CN110049931B

CN110049931B - Container with at least one movable panel

Info

Publication number: CN110049931B
Application number: CN201780075609.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: T·卡利奥克斯
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Current assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date: 2016-12-30
Filing date: 2017-12-22
Publication date: 2022-03-22
Anticipated expiration: 2037-12-22
Also published as: RU2019123596A; RU2019123596A3; RU2760793C2; MX2019007576A; CN110049931A; US20200017284A1; EP3562758C0; WO2018122175A1; JP2020503219A; KR20190103161A; EP3562758A1; EP3562758B1

Abstract

A container (10) for consumer goods, comprising: a box portion (40) defining at least a first compartment for containing consumer goods; and a first lid (30) connected to the box portion (40) by a first lid hinge line (32) extending across a first side wall of the container. The container further comprises a first panel (20) connected to the box portion (40) by a first panel hinge line (22) and configured to pivot relative to the box portion (40) of the container (10).

Description

Container with at least one movable panel

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a container for consumer goods. The container of the invention is particularly suitable for use as a container for aerosol-generating articles such as cigarettes.

Background

It is known to package smoking articles or aerosol-generating articles and other consumer goods in containers formed from folded cellulose fibre-based laminar blanks. Aerosol-generating articles, such as cigarettes, are commonly sold in hinge-lid packs having a carton for storing the aerosol-generating articles and a lid connected to the carton about a hinge line extending across a rear wall of the container. In use, the lid is pivoted about the hinge line to open the package and thereby provide access to the aerosol-generating articles contained in the cartridge.

One type of aerosol-generating article is a cigarette or cigar. The article generally comprises a rod of tobacco cut filler surrounded by a paper wrapper, and a cylindrical filter aligned in end-to-end relationship with the wrapped tobacco rod, wherein the filter is attached to the tobacco rod by tipping paper.

Other types of aerosol-generating articles include those which heat rather than burn an aerosol-forming substrate such as tobacco. For example, electrically operated smoking systems typically comprise an aerosol-generating device having a housing for receiving an aerosol-generating article or smoking article. The charger unit is typically provided integrally with, or otherwise to, the main device for receiving the aerosol-generating device. The charger unit is used to provide power to the aerosol-generating device, for example by charging a battery in the device.

Thus, users of such systems may need to carry not only a pack of aerosol-generating articles, but also a separate aerosol-generating device and, in some cases, a further charger unit. This makes such aerosol-generating systems more cumbersome and less convenient for the consumer to transport and use.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to improve the way in which a user can carry and handle their consumer product, especially if the consumer product is an aerosol-generating article that requires the use of one or more additional devices. It is also desirable to provide such a solution: no major modifications to existing equipment are required while still ensuring that containers for consumer goods can be readily manufactured.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a container for consumer goods comprising: a first major wall, a second major wall, first and second opposing minor side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall; a cartridge portion defining at least a first compartment for containing consumer goods and a first opening for accessing consumer goods in the first compartment; and a first lid connected to the box portion by a first lid hinge line extending across the first sidewall of the container, the first lid being movable relative to the box portion between a closed position in which the first lid covers the first opening and an open position in which the first opening is uncovered. The container also includes a first panel connected to the box portion by a first panel hinge line and configured to pivot between a first position in which the first panel overlies at least a portion of the first major wall of the container and a second position in which the first panel extends substantially away from the box portion of the container.

By arranging the container of the first aspect of the invention with the first hinged panel, the container may be attached to a separate external or different object, such as a charger unit for an aerosol-generating device, and thereby facilitate the consumer to carry his or her consumer goods and accompanying items (such as the charger unit or the aerosol-generating device) as a single combination. In particular, the first hinged panel may be slid into a slot or sleeve in a separate external object to attach the container to the object. By hinging, the first hinged panel may overlie the first main wall of the container when the container is not attached to an external object. This gives the container a more traditional appearance and size.

Furthermore, arranging the first lid to have a first lid hinge line extending across the container side wall allows the first lid of the container to be moved between an open position and a closed position even when the container is attached to an external object by the first hinge panel. This means that the consumer can still access the consumer goods contained within the container when the container is attached to an external object.

In addition, arranging the main wall of the container as a wall of the container resting on an external object, when the container is attached to said external object, brings a large surface area of the container into contact with the external object. This enables a safer attachment. This may also lead to a more compact arrangement for the individual combinations. Furthermore, this may also form the second main wall as a main wall that is generally facing the consumer when the consumer looks at the single combination. This second major wall may provide a large continuous surface area for contact with the consumer.

Advantageously, the container configurations according to the first aspect of the invention mean that they can be manufactured easily and without requiring any substantial modification to existing manufacturing equipment.

Preferably, the first main wall of the container is a front wall of the container and the second main wall is a rear wall of the container.

