BR112014020178B1 - ADHESIVE LABEL CONTAINER WITH ADHESIVE-FREE AREA - Google Patents

Abstract

container with adhesive label with adhesive free area. The present invention relates to a container (100) for consumer goods. the container comprises an outer housing, the outer housing comprising a box (102) and a lid (104) hinged to the box. an inner package (106) of consumer goods has an access opening through which the consumer goods can be removed. an adhesive label (108) is provided to cover the access opening and extend beyond the periphery of the access opening of the inner package. the adhesive label (108) is at least partially releasably affixed to the inner package (106) by a re-adhesion adhesive provided on the first area (112) of the inner surface of the adhesive label which extends about at least the periphery. bottom of the inner packaging access opening. the second area (200) of the inner surface of the adhesive label is permanently attached to the inner surface of the front wall of the outer container lid. and in addition, the third area (202) of the inner surface of the adhesive label disposed between the first and second areas is substantially free of adhesive.

Description

[001] The present invention relates to a consumer goods container comprising an adhesive label. The container of the present invention finds particular application as a container for elongated consumer good items such as smoking articles.

[002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars are commonly packaged in rigid hinge-lid containers comprising a box and a lid connected to the box over the hinge line extending through the rear wall of the container. Said hinge-lid containers are typically constructed from one-piece laminar cardboard dies. In use, the lid is pivoted about the hinge line to open the container and thereby gain access to a set of smoking articles housed in the box.

[003] The set of smoking articles housed in the box is commonly wrapped in an inner lining, or packaging, of foil, foil, or other flexible laminar material. To gain access to the set of smoking articles within the inner liner, a consumer must remove the pre-drilled top portion of the inner liner by first opening the hinge-lid container.

[004] It is also known to package consumer goods, for example a set of smoking articles, in a substantially resealable air-tight casing. The casing including the consumer goods can be inserted in a container with a hinged lid.

[005] For example, EP-A-0 944 539 describes a hinge-lid package for smoking articles in which smoking articles are provided in a sealed enclosure of a barrier layer material provided with an access opening defined in the same. The access opening is covered by a cover layer with a permanently adhesive surface, which can be engaged with the layer of barrier material to reseal the enclosure after the first opening. The frame against which the cover layer can be pressed is provided in the sealed enclosure between the smoking articles and the layer of barrier material.

[006] WO-A-2008/142540 describes a hinged lid package for smoking articles in which smoking articles are enclosed in an inner package with an extraction opening closed by a cover flap which is secured to the inner package using non-dry adhesive applied to underside of cover flap. In one embodiment, an outer surface of the cover layer bottom flap is permanently and non-removably glued to an inner surface of the cover front wall so that opening and closing the cover simultaneously also opens and closes the cover flap. roof. In said embodiment, the cover flap forms an S-shaped fold when opening the lid of the hinge-lid package. The term “S-shaped” is used to refer to the shape that is shaped like a curve with an inflection point.

[007] By virtue of the S-shape of the cover flap, at a specific angle during opening and closing of the cover, a portion of the cover layer may undesirably come into contact with another portion of the cover layer or with the bottom edge of the front wall of the cover. As both portions of the cover layer have a non-drying and re-adhesive adhesive the portions can adhere to each other and affect the closure of the lid.

[008] It is an object of the present invention to avoid the aforementioned disadvantage of prior art packaging.

[009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a container for consumer goods is provided. The container comprises an outer housing, the outer housing comprising a box, and a lid hinged to the box along a hinge line extending through the rear wall of the container. An inner package of consumer goods is provided within the outer housing comprising an access opening through which the consumer goods can be removed. An adhesive label is provided covering the inner carton access opening and extending beyond the periphery of the inner carton access opening. The adhesive label is at least partially releasably affixed to the inner package by a re-adhesion adhesive provided on the first area of the inner surface of the adhesive label, which extends about at least the lower periphery of the access opening of the inner package. The second area of the inner surface of the adhesive label is permanently attached to the inner surface of the front wall of the outer container lid. The third area of the inner surface of the adhesive label disposed between the first and second areas is substantially free of adhesive.

