Smoking product box with hand care function

Abstract

A smoking article box with a hand care function can be provided. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a smoking article box can include: a main body having an interior space for storing smoking articles, and a cover connected to the main body; at least a portion of the outer surface of the main body and the cover can be formed with a functional care zone. Microcapsules containing a functional material are coated in the functional care zone. The functional material is released from the microcapsules when the smoker's friction action crushes them, thereby providing a hand care function for the smoker.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a smoking article box (cigarette box) with a hand care function, and more particularly, to a smoking article box with multiple care functions for keeping a smoker's hands or fingers clean. Background Art

[0002] Smoking products are generally categorized by their form into cigarettes, cigars, and other types, with cigarettes accounting for the majority of consumption. Cigarettes are made by crushing processed tobacco leaves and rolling them into a cylindrical shape using cigarette paper. These products are typically stored and sold in paper boxes.

[0003] On the other hand, most smokers hold their cigarettes with their fingers while smoking, leaving an unpleasant odor on their hands after smoking. In addition, since smoking increases the contact between fingers and mouth, harmful bacteria from contaminated fingers or cigarettes may enter the body through the mouth when smoking. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by some embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a smoking article box with a hand care function.

[0006] The technical problems of the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems described above. Through the following description, those skilled in the art can clearly understand other technical problems not mentioned.

[0007] Solutions to the Problem

[0008] To address the aforementioned technical issues, a smoking article box according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may include: a main body defining an interior space for storing smoking articles, and a cover connected to the main body; a functional care zone may be formed on at least a portion of the outer surfaces of the main body and the cover; and microcapsules containing a functional material, which may include an antimicrobial material, may be coated on at least a portion of the functional care zone.

[0009] In some embodiments, the antibacterial material may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of grapefruit extract, lime oil, eucalyptus oil, pine needle oil, eucalyptol, limonene, and propolis.

[0010] In some embodiments, ink may be coated on at least a portion of the functional care area, and the microcapsules coated on the functional care area may further contain a material that changes the color or color concentration of the ink.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first area of ​​the functional care area may be coated with first microcapsules having a first compressive strength, and the second area of ​​the functional care area may be coated with second microcapsules having a second compressive strength, and the first compressive strength may be less than the second compressive strength.

[0012] In some embodiments, the functional care area may include a plurality of protruding areas spaced apart from each other.

[0013] In some embodiments, ink may be applied on the functional care area in a manner of forming designated symbols, and information about the functional care area may be encoded in the designated symbols.

[0014] In some embodiments, the functional care area may include a protrusion area formed with a protrusion pattern.

[0015] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned functional care area may include: a first functional care area, coated with microcapsules containing a first functional material, and a second functional care area, coated with microcapsules containing a second functional material different from the above-mentioned first functional material; inks with different colors may be coated on the above-mentioned first functional care area and the above-mentioned second functional care area.

[0016] In some embodiments, in addition to the antibacterial area coated with microcapsules containing the antibacterial material, the functional care area may further include a deodorizing area and a fragrance area.

[0017] Effects of the Invention

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure described above, a functional care area can be formed by coating the outer surface of a smoking article box with microcapsules containing a functional material. The functional care area can provide hand care for smokers by expelling the functional material when rubbed against the smoker's hands or fingers (i.e., the coated microcapsules are crushed to expel the functional material). For example, when an antibacterial material is used as the functional material, an antibacterial care function can be provided for the smoker's hands.

[0019] Furthermore, by applying ink to the functional care area, characteristic information (eg, position, type, etc.) of the functional care area can be visually conveyed to the smoker.

[0020] Furthermore, the microcapsules applied to the functional care area may contain a material that changes the color or color density of the ink. In this case, as the microcapsules are crushed, the color or color density of the functional care area gradually fades, thereby visually conveying information about the remaining usage time of the functional care area to the smoker.

[0021] In addition, microcapsules with relatively high compressive strength can be applied to the periphery of the functional care area, while microcapsules with relatively low compressive strength can be applied to the central area of ​​the functional care area. In this case, the problem of microcapsules being crushed due to unintentional friction when smokers carry smoking article boxes can be alleviated.

[0022] In addition, a plurality of protruding areas spaced apart from each other or a protrusion pattern may be formed in the functional care area. In this case, the microcapsules are easily crushed due to the increase in friction, thereby providing the hand care function more effectively.

[0023] Furthermore, microcapsules containing different functional materials can be applied to different areas to create multiple functional care zones. For example, multiple care zones can be created, such as an antibacterial zone, a deodorizing zone, and a fragrance zone. In this case, smokers can be provided with multifaceted, comprehensive hand care functions.

