WO2017090025A1

WO2017090025A1 - Smoker's pocket tobacco-case

Info

Publication number: WO2017090025A1
Application number: PCT/IL2016/051227
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ron BARNEA; Gal OKSENBERG
Original assignee: Rng International Ltd
Priority date: 2015-11-24
Filing date: 2016-11-14
Publication date: 2017-06-01

Abstract

Smoker's pocket accessory for outdoor use, the pocket accessory comprising: a credit card shaped multilayer laminate having inner foil walls, wherein the inner foil walls define an inner lumen to snugly surround a thin layer of tobacco substance; the multilayer laminate has a front rectangular silhouette and a flat side silhouette to suitably fit insertion and removal from a credit card slit of a wallet.

Description

SMOKER'S POCKET TOBACCO-CASE

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to tobacco use and more particularly to smoker's accessories.

BACKGROUND

US Publication No. 2003\0121803 discloses a container for housing and rolling tobacco. The container disclosed is rectangular in shape and held together by lead, two lead hinges on one side and a zipper that will run along the remaining three sides of the said container. Inside the said container there will be a flap to divide the top and the bottom of said container; on one side of said flap there will be a pocket for holding tobacco the other side of said flap will have an elastic band to secure cigars and cigarettes; the bottom of said container will be used to roll tobacco.

WO 2006/034450 discloses an improved replacement cover for a conventional smokeless tobacco can that may include a pivotally closable lid and a method of mounting the cover on a conventional smokeless tobacco can. The disclosure also discloses a smokeless tobacco holding device including a container and a lid with a spring-loaded hinge arrangement for opening the lid.

SUMMARY

Tobacco users can consume tobacco during any part of the day, at work or in the outdoors. While carrying conventional tobacco case during the day is possible, several technical obstacles arise. In order to consume tobacco, users are required to position the tobacco case and engage in rolling cigarettes or fill up pipes. Tricky task indeed, when it comes to outdoor usage. Tobacco substances are stored in tobacco cases, which cannot comfortably fit the pocket and wallets and can leak out causing discomfort and damage to the pocket and wallet.

It is an object of the invention to provide a card shaped tobacco case encapsulating tobacco substances, which is foldable and insertable into a slit of a wallet while effectively isolating the wallet environment from the inner volume of the tobacco case. The present invention also provides a card shaped folding multilayer laminate having thin silhouette, which can be fitted to a wallet and be shifted to through several stable positions with unique technical benefits permitting the tobacco user to conveniently consume tobacco in the outdoors.

Therefore, in a first aspect the present invention relates to a smoker's accessory for outdoor use being a pocket credit card shaped folding multilayer laminate having inner foil walls; the inner foil walls define inner lumen to snugly surround a thin layer of tobacco substance; the multilayer laminate has a front rectangular silhouette and a flat side silhouette to suitably fit insertion and removal from a credit card slit of a wallet.

In some embodiment, the multilayer laminate provides odor-seal to the tobacco substance within the inner lumen such that if inserted to the credit card slit of a wallet, the laminate prevents the tobacco substance from contacting and leaking to the outside objects in close vicinity to the credit card slit.

In some embodiments, the multilayer laminate comprises:

a first thin layer of flat hardened material;

a second thin layer of non-toxic metallic foil;

characterized in that the first layer and second layer encapsulate an adhesive layer configured to permanently bond the first and second layer and permit origami-stable folding and prevent non-destructive separation of the first from the second layer during use.

In embodiments, the multilayer laminate is characterized in that it has two distinct shaped positions, comprising:

- a first position wherein the pocket credit card shaped folding multilayer laminate is in closed position and has a flat side silhouette for use as storage of the tobacco substance;

- a second position wherein the pocket credit card shaped folding multilayer laminate is in an open-box position such that the tobacco substance is continuously accessible by finger insertion from the outside for the purpose of cigarette rolling; and wherein the hardened material is configured to permit that a change from one position to another is facilitated by mere easy hand manipulation; and the position remains stable such that unless a positive force is applied on the shape of the multilayer laminate , the multilayer laminate remains in the same position without further shape changes.

In one embodiment, the open-box position provides outdoor wind protection by exposing a pair of parallel side-surfaces opposing each other; thereby defining a wind protected zone there-between. The multilayer laminate can be configured with sufficient weight to withstand outdoor wind.

