METHOD AND DEVICE FOR POSITIONING PORTION PACKETS

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a container comprising a plurality of portion packets of a product for oral use.

Claims

1.-17. (canceled)

18. A container comprising a plurality of portion packets of a product for oral use, wherein said portion packets comprises a pulverulent filling material enclosed by a packaging material, wherein each portion packet of said plurality of portion packets is configured to be placed and retained in an oral cavity of a human, said container comprising a bottom wall and a side wall together defining a storage volume, in which said portion packets are contained, said container having a height direction (H), said portion packets having a pillow-like shape, said shape comprising two parallel short edges and two parallel long edges, which are perpendicular to said short edges, said portion packets being arranged such that one portion packet partly overlaps with an adjacent portion packet, characterized in that said portion packets are arranged in a first sequence being a full circle, a semi-circle or any other part of a circle, and said portion packets are arranged such that one of said short edges of each said portion packet abuts said bottom wall of said container.

19. The container according to claim 18, wherein said portion packets are arranged in said first sequence being a full circle, a semi-circle or any other part of a circle and in a second sequence, being a full circle, a semi-circle or any other part of a circle being concentric with said first sequence.

20. The container according to claim 18, said portion packets having a minimal extensions, wherein said portion packets are arranged in said first sequence being a full circle, a semi-circle or any other part of a circle, and wherein a centre space located at a centre of said circle is free from said portion packets, said centre space having a diameter d.sub.s, wherein d.sub.s≥s, and yet d.sub.s≤d.sub.c−2s, wherein d.sub.c is a diameter of said container.

21. The container according to claim 18, wherein said oral cavity of said human is a buccal cavity.

22. The container according to claim 18, wherein said portion packets are arranged in a first sequence being a full circle such that each portion packet partly overlaps with an adjacent portion packet.

23. The container according to claim 19, wherein said portion packets are arranged in a first sequence being a full circle, such that each portion packet in said first sequence partly overlaps with an adjacent portion packet of said first sequence, and in a second sequence, being a full circle concentric with said first sequence, such that each portion packet of said second sequence partly overlaps with an adjacent portion packet of said second sequence.

24. The container according to claim 20, wherein said portion packets are arranged in a first sequence being a full circle such that each portion packet partly overlaps with an adjacent portion packet and wherein said centre space located at said centre of said circle is free from said portion packets, said centre space having a diameter d.sub.s, wherein d.sub.s≥s, and yet d.sub.s≤d.sub.c−2s, wherein d.sub.c is a diameter of said container.

25. The container according to claim 24, wherein said container further comprises a disposal container for used portion packets located in said free centre space.

26. The container according to claim 18, wherein said pulverulent material is a smokeless tobacco or a smokeless tobacco-free material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0071] The present invention will hereinafter be further explained by means of non-limiting examples with reference to the appended drawings wherein:

[0072] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a device for positioning portion packets of a product for oral use into a container,

[0073] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a portion packet,

[0074] FIG. 3a-b illustrate a compartment unit of the device of FIG. 1 and the corresponding pattern of portion packets in the container,

[0075] FIG. 4 illustrates a method for positioning portion packets,

[0076] FIGS. 5a-e illustrate cross-sections of the container and the compartment unit of FIG. 1 during different steps of the method.

[0077] FIG. 6a-b illustrate a second embodiment of a compartment unit and corresponding pattern of portion packets in the container,

[0078] FIG. 7a-b illustrate a third embodiment of a compartment unit and corresponding pattern of portion packets in the container,

[0079] FIG. 8 illustrates a device according to the invention comprising a transport unit, and

[0080] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-section through the device of FIG. 8.

[0081] It should be noted that the appended drawings are schematic and that individual components are not necessarily drawn to scale and that the dimensions of some features of the present invention may have been exaggerated for the sake of clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] The invention will, in the following, be exemplified by embodiments. It should however be realized that the embodiments are included in order to explain principles of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims. Details from two or more of the embodiments may be combined with each other.

[0083] FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a device 1 for positioning portion packets of a product for oral use into a container 3. The device comprises a compartment unit 5 and a positioning unit 7. The compartment unit 5 forms a rigid structure, which comprises a plurality of compartments 9a, 9b, 9c, . . . for receiving at least one portion packet 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . The positioning unit 7, whereof only a portion is shown in FIG. 1, is adapted to position the compartment unit 5 in relation to the container 3. The compartment unit 5 of FIG. 1 is shown in a cross-sectional view in FIG. 3a.