[0024] The effects of the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure are not limited to the effects described above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other effects not mentioned through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figures 1 to 3 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a box of smoking articles according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram for illustrating the structure of a functional care area according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 5 Schematic diagram for explaining a functional care area according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Schematic diagram for illustrating a functional care area according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 8 Schematic diagram for illustrating a functional care area according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 9 Schematic diagram for illustrating a functional care area according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figures 10 to 12 Schematic diagram for illustrating a functional care area according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The advantages and features of the present disclosure and methods for achieving them can be clarified through the accompanying drawings and the embodiments described in detail below. However, the technical ideas of the present disclosure are not limited to the embodiments described below and can be implemented in various different forms. This embodiment is only used to fully disclose the present disclosure so that people with general knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs can fully understand the scope of the present disclosure. The technical ideas of the present disclosure are determined by the scope of the claims of the present disclosure.

[0033] When adding reference numerals to components in all drawings, it should be noted that the same reference numerals refer to the same components even when they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in the course of describing the present disclosure, if a detailed description of the configuration or function of a related known technology is deemed to obscure the gist of the present disclosure, such detailed description may be omitted.

[0034] Unless otherwise specified, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this specification can be used as the meaning that can be commonly understood by personnel with general knowledge in the technical field to which this disclosure belongs. In addition, commonly used terms with definitions in dictionaries will not be abnormal or over-interpreted unless they are clearly defined. The terms used in the following examples are only for the purpose of illustrating the examples and are not intended to limit this disclosure. In the following examples, unless otherwise specified, a single type of noun also includes multiple types.

[0035] In addition, when describing the components of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish a component from other components, and the nature, order or sequence of the related components are not limited by the terms. It should be understood that if a component is described as being "connected," "coupled," or "linked" to another component, it may mean that the component is not only directly "connected," "coupled," or "linked" to the other component, but also indirectly "connected," "coupled," or "linked" via a third component.

[0036] The terms “comprises” and / or “comprising” used in the present disclosure specify the presence of stated components, steps, operations and / or elements, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, operations and / or elements.

[0037] Before describing various embodiments of the present disclosure, some terms used in the embodiments will be clarified.

[0038] In this specification, "smoking article" may refer to any product that can be smoked or any product that can provide a smoking experience, regardless of whether it is based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. For example, smoking articles may include smokable products such as cigarettes, cigars, and cigarillos. As another example, smoking articles may include combustible smoking articles and heated smoking articles.

[0039] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Figures 1 to 3 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a smoking article box 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] like Figure 1 or Figure 3 As shown, the smoking article box 100 may comprise a main body portion 200 and a cover 300. However, Figures 1 to 3 Only components related to the embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Therefore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure may also include components other than Figures 1 to 3 Other common components other than those shown in FIG.

[0042] The main body 200 may be a structure that forms the overall frame of the smoking article box 100. In addition, a space for storing one or more smoking articles (not shown) may be formed inside the main body 200. Preferably, the main body 200 is made of a material that can form a solid structure to protect the smoking articles from external forces. For example, the main body 200 may be made of a rigid paper material. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0043] Secondly, lid 300 can be a structure connected to main body 200, to serve as the cover of main body 200, and can have a switchable structure. A smoker can open lid 300 to take out the smoking article 200 stored in main body 200 or put the smoking article into the inner space of main body 200. In addition, the smoker can close lid 300 so that the smoking article 200 is stored in the smoking article box 100. Preferably, lid 300 is also made of a material that can form a solid structure. For example, lid 300 can also be made of rigid paper material. However, present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0044] As shown in the figure, the functional care area 400 can be formed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the main body 200 or the cover 300. The functional care area 400 may refer to an area that uses functional materials to provide hand care functions. When the main body 200 and / or the cover 300 are packaged with a packaging film, the functional care area 400 can be formed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the packaging film. An example of a packaging film may be an oriented polypropylene (OPP) film that has been subjected to a discharge treatment, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the "functional care area 400" will be referred to as the "care area 400".

[0045] In some embodiments, the care area 400 can be formed in a recessed area of ​​the smoking article box 100. For example, if the cover 300 is manufactured to form a recessed area on a specific surface, the care area 400 can be formed in the recessed area. A recessed area may refer to an area that is recessed (depressed) inward compared to other areas, and the depth of the recess may be, for example, greater than the thickness of the care area 400, but is not limited thereto. In this case, the problem of a smoker accidentally crushing the microcapsules when carrying the smoking article box 100 can be alleviated. For example, when a smoker carries the smoking article box 100 in a pocket, the care area 400 may be damaged by unintentional friction. According to this embodiment, this problem can be greatly alleviated.

[0046] For example, the care area 400 can be formed by coating ink and microcapsules containing functional materials. The ink can visually convey characteristic information such as the location of the care area 400 and the type of care function to the smoker, and the microcapsules can provide hand care functions for the smoker. Figure 2 As shown, when a smoker's hand or a part of a hand (e.g., a finger) rubs against the care area 400, the microcapsules are crushed and the functional material is discharged. The discharged functional material naturally contacts the smoker's hand, thereby exerting a hand care effect. Therefore, the specific care function of the care area 400 can be determined by the type of functional material. Examples of functional materials include, but are not limited to, antibacterial materials, deodorizing materials, aromatic materials, disinfecting materials, etc.

