Container for tobacco articles and related packs of tobacco articles, and manufacturing method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container (12) for a plurality of tobacco articles (14), each including a filter, the container (12) comprising an outer box (31) and an inner liner (32) configured to be inserted into the outer box (31) and receive the tobacco articles (14), the inner liner (32) defining an inner surface designed to contact the tobacco articles (14) and an outer surface that contacts the outer box (31), at least one surface of the inner liner (32) being coated with an anti-stain coating (45) including a first anti-stain layer comprising ethyl cellulose to prevent or minimize contamination from oily chemicals contained in the filters (26) of the tobacco articles (14).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a container for tobacco articles. The present invention also relates to a pack of tobacco articles and to a manufacturing method associated with such a container. [Background technology]

[0002] Tobacco articles, such as tobacco sticks intended for use with conventional cigarettes or heat-and-burn devices, are typically packaged in containers that protect them during transport. Such containers may be made from renewable raw materials, such as paperboard, and often contain a structured composition. This composition generally includes a rigid outer box that maintains the shape of the container and a flexible inner liner that preserves the freshness and taste of the tobacco article.

[0003] Modern tobacco articles are increasingly manufactured using sustainable materials. For example, today, the acetate filters traditionally used in cigarettes can be replaced with easily recyclable paper filters. However, traditional containers for tobacco articles are not always fully adapted to store tobacco articles containing sustainable materials. Summary of the Invention

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

[0005] To this end, the present invention relates to a container for a plurality of tobacco articles, each of which includes a filter, The container is - Outer box and - an inner liner configured to be inserted into the outer box and to receive a tobacco article, the inner liner defining an inner surface designed to contact the tobacco article and an outer surface that contacts the outer box; Including, At least one surface of the inner liner is coated with an anti-fouling coating that includes a first anti-fouling layer that includes ethyl cellulose to prevent or minimize contamination from oily chemicals contained in the filter of the tobacco article.

[0006] In tobacco articles made from sustainable materials, traditional acetate filters are usually replaced with filters made from paper or any other sustainable materials. This type of filter, when used without additional chemicals, which are usually oil-based, can lead to harsh smoke. The use of such oil-based substances leaves stain marks on the inner liner, which causes the container to look bad when used by users.

[0007] The present invention proposes to adapt the container for storing such types of tobacco articles by using a special anti-stain coating on at least one surface of the inner liner, thus avoiding the formation of stain marks on the surface of the container and allowing the container to retain its original appearance throughout the entire period of use.

[0008] Furthermore, the use of ethyl cellulose is particularly advantageous because it is non-toxic and can be easily applied to materials traditionally used to form inner liners, such as paper or aluminum. This is particularly effective against oily stains. Furthermore, ethyl cellulose does not provide heat sealing, which is desirable to prevent the tobacco article from adhering to the inner liner when the container is sealed. Notably, the melting point of ethyl cellulose is generally between 240°C and 255°C, which exceeds the temperatures typically applied during filling production.

[0009] Furthermore, ethyl cellulose creates a surface that is flexible enough to allow the inner liner to be embossed for either design purposes or technical needs without destroying the stain-resistant barrier. Furthermore, ethyl cellulose is a thermoplastic and can be molded when warmed. Because it forms a very thin layer, the frictional heat of the embossing roller is sufficient to prevent cracking and promote molding.

[0010] Throughout this specification, "ethyl cellulose" is understood to be a derivative of cellulose in which some of the hydroxyl groups on the repeating glucose units have been converted to ethyl ether groups. In a preferred embodiment, the molecular level of ethyl cellulose is set forth under CAS number 9004, 57, 3.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the dry weight of the anti-fouling coating is comprised between 1 and 5 gsm.

[0012] This dry weight is particularly relevant when an inner liner comprising, for example, paper is used. In this case, the basis weight of the paper of the inner liner may be, for example, between 50 and 90 gsm. As is known, the dry weight defines the weight of the layer of the coating after all the liquid components have evaporated.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the anti-fouling coating further comprises a second anti-fouling layer having substantially the same composition as the first anti-fouling layer.

