Packaging for consumer goods

Abstract

A package (10) for receiving a consumer product (100). The package comprises a first portion, a second portion and a removable portion. The package (10) is movable from a first configuration (Cl) in which the first portion (12) and the second portion (14) are held together by the removable portion (16) such that the first portion (12) and the second portion (14) of the package (10) define an enclosed receiving portion (R) for receiving the consumer product (100). The package is then movable from the first configuration (Cl) to a second configuration (C2) in which the removable portion (16) is separated from at least one of the first portion and the second portion. Thereby, the first portion and the second portion are slidable relative to each other to a third configuration (C3) in which the first portion (12) is separated from the second portion (14) such that the receiving portion (R) is exposed so that the consumer product (100) can then be removed from the receiving portion (R).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to packaging for consumer products, such as consumer products associated with an aerosol supply system (including its components, such as consumables including a reservoir containing an aerosolizable material configured to be aerosolized by the aerosol supply system in use to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user), or consumables including fresh products (such as chewing tobacco, snuff, or oral products). Background Technology

[0002] There are existing packaging options for containing consumer products in a manner that allows them to be stored (e.g., in a store) before being used / purchased by the end user.

[0003] A potential drawback of existing packaging in the aforementioned respects is that it is often difficult to know whether the packaging has been opened unless some form of additional layer is added to the entire package (e.g., a [transparent] outer plastic film layer that is then layered on top of the packaging).

[0004] This article describes various methods that attempt to help address or mitigate some of the problems discussed above by providing packaging that eliminates the need for such an external plastic film layer. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of certain embodiments, a package for receiving consumer products is provided, the package including a first portion, a second portion, and a removable portion; wherein the package is movable from the first configuration to the second configuration: In the first configuration, the first part and the second part are held together by a removable portion attached to both the first part and the second part, such that the first part and the second part of the package define a closed receiving section for receiving consumer products. In the second configuration, the removable portion is separated from at least one of the first and second portions, such that the first and second portions of the package still define a closed receiving portion for receiving consumer products; In this configuration, the first and second parts of the packaging are arranged to slide relative to each other from the second structure of the packaging to the third structure of the packaging, in which the first and second parts are separated, thereby exposing the receiving part.

[0006] According to a second aspect of certain embodiments, a method for packaging a consumer product within a package is provided, the package including a first portion, a second portion, and a removable portion; wherein the method includes: The consumer product is inserted into a receiving section for receiving the consumer product from the packaging, wherein the receiving section is at least partially defined by a first part of the packaging; The second part of the packaging is slid relative to and toward the first part of the packaging, such that the receiving section is closed and defined by the first and second parts of the packaging, and the consumer product is located within the receiving section; and The first and second parts of the packaging are held together by attaching the removable portion to both the first and second parts of the packaging.

[0007] According to a third aspect of certain embodiments, a method for removing a consumer product located within a receiving section of a package according to the first aspect is provided, the method comprising: Separate the removable portion from at least one of the first and second portions to move the package from the first configuration to the second configuration; Slide the first part of the packaging relative to the second part of the packaging to separate the first part from the second part and expose the receiving section containing the consumer product from the packaging; and Remove the consumer product from the receiving section of the packaging.

[0008] It will be understood that the features and aspects of the invention described above with respect to various aspects of the invention are equally applicable to embodiments of the invention according to other aspects of the invention, and can be suitably combined with them, not only in the specific combinations described herein. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A This refers to a package having a removable portion and being in a first configuration according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 1B This indicates certain embodiments according to the present disclosure. Figure 1A The package that moves from the first structure toward the second structure in which the removable portion is separated; and Figure 2 This indicates certain embodiments according to the present disclosure. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The packaging is in the third structure, and it shows a variety of consumer products that can be used with the packaging. Detailed Implementation

[0010] This document discusses / describes aspects and features of certain examples and implementations. Some aspects and features of certain examples and implementations can be conventionally implemented, and for the sake of brevity, these aspects and features are not discussed / described in detail. Therefore, it will be understood that aspects and features of the devices and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail can be implemented using any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

[0011] This disclosure relates to packaging 10 for receiving consumer product 100. It is contemplated that this packaging can be applied to any desired consumer product 100. Specific examples of consumer product 100 may take the form of an aerosol supply system 100A and / or consumables (cartridges) for such an aerosol supply system 100A, wherein the consumables include a reservoir containing an aerosolizable material. Consumer products may also include fresh products 101, such as chewing tobacco, snuff, or oral products. Oral products can be understood to include oral products made from or derived from tobacco, containing tobacco, or not containing tobacco, and intended for human consumption. In some embodiments, such oral products may also be understood to include oral products containing nicotine.

