Containers for smokeless tobacco products

Abstract

A container configured to store a product includes a body having a bottom wall and a side wall. The bottom wall and the side wall define an interior storage compartment adapted for storing the product. The side wall has an outer periphery. A cover is configured to removably engage the body. The cover includes a top wall and a peripheral flange having an inner surface. The inner surface is configured to interact with the base when the cover is received over the outer periphery of the side wall to form an interface. A label is configured to substantially cover the interface, the label being positioned between the outer surface of the container and the back surface of the label and including a tear string disposed substantially at the interface between the cover and the body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a container and a method of using the same. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a package and an opening mechanism of a container for tobacco products.

Background Art

[0002] Various types of containers for dispensing solids, particularly solid products intended for human consumption, are known in the art. Such containers are often characterized by a hand-held size that allows for easy storage and transportation. Examples of consumable products that are often packaged in such containers include a wide variety of consumer products, including smokeless tobacco-related products.

[0003] Tobacco can also be enjoyed in so-called "smokeless" forms. Particularly popular smokeless tobacco products are used by inserting any form of processed tobacco or tobacco-containing compound into the user's mouth. For example, U.S. Patent No. 1,376,586 of Schwartz, U.S. Patent No. 3,696,917 of Levi, U.S. Patent No. 4,513,756 of Pittman et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,528,993 of Sensabaugh, Jr. et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,624,269 of Story et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,991,599 of Tibbetts, U.S. Patent No. 4,987,907 of Townsend, U.S. Patent No. 5,092,352 of Sprinkle, III et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,387,416 of White et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,668,839 of Williams, U.S. Patent No. 6,834,654 of Williams, and Atchley U.S. Patent No. 6,953,040, Atchley et al., U.S. Patent No. 7,032,601, Atchley et al., U.S. Patent No. 7,694,686, Dube et al., U.S. Patent No. 7,810,507, Strickland et al., U.S. Patent No. 7,819,124, and Holton, Jr. et al., U.S. Patent No. 7,861,728, Williams U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004 / 0020503, Quinter et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005 / 0115580, Strickland et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005 / 0244521, Strickland et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006 / 0191548, Holton, Jr.U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0062549, Robinson et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0029116, Mua et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0029117, Robinson et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0173317, Engstrom et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0196730, Neilsen et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0209586, Crawford et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0 See the specifications of the types, components, and processing methods of smokeless tobacco formulations described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 305216, Essen et al., Publication No. 2009 / 0065013, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0293889, Kumar et al., Publication No. 2010 / 0291245, Gao et al., International Publication No. 04 / 095959, and Atchley, International Publication No. 10 / 132444, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] Representative commercially available smokeless tobacco products include CAMEL Snus, CAMEL Orbs, CAMEL Strips, and CAMEL Sticks by RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company; GRIZZLY moist tobacco, KODIAK moist tobacco, LEVI GARRETT loose tobacco, and TAYLOR'S PRIDE loose tobacco by American Snuff Company, LLC; KAYAK moist snuff and CHATTANOOGA CHEW chewing tobacco by Swisher International, Inc.; REDMAN chewing tobacco by Pinkerton Tobacco Co. LP; COPENHAGEN moist tobacco, COPENHAGEN pouches, SKOAL Bandits, SKOAL pouches, RED SEAL long cut, and REVEL Mint Tobacco Packs by Smokeless Tobacco Company in the USA; and MARLBORO Snus and Taboka by Philip Morris in the USA.

[0005] The most common type of snuff product, generally known as "snus," is manufactured in Europe, particularly Sweden, by or through companies such as Swedish Match AB, Fiedler & Lundgren AB, Gustavus AB, Skandinavisk Tobakskompagni A / S, and Rocker Production AB. Snus products available in the United States are sold by RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company under brand names such as CAMEL Snus Frost, CAMEL Snus Original, and CAMEL Snus Spice.

[0006] Snus products, such as CAMEL Snus Original, are typically supplied in small pouches similar to tea bags. These pouches are usually made of fleece non-woven fabric and contain approximately 0.4 to 1.5 grams of pasteurized tobacco. These products typically remain in the user's mouth for about 10 to 30 minutes. Unlike certain other smokeless tobacco products, snus does not require the user to spit it out.