[0047] On the other hand, despite Figures 1 to 3 In the figure, the care area 400 is formed on the front surface or the upper surface of the cover 300 as an example, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the location of the care area 400 can be designed in various ways. In addition, the number, thickness, size and / or shape of the care area 400 can also be designed in various ways.

[0048] In the following, reference will be made to Figure 4 The following figures illustrate the care area 400 in more detail.

[0049] Figure 4 Schematic diagram for illustrating the structure of the care area 400 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 4 In the figure, a case where the care area 400 is formed on the outer surface of the cover 300 is shown as an example.

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, the care area 400 may include an ink layer 410 and a capsule layer 420. However, since the care area 400 conceptually refers to an area that provides a hand care function, the ink layer 410 and the capsule layer 420 may be formed only in a portion of the care area 400, or one of the ink layer 410 and the capsule layer 420 may be formed in a portion of the care area 400.

[0051] In some embodiments, a resin layer (not shown) may be located between the ink layer 410 and the capsule layer 420. The resin layer (not shown) may protect the ink layer 410 and secure the capsule layer 420. The resin layer (not shown) may be formed by applying a resin. Because the resin has adhesive and curing properties, it can easily attach the microcapsules 430 and prevent scratches during the manufacturing process. For example, the resin may include, but is not limited to, an adhesive vinyl-based polymer, styrene monomer, α-methyl styrene monomer, or a three-dimensional copolymer of acrylic acid.

[0052] On the other hand, although Figure 4 The ink layer 410 and the capsule layer 420 forming the care area 400 are shown in the figure in a manner clearly separated, but this is only for ease of understanding. Depending on the coating method, the ink layer 410 and the capsule layer 420 may or may not be clearly separated. For example, the care area 400 can be formed by coating the microcapsules 430 on the ink layer 410 formed by coating the ink. In this case, the coating method of the ink and the microcapsules 430 can be any method. For example, the ink layer 410 can be formed by printing the ink using an offset printing method, but is not limited thereto. As another example, the care area 400 can be formed by jointly coating a functional composition containing the ink and the microcapsules 430 on the cover 300. For example, the above-mentioned functional composition can be coated on the main body 200 and / or the cover 300, etc. by offset printing.

[0053] For reference, offset printing is an indirect printing method that utilizes the repulsive force between water and oil. Compared with other printing methods such as gravure printing, it can minimize the rupture (crushing) of the microcapsules 430, thereby preventing the outflow of functional materials during the manufacturing and distribution of the smoking article box 100 in advance.

[0054] In the aforementioned example, the functional composition can be prepared by mixing approximately 5 to 40 weight percent of microcapsules 430 with approximately 60 to 90 weight percent of ink. Preferably, the functional composition can be prepared by mixing approximately 10 to 35 weight percent of microcapsules 430 with approximately 65 to 90 weight percent of ink, or by mixing approximately 10 to 25 weight percent of microcapsules 430 with approximately 75 to 90 weight percent of ink. Within the above numerical range, both color clarity of the treatment area 400 and a hand care effect can be ensured.

[0055] Hereinafter, the ink layer 410 and the capsule layer 420 will be described in more detail.

[0056] The ink layer 410 may be formed by applying ink. As described above, the ink layer 410 may serve to visually convey characteristic information of the treatment area 400.

[0057] The shape of the ink layer 410 and the shape of the capsule layer 420 can be substantially the same or different. The color and shape of the ink layer 410 can be designed in various ways, taking into account the type of care function provided by the care area 400 and design factors. For example, when multiple care areas 400 are provided that provide different care functions (e.g., antibacterial, deodorizing, fragrance, etc.), the ink layer 410 of each care area 400 can be designed to have a different color or shape. As another example, the ink layer 410 can be designed to have different colors or shapes depending on the type of functional material associated with the care area 400. For example, if the functional material of the care area 400 is an aromatic material with an apple flavor, the ink layer 410 can be formed in the shape of a green apple. Alternatively, if the functional material of the care area 400 is an aromatic material with a chocolate flavor, the ink layer 410 can have a brown, ochre, or black quadrilateral shape. The shape of the ink layer 410 can also take the form of a symbol (e.g., text, a mark, etc.).

[0058] In addition, the capsule layer 420 may be formed by coating the microcapsules 430. When the microcapsules 430 are crushed, the capsule layer 420 may discharge the functional materials contained therein to provide hand care for the smoker. The capsule layer 420 may be transparent, for example, but is not limited thereto.

[0059] The microcapsule 430 may include a functional material (or a functional composition including the same) and a membrane surrounding the microcapsule. The microcapsule 430 may have a spherical shape with a diameter of about 10 μm or less, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the thickness of the membrane may be about 100 nm or less, but is not limited thereto. For example, the membrane material forming the membrane may include a melamine-based material or a cellulose-based material, but is not limited thereto.

