BRPI0720765A2 - TOBACCO PACKAGE, MOTHER AND METHOD FOR MAKING A TOBACCO PACKAGE FROM A MOTHER - Google Patents

Description

“TOBACCO PACKAGE, MOTHER AND METHOD FOR MAKING A TOBACCO PACKAGE FROM A MOTHER” BACKGROUND

This invention relates to tobacco packaging. In particular, the invention relates to a package and matrices for making the package.

Traditionally, cut tobacco that is used by consumers in wrap-around-yourself (RYO) products is packaged in tobacco bags. The consumer removes a portion of the tobacco from the pouch before constructing a smoking article, such as a cigarette, using a separate cigarette paper.

Tobacco pockets are conventionally formed from a sheet of plastic material that is folded over along an edge to form a closed edge and an overlapping portion. The overlapping portion is sealed around two side edges to form a pouch in which the cut tobacco is contained. The pouches typically have a tab that extends from a back wall of the pouch and folds over the opening end to prevent spillage of contents. Use of the bag for extended periods may result in deterioration of the freshness and aroma of the cut tobacco. The deterioration in the quality of cut tobacco may be due to the loss of moisture and aroma from the cut tobacco. Simply folding a tab over the pouch opening may not be sufficient to eliminate spoilage of the cut tobacco contained therein. SUMMARY

A first aspect of the present invention provides a tobacco package comprising a container and a lid attached to the container, the container comprising front and rear panels, two opposing side panels and an end panel, wherein an opening opposite the end panel is provided. the cover being pivotally attached to the rear panel and operable to extend through the opening and at least part of the front panel, the cover comprising two or more consecutive cover panels, where one first of two or more consecutive cover panels provides the hinged coupling to the rear panel and the last of the two or more consecutive lid panels has locking means that are operable to engage with the container.

The lid can extend across the entire front panel. The lid may extend through the entire front panel and at least part of the bottom panel. The lid can extend across the entire front panel and the entire bottom panel. The lid may extend through the entire front panel, the entire bottom panel and at least part of the rear panel. The lid can extend across the entire front panel, the entire bottom panel and the entire rear panel.

Advantageously, when opened, the lid panel suitably provides a surface on which the consumer can prepare a do-it-yourself (RYO) or do-it-yourself smoking article, such as a cigarette.

In addition, the package is suitable for use in retail outlets, such as those conventionally used in selling other tobacco related products, such as cigarettes. Selling stations include vending machines, automated vending windows, and the equivalent, from which smoking articles are displayed and sold.

The container may provide complementary locking means which are operable to engage with the locking means. The locking means and the complementary locking means may be provided by means of hook and loop fasteners (Velcro®). Alternatively, the locking means and / or the complementary locking means may be provided by adhesive applied to the lid and / or the container. Suitable adhesive may be of the semi-permanent type, for example gummed paper or glued paper having a removable back to reveal the adhesive surface. The complementary engaging means may be provided by an attachment to the container or by a surface or edge of the container. The complementary locking means is provided over the region of the container with which the locking means makes contact when closing the lid.

In an alternative embodiment, the locking means may be a tab and the complementary locking means may be a notch into which the tab is capable of being inserted. A flap may extend from one or more edges of the lid. Accordingly, one or 10 more notches may be provided over the corresponding edges or panels forming the container, the corresponding edges or panels are provided by the container part (s) with which the locking means comes into contact when closing. cap.

One or more tabs may extend from one edge of the last of the two or more consecutive lid panels and be insertable into a complementary notch (s). Notch (s) may be provided near one edge of the package. The edge, including the notch (s) therein, may be any edge over the package that is parallel to the opening; that is, the container edge that corresponds to the leading edge location of the lid when closed. Preferably, the notch is provided on an edge defined by the junction of the front panel and the end panel. Alternatively, the notch may be provided over at least one of the front panel, end panel or rear panel, with which the last of the cover panels coincides and closes against the front, end or rear panel.

In addition or alternatively, one or more tabs may extend from one or both side edges of the lid and corresponding complementary notch (s) may be provided over a corresponding side edge or over a side panel. corresponding container.

The combination of tab and notch can provide the consumer with a reliable releasable container.

The lid may have suitable wrinkles or weakening lines that correspond to the edges of the container, so that the lid is foldable around the edges of the container.

In an alternative embodiment, where the lid may be operable to extend through the opening and at least the entire front panel of the container, the last of the two or more consecutive lid panels 10 has three free edges provided by a first side edge. a second side edge and a leading edge; a first closing panel, a second closing panel and a third closing panel depend on the first side edge, the second side edge and the leading edge respectively, the third closing panel being joined to both the first and second panels. closing at adjacent edges thereby providing a rim which upon closing the lid overlaps with the corresponding panes of the container.

The lid may comprise three panels, so that, in addition to extending over the opening and the total of the front panel, it may also extend over the total of the end panel. Alternatively, the lid may comprise four panels so that it extends over the opening of the front panel total, end panel total and rear panel total.

