GB2447958A

GB2447958A - Tobacco container with overlapping seals

Info

Publication number: GB2447958A
Application number: GB0706162A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Helps; John William Hall
Original assignee: British American Tobacco Co Ltd
Current assignee: British American Tobacco Investments Ltd
Priority date: 2007-03-29
Filing date: 2007-03-29
Publication date: 2008-10-01
Also published as: GB0706162D0

Abstract

A pack 10 for tobacco consists of two shallow substantially rigid receptacles 12, 14 for containing tobacco 16. Each receptacle 12, 14 is sealed on an open face with the seal formed from two sealing members 22, 24, which together cover the open face and which overlap. The overlapping portion 28 of the seals 22, 24 may be lifted to open the seal and give access to the tobacco in the receptacle 12. The two receptacles 12, 14 are connected together along adjacent edges, the connection including a hinge line 30 along which the two receptacles 12, 14 can be folded together to bring the two seals into a face-to-face position, thereby closing the pack 10. The hinge line may 30 be breakable so that one receptacle 12, 14 may be detached and discarded once the tobacco 16 therein has been consumed.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

PACK FOR TOBACCO

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a pack suitable for tobacco, particularly for loose tobacco.

Tobacco can be supplied to the consumer as loose tobacco, either for making hand-rolled cigarettes, or as pipe tobacco. Traditionally, loose tobacco of this type is packaged in pouches, comprising a bag portion for containing the tobacco and a flap portion extending from the top of the bag which can be folded over the opening of the bag and sometimes wrapped around the bag before being stuck down to close the pouch. The pouch is typically made from paper or thin cardboard laminated or otherwise covered with a layer of transparent plastics material through which printed labelling on the paper or card can be seen, or from plastics material alone upon which printing can be executed. In this way, the tobacco is provided with a waterproof wrapping which retains moisture to prevent the tobacco from drying out.

Traditional pouches of this type are soft and lacking in rigidity, and can therefore be awkward to pack into boxes in quantity for shipping. For the same reasons, they are difficult for vending machines to handle, and for a retailer to stack onto a shelf. Also, once the bulk of the tobacco has been used, the consumer has to carry around a largely empty pouch.

The present invention seeks to address some of these issues.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention is directed to a pack for tobacco comprising: a substantially rigid receptacle for containing tobacco and having an aperture through which tobacco may be removed from the receptacle; and a seal covering the aperture and adhered to the perimeter thereof, the seal comprising a first sealing member covering a first part of the aperture and leaving a second part of the aperture uncovered, and a second sealing member covering the second part of the aperture and having a portion that overlaps the first sealing member, the second sealing member being adhered around at least part of the second portion of the aperture such that it can be reversibly removed and re-adhered to open and close the second part of the aperture.

This configuration of features offers an advantageous pack for loose tobacco.

The substantially rigid nature of the receptacle provides a sturdy and robust pack that can be boxed in bulk quantities, shipped, displayed and dispensed from vending machines with low risk of damage to the contents. The pack can be shaped so as to provide a useful flat surface upon which a smoker can roll a hand-made cigarette.

Also, the pack can be easily and conveniently opened to provide access to the tobacco and resealed afterwards to keep the tobacco fresh. The overlapping portion provides a useful graspable portion for pulling back the second sealing member to open the aperture while effectively sealing the tobacco against the air to prevent both ingress and egress of moisture while the pack is closed.

In some embodiments, the second part of the aperture extends to the perimeter of the aperture, and the second sealing member is adhered to the perimeter of the aperture such that it can be reversibly removed and re-adhered to open and close the second part of the aperture. S.

At least part of the overlapping portion of the second sealing member may be reversibly removably adhered to the first sealing member. This further improves the seal when the pack is closed while not interfering with opening of the seal.

The overlapping portion of the second sealing member may have a tab extending from its edge which can be grasped to facilitate removal of the second sealing member from the first sealing member. The tab may lie within the perimeter of the aperture; this protects the tab and reduces the risk that the tab might be damaged.

Further, the tab may not be adhered to the first sealing member. This makes the tab easier to lift up and grasp preparatory to peeling back the second sealing member to open the pack.

In other embodiments, the first sealing member has an opening therein defining the second part of the aperture, and the second sealing member is adhered to the first sealing member such that it can be reversibly removed and re-adhered to open and close the second part of the aperture. The first sealing member may surround the is second part of the aperture. The second sealing member may be permanently affixed along part of its edge such that it hinges about that part of its edge to open and close the second part of the aperture. This prevents the second sealing member from being mislaid when the aperture is open.

Alternatively, the first sealing member may have an opening therein defining the second part of the aperture, and the second sealing member may comprise an upper layer and a lower layer, the lower layer formed integrally with the first sealing member, extending from an edge of the opening across the second part of the aperture, and having substantially the same area as the second part of the aperture, and the upper layer extending beyond the lower layer to form the portion that overlaps the first sealing member, this portion being adhered to the first sealing member such that the second sealing member can be reversibly removed and re-adhered to open and close the second part of the aperture. This is a simple construction in which the lower layer can be easily formed by cutting a flap in the first sealing member, and an adhesive patch or label applied as the upper layer to keep the flap closed.