In some embodiments, the multilayer laminate comprises a further third position wherein the pocket credit card shaped folding multilayer laminate has an extended funnel shaped tip such that the tobacco substance can be channeled and streamlined through the tip. The smoker's accessory can be consisting of a one-piece laminate component.

In some embodiments, the change from one position to another does not tear nor destroys the multilayer laminate.

In a one embodiment, the one-piece laminate component is unstitched, unmolded or unwoven. The pocket credit card shaped folding multilayer laminate can be in the first position and have the shape and dimensions so as to be fitted in a personal pocket wallet slit. The pocket-shaped origami-folded laminate being in the first position can have the shape and dimensions of a flat standard credit card.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of producing a smoker's accessory, comprising:

obtaining a one piece laminate material, the laminate comprises:

a) a first thin layer of flat hardened material;

b) a second thin layer of non-toxic metallic foil; and

separating a one-piece unfolded base origami sheet having the shape of the pocket base origami template.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises; obtaining a die cutter having the shape of the pocket basic unfolded origami template; wherein the separating step is performed by pressing the die cutter against the laminate material in sufficient force to separate the one-piece unfolded base origami sheet.

In some embodiments, the manufacture is continuous and performed by a reel-to- reel process, further comprising:

loading the laminate material on an input reel; and continuously die cutting a one-piece pocket basic unfolded origami sheet by pressing a die cutter against the laminate sufficiently strong to remove the pocket being in unfolded state; and

collecting the one-piece pocket basic unfolded origami sheet.

In embodiments, the method further comprises folding the one-piece pocket basic unfolded origami sheet to a pocket credit card shaped folding multilayer laminate having inner foil walls; the inner foil walls define inner lumen to snuggly surround a thin layer of tobacco substance; the multilayer laminate has a front rectangular silhouette and a flat side silhouette to suitably fit insertion and removal from a credit card slit of a wallet.

The manufacturing methods of the present invention can employ several methods for separating the one-piece pocket basic unfolded origami sheet. It can employ metallic die-cutter. The metallic die-cutter can further perform half-cut or semi-cut (sometimes referred to as a bid) press to make the folding lines of the one-piece pocket basic unfolded sheet. In addition, laser cutting can be employed to separate the one-piece pocket basic unfolded origami sheet.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a front cross sectional view of the multilayer laminate of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2-2A is a schematic view of the unfolded base sheet in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a front-view photograph of the pocket-shaped origami-folded multilayer laminate in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3A is a back-view photograph of the pocket-shaped origami-folded laminate in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3B is a side-view photograph of the pocket-shaped origami-folded laminate in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3C is a back-view photograph of the pocket-shaped origami-folded laminate in a position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3D is a front schematic view of a multilayer laminate in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3E is a back schematic view of a laminate in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3F is a side schematic view of the pocket-shaped origami-folded laminate in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3G is a back schematic view of a folded laminate in a position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a front photograph of the pocket-shaped laminate in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4A is a side-view photograph of the pocket-shaped laminate in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4B is a side schematic view of the pocket-shaped laminate in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention

Fig. 4C is a front perspective view of a laminate in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a front-view photograph of the laminate in a funnel- position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig.5A is a side-view photograph of the folded laminate in a funnel- position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5B is a front schematic view of the laminate in a funnel-position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5C is a side schematic view of a laminate in a funnel-position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a side-view photograph of the pocket-shaped laminate in an open-box position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6A is a photograph of the pocket-shaped laminate in an open-box position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6B is a side schematic view of the pocket-shaped laminate in an open-box position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6C is a side schematic view of a laminate in an open-box position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVNETION

Fig. 1 is cross sectional view of the multilayer laminate 100 making the tobacco casing of the present invention. Laminate 100 is a multilayer laminate comprising a thin layer of foil 110. The thin foil layer is metallic (e.g. as aluminum). The tobacco casing utilize folding lines being applied on the thin layer of foil defining the inner walls of the pocket-shaped container that will snuggly fit tobacco substance. Substrate 120 is typically prescribed to be of a hardened material. In one embodiments, the hardened material is hardened paper. In between layers 110 and 120, an adhesive layer is applied to permanently bond the thin foil layer 110 and the substrate 120.

With reference to a numerical values and parameters, the term "about" shall mean +/- 10% of said number or parameter.

