US20050150786A1

US20050150786A1 - Cigarette pack comprising twin cigarette packets

Info

Publication number: US20050150786A1
Application number: US11/025,743
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert Mitten; Scott Fath
Original assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc
Current assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc
Priority date: 2003-07-16
Filing date: 2004-12-29
Publication date: 2005-07-14

Abstract

A cigarette pack comprises a pair of complementary packets each of which comprises a box that includes a straight or angled or non-orthogonal side panel and wherein each box contains a group of cigarettes. The packets are arranged adjacent one another along their straight or non-orthogonal sides and then overwrapped to produce the cigarette pack. Each packet includes ten cigarettes for a total pack count of twenty cigarettes. The individual packets promote ease of transport and overall freshness. The packet may have rounded or beveled corners, and each packet may have a hinge lid or comprise an outer shell and interior cigarette holding slide. The packets may hold reduced diameter cigarettes with the advantage that the overall length and width of a pack of twin packets are substantially the same as the length and width or a pack of conventional diameter cigarettes. The packs may then be packaged in conventional ten pack cartons and tax stamped with standard stamping equipment without modification of that equipment.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/891,702, filed Jul. 14, 2004. The present application and parent application Ser. No. 10/891,702 relate to applications Ser. Nos. 60/487,681, filed Jul. 16, 2003, 60/493,848, filed Aug. 8, 2003, 60/529,069, filed Dec. 12, 2003, 60/529,210, filed Dec. 12, 2003, and Ser. No. 29/210,954, filed Aug. 9, 2004. All of these applications are incorporated herein in their entirety for all useful purposes, and the full benefit of all of these prior applications is claimed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cigarette pack that comprises twin cigarette packets, and more particularly to a cigarette pack where each of the two packets includes ten cigarettes for a total pack count of twenty cigarettes.
For the most part cigarettes are sold in packs with twenty cigarettes in each pack. In some instances it is desired to have smaller quantities of cigarettes for ease of transport and freshness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention a cigarette pack comprises a pair of cigarette packets releaseably connected to one another for sale in pairs. Preferably, the overall dimensions of length, width and depth of each individual cigarette packet is such that when paired, the resultant overall dimensions of the formed pack are compatible with the dimensional requirements of state tax stamp machines and the associated carton recasing equipment, as well as those of point-of-sale displays and display racks at retail. The pair of packets are wrapped together and each packet may include ten cigarettes for a total of twenty cigarettes which is the minimum quantity allowed for sale in certain countries. This overall packet construction allows the consumer to carry only ten cigarettes in one of the packets after the initial purchase of twenty cigarettes. The smaller packet of ten cigarettes easily fits in small purses, pockets and the like.
One of the packets may be individually wrapped and then combined with a second packet both of which are then overwrapped with clear overwrap material. When the cigarette pack is then opened the separate overwrapped packet retains freshness until that packet is opened at a later time and the cigarettes are consumed.
Each cigarette packet of ten cigarettes may comprise a box having a hinge lid for access to the cigarettes. The box has an inner frame and a bundle of ten foil wrapped cigarettes is placed within the inner frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Novel features and advantages of the present invention in addition to those mentioned above will be readily apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art from a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein similar reference characters refer to similar parts and in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cigarette pack comprising twin cigarette packets each with a hinge lid and with overwrap around the packets, according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cigarette pack of FIG. 1 with the overwrap removed, according to the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the cigarette