[0014] Advantageously, both anti-fouling layers can be applied in a similar manner, for example using substantially the same coating process and varnish substance. The double layer structure makes it possible to obtain a uniform coating even on relatively rough surfaces, such as paper surfaces. In particular, this double layer structure avoids the appearance of uncoated or thinly coated spots that may result from irregularities in the coating, such as surface roughness.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the or each anti-fouling layer is formed from a compound comprising ethyl cellulose dissolved in a solvent composition, which can form a varnish or lacquer. Preferably, the mass ratio of ethyl cellulose in the compound is, for example, comprised between 20% and 70%, advantageously between 30% and 60%, and preferably substantially equal to 35%.

[0016] Preferably, the respective solvents may comprise acetates 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 to a considerable extent based on climatic conditions, press speed, drying capacity, etc. Preferably, the weight ratio of the solvent in the composition is comprised, for example, between 30% and 80%, advantageously between 40% and 70%, and preferably substantially equal to 65%.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the or each anti-smudge layer is applied by rotogravure or flexographic printing techniques.

[0018] These techniques allow for the coating to be applied uniformly while using existing machinery and equipment.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the or at least one anti-fouling layer is embossed. Advantageously, this layer is embossed together with the inner liner.

[0020] The embossed surface can be used for design purposes (images, text, symbols, etc.) and technical needs (fold lines, cutting lines, attachment means, etc.) without destroying the integrity of the coating.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the or each stain resistant layer exhibits non-sealing properties when heated.

[0022] These features prevent the tobacco article from adhering to the inner liner when the container is sealed by heating.

[0023] According to some embodiments, an anti-fouling coating is applied to the interior surface of the inner liner.

[0024] Because the interior surface of the inner liner is in direct contact with the tobacco article, these features prevent oily stains that may appear when the container is closed, for example, during its transport.

[0025] According to some embodiments, an anti-fouling coating is applied onto each surface of the inner liner.

[0026] These surfaces may include, for example, the inner surface of the inner liner, which is in direct contact with the tobacco article, and the outer surface of the inner liner. The stain-resistant coating on the outer surface of the inner liner prevents oily stains that may appear when the tobacco article is handled by a user, for example, during removal from the container. This also prevents oily stains that may appear when the user's fingers come into contact with the inner liner.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the inner liner comprises aluminum and / or paper, for example, the inner liner comprises a laminate of paper and aluminum.

[0028] These materials can be easily coated with the anti-stain coating according to the present invention. In some embodiments, the inner liner can be formed from a paper sheet that is coated with an anti-stain coating on one of its surfaces and an aluminum coating on the other surface. For example, the anti-stain coating can be applied to the inner surface that directly contacts the tobacco article, and the aluminum coating can be applied to the outer surface. According to other embodiments, the inner liner is formed from an aluminum or paper sheet that has at least one surface coated with an anti-stain layer.

[0029] The present invention also provides a pack of tobacco articles comprising: a container as defined above; a plurality of tobacco articles received in the container, each tobacco article including a filter; The present invention relates to a pack of tobacco articles comprising:

[0030] According to some embodiments, each filter comprises, and advantageously is made of, a paper-based material.

[0031] The filter is therefore a sustainable filter and allows for easy recycling of the tobacco article after use.

[0032] According to one embodiment, each filter contains an oily substance.

[0033] Such oily substances can balance the flavor of the smoke generated and make the smoke less harsh during passage through a filter, particularly a sustainable filter made of, for example, paper (e.g., a paper sheet or a natural cellulose nonwoven fabric). The oily substance can be polypropylene glycol (known as PPG). The PPG can be in liquid or gel form.

[0034] The present invention also provides a method for producing a container as defined above, comprising the steps of: a first coating step comprising applying a first anti-fouling layer on a sheet intended to form an inner liner; an assembly step including assembling the outer box and the inner liner to form a container; The present invention relates to a manufacturing method including:

[0035] The assembly process can be carried out according to any known technique. For example, the inner liner can be inserted into the outer box once it has been formed. According to another embodiment, the sheet intended to form the outer box is first attached to the inner liner, and then both elements are folded to form the desired shape of the container. The tobacco article can be inserted into the container after the assembly process. Alternatively, the tobacco article is provided before the assembly step and placed in the container during the assembly step.

[0036] According to some embodiments, the manufacturing method further comprises a second coating step comprising applying a second anti-fouling layer over the first anti-fouling layer.

