BOOKLET PACKAGING

20260091928 · 2026-04-02

Inventors

Mohammed Alshaiba Saleh Ghannam Almazrouei (Abu Dhabi, AE)

Cpc classification

International classification

Abstract

There is provided a booklet packaging for containing nicotine pouches, comprising: a plurality of pouches containing a consumable product, each pouch having a porous external layer surrounding an interior for containing the consumable product, the external layer being non-rigid and the consumable product being compressible; front cover, a back cover, and at least one page positioned at least partly between the front cover and the back cover, each page including: a dispensing layer including a plurality of discrete blisters, each blister forming a receptacle with an opening, each blister being configured to contain a respective one of the plurality of pouches and each blister including an opener located in the dispensing layer to access the contents of the blister; and a backing layer attached to the dispensing layer and sealing the opening of each blister, the backing layer being rigid to prevent the pouch from being pushed through, wherein when an external force is applied to the opener, the opener ruptures the blister, permitting individual sanitary dispensation of the pouches from the page.

Claims

1. A booklet packaging for containing nicotine pouches, comprising: a plurality of pouches containing a consumable product, each pouch having a porous external layer surrounding an interior for containing the consumable product, the external layer being non-rigid and the consumable product being compressible; front cover, a back cover, and at least one page positioned at least partly between the front cover and the back cover, each page including: a dispensing layer including a plurality of discrete blisters, each blister forming a receptacle with an opening, each blister being configured to contain a respective one of the plurality of pouches and each blister including an opener located in the dispensing layer to access the contents of the blister; and a backing layer attached to the dispensing layer and sealing the opening of each blister, the backing layer being rigid to prevent the pouch from being pushed through, wherein when an external force is applied to the opener, the opener ruptures the blister, permitting individual sanitary dispensation of the pouches from the page.

2. The booklet packaging according to claim 1, wherein the front cover and second outer cover are foldable with respect to one-another between a closed configuration, in which the front and back covers restrict access to the at least one page, and an open configuration in which at least one of the front cover and the back cover permits access to the at least one page.

3. The booklet packaging according to claim 1, wherein the opener comprises a rigid material which punctures the blister when an external force is applied to the opener.

4. The booklet packaging according to claim 1, wherein the opener comprises a rib located on the blister which ruptures the blister when a force is applied to the rib.

5. The booklet packaging according to claim 1, wherein the opener is formed of a portion of the blister and is formed of a folded portion of blister material.

6. The booklet according to claim 1, further including a bridge extending between the front cover and the back cover and wherein the at least one page is connected to the bridge.

7. The booklet packaging according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the front cover and the back cover comprises a waste chamber separated from the discrete blisters, the waste chamber configured for storage of used nicotine pouches, the waste chamber comprising a sealable opening for depositing the used nicotine pouches, wherein the sealable opening is accessible from an exterior portion of the at least one of the front cover and the back cover.

8. The booklet packaging according to claim 7, wherein the opening is sealable with a slidable grip seal.

9. The booklet packaging according to claim 7, wherein the sealable opening is biased towards a closed position.

10. The booklet packaging according to claim 7 wherein the front cover and the back cover each comprises a respective waste chamber for storage of used nicotine pouches, each waste chamber comprising a respective sealable opening for depositing used nicotine pouches, wherein each sealable opening is accessible from an exterior portion of the front cover and the back cover.

11. The booklet packaging according to claim 7, wherein the waste chamber comprises a leak-proof lining.

12. The booklet packaging according to claim 1, comprising at least two pages, wherein the plurality of discrete blisters of a first page of the at least two pages are positioned in a first array, and wherein the plurality of discrete blisters of a second page of the at least two pages are positioned in a second array, and wherein the first array is offset relative to the second array, such that when the pages are layered face to face one-another, the first and second array engage between each other to form an overlapping blister layer.

13. The booklet packaging according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of discrete blisters extend from a first face of each respective page.

14. The booklet packaging according to claim 13, wherein: the dispensing layer is a first dispensing layer and the plurality of discrete blisters is a first plurality of sealed blisters, each page includes a second dispensing layer including a second plurality of discrete blisters, each blister forming a receptacle with an opening, each blister being configured to contain a respective one of the plurality of pouches, each discrete blister of the second plurality of discrete blisters comprises an opener that ruptures the blister when an external force is applied to the opener, permitting individual sanitary dispensation of the pouches from the page, and the second plurality of discrete blisters extend from an opposite face of each respective page.

15. The booklet packaging according to claim 14, wherein the backing layer is attached to the first dispensing layer and the second dispensing layer.

16. The booklet packaging according to claim 14, comprising at least two pages, wherein: the first plurality of discrete blisters of each page of the at least two pages are positioned in a first array, the second plurality of discrete blisters of each page of the at least two pages are positioned in a second array, and the first array is offset relative to the second array, such that when the pages are layered against one-another, the first and second array of each page engage between each other to form an overlapping blister layer.

17. The booklet packaging according to claim 14, comprising at least two pages, wherein: the first plurality of discrete blisters of a first page of the at least two pages are positioned in a first array, the second plurality of discrete blisters of the first page of the at least two pages are positioned in a second array corresponding to the first array, the first plurality of discrete blisters of a second page of the at least two pages are positioned in a third array, the second plurality of discrete blisters of the second page of the at least two pages are positioned in a fourth array corresponding to the third array, the first and second arrays are offset relative to the third and fourth arrays, such that when the pages are layered against one-another, one of the first and second array engages between one of the third or fourth array to form an overlapping blister layer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0059] In order that the present disclosure may be more readily understood, preferable embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0060] FIG. 1 is a top front elevational view of booklet packaging, embodying the present disclosure;

[0061] FIG. 2 is a top rear elevational view of booklet packaging, embodying the present disclosure;

[0062] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of booklet packaging, embodying the present disclosure, along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

[0063] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a page of booklet packaging, embodying the present disclosure, with nicotine pouches shown in hidden line in accordance with the present invention;

[0064] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a page of booklet packaging, embodying the present disclosure, with nicotine pouches shown in hidden line and an individual nicotine pouch shown popped out;

[0065] FIG. 6A is a cross sectional view of a page of booklet packaging, embodying the present disclosure, along line 6-6 of FIG. 5, representing a blister extending through a page;

[0066] FIG. 6B is a cross sectional view of a page of booklet packaging, embodying the present disclosure, along line 6-6 of FIG. 5, representing a blister extending from one side of a page;

[0067] FIG. 7 is a top rear elevational view of booklet packaging, embodying the present disclosure, with a used nicotine pouch being inserted into the waste chamber;

[0068] FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of booklet packaging, embodying the present disclosure, along line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

[0069] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of booklet packaging, embodying the present disclosure, along line 10-10 of FIG. 7;

[0070] FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of booklet packaging, embodying the present disclosure, along line 10-10 of FIG. 7;

[0071] FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of booklet packaging, embodying the present disclosure; and

[0072] FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of booklet packaging, embodying the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0073] The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the present invention and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the present invention may be practiced. It will be apparent, however, to those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention is not limited to the specific details set forth herein and may be practiced without these specific details.

[0074] The present disclosure is directed to a nicotine pouch container, such as booklet packaging 100, that provides for the sanitary storage and dispensing of nicotine pouches in a container. The container is easy to use and easily portable. The container may also include a sealed compartment for storing used pouches separated from the unused pouches, as described in more detail herein.

[0075] In an example of a container in accordance with the present disclosure, a nicotine container comprises a container in the configuration of a booklet, such as booklet packaging 100. The container may have a front cover, such as front cover 102, a rear cover, such as back cover 104, and folio pages, such as pages 120, 120, arranged therebetween in the configuration of a booklet. The pages 120, 120 may include blister packs, for example individual blister packs, such as discrete blisters 122, 122, for storing fresh pouches P, such as nicotine pouches. Individual blister packs 122, 122 for the pouches P may allow for individual storage and sanitary dispensation of the pouches P versus reaching for multiple loose pouches present in a same container, while also retaining the freshness of remaining pouches P. When each discrete blister 122, 122 contains a pouch P (in a sealed configuration), the discrete blister 122, 122 may be considered to be a discrete sealed blister 122, 122.

[0076] With reference to FIG. 1, there is provided booklet packaging 100 for storing and dispensing pouches P, such as nicotine pouches. The booklet packaging 100 may otherwise be described as a container. The container may include a front cover 102, a back cover 104, and at least one page 120, 120 arranged therebetween in the configuration of a booklet. Pages 120, 120 may include blister packs 122, 122 for storing pouches P. Discrete sealing blisters 122, 122 for pouches P may allow for individual storage and sanitary dispensation of pouches P. The packaging 100 may be particularly sanitary compared to multiple loose pouches being in a same container, while also retaining the freshness of remaining pouches P.

[0077] In more detail, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12, there is provided booklet packaging 100 for containing nicotine pouches. The packaging 100 comprises a plurality of pouches P containing a consumable product. Each pouch P has a porous external layer surrounding an interior for containing the consumable product. The external layer is non-rigid and the consumable product is compressible. The packaging comprises: a front cover 102, a back cover 104, and at least one page 120, 120 positioned at least partly between the front cover 102 and the back cover 104. Each page 120, 120 comprises a plurality of discrete blisters 122, 122. In particular, each page 120, 120 includes a dispensing layer including the plurality of discrete blisters 122, 122. Each blister 122, 122 forms a receptacle with an opening. Each blister 122, 122 is configured to contain a respective one of the plurality of pouches P. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, each blister 122, 122 includes a portion of mechanical weakness 180, as indicated generally by the dashed line 180. The portion of mechanical weakness 180 is formed in the dispensing layer to access the contents of the blister 122, 122. As discussed in more detail, below, the portion of mechanical weakness 180 may be a line of mechanical weakness. As shown in FIG. 4, an opener 160 may also be provided, as described in more detail, below, which may assist a user in opening each blister 122, 122. It will be appreciated that whilst FIG. 5 does not show a portion of mechanical weakness 180 or an opener 160 on page 120 for illustrative purposes, the page 120 may include a portion or portions of mechanical weakness 180 as described above and/or an opener or openers 160 as described above.