The final product stability in folded state is finally determined by the cooperative nature of the multilayer laminate and the selection of suitable substrate. The inventor have found the combination of laminated components for the folder pocket-shape casing that on one hand sustains origami folding without breaking and, on the other hand, can be easily manipulated and remain stable is folded positions (like a memory characteristic). Upon setting the product in open-box position/funnel configuration/closed configuration), it remains in that position without application of additional force. This feature allows the tobacco user to have free hands for cigarette rolling and alike; making the process much easier.

In some embodiment, the flat hardened material can the can be hardened paper or cardboard. The flat hardened material can have the range of 210 GSM (g/m²) to 400 GSM. More particularly, the flat hardened material have the range of 280 GSM (g/m²) to 320 GSM.

The duplex of the flat hardened material and the second thin layer of non-toxic metallic foil can be selected from the following thickness ranges: 0.280mm to 780mm, 0.3mm to 0.55mm and 0.3mm to 42mm. The duplex can be manufactured by Cangnan Longgang Weisheng Packing Material Co., Ltd, Fuyang, Hangzhou, China. In some embodiments, the laminate is aluminium foil laminated duplex paper board. The person skilled would appreciate that the present invention is not limited to a particular manufacturer and the multilayer laminates having the above-mentioned properties as described can be manufactured by others.

Fig. 2 a schematic view of the unfolded base sheet 200 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The sheet can be folded as origami art-like works. "H" which is shown in Fig. 2 is the horizontal axis while "V" marks the vertical axis. The unfolded base origami sheet has a top and bottom sides (shown in Fig. 1). As shown in Fig. 1, the top side comprises an outer layer (i.e. the outer wall) of thin foil 110 making the inner walls (i.e. the inner wall) of the final product, and the bottom side comprising a substrate of hardened paper 120.

The solid lines mark a cutline, which is the circumferential edge of the unfolded base origami sheet. The cut line can be used for manufacturing a die cutter having the shape and dimensions of the solid line path. The dashed lines mark folding lines, around which a sheet portion is folded. The folding lines define pairs of neighboring or consecutive sheet portions sharing the folding line. Semi-dashed lines such as 278 and 230"' merely mark a perimeter; and they do not mark a cut-line nor folding lines.

Throughout the specification, "inward folding" is folding a sheet portion by way of bringing the foil layer, as the inner wall, of the sheet portion closer to touch an opposing portion of the inner wall (e.g. foil layer); "outward folding" is folding a sheet portion by way of bringing the substrate (hardened material layer, the outer wall) closer to touch an opposing portion of the substrate (i.e. the substrate, or the outer walls); and "semi-inward folding" is folding a sheet portion by way of bringing the foil layer (or the inner wall portion) of the sheet portion closer to touch a portion of the substrate (the outer wall).

Referring to Figs 2 and 2A, a longitudinal sheet strip is shown to comprise several polygonal sheet portions divided by dashed lines. The dash lines define the folding line in accordance to which the folding process is performed. During use, the folding line defines paper fold hinges which make the shifting from a position to another position permissible.

The longitudinal sheet strip can comprise five quadrilateral sheet portions 230, 240, 270, 280 and 290. Sheet portions 230, 240, 270 and 280 can be configured to share essentially the same surface area and contour so as to easily be fitted on top of each other during the folding process. The head portion 290 is typically a trapezoid shaped portion. As will be seen later, the trapezoid tip 292 is configured to permit insertion to slit 232. Folding lines 220 permit planar manipulation so as to facilitate insertion of trapezoid tip 292 to slit 232. Side wings 274 and 250 define the side-forming sheet portions of the pocket-shaped laminate. Side wing 250 comprises circumferential edge 262 and triangular side wing 260. Side wing 274 comprises circumferential edge 256 and triangular side wing 275. Rectangular sheet portion 280 is the back-forming portion of the pocket shaped folding multilayer laminate of the present invention. In the open-box position, the back portion 280 is the back portion of the box shape.

To perform the fold that makes the final product, an initial preparatory step is required. At the initial step, sheet portions 274 and 250 are folded outwardly to make paper fold hinges 276, 276', 277 and 277'. As shown in Fig 2A, the substrate surface of triangular side wing 260 can swing and rotate around pivot point R in a path marked by a circular arrow. Triangular side wing 260 rotates while inwardly folding sheet portions 270 towards sheet portion 280. Triangular side wings 260 rotates until edge 262 substantially reaches to touch the counterpart sheet perimeter mark as line 278. Upon touching of edge 262 with sheet perimeter line 278, sheet edge 261 is aligned with fold line 276. The substrate surface of triangular side wing 260 can then permanently bonded to inner surface of complementary triangular side wing 275, making a semi-inward fold. In symmetrically performed semi-inward folding, substrate surface of triangular side wing 260' can then be permanently bonded to foil surface of complementary triangular side wing 275'.

