ES2979093T3 - Packaging systems comprising a container and a humidifier - Google Patents

Abstract

Packaging system (100) comprising a package (50) for tobacco or a tobacco-related product with a storage compartment (51) configured to store the tobacco or the tobacco-related product, and at least one closure element (52) configured to close the storage compartment (51). A retention element (60) on an inner surface (70) of one of the storage compartments (51) and the closure element (52) is configured to receive a humidifier (10). The humidifier (10) comprises a carrier plate (11) with a first main surface (12) and a second main surface (13) opposite thereto, and a humidifying element (14) attached to the first main surface (12) of the carrier plate (11). The retention element (60) mechanically interacts with a part of the carrier plate (11) that is separated from the humidifying element (14). The present invention further relates to a packaging (50) and a humidifier configured for the packaging system (100). (Automatic translation with Google Translate, without legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Packaging systems comprising a container and a humidifier

Field of invention

The present invention relates to packaging systems comprising a container and a humidifier.

Background

Various packaging for tobacco, smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigarillos or cigarillos and tobacco-based products such as snus or snuff are well known in the art.

Elongated smoking articles, such as cigarillos or cigarillos, may be packaged in hinged-lid packs comprising a box with a hinged lid. Inside, the elongated smoking articles are contained within the box. An inner liner is usually provided within the box to protect the elongated smoking articles against loss of moisture, freshness and aroma. The lid comprises a hinged connection to the box and is transferable from an open position to a closed position, wherein a user can access the smoking articles simply in the open position.

Tobacco may be packaged in pouches which are formed from an elastic sheet folded to form a pocket between two adjacent walls of the elastic sheet. One of the walls may extend continuously to form a flap to close the pocket by overlapping the flap with an outer surface of one of the adjacent walls. While the adjacent walls may be partially hot-stamped to enclose the pocket, the flap may comprise an adhesive label to reseal the pouch. Tobacco products such as snus or snuff or again loose tobacco itself may be packaged in a can comprising a base portion and a top portion which together define a resealable compartment for storing the tobacco product. Various types of connection may be used to join the base portion and the top portion or the top portion and the cover, for example screw connections, snap locks, push-fits, hinged connections, sliding covers or non-permanent adhesives. Most moist tobacco products are particularly sensitive to environmental impacts such as changes in temperature or humidity. To ensure the freshness of such products, they are usually delivered in substantially airtight packaging. However, once a package is opened, the humidity inside the package can fluctuate greatly depending on ambient conditions.

It is known from the prior art to use natural wetting media, such as fruit slices, or artificial wetting media, such as moisture pads, to adjust the humidity within a package. However, known wetting media suffer from several disadvantages. For example, a hydration rate might be diminished by a support structure for the hydration media, such as a pocket, particularly at low humidity levels within the package.

US 1,059,693 discloses a humidifier comprising a tank adapted to hold water. WO 2007/098469 A2 discloses a portable humidification device and a method of using the same. US 5,934,773 discloses a humidifying device including at least two housings, each housing containing an absorbent material and being designed as a stamped or molded cup-shaped member having rounded corners and a flanged edge, and a plurality of openings. US 1,552,877 discloses a container for tobacco and moistened material to be inserted into that container and readily removable means cooperating with said moistened material to hermetically seal said material to prevent evaporation thereof. US 7,841,586 B1 discloses a humidification apparatus comprising a reservoir having at least one side wall defining an opening, water within the reservoir bounded by the at least one side, and a membrane activation assembly installed over the opening. US 290,140 discloses a tobacco moistening pad. US 1,589,871 discloses a humidifier comprising a sheet metal mounting member for removably supporting a humidifying member. US 2008/0083758 A1 discloses a container or container unit including a main container having a rigid rim and a hinged lid for the main container. US 5,035,731 discloses an insert for inclusion in a substantially sealed container for controlling relative humidity within the container, the insert being a package wherein at least part of its surface is a membrane capable of passing water vapor and containing a buffer substance which is a saturated saline solution. US 2013/0327820 A1 discloses a releasably closable product-accommodating package.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to overcome or reduce at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a package with an integrated wetting means that allows for stabilized humidity in the package and is easily handled by a user.

Summary of the invention

One or more of the drawbacks of the prior art could be avoided or at least reduced by means of the present invention, particularly by packaging systems according to the appended claims.

A packaging system according to the invention is defined in claim 1. Alternative packaging systems according to the invention are defined in claim 3 and claim 4.

