Packaging of disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles

Abstract

The invention relates to a package comprising a stack of disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles (10) and a container (12) housing the stack. The container (12) comprises a front wall (14) arranged on top of and in parallel to a top face of the stack. The container comprises (12) a rear wall (16) arranged below and in parallel to a bottom face of the stack. The container (12) comprises an opening mechanism configured to allow a user to extract a disc-shaped aerosol-generating article (10) from the package.

Description

[0001] New PCT Patent Application November 10, 2025 Philip Morris Products S.A. 46235- PCT -1- PACKAGING OF DISC-SHAPED AEROSOL-GENERATING ARTICLES

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a package for disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles.

[0003] It is known to provide an aerosol-generating device for generating an inhalable vapor. Such devices may heat aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate are volatilised without burning the aerosolforming substrate. Aerosol-forming substrate may be provided as part of an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may have a rod shape for insertion of the aerosolgenerating article into a cavity, such as a heating chamber, of the aerosol-generating device. It is also known to use aerosol-forming substrates and aerosol-generating articles having other shapes, for example cuboid or sheet-like shapes, for insertion into the device cavity. It is also known to provide aerosol-generating articles with disc-shapes. Such disc-shapes may resemble the shape of a compact disc (CD). The disc-shaped article may provide several charges or portions of aerosol-forming substrate arranged circumferentially around a center of the disc. The disc may be rotatably arranged in the aerosol-generating device such that the individual charges or portions may be successively activated as the disc rotates using a revolver-like mechanism.

[0004] It would be desirable to provide a package for disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles. It would be desirable to provide a package for disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles with reduced space requirement. It would be desirable to provide a slim package for disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles. It would be desirable to provide a sustainable package for discshaped aerosol-generating articles. It would be desirable to provide a package for disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles with reduced environmental impact. It would be desirable to provide a package for disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles with long shelf life. It would be desirable to provide a package for disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles with easy handling for a user. It would be desirable to provide a comfortable package for disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles. It would be desirable to provide a package for disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles with convenient access for a user. It would be desirable to provide a hygienic package for discshaped aerosol-generating articles. It would be desirable to provide a package for disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles with flexible capacity. It would be desirable to provide a package for disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles that provides a secure containment of the articles. It would be desirable to provide a child-proof package for disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a package. The package may comprise a stack of disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles. The package may comprise a container housing the stack. The container may comprise a front wall arranged on top of and New PCT Patent Application November 10, 2025 Philip Morris Products S.A. 46235- PCT -2-in parallel to a top face of the stack. The container may comprise a rear wall arranged below and in parallel to a bottom face of the stack. The container may comprise an opening mechanism configured to allow a user to extract a disc-shaped aerosol-generating article from the package.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a package. The package comprises a stack of disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles. The package comprises a container housing the stack. The container comprises a front wall arranged on top of and in parallel to a top face of the stack. The container comprises a rear wall arranged below and in parallel to a bottom face of the stack. The container comprises an opening mechanism configured to allow a user to extract a disc-shaped aerosol-generating article from the package.

[0007] A package for disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles may be provided. A package for disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles with reduced space requirement may be provided. A slim package for disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles may be provided. A sustainable package for disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles may be provided. A package for discshaped aerosol-generating articles with reduced environmental impact may be provided. A package for disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles with long shelf life may be provided. A package for disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles with easy handling for a user may be provided. A comfortable package for disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles may be provided. A package for disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles with convenient access for a user may be provided. A hygienic package for disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles may be provided. A package for disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles with flexible capacity may be provided. A package for disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles that provides a secure containment of the articles may be provided. A child-proof package for disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles may be provided.

[0008] The disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles in the stack may congruently sit on top of each other. A space-saving arrangement may be provided. A compact arrangement may be provided. The disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles in the stack may be arranged congruently on top of each other such that the stack has the general shape of a right circular cylinder. The disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles in the stack may be arranged to congruently sit on top of each other such that, when viewed from the top, only an uppermost article in the stack is visible.

