WO2018002844A1

WO2018002844A1 - Container for consumer goods including dispensing device

Info

Publication number: WO2018002844A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/053874
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lucas Chatelain
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
Priority date: 2016-06-30
Filing date: 2017-06-28
Publication date: 2018-01-04

Abstract

Various embodiments of a container are disclosed. The container includes a housing for containing consumer goods, a dispensing device for dispensing a portion of the consumer goods, and a lid. When the dispensing device is in a lower position, the portion of the consumer goods is disposed within the housing. When the dispensing device is vertically moved to an upper position, the portion of the consumer goods at least partially protrudes from an access opening of the housing. The lid is adapted to cover the access opening of the housing when in a closed position and at least partially uncover the access opening when in an open position. The dispensing device is further adapted to move the lid from the closed position to the open position when the dispensing device is moved from the lower position to the upper position.

Description

CONTAINER FOR CONSUMER GOODS INCLUDING DISPENSING DEVICE

The present invention relates to a container for consumer goods that includes a dispensing device. The container of the present invention finds particular application as a container for housing smoking articles.

It is known to package elongate smoking articles and other consumer goods in containers formed from folded laminar blanks. Elongate smoking articles, such as cigarettes and cigars, are commonly sold in hinge-lid packs having a box for housing the smoking articles and a lid connected to the box about a hinge line extending across the back wall of the container. Such packs are typically constructed from one-piece laminar cardboard blanks. In use, the lid is pivoted about the hinge line to open the pack and so gain access to the smoking articles held in the box.

Also known are slide and shell containers with or without a hinge lid. For example, US- Α1-20Ό8/0149507 describes a slide and shell container that includes an outer shell having a first access opening and an inner slide having a second access opening. The inner slide is mounted within the outer shell for slidable movement relative thereto between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the second access opening is occluded by the outer shell, and the interior of the inner slide is inaccessible. And in the open position, the second access opening is substantially aligned with the first access opening such that the interior of the inner slide is accessible through the first and second access openings.

Since the smoking articles are typically all of the same length and positioned at the same height, the removal of a single smoking article from the known container without also contacting the other smoking articles around it may be difficult, in particular when the container is relatively full. Further, access to the first smoking article can be difficult as the smoking articles may be tightly packed within the container.

One object of the invention is to provide a novel container having a dispensing device that is adapted to facilitate the dispensing of a consumer good from within the container. In particular, it would be desirable to provide a novel container having a housing and a dispensing device that is vertically movable within the housing, where a sliding movement of the dispensing device enables the opening of a lid of the container to an open position such that an access opening of the housing is at least partially uncovered by the lid, and a dispensing of a single item or a small group of items from the container through the access opening. In one aspect of the present invention, a container for consumer goods is described. The container includes a housing for containing the consumer goods that includes a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and first and second side walls. The housing further includes a cut-out disposed in the first side wall and an access opening disposed in the top wall. The container further includes a dispensing device for dispensing a portion of the consumer goods. The dispensing device is disposed within the housing. The dispensing device includes a side wall and a bottom wall. The bottom wall is adapted to support the portion of the consumer goods to be dispensed. The dispensing device further includes a gripping portion disposed on the side wall of the dispensing device that is exposed by the cut-out of the housing. The dispensing device is vertically movable between a lower position and an upper position. When the dispensing device is in the lower position, the portion of the consumer goods is disposed within the housing. When the dispensing device is in the upper position, the portion of the consumer goods at least partially protrudes from the access opening. The container further includes a lid pivotably movable between a closed position and an open position, where the lid has a top wall and is adapted to cover the access opening of the housing when in the closed position and at least partially uncover the access opening when in the open position. The disposing device is further adapted to move the lid from the closed position to the open position when the dispensing device is moved from the lower position to the upper position.

Various aspects of the present invention may have one or more advantages relative to currently-available or previously-described containers. For example, the use of the dispensing device allows for the dispensing of the first and subsequent consumer goods from the container without the need to grasp a single consumer good from a tightly packed configuration or without grasping and lifting the lid of the container. Further, a user can dispense a consumer good from the container and move the lid of the container from a closed position to an open position with a single hand.

Containers according to the invention find particular application as packs for elongate smoking articles such as, for example, cigarettes, cigars, or cigarillos. It will be appreciated that through appropriate choices of the dimensions thereof, containers according to the invention may be designed for different numbers of conventional size, king size, super-king size, slim, or super-slim cigarettes.

Through an appropriate choice of the dimensions thereof, containers according to the invention may be designed to hold different total numbers of smoking articles, or different arrangements of smoking articles. For example, through an appropriate choice of the dimensions thereof, containers according to the invention may be designed to hold a total of between ten and thirty smoking articles.

As well as housing a bundle of smoking articles, the container may further include other consumer goods, for example, matches, lighters, extinguishing means, breath fresheners, or electronics. Other consumer goods may be attached to the outside of the container, contained within the container along with the smoking articles, in a separate compartment of the container, or combinations thereof.

Containers according to the present invention may hold smoking articles of the same type or brand, or of different types or brands. In addition, both filterless smoking articles and smoking articles with various filter tips may be contained, as well as smoking articles of differing length (for example, between about 40 mm and about 180 mm), and diameter (for example, between about 4 mm and about 9 mm). In addition, the smoking articles may differ in strength of taste, resistance to draw, and total particulate matter delivery. Preferably, the dimensions of the container are adapted to the length of the smoking articles and the collation of the smoking articles. Typically, the outer dimensions of the container are between about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm larger than the dimensions of the bundle or bundles of smoking articles housed inside the container.

