CN107000923B

CN107000923B - Package with closure flap comprising an access opening

Info

Publication number: CN107000923B
Application number: CN201580067785.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: L·查特莱恩
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Current assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date: 2014-12-19
Filing date: 2015-12-18
Publication date: 2021-07-02
Anticipated expiration: 2035-12-18
Also published as: JP2018502784A; SG11201704365RA; AU2015366356A1; US20170327304A1; JP6909158B2; BR112017010754A2; RU2017125559A3; BR112017010754B1; EP3995408A1; PH12017500651A1; CN107000923A; RU2017125559A; EP3233647B1; EP3995408C0; KR102520340B1; MX2017007865A; KR20170095838A; RU2694931C2; WO2016097298A1; EP3995408B1

Abstract

A package (110) for cigarettes comprising a box (112) including a front wall (114), a rear wall (116), a bottom wall (122), opposed side walls (118, 118'), and a top wall (120) having an opening (124) therein for accessing the cigarettes (146) in the package, wherein the opening extends across the top wall from a front edge of the top wall, and wherein a periphery of the access opening is spaced from a rear edge (132) and side edges of the top wall such that the top wall extends around a rear portion (126) and side portions (128, 128') of the opening. A closure flap (130) extends from the rear wall of the pack, the flap being movable between a closed position in which the flap covers the opening and an open position in which the opening is uncovered. A blank for such a package is also disclosed.

Description

Package with closure flap comprising an access opening

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a novel package for consumer goods comprising an opening for accessing the contents of the package and a flap for closing the opening. The invention also encompasses a container comprising such a package inside an outer shell. The packages and containers of the present invention are suitable for use in the packaging of elongate articles, such as cigarettes and other smoking articles.

Background

Cigarettes are typically presented in a hinged-lid pack comprising a lower rectangular box portion having front and rear walls connected by side and bottom walls, and a lid comprising front and rear walls connected by side and top walls, the lid being hinged to the box to close the box.

It is also proposed to provide a package comprising a front wall and a rear wall joined by side walls, a bottom wall and a top wall. Access to the interior of the package is provided by a cut through the top wall extending from the rear edge of the top wall across the top wall to the front edge and partially to the front wall of the package, leaving a border on both sides of the top wall and leaving most of the front wall intact. A flap extends upwardly from the rear wall of the package that can be bent over the top and front walls to close the opening and secured to the front wall. This type of wrapping can present a problem of lack of rigidity, particularly when made of relatively thin cardboard or paper.

It would be advantageous to provide a package of the aforementioned type which has greater rigidity to minimise distortion of the package in use and thus provide greater protection to the consumer goods in the package. It would also be advantageous to provide such a package that can be manufactured and assembled with minimal modification to the packaging mechanisms and techniques of the package.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a package for consumer goods comprising a box comprising a front wall, a rear wall opposite the front wall, a bottom wall, opposite side walls, and a top wall having an opening therein for accessing consumer goods in the package, wherein the opening extends across the top wall from a front edge of the top wall, and wherein the periphery of the access opening is spaced from the rear and side edges of the top wall such that the top wall extends around the rear and sides of the opening.

In some embodiments, the package further comprises a flap movable between a closed position in which the flap covers the opening and an open position in which the opening is uncovered. In some embodiments, the flap is hinged to the back wall along a top edge of the back wall.

In some embodiments, the opening also extends partially down the front wall from the front edge of the top wall, and the flap comprises a top flap portion that overlaps the top wall when the flap is in the closed position and a front flap portion that at least partially overlaps the front wall when the flap is in the closed position.

In some embodiments, the opening extends from the front edge of the top wall towards the rear edge of the top wall over a depth of no more than 80%, preferably no more than 70%, more preferably no more than 60% of the top wall. In some embodiments, the surface area of the opening in the top wall of the housing is no more than 70%, preferably no more than 60%, more preferably no more than 50% of the surface area of the top of the package. In some embodiments, the surface area of the opening is at least 5%, preferably at least 20%, of the surface area of the top of the package.

In some embodiments, the flap may be received behind the front wall of the housing in the closed position, or in a slit or cut in the front wall of the package in the closed position.

