EP3595982B1 - Package for smoking articles - Google Patents
Package for smoking articles Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3595982B1 EP3595982B1 EP18709617.7A EP18709617A EP3595982B1 EP 3595982 B1 EP3595982 B1 EP 3595982B1 EP 18709617 A EP18709617 A EP 18709617A EP 3595982 B1 EP3595982 B1 EP 3595982B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- tab
- slide rail
- container
- inner container
- outer container
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 230000000391 smoking effect Effects 0.000 title claims description 21
- 235000019504 cigarettes Nutrition 0.000 description 18
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 9
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000002787 reinforcement Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical group [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000000796 flavoring agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000019634 flavors Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000976 ink Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004922 lacquer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002966 varnish Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/38—Drawer-and-shell type containers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/07—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for compressible or flexible articles
- B65D85/08—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for compressible or flexible articles rod-shaped or tubular
- B65D85/10—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for compressible or flexible articles rod-shaped or tubular for cigarettes
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a package for smoking articles.
- the invention relates to a so-called side-slide pack having an inner container, containing a bundle of cigarettes, inserted within an outer container and arranged to slide between an open and a closed position.
- the inner container In the closed position the inner container is substantially within the outer container such that access to the bundle of cigarettes is prevented. In the open position the inner container is partially out of the outer container such that access to the bundle of cigarettes is allowed.
- the inner container can accommodate two bundles of cigarettes, each wrapped in an inner liner.
- the bundle of cigarettes is wrapped in an inner liner to ensure that the bundle is rigid enough to withstand the manufacturing process. Additionally, the inner liner assists in controlling moisture of the cigarettes and allows oxygen exchange, which ensures freshness of the product.
- CN202686921 U describes an outer container including two tabs foldable at the sides of one of the major panels that are shaped as a guide for a tongue projecting from the inner container.
- CN202244723U describes an inner wall of the outer container including a guide with limit stop edges that delimit movement of the inner container.
- the relative movement of the guides and tabs may create a slight bulging in an outer wall of the outer container which is undesirable for some users.
- An object of the present invention is to address and mitigate some of these problems.
- CN 203 283 494 U discloses a side-pushing double slide type cigarette case that forms part of the background art (disclosure of the preamble-portion of claim 1).
- a package for smoking articles comprising: an outer container having an outer wall; an inner container that is movable relative to the outer container, wherein the inner container is provided inwardly of the outer wall and comprises at least one compartment for holding a plurality of smoking articles; a slide rail provided on one of the outer container and the inner container and a tab provided on the other of the outer container and the inner container, wherein the tab is configured to slide with respect to the rail, and the slide rail and tab provide, in respective relative positions, a closed position for the inner container, and first and second open positions; wherein the slide rail and the tab are provided inwardly of the outer wall of the outer container, wherein the tab is arranged to loop over the slide rail in order to engage with the slide rail.
- the slide rail may comprise a slot in the inner container.
- the tab may be provided in the outer container such that it can be received in the slot. It has been found that this is a convenient arrangement for positioning the sliding interaction inwardly in the package, relative to the outer container.
- the first open position may be achieved when the tab is positioned at a first side of the slot and the second open position may be achieved when the tab is positioned at a second side of the slot.
- the edges of the slot may therefore provide limits to the movement of the tab.
- the slot may be provided in the outer container and the tab in the inner container.
- the slide rail may be provided by a folded flap on one of the outer container and the inner container. In this way, the slide rail can be created without any glue, and simply by folding a flap of a blank. This can improve the ease of manufacture.
- the inner and outer container are typically formed from a plurality of panels.
- one panel of the inner container comprises the tab and one panel of the outer container comprises the slide rail.
- one panel of the inner container comprises the slide rail and one panel of the outer container comprises the tab.
- the panel of the outer container containing the tab or the slide rail is preferably double-layered. By providing this double-layered panel, the tab and/or the slide rail is not visible from the outside, which is more aesthetically appealing and also protects the tab and/or the slide rail from being damaged.
- the tab is arranged to loop over the slide rail from the perspective of the outer container or the inner container on which the tab is provided.
- the slide rail and tab may be biased together. This can allow a firm engagement to be achieved between the slide rail and tab where they slide against one another.
- the biasing may be achieved by providing the slide rail as a folded flap which has a natural bias due to the flexing resistance of the material.
