Container for tobacco products, associated package of tobacco products and method of manufacture

Abstract

The invention relates to a container (12) for tobacco products (14), each tobacco product (14) comprising a filter tip; the container (12) comprises: an outer box (31); -an inner liner (32) inserted in the outer box (31) and configured to receive the tobacco product (14), the inner liner (32) defining an inner surface designed to be in contact with the tobacco product (14) and an outer surface in contact with the outer box (31); wherein at least one surface of the inner liner (32) is coated with an antifouling coating (45) comprising a first antifouling layer comprising ethyl cellulose to prevent or minimize contamination from oily chemicals contained in a filter (26) of the tobacco article (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container for tobacco products, a pack of tobacco products associated with the container and a method of manufacturing the same. Background Art

[0002] During transportation, tobacco products (such as conventional cigarettes or tobacco sticks) intended for use with heat-not-burn devices are typically packaged in containers that protect the tobacco products. Such containers can be made from renewable raw materials such as paperboard and often include a structured composition. This composition generally includes a hard outer box that maintains the shape of the container and a flexible liner that maintains the freshness and flavor of the tobacco products.

[0003] Modern tobacco products are made of more and more sustainable materials. For example, nowadays, the acetate filter used conventionally in cigarettes can be replaced by an easily recyclable paper filter. However, conventional containers for tobacco products are not always fully suitable for storing tobacco products comprising sustainable materials. Summary of the invention

[0004] One of the objects of the present invention is to propose a container for tobacco products suitable for storing any type of tobacco products, in particular tobacco products made from sustainable materials.

[0005] To this end, the invention relates to a container for tobacco products, each tobacco product comprising a filter;

[0006] The container includes:

[0007] - Outer box;

[0008] - an inner liner inserted into the outer box and configured to receive the tobacco product, the inner liner defining an inner surface designed to be in contact with the tobacco product and an outer surface in contact with the outer box;

[0009] At least one surface of the liner is coated with an anti-fouling coating, which includes a first anti-fouling layer containing ethyl cellulose to prevent or minimize contamination from oily chemicals contained in the filter of the tobacco product.

[0010] In tobacco products made from sustainable materials, conventional acetate filters are often replaced with filters made from paper or any other sustainable material. This type of filter can cause smoke irritation when not using additional chemicals, usually oily substances. The use of such oily substances can leave stains on the lining. This can result in a poor appearance of the container when it is used by the user.

[0011] The present invention proposes to use a special anti-fouling coating applied on at least one surface of the liner to make the container suitable for storing this type of tobacco products. Therefore, stains can be avoided on the surface of the container, and the container can maintain its original appearance during the entire use period.

[0012] In addition, the use of ethylcellulose is particularly advantageous because ethylcellulose is harmless and can be easily applied to conventional materials (e.g., paper or aluminum) for forming linings. It is also very effective against stains, especially oily stains. In addition, ethylcellulose does not provide heat sealing capabilities. It is desirable to prevent tobacco products from adhering to the lining after the container is sealed. In particular, the melting point of ethylcellulose is usually between 240° C. and 255° C., higher than the temperature used during packaging manufacturing.

[0013] Furthermore, ethylcellulose creates a surface that is flexible enough to allow embossing of the liner for design purposes or technical needs without disrupting the anti-contamination barrier. Furthermore, ethylcellulose is a thermoplastic material that can be formed when heated. Since ethylcellulose forms a very thin layer, the friction heat of the embossing roller is sufficient to prevent cracking and promote forming.

[0014] Throughout the specification, "ethylcellulose" is understood to be a derivative of cellulose in which some of the hydroxyl groups on the repeating glucose units are converted into ethyl ether groups. In a preferred embodiment, CAS number: 9004-57-3 describes ethylcellulose at the molecular level.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the antifouling coating has a dry weight between 1 gsm and 5 gsm.

[0016] For example, when using a liner comprising paper, this dry weight is particularly suitable. In this case, the basis weight of the paper of the liner can be, for example, between 50gsm and 90gsm. As is well known, dry weight refers to the weight of the layer of the coating after all liquid components have evaporated.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the antifouling coating further comprises a second antifouling layer having substantially the same composition as the first antifouling layer.