[0037] The second coating step is advantageously carried out after the first coating step and before the assembly step. In some embodiments, a drying step consisting of drying the first anti-fouling layer can be carried out between the first and second coating steps. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] The invention and its advantages will be better understood on reading the following description, given purely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a pack of tobacco articles according to the present invention, including a container for tobacco articles according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of one of the tobacco articles of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the equipment used to manufacture the container of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] Before the present invention is described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of construction set forth in the following description. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0041] In the following, the expression "substantially equal" is understood to mean equal to plus or minus 10%, preferably to plus or minus 5%.

[0042] As used herein, the terms "aerosol-generating device" or "device" may include a vaping device for delivering an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article received within the device, which may include, for example, tobacco and is also referred to as a tobacco article. The device may be portable. "Portable" may refer to a device that is held in the user's hand. The device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol (as opposed to a fixed amount of aerosol), for example, by using a trigger to activate a heating system for a variable period of time. The trigger may be user-activated, such as a vaping button and / or an inhalation sensor. The inhalation sensor may be sensitive to inhalation intensity and duration, allowing for the provision of a variable amount of vapor (to mimic the smoking effect of a conventional combustible smoking article, such as a cigarette, cigar, or pipe).

[0043] As used herein, the terms "tobacco substrate" or "aerosol-forming substrate" are used to designate any material capable of forming an aerosol. The aerosol is generally obtained by increasing the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate, such as to a temperature of less than 400°C, preferably up to 350°C. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise or consist of an aerosol-generating solid, which may be in the form of a rod containing, for example, processed tobacco material, a crimped sheet or oriented strip of reconstituted tobacco (RTB), or any combination thereof. The aerosol-generating substrate may contain one or more of nicotine, caffeine, or other active ingredients. Optionally, a flavor modifier is added to the tobacco substrate to enhance the taste of the emitted aerosol. The flavor modifier may be a flavorant (e.g., menthol), a flavor enhancer, a sweetener, a cooling agent (e.g., WS3, Coolact, etc.), and combinations thereof. For example, the flavor modifier may be a multi-flavor microchip comprising a polysaccharide and / or starch matrix and flavors as described in EP 2279677B, EP 2682007B, EP 2682009B, EP 3533348A or WO 2015029750A.

[0044] As used herein, the term "aerosol" may include a suspension of precursors as one or more of solid particles, liquid droplets, or gas. The suspension may be in a gaseous state, including air. The aerosol may be formed by an aerosol-generating substrate and may include one or several components thereof.

[0045] A pack 10 of tobacco articles is shown schematically in Figure 1. With reference to this figure, the pack 10 includes a container 12 and a plurality of tobacco articles 14 received within the container 12.

[0046] The number of tobacco articles 14 accommodated within the container 12 may vary according to various embodiments of the present invention. It may be comprised, for example, between 1 and 50, advantageously between 10 and 25. For reasons of simplicity, in the further description, it will be assumed that the tobacco articles 14 are substantially identical among themselves, and only one tobacco article 14 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 . However, it should be understood that according to various embodiments of the present invention, the tobacco articles 14 may differ among themselves, for example, by defining different shapes and / or flavors and / or tobacco compositions and / or flavors and / or external designs. Each tobacco article 14 is, for example, a stick designed to be heated by an aerosol generating device (also known as a heat-not-burn or HNB device) to form an aerosol. According to another embodiment, each tobacco article 14 is an RMC-type cigarette (pre-made cigarette). In other words, each tobacco article 14 may be a conventional cigarette.

[0047] 2 , the tobacco article 14 has an elongated shape extending along the article axis between an upstream end 23 and a mouth end 24. The tobacco article 14 includes a tobacco substrate 25 adjacent the upstream end 23, a filter 26 adjacent the mouth end 24, and a wrapper 28 that wraps the tobacco substrate 25 and the filter 26 together. The wrapper 28 is a known wrapper that includes, for example, tipping paper, at least one plug wrap, and cigarette paper. The wrapper 28 advantageously extends around the article axis, leaving transverse cross-sections of the tobacco substrate 25 and the filter 26 unenclosed at the upstream end 23 and the mouth end 24, respectively. In some embodiments, the tobacco article 14 may further include a cooling or spacing element (not shown) disposed between the tobacco substrate 25 and the filter 26.