[0009] The package may comprise between 3 and 40 disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles in the stack. The package may comprise between 3 and 30 disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles in the stack. The package may comprise between 15 and 30 disc-shaped aerosolgenerating articles in the stack. The package may comprise between 5 and 20 disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles in the stack. The package may comprise between 5 and 15 discshaped aerosol-generating articles in the stack. The package may comprise between 5 and New PCT Patent Application November 10, 2025 Philip Morris Products S.A. 46235- PCT -3- 10 disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles in the stack. The package may comprise 4 or more disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles in the stack. The package may comprise 5 or more disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles in the stack. The package may comprise 6 or more disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles in the stack. The package may comprise 7 or more disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles in the stack. The package may comprise 8 or more disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles in the stack. The package may comprise 9 or more disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles in the stack. The package may comprise 10 or more disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles in the stack.

[0010] The front wall and the rear wall may define the major boundary surfaces of the package. As used herein, the term ‘major’ in respect of major boundary surfaces requires that said surfaces each comprise a greater surface area than do other surfaces of the package.

[0011] The container may be configured as a box comprising opposing sidewalls and opposing top and bottom walls. The box may be a cuboid box. The front wall and the rear wall may define the major boundary surfaces of the box. The front wall and the rear wall may define the major boundary surfaces of the container.

[0012] The sidewalls, the top and bottom walls, and the front and rear walls my be formed from a one-piece blank. Complexity of the packaging may be reduced. The amount of packaging material may be reduced. The one-piece blank may comprise a cellulose-based material. The one-piece blank may comprise paper. The one-piece blank may be paper-based. A particularly environmentally friendly package may be provided.

[0013] The opening mechanism may be configured to provide an access opening by displacing at least part of the top wall.

[0014] The box may be configured as a hinged lid box. The hinge may be provided at the top of the rear wall. A hinge line of the hinge line may be a connection line between the rear wall and the top wall.

[0015] A user may simply slide a single disk-shaped article of the stack out of the box when needed. Advantageously, the slim profile of the disc-shaped articles may allow for a large quantity of articles to be contained within the box.

[0016] The box may comprise a tearable weakened line configured for allowing removal of a top portion of the box comprising the top wall. A user may break the line and release the top portion of the box, providing access to the disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles.

[0017] The container may be configured as an envelope.

[0018] The front wall may comprise a first part formed by a first flap extending from an upper end of the rear wall. The front wall may comprise a second part formed by a second flap extending from a lower end of the rear wall. Complexity of the packaging may be reduced. The amount of packaging material may be reduced. A particularly environmentally friendly package may be provided. New PCT Patent Application November 10, 2025 Philip Morris Products S.A. 46235- PCT -4- The first flap may at least partly overlap the second flap in an overlapping region of the front wall. The second flap may at least partly overlap the first flap in an overlapping region of the front wall.

[0019] The overlapping region may be provided at a centered portion of the front wall between the upper end of the front wall and the lower end of the front wall.

[0020] The opening mechanism may be configured to provide an access opening by opening the first flap.

[0021] The envelope may comprise an interlocking mechanism. The interlocking mechanism may be configured to prevent accidental opening of the first flap. The interlocking mechanism may removably attach the first flap to the second flap. The interlocking mechanism may reversibly attach the first flap to the second flap. The interlocking mechanism may be provided in the overlapping region. The interlocking mechanism may be a tab-lock closure.

[0022] At least part of the second flap may be permanently attached to the rear wall to hold the stack in a cavity between the second flap and the rear wall when the first flap is opened.

[0023] The envelope may comprise an attachment means for attaching at least part the second flap to the rear wall. The attachment means may be configured for attaching at least part of an inside surface of the second flap to an inside surface of the rear wall. Thereby, an internal compartment may be defined wherein the stack can be securely retained.

[0024] The attachment means may comprise at least one rivet. The attachment means may comprise a pair of rivets. By attaching the second flap to the rear wall with a pair of rivets, an internal compartment for holding the stack of articles may be formed between the second flap and the rear wall. Shafts of the rivets may be varied in length to accommodate different number of articles inside the envelope.