[0012] Package 10 includes a first part 12, a second part 14, and a removable part 16. At a general level, the package can be removed from the first structure C1 ( Figure 1A (As shown in the diagram) In the first configuration, the first portion 12 and the second portion 14 are held together by a removable portion 16 attached to both the first portion 12 and the second portion 14, such that the first portion 12 and the second portion 14 of the package 10 define a closed receiving section R for receiving the consumer product 100.

[0013] In this way, package 10 can then be moved / transformed to the second construct C2 (e.g.) Figure 1B As shown), in the second configuration, the removable portion 16 is separated from at least one (or both) of the first portion 12 and the second portion 14, such that the first portion 12 and the second portion 14 of the package still define a closed receiving portion for receiving the consumer product 100. According to this second configuration C2, the first portion 12 and the second portion 14 of the package 10 are then configured to slide relative to each other from the second configuration C2 of the package 10 to the third configuration C3 of the package 10 (as shown). Figure 2 As shown), in the third configuration, the first part 12 is separated from the second part 14, exposing the receiving part R. This then allows the consumer product 100 to be removed from the receiving part R of the package 10 for subsequent use by the end user as needed.

[0014] Therefore, at a general level, the provision of such packaging 10 allows the consumer product 100 to be initially contained within the packaging 10 in a manner that allows the consumer to easily identify whether the packaging has been opened by observing whether the removable portion 16 is unopened / separated. The packaging 10 also helps maintain the safety of the consumer product by ensuring that it is held within the receiving section R just before use.

[0015] Turning to the shape of each of the first portion 12 and the second portion 14, it can be understood that these portions can be shaped to fit the shape of any consumer product 100 typically intended for use with packaging 10. Thus, in some general embodiments, the first portion 12 may include a base portion 20, and the second portion may additionally / alternatively include a cap portion 22. This is particularly relevant for elongated consumer products 100 (such as...) Figure 2 In some embodiments of the consumer product 100 shown, the packaging 10 may be tubular, and / or when the packaging 10 is in the first configuration C1, such that it defines a cylindrical shape. Such a shape is shown in the embodiment of the packaging shown, wherein the packaging 10 is shown as also having a circular cross-section, and wherein the cylindrical shape includes a first closed end 12A defined by a first portion 12; and a second closed end 14A defined by a second portion 14.

[0016] To improve the security of the consumer product 100 within the receiving section R when the package 10 is in the first configuration C1, in some embodiments, one of the first portion 12 and the second portion 14 may be configured to be at least partially located between the removable portion 16 and the receiving section R when the package 10 is in the first configuration C1. This can be referenced... Figure 1B As shown in the embodiment, when the package 10 is in the first configuration C1, a portion 24 of the first portion 12 is located between the removable portion 16 and the receiving portion R. In this way, even if the removable portion 16 is partially separated from at least one (or both) of the first portion 12 and the second portion 14 (e.g., ...), Figure 1B As shown), in this state, part 24 still prevents entry into the receiving part R.

[0017] When in the first configuration C1, the outer surface 26 of the first portion 12 and the outer surface 28 of the second portion 14 may be configured to be flush with each other in some embodiments. In such an embodiment, the removable portion 16 may also include an outer surface 30 configured to be flush with the outer surface 26 of the first portion 12 and the outer surface 28 of the second portion 24 when the package is in the first configuration C1. This flush arrangement better prevents the removable portion 16 from being accidentally hooked / opened, such as... Figure 1A As shown in the embodiment. Such a flush surface also allows the user to more easily determine whether the packaging 10 has been tampered with in any way, indicating such tampering should the surface not be flush at the time. In other words, it is possible to position the removable portion 16 in a recessed location between the first portion 12 and the second portion 14, as... Figure 1A As shown, for example, in the first construction C1 of package 10.

