RU2808038C2 - Package with oxygen absorber and method for forming package with oxygen absorber - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: oxygen absorber.

SUBSTANCE: example embodiments generally relate to a method for forming an oxygen absorbing package and an oxygen absorbing package. The bag contains a bag material including a first polymer layer defining an inner surface of the bag material, said inner surface of the bag material defining an internal cavity of the bag. Moreover, the material of the package is impermeable to gas. The package also includes a consumable part located in the internal cavity and an oxygen absorber located in the internal cavity and containing active elements in the matrix material. Moreover, the oxygen absorber is glued and/or melted to a portion of the inner surface of the bag material.

EFFECT: claimed invention is aimed at creating a package that ensures effective absorption of oxygen inside it.

22 cl, 16 dwg, 7 tbl

Description

Example embodiments generally relate to a method for forming an oxygen scavenger package and an oxygen scavenger package.

Bags are often used to store, transport and sell consumable parts that may be perishable and therefore susceptible to oxidation. In particular, with regard to such consumable parts as elements for electronic vaping (e-vaping) devices, which (elements) may include the cartridge of an electronic vaping device, these consumable parts can be subject to destruction in an oxygen-rich environment. Such degradation can negatively affect the aroma system of consumable parts.

At least one example embodiment relates to a method for generating a packet.

In one example embodiment, the method includes: adhering an oxygen scavenger to a bag material that is impervious to gas and moisture; enclosing the consumable part inside the bag material; and connecting the ends of the bag material to form a sealed internal cavity enclosing the consumable portion and at least one first oxygen absorber portion.

In one example embodiment, gluing is performed prior to joining.

In one exemplary embodiment, gluing is part of a joining step including forming a seam in the pouch, wherein the oxygen scavenger is at least partially enclosed within said seam, and said at least one first portion of the oxygen scavenger extends from said seam into the sealed internal cavity.

In one example embodiment, the joining operation involves crimping the ends.

In one example embodiment, crimping the ends includes applying heat to the joined ends of the pouch material to bring the joined ends to a temperature of between about 137 degrees Celsius and 205 degrees Celsius and applying a pressure to the joined ends of between about 20 psi and 40 psi. square inch, and the application of heat and pressure is carried out for less than 1 minute.

In one exemplary embodiment, bonding includes applying heat to the oxygen scavenger and pressing the oxygen scavenger against at least one first portion of an interior surface of the pouch material, wherein the oxygen scavenger comprises a matrix material comprising at least one first polymeric material.

In one example embodiment, the inner surface of the pouch material comprises at least one first polymer layer.

In one exemplary embodiment, the method further includes forming said at least one first polymer layer comprising a sealant that is a polymer-based sealant and/or a resin-based sealant.

In one example embodiment, said at least one first polymeric material is polyethylene.

In one example embodiment, the pouch material comprises a layer of foil.

In one example embodiment, the pouch material further comprises at least one polymer layer.

In one example embodiment, adhesion causes the at least one polymer layer to adhere to the oxygen scavenger.

In one example embodiment, the oxygen scavenger contains iron moieties in a matrix material, said matrix material comprising at least one first polymeric material.

In one exemplary embodiment, bonding includes introducing an oxygen scavenger and a photosensitive activator into said at least one first portion of the inner surface of the pouch material, wherein said photosensitive activator is configured to bind to free oxygen to cause activation of the oxygen scavenger upon exposure to a light source.

In one exemplary embodiment, the method further includes introducing a photosensitive activator within the oxygen scavenger and exposing the photosensitive activator to a light source to cause the photosensitive activator to bind to free oxygen to cause activation of the oxygen scavenger.

In one exemplary embodiment, the method further includes reducing the oxygen level in the sealed interior cavity to a level of 2 percent oxygen or less over a period of 30 days or less, wherein the source gas in the sealed interior cavity is ambient air.

In one exemplary embodiment, the method further includes reducing the oxygen level in the sealed interior cavity to a level of 1 percent oxygen or less, wherein the source gas in the sealed interior cavity is ambient air.

In one example embodiment, the consumable part is a cartridge of an electronic vaping device with a pre-vapor composition.

In one example embodiment, the oxygen scavenger is configured to allow oxygen to diffuse through the oxygen scavenger.

At least one example embodiment relates to a method for generating a packet.

In one example embodiment, the method includes: placing an oxygen scavenger on a bag material that is impervious to gas and moisture; enclosing the consumable part inside the bag material; and connecting the ends of the bag material to form a sealed internal cavity enclosing the consumable portion and at least one first oxygen absorber portion.

At least one example embodiment relates to a package.

In one example embodiment, the pouch comprises a pouch material that defines an internal cavity and is impermeable to gas; a consumable part located in said internal cavity; and an oxygen scavenger, wherein at least one first part of the oxygen scavenger is located in said internal cavity.

In one example embodiment, the pouch material is also impermeable to moisture.

In one example embodiment, the oxygen scavenger is adhered to the pouch material.

In one exemplary embodiment, the pouch includes a seam, wherein the oxygen scavenger is at least partially enclosed within said seam, and said at least one first portion of the oxygen scavenger extends from said seam into an internal cavity.

In one example embodiment, the pouch material comprises a layer of foil.

In one example embodiment, the pouch material further comprises a polymer layer on the outer surface of the pouch material.

In one example embodiment, the pouch material further comprises a polymer layer on the inner surface of the pouch material.

In one example embodiment, the polymer layer has a lower melting point than the foil layer.

In one example embodiment, the oxygen scavenger contains iron fragments.

In one example embodiment, the oxygen scavenger contains iron moieties in the matrix material.

In one example embodiment, the matrix material comprises a polymeric material.

In one example embodiment, the polymeric material has a melting point of from about 137 degrees Celsius to 205 degrees Celsius.

In one example embodiment, the oxygen scavenger is introduced into at least one first portion of the inner surface of the pouch material.

In one example embodiment, the package further comprises a photosensitive activator.

In one example embodiment, the photosensitive activator is introduced into the oxygen scavenger.

In one example embodiment, the photosensitive activator is configured to bind to free oxygen to cause activation of the oxygen scavenger upon exposure to a light source.

In one example embodiment, the oxygen scavenger is configured to reduce the oxygen level in said internal cavity to 2 percent oxygen or less over a period of 30 days or less, and the feed gas in said internal cavity is ambient air.

In one example embodiment, the oxygen scavenger is configured to reduce the oxygen level in said internal cavity to 2 percent oxygen or less over a period of 17 days or less, and the feed gas in said internal cavity is ambient air.

In one example embodiment, the oxygen scavenger is configured to reduce the oxygen level in said internal cavity to 1 percent oxygen or less over a period of 30 days or less, and the source gas in said internal cavity is ambient air.

In one example embodiment, the disposable portion is that portion of the electronic vaping device that contains the pre-vapor composition.