In yet further embodiments, the first sealing member may have an opening therein defining the second part of the aperture, and the second sealing member may be formed integrally with the first sealing member, extending from an outer edge of the first sealing member and being folded over the first sealing member to cover the second part of the aperture, the second sealing member being adhered to the first sealing member such that it can be reversibly removed and re-adhered to open and close the second part of the aperture. This provides a ready-made connection between the two sealing members to prevent loss of the second sealing member when the aperture is opened. The first sealing member and the second sealing member may have substantially the same outer dimensions. This gives a neat appearance to the seal when the second sealing member is closed over the second part of the aperture. Also, if the opening is sized and positioned to be relatively remote from the outer edges of the seal, the adhesive can be kept remote from the opening which reduces contamination with tobacco pieces and hence maintains the integrity of the seal.

The receptacle may comprise a rim around the perimeter of the aperture which provides a surface to which the seal is removably adhered. This also improves the quality of the sealing ability of the seal, since it can be more reliably adhered to the receptacle with a reduced risk of gaps or openings arising from any drop in the sticking ability of the adhesive over time.

The receptacle may be formed from moulded plastics material, or alternatively the receptacle may be formed from a foldable cut-out blank. Thus, there is considerable freedom available in the choice of manufacturing techniques available for producing the pack, and the pack may be readily formed in a wide variety of shapes using simple and well-established methods.

In some embodiments, the receptacle may be defined by an outer face with four edges, and a side wall extending from each edge of the outer face, the edges of the side walls distal from the outer face forming the perimeter of the aperture. This configuration can be used to give a certain similarity to a pack of cigarettes or a soft tobacco pouch, thus aiding brand recognition by the consumer.

The pack may further comprise a second substantially rigid receptacle with an aperture and a seal, the said receptacle and the second receptacle being foldably connected to each other along a hinge line such that the two seals can be brought into face-to-face relationship. This allows half the quantity of tobacco in the pack to be kept in its originally sealed state of maximum freshness until the first half is used up.

This is advantageous over a traditional pouch pack, where the tobacco is supplied as a single portion. Folding the pack in half along the hinge line gives a compact pack that may conveniently be carried.

The said receptacle and the second receptacle may be formed as a single unit, the hinge line being defined ii material from which the said receptacle and the second receptacle are formed. Alternatively or additionally, a sealing member of the said receptacle and a sealing member of the second receptacle may be formed as a single piece, the said receptacle and the second receptacle being connected by the single piece being adhered to the perimeters of the aperture of the said receptacle and the aperture of the second receptacle to cover the relevant parts of the apertures, and the hinge line being defined in the single piece.

The hinge line may be formed as a breakable connection so that the second receptacle can be detached from the said receptacle. This allows the user to discard half the pack once the first portion of tobacco is used up, reducing the volume of empty packaging to be carried around.

The pack may further comprise a releasable closure that holds the said receptacle and the second receptacle in a configuration in which the two seals are in a face-to-face relationship.

A second aspect of the present invention is directed to a pack for tobacco comprising: a first substantially rigid receptacle for containing tobacco and having an

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aperture through which tobacco may be removed from the receptacle, and a seal covering the aperture and removably adhered to the perimeter thereof; a second substantially rigid receptacle for containing tobacco and having an aperture through which tobacco may be removed from the receptacle, and a seal covering the aperture and removably adhered to the perimeter thereof; the first receptacle and the second receptacle being foldably connected to each other along a hinge line such that the two seals can be brought into face-to-face relationship.

A third aspect of the invention is directed to a pack according to the first aspect or the second aspect, in which the or each receptacle contains tobacco.

BRIEF DESCRIP)N OF lifE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect reference is now made by way of example to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure I shows a perspective view of a pack for tobacco according to an embodiment of the invention, the pack comprising two receptacles with two-part seals, the pack being in a partially open position; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the pack of Figure 1 in a closed position; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an alternative pack in a closed position; Figures 4A to 4D show cross-sectional views of packs in the open position and having two receptacles hinged according to four different embodiments of the invention; Figures 5A and 5B show cross-sectional views of packs with two receptacles in the closed position and having closures according to two different embodiments; Figures 6A, 6B arid 6C show respectively a plan view and two cross-sectional views of a pack according to a further embodiment, comprising a single receptacle having a two-part seal; Figures 7A and 7B show cross-sectional views of packs in the open position having two receptacles with one-part seals, according to yet further embodiments; Figures 8A to 8E show plan views and a cross-sectional view of packs having two-part seals according to an alternative embodiment; Figures 9A to 9D show plan views and a cross-sectional view of packs having two-part seals according to a further alternative embodiment; and Figures 1OA and lOB show cross-sectional side-views of packs having two-part seals according to a yet further alternative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a pack for tobacco according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the pack being shown in a partially open position.

The pack 10 comprises a first receptacle 12 and a second receptacle 14, each containing loose tobacco 16. Each receptacle 12, 14 has an outer face (not visible in Figure 1), being a flat four-sided face, and four side walls 18 which extend upwards from the edges of the outer face to define a shallow tray-like container which is open at the face opposite to the outer face. This open face gives an aperture through which tobacco 16 can be removed from the receptacle 12, 14. The aperture has a perimeter defined by the edges of the side walls which are remote from the outer face. The receptacles are of a substantially rigid construction, i.e. are intended to retain their shape during normal use.