[0025] The at least one rivet may be made of one or more of brass, aluminum, stainless steel, and plastic.

[0026] Each disc-shaped aerosol-generating article of the stack may comprise a protruding tab. The protruding tab may be attached to the container. The protruding tab may be connected via a tearable weakened line to an edge of a main body of the article. The main body of the article may be disc-shaped. The protruding tab may be connected via a tearable weakened line to the main body of the article. The protruding tab may be connected via a tearable weakened line to the disc of the article. The weakened line may be a pre-cut line. The weakened line may be a pre-perforated line. The weakened line may be a curved line matching the curved shape of the article according to the external diameter of the disc-shape of the main body of the article. Removing single articles from the stack may be made more convenient.

[0027] The protruding tab may comprise a cut-out. The protruding tab may be attached to the container by an element of the container extending through the cut-out. The cut-out may be provided at a center portion of the protruding tab. New PCT Patent Application November 10, 2025 Philip Morris Products S.A. 46235- PCT -5- The protruding tab may be attached to the envelope by a shaft of the at least one rivet extending through the cut-out. Each disc-shaped aerosol-generating article of the stack may be secured within the envelope by the cut-out extending to a shaft of the rivet. Removal of an article may comprise pivoting the article out of the envelope around a rotational axis being defined by the shaft of the rivet. Removal of an article may thereby require a targeted approach. A child-proof package may be provided.

[0028] The one or more rivets may perform a double functionality of attaching the second flap to the rear wall and holding and mechanically securing the articles. The one or more rivets may perform a triple functionality of attaching the second flap to the rear wall, holding and mechanically securing the articles, and providing a child-proof packaging of the articles.

[0029] The attachment means may comprise a pair of rivets and the protruding tabs of neighboring articles of the stack may be alternately attached to the one and the other shaft of the pair of rivets. Thereby, removal of single articles from the package may be made more convenient. The protruding tabs on a common first rivet may be not lying directly onto one another, but spaced by an article with its protruding tab being attached to the other second rivet and being sandwiched between two articles with their protruding tabs being attached to the first rivet. Also, articles being alternatively attached to different rivets may enhance complexity of removal to allow for improved child secureness.

[0030] The front and rear walls may be formed from a one-piece blank. The first and second flaps and the rear wall may be formed from a one-piece blank. The one-piece blank may comprise a cellulose-based material. The one-piece blank may comprise paper. The one-piece blank may be paper-based. Complexity of the packaging may be reduced. The amount of packaging material may be reduced. A particularly environmentally friendly package may be provided.

[0031] The envelope may be formed from a one-piece blank divided in three parts along two foldable lines. The foldable lines may be arranged such that a large center part and two smaller side parts result. The foldable lines may be arranged such that the side parts are equally sized. The foldable lines may be arranged such that the center part is about the size of the sum of the two side parts. The center part may be somewhat smaller than the sum of the two side parts to provide the overlapping region. For example, the center part may be between 1 and 20 percent smaller than the sum of the two side parts.

[0032] Each disc-shaped aerosol-generating article of the stack may comprise an aerosolforming substrate. Each disc-shaped aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of individual portions of aerosol-forming substrate. The plurality of individual portions of aerosolforming substrate may be arranged circumferentially around a center of the disc. Rotating the article in a receiving cavity of an aerosol-generating device may align a new portion with a New PCT Patent Application November 10, 2025 Philip Morris Products S.A. 46235- PCT -6-heating element of the aerosol-generating device that heats the aerosol-forming substrate material until it releases its active ingredients.

[0033] Each disc-shaped aerosol-generating article may have a generally flat round shape except for the protruding tab, if present. The shape of the disc-shaped aerosol-generating article may resemble the shape of a compact disc. A diameter of the disc-shaped aerosolgenerating article may be between 3 centimeters and 15 centimeters.

[0034] Each disc-shaped aerosol-generating article may comprise a cut-out at a center portion of the article. The cut-out may be configured to match a protrusion in the receiving cavity of an aerosol-generating device, allowing the disc-shaped article to be placed in the receiving cavity and to rotate within the receiving cavity.

