Patent Description:
In the packaging industry, packages may be provided with certain features designed and configured to capture a consumer's attention. For example, packages may be shaped or colored in manners that are aesthetically appealing. Thereby, these features may encourage sale of the products including such packaging.

However, in light of increasing competition to gain a consumer's attention, many products may include such pleasing aesthetic attributes, thereby lessening competitive advantages provided thereby. Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide packages with enhanced functionality in order to further appeal to a consumer's interest. <CIT> discloses an illumination device for mounting on a flexible wall of a container, such as a cigarette packet, which comprises an electroluminescent panel attached to a silicone housing, in which are encapsulated circuit elements including a switch, a battery and associated drive circuitry. <CIT> discloses a method for producing products which are printed with information, which have folds in the final state, and which are made of a flat starting material, in particular paper, cardboard, paperboard, or plastic film, and the product contains at least one lighting element. According to the method, the starting material is printed with information; the starting material is provided with fold marks before, after, and/or at the same time as the printing step; and the starting material is printed with the lighting element and corresponding circuit elements before, after, between, and/or at the same time as the two aforementioned steps. From <CIT>, a container for nicotine based products such as cigarettes is known which comprises a power supply and an audio and/or visual system that provides information to the user. A trigger mechanism is preferably provided that detects access to the container and triggers the audio and/or visual system. The audio and/or visual system may be modified by the user through a download process and may include digital memory. The audio and/or visual system preferably includes massaging and calculation capabilities and may be solar powered. <CIT> discloses a package for tobacco articles comprising a melody module with an electric battery for playing a melody and one or more light emitting diodes. <CIT> discloses a case to accommodate a cigarette packet which enables a user to readily and easily customize its appearance. The case comprises of a shell defining an interior volume dimensioned so as to snugly accommodate a cigarette packet, wherein at least a portion of the shell is translucent or transparent; and at least one slot for receiving an image card, wherein the image card is visible externally of the shell through said translucent or transparent portion when placed in the slot. From <CIT>, a holding device for keeping a cigarette lighter and other compact objects in an abutting manner to a cigarette box is known. The holding device is attached to a medium which contains a message. Once attached to the cigarette box, the holding device may grip a user's peripheral items close to the box, while displaying the message resident on the medium. In this respect, the user would be able to keep their items within the close reach. Additionally, the user and others would be subject to viewing the message whenever the medium is exposed. The medium may further be made independent of the holding device and attachable to the cigarette box for the sole purpose of conveying the message contained therein. <CIT> discloses a sliding friction nano generator. The friction nano generator comprises a first friction layer, a first conductive element, a second friction layer and a second conductive element, wherein the first conductive element is contacted with and arranged below the first friction layer, the second conductive element is contacted with and arranged above the second friction layer, and the upper surface of the first friction layer and the lower surface of the second friction layer are oppositely arranged; relative sliding friction which is tangent to a contact surface between the upper surface of the first friction layer and the lower surface of the second friction layer occurs under the action of an external force, the contact area changes, and electric signals are outputted to an external circuit through the first conductive element and the second conductive element. When a periodic tangential external force is applied to the sliding friction nano generator provided by the invention, AC pulse signal output can be formed between the first conductive element and the second conductive element. <CIT> discloses a self-powered illuminating system based on friction generators. The self-powered illuminating system comprises a friction power generating device, a rectifying circuit, a current-limiting and voltage-limiting circuit and a light source load, wherein a plurality of friction generators are packaged in the friction power generating device, the two input ends of the rectifying circuit are electrically connected to the two output ends of the friction power generating device, the two input ends of the current-limiting and voltage-limiting circuit are electrically connected to the two output ends of the rectifying circuit, and the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the light source load are electrically connected to the two output ends of the current-limiting and voltage-limiting circuit respectively. The friction power generating device converts outside mechanical energy to electric energy, the rectifying circuit converts alternating currents output by the friction power generating device to direct currents, the current-limiting and voltage-limiting circuit limits voltages and currents of the direct currents output by the rectifying circuit within a preset range, and the direct currents with voltages and currents limited within the preset range drive the light source load to emit light. From <CIT>, a wrapper for a product is known, the wrapper comprising a film having an RFID tag attached thereto. <CIT> discloses an electronic cigarette and a wireless charging device for the electronic cigarette. The electronic cigarette comprises a reception coil electrically connected to a cell and arranged in the electronic cigarette body with parallel axis. The charging device comprises an electronic switch controlled by a transmission control unit and a transmission coil utilized for inserting the electronic cigarette electrically connected to a power supply in tum, and the housing of the charging device is provided with plughole or sleeve corresponding to the transmission coil. From <CIT>, a packaging for an electronic smoking device is known which includes a cutout portion that allows light emitted by an LED on the device to shine outside the package. The LED can be configured to blink or emit patterned light during a retail mode, but not during a shipping mode or normal operation mode. In <CIT>, a personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.