The triangular bonding and accurate joining of 260 and 275 (and symmetrically 260' and 275') defines two sided symmetrical funnel shapes that have an inner configuration (bringing funnel tips closer together) and an external funnel configuration as the funnel tips is farthest.

The substrate surface of sheet portions 240 and 270 are outwardly folded cooperatively aligning them together and then permanently bonding them. Inward folding of sheet portions 230 and substrate surface of sheet portions 240 follows. Sheet portions 230 and substrate surface of sheet portions 240 are then bonded. The bonding process should make special attention to keep sheet perimeter marked by line 230" isolated from bonding to sheet 240; thereby defining bonding region 230' around inner lumen 230" to receive the head sheet portion 290 or the respective tip 292. The final step is to fold-insert the tip of the trapezoid sheet head portion 292 into slit 232.

Fig. 3 is a front-view photograph of the pocket-shaped origami-folded laminate 300 in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3D shows a front schematic view of a multilayer laminate of Fig. 3 i.e. in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The head portion sheet 290 has a tip 292 (not shown). In the closed position, the trapezoid tip 292 is inserted to slit 232. Folding lines 220 permit planar manipulation so as to facilitate insertion of trapezoid tip 292 to slit 232. Inwards folding of sheet portions 230 and substrate surface of sheet portions 240 was previously exemplified.

The closed position facilitates inserting the pocket-shape origami-folded laminate into credit card slit and/in wallets while keeping tobacco substance stashed inside. It also facilitates odor-seal to the tobacco substance within the inner lumen of the laminate such that if inserted to a credit card slit of a wallet, the laminate prevents the tobacco substance from contacting and leaking to the outside objects in close vicinity to the credit card slit. It further facilitates conveniently stacking personal dosages of tobacco substance in a ready to use form. Fig. 3A is a back-view photograph of the pocket-shape origami-folded laminate in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3E generally show a back schematic view of the laminate of Fig. 3A i.e. in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 3B is a side-view photograph of the pocket-shape origami-folded laminate in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3F is a side schematic view of the laminate of Fig. 3B. The trapezoid tip 292 is inserted to slit 232 which is located within the perimeter of portion sheet 230. Quadrilateral sheet portions 275 and 250 are hidden within the rectangular contour of the laminate in the closed position; thereby making a minimal width (w) and minimal side surface area to bottom surface area (S) ratio. Fig 3C is a back-view photograph showing the pocket-shape origami-folded laminate in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The trapezoid tip 292 is demonstrated as not being inserted to slit 232. Fig. 3G is a back schematic view of a folded laminate of Fig. 3C i.e. in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The pocket-shape origami-folded laminate shown in Fig. 4 was minimally opened to expose the internal structure thereof. Fig. 4C is a front perspective view of a laminate of Fig. 4 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Head sheet portion 290 is shown not to be inserted into slit 232. A first funnel structure comprises the sheet portion pair 250 and 274 defining together a funnel shape inwardly folded. The funnel comprises funnel tip or outlet 410. Further, twin funnel structure comprises the sheet portion pair 250' and 274' defining a second funnel shape inwardly folded. The twin funnel comprises funnel tip or outlet 410'. Outlets 410 and/or 410' are disabled from out- streaming tobacco substance while being folded inwardly as shown in Fig. 4. As shown hereinafter, in the funnel-position pocket-shape origami-folded laminate exposes the funnel outwardly to enable out-streaming tobacco substance from outlet 410.

Fig. 4A is a side-view photograph of the pocket-shaped laminate in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4B is a side schematic view of the pocket-shaped laminate of Fig. 4A.