[0078] Each page 120, 120 includes a backing layer 170, 170 attached to the dispensing layer and sealing the opening of each blister 122, 122. The backing layer 170, 170 is rigid, for example more rigid than each pouch P, to prevent the pouch P from being pushed through, for example when dispensing the pouch P from the blister 122, 122.

[0079] When an external force is applied to the blister 122, 122, the portion of mechanical weakness 180 ruptures relative to a surrounding portion of the blister 122, 122, permitting individual sanitary dispensation of the pouches P from the page 120, 120. Therefore, each pouch P may be dispensed individually and sanitarily. Further, the front cover 102 and back cover 104 may protect the at least one page 120, 120 and blisters 122, 122 from inadvertent opening, for example from inadvertent external force on the packaging 100. For example, inadvertent external force on the packaging 100 may apply force to the front cover 102 or back cover 104, but not the blisters 122, 122.

[0080] Accordingly, each blister 122, 122 may be configured to contain an individual pouch P, for example a nicotine pouch. The portion of mechanical weakness 180 may be configured to readily rupture relative to a surrounding portion of the blister 122, 122. In particular, the portion of mechanical weakness 180 may reduce the rupture resistance of the blister 122, 122 (for example at an opening location) compared to a portion of the blister 122, 122, for example the surrounding portion, that does not comprise the portion of mechanical weakness 180. Accordingly, when an external force is applied to the blister 122, 122, the portion of mechanical weakness 180 is configured to rupture relative to a surrounding portion of the blister 122, 122. Therefore, when a force is applied to the blister 122, 122, the portion of mechanical weakness 180 may rupture before the portion of the blister 122, 122 that does not comprise the portion of mechanical weakness 180, for example the surrounding portion. The booklet packing 100 as described herein, therefore, permits individual sanitary dispensation of the individual pouch from the page 120, 120.

[0081] As will be appreciated, the pouches P containing the consumable product may each be an individual non-rigid pouch with non-rigid contents (for example a powder). The pouch P may contain a pharmaceutical product. The pouch P may contain a nicotine-based product. The pouch P may be a nicotine pouch.

[0082] As will be appreciated, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 12, the discrete blisters 122, 122 may be considered to be individual blisters 122, 122. Further, as described herein, the terms blisterand blister packmay be used interchangeably.

[0083] The portion of mechanical weakness 180 may comprise a line of mechanical weakness, as indicated by line 180 in FIG. 4, for example. The portion of mechanical weakness 180 may be formed by perforations in the outer material of the blister 122, 122. The portion of mechanical weakness 180 may be formed by partial perforations in the outer material of the blister 122, 122. For example, the material may be thinner along the partial perforations, but may not be fully perforated. The portion of mechanical weakness 180 may be formed by crimping. Accordingly, the portion of mechanical weakness 180 may be crimped. Therefore, the material may not be broken by the perforations, which may ensure improved freshness maintenance of the pouches P within the blisters 122, 122, whilst providing a portion of mechanical weakness 180. The portion of mechanical weakness 180 may be formed by a portion, for example a line, of thinner material than the surrounding portion of the blister 122, 122, for example the portion of the blister 122, 122 that does not include the portion of mechanical weakness 180. The portion of thinner material may be formed by heat forming. The portion of mechanical weakness 180 may conform to the shape of the blister 122, 122 and/or the pouch P within. For example, the portion of mechanical weakness 180 may form a rectangular shape of mechanical weakness. The portion of mechanical weakness 180 may be circular, oval, or square in the surface of the blister 122, 122.

[0084] To open the blister 122, 122, the user may pinch the material forming the blister 122, 122 in order to rupture the material. Accordingly, each blister 122, 122 may be openable by pinching of an outer layer of the blister 122, 122. The portion of mechanical weakness 180 may be configured to rupture before the surrounding portion, for example the portion of the blister 122, 122 that does not include the portion of mechanical weakness 180, when a force, such as pinching, is applied to the blister 122, 122.

[0085] In prior blister packs, the blister is formed of a material that is mechanically stronger than the foil layer sealing the blister packs, such that when a force is applied to the blister, the contents of the blister pack are forced through the foil layer for dispensation of the contents within. In the present disclosure, the blisters 122, 122 may be formed at least partially of a material that is mechanically weaker than the backing layer 170, 170. Accordingly, contrary to prior blister packs, where a force is applied to the blister to force the contents through the foil layer, resulting in possible damage of the contents within, the present blisters 122, 122 themselves may be individually opened, for example ruptured, without force being required against the contents within, for example the pouch P (or against and/or through the backing layer 170, 170), to retrieve such contents. Accordingly, the packaging 100 of the present disclosure may provide improved dispensation of individual consumable products without damaging the product within.

[0086] The blisters 122, 122 as described herein may be formed of a frangible material. The blisters 122, 122 as described herein may be formed of a film material. The film material may be frangible. The blisters 122, 122 as described herein may be formed of a foil material. The foil material may be frangible. The blisters 122, 122 as described herein may be formed of a plastic material. The plastic material may be frangible. The backing layer 170, 170 may be formed of card. The backing layer 170, 170 may be formed of a plastics material. Accordingly, the material forming the backing layer 170, 170 may be mechanically stronger than the material forming the blisters 122, 122, for example the film material, foil material, etc. The material forming the backing layer 170, 170 and the blisters 122, 122 may be the same material; the portion of mechanical weakness 180 may enable opening of the material of the blister 122, 122 without rupturing the backing material of the backing layer 170, 170.

[0087] The backing layer 170, 170 may be connected (e.g., adhered) to the material forming the blister 122, 122, for example the foil material. The backing layer 170, 170 may be rigid, for example the backing layer 170, 170 may be a rigid backing layer 170, 170. The backing layer 170, 170 of each page 120, 120 may be continuous. The backing layer 170, 170 of each page 120, 120 may conform to the shape of each page 120, 120. As shown in FIG. 6(b), each blister 122, 122 may be formed on one side of the backing layer 170, 170, i.e., one side or face of the page 120, 120, as described in more detail herein.

[0088] The sealed blisters 122, 122 may be fixed to the backing layer 170, 170, for example by adhesion using, for example, a glue. The sealed blisters 122, 122 may be fixed to the backing layer 170, 170 with heat forming. The sealed blisters 122, 122 may be fixed to the backing layer 170, 170 by thermo-moulding. The sealed blisters 122, 122 may be formed by thermo-moulding (thermo-forming). The material forming the outer layer(s) forming the blisters 122, 122 may be heat pressed to the backing layer 170, 170, for example to form the blister shape and adhere the material forming the blisters 122, 122 around the blisters 122, 122. Accordingly, the shape of the blisters 122, 122 may be formed by heat forming.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 6(a), the backing layer 170, 170 may form an opening for receiving a pouch P within. As shown in FIG. 6(a), the film material may comprise a first layer and a second layer surrounding a first and second side of the pouch P, for example surrounding the backing layer 170, 170. The first and second layer of the film material may be fixed to the backing layer 170, 170. The first and second layer of the film may be joined (e.g., adhered) to one-another around the pouch, and the resultant double layer of film may form a backing layer around each pouch P, e.g., backing layer 170, 170. As described above, the blisters 122, 122 may be formed and/or fixed to the rigid backing 170, 170 by thermo-moulding.

[0090] Accordingly, as described herein, the blisters 122, 122 may be configured to be readily openable for retrieval of the pouch P within, whilst limiting or preventing damage to the pouch P stored within.

[0091] Each discrete blister 122, 122 may be at least partially formed of a leak-proof material. Each discrete blister 122, 122 may be at least partially formed of a water resistant or waterproof material. The material may prevent moisture ingress into each discrete blister 122, 122, for example when the blister 122, 122 is sealed. Accordingly, moisture that may be present on or around the page 120, 120 or pages 120, 120 may be substantially prevented from entering each discrete blister 122, 122. Therefore, the booklet packaging 100 may maintain the fresh pouches P in a dry environment.

[0092] The front cover 102 and back cover 104 may be foldable with respect to one-another between a closed configuration, in which the front and back covers 102, 104 restrict access to the at least one page 120, 120, and an open configuration in which the front cover 102 and/or back cover 104 permits access to the at least one page 120, 120, e.g., the dispensing layer of each page 120, 120. Accordingly, the front cover 102 and rear cover 104 may be hingedly connected to each other and may be openable to expose pages 120, 120 and blister packs 122, 122.

[0093] The front cover 102 and the back cover 104 may provide a protective covering for the pages 120, 120. Therefore, when being carried, for example in a bag, or in a users pocket, the pouches P may be protected by multiple layers of material, for example, firstly, the discrete blister 122, 122 in which the pouch P is contained, and the front cover 102 and/or back cover 104. Accordingly, in use, when the booklet packaging 100 is placed into a container or location with other objects, for example a users keys, phone, etc., the booklet packaging 100 may substantially prevent inadvertent release of a fresh pouch P by, for example, accidental rupturing of the blister 122, 122 or blisters 122, 122.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 4, each discrete blister 122, 122 may comprise an opener 160, for example coupled to the blister 122, 122. The opener 160 may be configured to rupture the blister 122, 122 (for example at the opening location as described herein) when an external force is applied to the opener 160. The opener 160 may be configured to rupture the blister 122, 122, for example at the opening location, when an external force is applied to the blister 122, 122. As described above, it will be appreciated that whilst FIG. 5 does not show a portion of mechanical weakness 180 or an opener 160 on page 120 for illustrative purposes, the page 120 may include a portion or portions of mechanical weakness 180 as described above and/or an opener or openers 160 as described above.