At least one example embodiment relates to a package.

In one example embodiment, the pouch comprises a pouch material defining an internal cavity and comprising a layer of foil; a consumable part located in said internal cavity; and an oxygen absorber, at least one first part of which is located in said internal cavity.

In one example embodiment, the pouch material is gas impermeable.

In one example embodiment, the pouch material is impermeable to moisture.

In one example embodiment, the oxygen scavenger is adhered to the pouch material.

In one exemplary embodiment, the pouch includes a seam, wherein the oxygen scavenger is at least partially enclosed within said seam, and said at least one first portion of the oxygen scavenger extends from said seam into an internal cavity.

In one example embodiment, the pouch material further comprises a polymer layer on the outer surface of the pouch material.

In one example embodiment, the pouch material further comprises a polymer layer on the inner surface of the pouch material.

In one example embodiment, the polymer layer has a lower melting point than the foil layer.

In one example embodiment, the oxygen scavenger contains iron fragments.

In one example embodiment, the oxygen scavenger contains iron moieties in the matrix material.

In one example embodiment, the matrix material comprises a polymeric material.

In one example embodiment, the polymeric material has a melting point of from about 137 degrees Celsius to 205 degrees Celsius.

In one example embodiment, the oxygen scavenger is introduced into at least one first portion of the inner surface of the pouch material.

In one example embodiment, the package further comprises a photosensitive activator.

In one example embodiment, the photosensitive activator is introduced into the oxygen scavenger.

In one example embodiment, the photosensitive activator is configured to bind to free oxygen to cause activation of the oxygen scavenger upon exposure to a light source.

In one example embodiment, the oxygen scavenger is configured to reduce the oxygen level in said internal cavity to 2 percent oxygen or less over a period of 30 days or less, and the feed gas in said internal cavity is ambient air.

In one example embodiment, the oxygen scavenger is configured to reduce the oxygen level in said internal cavity to 2 percent oxygen or less over a period of 17 days or less, and the source gas in said internal cavity is ambient air.

In one example embodiment, the oxygen scavenger is configured to reduce the oxygen level in said internal cavity to 1 percent oxygen or less over a period of 30 days or less, and the source gas in said internal cavity is ambient air.

In one example embodiment, the disposable portion is that portion of the electronic vaping device that contains the pre-vapor composition.

In FIG. 1 shows an unsealed bag with a consumable part and an oxygen absorber according to an example embodiment;

in FIG. 2 shows the package according to FIG. 1 in a partially sealed configuration according to an example embodiment;

in FIG. 3 shows the package of FIG. 1 in a fully sealed configuration according to an example embodiment;

in FIG. 4 shows an oxygen absorber sealed within the seal of a pouch, according to an example embodiment;

in FIG. 5A is a drawing illustrating an unsealed pouch according to an example embodiment;

in FIG. 5B is a drawing illustrating a front view of the package of FIG. 5A in a sealed configuration according to an example embodiment;

in FIG. 5C is a drawing illustrating an open cutout at at least one end of the sealed pouch of FIG. 5B according to an example embodiment;

in FIG. 5D is a drawing illustrating a rear view of the sealed bag of FIG. 5B according to an example embodiment;

in FIG. 6A is a front view of a sealed pouch according to an example embodiment;

In FIG. 6B is a rear view of the sealed pouch of FIG. 6A according to an example embodiment;

in FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining in detail a manufacturing method of an oxygen absorbent bag according to an example embodiment;

in FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a bag material according to an example embodiment;

in FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of yet another bag material according to an example embodiment;

in FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of yet another bag material according to an example embodiment;

in FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating a heat seal curve for a bag material according to an example embodiment;

In FIG. 12 is a graph illustrating the reduction in oxygen levels in a gas-moisture-tight oxygen absorbent bag according to an example embodiment.

Some detailed examples of embodiments are disclosed herein. However, the specific design and functional details disclosed herein are presented solely for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments. However, the exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many alternative forms and should not be construed as limited only to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein.

Accordingly, since the example embodiments may have various modifications and alternative forms, corresponding example embodiments are shown as examples in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments to the specific forms disclosed; rather, exemplary embodiments are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives thereof. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the figure description.

It should be understood that if an element or layer is designated as "located on", "connected to", "associated with", "attached to", "adjacent to", "covering" and so on another element or layer, then it may be directly located on, connected to, associated with, attached to, adjacent to, covering, etc., another element or layer, or intermediate elements or layers may be present. In contrast, if an element is designated as “directly located on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly associated with” another element or layer, then there are no intermediate elements or layers. Like numbers refer to like items throughout this specification. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations or subcombinations of one or more related listed elements.

It should be understood that while the ordinal numbers "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and sections should not be limited to these ordinal numbers. These ordinal numbers are used only to distinguish one element, component, area, layer or section from another element, component, area, layer or section. Thus, the first element, component, region, layer or section described below may be referred to as a second element, region, component, layer or section without departing from the ideas set forth in the example embodiments.

Terms of relative spatial location (e.g., “below”, “under”, “bottom”, “above”, “top”, etc.) may be used herein for the purpose of simplifying description to reveal the relationship of one element or feature to others. elements or features illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that the terms of relative spatial arrangement are intended to cover various orientations of the device during use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the arrangement in the figures is inverted, then elements described as being oriented “under” or “below” other elements or features will appear to be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Therefore, the term "under" can cover both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in a different manner (rotated 90 degrees or positioned in other orientations), and the definitions of relative spatial arrangement used herein are interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is intended only to describe various exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit exemplary embodiments. As used herein, singular forms are intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “contains,” and “comprising,” when used herein, indicate the presence of the claimed features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and components, but do not exclude the presence or adding one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components or groups thereof.

When the words “approximately” and “substantially” are used herein in conjunction with a numerical value, the corresponding numerical value is intended to include an error of plus or minus 10 percent of the stated numerical value, unless otherwise expressly specified.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments relate. It should also be understood that terms, including those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technical field, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined. in this document.

In FIG. 1 shows an unsealed package 1 with a consumable part (element) 20 and an oxygen absorber 30 according to an example embodiment. The unsealed bag 1 contains a sheet of bag material 10. In some example embodiments, the sheet of pouch material 10 is gas and moisture impermeable. The bag material 10 may be plastic to make it easier to form into a sealed bag 1b (see FIG. 3). In some example embodiments, the pouch material 10 provides a barrier that prevents oxygen from migrating into and out of the sealed pouch 1b. In an example embodiment, the pouch material 10 is foil, foil laminate, or a composite material with at least one layer of foil. In some examples, the foil may comprise a layer of aluminum or a layer of aluminum alloy. In yet another embodiment, the pouch material 10 is made of a plastic metallized film. In an exemplary embodiment, the pouch material 10 comprises a polymer layer that may be combined with one or more of foil, foil laminate, composite material, and metallized film. In some examples, the polymer layer may be a low melting point polymer covering one or both of the inner and outer surfaces of the pouch material 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the pouch material 10 is capable of withstanding one or both of crimping and heat sealing, wherein said crimping or heat sealing is accomplished by applying one or both of heat and pressure.