The present disclosure provides packages configured to output a perceptible effect and related systems, methods and products.

A product according to the invention is defined in independent claim <NUM>. Some embodiments of the product according to invention are defined in dependent claims <NUM>-<NUM>.

A method according to the invention is defined in independent claim <NUM>. Some embodiments of the method according to invention are defined in dependent claims <NUM>-<NUM>.

The present disclosure now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to certain preferred aspects. These aspects are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Indeed, the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein; rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. As used in the specification, and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", "the", include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Various products are sold in retail establishments. Such stores often carry a wide variety of types and brands of products. Thereby, product packaging may play an important role in dictating sales of the products associated therewith.

In this regard, by way of example, <CIT>, and <CIT>, both to Stebbins et al. , disclose convertible packaging devices which may be employed to house one or more products during shipment, and display the products at a retail store upon conversion of the devices to a display configuration at the retail store. Further, <CIT> to Coatney et al. discloses promotional packaging configured to hold first and second tobacco products, which may differ from one another, in first and second compartments.

However, various other mechanisms and methods for packaging products may be desirable. In this regard, <FIG> illustrates an exploded, partial cutaway view of a product <NUM> according to an example embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the product <NUM> includes a package <NUM>. The package <NUM> includes a first body portion <NUM> and a second body portion <NUM>. The first body portion defines opening <NUM>. The second body portion <NUM> is moveable with respect to the first body portion <NUM> between a closed configuration in which the first body portion substantially closes the opening <NUM> and an open configuration. The open configuration of the package <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>. The closed configuration of the package <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

As further illustrated in <FIG>, the first body portion <NUM> is configured to receive one or more articles <NUM>. The articles <NUM> are accessible from the first body portion <NUM> via the opening <NUM> in the open configuration. Conversely, the articles <NUM> may be substantially inaccessible when the package <NUM> is in the closed configuration.

According to the invention, the first body portion <NUM> is configured to receive one or more tobacco-containing articles. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the articles <NUM> comprise cigarettes <NUM>. In this regard, the package <NUM> may comprise a cigarette hard pack. The package <NUM> may include an inner frame <NUM> that provides the package <NUM> with additional support. Further, the cigarettes <NUM> may be received within an inner wrapper <NUM>, which may be substantially air-tight in order to maintain freshness of the cigarettes. Examples of packages for cigarettes are provided in <CIT>.

The package <NUM> may be formed from various materials. In some embodiments all or a portion of the package <NUM> (e.g., the first body portion <NUM>, the second body portion <NUM>, and/or the inner frame <NUM> may be formed from a paper material (e.g., paper or paperboard). However, as may be understood, various other materials may be employed in other embodiments.

However, as may be understood, the apparatuses and methods disclosed herein are equally applicable to other embodiments of the package configured to receive other embodiments of articles, such as other embodiments of packages configured to receive tobacco-containing articles. For example, the tobacco-containing articles may include a so-called electronic cigarette (i.e., an "e-cigarette" or "e-cig"), a control body or cartridge for an electronic cigarette, or a smokeless tobacco product such as snus or snuff. Further, as may be understood, the particular shape of the package <NUM> may be configured based on the articles received therein (e.g., as a tin, puck, container, box, bubble package, etc., depending on the articles received therein). Accordingly, it should be understood that the product too illustrated in <FIG> is provided for example purposes only.

The package <NUM> further includes a control circuit <NUM>. The control circuit <NUM> may include one or more components configured to perform various functions as described hereinafter. The control circuit <NUM> may include a power supply <NUM> configured to produce an electrical current. Various examples of the power supply <NUM> are described hereinafter, including the claimed invention in which the power supply comprises a power producer 120B.

Additionally, the control circuit <NUM> includes an output mechanism <NUM>. The output mechanism <NUM> is configured to receive the electrical current from the power supply <NUM> and output a perceptible effect. Various embodiments of the output mechanism <NUM> may be included in the control circuit <NUM>. For example, the output mechanism <NUM> may include a light emitter configured to output light, a sound emitter configured to output sound, a display configured to output graphics and/or text, a scent emitter configured to output a smell, and an actuator configured to output motion. In a preferred embodiment the output mechanism <NUM> may be selected from a group consisting of a light emitting diode, an electronic ink, a liquid crystal display, an electroluminescent material (EL), a light emitting electrochemical cell (LEC), and an
electrochromic display.

In embodiments of the output mechanism <NUM> comprising a light emitter the output mechanism may comprise a light emitting diode (LED), or multiple LEDs. In this regard, LEDs may define a relatively high light output to power usage ratio. Further, LEDs may define relatively small sizes such that the LED may be relatively easily received in in the product <NUM>. In some embodiments the LEDs may comprise an organic LED (OLED) such as a polymer OLED (P-OLED). However, in other embodiments of the output mechanism <NUM> the light emitter may comprise an incandescent bulb, a compact fluorescent light (CFL), a halogen bulb, or any other embodiment of light emitter.