[0084] The container 3 has a height direction H. The container 3 comprises a bottom wall 13, extending perpendicularly to the height direction H and a side wall 15 extending in the height direction H. The bottom wall 13 and the side wall 15 define a storage volume 17. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the container 3 has a circular cross-section but other shapes of the cross-section are feasible, e.g. a semi-circle or another or part of a circle. It would also be feasible to have a substantially rectangular container or any other suitable container shape. If rectangular, the portion packets may be arranged in one, two, three or more parallel lines. Square is herein seen as a special case of rectangular. The container 3 may be made of plastics, metal and/or cardboard.

[0085] Each compartment 9a, 9b, 9c, . . . is adapted to receive at least one portion packet 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . per compartment. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, each compartment 9a, 9b, 9c, . . . is adapted to receive a single portion packet, but it would also be feasible that a single compartment 9a comprises two, three or more portion packets, e.g. as illustrated in FIG. 6a.

[0086] Each compartment 9a, 9b, 9c, . . . has an entrance end 19, at which a portion packet 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . may be introduced into the compartment 9a, 9b, 9c, a retaining end 20 opposite the entrance end 19 and a discharge opening 21 adapted to face the container 3. This is best seen in FIG. 3a. The retaining end 20 prevents the portion packet 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . from further movement when being introduced. The discharge opening 21 faces in a direction being perpendicular to a straight line drawn between the entrance end 19 and the retaining end 20, i.e. the discharge opening 21 is directed towards the container 3. The compartment 9a, 9b, 9c, . . . is delimited sideways by wall members 24, which are adapted to hold the portion packet 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . located in the compartment 9a, 9b, 9c, . . . , such that the portion packet 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . assumes a first three-dimensional orientation. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the compartment unit 5 has a circular cross-section with wedge-shaped compartments 9a, 9b, 9c, . . . , which are arranged side-by-side, such that a single wall member 24 forms a dividing wall between two adjacent compartments. In the illustrated embodiment, the dividing wall members 24 are equidistantly spaced. However, it is to be understood that non-equidistant dividing wall members may alternatively be used.

[0087] The positioning unit 7 is adapted to displace the compartment unit 5 in a first displacement motion in the axial direction A, which is parallel to the height direction H of the container 3. The positioning unit 7 may also, as an option, be adapted to displace the compartment unit 5 in a second displacement motion in a reconfiguration plane being perpendicular to the axial direction A and thus also perpendicular to the height direction H of the container 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the optional second displacement motion is a rotation around the axial direction A. If the container 3 has a cross-section forming a circle, as illustrated, a semi-circle or another part of a circle, the axial direction A preferably goes through the centre of the circle, as illustrated.

[0088] If the container is a substantially rectangular, the second displacement motion may instead be a linear translational movement in the reconfiguration plane. In addition, combinations of linear translational movement and rotations in the reconfiguration plane are possible.

[0089] As an option, illustrated in FIG. 1, the device 1 may comprise a centre column 22 located at a centre of the compartment unit 5. The centre column 22 is displaceable in relation to the compartments 9a, 9b, 9c, . . . in the axial direction A. The centre column 22 may e.g. be spring-biased, such that the centre column 22 protrudes from the compartments 9a, 9b, 9c, when the compartment unit 5 is positioned spaced from the bottom wall 13 of the container 3, as is illustrated in FIG. 1. The centre column 22 may be used to help to keep the portion packets 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . in place during the first displacement motion and/or the optional second displacement motion, as is further explained below in conjunction with FIG. 5.

[0090] FIG. 2 illustrates one of the portion packets. The portion packet 11a has a pillow-like shape, which typically is substantially rectangular, when seen from its largest side, as is illustrated in FIG. 2. The portion packet 11 a has a length I and a width w. The shape comprises two parallel short edges 23a, 23b and two parallel long edges 25a, 25b, which are perpendicular to the short edges 23a, 23b. In the illustrated embodiment a respective transverse seam 27a, 27b is arranged at each of the short edges 23a, 23b. A longitudinal seam 29 extends between the short edges 23a, 23b, such that the longitudinal seam 29 is parallel to the long edges 25a, 25b. However, the longitudinal seam 29 is typically not located at the long edges 25a, 25b. Instead it may for example be located substantially halfway between the long edges 25a, 25b, as is illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0091] FIGS. 3a, 6a and 7a illustrate different embodiments of compartment units 5, 5′, 5″, while FIGS. 3b, 6b and 7b illustrate the corresponding pattern of portion packets, which is obtained after the portion packets have been discharged into the container 3, 3″. In the containers 3, 3″, each portion packet assumes a second three-dimensional orientation, which is different from the first three-dimensional orientation. Typically, and as is common for the three embodiments of FIGS. 3b, 6b and 7b illustrating different packaging patterns of the portion packets in the containers 3, 3″, one portion packet partly overlaps with an adjacent portion packet, i.e. it lies partly on top of it. Further, according to the invention, it is possible to obtain a regular packaging pattern, i.e. the portion packets partly overlap with each other in a similar and pre-definable way. The overlap helps the portion packets to retain their relative positions, resulting in a stable distribution of portion packets within the container.