[0095] The opener 160 may comprise a rigid material. The opener 160 may comprise a plastic material. The opener 160 may comprise a card material.

[0096] The opener 160 may be formed as part of the blister 122, 122. For example, the opener may be formed when the blister 122, 122 is constructed, for example during heat forming. The opener 160 may be formed of a fold in the blister 122, 122. For example, during construction of the blister 122, 122, for example heat forming, the blister material may be folder over at a portion of the blister 122, 122 before cooling; such folding may form a protrusion for a user to grasp when opening the blister 122, 122. Accordingly, the opener 160 may be part of the blister 122, 122 itself. As will be appreciated, the opener 160 may be separate to the blister 122, 122, e.g., adhered or otherwise fixed to the blister 122, 122. The opener 160 may be part of the backing layer 170, 170. For example, the opener 160 may be located adjacent to the blister or blisters 122, 122 and may be moveable (e.g., may be forced) into engagement with the blister 122, 122. The opener 160 may comprise a metal material. The opener 160 may comprise a portion of rigid material external to the blister 122, 122. The rigid material may be configured to pierce, puncture, and/or rupture the blister 122, 122, for example at the opening location, when an external force is applied to the opener 160. The external force may be a pulling force and/or a twisting force, for example a user may pull on the opener 160 to rupture the blister 122, 122. The external force may be a pushing force, for example a user may push on the opener 160 to rupture the blister 122, 122. The rigid material may form a protrusion. The rigid material may form a spike for piercing the blister 122, 122.

[0097] The opener 160, such as the rigid material, may be configured to rupture the blister 122, 122, for example at the opening location, when an external force is applied to the blister 122, 122. In use, a user may provide a force to the rigid material to rupture the blister 122, 122. As described above, the rigid material may be the same material of the blister 122, 122 in a different thickness, for example a folded double layer of material forming the blister or blisters 122, 122. In particular, if the rigid material is external to the blister 122, 122, for example located on the page 120, 120 facing outwards, a user may push on the rigid material, which may rupture the blister 122, 122 into an unsealed configuration. Accordingly, the opener 160 may act as a button, for example. Movement of the opener 160, such as pushing, may move the material of the blister 122, 122, such that when the force is applied the force may rip open the blister 122,122. The user may then access the fresh pouch P within. If the rigid material is located internally within the blister 122, 122, the user may provide a force to the blister 122, 122, and the blister 122, 122 may interact with the rigid material, for example be pressed against the rigid material, at which point the blister 122, 122 may rupture at the position of the rib and blister 122, 122 interaction, for example the opening location as described herein. Where a portion of mechanical weakness 180 is provided additional to the opener 160 (e.g., the rigid material), the portion of mechanical weakness 180 and the opener 160 may cooperate to provide an easy way for a user to open each discrete blister 122, 122, which may also minimise the risk of a user accidentally breaking (e.g., ripping) the pouch P.

[0098] The opener 160 may comprise a rib located adjacent to the blister 122, 122, for example adjacent the opening location. The rib may be formed of the same material as the blister 122, 122; the rib may be a protrusion extending from the surface of the blister 122, 122. The opener may be located adjacent to the portion of mechanical weakness 180. The rib may be configured to rupture the blister 122, 122, e.g., at the opening location, when a force is applied to the rib. The opener 160 may be a portion of the blister and may be formed of a folded portion of blister material. The opener 160, such as the rib, may be configured to rupture the blister 122, 122, e.g., at the opening location, when an external force is applied to the blister 122, 122. In use, a user may provide a force to the rib to rupture the blister 122, 122. In particular, if the rib is external to the blister 122, 122, e.g., located on the page 120, 120 facing outwards, a user may grasp and pull on the rib, which may rupture the blister 122, 122 into an unsealed configuration. The user may then access the fresh pouch P within. If the rib is located internally within the blister 122, 122, the user may provide a force to the blister 122, 122, and the blister 122, 122 may interact with the rib, e.g., be pressed against the rib, at which point the blister 122, 122 may rupture at the position of the rib and blister 122, 122 interaction, e.g., the opening location as described herein. Where a portion of mechanical weakness 180 is provided additional to the opener 160 (e.g., the rib), the portion of mechanical weakness 180 and the opener 160 may interact to provide an easy way for a user to open each discrete blister 122, 122, which also may minimise the risk of a user accidentally breaking (e.g., ripping) the pouch P.

[0099] Where an opener 160 and/or portion of mechanical weakness 180 is provided as described herein, the opening force by the user (e.g., force on the blister 122, 122, the opener 160, and/or the portion of mechanical weakness 180) by be directed away from the pouch P within. Accordingly, minimal or no force may be exerted by the user on the pouch P itself in order to rupture the blister 122, 122 and retrieve the pouch P within.

[0100] The booklet packaging 100 may include a bridge 150 extending between the front cover 102 and the back cover 104. The at least one page 120, 120 may be connected to the bridge 150. Accordingly, the bridge 150 may form a spine of the booklet packaging 100. The bridge 150 may be formed of a rigid material. The bridge 150 may be formed of the same material as the front cover 102 and/or the back cover 104. The bridge 150 may be formed of a greater thickness than a thickness of the front cover 102 and/or the back cover 104. The front cover 102 and the back cover 104 may be formed of a card material. The material of the booklet packaging 100, for example the front cover 102, the back cover 104, and/or the bridge 150, may be paper, paper-derived, card, carboard, plastic, metal, an alloy, etc. The bridge 150 may provide increased strength to the booklet packaging 100.

[0101] At least one of the front cover 102 and the back cover 104 may comprise a waste chamber 130 separated from the discrete blisters 122, 122. Accordingly, the front cover 102 may comprise a waste chamber and/or the back cover 104 may comprise a waste chamber 130.

[0102] The waste chamber 130 may be configured for storage of used pouches W. Accordingly, the waste chamber 130 may allow a user to dispose of used pouches W in the waste chamber 130. The waste chamber 130 may therefore provide a dedicated storage volume for used pouches W that a user may readily have available at all times when consuming the pouches P. In particular, the waste chamber 130, being part of the same booklet packaging 100 as the pages 120, 120 containing the pouches, may be readily accessible when the user is consuming a pouch P. The waste chamber 130 may therefore provide a portable receptacle for used pouches W, such that a user may be less likely to inadvertently dispose or lose such used pouches to the environment, for example where no trash bin is in the immediate vicinity. Accordingly, the presence of the waste chamber 130 may prevent or mitigate environmental pollution and/or health risks to wildlife and/or children associated with improper disposal of waste pouches W (to the environment).

[0103] The waste chamber 130 may comprise a sealable opening 140 for depositing the used pouches W. The sealable opening 140 may be accessible from an exterior portion of the at least one of the front cover 102 and the back cover 104 (for example, one of the front cover 102, the back cover 104, or both of the front cover 102 and the back cover 104). In particular, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 7 to 12, the waste chamber 130 may be accessible via an opening located in an outward face of the back cover 104 of the booklet packaging 100. The waste chamber 130 may be accessible via an opening located in an outward face of the front cover 102 of the booklet packaging 100. Therefore, the waste chamber 130 or waste chambers 130 may have a sealable opening 140 accessible from the exterior of the front and/or back cover 104.

[0104] The waste chamber 130 as described herein may be described as a waste storage compartment.

[0105] In use, blister packs 122, 122 may be pressed open by a user to pop out a fresh pouch P contained therein for consumption by a user. As described herein, after pouch P has been consumed, a used pouch W can be stored in the waste chamber 130. It will be appreciated that the pouch P itself may not be fully consumed; the material forming the pouch P may not be consumed and may be left behind after consumption of the product within the pouch P.

[0106] As described in herein, the waste chamber 130 may include a leak-proof lining within the back cover 104. In particular, the waste chamber 130 may or the waste chambers 130 may each comprise a leak-proof lining (or, for example, a water-proof or water resistant lining). Accordingly, the waste chamber in the front cover 102 may comprise a leak-proof lining. The waste chamber 130 in the back cover 104 may comprise a leak-proof lining. Therefore, the waste chamber 130, e.g., forming a waste chamber 130, may include a leak-proof lining within the rear cover and may be separated from the blister packs 122, 122 containing fresh pouches P.

[0107] The waste chamber 130 may be separated from the blister packs 122, 122 containing fresh pouches P. Waste chamber 130 may have a sealable opening 140 accessible from the exterior of rear cover 104. When provided in this way, access to the waste chamber 130 may be separate to the portion of the booklet packaging 100 that contains the fresh pouches P. Further, any residual moisture present in the used pouch W may be prevented from travelling through the booklet packaging 100 to the fresh pouches P.

[0108] In use, after consuming a pouch, a user may unseal the waste chamber 130, place the used pouch W within the waste chamber 130, and seal the waste chamber 130.

[0109] The sealable opening 140 of the waste chamber 130 may be configured to automatically seal the waste chamber 130. The sealable opening 140 may be biased towards a closed (e.g., sealed) position. For example, the sealable opening 140 may be formed of a rigid rubber (or similar resilient, e.g., silicone, plastic) material that is biased towards a closing position. Therefore, a user may be required to effectively push a used pouch W through the sealable opening 140, for example, overcoming the biasing force, and once the pouch W has been pushed through, the sealable opening 140 may seal itself. The waste chamber 130 as described herein may prevent liquid escape from the waste chamber 130. Accordingly, accidental moisture leakage from the waste chamber 130 to a location external of the booklet packaging 100, for example a users pocket, may be substantially prevented or minimised.

[0110] Accordingly, the booklet packaging 100 as described herein may provide a sanitary way for both providing fresh pouches P and keeping such pouches P fresh within individual discrete packaging, i.e., the discrete blisters 122, 122, and a sanitary way to dispose of used pouches W.

[0111] The opening 140 may be sealable with a slidable grip seal.