The combination of closing panels and closing edges can provide the consumer with a reliable releasable container.

The closing arrangement may be such that there is an interference fit between the rim and the container, where opening is effected only by actively moving the lid.

The opening may be formed by a recessed portion in the front panel. The lowered portion may be in any manner suitable to allow easier access to the contents of the container. The recessed portion may be formed by a removable section which may be hinged along an edge of the container. Providing a hinged coupling to the container helps eliminate a potential problem with the removable section arrangement. Removal or opening of the removable section by someone other than the consumer may be indicative of tampering.

The contents of the container may be a sealable pouch containing tobacco. Therefore, removing or opening the removable section allows access to the seal over the pouch. Consequently, the removal or opening of the removable section by a person other than the consumer may be indicative of tampering with the seal and / or contents of the pouch.

The first of the consecutive panels forming the lid does not have any tabs or panels attached to its edges that correspond to the 15 sides of the package. Therefore, when closing the lid there may be a slight void between the lid side edge and the container side panel. To close the void, the container side panels may each comprise a flap extending from an edge corresponding to the container opening. The flaps are foldable toward the container so that when closing, the lid abuts the flaps; thereby eliminating the void. The flaps are also operable to resist the package side panels by reducing the incidence of side panel deformation that may be caused by the lid portion contacting the top edge of the side panel that coincides with the container opening. The flaps 25 may also be operable to reduce ingress of dirt and dust into the container. Additional aspects of the present invention set forth in the claims provide matrices and methods for making a package according to the first aspect of the invention.

The die may be folded by manual folding or by an automated folding process or a combination of both to form a package according to a first aspect of the invention.

The method of folding the die to form the package may first involve placing a tobacco-containing pouch over the die and then folding the die around the pouch.

Alternatively, the package may be partially assembled such that the pouch is insertable into the container portion prior to completing the assembly of the package. Partial assembly of the die may involve bending at least part of the panels forming the die to construct a tube having two openings or bending at least part of the panels forming the die to construct a container with an opening at one end. Assembly of the package may be completed after the contents are inserted and any remaining panels of the container are folded and the panels forming the lid around the pouch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. Ia is a perspective view of a package when

Open;

fig. Ib is a perspective view of the package of fig. Ia when partially closed;

fig. 2 is a perspective view of a package having a removable front panel section;

fig. 3a is a perspective view of an example of a

pouch contained in the package of figs. Ia, Ib and 2;

fig. 3b is a plan view of an array for making the purse of the

fig. 3 a;

fig. 4a is a plan view of an alternative matrix to that of FIG. 3b to make the pouch of FIG. 4b; fig. 4b is a schematic representation of the process of forming a pouch from the matrix of FIG. 4a;

fig. 5 is a plan view of a first die for making the package of FIGS. Iae 1b;

fig. 6a is a plan view of a second die for making the package of figs. Iae 1b;

fig. 6b is a perspective view of a partially assembled package made from the matrix of fig. 6a;

fig. 7a is a perspective view of a package having an alternative closure arrangement for the packages of figs. Iaa 6b;

fig. 7b is a perspective view of a package having the same closing arrangement as the package of fig. 7a, but closure is effected around the rear panel of the container;

fig. 8a is a plan view of an example matrix for forming the package of fig. 7a; and

fig. 8b is a plan view of an example matrix for forming the package of fig. 7b, the matrix is a variant of the matrix in fig. 8a. DESCRIPTION OF METHODS

Generally, in the figures, solid lines indicate the edges or cross sections, and dashed lines indicate the fold lines around which the die components are folded to construct the package 100 and the pouch P. Referring to FIG. 2, the dashed line shown on front panel 8 of container 2 represents the boundary of a removable section 18a of front panel 8. In one embodiment, section 18a may be completely removed to allow access to the container. In another embodiment, section 18a may be hinged to the container along an edge to allow access to the container.

With reference to figs. 1a, Ib and 2, package 100 is in the form of a rectangular box and is made of any suitable material such as cardboard, paper or plastic. The pack 100 is designed to contain cut tobacco, which is preferably contained in a P pouch. An example of a P pouch is illustrated in FIGS. 3a and 4b. Sliced tobacco (not shown) can be used to make do-it-yourself (RYO) or do-it-yourself smoking articles, such as cigarettes.

The package 100 comprises a container 2 and a lid 4, wherein the container 2 has a rectangular shape and is opened at one end A2 (not visible in fig. 2). The container 2 comprises a front panel 8, two side panels 10 (not visible in Figs. 1a, Ib and 2) and 12, a rear panel 14 (not visible in Figs. 1a, Ib and 2) and an end panel 16. , which is located opposite the opening end A2.

