CONTAINER WITH SUBSTANCE CARRIER

Abstract

A container for a recipient product. The container has a body and a lid which together define a first chamber when the lid is closed. The container has a substance carrier which emits a substance to impart a characteristic to a recipient product in the first chamber. The substance carrier has a seal to prevent emission of the substance from the substance carrier until the seal is opened.

Description

FIELD

This invention relates to a container, particularly but not exclusively to a container for a smokeless tobacco product.

BACKGROUND

Snus tobacco may be sold either in loose form or in portions disposed in permeable bags and is packaged in portable containers having a re-closable lid to maintain the moisture of the snus during transport, storage and display of the product. Snus is typically consumed by placing it under the upper lip for an extended period of time.

SUMMARY

In accordance with embodiments of the invention, there is provided a container for a recipient product comprising a body and a lid which together define a first chamber when the lid is closed, said container comprising a substance carrier which is configured to emit a substance to impart a characteristic to a recipient product in said first chamber, the substance carrier comprising a seal to prevent emission of said substance from said substance carrier until the seal is opened.

The substance carrier may be disposed between said seal and a surface of the container.

The seal may be re-closable once opened.

The surface of the container may be an internal surface, within the first chamber.

The surface of the container may be an outer surface and said substance carrier is removable from said outer surface for insertion into said first chamber.

The substance carrier may be attached to said internal surface of the container.

The seal may be attached to the substance carrier.

The substance carrier may be loose beneath the seal such that removal of said seal releases said substance carrier.

In accordance with embodiments of the invention, there is also provided a method of imparting a characteristic to a recipient product comprising the steps of:

providing a container with a body and a lid which together define a first chamber when the lid is closed;

placing said recipient product within said first chamber;

providing a substance carrier to emit a substance into the first chamber to impart a characteristic to said recipient product; and

providing a seal to prevent emission of said substance from said substance carrier until the seal is opened.

In accordance with embodiments of the invention, there is also provided a container for a recipient product, comprising a body defining a chamber having an open end and a lid which fits over said open end to close the chamber, said container comprising an element extending across said open end of the body and which comprises a substance carrier which is configured to emit a substance to impart a characteristic to a recipient product received in said chamber.

The element may comprise a first laminate layer which is attached to said body of said container such that said element is suspended across said open end, said substance carrier being attached to said first laminate layer.

The element may further comprise a second laminate layer such that said substance carrier is laminated between said first and second laminate layers.

At least one of said first and second laminate layers may be permeable.

The first and second laminate layers may seal the substance carrier, one of said first and second laminate layers being openable to expose the substance carrier to the recipient product.

The second laminate layer may be permeable and is disposed to face in the direction of said first chamber.

In accordance with embodiments of the invention, there is provided a method of imparting a characteristic on a recipient product comprising the steps of:

providing a container with a body defining a chamber and a lid which fits over said open end of the body to close the chamber to receive said recipient product; and

providing an element which extends across said open end of the body, wherein said element comprises a substance carrier to emit a substance into the chamber to impart a characteristic to said recipient product.

In accordance with embodiments of the invention, there is provided a container for a recipient product comprising a body and a lid which together define a first chamber when the lid is closed for storing recipient product prior to use by a consumer, said container also comprising a second chamber for storing recipient product after use by a consumer, wherein a laminate wall divides the first and second chambers and comprises a substance carrier which is configured to emit a substance to impart a characteristic to a recipient product received in said first chamber.

The laminate wall may further comprise an active heat patch which undergoes an exothermic reaction when exposed to moisture from a used recipient product received with in the second chamber.

The active heat patch may be disposed on a side of the laminate wall corresponding to the second chamber and the substance carrier is disposed on a side of the laminate wall corresponding to said first chamber.

The laminate wall may comprise a first permeable laminate layer to which the active heat patch and substance carrier are attached.

The laminate wall may further comprise a second permeable laminate layer, said active heat patch and said substance carrier being laminated between said first and second permeable laminate layers.

The second chamber may be formed in a recess in the body of the container, said recess having an open side which is closed by said laminate wall.

In accordance with embodiments of the invention, there is provided a method of imparting a characteristic on a recipient product comprising the steps of:

providing a container with a body and a lid which together define a first chamber when the lid is closed for storing a recipient product prior to use by a consumer;

providing a second chamber to store products after use by a consumer; and

providing a laminate wall which divides the first and second chambers, said laminate wall comprising a substance carrier to emit a substance into the first chamber to impart a characteristic to said recipient product.

The recipient product may be smokeless tobacco.

The recipient product may be a snus tobacco product.

The substance emitted by the substance carrier may be a sensate substance to impart an organoleptic characteristic to said recipient product.

The substance emitted by the substance carrier may be a moisturising substance to impart moisture to said recipient product.

The container may be pocket-sized.