The consumable portion 20 may be a non-perishable, perishable, or partially perishable consumable portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the consumable portion 20 may be an electronic vaping (e-vaping) device or an element of an electronic vaping device, such as an e-vaping device cartridge. The consumable part 20 may also contain an aromatic system within the specified element.

Oxygen scavenger 30 may be supplied in many forms and may be in direct contact with a consumable portion 20 within bag 1. In some examples, the amount of oxygen scavenger 30 within bag 1 is such that scavenger 30 is capable of removing the expected volumetric amount of oxygen within the interior cavity of bag 1 , once bag 1 is sealed.

A "gas impermeable" material/layer is a material with an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of less than 0.016 centimeters per square meter per day under test conditions of 73 degrees Fahrenheit temperature and 0 percent relative humidity, according to Standard D-3985 American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). A "moisture impermeable" material/layer is one with a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of less than 0.016 grams of water per square meter per day under test conditions of 100 degrees Fahrenheit and 90 percent relative humidity. according to ASTM F-1249 standard.

In FIG. 2 shows a partially sealed bag 1a according to an example embodiment. In the example embodiment, the partially sealed package 1a is sealed, as shown, for example, in the example embodiment of FIG. 3 described below. In a partially sealed configuration of pouch 1a, the ends of pouch material 10 may be crimped together at region 10a, with pouch material 10 defining an internal cavity 40 with an unsealed end 10b. In the exemplary embodiment, all ends of the partially sealed pouch 1a other than or in addition to the unsealed ends 10b shown in FIG. 2 are sealed as described herein. In an alternative embodiment, the ends of the pouch material 10 may be joined by one or more of gluing, stitching, folding, and other construction, instead of or in addition to crimping or heat sealing. The stitching may involve the use of one or more of thread, fiber and strand. In yet another alternative embodiment, or in addition to other embodiments, the partially sealed pouch 1a is extruded or blown into a suitable shape, wherein the unsealed end 10b of the extruded or blown pouch 1a may be sealed by design and/or means described in this document.

As shown in FIG. 2, the oxygen absorbent 30 may be in contact with the consumable portion 20, or, alternatively, the oxygen absorbent 30 may not be in contact with the consumable portion 20, provided that at least a portion of the oxygen absorbent 30 is directly open to the internal cavity 40, which also encloses consumable part 20. The oxygen absorber 30 may not be fixed inside the inner cavity 40, or it may, for example, be glued and/or fused to the inner surface 10c of the bag material 10, glued and/or fused to the inner surface 10c of the end of the bag material 10, or glued and/or melted to the crimping (thermal welding) area 10a.

In FIG. 3 shows the package 1b in a fully sealed configuration according to an example embodiment. In this sealed configuration, or a similar sealed configuration (based on any of the pouch embodiments described herein), the oxygen scavenger 30 is capable, in some example embodiments, of reducing the concentration of free oxygen (molecular oxygen) within the airspace of the pouch interior cavity 40 over time. 1b, thereby effectively creating a chemically inert or nearly so atmosphere within the sealed bag 1b. In some exemplary embodiments, said atmosphere may be created even in the absence of any process capable of removing one or both of the air and oxygen from the sealed bag 1b, or any process capable of replacing the oxygen-enriched air with an inert gas, before package 1b will be sealed. In an alternative embodiment, the process of removing air from the package 1b or replacing the oxygen-enriched air with an inert or semi-inert gas may be combined with the addition of an oxygen scavenger 30 within the package 1b.

In an exemplary embodiment, the crimp region 10a of the pouch 1b may have an outer corrugated surface (eg, as shown in FIG. 3), and the crimp region 10a may have a notch 10d and/or a score line 10e that allows the pouch 1b to be easily torn. In yet another embodiment, or in addition to the notch 10d or cut line 10e, markings or marks may be provided on the outer surface of the pouch to indicate a weakened portion of the pouch 1b at which it should be torn.

In FIG. 4 shows an oxygen absorber 30 sealed inside the seam 50 of the partially sealed pouch 1c, according to an example embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the open ends or all ends of the partially sealed pouch 1c are sealed as described herein. In this embodiment, the oxygen absorber 30 is at least partially melted and pressed into the crimp region 10a, with the open end 30a of the oxygen absorber 30 extending into an internal cavity 40 that encloses the consumable portion 20. In an alternative embodiment, the absorber 30 oxygen is one or both of the captured and sewn into the seam 50 joined ends of the bag material 10 by using one or more of gluing, stitching, folding and other construction, instead of or in addition to crimping/heat sealing. The stitching may involve the use of one or more of thread, fiber and strand. In exemplary embodiments, the size of the open end 30a of the oxygen scavenger 30 is such that the oxygen scavenger 30 is capable of removing the expected volumetric amount of free oxygen within the inner cavity 40 of the bag 1b.

In FIG. 5A is a drawing illustrating yet another unsealed pouch 2 according to an example embodiment. The pouch material 10 may include a grooved edge 11a that can be crimped to form a sealed pouch 2a (see, for example, FIGS. 5B and 5D). In some example embodiments, the pouch material 10 may be folded to form a sealed pouch 2a. In some exemplary embodiments, the pouch material 10 may be folded along the fold lines 11b to form a sealed pouch 2a, where the fold lines 11b may be visible or invisible lines.

In an example embodiment, the pouch material 10 may be rectangular in shape, and the overall length 12b of the pouch material 10 may be approximately 88 millimeters and the overall width 12a may be approximately 78 millimeters. After folding the bag material 10, the width 12c of the folded and sealed bag 2b may be approximately 30 millimeters. The ribbed edge 11a on the side ends of the pouch material 10 may have a width 13a of approximately 9 millimeters, which side ends may be crimped together to form a "joint seam" 2c (see, for example, FIGS. 5D and 6B). The ribbed edge 11a on the top and bottom sides of the bag material 10 may have a width 13b of approximately 8.375 millimeters. The usable inner width 12e and length 12d of the bag material 10 (the non-corrugated portion of the bag material) may be approximately 60 millimeters and 71.25 millimeters, respectively. Any other bag size or shape may be used, for example depending on the items to be stored inside the bag.

In an exemplary embodiment, the edge 11a of the pouch material 10 is made of a material that can be joined and/or crimped, the edge 11a being non-corrugated if desired.