In the context of the present application, a packaging may be a hinged-lid package for elongated smoking articles, a pouch for loose tobacco or a tin for tobacco-related products or loose tobacco. The packaging itself may consist of one or more materials customary in the field, such as paper, cardboard, plastic foils or extruded plastic. However, wood or metal materials may also be used for the packaging, for example for a cigar box or the like. Preferably, the at least one closure element closes the storage compartment in an (at least essentially) airtight manner. Thus, the humidity within the storage compartment is mostly independent of the environment and mainly controlled by the humidifier.

The retaining element is preferably made of a plastic material. However, other materials such as wood, metal or cardboard can also be used for the retaining element. Further preferred, the retaining element is monolithic with the container or at least part of the container, for example the closure element, and furthermore the material of the retaining element can be the same as the material of the container. Preferably, the retaining element is coextruded with at least part of the container. In other words, the retaining element is a part of the container itself, preferably of the closure element. Alternatively, the retaining element is preferably attached, particularly preferably bonded, to an inner surface of the container. In other words, the retaining element is manufactured separately from the container and subsequently attached to it. For example, an adhesive, such as a hot melt adhesive or a pressure sensitive adhesive, for example based on silicone or epoxy, is used to adhere the retaining element. Alternatively, the retaining element is welded, for example by ultrasonic welding, to the inner surface of the container. However, depending on the material and structure of the container, any suitable attachment means, such as screws, bolts or clips, are preferably used to attach the retaining means to the inner surface of the container.

In accordance with the embodiment of the invention defined in claim 1, the retaining element comprises a slot for receiving the support plate of the humidifier in a direction at least essentially parallel to the inner surface to which the retaining element is attached. In other words, the support plate can slide into the retaining element and will be stopped by the retaining element at least in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction and in a direction normal to the inner surface.

Preferably, less than half of the first surface of the support plate, more preferably less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, less than 15% or even less than 10% of the first surface of a support plate that is received in the retaining element is covered by the retaining element. Thus, the majority of the first surface of the support plate is in free communication with the storage compartment. Thus, the transfer of moisture between the humidifying element and the storage compartment is not hindered. Particularly preferably, the humidifying element of a humidifier received in the retaining element is uncovered, preferably completely uncovered, by the retaining element while facing the storage compartment.

According to the embodiment of the invention defined in claim 1, the retaining element comprises at least a first portion protruding from the inner surface of the container in a first direction, which is essentially perpendicular to that inner surface. The retaining element further comprises at least a second portion protruding from the first portion in a second direction, which is essentially parallel to the inner surface. Thus, a cross section of at least part of the retaining element comprises an L-shape.

According to the embodiment of the invention defined in claim 1, the retaining element is U-shaped in a plan view on the inner surface. The U-shape may have sharp corners or rounded shapes. The U-shape of the retaining element may be formed continuously or discontinuously. By way of example, the small leg of a rectangular-based U-shaped retaining element could at least partially be omitted. In a U-shaped retaining element, the at least one second portion of the retaining element protrudes from the at least one first portion in a direction facing the inner part of the U-shape. Thus, a slot is formed between the inner surface and the second portions of the retaining element and a humidifier can be slid into this slot through the open leg of the U-shape.

According to the embodiment of the invention defined in claim 1, an extension of the at least one first portion in the first direction, i.e. normal to the inner surface, corresponds to the thickness of the support plate. Preferably, the extension of the at least one first portion in the first direction is between 95% and 120% of the thickness of the support plate, preferably between 100% and 115% and particularly preferably between 105% and 115% of the thickness of the support plate. The extension of the first sections may also depend on the elasticity of the support plate. Preferably, a support plate slid in the groove of the retaining element is stopped by a form and/or force lock, i.e. by a pressure exerted thereon by the second portions.

According to the embodiment of the invention defined in claim 1, the extension of the second portion in the second direction corresponds to the width of the frame portion. Preferably, the extension of the second portion in the second direction is between 30% and 100% of the width of the frame portion, preferably between 50% and 95% and particularly preferably between 60% and 85% of the width of the frame portion. Thus, the second portions of the retaining element can securely retain the humidifier but do not come into contact with the humidifying element of a humidifier slid into the slot of the retaining element. Thus, a transfer of moisture between the storage compartment and the humidifier is unblocked. Also, a user can remove the humidifier from the retaining element by touching only the frame portion without being exposed to moisture.