[0007] Snus products are packaged in cans, packs, or pots made of metal or plastic, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,098,421 of Foster and U.S. Patent No. 4,190,170 of Boyd, as well as in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010 / 0065076 of Bergstrom et al. and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010 / 0065077 of Lofgreen-Ohrn et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0008] A desirable feature of a particular container is its protection from environmental influences, particularly those that could degrade the products stored within it. For example, in a humid environment, moisture can enter the storage space containing the product, potentially damaging it or rendering it unusable. In other cases, proper ventilation of the enclosure formed by the container may be necessary for the product to be stored correctly. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 1,376,586 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 3,696,917 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 4,513,756 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 4,528,993 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent No. 4,624,269 [Patent Document 6] U.S. Patent No. 4,991,599 [Patent Document 7] U.S. Patent No. 4,987,907 [Patent Document 8] U.S. Patent No. 5,092,352 [Patent Document 9] U.S. Patent No. 5,387,416 [Patent Document 10] U.S. Patent No. 6,668,839 [Patent Document 11] U.S. Patent No. 6,834,654 [Patent Document 12] U.S. Patent No. 6,953,040 [Patent Document 13] U.S. Patent No. 7,032,601 [Patent Document 14] U.S. Patent No. 7,694,686 [Patent Document 15] U.S. Patent No. 7,810,507 [Patent Document 16] U.S. Patent No. 7,819,124 [Patent Document 17] U.S. Patent No. 7,861,728 [Patent Document 18] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0020503 [Patent Document 19] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005 / 0115580 [Patent Document 20] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005 / 0244521 [Patent Document 21] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0191548 [Patent Document 22] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0062549 [Patent Document 23] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0029116 [Patent Document 24] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0029117 [Patent Document 25] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0173317 [Patent Document 26] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0196730 [Patent Document 27] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0209586 [Patent Document 28] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0305216 [Patent Document 29] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0065013 [Patent Document ...... U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0293889 [Patent Document 31] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0291245 [Patent Document 32] International Publication No. 2004 / 095959 [Patent Document 33] International Publication No. 2010 / 132444 [Patent Document 34] U.S. Patent No. 4,098,421 [Patent Document 35] U.S. Patent No. 4,190,170 [Patent Document 36] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0065076 [Patent Document 37] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0065077 [Summary of the Invention] [[ID=2,9]][Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0010] Therefore, it is desirable to provide an improved package for smokeless tobacco products and the like, which is aesthetically satisfactory and provides various advantageous features such as protection from environmental effects by venting the container. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0011] The present disclosure provides, in certain embodiments, a container including a label adhered to an outer surface of the container that can prevent tampering with the product before purchase, and a frangible thread attached between the label and the outer surface of the container that can facilitate opening of the container by the user. In some embodiments,the container can be provided in a convenient hand-held size. The type and form of the product stored within the container can vary. In certain embodiments, the container can be used for storing smokeless tobacco products.

[0012] In one embodiment, the container of the present disclosure comprises a body having a bottom wall and side walls. The bottom wall and side walls define an internal storage compartment adapted for storing a product. The side walls have an outer circumferential surface. The container may further comprise a cover configured to engage removably with the body, the cover having a top wall and a peripheral flange having an inner surface, the inner surface being configured to interact with the body when the cover is received on the outer circumferential surface of the side wall, so as to form an interface. The container may also comprise a label configured to substantially cover at least a portion of the interface, the label comprising a tear thread positioned between the outer surface of the container and the back surface of the label. In some embodiments, the label may substantially cover the entire interface of the container.

[0013] In various embodiments, the body is made of a polymer material and the cover is made of a metal material. In some embodiments, the sidewall of the body includes a neck region located at the top of the sidewall, the neck region having a diameter reduced compared to the diameter of the bottom of the sidewall, and the inner surface of the cover is configured to interact with the neck region. In certain embodiments, the container further comprises a circumferential rib structure formed integrally with the polymer body around the outer circumferential surface of the sidewall and extending radially outward therefrom, the rib structure comprising a plurality of rib segments extending circumferentially around the outer circumferential surface of the sidewall, the rib segments being spaced apart to form ventilation channels between them. In various embodiments, at the interface, the sidewall defines a lip, and the peripheral flange of the cover abuts against the lip.

[0014] In various embodiments of the containers described herein, at least a portion of the back surface of the label comprises an adhesive material useful for adhering the label to the outer surface of the container. In certain embodiments, the entire back surface of the label comprises an adhesive layer. In various embodiments, the label is attached to the container such that the tear threads are positioned to substantially align with the interface between the cover and the body.

[0015] In some embodiments, the label has a specific length, and the tear thread extends along the entire length of the label. In certain embodiments, the tear thread extends along a portion of the length of the label. In various embodiments, the tear thread includes a portion that extends beyond the length of the label so that the user can use that portion to grasp after the label has been adhered to the outer surface of the container.

[0016] In various embodiments, the internal storage compartment contains multiple products. These products may, for example, be one of a smoking product and a smokeless tobacco product.

[0017] Methods for assembling packaged product assemblies are also provided herein. In various embodiments, the method provides a body having a bottom wall and side walls, wherein the bottom wall and side walls define an internal storage compartment configured for storing a product, the side walls having an outer circumferential surface, and a cover configured to engage with the body detachably, the cover having a top wall and a peripheral flange having an inner surface, the inner surface being configured to interact with the body when the cover is received on the outer circumferential surface of the side wall, so as to form an interface, and coupling the cover to the body. The method may further include providing a product and inserting the product into the internal storage compartment. Furthermore, the method may include sealing the container with a label or packaging of a permeable or impermeable material, or sealing the container at least partially, the label being configured to substantially cover at least a portion of the interface, and the label having a tear thread adhered to the back of the label.

