TW201328942A - Packaged consumer goods - Google Patents

Abstract

According to the invention there is provided a package for consumer goods, comprising: a first portion adapted to partially enclose at least one consumer good; and a second portion adapted to partially enclose the at least one consumer good, comprising means for detachably retaining the at least one consumer good; the first and second portions being joined at a line of weakness, wherein said first portion is movable about said line of weakness to expose a first end of the at least one consumer good. There is also provided packaged consumer goods, comprising at least one consumer good and a package as aforementioned. A method of manufacturing packaged consumer goods is also provided.

Description

Packaged consumer goods

The present invention relates to packaging for consumer goods. The invention also relates to a method of making a package for consumer products. In particular, the present invention relates to packaging for consumer products.

Smoke generating devices typically consume smoke to form a supply of substrate during use. If the device is reusable, the aerosol-forming substrate must be replenished. This can be refilled by refilling the smoke to form the outer casing or reservoir of the substrate, or by providing the substrate to a depletable enthalpy. It is known to provide depletable enthalpy with over-packaging to protect cockroaches during shipping and storage. Over-packaging in the form of over-packaged blister packs, clamshell packs, boxes and plastic bags. In all cases, the crucible is manufactured and subsequently packaged. Moreover, while these forms of packaging provide adequate protection for transportation and storage, they present potential problems with ease of use. There may also be potential problems with hygiene in these forms of packaging. There may also be potential problems with these forms of packaging. This is because once the crucible is removed from the overpack, it may be difficult to insert into the device due to its small size. In addition, users must also deal with the embarrassment that causes potential health problems. Finally, in some cases, the relative size of the cockroach may present a security concern.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide a package suitable for use in depleting the crucible that facilitates the treatment. It is also advisable to provide packaging for hygienic consumables. Finally, it is also advisable to provide packaging that is suitable for reducing any safety risks. It is also advisable to manufacture this package more efficiently than other conventional packaging techniques.

According to one aspect of the invention, a packaged consumer product is provided, comprising at least one consumer product, and a package comprising: a first portion adapted to partially enclose at least one consumer product; and a second portion adapted to partially enclose At least one consumer product includes means for removably retaining at least one consumer product; the first and second portions are joined at a dashed line. The first portion is movable about the dashed line to expose the first end of the at least one consumer product. Moreover, the means for removably retaining the consumer product includes at least one frangible tab that is integral with at least a portion of the at least one consumer product and the first portion or the second portion.

By providing a package having two such portions and holding means, the consumer product can be obtained by moving the first portion relative to the second portion about the dashed line. Preferably, the first portion and the second portion may be made of a hard material to facilitate this movement. The consumer product can then be inserted into the device and the second portion can then be removed and the device can be used in a conventional manner. Advantageously, the second portion provides a means for facilitating the handling of consumer products into the device, thereby making it easier to use. In addition, consumer goods do not have to be handled directly by the user, so the process of replacing consumer goods can be more hygienic. Moreover, consumer goods are always connected to at least one other component as they move from the package to the device, improving safety.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a package for consumer goods is provided, comprising: a first portion adapted to partially surround at least one consumer product; and a second portion adapted to partially surround at least one consumer product, including Removably maintaining at least one consumer product; the first and second portions are joined to a dotted line, wherein the first portion The line can be moved around the dashed line to expose the first end of the at least one consumer product.

Preferably, the consumer product is for a disposable item in the device and the device is adapted for use with a consumer product.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a packaged consumer product comprising a plurality of packages as described herein is provided. Each package is joined to at least one other such package in a dashed line, wherein the dashed line is along one edge of the package. The configuration of this package allows for the supply of a plurality of consumer products to the user, but each consumer product is still individually packaged. Advantageously, this ensures that the consumer products are kept in the package until they are used.

The package is preferably suitable for packaging long consumer products. The consumer product preferably has a major axis that extends from the first end to the second end along the length of the elongate consumer product. The first end of the consumer product is suitable for insertion into a device that uses consumer goods. The term "main axis" as used herein is defined as the longitudinal axis of the elongate body.