pack of FIG. 1 with the cigarettes in one of the packets in phantom outline;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one of the twin cigarette packets of FIG. 1 with the hinge lid in an open position, according to the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 2, but illustrating an alternate embodiment where each cigarette packet has an non-orthogonal panel, according to the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the cigarette pack shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a blank for the cigarette packet shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a blank for the inner frame of the packet shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 9 is a top plan view of an alternate blank for the cigarette packet shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a blank for one of the cigarette packets shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 11 is a top plan view of an inner frame for one of the cigarette packets shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 12 is a top plan view of an alternate blank for the cigarette packet shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a cigarette pack comprising twin cigarette packets each with rounded corners and a hinge lid with overwrap around the packets, according to the present invention;
FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the cigarette pack of FIG. 13 before being overwrapped;
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of one of the twin cigarette packets of FIG. 13 with the hinge lid in an open position, according to the present invention;
FIG. 16 is a top plan view of a blank for the cigarette packet shown in FIG. 15;
FIG. 17 is a top plan view of a blank for the inner frame of the packet shown in FIG. 15;
FIG. 18 is a top plan view of an alternate blank for the cigarette packet shown in FIG. 15;
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a cigarette pack comprising twin cigarette packets each with rounded corners and a hinge lid with overwrap around the packets, according to the present invention;
FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the cigarette pack of FIG. 19 before being overwrapped;
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of one of the twin cigarette packets of FIG. 19 with the hinge lid in an open position, according to the present invention;
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a cigarette pack comprising twin cigarette packets each with beveled corners and a hinge lid with overwrap around the packets, according to the present invention;
FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the cigarette pack of FIG. 22 before being overwrapped;
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of one of the cigarette packets of FIG. 22 with the hinge lid in an open position, according to the present invention;
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a cigarette pack comprising twin cigarette packets each with beveled corners and a hinge lid with overwrap around the packets, according to the present invention;
FIG. 26 is a top plan view of the cigarette pack of FIG. 25 before being overwrapped;
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of one of the twin cigarette packs of FIG. 25 with the hinge lid in an open position, according to the present invention;
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of still another cigarette pack comprising twin cigarette packets with overwrap around the packets, according to the present invention;
FIG. 29 is a top plan view of the cigarette pack of FIG. 28;
FIG. 30 is a perspective view of one of the twin cigarette packets of FIG. 28 in an open position, according to the present invention;
FIG. 31 is a top plan view of a blank for the outer enclosure or shell of one of the twin packets of the cigarette pack of FIG. 28;
FIG. 32 is a top plan view of a blank for the inner frame or slide of one of the twin packets of the cigarette pack of FIG. 28;
FIG. 33 is a front elevational view of a cigarette mini-pack with hinged lid holding two rows of five cigarettes, each cigarette having a reduced diameter compared to conventional cigarettes, according to the present invention;
FIG. 34 is a right side elevational view of the cigarette mini-pack of FIG. 33;
FIG. 35 is a rear elevational view of the cigarette mini-pack of FIGS. 33 and 34;
FIG. 36 is a top plan view of the cigarette mini-pack of FIGS. 33-35;
FIG. 37 is a front elevational view of an overwrapped pair of cigarette mini-packs of FIGS. 33-36 abutting one another in front-to-back relationship, according to the present invention;