[0112] The slidable grip seal may be slidable in a first direction to unseal the opening, and slidable in a second direction to seal the opening. The slidable grip seal may provide a particularly effective leak-proof seal that may be selectively opened by a user.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 6(a), 9, and 10, the plurality of discrete blisters 122, 122 may extend through each page 120, 120 and extend outwardly from a first page side (or first face of the page 120, 120) and a second page side (or second face of the page 120, 120). Accordingly, each blister 122, 122 may extend through the page 120, 120 of which the blister 122, 122 is associated.

[0114] When the blisters 122, 122 are positioned through the respective page 120, 120, the blisters 122, 122 may comprise a readily rupturable material, e.g., a film material, on each side of the page 120, 120. The backing layer 170, 170 may comprise holes, e.g., punch-outs for receiving each pouch P therethrough or within. It will be appreciated that the backing layer 170, 170 may prevent the pouch P from being pressed therethrough e.g., to a side of the blister 122, 122. The page 120, 120 may therefore be formed of three distinct layers: a first film outer layer, a central rigid layer, for example backing layer 170, 170, comprising holes (e.g., punch-outs) for positioning the pouches P and the blisters 122, 122, and a second film outer layer. The pouch P in each blister 122, 122 may be positioned between the first and second film outer layers. The portion of mechanical weakness 180 may be positioned on the first and/or second film outer layers.

[0115] Whilst the term film has been used with respect to the outer layers, it will be appreciated that any material suitable for rupturing for access to the pouch(es) P may be utilised, for example a layer, for example a thin layer, of foil, plastic, paper material, card material, etc.

[0116] The booklet packaging 100 may comprise at least two pages 120, 120. When the booklet packaging 100 includes at least two pages 120, 120, the plurality of discrete blisters 122 of a first page 120 of the at least two pages 120, 120 may be positioned in a first array. Likewise, the plurality of discrete blisters 122 of a second page 120 of the at least two pages 120, 120 may be positioned in a second array. As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, and 12, the first array may be offset relative to the second array, such that when the pages 120, 120 are layered face to face one-another, the first and second array may engage between each other to form an overlapping blister layer. It will be appreciated that when more than two pages 120, 120 are provided, e.g., three pages 120, 120, each layer may include a respective array of blisters 122, 122 offset-one another to enable multiple overlapping blister layers. It will also be appreciated that in any number of pages 120, 120, the array of each plurality of blisters 122, 122 may alternate from page to page, for example, an odd numbered page 120, 120 (e.g., first, third, fifth, etc.) may comprise blisters 122, 122 in a first array configuration, for example as shown in FIG. 4, and an even-numbered page 120, 120 (e.g., second, fourth, sixth, etc.) may comprise blisters 122, 122 in a second array configuration, for example as shown in FIG. 5.

[0117] Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, in particular, it will be appreciated that the arrays of blisters 122, 122 may overlap in a first direction, e.g., from side-to-side of the booklet packaging 100 as shown in FIG. 1, but may be positioned non-overlapping, e.g., from top-to-bottom of the booklet packaging 100 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5. Therefore, the respective arrays of discrete blisters 122, 122 may be offset in a first direction, e.g., in a length extending top-to-bottom of the booklet packaging 100 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, and may be aligned, i.e., not offset, in a second direction, e.g., in a length extending side-to-side of the booklet packaging 100 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0118] In more detail, the booklet packaging 100 as described herein may comprise at least two pages 120, 120. As shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of discrete blisters 122 of a first page 120 of the at least two pages 120, 120 may be positioned in a first array. As shown in FIG. 5, the plurality of discrete blisters 122 of a second page 120 of the at least two pages 120, 120 may be positioned in a second array. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first array may be offset relative to the second array. It will be appreciated that, as described herein, the first array being offset to the second array may describe the positioning of the blisters 122, 122 on the respective pages 120, 120, and the offset may mean that the blisters of one page are not positioned in the same position on the other page. Accordingly, when the pages 120, 120 are layered face to face one-another, the first and second array may engage between each other to form an overlapping blister layer, as shown generally in FIGS. 3, 9, 10, 11, and 12. Therefore, the pages 120, 120 may be stacked with overlapping blisters 122, 122, for example when the booklet packaging 100 is in a closed configuration. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the spacing of the blisters 122, 122 of each array (e.g., the first array) may be arranged such that blisters 122, 122 of another array (e.g., the second array) may be placed in spatial gaps between the blisters 122, 122 to form the overlapping blister layers. Accordingly, each spatial gap between blisters 122, 122 of the first array (or first and second array when four arrays are provided as described below) may be sized to correspond to the size of blisters 122, 122 of the second array (or the third and fourth arrays when four arrays are provided as described below). Likewise, each spatial gap between blisters 122, 122 of the second array (or third and fourth array when four arrays are provided as described below) may be sized to correspond to the size of blisters 122, 122 of the first array (or the first and second arrays when four arrays are provided as described below.

[0119] Such a stacked configuration with overlapping blister layers may reduce the thickness of the packaging 100 in a closed configuration. Further, such a stacked configuration with overlapping blister layers may provide increased protection for each blister 122, 122; in particular, the blisters 122, 122 of each page may be located between one-another, such that each blister 122, 122 may be surrounded by other blisters 122, 122, which may reduce the likelihood of each blister 122, 122 being inadvertently opened.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 6(b) and FIGS. 11 and 12, the plurality of discrete blisters 122, 122 may extend from one side of each page. In particular, the plurality of discrete blisters 122, 122 may extend from a first face of each respective page. The blisters 122, 122 may not extend through the page 120, 120. Accordingly, the backing layer 170, 170 may seal each individual blister 122, 122, for example the backing layer 170, 170 may extend across the opening of each blister 122, 122 to seal each blister 122, 122.

[0121] The dispensing layer may be a first dispensing layer and the plurality of discrete blisters may be a first plurality of sealed blisters 122, 122. Each page 120, 120 may include a second dispensing layer including a second plurality of discrete blisters 122, 122. The second dispensing layer and/or the second plurality of discrete blisters 122, 122 may have any of, any combination of, or all of the features and/or advantages of the plurality of blisters 122, 122 (e.g., the first plurality of blisters 122, 122) and/or the dispensing layer as described herein. Each blister 122, 122 of the second dispensing layer may form a receptacle with an opening, each blister 122, 122 being configured to contain a respective one of the plurality of pouches and each blister including a portion of mechanical weakness 180 formed in the dispensing layer to access the contents of the blister. The second plurality of discrete blisters 122 may extend from an opposite face of each respective page 120, 120.

[0122] Accordingly, the first plurality of blisters 122, 122 and the second plurality of blisters 122, 122 may extend from the same page 120, 120 (e.g., different sides or faces of each page 120, 120).

[0123] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, at least, the backing layer 170, 170 may be attached to the first dispensing layer and the second dispensing layer.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 11, the first plurality of discrete blisters 122 of each page of the at least two pages 120, 120 may be positioned in a first array, and the second plurality of discrete blisters 122, 122 of each page of the at least two pages may be positioned in a second array. As shown in FIG. 11, the first array may be offset relative to the second array, such that when the pages are layered against one-another, the first and second array of each page 120, 120 may engage between each other (e.g., between the other of the first or second array of another page 120, 120) to form an overlapping blister layer. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the first array of a first page 120 may engage between the second array of the second page 120.

[0125] Accordingly, the first and second array of blisters 122, 122 of each page 120, 120 may be positioned in different (offset) positions on each page 120, 120, extending from opposite faces. It will be appreciated that more than two pages 120, 120 may be provided, and each page beyond the second, for example, the third, fourth, etc. page, may have the configuration of the page 120, 120 as described above, for example, in alternating configurations such as the third page having the same configuration as the first page 120, and the fourth page having the same configuration having the same configuration as the second page 120, etc.

[0126] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 12, the first plurality of discrete blisters 122 of a first page 120 of the at least two pages 120, 120 may be positioned in a first array and the second plurality of discrete blisters 122 of the first page 120 of the at least two pages 120, 120 may be positioned in a second array corresponding to the first array.

[0127] The first plurality of discrete blisters 122 of a second page 120 of the at least two pages may be positioned in a third array, and the second plurality of discrete blisters 122 of the second page 120 of the at least two pages are positioned in a fourth array corresponding to the third array. Accordingly, the first and second array of each page 120, 120 may be positioned in the same position on each page 120, 120, extending from opposite faces. The third and fourth array of each page 120, 120 may be positioned in the same position on each page 120, 120, extending from opposite faces, for example as shown in FIG. 12.

[0128] It will be appreciated that more than two pages 120, 120 may be provided, and each page beyond the second, for example, the third, fourth, etc. page, may alternate between the configuration of the first page 120 and the second page 120 as described above, for example, in alternating configurations such as the third page having the same configuration as the first page 120, and the fourth page having the same configuration having the same configuration as the second page 120, etc.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 12, the first and second arrays may be offset relative to the third and fourth arrays. Accordingly, when the pages are layered against one-another, one of the first and second array may engage between one of the third or fourth array to form an overlapping blister layer.

[0130] When provided in this way, the booklet packaging 100 may be particularly thin when the pages 120, 120 are stacked face-to-face, such as when the booklet packaging 100 is configured in a closed arrangement. Accordingly, the booklet packaging 100 as described herein may take up less room than pages having equivalent arrays of blisters that may, for example, result in blisters of each page directly facing and abutting one-another when the pages are stacked face-to-face.