Each receptacle 12, 14 is provided with a seal 20 which covers the aperture, retaining the tobacco 16 within the receptacle 12, 14. The seal is a thin flexible layer which is stuck or adhered to the perimeter of the aperture, with a continuous join between the seal 20 and the receptacle 12, 14 so that the tobacco 16 can be kept fresh and moist.

To retain the fresh and moist nature of the tobacco even after the pack is first opened by a consumer, the seal 20 is adhered to the receptacle 12, 14 using an adhesive which is reversible, so that a user may readily partly or completely remove the seal 20 by peeling it away from the receptacle 12, 14, thus opening the aperture and gaining access to the tobacco within, and then stick the seal 20 back into position using the same adhesive, to close the receptacle 12, 14 by re-covering the aperture.

In this embodiment, the seal 20 is formed in two pieces, a first sealing member 22 and a second sealing member 24. The first sealing member 22 has the same length as the aperture but a smaller width, and is adhered to the perimeter of the aperture along all of one side and part of the two adjacent sides, thus covering a first part of the aperture, arid leaving a second part uncovered. The second sealing member 24 also has the same length as the aperture, and a width which is greater than the uncovered second part of the aperture. It is adhered to the perimeter of the aperture along all of the side opposite to the side to which the full length of the first sealing member is adhered, and along part of the two adjacent sides. In this way, it covers the second part of the aperture, so that the first sealing member 22 and the second sealing member 24 together cover the whole of the aperture. In addition, the second sealing member 24 has a portion 26 which extends over and hence overlaps the first sealing member 22.

To open the receptacle 12, 14, the user grasps the overlapping portion 26 of the second sealing member 24 and uses it to peel back the second sealing member by unsticking it from the perimeter of the aperture. Part or all of the second part of the aperture is thereby uncovered, and the user can extract tobacco 16 from the receptacle 12, 14 through the second part.

This arrangement gives a smaller opening through which the tobacco 16 can be taken from the receptacle 12, 14 compared to a one- piece peel-back seal 20. This reduces the risk of tobacco being spilt if the pack is dropped or tipped while the aperture is open, and also helps to keep the tobacco fresh since a smaller volume is exposed when the aperture is opened. Tobacco 16 under the first sealing member 22 can be retrieved by tipping or tapping the receptacle to slide the tobacco 16 sideways.

Also, the overlapping of two individual sealing members in this way offers a seal which is easier to open, since the overlap portion can be readily grasped. To facilitate this, the overlap portion can be provided with a tab 28 on its edge, which can be gripped for pulling the second sealing member away from the receptacle 12, 14.

Preferably, the tab 28 is not adhered to the underlying first sealing member 22, so that it can be easily lifted up and grasped. However, the overlap portion 28 may be adhered to the first sealing member with reversible adhesive if desired, but if the overlap is of sufficient size, adequate freshness of the tobacco may be preserved without the need for adhesive in this area. The absence of adhesive will reduce the chance of the user becoming contaminated with adhesive while removing tobacco, and also stops stray tobacco from becoming stuck in the overlap region, which may interfere with the quality of the seal and hence reduce freshness.

In Figure 1, the first receptacle 12 is shown with the overlapping portion 26 of the second sealing member 24 in a lifted position and the second sealing member 24 partially peeled away from the receptacle 12 to gain access to the tobacco 16. The second receptacle 14 is shown with the overlapping portion 26 laid flat in a closed position.

As can be seen from Figure 1, the first receptacle 12 and the second receptacle 14 are joined together along adjacent edges. These joined edges have a hinge line 30, which is foldable and along which the two receptacles can be rotated towards one another to reach a closed position in which the two seals 20 are brought into a face to face configuration, and the outer faces of the two receptacles 12, 14 become the outer surface of the pack. To access the tobacco, the user opens the pack 10 by rotating the receptacles 12, 14 about the hinge line 30 as if opening a book, and then peels back one of the second sealing members 24 to open the underlying aperture. The division of the pack into two receptacles allows the tobacco to be supplied in two separate portions, the second of which need not be accessed until the first is finished, so that the second portion retains maximum freshness for as long as possible.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the pack of Figure 1 in the closed position, with the pack 10 folded along the hinge line 30 with the two seals face to face and the outer faces 32 facing outwards.

Also apparent from Figure 2 is a rim 32 around the perimeter of the apertures, formed as an outwardly extending portion of the side walls 18 of the receptacles 12, 14. The rim 32 provides a surface to which the sealing members 22, 24 can be adhered, thus ensuring good contact between the sealing members 22, 24 and receptacles 12, 14 to achieve a high level of freshness of the tobacco.

The seal 20 should be a thin flexible layer that can readily be peeled away from the receptacle to which it is adhered without tearing, damage or distortion so that when stuck down again to close the aperture a good closure is achieved. Suitable materials which can be formed into a thin but relatively tough layer include plastics materials, cellophane, and foil or paper laminated with a plastics layer.

The receptacles can be formed by moulding plastics materials in a mould. Such materials provide a waterproof environment for the tobacco, while at the same time retaining the moisture of the tobacco once it is packed and stopping it from drying out.

Moulding also offers a simple way to achieve any desired outer shape for the pack.

Jo For example, the receptacles can be given square or rounded corners to replicate the appearance of packs of cigarettes containing the same brand of tobacco. For example, the pack shown in Figure 2 has angular corners, and Figure 3 shows a pack 10 having an alternative design with rounded corners. The moulding may be injection moulding, for example. Alternatively, thermo-forming may be used, in which sheet plastics material is heated and pressed into a mould. The material can be relatively thin, since the shape of the receptacles can be used to give rigidity rather than the material itself.