[0060] For example, the functional materials may include, but are not limited to, antibacterial materials, deodorizing materials, aromatic materials, disinfecting materials, etc. In addition, examples of antibacterial materials may include, but are not limited to, grapefruit extract, lime oil, eucalyptus oil, pine needle oil, eucalyptol, limonene, and propolis.

[0061] In some embodiments, in addition to the functional material, microcapsules 430 may also contain a material capable of changing the color or color density of the ink. For example, microcapsules 430 may also contain a diluting material capable of changing the color density by diluting the ink. In this case, as microcapsules 430 are crushed, the color or color density of the ink gradually changes. This visual change can intuitively convey to the smoker the remaining amount of microcapsules 430 in the care area 400. In other words, the remaining usage time of the care area 400 can be visually conveyed to the smoker.

[0062] On the other hand, the number, size, shape, color, arrangement form and / or configuration form of the care area 400 (e.g., the thickness and size of the capsule layer 420, the compressive strength and size of the microcapsules 430, etc.) can be designed in various ways, which may vary depending on the embodiment. Figure 5 The following figures illustrate various embodiments of the care area 400 in more detail.

[0063] Figure 5 Schematic diagram for explaining the care area 400 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Although the illustration of the smoking article box 100 is omitted in the following drawings, it can be understood that the care area 400 is formed on a portion of the surface of the smoking article box 100.

[0064] In this embodiment, microcapsules 430 with different compressive strengths can be coated on each area of ​​the care area 400. Alternatively, when there are multiple care areas 400, each care area 400 can be coated with microcapsules 430 with different compressive strengths.

[0065] For example, Figure 5As illustrated, microcapsules 430 with relatively low compressive strength can be applied to the central area 402 of the care area 400, while microcapsules 430 with relatively high compressive strength can be applied to the peripheral areas 401 and 403 of the care area 400. In this case, the hand care function of the care area 400 can be improved and damage to the care area 400 can be reduced for the following reasons. Considering that smokers' friction movements are generally from the periphery toward the center, the force acting on the central area 402 is likely to be weaker than that acting on the peripheral areas 401 and 403. Therefore, when microcapsules 430, which are immediately crushed by weaker forces, are applied to the central area 402, the microcapsules 430 are evenly crushed throughout the entire area of ​​the care area 400 (e.g., the peripheral area 401, the central area 402, and the peripheral areas 403), thereby increasing the discharge amount of the functional material, thereby effectively improving the hand care function of the care area 400. Furthermore, when a smoker carries the smoking article box 100, there is a high possibility of unintentional friction in the peripheral regions 401 and 403. Therefore, if the non-crushable microcapsules 430 are applied to the peripheral regions 401 and 403, the problem of unintentional crushing of the microcapsules 430 can be alleviated.

[0066] As another example, the compressive strength of the coated microcapsules 430 may be greater or smaller as one moves from the left region (eg, the peripheral region 401 ) to the right region (eg, the peripheral region 403 ).

[0067] As another example, a first care area formed on a specific surface of the smoking article box 100 can be coated with microcapsules 430 having a first compressive strength, and a second care area formed on another surface of the smoking article box 100 can be coated with microcapsules 430 having a second compressive strength different from the first compressive strength.

[0068] As another example, the care intensity (or the discharge amount of functional materials) of the care area 400 or a specific area of ​​the care area 400 can be adjusted by the compressive strength of the microcapsules 430. Specifically, the microcapsules 430 with low compressive strength can be applied to the first area of ​​the care area 400, and the microcapsules 430 with high compressive strength can be applied to the second area. In this case, a large amount of functional materials are discharged in the first area by the friction action of the smoker, so that a high-intensity (or high-irritation) care function can be provided, and a small amount of functional materials are discharged in the second area, so that a low-intensity (or low-irritation) care function can be provided. For reference, in this example, inks of different colors or color concentrations can be applied to the first area and the second area. At this time, the color or color concentration of the ink can be determined based on the care intensity.

[0069] As another example, the amount of functional material discharged based on its properties can be controlled by the compressive strength of the microcapsules 430. Specifically, a high-performance (or highly irritating) functional material (e.g., a material with high antibacterial properties or a material with strong fragrance intensity) can be placed in microcapsules 430 with high compressive strength and applied to a first area of ​​the care area 400, while a low-performance (or low-irritating) functional material (e.g., a material with low antibacterial properties or a material with weak fragrance intensity) can be placed in microcapsules 430 with low compressive strength and applied to a second area of ​​the care area 400. In this case, a small amount of the high-performance functional material is discharged in the first area, and a large amount of the low-performance functional material is discharged in the second area due to the friction of the smoker, resulting in a uniform care intensity across all areas of the care area 400. Of course, similar to the above example, in order to provide different care intensities to different areas of the care area 400, the high-performance functional material can be placed in microcapsules 430 with low compressive strength and applied to specific areas of the care area 400.