In Fig. 5 a front-view photograph of the pocket-shape laminate 500 in a funnel- position is exemplified. Head sheet portion 290 is shown not to be inserted into slit 232. Fig. 5B is a front schematic view of the laminate of Fig. 5 i.e. in a funnel-position in accordance in one embodiment of the present invention. A first funnel structure comprises the sheet portion 250 (not shown) and 274 defining together a funnel shape outwardly adapted/folded. The funnel comprises funnel tip or outlet 410. Further, twin funnel structure comprises the sheet portion pair 250' (not shown) and 274' defining a second funnel shape outwardly adapted/folded. The twin funnel comprises funnel tip or outlet 410'. As shown, in "funnel-position" the laminate exposes the funnel outwardly so as to enable out-streaming tobacco substance from outlet 410. Outlets 410 and/or 410' are enabling out-streaming tobacco substance while being folded outwardly as shown. Fig. 5A shows a side-view photograph of the pocket-shape laminate in a funnel-position. Fig. 5C is a side schematic view of the laminate of Fig. 5A i.e. the laminate is in a funnel-position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a side-view photograph of the pocket-shape laminate 600 in an open-box position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6B shows a side schematic view of the pocket-shaped laminate of Fig. 6 i.e. the laminate in an open-box position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The side-surface comprises sheet portions 250 and 274. The opposing side surface is not shown. Sheet portions 250 and 274 can rotate radially about fold line 2551256. Fixed opening angle (a°) is the angle between sheet surfaces 230 and 280. In the open-box position, portion sheet 230 is the bottom/base portion of the box shape. With reference to Fig. 6A, the pocket- shaped origami-folded laminate 600 is in the open-box position to provide outdoor wind protection by exposing a pair of parallel side-surfaces opposing each other that define a protected zone there -between. Fig. 6C is a side schematic view of a laminate of Fig. 6A in an open-box position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The left side-surface comprises sheet portions 250 and 274 and the opposing right side-surface comprises reciprocal sheet portions 250' and 274'. Sheet portions 250 and 274 can rotate radially around fold line 2551256 which acts as pivot. Sheet portions 250' and 274' can rotate radially around fold line 255Ί256'.

In the open-box position, the exposure of the side surfaces further permits the user to safely remove and consume tobacco substance, which was previously stored in between the inner foil lumen 610. The inner foil lumen, in accordance with the present invention, can be an inner foil of metallic substance, or otherwise preventing the tobacco substance from contacting and leaking to the outside objects.

While shifting pocket-shape laminate 600 from a closed position to an open-box position, sheet portions 250 and 274 rotate around pivot line 2551256 until finally aligned to make the left side surface as unified planar surface. Similarly, sheet portions 250' and 274' rotate around pivot line 255' 1256' until aligned to make the opposite side surface as unified planar surface. The two side surfaces are parallel in the open-box position to permit wide opening posture. The two side surfaces in fact provide structural support for sheet surfaces 230 and 280 to have fixed opening angle (a°) between them.

In the open-box position, in some embodiments, the opening angle (a°) between sheet surfaces 230 and 280 can range between 89°-65°. The structural fixation of the opening angle (a°) provide stable posture such that the pocket-shape laminate 600 remains horizontally stable for the user to use.

As can be appreciated, the open-box position is characterized by relatively high side-surface area to bottom surface area ratio. In comparison, the closed position is characterized by relatively low side-surface area to bottom surface area ratio.

Throughout the application, the processes of folding, origami techniques and shaping the laminate of the present invention can be performed manually (e.g. by a user) or by the aid of manufacturing machinery configured and adapted to achieve that end. In particular and without limiting the scope of the invention, various techniques are known to person skilled in the art in order to perform Roll to Roll (RtR) manufacturing. Folding or performance of origami folds in accordance with the present invention can be achieved using the RtR processes.

The smoker's pocket accessory of the present invention can be used in outdoor environment and can assume a credit card shape by utilization of a folding multilayer laminate which have inner foil walls; the inner foil walls define inner lumen to snugly surround a thin layer of tobacco substance; the multilayer laminate has a front rectangular silhouette and a flat side silhouette to suitably fit insertion and removal from a credit card slit of a wallet.

As described the herein, the smoker's pocket accessory can switch through several positions: the open -box position, the closed position and the funnel position. Specifically in a closed position, the inner foil walls define an inner lumen having a front-side and a back-side to snugly surround a thin layer of tobacco substance. As the smoker's pocket accessory closes, a substantial surface portion of the inner wall surface of the back-side tightly contacts the tobacco substance from a first direction and substantial surface portion of the inner wall surface of the front-side tightly contacts the tobacco substance from a second direction. The tobacco inlay can thus be contacted and closely fitted/sandwiched between the two inner wall sides or portions. The thin layer of tobacco can have width of about 4mm or below.