The container may contain one or more recipient products.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only. With reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an example of a container for snus tobacco pouches having a body and a removable lid;

FIG. 2 shows the container of FIG. 1, with the lid attached to the body;

FIG. 3 shows an example of a container of the invention, having a sensate substance carrier material and seal disposed on an inside surface of the container;

FIG. 4 shows an example of a container of the invention, having a sensate substance carrier material and seal disposed on an outside surface of the container;

FIG. 5 shows an example of a container of the invention, having a element comprising a sensate substance which extends across an opening of the body;

FIG. 6 shows the element of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows a cross-section of a container of the invention;

FIG. 8 shows an example of a container of the invention, having a second chamber for storing used snus tobacco;

FIG. 9 shows an example of a container of the invention, having a second chamber for storing used snus tobacco and a dividing laminate wall comprising a sensate substance;

FIG. 10 shows a cross-section of the container of FIG. 9; and

FIG. 11 shows an example of a container of the invention, having a second chamber for storing used snus tobacco disposed in the lid of the container.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a container 1 for snus tobacco pouches 2 which comprises a body 3 and a removable lid 4. The example shown in FIG. 1 is a round container which is pocket-sized for the convenience of the consumer, although it will be appreciated that other shapes and sizes are also possible and fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

The body 3 of the container 1 comprises a planar bottom wall 5 and a cylindrical side wall 6 which extends perpendicularly to the bottom wall 5 to define a first chamber 7 with one open side 8 which is closed by the removable lid 4. The lid also comprises a planar top wall 9 with a cylindrical side wall 10 that extends perpendicularly to the top wall 9. The cylindrical side wall 10 of the lid 4 and the cylindrical side wall 6 of the body 3 are configured to have a push-fit relationship in the region where the two overlap, to allow the lid to be removably attached to the body 3. As shown in FIG. 1, the side wall 6 of the body 3 and/or the side wall to of the lid 4, may be stepped such that when the lid 4 is attached to the body 3 the outer circumferential face of the assembled container is level and smooth, as shown in FIG. 2.

In this example, the first chamber 7 within the container 1, as defined between the body 3 and the lid 4, is for containing a smokeless snus tobacco product which may be provided in pouches 2 for the consumer's convenience, as shown in FIG. 1. However, it will be appreciated that the container 1 of the invention may instead be used for other products, such as loose snus tobacco, loose rolling tobacco or other tobacco products, smokeless or otherwise. Moreover, the tobacco product may or may not be provided within a pouch. Also, non-tobacco products, such as inert materials with or without nicotine, or plant matter other than tobacco, could be used. The smokeless snus tobacco product (or alternative) contained in the first chamber 7 may be known as the recipient product.

It is noted that in some embodiments (not shown in Figures) the first chamber 7 may be separated into sub-chambers, each of which contains a recipient product 2. This could allow a different recipient product to be contained in each of the sub-chambers.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lid 4 of the container 1 attaches to the body 3 by means of a push fit—the tolerance between the lid 4 and the body 3 is tight so that the consumer must push the lid 4 firmly onto the body 3 to close the container 1. This ensures that the container 1 is adequately sealed from the outside environment while still being removable to allow the consumer to open the container and retrieve the products 2. The first chamber 7 within the container 1 is sealed to ensure that the product 2 within the container 1 remains fresh from the time of packaging to the time of consumption. It will be appreciated that the lid 4 may alternatively be attachable to the body 3 of the container 1 in other ways, for example, the lid and body may be provided with screw elements that engage with each other so that the lid is screwed onto the body. Any other suitable method of allowing the lid 4 to be attachable to the body 3 may also be used.

It is noted that in some embodiments, the body 3 and lid 4 of the container shown in FIG. 1 may hermetically seal the first chamber 7 from the atmosphere outside the container 1.

The examples of containers described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 11 hereinafter all impart an organoleptic characteristic on products within the container after packaging. That is, the containers of FIGS. 3 to 11 are configured such that, at a time after the product is packaged, an organoleptic characteristic is imparted on the product. Also, a consumer may be able to select if, when and for how long to impart an organoleptic characteristic to the recipient product.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show examples of containers 1 which both include a carrier material 11 and a seal 12 which are arranged so that the seal 12 is removed from the container 1 to expose the carrier material 11. In this way, an organoleptic characteristic is imparted on the recipient product 2 within the first chamber 7.

For the examples of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the carrier material 11 is provided with a sensate substance which is emitted from the carrier material and thereby released into the first chamber 7 such that an organoleptic characteristic is imparted on the recipient products 2 in the container 1. A sensate substance will impart a characteristic on the recipient products that can be perceived by the senses. In particular, the sensate substance may impart a flavour and/or an aroma to the recipient products.

FIG. 3 shows the container as described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 with a carrier material 11 attached to an inside surface of the top wall 9 of the lid 4. FIG. 3 also shows a seal 12 disposed over the carrier material n which can be removed by the consumer to expose the carrier material 11. The carrier material 11 is attached to the inside surface of the lid 4 such that, after the seal 12 is removed and the container 1 is closed, the carrier material 11 remains attached to the lid 4 and is directly exposed to the products 2 in the first chamber 7 so that the sensate substance being emitted from the carrier material 11 is transferred to the snus product 2 to impart an organoleptic characteristic on those products 2.

The removable seal 12 is placed over the carrier material 11 to seal the carrier material between the seal 12 and the lid 4 and prevent the sensate substance from emitting from the carrier material 11. Therefore, the sensate substance of the carrier material 11 will be contained within the carrier material 11, under the seal 12, until a consumer removes the seal 12.