This saves material and is thus economic.

Alternatively, the receptacles may be made from cardboard or stiff paper which is cut into blanks and folded and stuck to create the receptacles, similar to the way in which crush-proof cigarette packs are fabricated. The card can be laminated with one or more plastic layers to provide the desirable moisture retention, or the receptacles can be provided with a plastic lining after the blanks are erected.

Regarding the connection and hinge line between the two receptacles, this can be formed in a variety of ways, examples of which are illustrated in Figures 4A-4D.

Figure 4A shows a cross-section of a pack having a connection according to a first embodiment. The Figure shows the two receptacles 12, 14, each filled with tobacco 16 and each having a seal 20 comprising a first sealing member 22 and a second sealing member 24, adhered to a rim 32 on the perimeter of an aperture 34. For the sake of clarity, the sealing members 22, 24 and the rim 32 are shown spaced apart, but in reality are in contact and adhered together.

In this example, the two receptacles 12, 14 are formed separately, with individual seals 20. After fabrication, the receptacles 12, 14 are joined together by a separate hinge member 36 that is applied along the adjacent edges to connect the receptacles 12, 14 in the desired foldable hinged manner. The hinge member 36 may be made of paper, card or plastic, possibly to match the material from which the receptacles are made, and attached to the receptacles using adhesive or welding (in the case of plastic), for example. The hinge line can be created by forming a score line, a perforated line or a thinned region along the hinge member 36 parallel to the adjacent edges of the receptacles. The nature of the hinge line can be selected appropriate to the material of the hinge member so as to give a hinge which is sufficiently strong to withstand repeated opening and closing of the pack but which is flexible enough to easily bring the receptacles into the closed face to face configurations.

Figure 4B shows an alternative embodiment, in which the receptacles 12, 14 are formed as a single unit, already joined along the adjacent edges as required for folding. The hinge line 30 is defined along the portion connecting the two receptacles 12, 14, the portion being the adjacent rims 32 of the two receptacles formed as a single piece. For receptacles made from plastics materials, the two receptacles 12, 14 can be moulded as a single unit in a mould having portions for defining the two receptacles.

For receptacles erected from blanks, a single blank can be used to form both receptacles. Individual seals 20 are then applied to each receptacle 12, 14.

Figure 4C shows a further alternative embodiment, in which the seals 20 are used to create the connection between the two receptacles 12, 14. The receptacles 12, 14 are formed as individual units. Two sealing members, one for each receptacle, are then formed as a single piece 38, for example by cutting out a single piece from the layer of material used for the sealing members. The single piece 38 is then adhered to the perimeters of the apertures of both receptacles 12, 14 so as to partially extend over S. both receptacles 12, 14 and connect them together. The remaining sealing members are formed and applied to the receptacles 12, 14 individually. The hinge line 30 is defined in the single piece 38 of sealing member material, by perforating, folding, etc. In the illustrated example, the two first sealing members 22 are formed as a single piece 38, but the receptacles 12, 14 may be configured the opposite way around so that the two second sealing members 24 are formed as a single piece, or alternatively one first sealing member 22 and one second sealing member 24 can formed as a single piece.

Figure 4D shows a still further embodiment, in which the receptacles 12, 14 are connected by forming the receptacles 12, 14 as a single unit and by using a single piece sealing member 38 extending across both receptacles 12, 14. The hinge line 30 is defined in both the receptacle material and the sealing member material.

The hinge line may further be formed as a breakable hinge line. This allows the two receptacles to be detached one from the other. Hence, when all the tobacco in one of thereceptacles has been used and the receptacle is empty, it can be detached from the other receptacle that still contains tobacco, and discarded. In this way, the user need not carry around empty packaging.

The breakable nature of the hinge line can be provided in any convenient manner that gives a hinge tough enough to withstand repeated folding but which can be broken without excessive effort on the part of the user, for example by tearing, twisting or snapping. The approach used will likely depend on the material used to connect the two receptacles. For example, the hinge line may be provided with perforations or may be defined as a thinner portion than the surrounding material.

According to further embodiments, the pack 10 may be provided with a closure arrangement, device or mechanism that operates to keep the pack in the closed configuration, with the two seals 20 face to face. The closure may be a temporary closure designed for a single use that keeps the pack closed during shipping and sale, and once the user has broken the closure to open the pack, it cannot be re-used to close

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the pack. Alternatively, the closure may be re-usable, so that the user can "lock" the pack back into the closed position after each opening.

Figure 5A shows a cross-sectional view of a closed pack 10 in which the closure 40 comprises one or more spots or lines of adhesive applied to the edges of the receptacles remote from the hinge line. Single use or re-usable adhesive may be used as desired, to give a single use or multiple use closure. In this example, the receptacles 12, 14 are connected byway of a single piece 38 of sealing member material.

Figure 5B shows a cross-sectional view of a closed pack 10 in which the closure 40 comprises a tab which is struck across the junction between the adjacent edges of the closed pack, remote from the hinge line 30. The tab may be torn apart to open the pack 10, giving a single use closure, or if adhered to the receptacles 12, 14 with re-usable adhesive it can be peeled off and re-stuck to give a multiple use closure.

In this example, the receptacles 12, 14 are connected by making the two receptacles as a single unit.