In other embodiments in which the output mechanism <NUM> comprises a display, the output mechanism may comprise a liquid-crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube display (CRT), a light emitting diode display, an electroluminescent display (ELD), electronic paper, electronic ink or photonic ink (e.g., electronic ink configured to display two or more colors), a plasma display panel (PDP), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a high-performance addressing display (HPA), a thin-film transistor display (TFT), an organic light-emitting diode display (OLED), a surface-conduction electron-emitter display (SED), a laser television, a carbon nanotube display, a quantum dot display, or an interferometric modulator display (IMOD), or similar materials and constructs or combinations thereof. Regardless of the particular embodiment of the display employed, the display may output one or more of a graphic, a text, a character, an animation, and a video. Video and animation may be employed to attract consumer attention due to the perceived motion associated therewith. Further, the display may be configured to output a single color, or multiple colors. As may be understood, outputting multiple colors may further attract consumer attention.

Example embodiments of flexible bi-stable two color LCDs are available from Kent Displays of Kent, Ohio. Example embodiments of electrochromic displays are available from Ynvisible of Cartaxo, Portugal. Example embodiments of electronic ink are available from Opalux, Inc. of Toronto, Canada. One embodiment of electronic ink referred to as active ink may employ photonic crystals made out of silica beads embedded in a resilient electroactive polymer and sandwiched between transparent electrodes. When a voltage is applied, an electrolyte fluid is drawn into the polymer composite, causing the polymer composite to swell, which alters the spacing of the photonic crystals, affecting which wavelengths of light the photonic crystals reflect. Thereby, the reflected light may form graphics and/or text in one or more colors.

Embodiments of the output mechanism <NUM> comprising sound emitters may include one or more speakers (e.g., electroacoustic transducers), buzzers, electric bells, chimes, etc. Thereby, the audible output may include one or more of music, speech, buzzing, ringing, etc. In some embodiments of the output mechanism <NUM> the sound emitter may output information regarding the product <NUM>.

Embodiments of the output mechanism <NUM> comprising scent emitters may be configured to output a scent via one of various mechanisms. For example, the scent emitter may be configured to release a pressurized scented fluid to the surrounding atmosphere via an electromechanical valve. By way of further example, a fan may blow air through or past a scented medium to deliver a scent to the surrounding atmosphere. In another embodiment the scent emitter may comprise a heater (e.g., a resistance heater) configured to heat a scented medium to vaporize or otherwise release the scent to the surrounding atmosphere. In one embodiment the scent may be configured to mimic a scent of the one or more articles <NUM>. In this regard, the package <NUM> may be substantially sealed or may otherwise prevent the scent associated with the one or more articles <NUM> from entering the surrounding atmosphere. Thereby, the output mechanism <NUM> may instead output the scent of the articles <NUM> (e.g., tobacco), to provide consumers with a sense of the smell or flavor (e.g., menthol or vanilla) associated therewith.

Embodiments of the output mechanism <NUM> comprising actuators configured to output motion may include solenoids, electric motors (e.g., rotary or linear), and vibratory mechanisms (e.g., comprising a rotary motor and an eccentric mass). Accordingly, the actuator may cause physical motion of the product <NUM> as a whole or a portion thereof. Physical motion may be employed for the same reason animation and video may be employed in a display, as described above. In this regard, motion may be readily noticed and perceived by a consumer.

In the illustrated embodiment the control circuit <NUM> is coupled to the first body portion <NUM>. However, in other embodiments the control circuit <NUM> may be coupled to the second body portion <NUM>. Alternatively, part of the control circuit <NUM> (e.g., the power supply <NUM> or the output mechanism <NUM>) may be coupled to the first body portion <NUM> whereas another part of the control circuit (e.g., the other of the power supply and the output mechanism) may be coupled to the second body portion <NUM>. In other embodiments all or a portion of the control circuit may be coupled to one or more other parts of the package <NUM> (e.g., the inner frame <NUM>).

In some embodiments some, or all, of the various circuits disclosed herein may be partially or fully printed on one or more portions of the package <NUM> such as the first body portion <NUM>, the second body portion <NUM>, and/or the inner frame <NUM>. Further, as noted above, in some embodiments one or more portions of the package <NUM> may comprise a paper material. The paper material may include a coating of nanocellulose to make it substantially smooth. Thereby, printing of a circuit thereon may be facilitated.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, in one embodiment the package <NUM> may comprise a logo <NUM>. The logo <NUM> may be printed on one or both of the first body portion <NUM> and the second body portion <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the logo <NUM> is printed on an outer front surface <NUM> of the first body portion <NUM>. As noted above, the package <NUM> includes the output mechanism <NUM>. In this regard, in some embodiments the output mechanism <NUM> may be positioned at the logo <NUM>. More particularly, the output mechanism <NUM> may be integrated into the design of the logo <NUM>.