[0018] The present invention includes, without limitation, the following embodiments.

[0019] Embodiment 1: A container comprising a body having a bottom wall and side walls, wherein the bottom wall and side walls define an internal storage compartment configured for storing products, and the side wall comprises a body having an outer peripheral surface, and a cover configured to engage with the body in a removable manner, the cover having a top wall and a peripheral flange having an inner surface, the inner surface of which is configured to interact with the body when the cover is received on the outer peripheral surface of the side wall so as to form an interface, and a label configured to substantially cover at least a portion of the interface, the label comprising a tear thread positioned between the outer surface of the container and the back surface of the label.

[0020] Embodiment 2: A container according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the main body is made of a polymer material and the cover is made of a metal material.

[0021] Embodiment 3: A container of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the side wall comprises a neck region located at the top of the side wall, the neck region having a diameter reduced compared to the diameter of the bottom of the side wall, and the inner surface of the cover is configured to interact with the neck region.

[0022] Embodiment 4: A container according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the container further comprises a circumferential rib structure integrally formed with the polymer body around the outer circumferential surface of the side wall and extending radially outward therefrom, the rib structure comprising a plurality of rib segments extending circumferentially around the outer circumferential surface of the side wall, the rib segments being spaced apart to form ventilation channels between them.

[0023] Embodiment 5: A container according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein at the interface, the side wall defines a lip, and the peripheral flange of the cover abuts against the lip.

[0024] Embodiment 6: A container according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least a portion of the back surface of the label is provided with an adhesive material.

[0025] Embodiment 7: A container according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the entire back surface of the label is provided with an adhesive layer.

[0026] Embodiment 8: A container of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the tearing thread is positioned so as to be substantially aligned with the interface between the cover and the body.

[0027] Embodiment 9: A container of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the label has a specific length and the tear thread extends along the entire length of the label.

[0028] Embodiment 10: A container of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the label has a specific length and the tear thread extends along a portion of that length.

[0029] Embodiment 11: A container of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the label has a specific length, and the tear thread has a portion that extends beyond the length of the label.

[0030] Embodiment 12: A container of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the label substantially covers the entire interface.

[0031] Embodiment 13: The internal storage compartment is a container of any of the prior embodiments, containing multiple products.

[0032] Embodiment 14: A container of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the product is one of a smoking product and a smokeless tobacco product.

[0033] Embodiment 15: A method for assembling a packaged product assembly, comprising: providing a body having a bottom wall and side walls, wherein the bottom wall and side walls define an internal storage compartment adapted for storing a product, the side walls having an outer surface; providing a cover configured to engage with the body detachably, the cover having a top wall and a peripheral flange having an inner surface, the inner surface being configured to interact with the body when the cover is received on the outer surface of the side wall so as to form an interface; providing a product; inserting the product into the internal storage compartment; coupling the cover to the body; and sealing the container with a label, the label being configured to substantially cover at least a portion of the interface, and the label having a tear thread attached to the back of the label.

[0034] Embodiment 16: A method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the main body is made of a polymer material and the cover is made of a metal material.

[0035] Embodiment 17: A method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least a portion of the back surface of the label is provided with an adhesive material.

[0036] Embodiment 18: A method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the entire back surface of the label is provided with an adhesive layer.

[0037] Embodiment 19: A method from any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the tearing thread is positioned to be substantially aligned with the interface.

[0038] Embodiment 20: A method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the label has a specific length and the tear thread extends along the entire length of the label.

[0039] Embodiment 21: A method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the label has a specific length and the tear thread extends along a portion of that length.

[0040] Embodiment 22: A method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the label has a specific length and the tearing thread has a portion that extends beyond the length of the label.

[0041] Embodiment 23: A method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the label substantially covers the entire interface.

[0042] Embodiment 24: A method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein at the interface, the side wall defines a lip, and the peripheral flange of the cover abuts against the lip.

[0043] Embodiment 25: A method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the product is one of a smoking product and a smokeless tobacco product.