[0010] By providing said adhesive label, a container with an inner re-adhesion package can be provided which allows the container to be closed more easily. The container can be closed more easily by the fact that the adhesive label does not adhere to itself, or to the inner surface of the lid, during opening or closing. Furthermore, a more tightly sealed inner package can be provided by the fact that the re-adhesion adhesive portion of the provided adhesive label only adheres to the inner package, and thus can be effectively sealed a plurality of times.

[0011] The height of the third area of the inner surface of the adhesive label is preferably at least about 1 mm. Preferably, the height of the third area is at least about 2 mm, more preferably at least about 3 mm. The height of the second area of the inner surface of the adhesive label is preferably at least about 3 mm. Preferably, the height of the second area is at least about 4 mm, more preferably at least about 6 mm.

[0012] Preferably, the width of the third area of the inner surface of the adhesive label is at least about 90 percent of the width of the access opening of the inner package. More preferably, the width of the third area of the inner surface of the adhesive label is substantially equal to or greater than the width of the access opening of the inner package. Even more preferably, the width of the third area is substantially equal to the width of the adhesive label. The width of the third area can be varied to change the force needed to open the container. The third narrower area increases the force needed to open the container and therefore can provide a better seal between the adhesive label and the inner packaging. However, reducing the width of the third area may increase the force required to close the container as the adhesive label may contact and partially adhere to the inner surface of the lid.

[0013] Preferably, the height of the third area of the inner surface of the adhesive label is substantially equal to or less than the height of the second area of the inner surface of the adhesive label. The second area of the inner surface of the adhesive label may be positioned on the inner surface of the lid such that when the lid is in the open position the third area substantially free of adhesive extends to or beyond the bottom edge of the lid. By arranging the relative dimensions and positions of the adhesive label as mentioned above an adhesive label is provided which does not adhere to the inner surface of the lid, and thus a container is provided which is more easily closed.

[0014] According to the second aspect of the present invention, a container for consumer goods is provided. The container comprises an outer housing comprising a box, and a lid hinged to the box along a hinge line extending across the rear wall of the container. An inner package of consumer goods is provided within the outer housing which comprises an access opening through which the consumer goods can be removed. An adhesive label is provided covering the inner carton access opening and extending beyond the periphery of the inner carton access opening. The adhesive label is at least partially releasably affixed to the inner package by a re-adhesion adhesive provided on the first area of the inner surface of the adhesive label which extends about at least the lower periphery of the inner package access opening, the second area of the inner surface of the adhesive label is substantially free of adhesive, and wherein the first area of the outer surface of the adhesive label is permanently affixed to the inner surface of the front wall of the outer container lid. The second area of the inner surface of the adhesive label and the first area of the outer surface of the adhesive label at least partially overlap each other.

[0015] This reduces the forces between the backside of the first outer surface area and the re-adhesion adhesive provided in the first inner surface area. By providing said adhesive label, a container with an inner re-adhesion package can be provided which allows the container to be closed more easily. The container can be closed more easily by the fact that the adhesive label does not adhere to itself, or to the inner surface of the lid, during opening or closing. Furthermore, a more tightly sealed inner package can be provided by the fact that the re-adhesion adhesive portion of the provided adhesive label only adheres to the inner package, and thus can be effectively sealed a plurality of times.

[0016] Preferably, in the second aspect of the present invention, the area of the second area of the adhesive label is between 100 percent and about 50 percent of the area of the first area of the outer surface of the adhesive label. Advantageously, where the second area is smaller than the first area, the adhesive label has the least tendency to peel off the lid when the container is opened. The height of the second inner surface area can be at least about 1 mm, preferably at least about 2 mm, and more preferably at least about 3 mm. The height of the first area of the outer surface of the adhesive label can be at least about 3 mm, preferably at least about 4 mm, and more preferably at least about 6 mm.