[0070] As described above, considering the smoker's friction behavior on the care area 400 (e.g., friction intensity, friction direction, friction action, etc.), the characteristics of the care area 400 (e.g., care intensity, etc.), etc., microcapsules 430 with various compressive strengths can be coated in various forms.

[0071] For reference, the compressive strength of microcapsules 430 can be adjusted by the membrane material of microcapsules 430. For example, the membrane material can include, but is not limited to, a biodegradable polymer material (e.g., a cellulose-based material) or a melamine-based material. Experimental results have confirmed that microcapsules using a cellulose-based material as a membrane material have lower compressive strength and superior biodegradability than microcapsules using a melamine-based material as a membrane material.

[0072] So far, reference has been made to Figure 5 The care area 400 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is described. Figure 6 and Figure 7 A care area 400 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0073] Figure 6 and Figure 7 4 is a diagram for explaining a care area 400 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] In this embodiment, if Figure 6 As shown, in the care area 400, a plurality of protruding areas (eg, protruding area 411, protruding area 412) are formed at intervals from each other. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. Figure 7As shown, multiple care areas 400-1 and 400-2 can be formed to protrude further than the outer surface of the smoking article box 100 and spaced apart. The protruding areas (e.g., protruding areas 411 and 412) can point toward the outside of the smoking article box 100. These protruding areas (e.g., protruding areas 411 and 412) can prevent slipping during friction by increasing friction with the smoker's hands and facilitate crushing of the microcapsules 430. Thus, the hand care function of the care area 400 can be effectively enhanced.

[0075] The protruding areas (e.g., protruding areas 411, 412) can be formed in various ways. For example, it is possible to design and manufacture a specific area (e.g., protruding areas 411, 412) of the smoking article box 100 to physically protrude, thereby forming the protruding areas (e.g., protruding areas 411, 412). As another example, the protruding areas (e.g., protruding areas 411, 412) can be formed by attaching prescribed components to the specific areas (e.g., protruding areas 411, 412) of the smoking article box 100. As another example, the protruding areas (e.g., protruding areas 411, 412) can be formed by arranging a thicker capsule layer 420 to the specific areas (e.g., protruding areas 411, 412) of the smoking article box 100. As another example, the protruding areas (e.g., protruding areas 411, 412) can be formed based on a combination of the above examples.

[0076] On the other hand, as described below, the detailed forms (eg, color, height, shape, separation distance, arrangement form, etc.) of the protruding regions (eg, protruding region 411 , protruding region 412 ) may be designed in various ways.

[0077] First, the protrusion degree (i.e., height) of the protruding areas (e.g., protruding areas 411, protruding areas 412) can be the same as or different from each other. For example, the height can be designed in various ways, such as gradually increasing, gradually decreasing, repeatedly increasing and decreasing, etc. In some examples, the height of the protruding areas (e.g., protruding areas 411, protruding areas 412) can be about 5 μm to 5000 μm, preferably, about 10 μm to 1000 μm, or about 10 μm to 500 μm. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0078] Furthermore, the distances between the protruding regions (e.g., protruding regions 411 and 412) or the sizes of the protruding regions (e.g., protruding regions 411 and 412) may be the same or different. For example, the distances (or sizes) may be designed in various ways, such as gradually increasing, gradually decreasing, or repeatedly increasing and decreasing.

[0079] Furthermore, the color of the protruding areas (e.g., protruding areas 411 and 412) can be the same as or different from the color of the other areas. For example, the ink layer 410 can be formed only in the protruding areas (e.g., protruding areas 411 and 412). In this case, the color or color depth of the protruding areas (e.g., protruding areas 411 and 412) can be different from the color or color depth of the non-protruding areas.

[0080] Furthermore, the shapes and configurations of the protruding regions (e.g., protruding regions 411 and 412) may also vary. Figure 6 As shown, the protruding areas (e.g., protruding areas 411, 412) may have a rectangular shape and may be arranged longitudinally. In this case, when the friction action is performed in the transverse direction (see Figure 2 ), the friction may be further increased. Since the smoker's friction action is mainly horizontal, the above arrangement can effectively improve the hand care function. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the protruding areas (e.g., protruding areas 411 and 412) can be formed in a mesh shape.

[0081] Furthermore, the microcapsules 430 may be applied to the entire care area 400, or may be applied to only a portion of the care area 400. For example, the microcapsules 430 may be applied only to the protruding areas (e.g., protruding areas 411 and 412), or may be applied only between the protruding areas (e.g., protruding areas 411 and 412). When the microcapsules 430 are applied only between the protruding areas (e.g., protruding areas 411 and 412), the problem of the microcapsules 430 being crushed due to unintentional friction when the smoker carries the smoking article box 100 can be alleviated.