[0044] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the Disclosure will become apparent from reading the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below. The Invention includes not only any combination of two, three, four or more of the embodiments described above, but also combinations of two, three, four or more features or elements described herein, whether such features or elements are expressly combined in the description of a particular embodiment herein. The Disclosure is intended to be read in whole so that any separable feature or element of any of the disclosed Inventions is deemed to be intended to be combinable in any of its various aspects and embodiments, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0045] While this disclosure has been described in general terms, please refer to the attached drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to a specific scale. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0046] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the container in this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the container body according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a magnified view of a part of the main body. [Figure 4] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view along line 4-4 in Figure 1. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the container of the present disclosure in a closed position, with the label adhered to the outer surface of the container. [Figure 6] This is a front perspective view of the label of this disclosure. [Figure 7a] This is a perspective view of the back of the label in this disclosure. [Figure 7b] This is a perspective view of the back of the label in this disclosure. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for assembling the products described herein. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0047] Herein, this disclosure is described in full by reference to certain preferred embodiments. These embodiments are provided so as to make this disclosure complete and comprehensive and so as to convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. In fact, this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein, but rather these embodiments are provided so as to satisfy the applicable legal requirements of this disclosure. As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural variations unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0048] In various embodiments of the present invention, a container is provided having an outer label or film that helps to seal the container, the outer label or film including or being adhered to a tear thread or weakened tear strip that facilitates opening and / or facilitates the removal of the label or film when the container is first opened. Embodiments of containers described in this application can be used to store any solid product, but are particularly suited to products designed for oral consumption. Exemplary consumables often packaged in such containers include a wide variety of consumer products, including smokeless tobacco products, as described in more detail below.

[0049] An exemplary container useful in the present invention is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0193265 by Patel et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. The shape of the outer surface of the containers of this disclosure may be varied. While the embodiments of the containers shown in the drawings have a particular contour, containers with other outer surface designs may also be used. For example, the sides or edges of the containers of this disclosure may be flattened, rounded, or chamfered, and various surfaces or edges on the outside of the container may be concave or convex. Furthermore, opposing sides, ends, or edges of the container may be parallel or non-parallel so that the container becomes narrower by one or more dimensions.

[0050] The dimensions of the containers described herein may be varied without departing from the disclosure. However, in preferred embodiments, the containers of the disclosure can be described as having a cylindrical size suitable for handling and working in a handheld position. Exemplary dimensions of such handheld cylindrical embodiments include diameters ranging from about 50 mm to about 100 mm, more typically from about 60 mm to about 80 mm. Examples of wall thicknesses include ranges from about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm, more typically from about 0.8 mm to about 1.4 mm. Exemplary depths of embodiments of handheld containers of the disclosure range from about 5 mm to about 50 mm, more typically from about 8 mm to about 30 mm, most frequently from about 15 mm to about 25 mm. An example of a general appearance of the container is that used in commercially available GRIZZLY and KODIAK products sold by American Snuff Company, LLC.

[0051] The number of solid product units stored in the container of this disclosure may also vary depending on the size of the container and the size of the product units. Typically, the number of stored product units will vary between approximately 5 and 100, more typically between approximately 10 and 50, and most frequently between approximately 15 and 30.

[0052] Figures 1 to 4 show an embodiment 10 of a container according to the present disclosure. The container 10 may be formed by an open-end body 20 and a cover 40. The body 20 has a bottom wall 22 which may be substantially planar in some examples (see Figure 2) and side walls 24 which depend on the bottom wall 22 and may be cylindrical as shown in some examples. The side walls 24 define the peripheral portion of the container 10 such that the side walls 24 include an outer circumferential surface 28. The bottom wall 22 and the side walls 24 work together to define an internal storage compartment 26 for storing multiple units of a product. In some examples, the upper part 30 of the side wall 24 may define a lip 32 such that the upper part 30 of the side wall has a neck region 34 with a reduced diameter (compared to the diameter of the rest of the outer surface of the side wall). The position of the lip 32 along the side wall 24 of the body 20 can vary without departing from the present disclosure, meaning that the distance between the lip 32 and the upper edge 38 of the body 20 is not important to the present disclosure.

[0053] A cover 40 may be provided to enclose the product unit within an internal storage compartment 26. In this regard, the cover 40 is typically removably secured to the body 20 by snap-fit ​​or interlocking fit. As shown in Figure 1, the cover 40 has a top wall 42 which may be substantially flat in some examples, and a peripheral flange 44 which depends on the top wall 42 and may be cylindrical in some examples. The peripheral flange 44 of the cover 40 is received on the side walls 24 to form an enclosure between the side walls 24 of the body 20. The peripheral flange 44 includes a substantially flat or smooth inner surface 50 (Figure 4). That is, the inner surface 50 typically does not include any protrusions, projections, ribs, etc. for interacting with the outer circumferential surfaces 28 of the side walls 24 of the body 20. In this regard, the inner surface 50 is substantially smooth and continuous around its cylindrical structure. In some examples where the lip 32 is provided on the body 20, at least a portion of the edge 46 of the peripheral flange 44 interacts with the surface 36 of the lip 32 to form a fastener when the cover 40 is received on the body 20. In other words, when the edge 46 interacts with the lip 32, at least a portion of the edge 46 of the cover 40 will come into contact with a portion of the surface 36 when the cover 40 is fully seated on the body. The edge 46 and the surface 36 are typically planar, but it will be understood that one or both of the edge 46 and the surface 36 may include a non-planar contour in some embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the edge 46 and the surface 32 may have correspondingly contoured engaging surfaces.