[0017] The adhesive label provided, in the first and second aspects of the present invention, to seal the access portion over the access opening comprises a re-adhesion adhesive so that the label can be removed from the surface of the inner packaging and refixed numerous times. This allows for repeated openings and closings of the inner packaging in order to gain access to individual consumer goods. The re-adhesion adhesive on the adhesive label will preferably provide sufficient adhesion for the label to be re-attached at least as often as the consumer goods within the inner packaging. This allows a consumer to open and reseal the inner package until the package is empty.

[0018] Suitable re-adhesion adhesives are known to those skilled in the art and a wide variety of adhesives are commercially offered from a number of suppliers. Selection of a suitable adhesive may depend on the material that makes up the inner packaging to which the adhesive label is sealed or resealed during use.

[0019] The adhesive label preferably comprises an adhesive-free surface area, wherein said adhesive-free surface area corresponds in size to the access opening in the inner package. When the lid is in the closed position with the adhesive label sealed to the inner package, said adhesive free surface area covers the access opening in the inner package. This will prevent dust or small particles, for example tobacco lint or other residue from consumer goods inside the package, from adhering to the adhesive label. This can happen, for example, if the adhesive label comes into contact with the consumer goods inside the inner packaging.

[0020] In an alternative embodiment to have an adhesive-free area that corresponds in size to the access opening in the inner package, in the first and second aspects of the present invention, the access opening of the inner package is defined by one or more lines of weakening in the inner packaging. The one or more lines of weakness define an access portion of the inner package. By providing the inner package with a defined access portion, the inner package can be more securely sealed prior to the first opening of the container. This can extend the storage life of the consumer goods contained within the container. More preferably, the adhesive label comprises an additional area of the inner surface of the adhesive label permanently attached to the access portion of the inner package connected by the one or more lines of weakness. The inner carton access portion is preferably partially separated from the remainder of the inner carton along the one or more lines of weakness in the first opening of the outer housing cover so that the inner carton access portion remains secured to the remainder of the inner packaging during the subsequent opening and closing of the outer housing cover. The re-adhesion adhesive provided on the first area of the inner surface of the adhesive label may extend over substantially the entire periphery of the access portion of the inner package.

[0021] Preferably, in the first and second aspects of the present invention, the adhesive label is permanently attached to the inner package, at least partially. More preferably, the adhesive label is permanently affixed to the inner package by a connecting portion extending over substantially the entire periphery of the adhesive label. The connecting portion is connected to the adhesive label along an edge of the adhesive label adjacent an edge of the access portion. Preferably, the connecting edge is located towards the rear of the top of the inner package.

[0022] Preferably, in the first and second aspects of the present invention, the container additionally comprises an inner frame within the inner package. More preferably, the inner frame is a U-shaped inner frame provided with a front wall and a pair of opposite side walls. Alternatively, the inner frame can be provided between the container and the inner package. Advantageously, an inner frame with a large surface area increases the structural strength of the container. The greater structural strength provided by the internal frame allows for a firm closing of the adhesive label. This is particularly advantageous for subsequent closing operations when the container is no longer full. The term “U-shaped” is used to refer to a shape comprising three parts, where the first and third parts are parallel to each other and extend in the same direction perpendicular to the second part.

[0023] Where the inner frame is provided between the container and the inner package, the inner frame may comprise a cover layer wherein the surface structure of the cover layer is selected so that substantially no adhesive is transferred from the label adhesive to the cover layer when the adhesive label is attached to the cover layer of the inner frame. For example, the inner frame may comprise a cover layer of laminated polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The cover layer can be transparent or metallized. Avoiding the transfer of adhesive from the label to the inner frame has the advantage that dust or small particles, for example so-called "tobacco lint", will not stick to the inner frame.

[0024] Preferably, the inner packaging is formed of sheet metal or metallized paper. The inner packaging material can be formed as a laminate of a metallized polyethylene film, and a linear material. The linear material can be supercalendered glacine paper. Furthermore, the inner packaging material may be provided with a print receptive topcoat.

[0025] Preferably, the consumer goods are smoking articles. However, the container may be suitable for a variety of consumer goods such as confectionery, dry food product or the like.