As used herein, the terms "front", "back", "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom" and "side" refer to the relative positions of the parts of the container and its components according to the present invention when the container is in an upright position with the first access opening of the container at the top of the container. These terms are used when describing a container according to the present invention regardless of the orientation of the container being described. The first side wall of the container is a wall comprising a first hinge line.

The term "longitudinal" refers to a direction from the bottom to the top, or a direction from the top to the bottom. The term "transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

The term "primary" is used to refer to the walls of the container having a surface area greater than the surface area of any other wall of the container. Minor walls are those walls having a smaller surface area in the wall of the container than the surface area of the major walls of the container. If the container has the same height in its cross-section, the major walls are those walls having a width greater than the width of any other wall of the container.

The container of the first aspect of the invention is preferably in the form of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped.

The term "interior surface" is used throughout this specification to refer to the surface of the assembled container that faces the interior of the container (e.g., faces consumer goods) when the container is in the closed position. The term "outer surface" is used throughout the present specification to refer to the surface of a component of the container that faces the exterior of the container. For example, the first main wall of the package has an inner surface facing the interior of the package and the consumer product, and an outer surface facing away from the consumer product. It should be noted that the inner or outer surface is not necessarily equivalent to a side of the blank used in assembling the container. Depending on how the blank is folded around the consumer goods, the regions on the same side of the blank may face towards the inside of the container or towards the outside of the container.

The term "hinge line" refers to a line about which the lid may pivot so as to allow access to the consumer goods disposed within the container. The hinge line may be, for example, a fold line or a score line in the panel forming the container wall.

The term "overhang" is used herein to describe the physical connection between two elements of a container according to the present invention. In more detail, the term "overhang" is used to indicate that there is a continuity of material between two elements (e.g. two walls or panels of a container or blank). This covers two cases: the case where a wall or panel depends directly from an adjacent wall or panel, and the case where an intermediate wall or panel effectively connects two walls or panels.

For example, the side walls or panels may depend directly from the adjacent main wall or panel. In this case, the walls or panels typically depend from adjacent walls along fold lines. Alternatively, particularly in containers having curved or chamfered edges, the side wall or panel may depend indirectly from the main wall (e.g. the first main wall or panel). In this case, a curved or chamfered edge wall or panel connects the side wall or panel with the main wall or panel. In the case of a chamfered edge, both the side wall or panel and the main wall or panel may depend from the connected chamfered edge wall or panel along respective fold lines. This also applies to optional components of the container according to the invention, such as reinforcing components provided in the form of an internal frame.

The term "line of weakness" is used herein to describe a portion of a surface of a package (or a blank used to form a package), wherein the structural strength of the material used to form the package (or blank) is weakened by any suitable technique, for example, relative to any suitable technique of bending, folding or tearing along the line of weakness. For example, the line of weakness may be formed as a score line, a fold line, an ablation line, or a perforation line. The line of weakness may be created by: removal of material, displacement of material, compression of material, local reduction of force holding materials together, such as by breaking fibers in a fibrous material, and combinations of all of the above. The line of weakness may be linear, curved, segmented, or continuous or a combination thereof. In many cases, lines of weakness are used to assist in locating the fold lines in the blank. The line of weakness may also be used to reinforce the material in a direction perpendicular to the line of weakness, for example by compression. In addition, the lines of weakness may be used for decorative purposes.

The term "score line" is used to describe a line formed by partial cutting into a blank of material. The score line may be formed by removing material from the blank (in which case the score line forms a groove or valley in the blank). Alternatively, the score line may be formed without removing any material from the blank, typically involving partial lateral displacement and compression of the material, caused by penetration of the material by a knife having a non-zero thickness. The depth of the score line will be less than the blank thickness.

The term "fold line" is used to describe a line formed by displacing a portion of material perpendicular to the plane of the blank to form a groove or valley in the blank. The displacement may involve compression and typically involves the use of a compression tool, such as a roller. Alternatively or additionally, the material in the fold line may be displaced to at least partially protrude from opposite sides of the blank. Generally, no material is removed when the fold lines are formed.

The term "ablation line" is used to describe a line formed by removing material from the surface of a blank to a predetermined depth by means of ablation (e.g. by means of a laser beam or a blade).

The term "perforation line" is used to describe a line or sequence of discrete holes or slots in the blank. The hole may be formed by pushing an object through the blank. This may result in material being removed from the blank, for example by punching. Alternatively, the hole may be formed without removing material, but rather simply using an object to push the material outward from the center of the hole. As another alternative, the holes may be formed by a laser beam.

The term "fold line" is used to describe any line about which a blank is folded. The fold line may be defined by a line of weakness to assist the folding action. Alternatively, the fold may be formed in the absence of a line of weakness, depending on, for example, the flexibility and other material properties of the blank material.

Preferably, the container further comprises a slit or slot in the first main wall of the container for retaining the first hinged panel in the first position. This allows the first hinged panel to remain flush with the first main wall of the container when the first hinged panel is in the first position. Preferably, the slit is provided on the opposite side of the first main wall of the container to the side closest to the first panel hinge line. Preferably the slit extends at an angle to the first panel hinge line. Preferably, the slot is configured to engage with a corner portion of the first hinged panel.