[0092] FIG. 3a is a cross-section of the compartment unit 5 of FIG. 1. The compartments 9a, 9b, 9c, . . . are arranged in a first sequence forming a full circle. In the container 3 having a diameter d.sub.c, the portion packets 11a, 11b, 11c, .... are arranged in a corresponding circular pattern, see FIG. 3b, wherein the portion packets 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . form a polygon. The number of sides of the polygon equals the number of portion packets.

[0093] A centre space 31 located at a centre of the circle is free from portion packets 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . The centre space 31 has a diameter d.sub.s, wherein d.sub.s≥s, and yet d.sub.s≤d.sub.c−2s, wherein s is a minimal extension of the portion packets 11a, 11b, 11c, i.e. the width w of the portion packet 11a, 11b, 11c illustrated in FIG. 2. The size and the location of the centre space 31 correspond to that of the centre column 22 in the compartment unit 5. The centre space 31 may be used to dispose of used portion packets, e.g. in a disposal container, which may be located in the free centre space 31, however not illustrated.

[0094] The distance f from one portion packet 11 a to the adjacent portion packet 11b when located in the compartment unit 5, see FIG. 3a, is less than the extension of the portion packets 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . in the height direction H of the container 3, here being the length l. Thereby, the desired configuration of the portion packets 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . in the container 3, such that the portion packets 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . partly overlap each other, is easily obtained. The distance f from one portion packet 11 a to the adjacent portion packet 11b is determined as the smallest distance from a geometrical centre of one portion packet to the geometrical centre of the adjacent portion packet.

[0095] FIG. 4 illustrates steps of a method for positioning portion packets of a product for oral use into a container by means of a compartment unit. Below, the method is described when using the compartment unit 5 of FIG. 1. FIGS. 5a-e illustrate cross-sections of the container 3 and the compartment unit 5 of FIG. 1 during different steps of the method.

[0096] The method comprises: [0097] a) positioning the compartment unit 5 at a first distance d.sub.1 from the bottom wall 13 of the container with the discharge openings 21 facing the storage volume 17 of the container 3. See FIG. 5a. [0098] b) introducing at least one portion packet 11a into an i-th compartment of the compartment unit 5, the portion packet 11 a thereby assuming a first three-dimensional orientation with the at least one portion packet being in contact with the bottom wall 13 of the container 3 and at least partly remaining in the i-th compartment. See FIG. 5a.

[0099] In step b, i is an integer going from 1 to n, n being the number of compartments 9a, 9b, 9c, . . . to be loaded, n≥2. If there is to be a single portion packet in each compartment, the number of portion packets intended to be positioned in the container 3 will also equal n. However, the number of portion packets in the container may also be higher than n, if placing more than a single portion packet in the compartment, as is further explained below.

[0100] The step of introducing a portion packet, i.e. step b, is repeated for each compartment to be loaded. If the compartment unit 5 has a circular cross-section, as is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3a, it is suitable to rotate the compartment unit by 360°/n between each introduction of a portion packet. If instead the compartment unit 5″ has a rectangular cross-section, it is suitable to linearly translate the compartment unit by the length of compartment unit divided by n between each introduction of a portion packet, cf. FIG. 7a.

[0101] As mentioned above, the introduction of portion packets is made with the compartment unit 5 being at the first distance d.sub.1. The first distance d.sub.1 is preferably less than an extension of the portion packets 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . in the height direction H of the container. In the illustrated embodiment, see FIG. 5a, the portion packets 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . stand on one of their short edges 23a on the bottom wall 13 of the container, hence the extension equals the length l of the portion packet and it is preferred that 0≤d.sub.1<l. If instead standing on a long edge 25a, 25b, the extension equals the width w of the portion packet it would be preferred that 0≤d.sub.1<w. Thereby, the portion packets 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . will at least partly be retained in the compartments 9a, 9b, 9c . . . One of the long edges 25a of the portion packet 11a is directed towards the retaining end 20 and the other long edge 25b is directed towards the entrance end 19. Preferably, d.sub.1 is very small, i.e. close to zero, as in FIG. 5b, but yet large enough to allow the compartment unit 5 to rotate in relation to the container 3, which will facilitate sequentially introducing the portion packets 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . in the compartments 9a, 9b, 9c . . .