Alternative closure arrangements include wholly or partly covering the pack with a cellophane or plastic outer wrapping which holds the pack closed and is removed to open the pack, and a catch or latch arrangement formed in the edges of the receptacles. For example, a pair of inter-engaging or co-operating elements may be formed at the receptacle edges, such as a protrusion and a recess shaped and sized to fit together via an interference fit. This is particularly applicable to receptacles made from moulded plastics material, since the closure elements can be formed during the moulding process at no extra cost or time.

Further closure alternatives include magnetic strips along the receptacle edges, and hook-and-loop fastening material such as Velcro (RTM).

In a further embodiment, the pack has the form of a single receptacle only, rather than two hingedly connected receptacles. This arrangement offers many of the advantages of the two receptacle embodiments, including a rigid pack and the high quality and easily openable seal available from using two overlapping sealing members. Both configurations also offer substantially flat surfaces on the outside of the pack which users may find useful when rolling cigarettes. A single receptacle design may be preferred for supplying smaller quantities of tobacco, however, or may be preferred by high volume users to whom the extended freshness of a second separately sealed portion of tobacco is of little interest.

Figure 6A shows a plan view of a pack 10 with a single receptacle, showing the seal 20 comprising a first sealing portion 22 and a second sealing portion 24 having a lift-up tab 28 for ease of opening.

Figure 6B shows the single-receptacle pack of Figure 6A in cross-section, with the sealing members 22 and 24 in the closed position,sealing the tobacco 16 within the receptacle 12. Figure 6C shows the same cross-sectional view, but illustrates the second sealing member 24 in a partially opened position with the overlap portion 28 lifted up, giving access to the tobacco 16 through the aperture 34.

According to alternative embodiments, the two-receptacle folding configuration may be utilised without a seal formed from a first sealing member and a second sealing member. instead, a single sealing member can be used for each receptacle, the single sealing member completely covering the aperture of the relevant receptacle. The sealing member can be peelable from the perimeter of the aperture by grasping a corner or edge of the sealing member. A graspable tab extending from an edge of the sealing member may be provided to assist the user in opening the seal.

This arrangement offers many of the various advantages of embodiments using a two-part seal, such as a rigid pack, disposal of half the pack once the tobacco therein has been consumed, and flat surfaces upon which cigarettes may be rolled. However, the single piece seal may be preferred over the two-piece version for ease of manufacturing.

Figure 7A shows a cross-sectional view of a pack 10 having first and second receptacles 12, 14 joined along a hinge line 30 and each having a one-piece seal 20. In this example, the receptacles 12, 14 are formed as a single unit, similar to the example pack shown in Figure 4B.

Figure 7B shows an alternative arrangement of a pack 10 having first and second receptacles 12, 14 joined along a hinge line 30 and each having a one-piece seal 20, in which the two seals 20 are formed as a single piece 38, and used to connect the two receptacles 12, 14, similar to the example pack shown in Figure 4C.

Other embodiments comprising one or two receptacles employ seals comprising first and second sealing members configured differently from the seal shown in Figure 1.

to Figures 8A-8D show plan views of a first example of such an embodiment. As illustrated, the pack comprises one receptacle, but may include a second receptacle as described in the earlier embodiments. The seal comprises a first sealing member 22 of the same size as the aperture in the receptacle and which is adhered or otherwise bonded (such as by welding) to the receptacle around the whole of the perimeter of the aperture. The first sealing member 22 includes an opening 42 through which the tobacco 16 in the receptacle can be accessed. Hence the opening 42 defines the second part of the aperture, which is not covered by the first sealing member 22. The opening 42 is substantially centrally positioned within the first sealing member.

As in earlier examples, the second part of the aperture is covered by a second sealing member 24 that has a larger area than the second part of the aperture. This is shown in Figure 8B. In this example, however, the second sealing member 24 overlaps the first sealing member 22 around the whole perimeter of the second part of the aperture. The second sealing member is held in place by reversible adhesive 44 applied in a line right around the opening 42 (shown by a dotted line in Figure 8B).

The second sealing member 24 can thereby be peeled away from the first sealing member 22 to give access to the opening 42, and then stuck back down on the first sealing member 22 to cover and close the opening 42.

By providing reversible adhesive 44 around all of the opening 24, the second sealing member 24 can be completely removed if desired, or partially peeled back only. However, complete removal of the second sealing member 24 may result in it being mislaid, or becoming stuck to another object. To address this, in a further example it is proposed that the second sealing member 22 be permanently affixed to the first sealing member 22 along part of its edge. This is shown in Figure 8C. In this example, the second sealing member 24 is rectangular in shape, and one of its edges is fixed to the first sealing member 22 by a substantially permanent join, shown by dashed line 46. Depending on the materials used for the two sealing members, the join 46 can be achieved by use of a non-reversible adhesive or by welding, for example.

Reversible adhesive is applied around the rest of the edge of the second sealing member 24/opening 42. Thus, when the second sealing member 24 is peeled off and stuck onto the first sealing member 22, it hinges about the join 46 as the opening 42 is opened and closed. Hence, the second sealing member 24 cannot be mislaid, and is retained in position for convenient closure of the opening 42. Preferably, the join 46 is formed in such a way that the second sealing member can be folded back away from the opening 42 to a resting position in which there is no tendency for it to fall forward over the opening 42 while access to the tobacco is required.