The length, width, and depth of containers according to the invention may be such that, when the sliding element is in the closed position, the resultant overall dimensions of the container are similar to the dimensions of a typical disposable hinge-lid pack of twenty cigarettes.

Preferably, containers according to the invention have a height of between about 60 mm and about 150 mm, more preferably a height of between about 70 mm and about 125 mm, where the height is measured from the bottom wall to the top wall of the container.

Preferably, containers according to the invention have a width of between about 12 mm and about 150 mm, more preferably a width of between about 70 mm and about 125 mm, where the width is measured from one side wall to the other side wall of the container.

Preferably, containers according to the invention have a depth of between about 6 mm and about 150 mm, more preferably a depth of between about 12 mm and about 25 mm, where the depth is measured from the front wall to the back wall of the container.

Preferably, the ratio of the height of the container to the depth of the container is between about 0.3 to 1 and about 10 to 1 , more preferably between about 2 to 1 and about 8 to 1 , most preferably between about 3 to 1 and 5 to 1. Preferably, the ratio of the width of the container to the depth of the container is between about 0.3 to 1 and about 10 to 1 , more preferably between about 2 to 1 and about 8 to 1 , most preferably between about 2 to 1 and 3 to 1.

The exterior surfaces of containers according to the invention may be printed, embossed, debossed, or otherwise embellished with manufacturer or brand logos, trademarks, slogans, and other consumer information and indicia.

Once filled, containers according to the invention may be shrink wrapped or otherwise over wrapped with a transparent polymeric film of, for example, high or low density polyethylene, polypropylene, oriented polypropylene, polyvinylidene chloride, cellulose film, or combinations thereof in a conventional manner. Where containers according to the invention are over wrapped, the over wrapper may include one or more tear tapes. In addition, the over wrapper may be printed with images, consumer information, or other data.

The container can preferably be adapted such that during use the consumer goods (for example smoking articles) can be returned to the housing by moving the dispensing device from the upper position to the lower position.

The container includes the housing for containing the consumer goods. The housing can take any suitable form. Preferably, the housing takes a rectangular parallelpiped shape. The housing includes a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and first and second side walls. Further, the housing can include one or more openings. For example, the housing can include a cut-out disposed in any suitable location in the housing. In one or more embodiments, the housing can include a cut-out disposed in the first side wall. The cut-out can take any suitable shape or combination of shapes and have any suitable dimensions. Further, the cut-out can enclose any suitable area. The cut-out can be disposed in any suitable location in the first side wall. In one or more embodiments, a portion or portions of the cut-out can extend into at least one of the front wall, rear wall, top wall, and bottom wall of the container.

As is further described herein, the cut-out can be adapted to expose a gripping portion of the side wall of the dispensing device. The cut-out can allow a user to grasp the housing and manipulate the dispensing device by engaging the gripping portion of the dispensing device with at least one of a thumb and finger or fingers and moving the dispensing device between the lower position and the upper position, thereby moving the lid between the closed position and the open position.

Further, the housing includes an access opening disposed in any suitable location in the housing. In one or more embodiments, the access opening can be disposed in the top wall of the housing. The access opening can be adapted to provide the user with access to one or more consumer goods disposed within the housing when the dispensing device is in the upper position and the lid is in the open position. The access opening can take any suitable shape or combination of shapes and have any suitable dimensions. Further, the access opening can be disposed in any suitable location in the top wall. In one or more embodiments, a portion or portions of the access opening can extend into at least one of the front wall, rear wall, first side wall, and second side wall of the housing.

The housing can have any suitable dimensions. Preferably, the internal dimensions of the housing are substantially the same as the external dimensions of the dispensing device so that inner surfaces of the housing overlie the outer surfaces of the dispensing device when the dispensing device is in the lower position. In such embodiments, the dispensing device is disposed within the housing of the container.

Housings according to the invention may be in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, with right-angled longitudinal and right-angled transverse edges. In one or more embodiments, the housing may include one or more rounded longitudinal edges, rounded transverse edges, bevelled longitudinal edges, bevelled transverse edges, or combinations thereof. For example, the housing according to the invention may include, without limitation, one or more of the following features:

• One or two longitudinal rounded or bevelled edges on the front wall, and/or one or two longitudinal rounded or bevelled edges on the rear wall.

• One or two transverse rounded or bevelled edges on the front wall, and/or one or two transverse rounded or bevelled edges on the rear wall.

• One longitudinal rounded edge and one longitudinal bevelled edge on the front wall, and/or one transverse rounded edge and one transverse bevelled edge on the rear wall. · One or two transverse rounded or bevelled edges on the front wall and one or two longitudinal rounded or bevelled edges on the rear wall.

• Two longitudinal rounded or bevelled edges on one or both of the first side wall and the second side wall.

Where the housing includes one or more rounded edges, preferably the blanks forming the housing include three, four, five, six, or seven scoring lines or creasing lines to form each rounded edge in the assembled housing. The scoring lines or creasing lines may be either on the inside of the housing or on the outside of the housing. Preferably, the scoring lines or creasing lines are spaced from each other by between about 0.3 mm and 4 mm.

Preferably, the spacing of the creasing lines or scoring lines is a function of the thickness of the laminar blank. Preferably, the spacing between the creasing lines or scoring lines is between about 0.5 and about 4 times larger than the thickness of the laminar blank.

Where the housing includes one or more bevelled edges, preferably the bevelled edge has a width of between about 1 mm and about 10 mm, preferably between about 2 mm and about 6 mm. In one or more embodiments, the housing may include a double bevel formed by three parallel creasing or scoring lines that are spaced such that two distinct bevels are formed on the edge of the housing. Where the housing includes a bevelled edge, the bevel may be formed by two parallel creasing lines or scoring lines in the laminar blank from which the housing is formed. The creasing lines or scoring lines may be arranged symmetrically to the edge between a first wall and a second wall. Alternatively, the creasing lines or scoring lines may be arranged asymmetrically to the edge between the first wall and the second wall such that the bevel reaches further into the first wall of the housing than into the second wall of the housing.