[0102] The method further comprises: [0103] c) moving the compartment unit 5, 5′, 5″ in relation to the container 3, 3″ thereby causing reconfiguration of each portion packet 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . to a second three-dimensional orientation being different from the first three-dimensional orientation.

[0104] Step c may be performed by: [0105] c1) moving the compartment unit 5, 5′, 5″ in relation to the container 3, 3″ by relative movement in the height direction H of the container 3, 3″ at least until each portion packet 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . is located outside the corresponding compartment 9a, 9b, 9c, . . . , and [0106] c2) allowing each portion packet 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . to fall down on an adjacent portion packet 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . , such that one portion packet partly overlaps with the adjacent portion packet in the second three-dimensional orientation.

[0107] Since the compartments 9a, 9b, 9c . . . are larger than the portion packets 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . , the portion packet 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . tend to be somewhat inclined in first three-dimensional orientation. See FIG. 3a. The first three-dimensional orientation may also be influenced by the compartment unit 5 being moved during introduction of the portion packets 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . In the illustrated example, the compartment unit 5 is for example stepwise rotated during the introduction.

[0108] When the compartment unit 5 has been raised in relation to the container 3 in step c1′, the whole portion packets 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . are located outside the compartment unit 5 and will therefore fall down. Due to the somewhat inclined first three-dimensional orientation, the portion packet 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . has a preferred falling direction and will tilt about the lower short edge 23a. Thereby the portion packets 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . will be brought to the second three-dimensional orientation, which is seen in FIGS. 3b and 5d. Due to the regular arrangement of the compartments 9a, 9b, 9c . . . the portion packets 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . will fall down in a staggered, domino-like pattern as is illustrated in FIG. 3b.

[0109] As an alternative to the above way of performing step c, step c may be performed by: [0110] c1′) positioning the compartment unit 5 in relation to the container 3 at a second distance d.sub.2 from the bottom wall 13 of the container 3, wherein a portion of each portion packet 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . is outside the corresponding compartment 9a, 9b, 9c, and another portion of each portion packet 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . is inside the corresponding compartment 9a, 9b, 9c, . . . See FIG. 5c. [0111] c2′) moving the compartment unit 5 in relation to the container 3 by relative movement of the compartment unit 5 in a reconfiguration plane being perpendicular to the height direction H of the container 3, when positioned at the second distance d.sub.2from the bottom wall 13 of the container 3, thereby causing reconfiguration of each portion packet 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . to the second three-dimensional orientation. See FIG. 5d.

[0112] In step c1′, the compartment unit 5 is positioned at the second distance d.sub.2 from the bottom wall 13 of the container 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the portion packets 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . stand on one of their short edges 23a on the bottom wall 13 of the container 3, hence d.sub.2<l. Suitably, 0.25 l<d.sub.2<0.99 l, or preferably 0.4 l<d.sub.2<0.95 l, or more preferably 0.6 l<d.sub.2<0.95 l, here illustrated as 0.8 l.

[0113] When the compartment unit 5 is displaced in relation to the container 3 in step c2′ by movement in the reconfiguration plane, an upper portion of the portion packet 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . will be moved by the compartment unit 5, while a lower portion of the portion packet 11a, 11b . . . remains with the short edge 23a in contact with the bottom wall 13 of the container 3, such that the portion packet 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . is tilted about the lower short edge 23a. Thereby the portion packets 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . will be brought to the second three-dimensional orientation, which is seen in FIGS. 3b and 5d. In the illustrated embodiment, the second displacement motion is a rotation in the reconfiguration plane around the axial direction A, which will cause the portion packets 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . to fall down in a staggered, domino-like pattern as is illustrated in FIG. 3b.

[0114] As an option, the method may comprise: [0115] d) displacing the compartment unit 5 in relation to the container 3 in the height direction H of the container 3, such that the compartment unit 5 applies pressure to the portion packets 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . when assuming the second three-dimensional orientation. See FIG. 5e.

[0116] Thereby the portion packets 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . may be locally compressed by means of the compartment unit 5. This will help to retain a stable configuration of the portion packets 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . in the container 3. The pressure is applied with the compartment unit 5 being at a third distance d.sub.3 from the bottom wall 13 of the container 3 being less than the second distance d.sub.2.