The reversible adhesive 44 should be provided in sufficient quantity to provide a good seal around the opening 42 when the second sealing member 24 is stuck to the first sealing member 22, and to continue this over repeated opening and closing.

However, if the adhesive is provided over a small area (for example as a thin line), there is less risk that stray particles of tobacco will become stuck to it, which would likely impair the quality of the seal. This potential problem can be further addressed by spacing the adhesive 42 as far as possible from the edge of the opening 42. This can be achieved if the second sealing member 22 is made substantially larger than the opening 42, as shown in the example of Figure 8D. A further feature of the adhesive position is its proximity to the edge of the second sealing member 24. Provision of an

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adhesive-free zone around the edge of the second-sealing member 24 gives a free edge that is not stuck to the first sealing member 22 and which can therefore be more easily grasped for lifting of the second sealing member 24. A protruding tab such as the tab 28 in Figures 1 and 6A may be provided for this purpose.

The opening 42 can have any size, shape and position within the first sealing member 22, arid is not limited to a centrally positioned rectangular opening as shown in Figures 8A-8D. The first sealing member 22 may completely surround the opening 42. Alternatively, the opening 42 may be positioned at an edge of the first sealing member 22, so that part of the edge of the opening 42 coincides with part of the perimeter of the aperture in the receptacle. The join line 46, if provided, may then be positioned on the first sealing member 22 or along the perimeter of the aperture.

Figure 8E shows a cross-sectional side view of the receptacle 12 of Figure 8C, showing the second sealing member 24 overlying the central opening 42 and overlapping the first sealing member 22. The second sealing member 24 is affixed to the first sealing member 22 along the join 46, and sealed shut by adhesive 44.

Figures 9A-9C show plan views of a further embodiment that includes a first and a second sealing member (illustrated as a pack with one receptacle, but equally applicable to a pack with two receptacles). In this embodiment, the second part of the aperture is defined by an opening in the first sealing member, as for the embodiment of Figure 9A-9E, but the second sealing member has a two-layer construction.

The first sealing member 22 is adhered or bonded around the whole of the perimeter of the aperture in the receptacle. A flap 48 is cut into the first sealing member 22, which can be lifted up to form an opening in the first sealing member 22 which defines the second part of the aperture, through which tobacco can be accessed.

The flap 48 forms a lower layer of the second sealing member 24. In this example, the flap is rectangular, being cut along three sides and left integral with the first sealing member along the fourth side 50, which forms a hinge line. However, other shapes can be employed. Thus, the lower layer of the second sealing member 24 has the same size and shape as the second part of the aperture and is integrally formed with the first sealing member 22.

Figure 9B shows the completed seal, including an upper layer 52 of the second sealing member 24. The upper layer 52 has a larger area than the lower layer 48 and extends beyond the edges of the lower layer 48 around the whole of the lower layer 48, to overlap the first sealing layer 22. Reversible adhesive 44 is applied around the edge of the upper layer 52 to seal the second sealing member 24 to the first sealing member 22 and hence close the second part of the aperture. A further area of adhesive 54 is also provided to bond the upper layer 52 to the lower layer 48 to form a complete second sealing member 24. Hence, when the upper layer 52 is peeled away from the first sealing member 22, it lifts the lower layer 48 with it. The lower layer 48 pivots upwards about the hinge line 50, and the second part of the aperture is opened. The bonding adhesive may extend over all or part of the lower layer 48. The bonding adhesive 54 and the reversible adhesive 44 (which may be the same type of adhesive) are required to provide reversible opening and re-sealing of the flap 48, while keeping the two layers together so that the upper layer 52 lifts the lower layer 48. The reversible adhesive 44 may or may not extend to the outer edge of the upper layer 52.

If it does not, an adhesive-free zone is provided to give easier peeling of the upper layer 52 away from the first sealing member 22.

In the example of Figure 9B, the upper layer extends over the hinge line 50 connecting the lower layer 48 to the first sealing member 22. This is appropriate if the upper layer 52 is sufficiently thin that it does not impede operation of the hinge line 50 and does not tend to urge the lower layer 48 back to the closed position after opening.

Alternatively, the upper layer 52 can be provided with a score line, a thinned region, a perforated line, or similar, positioned over the hinge line 50 and about which the upper layer 52 can be folded to open and close the aperture.

Figure 9C shows a further alternative, in which the upper layer 52 is positioned such that it overlaps the first sealing member 22 along all the edge of the flap 48 except the hinge line 50. In other words, an edge of the upper layer 52 lies substantially along the hinge line 50. In this way, the upper layer 52 does not interfere with operation of the hinge line and opening of the flap 48. Indeed, the weight of the upper layer may be sufficient to hold the flap 48 folded back in the open position, so S that it is held out of the way while tobacco is being taken from the receptacle.

Figure 9D shows a side view of the receptacle 12 of Figure 9C, illustrating the upper layer 52 stuck to the lower layer 48 by the bonding adhesive 54 and to the first sealing member 22 by the reversible adhesive 44, and positioned with an edge along the hinge line 50.

Figures 1OA and lOB show cross-sectional side views of further examples of receptacles having seals formed from a first sealing member and a second sealing member. Figure lOA shows a pack comprising two hinged receptacles 12, 14, where the hinge line 30 is formed in the receptacle material as in Figure 4B. For each receptacle 12, 14 the first sealing member 22 is adhered all round the perimeter of the aperture, and has an opening 42 in it which defines the second part of the aperture.