[0026] As used herein, the terms 'front', 'rear', 'top', 'bottom', 'top', 'bottom' and 'side' refer to the relative positions of portions of containers according to the present invention and components thereof when the container is in an upright position with the outer housing cover in the closed position and the hinge line at the rear of the container. When describing containers in accordance with the present invention, said terms are used irrespective of the orientation of the container being described. The rear wall of the container is the wall comprising the hinge line.

[0027] The term "pivot line" refers to the line over which the lid can be pivoted to open the container. The hinge line can be, for example, a fold line or a marking line on the panel forming the rear wall of the container.

[0028] The term "longitudinal" refers to the direction from the bottom to the top or vice versa. The term “transverse” refers to the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0029] As used herein, the term "height" refers to the dimension of the respective portion of the adhesive label measured in the longitudinal direction when the adhesive label is attached to the inner package. The term "width" refers to the dimension of the respective portion of the adhesive label measured in the transverse direction when the adhesive label is attached to the inner package.

[0030] The container is preferably a rectangular parallelepiped comprising two wider walls spaced apart by two narrower walls.

[0031] The container can be formed from any suitable materials including, but not limited to, cardboard, cardboard, plastic, metal, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the outer housing is each formed from one or more dies of folded laminar paperboard and preferably, the paperboard has a weight of between about 100 grams per square meter and about 350 grams per square meter.

[0032] As described above, the containers according to the present invention can be in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, with transverse edges at right angles and longitudinal edges at right angles. Alternatively, the container may comprise one or more rounded longitudinal edges, rounded transverse edges, bevelled longitudinal edges or beveled transverse edges, or combinations thereof. For example, the container according to the present invention may comprise, without limitation:

[0033] a. One or two rounded or chamfered longitudinal edges on the front wall, and/or one or two rounded or chamfered longitudinal edges on the rear wall.

[0034] b. One or two rounded or chamfered transverse edges on the front wall, and/or one or two rounded or chamfered transverse edges on the rear wall.

[0035] c. A rounded longitudinal edge and a longitudinal beveled edge on the front wall, and/or a rounded transverse edge and a bevelled transverse edge on the rear wall.

[0036] d. One or two rounded or chamfered transverse edges on the front wall and one or two rounded or chamfered longitudinal edges on the front wall.

[0037] e. Two rounded or chamfered longitudinal edges on the first sidewall or two rounded or chamfered transverse edges on the second sidewall.

[0038] Where the container comprises one or more bevelled edge, preferably the bevelled edge has a width of between about 1 mm and about 10 mm, preferably between about 2 and about 6 mm. Alternatively, the container may comprise a double bevel formed by three parallel ridges or score lines which are spaced apart so that two distinct bevels are formed on the edge of the container.

[0039] Alternatively, the container may have a non-rectangular cross section, for example polygonal such as triangular or hexagonal, semioval or semicircular.

Containers according to the present invention find particular application as packages for elongated smoking articles such as, for example, cigarettes, cigars or cigarillos. It will be appreciated that through proper choices of dimensions thereof, containers in accordance with the present invention can be designed for different numbers of conventional sizes, from king size cigarettes, super-king size, slim or super-slim cigarettes. Alternatively, other consumer goods can be housed inside the container.

[0041] Through a suitable choice of dimensions, containers according to the present invention can be designed to contain different total numbers of smoking articles, or different arrangements of smoking articles. For example, through an appropriate choice of dimensions, containers in accordance with the present invention can be designed to hold a total of between ten and thirty smoking articles.

[0042] Smoking articles can be arranged in different groupings depending on the total number of smoking articles. For example, smoking articles can be arranged in a single row of six, seven, eight, nine or ten. Alternatively, the smoking articles can be arranged in two or more rows. The two or more rows can contain the same number of smoking articles. For example, smoking articles can be arranged in: two rows of five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten; three rows of five or seven; or four rows of four, five or six. Alternatively, the two or more rows may include at least two rows containing different numbers of smoking articles relative to one another. For example, smoking articles can be arranged in: a row of five and a row of six (5-6); a row of six and a row of seven (6-7); a row of sevens and a row of eight (7-8); one middle row of five and two outer rows of six (6-5-6); one middle row of five and two outer rows of seven (7-5-7); one middle row of six and two outer rows of five (5-6-5); one middle row of six and two outer rows of seven (7-6-7); one middle row of seven and two outer rows of six (6-7-6); a middle row of nine and two outer rows of eight (8-9-8); or a middle row of six with an outer row of five and an outer row of seven (56-7).