In FIG. 5B is a drawing illustrating the front side 2b1 of a sealed bag 2a made from the non-sealed bag 2 of FIG. 5A according to an example embodiment. The sealed pouch 2a may be formed by crimping (heat sealing) the ends of the pouch material 10 together along the grooved area 11a. According to one example embodiment, at least one portion of the corrugated region 11a may comprise a non-corrugated region 14 (see FIG. 5C), which provides the ability to promote tearing and opening of the package 2a. In some example embodiments, it is possible to include a non-grooved area 14 at the lower end and the top end of the package, as shown in 5B, some embodiments may include a non-grooved area 14 at only one end of the package (see, for example, FIG. 6A), and some examples may not include such an area 14.

In FIG. 5C is a drawing illustrating the non-grooved region 14 of FIG. 5B according to an example embodiment. The non-grooved area 14 may be used to weaken the crimped/grooved portion 11a of the pouch 2a to facilitate tearing and opening of the pouch 2a in this region 14. The non-grooved region may optionally include a score line 14a to further provide easy tearing capability. In an exemplary embodiment, instead of or in addition to the cut line 14a, a notch or recess (not shown) may be included. In yet another embodiment, one or more of a score line, notch, recess, and other weakened area formed in the grooved area 11a (as opposed to formed in the non-grooved area 14) may be used to facilitate tearing and opening. In yet another embodiment, another design may be used to weaken a portion of the stack 2a to facilitate tearing and/or opening, which other structure may include any combination of notches, recesses, score lines, dissimilar materials, non-grooved areas, and so on.

In FIG. 5D is a drawing illustrating the rear side 2b2 of the sealed bag 2a of FIG. 5B according to an example embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the back side 2b2 of the pouch 2a may include a "joint seam" 2c (also shown at 6B) formed by crimping/joining the ends of the pouch material 10, with the bond seam 2c extending away from the sealed pouch 2a, however it may be folded and lie along the back side 2b2 of package 2a.

In the example embodiment, the pouch material 10 is made of a material that is easy to tear and open. In some embodiments, the seam 2c is capable of facilitating tearing and opening of the pouch 2a, wherein the seam 2c is manually pulled to cause a tear along the base of the bond seam 2c to facilitate opening of the pouch 2a with or without a weakened area.

In an exemplary embodiment, a weakened area (not shown) is included at the base of the seal 2c, thereby facilitating the opening of the bag 2a by manually pulling the seal 2c.

In FIG. 6A shows the front side 2b1 of a sealed bag 2a according to an example embodiment containing a consumable part 20 and an oxygen absorber 30. In FIG. 6B shows the rear side 2b2 of the sealed pouch 2a of FIG. 6A according to an example embodiment. This view shows the "joint seam" 2c along the back side 2b2 of the package 2a.

In FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining in detail a manufacturing method of a sealed bag 1b with an oxygen absorber 30 according to an example embodiment. In step S102, the oxygen absorbent 30 is adhered to at least a portion of the inner surface 10c of the bag material 10. In some examples, the bag material 10 is gas-impermeable and/or moisture-impermeable. In one exemplary embodiment, this step is performed by combining the application of heat and pressure to cause the oxygen scavenger 30 to form a bond with the inner surface 10c of the bag material 10. Alternatively, or in addition to the application of heat and pressure, the oxygen absorbent 30 may be attached to the pouch material 10 through one or more of stitching, stitching, adhesive application, and other construction that may be used to attach the oxygen absorbent 30 to the pouch material 10. In some exemplary embodiments, oxygen absorbent 30 may simply be placed on the inner surface of the pouch material without adhering oxygen absorbent 30 to said surface.

In yet another embodiment, adhering the oxygen scavenger to the inner surface 10c of the bag material 10 (step S102) is carried out while providing the bag material 10 (step S100). In particular, during the formation of the package material 10, an oxygen absorbent 30 or elements of the oxygen absorbent 30 may be introduced into some or all of the inner surface 10c of the stack material 10. Alternatively, the oxygen absorber 30 may be an inner surface 10c of the bag material 10, or the elements of the oxygen absorber 30 may comprise at least a portion of the inner surface 10c of the bag material 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner surface 10c of the bag material 10 is made of a material that allows oxygen to migrate through the inner surface 10c.

In an exemplary embodiment, a photosensitive activator, such as a photoinitiator or photoactivator, is included in the oxygen scavenger 30 and/or mixed with elements of the oxygen scavenger 30. In an example embodiment, the light-sensitive activator contains molecules that, when exposed to a light source, will create free radicals that bind to free oxygen in a reduction reaction such that the free oxygen will in turn bind to oxygen scavenger elements to initiate (activate) further reaction between the oxygen scavenger and additional free oxygen, as described in more detail below. In an exemplary embodiment, the oxygen scavenger 30 or elements of the oxygen scavenger 30 and the photosensitive activator are introduced into the inner surface 10c of the bag material 10. In some embodiments that include a photosensitive activator, the oxygen absorber 30 containing the photosensitive activator, or the inner surface 10c of the pouch material 10 containing the elements of the oxygen absorber 30 and the photosensitive activator may be shielded from the light source before completing formation of the sealed pouch 1b (at step S106 described below). This can be accomplished by keeping one or both of the oxygen scavenger 30 and the inner surface 10c covered and stored on a roll or stored in a low light environment to ensure that the photosensitive activator is not exposed to the light source, which would otherwise cause unintentionally initiating a reaction between the photosensitive activator and free oxygen before forming the sealed package 1b.

In an example embodiment, the photosensitive activator initiates a reaction with free oxygen under the influence of a light source, which is ultraviolet (UV) light. In yet another embodiment, the photosensitive activator initiates a reaction with free oxygen under the influence of a light source that is visible light or parts of the visible light spectrum. In some embodiments, the photosensitive activator, which is part of the oxygen absorbent 30 or mixed with elements of the oxygen absorbent 30 (either in the material of the oxygen absorbent 30 or by being introduced inside the inner surface 10c of the bag material 10), is exposed to a light source either before step S104, or before step S106 described below.

At step S104, the consumable part 20 is enclosed within at least a portion of the bag material 10. In some example embodiments, this may occur while the package is in the partially sealed 1a/1c configuration.

In step S106, the ends of the pouch material 10 are joined to form a sealed inner cavity 40 that encloses the consumable portion 20. The pouch material 10 can be joined by crimping (thermal welding), with a combined application of heat and pressure being applied to form the crimping region 10a. In an example embodiment, the compression is performed using an applied pressure of approximately 20-40 psi (138-276 kPa) for less than 1 minute at an applied temperature of approximately 137-205 degrees Celsius. In yet another embodiment, the compression is performed using an applied pressure of approximately 30 psi (207 kPa) at an applied temperature of approximately 137-205 degrees Celsius or approximately 170 degrees Celsius. Other crimp pressures may be used. The joining of the pouch material 10 may also be accomplished using one or more of an adhesive, stitching, folding, and other construction, instead of or in addition to crimping. The stitching may involve the use of one or more of thread, fiber and strand. In the exemplary embodiment, steps S102/S106 are implemented in the same step, wherein the oxygen absorber 30 may be partially sealed within the seam 50 of the joined bag material 10 using crimping, stitching, stitching, adhesive bonding, folding, and so on. If the oxygen absorber 30 is partially sealed within the seam 50 of the sealed bag 1b, then in some example embodiments, the open end 30a of the oxygen absorber 30 extends into the internal cavity 40 enclosing the supply portion 20, such that the size of the open end 30a will remove the expected volumetric amount oxygen in the internal cavity 40.