In some embodiments, the multilayer laminate provides odor-seal to the tobacco substance within the inner lumen such that if inserted to the credit card slit of a wallet, the laminate prevents the tobacco substance from contacting and leaking to the outside objects in close vicinity to the credit card slit.

In yet another embodiment, the multilayer laminate is sufficiently resilient to resist to accumulation of folding lines occurring by shear, stretch or folding forces applied during recurrent insertion and removal of the multilayer laminate into a tight pocket environment. In a one embodiment, the multilayer laminate is a flat hardened material in the range of 210 GSM to 400 GSM. In another embodiment, the multilayer laminate is a flat hardened material in the range of 280 GSM to 320 GSM.

In another embodiment, the multilayer laminate comprises preset folding lines defining plurality of solid folding laminate portions, to permit manipulation of said multilayer laminate from an unfolded state to the container configuration.

In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the second thin layer of nontoxic metallic foil is 0.280mm to 780mm.

The multilayer laminate of the present invention can comprise preset folding lines defining plurality of solid folding laminate portions, to permit manual manipulation of said multilayer laminate from an unfolded state to the container configuration.

The multilayer laminate can be collapsible from open-box position to a closed position. In one embodiment, the open box position described above with reference to the multilayer laminate is characterized by a side opening angle (a°) providing a stable open posture sufficiently wide for finger insertion of the user.

In one embodiment, the side opening angle ranges (a°) < 90°. In other embodiments, the side opening angle ranges between 89°-65°.

In the closed position, as described herein above, the pocket accessory can have a minimal width (w) to bottom surface area (S) ratio. In one embodiment, the pocket accessory being in a closed position, has a maximal width of about 4mm and a front rectangular surface area of about 60x90mm². In one embodiment, therefore, the ratio can be about 4mm (w) to 60x90mm² (bottom surface area) i.e. about 8.88xl0^-4 mm^-1 and/or below (i.e. <8.88xl0^-4 mm^-1). In other embodiments, the width (w) to bottom surface area (S) ratio is 10^-3 mm^-1.

In addition, the pocket accessory can have a minimal side surface (s) to bottom surface area (S) ratio. In one embodiment, therefore, the ratio can be about 4mmx90mm (side surface) to 60x90mm² (bottom surface area) i.e. about 0.066 and/or below (i.e. <0.066, 1/15).

In some embodiment, the smoker's accessory is configured to permit a change from one position to a subsequent position by mere hand manipulation; and the subsequent position can remain stable such that unless a positive force is applied on the shape of the multilayer laminate, the multilayer laminate remains in the subsequent position.

The present invention also describes, a method of producing a smoker's pocket accessory, comprising:

obtaining a one piece laminate foldable material, the laminate comprises: a) a first thin layer of flat hardened material;

b) a second thin layer of non-toxic material capable of preventing tobacco substance from contacting and leaking there through to the outside objects in close vicinity;

separating a one-piece unfolded base having shape of the pocket base template from the one piece laminate foldable material; and

applying visible preset folding lines defining plurality of solid folding laminate portions to permit manipulation of said base template from an unfolded state to a folded container configuration;

wherein the one piece laminate foldable material is sufficiently resilient to resist to accumulation of additional folding lines occurring by shear or stretch forces applied during recurrent insertion and removal of the multilayer laminate into a tight pocket environment.

In embodiments of the process, the laminate foldable material comprises preset folding lines defining plurality of solid folding laminate portions, to permit manual manipulation of said multilayer laminate from an unfolded state to the container configuration.

In one embodiment, the second thin layer comprises metallic foil.

In some embodiments, the process further comprise obtaining a die cutter configured and adapted to cut the one piece laminate foldable material in the shape of the pocket base template; wherein the separating step is performed by pressing the die cutter against the laminate foldable material in sufficient force so as to separate the one-piece unfolded base.

The manufacturing procedures of the present invention can be continuous and performed by a reel-to-reel process, comprising:

loading the laminate material on an input reel;

continuously die cutting a one-piece unfolded base by pressing a die cutter against the laminate material sufficiently sufficient force to remove the one-piece unfolded base; and

collecting the one-piece unfolded base.