[0018] In addition to such surface flushing, tampering may also be apparent to the extent that the outer surface 30 of the removable portion 16 is configured to be adjacent to each of the outer surfaces 26 of the first portion 12 and 28 of the second portion 14 when the package 10 is in the first configuration C1. Such tampering may also be more readily apparent when the removable portion 16 is configured to be positioned adjacent to the end 14B of the second portion 14 when the package 10 is in the first configuration C1. Therefore, in such an embodiment, the inference of tampering can be facilitated if the relevant surfaces are not adjacent to each other. This inference can also be made to the extent that the removable portion 16 is located between the first portion 12 and the second portion 14 when the package is in the first configuration C1, to which it will later be shown that this is not the case.

[0019] Moving on to the removable portion 16, it is understood that the removable portion 16 may take several forms as needed, as long as it achieves its basic purpose: a) to hold the first portion 12 and the second portion 14 together when the package is in the first configuration C1; and b) to be separable / removable (at least to some extent) to allow the package to then be moved / transferred to its second configuration C2.

[0020] Therefore, conceptually, potential implementations may include a removable portion 16 comprising a hook-and-loop mechanism; tape; adhesive; sticker; stitches; and / or a seal (such as a wax seal in a more limited embodiment) attached to both the first portion 12 and the second portion 14. Particularly in some more limited embodiments, where the packaging 10 is configured to be irreversibly movable from the first configuration C1 to the second configuration C2, thereby better preventing any tampering from being concealed afterward, the removable portion 16 may take the form of a tear strip 16A (or possibly a seal as described above). In this way, once the removable portion 16 is then separated from at least one (or both) of the first portion 12 and the second portion 14, it is impossible to reattach the removable portion 16. This can be seen with reference to the embodiment shown in the figures, where once the removable portion 16—in the form of a tear strip 16A—is separated from either the first portion 12 or the second portion 14, it is impossible for the user to reattach the removable portion 16 back to both the first portion 12 and the second portion 14. Therefore, it should be understood that such reattachment cannot be achieved solely by the user's hands, that is, it is impossible without the use of other tools / equipment (such as glue or stapler).

[0021] To the extent that the removable portion 16 includes the tear strip 16A, the tear strip can be initially held in place, for example, by using an adhesive to adhere it in place. This then positions the tear strip 16A in place when the package 10 is in the first configuration C1. To facilitate separation of the tear strip 12A from this first configuration, in some embodiments, the package 10 may then include one or more fracture zones 34; 36, such as a first fracture zone 34 located between the first portion 12 and the removable portion 16, and / or a second fracture zone 36 located between the second portion 14 and the removable portion 16. In the context of the embodiments shown in the figures and potentially other embodiments, each fracture zone 34; 36 may include an array / line of holes in the package 10 (adjacent to the removable portion 16) to facilitate separation of the removable portion 16. Although not an array / line of holes, other forms of weakening may be apparent, such as by defining fracture zones in the package 10 by defining crease lines or lines of reduced thickness, to facilitate separation of the removable portion 16.

[0022] Regardless of whether the removable portion 16 includes the tear strip 16A, in some embodiments, when the package 10 is in the first configuration C1, the removable portion may extend around the receiving portion R. When the package 10 is in the first configuration C1, this can facilitate the security of the receiving portion R at multiple angular locations around the receiving portion R.

[0023] Regarding the removable portion 16, to better prevent it from posing a swallowing hazard to young children, in some embodiments, the package 10 may be configured such that, in the second construction C2, the removable portion 16 is configured to remain attached to one of the first portion 12 and the second portion 14, but is also configured to be detachable from the other of the first portion 12 and the second portion 14. In this way, this not only facilitates subsequent sliding of the first and second portions of the package relative to each other (towards the third construction C3), but also ensures that the removable portion 16 remains attached to one of these portions 12, 14. As to how the package 10 can be configured to move from the second construction C2 to the third construction C3, convenient movement (at least as shown in the embodiments related to the drawings) may allow the first portions 12 and the second portions 14 of the package 10 to be configured to slide telescopically relative to each other from the second construction C2 of the package 10 to the third construction C3 of the package 10. This can be achieved by… Figure 2 As can be seen, for example, such telescopic movement is indicated by arrow M (which also coincides with the longitudinal axis L of the package). In other words, such telescopic movement can be achieved by a second portion 14, which is configured to at least partially cover the first portion 12 when the package is in the first configuration C1 or the second configuration C2, as can be seen, for example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Turning to the materials used for packaging, particularly when the packaging is configured for single use, it is possible that, in some embodiments, packaging 10 (or any combination of the first portion 12, the second portion 14, and / or the removable portion 16) can be made of cardboard or paper. This also promotes the recyclability of packaging 10. However, it is clear that other materials can be used for packaging, such as plastic or metal. Regarding the topic of recyclability, some embodiments of the packaging may conveniently include the first portion 12 and the second portion 14 (and in some narrower embodiments, the removable portion 16) made of the same material (such as cardboard). In some related embodiments, the first portion 12 and the second portion 14 (and in some narrower embodiments, the removable portion 16) can be made entirely of the same material (such as cardboard), which also contributes to the recycling of the packaging.