[0035] Each disc-shaped aerosol-generating article may comprise a removable cover layer. For example, each disc-shaped aerosol-generating article may be stored in a paper bag. Child secureness may be enhanced. Preserving freshness of the article may be improved.

[0036] The package may comprise separating sheets arranged between neighboring discshaped aerosol-generating articles of the stack. Removing single articles may be made more convenient. Direct contact of neighboring articles may be avoided.

[0037] The front wall and the rear wall may comprise or be made of one or more of cardboard, paperboard, kraft paper, cardstock, recycled paper, and paper composite materials.

[0038] The package may comprise a secondary housing. The container may be at least partially received within the secondary housing. The package may comprise an envelope as disclosed herein forming a primary housing of the stack of disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles and a secondary housing at least partly surrounding the envelope. The envelope may be slid out of the secondary housing via an opening at the top of the secondary housing. The secondary housing may be configured as a box without a top wall. The secondary housing may be configured as a box with a removable top wall or a reclosable top wall.

[0039] The secondary housing may provide enhanced protection to the package. The secondary housing may provide additional mechanical protection. The secondary housing may provide additional protection by comprising an environmental barrier foil. The secondary housing may protect the articles from adverse environmental conditions. The secondary housing may provide additional child secureness by further adding complexity to the steps of removal of an article. The secondary housing may comprise or be made of one or more of cardboard, paperboard, kraft paper, cardstock, recycled paper, and paper composite materials, plastic, and barrier foils.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a container for housing a stack of disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles. The container comprises a front wall configured to be arranged on top of and in parallel to a top face of the stack when the stack is inserted in the container. The container comprises a rear wall configured to be arranged below New PCT Patent Application November 10, 2025 Philip Morris Products S.A. 46235- PCT -7-and in parallel to a bottom face of the stack when the stack is inserted in the container. The container comprises an opening mechanism configured to allow a user to extract a disc-shaped aerosol-generating article from the package. The container may be a container of a package as described herein.

[0041] The package of the invention may provide a slim box or envelope packaging providing compact and efficient storage. Transport and storage of large quantities of disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles may be made easier.

[0042] The package of the invention may provide easy sliding mechanisms and simple opening designs to ensure quick and hassle-free access to individual articles. In addition, childproof packages may be provided, for example by requiring planned steps like pivoting of the articles for removal.

[0043] The package of the invention may provide flexible capacity packaging. For example, adjustable rivet shaft lengths in the envelope packaging allow for accommodating different quantities of articles. This may provide flexibility based on user needs. This may reduce manufacturing complexity and costs for producing differently sized packages.

[0044] The package of the invention may provide child-proof features. Optional interlocking mechanisms may be provided. A sequence of movements and actions may be required to effectively detach and remove an article from the packaging. A targeted set of actions may be required. This may increase complexity and may require knowing the right procedure in advance to effectively access and remove the articles from the packaging.

[0045] As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-generating article’ refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, an aerosol-generating article may be a smoking article that generates an aerosol that is directly inhalable into a user’s lungs through the user's mouth. An aerosolgenerating article may be disposable.

[0046] As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-forming substrate’ relates to a substrate capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. An aerosol-forming substrate may conveniently be part of an aerosol-generating article or smoking article.

[0047] The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosolforming substrate may comprise both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavour compounds which are released from the substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aerosol former that facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol. Examples of suitable aerosol formers are glycerine and propylene glycol. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise nicotine. New PCT Patent Application November 10, 2025 Philip Morris Products S.A. 46235- PCT -8- Below, there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0048] Example E1: A package comprising a stack of disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles and a container housing the stack, the container comprising

[0049] a front wall arranged on top of and in parallel to a top face of the stack;

[0050] a rear wall arranged below and in parallel to a bottom face of the stack; and an opening mechanism configured to allow a user to extract a disc-shaped aerosolgenerating article from the package.

[0051] Example E2: The package according to Example E1, wherein the front wall and the rear wall define the major boundary surfaces of the package.

[0052] Example E3: The package according to Example E1 or Example E2, wherein the container is configured as a cuboid box comprising opposing sidewalls and opposing top and bottom walls.