- the slide rail may comprise a major surface which is angled relative to the outer wall of the outer container. An acute angle may be formed between the slide rail and the outer wall of the outer container.
- the slide rail may be provided on the outer container of the package with the tab provided on the inner container of the package.
- the tab may be positioned between the slide rail and the outer wall of the outer container.
- the slide rail may be provided between the tab and the outer wall of the outer container of the package.
- the first open position is reached by sliding the inner container in a first direction from the closed position, relative to the outer container
- the second open position is reached by sliding the inner container in a second direction from the closed position, relative to the outer container, wherein the first and second directions are opposite to one another.
- the slide rail comprises first and second limit stops for limiting movement of the tab relative to the rail between the first and second open positions.
- the length of the slide rail may be less than the width of the outer container or the inner container, on which the slide rail is provided.
- the limit stops may be provided between the respective ends of the slide rail and the edges of the outer container or the inner container, as appropriate.
- a blank for forming a container for a smoking article package comprises an outer surface, two major longitudinal panels, a base panel, and at least one of (i) a plurality of minor longitudinal side panels and (ii) a top panel, where the panels can be assembled to form a container for holding smoking articles.
- At least one major longitudinal panel comprises a tab projecting from the outer surface of the major longitudinal panel.
- the tab may be formed by cutting.
- the at least one major longitudinal panel comprising the tab may be double-layered.
- a blank for forming a container for a smoking article package comprising two major longitudinal panels, a base panel, and at least one of (i) a plurality of minor longitudinal side panels and (ii) a top panel, where the panels can be assembled to form a container for holding smoking article, where at least one major longitudinal panel comprises a slide rail.
- the blank may further comprise reinforcement panels to form at least one double-layered major longitudinal panel, wherein one of the reinforcement panels comprises a folded flap that forms the slide rail.
- a pair of blanks for forming a smoking article package comprising: an outer container blank that can be assembled into an outer container having an outer wall; an inner container blank that can be assembled into an inner container that is movable relative to the outer container and is provided inwardly of the outer wall and comprises at least one compartment for holding a plurality of smoking articles; wherein one of the inner container blank and the outer container blank comprises a slide rail, and the other of the inner container blank and the outer container blank comprises a tab, wherein, when assembled the tab is configured to slide with respect to the rail, and the slide rail and tab provide, in respective relative positions, a closed position for the inner container, and first and second open positions, and wherein the slide rail and the tab are provided inwardly of the outer wall of the outer container, wherein the tab is arranged to loop over the slide rail in order to engage with the slide rail.
- a package for smoking articles 2 comprises an inner container 4 and an outer container 6, which are formed from respective blanks.
- the outer container 6 is a rectangular prism with two open sides.
- the inner container 4 is a rectangular prism that is sized and shaped so that it can be received entirely within the outer container 6.
- Smoking articles 8 are accommodated within the inner container 4.
- the inner container 4 comprises a slot 10 with a length that is slightly less than the width of a front face of the inner container 4.
- Two hinged lids 12, 14 are provided at the upper end of the inner container 4, and these can be opened independently to access respective bundles of cigarettes, each wrapped in a liner.
- a tab 16 is provided on an inner surface of the outer container 6 such that it projects inwardly towards the inner container 4.
- the inner container 4 can therefore slide relative to the outer container 6, with the limits of movement determined by the positions at which the tab 16 abuts the edges of the slot 10.
- a user can slide the inner container 4 relative to the outer container 6 so that one of the hinged lids 12, 14 becomes visible. The user can then open the relevant hinged lid 12, 14 to access the cigarettes.
- the inner container 4 In its closed position the inner container 4 is entirely contained within the outer container 6.
- the inner container 4 can be moved in two possible directions, which are opposite to one another, while the tab 16 is received in the slot 10.
- the inner container 4 can be moved in a first direction to access the cigarettes beneath a first hinged lid 12, and in a second direction to access the cigarettes beneath a second hinged lid 14.
- the cigarettes beneath the first and second hinged lids 12, 14 may have different properties, such as flavour.
- the sliding interaction between the tab 16 and the slot 10 is provided inwardly of an outer surface 17 of the outer container 6. It has been found advantageous to position sliding surfaces inwardly of the outer surface 17 as this means they are less affected by external factors. This can improve the reliability of the operation, and it can reduce the visibility of the movement of one surface against another when viewed externally of the outer surface 17.