[0025] Relatedly, in order to better reduce the overall number of components of packaging 10, thereby making packaging 10 easier to recycle, according to some embodiments, at least one of the first portion 12 and / or the second portion 14 can each be defined as a single-layer wall structure surrounding the receiving portion. In other words, in these embodiments, the first portion 12 and / or the second portion 14 can each be defined as a single component; and / or as a single layer of material surrounding the receiving portion R. These embodiments contrast with other arrangements in which the relevant portion 12 or 14 is composed of multiple components (possibly made of different materials), such as including a main / structural layer with different inner / outer liner layers adhered thereto, which are then joined / fixed / laminated together to form the relevant portion 12 or 14. Therefore, as can be seen from the foregoing disclosure, this document also provides a method for removing a consumer product 100 located within the receiving portion R of the aforementioned packaging 10, wherein the method includes: separating a removable portion 16 from at least one of the first portion 12 and the second portion 14 to move the packaging 10 from a first configuration C1 to a second configuration C2. Therefore, the method may then include: sliding the first portion 12 of the packaging 10 relative to the second portion 14 of the packaging 10 (e.g., sliding / moving the second portion 14 away from the first portion 12) to separate the first portion 12 from the second portion 14, and exposing the receiving portion R from the packaging 10 where the consumer product 100 is located. In this way, and once the receiving portion R is exposed, the method may include: removing the consumer product 100 from the receiving portion R of the packaging 10 to allow the end user to then use the consumer product as needed.

[0026] According to this method, it is possible that when the first part 12 of the package 10 slides relative to the second part 14 from the second structure C2 to the third structure C3, the consumer product 100 does not move relative to the first part 12. This can be seen from... Figure 2As can be seen, when the second (lid) portion 14 is raised / slid out from the first portion 12, the first portion (and its receiving portion R) can be stationary. Similarly, it can be seen that once the receiving portion R is exposed, removing the consumer product from the receiving portion R of the package 10 may include moving the consumer product 100 in the same direction M1 as the direction M in which the second portion 14 of the package 10 moves when the package 10 moves from the second configuration C2 to the third configuration C3.

[0027] Once the receiving section R is exposed, to facilitate the removal of the consumer product 100 from the receiving section R, when the consumer product is located within the receiving section R of the package in the first (or second) configuration C1, the consumer product 100 may include a longitudinal axis Lc aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the package 10. Relatedly, the consumer product 100 may also have a length L1 greater than the length L2 of the second portion 14. In this way, even when the receiving section R is exposed and when the second portion 14 has been removed from the first portion 12, at least a portion of the consumer product 100 will remain within the receiving section R, better preventing the consumer product 100 from simply falling out of the package 10 after the second portion 14 has been removed from the first portion 12.

[0028] Also related to this, and in order to better grip / hold the consumer product 100 within the receiving portion R when the packaging is in the first configuration C1 and / or the second configuration C2, and to reduce the possibility of damage to the consumer product 100 in the event of an accidental drop of the packaging 10 during use, according to some embodiments, the receiving portion R may include a clamping portion 50 configured to clamp the consumer product 100 within the receiving portion. For example, such a clamping portion 50 may include a clamping insert or one or more clamping splines 52 located within the receiving portion R, which are shaped to match a portion of the shape of the consumer product 100, and / or may include a releasable portion located within the receiving portion, configured to releasably clamp the consumer product 100 within the receiving portion R.