In accordance with a packaging system not forming part of the invention and not covered by the appended claims, the retaining element comprises at least a first portion protruding from the inner surface of the package in a first direction, which is essentially perpendicular to that inner surface, the retaining element further comprises at least a second portion protruding from the first portion and enclosing an angle with the first portion which is less than 90 degrees, and the retaining element is preferably configured as a single linearly extending element which is configured to provide a forced closure to secure the frame portion between the second portion and the inner surface. In other words, the retaining element is configured as a clip closure to attach the humidifier flatly thereto in a manner similar to how paper is attached to a clipboard. The extension of the first portion may be as described above and may also depend on the elasticity of the material of the retaining element. Likewise, the second portion may also be formed from an elastic material or may be elastically attached to the first portion.

In accordance with a packaging system not forming part of the invention, the retaining element comprises a slot which is configured to receive the plug-in element, which protrudes from the second main surface of the support plate, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the inner surface of the storage compartment or the closure element. In other words, the plug-in element can be plugged into the retaining element and will be stopped by the retaining element at least in a direction normal to the inner surface of the container. Preferably, the entire first surface of the support plate is uncovered by the retaining element and therefore in free communication with the storage compartment. Thus, the transfer of moisture between the humidifying element and the storage compartment is not hindered at all.

The pluggable element is further configured to be forced into a slot of the retaining element, wherein the retaining element is configured to be resilient enough to allow insertion of the pluggable element into the slot. The retaining element is further configured to engage the pluggable element, particularly a protrusion at the tip of the pluggable element, once the pluggable element has been forced or plugged into the slot of the retaining element.

Alternative embodiments of the invention are defined in claim 3 and claim 4. Basically, the retaining element can be considered as a female component of a zipper or Ziploc type closure and the plug-in element can be considered as a male component of a zipper or Ziploc type closure or vice versa. Both the female and the male components can take various forms. Preferably, the plug-in element can be pressed into the retaining element in a plugging direction essentially perpendicular to the inner surface. Further preferred, the plug-in element is stopped in the retaining element until it is removed in a direction essentially opposite to the plugging direction. Illustrative embodiments of slide fasteners, such as particular illustrative forms of the retaining element (female/male) and the plug-in element (male/female), are disclosed, inter alia, in EP 0450741 A1, US 2666466 A, US 2746502 A, US 2780261 A, US 2978769 A and US 4268938 A.

In accordance with the embodiment of the packaging system according to the invention in claim 3, the retaining element comprises at least a first portion protruding from the inner surface in a first direction and at least a second portion protruding from the first portion in a second direction. Therein, in a cross section normal to the inner surface, the first direction and the second direction enclose an angle of less than 90 degrees. Further preferred, the plug-in element extends in a direction essentially perpendicular to the second main surface of the support plate and preferably comprises a protrusion at its tip.

Preferably, in a cross section normal to the inner surface, a distance between a tip of the first portion and a tip of the second portion in a direction substantially parallel to the inner surface is between the thickness of the plug-in element (excluding the protrusion) and the thickness of the protrusion measured in that same direction. Further preferred, the first portion and the second portion are resilient such that they can move relative to each other to alter the distance between their tips. Preferably, the protrusion comprises a shape that rejuvenates in the direction of extension of the plug-in element. Thus, if the protrusion of the plug-in element is inserted into the slot between the first and second resilient portions of the retaining element, these portions move apart to insert the protrusion. Once the protrusion is inserted, the distance between the tips of the first and second resilient portions decreases and the protrusion is retained between these portions.

In accordance with a packaging system not forming part of the invention, the retaining element is configured as a clip closure with a first portion protruding from the inner surface of the package in a first direction and a second portion extending from the first portion, preferably from an outermost tip of the first portion. Therein, the first portion extends in a direction that is essentially perpendicular to the inner surface and the second portion encloses an angle with the first portion that is less than 90 degrees. Further preferred, the retaining element extends longitudinally along the inner surface and is configured to provide a forced closure to secure the frame portion between the second portion and the inner surface. In other words, the retaining element is configured as a clip closure to attach the humidifier flatly as paper is attached to a clipboard.

In the context of the present application, a package may be a hinged lid package for elongated smoking articles, a pouch for loose tobacco or a tin for tobacco-related products or loose tobacco. The package itself may consist of one or more materials customary in the field, such as paper, cardboard, plastic foils or extruded plastic. However, wood or metal materials may also be used for the package, for example for a cigar box or the like. Preferably, the at least one closure element closes the storage compartment in an at least essentially airtight manner. Thus, the humidity within the storage compartment is mostly independent of the environment and mainly controlled by the humidifier.