In one embodiment (see Figs. 1a and 1b), the aperture at the aperture end A2 is increased by providing a generally U-shaped cut 18 in the front panel 8. The enlarged aperture 18 facilitates access to the contents. of container 2. An alternative embodiment is illustrated in fig. 2, wherein the container 2 comprises a removable section 18a on the front panel 8. The consumer may remove the section 18a to gain access to the inside tobacco pouch. Section 18a may be hinged along an edge of the front panel 8 or some other portion of the container as appropriate.

The lid 4 is integral with the container 2 and hinges around the upper edge of the rear panel 14. The upper edge coincides with the opening end A2 of the container 2.

Referring to FIGS. La, Ib and 2, the lid 4 comprises two rectangular panels 20 and 22. One of the panels 20 is sized to correspond to the end panel 16 of container 2, panel 20 which will be referred to herein as the end panel. lid 20, and the other rectangular panel 22 is sized to correspond to front panel 8 of container 2, panel 22 which will be referred to herein as lid front panel 22.

When closing package 100 (see fig. 1b), lid end panel 20 covers open end A2 and forms a 5 end panel 20 of closed package 100. When closed, lid end panel 20 is opposite to container end panel 16. Lid front panel 22 is connected to lid end panel 20 around an LF2 bend line. When closing package 100, lid front panel 22 rotates around fold line LF2 so that lid front panel 22 covers container front panel 8.

2. When package 100 is closing, fold line LF2 forms an edge E2 of closed package 100 (see fig. 1b). Edge E2 is the junction of lid end panel 20 and lid front panel 22.

The lid 4 further comprises a locking tab 24, which protrudes from the leading edge E1 of the lid front panel 22. The tab 24 is attached to the lid front panel 22 around the pivot / fold line LF3, so that when closing, the flap 24 is foldable by 90 degrees and is inserted into a notch 26 provided over the rim E3 of the container. The notch 26 is a through cut over the common edge 20 E3 of the container front panel 8 and the container end panel

16. When closed, the tab 26 is opposite the lid end panel 20.

When package 100 is opened, lid 4 provides a tray on which tobacco may be dispensed and a surface on which the consumer may make an RYO-type smoking article, such as a cigarette.

Pack 100 is similar in size to a pack of cigarettes, which, if purchased from a retail outlet, such as a store, is usually displayed in a sales window or, alternatively, is sold from a retail store. vending machine. An example of suitable packaging is one containing 83mm long cigarettes or 100mm long cigarettes. Other known packet sizes are suitable.

With reference to fig. 1b, an example is a 100 packet which usually contains twenty king-size cigarettes, which are 83mm long. Packet 100 has a length L of approximately 85mm, a width W of approximately 55mm and a depth D of approximately 20mm. This package is suitable to hold approximately 25 grams of tobacco, either in a single pouch or 10 in two pouches, each containing 12.5 grams of tobacco.

With reference to figs. 3a and 4b, examples of suitable P pouches are shown. Pouch P is made of a flexible material that is suitable for containing cut tobacco. Examples of suitable materials are paper, which may be metallic paper, or plastic, or a combination of both. Alternatively, a laminated plastic pouch having heat sealed edges may be used in pack 100.

Glue may be applied inside the rear panel of container 2 of package 100 so that the pouch is retained in the package.

The pouch P shown in figs. 3a and 4b have fringed edges. Gucé sides over pouch P of FIGS. 3a and 4b are extensible and thus allow more tobacco to be carried in the pouch than in a similarly sized laminated pouch and having heat-sealed edges.

The pouch P comprises a container portion P2 and a closing flap P3. The pouch container portion P2 is deeper than the container portion 2 of package 100, so that when the pouch P is inserted into the package 100, part of the pouch container portion P2 fits within the container 2 of the package. 100 and when package 100 and pouch P are opened, the top section X of pouch container portion P2 protrudes from opening A2 of container 2. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the pouch P is made from a rectangular sheet PS which has fold lines PFl and PF2 along its length which divide the sheet substantially into three separate rectangular sections PS1, PS2 and PS3. The rectangular sections are further divided by the fold lines PF3, PF4 at the front F of the bag and the rear R of the bag. The fold lines PF3 and PF4 respectively define edges PE3, PE4 of end panel P4 of pouch container portion P2 (see fig. 3a).

Pouch P is formed by folding the two outer rectangular sections PS1 and PS2 by 90 degrees around the fold lines PFl and PF2, respectively, to form the upwardly facing portions P5 and P6 (see fig. 3a). The front panel F is then folded around the fold lines PF3 and PF4, so that the free edges PE5, PE6 (see fig. 3a) of the upwardly facing portion P5, P6, which are connected to front F of the Pouch container portion P2, meet corresponding free edges PE5, PE6 of upwardly facing portion P5, P6, which is connected to the rear of pouch R. Corresponding edges PE5, PE6 on each side of front and rear panels F R1 are joined to form container portion P2, which has gouged sides and closure flap P3.