[0054] The cylindrical outer surface 48 of the cover 40 is usually approximately the same size or diameter as the side wall 24 of the body 20, and when the cover is placed on the neck region 34 of the body and fully seated on the body, the cover and body form a smooth outer surface. Therefore, the container 10 may be compact and flat to be suitable for storage and transport by the user.

[0055] The constituent materials of the container 10 may vary. Examples of materials include metals, wood, and synthetic plastics. Polymer materials that can be extruded and / or molded into desired shapes, such as polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyamide, are commonly used. In some embodiments, the body 20 is formed from a polymer material, while the cover 40 is formed from a metal material, such as aluminum or tinplate. Such a configuration is advantageous in that it provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance by using a metal cover 40 (typically stamped), while allowing the body to be manufactured more cheaply using, for example, an injection molding process. An example of a cover formed from a metal material is used in the commercially available CAMEL Snuff, GRIZZLY, and KODIAK products sold by American Snuff Company, LLC. An example of a body incorporates a polymer material, such as such a material, used in the same product.

[0056] In various embodiments, the container may include means for securing or sealing a lid to the base of the container. See, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication 2014 / 0197054 by Pipes et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. For example, in certain embodiments, the container may include a rib structure applied to the body 20, for example, by injection molding of plastic (as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2012 / 0193265 by Patel et al., which is incorporated herein by reference).

[0057] In particular, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, protruding from the outer circumferential surface 28 (and, if provided, the neck region 34) of the body 20 is a circumferential rib structure 60 configured to form a seal with the cover 40. In some embodiments, for example, when the body 20 is formed by a plastic injection molding process, the rib structure may be formed integrally with the side wall 24 of the body 20. In other examples, the rib structure 60 may be a separate component fixed to or otherwise attached to the side wall 24 with appropriate mechanical fasteners or adhesives (e.g., epoxy adhesives). According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the rib structure 60 may be formed by a plurality of rib segments 62 that are spaced apart around the outer circumferential surface of the side wall 24 of the body 20 (for example, if the body of the container is cylindrical, they are circumferentially positioned around the side wall 24 of the body 20). Any number of rib segments 62 (for example, about 2 to about 20 rib segments or about 5 to about 15 rib segments) may be provided in a container useful in the present invention, but a preferred embodiment includes 12 such rib segments. Each rib segment 62 is separated from the next adjacent rib segment 62 by a ventilation channel 64. Each rib segment 62 may include a rib wall 66 and a rib projection 68. As shown in Figure 4, the rib projection 68 interacts with the peripheral flange 44 of the cover 40 in an interference fit when the cover is positioned on the side wall 24 of the body 20, forming a seal between them. In this regard, the rib projection 68 forms a tight fit at the interface by pushing the peripheral flange 44 outward from the outer peripheral surface 28 when the cover 40 engages with the body 20.

[0058] In various embodiments, containers can be sealed with circumferential labels or packaging of permeable or impermeable material. The label or packaging materials useful according to this disclosure may vary. In some embodiments, the labels provided herein may include paper materials, polymer materials (e.g., webs made from one or more polymer components), and combinations thereof. Typically, the selection of a label or packaging for a package depends on factors such as aesthetics, desired barrier properties (e.g., to provide protection from exposure to oxygen or to provide protection from moisture loss).

[0059] The labels 80 provided herein may have a front 82 and a back 84. In some embodiments, the front of the label may include printing and / or engraving to decorate the container and / or provide product identification information. For example, the front of the labels provided herein may include printed letters, symbols, photographs, designs, colors, or other markings. In some embodiments, product identification information may identify product brand, company name, corporate logo, corporate brand, trademark, trade name, marketing message, product strength, dosage information, active ingredients, ingredient list and quantity, product manufacturing date, product expiration date, product fragrance, product pharmaceutically release profile, weight, product code (e.g., batch code), other product-distinguishing markings, and combinations thereof. As used herein, “product strength” refers to information that gives the user an indicator of the amount of active ingredients in the pouch.

[0060] Product identification information can be presented in a manner that allows the user of the product to recognize the information by visually inspecting the product and thereby distinguishing or identifying a particular product. Product identification information can be, for example, printed or dyed on the outer surface of a label, imprinted on the outer surface of a label (e.g., embossed, debossed, or otherwise pressed), deposited on the outer surface of a label, adhered to the outer surface of a label, positioned to be in close contact with the outer surface of a label, woven into or sewn into the label, or otherwise attached to the outer surface of a label. In some embodiments, product identification information can be provided by the selection of materials (e.g., materials with different compositions, colors, textures, thicknesses, or any other defined properties). In various embodiments, product identification information can be applied via heat and pressure. In some embodiments, product identification information may be provided during the labeling process when the container is manufactured. In various embodiments, product identification information may be provided in a secondary process separate from the labeling process. Product identification information can be provided at any point in the container manufacturing process.