In accordance with the embodiment of the invention according to claim 1, therefore, the retaining element comprises a slot configured to receive a support plate of a humidifier in a direction essentially parallel to the inner surface. In other words, a support plate that has slid into the slot is stopped in the retaining element due to a form-fitting and/or forced closure. In a retaining element comprising at least a first portion and at least a second portion, the slot is formed between the inner surface and the at least one second portion. Further preferred, the width of the slot, i.e. the height of the at least one portion above the inner surface corresponds to the height of a support plate of a humidifier to be used in conjunction with the retaining element.

In accordance with the embodiment of the invention according to claim 1, the retaining element comprises a retaining element configured to engage with a support plate and to stop a humidifier in the retaining element. In the U-shaped retaining element, the retaining element is formed as an additional first portion protruding from the inner surface and extending from the tips of the long legs of the U-shape towards an inner area of the U-shape. While a humidifier is sliding in the slot between the inner surface and the at least one second portion, the humidifier could be tilted to pass the retaining element. However, once the humidifier is aligned in the slot essentially parallel to the inner surface, it cannot exit the slot without being forced onto the retaining element. The elasticity of the retaining element could be configured to allow the humidifier to be forced out of the slot with a reasonable force.

Alternatively, in a packaging system not covered by the appended claims, the U-shape of the retaining element is formed as an ellipsoidal or circular shape comprising an opening, respectively, wherein the opening is configured to receive a humidifier. Therein, the legs of the U-shape adjacent the opening are sufficiently flexible to allow a humidifier, comprising a support plate of essentially similar shape to that of the retaining element, to slide into the retaining element with little force. Once the support plate is slid, the legs of the U-shape adjacent the opening act as a retaining element to stop the support plate. Similar constructions of cart token holders are known.

The humidifier of a packaging system of claim 1 comprises a support plate with a first major surface and a second major surface opposite thereto. A humidifying element is attached to the first major surface of the support plate, wherein a frame portion of the first major surface is uncovered by the humidifying element or wherein a plug-in element protrudes from the second major surface of the support plate. The humidifying element may be configured to absorb and dispense water and is further capable of controlling the humidity of an atmosphere within the container of a packaging system.

The humidifier of a packaging system according to the invention comprises a frame portion in claim 1 or a plug-in element in claim 3 or claim 4 which enables a user to handle the humidifier easily and safely, for example while moistening the humidifying element to maintain its function. Preferably, the frame portion or the plug-in element is configured to interact, particularly exclusively preferred, with a retaining element of a package. Thereby an interaction between the retaining element and the humidifying element is avoided. Thus, the danger of damaging the humidifying element by the retaining element is minimized, which provides the advantage that contamination of a tobacco with material from the humidifying element is reliably avoided.

The support plate of the humidifier is preferably a rigid support plate. Preferably, the support plate is made of a plastic material, such as, for example, monooriented polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Further preferred, the support plate comprises a thickness of less than 5 mm, less than 3 mm and more than 1 mm. Further preferred, the support plate has a rectangular shape, an elliptical shape or a circular shape. The humidifying element is preferably adhered to the support plate, for example with a pressure-sensitive adhesive. Alternatively, the humidifying element is directly laminated or coated onto a central region of the support plate and adheres thereto by itself.

The humidifying element preferably comprises a hydrophilic material. For example, the hydrophilic material is a fibrous material and/or the humidifying element comprises a fibrous pad or layer containing woven or nonwoven fibers. Preferably polymeric materials, for example as polymeric fibers, are used for the humidifying element. Particularly preferably, the humidifying element comprises polyolefin fibers and/or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers and/or polyethylene (PE) fibers and/or nylon fibers and/or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) fibers and/or polylactic acid (PLA) fibers. Alternatively, the humidifying element may comprise cellulose and/or paper and/or cotton and/or a sponge and/or wool material as hydrophilic material. Further preferred, the humidifying element comprises polyacrylamide gel or polyacrylamide crystals. Alternatively, the humidifying element comprises a hydrogel or any other gel suitable for retaining water in order to humidify tobacco-related products. By way of example, a gel body of the humidifying element comprises an alginate that supports a volume of liquid and/or a pectin that supports a volume of liquid and/or another gel material. Preferably, the humidifying element further comprises a water-permeable layer enclosing the hydrophilic material. The water-permeable layer allows water gas to pass through and may further allow small water droplets to pass through. The water-permeable layer may comprise a plastic material and/or a fabric and/or a cellulose-based material. The water permeability of the layer may arise from the inherent structure of said material and/or from perforations provided in the layer and/or at least one coating applied to the layer.