[0048] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the tobacco substrate 25 is designed to be heated when used with an HNB device, or at least partially combusted when used as an RMC-type cigarette.

[0049] The filter 26 preferably includes a filter material that is encased in 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, such as paper. In some embodiments, the filter material is made from a single sheet, such as a paper tape, by folding the sheet to form several layers that extend along the length of the filter 26. The filter material may be, for example, a gathered sheet of paper.

[0050] When the filter material is a paper filter, the basis weight is, for example, between 20 and 120 gsm, preferably between 25 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 and 3000 CU. The tensile strength of the paper is, for example, higher than 18 N per 15 mm.

[0051] In accordance with the present invention, the filter 26 further includes an oily substance that balances the flavor of the smoke. Such oily substance may be absorbed by the filter material and at least partially released upon heating. This oily substance may include polypropylene glycol (known as PPG).

[0052] Referring again to Figure 1, the container 12 is, for example, a rectangular cuboid adapted to receive tobacco articles 14. The container 12 advantageously includes an outer box 31 that forms the rigid structure of the container 12, and an inner liner 32 inserted into the outer box 31 as shown in Figure 1.

[0053] The outer box 31 includes a body 34 and a lid 35. The lid 35 is designed to provide access to the inner liner 32 in the open position and to form the rectangular parallelepiped shape of the container 12 in the closed position. In the example of FIG. 1 , the lid 35 is in the open position. The lid 35 is hinged to the body 34. The outer box 31 may be formed from any conventional material, such as paper, paperboard, cardboard, or a combination thereof. It may further include a removable outer protective film.

[0054] The inner liner 32 is designed to receive the tobacco article 14 and to be in direct contact with the tobacco article 14. The inner liner 32 is made of, for example, a flexible material and may include paper and / or aluminum. The basis weight of the paper that makes up the inner liner 32 is, for example, between 50 and 90 gsm. The inner liner 32 is primarily designed to maintain the freshness of the tobacco article 14 during storage of the tobacco article 14 within the container 12.

[0055] The inner liner 32 defines an opening 40 through which a tobacco article 14 can be removed from and inserted into the inner liner 32. The opening 40 can be protected, for example, by a flexible flap 42 designed 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. To this end, the flap 42 can be attached to the lid 35, as shown in FIG. 1. According to another embodiment, the flap or label 42 is not attached to the lid, but is attached only to the inner liner, and is designed to be opened and closed manually by a user. In another embodiment, the flap is replaced by an upper portion of the inner liner sheet that can be removed by tear tape.

[0056] The inner liner 32 is formed, for example, from a sheet defining an inner surface designed to be in direct contact with the tobacco article 14 and an outer surface designed to be in contact with the outer box 31. The sheet may include fold lines and / or cut lines that allow the shape of the inner liner 32 and the flaps 42 to be formed when the sheet is folded and / or cut in an appropriate manner.

[0057] According to the present invention, at least one surface, preferably the inner surface, of the inner liner 32 is coated with an anti-stain coating 45. This anti-stain coating 45 can extend over the entire area of ​​the corresponding surface of the inner liner 32 (including the surface of the flap 42) or only over a predetermined portion of this surface. For example, the anti-stain coating 45 can extend only over a portion of the inner surface intended to contact the tobacco article 14, particularly the filter 26 of the tobacco article 14. For example, the anti-stain coating 45 can extend only over the upper inner surface of the inner liner 32 that contacts the mouth end 24 of the tobacco article 14, as shown in FIG. 1. According to another example, the anti-stain coating 45 extends only over the inner surface of the flap 42. In this case, this prevents oily stains on the visible portion of the flap 42 when open, as shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, according to some examples, the anti-stain coating 45 can also extend over at least some portions of the outer surface of the inner liner 32. These portions may correspond, for example, to exposed portions of this inner liner 32 when the lid 35 is in the open position and / or to removable portions of the inner liner to allow access to the tobacco articles, for example by use of a tear tape. According to another example, the stain-resistant coating 45 extends along the entire area of ​​the outer surface of the inner liner 32.

[0058] As mentioned above, the sheet forming the inner liner 32 can be made of paper. At least some portions of this sheet can be coated with an aluminum coating as described above, and at least some other portions can be coated with an anti-fouling coating. For example, the outer surface of the sheet can be at least partially or completely coated with an aluminum coating, and the inner surface of the sheet can be at least partially or completely coated with an anti-fouling coating.