[0131] In particular, two stacked pages 120, 120 with interlocking arrays as described herein may have a total thickness of between 1.5 and 2.0 times the thickness of each individual page 120, 120 including the blisters 122, 122. In particular, where the blisters 122, 122 each extend from one side of the respective page 120, 120 as described above, where there is an overlapping array of blisters 122, 122, the total thickness may be formed of an outer thickness of each blister 122, 122 of a first page 120, 120, and then overlapping thicknesses of each blister 122, 122 in the overlapping blister arrays of the first and second pages 122, 122, and then a final outer thickness of each blister 122, 122 in the second page 120, 120. Further, where the blisters 122, 122 each extend through the respective page 120, 120 as described above, where there is an overlapping array of sealed blisters 122, 122, the total thickness may be formed of an outer half-thickness of a first blister array of a first page 120, 120, and then overlapping half-thicknesses of each blister 122, 122 in the overlapping blister arrays, and then a final outer half-thickness of each blister 122, 122 in a second blister array of a second page 120, 120.

[0132] As will be appreciated, the total thickness of the stacked pages 120, 120 may be represented by an equation relating to the total thickness of one page 120, 120 including the blisters 122, 122.

[0133] For example, where the blisters 122, 122 extend through each page 120, 120 as described above, for number n pages 120, 120, where each page 120, 120 has a thickness T represented by a distance from a first side of the blister 122, 122, through the page 120, 120, to a second side of the blister 122, 122, the total thickness of the total number of pages including blisters 122, 122 extending through each page 120, 120 as described herein may be represented as follows:

Total thickness=0.5*T*(n+1)

[0134] Where the blisters 122, 122 extend from a respective face of each page 120, 120 as described above, i.e., the blisters 122, 122 do not extend through the pages 120, 120 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12), for number n pages 120, 120, where each page 120, 120 has a thickness T represented by a distance from a first side of a blister 122, 122 of a first or second array extending from a first face of the page, through the page 120, 120, to a second side of the blister 122, 122 of the other of the first or second array extending from the other face of the page 120, 120 (for example, the total thickness of a page 120, 120 including the thickness of the blisters 122, 122 extending from each face of the page 120, 120), the total thickness of the total number of pages 120, 120 as described herein may be represented as follows:

Total thickness=0.5*T*(n+1)

[0135] It will also be appreciated that the total thickness of n pages of pages 120, 120 may be slightly larger than 0.5*T*(n+1), to account for incomplete thickness overlap between each array of blisters 122, 122 in each page 120, 120.

[0136] Accordingly, the value 0.5 above may alternatively be 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, or 0.9. The value may be inversely proportional to the degree of thickness overlap between each array.

[0137] Therefore, when there are provided a plurality of pages 120, 120, each page 120, 120 including offset arrays as described herein, with reference to two pages 120, 120, the first array and second array of blisters 122, 122 may overlap on a plane parallel to the first and/or second page 120, when the pages 120, 120 are positioned face-to-face.

[0138] Accordingly, as described above, when the pages 120, 120 are stacked against each other, the total thickness of the stacked pages 120, 120 may be less than the sum of the each thickness of each individual page 120, 120.

[0139] When multiple arrays of discrete blisters 122, 122 are provided as described herein, when the pages 120, 120 are positioned facing one-another, the arrays may be considered to be interlocked and/or interlaced arrays.

[0140] It will be appreciated that the booklet packaging 100 as described herein may have a configuration including the opener 160 and not including the portion of mechanical weakness 180, as described herein.

[0141] Accordingly, there is also provided booklet packaging 100 for containing pouches P, for example nicotine pouches. The packaging 100 comprises a plurality of pouches P containing a consumable product. Each pouch P has a porous external layer surrounding an interior for containing the consumable product. The external layer is non-rigid and the consumable product is compressible. The packaging 100 comprises: a front cover 102, a back cover 104, and at least one page 120, 120 positioned at least partly between the front cover 102 and the back cover 104. Each page 120, 120 comprises a plurality of discrete blisters 122, 122. In particular, each page 120, 120 includes a dispensing layer including the plurality of discrete blisters 122, 122. Each blister 122, 122 forms a receptacle with an opening. Each blister 122, 122 is configured to contain a respective one of the plurality of pouches P. As shown in FIG. 4, each blister 122, 122 includes an opener 160. The opener 160 may be located in the dispensing layer to access the contents of the blister 122, 122. It will be appreciated that FIG. 4 shows blisters 122, 122 including an opener 160 and a portion of mechanical weakness 180 for illustrative purposes; the opener 160 may be present without the presence of the portion of mechanical weakness 180. It will be appreciated that whilst FIG. 5 does not show an opener 160 on page 120 for illustrative purposes, the page 120 may include an opener or openers 160 as described above.

[0142] The opener 160 may be configured to rupture the blister 122, 122, e.g., at an opening location, when an external force is applied to the opener, permitting individual sanitary dispensation of the pouches from the page 120, 120.

[0143] Accordingly, each blister 122, 122 is configured to contain an individual pouch P, such as a nicotine pouch.

[0144] The booklet packaging 100 having the opener 160 (and not the portion of mechanical weakness 180) may comprise any of the features and/or advantages of the booklet packaging 100 including the portion of mechanical weakness 180, as described herein.

[0145] In particular, the front cover 102 and back cover 104 may be foldable with respect to one-another between a closed configuration, in which the front and back covers 102, 104 restrict access to the at least one page 120, 120, and an open configuration in which at least one of the front cover 102 and the back cover 104 permits access to the at least one page 120, 120.

[0146] The booklet packaging 100 including the opener 160 but not the portion of mechanical weakness may comprise any of, any combination of, or all of the features of the opener 160 as described above. For example, the opener 160 may comprise a rigid material. The rigid material may be configured to pierce, puncture, and/or rupture the blister 122, 122, e.g., at the opening location, when an external force is applied to the opener 160. The rigid material may form a protrusion. The opener 160 may be formed as part of the blister 122, 122. For example, the opener may be formed when the blister 122, 122 is constructed, e.g., during heat forming. The opener 160 may be formed of a fold in the blister 122, 122. For example, during construction of the blister 122, 122, e.g., heat forming, the blister material may be folder over at a portion of the blister 122, 122 before cooling; such folding may form a protrusion for a user to grasp when opening the blister 122, 122. Accordingly, the opener 160 may be part of the blister 122, 122 itself. As will be appreciated, the opener 160 may be separate to the blister 122, 122, for example, adhered or otherwise fixed to the blister 122, 122. The opener 160 may be part of the backing layer 170, 170. For example, the opener 160 may be located adjacent to the blister or blisters 122, 122 and may be moveable (for example, may be forced) into engagement with the blister 122, 122. The rigid material may form a spike for piercing the blister 122, 122. The opener 160 may comprise a rib located adjacent to the blister 122, 122, for example, adjacent to the opening location. The rib may be configured to rupture the blister 122, 122, e.g., at the opening location, when a force is applied to the rib. The opener 160 may be a portion of the blister and may be formed of a folded portion of blister material.

[0147] The booklet packaging 100 may include a bridge 150 extending between the front cover 102 and the back cover 104. The at least one page 120, 120 may be connected to the bridge 150. At least one of the front cover 102 and the back cover 104 may comprise a waste chamber 130 separated from the discrete blisters 122, 122. Accordingly, the front cover 102 may comprise a waste chamber and/or the back cover 104 may comprise a waste chamber 130. The waste chamber 130 may be configured for storage of used pouches W. Accordingly, the waste chamber 130 may allow a user to dispose of used pouches W in the waste chamber 130. The waste chamber 130 may therefore provide a dedicated storage volume for used pouches W that a user may readily have available at all times when consuming the pouches P. In particular, the waste chamber 130, being part of the same booklet packaging 100 as the pages 120, 120 containing the pouches, may be readily accessible when the user is consuming a pouch P. The waste chamber 130 may therefore provide a portable receptacle for used pouches W, such that a user may be less likely to inadvertently dispose or lose such used pouches to the environment, for example where no trash bin is in the immediate vicinity. Accordingly, the presence of the waste chamber 130 may prevent or mitigate environmental pollution and/or health risks to wildlife and/or children associated with improper disposal of waste pouches W (to the environment).

[0148] The waste chamber 130 may comprise a sealable opening 140 for depositing the used pouches W. The sealable opening 140 may be accessible from an exterior portion of the at least one of the front cover 102 and the back cover 104. The sealable opening 140 may be biased towards a closed (e.g., sealed) position. The opening may be sealable with a slidable grip seal. The front cover 102 and the back cover 104 may each comprise a respective waste chamber 130 for storage of used pouches W.

[0149] Each waste chamber 130 may comprise a respective sealable opening 140 for depositing used pouches W. Each sealable opening 140 may be accessible from an exterior portion of the front cover 102 and the back cover 104. In particular, as shown in FIG. 2, the waste chamber 130 may be accessible via an opening located in an outward face of the back cover 104 of the booklet packaging 100. Therefore, the waste chamber 130, forming a waste storage receptacle, may have a sealable opening 140 accessible from the exterior of the front and/or back cover 104.

[0150] The waste chamber 130 may comprise a leak-proof lining. Accordingly, the waste chamber in the front cover 102 may comprise a leak-proof lining. The waste chamber 130 in the back cover 104 may comprise a leak-proof lining.

[0151] As shown in FIG. 6(a), 9, and 10, the plurality of discrete blisters 122, 122 may extend through each page 120, 120 and extend outwardly from a first face of the page and a second face of the page. Accordingly, each blister 122, 122 may extend through the page 120, 120 of which the blister 122, 122 is associated. The backing layer 170, 170 may comprise holes, e.g., punch-outs for receiving each pouch P therethrough or within. It will be appreciated that the backing layer 170, 170 may prevent the pouch P from being pressed therethrough e.g., to a side of the blister 122, 122. The backing layer 170, 170 may therefore seal a periphery of each blister 122, 122. The backing layer 170, 170 may therefore seal a central portion (e.g., a periphery of the central portion) of two opposite sides of each blister 122, 122 (e.g., the backing layer 170, 170 may seal the peripheral portion of opposite halves of each blister 122, 122 either side of the backing layer 170, 170).