[0018] Advantageously, the two antifouling layers can be applied in a similar manner, for example using substantially the same coating process and varnishing substance. The two-layer structure enables a uniform coating to be obtained even on relatively rough surfaces, such as paper surfaces. In particular, such a two-layer structure avoids irregularities in the coating, such as uncoated or weakly coated areas that may occur due to the roughness of the surface.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the or each antifouling layer is formed by a compound containing ethyl cellulose, the ethyl cellulose being dissolved in a component of a solvent. The compound may form a varnish or a lacquer. Preferably, the mass proportion of ethyl cellulose in the compound is, for example, between 20% and 70%, advantageously between 30% and 60%, and preferably substantially equal to 35%.

[0020] Preferably, each solvent may comprise an acetate, such as ethyl acetate, isopropyl acetate or n-propyl acetate, and ethanol. The solvent is advantageously used to adjust the viscosity of the ink / varnish / lacquer and may vary widely based on factors such as climatic conditions, press speed, drying capacity, etc. Preferably, the mass ratio of the solvent in the compound is, for example, between 30% and 80%, advantageously between 40% and 70%, and preferably substantially equal to 65%.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the or each anti-fouling layer is applied by rotogravure or flexographic printing techniques.

[0022] These technologies enable coatings to be applied evenly while using existing machinery and equipment.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the or at least one antifouling layer is embossed. Advantageously, the layer is embossed together with the liner.

[0024] The embossed surface can be used for design purposes (images, texts, symbols, etc.) as well as for technical needs (fold lines, cut lines, attachment methods, etc.) without destroying the integrity of the coating.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the or each anti-fouling layer exhibits non-sealing properties when heated.

[0026] These features prevent the tobacco product from adhering to the liner after the container is sealed by heat.

[0027] According to some embodiments, an anti-fouling coating is applied to the inner surface of the liner.

[0028] Because the inner surface of the liner is in direct contact with the tobacco product, these features prevent oily stains that may occur when the container is closed, such as during shipping of the container.

[0029] According to some embodiments, an antifouling coating is applied on each surface of the liner.

[0030] These surfaces may include, for example, the inner surface of the liner that is in direct contact with the tobacco product and the outer surface of the liner. The anti-fouling coating on the outer surface of the liner prevents oily stains that may occur when the user handles the tobacco product (e.g., when removing the tobacco product from the container). This also prevents further oily stains that may occur due to contact between the user's fingers and the liner.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the liner comprises aluminum and / or paper. For example, the liner comprises a laminate of paper and aluminum.

[0032] These materials can be easily coated with the antifouling coating according to the present invention. In certain embodiments, the inner liner can be formed by a paper sheet, which is coated with an antifouling coating on one surface and an aluminum coating on another surface. For example, the antifouling coating can be applied on the inner surface in direct contact with the tobacco product, and the aluminum coating can be applied on the outer surface. According to other embodiments, the inner liner is formed by an aluminum sheet or a paper sheet, and at least one surface thereof is coated with an antifouling layer.

[0033] The present invention also relates to a tobacco product package, the tobacco product package comprising:

[0034] - a container as defined above;

[0035] - A plurality of tobacco products received in the container, each tobacco product comprising a filter.

[0036] According to some embodiments, each filter comprises, advantageously is made of, a paper-based material.

[0037] Hence, the filter is a sustainable filter and the tobacco product can be easily recycled after use.

[0038] According to some embodiments, each filter includes an oily substance.

[0039] The oily substance can balance the taste of the generated smoke, making it less pungent when it passes through a filter, especially a sustainable filter (e.g. made of paper (e.g., paper sheets or natural cellulose nonwovens)). The oily substance can be polypropylene glycol (referred to as PPG). PPG can be in liquid or gel form.

[0040] The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a container as defined above, the method comprising:

[0041] - a first coating step consisting in applying a first antifouling layer on the sheet intended to form the lining;

[0042] - an assembly step comprising assembling the outer box and the inner liner to form a container.

[0043] The assembly step can be performed according to any known technology. For example, the liner can be inserted into the outer box after it has been formed. According to another embodiment, the sheet material intended to form the outer box is first attached to the liner, and then, the two elements are folded to form the desired container shape. The tobacco product can be inserted into the container after the assembly step. Alternatively, the tobacco product is provided before the assembly step and is placed in the container during the assembly step.

[0044] According to some embodiments, the manufacturing method further includes a second coating step including applying a second antifouling layer on the first antifouling layer.

[0045] The second coating step is advantageously performed after the first coating step and before the assembling step. In some embodiments, a drying step may be performed between the first coating step and the second coating step, comprising drying the first antifouling layer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] The invention and its advantages will be better understood on reading the following description, given by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0047] - Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a pack of tobacco products according to the invention, the pack comprising a container for tobacco products according to the invention;

[0048] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a schematic representation of one of the tobacco products; and

[0049] - Figure 3 It is used to manufacture Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the device of the container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Before describing the present invention, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the construction details set forth in the following description. For those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure, it is obvious that the present invention is capable of other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in a variety of different ways.