For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the output mechanism <NUM> may be positioned at an eye portion of the logo <NUM>. Thereby, in embodiments in which the output mechanism <NUM> is configured to output light, the logo <NUM> may appear to wink or glow. In this embodiment the output mechanism <NUM> may comprise, by way of example, an incandescent bulb, a halogen bulb, or a light emitting diode.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, the output mechanism <NUM> may be positioned at a background portion of the logo <NUM>. Further, the output mechanism <NUM> may be configured to change color or shade or produce any other visible perceptible effect. In one embodiment the output mechanism <NUM> may change color or shade across the entire display surface thereof. However, in another embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, the output mechanism <NUM> may be configured to change color or shade across only a portion of the display area defined by the output mechanism <NUM> at the exterior of the package <NUM>. For example, the output mechanism <NUM> may change color or shade in a pattern (e.g., a series of separated lines or segments), as illustrated in <FIG>. Output of a visible perceptible effect in a pattern may be more pronounced, with improved contrast, which may be more easily perceived by a consumer. Further, in embodiments in which the output mechanism <NUM> comprises an electrochromic display, output of a pattern, rather than a uniform change across the entirety of the display area thereof, may occur relatively more rapidly. In this regard, switching times may be relatively slow for electrochromic displays.

Accordingly, the output mechanism <NUM> that outputs a perceptible effect may draw a consumer's attention to the package <NUM> and the product <NUM> as a whole. Further, in embodiments in which the output mechanism <NUM> is positioned at the logo <NUM>, the output mechanism may additionally specifically draw a consumer's attention to the logo.

Regardless of the type of output mechanism <NUM> employed and whether or not the output mechanism is positioned at the logo <NUM>, the output mechanism may be coupled to (e.g., embedded in or positioned inside) the package <NUM>. More generally, some or all of the control circuit <NUM> may be coupled to (e.g., embedded in or positioned inside) the package <NUM>. In this regard, <FIG> schematically illustrates a partial sectional view through the package <NUM>. As illustrated, in one embodiment some or all the control circuit <NUM> may be received between the first body portion <NUM> and the inner frame <NUM>. Thereby, for example, the power supply <NUM> and/or the output mechanism <NUM> may be substantially or totally hidden from view.

However, as described herein and illustrated in <FIG>, in some embodiments the output mechanism <NUM> may be configured to output a visible perceptible effect <NUM>. In embodiments in which the output mechanism <NUM> outputs the visible perceptible effect <NUM>, the output mechanism may be positioned such that at least a portion of the output mechanism <NUM> extends to an outer surface of the package <NUM>. For example, the output mechanism <NUM> may extend to the outer front surface <NUM> of the first body portion <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. Thereby the perceptible effect <NUM> may be visible to consumers.

As further illustrated in <FIG>, in some embodiments the package <NUM> may additionally include an outer wrapper <NUM>, which may surround the first body portion <NUM> and the second body portion <NUM>. However, the outer wrapper <NUM> may be translucent or transparent such that the perceptible effect <NUM> is visible therethrough. For example, in some embodiments the outer wrapper may comprise a plastic film (e.g., oriented polypropylene). Alternatively, the perceptible effect <NUM> may be visible after removal of the outer wrapper <NUM>.

Various embodiments of the power supply <NUM> may be employed to supply power to the output mechanism <NUM>. As a result of the product <NUM> being preferably configured as portable, it may be desirable to configure the product such that a wired connection to an external power supply (e.g., an alternative current wall outlet) is not required. Thus, for example, in one embodiment the power supply may comprise a battery. The battery may be replaceable, rechargeable, or configured to last a lifetime of the product <NUM>. However, batteries may be relatively bulky, particularly in terms of a minimum thickness, which may require an undesirable redesign of the size or shape of the package to accommodate the battery. Similarly, capacitors may suffer from similar sizing challenges. Further, inclusion of specialized circuits configured to control the output of current from the capacitor may be required, which may be cost prohibitive.

Accordingly, usage of other embodiments of the power supply <NUM> to provide electrical current to the output mechanism <NUM> may be desirable. Thus, as described hereinafter, the power supply <NUM> comprises a power producer. A power producer, as used herein, refers to an embodiment of the power supply <NUM> configured to produce, as opposed to store or transmit, an electrical current. Thus, batteries, capacitors, and other current storage mechanisms are not by themselves considered to be power producers within the meaning of a power producer as this term is used herein. Note, however, that in some embodiments the control circuit may include a battery, a capacitor, or other current storage mechanism in combination with a power producer. Thereby, the current stored by the battery, capacitor, or other current storage mechanism may be selectively outputted to the output mechanism when desired. Further, it should be understood that wired connections that transmit current therethrough to the product from an external power supply (e.g., a wall outlet or an adapter connected thereto) do not fall within the definition of a power producer, as used herein.