[0082] So far, reference has been made to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The care area 400 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is described. Figure 8 A care area 400 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0083] Figure 8 4 is a diagram for explaining a care area 400 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] In this embodiment, if Figure 8 As shown, a protrusion pattern can be formed in the care area 400. Similar to the second embodiment described above, the protrusion pattern can prevent slipping during friction by increasing friction with the smoker's hand and facilitate crushing of the microcapsules 430. Therefore, the hand care function of the care area 400 can be effectively enhanced.

[0085] As will be described below, the detailed form of the protrusion pattern (eg, color, height, shape, density, etc.) can be designed in various ways.

[0086] In some examples, protrusion patterns with different densities can be formed in the care area 400. For example, a protrusion pattern with a relatively low density can be formed in the first protrusion area of ​​the care area 400, and a protrusion pattern with a relatively high density can be formed in the second protrusion area. In this case, more microcapsules 430 will be crushed in the area where the protrusion pattern is dense, so the degree of discharge (performance) of the functional material in each area can be adjusted. At this time, a larger amount of microcapsules 430 can be applied to the second protrusion area than to the first protrusion area, or the size of the second protrusion area can be larger than the size of the first protrusion area. Alternatively, microcapsules 430 containing high-performance functional materials can be applied to the second protrusion area, or vice versa. Alternatively, ink with a darker color or color concentration than that of the above-mentioned first protrusion area can be applied to the second protrusion area.

[0087] As a more specific example, Figure 8 As shown, a relatively high-density protrusion pattern can be formed in the central protrusion region 422, while a relatively low-density protrusion pattern can be formed in the peripheral protrusion regions 421 and 423. In this case, similar to the above example, the functional material can be uniformly discharged throughout the entire area (e.g., the peripheral protrusion region 421, the central protrusion region 422, and the peripheral protrusion region 423), thereby improving the hand care function of the treatment area 400. For reference, a larger amount of microcapsules 430 can be applied to the central protrusion region 422 than to the peripheral protrusion regions 421 and 423. In this case, the microcapsules 430 are concentratedly crushed in the central protrusion region 422, thereby improving the care intensity (i.e., the amount of functional material discharged) in the central protrusion region 422.

[0088] So far, reference has been made to Figure 8 The care area 400 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure is described. Figure 9 A care area 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0089] Figure 9 4 is a diagram for explaining a care area 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] In this embodiment, if Figure 9 As shown, ink can be applied to the treatment area 400 to form a designated symbol 430. Alternatively, one or more treatment areas 400 coated with ink can be formed (arranged) to form a designated symbol (for example, by printing a functional composition in the form of a symbol). For example, the symbol can include any form that can be expressed, such as text, numbers, signs, logos, marks, codes, images, emoticons, etc.

[0091] In some examples, information about the care area 400 may be encoded in the designated symbol 430. For example, as a bar code (see Figure 9 ) and a QR code (two-dimensional code), information about the care area 400 may be encoded in the form of a symbol 430 according to prescribed rules. In this case, the information about the care area 400 can be provided to the smoker via the symbol 430. For example, the smoker can use a scanning device (e.g., a smartphone installed with a symbol recognition application) to scan (recognize) the symbol 430 on the smoking article box 100 to receive information about the care area 400. The information about the care area 400 may include, for example, but is not limited to, the type of functional material, a hand care manual (e.g., preferred rubbing motions, number of rubbing times, rubbing direction, etc.), a link to the illustrated information (e.g., a URL), etc.

[0092] So far, reference has been made to Figure 9 The care area 400 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is described. Figures 10 to 12 Care areas 441 , 442 , and 443 according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0093] Figures 10 to 12 Schematic diagram for explaining the nursing areas 441, 442, 443 according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 10 to 12 , arrows indicate exemplary rubbing directions.

[0094] In this embodiment, if Figure 10 As shown, multiple care areas 441, 442, and 443 providing different hand care functions can be formed on the outer surface of the smoking article box 100. That is, microcapsules 430 containing different functional materials are applied to different locations on the smoking article box 100, thereby forming multiple care areas 441, 442, and 443. In this case, smokers can be provided with multifaceted, comprehensive hand care functions (e.g., F1+F2+F3).

[0095] As described below, the detailed forms (eg, number, type, shape, size, color, etc.) of the respective care areas 441, 442, 443 may be designed in various ways.

[0096] In some examples, inks of different colors (or color concentrations) can be applied to the respective care areas 441, 442, 443. In this case, the respective care areas 441, 442, 443 can be visually distinguished, and smokers can selectively utilize the respective care areas 441, 442, 443.

[0097] Furthermore, in some examples, the first care area 441 may be an antibacterial area formed by coating microcapsules 430 containing antibacterial material, the second care area 442 may be a deodorizing area formed by coating microcapsules 430 containing deodorizing material, and the third care area 443 may be a fragrance area formed by coating microcapsules 430 containing fragrance material. In this case, a comprehensive hand care function comprising antibacterial, deodorizing, and fragrance can be provided.