[0051] The expression "substantially equal" is to be understood hereinafter as being equal to plus or minus 10%, preferably plus or minus 5%.

[0052] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" or "device" may include an inhalation device that delivers an aerosol from an aerosol generating article (e.g., including tobacco, also known as a tobacco product) received in the device. The device may be portable. "Portable" may refer to that the device is used when held by a user. The device may be suitable for generating a variable amount of aerosol, such as by using a trigger to activate a heating system for a variable amount of time (different from a quantitative aerosol). The trigger may be user-activated, such as an inhalation button and / or an inhalation sensor. The inhalation sensor may be sensitive to inhalation intensity and inhalation duration, so that a variable amount of vapor can be provided (thereby simulating the effect of inhaling a conventional combustible smoking article (e.g., a cigarette, cigar, or pipe, etc.)).

[0053] As used herein, the term "tobacco substrate" or "aerosol generation substrate" is used to represent any material that can form an aerosol. Aerosol is usually obtained by raising the temperature of the aerosol generation substrate, such as at a temperature lower than 400°C, preferably up to 350°C. Aerosol generation substrate can for example include aerosol generation solid or be composed of aerosol generation solid, and the aerosol generation solid can be in the form of a rod, and the aerosol generation solid contains a processed tobacco material, a curled sheet or an oriented strip of reconstituted tobacco (RTB) or any combination of these. Aerosol generation substrate can include one or more of the following: nicotine, caffeine or other active ingredients. Optionally, a taste modifier is added to the tobacco substrate to enhance the taste of the released aerosol. The taste modifier can be a spice (for example, menthol), a flavor enhancer, a sweetener, a coolant (for example, WS 3, Coolact etc.) and a combination thereof. For example, the taste modifier may be a plurality of flavoring microchips including a polysaccharide and / or starch matrix and flavorings as described in EP 2279677 B, EP 2682007 B, EP 2682009 B, EP 3533348A or WO 2015029750A.

[0054] As used herein, the term "aerosol" may include a suspension of precursors, such as one or more of the following: solid particles, liquid droplets, gases. The suspension may be in a gas (including air). An aerosol may be formed from an aerosol-generating substrate and may include one or more components thereof.

[0055] Figure 1 A tobacco product package 10 is schematically shown in FIG. 2. Referring to the figure, the package 10 includes a container 12 and a plurality of tobacco products 14 received in the container 12.

[0056] The number of tobacco products 14 received in the container 12 may vary according to different embodiments of the present invention. For example, the number may be between 1 and 50, advantageously between 10 and 25. For simplicity, in the further description, the tobacco products 14 will be considered to be substantially the same as each other, and reference will be made to Figure 2 Only one tobacco product 14 is described. However, it should be understood that, according to different embodiments of the present invention, tobacco products 14 can be different from each other, and define, for example, different shapes, and / or tastes, and / or tobacco components, and / or spices, and / or external designs, etc. Each tobacco product 14 is, for example, a rod designed to be heated by an aerosol generating device (also referred to as a heat-not-burn or HNB device) to form an aerosol. According to another embodiment, each tobacco product 14 is a RMC type cigarette (finished cigarette). In other words, each tobacco product 14 can be a conventional cigarette.

[0057] refer to Figure 2, the tobacco product 14 presents an elongated shape extending between the upstream end 23 and the mouth end 24 along the axis of the product. The tobacco product 14 includes a tobacco matrix 25 adjacent to the upstream end 23, a filter 26 adjacent to the mouth end 24, and a wrapper 28 that wraps the tobacco matrix 25 and the filter 26 together. The wrapper 28 is, for example, a known wrapper that includes a plugging paper, at least one filter plug wrapper, and a cigarette paper. The wrapper 28 advantageously extends around the axis of the product, keeping the lateral surfaces of the tobacco matrix 25 and the lateral surfaces of the filter 26 unwrapped at the upstream end 23 and the mouth end 24, respectively. In some embodiments, the tobacco product 14 may further include a cooling or spacing element (not shown) arranged between the tobacco matrix 25 and the filter 26.

[0058] According to various embodiments of the present invention, tobacco substrate 25 is designed to be heated when used with an HNB device, or to be at least partially burned when used as an RMC-type cigarette.