Alternatively, the housing may have a non-rectangular transverse cross section, for example, polygonal such as triangular or hexagonal, or oval, semi-oval, circular or semicircular.

The housing can be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials, including cardboard, paperboard, plastic, metal, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the housing is formed from a folded laminar cardboard blank, and preferably the cardboard has a weight of between about 100 grams per square meter and about 350 grams per square meter.

The container further includes the dispensing device that is adapted to dispense a portion of the consumer goods from the container. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the dispensing device is disposed within the housing. Preferably, the dispensing to device is completely disposed within the housing when the dispensing device is in the lower position.

The dispensing device can be disposed within the housing and can include a side wall and a bottom wall. In one or more embodiments, the dispensing device can also include one or more of a front wall, a rear wall, a second side wall, and a top wall. The bottom wall is adapted to support the portion of the consumer goods to be dispensed. In one or more embodiments, the bottom wall is adapted such that a single consumer good such as a single smoking article of a plurality of smoking articles is dispensed through the access opening of the housing when the dispensing device is moved from the lower position to the upper position. In one or more embodiments, the bottom wall extends between the front and rear walls.

The dispensing device can take any suitable shape or combination of shapes and have any suitable dimensions. In one or more embodiments, the dispensing device takes a shape that is the same as the shape of the housing. Further, in one or more embodiments, the dispensing device can have dimensions such that the dispensing device fits within the housing and can slide between the lower position and the upper position.

In one or more embodiments, the dispensing device includes the same material or combination of materials as the material or combination of materials utilized for the housing. In one or more embodiments, the dispensing device includes material or materials that are different from the material or materials utilized for the housing. Preferably, the dispensing device is formed from a folded laminar cardboard blank, and preferably the cardboard has a weight of between about 100 grams per square meter and about 350 grams per square meter.

The dispensing device is vertically movable between the lower position and the upper position. As used herein, the term "vertically movable" means that an element or component is movable in a direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing. Further, the term "substantially parallel" means a direction that forms an angle with the longitudinal axis that is no greater than ten degrees. When the dispensing device is in the lower position, the portion of the consumer goods to be dispensed is disposed within the housing. In addition, when the dispensing device is in the upper position, the portion of the consumer goods to be dispensed at least partially protrudes from the access opening of the housing.

Preferably, the dispensing device is sized to fit within the housing. In one or more embodiments, a height of the dispensing device is less than a height of the portion of consumer goods to be dispensed such that the portion of the consumer goods extends beyond the dispensing device. Further, in one or more embodiments, a height of one or both of the first and second side walls is greater than a height of the portion of the consumer goods to be dispensed.

In one or more embodiments, one or more portions of the dispensing device can extend through the access opening of the housing when the dispensing device is in the upper position. Any suitable portion or portions of the dispensing device can extend through the access opening of the housing when the dispensing device is in the upper position. In one or more embodiments, a portion of at least one of the front wall, rear wall, side wall, and second side wall of the dispensing device can extend through the access opening of the housing when the dispensing device is in the upper position. Preferably, a top free edge of at least one of the front wall, rear wall, and second side wall of the dispensing device can include a U-shape, a V-shape, or any other suitably-shaped cut-out portion that facilitates gripping one or more consumer goods as the consumer goods are dispensed from the container.

Preferably, the bottom wall of the dispensing device is adapted such that a single consumer good (for example, a single smoking article) can be dispensed through the access opening when the dispensing device is moved from the lower position to the upper position. In one or more embodiments, the bottom wall of the dispensing device can be adapted such that two or more consumer goods (for example, two or more smoking articles) can be dispensed through the access opening of the housing when the dispensing device is moved from the lower position to the upper position.

In one or more embodiments, the dispensing device can be integral with the housing. Preferably, the dispensing device is formed separately from the housing. In one or more embodiments, the dispensing device can be connected to the housing using any suitable technique or combination of techniques. In one or more embodiments, the dispensing device can be completely removed from the housing when the dispensing device is no longer disposed within the housing.

The dispensing device can include one or more gripping portions disposed in any suitable location on at least one of the front wall, the rear wall, and the side wall of the dispensing device. The gripping portion can take any suitable shape or combination of shapes and have any suitable dimensions. In one or more embodiments, the gripping portion can include texture that is adapted for a user to grip the gripping portion and manipulate the dispensing device between the lower position and the upper position. In one or more embodiments, the gripping portion can include a material or combination of materials disposed on an outer surface of the dispensing device that provides a gripping surface.

Preferably, the cut-out of the housing exposes the gripping portion of the dispensing device. The cut-out of the housing can enable the user to grip the gripping portion of the dispensing device and manipulate the dispensing device between the lower position and the upper position with one or more of the thumb and fingers of the user's hand placed within the area of the cut-out of the housing.

In one or more embodiments, a portion of at least one of the front wall and rear wall of the dispensing device is adapted to engage the top wall of the housing when the dispensing device is moved from the lower position to the upper position such that at least a portion of the dispensing device remains disposed within the housing when in the upper position. Any suitable portion or portions of at least one of the front wall and the rear wall of the dispensing device can be adapted to engage the top wall of the housing. Further, in one or more embodiments, one or more portions of the front wall and rear wall of the dispensing device can be adapted to engage the top wall of the housing when the dispensing device is moved from the lower position to the upper position such that at least a portion of the dispensing device remains disposed within the housing when in the upper position.