[0053] Example E4: The package according to Example E3, wherein the sidewalls, the top and bottom walls, and the front and rear walls are formed from a one-piece blank, preferably wherein the one-piece blank is paper-based.

[0054] Example E5: The package according to Example E3 or Example E4, wherein the opening mechanism is configured to provide an access opening by displacing the top wall.

[0055] Example E6: The package according to Example E5, wherein the box is configured as a hinged lid box.

[0056] Example E7: The package according to Example E5, wherein the box comprises a tearable weakened line configured for allowing removal of a top portion of the box comprising the top wall.

[0057] Example E8: The package according to Example E1 or Example E2, wherein the container is configured as an envelope.

[0058] Example E9: The package according to Example E8, wherein the front wall comprises a first part formed by a first flap extending from an upper end of the rear wall and a second part formed by a second flap extending from a lower end of the rear wall.

[0059] Example E10: The package according to Example E9, wherein the first flap at least partly overlaps the second flap in an overlapping region of the front wall, or wherein the second flap at least partly overlaps the first flap in an overlapping region of the front wall.

[0060] Example E11: The package according to Example 10, wherein the overlapping region is provided at a centered portion of the front wall between the upper end of the front wall and the lower end of the front wall.

[0061] Example E12: The package according to any of Example E9 to E11, wherein the opening mechanism is configured to provide an access opening by opening the first flap. New PCT Patent Application November 10, 2025 Philip Morris Products S.A. 46235- PCT -9- Example E13: The package according to Example E12, comprising an interlocking mechanism to prevent accidental opening of the first flap, preferably wherein the interlocking mechanism comprises a tab-lock closure.

[0062] Example E14: The package according to Example E12 or Example E13, wherein at least part of the second flap is permanently attached to the rear wall to hold the stack in a cavity between the second flap and the rear wall when the first flap is opened.

[0063] Example E15: The package according to any of Examples E9 to E14, comprising an attachment means for attaching at least part of an inside surface of the second flap to an inside surface of the rear wall.

[0064] Example E16: The package according to Example E15, wherein the attachment means comprises at least one rivet, preferably a pair of rivets.

[0065] Example E17: The package according to Example E16, wherein the at least one rivet is made of one or more of brass, aluminum, stainless steel, and plastic.

[0066] Example E18: The package according to Example E16 or Example E17, wherein each disc-shaped aerosol-generating article comprises a protruding tab connected via a weakened line to an edge of the article, wherein the protruding tab comprises a cut-out, and wherein the protruding tab is attached to the envelope by a shaft of the at least one rivet extending through the cut-out.

[0067] Example 19: The package according to any of Examples E8 to E18, wherein the front and rear walls are formed from a one-piece blank, preferably wherein the one-piece blank is paper-based.

[0068] Example E20: The package according to Example E19, wherein the envelope is formed from a one-piece blank divided in three parts along two foldable lines such that a large center part and two smaller side parts result, preferably such that the side parts are equally sized, more preferably such that the center part is about two times the size of each side part.

[0069] Example E21: The package according to any of the preceding examples, wherein each disc-shaped aerosol-generating article comprises a protruding tab, and wherein the protruding tab is attached to the container.

[0070] Example E22: The package according to Example E21, wherein the protruding tab is connected via a tearable weakened line to an edge of the article.

[0071] Example E23: The package according to any of the preceding examples, wherein each disc-shaped aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0072] Example E24: The package according to Example E23, wherein each disc-shaped aerosol-generating article comprises a plurality of individual portions of aerosol-forming substrate arranged circumferentially around a center of the disc.

[0073] Example E25: The package according to any of the preceding examples, wherein each disc-shaped aerosol-generating article comprises a cut-out at a center portion of the article. New PCT Patent Application November 10, 2025 Philip Morris Products S.A. 46235- PCT -10- Example E26: The package according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the front wall and the rear wall are made of one or more of cardboard, paperboard, kraft paper, cardstock, recycled paper, and paper composite materials.

[0074] Example E27: The package according to any of the preceding examples, wherein each disc-shaped aerosol-generating article comprises a removable cover layer.