Figs. 4a and 4b illustrate an alternative matrix for forming

a P pouch. P pouch is constructed from a substantially rectangular PS sheet in which an RP rear panel, an FP front panel and a BP base panel are defined; each of the panels being the same width. The BP base panel is defined between the FP, RP front and rear panels. Each of the 25 front and rear panels FP, RP has a side panel P5, P6 extending from each of its longitudinal edges.

The boundary of each panel is defined by the outer edges (shown as solid lines in Fig. 4a) and the border lines (shown as broken lines in Fig. 4a). The base panel BP is foldable around its centerline during the construction of the pocket and thus a fold line PF5 is indicated as a broken line in fig. 4th The fold lines PF1, PF2, PF3, PF4 and PF5 may be provided by wrinkling in the matrix or by a perforation line.

The rectangular sheet forming the PS die is placed between two sheets of PS2 clear plastic, or in a clear plastic pouch that is opened at one or two ends to allow insertion of the PS die. The sheets or pouch PS2 are rectangular and are sized slightly larger than the total die size, so that there is a plastic overhang.

With reference to fig. 4b, the pocket P is formed by folding the base panel BP around the fold line PF5 and folding the front and rear panels RP and FP around the fold lines PF4 and PF3, respectively, so that the bent base panel BP is sandwiched between the front and rear panels FP, RP. The edges of the side panels are placed together and the plastic at the edges is joined to seal the side edges and the end of the bag.

A pocket is formed having an opening. Side panels P5 and P6 are folded inwardly to be sandwiched between the front and rear panels (see fig. 4b (ii)).

With tobacco in the bag, the bag is sealed to keep the tobacco fresh. The sealing of the pouch is first done by folding the closure flap P3 around the top edge of the pouch container P2 so that the closure flap P3 contacts the front panel FP (Fig. 4b ( ii)).

In both examples, after filling pouch P with tobacco, pouch P is closed by folding closure flap P3 around the top edge of the pouch front panel to bring closure flap P3 into contact with the panel. F, FP thereby closing the opening end of the pouch P. Subsequently, the top section X is folded over so that the edge of the closing flap P3 is threaded into the subsequent fold and the pouch P be sized so that it is contained within container 2 when inserted into a package 100.

A line of glue G1, for example hot melt glue, may be applied to the front of the pouch container portion P2 to hold the closure flap in place, so that the pouch P is held tightly closed until first use. A releasable flap 50 may be provided so that the pouch is releasable after first opening.

The closure flap P3 comprises a tray-shaped structure including the upwardly facing portions P5, P6, one on each side, so that when the package 100 is opened, the upwardly facing portions remain substantially upright and assist each other. reduce the spill of cut tobacco from the open pack 100.

The back of the closing flap P3 and / or the inner surface of the lid 4 may have adhesive applied to them, so that when the package 100 is opened, the rear of the closing flap P3 may be attached to the lid 4 to maintain P3 lock tab in place, dispensing tobacco and rolling up smoking articles.

With reference to figs. 5 and 6a, examples of a first matrix B1 and a second matrix B2 for making packet 100 are shown. In figs. 5 and 6a, the solid lines indicate the transverse edges or cuts, and the dashed lines indicate the fold lines around which the dies B1, B2 are folded to form the packet 100.

Both dies, B1, B2, are formed from a unitary piece that is demarcated by the fold lines to define the panels of the formed packet 100. Similar reference numbers are applied to dies B1 and B2 (see Figs. 5 and 6) and to package 100 (see Fig. 1), so that the panels forming dies B1, B2 are consistently indicated.

The first die B1 is substantially rectangular in shape and the second die B2 is substantially L-shaped. Both dies B1 and B2 each comprise a front panel 8, side panels 10, 12, an end panel 16, a rear panel 14, a lid end panel 20, a lid front panel 22, a reinforcement lid front panel 22 'and a closing tab 24, which is cut from the reinforcement panel 22', but is hingedly connected to the cover front panel 22 around the fold line LF3. In addition, each of the dies B1 and B2 have tabs 17, 17 'extending from the edge of the side panels 10, 12 adjacent the lid.

Additional panels 10 ', 12' are provided over the first

matrix Bl for the purpose of allowing panels 10 ', 12' to be glued to panels 10, 12 respectively when assembling package 100. When joined, additional panels 10 ', 12' and panels 10, 12 combined form the side panels 10, 12 of the pack 100. The flaps 10 ”and 12” are bent toward the inner surface of the end panel 16 to reinforce the pack 100. The flaps 10 ”and 12” can be attached to the inner surface. of the end panel.