The first portion of the package can be in the form of a square, rectangle, circle or any other suitable shape, in each case the first portion has a slit to receive and partially enclose the first end of the consumer product. The second portion of the package is preferably in a form complementary to the first portion, such as a square, a rectangle, or a circle. In each case, the second portion includes a slit. The second portion is preferably adapted to partially surround the second end of the consumer product. The first portion and the second portion may have rounded corners or truncated corners, such as chamfers. The term "partially enclosed" as used herein is intended to mean that the consumer product is not completely enclosed and, therefore, is exposed along at least a portion of its length or width. In one embodiment, the first and second portions extend around the consumer product in a plane that substantially includes the longitudinal axis. By only partially surrounding the consumer product, the amount of material used for packaging can be reduced. In addition, by exposing at least a portion of the consumer product, the user It is easier to determine the type of consumer goods.

The dashed line is preferably positioned such that at least 20%, 30%, 40% or better 50% of the consumer product of the consumer product is exposed as the second portion moves relative to the first portion.

The dashed line may be the area between the first portion and the second portion of the material that is thinner than the material of the adjacent dashed line. In this case, the first and second portions have a material thickness greater than the thickness of the dashed material. In order for the package to have this dashed line, the material thicknesses of the first and second portions are preferably linearly reduced to a thinner material thickness at the dashed line. Therefore, the dashed line is preferably such that the material between the first and second portions is narrowed. Preferably, the material between the first and second portions is narrowed during manufacture of the first and second portions, such as during the molding process. Alternatively, the material thickness reduction at the dashed line can be taken by a score line that is scored between the first and second portions. The score line preferably removes portions of the material at the dashed line.

Alternatively, or in addition to reducing the thickness of the material, the dashed line can include a series of spaced apart perforations that reduce the strength of the dashed area as compared to the material comprising the first and second portions. A series of perforations can include, for example, up to 50%, 60%, or 70% of the total length of the dashed line.

In an alternate embodiment, the first and second portions are joined together and the conjugate forms a dashed line. In this alternative embodiment, the conjugate includes an adhesive, such as an adhesive, having a lower tensile strength than the materials of the first and second portions. The glue can be spaced along the dashed line to further weaken the bond between the first portion and the second portion.

Preferably, the means for detachably holding the at least one consumer product comprises at least one holder adapted to utilize friction for individual consumption And keep at least one consumer product. Alternatively, the at least one retainer can be adapted to releasably retain the other prominent features of the consumer product in at least one of the grippers using clips, hooks or interacting with the consumer product to retain at least one consumer product. As used herein, the term "removably maintained" means that the consumer product can remain in the package, but can be removed from the package by the user by removing it from the package. Preferably, the holder is adapted to provide sufficient friction to allow the consumer product to be inserted into the device using the consumer product. The friction is set such that once the consumer product is inserted, the user can remove the package. When using clips, hooks, or other protruding features, provide sufficient retention to allow consumer products to be inserted into devices that use consumer products.

Preferably, the first portion and the second portion are integrally formed. The integrally formed first and second portions are made of the same material in the same process step and are suitable materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics or composites containing one or more of these materials, or thermoplastics suitable for use in food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyethylene. Preferably, the material is lightweight and non-brittle. Preferably, the material is plastic. Preferably, the first and second portions are fabricated in a single mold.

Preferably, the first and second portions are substantially planar. The first and second portions of the plane may be relatively thin relative to the height and width of the portions. By forming the first and second portions that are substantially planar, an area for displaying information to the consumer product user can be provided. Alternatively, or in addition, a graphic or indicia can be applied to the first and second portions of the plane. Graphics or markings may take the form of images, letters, words, logos, other graphical representations or in the form of this document. Can be used for embossing, stamping, cutting, drilling or milling Form a graphic or mark.

Preferably, the first portion is detachable from the second portion in the dashed line. Preferably, forming the first portion detachable from the second portion allows the user to more easily insert the consumer product into the device. Alternatively, the first portion can be folded around a dashed line to provide a means of reaching the consumer product. In this case, the user folds the first portion toward the second portion and holds the two portions together when the consumer product is inserted into the device.