Particularly preferably, the water-permeable layer may comprise a membrane that transmits evaporated liquid from the humidifying element but blocks the passage of water into the interior of the humidifying element. Alternatively, the permeable layer may comprise a material comprising a thermomechanically expanded polymer membrane with micropores, such as, for example, a polytetrafluoroethylene, polybutylene terephthalate or polyethylene oxide membrane. Further preferred, the humidifying element comprises an outer layer covering the water-permeable layer and being substantially impermeable to the passage of water. The outer layer is configured to be removed prior to initial use of the humidifier, for example in a container.

Further preferred, the humidifying element is configured to absorb or dispense water depending on the relative humidity of its surroundings. In other words, water, for example tap water, can be stored in the humidifying element and can be evaporated from the humidifying element to provide moisture to the atmosphere within the package. Thus, the humidifying element can be used to prevent a product from drying out. In another arrangement, the humidifying element is provided to dry or dehumidify the atmosphere within the package, i.e. absorb water from the atmosphere. Thus, the humidifying element can be used to prevent a product from absorbing too much water.

Brief description of the drawings

Other features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art by describing illustrative embodiments in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a packaging system according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a humidifier of a packaging system according to the first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a package of a packaging system according to the first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a retaining element of a packaging system according to the first embodiment of the invention along the line A-A shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a packaging system according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a retaining element and a humidifier of a packaging system according to the second embodiment of the invention along the line A-A shown in Figure 5.

Figure 7 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a package of a packaging system according to the second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a package of a packaging system not forming part of the invention;

Figure 9 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a packaging system not forming part of the invention; and

Figure 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a retaining element and a humidifier according to the example along the line A-A shown in Figure 9.

Detailed description of an example embodiment

Referring to Figure 1, a packaging system 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention is illustrated in a schematic perspective view. The packaging system 100 comprises a container 50 according to a first embodiment, as also illustrated in Figure 1, and a humidifier according to a first embodiment, as also illustrated in Figure 2.

In the first illustrated embodiment, the package 50 is a hinged lid type package for a tobacco-related product, for example for elongated smoking articles. Thus, the package 50 comprises a storage compartment 51 for a tobacco-related product, for example the elongated smoking articles. In the illustrated embodiment, the package 50 is mainly made of cardboard.

A lid 52 is hingedly connected to the container 50 as a closure element and configured to close the storage compartment 51, preferably in an essentially airtight manner. Each of the storage compartment 51 and the lid 52 comprises an inner surface 70. In the first illustrated embodiment, the inner surface 70 is an upper surface of a lower surface of the storage compartment 51 or a lower surface of an upper surface of the closure element 52. However, in the context of the present application, also other inner surfaces of the storage compartment or the lid 52 could be an inner surface 70. The invention is defined by the appended claims. By way of example, the lid 52 could comprise a greater height so that an inner surface of a side surface of the lid 52 would extend and a retaining element 60 could be placed thereon. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, a retaining element 60 according to a first embodiment is bonded or integral (i.e. monolithic, e.g. coextruded) with the inner surface of the lid closure element 52. The retaining element 60 comprises a U-shape in a plan view on the inner surface of the lid closure element 52. The retaining element 60 is extruded from a plastic material and as a monolithic piece. The retaining element 60 is configured to receive a humidifier 10 according to a first embodiment as illustrated in Figure 2 and as explained in more detail below.

The humidifier 10 of the first embodiment as illustrated in Figure 2 comprises a plate-shaped support plate 11. The support plate 11 consists of an extruded plastic material and is formed as a monolithic piece. The support plate 11 comprises a first main surface 12 facing upwards and a second main surface 13 facing downwards. The first main surface 12 and the second main surface 13 are connected to each other via an edge portion 17 of the support plate 11 having a height h. According to the first embodiment of the humidifier, preferably no structure protrudes from or is attached to the second main surface 13 of the support plate 11.

A humidifying element 14 is attached to the first main surface 12 of the support plate 11. The humidifying element 14 could be a humidifying pad adhered to the first main surface 12 and which is filled with a hydrophilic material and enclosed by a water-permeable layer as described above. Alternatively, the humidifying element may be a gel layer arranged directly on the first main surface 12 or also enclosed by a water-permeable layer and adhered to the first main surface 12. Humidifying elements 14 are known to the person skilled in the art and therefore a more detailed description of the structure of the humidifying element 14 is omitted.