[0075] Example E28: The package according to any of the preceding examples, comprising separating sheets arranged between neighboring disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles of the stack.

[0076] Example E29: The package according to any of the preceding examples, comprising a secondary housing, wherein the container is at least partially received within the secondary housing.

[0077] Example E30: The package according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles in the stack congruently sit on top of each other.

[0078] Example E31: The package according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the stack of disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles comprises between 3 and 40 articles, preferably between 3 and 30 articles, more preferably between 15 and 30 articles, more preferably between 5 and 20 articles, more preferably between 5 and 15 articles, more preferably between 5 and 10 articles.

[0079] Features described in relation to one embodiment may equally be applied to other embodiments of the invention.

[0080] The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0081] Figs. 1A to 1D show a package comprising a stack of disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles;

[0082] Figs. 2A to 2D show a package comprising a stack of disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles;

[0083] Figs. 3A to 3E show a package comprising a stack of disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles;

[0084] Figs. 4A to 4D and 5A and 5B show a package comprising a stack of disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles; and

[0085] Figs. 6A to 6C show a package comprising a stack of disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles.

[0086] Figs. 1A to 1D show a package comprising a stack of disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles 10 and a container 12 housing the stack. The container 12 comprises a front wall 14 New PCT Patent Application November 10, 2025 Philip Morris Products S.A. 46235- PCT -11-arranged on top of and in parallel to a top face of the stack. The container 12 comprises a rear wall 16 arranged below and in parallel to a bottom face of the stack.

[0087] The front wall 14 and the rear wall 16 define the major boundary surfaces of the package. The container is configured as a cuboid box comprising opposing sidewalls 18, 20 and opposing top and bottom walls 22, 24.

[0088] The container 12 comprises an opening mechanism configured to allow a user to extract a disc-shaped aerosol-generating article 10 from the package. Fig. 1A shows a side view and Fig. 1B shows a front view of the container 12 in a closed configuration. Fig. 1C shows a side view and Fig. 1D shows a front view of the container 12 in an opened configuration.

[0089] The opening mechanism is configured to provide an access opening by displacing the top wall 22. In particular, the box is configured as a hinged lid 26 box as best shown in Fig. 1C.

[0090] Figs. 2A to 2D show a package comprising a stack of disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles (not shown in Figs. 2A to 2D) and a container 12 housing the stack. The container 12 comprises a front wall 14 arranged on top of and in parallel to a top face of the stack. The container 12 comprises a rear wall 16 arranged below and in parallel to a bottom face of the stack. The front wall 14 and the rear wall 16 define the major boundary surfaces of the package. The container is configured as a cuboid box comprising opposing sidewalls 18, 20 and opposing top and bottom walls 22, 24.

[0091] The container 12 comprises an opening mechanism configured to allow a user to extract a disc-shaped aerosol-generating article from the package. Fig. 2A shows a side view and Fig. 2B shows a front view of the container 12 in a closed configuration. Fig. 2C shows a side view and Fig. 2D shows a front view of the container 12 in an opened configuration.

[0092] The opening mechanism is configured to provide an access opening by displacing the top wall 22. In difference to the package of Figs. 1A to 1 D, the package of Figs. 2A to 2D is not configured as a hinged lid box. Instead, the box comprises a tearable weakened line 28 configured for allowing removal of a top portion 30 of the box comprising the top wall 22.

[0093] Figs. 3A to 3E show a package comprising a stack of disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles 10. The container 12 comprises a front wall 14 arranged on top of and in parallel to a top face of the stack. The container 12 comprises a rear wall 16 arranged below and in parallel to a bottom face of the stack. The front wall 14 and the rear wall 16 define the major boundary surfaces of the package.