Composition and physical properties of the oxygen scavenger according to some example embodiments

In an example embodiment, oxygen scavenger 30 may contain iron fragments mixed within a matrix to form a strip. In this embodiment, the iron fragments may be uniformly and/or homogeneously mixed within the matrix. In an exemplary embodiment, the matrix of the oxygen scavenger 30 is made of a material that allows oxygen migration/diffusion through the oxygen scavenger 30, the matrix materials described herein enabling such migration/diffusion. In an example embodiment, the matrix is a polymer matrix (polymer material) or thermoplastic material. In yet another embodiment, the matrix is made of polyethylene. In an example embodiment, the polymer material of the oxygen absorber matrix 30 has a melting point close to or equal to the melting temperature of the inner surface 10c of the bag 1. In the example embodiment, the difference in melting temperature between the inner surface 10c of the bag 1 and the polymer material of the oxygen absorber matrix 30 is approximately 25 degrees. Celsius or less, or about 10 degrees Celsius or less, or about 5 degrees Celsius or less. In the example embodiment, the polymer material of the matrix of the oxygen absorber 30 is the same material as the material that forms the inner surface 10c of the bag 1. In the example embodiment, the melting point of the polymer matrix material is lower than the melting temperature of the gas and moisture impermeable layer of the bag. , and lower than the melting temperatures of the layers of the package material 10 that do not form the inner surface 10c of the package material 10. In exemplary embodiments, the iron moieties in the oxygen scavenger 30 remove free oxygen by binding to available free oxygen through an iron oxidation reaction. The oxidation reaction of iron essentially causes the iron fragments to form rust. In exemplary embodiments, the amount of iron fragments in the oxygen scavenger 30 is such that the iron fragments will bind to the expected amount of oxygen in the sealed bag 1b.

In an exemplary embodiment, a photosensitive activator, such as a photoinitiator or photoactivator, is included in the oxygen scavenger 30 and/or mixed with the active elements of the oxygen scavenger 30. In exemplary embodiments, oxygen scavenger actives include elements that bind to free oxygen, which actives may contain iron moieties. In an exemplary embodiment, the light-sensitive activator contains molecules that, when exposed to light, will create free radicals that bind to free oxygen in a reduction reaction such that the free oxygen will in turn bind to elements of the oxygen scavenger 30 to initiate (activate) further reaction between oxygen scavenger 30 and additional free oxygen. In an exemplary embodiment, the oxygen scavenger 30 or elements of the oxygen scavenger 30 and the photosensitive activator are introduced into the inner surface 10c of the bag material 10, and the inner surface 10c is made of a material that allows oxygen to migrate.

The following describes an oxidation reaction involving a photosensitive activator according to an example embodiment. The activator (A) may be any known photosensitive activator that produces free radicals when acted upon in the presence of light. The reaction of equation 1 is initiated by an activator exposed to light (L). In these illustrative reactions, the free radical (•) includes one unpaired electron.

A ----L----> A• Eq. 1

2A• + O2 -----> 2A+2O ^- • Eq. 2

2Fe ⁺² +3(O ^- •) -----> Fe ₂ O ₃ Eq. 3

In an exemplary embodiment, the photosensitive activator is a photoinitiator that generates a monomolecular free radical, which may be a peroxide, a benzophenone derivative, a benzoyl derivative, an anthrone, or a xanthone. In an exemplary embodiment, the photosensitive activator is a photoinitiator that generates a monomolecular free radical that undergoes homolytic cleavage to produce a free radical. In an example embodiment, the photosensitive activator is a combination of two or more of these illustrative activators.

In an exemplary embodiment, the oxygen absorbent 30 or the inner surface 10c of the bag material 10 that constitutes or contains the oxygen absorbent is perforated, or the surface of the oxygen absorbent 30 is wavy, textured, lenticular, or otherwise non-smooth, to increase the overall surface area of one or both of the oxygen absorber 30 and the inner surface 10c.

Package material according to some example embodiments

In FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a bag material 10 according to an example embodiment. In an illustrative embodiment, the pouch material 10 is gas and moisture impermeable, and the pouch material 10 is a multilayer structure that includes a gas and moisture impervious layer 102 supported by 100/104 low melting point polymer layers. In an exemplary embodiment, the gas and moisture barrier layer 102 is a foil layer that includes a foil, a foil laminate, a composite material with at least one foil layer, an aluminum layer, an aluminum alloy layer, a plastic metallized film layer, or a combination of one or more of them. In an alternative embodiment, the gas and moisture barrier layer 102 is a polymer that contains an elastomer, plastic, vinyl, rubber, butyl rubber, polyethylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), or a composite of any of these materials, or a composite of plastic or semi-plastic polymer materials, which are impermeable to gas and moisture.

In an exemplary embodiment, the polymer layers 100/104 are made from a relatively low melting point polymer relative to the gas and moisture impermeable layer 102, where each layer 100/104 may be the same polymer material or a different polymer material. In an exemplary embodiment, the polymer layers 100/104 comprise biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BOPET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene, other similar low melting point polymers or thermoplastic materials, or combinations thereof. The polymer layers 100/104 may, for example, comprise a layer or layers of elastomers, plastics, or other pliable polymer layers that have a relatively low melting point, or combinations of these materials. When using the bag material 10 to make a sealed bag 1b (using the method shown in FIG. 7), the oxygen scavenger 30 may be bonded to or in contact with one of the polymer layers 100/104 after the ends of the bag material 10 are joined to seal. package 1b. In an illustrative embodiment, the polymer layers 100/104 are made of a material that allows oxygen migration/diffusion through the layers 100/104.

In an exemplary embodiment, oxygen scavenger 30 is one or both polymer layers 100/104. In another embodiment, oxygen scavenger 30 active elements (eg, iron moieties) are incorporated into at least one of the polymer layers 100/104. In an exemplary embodiment, the photosensitive activator is also mixed or infused with the active elements of the oxygen scavenger 30 into at least one of the polymer layers 100/104. In an exemplary embodiment, the active elements of the oxygen scavenger 30 and the photosensitive activator are homogeneously mixed together in one or both polymer layers 100/104.