The seal 12 may be a polymer material or a release paper and may be attached over the carrier material 11 and/or to the carrier material 11 by means of adhesive. The adhesive used on the seal 12 may be a removable adhesive, to allow a consumer to easily remove the seal 12 and expose the carrier material 11. In this case, the seal 12 may be re-attachable to the lid 4. Alternatively, the adhesive may be a permanent adhesive and the seal 12 is at least partly destroyed when a consumer removes the seal 12 to expose at least a part of the carrier material 11. For example, only a part of the seal 12 is removed by the consumer (the remainder being left on the container) but the part removed will expose at least a part of the carrier material 11 and allow transfer of the sensate substance into the first chamber 7. To that end, the seal 12 may be provided with a weakened tear line (not shown in Figures). The seal 12 may be adhered around a peripheral edge 13 of the seal 12, directly onto the top wall 9 of the lid 4, or the seal 12 may be adhered to the carrier material 11 itself, in addition to or instead of being adhered to the top wall 9 of the lid 4.

As already mentioned, the seal 12 may be provided with a weakened tear-line (not shown in Figures) so as to allow a consumer to remove only a predetermined portion of the seal. In addition, the carrier material 11 may comprise different portions, each of which is covered by respective portions of the seal 12 that are separable along weakened tear lines. Each portion of the carrier material 11 may have a different sensate substance. Thus, by removing a predetermined portion of the seal, along the weakened tear line, a consumer may choose from a plurality of different organoleptic characteristics to be imparted on the recipient products 2.

Alternatively, if the first chamber 7 comprises a plurality of sub-chambers, then each portion of the seal 12 could be positioned so as to correspond with a respective sub-chamber. A different organoleptic characteristic may then be imparted on the products 2 in each of the different sub-chambers. The products 2 in each of the different sub-chambers may be the same, or they may be different, chosen so as to complement the imparted organoleptic characteristics associated with that sub-chamber.

The seal 12 may also be provided with at least one tab 14 which extends from a side of the seal 12 and is not attached to the top wall 9 of the lid 4 or to the carrier material 11. This tab 14 is provided for a consumer to grip and pull in order to remove the seal 12 and expose the carrier material 11 and allow the sensate substance to move from the carrier material 11 to the first chamber 7 of the container 1 to impart an organoleptic characteristic to the recipient products 2.

The seal 12 as described with reference to FIG. 3 may also be adapted so that it is removed to expose a portion of the carrier material 11 automatically once the lid 4 of the container 3 is opened by the consumer. For example, the seal 12 could be attached to both the top wall 9 of the lid 4 and to the inner surface of the cylindrical side wall of the first chamber 7 such that the seal 12 bridges the boundary between the lid 4 and the cylindrical side wall of the first chamber 7. When the lid 4 is removed, the seal 12 is ruptured and a portion of the carrier material 11 is exposed. Advantageously, this allows the provision of the sensate substance to the product 2 to be started as soon as the container 3 is opened, to counteract any loss in flavour that occurs in additives in the product 2 once the container 3 has been opened.

FIG. 4 shows another example of a container 1 having a carrier material 11 which is sealed beneath a removable seal 12. In this example, the carrier material 11 and seal 12 are disposed on an outside surface of the container 1, in this case the top wall 9 of the lid 4. In this example, the carrier material 11 is not attached to the container 1 so that, when the carrier material 11 is released by removing the seal 12, the consumer can move the carrier material 11 into the first chamber 7 (see FIG. 1) so that a sensate substance can be transferred from the carrier material 11 to the products 2 in the first chamber 7 and impart an organoleptic characteristic.

It will be appreciated that the seal 12 and carrier material 11 of this example may be attached to any external surface of the container, not only the top of the lid as shown in FIG. 4.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the carrier material 11 is loose and retained on the outside surface of the top wall 9 of the container 1 by the removable seal 12. The removable seal 12 of this example is not attached to the carrier material 11, it is adhered around a peripheral edge 13 of the seal 12, outside of the carrier material 11, such that the seal 12 is attached only to the top wall 9 of the lid 4. The seal 12 comprises at least one tab 14 which extends from a side of the seal 12 and is not attached to the container 1 or the carrier material 11. Therefore, a consumer is able to grip that tab 14 and pull on the seal 12 to remove it from the container 1 and release the carrier material 11 for placing into the first chamber 7 with the products 2.

In an alternative example, the carrier material 11 described with reference to FIG. 4 may be attached to the seal 12 such that when the seal 12 is removed the carrier material 11 remains attached to the seal 12. In this way, the consumer can remove the seal 12 and carrier material 11 from the container 1 together, by pulling on the tab 14, and then place the joined seal and carrier material 11 in the first chamber 7 so that a sensate substance emitted by the carrier material 11 imparts an organoleptic characteristic on products 2 in the container 1.

Similarly, in another example, the carrier material 11 may be attached to the seal 12 by means of a permeable laminate layer (not shown in the Figures) such that the carrier material 11 and laminate layer are removed from the container together with the sealing layer 12 and placed in the first chamber 7. The permeable laminate layer may be made from a permeable, semi-permeable or porous material or may alternatively comprise a material provided with perforations. In any case, the permeable laminate layer allows the sensate substance to move from one side of the laminate layer to the other, from the carrier material 11 to the first chamber 7. In this example, the permeable laminate layer is disposed on an opposite side of the carrier material 11 to the seal 12 and is attached to the seal 12, such that the carrier material 11 is laminated between the seal 12 and the permeable laminate layer.