In some embodiments, the flap comprises a resealable adhesive on at least a portion of its inner surface so that the closure flap can be resealably attached to the front wall of the package when in the closed position.

In some embodiments, the top wall includes an upper top wall panel extending from the front wall of the housing and including an integrated rear portion and side portions, and a pair of lower top wall panels extending from the top edges of the side walls of the housing and located below the side portions of the upper top wall panel.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a package according to the first aspect of the present invention contained in an outer housing.

The pack according to the invention is suitable for containing bundles of smoking articles (e.g. cigarettes) in a box. In a third aspect, the invention encompasses a package according to the invention having one or more bundles of smoking articles inside. The package may contain, for example, cigarettes, cigars or cigarillos. It will be appreciated that the pack according to the invention can be made for a number of different conventional sizes of cigarettes, elongated cigarettes, super elongated cigarettes, slim cigarettes or super slim cigarettes by appropriate selection of the dimensions of the pack. The package according to the present invention may also be used for consumer products other than smoking articles.

In the package according to the invention, the periphery of the opening is arranged spaced from the rear edge and the side edges of the top wall of the package. Thus, the top wall extends around three sides (rear and two sides) of the opening, such that the side portions of the top wall are bridged by the rear portion. This provides improved rigidity and, in particular, improved shear resistance. This in turn reduces the likelihood of the package deforming, for example when the user grips the package, thereby providing improved protection of the consumer goods in the package.

By including a rear bridging portion, the top wall can be formed as a single panel rather than two separate side panels as in the prior art. This reduces the number of folds required during the assembly process, thereby simplifying production.

The closure flap functions in a similar manner to prior art wraps; the presence of the top wall bridging portion does not significantly affect the construction or closure of the package.

Also in accordance with the invention, there is provided a laminar blank for said package, said blank comprising a box defining portion comprising a front wall panel, a rear wall panel, first and second side wall panels and a top wall panel comprising an opening, wherein the opening extends from a front edge of the top wall panel and wherein the top wall panel extends around back and sides of the opening, and a flap hinged to the rear wall panel along a top edge of the rear wall panel of the box defining portion. Preferably, the front wall panel has an opening which meets the opening in the top wall panel.

In a preferred embodiment, the blank comprises a front wall panel, an outer side wall panel extending from each of two opposing edges of the front wall panel, a top wall panel extending from an edge of the front wall panel, a bottom wall panel extending from an edge of the front wall panel opposite the top wall panel, a side wall tab extending from each of two opposing edges of the bottom wall panel, a rear wall panel extending from an edge of the bottom wall panel opposite the front wall panel, an inner side wall panel extending from each of two opposing edges of the rear wall panel, and a closure flap panel extending from an edge of the rear wall panel opposite the bottom wall panel, the panels and tabs being defined from each other by fold lines. Preferably, the closure flap panel comprises: a top wall closure panel extending from a panel edge of the rear wall panel opposite the bottom wall panel, and a front wall closure panel extending from an edge of the top wall closure panel opposite the rear wall panel.

It will be appreciated that features described with reference to one aspect of the invention are also applicable to any other aspect of the invention. In addition, the advantages described with respect to one aspect of the invention may also be applicable to another aspect of the invention.

The terms "front", "back", "upper", "lower", "above", "below", "side", "left", "right", "lateral", "top", "bottom" and other terms describing the relative position of the components of the container according to the present invention mean that the container is in an upright position with the open end of the box portion at the top and the consumer goods are accessible from the upper end. The terms "side" and "lateral" are used with reference to the side wall of the container when the container is in its upright position when viewed from the front.

When the pack of the present invention is used as a wrapper for cigarettes or other smoking articles, it can be made to accommodate a different number of smoking articles or a different arrangement of smoking articles. For example, a package according to the invention may be designed to contain between ten and twenty total smoking articles.

Depending on the total number of smoking articles, the smoking articles in the package may be arranged in different sequences. Preferably, the smoking articles are arranged in two or more rows. Two or more rows may contain the same number of smoking articles. Alternatively, the two or more rows may comprise at least two rows containing a different number of smoking articles to each other. 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 surface of the container according to the present invention may be printed, embossed, debossed or otherwise decorated with manufacturer or brand logos, trademarks, slogans and other consumer information and indicia.