- the tab 16 in this arrangement may be a simple projection extending from the outer container 6 towards the inner container 4.
- the tab 16 is hooked such that it loops over an edge of the slot 10.
- the tab 16 is formed in a circumferential contour of the blank of the outer container 6.
- the tab 16 is formed along part of an outer edge of the blank. This may be advantageous because the tab 16 can be formed in a single step when the blank is separated from a sheet of material. When a laser is used for cutting the blank from the sheet of material, this may be achieved in a single continuous operation, around the circumferential contour or outline.
- a second embodiment of the invention is described with reference to Figures 3 to 9 .
- the package comprises an inner container 104 and an outer container 106.
- the outer container 106 is a rectangular prism with two open sides.
- the inner container 104 is a rectangular prism that is sized and shaped so that it can be received entirely within the outer container 106.
- Smoking articles (not shown) are accommodated within the inner container 104.
- a wrapper 105 for the cigarettes is provided at an upper end of the inner container 104.
- a blank 204 for the inner container 104 can be formed into the rectangular prism that envelopes the wrapper 105.
- a cut-out 103 is provided at the upper end of the inner container 104 in order to improve ease of access to the cigarettes contained in the wrapper 105.
- the inner container 104 includes a tab 116 on a front surface 118.
- the tab 116 is formed by a u-shaped cut in the front surface 118 so that the tab 116 is hinged to the front surface 118 at its upper end.
- the tab 116 is shown in Figure 3 flexed outwardly so that it is projected partially away from the front surface 118 at its lower end.
- the tab 116 preferably resists flexing away from the position shown in Figure 3 due to the inherent flexing resistance of the material from which the front surface 118 is made. In preferred embodiments this material is paper or card.
- a blank 206 for the outer container 106 can be formed into a rectangular prism having two open sides.
- the outer container 106 comprises a front face 120 and a rear face 122 (although it will be understood that this terminology could easily be reversed).
- the front face 120 comprises an inner surface 115, which faces the inner container 104, in use, and an outer surface 117, which is the external surface of the package.
- the front face 120 comprises first and second side panels 124, 126 that are folded inwardly when the outer container 106 is formed.
- the first side panel 124 comprises a u-shaped cut-out 128 and the second side panel 126 comprises a projection 130.
- the projection 130 is sized such that it fits within the u-shaped cut-out 128 when the panels 124, 126 are folded inwardly.
- the projection 130 comprises a fold line in order to form a flap 110 that can project inwardly from the inner surface 115 and towards the inner container 104, in use. As a result, the front face 120 is double-layered.
- the width of the flap 110 on the projection 130 is slightly less than the full width of the front face 120.
- a first end of the flap 110 is spaced slightly away from the fold line between the second side panel 126 and the front face 120.
- the second end of the flap 110 abuts the u-shaped cut-out 128 in the first side panel 124.
- the u-shaped cut-out 128 in this arrangement is spaced slightly away from the fold line between the first side panel 124 and the front face 120.
- the first and second ends of the flap 110 are spaced slightly away from the fold lines between the first and second side panels 124, 126. In practice, these provide limit stops for the tab 116 at either ends of the flap 110.
- the depth of the flap 110 is approximately equal to the length of the tab 116.
- the tab 116 can engage with the flap 110, which acts as a slide rail.
- the outer container 106 is generally printed on its outer (external) surface in a conventional manner using an ink, varnish, lacquer, or a combination thereof, to create a design and include legally required information, such as health warnings, or manufacturing details.
- the inner surface of the outer container 106 is unprinted.
- the flap 110 generally has a printed side and an unprinted side.
- the flap 110 is folded such that the printed side is angled relative to the front face 120, generally facing the front face 120.
- the inner container 104 is received within the outer container 106 and the tab 116 is arranged such that it loops over the flap 110 and rests against its unprinted side.
- the tab 116 is provided between the flap 110 and the inner surface 115 of the front face 120 of the outer container 106.
- the inner container 104 can then slide freely relative to the outer container 106.
- the sliding interaction is positioned inwardly of the front face 120 of the outer container 106. It has been found advantageous to position sliding surfaces inwardly of the outer surface 117 of the front face 120 as this means they are less affected by external factors.
- the flexing resistances of the tab 116 and flap 110 mean that the two are biased together.
- the flap 110 could be provided on the inner container 104 and the tab 116 could be provided on the outer container 106. In this arrangement the flap 110 could be positioned, in use, between the tab 116 and the inner surface 115 of the front face 120 of the outer container 106.