In the case that the permeable laminate layer is perforated then the perforations of the laminate layer allow the sensate substance of the carrier material 11 to be emitted from the joined seal 12, carrier material 11 and laminate layer once the assembly has been removed from the surface of the container 1.

In the case that the laminate layer is semi-permeable, the sensate substance may travel from the carrier material 11 to the first chamber 7 but other substances from the products 2 are prevented from moving from the first chamber 7 to the carrier material 11. Advantageously, this helps to counteract any loss of the sensate substance carried by the carrier material 11 and may also prevent changes in the characteristics of the sensate substance caused by mixing with substances emitted by the products 2.

The carrier material 11 described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 may be mounted on a backing material or may be laminated. For example, the carrier material 11 may be adhered to polymer film or paper or similar material prior to being sealed underneath the sealing layer 12. Alternatively, the carrier material 11 may be laminated, that is, wrapped with a polymer or paper material on either side. In this case, the laminate material would comprise a plurality of perforations to allow the sensate substance to move from the carrier material 11 to the first chamber 7 of the container 1, through the perforations in the laminate material.

The container described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 will provide the contents of the container, the recipient product 2, with an organoleptic characteristic which is provided by the sensate substance emitted from the carrier material 11. This process of transferring the sensate substance from the carrier material 11 to the recipient product 2 may be activated by the consumer by removing the seal 12 to expose the carrier material 11. However, it will be appreciated that this arrangement allows the consumer to make a choice about whether or not to remove the seal 12 and activate the process of providing the product 2 with an organoleptic characteristic.

The container described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 allows a consumer to refresh the products 2 after purchasing, to ensure that the products 2 are fresh and have the desired flavour and/or aroma characteristics when consumed. This can counteract the loss of the organoleptic characteristics of the product after long periods in the container, meaning the life of the product is potentially increased.

Alternatively, the carrier material 11 of the containers of FIGS. 3 and 4 may impart different organoleptic characteristics to the products 2 compared to the organoleptic characteristics that may have been imparted to the products 2 when they were originally manufactured. In this case, the consumer is able to change the organoleptic characteristics of the products 2.

FIGS. 5 to 7 show a further example of the invention, which comprises an element 15 which extends across the open end 8 of the body 3 of the container 1 as described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

As shown in FIG. 5, the element 15 comprises a wide central portion 17, in this example a substantially circular portion, positioned such that it is central within the open end 8 of the body 3 of the container 1. The element 15 also comprises two supporting portions 18 that extend from opposite sides of the wide central portion 17 and support the element 15 on the edge 16 of the cylindrical side wall 6 of the body 3 of the container 1 such that the central portion 17 of the element 15 is suspended within the open end 8 of the body 3 of the container, above the first chamber 7. The supporting portions 18 may be removably attached to the edge 16 of the cylindrical side wall 6 or they may extend over the edge 16 and be folded against the outside surface of the side wall 6 of the body 3, such that when the lid 4 of the container 1 is attached the supporting portions 18 are trapped between the lid 4 and the body 3 and the element 15 is suspended in place.

It will be appreciated that the shape of the element 15 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is merely an example and the element 15 may not have a wide central portion 17. For example, the element 15 may alternatively be of fixed width and extend with straight edges across the opening 8. However, if the element 15 does have a wide central portion 17, it may be any shape and is not limited to the substantially circular shape shown in FIG. 5. Moreover, the element 15 may be provided with more than two supporting portions 18 to support the element 15 in place across the opening 8. For example, it may be provided with three or four supporting portions that may be equispaced around the element.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show the element as described with reference to FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 6, the element 15 comprises a top surface 19 which, when the element 15 is attached to the container 1, faces outwards and away from the first chamber 7. Information relating to the product being provided in the container 1 may be printed on the top surface 19 of the element 15. The element 15 also has a bottom surface 20, on an opposite side to the top surface 19, which faces the first chamber 7 when the element 15 is attached to the container 1 as described with reference to FIG. 5. The bottom surface 20 is configured to emit a sensate substance into the first chamber 7 to impart an organoleptic characteristic on recipient products 2 in the first chamber 7.

As shown in FIG. 7, the element 15 comprises three component layers: a top layer 21, a bottom layer 22 and a carrier material 11 layer which is provided with a sensate substance. The top layer 21 is a sealed material which extends to form the central portion 17 and support portions 18 (see FIG. 5) for supporting the element 15 on the container 1 and also provides the top surface 19 of the element 15. The bottom layer 22 is attached to the underside of the top layer 21 with the carrier material 11 disposed therebetween, such that the carrier material 11 is laminated between the top layer 21 and the bottom layer 22. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the bottom layer 22 comprises a plurality of perforations 23 which allow a sensate substance emitted by the carrier material 11 to pass through the bottom layer 22 and enter the first chamber 7 when the element 15 is attached to the container 1.