[0094] The container 12 comprises an opening mechanism configured to allow a user to extract a disc-shaped aerosol-generating article 10 from the package. Fig. 3A shows a perspective side view, Fig. 3B shows a front view, and Fig. 3C shows a side view of the container 12 in a closed configuration. Figs. 3D and 3E show front views of the container 12 in an opened configuration. New PCT Patent Application November 10, 2025 Philip Morris Products S.A. 46235- PCT -12- The container 12 is configured as an envelope. The front wall 14 comprises a first part formed by a first flap 32 extending from an upper end of the rear wall 16 and a second part formed by a second flap 34 extending from a lower end of the rear wall 16. The second flap 34 overlaps the first flap 32 in an overlapping region 36 of the front wall 14. The overlapping region 36 is provided at a centered portion of the front wall 14 between an upper end of the front wall 14 and the lower end of the front wall 14.

[0095] The opening mechanism is configured to provide an access opening by opening the first flap 32.

[0096] A lower part of the second flap 34 is permanently attached to the rear wall 16 to hold the stack in a cavity between the second flap 34 and the rear wall 16 when the first flap 32 is opened. In particular, an inside surface of the second flap 34 is attached to an inside surface of the rear wall 16 by means of a pair of rivets 38.

[0097] The envelope is preferably formed from a one-piece blank divided in three parts along two foldable lines such that a large center part and two smaller side parts result, the large center part forming the rear wall 16 and the two smaller side parts forming the first flap 32 and the second flap 34.

[0098] Figs. 4A to 4D and 5A and 5B show a package comprising a stack of disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles 10 similar to the package of Figs. 3A to 3E. In difference to the package of Figs. 3A to 3E, in the package of Figs. 4A to 4D and 5A and 5B, each disc-shaped aerosol-generating article 10 comprises a protruding tab 40.

[0099] A disc-shaped aerosol-generating article 10 of the stack is shown in top view in Fig.

[0100] 4A. The article 10 comprises a protruding tab 40 connected via a weakened line 42 to an edge of a main body 44 of the article 10, the main body being in shape of a disc. Preferably, the article 10 comprises a plurality of individual portions 50 of aerosol-forming substrate arranged circumferentially around a center of the disc. Preferably, the article 10 comprises a cut-out 52 at a center portion of the article 10.

[0101] The protruding tab 40 of the article is attached to the envelope. The protruding tab 40 comprises cut-out 46. The protruding tab 40 is attached to the envelope by a shaft of one of the rivets 38 extending through the cut-out 46 of the protruding tab 40.

[0102] The protruding tabs of neighboring articles 10 of the stack may be alternately attached to the different shafts of the rivets 38. This is indicated in Fig. 4C showing a top view of the package with the articles 10 covered by the first and second flaps 32, 34 being indicated by dotted lines. The protruding tab 40 of the article 10 on top of the stack is attached to the rivet 38 on the right-hand side and the protruding tab 41 of the second article 10 in the stack directly below the top article 10 is connected to the rivet 38 on the left-hand side. Thereby, removal of single articles 10 from the package may be made more convenient. New PCT Patent Application November 10, 2025 Philip Morris Products S.A. 46235- PCT -13- The protruding tab 40 may allow to secure the article 10 within the package. The protruding tab 40 may allow to secure the article 10 within the envelope using the rivets 38. A double purpose of fastening the assembly of the packaging while at the same time holding the articles 10 may be provided by the rivets 38. Removing the articles 10 may be made possible by physically rotating each article 10 to a specific orientation and position, and from there applying force disrupting the weakened lone 42. Thereby, a child-proof package may be provided.

[0103] The mechanism for article 10 removal is shown in more detail in Figs. 5A and 5B. A user may first open the first flap 32 into the opened configuration as shown in Fig. 5A. This may include opening an optional interlocking mechanism (not shown). A user may then rotate the top article 10 of the stack which is attached to the right rivet 38 out of the envelope as indicated by an arrow in Fig. 5A. The user may then remove the article 10 by pulling the weakened line 42 of the closure tab 40 with sufficient force. The protruding tab 40 remains attached to the envelope via the respective rivet 38.

[0104] A series of consecutive steps is to be purposefully applied to remove the article 10 from the package. Thereby, a child-proof package may be provided.

[0105] A package with a disc-shaped aerosol-generating article 10 with a protruding tab 40 for fastening the article 10 to the packaging as a child-proof mechanism may be provided. An envelope packaging with rivets 38 to fasten the packaging while, at the same time, hold and mechanically secure the articles 10 may be provided.