[0059] The filter 26 preferably comprises a filter material which is wrapped by a plug wrap of a wrapper 28 to assemble the filter material. Advantageously, according to the present invention, the filter material is a sustainable material (e.g., paper). In some embodiments, the filter material is made of a single sheet (e.g., a paper strip), for example, by folding the sheet to form several layers extending along the filter 26. The filter material can be, for example, superimposed paper sheets.

[0060] When the filter material is paper, its basis weight is, for example, between 20 gsm and 120 gsm, preferably between 25 gsm and 50 gsm. The thickness of the paper is, for example, between 30 μm and 100 μm. The porosity of the paper is preferably between 0 CU and 3000 CU. The tensile strength of the paper is, for example, higher than 18 N / 15 mm.

[0061] According to the present invention, the filter 26 further comprises an oily substance that balances the taste of the smoke. Such an oily substance can be absorbed by the filter material and at least partially released when heated. Such an oily substance can include polypropylene glycol (referred to as PPG).

[0062] Reference again Figure 1 , the container 12 is, for example, a rectangular cuboid suitable for receiving the tobacco product 14. Figure 1 As shown, the container 12 includes an outer box 31 that advantageously forms a rigid structure of the container 12 and an inner liner 32 that is inserted into the outer box 31 .

[0063] The outer box 31 includes a body 34 and a lid 35. The lid 35 is designed to allow access to the liner 32 in the open position and to form a rectangular parallelepiped shape of the container 12 in the closed position. Figure 1In the example of , the lid 35 is in the open position. The lid 35 can be hinged to the body 34. The outer box 31 can be formed of any conventional material (such as paper, paperboard, cardboard, or a combination thereof). The outer box can further include a removable outer protective film.

[0064] The liner 32 is designed to receive the tobacco product 14 and is in direct contact with the tobacco product 14. The liner 32 is made of a flexible material and can include paper and / or aluminum, for example. The basis weight of the paper constituting the liner 32 is, for example, between 50 gsm and 90 gsm. The liner 32 is primarily designed to maintain the freshness of the tobacco product 14 during storage in the container 12.

[0065] The liner 32 defines an opening 40 through which the tobacco article 14 can be removed from or inserted into the liner 32. The opening 40 can be protected by a flexible cover sheet 42, which is designed, for example, to close the opening 40 when the lid 35 is in the closed position and to open the opening 40 when the lid 35 is in the open position. For this purpose, Figure 1 As shown, a cover sheet 42 can be attached to the lid 35. According to another embodiment, the cover sheet or label 42 is not attached to the lid, but only to the liner and is designed to be opened / closed manually by the user. In another embodiment, the cover sheet is replaced by an upper portion of the liner sheet that can be removed by a tear strip.

[0066] The liner 32 is formed, for example, of a sheet material defining an inner surface designed to be in direct contact with the tobacco product 14 and an outer surface designed to be in contact with the outer box 31. The sheet material may include folding and / or cutting lines so that the shapes of the liner 32 and the cover sheet 42 can be formed after folding and / or cutting the sheet material in an appropriate manner.

[0067] According to the present invention, at least one surface (preferably the inner surface) of the liner 32 is coated with an anti-fouling coating 45. Such an anti-fouling coating 45 may extend over the entire area of ​​the corresponding surface of the liner 32 (including the surface of the cover sheet 42) or only in a predetermined portion of the surface. For example, the anti-fouling coating 45 may extend only in a portion of the inner surface that is intended to be in contact with the tobacco product 14, in particular, in contact with the filter 26 of the tobacco product 14. For example, the anti-fouling coating 45 may extend only on the inner surface of the upper side of the liner 32, which is in contact with the mouth end 24 of the tobacco product 14, such as Figure 1 According to another example, the antifouling coating 45 extends only on the inner surface of the cover sheet 42. In this case, oily stains on the visible part of the cover sheet 42 are prevented when the cover sheet is opened, such as Figure 1As shown. In addition, according to some examples, the anti-fouling coating 45 can also extend at least on some portions of the outer surface of the liner 32. These portions can, for example, correspond to exposed portions of the liner 32 when the lid 35 is in the open position, and / or correspond to removable portions of the liner to allow access to the tobacco product (for example, by using a tear tape). According to another example, the anti-fouling coating 45 extends over the entire area of ​​the outer surface of the liner 32.