FIG. 38 is a right side elevational view of the pair of mini-packs shown in FIG. 37;
FIG. 39 is a rear elevational view of the pair of mini-packs shown in FIGS. 37 and 38;
FIG. 40 is a top plan view of the pair of mini-packs shown in FIGS. 37-39;
FIG. 40A is an alternate, top plan view of a pair of overwrapped mini-packs, according to the present invention;
FIG. 41 is a front elevational view of an overwrapped pair of cigarette mini-packs of FIGS. 33-36 abutting one another in side-to-side relationship, according to the present invention;
FIG. 42 is a right side elevational view of the pair of mini-packs shown in FIG. 41;
FIG. 43 is a rear elevational view of the pair of mini-packs shown in FIGS. 41 and 42;
FIG. 44 is a top plan view of the pair of mini-packs shown in FIGS. 41-43;
FIG. 44A is an alternate top plan view of a pair of overwrapped mini-packs, according to the present invention;
FIG. 45 is a sectional view of the prior art showing 20 full diameter cigarettes in a conventional flip-top box;
FIG. 46 is a sectional view of a pair of mini packs with 10 reduced diameter cigarettes in each pack having an overall length and width substantially equal to the length and width of the box of FIG. 45 even with the additional package layers across the length of the twin mini-packs;
FIG. 47 is a perspective view of a pair of mini-packs each individually overwrapped with additional overwrap around the individually wrapped pair; and
FIG. 48 is a top plan view of a standard carton of 10 overwrapped pairs of mini-packs with the carton open and tax stamps being applied with the same machinery used to apply stamps to 20 count cigarette packs of full diameter cigarettes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring in more particularity to the drawings, FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a cigarette pack 10 comprising twin cigarette packets 12, 14 both of which are overwrapped with clear cellophane 15 or similar wrap material, as well known. One of the packets is shown in FIG. 4. Fundamentally, each of the packets 12, 14 comprises a box 16 with a hinge lid 18 that articulates about hinge line 20 in opening and closing the packet. An inner frame 22 is positioned in the container portion of each box. Preferably 10 cigarettes are wrapped in foil 23 or other suitable material and placed within the inner frame of each of the packets 12, 14. A tear strip 24 is used to remove to outer wrap 15, as is well known.
One of the packets may be wrapped with clear cellophane prior to being combined with the second packet. Both packets are then overwrapped with additional material. Once the cigarette pack 10 is opened the initially overwrapped packet remains sealed until consumption of the cigarettes in that packet are desired at a later time.
Unlike the packets 12, 14 which include straight side panels, FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an alternate embodiment where a cigarette pack 10A comprises twin packets 12A, 14A each having an orthogonal side panel 26A and a non-orthogonal side panel 28A. The non-orthogonal side panels 28A abut one another in the pack 10A, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Each packet 12A, 14A comprises a box 16A with a hinge lid 18A that articulates about hinge line 20A in opening and closing the packet, as shown in phantom outline in FIG. 5. Each packet 12A, 14A has a trapezoidal configuration in cross section.
FIG. 7 shows a blank 40 for producing one of the packets 12, 14 while FIG. 8 illustrates a blank 42 for producing the inner frame 22. Cut lines are shown as solid lines and fold lines are shown in phantom. The blanks are assembled and glued together as is well known in the art. Similarly, FIG. 9 shows an alternate blank 40′ for producing one of the packets 12, 14. Here again cut lines are shown as solid lines while fold lines are shown in phantom. Blank 40′ is different in that it has longitudinal fold lines for folding the blank in packet form. Once assembled, a blank 42 may be folded into the shape of the inner frame 22 and inserted into formed box portion 16.
FIG. 9 shows a blank 40A for producing one of the packets 12A, 14A while FIG. 10 illustrates a blank 42A for producing the inner frame 22A. Here again, cut lines are shown as solid lines and fold lines are shown in phantom. Assembly is performed as is well known in the art.
FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative blank 40A′ for producing one of the packets 12A, 14A. Cut lines are shown as solid lines while fold lines are shown in phantom. Blank 40A′ is similar to blank 40′ in that it includes longitudinal fold lines about which the blank is folded and glued into the shape of one of the packets 12A, 14A. Blank 40A′ has panels 26A for forming the orthogonal side panel as well as panels 28A for forming the non-orthogonal panel of the packet 12A, 14A. A blank 42A may be used to form the inner frame 22A.
As noted above, the pack 10 comprises first and second packets 12, 14 releaseably wrapped or otherwise attached together so as to establish a complete twenty count (or more) pack of cigarettes, each packet preferably comprising a box 16 with a hinge lid 18. In pack 10A the orthogonal side panel 26A is perpendicular to the front and back panels of the box 16A while the opposite side panel 28A is angled. Preferably, the orthogonal side panel 26A is where the glue flap is secured or otherwise attached to form the packet.
Preferably, the packets are held together with a clear wrap such as a cellophane 15 or the like, or could be, in the alterative, held together with a wrap akin to a soft pack label that bears printed indicia, or in the alternative or in conjunction with the aforementioned, the packets are glued together with a releasable adhesive.
As noted above, one or both of the packets may be separately wrapped in cellophane or like material to preserve freshness of the contents of one or both packets. Another alternative is that neither packet is separately wrapped before the final wrap to cover the pair.
The complete twenty count pack accommodates a 7-6-7 collation of cigarettes, wherein a first one of the aforementioned packets may encloses a 4-3-3 collation or bundle of cigarettes (preferably wrapped in a cigarette bundle wrap constructed of paper and/or foil) and the other packet encloses a 3-3-4 bundled collation of cigarettes. The packets are in a mutually complementary orientation when joined along their angled or non-orthogonal panels 28A such that the complete pack 10A is of the usual rectangular box form.
As a paired unit, packs 10 and 10A correspond to a standard rectangular size and shape which allows for this product to be tax stamped in the US which is very critical for any new product to be feasible. It also will fit in vending machines, which for Japan, is very important as well. The two unit concept also allows for the possibility to offer two versions of a cigarette product, one in each of the two packets, such as full flavor and lights or menthol and a regular.
FIGS. 13-15 illustrate another cigarette pack 50 comprising identical cigarette packets 52 both of which are overwrapped with clear cellophane 54 or similar material. Fundamentally, each of the packets 52 comprises a box 56 with a hinge lid 58 that articulates about hinge line 60 in opening and closing the packet. An inner frame 62 is positioned inside each box 56. Preferably ten cigarettes are wrapped in foil 63 or other suitable material and placed within the inner frame of each packet 52. A tear strip 64 is used to remove the outer wrap 54, as is well known.
One of the packets 52 may be wrapped with clear cellophane prior to being combined with the second packet. Both packets are then wrapped with additional material 54. Once the cigarette pack 50 is opened the initially wrapped packet remains sealed until consumption of the cigarettes in that packet are desired at a later time.
Both the box 56 and hinge lid 58 include front and back panels 66 and interconnecting side panels 68. Each packet has rounded corners 70 wherein these panels adjoin one another as best shown in FIG. 14.
FIG. 16 shows a blank 72 similar in many respects to blank 40 of FIG. 7 for producing one of the packets 52 of cigarette pack 50. The significant difference is that blank 72 includes portions for producing the rounded corners 70. FIG. 17 shows a blank 74 for producing the inner frame 62. Blank 74 also includes portions for the rounded corners.
FIG. 18 shows an alternate blank 72′ similar in many respects to blank 40′ of FIG. 9 for producing one of the packets 52 of cigarette pack 50. The main difference is that blank 72′ includes portions for producing the rounded corners 70. A blank similar to blank 74 of FIG. 17 may be used in combination with blank 72′ to form the packets 52.
FIGS. 19-21 show another cigarette pack 80 similar in many respects to the pack 10A shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and similar parts have been identified with the same reference characters. The major difference is that each packet 12A′ and 14A′ includes rounded corners 82. The blanks used to fabricate each packet are not specifically illustrated it being understood that the blanks shown in FIGS. 10-12 may be used if slightly modified to include rounded portions similar to those shown in FIGS. 16-18 for producing the rounded corners 82.