Preferably, the means for removably retaining the consumer product includes at least one frangible tab that is coupled between the second portion and the consumer product. Preferably, the breakable tabs form a bond between the package and the consumer. For example, the linker can be formed from glue. Preferably, the frangible tab is made of the same material as the first and second portions. More preferably, the package includes a plurality of frangible tabs. The frangible tabs can be provided in pairs, with each of the frangible tabs on each side being on the opposite side of the consumer product. For example, a package having one, two, three or more frangible tabs can be provided. Alternatively, an odd number of frangible tabs may be provided such that each tab does not have a directly corresponding tab on the opposite side of the consumer product. In this case, 3, 5, 7 or more frangible tabs may be provided.

Preferably, the frangible tab is adapted to be preferably broken adjacent to the consumer product such that the tab is still attached to the second portion. More preferably, the breakable sheet is adapted to be preferably broken adjacent to the consumer product such that most of the tabs are still attached to the second portion. In this case, a relatively small number of frangible tabs remain attached to the crucible. A relatively small number of frangible tabs can be used to provide a secure attachment to the portion of the device into which the consumer product is inserted.

Preferably, at least one of the at least one consumer product and at least one The frangible tab and the first portion or the second portion are integrally formed. More preferably, the consumer product is formed integrally with the frangible tab, the second portion and the first portion. A portion of the consumer product, the frangible tabs, and the first and second portions are preferably made of the same material. In this case, a portion of the consumer product can be manufactured during the same process steps as the frangible tabs and the first and second portions. The portion of the consumer product is preferably part of the outer casing or housing.

Preferably, the second portion is adapted to at least partially surround the second end of the consumer product.

Preferably, at least one consumer product is elongate and the dashed line is substantially perpendicular to the major axis of the elongate consumer product. By providing a dashed line substantially perpendicular to the major axis of the elongate consumer product, the first portion of the package can be moved more easily toward the second portion of the package. The at least one consumer product can have an outer diameter of between about 5 mm and about 30 mm, and a length of between about 5 mm and about 80 mm. Preferably, the at least one consumer product has an outer diameter of between about 7 mm and about 13 mm and a length of between about 15 mm and about 50 mm.

Preferably, the at least one consumer product is for use in a device. More preferably, the at least one consumer product is used in the crucible of an electric aerosol device. More preferably, the at least one consumer product is a disposable electric aerosol device. However, the at least one consumer product can be used in any device that requires the use of sputum, such as a medical device.

匣 Applicable in the device. The disposable electric aerosol device is suitable for use in an electric aerosol device. An electric aerosol device is an electrically operated aerosol generating system for heating a liquid aerosol into a substrate. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate is housed in a disposable crucible. The liquid substrate body can be consumed, so When the liquid is used up, the crucible must be replaced. The present invention provides a packaged crucible for use in such an electric aerosol device.

Preferably, the means for releasably retaining at least one weir is adapted to provide sufficient retention so that the crucible can be inserted into the electro-aerosol device.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of making a packaged consumer product is provided. The method includes forming a first portion adapted to partially surround at least one consumer product. A second portion is formed for partially surrounding at least one consumer product and including at least one frangible tab to removably retain at least one consumer product. Furthermore, a housing portion of at least one consumer product is formed. The first and second portions are joined in a dashed line and the first portion is movable about a dashed line to expose the first end of the at least one consumer product. The first and second portions, the housing portion and the retaining means are integrally formed.

The method of forming a package preferably includes molding a package from plastic. Preferably, the preformed portion of the consumer product is inserted into the mold prior to injection of the plastic into the mold. In this manner, the preformed portion of the consumer product can be overmolded with a molded portion that is integrally formed with the frangible tab, the first portion of the package, and the second portion of the package. Advantageously, this increases the efficiency of the process.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of using a consumable cartridge stored in a package as described herein is provided. The method includes separating a first portion of the package from the second portion at a dashed line; inserting the file into the electrosol device; and separating the second portion of the package from the file.

The invention and the methods and apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As used herein, the features of the means plus function may alternatively be represented in their corresponding construction.

Any of any of the features in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention in any suitable combination. In particular, method aspects can be applied to device aspects and vice versa. Moreover, any, some, or all of the features of one aspect can be applied to any, some, or all of the features of any other aspect in any suitable combination.