- the flap 110 can function as a slide rail.
- the flap 110 and tab 116 provide, in respective relative positions, a closed position for the inner container 104, and first and second open positions.
- the closed position the inner container 104 is received entirely within the outer container 106, as shown in Figure 8 .
- the tab 116 is positioned at one end of the flap 110, at one of the limit stops.
- the tab 116 is positioned at the opposite end of the flap 110, at the other of the limit stops.
- first and second open positions may be provided when the tab 116 is at other positions relative to the flap 110, as long as the cigarettes in the inner container 104 can be easily accessed.
- Figure 7 shows an example arrangement where the inner container 104 is partly exposed from the outer container 106 so that cigarettes can be accessed.
- the inner container 104 can be slid in mutually opposite directions, away from the closed position. In the first open position cigarettes can be accessed from a first side of the inner container 104, and in the second open position cigarettes can be accessed from a second side of the inner container 104.
- a plurality of outer container blanks 206 may be provided in a single sheet of material.
- the blanks 206 can be separated by being individually punched out of the sheet of material.
- the blanks 206 are arranged on the sheet of material such that the projection 130 on the second side panel 126 of a first blank is nested within the u-shaped cut-out 128 of the first side panel 124 of a second blank.
- a corresponding nesting is provided for the projection and cut-out in the side panels of the rear surface of the blanks. Nesting the blanks in this way can advantageously reduce material waste during manufacture.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Packaging Of Annular Or Rod-Shaped Articles, Wearing Apparel, Cassettes, Or The Like (AREA)
- Cartons (AREA)
Description
- The present invention relates to a package for smoking articles. In particular the invention relates to a so-called side-slide pack having an inner container, containing a bundle of cigarettes, inserted within an outer container and arranged to slide between an open and a closed position.
- In the closed position the inner container is substantially within the outer container such that access to the bundle of cigarettes is prevented. In the open position the inner container is partially out of the outer container such that access to the bundle of cigarettes is allowed. The inner container can accommodate two bundles of cigarettes, each wrapped in an inner liner.
- The bundle of cigarettes is wrapped in an inner liner to ensure that the bundle is rigid enough to withstand the manufacturing process. Additionally, the inner liner assists in controlling moisture of the cigarettes and allows oxygen exchange, which ensures freshness of the product.
- A number of designs are known for allowing the inner container to slide within the outer container. In one example,
CN202686921 U describes an outer container including two tabs foldable at the sides of one of the major panels that are shaped as a guide for a tongue projecting from the inner container. A similar arrangement is described inCN202244723U where an inner wall of the outer container includes a guide with limit stop edges that delimit movement of the inner container. - A problem can arise in known designs because effective operation of the sliding mechanism may be affected by pressures exerted on the outer container, as may be experienced in normal use of the package. In addition, the relative movement of the guides and tabs may create a slight bulging in an outer wall of the outer container which is undesirable for some users.
- An object of the present invention is to address and mitigate some of these problems.
-
CN 203 283 494 U discloses a side-pushing double slide type cigarette case that forms part of the background art (disclosure of the preamble-portion of claim 1). - According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a package for smoking articles, the package comprising: an outer container having an outer wall; an inner container that is movable relative to the outer container, wherein the inner container is provided inwardly of the outer wall and comprises at least one compartment for holding a plurality of smoking articles; a slide rail provided on one of the outer container and the inner container and a tab provided on the other of the outer container and the inner container, wherein the tab is configured to slide with respect to the rail, and the slide rail and tab provide, in respective relative positions, a closed position for the inner container, and first and second open positions; wherein the slide rail and the tab are provided inwardly of the outer wall of the outer container, wherein the tab is arranged to loop over the slide rail in order to engage with the slide rail.
- Thus, relative movement of the rail and tab occurs inwardly of the outer wall of the outer container of the package. This can provide some protection for the sliding relative movement of these components so that they can be affected less easily by external factors. In addition, by providing sliding movement of the tab relative to the rail internally within the outer wall, these moving parts may be less easily visible to a user.
- In one arrangement the slide rail may comprise a slot in the inner container. In this arrangement the tab may be provided in the outer container such that it can be received in the slot. It has been found that this is a convenient arrangement for positioning the sliding interaction inwardly in the package, relative to the outer container. The first open position may be achieved when the tab is positioned at a first side of the slot and the second open position may be achieved when the tab is positioned at a second side of the slot. The edges of the slot may therefore provide limits to the movement of the tab. Alternatively, the slot may be provided in the outer container and the tab in the inner container.