In each of the embodiments of the power supply <NUM> described below the power supply comprises a power producer. The power producer is configured to employ energy harvesting to produce electrical current. The power supply <NUM> may be configured to receive and convert ambient energy into electrical current. The ambient energy may come from electric or magnetic fields or radio waves from nearby electrical equipment, light, thermal energy (e.g., heat), or kinetic energy such as vibration or motion. An example of a device configured to perform ambient energy harvesting is the smart current sensor chip developed by Dr. Or of Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Energy harvesting is also described in <CIT>.

In another embodiment not according to the invention, the power supply <NUM> may comprise a light-to-power conversion mechanism. The light-to-power conversion mechanism may be configured to receive light from a light source and output electrical current. Thus, the light-to-power conversion mechanism may comprise a photovoltaic cell. Various embodiments of light-to-power conversion mechanisms are described in <CIT>.

However, additional components may be required for usage of the light-to-power conversion mechanism in the product. For example, a current storage mechanism (e.g., a battery or a capacitor) may be required to store and accumulate current produced by the light-to-power conversion mechanism until sufficient current is available to activate the output mechanism. Further, a switch may be required to release the current from the energy storage device and activate the output mechanism.

Additionally, the product <NUM> may spend a relatively large portion of time indoors prior to sale and when in the possession of the consumer after sale. Ambient light in indoor locations may be of relatively low intensity, and the area of the light-to-power conversion mechanism may be relatively small, particularly when included in products such as cigarette packs that are configured to be handheld. Thus, the amount of power produced by a light-to-power conversion mechanism may be relatively low. Thereby, the amount of time during which there is sufficient current for the output mechanism <NUM> to output a perceptible effect in any given time period may be undesirably short.

Accordingly, usage of other embodiments of power producers may be desirable. For example, <FIG> illustrates an example embodiment, which is not part of the invention, of the control circuit 118A wherein the power supply 120A comprises an inductive coil <NUM>. The inductive coil <NUM> may be configured to produce electrical current that powers the output mechanism <NUM>. As further illustrated in <FIG>, the control circuit <NUM> may additionally include a rectifier circuit 134A. The rectifier circuit 134A may be configured to convert the electric current produced by the inductive coil from an alternating current to a direct current.

In some embodiments the product <NUM> may be configured to operate in conjunction with an auxiliary electronic device. In this regard, <FIG> illustrates an auxiliary electronic device <NUM> according to an example embodiment which is not part of the invention. The auxiliary electronic device <NUM> may comprise a smartphone, a cellphone, or a personal digital assistant, or define any of various other form factors and/or be configured to perform various other functions. Regardless of the particular embodiment selected, the auxiliary electronic device <NUM> may include a power supply <NUM> and an inductive coil <NUM>. The power supply <NUM> may be configured to supply power to the inductive coil <NUM> to produce a magnetic field that the inductive coil <NUM> of the power supply <NUM> of the product <NUM> employs to produce the electrical current.

In particular, the inductive coil <NUM> of the product <NUM> and the inductive coil <NUM> of the auxiliary electronic device <NUM> may be placed in proximity to form an electrical transformer by, for example, bringing the product and the auxiliary electronic device <NUM> into close proximity. A change in current in the inductive coil <NUM> of the auxiliary electronic device <NUM>, as provided by the power supply <NUM> thereof, produces an alternating electromagnetic field that induces a voltage across the ends of the inductive coil <NUM> of the product <NUM>. The induced voltage at the inductive coil <NUM> of the product <NUM> may be provided as an alternating current. Thereby, the rectifier circuit 134A of the product <NUM> may convert the electrical current to direct current. The direct current outputted from the rectifier circuit 134A may thereby power the output mechanism <NUM>. In some embodiments resonant inductive coupling may be employed to improve the allowed range between the auxiliary inductive coil <NUM> of the auxiliary electronic device <NUM> and the inductive coil <NUM> of the product <NUM>. Note that the auxiliary electronic device <NUM> may operate in conjunction with any of the embodiments of the product <NUM> described herein including the inductive coil <NUM>, and hence the operation thereof will not be described again hereinafter.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment which is not part of the invention of the control circuit 118B further comprising a communicator <NUM>. The communicator <NUM> may be electrically coupled to the inductive coil <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the communicator <NUM> may be configured to receive electrical current from the rectifier circuit 134A, which receives electrical current from the inductive coil <NUM> as noted above.

The communicator <NUM> may be configured to transmit a signal to an auxiliary electronic device and/or receive a signal from an auxiliary electronic device. For example, the communicator <NUM> may be configured to transmit a signal to, or receive a signal from, the above-described auxiliary electronic device <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the auxiliary electronic device <NUM> may further comprise an auxiliary communicator <NUM> configured to receive a signal from the communicator <NUM> and/or transmit a signal thereto. In this regard, the inductive coils <NUM>, <NUM> may define antennas.