It is also to be understood that specific combinations of the various features illustrated and described in any aspect of the invention may be implemented or provided or used separately.

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments illustrated in the appended claims.

1 shows a packaged consumer product 100 that includes a package 101 and a consumer product 108. The package 101 is formed from two portions 102 and 104. The two portions of the package 101 are joined together by a dashed line 106. The consumer product 108 is held within the package 101 by the tabs 110. Consumer product 108 is partially enclosed by portions 102 and 104. In this example, the consumer product is a disposable cartridge for an electric aerosol device.匣 is applied to insert an electric aerosol device. To form the dashed line 106, the material between the first and second portions 102 and 104 is thinner than the material forming the remainder.

Figure 2 shows an end view of the packaged crucible 100 shown in Figure 1. As can be seen, the first and second portions are planar and relatively thinner than the crucible 108. The weirs 108 are exposed on both sides 200 and 202 of the package and are enclosed only in a plane extending around the circumference of the wrap. In this example, portions 102 and 104 extend around the centerline of the crucible.

Figures 3(a) through 3(d) show the packaged crucible 100 during the process of removing the cassette from the package 101 and inserting it into the device. As shown in Figure 3 (a) As shown, the package 101 includes a file 108 that is enclosed in the first and second portions 102 and 104 of the package, as described above. Figure 3 (a) also shows the dotted line in more detail. As can be seen, the first and second portions are narrowed in a dashed line to form a thinner region than the remainder of the first and second portions. For the sake of clarity, the thickness of the package is not shown in Figures 3(b) through 3(d).

As shown in FIG. 3(b), the user first bends the first portion 102 along the dashed line 106 relative to the second portion 104 in order to reach the insertion of the electro-aerosol device. In this example, and as shown in Figure 3(c), the first portion 102 is separated from the second portion 104 to provide a means of easily reaching one end of the crucible 108. Then, the second portion 104 can be used as a processing device that facilitates the insertion of the crucible, and the crucible is inserted into the electro-aerosol device 300. Finally, the second portion 104 is automatically removed by breaking the tab 110. For example, the tab 110 can be used to bias the second portion 104 by the user applying a torque to the second portion 104 when the user holds the electro-aerosol device 300. If the filter is required by the electric aerosol device, the filter will engage the free end of the file. In this case, the portion of the tab 110 that remains attached to the file can be used to ensure that the filter remains securely attached to the file.

Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of the connection of the frangible tab 110 to the crucible 108. To ensure that the tab 110 breaks adjacent to the ankle, most of the tab remains attached to the second portion 104, forming a junction of the neck 400 between the condyle 108 and the tab 110.

Figure 5 shows the variation of the package shown in Figure 1. As can be seen in this example, the three packages 100 are joined together to form a plurality of packages 500. The packages 100 are joined together at dashed lines 502 and 504. In use, the user first makes the package 100 and other with the dashed line 502 or 504. The package is separated and then reached in the manner described above.

The package is manufactured using conventional molding techniques. In particular, the packaging is manufactured using insert molding techniques. The prefabricated part of the crucible is inserted into the mold. The prefabricated portion includes all of the weir assemblies except for a portion of the weir casing. Next, plastic is injected into the mold to form the shell portion of the crucible, and at the same time, the first portion and the second portion of the package are formed from the same mold of the same plastic. The molding process results in a complete packaged crucible. The insert molding process for producing the crucible shell and package can be part of a larger process for making an electric aerosol device.

An alternative embodiment of the package is shown in Figures 6 and 7. As can be seen in Figure 6, package 600 is similar to package 101 in that it also includes a first portion 602 and a second portion 604. The first and second portions 502 and 504 are joined together at a dashed line 606. In the present embodiment, the holder 608 is detachably held. Holder 608 is suitable for use in friction to keep it in the package.

As can be seen in Figure 7, the holder 608 includes a thin portion of material having a radius of curvature that creates an interference fit when the file is inserted into the package. The interference fit has sufficient friction to allow the crucible to be inserted into the electro-aerosol device. Once the device is inside the device, the second portion 604 is removed from the device. This is done by sliding the second portion off the crucible along the main axis of the crucible. Alternatively, the user applies a force to the second portion 604 while maintaining a helium that is applied perpendicular to the major axis of the ankle. Thus, the second portion 604 is forced away from the helium and the helium is removed via the gap 700.