The container also includes the lid, which is pivotably movable between a closed position and an open position. The lid can take any suitable shape or combination of shapes and have any suitable dimensions. Preferably, the lid includes a top wall. In one or more embodiments, the lid can also include one or more of a front wall, a rear wall, and a side wall. The shape and dimensions of the lid are selected such that the lid is adapted to cover the access opening of the housing when the lid is in the closed position and at least partially uncover the access opening when the lid is in the open position. In one or more embodiments, the access opening is completely uncovered when the lid is in the open position. Further, in one or more embodiments, the dispensing device is adapted to move the lid from the closed position to the open position when the dispensing device is moved from the lower position to the upper position using any suitable technique or combination of techniques as is further described herein.

In one or more embodiments, the lid can be biased in the closed position using any suitable technique or combination of techniques. For example, in one or more embodiments, a resilient member can be connected to an inner surface of the lid and the dispensing device such that the lid is returned to the closed position when the dispensing device is returned to the lower position. In one or more embodiments, a side wall of the lid can engage a top edge of the second side wall of the housing when the dispensing device is manipulated from the upper position to the lower position, thereby returning the lid to the closed position.

The lid can include any suitable material or combination of materials, for example, the same materials described herein for the housing. In one or more embodiments, the lid can be attached to either the housing or the dispensing device as is further described herein. In one or more embodiments, the lid can be integral with either the housing or the dispensing device.

For example, in one or more embodiments, the lid is hingedly connected to the second side wall of the dispensing device using any suitable technique or combination of techniques. In one or more embodiments, the lid is integral with the second side wall of the dispensing device, and a hinge line is formed by a fold line disposed between the lid and the second side wall. In such embodiments, the container can also include a tongue that connects the lid to the housing when the dispensing device is moved from the lower position to the upper position. For example, in one or more embodiments, the tongue can include a first hook disposed at a first end of the tongue. Further, a second end of the tongue can be connected to the lid in any suitable location using any suitable technique or combination of techniques. The first hook can be adapted to engage a second hook disposed in any suitable location on an inner surface of the housing. The first hook can be adapted to engage the second hook when the dispensing device is moved from the lower position to the upper position such that the tongue manipulates the lid from the closed position to the open position.

The tongue can include any suitable material or combination of materials, for example, the same materials described herein for the housing. In one or more embodiments, the tongue can be integral with at least one of the dispensing device, the lid, and the housing. In one or more embodiments, the tongue includes an extended tab that is integral with the lid. In embodiments where the tongue is integral with the lid, the tongue can be folded along a fold line disposed between the tongue and the top wall of the lid, and the tongue can be folded over an outer surface of the lid and down along the side wall of the lid and the second side wall of the housing such that it is disposed in a position to engage the second hook of the housing. In one or more embodiments, the tongue can be manufactured separately and attached to the lid and at least one of the housing and the dispensing device using any suitable technique or combination of techniques.

The first hook that is disposed at the first end of the tongue can take any suitable shape or combination of shapes and have any suitable dimensions. The first hook is adapted to engage the second hook disposed on the inner surface of the housing. Further, the first hook can be integral with the tongue or manufactured separately and attached to the tongue using any suitable technique or combination of techniques. The first hook can include any suitable material or combination materials and have any suitable dimensions.

The second hook disposed on the inner surface of the housing can take any suitable shape or combination of shapes and have any suitable dimensions. Further, the second hook can be integral with the housing. For example, in one or more embodiments, the second hook can be formed by a cut-out of the laminar blank that forms the housing. In one or more embodiments, the second hook can be manufactured separately and connected to the inner surface of the housing using any suitable technique or combination of techniques. As mentioned herein, the second hook can be disposed in any suitable location on the inner surface of the housing. In one or more embodiments, the second hook is connected to the second side wall of the housing and disposed in a location where it can engage the first hook of the tongue of the dispensing device when the dispensing device is moved from the lower position to the upper position.

The first hook of the tongue and the second hook of the housing can be adapted to engage when the dispensing device is moved from the lower position to the upper position. As the first and second hooks engage, the tongue applies a force to the lid such that the lid rotates about the hinge line from the closed position to the open position. The tongue can be further adapted to hold the lid in the open position as the dispensing device remains in the upper position. When the dispensing device is moved from the upper position to the lower position, the first and second hooks can disengage, thereby removing the force applied by the tongue to the lid such that the lid can rotate about the hinge line from the open position to the closed position. In one or more embodiments, the first hook can remain in contact with the second hook regardless of whether the dispensing device is in the lower position or the upper position. In one or more embodiments where the first and second hooks remain engaged, the first hook can be integral with the second hook. In one or more embodiments, the first hook can be disengaged from the second hook when the dispensing device is in the lower position such that the first and second hooks are no longer in contact with each other.

In embodiments where the lid is connected to the dispensing device, the lid can extend into or through the access opening of the housing. When the dispensing device is in the lower position, the top wall of the lid can be flush with the top wall of the housing. In one or more embodiments, the top wall of the lid can be selected such that it overlaps with the top wall of the housing. Further, in one or more embodiments, the size of the top wall of the lid can be selected such that it overlaps with the top wall of the housing and the second side wall of the housing when the dispensing device is in the lower position.