[0029] In the use of any clamping portion 50, according to some embodiments, the clamping portion may be integrally formed with the first portion 12 (rather than as a separate component / insert of the first portion 12), and / or may also be integrally formed with the second portion 14, such as Figure 2 As shown. By integrally molding the clamping portion with the first portion 12 and / or the second portion 14, not only can the overall number of parts of the package 10 be reduced, but it has also been found that the possibility of movement of the clamping portion 50 during use can be better reduced, thereby more effectively restricting the movement of the consumer product 100 within the receiving portion R. If the clamping portion can move relative to the first portion 12 or the second portion 14 (e.g., in a direction coaxial / parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the package 10), the consumer product 100 may move within the receiving portion.

[0030] Similarly, regarding the shape of the clamping portion 50 used, one specific embodiment may include a clamping portion 50 having multiple corrugated structures, so as to clamp the consumer product 100 using the corrugated structures on the clamping portion 50 and to completely surround the consumer product. Furthermore, according to some embodiments, these multiple corrugated structures may be integrally formed with the first portion 12 and / or the second portion 14.

[0031] Regarding how the consumable is initially contained within the packaging, for example at the manufacturing / pre-sale point, i.e., at the location where the first part 12 is initially separated from the second part 14, such that the two parts are not attached to each other via the removable part 16, for example according to... Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, this can be achieved by initially inserting the consumer product 100 into the receiving section R. In this way, the second portion 14 of the package can then be moved / slid relative to and toward the first portion 12 of the package 10, such that the receiving section R is then closed and defined by the first portion 12 and the second portion 14 of the package 10, and such that the consumer product is located within the receiving section R.

[0032] Therefore, by attaching the removable portion 16 to both the first portion 12 and the second portion 14 of the packaging, the first portion 12 and the second portion 14 can then be held together. In the case where the removable portion 16 is a tear strip 16A, at least a portion of the tear strip 16A can be adhered to the first portion 12 and / or the second portion 14, for example, using an adhesive, to produce a result such as Figure 1A The first structure C1 shown is packaged in this way, through... Figures 1A to 2 During the process shown and as previously described, the user separates the removable portion 16 from at least one of the first portion 12 and the second portion 14, and the package can then [irreversibly] move forward / back to its second configuration C2, as described above.

[0033] In understanding the foregoing, a package for receiving consumer goods is described accordingly, the package comprising a first portion, a second portion, and a removable portion; wherein the package is movable from the first portion to the second portion: In the first configuration, the first part and the second part are held together by a removable portion attached to both the first part and the second part, such that the first part and the second part of the package define a closed receiving section for receiving consumer products. In the second configuration, the removable portion is separated from at least one of the first and second portions, such that the first and second portions of the package still define a closed receiving portion for receiving consumer products; In this configuration, the first and second parts of the packaging are arranged to slide relative to each other from the second structure of the packaging to the third structure of the packaging, in which the first and second parts are separated, thereby exposing the receiving part.

[0034] A method for packaging a consumer product within a package comprising a first part, a second part, and a removable part is also described; wherein the method includes: The consumer product is inserted into a receiving section for receiving the consumer product from the packaging, wherein the receiving section is at least partially defined by a first part of the packaging; The second part of the packaging is slid relative to and toward the first part of the packaging, such that the receiving section is closed and defined by the first and second parts of the packaging, and the consumer product is located within the receiving section; and The first and second parts of the packaging are held together by attaching the removable portion to both the first and second parts of the packaging.

[0035] A method for removing a consumer product from the receiving section of any of the aforementioned packages is also described, the method comprising: Separate the removable portion from at least one of the first and second portions to move the package from the first configuration to the second configuration; Slide the first part of the packaging relative to the second part of the packaging to separate the first part from the second part and expose the receiving section containing the consumer product from the packaging; and Remove the consumer product from the receiving section of the packaging.