FIGS. 22-24 illustrate another cigarette pack 90 comprising identical cigarette packets 92. Cigarette pack 80 is similar in many respects to pack 50 of FIGS. 13-15 and similar reference characters are used to identify similar parts. One significant difference is that each packet 92 includes beveled or angled corners 94 where the front, back and side panels of the box and hinge lid adjoin one another. As a result, the cross sectional configuration of each packet 92 is generally octagonal, as evident from FIG. 15.
FIGS. 25-27 illustrate still another cigarette pack 100 comprising cigarette packets 12A″ and 14A″. Cigarette pack 100 is similar to pack 80 of FIGS. 19-21 except that each packet 12A″ and 14A″ includes beveled or angled corners 102. Blanks not shown, but similar to the blanks shown in FIGS. 10-12 may be used if modified to include beveled or angled portions similar to those shown in FIGS. 16-18 for producing beveled corners 102.
FIGS. 28-30 illustrate another cigarette pack 150 comprising twin cigarette packets 152 both of which are identical in structure with non-orthogonal panels. Clear cellophane or similar wrap material 154 functions to overwrap the cigarette packets 152. Fundamentally, each of the packets 152 includes an outer enclosure 156 with opposite open ends and an inner frame 158, as best shown in FIG. 30. Each packet 152 basically comprises a shell and slide arrangement where the open ended enclosure 156 comprises the shell and the inner frame 158 functions as a slide within the shell. Preferably, ten cigarettes are wrapped in foil or other suitable material and enclosed within each of the packets 152. A tear strip 160 may be used to remove the outer wrap 154 as is well known.
One of the packets 152 may be wrapped with clear cellophane prior to being combined with the second packet. Both packets are then overwrapped with additional material 154. Once the cigarette pack 150 is opened the initially overwrapped packet remains sealed until consumption of the cigarettes in that packet are desired at a later time.
The enclosure 156 includes identical front and back panels 162 and opposing identical side panels 164. When viewed in cross section each packet 152 has a generally square to rectangular non-orthogonal configuration, as shown in FIG. 29. The inner frame 158 includes a back panel 166 with adjacent side panels 168, 170, and a closure flap 172 extends along the back panel 66 as shown in FIG. 30.
FIG. 31 shows a blank 174 for the enclosure 156. The blank is simply assembled by folding along the fold lines of adjacent panels and the end side panels 164 are secured together with adhesive.
FIG. 32 is a blank 176 for the inner frame 158. The blank is folded along the fold lines and then inserted into the enclosure to form one of the packets 152.
The shell and slide cigarette pack 150 shown in FIG. 28 and the individual cigarette packets 152 may also be formed with various shapes and sizes similar to the alternative embodiments of the hinge lid packets. For example, each individual shell and slide packet may include an orthoganal side panel and an opposite non-orthoganol side panel similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 with the non-orthoganal panels abutting one another to form a cigarette pack. Additionally, the vertical corners may be rounded or beveled in the same manner as shown in FIGS. 19-21 and FIGS. 25-27, for example.
Also, the shell and slide packets 152 specifically shown in FIGS. 28-30 may have rounded or beveled vertical corners similar to the corners shown in FIGS. 13-15 and FIGS. 22-24.
FIGS. 33-36 illustrate another hinge lid packet 200 basically comprising a box 202 with a hinge lid 204 that articulates about a hinge line 206 in opening and closing the packet. An inner frame (not shown) is positioned in the container portion of each box, and ten reduced diameter cigarettes are wrapped in foil or other suitable material and placed within the inner frame. The cigarettes are positioned in the packet in two side-to-side rows of five cigarettes each. As is clearly evident from FIG. 36, the packet 200 is wrapped with clear wrap material 208 which is sealed at the opposite ends of the packet.
Two packets 200, 204 may be packaged together in front-to-pack abutting relationship, as shown in FIGS. 37-40. Each of the packets may be individually wrapped and additional overwrap 210 may then be used to secure the packets together as a single retail unit. In this regard, the outer overwrap 210 may simply surround boxes 202, 202A as shown in FIG. 40 or both packets 200, 200A, may be totally surrounded with overwrap 212, as shown in FIG. 40A.