The term "hinged" is used throughout this specification to refer to a line common to the flaps and boxes of the pack; the flap pivots about a hinge line between a closed position and an open position. The hinge may extend across all or a portion of the width of the box top wall of the container at any location on the rear boundary of the box top wall (i.e., between the rear edge of the box top wall and the rear edge of the opening). In some embodiments, the hinge line may be substantially coincident with the rear edge of the top wall of the cassette. In other embodiments, the hinge line may extend across all or part of the width of the box top wall of the container at a location intermediate between the rear edge of the box top wall and the front edge of the box top wall.

In using the pack according to the invention, the user pivots the flap about the hinge line to expose the opening and thus access the articles contained in the box. The user pivots the flap back to cover the opening. When the flap is in the closed position, the opening is at least partially obscured by the lid such that the package interior is inaccessible and the consumer goods cannot be removed from the package.

The package according to the invention may be formed from a single laminar blank. In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a laminar blank for a package according to the present invention. In some embodiments, the blank comprises: a box defining portion comprising a front wall panel, a rear wall panel, first and second side wall panels, and a top wall panel comprising an opening, wherein the opening extends from a front edge of the top wall panel and wherein the top wall panel extends around back and sides of the opening; and a flap hinged to the box. In some embodiments, the flap is hinged to the back wall panel along a top edge of the back wall panel of the box defining portion.

The term "panel" is used in this specification to refer to the part of the packaging blank that is used to form part or all of the walls of the assembled container. The panel may be positioned against one or more fold lines from one or more other panels. The term "fold line" refers to a fold between two adjacent panels. When the container is formed, adjacent panels are folded along a fold line common to the adjacent panels, which may in turn define an edge of the container or a portion thereof. In assembling the container, the "wall" may be formed by one or several overlapping panels, which are attached to each other, for example by means of an adhesive. In addition, the wall may be formed from two or more abutting or overlapping panels.

The package according to the present invention may conveniently be manufactured by folding laminar blanks made of any suitable material including, but not limited to, cardboard, paperboard, plastic, metal or combinations thereof. Preferably, the package is made from a folded laminated paperboard blank. Preferably, the cardboard has a weight between about 100 grams per square meter and about 250 grams per square meter, more preferably between about 120 grams per square meter and about 180 grams per square meter. The package according to the present invention will typically be assembled in a conventional manner, using standard manufacturing equipment, by folding one or more laminar blanks around the consumer article and sealing the overlapping panels of the laminar blank together in order to hold the container in the assembled shape. This can be achieved using conventional glues or adhesives.

The laminar blank contains score lines or fold lines which delineate one panel of the blank from another, thereby forming the blank into a package, and for some panels, so that the panels are hinged to the other panel. In the finished package, the score lines or fold lines may be internal to the package or external to the package.

Drawings

The invention will now be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a package according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 2 shows a blank for the package of fig. 1.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a package according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

figure 4 shows a blank for the package of figure 3.

Detailed Description

The package 110 of the embodiment of fig. 1 is a wrap for cigarettes. It comprises a box 112 having a front wall 114, a rear wall 116 (not shown in fig. 1) opposite the front wall, side walls 118, 118' (only one of which is shown in fig. 1) connecting the front wall to the rear wall, a top wall 120 and a bottom wall 122 (not shown in fig. 1). The opening 124 extends partially across the front portion of the top wall 120 and partially down the front wall 114. The rear edge 126 and side edges 128, 128' of the top wall retain and define the portion of the opening 124 in the top wall. The opening extends down along 25% of the height of the front wall 114; this ratio may vary depending on the size of the package relative to the articles carried in the package. In the embodiment of fig. 1, the opening extends across about 2/3 of the width of the package; again, this ratio may vary depending on the size of the package relative to the articles carried in the package.