According to the first embodiment of the humidifier, the size of the humidifying element 14, i.e. a flat extension thereof, is smaller than the size of the first main surface 12, i.e. a flat extension thereof. Therefore, a frame portion 15 is formed on the first main surface 12. The frame portion 15 surrounds the humidifying element 14 as a frame in a plan view on the first main surface 12. In other words, the frame portion 15 extends between an outer edge of the humidifying element 14 and the edge portion 17 of the support plate 11 in all directions essentially parallel to the first main surface 12. In the humidifier 10 illustrated in Figure 2, the support plate 11 has an essentially rectangular shape and also the humidifying element 14 has an essentially rectangular shape. However, other shapes are also possible. The size of the humidifying element 14 is smaller than the size of the supporting plate 11, and therefore, a frame portion 15 of the first main surface 12 with a lateral width w extends around the humidifying element 14. Furthermore, a handle portion 16 is provided on the frame portion 15, wherein the bar-shaped handle portion 16 protrudes upward from the first main surface 12.

4 further illustrates a cross-sectional view of the retaining element 60 according to the first embodiment taken along the line A-A shown in FIG. 3. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the retaining element 60 of the first embodiment is U-shaped in a plan view on the surface 70 of the lid closure element 52 and comprises two essentially parallel long legs which are connected by a short leg. Furthermore, the U-shape comprises an opening opposite the short leg which may be referred to as an open leg. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, the retaining element 60 of the first embodiment comprises a first portion 61, which protrudes from the inner surface 70 in a direction essentially normal to the inner surface 70, and further comprises a second portion 62 which protrudes from the first portion 61 in a direction essentially parallel to the inner surface 70 and towards an inner area of the U-shape of the retaining element 60.

As illustrated in Fig. 4, the retaining member 60 of the first embodiment is L-shaped in the illustrated cross section. Furthermore, a groove 63 is formed between the second portion 62 and the inner surface 70. The groove 63 is configured to receive the supporting plate 11 of the humidifier which can slide on the retaining member 60 through the open leg thereof. In particular, a distance between the inner surface 70 and a bottom surface of the second portion 62 is approximately the same as the height h of the supporting plate 11. Therefore, the supporting plate 11 can be slid on the retaining member 60 of the first embodiment with little force and then retained therein by a forced closure provided by the second portions 62 by elastically exerting a pressing force on the frame portion 15.

An extension of the second portion 62 in a direction essentially parallel to the inner surface 70 is smaller than the width w of the frame portion 15. Hence, as best illustrated in Fig. 1, an interaction between the retaining element 60 of the first embodiment, particularly the second portion 62 thereof, and the humidifier 10 of the first embodiment occurs only within the frame portion 15 of the support plate 10. Hence, the risk of damaging the humidifying element 14 with the retaining element 60 and hence the risk of contamination of a content of the storage compartment 51 is minimized. Also, the humidifying element 14 is not obstructed by the retaining element 60 and hence the transfer of moisture between the storage compartment 51 and the humidifying element 14 occurs freely. A user can moisten the humidifying element 14 by watering it before inserting the humidifier 10 into the holding member 60. Inside thereto, the user can hold the humidifier by the frame portion 15 and thus the user experience is improved. Once a moisture content of the humidifying element 14 is below a certain moisture content, a user can remove the humidifier 10 from the holding member 60 by pulling it outward therefrom through the handle portion 16.

Referring to Figure 5, a packaging system 100 according to a second embodiment of the invention is illustrated in a schematic perspective view. The packaging system 100 of the second embodiment comprises a humidifier according to a second embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 6, and a container 50 according to a second embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7.

The package 50 shown in Figures 5 and 7 is a hinged lid type package for a tobacco-related product, for example for elongated smoking articles, as already described above with respect to the first embodiment of the package and with respect to Figure 1.

A retaining element 60 according to a second embodiment is bonded to or is integral (i.e., monolithic, e.g. coextruded) with the inner surface of the lid closure element 52. The retaining element 60 comprises a U-shaped cross section that tapers in a direction normal to and away from the inner surface 70. The retaining element 60 is monolithically extruded from a plastic material. The retaining element 60 is configured to receive a humidifier 10 according to a second embodiment as illustrated in Figure 6 and as explained in more detail below. Once the humidifier 10 of the second embodiment is received by the retaining element 60, it completely covers the retaining element 60 according to the second embodiment.

The retaining element 60 comprises a first portion 61 and a second portion 62 which both project from the inner surface 70 and which, in cross section, enclose an angle of less than 90 degrees with respect to each other. A slot 63 is formed between the first portion 61 and the second portion 62. As illustrated in Figure 6, the retaining element 60 of the second embodiment may further comprise a third portion 64 connecting the first portion 61 and the second portion 62 along the inner surface 70, particularly if the retaining element 60 is a monolithic piece. However, if the retaining element 60 is also monolithic with the closure element 52 of the container 50, the third portion 64 may be omitted. Also, as illustrated in Figure 7, the retaining element 60 may extend linearly along the inner surface 70 of the container 50.