With reference to the second die B2, an additional side panel 12 'is provided, and when the package 100 is assembled, the side panel 12' is glued to the side panel 12 to form one of the two side panels 10, 12 of the assembled package 100. Additional extension flaps 10 ”, 12” and 16 'are provided as part of the second die B2. In the example shown, tabs 10 ”and 12” extend from side panels 10 and 12 ', respectively, and tab 16' extends from end panel 16 and is foldable around 25 of fold line CF26, forming common edge E2 of rear panel 14 and end panel 16 over assembled package 100 (see Figs. 1 and 2). Extension flap 16 'provides a closing flap (not visible in Figs. 1 and 2) which is located between rear panel 14 and pouch P in assembled package 100. In an alternative arrangement (not shown), panel 16 Instead, an additional end panel is not required to overhang from the rear panel 14, so that over the assembled package the end panel 16 and the additional panel overlap to close the package.

In both the first and second dies B1, B2 a notch 26 is provided in part of the fold line CF6, which lies between the front panel 8 and the end panel 16 and forms the edge E3 of the assembled package 100. The flap 24 is inserted into the notch 26 upon closing of the pack 100, so that the pack 100 is kept in a closed position until the flap 24 is removed from the notch 26.

The method for fabricating package 100 from matrix Bl involves placing the filled pouch P over rear panel 14 of package 100 and assembling package 100 around filled pouch P. Alternatively, the pack 100 may be mounted to the step before the lid is formed and the pouch P may be inserted via the opening end A2 adjacent the lid 4.

The method for manufacturing package 100 from die B2 involves assembling package 100 and inserting the full pouch P into the assembled package 100. Pouch P may be inserted via one of the two opening ends A1, A2 (see Figs. 1 and 6b).

Both examples of matrix B1, B2 show a lid reinforcement panel 22 'which is folded into pack formation 100 by 180 degrees and can be attached to lid front panel 22 to form a stiffer double thickness lid. than a panel cover / unit thickness. Alternatively, the lid reinforcement panel 22 'may merely be folded against the lid panel 22 to provide a stiffer lid 4 when closing, but that upon opening of the package 100, the reinforcement panel 22' may be unfolded to the lid. around its LF3 junction with the lid front panel 22 to form an extended surface for preparing RYO-type smoking articles such as cigarettes.

Lid gusset panel 22 'may be omitted. Alternatively, the additional panels may be added to the lid 4, thereby extending the lid 4. Accordingly, the positions of the tab 24 and the notch 26 may be altered so that closure of the assembled pack 100 can be effected around one another. edge or even over one of the front panel 8, end panel 16, rear panel 14, or end panel 20 of package 100.

An example of the method steps used in assembling package 100 from the first array Bl is as follows:

The. Folding the reinforcement lid panel 22 '(if used) around the fold line LF3 in face-to-face contact with the lid front panel 22;

B. Folding the side panels 10 ', 12' around the fold lines CF1 and CF5, respectively, so that the side panels 10 ', 12' rise from the rear panel 14;

ç. Place the full pouch P on the back panel 14;

d. Fold the 10 ”and 12” tabs inward (toward the full P pocket) around the fold lines CF2 and CF4, respectively;

and. Fold the tabs 17 and 17 'inwards (toward the full pouch P) around the folded lines CF10 and CF 12, respectively;

f. Fold die Bl around line CF3 so that end panel 16 faces pouch P;

g. Fold the front panel 8 around the CF6 fold line above the full P pouch;

H. Fold down the side panels 10, 12 around the fold lines CF7 and CF8 to fit the side panels 10 'and 12';

i. Fold lid end panel 20 around fold line LF1 over pouch P full; and

j. Fold lid front panel 22 around fold line LF2 over pouch P full. The flap 24 is 90 degree foldable around the fold line LF3 and is insertable into the notch 26, thereby encompassing the full pouch P and locking the pack 100. This step can be performed by the consumer after the first opening of the pack 100. so as to reverse it.

An alternative method of forming package 100 from die B1 may be to insert the tobacco-containing pouch P after container 2 has been formed. Subsequent to the insertion of the pouch P, the dust flaps 17, 17 'are foldable against the pouch and the lid is foldable around the fold lines LFl and LF2 to close the pack 100.

The second matrix B2 of FIG. 6a may be partially assembled before pouch P1 is inserted into package 100.

The second die B2 is partially assembled so that it provides a tube 30 (see fig. 6b). Tobacco-filled pouch P is insertable into tube 30 and the remaining panels of container 2 and lid 4 are folded around the pouch to form a fully closed pack 100.

An example of the package 100 assembly sequence from the second matrix B2 is as follows:

The. Folding the reinforcement panel 22 'around the fold line LF3 for contact with the cover front panel 22;

B. Folding the side panel 12 'around the fold line CF23 to rise from the rear wall 14;

ç. Folding side panel 10 around fold line CF21 so that side panel 10, front panel 8 and side panel 12 extend from rear wall 14;

d. Folding the front panel 8 around the fold line CF28 so that it is substantially parallel to the rear panel 14;

and. Bend down the side panel 12 around the bend line CF27 so that it hangs from the front wall 8 and to engage the side panel 12 ', thereby tube 30 (see fig. 6b) is formed; f. Insert the pouch P into the tube 30 through one of the opening ends A1, A2. Tube 30 has two opening ends A1, A2; opening end A2 of tube 30 is where cap 4 is attached and opening end A1 is where base / end 16 of package 100 is formed;

g. Fold in the tabs 17 and 17 'around the fold lines CF10 and CF 12, respectively, towards the pocket P;