The manufacturing procedures of the present invention can comprise folding the one-piece unfolded base to a credit card shaped folding multilayer laminate having inner foil walls; the inner foil walls define inner lumen to snugly surround a thin layer of tobacco substance; the multilayer laminate has a front rectangular silhouette and a flat side silhouette to suitably fit insertion and removal from a credit card slit of a wallet.

In embodiments, the one-piece laminate foldable material is a flat hardened material in the range of 210 GSM to 400 GSM. In some embodiments, the one-piece laminate foldable material is a flat hardened material in the range of 280 GSM to 320 GSM. In one embodiment, the second thin layer of metallic foil is 0.280mm to 780mm.

The credit card shaped folding multilayer laminate can have at least two distinct folded positions, comprising:

- a first position wherein the pocket credit card shaped folding multilayer laminate is in closed position and has a flat side silhouette for use as storage of the tobacco substance; and

- a second position wherein the pocket credit card shaped folding multilayer laminate is in an open-box position such that the tobacco substance is continuously accessible by finger insertion from the outside for the purpose of cigarette rolling. The second thin layer can comprise metallic foil.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the present invention is directed to a smoker's pocket accessory for outdoor use being a credit card shaped folding multilayer laminate manufactured by the method and procedures described herein.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a smoker pocket accessory for outdoor use being a multilayer laminate configured and adapted to have a container shape with a pocket credit card profile, comprising: inner walls and outer walls; the inner walls define an inner lumen to snugly surround a thin layer of tobacco substance; the profile has a front rectangular silhouette and a flat side silhouette to suitably fit the insertion and removal from a credit card slit of a wallet.

The multilayer laminate can have preset folding lines defining plurality of solid folding laminate portions, to permit manual manipulation of said multilayer laminate from an unfolded state to the container configuration. The multilayer laminate can further have sufficient resilience to resist accumulation of additional folding lines occurring by shear or stretch forces applied during recurrent insertion and removal of the multilayer laminate into a tight pocket environment.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a parallel oriented tight-fitted stack of pocket credit card shaped folding multilayer laminates having inner foil walls; the inner foil walls define inner lumen to snugly surround a thin layer of tobacco substance; the multilayer laminate has a front rectangular silhouette and a flat side silhouette to suitably fit insertion and removal from a credit card slit of a wallet.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a parallel oriented tight-fitted stack of unfolded origami sheet having a shape of the pocket base origami template, each sheet can be folded to pocket credit card shaped folding multilayer laminates having inner foil walls; the inner foil walls define inner lumen to snuggly surround a thin layer of tobacco substance; the multilayer laminate has a front rectangular silhouette and a flat side silhouette to suitably fit insertion and removal from a credit card slit of a wallet.

Claims

1. Smoker's pocket accessory for outdoor use, the pocket accessory, comprising:

(a) a credit card shaped multilayer laminate having inner foil walls, wherein:

(b) the inner foil walls define an inner lumen to snugly surround a thin layer of tobacco substance; the multilayer laminate has a front rectangular silhouette and a flat side silhouette to suitably fit insertion and removal from a credit card slit of a wallet; and

(c) the multilayer laminate provides odor-seal to the tobacco substance within the inner lumen such that if inserted to the credit card slit of a wallet, the laminate prevents the tobacco substance from contacting and leaking to the outside objects in close vicinity to the credit card slit.

2. The smoker's pocket accessory of claim 1, wherein the multilayer laminate comprises:

a first thin layer of flat hardened material;

a second thin layer of non-toxic metallic foil being the inner wall;

characterized in that the first layer and second layer encapsulate an adhesive layer configured to permanently bond the first and second layer and permit stable folding and prevent non-destructive separation of the first from the second layer during use.

3. The smoker's pocket accessory of claim 1, wherein the multilayer laminate is sufficiently resilient to resist to accumulation of folding lines occurring by shear, stretch or folding forces applied during recurrent insertion and removal of the multilayer laminate into a tight pocket environment.

4. The smoker's pocket accessory of claim 3, wherein the multilayer laminate is a flat hardened material in the range of 210 GSM to 400 GSM.

5. The smoker's pocket accessory of claim 3, wherein the multilayer laminate is a flat hardened material in the range of 280 GSM to 320 GSM.

6. The smoker's pocket accessory of claim 1, wherein the multilayer laminate comprises preset folding lines defining plurality of solid folding laminate portions, to permit manual manipulation of said multilayer laminate from an unfolded state to the container configuration.