[0117] FIG. 6a illustrates a cross-section of an alternative compartment unit 5′. Similar as for FIG. 3a, the portion packets 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . have one of their short edges 23a, 23b directed towards the container 3. The compartments forms a first sequence 33a, 33b, . . . forming a full circle, corresponding to that of FIG. 3a. There is also a second sequence 35a, 35b, . . . forming a full circle inside the first sequence, such that the second sequence is concentric with the first sequence. A position 35a in the second sequence is reached via a position 33a of the first sequence. When loading, there is first introduced a portion packet in the position 35a of the second sequence and thereafter a portion packet is introduced into the position 33a of the first sequence. The already introduced portion packet in the second sequence 35a will then block the portion packet of the first sequence 33a from getting any closer to the centre of the circle. It is preferred that the number of positions 33a, 33b, . . . in the first sequence is a multiple of the number of positions 35a, 35b in the second sequence. In the illustrated embodiment, there are fifteen positions in the first sequence and five in the second sequence. The compartments have two different sizes, adapted either for two portion packets, i.e. 33a and 35a, or adapted for one portion packet 33b, 33c.

[0118] In the container 3, the five portion packets of the second sequence form a pentagon, surrounded by the fifteen portion packets of the first sequence substantially forming a polygon with fifteen sides. There may be a small centre space without portion packets, or the bottom wall 13 of the container 3 may be substantially covered as in FIG. 6b.

[0119] FIG. 7a illustrates a cross-section of yet an alternative compartment unit 5″. Similar as for FIG. 3a, the portion packets 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . have one of their short edges 23a, 23b directed towards the container 3″, which in this embodiment is rectangular and has a longitudinal direction L, see FIG. 7b. The alternative compartment unit 5″ may be loaded by stepwise relative linear translational movement in the longitudinal direction L, such that the portion packets 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . are introduced one by one. The portion packets may be arranged in one, two, three or more parallel lines in the container.

[0120] Step c may be performed by steps c1 and c2 above. Since the compartments are larger than the portion packets, the portion tend to be somewhat inclined in first three-dimensional orientation, see FIG. 7a. The first three-dimensional orientation may also be influenced by the stepwise relative linear translational movement during introduction of the portion packets. Due to the somewhat inclined first three-dimensional orientation, the portion packet has a preferred falling direction and will tilt about the lower short edge. Thereby the portion packets will be brought to the second three-dimensional orientation, which is seen in FIG. 7b. Due to the regular arrangement of the compartments the portion packets will fall down in a staggered, domino-like pattern.

[0121] Alternatively, step c may be performed by steps c1 and c2′ above. Then a second displacement motion, which is is a linear translational movement in the reconfiguration plane in the longitudinal direction L, may be utilized. An upper portion of the portion packet 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . will be moved by the compartment unit 5″, while a lower portion of the portion packet 11a, 11b remains with one of the short edges 23a, 23b in contact with the bottom wall of the container 3″, such that the portion packet 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . is tilted about the lower short edge. Thereby the portion packet 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . will be brought to the second three-dimensional orientation, which is seen in FIG. 7b, in which the portion packets 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . partly overlap.

[0122] Even if the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3b, 6b and 7b illustrate portion packets abutting the bottom wall 13 with one of their short edges 23a, 23b, it would also be possible according to the invention described herein to have a packaging pattern in which the portion packets abut with one of their long edges 25a, 25b or with one of the sides of the pillow-shape.

[0123] The device 1 may further comprise a transport unit 37 configured to transport individual portion packets 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . to the compartment unit 5, see FIGS. 8 and 9, wherein FIG. 9 shows a cross-section along line A-A in FIG. 8. The transport unit 37 comprises a product channel 39 arranged for transportation of individual portion packets, which may be transported by means gravity and/or pressurized gas. In the illustrated embodiment, the individual portion packets are transported by means of gravity. The product channel 39 forms an angle a to a horizontal plane. If using gravity only, the angle a may be in the range from 30° to 90°, preferably from 40° to 80°, more preferably from 50° to 70°. If using pressurized gas any angle would work since the portion packet 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . will be moved by the pressurized gas.

[0124] It is preferred that the product channel 39 is configured to introduce each individual portion packet 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . into the compartment with a predefined three-dimensional orientation in relation to the compartment, more preferably such that an edge of each portion packet faces a bottom wall of the container 3, most preferably one of the short edges 23a, 23b of the portion packet 11a, 11b, 11c, . . .

[0125] The method for positioning portion packets is performed as described above. The optional indentation 41 in the centre column 22 is adapted to fit on a corresponding protuberance 43 of the bottom wall 13 of the container 3.

[0126] Further modifications of the invention within the scope of the appended claims are feasible. As such, the present invention should not be considered as limited by the embodiments and figures described herein. Rather, the full scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims, with reference to the description and drawings.