A closure flap 130 extends from the rear wall 16 of the pack and is hinged to a rear edge 132 of the top wall 120. The closure flap is formed by a top wall closure panel 134 extending from the wrapped rear wall 116, from which a front wall closure panel 136 extends along a fold line 138. A tab 140 extends from the front wall closure panel 136 along a fold line 142. A line 144 of resealable adhesive extends across a lower portion of the front wall closure panel 136.

In use of the pack 110, the user grips the tab 140 of the flap 130 closing the pack and hingedly lifts it upwardly, thereby unsealing the line 144 of resealable adhesive to expose the opening 124 to allow the cigarettes 146 to be removed from the pack. The package is closed by hinging the flap top wall panel 134 to the top wall 120 and then hinging the flap front wall panel 136 to the package front wall 114 to close the opening 124. Pressure on the front wall panel will reseal the line of resealable adhesive 144 to hold the flap 130 in the closed position.

Fig. 2 shows a blank 200 for making a package of the type shown in fig. 1. In fig. 2, the solid lines indicate cuts in the blank and the dashed lines indicate where the folds are. The blank is a single piece of paper or paperboard, including rectangular panels corresponding to each panel of the package and additional panels for the configuration of the package, as described below. Extending from each long edge of the front wall panel 214 is an outer side wall panel 218 which is defined from the front wall panel by a score line 250. Extending from one short edge of the front wall panel 214 is a top wall panel 220 which is defined from the front wall panel by a score line 252. A generally rectangular cut 224 from the front and top wall panels provides the opening 124 in the top and front walls of the finished package. Extending from the other short edge of the front wall panel 214 is a bottom wall panel 222 which is defined therefrom by a score line 254. Extending from the opposite edge of the bottom wall panel 222 is a rear wall panel 216, which is defined therefrom by a score line 256. Extending from each long edge of the back wall panel 216 is an inner side wall panel 218 'which is defined from the back wall panel by a score line 250'. Extending from the short edge of the inner sidewall panel 218' adjacent the outer sidewall panel 218 is a sidewall tab 258 defined from the inner box sidewall panel by a score line 260. Extending from the other short edge of the inner side wall panel 218' is a top wall tab 262 which is defined from the inner side wall panel by a score line 264. Extending from a short edge of the rear wall panel 216 opposite the short edge from which the bottom panel 222 extends a top wall closure panel 234 defined from the rear wall panel by a score line 266; extending from the opposite edge of this top wall closure panel is a front wall closure panel 236, which is defined by a score line 268. Tab panels 240, defined by score lines 270, extend from opposite edges of the front wall closure panel 236.

To form the wrap from the blank, the wrap is folded around a bundle of cigarettes so that the front wall panel 214 and the rear wall panel 216 oppose each other, being connected by inner and outer side walls 218', 218 that are adhered together. The side wall tabs 258 are folded over and adhered to the interior of the bottom wall panel 222. The top wall tab 262 is folded over the top of the bundle and the top wall panel 220 is folded over and adhered to the top wall tab. A strip of resealable adhesive is applied to the inside face of the front wall closure panel 236. The score lines between the fold wall panel 214, the top wall closure panel 234, the front wall closure panel 236 and the tab panel 240 are folded so that the package can be closed by the adhesive strip 144 (fig. 1) on the front wall closure panel adhering to the front wall panel 214. The wrap may then be over-wrapped with a clear plastic film, such as a biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film.

The wrap 310 of the embodiment shown in fig. 3 is similar to the wrap of the embodiment shown in fig. 1 (and like reference numerals are used to illustrate like elements), except for the manner in which the closure flap 330 is held in the closed position.

The package 310 includes a box 112 having a front wall 114, a rear wall 116 (not shown in fig. 3) opposite the front wall, side walls 118, 118' (only one of which is shown in fig. 3) connecting the front wall to the rear wall, a top wall 120, and a bottom wall 122 (not shown in fig. 3). The opening 124 extends partially across the front portion of the top wall 120 and partially down the front wall 114. The rear edge 126 and side edges 128, 128' of the top wall retain and define the portion of the opening 124 in the top wall. The opening extends down along 25% of the height of the front wall 114; this ratio may vary depending on the size of the package relative to the articles carried in the package. In the embodiment of fig. 3, the opening extends across about 2/3 of the width of the package; the width of the opening; again, this ratio may vary depending on the size of the package relative to the articles carried in the package.