[0152] When the blisters 122, 122 are positioned through the respective page 120, 120, the blisters 122, 122 may comprise a readily rupturable material, e.g., a film material, on each side of the page 120, 120. The page 120, 120 may therefore be formed of three distinct layers: a first film outer layer, a central rigid layer, e.g., backing layer 170, 170, comprising holes (e.g., punch-outs) for positioning the blisters 122, 122, and a second film outer layer. The pouch P in each blister 122, 122 may be positioned between the first and second film outer layers. The opener 160 may be positioned on the first and/or second film outer layers.

[0153] Whilst the term film has been used with respect to the outer layers, it will be appreciated that any material suitable for rupturing for access to the pouch(es) may be utilised, for example a layer, for example a thin layer, of foil, plastic, paper material, card material, etc.

[0154] The booklet packaging 100 may comprise at least two pages 120, 120. When the booklet packaging 100 includes at least two pages 120, 120, the plurality of discrete blisters 122 of a first page 120 of the at least two pages 120, 120 may be positioned in a first array. Likewise, the plurality of discrete blisters 122 of a second page 120 of the at least two pages 120, 120 may be positioned in a second array. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, 9, and 10, the first array may be offset relative to the second array, such that when the pages 120, 120 are layered face to face one-another, the first and second array may engage between each other to form an overlapping blister layer. It will be appreciated that when more than two pages 120, 120 are provided, e.g., three pages, each layer may include a respective array of blisters 122, 122 offset-one another to enable multiple overlapping blister layers. It will also be appreciated that in any number of pages 120, 120, the array of each plurality of blisters 122, 122 may alternate from page to page, for example, an odd numbered page 120, 120 (e.g., first, third, fifth, etc.) may comprise blisters 122, 122 in a first array configuration, for example as shown in FIG. 4, and an even-numbered page 120, 120 (e.g., second, fourth, sixth, etc.) may comprise blisters 122, 122 in a second array configuration, for example as shown in FIG. 5. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, in particular, it will be appreciated that the arrays of blisters 122, 122 may overlap in a first direction, e.g., from side-to-side of the booklet packaging 100 as shown in FIG. 1, but may be positioned non-overlapping, e.g., from top-to-bottom of the booklet packaging 100 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5. Therefore, the respective arrays of discrete blisters 122, 122 may be offset in a first direction, e.g., in a length extending top-to-bottom of the booklet packaging 100 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, and may be aligned, i.e., not offset, in a second direction, e.g., in a length extending side-to-side of the booklet packaging 100 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5. When provided in this way, the booklet packaging 100 may be particularly thin when the pages 120, 120 are stacked face-to-face, such as when the booklet packaging 100 is configured in a closed arrangement. Accordingly, the booklet packaging 100 as described herein may take up less room than pages having equivalent arrays of blisters that may, for example, result in blisters of each page directly facing and abutting one-another when the pages are stacked face-to-face.

[0155] In more detail, the booklet packaging 100 as described herein may comprise at least two pages 120, 120. As shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of discrete blisters 122 of a first page 120 of the at least two pages 120, 120 may be positioned in a first array. As shown in FIG. 5, the plurality of discrete blisters 122 of a second page 120 of the at least two pages 120, 120 may be positioned in a second array. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first array may be offset relative to the second array. It will be appreciated that, as described herein, the first array being offset to the second array may describe the positioning of the blisters 122, 122 on the respective pages 120, 120, and the offset may mean that the blisters of one page are not positioned in the same position on the other page. Accordingly, when the pages 120, 120 are layered face to face one-another, the first and second array may engage between each other to form an overlapping blister layer, as shown generally in FIGS. 3, 9, 10, 11, and 12. Therefore, the pages 120, 120 may be stacked with overlapping blisters 122, 122, for example when the booklet packaging 100 is in a closed configuration. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the spacing of the blisters 122, 122 of each array (e.g., the first array) may be arranged such that blisters 122, 122 of another array (e.g., the second array) may be placed in spatial gaps between the blisters 122, 122 to form the overlapping blister layers. Accordingly, each spatial gap between blisters 122, 122 of the first array (or first and second array when four arrays are provided as described below) may be sized to correspond to the size of blisters 122, 122 of the second array (or the third and fourth arrays when four arrays are provided as described below). Likewise, each spatial gap between blisters 122, 122 of the second array (or third and fourth array when four arrays are provided as described below) may be sized to correspond to the size of blisters 122, 122 of the first array (or the first and second arrays when four arrays are provided as described below.

[0156] Such a stacked configuration with overlapping blister layers may reduce the thickness of the packaging 100 in a closed configuration. Further, such a stacked configuration with overlapping blister layers may provide increased protection for each blister 122, 122; in particular, the blisters 122, 122 of each page may be located between one-another, such that each blister 122, 122 may be surrounded by other blisters 122, 122, which may reduce the likelihood of each blister 122, 122 being inadvertently opened.

[0157] As shown in FIG. 6(b) and FIGS. 11 and 12, the plurality of discrete blisters 122, 122 may extend from one side of each page. In particular, the plurality of discrete blisters 122, 122 may extend from a first face of each respective page. The blisters 122, 122 may not extend through the page 120, 120. Accordingly, the backing layer 170, 170 may seal each individual blister 122, 122, for example the backing layer 170, 170 may extend across the opening of each blister 122, 122 to seal each blister 122, 122.

[0158] The dispensing layer may be a first dispensing layer and the plurality of discrete blisters may be a first plurality of sealed blisters 122, 122. Each page 120, 120 may include a second dispensing layer including a second plurality of discrete blisters 122, 122. The second dispensing layer and/or the second plurality of discrete blisters 122, 122 may have any of, any combination of, or all of the features and/or advantages of the plurality of blisters 122, 122 (e.g., the first plurality of blisters 122, 122) and/or the dispensing layer as described herein. Each blister 122, 122 of the second dispensing layer may form a receptacle with an opening, each blister 122, 122 being configured to contain a respective one of the plurality of pouches and each blister 122, 122 including an opener 160 located in the dispensing layer to access the contents of the blister. The second plurality of discrete blisters 122, 122 may extend from an opposite face of each respective page 120, 120.

[0159] Accordingly, the first plurality of blisters 122, 122 and the second plurality of blisters 122, 122 may extend from the same page 120, 120 (e.g., different sides or faces of each page 120, 120).

[0160] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, at least, the backing layer 170, 170 may be attached to the first dispensing layer and the second dispensing layer.

[0161] As shown in FIG. 11, the first plurality of discrete blisters 122 of each page of the at least two pages 120, 120 may be positioned in a first array, and the second plurality of discrete blisters 122, 122 of each page of the at least two pages may be positioned in a second array. As shown in FIG. 11, the first array may be offset relative to the second array, such that when the pages are layered against one-another, the first and second array of each page 120, 120 may engage between each other (e.g., between the other of the first or second array of another page 120, 120) to form an overlapping blister layer. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the first array of a first page 120 may engage between the second array of the second page 120.

[0162] Accordingly, the first and second array of blisters 122, 122 of each page 120, 120 may be positioned in different (offset) positions on each page 120, 120, extending from opposite faces. It will be appreciated that more than two pages 120, 120 may be provided, and each page beyond the second, for example, the third, fourth, etc. page, may have the configuration of the page 120, 120 as described above, for example, in alternating configurations such as the third page having the same configuration as the first page 120, and the fourth page having the same configuration having the same configuration as the second page 120, etc.

[0163] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 12, the first plurality of discrete blisters 122 of a first page 120 of the at least two pages 120, 120 may be positioned in a first array and the second plurality of discrete blisters 122 of the first page 120 of the at least two pages 120, 120 may be positioned in a second array corresponding to the first array.

[0164] The first plurality of discrete blisters 122 of a second page 120 of the at least two pages may be positioned in a third array, and the second plurality of discrete blisters 122 of the second page 120 of the at least two pages are positioned in a fourth array corresponding to the third array. Accordingly, the first and second array of each page 120, 120 may be positioned in the same position on each page 120, 120, extending from opposite faces. The third and fourth array of each page 120, 120 may be positioned in the same position on each page 120, 120, extending from opposite faces, for example as shown in FIG. 12.

[0165] It will be appreciated that more than two pages 120, 120 may be provided, and each page beyond the second, for example, the third, fourth, etc. page, may alternate between the configuration of the first page 120 and the second page 120 as described above, for example, in alternating configurations such as the third page having the same configuration as the first page 120, and the fourth page having the same configuration having the same configuration as the second page 120, etc.

[0166] As shown in FIG. 12, the first and second arrays may be offset relative to the third and fourth arrays. Accordingly, when the pages are layered against one-another, one of the first and second array may engage between one of the third or fourth array to form an overlapping blister layer.

[0167] When provided in this way, the booklet packaging 100 may be particularly thin when the pages 120, 120 are stacked face-to-face, such as when the booklet packaging 100 is configured in a closed arrangement. Accordingly, the booklet packaging 100 as described herein may take up less room than pages having equivalent arrays of blisters that may, for example, result in blisters of each page directly facing and abutting one-another when the pages are stacked face-to-face.

[0168] Accordingly, when there are provided a plurality of pages 120, 120, each page 120, 120 including offset arrays as described herein, with reference to two pages 120, 120, the first array and second array of blisters 122, 122 may overlap on a plane parallel to the first and/or second page 120, when the pages 120, 120 are positioned face-to-face.

[0169] When multiple arrays of discrete blisters 122, 122 are provided as described herein, when the pages 120, 120 are positioned facing one-another, the arrays may be considered to be interlocked and/or interlaced arrays.

[0170] It will also be appreciated that the booklet packaging 100 may not include a portion of mechanical weakness 180 or an opener 160, but may include the waste chamber 130 as described herein.