An exemplary pouch material 10 in an embodiment that includes a gas and moisture impermeable layer 102, with outer low melting point polymer layers 100/104, may provide a pliable or semi-flexible pouch material 10. The material of the package 10 is characterized by one or more of the following: it is easy to work with; is impermeable to oxygen/gas exchange; and is convenient for joining or crimping (thermal welding) using low temperature heating. However, in an alternative embodiment, the pouch material 10 is a single layer material in which the single layer is a gas and moisture impermeable layer. In yet another embodiment, the pouch material 10 is a multi-layer material in which each of the layers is a gas- and moisture-impermeable layer. In an exemplary embodiment, the pouch material 10 is devoid of polymer layers or lacks outer low melting point layers.

In FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of yet another bag material 10f according to an example embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the pouch material 10f is a multilayer material that includes a polymer layer 100 and a gas and moisture impermeable layer 102. In this embodiment, the pouch material 10f may be joined at the ends to form a pouch in the same manner as described above with respect to FIG. 2, wherein the operation of joining the ends of the material includes the operation of joining the polymer layers 100 together. In other words, the pouch is assembled such that the polymer layer 100 forms the inner surface of the pouch and the gas and moisture impermeable layer 102 forms the outer surface of the pouch, with the oxygen scavenger 30 connected to or in contact with the polymer layer 100. An exemplary embodiment uses crimping to heat and compress the ends of the polymer layer 100 together to join the ends of the pouch material 10f to form a pouch. In yet another embodiment, other methods of joining together the ends of the pouch material 10f to form a pouch are used, which other methods may include using one or more of gluing, stitching, folding, extrusion, blowing, and other construction instead of or in addition to crimping. The stitching may involve the use of one or more of thread, fiber and strand. The polymer layer 100 has a lower melting point compared to the gas and moisture impermeable layer 102. In an example embodiment, the polymer layer 100 is made of a material that allows oxygen migration/diffusion through the layer 100, the materials listed above for the layer 100 allowing such migration/diffusion.

In an exemplary embodiment, the oxygen scavenger 30 is a polymer layer 100 or a portion of a polymer layer 100. In an exemplary embodiment, active elements of the oxygen scavenger 30 (eg, iron moieties) are incorporated into the polymer layer 100, wherein the photosensitive activator may also be mixed or incorporated with the active elements of the oxygen absorber 30 into the polymer layer 100. In an example embodiment, the active elements of the oxygen absorber 30 and the photosensitive activator are homogeneously mixed together within the polymer layer 100.

In FIG. 10 is a sectional view of yet another bag material 10g according to an example embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the gas and moisture impermeable portion of the pouch material 10g comprises multiple layers that include: a biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BOPET) layer 200, a polyethylene (or PE, which may be clear or translucent polyethylene) layer 202, and a foil layer 204. In the example embodiment, material 10g also includes an adhesive layer 206 and a sealant layer 208. The sealant 208 may be a polyethylene sealant, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sealant, a resin sealant, or combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the resin sealant is an ionomer resin sealant such as Surlyn® sealant, wherein Surlyn® is a registered trademark of DowDuPont Inc. In an example embodiment, the sealant layer 208 is a TOPAS® cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) resin sealant, such as CXB® sealant, where TOPAS® and CXB® are registered trademarks of Bemis Company, Inc. In an example embodiment, the sealant layer 208 is connected to the foil layer 204 via an adhesive layer 206. The sealant layer 208 of the example embodiment has a lower melting point compared to the gas and moisture impermeable layers (layers 200, 202 and 204). In an exemplary embodiment, the sealant layer 208 is made of a material that allows oxygen migration/diffusion through the sealant layer 208, the materials listed above for the sealant layer 208 allowing such migration/diffusion.

In an exemplary embodiment, adhesive 206 may be a silicone-based adhesive, a food-compatible polymer, a food-compatible epoxy resin, combinations of these materials, or other suitable adhesives used to hold one or both of food products and consumables.

In the example embodiment, the pouch material 10g contains the following layers, listed along with their respective thicknesses: 12 microns BOPET layer 200, 13 microns polyethylene layer 202, 8.9 microns foil layer 204, 2.0 microns adhesive layer 206, and 50.8 microns layer 208 of sealant.

The bag material 10g may be used to form the bag in the same manner as described in relation to FIG. 2, 8 and 9, according to example embodiments. In an exemplary embodiment, a portion of the sealant layer 208 of the bag material 10g is attached to join the ends of the pouch material 10g together, whereby the sealant layer 208 forms the interior surface of the assembled pouch and the gas and moisture impermeable layer forms the outer surface of the assembled pouch. Thus, the oxygen absorber 30 is connected or in contact with the sealant layer 208 once the sealed package 1b is formed from the package material 10g. In an example embodiment, the outer surface of the assembled pouch is a layer 200 of BPOET.

In an example embodiment, the oxygen absorbent 30 is a sealant layer 208 or a portion of a sealant layer 208. In an exemplary embodiment, active elements of the oxygen scavenger 30 (eg, iron fragments) are incorporated into the sealant layer 208, and the photosensitive activator may also be mixed or incorporated with the active elements of the oxygen scavenger 30 into the sealant layer 208. In an exemplary embodiment, the active elements of the oxygen absorber 30 and the photosensitive activator are homogeneously mixed together within the sealant layer 208.

In FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating a heat seal (crimp) curve for material 10g according to an example embodiment. In an example embodiment, heat sealing is performed to join the ends of the pouch material to form and seal the pouch. As shown in FIG. 11, in an exemplary embodiment, the pouch material 10g provides consistent and consistent seam strength (in the range of approximately 3,000-4,250 grams per inch) to the joined ends of the pouch material 10g using a relatively wide thermal sealing temperature range of approximately 137-205 degrees Celsius. This temperature range includes the applied temperature to heat and press together the ends of the pouch material 10g to form and seal the pouch, with heat sealing performed using an applied pressure of approximately 30 psi (207 kPa).

In an example embodiment, thermal sealing of the stack materials according to the example embodiments is performed using an applied pressure of approximately 20-40 psi (138-276 kPa) with an applied temperature of approximately 137-205 degrees Celsius. In yet another embodiment, heat sealing of the stack materials according to example embodiments is performed using an applied pressure of approximately 30 psi (207 kPa) with an applied temperature of approximately 137-205 degrees Celsius or approximately 170 degrees Celsius.

In an exemplary embodiment, the length of time required to apply heat and pressure during heat sealing may be less than 1 minute. It should be understood that the temperature and pressure applied and the length of time to perform the heat seal may depend on the melting point of the material of the package and, in particular, on the melting temperature of the adjacent surfaces that are directly joined together during the heat seal.

Efficiency of an Oxygen Scavenger According to Some Example Embodiments

An oxygen scavenger, according to some example embodiments, reduces the oxygen concentration within the sealed pouch to reduce oxidation of the consumable by the pouch and/or reduce unwanted chemical reactions in the aromatic system of the dispenser. For example, when using an oxygen scavenger strip in a sealed gas- and moisture-tight pouch with an internal cavity initially containing 2.5 milliliters of ambient air (with oxygen being approximately 21 percent of this initial volume), the oxygen scavenger of the example embodiment is capable of reducing the oxygen concentration from about 21 percent to less than about 0.1 percent over an initial period of about 17 days, with the oxygen concentration possibly continuing to decline beyond that initial 17-day period. In some example embodiments, the oxygen scavenger is capable of reducing oxygen levels to 2 percent or lower.