A closure flap 330 extends from the rear wall 116 of the pack and is hinged to the rear edge 132 of the top wall. The flap is formed by a top wall closure panel 334 extending from the wrapped rear wall 116, from which a front wall closure panel 336 extends along a fold line 338. The front wall closure panel comprises an upper portion 340 having substantially the same width as the front wall 114, from which extends a tapered panel 344 along a fold line 342. The tapered panel 344 has a width sufficient to close the aperture 124 in the wrap front wall. The width of the tapered panel 340 decreases in a direction away from the upper portion 340 of the front wall closure panel 336. Tab 346 extends from tapered panel 344 along an edge of the tapered panel opposite upper portion 344 from fold line 348. The slot 350 extends across a mid-portion of the width of the wrapped front wall 114, below the lower edge of the opening 124. The slot 350 can receive the free end portion of the tab 346 of the tapered panel 344 and the lower portion of the tapered panel itself when the flap is in the closed position, thereby securing the flap in that position.

To open the package, the user pulls the tapered tab 340 away from the slot 348 and hinges the flap 330 upward to expose the opening 124. To close the package, the user hinges the flap top wall panel 334 to the top wall 20 and then hinges the flap front wall panel 336 to the package front wall 114 to close the opening 24. The free end portion of the tapered panel 340 is inserted into the slot 348 to retain the flap in the closed position. The fold lines 342, 248 between the upper portion 340 of the front wall closure panel 336, the tapered panel 344 and the tab 346 facilitate insertion and withdrawal of the panels into and out of the slot 350.

Fig. 4 shows a blank 400 for making a package of the type shown in fig. 3. In fig. 4, the solid lines indicate cuts in the blank and the dashed lines indicate score lines. The blank is a single piece of paper or paperboard, including rectangular panels corresponding to each wall of the package and additional panels for the configuration of the package, as described below. The blank 400 is similar to the blank 200 of fig. 2 (and like elements are shown using like reference numerals). The blank is a single piece of paper or paperboard, including rectangular panels corresponding to each wall of the package and additional panels for the configuration of the package, as described below. Extending from each long edge of the front wall panel 214 is an outer side wall panel which is defined from the front wall panel by a score line 250. Extending from one short edge of the front wall panel 214 is a top wall panel 220 which is defined from the front wall panel by a score line 252. A generally rectangular cut 224 from the front and top wall panels provides the opening 124 in the top and front walls of the finished package. The slot 350 extends partially across a central portion of the front wall panel 214. Extending from the other short edge of the front wall panel 214 is a bottom wall panel 222 which is defined therefrom by a score line 254. Extending from the opposite edge of the bottom wall panel 222 is a rear wall panel 216, which is defined therefrom by a score line 256. Extending from each long edge of the back wall panel 216 is an inner side wall panel 218 'which is defined from the back wall panel by a score line 250'. Extending from the short edge of the inner sidewall panel 218' adjacent the outer sidewall panel 218 is a sidewall tab 258 defined from the inner box sidewall panel by a score line 260. Extending from the other short edge of the inner side wall panel 218' is a top wall tab 262 which is defined from the inner side wall panel by a score line 264. A top wall closure panel 434 extends from a short edge of the rear wall panel 216 opposite the short edge from which the bottom panel 222 extends, the top wall closure panel being defined from the rear wall panel by a score line 466; extending from the opposite edge of this top wall closure panel is an upper portion 440 of the front wall closure panel 436 which is defined from the top wall closure panel 434 by a score line 468. Extending from opposite edges of the upper portion 440 are tapered panels 444, which are defined from the upper portion 440 by score lines 470. Tab panels 446 extend from opposite edges of the tapered panel 444, the tab panels being defined from the tapered panel by score lines 448.

