternatively, no dye may be present, and a coloured card may be placed behind the salt, which becomes visible when the salt is dissolved.

Claims

A container for nicotine pouches, comprising:
a first compartment comprising a reservoir for receiving and retaining a liquid;

a second compartment comprising nicotine pouches; and

a liquid permeable layer between the first compartment and the second compartment, wherein the liquid permeable layer is configured to permit liquid or vapour to pass from the first compartment to the second compartment in order to hydrate the nicotine pouches.
A container according to claim 1, wherein the liquid permeable layer comprises a perforated sheet or a mesh.
A container according to claim 2, wherein the liquid permeable layer is hydrophobic, or wherein the liquid permeable layer comprises a hydrophobic coating disposed within the first compartment.
A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the first compartment comprises a tray forming the reservoir, and wherein the permeable layer is provided separately to the tray.
A container according to claim 4, wherein the permeable layer is provided about the exterior of the tray and at the periphery of the first compartment.
A container according to claim 1, further comprising:
a reactant disposed within the first compartment, wherein the reactant is configured to produce vapour via a chemical reaction with the liquid to hydrate the nicotine pouches when the vapour passes through the liquid permeable layer.
A container according to claim 6, wherein the reactant is provided within a permeable sack.
A container according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the permeable layer comprises a first surface that is shaped to retain liquid within the first compartment, thereby forming the reservoir, and to guide liquid away from a hole in the permeable layer when the container is in a first orientation.
A container according to claim 8, wherein the reservoir has an annular shape, positioned around the hole.
A container according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the permeable layer comprises a second surface that is shaped to guide liquid in the second compartment towards the hole when the container is in a second orientation.
A container according to claim 6, wherein the first compartment comprises a removable lid, the lid is configured to receive the liquid and the permeable sack comprising the reactant.
A container according to any preceding claim, further comprising:
a halochromic, hydrochromic and/or thermochromic identification tag disposed within the container, comprising one or more sections of hydrochromic and/or thermochromic material, wherein the one or more sections of halochromic, hydrochromic and/or thermochromic material are configured to change colour in response to a change of pH, humidity and/or temperature within the container, thereby changing the appearance of the hydrochromic identification tag.
A method for hydrating nicotine pouches, comprising:
depositing liquid into a first compartment of a container, the first compartment comprising a reservoir for receiving and retaining the liquid; and

introducing liquid or vapour to a second compartment of the container through a liquid permeable layer between the first compartment and the second compartment, the second compartment comprising nicotine pouches.
A method according to claim 13, wherein the liquid is introduced to the second compartment by shaking the container, thereby causing the liquid to flow from the first compartment through the liquid permeable layer.
A method according to claim 13, comprising:
depositing liquid into the first compartment, the first compartment comprising a reactant configured to produce vapour via a chemical reaction with the liquid; and

inverting the container to allow the vapour to pass from the first compartment to the second compartment through the liquid permeable layer.