- In another arrangement the slide rail may be provided by a folded flap on one of the outer container and the inner container. In this way, the slide rail can be created without any glue, and simply by folding a flap of a blank. This can improve the ease of manufacture.
- The inner and outer container are typically formed from a plurality of panels. In some embodiments, one panel of the inner container comprises the tab and one panel of the outer container comprises the slide rail. In other embodiments, one panel of the inner container comprises the slide rail and one panel of the outer container comprises the tab. The panel of the outer container containing the tab or the slide rail is preferably double-layered. By providing this double-layered panel, the tab and/or the slide rail is not visible from the outside, which is more aesthetically appealing and also protects the tab and/or the slide rail from being damaged.
- The tab is arranged to loop over the slide rail from the perspective of the outer container or the inner container on which the tab is provided. Also, the slide rail and tab may be biased together. This can allow a firm engagement to be achieved between the slide rail and tab where they slide against one another. The biasing may be achieved by providing the slide rail as a folded flap which has a natural bias due to the flexing resistance of the material.
- The slide rail may comprise a major surface which is angled relative to the outer wall of the outer container. An acute angle may be formed between the slide rail and the outer wall of the outer container.
- The slide rail may be provided on the outer container of the package with the tab provided on the inner container of the package. In use, the tab may be positioned between the slide rail and the outer wall of the outer container. In the alternative arrangement where the slide rail is provided on the inner container of the package and the tab is provided on the outer container of the package, the slide rail may be provided between the tab and the outer wall of the outer container of the package.
- Preferably the first open position is reached by sliding the inner container in a first direction from the closed position, relative to the outer container, and the second open position is reached by sliding the inner container in a second direction from the closed position, relative to the outer container, wherein the first and second directions are opposite to one another.
- Preferably the slide rail comprises first and second limit stops for limiting movement of the tab relative to the rail between the first and second open positions. Also, the length of the slide rail may be less than the width of the outer container or the inner container, on which the slide rail is provided. The limit stops may be provided between the respective ends of the slide rail and the edges of the outer container or the inner container, as appropriate.
- According to another aspect, that is not claimed, there is provided a blank for forming a container for a smoking article package. The blank comprises an outer surface, two major longitudinal panels, a base panel, and at least one of (i) a plurality of minor longitudinal side panels and (ii) a top panel, where the panels can be assembled to form a container for holding smoking articles. At least one major longitudinal panel comprises a tab projecting from the outer surface of the major longitudinal panel.
- The tab may be formed by cutting. The at least one major longitudinal panel comprising the tab may be double-layered.
- In a further aspect, that is not claimed, there is provided a blank for forming a container for a smoking article package, comprising two major longitudinal panels, a base panel, and at least one of (i) a plurality of minor longitudinal side panels and (ii) a top panel, where the panels can be assembled to form a container for holding smoking article, where at least one major longitudinal panel comprises a slide rail.
- The blank may further comprise reinforcement panels to form at least one double-layered major longitudinal panel, wherein one of the reinforcement panels comprises a folded flap that forms the slide rail.
- According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a pair of blanks for forming a smoking article package, comprising: an outer container blank that can be assembled into an outer container having an outer wall; an inner container blank that can be assembled into an inner container that is movable relative to the outer container and is provided inwardly of the outer wall and comprises at least one compartment for holding a plurality of smoking articles; wherein one of the inner container blank and the outer container blank comprises a slide rail, and the other of the inner container blank and the outer container blank comprises a tab, wherein, when assembled the tab is configured to slide with respect to the rail, and the slide rail and tab provide, in respective relative positions, a closed position for the inner container, and first and second open positions, and wherein the slide rail and the tab are provided inwardly of the outer wall of the outer container, wherein the tab is arranged to loop over the slide rail in order to engage with the slide rail.