The second sealing member 24 has a larger area than the opening 42 and covers the opening 42 by overlapping the first sealing member 22 around the opening 42.

Reversible adhesive (not shown) is applied between the two sealing layers around the opening 42 so that the second sealing member 24 can be peeled away from and stuck back on to the first sealing member 22, to open and close the opening 42. Moreover, the second sealing member 24 is formed integrally with the first sealing member 22 so that it extends from an edge of the first sealing member 22. The second sealing member 22 is hence folded over along a folded edge 56 onto the first sealing member 22 to cover the opening 42. This arrangement allows the first and second sealing members 22, 24 to be cut from a single sheet of sealing material as one piece, and attached to the receptacle as one piece, thus simplifying manufacture.

In the example of Figure IOA, the second sealing member has substantially the same size and shape as the first sealing member, so that the second sealing member covers the whole of the first sealing member. This gives a neat outer appearance to the seal when closed, and also gives a maximum amount of overlapping material between the two sealing members to allow the adhesive to be located remote from the opening, and to offer the possibility of an edge region with no adhesive for easier gripping and lifting of the second sealing layer. However, a smaller second sealing member can be employed if desired. All that is required for this embodiment is that the second sealing member 24 is large enough and extends far enough from the edge of the first sealing member 22 to cover and overlap the opening 42. Hence the size of the second sealing member 24 depends in part on the position of the opening 42, so the amount of material needed for the second sealing member 24 can be reduced by positioning the opening 42 near to an edge of the first sealing member 22.

In the example of Figure bA, the folded edge of the sealing members 22, 24 is positioned along the hinge line 30 between the two receptacles 12, 14. No sealing material extends between the two receptacles, and the hinge line 30 is defined in the receptacle material. The sealing members may be oriented differently, however. In particular, if the folded edge is positioned away from the hinge line, the material of the two first sealing members 22-can extend between the two receptacles, and the hinge line can be formed in the first sealing members. In this way, the two first sealing members and the two second sealing members can all be integral with one another and cut as a single piece from one sheet of seal material, thus further simplifying manufacture.

Figure lOB shows a two-receptacle pack with sealing members 22, 24 configured in this way as a single piece that provides the hinge line 30. In this example, the folded edges are opposite to the hinge line edges, but may be positioned along other free edges of the receptacles.

A seal of this type, comprising a second sealing member integral with and folded over a first sealing member, can also be used for a single receptacle pack.

The various example packs described above and shown in the accompanying Figures are illustrative examples of the invention only, and are not intended to be limiting. Packs falling within the scope of the appended claims may include many variations upon these examples. For example, the receptacles may have shapes other than the illustrated substantially rectangular shapes, such as square, triangular, circular, semi-circular, etc (although for configurations comprising two hinged receptacles, shapes having at least one straight edge are advantageous, since a longer hinge line can be provided). The side walls may extend at right angles from the outer face, or may slope therefrom at an angle, or some combination of these two possibilities can be used. The rim around the perimeter of the aperture may extend inwardly or outwardly, or may be dispensed with altogether if the receptacles are made from a material with a thickness such that the upper edge of the side walls offers a sufficient surface for adhering or bonding the seal thereto.

The packs can be used for loose tobacco intended for hand-rolling of cigarettes or for pipe smoking. Alternatively, the packs may contain snus, either in loose form or packaged in small bags. For embodiments comprising two receptacles, each receptacle may contain a different type or form of tobacco.

Claims

S CLAIMS

1. A pack for tobacco comprising: a substantially rigid receptacle for containing tobacco and having an aperture through which tobacco may be removed from the receptacle; and a seal covering the aperture and adhered to the perimeter thereof, the seal comprising a first sealing member covering a first part of the aperture and leaving a second part of the aperture uncovered, and a second sealing member covering the second part of the aperture and having a portion that overlaps the first sealing member, the second sealing member being adhered around at least part of the second portion of the aperture such that it can be reversibly removed and re-adhered to open and close the second part of the aperture.

2. A pack according to claim 1, in which the second part of the aperture extends to the perimeter of the aperture, and the second sealing member is adhered to the perimeter of the aperture such that it can be reversibly removed and re-adhered to open and close the second part of the aperture.

3. A pack according to claim 2, in which at least part of the overlapping portion of the second sealing member is reversibly removably adhered to the first sealing member.

4. A pack according to claim 2 or claim 3, in which the overlapping portion of the second sealing member has a tab extending from its edge which can be grasped to facilitate removal of the second sealing member from the first sealing member.

5. A pack according to claim, in which the tab lies within the perimeter of the aperture.

6. A pack according to claim 5, in which the tab is not adhered to the first sealing member.

s

7. A pack according to claim 1, in which the first sealing member has an opening therein defining the second part of the aperture, and the second sealing member is adhered to the first sealing member such that it can be reversibly removed and re-adhered to open and close the second part of the aperture.

8. A pack according to claim 7, in which the first sealing member surrounds the second part of the aperture.

9. A pack according to claim 7 or claim 8, in which the second sealing member is permanently affixed along part of its edge such that it hinges about that part of its edge to open and close the second part of the aperture.