[0043] Containers according to the present invention may contain smoking articles of the same type or brand, or of different types or brands. Furthermore, not only filterless smoking articles and smoking articles with multiple filter tips can be contained, as well as smoking articles of different lengths (e.g. between about 40 mm and about 180 mm), diameter (e.g. , between about 4 mm and about 9 mm). Furthermore, smoking articles may differ in flavor gradations, resistance to sucking and total particulate matter delivery. Preferably, the dimensions of the container are adapted to the length of the smoking articles, and the grouping of the smoking articles. Typically, the external dimensions of the container are between about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm larger than the dimensions of the set or groups of smoking articles housed within the container.

[0044] The length, width and depth of containers according to the present invention may be such that, in the closed lid position, the resulting overall dimensions of the container are similar to the dimensions of a typical disposable hinged lid package of twenty cigarettes.

Preferably, containers according to the present 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, wherein the height is measured from the bottom wall to the top wall of the container.

[0046] Preferably, containers according to the present 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, wherein the width is measured from one sidewall to the other sidewall of the container.

[0047] Preferably, containers according to the present 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 at from the front wall to the rear wall of the container (comprising the articulation between box and lid).

[0048] Preferably, the ratio of container height to container depth is between about 0.3 to 1 and about 10 to 1, more preferably between about 2 to 1 and about 8 to 1, even more preferably between about 3 to 1 and 5 to 1.

[0049] Preferably, the ratio of container width to container depth is between about 0.3 to 1 and about 10 to 1, more preferably between about 2 to 1 and about 8 to 1, even more preferably between about 2 to 1 and 3 to 1.

[0050] Preferably, the ratio of the height of the lid rear wall to the height of the outer sleeve box rear wall is between about 0 to 1 (lid located on the top edge of the container) to about 1 to 1, more preferably, between about 1 to 5 and about 1 to 10, even more preferably, between about 1 to 6 to about 1 to 8.

[0051] Preferably, the ratio of the height of the front wall of the outer sleeve cap to the height of the front wall of the outer sleeve housing is between about 1 to 0 (lid covering the entire front wall) to about 1 to 10, more preferably, between about 1 to 1 and about 1 to 5, even more preferably, between about 1 to 2 and about 1 to 3.

[0052] Where the container comprises smoking articles, the container may additionally comprise refuse compartments (for example, for ash or butts) or other consumer goods, for example, matches, lighters, extinguishing means, breath fresheners or electronics . The other consumer goods may be attached to the outside of the container, contained within the container together with the smoking articles, in a separate compartment of the container or combinations thereof.

[0053] The external surfaces of containers according to the present invention may be printed, embossed, embossed or otherwise embellished with the manufacturer's trademark logo, registered brands, slogans and other information and indications for the consumer.

[0054] Once filled, the containers according to the present invention can be vacuum packed or otherwise packed 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 in accordance with the present invention are packaged, the packages may include one or more tear tapes. In addition, packages can be printed with images, consumer information or other data.

[0055] The present invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached drawings in which:

[0056] Figure 1 shows a representation of a container according to the present invention;

[0057] Figure 2 shows a side view of the container shown in Figure 1 with the lid in the open position;

[0058] Figure 3 shows a side view of the container shown in Figure 1 with the lid in the closed position;

[0059] Figure 4 shows the inner surface of an adhesive label used on a container according to the present invention;

[0060] Figure 5 shows the external surface of the adhesive label shown in Figure 4;

[0061] Figure 6 shows a side view of an additional container according to the present invention, with the lid in the open position;

[0062] Figure 7 shows a side view of the additional container, with the lid in the closed position;

[0063] Figure 8 shows the inner surface of an adhesive label used on the additional container; and