It is stated above that the bottom layer 22 may have perforations that allow the sensate substance to move from the carrier material 11 to the first chamber 7. However, it will be appreciated that the bottom layer 22 may alternatively comprise a permeable, semi-permeable or porous material through which the sensate substance is conveyed.

FIG. 7 shows the bottom layer 22 only extending far enough over the carrier material 11 to attach to the top layer 21 to laminate the carrier material 11 between the top layer 21 and bottom layer 22. However, it will be appreciated that the bottom layer 22 may instead extend equally as far as the top layer 21 and may be attached to the top layer 21 in all regions where the carrier material 11 is not disposed between them. The top and bottom layers 21, 22 may be made from a polymer film material, paper or other similar material and the bottom layer 22 may be attached to the top layer 21 by means of an adhesive or sonic welding or similar. The carrier material 11 is provided with a sensate substance as previously described. The carrier material 11 may also be attached to the top layer 21 and/or bottom layer 22 by means of an adhesive or sonic welding or any other suitable means of attachment.

In another example, which is not shown in the drawings, the element 15 may comprise only a top layer 21 and a carrier material 11, wherein the carrier material 11 is attached to the underside of the top layer 21. The top layer 21 is similar to that described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 and is attachable to the container 1 so that the element 15 is suspended across the open end 8 of the body 3 and the carrier material 11 is therefore able to emit a sensate substance into the first chamber 7 of the container 1.

The element 15 of the example shown in FIG. 5 does not extend over the entire opening 8 of the body 3. There is a space 24 between the edge of the element 15 and the edge 16 of the cylindrical side wall 6 of the body 3 of the container 1 so that a consumer can see the products 2 in the first chamber 7 when the element 15 is attached. This space 24 may also allow the consumer to remove the products 2 from the container 1 without having to remove the element 15. Furthermore, the space 24 allows air to circulate between the areas above and below the element 15 when the lid 4 is placed on the container 1, which may help the transfer of the sensate substance from the carrier material 11 to the products 2. However, it will be appreciated that the element 15 may extend over the entire opening 8 of the body 3 of the container 1, thereby sealing the first chamber 7. Therefore, the carrier material 11 will emit a sensate substance into that sealed first chamber 7 to impart an organoleptic characteristic on products 2 within the chamber 7. In either case, the element 15 is removable by the consumer to stop further transfer of the organoleptic characteristic and to allow unimpeded access to the first chamber 7 for retrieval of the products 2.

In an alternative example, the element 15 described with reference to FIG. 5 may be made from a single layer of material, such as a polymer film or paper, which itself emits a sensate substance, as a donor product, into the first chamber 7 of the container 1 to impart an organoleptic characteristic on recipient products 2.

The consumer is able to remove the element 15 described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7 after first opening of the container 1. The element 15 is applied to the container 1 during the packaging process and provides the sensate substance and organoleptic characteristic to the recipient snus product 2 during storage, transport and sales display of the product, up until the point that the container 1 is purchased and opened and the element 15 is removed. Therefore, the sensate substance may be selected to maintain the freshness of the recipient product, in terms of flavour or scent or moisture.

The container 1 and element 15 described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7 will ensure that the consumer is presented with a fresh product on first opening of the container. The organoleptic characteristic provided by the sensate substance emitted by the element 15 will counteract the loss of flavour caused by storing the product 2 in the container 1 for long periods of time between packaging and consumption.

As shown in FIG. 8, a snus container 1 similar to that described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, may be provided with a second chamber 24 which is disposed in an opposite side of the body 3 to the first chamber 7. The second chamber 24 may be used to store used products 25 when means of disposal are not available. That is, a consumer may use a snus product 2 from the first chamber 7 and, after use, store it in the second chamber 24 for disposal at a later date. The second chamber 24 is provided with a second lid 26 which sealably closes the second chamber 24.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show another example of the invention, this time relating to a container 1 similar to that described with reference to FIG. 8. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the body 3 of the container has an open faced recess 27 formed in the bottom wall 5. The body 3 of the container comprises a substantially cylindrical side wall 6 and the recess 27 also comprises a substantially cylindrical side wall 28, with a smaller diameter than the body, which extends into the first chamber 7 of the body 3. The side wall 28 of the recess 27 has a rim or lip 29 that extends inwards but does not close the recess, leaving an open side 30 through which the first chamber 7 is able to communicate with a second chamber 24 which is formed within the recess 27.

A laminate wall 32 is attached to the rim 29 of the side wall 28 of the recess 27 such that it closes the open side 30 of the recess 27, dividing the first chamber 7 from the second chamber 24. The laminate wall 32 thereby defines a bottom surface of the first chamber 7 and a top surface of the second chamber 24.

As shown in FIG. 10, the laminate wall 32 is attached to the rim 29 of the side wall 28 of the recess 27. The laminate wall 32 extends across the open side 30 (shown in FIG. 9) of the recess 27 and divides the first and second chambers 7, 24. Recipient products 2 are placed in the first chamber 7, above the laminate wall 32, and used products 25 are stored in the second chamber 24 on the other side of the laminate wall 32. The used products 25 will have a high moisture content, especially if the product is a chewing tobacco or a snus pouch as shown in FIG. 10. Therefore, the used product 25 will create a high moisture content in the second chamber 24.