- Embodiments of the invention are now described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which:
-
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an inner container of a package for a smoking article in an embodiment of the present invention; -
Figures 2A and 2B are perspective views of a package for a smoking article in an embodiment of the present invention; -
Figure 3 is a perspective view of an inner container of a package for a smoking article in another embodiment of the present invention; -
Figure 4 is a detailed view of the inner container of a package as depicted inFigure 3 ; -
Figure 5 is a front perspective view of an outer container of a package for a smoking article in an embodiment of the present invention; -
Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of the outer container of a package shown inFigure 5 ; -
Figure 7 is a front perspective view of a package in an embodiment of the present invention, where the inner container is in an offset position relative to the outer container; -
Figure 8 is another front perspective view of a package in an embodiment of the present invention, where the inner container is entirely contained within the outer container; -
Figure 9 is a plan view of blanks for forming an inner container and an outer container in an embodiment of the present invention; and -
Figure 10 is another plan view of blanks for forming an inner container and an outer container in an embodiment of the present invention. - A first embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to
Figures 1 ,2A ,2B and10 . In this arrangement a package forsmoking articles 2 comprises aninner container 4 and anouter container 6, which are formed from respective blanks. Theouter container 6 is a rectangular prism with two open sides. Theinner container 4 is a rectangular prism that is sized and shaped so that it can be received entirely within theouter container 6. Smokingarticles 8 are accommodated within theinner container 4. - The
inner container 4 comprises aslot 10 with a length that is slightly less than the width of a front face of theinner container 4. Two hingedlids inner container 4, and these can be opened independently to access respective bundles of cigarettes, each wrapped in a liner. - A
tab 16 is provided on an inner surface of theouter container 6 such that it projects inwardly towards theinner container 4. In use thetab 16 is received in theslot 10. Theinner container 4 can therefore slide relative to theouter container 6, with the limits of movement determined by the positions at which thetab 16 abuts the edges of theslot 10. In use, a user can slide theinner container 4 relative to theouter container 6 so that one of the hingedlids lid inner container 4 is entirely contained within theouter container 6. Theinner container 4 can be moved in two possible directions, which are opposite to one another, while thetab 16 is received in theslot 10. Theinner container 4 can be moved in a first direction to access the cigarettes beneath a first hingedlid 12, and in a second direction to access the cigarettes beneath a second hingedlid 14. The cigarettes beneath the first and second hingedlids - The sliding interaction between the
tab 16 and theslot 10 is provided inwardly of anouter surface 17 of theouter container 6. It has been found advantageous to position sliding surfaces inwardly of theouter surface 17 as this means they are less affected by external factors. This can improve the reliability of the operation, and it can reduce the visibility of the movement of one surface against another when viewed externally of theouter surface 17. - The
tab 16 in this arrangement may be a simple projection extending from theouter container 6 towards theinner container 4. In an invention-conform arrangement thetab 16 is hooked such that it loops over an edge of theslot 10. - As can be appreciated from
Figure 10 , thetab 16 is formed in a circumferential contour of the blank of theouter container 6. In other words, thetab 16 is formed along part of an outer edge of the blank. This may be advantageous because thetab 16 can be formed in a single step when the blank is separated from a sheet of material. When a laser is used for cutting the blank from the sheet of material, this may be achieved in a single continuous operation, around the circumferential contour or outline. - A second embodiment of the invention is described with reference to
Figures 3 to 9 . In this arrangement the package comprises aninner container 104 and anouter container 106. As in the first embodiment, theouter container 106 is a rectangular prism with two open sides. Theinner container 104 is a rectangular prism that is sized and shaped so that it can be received entirely within theouter container 106. Smoking articles (not shown) are accommodated within theinner container 104. - A
wrapper 105 for the cigarettes is provided at an upper end of theinner container 104. A blank 204 for theinner container 104 can be formed into the rectangular prism that envelopes thewrapper 105. A cut-out 103 is provided at the upper end of theinner container 104 in order to improve ease of access to the cigarettes contained in thewrapper 105. - The