[0064] Figure 9 shows the external surface of the adhesive label shown in Figure 8. The hinge-lid container 100 shown in Figure 1 is a rectangular parallelepiped and comprises a lower box 102 and an upper lid 104 that is hinged to the box 102 to along a hinge line extending substantially horizontally along the rear wall of container 100. Figure 1 shows the container with hinged lid 104 in an open position. A pack of cigarettes (not shown) is housed in box 102 of container 100. The pack is wrapped in an inner package 106, described in more detail below. The overall size and construction of the box 102 and lid 104 of container 100 are substantially the same as a standard hinge-lid cigarette pack.

The box 102 has a box front wall, a box left side wall, a box right side wall, a box rear wall, and a box bottom wall. The upper side of the box 102 is open to provide an upper opening through which cigarettes can be removed.

[0066] When the container in the upright position is opened, the cigarettes contained in the box 102 can be removed from the upper end of the container 100.

[0067] The lid 104 has the lid front wall, the lid left side wall, the lid right side wall, the lid back wall and the lid top wall. When container 100 is closed, the free edges of the walls of the lid 104 contact the free edges of the walls of the box 102 along a line of contact. In the closed position, the walls of the lid 104 therefore form extensions of the corresponding walls of the box 102 to define the walls of the container 100.

[0068] An inner frame (not shown) is mounted within the inner package 106 of the container 100. The inner frame comprises a front wall of the inner frame, a left side wall of the inner frame and a right side wall of the inner frame which are connected to the inner surface of the inner packaging front wall, the inner packaging left side wall and the inner packaging right side wall, respectively. The front wall of the inner frame includes a rectangular cutout in the top free edge so as to facilitate removal of the cigarettes from the box 102. The rectangular cutout substantially corresponds to the front wall portion of the access opening in the inner carton. The walls of the inner frame extend above the upper edge of the box 102.

[0069] Prior to the first opening, the container 100 is wrapped in an outer shell (not shown) formed from a transparent film, in conventional manner.

[0070] The inner package 106 includes a cutout through which cigarettes can be removed. When the inner package of cigarettes is in place within the box the cut is positioned on the upper open end of the box 102.

[0071] A rectangular self-adhesive label 108 is affixed to the outer surface of the inner package so that the label 108 covers the cutout defining the access opening in the inner package 106. The free end 110 of the label 108 is permanently affixed to the inner surface portion of the cap 104. The tag 108 includes an area of re-adhesion adhesive 112 on the inner surface of the tag 108, which overlaps the portion of the inner package substantially around the periphery of the access opening. When the lid is in the closed position the re-adhesion adhesive area 112 forms a seal between the adhesive label 108 and the inner package 106.

[0072] Furthermore, the label 108 is sealed to the inner package on the upper rear edge of the inner package using a strip of permanent adhesive. Provides the hinge line over which the adhesive label can be pivoted to open and close the inner package.

[0073] In order to gain access to the cigarettes inside the inner package, the hinged lid is moved from the closed position to the open position shown in Figure 1. As the lid is moved from the closed position, the label 108 is withdrawn from the inner carton 106 as the free end 110 of the label 108 is permanently affixed to the cap, thereby uncovering the access opening in the inner carton through which one or more cigarettes can be removed.

[0074] Figure 2 shows a side view of the container 100 with the lid 104 in the open position. As described above, label 108 is permanently affixed using adhesive 200 to the inner surface of lid 104 substantially adjacent to the lower edge of the lid. Portion 202 located adjacent to permanent adhesive portion 200 is substantially free of adhesive. The adhesive-free portion is provided to prevent the adhesive label from adhering to the inner surface of the lid in the region of the bottom edge of the lid. By preventing the adhesive label from sticking to the lid, the container can be opened and closed more easily.

[0075] Figure 3 shows a side view of the container 100 with the lid 104 in the closed position. As can be seen, the portion 200 of the adhesive label permanently attached to the inner surface of the lid is folded substantially 180 degrees away from the inner package. Adhesive tag 108 is shown attached to inner package 106.