The laminate wall 32 comprises a top laminate layer 31 and a bottom laminate layer 33 and between these laminate layers 31, 33 are disposed an active heat patch 34 and a carrier material 11 having a sensate substance. The active heat patch 34 and carrier material 11 are layered between the top and bottom laminate layers 31, 33 such that the active heat patch 34 is disposed on the side of the second chamber 24 and the carrier material 11 is disposed on the side of the first chamber 7.

The top and bottom laminate layers 31, 33 are both permeable so that moisture from the used products 25 in the second chamber 24 can pass through the bottom laminate layer 33 and activate a reaction in the active heat patch 34 that generates heat. That is, the moisture provided by the used product 25 placed in the second chamber 24 will create an exothermic reaction in the active heat patch 34 within the laminate wall 32.

The top laminate layer 31 is also permeable so that a sensate substance can pass from the carrier material 11, through the top laminate layer 31 and into the first chamber 7 to impart an organoleptic characteristic on recipient products 2 within the first chamber 7. The heat generated by the active heat patch 34 may activate this transfer of a sensate substance from the carrier material 11 to the first chamber 7, or the heat may accelerate the process, which occurs prior to the heat generation.

As stated, the top and bottom laminate layers 31, 33 are both permeable. It will be appreciated that the top and bottom laminate layers 31, 33 may comprise a permeable, semi-permeable or porous material. Alternatively, the top and bottom laminate layers may be provided with perforations. In any case, substances are able to move from one side of the laminate layer to the other.

For example, the sensate substance may only be released from the carrier material 11 once heat is generated by the active heat patch 12. This may be achieved by selecting a sensate substance with an evaporation temperature above a pre-determined value. Alternatively, the carrier material 11 may emit a sensate substance at room temperature, such that the sensate substance is transferred to the first chamber 7 at a residual rate during storage, transport and sales display, prior to purchase and first opening of the container 1. Following this, once a used product 25 is placed in the second chamber 24, moisture from the used product 25 activates the heat patch 34 which generates heat and the transfer of the sensate substance from the carrier material 11 to the first chamber 7 is accelerated. This acceleration of transfer of the sensate substance is advantageous as it will be activated once the consumer begins to use the product and not before. Therefore, this example of the invention gives a flavour boost which is timed to coincide with the consumer first opening and consuming the product. Moreover, heat from the heat patch 34 may also act to warm the products 2 in the first chamber 7, which will increase the amount of infusion of the sensate substance into the recipient snus product 2.

It should be noted that the heat generated by the active heat patch 34 of this example does not generate a high temperature. It may be that the heat patch 34 only increases the temperature by a few degrees Celsius, possibly between 2 and 20 degrees Celsius.

The carrier material 11 may be made from a material as previously described. The heat patch 34 will include a material which, when exposed to water, undergoes an exothermic reaction to generate heat. For example, the active heat patch may comprise a potassium salt, such as potassium chloride, or any other substance that generates heat when exposed to moisture.

It is noted that instead of the active heat patch 34 (or in combination with the active heat patch 34), any other suitable method of allowing or accelerating the transfer of the sensate substance from the carrier material 11 to the first chamber 7 may be used. This method may be activated in response to moisture being provided from the used product 25 in the second chamber 24, or may be activate by other means.

As shown in FIG. 10, the top and bottom laminate layers 31, 33 extend further than the active heat patch 34 and carrier material it and are attached to each other and to the rim 29 of the side wall 28 of the recess 27. The top and bottom laminate layers 31, 33 may be adhered together and to the rim 29, or they may be sonic welded to the rim 29. Alternatively, any other attachment means may be used, for example a heat seal or a part of the rim may clamp the edges of the laminate wall.

It will be appreciated that the top and bottom laminate layers 31, 33 may be differently arranged, for example the bottom laminate layer may not extend to be attached to the rim 29, instead being attached to the top laminate layer similarly to as described with reference to FIG. 7. Furthermore, the laminate wall 32 may comprise a single permeable laminate layer with the active heat patch 34 adhered to one side and the carrier material 11 adhered to the opposite side. Alternatively, the laminate wall described with reference to FIG. 10 may include a third permeable layer which extends between the active heat patch 34 and carrier material 11 to provide support and separation of the other layers. Any of the permeable laminate layers may be made from a permeable, semi-permeable or porous material, or the laminate layers may be provided with perforations. In any case, a substance is able to move from one side of the laminate layer to the other.

In an alternative example, the container does not have a recess formed in the base wall of the body which defines the second chamber, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Instead, the container may have a dividing wall 32 which extends across the internal space of the body 3 to define a second chamber within the cylindrical side wall of the body. The bottom wall of the body will be provided with an opening for the second chamber and a second lid is provided to close this opening. The body of this example may comprise a ring which extends from the inside face of the cylindrical side wall 6 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) of the body 3, partially into the internal space where the first chamber 7 is formed. A laminate dividing wall, as previously described, may attach to that ring and extend the remaining distance across the internal space to partition the first and second chambers.