It is to be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the details of the embodiments described above.

100‧‧‧Packaged consumer goods

101‧‧‧Package

102‧‧‧Part 1

104‧‧‧Part II

106‧‧‧dotted line

108‧‧‧Consumer goods

110‧‧‧Fragable tabs

200, 202‧‧‧ on both sides of the package

300‧‧‧Electrosol

400‧‧‧ neck

502, 504‧‧‧ dotted line

600‧‧‧Package

602‧‧‧Part 1

604‧‧‧Part II

606‧‧‧dotted line

608‧‧‧挟持具

700‧‧‧ gap

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a packaged consumer product in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 shows an end view of the packaged consumer product shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows the packaged consumer product shown in Figure 1 during the process of removing the consumer product from the package.

Figure 4 shows a detailed view of the tabs that connect the consumer product to the package.

Figure 5 shows a majority of the packages including the three packaged consumer products that are joined together.

Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of a packaged consumer product in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a view showing a detailed view of a section A-A of Fig. 5.

100‧‧‧Packaged consumer goods

101‧‧‧Package

102‧‧‧Part 1

104‧‧‧Part II

106‧‧‧dotted line

108‧‧‧Consumer goods

110‧‧‧Fragable tabs

Claims (15)

A packaged consumer product comprising: at least one consumer product; and a package comprising: a first portion adapted to partially surround at least one consumer product; and a second portion adapted to be partially enclosed in the at least one consumer product, Included means for removably retaining the at least one consumer product; the first and second portions are joined to a dashed line, wherein the first portion is movable about the dashed line to expose the first end of the at least one consumer product; The means for removably retaining the consumer product includes at least one frangible tab that is integral with at least a portion of the at least one consumer product and the first portion or the second portion. The packaged consumer product of claim 1, wherein the at least one tab is coupled between the second portion and the at least one consumer product. The packaged consumer product of claim 1 or 2, wherein the breakable tab is adapted to be preferably broken adjacent to the consumer product such that a substantial portion of the tab is still attached to the second portion. The packaged consumer product of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second portion is adapted to at least partially surround the second end of the consumer product. Packaged consumption as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4 And wherein the at least one consumer product is elongate, wherein the dashed line is substantially perpendicular to a major axis of the elongate consumer product. The packaged consumer product of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one consumer product is a disposable electric aerosol device. A packaged consumer product of claim 6 wherein the means for removably retaining the consumer product is adapted to provide sufficient retention to enable insertion of the crucible into the electro-aerosol device. A packaged consumer product comprising a plurality of packages according to any one of the preceding claims, each package being joined to at least one other such package by a dashed line, wherein the dashed line is along one edge of the package. A method of making a packaged consumer product, comprising: forming a first portion adapted to partially enclose at least one consumer product; forming a second portion adapted to partially enclose the at least one consumer product and including at least one frangible tab, Removably retaining the at least one consumer product; and forming a housing portion of the at least one consumer product; the first and second portions are joined by a dashed line, the first portion being movable about the dashed line to expose the first end of the at least one consumer product Wherein the first and second portions, the housing portion and the at least one frangible tab are integrally formed. The method of claim 9, further comprising inserting the preformed portion of the consumer product into the mold prior to forming the package. A package for consumer goods, including: The first part is adapted to partially surround at least one consumer product; the second part is adapted to partially surround at least one consumer product, including means for removably holding at least one consumer product; the first and second parts are linked together in one A dashed line wherein the first portion is movable about the dashed line to expose the first end of the at least one consumer product. The package of claim 11, wherein the means for removably retaining the consumer product comprises at least one holder, the at least one holder being adapted to accept the individual consumer product and utilizing friction to maintain the at least one consumer product. The package of claim 11 or 12, wherein the first portion is integrally formed with the second portion. A package of claim 11, 12 or 13 wherein the first portion and the second portion are substantially planar. The package of any one of clauses 11 to 14, wherein the first portion is detachable from the second portion at the dashed line.