[0036] A package 10 for receiving consumer product 100 is also described. The package includes a first part, a second part, and a removable part. The package 10 is movable from a first configuration C1, in which the first part 12 and the second part 14 are held together by a removable part 16, such that the first part 12 and the second part 14 of the package 10 define a closed receiving portion R for receiving consumer product 100. The package can then be moved from the first configuration C1 to a second configuration C2, in which the removable part 16 is separated from at least one of the first part and the second part. Thus, the first part and the second part can slide relative to each other to a third configuration C3, in which the first part 12 is separated from the second part 14, such that the receiving portion R is exposed, and consumer product 100 can then be removed from the receiving portion R.

[0037] To address various problems and advance the technology, this disclosure illustrates various embodiments in which the claimed invention can be practiced. The advantages and features of this disclosure are merely representative samples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. They are intended only to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed invention. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of this disclosure should not be considered as limitations on this disclosure as defined by the claims or on equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. In addition to those specifically described herein, various embodiments may suitably include, constitute, or substantially constitute various combinations of, the disclosed elements, components, features, portions, steps, devices, etc., and therefore it will be understood that features of dependent claims may be combined with features of independent claims in combinations other than those expressly indicated in the claims. For example, any dependent claim relating to independent claim 1 (or other independent claims) may be used as a corresponding feature of any related independent claim listed in the claims, as needed. It is also apparent that this disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

[0038] Therefore, this document also provides implementation methods as described in the following numbered clauses: 1. A package for receiving consumer goods, the package comprising a first portion, a second portion, and a removable portion; wherein the package is movable from the first portion to the second portion: In the first configuration, the first part and the second part are held together by a removable portion attached to both the first part and the second part, such that the first part and the second part of the package define a closed receiving section for receiving consumer products. In the second configuration, the removable portion is separated from at least one of the first and second portions, such that the first and second portions of the package still define a closed receiving portion for receiving consumer products; In this configuration, the first and second parts of the packaging are arranged to slide relative to each other from the second structure of the packaging to the third structure of the packaging, in which the first and second parts are separated, thereby exposing the receiving part.

[0039] 2. As per Clause 1, the removable portion of the packaging is a tear strip.

[0040] 3. Packaging according to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the first part includes the base portion.

[0041] 4. Packaging according to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the second part includes a lid portion.

[0042] 5. The packaging according to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein, when the packaging is in the first configuration, one of the first part and the second part is at least partially located between the removable part and the receiving part.

[0043] 6. The packaging according to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the outer surfaces of the first portion and the second portion are each configured to be flush with each other when the packaging is in the first configuration.

[0044] 7. The packaging according to Clause 6, wherein the removable portion includes an outer surface configured to be flush with the outer surfaces of the first portion and the second portion when the packaging is in the first configuration.

[0045] 8. The packaging according to Clause 7, wherein the outer surface of the removable portion is configured to be adjacent to each of the outer surfaces of the first portion and the second portion when the packaging is in the first configuration.

[0046] 9. A package according to any of the foregoing provisions, wherein the first and second portions of the package are configured to slide telescopically from the second construction of the package to the third construction of the package relative to each other.

[0047] 10. The packaging according to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein, when the packaging is in the first configuration, the removable portion extends around the receiving portion.

[0048] 11. The packaging according to any of the foregoing provisions, wherein, when the packaging is in the first configuration, the removable portion is located between the first portion and the second portion.

[0049] 12. The packaging according to any of the foregoing provisions, wherein the second portion is configured to at least partially cover the first portion when the packaging is in the first configuration.

[0050] 13. The packaging according to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the packaging is tubular when in the first configuration.

[0051] 14. The packaging according to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein, when the packaging is in the first configuration, the packaging defines a cylindrical shape.

[0052] 15. Packaging pursuant to Clause 14, wherein the cylindrical shape includes: The first closed end, which is defined by the first portion; and The second closed end is defined by the second part.

[0053] 16. Packaging according to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein at least one or both of the first and second parts are made of cardboard.

[0054] 17. Packaging according to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the removable portion is made of cardboard.

[0055] 18. The packaging according to any of the foregoing provisions, wherein the packaging can be irreversibly moved from the first structure to the second structure.

[0056] 19. The packaging according to any of the foregoing provisions, wherein, when the packaging is in the first configuration, the removable portion is positioned adjacent to the end of the second portion.

[0057] 20. The packaging according to any of the foregoing provisions, wherein the packaging further includes a marking indicating how to move the separable portion to move the packaging from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0058] 21. Packaging pursuant to Clause 20, wherein the marking is located on the outer surface of the removable portion.