Thereby, the product <NUM> may transmit data to or receive data from the auxiliary electronic device <NUM>. In some embodiments the communicator <NUM> of the product <NUM> and the communicator <NUM> of the auxiliary electronic device <NUM> may be configured to communicate via one or more known wireless communication standards, such as BLUETOOTH, or Wi-Fi. In one embodiment the communicator <NUM> of the product <NUM> and the communicator <NUM> of the auxiliary electronic device <NUM> may be configured to communicate via the Near Field Communication (NFC) communication protocol. Such communications may typically occur at separation distances between the product <NUM> and the auxiliary electronic device <NUM> of about ten centimeters (<NUM> inches) or less. In this regard, inductive coupling as described above may occur over relatively short distances. NFC circuits and related components (e.g., inductive coils), including related printed circuits, are available from PragmaticIC of Cambridge, United Kingdom. Such circuits may be produced via thermal nanoimprint lithography or ultraviolet nanoimprint lithograpy in some embodiments.

Various types of data may be transmitted from the product <NUM> to the auxiliary electronic device <NUM>. For example, data regarding usage of the product <NUM> may be transferred. By way of further example, the data transferred may include the number of times the product <NUM> has been opened, or the remaining and/or used number of articles <NUM> in the package <NUM>, which may be determined by one or more sensors that may be included in the control circuit 118B.

Conversely, various types of data may be received by the product <NUM>, which may be transmitted thereto by the auxiliary electronic device <NUM>. For example, the auxiliary electronic device <NUM> may transmit instructions for when and how to output the perceptible effect. By way of further example, in embodiments of the product <NUM> in which the output mechanism <NUM> comprises a display, the data transmitted to the product may include a message for display by the output mechanism or the data may change what is displayed in a sequence. In other embodiments the product <NUM> may transfer data to the auxiliary electronic device <NUM> indicating that the product <NUM> has been opened or otherwise used. The auxiliary electronic device <NUM> may then transfer this data to a server which may include a database of sales information. The database may be populated to reflect a sale based on the data transferred from the product <NUM> and/or the server may verify the sale or determine that the product was removed from the supply chain without authorization. Based on this determination, the server may transfer data to the auxiliary electronic device <NUM>, which may then transfer data to the product <NUM>, which may lock or unlock, or enable or disable certain features of the product. In one embodiment a message may be displayed indicating that the product <NUM> has been stolen when such a determination is made, or a message could thank a user for the purchase when the server determines that the product was legitimately purchased. As may be understood, various other functions may be performed depending on whether or not the server determines that the product was legitimately sold or not.

As further illustrated in <FIG>, in addition to or alternatively to the communicator <NUM>, in some embodiments the control circuit 118B (or any of the other control circuits disclosed herein) may comprise a controller <NUM> (e.g., a circuit board). As may be understood, without the controller <NUM>, the output mechanism <NUM> may output the perceptible effect each time the inductive coil <NUM> outputs electrical current, which may occur each time the product <NUM> is in close proximity to the auxiliary electronic device <NUM> or other device including a corresponding inductive coil. Conversely, in embodiments of the product <NUM> including the controller <NUM>, the controller may be configured to selectively direct the electrical current produced by the power supply to the output mechanism <NUM> to thereby selectively output the perceptible effect. In this regard, in some embodiments it may be preferable to output the perceptible effect only in certain instances, rather than each time the inductive circuit outputs the electrical current. Thus, in some embodiments the controller <NUM> may include a current storage mechanism (e.g., a battery or capacitor) and/or a switch or sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor or acceleration sensor) such that the controller may output the electrical current to the output mechanism <NUM> to thereby output the perceptible effect only in one or more specified circumstances, such as when a user shakes the product <NUM> or after a specified interval of time during which the product has remained stationary or unopened, to thereby encourage use. As may be understood, the controller <NUM> may be configured to selectively direct the electrical current to the output mechanism <NUM> in various other manners under various other circumstances.

Note that in embodiments of the control circuit <NUM> including the inductive coil <NUM>, the package <NUM> may be configured so as to reduce interference and improve inductive coupling. In this regard, the inner wrapper <NUM> around the cigarettes <NUM> may typically comprise a metal foil material. Such metal foil may interfere with the inductive coupling between the inductive coil <NUM> of the control circuit <NUM> and the auxiliary inductive coil <NUM> of the auxiliary electronic device <NUM>. Accordingly, in some embodiments the package <NUM> may be formed from non-metallic materials. For example, the inner wrapper <NUM> may comprise a paper material with a barrier liner in order to preserve freshness of the cigarettes <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments the paper material may include a coating of atomic layer deposition (ALD) to seal the paper material from moisture. Further, the coating of ALD may be combined with a flexible layer (e.g., a flexible polymer) to resist the formation of cracks in the ALD coating. Further, in some embodiments the ALD coating and the flexible layer may be provided at various other portions of the package <NUM> such as at the first body portion <NUM> and the second body portion <NUM> to provide moisture barrier properties and flexibility which may optionally be used in place of the outer wrapper <NUM>.