In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the lid extends through the access opening of the housing when the dispensing device is moved from the lower position to the upper position. Any suitable portion or portions of the lid can extend through the access opening of the housing when in this position. In one or more embodiments, the entire lid extends through and beyond the access opening of the housing when the dispensing device is in the upper position. ln one or more embodiments, the lid of the container can be hingedly connected to the housing instead of the dispensing device. The lid can be connected to any suitable portion or portions of the housing. In one or more embodiments, the lid is hingedly connected to the second side wall of the housing. The lid can be integral with the housing. For example, the lid can be integral with the second side wall of the housing and connected to the second side wall by a hinge line that is formed by a fold line disposed between the lid and the second side wall.

In embodiments where the lid is hingedly connected to the housing, the dispensing device can include a tab that extends from a top edge of the second side wall of the dispensing device. The tab is adapted to engage an inner surface the lid and manipulate the lid between the closed position and the open position when the dispensing device is moved between the lower position and the upper position. In one or more embodiments, the tab is adapted to engage an inner surface of the lid and manipulate the lid from the closed position to the open position when the dispensing device is moved from the lower position to the upper position. Further, in one or more embodiments, the tab is adapted to manipulate the lid from the open position to the closed position when the dispensing device is moved from the upper position to the lower position. The tab can be disposed in any suitable location relative to the lid and the dispensing device. In one or more embodiments, the tab is integral with the second side wall of the dispensing device. In one or more embodiments, the tab can be manufactured separately and connected to both the lid and the dispensing device using any suitable technique or combination of techniques. In one or more embodiments, the tab can be attached to an inner surface of the top wall of the lid using any suitable technique or combination of techniques. The tab can include any suitable material or combination of materials, for example, the same material or materials described herein regarding the housing.

In one or more embodiments, the container can also include a spring member disposed in any suitable location within the dispensing device, where the spring element is adapted to move the portion of the consumer goods to be dispensed onto the bottom wall of the dispensing device. In one or more embodiments, the spring member can be disposed within the dispensing device between the consumer goods and the side wall of the dispensing device. Preferably, the spring member is connected to the side wall of the dispensing device using any suitable technique or combination of techniques. The spring member can include any suitable spring or resilient material that is adapted to move the portion of the consumer goods. Preferably, the spring member includes a cardboard laminar blank that includes an accordion fold. The terms "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "side," "top," "bottom," and other terms used to describe relative positions of the components of containers refer to the container in an upright position with the top wall of the housing at the top end. The terms "left" and "right" can be used with reference to side walls of the housing when the container is viewed from the front in its upright position.

The term "inner surface" is used herein to refer to the surface of a component of the assembled container that is facing towards the interior of the container, for example, towards the consumer goods, when the dispensing device is in the closed position.

The term "longitudinal axis" is used herein to describe an axis of the housing that extends between the top wall and the bottom wall of the housing.

The term "outer surface" is used herein to refer to the surface of a component of the container that is facing towards the exterior of the container.

All scientific and technical terms used herein have meanings commonly used in the art unless otherwise specified. The definitions provided herein are to facilitate understanding of certain terms used frequently herein.

Referring now to the drawings, in which some aspects of the present invention are illustrated:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a container that includes a housing and a dispensing device in a lower position and a lid of the container in a closed position.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 with the dispensing device in an upper position and the lid in an open position.

FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded view of the container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-section view of the container of FIG. 1 with the dispensing device disposed in the lower position and the lid in the closed position.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-section view of the container of FIG. 1 with the dispensing device disposed between the lower position and the upper position and the lid in the closed position.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-section view of the container of FIG. 1 with the dispensing device disposed in the upper position and the lid in the open position.

FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of laminar blank that can be utilized to form the housing of the container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of a laminar blank that can be utilized to form the dispensing device of the container of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-section view of the container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of another embodiment of a container that includes a housing and a dispensing device in a lower position, and a lid of the container in a closed position.

FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view of the container of FIG. 10 with the dispensing device in an upper position and the lid in an open position.

FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-section view of the container of FIG. 10 with the dispensing device in the lower position and the lid in the closed position.

FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-section view of the container of FIG. 10 with the dispensing device in the upper position and the lid in the open position.

FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view of a laminar blank that can be utilized to form the housing of the container of FIG. 10.

FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view of a laminar blank that can be utilized to form the dispensing device of the container of FIG. 10.

FIGS. 1-9 are various views of one embodiment of a container 10 for consumer goods

90. The container 10 includes a housing 20 and a dispensing device 40 for dispensing a portion 92 of the consumer goods 90 from the container. The dispensing device 40 is disposed within the housing 20.

The housing 20 can be formed from a single laminar blank 100 as illustrated in FIG. 7. In FIG. 7, the reference numerals of panels of the laminar blank 100 correspond to the reference numerals of the corresponding walls in the assembled housing 20. The housing 20 includes a front wall 22, a rear wall 24 (FIG. 7), a top wall 26, and a bottom wall 28 (FIG. 7). The housing also includes a first side wall 30 and a second side wall 32. A cut-out 34 is disposed in the first side wall 30. Further, the housing 20 includes an access opening 36 disposed in the top wall 26.

The dispensing device 40 can be formed from a single laminar blank 140 as illustrated in

FIG. 8. In FIG. 8, the reference numerals of panels of the laminar blank 140 correspond to the reference numerals of the corresponding walls in the assembled dispensing device 40. The dispensing device 40 includes a side wall 46 (FIG. 8) and a bottom wall 50. In one or more embodiments, the dispensing device 40 can also include a front wall 42, a rear wall 44 (FIG. 8), and a second side wall 48 (FIG. 8). Each of the side wall 46 and second side wall 48 extends between the front wall 42 and the rear wall 44. The bottom wall 50 (FIGS. 3 and 8-9) extends between the front and rear walls 42, 44 and is adapted to support the portion 92 of the consumer goods 90 to be dispensed. The dispensing device 40 also includes a gripping portion 52 disposed on the side wall 46 of the dispensing device that is exposed by the cut-out 34 of the housing 20.