inner container 104 includes atab 116 on afront surface 118. Thetab 116 is formed by a u-shaped cut in thefront surface 118 so that thetab 116 is hinged to thefront surface 118 at its upper end. Thetab 116 is shown inFigure 3 flexed outwardly so that it is projected partially away from thefront surface 118 at its lower end. Thetab 116 preferably resists flexing away from the position shown inFigure 3 due to the inherent flexing resistance of the material from which thefront surface 118 is made. In preferred embodiments this material is paper or card. - A blank 206 for the
outer container 106 can be formed into a rectangular prism having two open sides. Theouter container 106 comprises afront face 120 and a rear face 122 (although it will be understood that this terminology could easily be reversed). Thefront face 120 comprises aninner surface 115, which faces theinner container 104, in use, and anouter surface 117, which is the external surface of the package. - The
front face 120 comprises first andsecond side panels outer container 106 is formed. Thefirst side panel 124 comprises a u-shaped cut-out 128 and thesecond side panel 126 comprises aprojection 130. Theprojection 130 is sized such that it fits within the u-shaped cut-out 128 when thepanels projection 130 comprises a fold line in order to form aflap 110 that can project inwardly from theinner surface 115 and towards theinner container 104, in use. As a result, thefront face 120 is double-layered. - The width of the
flap 110 on theprojection 130 is slightly less than the full width of thefront face 120. A first end of theflap 110 is spaced slightly away from the fold line between thesecond side panel 126 and thefront face 120. When the first andsecond side panels flap 110 abuts the u-shaped cut-out 128 in thefirst side panel 124. The u-shaped cut-out 128 in this arrangement is spaced slightly away from the fold line between thefirst side panel 124 and thefront face 120. Thus, the first and second ends of theflap 110 are spaced slightly away from the fold lines between the first andsecond side panels tab 116 at either ends of theflap 110. - The depth of the
flap 110 is approximately equal to the length of thetab 116. Thus, thetab 116 can engage with theflap 110, which acts as a slide rail. - The
outer container 106 is generally printed on its outer (external) surface in a conventional manner using an ink, varnish, lacquer, or a combination thereof, to create a design and include legally required information, such as health warnings, or manufacturing details. Typically the inner surface of theouter container 106 is unprinted. - The
flap 110 generally has a printed side and an unprinted side. Theflap 110 is folded such that the printed side is angled relative to thefront face 120, generally facing thefront face 120. In use, theinner container 104 is received within theouter container 106 and thetab 116 is arranged such that it loops over theflap 110 and rests against its unprinted side. Thus, thetab 116 is provided between theflap 110 and theinner surface 115 of thefront face 120 of theouter container 106. Theinner container 104 can then slide freely relative to theouter container 106. The sliding interaction is positioned inwardly of thefront face 120 of theouter container 106. It has been found advantageous to position sliding surfaces inwardly of theouter surface 117 of thefront face 120 as this means they are less affected by external factors. The flexing resistances of thetab 116 andflap 110 mean that the two are biased together. - In an alternative arrangement the
flap 110 could be provided on theinner container 104 and thetab 116 could be provided on theouter container 106. In this arrangement theflap 110 could be positioned, in use, between thetab 116 and theinner surface 115 of thefront face 120 of theouter container 106. - The
flap 110 can function as a slide rail. Theflap 110 andtab 116 provide, in respective relative positions, a closed position for theinner container 104, and first and second open positions. In the closed position theinner container 104 is received entirely within theouter container 106, as shown inFigure 8 . In the first open position thetab 116 is positioned at one end of theflap 110, at one of the limit stops. In the second open position thetab 116 is positioned at the opposite end of theflap 110, at the other of the limit stops. In practice, first and second open positions may be provided when thetab 116 is at other positions relative to theflap 110, as long as the cigarettes in theinner container 104 can be easily accessed.Figure 7 shows an example arrangement where theinner container 104 is partly exposed from theouter container 106 so that cigarettes can be accessed. - In use, the
inner container 104 can be slid in mutually opposite directions, away from the closed position. In the first open position cigarettes can be accessed from a first side of theinner container 104, and in the second open position cigarettes can be accessed from a second side of theinner container 104. - A plurality of
outer container blanks 206 may be provided in a single sheet of material. Theblanks 206 can be separated by being individually punched out of the sheet of material. Theblanks 206 are arranged on the sheet of material such that theprojection 130 on thesecond side panel 126 of a first blank is nested within the u-shaped cut-out 128 of thefirst side panel 124 of a second blank. A corresponding nesting is provided for the projection and cut-out in the side panels of the rear surface of the blanks. Nesting the blanks in this way can advantageously reduce material waste during manufacture.