In another alternative example, the second chamber may be formed in the lid 4 of the container 1, as shown in FIG. 11. The second chamber 24 is formed in a similar manner to those examples described above, except that it is formed in the lid 4 and not in the body 3 of the container 1. Therefore, a second lid 26 is attachable to the main lid 4 to close the second chamber 24. The laminate wall 32, which is the same as previously described, is disposed in the lid 4 such that when the lid 4 is attached to the body 3 of the container 1 the laminate wall 32 divides the first and second chambers 7, 24 and moisture from a used product 25 placed in the second chamber 24 activates an exothermic reaction in the active heat patch (not shown in FIG. 11) of the laminate wall 32 which causes or accelerates a transfer of a sensate substance from the carrier material 11 of the laminate wall 32 into the first chamber 7, where recipient products 2 are stored. Of course, as is the case for the example containers given in FIGS. 9-10, any suitable alternative method to the exothermic reaction for causing or accelerating the transfer of the sensate substance may also be used.

The container 1 and laminate wall 32 described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11 may counteract any loss of the flavour and/or aroma of the products 2 in the time between packaging and first opening, and will ensure the products 2 are fresh and have a suitable flavour and/or aroma once a used product 25 is placed in the second chamber 24 to activate the laminate wall 32. Therefore, the consumer is presented with a fresh product on first opening of the container 1 and that fresh flavour/aroma is maintained for further opening of the container for retrieving the products 2.

The sensate substance provided to the carrier material 11, as described with reference to any of FIGS. 3 to 11, may be a volatile flavourant, for example an aromatic botanical substance such as a liquid solution, oil or similar. Alternatively, the aromatic substance could be non-botanical. The sensate substance may be an organic sensate substance, such as herbs or plants. Indeed, the carrier material 11 itself could be comprised of herb or, plant matter, which acts as the sensate substance. The sensate substance may be treated to reduce the overall size and/or increase the intensity of the substance they emit. They may also be treated to release moisture and/or oils that carry the sensate substance to the recipient product.

The sensate substance may provide a flavour to the recipient products 2. As used herein, the terms “sensate substance” and “flavour” refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste or aroma in a product for adult consumers. They may include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamon, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, piment, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, oil, liquid, or powder.

Alternatively, the sensate substance may impart an aroma on the recipient product 2, for example a menthol aroma or other. A mentholated sensate substance may create a cooling sensation when the infused product 2 is consumed or used, as well as providing flavour and/or scent.

The carrier material described with reference to any of FIGS. 3 to 11 may be a polymer foam or any other kind of sorbent sponge or foam suitable for carrying the sensate substance. The carrier material 11 may be provided with the sensate substance by means of sorption; the sensate substance is adsorbed onto the surface of the carrier material and/or the sensate substance is absorbed into the carrier material. Alternatively, the carrier material may be impregnated with the sensate substance during manufacture of the carrier material, by mixing the sensate substance into the material during a forming process.

In another example, the carrier material 11 may comprise cellulose acetate fibres which absorb the sensate substance.

In another example, the carrier material 11 may be a botanical, absorbent material such as a wood material. Wood is naturally absorbent and any absorbed sensate substance would be gradually released. The wood may be a natural or processed wood. Another suitable botanical, absorbent material could be a tobacco material. Of course, the botanical, absorbent material such as the wood or tobacco may itself contribute to the sensate substance.

The sensate substance may be a volatile substance, such as an aromatic botanical substance. In this example, when the sensate substance is released or emitted from the carrier material 11, the sensate substance evaporates and permeates the first chamber 7. When the evaporated sensate substance encounters a recipient product 2 it will impart on that product an organoleptic characteristic.

Alternatively, the sensate substance may be a liquid which is gradually released from the carrier material 11 and is transferred to the products by contact. The liquid may be an oil or a solution which carries a substance which, when transferred to the recipient product 2, imparts an organoleptic characteristic to that product.

It will be appreciated that any combination of organoleptic characteristics may be provided by the sensate substance which may also act to provide an aroma to the air in the chamber, such that a consumer can smell the sensate substance on opening the container.

In the examples described above with reference to the Figures the substance carrier emits a sensate substance to impart an organoleptic characteristic to the recipient products in the container 1. However, it will be appreciated that the substance carrier may alternatively emit any other substance which will impart any other characteristic to the recipient products.

For example, the substance carrier may emit a moisturising substance to provide the recipient products with moisture. The moisturising substance emitted by the substance carrier may be any substance that provides the recipient products with moisture, for example a water-based solution or any other substance. Advantageously, moisture provided by the substance carrier in this example will prevent the recipient products becoming dry during storage in the container prior to purchase or after purchase. The substance carrier provided with a moisturising substance may be placed in the container during packaging so that the consumer is presented with a fresh product on first opening. Alternatively, the consumer could place the substance carrier provided with a moisturising substance in the container to impart moisture on the recipient products after first opening to prevent the recipient products from drying out after first opening of the container.

It will be appreciated that the substance carrier may emit both a sensate substance and a moisturising substance, which may be a single substance or a combination of two or more substances. For example, the substance emitted may be a sensate substance which is water-based, or carried by a water-based substance, and therefore capable of providing both an organoleptic characteristic and a moisturising characteristic.