The humidifier 10 of the second embodiment comprises a plate-shaped support plate 11 and is identical to the humidifier 10 of the first embodiment as already described above if not otherwise stated below. Unlike the humidifier 10 of the first embodiment, the humidifier 10 of the second embodiment comprises a plug-in element 80 as illustrated in Figure 6 protruding from the second main surface 13 of the support plate 11. In cross section, the plug-in element 80 comprises a protrusion 81 at its outermost tip, wherein an extension of the protrusion 81 in a direction essentially parallel to the second main surface 13 exceeds an extension of the remaining plug-in element 80 measured in the same direction. The retaining element may also extend linearly along the second main surface 13 of the support plate 11 and may have essentially the same length as the retaining element 60. As illustrated in Figure 6, an outermost tip of the first portion 61 and an outermost tip of the second portion 62 have a distance from each other in a direction essentially parallel to the inner surface 70 that is less than the extension of the protrusion 81 in a direction essentially parallel to the second main surface 13. Therefore, as the plug-in element 80 is forced into the retaining element 60, the first and second elastic portions 61, 62 are separated to allow the protrusion 81 to be inserted into the slot 63, wherein the insertion of the protrusion 81 is facilitated by the cross section of the protrusion 81 being rejuvenated in a direction away from the second main surface 13. After the protrusion 81 is inserted into the slot 63, the first and second elastic portions 61, 62 are moved apart to allow the protrusion 81 to be inserted into the slot 63. 81, the first and second elastic portions 61, 62 return to their initial positions and therefore retain the protrusion 81 within the slot 63. Thus, the humidifier 10 is secured to the container 50 by the plug-in element 80 interacting with the retaining element 60.

With reference to Figures 8 to 10, there is illustrated a packaging system 100 according to an example which does not form an aspect of the invention. Inside, the packaging system 100 comprises a container 50 according to the example, as illustrated in Figure 8, and a humidifier according to the example as illustrated in Figure 2. In other words, the humidifier is the same as in the first embodiment and therefore reference is made to the description given with respect to Figure 2.

In accordance with the example, the retaining element 60 extends longitudinally and linearly along the inner surface 70, for example along the inner surface 70, of the closure element 52 as illustrated in Figure 8. As also illustrated in Figure 10, the retaining element 60 comprises a first portion 61 which is monolithically formed with or joined to the inner surface 70 of the container 50 and which projects in a direction substantially perpendicular to the inner surface 70. From the first portion 61 a second portion 62 projects from an outermost tip of the first portion 61 such that the first portion 61 and the second portion 62 enclose an angle of less than 90 degrees. The second portion 61 is monolithically with or joined to the first portion 61.

A slot 63 is formed between the tip of the second portion 62 and the inner surface 70, wherein the distance between the tip of the second portion 62 and the inner surfaces 70 varies due to the elasticity of the second portion 62. As illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, a humidifier 10 can be attached to the retaining element 60 by inserting a frame portion 15 of the support plate 11 into the slot 63 between the second portion 62 and the inner surface 70. By inserting the support plate 11 into the slot 63, the tip of the second portion 62 moves away from the inner surface 70 and thus, due to the elasticity of the second portion 62, a restoring force is exerted on the frame portion 15. This restoring force then retains the support plate 11 within the slot 63 and thus holds the humidifier 10 to the inner surface 70. However, pulling the frame portion 15 of the support plate 11 into the slot 63 causes the tip of the second portion 62 to move .... humidifier 10 out of the slot 63 away from the first portion 61, the restoring force may be overcome and the humidifier 10 may be loosened from the container.

Reference signs

10 humidifier

11 support plate

12 first main surface

13 second main surface

14 humidification element

15 frame portion

16 servings of mango

17 edge portion

50 pack

51 storage compartment

52 closing element

60 retention element

61 first portion

62 second portion

63 slot

70 interior surface

80 plug-in element

81 protuberance

Claims (6)