[0171] Accordingly, there is also provided booklet packaging 100 for containing a consumable product, comprising: a front cover 102, a back cover 104, and at least one page 120, 120 positioned at least partly between the front cover 102 and the back cover 104. The page 120, 120 comprises at least one receptacle for containing the consumable product. The receptacle may be the blister or blisters 122, 122 as described herein. At least one of the front cover 102 and the back cover 104 comprises a waste chamber 130. The waste chamber 130 is configured for storage of used consumable product. The waste chamber 130 comprises a sealable opening 140 for depositing the used consumable product. The sealable opening 140 is accessible from an exterior portion of the at least one of the front cover 102 and the back cover 104 for hygienic storage of used consumable product separate to the pages 120, 120. It will be appreciated that the consumable product, like the pouch P as described herein, may not be fully consumable and may comprise a non-consumable portion, such as the outer packaging of a pouch P. Therefore, after consumption, at least a portion of the consumable product may require disposal.

[0172] As described above, the waste chamber 130 may allow a user to dispose of used consumable product, e.g., used pouches W, in the waste chamber 130. The waste chamber 130 may therefore provide a dedicated storage volume for used consumable product, e.g., used pouches W, that a user may readily have available at all times when consuming the consumable product, e.g., pouches P. In particular, the waste chamber 130, being part of the same booklet packaging 100 as the pages 120, 120 containing the pouches, may be readily accessible when the user is consuming a consumable product, e.g., pouch P. The waste chamber 130 may therefore provide a portable receptacle for used consumable product, e.g., used pouches W, such that a user may be less likely to inadvertently dispose or lose such used consumable product, e.g., used pouches W, to the environment, for example where no trash bin is in the immediate vicinity. Accordingly, the presence of the waste chamber 130 may prevent or mitigate environmental pollution and/or health risks to wildlife and/or children associated with improper disposal of used consumable product, e.g., used pouches W (to the environment).

[0173] The booklet packaging 100 for containing a consumable product may be suitable for containing nicotine pouches. The packaging 100 may further comprise: a plurality of pouches P containing a consumable product, each pouch P having a porous external layer surrounding an interior for containing the consumable product, the external layer being non-rigid and the consumable product being compressible. As described above in relation to the booklet packaging 100 having the portion of mechanical weakness 180 and/or the opener 160, each page 120, 120 may include a dispensing layer including a plurality of discrete blisters 122, 122. Each blister 122, 122 may form a receptacle with an opening. Each blister 122, 122 may be configured to contain a respective one of the plurality of pouches P. The booklet packaging 100 may comprise a backing layer 170 attached to the dispensing layer and sealing the opening of each blister 122, 122, the backing layer 170 rigid, e.g., being more rigid than each pouch P, to prevent the pouch from being pushed through.

[0174] The booklet packaging 100 having the waste chamber 130 (and not the portion of mechanical weakness 180 or opener 160) may comprise any of the features of the booklet packaging 100 including the portion of mechanical weakness 180 and/or the opener 160, as described herein.

[0175] In particular, the front cover 102 and back cover 104 may be foldable with respect to one-another between a closed configuration, in which the front and back covers 102, 104 restrict access to the at least one page 120, 120, and an open configuration in which at least one of the front cover 102 and the back cover 104 permits access to the at least one page 120, 120, e.g., the dispensing layer of each page 120, 120. The sealable opening 140 may be sealable with a slidable grip seal. The sealable opening 140 of the waste chamber 130 may be configured to automatically seal the waste chamber 130. The sealable opening 140 may be biased towards a closed (e.g., sealed) position. For example, the sealable opening 140 may be formed of a rigid rubber (or similar resilient, e.g., silicone, plastic) material that is biased towards a closing position. Therefore, a user may be required to effectively push a used pouch W through the sealable opening 140, for example, overcoming the biasing force, and once the pouch W has been pushed through, the sealable opening 140 may seal itself.

[0176] The waste chamber 130 may comprise a leak-proof lining. The booklet packaging 100 may include a bridge 150 extending between the front cover 102 and the back cover 104. The at least one page 120, 120 may be connected to the bridge 150.

[0177] As shown in FIG. 6(a), 9, and 10, the plurality of discrete blisters 122, 122 may extend through each page 120, 120 and extend outwardly from a first page side and a second page side. Accordingly, each blister 122, 122 may extend through the page 120, 120 of which the blister 122, 122 is associated. It will be appreciated that the backing layer 170, 170 may prevent the pouch P from being pressed therethrough e.g., to a side of the blister 122, 122. The backing layer 170, 170 may therefore seal a periphery of each blister 122, 122. The backing layer 170, 170 may therefore seal a central portion (e.g., a periphery of the central portion) of two opposite sides of each blister 122, 122 (e.g., the backing layer 170, 170 may seal the peripheral portion of opposite halves of each blister 122, 122 either side of the backing layer 170, 170).

[0178] When the blisters 122, 122 are positioned through the respective page 120, 120, the blisters 122, 122 may comprise a readily rupturable material, e.g., a film material, on each side of the page 120, 120. The page 120, 120 may therefore be formed of three distinct layers: a first film outer layer, a central rigid layer, e.g., backing layer 170, comprising holes (e.g., punch-outs) for positioning the blisters 122, 122, and a second film outer layer. The pouch P in each blister 122, 122 may be positioned between the first and second film outer layers.

[0179] Whilst the term film has been used with respect to the outer layers, it will be appreciated that any material suitable for rupturing for access to the pouch(es) may be utilised, for example a layer, for example a thin layer, of foil, plastic, paper material, card material, etc.

[0180] As described above, when the booklet packaging 100 includes at least two pages 120, 120, the plurality of discrete blisters 122 of a first page 120 of the at least two pages 120, 120 may be positioned in a first array. Likewise, the plurality of discrete blisters 122 of a second page 120 of the at least two pages 120, 120 may be positioned in a second array. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, 9, and 10, the first array may be offset relative to the second array, such that when the pages 120, 120 are layered face to face one-another, the first and second array may engage between each other to form an overlapping blister layer. It will be appreciated that when more than two pages 120, 120 are provided, e.g., three pages 120, 120, each layer may include a respective array of blisters 122, 122 offset-one another to enable multiple overlapping blister layers. It will also be appreciated that in any number of pages 120, 120, the array of each plurality of blisters 122, 122 may alternate from page to page, for example, an odd numbered page 120, 120 (e.g., first, third, fifth, etc.) may comprise blisters 122, 122 in a first array configuration, for example as shown in FIG. 4, and an even-numbered page 120, 120 (e.g., second, fourth, sixth, etc.) may comprise blisters 122, 122 in a second array configuration, for example as shown in FIG. 5. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, in particular, it will be appreciated that the arrays of blisters 122, 122 may overlap in a first direction, e.g., from side-to-side of the booklet packaging 100 as shown in FIG. 1, but may be positioned non-overlapping, e.g., from top-to-bottom of the booklet packaging 100 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5. Therefore, the respective arrays of discrete blisters 122, 122 may be offset in a first direction, e.g., in a length extending top-to-bottom of the booklet packaging 100 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, and may be aligned, i.e., not offset, in a second direction, e.g., in a length extending side-to-side of the booklet packaging 100 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5. When provided in this way, the booklet packaging 100 may be particularly thin when the pages 120, 120 are stacked face-to-face, such as when the booklet packaging 100 is configured in a closed arrangement. Accordingly, the booklet packaging 100 as described herein may take up less room than pages having equivalent arrays of blisters that may, for example, result in blisters of each page directly facing and abutting one-another when the pages are stacked face-to-face.

[0181] In more detail, the booklet packaging 100 as described herein may comprise at least two pages 120, 120. As shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of discrete blisters 122 of a first page 120 of the at least two pages 120, 120 may be positioned in a first array. As shown in FIG. 5, the plurality of discrete blisters 122 of a second page 120 of the at least two pages 120, 120 may be positioned in a second array. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first array may be offset relative to the second array. It will be appreciated that, as described herein, the first array being offset to the second array may describe the positioning of the blisters 122, 122 on the respective pages 120, 120, and the offset may mean that the blisters of one page are not positioned in the same position on the other page. Accordingly, when the pages 120, 120 are layered face to face one-another, the first and second array may engage between each other to form an overlapping blister layer, as shown generally in FIGS. 3, 9, 10, 11, and 12. Therefore, the pages 120, 120 may be stacked with overlapping blisters 122, 122, for example when the booklet packaging 100 is in a closed configuration. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the spacing of the blisters 122, 122 of each array (e.g., the first array) may be arranged such that blisters 122, 122 of another array (e.g., the second array) may be placed in spatial gaps between the blisters 122, 122 to form the overlapping blister layers. Accordingly, each spatial gap between blisters 122, 122 of the first array (or first and second array when four arrays are provided as described below) may be sized to correspond to the size of blisters 122, 122 of the second array (or the third and fourth arrays when four arrays are provided as described below). Likewise, each spatial gap between blisters 122, 122 of the second array (or third and fourth array when four arrays are provided as described below) may be sized to correspond to the size of blisters 122, 122 of the first array (or the first and second arrays when four arrays are provided as described below.

[0182] Such a stacked configuration with overlapping blister layers may reduce the thickness of the packaging 100 in a closed configuration. Further, such a stacked configuration with overlapping blister layers may provide increased protection for each blister 122, 122; in particular, the blisters 122, 122 of each page may be located between one-another, such that each blister 122, 122 may be surrounded by other blisters 122, 122, which may reduce the likelihood of each blister 122, 122 being inadvertently opened.

[0183] As shown in FIG. 6(b) and FIGS. 11 and 12, the plurality of discrete blisters 122, 122 may extend from one side of each page. In particular, the plurality of discrete blisters 122, 122 may extend from a first face of each respective page. The blisters 122, 122 may not extend through the page 120, 120. Accordingly, the backing layer 170, 170 may seal each individual blister 122, 122, for example the backing layer 170, 170 may extend across the opening of each blister 122, 122 to seal each blister 122, 122.