[0098] Furthermore, in some examples, such as Figure 11 As shown, the special care areas 441 and 442 can be formed alternately with each other. Alternatively, multiple special care areas can be formed, that is, the care area 441 or the care area 442. In this case, further enhanced special care functions (e.g., antibacterial, deodorizing, and fragrance) can be provided to smokers.

[0099] In addition, in some examples, the preferred rubbing direction (or care order) is visually guided by the shape or color (or color concentration) of the care area (e.g., care area 441, care area 442, care area 443). The shape or color of the care area (e.g., care area 441, care area 442, care area 443) can be determined based on the ink layer 410, but is not limited thereto. As a specific example, Figure 12 As illustrated, the overall shape of the care areas (e.g., care area 441, care area 442, care area 443) can be formed into a shape that guides to the right. In this case, the smoker can be visually guided to the right as the preferred rubbing direction. As another example, the color concentration of the care areas (e.g., care area 441, care area 442, care area 443) arranged in sequence can increase or decrease in a specific direction. In this case, the above-mentioned specific direction can also be indirectly guided to the smoker as the preferred rubbing direction. This example can be effective when there is a preferred care order between the care areas (e.g., care area 441, care area 442, care area 443). For example, when the first care area (e.g., care area 441) is a deodorizing area and the second care area (e.g., care area 442) is a fragrance area, preferably, the care function of the first care area (e.g., care area 441) is provided before the second care area (e.g., care area 442). In this case, this example can be effectively applied.

[0100] So far, reference has been made to Figures 10 to 12Care areas 441 to 443 according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure are explained.

[0101] Although the first to fifth embodiments of the present disclosure are described in a manner of distinguishing them, the first to fifth embodiments described above can be combined in various forms. For example, in order to maximize the performance of a specific area of ​​the care area 400 (i.e., the discharge amount of the functional material), a protrusion pattern having a high density and coated with microcapsules 430 having low compressive strength can be formed in the above-mentioned specific area. As another example, in order to maximize the performance of a specific care area (e.g., care area 442) among multiple care areas (e.g., care area 441, care area 442, care area 443) having different care functions, a protrusion pattern having a high density and coated with microcapsules 430 having low compressive strength can be formed in the specific care area (e.g., care area 442).

[0102] Hereinafter, the structure and effects of the above-mentioned smoking article box 100 will be described in more detail through examples and experimental examples. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the following examples.

[0103] Experimental Example 1: Selection of antibacterial materials

[0104] In order to select the antibacterial materials used in the following examples, antibacterial performance tests were conducted on grapefruit extract, propolis, eucalyptus oil, pine needle oil, lime oil, eucalyptol and limonene. Specifically, a total of four bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) were cultured using a covering culture medium, and the size (mm) of the inhibition zone formed when the antibacterial material was loaded was measured. At this time, the loading amount (μL) of the antibacterial material was set to 10, 25 and 50, respectively, and the experimental results are shown in Tables 1 to 3 below. Table 1 shows the experimental results when the loading amount (μL) of the antibacterial material is 10, and Tables 2 and 3 show the experimental results when the loading amount (μL) of the antibacterial material is 25 and 50, respectively.

[0105] Table 1

[0106]

[0107]

[0108] Table 2

[0109]

[0110] Table 3

[0111]

[0112] As shown in Tables 1 to 3, most antimicrobial materials exhibited concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity, with grapefruit extract and lime oil generally exhibiting superior antimicrobial properties. However, eucalyptus oil, pine needle oil, eucalyptol, and limonene also exhibited at least a certain level of antimicrobial activity. Although limonene is a major component of lime oil, its antimicrobial activity was found to be lower than that of lime oil. This is presumably because other components in lime oil, besides limonene, also possess antimicrobial activity.

[0113] Example 1

[0114] Grapefruit extract was used as an antibacterial material to prepare microcapsules, and a functional composition including microcapsules and ink was applied to the upper surface of the cover by offset printing to prepare a microcapsule. Figures 1 to 3 The smoking article box shown in the example has three functional compositions with microcapsule contents of 10 wt% (90 wt% of ink), 15 wt% (85 wt% of ink), and 20 wt% (80 wt% of ink).

[0115] Example 2

[0116] A smoking article box was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that eucalyptus oil was used as the antibacterial material.

[0117] Example 3

[0118] A smoking article box was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that pine needle oil was used as the antibacterial material.

[0119] Example 4

[0120] A smoking article box was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that lime oil was used as the antibacterial material.

[0121] Experimental Example 2: Determination of antibacterial performance based on friction action

[0122] For the smoking article packs according to Examples 1 to 4, an antibacterial performance test based on friction was conducted. Specifically, a sample composed of Staphylococcus aureus (initial bacterial count: approximately 1.7×10 3 After rubbing the antibacterial area of ​​the smoking article box (rubbing times: 5 times and 10 times), the number of residual bacteria (CFU) remaining in the sample was measured. The residual bacteria (CFU) was calculated by averaging the results of the five measurements. The experimental results are shown in Tables 4 to 6 below. Table 4 shows the experimental results when the microcapsule content of the functional composition was 10% by weight, and Tables 5 and 6 show the experimental results when the microcapsule content of the functional composition was 15% and 20% by weight, respectively.