[0061] In some embodiments, the back surface 84 of the label 80 may include an adhesive layer that allows the label to be adhered to the surface of another object. The entire back surface may include the adhesive layer. Alternatively, only a portion of the back surface or a specified location on the back surface of the label may include the adhesive layer, coating, or material applied thereto.

[0062] As shown in Figure 5, for example, the back surface 84 of the label can be bonded to the outer peripheral surface 28 of the body 20 and the cylindrical outer surface 48 of the cover 40, so that the label covers the interface 85 between the container body 20 and the container cover 40 of the container in the closed position. The label 80 can contribute to the sealing of the container. In some embodiments, the labels provided herein can provide evidence of foreign matter contamination by indicating when the container was opened. In this regard, if the label is torn or removed, for example by using tearing thread provided herein in various embodiments, this may be evidence that the container was opened and / or that foreign matter may have been introduced in other ways.

[0063] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, for example, a tear thread 90 can be adhered to the back surface 84 of the label 80. Thus, when the label is adhered to the outer surface of the container, the tear thread will be positioned between the outer surface of the container and the back surface of the label. In various embodiments, there may be no adhesive on the label in the area where the tear thread aligns with the label, so that the tear thread can be allowed to tear the label up or down to the adhesive line (e.g., above and / or below the interface) to allow the container to be opened at the interface.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, the tear thread 90 can be positioned on the back of the label such that, when the label is attached to the container, the tear thread is substantially aligned with the interface 85 between the container body 20 and the container cover 40 of the container in the closed position. In some embodiments, the tear thread may be positioned slightly above or slightly below the interface 85.

[0065] As used herein, the term “tear thread” refers to a continuous fiber, string, yarn, braided yarn, flexible metal strip, strip having a metal core and at least partially surrounded by fibrous and / or polymer material, etc. In various embodiments, tear threads may include fibrous materials, extruded polymer materials containing one or more polymer components (e.g., nylon, fluorocarbon, etc.), and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, tear threads may be formed by bundling, braiding, and / or weaving together multiple continuous fibers. Tear threads may have any of a variety of cross-sectional contours. For example, tear threads may have round contours, polygonal contours, substantially flat (e.g., ribbon-shaped) contours, irregularly shaped contours, triangular contours, etc. In some embodiments, tear threads may have a serrated contour over at least a portion of the tear thread and / or a coating added to at least a portion of the tear thread, which can facilitate tearing / cutting of labels.

[0066] In various embodiments, the tear thread may have a length L such that, when attached, it extends along at least a portion of the perimeter of the container. In various embodiments, the tear thread may extend along the entire length of the label (see, for example, Figure 7a). In some embodiments, the tear thread may extend along only a portion of the length of the label (see, for example, Figure 7b). Cutting the label with the tear thread allows the container to be opened without using fingernails, a knife, or other tools useful for cutting and / or peeling the label. In certain embodiments, the label and tear thread may also be contoured so that multiple independent lengths of the label can be torn individually. For example, the label may include one or more perforated or fibrous portions extending along the width of the label (e.g., perpendicular to the tear thread), so that sections of the label can be torn independently by one or more tear threads.

[0067] In various embodiments, a portion 95 of the tear thread 90 can extend beyond the length of the label 80. Therefore, when the label 80 is attached to the container, the portion 95 of the tear thread 90 extends unattached from the side edge 83 of the label 80, instead of being positioned between the outer surface of the container and the back surface of the label. This allows the user to easily grasp the tear thread through the unattached extended portion 95 and, by pulling the extended portion 95, easily tear the label surrounding at least a portion of the outer surface of the container. As described above, in some embodiments, the tear thread 90 can be positioned to be substantially aligned with the interface 85. Therefore, when the user pulls the tear thread, it can tear the label along the interface between the body and cover of the container. After reaching the contents of the container, it may be reasonable for the user to be able to close the container again and still be able to see the product identification information on the outer surface of the label.

[0068] Exemplary tobacco products that can be contained in the containers described herein include pelletized tobacco products (e.g., compressed or molded pellets made from powdered or processed tobacco, such as those formed into common shapes like coins, cylinders, beans, pellets, spheres, balls, strips, flattened spheres, cubes, beads, etc.), extruded or cast tobacco pieces (e.g., as strips, films, or sheets, including multilayer films formed to take on a desired shape), products incorporating tobacco supported by a solid substrate (e.g., where the substrate material ranges from edible grains to non-edible cellulose sticks), rods or sticks containing extruded or molded tobacco, capsule-like materials containing tobacco having an outer shell region and an inner core region, shapes containing straw-like (e.g., hollow) tobacco, pouches or packets containing tobacco (e.g., snus-like products), and pieces of gum containing tobacco. Furthermore, exemplary tobacco products include loose tobacco formulations, such as moist snuff products. Examples of loose tobacco used with the containers of this disclosure may include, for example, tobacco formulations associated with the commercially available GRIZZLY and KODIAK wet tobacco products sold by American Snuff Company, LLC.