H. Fold in the tabs 10 ”and 12” around the fold lines CF22 and CF24, respectively, towards the pocket P;

i. Folding the closing tab 16 'over the end panel 16 around the fold line CF26, so that the closing tab rises from the end panel 16;

j. Bend end panel 16 inward by 90 degrees around fold line CF26, so that flap 16 'enters the package to form a closed end, where closure flap 16' is located within package 100 between the rear panel 14 and pouch P;

k. Fold lid end panel 20 around fold line LF1 so that lid end panel 20 contacts pouch P and rises from rear panel 14; and

1. Fold the combined panels 22 and 22 'around the fold line LF2, so that the lid front panel 22 covers the container front panel 8.

As in pack 100 formed from matrix B1, closure flap 24 is intended for consumer use to use a pack that can be reopened and re-opened through interaction of closure flap.

24 with the notch 26. When the reinforcement panel 22 'is used, the closing flap 24 may remain embedded in the reinforcement panel 22' until the consumer breaks the closing flap 24 from the reinforcement panel 22 '. The closing flap 24 is 90 degree foldable around the fold line LF3 and is insertable into the notch 26, thereby encompassing the full pouch P and locking the package 100. The package 100 can be easily reopened and re-enclosed by the consumer.

Matrix B2 may be supplied for insertion of pouch P into a partially assembled form, where matrix B2 is constructed up to step (e) above. The tube parts 30 may be flattened for transport, for example, by bending around the bend line CF21 or CF23 by 90 ° to provide a substantially flat part that is suitable for stacking. To insert the pouch P, the tube 30 is reformed by bending upside down around the same bend line. Thereafter, the remaining stages (f) to (J) of the assembly process detailed above are completed to form package 100.

The assembled package 100, including its contents (tobacco pouch P), may be packaged in a suitable outer wrapper, for example cellophane, that is removable by the consumer.

Arrays B1 and B2 are illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6a with a U-shaped recess on the front panel.

With reference to fig. 2, an alternative arrangement is illustrated, wherein the package comprises a removable section 18a. Such packages may be formed from arrays having the same design as those illustrated in figs. 5 and 6a, except that the dies include a removable section 18a occupying the void corresponding to the U-shaped recess. Section 18a may be hinged along one of its edges to the container to allow access to the container without having to completely detach. section 18a of the container.

The recess is illustrated as being generally U-shaped. In particular, the left recess, when section 18a is opened, is illustrated as a combination of two substantially U-shapes; a larger U shape hangs from the opening end A2 and a smaller U shape hangs from the bottom of the larger U shape toward the closed end of the package. The recess provided on the front panel is formed to facilitate access to the bag and contents therein.

With reference to figs. 7a and 7b, an example of a packet 100 for containing a tobacco pouch P is illustrated, where the leading edge E1 of the lid and the free edges Eli, E12 of the last lid forming panel have closure panels CPI, CP2. and CP3 hanging from them. Upon closing the lid, the CPI, CP2, CP3 closure panels overlap the corresponding container panels to close the package 10 100.

In figs. 7a and 7b, lid 4 is shown in a contrasting color with container 2 for clarity.

In the example illustrated in fig. 7a, the lid 4 comprises two panels; a lid end panel (not visible in Figs. 7a) covering the opening end A2 of container 2, and a lid front panel 22 covering the total of the container front panel. CPI, CP2, and CP3 closure panels hang from the edges E1, Ell, and E12, respectively, of the cover front panel 22. Adjacent edges of CP1 and CP2 closure panels and adjacent edges of CP2 and CP3 closure panels are joined by means of tabs T1 and T2, respectively (see Figs. 8a and 8b), which attach to the inner face of closure panel CP2 to form a rim comprising closure panels CPI, CP2, CP3 overlapping the panels. 12, 16 and 10 of the container when closed. The rim may lock against the container with an interference fit such that the pack 100 remains closed until the lid is actively moved to open the pack 100.

In the example illustrated in fig. 7b, the lid comprises an end panel (not visible in fig. 7b) overlapping aperture A2, a lid front panel 22 overlapping the full depth of the container front panel, an additional end panel 30 extending over overlaps the container end panel and a lid rear panel 32 that overlaps the full depth of the container rear panel 145 when the package 100 is closed. Therefore, to close the pack 100, the lid coils around the pack and closure is effected when the lid rear panel 32 contacts the container rear panel 14, so that the rim comprising the CPI closure panels , CP2, CP3 overlap the corresponding panes 12, 16 and 10 of the container. The rim may lock against the container with an interference fit such that the pack 100 remains closed until the lid is actively moved to open the pack 100. The closure by the rim is effected in the same manner as in the pack 100 shown in fig. 7a.