Claims (9)
- A package for smoking articles, the package comprising:an outer container (106) having an outer wall (117);an inner container (104) that is movable relative to the outer container (106), wherein the inner container (104) is provided inwardly of the outer wall (117) and comprises at least one compartment for holding a plurality of smoking articles;a slide rail (110) provided on one of the outer container (106) and the inner container (104), and a tab (116) provided on the other of the outer container (106) and the inner container (104), wherein the tab (116) is configured to slide with respect to the slide rail (110), and the slide rail (110) and tab (116) provide, in respective relative positions, a closed position for the inner container (104), and first and second open positions;wherein the slide rail (110) and the tab (116) are provided inwardly of the outer wall (117) of the outer container (106);and characterized in that the tab (116) is arranged to loop over the slide rail (110) in order to engage with the slide rail (110).
- The package of claim 1, wherein the slide rail (110) is provided by a slot in one of the outer container (106) and the inner container (104), and the tab (116) is arranged to be received in the slot.
- The package of claim 1, wherein the slide rail (110) is provided by a folded flap on one of the outer container (106) and the inner container (104).
- The package of any of the preceding claims, wherein the slide rail (110) and tab (116) are biased together.
- The package of any of claims 3 to 4, wherein the slide rail (110) comprises a major surface which is angled relative to the outer wall of the outer container (106).
- The package of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first open position is reached by sliding the inner container (104) in a first direction from the closed position, relative to the outer container (106), and wherein the second open position is reached by sliding the inner container (104) in a second direction from the closed position, relative to the outer container (106), wherein the first and second directions are opposite to one another.
- The package of claim 6, wherein the slide rail comprises first and second limit stops for limiting movement of the tab (116) relative to the rail (110) between the first and second open positions.
- The package of any of the preceding claims, wherein the length of the slide rail (110) is less than the width of the outer container (106) or the inner container (104), on which the slide rail (110) is provided.
- A pair of blanks for forming a smoking article package according to claim 1, comprising:an outer container blank (206) that can be assembled into an outer container (106) having an outer wall (117);an inner container blank (204) that can be assembled into an inner container (104) that is movable relative to the outer container (106) and is provided inwardly of the outer wall (117) and comprises at least one compartment for holding a plurality of smoking articles;wherein one of the inner container blank (204) and the outer container blank (206) comprises a slide rail (110), and the other of the inner container blank (204) and the outer container blank (206) comprises a tab (116), wherein, when assembled the tab (116) is configured to slide with respect to the rail (110), and the slide rail (110) and tab (116) provide, in respective relative positions, a closed position for the inner container (104), and first and second open positions;wherein the slide rail (110) and the tab (116) are provided inwardly of the outer wall (117) of the outer container (106); andwherein the tab (116) is arranged to loop over the slide rail (110) in order to engage with the slide rail (110).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP17161700 | 2017-03-17 | ||
PCT/EP2018/056329 WO2018167116A1 (en) | 2017-03-17 | 2018-03-14 | Package for smoking articles |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3595982A1 EP3595982A1 (en) | 2020-01-22 |
EP3595982B1 true EP3595982B1 (en) | 2021-05-05 |
Family
ID=58360925
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP18709617.7A Active EP3595982B1 (en) | 2017-03-17 | 2018-03-14 | Package for smoking articles |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3595982B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2020511371A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2018167116A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE202019106408U1 (en) * | 2019-01-10 | 2020-01-14 | Mayr-Melnhof Karton Ag | Packaging, wrapping for packaging and cutting to produce a wrapping |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2329866A (en) * | 1941-09-23 | 1943-09-21 | Imp Tobacco Co Ltd | Cigarette container |
DE8104045U1 (en) * | 1981-02-14 | 1981-07-02 | R.J. Reynolds Tobacco GmbH, 5000 Köln | Pack for cigarettes or the like |
CN202244723U (en) | 2011-08-18 | 2012-05-30 | 福建中烟工业有限责任公司 | Bidirectional sliding cigarette box |
CN202686921U (en) | 2012-08-13 | 2013-01-23 | 山东中烟工业有限责任公司 | Two-way lateral pushing type cigarette case |
CN203283494U (en) * | 2013-05-16 | 2013-11-13 | 湖北中烟工业有限责任公司 | Side-push double-slide-type cigarette case |
-
2018
- 2018-03-14 EP EP18709617.7A patent/EP3595982B1/en active Active
- 2018-03-14 WO PCT/EP2018/056329 patent/WO2018167116A1/en active Application Filing
- 2018-03-14 JP JP2019548265A patent/JP2020511371A/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP3595982A1 (en) | 2020-01-22 |
JP2020511371A (en) | 2020-04-16 |
WO2018167116A1 (en) | 2018-09-20 |
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