[0076] Figure 4 shows the adhesive label 108. Portion 200 is provided with a permanent adhesive so that the lower edge of the adhesive label can be permanently attached to the inner surface of the cap 104 as described above. Portion 202 is substantially free of adhesive, and is located adjacent to permanent adhesive portion 200. Alternatively, portion 200 may be adhesively neutralized to ensure that it does not adhere to the inner surface of the cap. The re-adhesion adhesive portion 112, described above, is shown surrounding the periphery of portion 400. The re-adhesion adhesive portion 112 is adapted to releasably adhere the inner package around the access opening to provide a sealed inner package. Portion 400 is provided with permanent adhesive adapted to permanently affix the adhesive label to an access portion of the inner package. The access portion is, before the first opening of the container, connected to the inner package by lines of weakness, such as perforations, crease lines or marking lines. Specifically, lines of weakness are provided on the left side, right side, and underside of the access opening when the container is viewed from the front with the lid on top. The adhesive label is permanently affixed to the access portion so that at the first opening of the container the access portion is separated from the inner package along lines of weakness, but remains affixed to the inner package along a formed hinge line in the rear top corner of the inner package.

[0077] Figure 5 shows the external surface of the adhesive label 108. As can be seen the surface 500 is free of adhesive.

[0078] In said embodiment, the height of the adhesive free portion is less than the height of the permanent adhesive portion 610. The height of the adhesive free portion is about 3 mm, and the height of the permanent adhesive portion is about 4 mm. The relative dimensions of the adhesive-free portion and the permanent adhesive portion of the adhesive label are such that the re-adhesion adhesive portion does not contact the inner surface of the lid when the lid is in the open position. Furthermore, the relative dimensions are such that the re-adhesion adhesive portion provides a seal with the area surrounding the inner package access portion.

[0079] The container 600 shown in Figure 6 is similar in construction to the container 100 shown in Figures 1 to 3 as described above. Container 600 has a box 602, and a lid 604 that is hinged to box 602 along a hinge line that extends substantially horizontally along the rear wall of container 600. Meanwhile, inner package 606 is provided with a label alternative adhesive 608. In said alternative, portion 610 of the outer surface of adhesive label 608 is permanently affixed to the inner surface of cap 604. Portion 612 of the inner surface of adhesive label 608 is substantially free of adhesive. Similar to the adhesive-free portion 202 provided on the adhesive label 108 as described above, the adhesive-free portion 612 is provided so that the adhesive label does not adhere to itself when the lid is in the open position. The container can therefore be opened and closed more easily.

[0080] Figure 7 shows a side view of the container 600 with the lid 604 in the closed position. As can be seen in said alternative embodiment, the portion 610 of the adhesive label permanently attached to the inner surface of the lid is not bent with respect to the inner package. Adhesive tag 108 is shown releasably attached to inner package 606.

[0081] Similar to the container 100 described above, an inner frame (not shown) is mounted within the inner package 606 of the container 600. The inner frame comprises a front inner frame wall, a left inner frame side wall and a right side wall of the inner frame which are connected to the inner surface of the front wall of the inner package, the left side wall of the inner package and the right side wall of the inner package, respectively. The front wall of the inner frame includes a rectangular cutout in the top free edge so as to facilitate removal of the cigarettes from the box 602. The rectangular cutout substantially corresponds to the front wall portion of the access opening in the inner carton. The walls of the inner frame extend above the top edges of box 602.

[0082] Prior to the first opening, the container 600 is wrapped in an outer shell (not shown) formed from a transparent film, in conventional manner.

Inner package 606 includes a cutout through which cigarettes can be removed. When the inner cigarette package is in place within the box the cut is positioned on the upper open end of the box 602.