[0059] 22. The packaging according to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the packaging further includes at least one fracture zone for facilitating the separation of the removable portion.

[0060] 23. The packaging according to Clause 22, wherein at least one fracture zone includes a first fracture zone located between the first portion and the removable portion.

[0061] 24. The packaging according to Clause 22 or 23, wherein at least one fracture zone includes a second fracture zone located between the second part and the removable part.

[0062] 25. The package according to any one of clauses 22 to 24, wherein each fault zone includes an array of holes.

[0063] 26. A method of packaging a consumer product within a package, the package comprising a first portion, a second portion, and a removable portion; wherein the method comprises: The consumer product is inserted into a receiving section for receiving the consumer product from the packaging, wherein the receiving section is at least partially defined by a first part of the packaging; The second part of the packaging is slid relative to and toward the first part of the packaging, such that the receiving section is closed and defined by the first and second parts of the packaging, and the consumer product is located within the receiving section; and The first and second parts of the packaging are held together by attaching the removable portion to both the first and second parts of the packaging.

[0064] 27. A method for removing a consumer product located within a receiving portion of a package pursuant to any one of clauses 1 to 25, the method comprising: Separate the removable portion from at least one of the first and second portions to move the package from the first configuration to the second configuration; Slide the first part of the packaging relative to the second part of the packaging to separate the first part from the second part and expose the receiving section containing the consumer product from the packaging; and Remove the consumer product from the receiving section of the packaging.

[0065] 28. The method according to Clause 27, wherein the consumer product does not move relative to the first part when the first part of the package slides from the second construction to the third construction relative to the second part.

[0066] 29. The method according to Clause 27 or 28, wherein removing the consumer product from the receiving section of the packaging includes: As the packaging moves from the second structure to the third structure, the consumer product moves in the same direction as the second part of the packaging.

[0067] 30. The method according to any one of clauses 26 to 29, wherein the second part includes the cover portion.

[0068] 31. The method according to any one of clauses 26 to 30, wherein when the consumer product is located within the receiving portion of the package in the first configuration, the consumer product includes a longitudinal axis aligned with the longitudinal axis of the package.

[0069] 32. The method according to any one of clauses 26 to 31, wherein the length of the consumer product is greater than the length of the second part.

[0070] 33. The method according to any one of clauses 26 to 32, wherein the consumer product includes at least one of the following: i) Aerosol generation system; and / or ii) Consumables for aerosol generation systems, wherein the consumables include storage containers containing aerosolizable materials.

[0071] 34. The method according to any one of clauses 26 to 32, wherein the consumer product includes fresh products such as chewing tobacco, snuff, or oral products.

[0072] 35. The method according to any one of clauses 26 to 34, wherein the consumer product is wrapped while in the receiving section to prevent any contents of the consumer product from leaking into the compartment.

[0073] 36. The method according to Clause 35, wherein the consumer product is wrapped in a blister pack; a sealable container; or a sealed container, such as an optional sealed bag.

[0074] For completeness, and with regard to any consumer product 10 as described herein, it will also be understood that in cases where consumer product 100 has the potential for leakage, such as consumer products comprising aerosolizable materials, or any other fluids that may leak from the consumer product while it is stored in the relevant compartment, in some of these embodiments, consumer product 100 may be enclosed while located in receiving portion R to prevent any contents of consumer product 100 from leaking into receiving portion R. For example, this can be done with... Figure 2 As seen in the relevant embodiments, the consumer product 100, in the form of an aerosol supply system 100A, is contained in a sealed container 102. Obviously, any form of sealed container 102 can be used herein, such as a blister pack or a sealed bag 104 covering the consumer product 100. In each case, to facilitate easy access to the sealed container 102, the sealed container 102 may include a removable / openable portion 106 (e.g., a peelable / flattened film) serving as an entry point for the user to access the consumer product 100 located inside the container 102. In some embodiments, where the consumer product 100 includes a fresh product 101 (such as chewing tobacco, snuff, or oral products) and the consumer product is contained in a container 102 (examples of such containers are those described in WO 2022 / 049545, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety), such a container may include a removable / openable portion 106 serving as an entry point for the user to access the consumer product 100 located inside the container 102.