Examples of dies for forming package 100 illustrated in figs. 7a and 7b are illustrated in figs. 8a and 8b, respectively.

With reference to figs. 8a and 8b, the container portion of the package is formed in the same manner as that described above with respect to figs. 5 and 6a. CPI, CP2 and CP3 closure panels forming the rim when folded are included in FIGS. 8a and 8b, instead of locking tab 24 (Figs. 5 and 6a). The rim comprising the CPI, CP2 and CP3 closure panels is first formed by folding the tabs T1 and T2 around the fold lines RF4 and RF2, respectively, so that they rise from the CPI closure panels. CP3; second, closure panels CP1 and CP3 are folded around fold lines RF1 and RF5 so that they rise from lid panel 22; third, closure panel CP2 is folded around fold line RF3 so that it rises from lid front panel 22; and finally tabs T1 and T2 are attached to the inner face of closure panel CP2. The described and illustrated embodiments refer to the packages, where the edges are formed by the panels at right angles thereby producing substantially sharp edges. However, this should not be considered a limitation, because the dies for making the package and the 5 edges of the package can be formed so that the resulting edges are rounded or chamfered or elliptical or otherwise, including those known in the art.

While a variety of embodiments have been described herein, they are provided by way of example only, and many variations and modifications on such embodiments will be apparent to one skilled in the art and will fall within the scope of the present invention, which is defined. by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (40)