As illustrated for example in <FIG> and <FIG>, the output mechanism <NUM> may be separate from the rectifier circuit <NUM> and configured to receive electrical current therefrom. However, in another embodiment of the control circuit 118C, the output mechanism <NUM> may be included in the rectifier circuit 134B, as illustrated in <FIG>. In this regard, the rectifier circuit 134B may comprise one or more diodes configured to convert the electric current produced by the inductive coil <NUM> from an alternating current to a direct current. Further, in some embodiments the output mechanism <NUM> may comprise a light emitting diode configured to output the visible perceptible effect <NUM> (see, <FIG>). Accordingly, in one embodiment in which the output mechanism <NUM> comprises a light emitting diode, the output mechanism may output the visible perceptible effect <NUM> and convert the electric current from an alternating current to a direct current by taking the place of another diode in the rectifier circuit 134B. Thus, in this embodiment the output mechanism <NUM> may perform two differing functions and reduce the component count of the control circuit <NUM>, which may reduce the size and/or cost of the control circuit 118C.

As may be understood, the output mechanism <NUM> is included in the control circuit <NUM>, and various other components may be included in the control circuit <NUM> as described elsewhere herein. Thus, by way of example, <FIG> illustrates an embodiment , which is not part of the invention, of the control circuit 118D wherein the output mechanism <NUM> is included in the rectifier circuit 134B and wherein the control circuit further comprises the communicator <NUM>. In some embodiments the controller <NUM> may be further included in the control circuit 118D in addition or alternatively to the communicator <NUM>.

According to the invention, the power supply <NUM> is configured to produce the electrical current in response to movement of the package <NUM>. In this regard, <FIG> schematically illustrates a partial sectional view through the package <NUM> including the power producer 120B. The power producer 120B may comprise a static-electric nanogenerator (SENG). Example embodiments of SENGs are in development by Dr. Wang at Georgia Institute of Technology and by Dr. Zhou at Huazhong University of Science and Technology. According to the invention, the power producer 120B includes a plurality of films <NUM>, <NUM>. The films include a first film <NUM> and a second film <NUM>. The films <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to contact and release from one another.

In this regard, in the illustrated embodiment the first film <NUM> is coupled to the inner frame <NUM> and the second film <NUM> is coupled to the second body portion <NUM>. As illustrated, when the second body portion <NUM> is positioned with respect to the first body portion <NUM> in the closed configuration, the first film <NUM> may contact the second film <NUM>. Conversely, as may be understood, when the second body portion <NUM> is positioned with respect to the first body portion in the open configuration (see, e.g., <FIG>), the first film <NUM> and the second film may be out of contact with one another.

<FIG> schematically illustrate an embodiment of the control circuit 118E including the power producer 120B of <FIG>. As illustrated, the first film <NUM> may include a pad 138A and an electrode 138B. Similarly, the second film <NUM> may include a pad 140A and an electrode 140B.

The films <NUM>, <NUM> may define differing electronegativities. The pads 138A, 140A may comprise paper, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), poly-methyl methacrylate (PPMA) or KAPTON film, polyethylene, polypropylene and their copolymers, polydimethyl siloxane based polymers, polylactic acid and polyhydoxylakanoate, and regenerated cellulose polymers which may be chemically modified to charge in the manner described herein, or other electrically-insulating materials. The electrodes 138B, 140B may comprise copper, silver, or carbon, or other electrically conductive materials. In one particular example embodiment the first film <NUM> may comprise PET and silver as the pad 138A and the electrode 138B, respectively. Further, in one example embodiment the second film <NUM> may comprise PTFE and copper as the pad 140A and the electrode 140B, respectively.

A charge may be applied to one of the films <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, plasma may be employed to apply the charge to one of the films <NUM>, <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, in one embodiment the second film <NUM>' may further comprise a charged layer 140C, to which the charge is applied. The charged layer 140C may comprise one of the materials described above with respect to the films <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the films <NUM>, <NUM> as they are brought into contact with one another. This may occur as the second body portion <NUM> is moved with respect to the first body portion <NUM> to the closed configuration (i.e., when the package <NUM> is closed). As the films <NUM>, <NUM> are brought into contact with one another, a potential builds at the interface therebetween, at which contact between the electrode 138B of the first film <NUM> and the pad 140A of the second film <NUM> may occur. In some embodiments this potential may be temporarily stored, whereas in other embodiments the potential may be outputted as electrical current that activates the output mechanism <NUM> as the package <NUM> is closed.

<FIG> illustrates the films <NUM>, <NUM> as they are separated from one another. This may occur as the second body portion <NUM> is moved with respect to the first body portion <NUM> to the open configuration <NUM> (i.e., when the package <NUM> is opened). As the films <NUM>, <NUM> are separated from one another, the potential is released as electrical current that may thereby power the output mechanism <NUM>. Accordingly, in this embodiment the output mechanism <NUM> may output the perceptible effect each time the package <NUM> is opened.