The dispensing device 40 is vertically movable between a lower position (FIGS. 1 and 4) and an upper position (FIGS. 2 and 6). When the dispensing device 40 is in the lower position, the portion 92 of the consumer goods 90 is disposed within the housing 20. Further, when the dispensing device 40 is in the upper position, the portion 92 of the consumer goods 90 at least partially protrudes from the access opening 36 of the housing 20.

The container 10 also includes a lid 60 that is pivotably movable between a closed position (FIGS. 1 and 4) and an open position (FIGS. 2 and 6). The lid 60 includes a top wall 62. In one or more embodiments, the lid 60 can also include a front wall 64, a rear wall 66, and a side wall 68 (FIG. 8). The lid 60 is adapted to cover the access opening 36 of the housing 20 when in the closed position and at least partially uncover the access opening when in the open position. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, the lid 60 is hingedly connected to the second side wall 48 of the dispensing device 40 as can be seen in FIG 8. The lid 60 can be integral with the second side wall 48 of the dispensing device 40, and a hinge line 47 (FIGS. 3 and 8) can be formed between the lid and the second side wall by a fold line or crease. Further, as can be seen in FIG. 1 , the top wall 62 of the lid 60 extends into the access opening 36 and is flush with the top wall 26 of the housing when the dispensing device 40 is in the lower position.

The dispensing device 40 can further be adapted to move the lid 60 from the closed position to the open position when the dispensing device is moved from the lower position to the upper position. For example, FIGS. 4-6 are schematic cross-section views of the container 10 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIGS. 4-6, the second side wall 32 of the housing 20 is illustrated; however, the remaining portions of the housing have been removed from these figures for clarity.

In FIG. 4, the container 10 includes a tongue 70 that has a first hook 76 at the first end 72 of the tongue. Further, a second end 74 of the tongue 70 is connected to the lid 60. The tongue 70 can be connected to the lid 60 using any suitable technique or combination of techniques. As shown in FIG. 8, the tongue 70 is integral with the lid 60 and can be folded along a fold line 142 over the top wall 62 of the lid and down along the side wall 68 of the lid and the second side wall 48 of the dispensing device 40. Further, the first hook 76 of the tongue 70 can be formed by folding the tongue along a fold line 143.

The first hook 76 of the tongue 70 is adapted to engage a second hook 78 that is disposed on an inner surface 33 of the second side wall 32 of the housing 20 as shown in FIG. 5. The first hook 76 is adapted to engage the second hook 78 when the dispensing device 40 is moved from the lower position to the upper position such that the tongue 70 manipulates the lid 60 from the closed position to the open position. For example, FIG. 5 illustrates the dispensing device 40 as it is being moved from the lower position shown in FIG. 4 to the upper position shown in FIG. 6. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the first hook 76 engages the second hook 78 as the dispensing device 40 is moved vertically.

As shown in FIG. 6, the first hook 76 engages the second hook 78 such that the tongue 70 manipulates the lid 60 from the closed position shown in FIGS. 4-5 to the open position shown in FIG. 6. The tongue 70 manipulates the lid 60 by providing a rotational force on the top wall 62 of the lid such that the lid rotates about the hinge line 47 formed between the lid and the second side wall 48 of the dispensing device 40. As can be seen in FIG. 2, at least a portion 61 of the lid 60 extends through the access opening 36 of the housing 20 when the dispensing device 40 is moved from the lower position to the upper position.

When the dispensing device 40 is moved from the upper position to the lower position, the first and second hooks 76, 78 can disengage, thereby reducing or eliminating the force applied by the tongue 70 to the lid 60 such that the lid can rotate about the hinge line 47 from the open position to the closed position. In one or more embodiments, the first hook 76 can remain in contact with the second hook 78 regardless of whether the dispensing device 40 is in the lower position or the upper position. In one or more embodiments where the first and second hooks 76, 78 remain engaged, the first hook can be integral with the second hook. In one or more embodiments, the first hook 76 can be disengaged from the second hook 78 when the dispensing device 40 is in the lower position such that the first and second hooks are no longer in contact with each other.

The container 10 can also include an optional resilient member 80 (FIGS. 4-6) that can be connected to an inner surface 49 of the second side wall 48 of the dispensing device 40 and an inner surface 63 of the lid 60. The resilient member 80 can bias the lid 60 in the closed position to aid in returning the lid to the closed position when the dispensing device 40 is manipulated from the upper position to the lower position.

As mentioned herein, the bottom wall 50 of the dispensing device 40 is adapted to support the portion 92 of the consumer goods 90 to be dispensed. For example, FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-section view of the container 10 of FIG. 1. In FIG. 9, the bottom wall 50 of the dispensing device 40 is shown with the remainder of the dispensing device removed for clarity. The bottom wall 50 of the dispensing device 40 is adapted such that one or more consumer goods, for example, one or more smoking articles, of a plurality of consumer goods 90 is dispensed through the access opening 36 of the housing 20 when the dispensing device is moved from the lower position to the upper position. As can be seen in FIG. 9, at least two consumer goods 94 and 96 are disposed on the bottom wall 50 of the dispensing device 40.

The container 10 can also include an optional spring member 82 disposed within the dispensing device 40 that is adapted to move the portion 92 of consumer goods 90 onto the bottom wall 50 of the dispensing device as is also shown in FIG. 9. The spring member 82 can be disposed in any suitable location within the dispensing device 40. For example, in one or more embodiments, the spring member 82 can be disposed within the dispensing device 40 between the consumer goods 90 and the side wall 46 of the dispensing device. The spring member 82 can provide any suitable force between the side wall 46 and the consumer goods 90 to move the portion 92 of the consumer goods onto the bottom wall 50 such that the dispensing device 40 can lift the portion of the consumer goods until the portion extends through the access opening 36 of the housing 20 when the dispensing device is moved from the lower position to the upper position as shown in FIG. 2.