[0068] As described above, the sheet forming the liner 32 may be made of paper. At least some portions of the sheet may be coated with an aluminum coating and at least some other portions may be coated with an antifouling coating as explained above. For example, the outer surface of the sheet may be at least partially or fully coated with an aluminum coating, and the inner surface of the sheet may be at least partially or fully coated with an antifouling coating.

[0069] Advantageously, according to the present invention, the antifouling coating 45 includes a first antifouling layer and a second antifouling layer. Each antifouling layer may have similar chemical components. In particular, each antifouling layer includes ethyl cellulose to prevent or minimize contamination from oily chemicals. Each antifouling layer may further include a solvent. The mass ratio of ethyl cellulose is, for example, 35%, and the mass ratio of the solvent is, for example, 65%.

[0070] Now it will be explained the method of manufacturing the container 12. In particular, it is first considered to provide a paper and / or aluminum sheet intended to form the inner liner 32. Furthermore, according to different embodiments of the invention, the outer box 31 is provided in assembled form or in sheet form.

[0071] The manufacturing method includes first forming an antifouling coating 45 on at least one surface and at least some portions of a sheet intended to form an inner liner 32. In particular, the first antifouling layer and the second antifouling layer constituting the antifouling coating 45 can be applied by rotary gravure printing or flexographic printing technology during the first coating step and the second coating step, respectively. A drying step can also be performed between these coating steps to dry at least the first antifouling layer. Another drying step can also be performed after the second coating step.

[0072] Figure 3 An apparatus 100 is shown which can be used to implement, for example, a rotogravure printing technique. The same apparatus 100 can be used to perform both coating steps. According to another embodiment, different apparatuses 100 having a similar structure can be used to perform the coating steps consecutively.

[0073] refer to Figure 3, the device 100 comprises a bath 110, which in a particular example of the invention comprises ethyl cellulose dissolved in one or more components of a solvent, subsequently forming a varnish or paint. The device 110 further comprises a gravure printing cylinder 120, which rotates in the bath 110 and comprises a scraper 130, which is used to remove all excess varnish so that only the deeper engraved grids remain filled with varnish. Finally, the device further comprises an embossing roller 140, which is used to push the sheet intended to form the liner 32 between this roller 140 and the roller 120.

[0074] After applying the antifouling coating 45 on the liner 32, the manufacturing method further includes an assembly step, which includes assembling the outer box 31 and the liner 32 to form the container 12. According to different embodiments of the present invention, this step can further include placing a tobacco product inside the liner 32.

Claims

1. A container (12) for tobacco products (14), each tobacco product (14) comprising a filter (26); The container (12) comprises: - an outer box (31); - an inner liner (32) inserted into the outer box (31) and configured to receive a tobacco product (14), the inner liner (32) defining an inner surface designed to be in contact with the tobacco product (14) and an outer surface in contact with the outer box (31); At least one surface of the liner (32) is coated with an antifouling coating (45), which includes a first antifouling layer containing ethyl cellulose to prevent or minimize contamination from oily chemicals contained in the filter (26) of the tobacco product (14).

2. The container (12) according to claim 1, wherein: The antifouling coating (45) has a dry weight between 1 gsm and 5 gsm.

3. The container (12) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein: The antifouling coating (45) further comprises a second antifouling layer having substantially the same composition as the first antifouling layer.

4. A container (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The or each anti-fouling layer is applied by rotogravure or flexographic printing techniques.

5. The container (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The or at least one antifouling layer is embossed, advantageously co-embossed with the liner (32).

6. A container (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The or each anti-fouling layer exhibits non-sealing properties when heated.

7. A container (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The antifouling coating is applied to the inner surface of the liner (32).

8. A container (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The anti-fouling coating (45) is applied on each surface of the liner.

9. A container (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The liner comprises a paper having a basis weight between 50 gsm and 90 gsm.

10. The container (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The liner (32) comprises a laminate of aluminium and paper.

11. A tobacco product package (10), the package comprising: - A container (12) according to any one of the preceding claims; - a plurality of tobacco products (14) received in the container (12), each tobacco product (14) comprising a filter (26).

12. The package (10) according to claim 12, wherein: Each filter (26) comprises a paper-based material.

13. The bag (10) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein Each filter (26) includes an oily substance.

14. A method for manufacturing a container (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising: - a first coating step consisting in applying a first antifouling layer on the sheet intended to form the lining (32); - an assembly step, which comprises assembling the outer box (31) and the inner liner (32) to form the container (12).

15. The manufacturing method according to claim 14, further comprising a second coating step, the second coating step comprising applying a second antifouling layer on the first antifouling layer.

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