It will therefore be appreciated that the substance emitted by substance carrier may impart to the recipient product any characteristic which may be desirable, for example the substance may impart a characteristic of flavour, aroma, moisture content, quality or longevity or any other beneficial characteristic.

It should be clear that, in embodiments, any number of recipient products may be used.

In order to address various issues and advance the art, the entirety of this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced and provide for a superior container for a recipient product. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and teach the claimed features. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and/or spirit of the disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. In addition, the disclosure includes other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

1. A container for a recipient product comprising a body and a lid which together define a first chamber when the lid is closed, said container comprising a substance carrier which is configured to emit a substance that is transferred to a recipient product in said first chamber to impart a characteristic to the recipient product, the substance carrier comprising a seal disposed over the substance carrier to prevent emission of said substance from said substance carrier until the seal is opened by being removed to expose at least part of the substance carrier, the substance carrier being disposed between said seal and a surface of the container.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the seal is re-closable once opened.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein said surface of the container is an internal surface, within the first chamber.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein said surface of the container is an outer surface and said substance carrier is removable from said outer surface for insertion into said first chamber.

5. The container of claim 3, wherein the substance carrier is attached to said internal surface of the container.

6. The container of claim 1, wherein the seal is attached to the substance carrier.

7. The container of claim 1, wherein the substance carrier is loose beneath the seal such that removal of said seal releases said substance carrier.

8. A method of imparting a characteristic on a recipient product comprising the steps of: providing a container with a body and a lid which together define a first chamber when the lid is closed;placing said recipient product within said first chamber;providing a substance carrier to emit a substance into the first chamber that is transferred to said recipient product to impart a characteristic to said recipient product;providing a seal disposed over the substance carrier to prevent emission of said substance from said substance carrier until the seal is opened by being removed to expose at least part of the substance carrier; anddisposing the substance carrier between said seal and a surface of the container.

9. A container for a recipient product, comprising a body defining a chamber having an open end and a lid which fits over said open end to close the chamber, said container comprising an element extending across said open end of the body such that it is suspended within the open end and which comprises a substance carrier which is configured to emit a substance that is transferred to a recipient product received in said chamber to impart a characteristic to said recipient product.

10. The container of claim 9, wherein the element comprises a first laminate layer which is attached to said body of said container such that said element is suspended across said open end, said substance carrier being attached to said first laminate layer.

11. The container of claim 10, wherein the element further comprises a second laminate layer such that said substance carrier is laminated between said first and second laminate layers.

12. The container of claim 11, wherein at least one of said first and second laminate layers is permeable.

13. The container of claim 11, wherein the first and second laminate layers seal the substance carrier, one of said first and second laminate layers being openable to expose the substance carrier to the recipient product.

14. The container of claim 12, wherein the second laminate layer is permeable and is disposed to face in the direction of said first chamber.

15. A method of imparting a characteristic on a recipient product comprising the steps of: providing a container with a body defining a chamber having an open end and a lid which fits over said open end of the body to close the chamber to receive said recipient product; andproviding an element which extends across said open end of the body such that it is suspended within the open end, wherein said element comprises a substance carrier configured to emit a substance into the chamber that is transferred to said recipient product received in said chamber to impart a characteristic to said recipient product.

16. A container for a recipient product comprising a body and a lid which together define a first chamber when the lid is closed for storing a recipient product prior to use by a consumer, said container also comprising a second chamber for storing a recipient product after use by a consumer, wherein a laminate wall divides the first and second chambers and comprises a substance carrier which is configured to emit a substance to impart a characteristic to a recipient product received in said first chamber.

17. The container of claim 16, wherein said laminate wall further comprises an active heat patch which undergoes an exothermic reaction when exposed to moisture from a used recipient product received within the second chamber.

18. The container of claim 17, wherein the active heat patch is disposed on a side of the laminate wall corresponding to the second chamber and the substance carrier is disposed on a side of the laminate wall corresponding to said first chamber.

19. The container of claim 17, wherein the laminate wall comprises a first permeable laminate layer to which the active heat patch and substance carrier are attached.

20. The container of claim 19, wherein the laminate wall further comprises a second permeable laminate layer, said active heat patch and said substance carrier being laminated between said first and second permeable laminate layers.

21. The container of claim 16, wherein said second chamber is formed in a recess in the body of the container, said recess having an open side which is closed by said laminate wall.

22. A method of imparting a characteristic on a recipient product comprising the steps of: providing a container with a body and a lid which together define a first chamber when the lid is closed for storing a recipient product prior to use by a consumer;providing a second chamber to store products after use by a consumer; andproviding a laminate wail which divides the first and second chambers, said laminate wall comprising a substance carrier to emit a. substance into the first chamber to impart a characteristic to said recipient product.

23. The container of claim 1, wherein the recipient product is smokeless tobacco.

24. The container of claim 1, wherein the recipient product is a snus tobacco product.

25. The container of claim 1, wherein the substance emitted by the substance carrier is a sensate substance to impart an organoleptic characteristic to said recipient product.

26. The container of claim 1, wherein the substance emitted by the substance carrier is a moisturising substance to impart moisture to said recipient product.

27. The container of claim 1, wherein the container is pocket-sized.

28. The container of claim 1, wherein the container contains one or more recipient products.