Tobacco package, characterized in that it comprises a container and a lid attached to the container, the container comprising front and rear panels, two opposite side panels and an end panel, wherein an opening opposite the end panel is provided. the lid being pivotally attached to the rear panel and being operable to extend through the opening and at least part of the front panel, the lid comprising two or more consecutive lid panels, where one first of two or more consecutive lid panels provides the hinged coupling to the rear panel and the last of the two or more consecutive lid panels have locking means that are operable to engage with the container; The package contains a pouch containing tobacco; wherein a pocket surface corresponding to the rear panel of the container is extendable over an inner surface of the lid. Package according to claim 1, characterized in that the container comprises complementary locking means operable to engage with the locking means. Package according to claim 2, characterized in that the complementary locking means are provided on one side of the container. Package according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the complementary locking means are provided near an edge of the container. Pack according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the locking means protrudes from an edge of the last of the two or more consecutive lid panels and the complementary locking means is a notch in which locking means are capable of being inserted. Package according to claim 1, characterized in that the lid is operable to extend through the opening and at least the entire front panel of the container, the last of the two or more consecutive lid panels having three free edges; a first side edge, a second side edge and a leading edge; a first closing panel, a second closing panel and a third closing panel depend on the first side edge, the second side edge and the leading edge, respectively, the third closing panel being joined to both the first and second closing panels. closing at adjacent edges thereby providing a rim which upon closing the lid overlaps with the corresponding panes of the container. Package according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that both opposing side panels comprise a flap extending from an edge adjacent to the opening, flaps which are foldable into the container and are operable to abutment. the lid when closing the package. Package according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opening comprises a recessed portion on the front panel. Package according to claim 8, characterized in that the lowered portion is formed by a removable section. Package according to claim 9, characterized in that the removable section is defined by perforations. Pack according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the removable section is pivotally attached to the container. Package according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the lowered portion is substantially U-shaped. Pack according to claim 1, characterized in that the pouch comprises one or more gouged edges. Package according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pouch comprises a rear panel forming the corresponding surface with the rear panel of the container, the pouch further comprising a front panel forming a pouch container portion with the rear panel, wherein the rear panel extends beyond the front panel to form a closing tab. Pack according to claim 14, characterized in that the pouch container portion is deeper than the container so that when the pouch is inserted into the container, part of the pouch container portion protrudes from the opening. from the container. Array, characterized in that it is capable of being folded to form the package as defined in any one of claims 1 to 15. 17. Array, characterized in that it is capable of being folded to form a package, wherein on the matrix is defined: a front panel; an end panel; a rear panel; two or more consecutive panels providing a cover; wherein one of the two or more consecutive cover panels is joined to the rear panel and provides a hinged coupling to the rear panel in an assembled package and the last of the two or more consecutive cover panels has locking means that are operable to engage with a container portion of an assembled package; at least two side panels extending from the front and / or side panel where, in an assembled package formed by folding the die, the front panel, the back panel, the end panel and the at least two side panels provide a container portion having an opening located opposite the end panel and wherein the at least two side panels provide opposite side panels of an assembled package, further comprising a separate foldable pouch matrix to form a pouch, wherein over the matrix is defined : a bag front panel, a bag rear panel, a bag base panel, and at least two bag side panels extending from the bag front panel and / or bag rear panel, wherein in a mounted bag formed by folding the pouch matrix, the pouch front panel, the pouch rear panel and the at least two pouches provide a portion of the bag container, and the bag rear panel corresponding with the bag rear panel is extendable on an inner surface of the lid. Matrix according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the at least two side panels are provided by a first side panel extending from one edge of the front panel and a second side panel extending from opposite edge of the front panel and a third side panel extending from one edge of the rear panel and a fourth side panel extending from an opposite side edge of the rear panel, so that when mounting a packet, the first side panel overlaps the third side panel and the second side panel overlaps the fourth side panel to form opposite sides of a packet. Matrix according to Claim 18, characterized in that the end panel adheres to both front and rear panels. Matrix according to claim 17, characterized in that the at least two side panels are provided by a first side panel joining the front and rear panels together and the second and third side panels, each extending from one side. free edge of each of the front and rear panels respectively so that when assembling a package the second and third side panels are operable to overlap and provide a side panel which is opposite to the first panel side in the assembled package. Matrix according to Claim 20, characterized in that the end panel extends from a free edge of the front or rear panel. Matrix according to claim 21, characterized in that it further comprises a tab extending from the end panel, a tab that is operable to fold into the container portion of an assembled package to close one end of the portion. container Matrix according to claim 21, further comprising an end closure panel extending from a free edge of the front panel or side panel, the end closure panel being operable to overlap and attach to the end panel to close one end of the container portion over an assembled package. Matrix according to any one of claims 17 to 23, characterized in that at least one of the front panel, rear panel, side panels or end panel comprises complementary locking means operable to engage with the locking means. Fitting. Matrix according to Claim 24, characterized in that the complementary locking means are provided on a face of at least one of the front panel, rear panel, side panels or end panel. Matrix according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the complementary locking means are provided near a front panel, rear panel, end panel or side panels border, where the border defines an edge of the assembled package. Matrix according to any one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that the locking means protrudes from an edge of at least two or more consecutive lid panels and that the complementary locking means are a notch. Matrix according to any one of claims 17 to 23, characterized in that the at least two or more consecutive lid panels have three free edges providing a first side edge, a second side edge and a leading edge; a first closure panel, a second closure panel, and a third closure panel extend from the first side edge, second side edge, and leading edge respectively, and the third closure panel is operable to be joined to both closure panels first and second at adjacent edges to provide a rim providing the locking means when closing the lid on an assembled package, the rim overlapping the corresponding panels of the container portion. Matrix according to any one of claims 17 to 28, characterized in that it further comprises a tab extending from one edge of each of the two opposite side panels, tabs adjacent to and separated from the panel. so that when mounting a package the tabs are attachable to an inner surface of the end panel. Matrix according to any one of claims 17 to 28, characterized in that it further comprises a tab extending from one edge of each of the opposite side panels; flap adjacent to and is separated from the first of two or more consecutive lid panels, so that over a mounted package the flaps are foldable to at least partially cover the opening. Array according to any one of claims 17 to 30, characterized in that the front panel comprises a recessed portion. Matrix according to claim 31, characterized in that the removable section. Matrix according to claim 32, characterized in that the removable section is defined by perforations. Matrix according to any one of claims 31, 32 or 33, characterized in that the undercut portion is substantially U-shaped. A method for making a tobacco package from a die as defined in claims 18 to 19 and claims 24 to 34 when dependent on claim 18, the method comprising the steps of placing contents for containment over one of the front and rear panels of the rectangular main portion; fold the front, rear and end panels around the contents; join the first and third side panels; joining the second and fourth side panels to form a container having an opening opposite the end panel; folding the lid so that the opening is covered by the lid; wherein the contents are tobacco contained in a pouch, and a pouch surface corresponding to the rear panel of the main portion is extendable over an inner surface of the lid. A method for making a tobacco package from a die as defined in claims 18 to 19 and claims 24 to 34 when dependent according to claim 18, the method comprising the steps of: forming the portion container by folding the front panel, rear panel and end panel; folding and joining the first and third side panels; folding and joining the second and fourth side panels to form the container portion having an opening opposite the end panel; inserting contents for containment into the container through the opening; folding the lid so that the opening is covered by the lid; wherein the contents are tobacco contained in a pouch; and a pocket surface corresponding to the rear portion of the main portion is extendable over an inner surface of the lid. A method for manufacturing a tobacco package from a die as defined in claims 24 to 34, which method comprises the steps of: folding the front and rear panels and side panels relative to one another; joining the second and third panels so that a tube is formed, inserting contents into the tube; bending the end panel to close one end of the tube and folding the cap so that the other end of the tube is covered by the cap, wherein the contents are tobacco contained in a pouch; and a pocket surface corresponding to the rear portion of the main portion is extendable over an inner surface of the lid. 38. Package, characterized in that it is substantially as described herein and with reference to figures 1, 1b, 2, 7a and 7b. Array, characterized in that it is substantially as described herein and with reference to Figures 5, 6a, 6b, 8a and 8b. 40. A method of forming a package, characterized in that it is substantially as described herein.