One or both packets may be individually wrapped and then the two combined packets may be overwrapped as shown in FIG. 40A. Alternatively, neither of the two packets need be individually wrapped, and the two unwrapped packets may then be overwrapped with material 212, as shown in FIG. 40A.
FIGS. 41-41 illustrate a pair of packets 200, 200A packaged together in side-to-side abutting relationship. Each of the packets may be individually wrapped and additional overwrap 210 may then be used to secure the packets together as a single retail unit. In this regard, the outer wrap 210 may simply surround both boxes 202, 202A, as shown in FIG. 44.
One or both packets may be individually wrapped and the two combined packets may be totally overwrapped with material 212, as shown in FIG. 44A. Alternatively, neither packet need be individually wrapped, and the two unwrapped packets may be overwrapped with material 212, is shown in FIG. 44A.
FIG. 45 is a sectional view of a conventional pack 300 of conventional cigarettes 302 each having a standard 24.8 mm circumference. The collation of cigarettes comprises three rows from front to back with seven cigarettes in the first and third rows and six cigarettes in the second row for an overall total of twenty cigarettes. Pack 300 has a length L and a width W as illustrated.
FIG. 46 is a sectional view of the cigarette pack illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprising twin cigarette packets 12, 14 each of which has a generally square cross section.
As described above, each of the packets 12, 14 comprises a box and a hinge lid that articulates about a hinge line in opening and closing the packet. Each packet holds ten reduced diameter cigarettes 302A having a circumference of about 23.0 mm for a total pack count of 20 cigarettes. The collation of cigarettes 302A from the left side of each packet to the right side thereof is four rows with three cigarettes in the first and third rows and two cigarettes in the second and fourth rows. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, the second and fourth rows may each comprise three cigarettes with two cigarettes in the first and third rows. Even though the overall construction of the pack 10 has additional layers of pack material due to the twin packets 12, 14, the overall length L of the pack and the width W of the pack are the same as the conventional pack shown in FIG. 45. While the additional layers of the pack 10 add length, the reduced diameter cigarettes 302A compensate for that length increase whereby the overall length L of the pack is the same as the conventional pack 300 of 24.8 mm circumference cigarettes 302. This provides an added benefit with respect to tax stamping of the packs 10, as explained more fully below and in conjunction with FIG. 48.
FIG. 47 illustrates a pair of packets 12, 14 each individually overwrapped with material 15′ and then collectively overwrapped with material 15. Hence, after the pack 10 is initially opened, each of the packets 12, 14 remains individually overwrapped with material 15′ to preserve freshness of the cigarettes. As explained above, it is also contemplated that only one of the packets be individually overwrapped prior to both packets being wrapped to produce the pack 10. Under those circumstances, when the outer wrap 15 is removed the unwrapped packet is initially consumed and the individually overwrapped second packet retains freshness until that packet is consumed.
FIG. 48 illustrates a standard ten pack carton 400 with ten packs 10 within the carton, each pack comprising two packets 12, 14. Carton 400 includes an inner flap 402 and an outer flap 404 both of which are shown in an open position. A tax stamp plate 406 with ten appropriately positioned tax stamps 408 is brought into contact with the packs inside the carton 400. A stamp is thereby applied to each of the packs 10 within the carton. Since the overall length L and width W of each pack 10 are the same as the length L and width W of a conventional pack 300, modification of the tax stamping apparatus 406 is not necessary and the same plate 406 utilized to stamp conventional packs 300 in carton 400 is utilized to stamp packs 10 within the carton 400.
It should be understood that the above detailed description while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention are given by way of illustration only since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description.