[0069] Examples of smokeless tobacco compositions that can be packaged in the containers of this disclosure include, for example, U.S. Patent No. 1,376,586 of Schwartz, U.S. Patent No. 3,368,567 of Speer, U.S. Patent No. 4,513,756 of Pittman et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,606,357 of Dusek et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,821,749 of Toft et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,167,244 of Kjerstad, and U.S. Patent No. 5,387,4 of White. Examples of such inventions are described in Patent No. 16, U.S. Patent No. 6,668,839 by Williams, U.S. Patent No. 7,810,507 by Dube et al., U.S. Patent No. 7,819,124 by Strickland et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005 / 0244521 by Strickland et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006 / 0191548 by Strickland et al., and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008 / 0029116 by Robinson et al. Examples of gum containing tobacco are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,624,269 by Story et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,975,270 by Kehoe, and U.S. Patent No. 4,802,498 by Ogren. Various forms or methods for packaging smokeless tobacco products are described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004 / 0217024 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006 / 0118589 by Arnarp et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009 / 0014450 by Budd, International Publication No. 2006 / 034450 by Kutsch et al., International Publication No. 2007 / 017761 by Kutsch et al., and International Publication No. 2007 / 067953 by Sheveley et al. All references cited above are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0070] The smokeless tobacco compositions used as products contained in the containers of this disclosure will often include ingredients such as tobacco (typically in particulate form), sweeteners, binders, colorants, pH adjusters, fillers, flavorings, disintegrants, antioxidants, oral care additives, and preservatives. For example, see U.S. Patent No. 7,861,728 by Holton et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0071] Tobacco formulations can be contained in containers such as pouches or bags (e.g., sealed, moisture-permeable pouches sometimes called “portions”), which are commonly used in the manufacture of snus-type products. Typical permeable pouches can be made of “fleece” type material. The tobacco formulations are then contained in packaging such as containers disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0193265, Patel et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. The packaging is tightly sealed and made of appropriate materials so that atmospheric conditions within the sealed packaging are altered and / or controlled. That is, the sealed packaging can provide a good barrier that prevents the passage of the composition, such as moisture and oxygen. Furthermore, the atmosphere within the sealed packaging can be further improved by introducing a selected gas species (such as nitrogen, argon, or a mixture thereof) into the packaging before sealing, or by vacuuming the interior (vacuum sealing). Thus, the atmospheric conditions to which the tobacco composition is exposed are controlled during preparation, packaging, storage, and handling.

[0072] Exemplary pouches may be made from and in such a manner that the pouch is controlled to disperse or dissolve during use by the user. Such pouch materials may take the form of mesh, screen, perforated paper, permeable cloth, etc. For example, a pouch material made from mesh-like rice paper or perforated rice paper may dissolve in the user's mouth. As a result, the pouch and tobacco mixture may be completely dispersed in the user's mouth during normal use, and thus both the pouch and tobacco mixture may be ingested by the user. Other exemplary pouch materials may be made using water-dispersible film-forming materials (e.g., binders such as alginates, carboxymethylcellulose, xanthan gum, pullulan, etc.) and such materials in combination with materials such as pulverized cellulose (e.g., fine-grained wood pulp). Preferred pouch materials are hydrated or water-soluble, but may be designed and manufactured so that a substantial amount of tobacco compound contents permeates the pouch material before the pouch loses its physical integrity under normal use conditions. Flavoring components, disintegrants, and other desired components may be incorporated into or applied to the pouch material as needed. Various components of snus products and descriptions of those components are also described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0118422 by Lundin et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. See also, for example, U.S. Patent No. 4,607,479 by Linden, U.S. Patent No. 4,631,899 by Nielsen, U.S. Patent No. 5,346,734 by Wydick et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,162,516 by Derr, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005 / 0061339 by Hansson et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference. See also the typical types of pouches and pouch materials or fleece described in Kjerstad's U.S. Patent No. 5,167,244, which is incorporated herein by reference.Snus products can be manufactured using equipment available from Merz Verpackungmaschinen GmbH as SB 51-1 / T, SBL 50 and SB 53-2 / T. GD SpA from Italy also supplies tobacco pouching equipment. Snus pouches can be supplied as individual pouches or multiple pouches and can be joined or bonded together (e.g., end-to-end) from a single strand or pouch base material so that single pouches or individual parts can be easily removed for use.