[0075] Finally, it is also understood that in some embodiments, the package 10, or any part of the package 10 (such as the first part 12; the second part 14; or the removable part 16), may include a mark 46 indicating how to manipulate or move the removable part 16 to move the package from the first configuration C1 to the second configuration C2. For example, such a mark 46 may be an image / arrow (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 1A As shown in the relevant embodiments, it is located on the outer surface 30 of the removable portion 16.

Claims

1. A package for receiving consumer goods, the package comprising a first part, a second part, and a removable part; wherein, The package can be moved from the first configuration to the second configuration: In the first configuration, the first portion and the second portion are held together by the removable portion attached to both the first portion and the second portion, such that the first portion and the second portion of the package define a closed receiving portion for receiving the consumer product; In the second configuration, the removable portion is separated from at least one of the first portion and the second portion, such that the first portion and the second portion of the package still define the closed receiving portion for receiving the consumer product; The first and second portions of the packaging are configured to slide relative to each other from the second configuration of the packaging to a third configuration of the packaging, in which the first portion is separated from the second portion, thereby exposing the receiving portion.

2. The packaging according to claim 1, wherein, The removable portion is the tear strip.

3. The packaging according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The first part includes a base portion, and the second part includes a cover portion.

4. The packaging according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The outer surfaces of the first portion and the second portion are each configured to be flush with each other when the package is in the first configuration, and wherein the removable portion includes an outer surface configured to be flush with the outer surfaces of the first portion and the second portion when the package is in the first configuration.

5. The packaging according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The first and second portions of the packaging are configured to slide telescopically from the second configuration of the packaging to the third configuration of the packaging relative to each other.

6. The packaging according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, When the packaging is in the first configuration, the removable portion extends around the receiving portion.

7. The packaging according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, When the packaging is in the first configuration, the packaging is tubular.

8. The packaging according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The package can be irreversibly moved from the first structure to the second structure.

9. The packaging according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The packaging also includes at least one fracture zone to facilitate separation of the removable portion.

10. The packaging according to claim 9, wherein, Each fault zone includes an array of holes.

11. The packaging according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, In the second configuration, the removable portion: Separate from one of the first part and the second part; and Attached to the other of the first and second parts.

12. The packaging according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The receiving unit includes a clamping portion that holds the consumer product within the receiving unit; The clamping portion defines multiple corrugated structures configured to clamp and completely surround the consumer product within the receiving portion.

13. The packaging according to claim 12, wherein, The clamping portion is integrally formed with one or both of the first portion and the second portion.

14. The packaging according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: The first part is a single component; and / or The second part is a single component.

15. The packaging according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The first part, the second part, and the removable part are all made of the same material.

16. A method of packaging a consumer product within a package, said package comprising a first portion, a second portion, and a removable portion; wherein, The method includes: The consumer product is inserted into a receiving portion for receiving the consumer product from the packaging, wherein the receiving portion is at least partially defined by the first portion of the packaging; The second portion of the packaging is slid relative to and toward the first portion of the packaging, such that the receiving portion is closed and defined by the first and second portions of the packaging, and the consumer product is located within the receiving portion; and The first and second parts of the packaging are held together by attaching the removable portion to both the first and second parts of the packaging.

17. A method for removing a consumer product, the consumer product being located within a receiving portion of a package according to any one of claims 1 to 15, the method comprising: Separate the removable portion from at least one of the first portion and the second portion to move the package from the first configuration to the second configuration; The first portion of the packaging is slid relative to the second portion of the packaging to separate the first portion from the second portion and expose the receiving portion where the consumer product is located from the packaging; as well as Remove the consumer product from the receiving section of the package.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, When the first portion of the packaging slides from the second configuration to the third configuration relative to the second portion, the consumer product does not move relative to the first portion.

19. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 18, wherein, When the consumer product is located within the receiving portion of the package in the first configuration, the consumer product includes a longitudinal axis aligned with the longitudinal axis of the package.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein, In both the first and second configurations, the consumer product is held within the receiving section by a clamping portion from the receiving section.

21. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein, The consumer goods include at least one of the following: i) Aerosol generation system; and / or ii) Consumables for an aerosol generation system, wherein the consumables include a reservoir containing aerosolizable material.

Images