As mentioned herein, the container 10 can be formed from laminar blanks 100, 140 as shown in FIGS. 7-8. Each of blanks 100, 140 includes various panels, flaps, and tabs, which when folded about appropriate score lines and affixed, with, for example, adhesive in a conventional manner, form the required parts of the container 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-9.

In FIG. 7, the laminar blank 100 utilized to form the housing 20 is illustrated. The blank 100 includes the front wall 22, the rear wall 24, the top wall 26, and the bottom wall 28. The blank 100 also includes the first side wall 32 and the second side wall 34. An upper enclosure tab 104 extends from a top edge of the first side wall 32 and can be folded inwardly along a fold line 1 14 and attached to an inner surface of the top wall 26. The blank 100 also includes an additional upper enclosure tab 102 that extends from an upper edge of the rear wall 24 that is folded inwardly along a fold line 1 16 and attached to the inner surface of the top wall 26.

The blank 100 also includes a side enclosure tab 106 that extends from a left edge of the rear panel 24 that is folded inwardly along a fold line 25 and attached to an inner surface of the second side wall 34. The second hook 78 is formed as a portion of the side enclosure tab 106 along a cut line 79. The blank 100 also includes lower enclosure tab 108 that extends from a bottom edge of the rear wall 24, lower enclosure tab 1 10 that extends from a bottom edge of the first side wall 32, and lower enclosure tab 112 that extends from a bottom edge of the second side wall 34. Tabs 108, 1 10, 1 12 are folded inwardly along fold lines 124, 126, and 128 respectively, and attached to an inner surface of the bottom wall 28. The cut-out 36 of the housing 20 is formed by cut lines that extend from a right edge 120 of the rear wall 24 and right edge 122 of the front wall 22.

In FIG. 8, laminar blank 140 utilized to form the dispensing device 40 is illustrated. The blank 140 includes the front wall 42, the rear wall 44, the side wall 46, the second side wall 48, and the bottom wall 50. Side enclosure tab 144, which extends from a right edge of the rear wall 44, folds inwardly along fold line 145 and is attached to an inner surface of the side wall 46. Further, lower enclosure tab 146 extends from a bottom edge of the side wall 46, and lower enclosure tab 148 extends from a bottom edge of the rear wall 44. The lower enclosure tabs 146, 148 are partially separated from the blank 140, folded inwardly along fold lines 147 and 149, and attached to an inner surface of the second side wall 48 to form the bottom wall 50 of the dispensing device 40.

The laminar blank 140 also includes lid enclosure tabs 150, 152 that can be folded along fold lines 151 , 153 and attached to the inner surface 63 of the top wall 62 of the lid 60 to form the front wall 64 and the rear wall 66 of the lid.

The tongue 70 extends from the top wall 62 of the lid 60 and can be folded along fold line 142 over the outer surface of the top wall of the lid and down such that it extends along the outer surface the side wall 68 of the lid and of the second side wall 48 of the dispensing device 40. The first hook 76 of the tongue 70 can be formed by folding along fold line 143.

Figs. 10-15 are various views of another embodiment of a container 200. All of the design considerations and possibilities regarding the container 100 of FIGS. 1-9 apply equally to the container 200 of FIGS. 10-15. The container 200 includes a housing 220 and a dispensing device 240 disposed within the housing. The housing 220 includes a cut-out 234 disposed in a first side wall 232 of the housing and portions of a front wall 222 and a rear wall 224 (FIG. 14) of the housing. The housing 220 further includes an access opening 236 disposed in a top wall 226 of the housing. In one or more embodiments, the access opening 236 can also be disposed in portions of one or more of the front wall 222, the rear wall 224, and a second side wall 234. The container 200 also includes a lid 260.

One difference between the container 200 and the container 100 is that lid 260 of the container 200 is hingedly connected to the second side wall 234 of the housing 220 at a hinge line 231. Another difference is that dispensing device 240 includes a tab 270 (FIG. 12) that extends from a top edge 247 of a second side wall 248 of the dispensing device 240 as can be seen in FIGS. 12-13. The tab 270 is adapted to engage an inner surface 263 of the lid 260 and manipulate the lid from the closed position to the open position when the dispensing device 240 is moved from the lower position to the upper position. The tab 270 is integral with the second side wall 248 of the dispensing device 240. In one or more embodiments, the tab 270 can be attached to an inner surface 263 of the top wall 262 of the lid. The tab 270 can also be adapted to manipulate the lid from the open position to the closed position when the dispensing device 240 is moved from the upper position to the lower position.

As shown in FIG. 11 , a portion 254 of the dispensing device 240 extends beyond the access opening 236 when the dispensing device is in the upper position and the lid 260 is in the open position.

The container 200 can be formed from laminar blanks as shown in FIGS. 14-15. Each blank includes various panels, flaps, and tabs, which when folded about appropriate fold lines or score lines and affixed, with, for example, adhesive in a conventional manner, form the required parts of the container 200 illustrated in FIGS. 10-15.