[0073] A method 100 for assembling a packaged product assembly is also provided. As shown in Figure 8, the method may include providing a cover in operation 105. The method may also include providing a base body defining a storage compartment in operation 110. The base may comprise a bottom wall and one or more base side walls extending from the bottom wall to an upper lip defining a base opening. The method may further include providing multiple units of the product in operation 115. The product units can be inserted into the storage compartment of the body. The method may also include joining the cover to the base in operation 120 such that the container is tightly closed and an interface is formed between the cover and the base. Once the container of the present disclosure is filled with the desired product, the container may be sealed in operation 130 with a circumferential label or packaging of permeable or impermeable material, the label covering the interface between the cover and the base. Note that in some embodiments, the entire back surface of the label material has an adhesive that adheres to the outer surface of the container. In certain embodiments, only a portion of the back surface of the label material has an adhesive that adheres to a portion of the outer surface of the container covered by the label material. Before the label is attached to the container, in operation 125, a tear thread can optionally be attached to the back of the label. In certain embodiments, a tear label material is provided with the tear thread already attached thereto, and operation 125 is not necessary. In some embodiments, the labels provided herein can be used with existing labeling equipment (e.g., a standard labeling equipment for labeling smokeless tobacco containers).

[0074] Many modifications and other aspects of the disclosure described herein will be conceivable to those skilled in the art, benefiting from the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that this disclosure should not be limited to any particular aspect disclosed, and that modifications and other aspects are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Certain terms are used herein, but they are used in a general and descriptive sense only and not for restrictive purposes.

Claims

1. The main body has a bottom wall and side walls, the bottom wall and side walls define internal storage compartments suitable for product storage, and the side walls are attached to the main body having an outer surface. A cover configured to engage with the main body in a removable manner, comprising an upper wall and a peripheral flange having an inner surface, the inner surface of which is configured to interact with the main body when the cover is received on the outer circumferential surface of the side wall, forming an interface. A label configured to substantially cover at least a portion of the interface, comprising a tear thread positioned between the outer surface of the container and the back surface of the label. A container equipped with, A container in which the back of the label includes an area having an adhesive material and an area where a tear thread is aligned with the label without the adhesive material.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the main body is made of a polymer material and the cover is made of a metal material.

3. The container according to claim 1, wherein the side wall comprises a neck region located at the top of the side wall, the neck region having a diameter reduced compared to the diameter of the bottom of the side wall, and the inner surface of the cover is configured to interact with the neck region.

4. The container according to claim 2, further comprising a circumferential rib structure integrally formed with the polymer body around the outer circumferential surface of the side wall and extending radially outward therefrom, wherein the rib structure comprises a plurality of rib segments extending circumferentially around the outer circumferential surface of the side wall, and the rib segments are spaced apart to form ventilation channels between them.

5. The container according to claim 1, wherein at the interface, the side wall defines a lip, and the peripheral flange of the cover abuts against the lip.

6. The container according to claim 1, wherein the tearing thread is positioned such that it substantially aligns with the interface between the cover and the body.

7. The container according to claim 1, wherein the label has a specific length and the tear thread extends along the entire length of the label.

8. The container according to claim 1, wherein the label has a specific length and the tear thread extends along a portion of that length.

9. The container according to claim 1, wherein the label has a specific length, and the tear thread includes a portion that extends beyond the length of the label.

10. The container according to claim 1, wherein the label substantially covers the entire interface.

11. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the internal storage compartment contains multiple products.

12. The container according to claim 11, wherein the product is one of a smoking product and a smokeless tobacco product.

13. A method for assembling a packaged product assembly, To provide a body having a bottom wall and side walls, wherein the bottom wall and side walls define an internal storage compartment suitable for storing a product, and the side walls have an outer surface, To provide a cover configured to engage detachably with a main body, the cover having an upper wall and a peripheral flange having an inner surface, the inner surface being configured to interact with the main body when the cover is received on the outer circumferential surface of the side wall, such that it forms an interface. To provide products, Insert the product into the internal storage compartment, Attaching the cover to the main body, Sealing a container with a label, wherein the label is configured to substantially cover at least a portion of the interface, and the label comprises tear threads positioned between the outer surface of the container and the back label, Equipped with, A method for assembling a packaged product assembly, wherein the back of the label includes an area containing adhesive material and an area where tear threads are aligned with the label without adhesive material.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the main body is made of a polymer material and the cover is made of a metal material.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the tearing thread is positioned to be substantially aligned with the interface.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein the label has a specific length and the tear thread extends along the entire length of the label.

17. The method according to claim 13, wherein the label has a specific length and the tearing thread extends along a portion of that length.

18. The method according to claim 13, wherein the label has a specific length, and the tear thread comprises a portion that extends beyond the length of the label.

19. The method according to claim 13, wherein the label substantially covers the entire interface.

20. The method according to claim 13, wherein at the interface, the side wall defines a lip, and the peripheral flange of the cover abuts against the lip.

21. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein the product is one of a smoking product and a smokeless tobacco product.

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