In example embodiments, the rate at which the oxygen level decreases affects the effectiveness of the oxygen scavenger in preserving the aroma system for the consumable portion in the sealed pouch. In an example embodiment, the oxygen scavenger reduces the oxygen level in the ambient air to 2 percent or less over a period of approximately 17 days. In an example embodiment, the oxygen scavenger reduces the oxygen level in the ambient air to 1 percent or less for at least 30 days.

In an exemplary embodiment, the oxygen scavenger 30 is a strip containing iron fragments in a polyethylene matrix, the strip having a size of approximately 0.3 mm x 35 mm x 8 mm and located in the inner cavity 40 of the sealed bag 1b. In this embodiment, the oxygen absorbent strip 30 occupies approximately 3 percent of the total volume of the internal cavity 40. In yet another embodiment, the same oxygen absorbent strip may occupy approximately 1 percent to 4 percent, or approximately 1.5 percent to 3.5 percent. percent, or approximately 1.5 percent of the total volume of the internal cavity 40. In some example embodiments, the oxygen absorber 30 reduces the steady state oxygen level in the ambient air to a negligible value (less than 0.1 percent oxygen). In an exemplary embodiment, the oxygen scavenger 30 contains approximately 4 milligrams to 8 milligrams of iron fragments to be used in a sealed bag 1b that initially contains 5.8 milliliters of ambient air at room temperature.

In some exemplary embodiments, test results of an oxygen scavenger within a gas- and moisture-tight pouch, in which the dispensable portion is a cartridge of an electronic vaping device, have shown reduced chemical degradation of the cartridge's flavor system with improved performance of the cartridge. Examples of chemical indicators of aroma system degradation include the formation of one or more of the following chemical compounds within the aroma system: formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, nicotine oxide, cotinine, myosmin, and nornicotine. Test results for the specified chemical indicators in the example embodiment, obtained at 24 degrees Celsius and 60% relative humidity, are included in tables 1-6 below. The oxygen scavenger in these tests was an iron fragment scavenger in a polyethylene matrix, the oxygen scavenger being in the form of a strip with dimensions of approximately 0.3 mm x 35 mm x 8 mm, and the internal cavity (free space above the product) of the bag containing approximately 5. 8 milliliters of ambient air. These tests used a control group that included the cartridge in a gas- and moisture-tight pouch with no oxygen absorber strip present.

Table 1

Sample Duration Average formaldehyde level (micrograms per gram) Standard deviation Flavor composition (without strip) 3 months
9 months
12 months --
0.15672
0.12420 --
0.08632
0.02002 Flavor composition (with strip) 3 months
9 months
12 months --
0.11446
0.10122 --
0.07428
0.06061

table 2

Sample Duration Average acetaldehyde level (micrograms per gram) Standard deviation Flavor composition (without strip) 3 months
9 months
12 months --
0.10932
0.08270 --
0.01711
0.02354 Flavor composition (with strip) 3 months
9 months
12 months --
0.08934
0.06968 --
0.03929
0.01916

Table 3

Sample Duration Average Nicotine Oxide Level (micrograms per gram) Standard deviation Flavor composition (without strip) 3 months
9 months
12 months 0.16433
0.31367
0.44833 0.00850
0.03516
0.13502 Flavor composition (with strip) 3 months
9 months
12 months 0.03433
0.03133
0.02100 0.00404
0.01250
0.00900

Table 4

Sample Duration Average Cotinine Level (micrograms per gram) Standard deviation Flavor composition (without strip) 3 months
9 months
12 months 0.01767
0.01967
0.02033 0.00058
0.00058
0.00058 Flavor composition (with strip) 3 months
9 months
12 months 0.01667
0.01700
0.01700 0.00058
0.00000
0.00173

Table 5

Sample Duration Average myosmin level (micrograms per gram) Standard deviation Flavor composition (without strip) 3 months
9 months
12 months 0.02333
0.03833
0.04233 0.00153
0.00404
0.00153 Flavor composition (with strip) 3 months
9 months
12 months 0.01677
0.01600
0.01633 0.00058
0.00100
0.00153

Table 6

Sample Duration Average nornicotine level (micrograms per gram) Standard deviation Flavor composition (without strip) 3 months
9 months
12 months --
0.01667
0.01867 --
0.00404
0.00252 Flavor composition (with strip) 3 months
9 months
12 months --
0.01550
0.01350 --
0.00636
0.00495

The performance of a cartridge can be quantified as the amount of vapor mass produced per puff, with higher vapor mass indicating higher cartridge performance. The terms “vapor,” “aerosol,” and “dispersion” are used interchangeably and are intended to cover the substance generated or dispensed by an electronic vaping device. Test results for cartridge performance at an ambient temperature of 24 degrees Celsius and 60% relative humidity are included in Table 7 below for an example embodiment. These tests used a control group consisting of a cartridge in a gas- and moisture-tight pouch with no oxygen absorber strip present.

Table 7

Sample Duration Average milligram per puff Standard deviation Flavor composition (without strip) 3 months
9 months
12 months 5.64000
5.63167
5.55500 0.21077
0.17559
0.39214 Flavor composition (with strip) 3 months
9 months
12 months 5.77667
5.59667
6.10500 0.11015
0.34064
0.23468

In FIG. 12 is a graph illustrating the reduction in oxygen levels in a gas-moisture-tight oxygen absorbent bag according to an example embodiment. More specifically, this graph shows test results for an oxygen absorbent strip in a sealed gas- and moisture-tight pouch with an internal cavity initially containing 5.8 milliliters of ambient air (with oxygen representing approximately 21 percent of this initial volume); These test results indicate that the oxygen scavenger is capable of reducing oxygen concentrations to approximately 1.0% over an initial period of approximately 30 days, and may continue to reduce oxygen concentrations to substantially negligible levels (less than 0.1 percent by volume) as bringing the test duration closer to 40 days.

Attaching an Oxygen Scavenger to a Bag Material According to Some Example Embodiments

In an exemplary embodiment, the attachment of the oxygen absorbent 30 to the inner surface 10c of the bag material 10 is accomplished by the combined application of heat and pressure, with the strength of the attachment depending on three parameters: the amount of heat applied, the amount of pressure applied, and the length of time that the heat and pressure are applied to oxygen absorbent, wherein the applied heat heats the material of the oxygen absorbent 30 to a level above its melting point. In an example embodiment, for the oxygen absorbent 30 with iron moieties in the polyethylene matrix, the applied heat causes the oxygen absorbent 30 to reach a temperature of approximately 150 degrees Celsius or a temperature equal to or greater than 150 degrees Celsius.