1. Packaging system (100), comprising: a humidifier (10), comprising: a support plate (11) with a first main surface (12) and a second main surface (13) opposite thereto; a humidifying element (14) attached to the first main surface (12) of the support plate (11), and a package (50), comprising: a storage compartment (51) configured to store tobacco or a tobacco-related product; at least one closure element (52) configured to close the storage compartment (51); and a retention element (60) on an inner surface (70) of one of the storage compartment (51) and the closure element (52), wherein the retaining element (60) comprises at least a first portion (61) protruding from the inner surface (70) in a first direction perpendicular to the inner surface (70) and at least a second portion (62) protruding from the first portion (61) in a second direction parallel to the inner surface (70), said packaging system (100) being characterized by: a frame portion (15) of the first main surface (12) is uncovered by the humidifying element, and The retaining element (60) comprises a U-shape in a plan view on the inner surface (70) and a slot (63) configured to receive the support plate (11) of the humidifier (10) in a direction parallel to the inner surface (70), wherein the slot (63) is formed between the inner surface (70) and the at least one second portion (62), and wherein the retaining element (60) comprises a retaining element formed as a first additional portion protruding from the inner surface (70) and extending from the tips of the long legs of the U-shape towards an inner area of the U-shape and configured to engage with the support plate (11) to retain the humidifier (10) in the retaining element (60), wherein the retaining element (60) is configured to receive the humidifier (10) by mechanically interacting with the frame portion (15), wherein the humidifying element (14) of the humidifier (10) received in the retaining element (60) faces the storage compartment (51) and is uncovered by the retaining element (60), wherein an extension of the at least one first portion (61) in the first direction corresponds to the thickness of the support plate (11), and wherein an extension of the at least one second portion (62) in the second direction corresponds to the width of the frame portion (15). 2. Packaging system (100) according to claim 1, wherein an extension of the at least one first portion (61) in the first direction is less than the thickness of the support plate (11), and wherein the frame portion (15) is fixed between the second portion (62) and the inner surface (70) by a forced closure. 3. Packaging system (100), comprising a container (50) and a humidifier (10), comprising the packaging (50): a storage compartment (51) configured to store tobacco or a tobacco-related product; at least one closing element (52) configured to close the storage compartment (51); and a retaining element (60) on an inner surface (70) of one of the storage compartment (51) and the closing element (52); Understanding the Humidifier (10): a support plate (11) with a first main surface (12) and a second main surface (13) opposite thereto; a humidifying element (14) attached to the first main surface (12) of the support plate (11), said packaging system (100) being characterized by: a plug-in element (80) protruding from the second main surface (13) of the support plate (11), wherein the retaining element (60) is configured as a female component of a zipper-type fastener, said female component comprising at least a first portion (61) protruding from the inner surface (70) in a first direction and at least a second portion protruding from the inner surface in a second direction enclosing, in a cross section normal to the inner surface, an angle of less than 90 degrees, wherein the plug-in element (80) is configured as a male component of said zipper-type closure, said male component extending in a direction perpendicular to the second main surface (13) of the support plate and comprising a protrusion at its tip, and wherein the plug-in element (80) is configured to be forced between the first portion (61) and the second portion (62) and, once forced therebetween, to be retained by the first portion (61) and by the second portion (61) both retaining the protrusion (81). 4. Packaging system (100), comprising a container (50) and a humidifier (10), comprising the packaging (50): a storage compartment (51) configured to store tobacco or a tobacco-related product; at least one closing element (52) configured to close the storage compartment (51); and a retaining element (60) on an inner surface (70) of one of the storage compartment (51) and the closing element (52); Understanding the Humidifier (10): a support plate (11) with a first main surface (12) and a second main surface (13) opposite thereto; a humidifying element (14) attached to the first main surface (12) of the support plate (11), said packaging system (100) being characterized by: a plug-in element (80) protruding from the second main surface (13) of the support plate (11), wherein the retaining element (60) is configured as a male component of a zipper-type fastener, said male component extending in a direction perpendicular to the inner surface (70) and comprising a protuberance at its tip, wherein the plug-in element (80) is configured as a female component of said zipper-type closure, said female component comprising at least a first portion (61) protruding from the second main surface (12) of the support plate (11) in a first direction and at least a second portion protruding from the second main surface (12) of the support plate (11) in a second direction enclosing, in a cross section normal to the second main surface (12) of the support plate (11), an angle of less than 90 degrees, and wherein the retaining element (60) is configured to be forced between the first portion (61) and the second portion (62) and, once forced therebetween, to be retained by the first portion (61) and by the second portion (61) both retaining the protrusion (81). 5. Packaging system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the humidifier (10) further comprises a handle portion (16) protruding from the frame portion (15) of the first surface (12) of the support plate (11) and/or wherein the support plate is rigid. 6. The packaging system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the humidifying element (14) is configured to absorb or dispense water depending on the relative humidity of its surroundings and/or wherein the humidifying element (14) comprises a hydrophilic material and a permeable layer enclosing the hydrophilic material.