Claims

1. A cigarette pack comprising first and second complementary packets, each packet having a non-orthogonal panel, and the packets being releaseably attached together along their non-orthogonal panels so as to establish a single cigarette pack with two individual packets.

2. A cigarette pack as in claim 1 wherein each packet includes ten cigarettes for a total pack count of twenty cigarettes.

3. A cigarette pack as in claim 1 wherein each packet includes a hinge lid.

4. A cigarette pack comprising first and second packets releaseably wrapped together so as to establish a complete twenty count (or more) pack of cigarettes, each packet comprising a box with a hinge lid, and the box having a front panel, a back panel, an orthogonal side panel perpendicular to the front panel and back panels, and an angled side panel.

5. A cigarette pack as in claim 4 wherein a complete twenty count pack accommodates a 7-6-7 collation of cigarettes, and wherein a first one of the aforementioned packets encloses a 4-3-3 collation and the other encloses a complementary 3-3-4 bundled collation of cigarettes.

6. A cigarette pack comprising first and second complementary packets, each packet comprising a box, and the packets being releaseably attached together so as to establish a single cigarette pack with two individual packets.

7. A cigarette pack as in claim 6 wherein each box includes a hinge lid.

8. A cigarette pack as in claim 6 wherein each box comprises a shell with a slide therein holding a group of cigarettes.

9. A cigarette pack as in claim 6 wherein each packet includes ten cigarettes for a total pack count of twenty cigarettes.

10. A cigarette pack as in claim 6 wherein each packet includes front, back and opposing interconnecting side panels, and overwrap material around the packets oriented in side-by-side relationship with one another.

11. A cigarette pack as in claim 6 wherein each packet has a generally square cross section.

12. A cigarette pack as in claim 6 including rounded corners on at least two corners of each packet.

13. A cigarette pack as in claim 6 wherein each packet includes front, back and opposing interconnecting side panels, and rounded corners on each packet where the front, back and side panels adjoin one another.

14. A cigarette pack as in claim 6 including beveled corners on at least two corners of each packet.

15. A cigarette pack as in claim 6 wherein each packet includes front, back and opposing interconnecting side panels, and beveled corners on each packet where the front, back and side panels adjoin one another.

16. A cigarette pack as in claim 15 wherein each packet has a generally octagonal cross section.

17. A cigarette pack as in claim 6 wherein each packet has a generally trapezoidal cross section.

18. A cigarette pack as in claim 6 wherein each packet has a generally rectangular cross section.

19. A cigarette pack as in claim 18 wherein each packet is constructed and arranged to hold ten cigarettes in two rows with five cigarettes in each row.

20. A cigarette pack as in claim 18 wherein each packet is constructed and arranged to hold ten reduced diameter cigarettes having a circumference of approximately 23.0 mm in two rows with five cigarettes in each row.

21. A cigarette pack as in claim 18 wherein each packet has wide front and back panels and narrow opposing interconnecting side panels.

22. A cigarette pack as in claim 21 wherein the packets are arranged with the back panel of one packet against the front panel of the other packet.

23. A cigarette pack as in claim 22 wherein each packet is individually wrapped with overwrap material and both individually wrapped packets are additionally wrapped together with overwrap material.

24. A cigarette pack as in claim 22 wherein both packets are wrapped together with overwrap material.

25. A cigarette pack as in claim 21 wherein the packets are arranged with the side panel of one packet adjacent the side panel of the other packet.

26. A cigarette pack as in claim 25 wherein each packet is individually wrapped with overwrap material and both individually wrapped packets are additionally wrapped together with overwrap material.

27. A cigarette pack as in claim 25 wherein both packets are wrapped together with overwrap material.

28. A cigarette pack as in claim 6 wherein each packet has a generally square cross section, and wherein each packet is constructed and arranged to hold ten cigarettes with a collation of 3-2-3-2 cigarettes from side-to-side thereof.

29. A cigarette pack as in claim 28 wherein each packet is constructed and arranged to hold ten reduced diameter cigarettes each having a circumference of approximately 23.0 mm.

30. A cigarette pack as in claim 29 wherein the overall width and length of both packets are substantially equal to the width and length of a pack of cigarettes of approximately 24.8 mm circumference having a 7-6-7 cigarette collation from front-to-back.

31. A cigarette pack as in claim 6 wherein each packet has a generally square cross section, and wherein each packet is constructed and arranged to hold ten cigarettes with a collation of 2-3-2-3 cigarettes from side-to-side thereof.

32. A cigarette pack as in claim 31 wherein each packet is constructed and arranged to hold ten reduced diameter cigarettes each having a circumference of approximately 23.0 mm.

33. A cigarette pack as in claim 32 wherein the overall width and length of both packets are substantially equal to the width and length of a pack of cigarettes of approximately 24.8 mm circumference having a 7-6-7 cigarette collation from front-to-back.