[0106] In this embodiment incorporating child-proof features, optional interlocking mechanisms (not shown), and a sequence of movements and actions are required to effectively detach and remove the articles 10 from the packaging. This may create a non-logic set of actions, increasing complexity, and requiring knowing the right procedure in advance to effectively access and remove the articles 10 from the packaging, which turns to be an effective child-proof feature. Trying to pull the article 10 out of the package, vertically, as it might be most obvious, will not work, and it will not drive to the right position to enable to extract the article 10 out of the package. To effectively remove an article 10, the user must move laterally the article to the right position, left or right, which is different to each other article 10 of the stack, and, then, rupture the curved weakened line 42 to, then, be able to extract the article 10.

[0107] Figs. 6A to 6C show a package comprising a stack of disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles 10. The package comprises an envelope housing the stack of disk-shaped aerosolgenerating articles 10, for example the envelope of the embodiment of Fig. 3 or of the embodiment of Figs. 4 and 5. The package of Figs. 6A to 6C further comprises a secondary housing 54. At least part of the envelope is sleeved by the secondary housing 54. The envelope may be slid out of the secondary housing 54 via an opening at the top of the secondary housing New PCT Patent Application November 10, 2025 Philip Morris Products S.A. 46235- PCT -14- 54. In the configuration shown in Figs. 6A to 6C, the envelope is partly slid out of the secondary housing 54.

[0108] The secondary housing 54 may be configured as a box without a top wall. Alternatively, the secondary housing 54 may be configured as a box with a displaceable top wall or a reclosable top wall.

[0109] The secondary housing 54 may provide enhanced protection to the package. The secondary housing 54 may provide additional mechanical protection. The secondary housing 54 may provide additional protection by comprising an environmental barrier foil. The secondary housing 54 may protect the articles 10 from adverse environmental conditions.

[0110] The secondary housing 54 may provide additional child secureness by further adding the complexity of steps of removal of an article 10.

Claims

New PCT Patent Application November 10, 2025 Philip Morris Products S.A. 46235- PCT -15- CLAIMS1. A package comprising a stack of disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles and a container housing the stack, the container comprisinga front wall arranged on top of and in parallel to a top face of the stack;a rear wall arranged below and in parallel to a bottom face of the stack; and an opening mechanism configured to allow a user to extract a disc-shaped aerosolgenerating article from the package,wherein the container is configured as an envelope,wherein the front wall comprises a first part formed by a first flap extending from an upper end of the rear wall and a second part formed by a second flap extending from a lower end of the rear wall,the package further comprising an attachment means for attaching at least part of an inside surface of the second flap to an inside surface of the rear wall,wherein the attachment means comprises at least one rivet, andwherein each disc-shaped aerosol-generating article comprises a protruding tab connected via a weakened line to an edge of the article, wherein the protruding tab comprises a cut-out, and wherein the protruding tab is attached to the envelope by a shaft of the at least one rivet extending through the cut-out.

2. The package according to claim 1 , wherein the front wall and the rear wall define the major boundary surfaces of the package.

3. The package according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first flap at least partly overlaps the second flap in an overlapping region of the front wall, or wherein the second flap at least partly overlaps the first flap in an overlapping region of the front wall.

4. The package according to claim 3, wherein the overlapping region is provided at a centered portion of the front wall between the upper end of the front wall and the lower end of the front wall.

5. The package according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the opening mechanism is configured to provide an access opening by opening the first flap.

6. The package according to claim 5, wherein at least part of the second flap is permanently attached to the rear wall to hold the stack in a cavity between the second flap and the rear wall when the first flap is opened.New PCT Patent Application November 10, 2025 Philip Morris Products S.A. 46235- PCT -16-7. The package according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment means comprises a pair of rivets.

8. The package according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the front and rear walls are formed from a one-piece blank, preferably wherein the one-piece blank is paperbased.

9. The package according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles in the stack are arranged congruently on top of each other.

10. The package according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the stack of disc-shaped aerosol-generating articles comprises between 5 and 40 articles.

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