A pre-evaporation composition-containing aroma system according to some example embodiments

In an exemplary embodiment, the consumable portion 20 is an electronic vaping device cartridge containing a flavor system. In some examples, the aroma system contains a pre-evaporation composition. The pre-vapor composition may be a liquid, solid or gel composition containing, without limitation, one or more of the following: water, granules, solvents, active ingredients, ethanol, plants, plant extracts, natural or artificial flavors and/or vaporizers , such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

In an example embodiment, the pre-vapor composition contains volatile tobacco aromatic compounds that are released when heated. The pre-vapor composition may also contain tobacco elements dispersed throughout the composition. For example, the tobacco element may constitute 2-30 percent by weight in the pre-vapor composition. Alternatively, the pre-vapor composition may be flavored with other flavoring agents instead of tobacco flavor or in addition to tobacco flavor.

In an exemplary embodiment, the vaporizer in the pre-vapor composition may contain a diol (such as propylene glycol and/or 1,3-propanediol), glycerin, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the vaporizing agent is contained in an amount ranging from about 20 percent by weight, based on the weight of the pre-vapor composition, to about 90 percent by weight, based on the weight of the pre-vaping composition (e.g., the amount of vaporizing agent is in the range from about 50 percent to about 80 percent, or, more preferably, from about 55 percent to 75 percent, or, most preferably, from about 60 percent to 70 percent) and so on. Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, the pre-evaporation composition has a diol to glycerol weight ratio ranging from about 1:4 to 4:1, the diol being propylene glycol or 1,3-propanediol, or a combination thereof. This ratio is preferably approximately 3:2.

In an example embodiment, the pre-evaporation composition also contains water. Water may be included in an amount ranging from about 5 percent by weight based on the weight of the pre-evaporation composition to about 40 percent by weight based on the weight of the pre-evaporation composition, and more preferably in an amount ranging from about 10 percent by weight based on the weight of the pre-evaporation composition to approximately 15 percent by weight based on the weight of the pre-evaporation composition. In an example embodiment, the remainder of the pre-vapor composition that is not water (and nicotine and/or aromatic compounds) is a vaporizing agent (described above) containing from 30 percent by weight to 70 percent by weight propylene glycol, and the balance of the vaporizing agent for the formation of steam is glycerin.

The pre-vapor composition may optionally contain one or more flavoring agents in an amount ranging from about 0.2 percent to about 15 percent by weight (for example, the amount of flavoring agent may be in the range from about 1 percent to 12 percent, more preferably from about 2 percent). percent to 10 percent, and most preferably from 5 percent to 8 percent). The flavor or flavors may include natural flavor or artificial flavor. For example, the flavor may include one or more of the following: tobacco flavor, menthol, wintergreen, peppermint, herbal flavors, fruit flavors, nut flavors, liqueur flavors, roast flavors, mint, spice, cinnamon, cloves, and combinations thereof. In an example embodiment, the pre-vapor composition contains nicotine. In an exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine and/or flavoring portion of the pre-vapor composition contains 10-15 percent by weight of water, with the remainder of the non-nicotine and flavoring portion of the composition being a mixture of propylene glycol and vaporizing agent in the ratio, ranging from approximately 60:40 to 40:60 by weight. Only a few examples of consumables that may be stored within a pouch according to the embodiments disclosed herein have been given, however any other type of consumables may also be stored using a pouch according to the embodiments disclosed herein, for example any consumable part , storage of which in a low-oxygen environment may be advantageous.

Examples of embodiments have been described above, and it will be appreciated that the same examples may be varied in various ways. Such variations should not be considered a departure from the intent and scope of the illustrative embodiments, and all such modifications, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, are intended to be included within the scope of the claims below.

Claims (26)

1. Package containing: a bag material comprising a first polymer layer defining an inner surface of the bag material, said inner surface of the bag material defining an interior cavity of the bag, wherein the bag material is gas impermeable; consumable part located in the internal cavity; And an oxygen absorber located in the internal cavity and containing active elements in the matrix material, wherein the oxygen absorber is glued and/or melted to a portion of the inner surface of the bag material. 2. The package according to claim 1, in which the oxygen absorber is a strip. 3. The package according to claim 1 or 2, in which the oxygen scavenger matrix material contains a polymeric material. 4. The bag of claim 3, wherein the polymeric material of the oxygen scavenger matrix is the same material as the material that forms the first polymeric layer of the bag material. 5. The bag of claim 3 or 4, wherein the melting temperature difference between the first polymer layer of the bag material and the polymer material of the oxygen scavenger matrix is approximately 25° C. or less. 6. Package according to any of paragraphs. 3-5, wherein the oxygen scavenger matrix polymer material has a melting point of from about 137°C to 205°C. 7. Package according to any of paragraphs. 3-6, wherein the oxygen scavenger matrix polymer material comprises polyethylene. 8. Package according to any of paragraphs. 3-7, in which the first polymer layer contains polyethylene. 9. Package according to any of paragraphs. 3-8, wherein the oxygen scavenger active elements are uniformly and/or homogeneously mixed within the oxygen scavenger matrix material. 10. A bag according to any of the previous claims, wherein the material of the bag is also impermeable to moisture. 11. A package as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising a seam, wherein a portion of the oxygen absorbent is enclosed within said seam and another portion of the oxygen absorbent extends from said seam into said internal cavity. 12. The package according to any of the previous paragraphs, in which the material of the package is a layer of foil. 13. The package according to claim 12, in which the first polymer layer has a lower melting point than the foil layer. 14. The bag according to any of the previous claims, wherein the bag material further comprises a second polymer layer on the outer surface of the bag material. 15. The package according to any of the previous claims, wherein the active elements include iron fragments. 16. The package according to any of the previous paragraphs, additionally containing a photosensitive activator. 17. The package according to claim 16, in which the photosensitive activator is introduced inside the oxygen absorber. 18. The package according to claim 17, in which the photosensitive activator is configured to bind to free oxygen to ensure activation of the oxygen scavenger after exposure to a light source. 19. The package as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the oxygen scavenger is configured to reduce the oxygen level in the internal cavity to a level of 2 percent oxygen or less over a period of 30 days or less, and the source gas in the internal cavity is ambient air. 20. The package as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the oxygen scavenger is configured to reduce the oxygen level in the internal cavity to a level of 2 percent oxygen or less over a period of 17 days or less, and the source gas in the internal cavity is ambient air. 21. The package as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the oxygen scavenger is configured to reduce the oxygen level in the internal cavity to a level of 1 percent oxygen or less over a period of 30 days or less, and the source gas in the internal cavity is ambient air. 22. A package as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the disposable portion is a portion of an electronic vaping device that contains a pre-vapor composition.

Images