In FIG. 14, the laminar blank 300 utilized to form the housing 200 is illustrated. The blank 300 includes the front wall 222, the rear wall 224, the top wall 226 a bottom wall 228, a first side wall 232, and the second side wall 234. The blank 300 also includes tabs 302, 303, 304, 306, and 308, which can be partially separated from the blank 300 to form the lid 260. For example, tabs 302, 303, and 308, can be partially separated from the blank 300 and folded along fold lines to form a top wall 262 of the lid 260. Further, tab 304 can be partially separated from the blank 300 and folded along one or more fold lines to provide a front wall of the lid 260, and tab 306 can be partially separated from the blank and folded along one or more fold lines to provide a rear wall of the lid. The lid 260 can be hingedly connected to the second side wall 234 of the housing 220 along a fold line 247.

Further, the cut-out 236 can be formed in the laminar blank 300 by a separating the blank along one or more cut lines 337. As can be seen in FIG. 14, the cut-out 236 is disposed in portions of the first side wall 232, the front wall 222, and the rear wall 224 of the housing. 220.

In one or more embodiments, the blank 300 can include a reinforcing portion 301 that can be folded along one or more fold lines to provide an inner reinforcing structure of the various walls of the housing 220. For example, panel 312 of reinforcing portion 301 can be folded along one or more fold lines to provide an inner reinforcing structure for the front wall 222 of the housing 220. Further, panel 314 of reinforcing portion 301 can be folded along one or more fold lines to provide an inner reinforcing structure for the second side wall 234 of the housing 220. And panel 310 can be folded along one or more fold lines to provide an inner reinforcing structure for rear wall 224 of the housing 220. Tabs 316, 318, and 320 can be folded along one or more fold lines to provide an inner reinforcing structure for the top wall 226 of the housing 200. In addition, tabs 322, 324, and 326 can be folded along one or more fold lines to provide an inner reinforcing structure for bottom wall 228.

Laminar blank 330 can be utilized to form the dispensing device 240. The blank 330 includes a side wall 246 and a bottom wall 250. In one or more embodiments, the blank 330 also includes a front wall 242, a rear wall 244, and a second side wall 248. Extending from a top edge of a reinforcing panel 336 that is utilized to form the second side wall 248 is the tab 270. In one or more embodiments, the tab 270 is integral with the second side wall.

The laminar blank 330 also includes reinforcing panel 332, which can be folded along one or more fold lines and connected to the front wall 242 to provide an internal reinforcing structure for the front wall, and reinforcing panel 334, which can also be folded along one or more fold lines and connected to the rear wall 244 to provide an internal reinforcing structure for the rear wall. Further, reinforcing panel 338 can be folded along one or more fold lines and connected to the side wall 246 to provide an internal reinforcing structure for the side wall, and reinforcing panel 336 can be folded over one or more fold lines and connected to the second side wall 248 to provide an internal reinforcing structure for the second side wall.

Claims

1. A container for consumer goods, comprising:

a housing for containing the consumer goods and comprising a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and first and second side walls, wherein the housing further comprises a cut-out disposed in the first side wall and an access opening disposed in the top wall;

a dispensing device for dispensing a portion of the consumer goods, wherein the dispensing device is disposed within the housing and comprises a side wall and a bottom wall, wherein the bottom wall is adapted to support the portion of the consumer goods to be dispensed, wherein the dispensing device further comprises a gripping portion disposed on the side wall of the dispensing device that is exposed by the cut-out of the housing, wherein the dispensing device is vertically movable between a lower position and an upper position, wherein when in the lower position the portion of the consumer goods is disposed within the housing, wherein when in the upper position the portion of the consumer goods at least partially protrudes from the access opening; and

a lid pivotably movable between a closed position and an open position and comprising a top wall, wherein the lid is adapted to cover the access opening of the housing when in the closed position and at least partially uncover the access opening when in the open position; wherein the dispensing device is further adapted to move the lid from the closed position to the open position when the dispensing device is moved from the lower position to the upper position.

2. A container according to claim 1 , wherein the dispensing device further comprises a second side wall, wherein the lid is hingedly connected to the second side wall of the dispensing device.

3. A container according to claim 2, wherein the container further comprises a tongue comprising a first hook at a first end of the tongue, wherein a second end of the tongue is connected to the lid, wherein the first hook is adapted to engage a second hook disposed on an inner surface of the second side wall of the housing when the dispensing device is moved from the lower position to the upper position such that the tongue manipulates the lid from the closed position to the open position.

4. A container according to claim 3, wherein the tongue comprises an extended tab that is integral with the lid.

5. A container according to any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the second hook is formed by the cut-out of the housing.

6. A container according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein at least a portion of the lid extends through the access opening of the housing when the dispensing device is moved from the lower position to the upper position.

7. A container according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the top wall of the lid extends into the access opening and is flush with the top wall of the housing when the dispensing device is in the lower position.

8. A container according to claim 1 , wherein the lid is hingedly connected to the second side wall of the housing.

9. A container according to claim 8, wherein the dispensing device further comprises a second side wall and a tab that extends from a top edge of the second side wall of the dispensing device, wherein the tab is adapted to engage an inner surface of the lid and manipulate the lid from the closed position to the open position when the dispensing device is moved from the lower position to the upper position.

10. A container according to claim 9, wherein the tab is integral with the second side wall of the dispensing device.

1 1. A container according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the tab is attached to an inner surface of the top wall of the lid.

12. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 1 1 , wherein the lid is biased in the closed position.

13. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the consumer goods comprises a plurality of smoking articles.

14. A container according to claim 13, wherein the bottom wall of the dispensing device is adapted such that a single smoking article of the plurality of smoking articles is dispensed through the access opening of the housing when the dispensing device is moved from the lower position to the upper position.

15. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a spring member disposed within the dispensing device between the consumer goods and the side wall of the dispensing device, wherein the spring element is adapted to move the portion of the consumer goods onto the bottom wall of the dispensing device.