[0084] Figure 8 shows adhesive label 608. Portion 612 is substantially free of adhesive, and is located adjacent to the lower edge of adhesive label 608. Alternatively, portion 612 may be adhesively neutralized to ensure that it does not adhere to itself when the cover is in the open position. The re-adhesion adhesive portion 800 is shown surrounding the periphery of portion 802. The re-adhesion adhesive portion 800 is adapted to releasably affix the adhesive label to the inner package 606 around the access opening to provide a sealed inner package. Portion 802 is provided with permanent adhesive adapted to permanently affix the adhesive label to an access portion of the inner package. The access portion is, before the first opening of the container, connected to the inner package by lines of weakness, such as perforations. Specifically, lines of weakness are provided on the left side, right side, and underside of the access opening when the container is viewed from the front with the lid on top. The adhesive label is permanently affixed to the access portion so that at the first opening of the container the access portion is separated from the inner package along lines of weakness, but remains affixed to the inner package along a formed hinge line in the rear top corner of the inner package.

[0085] Figure 9 shows the outer surface of the adhesive label 608. As can be seen, the permanent adhesive portion 610 is provided on the lower edge of the outer surface of the adhesive label. The remaining 900 of the outer surface of the adhesive label surface is free of adhesive.

[0086] In the alternative embodiment, the height of the adhesive free portion is less than the height of the permanent adhesive portion 610. The height of the adhesive free portion is about 3 mm, and the height of the permanent adhesive portion is about 6 mm. The relative dimensions of the adhesive-free portion and the permanent adhesive portion are such that the elastic properties of the adhesive label material prevent the re-adhesion adhesive portion from contacting itself when the lid is in the open position.

[0087] Containers 100 and 600 can be filled and assembled using conventional apparatus and methods, modified to include the step of applying adhesive label 108, 608 over the inner package access opening 106, 606.

Claims (9)

1. Container (600) for consumer goods, comprising: an external housing comprising: a box (602); and a lid (604) hinged to the box (602) along a hinge line extending across the rear wall of the container (600); an inner package (606) of consumer goods within the outer housing comprising an access opening through which consumer goods can be removed; and an adhesive label (608) covering the inner package access opening (606) and extending beyond the periphery of the inner package access opening (606), wherein the adhesive label (608) is at least partially affixed releasably to the inner package (606) by a re-adhesion adhesive provided on a first area (800) of the inner surface of the adhesive label (608) extending over at least the lower periphery of the inner package access opening (606) ; a second area (612) of the inner surface of the adhesive label (608) is free of adhesive, wherein a first area (610) of the outer surface of the adhesive label (608) is permanently affixed to the inner surface of the front wall of the lid (604 ) of the outer container, the first area (610) of the outer surface of the adhesive label (608) being at a lower edge of the outer surface of the adhesive label (608); the second area (612) of the inner surface of the adhesive label (608) and the first area (610) of the outer surface of the adhesive label (608) at least partially overlap each other; characterized in that the area of the second area (612) of the adhesive label (608) is between 100 percent and 50 percent of the area of the first area (610) of the outer surface of the adhesive label (608); and a height of the adhesive-free second area (612) of the inner surface of the adhesive label (608) is less than a height of the first area (610) of the outer surface of the adhesive label (608) which is permanently attached to the cap (604 ) of the external housing. 2. Container (600) according to claim 1, characterized in that the access opening of the inner packaging (606) is defined by one or more lines of weakness in the inner packaging (606). 3. Container (600) according to claim 2, characterized in that the adhesive label (608) further comprises an additional area of the inner surface of the adhesive label (608) permanently attached to the portion of the inner packaging (606) attached by one or more lines of weakness. 4. Container (600) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first area (800) of the inner surface of the adhesive label (608) extends across the entire periphery of the access opening of the inner packaging ( 606). 5. Container (600), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adhesive label (608) is partially and permanently attached to the inner packaging (606). 6. Container (600) according to claim 5, characterized in that the adhesive label (608) is permanently attached to the inner package (606) by a connecting edge of the adhesive label (608) adjacent to an edge of the access portion, the connecting edge being located towards the rear of the top of the inner package (606). 7. Container (600), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it additionally comprises an inner frame within the inner packaging (606). 8. Container (600) according to claim 7, characterized in that the inner frame is a U-shaped inner frame comprising a front wall and a pair of opposite side walls. 9. Container (600), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the consumer goods are smoking articles.

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