7. The smoker's pocket accessory of claim 2, wherein the second thin layer of nontoxic metallic foil is 0.280mm to 780mm.

8. The smoker's pocket accessory of claim 3, wherein the multilayer laminate comprises preset folding lines defining plurality of solid folding laminate portions, to permit manual manipulation of said multilayer laminate from an unfolded state to the container configuration.

9. The smoker's pocket accessory of claim 8 characterized in that it has at least two distinct shaped positions, comprising:

- a second position wherein the pocket credit card shaped folding multilayer laminate is in an open-box position such that the tobacco substance is continuously accessible by finger insertion from the outside for the purpose of cigarette rolling.

10. The smoker' s pocket accessory of claim 9 characterized in that the smoker ' s pocket accessory is collapsible from open-box position to a closed position.

11. The smoker's pocket accessory of claim 9, wherein the open box position is characterized by a side opening angle (a°) providing a stable open posture sufficiently wide for free-hand finger insertion of the user.

12. The smoker's pocket accessory of claim 9, wherein the open-box position provides outdoor wind protection by exposing a pair of parallel side-surfaces opposing each other; thereby defining a wind protected zone there-between.

13. The smoker's pocket accessory of claim 9, further comprising a third position wherein the credit card shaped folding multilayer laminate has an extended funnel shaped tip such that the tobacco substance can be channeled and streamlined through the tip.

14. The smoker's pocket accessory of claim 11 wherein side opening angle is in the range of (a°) < 90°.

15. The smoker's pocket accessory of claim 14 wherein side opening angle ranges between 89°-65°.

16. The smoker's pocket accessory of claim 9, wherein the closed position includes a minimal width (w) to bottom surface area (S) ratio.

17. The smoker's pocket accessory of claim 9, wherein the smoker's accessory is configured to permit a change from one position to a subsequent position by mere hand manipulation; and the subsequent position remains stable such that unless a positive force is applied, the multilayer laminate remains in the subsequent position.

18. The smoker's pocket accessory of claim 1, wherein the smoker's accessory is consisting of a one-piece laminate component.

19. The smoker's accessory of claim 18, wherein the one-piece laminate component is unstitched, unmolded or unwoven.

20. Method of producing a smoker's pocket accessory, comprising:

21. The method of producing the smoker's pocket accessory of claim 20, wherein the one piece laminate foldable material comprises preset folding lines defining plurality of solid folding laminate portions, to permit manual manipulation of said multilayer laminate from an unfolded state to the container configuration.

22. The method of producing the smoker's pocket accessory of claim 21, wherein the second thin layer of non-toxic material comprises metallic foil.

23. The method of producing the smoker's pocket accessory of claim 21, comprising:

obtaining a die cutter configured and adapted to cut the one piece laminate foldable material in the shape of the pocket base template; wherein the separating step is performed by pressing the die cutter against the laminate foldable material in sufficient force so as to separate the one-piece unfolded base.

24. The method of producing the smoker's pocket accessory of claim 23, wherein the manufacture is continuous and performed by a reel-to-reel process, comprising:

loading the laminate material on an input reel;

continuously die cutting a one-piece unfolded base by pressing a die cutter against the laminate material with sufficient force to remove the one-piece unfolded base; and

collecting the one-piece unfolded base.

25. The method of producing the smoker's pocket accessory of claim 24, further comprising folding the one-piece unfolded base to a credit card shape and having inner foil walls; the inner foil walls define inner lumen to snugly surround a thin layer of tobacco substance; the multilayer laminate has a front rectangular silhouette and a flat side silhouette to suitably fit insertion and removal from a credit card slit of a wallet.

26. The method of producing the smoker's pocket accessory of claim 20, wherein the one piece laminate foldable material is a flat hardened material in the range of 210 GSM to 400 GSM.

27. The method of producing the smoker's pocket accessory of claim 20, wherein the one piece laminate foldable material is a flat hardened material in the range of 280 GSM to 320 GSM.

28. The method of producing the smoker's pocket accessory of claim 22, wherein the width of the second thin layer of metallic foil is in the range of 0.280mm to 780mm.

29. The method of producing the smoker' s pocket accessory of claim 25 characterized in that the credit card shaped folding multilayer laminate has at least two distinct folded positions, comprising:

30. Smoker's pocket accessory for outdoor use being a credit card shaped folding multilayer laminate manufactured by the process of claim 21.