[0184] The dispensing layer may be a first dispensing layer and the plurality of discrete blisters may be a first plurality of sealed blisters 122, 122. Each page 120, 120 may include a second dispensing layer including a second plurality of discrete blisters 122, 122. The second dispensing layer and/or the second plurality of discrete blisters 122, 122 may have any of, any combination of, or all of the features and/or advantages of the plurality of blisters 122, 122 (e.g., the first plurality of blisters 122, 122) and/or the dispensing layer as described herein. Each blister 122, 122 of the second dispensing layer may form a receptacle with an opening, each blister being configured to contain a respective one of the plurality of pouches. The second plurality of discrete blisters 122, 122 may extend from an opposite face of each respective page 120, 120.

[0185] Accordingly, the first plurality of blisters 122, 122 and the second plurality of blisters 122, 122 may extend from the same page 120, 120 (e.g., different sides or faces of each page 120, 120).

[0186] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, at least, the backing layer 170, 170 may be attached to the first dispensing layer and the second dispensing layer.

[0187] As shown in FIG. 11, the first plurality of discrete blisters 122 of each page of the at least two pages 120, 120 may be positioned in a first array, and the second plurality of discrete blisters 122, 122 of each page of the at least two pages may be positioned in a second array. As shown in FIG. 11, the first array may be offset relative to the second array, such that when the pages are layered against one-another, the first and second array of each page 120, 120 may engage between each other (e.g., between the other of the first or second array of another page 120, 120) to form an overlapping blister layer. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the first array of a first page 120 may engage between the second array of the second page 120.

[0188] Accordingly, the first and second array of blisters 122, 122 of each page 120, 120 may be positioned in different (offset) positions on each page 120, 120, extending from opposite faces. It will be appreciated that more than two pages 120, 120 may be provided, and each page beyond the second, for example, the third, fourth, etc. page, may have the configuration of the page 120, 120 as described above, for example, in alternating configurations such as the third page having the same configuration as the first page 120, and the fourth page having the same configuration having the same configuration as the second page 120, etc.

[0189] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 12, the first plurality of discrete blisters 122 of a first page 120 of the at least two pages 120, 120 may be positioned in a first array and the second plurality of discrete blisters 122 of the first page 120 of the at least two pages 120, 120 may be positioned in a second array corresponding to the first array.

[0190] The first plurality of discrete blisters 122 of a second page 120 of the at least two pages may be positioned in a third array, and the second plurality of discrete blisters 122 of the second page 120 of the at least two pages are positioned in a fourth array corresponding to the third array. Accordingly, the first and second array of each page 120, 120 may be positioned in the same position on each page 120, 120, extending from opposite faces. The third and fourth array of each page 120, 120 may be positioned in the same position on each page 120, 120, extending from opposite faces, for example as shown in FIG. 12.

[0191] It will be appreciated that more than two pages 120, 120 may be provided, and each page beyond the second, for example, the third, fourth, etc. page, may alternate between the configuration of the first page 120 and the second page 120 as described above, for example, in alternating configurations such as the third page having the same configuration as the first page 120, and the fourth page having the same configuration having the same configuration as the second page 120, etc.

[0192] As shown in FIG. 12, the first and second arrays may be offset relative to the third and fourth arrays. Accordingly, when the pages are layered against one-another, one of the first and second array may engage between one of the third or fourth array to form an overlapping blister layer.

[0193] When provided in this way, the booklet packaging 100 may be particularly thin when the pages 120, 120 are stacked face-to-face, such as when the booklet packaging 100 is configured in a closed arrangement. Accordingly, the booklet packaging 100 as described herein may take up less room than pages having equivalent arrays of blisters that may, for example, result in blisters of each page directly facing and abutting one-another when the pages are stacked face-to-face.

[0194] Accordingly, when there are provided a plurality of pages 120, 120, each page 120, 120 including offset arrays as described herein, with reference to two pages 120, 120, the first array and second array of blisters 122, 122 may overlap on a plane parallel to the first and/or second page 120, when the pages 120, 120 are positioned face-to-face.

[0195] When multiple arrays of discrete blisters 122, 122 are provided as described herein, when the pages 120, 120 are positioned facing one-another, the arrays may be considered to be interlocked and/or interlaced arrays.

[0196] The pouches P as described herein may be a common size of pouches, e.g., a size sufficient to be placeable under a users lips by the gumline. The pouches P as described herein may have a first dimension (e.g., a length) of up to 3 cm. The pouches P as described herein may have a second dimension (e.g., a width) of up to 1.5 cm. The pouches P as described herein may have a third dimension (e.g., a thickness) of up to 0.5 cm.

[0197] The booklet packaging 100 as described herein may be used with other objects of a similar size and configuration to pouches P suitable for dispensing. Accordingly, the booklet packaging 100 as described herein may be suitable for compressible and deformable pouches, that need not contain nicotine, nicotine-related, or nicotine-adjacent products.

[0198] There is also provided a method of manufacture of booklet packaging 100 for containing nicotine pouches P. The method may include providing a front cover 102 and a back cover 104. The method may include connecting the front cover 102 to the back cover 104. The method may include connecting the front cover 102 to the back cover 104 via a bridge 150. The method may further include positioning at least one page 120, 120 at least partly between the front cover 102 and the back cover 104. The method may include connecting the at least one page 120, 120 to or between the front and/or back covers 102, 104. The method may include connecting the at least one page 120, 120 to the bridge 150.

[0199] Each page 120, 120 may comprise a plurality of discrete blisters 122, 122, wherein each blister 122, 122 may be configured to contain an individual pouch P. Accordingly, the method may comprise forming a plurality of discrete blisters 122, 122 in each page 120, 120. The method may comprise inserting a pouch P between a first film layer and a second film layer as described herein. The method may comprise inserting a pouch P between a first film layer and a backing layer 170, 170. The method may comprise adhering the first film layer to a backing layer 170, 170. The method may comprise adhering the second film layer to the backing layer 170, 170. The method may comprise adhering the film, e.g., foil, layers as described herein around the pouch P.

[0200] The method may comprise forming a portion of mechanical weakness 180 in each blister 122, 122. The portion of mechanical weakness 180 may reduce the rupture resistance of the blister 122, 122, for example at an opening location, compared to a portion of the blister 122, 122 that does not comprise the portion of mechanical weakness 180 (for example a surrounding portion of the blister 122, 122). The portion of mechanical weakness 180 may rupture relative to a surrounding portion of the blister 122, 122 when an external force is applied to the blister 122, 122. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the blister 122, 122, the portion of mechanical weakness 180 may rupture before the portion of the blister 122, 122 that does not comprise the portion of mechanical weakness 180.

[0201] The method may comprise forming a line of mechanical weakness. The method may comprise perforating the blister 122, 122. The method may comprise perforating the blister 122, 122 along the line of mechanical weakness. The method may comprise partially perforating the blister 122, 122. The method may comprise partially perforating the blister 122, 122 along the line of mechanical weakness. The method may comprise crimping the blister 122, 122. The method may comprise crimping the blister 122, 122 along the line of mechanical weakness.

[0202] Accordingly, the portion of mechanical weakness 180 may be formed by perforations in the outer material of the blister 122, 122. The portion of mechanical weakness 180 may be formed by partial perforations in the outer material of the blister 122, 122. For example, the material may be thinner along the partial perforations, but may not be fully perforated. The portion of mechanical weakness 180 may be formed by crimping. Accordingly, the material may not be broken by the perforations, which may ensure improved freshness maintenance of the pouches P within the blisters 122, 122. The portion of mechanical weakness 180 may be formed by a portion, for example a line, of thinner material than the portion of the blister 122, 122 that does not include the portion of mechanical weakness 180.

[0203] The method may comprise forming an opener 160 as described herein in each blister 122, 122. The method may comprise forming an opener 160 as described herein adjacent each blister 122, 122. When constructed in as described herein, the booklet packaging 100 may permit individual sanitary dispensation of the individual pouch P from the page 120, 120. The booklet packaging 100 may permit sanitary storage of each individual pouch P and may prolong freshness compared to prior pouch dispensers.

[0204] The method may comprise forming a waste chamber 130 as described herein in the front cover 102 and/or the back cover 104.

[0205] There is also provided a method of use of booklet packaging 100 as described herein. The booklet packaging 100 of the use may comprise any of the features of the booklet packaging 100 as described herein (e.g., the booklet packaging 100 including the portion of mechanical weakness 180, and/or the opener 160, and/or the waste chamber 130 as described herein). The method of use may comprise providing force to a discrete blister 122, 122. The method of use may comprise providing force to more than one discrete blister 122, 122. The method of use may comprise placing a used pouch W and/or a used consumable product into the waste chamber 130.

[0206] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub combination.

[0207] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the broad scope of the disclosure.

[0208] Unless otherwise specified, when used in this specification and claims, the term at least one of preceding a list of features conjoined with the term and, for example: at least one of [feature 1] and [feature 2] (etc.) is to be interpreted as a list of features conjoined by and/or, i.e., including one of the features (e.g., only feature 1), another of the features (e.g., only feature 2), or a combination of the features (e.g., features 1 and 2 in combination).

[0209] When used in this specification and claims, the terms comprises and comprising and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

[0210] The invention may also broadly consist in the parts, elements, steps, examples and/or features referred to or indicated in the specification individually or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more said parts, elements, steps, examples and/or features. In particular, one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment(s) described herein.

[0211] Protection may be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure.

[0212] Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and/or to encompass equivalents.

BOOKLET PACKAGING

Inventors

Cpc classification

Classification Explorer

B65D83/0463

PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

Classification Explorer

B65D75/36

PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

International classification

Classification Explorer

B65D75/36

PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

Classification Explorer

B65D83/04

PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

Abstract

Claims

Description