10. A pack according to claim 1, in which the first sealing member has an opening therein defining the second part of the aperture, and the second sealing member comprises an upper layer and a lower layer, the lower layer formed integrally with the first sealing member, extending from an edge of the opening across the second part of the aperture, and having substantially the same area as the second part of the aperture, and the upper layer extending beyond the lower layer to form the portion that overlaps the first sealing member, this portion being adhered to the first sealing member such that the second sealing member can be reversibly removed and re-adhered to open and close the second part of the aperture.

11. A pack according to claim 1, in which the first sealing member has an opening therein defining the second part of the aperture, and the second sealing member is formed integrally with the first sealing member, extending from an outer edge of the first sealing member and being folded over the first sealing member to cover the second part of the aperture, the second sealing member being adhered to the first sealing member such that is can be reversibly removed and re-adhered to open and close the second part of the aperture.

12. A pack according to claim 11, in which the first sealing member and the second sealing member have substantially the same outer dimensions.

13. A pack according to any one of claims I to 12, in which the receptacle comprises a rim around the perimeter of the aperture which provides a surface to which the seal is removably adhered.

14. A pack according to any one of claims I to 13, in which the receptacle is formed from moulded plastics material.

15. A pack according to any one of claims I to 13, in which the receptacle is formed from a foldable cut-out blank.

16. A pack according to any one of claims I to 15, in which the receptacle is defined by an outer face with four edges, and a side wall extending from each edge of the outer face, the edges of the side walls distal from the outer face forming the perimeter of the aperture.

17. A pack according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a second substantially rigid receptacle with an aperture and a seal, the said receptacle and the second receptacle being foldably connected to each other along a hinge line such that the two seals can be brought into face-to-face relationship.

18. A pack according to claim 17, in which the said receptacle and the second receptacle are formed as a single unit, the hinge line being defined in the material from which the said receptacle and the second receptacle are formed.

19. A pack according to claim 17 or claim 18, in which a sealing member of the said receptacle and a sealing member of the second receptacle are formed as a single piece, the said receptacle and the second receptacle being connected by the single piece being adhered to the perimeters of the aperture of the said receptacle and the o aperture of the second receptacle to cover the relevant parts of the apertures, and the hinge line being defined in the single piece.

20. A pack according to any one of claims 17 to 19, in which the hinge line is formed as a breakable connection so that the second receptacle can be detached from the said receptacle.

21. A pack according to any one of claims 17 to 20, further comprising a releasable closure that holds the said receptacle and the second receptacle in a configuration in which the two seals are in a face-to-face relationship.

22. A pack for tobacco comprising: a first substantially rigid receptacle for containing tobacco and having an aperture through which tobacco may be removed from the receptacle, and a seal covering the aperture and removably adhered to the perimeter thereof; a second substantially rigid receptacle for containing tobacco and having an aperture through which tobacco may be removed from the receptacle, and a seal covering the aperture and removably adhered to the perimeter thereof; the first receptacle and the second receptacle being foldably connected to each other along a hinge line such that the two seals can be brought into face-to-face relation ship.

23. A pack according to claim 22, in which the first receptacle and the second receptacle are formed as a single unit, the hinge line being defined in the material from which the first receptacle and the second receptacle are formed.

24. A pack according to claim 22 or claim 23, in which part or all of the seal of the first receptacle and part or all of the seal of the second receptacle are formed as a single piece, the first receptacle and the second receptacle being connected by the single piece being adhered to the perimeters of the aperture of the first receptacle and the aperture of the second receptacle, and the hinge line being defined in the single piece.

25. A pack according to any one of claims 22 to 24, in which the hinge line is formed as a breakable connection so that the second receptacle can be detached from the first receptacle.

26. A pack according to any one of claims 22 to 25, further comprising a releasable closure that holds the first receptacle and the second receptacle in a configuration in which the two seals are in a face-to-face relationship.

27. A pack according to any one of claims 22 to 26, in which one or both seals comprises a first sealing member covering a first part of the associated aperture and a second sealing member covering a second part of the associated aperture and having a portion that overlaps the first sealing member, the second sealing member being adhered to the perimeter of the associated aperture such that it can be reversibly removed and re-adhered to open and close the second part of the aperture.

28. A pack according to claim 27, in which at least part of the overlapping portion s of the second sealing member is reversibly removably adhered to the first sealing member.

29. A pack according to claim 27 or claim 28, in which the overlapping portion of the second sealing member has a tab extending from its edge which can be grasped to io facilitate removal of the second sealing member from the first sealing member.

30. A pack according to claim 29, in which the tab lies within the perimeter of the aperture.

31. A pack according to claim 30, in which the tab is not adhered to the first sealing member.

32. A pack according to any one of claims 22 to 31, in which the first receptacle and second receptacle each comprise a rim around the perimeter of the aperture which provides a surface to which the seal is removably adhered.

33. A pack according to any one of claims 22 to 32, in which the first receptacle and the second receptacle are formed from moulded plastics material.

34. A pack according to any one of claims 22 to 32, in which the first receptacle and the second receptacle are formed from one or more foldable cut-out blanks.

35. A pack according to any one of claims 22 to 34, in which the first receptacle and the second receptacle are each defined by an outer face with four edges, and a side wall extending from each edge of the outer face, the edges of the side walls distal from the outer face forming the perimeter of the aperture.

36. A pack according to any preceding claim, in which the or each receptacle contains tobacco.

37. A pack for tobacco substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.