Accordingly, as noted above, in some embodiments the output mechanism may output the perceptible effect when the package is opened. This may occur as a result of the power supply producing the electric current during this movement by producing static electricity. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit may include a switch or sensor that detects the position of the second body portion with respect to the first body portion, and which directs power to the output mechanism when the second body portion reaches one or more selected positions with respect to the first body portion. For example, the switch may direct the electrical current to the output mechanism when the second body portion is moved with respect to the first body portion to the closed configuration and/or the open configuration. Accordingly, for example, in some embodiments the output mechanism may be configured to output the perceptible effect in response to movement of the second body portion relative to the first body portion from the closed configuration to the open configuration, in order to encourage access or usage of the articles included therein. As may be understood, in some embodiments the control circuit 118E may further include the above-described communicator <NUM> and/or the controller <NUM>, which may perform substantially the same functions as described above.

Although example embodiments of the power supply are described above, it should be understood that various other types of power supplies may be employed in the product. For example, in other embodiments which are not part of the invention, the power supply may comprise a magnetic power producer, which may include magnets configured to produce electrical current in a coil when the magnets separate. For example, the magnets may be positioned substantially as described above with respect to the films <NUM>, <NUM>. However, such magnetic power producers may only produce electrical current for a brief period of time, whereas a longer power generation period may be preferable.

In an additional embodiment which is not part of the invention, the power supply may comprise a piezoelectric power producer. However, piezoelectric devices may be relatively expensive and/or require a relatively large tap or other such user interaction to produce the electrical current required for operation of the output mechanism.

In a further embodiment the power supply may comprise a triboelectric power producer. Triboelectric power producers produce electrical current from static electricity via rubbing of materials together in frictive contact. Thus, for example, a triobelectric power producer may include first and second portions that are positioned substantially as described above with respect to the films <NUM>, <NUM>. Thereby, for example, the first and second portions of the triboelectric power producer may rub against one another during opening and closing of the package.

In another embodiment which is not part of the invention, the power supply <NUM> may employ capacitive coupling to produce the electrical current. In capacitive coupling, which may also be referred to as electrostatic induction, power is transmitted by electric fields between electrodes such as metal plates. The pair of electrodes form a capacitor, with the intervening space serving as the dielectric. Thereby, when electrical current is provided to the plate at an auxiliary electronic device as an alternating current, the oscillating electric field induces an alternating potential on the plate at the product by electrostatic induction, which may be converted to a direct current via usage of a rectifying circuit.

In other embodiments which are not part of the invention, the power supply <NUM> may employ a far-field power transmission mechanism. For example far-field energy transmission techniques may include microwave power transmission and laser power transmission. Although these techniques may be employed to transmit electrical power wirelessly, such techniques may require usage of specialized antennas and other mechanisms which may undesirably increase the cost and/or size of the product.

In some embodiments the product <NUM> may be displayed in a product display system as disclosed in <CIT>, to Rogers. Thereby, for example, the output mechanism <NUM> may be activated while received in the product display in additional to, or alternatively to, the other instances in which the output mechanism is activated as described elsewhere herein.

A related method for assembling a product is also provided. As illustrated in <FIG> the method includes providing a package at operation <NUM>. The package includes a power producer configured to produce an electrical current and an output mechanism configured to receive the electrical current from the power producer and output a perceptible effect. Further, the method includes inserting one or more tobacco-containing articles into the package at operation <NUM>.

Providing the package at operation <NUM> includes providing a first body portion defining an opening and a second body portion moveable with respect to the first body portion between a closed configuration in which the first body portion substantially closes the opening and an open configuration. Inserting one or more tobacco-containing articles into the package at operation <NUM> includes inserting the one or more tobacco-containing articles into the first body portion.

In some embodiments not according to the invention, the power producer comprises an inductive coil. The output mechanism may include a light emitting diode. The light emitting diode may be included in a rectifier circuit configured to convert the electric current from an alternating current to a direct current. Providing the package may include electrically coupling a communicator to the inductive coil. The communicator may be configured to communicate with an auxiliary electronic device. Further, the method may include wrapping the one or more tobacco-containing articles with an inner wrapper comprising a paper material.

Claim 1:
A product, comprising:
a package (<NUM>) comprising:
one or more tobacco-containing articles received in the package (<NUM>),
a first body portion (<NUM>) defining an opening and a second body portion (<NUM>) moveable with respect to the first body portion (<NUM>) between a closed configuration in which the second body portion (<NUM>) substantially closes the opening and an open configuration, wherein the one or more tobacco-containing articles are received in the first body portion (<NUM>) and accessible via the opening in the open configuration;
said package comprising a control circuit comprising:
a power producer (120B); and
an output mechanism (<NUM>) configured to receive an electrical current from the power producer (120B) and output a perceptible effect; said product being characterised in that:
the power producer (120B) comprises a plurality of films (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to produce an electrical current via movement between the films (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
the movement between the films (<NUM>, <NUM>) in response to movement of the second body portion (<NUM>) relative to the first body portion (<NUM>) produces the electrical current to output the perceptible effect of the output mechanism.