[0123] Table 4

[0124]

[0125] Table 5

[0126]

[0127] Table 6

[0128]

[0129] Tables 4 to 6 confirm that rubbing the smoking article pack (i.e., the care area) according to the embodiment fully exerts its antibacterial effect. This demonstrates that the smoking article pack according to the embodiment can provide a hand care function, and further demonstrates that by varying the functional materials contained in the microcapsules, other types of hand care functions can also be fully provided.

[0130] Specifically, the antimicrobial performance of the smoking article boxes (i.e., the care area) according to the examples was largely dependent on the microcapsule content. Specifically, as the microcapsule content of the functional composition increased, the bacterial reduction rate based on the rubbing action also generally increased. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in the bacterial reduction rate based on the number of rubbing actions.

[0131] Furthermore, similar to the results shown in Tables 1 to 3, the antibacterial properties of the smoking article packs coated with microcapsules containing grapefruit extract and lime oil (Examples 1 and 4) were generally good. Specifically, it was confirmed that the smoking article packs according to Examples 1 and 4 achieved a bacterial reduction rate of approximately 70% or greater even at a microcapsule content of approximately 10% by weight. On the other hand, to ensure a bacterial reduction rate of approximately 70% or greater, the microcapsule content of the smoking article pack coated with microcapsules containing pine needle oil (Example 3) should be approximately 20% by weight or greater, and the microcapsule content of the smoking article pack coated with microcapsules containing eucalyptus oil (Example 2) should be approximately 15% by weight.

[0132] So far, the structure and effects of the smoking article box 100 have been described in more detail through the embodiments and experimental examples.

[0133] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art with common sense in the art to which the present disclosure pertains will appreciate that the present disclosure may be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical concepts or essential features of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are illustrative and non-restrictive in all respects. The scope of protection of the present disclosure shall be determined by the claims, and all interpretations of the technical spirit within the scope of equivalents shall fall within the scope of the technical concepts defined by the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A smoking article box, characterized in that: include: a main body portion forming an interior space for storing smoking articles, and a cover connected to the main body; A functional care area is formed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the main body and the cover. A functional composition is applied to at least a portion of the functional care area, wherein the functional composition comprises microcapsules containing functional materials and ink. The above functional materials include antibacterial materials, The microcapsules coated on the functional care area also contain a material that changes the color or color concentration of the ink. As the microcapsules are crushed, the material that changes the color or color density of the ink is discharged, thereby changing the color or color density of the ink applied to the functional care area. The functional composition comprises 10 to 25 wt % of the microcapsules and 75 to 90 wt % of the ink.

2. The smoking article box according to claim 1, wherein The antibacterial material includes at least one material selected from the group consisting of grapefruit extract, lime oil, eucalyptus oil, pine needle oil, eucalyptol, limonene and propolis.

3. The smoking article box according to claim 1, wherein The first area of ​​the functional care area is coated with first microcapsules having a first compressive strength. The second area of ​​the functional care area is coated with second microcapsules having a second compressive strength. The first compressive strength is less than the second compressive strength.

4. The smoking article box according to claim 3, characterized in that The first area mentioned above is the central area, The second area mentioned above is the peripheral area.

5. The smoking article box according to claim 3, characterized in that The membrane material of the first microcapsule comprises a cellulose material. The membrane material of the second microcapsule comprises a melamine-based material.

6. The smoking article box according to claim 1, wherein The functional care area includes a plurality of protruding areas spaced apart from each other.

7. The smoking article box according to claim 6, characterized in that The protrusion degree of at least one portion of the plurality of protruding regions is different from that of another portion of the protruding regions, or the spacing distance of at least one portion of the plurality of protruding regions is different from that of another portion of the protruding regions.

8. The smoking article box according to claim 1, wherein Ink is applied in the functional care area in a manner forming designated symbols. Information about the functional care areas is encoded in the designated symbols.

9. The smoking article box according to claim 1, wherein: The functional care area includes a protrusion region formed with a protrusion pattern.

10. The smoking article box according to claim 9, characterized in that The protruding area includes a first protruding area and a second protruding area. The first protrusion region is formed with a protrusion pattern having a first density, The second protrusion region is formed with a protrusion pattern having a second density higher than the first density, The second protrusion region is coated with ink having a darker color density than that of the first protrusion region.

11. The smoking article box according to claim 1, wherein The above functional care areas include: The first functional care area is coated with microcapsules containing the first functional material. a second functional care area coated with microcapsules containing a second functional material different from the first functional material; The first functional care area and the second functional care area are coated with inks of different colors.

12. The smoking article box according to claim 1, wherein In addition to the antibacterial area coated with microcapsules containing the above-mentioned antibacterial material, the above-mentioned functional care area also includes a deodorizing area and a fragrance area.

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