[0059] Advantageously, according to the present invention, the anti-fouling coating 45 includes a first anti-fouling layer and a second anti-fouling layer. Each anti-fouling layer may have a similar chemical composition. In particular, each anti-fouling layer includes ethyl cellulose to prevent or minimize staining from oily chemicals. Each anti-fouling layer may further include a solvent. The weight ratio of ethyl cellulose is, for example, 35%, and the weight ratio of the solvent is, for example, 65%.

[0060] A method of manufacturing the container 12 will now be described. It is initially contemplated that, among other things, a paper and / or aluminum sheet is provided that is intended to form the inner liner 32. Additionally, according to various embodiments of the present invention, the outer box 31 is provided in assembled form or in sheet form.

[0061] The manufacturing method includes first forming an anti-fouling coating 45 on at least one surface and at least some portions of the sheet intended to form the inner liner 32. In particular, the first and second anti-fouling layers constituting the anti-fouling coating 45 can be applied by rotogravure or flexographic printing techniques during the first and second coating steps, respectively. A drying step can also be performed between these coating steps to dry at least the first anti-fouling layer. Another drying step can also be performed after the second coating step.

[0062] 3 shows an apparatus 100 that can be used, for example, to perform the rotogravure printing technique. The same apparatus 100 can be used to perform both coating steps. According to another embodiment, different apparatuses 100 with similar construction can be used to perform the coating steps sequentially.

[0063] 3, the equipment 100 includes a solution bath 110 containing ethyl cellulose, which in a specific example of the present invention is dissolved in a solvent composition and then becomes a varnish or lacquer. The equipment 110 further includes a gravure printing cylinder 120 that rotates within the solution bath 110, the gravure printing cylinder 120 being equipped with a doctor blade 130 for removing any excess varnish so that only the more deeply engraved cells remain filled with varnish. Finally, the equipment further includes a push roller 140 for pushing the sheet intended to form the inner liner 32 between this roller 140 and the cylinder 120.

[0064] After applying the anti-stain coating 45 onto the inner liner 32, the manufacturing method further includes an assembly step that includes assembling the outer box 31 and the inner liner 32 to form the container 12. According to various embodiments of the present invention, this step may further include placing a tobacco article inside the inner liner 32.

Claims

1. A container (12) for tobacco articles (14), each tobacco article (14) including a filter (26); The container (12) Outer box (31), an inner liner (32) configured to be inserted into the outer box (31) and to receive a tobacco article (14), the inner liner (32) defining an inner surface designed to contact the tobacco article (14) and an outer surface that contacts the outer box (31); Including, At least one surface of the inner liner (32) is coated with an anti-fouling coating (45) including a first anti-fouling layer comprising ethyl cellulose to prevent or minimize contamination from oily chemicals contained in the filter (26) of the tobacco article (14).

2. Container (12) according to claim 1, wherein the dry weight of said anti-fouling coating (45) is comprised between 1 and 5 gsm.

3. 3. The container (12) of claim 1, wherein the anti-fouling coating (45) further comprises a second anti-fouling layer having substantially the same composition as the first anti-fouling layer.

4. Container (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the or each anti-fouling layer is applied by rotogravure or flexographic printing techniques.

5. Container (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the or at least one anti-fouling layer is advantageously embossed together with the inner liner (32).

6. Container (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the or each said anti-fouling layer exhibits non-sealing properties when heated.

7. The container (12) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the anti-fouling coating is applied onto the inner surface of the inner liner (32).

8. Container (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the anti-fouling coating (45) is applied onto each surface of the inner liner.

9. Container (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner liner comprises paper having a basis weight comprised between 50 and 90 gsm.

10. The container (12) of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the inner liner (32) comprises an aluminum and paper laminate.

11. A pack (10) of tobacco articles, comprising: A container (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 10; a plurality of tobacco articles (14) received within the container (12), each of the tobacco articles (14) including a filter (26); A pack (10) of tobacco articles comprising:

12. 13. The pack (10) of claim 12, wherein each filter (26) comprises a paper-based material.

13. A pack (10) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein each filter (26) contains an oily substance.

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

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising a second coating step comprising applying a second anti-fouling layer over the first anti-fouling layer.

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