To form the wrap from the blank, the wrap is folded around a bundle of cigarettes so that the front wall panel 214 and the rear wall panel 216 oppose each other, being connected by inner and outer side walls 218', 218 that are adhered together. The side wall tabs 258 are folded over and adhered to the interior of the bottom wall panel 222. The top wall tab 262 is folded over the top of the bundle and the top wall panel 220 is folded over and adhered to the top wall tab. Folding the score lines between the rear wall panel 214, the top wall closure panel 434, the upper portion 440 of the front wall closure panel 436, the tapered portion 444 of the front wall closure panel, and the tab panel 446 allows the package to be closed by inserting the tab panel and portions of the tapered panel into the slot 350 in the front wall panel 214. The wrap may then be over-wrapped with a clear plastic film, such as a biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film.

Claims

1. A package for a consumer product, the package comprising:

a cartridge, the cartridge comprising:

a front wall;

a rear wall opposite the front wall;

a bottom wall;

opposing sidewalls;

a top wall having an opening therein for accessing the consumer goods in the package, the opening extending across the top wall from a front edge of the top wall, and wherein a perimeter of the opening is spaced from a back edge and side edges of the top wall such that the top wall extends around back and sides of the opening; and

a flap hinged to the rear wall of the box along a top edge of the rear wall, the flap being movable between a closed position in which the flap covers the opening and an open position in which the opening is uncovered, wherein the box and the flap are formed from a single laminar blank composed of cardboard, paperboard, or paperboard.

2. The package of claim 1 wherein the opening further extends partially down the front wall from the front edge of the top wall, and wherein the flap comprises a top flap portion that overlaps the top wall when the flap is in the closed position and a front flap portion that at least partially overlaps the front wall when the flap is in the closed position.

3. A package according to claim 1 or 2 in which the opening extends over no more than 80% of the depth of the top wall from the front edge of the top wall towards the rear edge of the top wall.

4. A package according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the surface area of the opening in the top wall of the box is no more than 70% of the top of the package.

5. The package of claim 1 or 2, wherein the surface area of the opening is at least 5% of the surface area of the top of the package.

6. A pack according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the flap is receivable behind the front wall of the box when in the closed position.

7. A package according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flap comprises a resealable adhesive on at least a portion of its inner surface, such that the flap is resealable attachable to the front wall of the package in the closed position, or wherein the flap is receivable in a slit or cut-out in the front wall of the package in the closed position.

8. The package according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the top wall comprises an upper top wall panel extending from the front wall of the box and including an integrated rear portion and side portions, and a pair of lower top wall panels extending from top edges of the side walls of the box and underlying and adhered to the side portions of the upper top wall panel.

9. A package according to claim 1 or 2 containing a bundle of smoking articles within the box.

10. A container comprising a package according to any preceding claim, the package being located in an outer housing.

11. A laminar blank of cardboard, paperboard or cardboard for a package according to any of claims 1 to 9, the blank comprising:

a box defining portion comprising a front wall panel, a rear wall panel, first and second side wall panels, and a top wall panel comprising an opening, wherein the opening extends from a front edge of the top wall panel and wherein the top wall panel extends around back and sides of the opening; and

a flap hinged to the rear wall panel along a top edge of the rear wall panel of the box defining portion.

12. The blank of claim 11, comprising:

a front wall panel;

an outer side wall panel extending from each of two opposite edges of the front wall panel;

a top wall panel extending from an edge of the front wall panel, the top wall panel having an opening therein extending from the edge of the front wall panel;

a bottom wall panel extending from an edge of the front wall panel opposite the top wall panel;

a side wall tab extending from each of two opposing edges of the bottom wall panel;

a rear wall panel extending from an edge of the bottom wall panel opposite the front wall panel;

an inner side wall panel extending from each of two opposing edges of the rear wall panel; and

a closure flap panel extending from an edge of the rear wall panel opposite the bottom wall panel,

each panel and each tab are defined by a fold line with respect to each other.

13. The blank of claim 12, wherein the closure flap panel comprises:

a top wall closure panel extending from a panel edge of the rear wall panel opposite the bottom wall panel; and

a front wall closure panel extending from an edge of the top wall closure panel opposite the rear wall panel.

14. A blank according to claim 12 or 13 wherein the front wall panel has an opening which meets the opening in the top wall panel.