The first panel may comprise one or more free edges, more preferably at least two free edges, even more preferably at least three free edges. In some preferred embodiments, the first panel is comprised of four edges, three of which are free edges, and the other edge of the first panel is disposed at the first panel hinge line.

Preferably, the first panel is free of bosses. That is, preferably, the container does not include any panels or bosses depending from the first panel.

Preferably, the first panel hinge line is provided between the first major wall and one of the first minor side wall and the second minor side wall of the box portion. For example, if the container has a square edge connecting the first major wall to the first minor side wall or the second minor side wall, the first panel hinge line may extend along the square edge. As another example, if the container has a chamfered edge connecting the first major wall to the first minor side wall or the second minor side wall, the first panel hinge line may extend along one of the edges forming said chamfered edge. This may allow the first hinged panel to be of substantially the same size as the first main wall of the box portion, thereby giving the container a more conventional appearance when the first hinged panel is in the first position. Furthermore, this may also bring the first hinged panel flush with the first main wall when the first hinged panel is in the first position. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the first panel hinge line is disposed proximate to the same minor side wall that the first lid hinge line is disposed. That is, preferably, the first panel hinge line is provided between the first main wall and the first minor side wall of the box portion.

In some preferred embodiments, the first panel hinge line may be disposed on the first major wall of the container. That is, the first panel hinge line may be spaced from all edges of the first major wall of the container. Such embodiments may allow for improved attachment between the container and the external object and reduce movement of the box portion of the container relative to the external object when the container is attached to the external object. This is because in such embodiments, the portions of the first main wall of the container disposed on either side of the first hinge line may serve to prevent the box portion of the container from pivoting about the first hinge line away from the external object when the container is attached to the external object. Thus, in such embodiments, the consumer may need to first slide the first panel at least partially out of the slot in the external object before the container can be disengaged from the external object.

The first panel hinge line preferably extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal edge connecting the first major wall and the first minor side wall, substantially parallel to the longitudinal edge connecting the first major wall and the second minor side wall, or substantially parallel to both.

Preferably, the first hinged panel of the container has an attachment mechanism for attaching the first hinged panel of the container to the external object. Preferably, the attachment mechanism comprises a micro-suction layer on the first surface of the first hinged panel. Preferably, the first surface of the first hinged panel is the surface of the first hinged panel that faces towards the first main wall of the container when the first hinged panel is in the first position.

The term "micro-pumping layer" is used herein to refer to a layer formed of a flexible material having a plurality of micro-cavities on an outer surface of the material. The walls of the microcavity are deformable such that when the outer surface of the material is pressed against the contact surface, a sealed, reduced-pressure environment is formed between the walls of the cavity and the contact surface. This provides suction between the wall of the cavity and the contact surface.

The microcavities may have a diameter of from 5 microns to 300 microns. The material may be formed of an expanded resin having a plurality of internal bubbles. The layer may have a thickness of from 30 microns to 500 microns.

Alternative attachment mechanisms on the first hinged panel may include one or more of low tack adhesive, flock material, embossing and debossing.

The attachment mechanism on the first hinged panel may allow the first hinged panel to slide into a slot or sleeve on an external object without significant interaction between the first hinged panel and the external object. However, once the container is pressed against the object, the attachment mechanism on the first hinged panel may engage with the external object and help to hold the container in a fixed position relative to the external object.

Preferably, the container comprises means for securing the first lid to the box portion when the first lid is in the closed position. Preferably, the mechanism is provided in the form of a cut-out in the box portion and a flap in the first lid, which engage with each other when the first lid is moved to the closed position. This can advantageously reduce the likelihood of the first lid opening accidentally; for example, when the container is carried by a user, particularly when the container is placed in an inverted orientation.

Preferably, the first lid comprises a first major wall of the first lid, a second major wall of the first lid, first and second opposing minor side walls of the first lid, and a first lid top wall, wherein the first lid top wall forms the top wall of the container.

Preferably, the first main wall of the container has an attachment mechanism for attaching the first main wall of the container to an external object. Preferably, the attachment means is provided on an outer surface of the first main wall of the container. The attachment mechanism may include one or more of a low tack adhesive, a flock material, embossing and debossing.

In some preferred embodiments, the attachment mechanism comprises a micro-suction layer on an outer surface of the first major wall of the container.

The attachment mechanism on the first main wall of the container may allow the first hinged panel to slide into a slot or sleeve on an external object without significant interaction between the container and the external object. However, once the container is pressed against the object, the attachment mechanism on the first major wall of the container may engage with the external object and help to hold the container in a fixed position relative to the external object.

Preferably, the cartridge portion of the container further defines a second compartment for containing consumer goods, and a second opening for accessing consumer goods in the second compartment. In such embodiments, preferably, the container further comprises: a second lid connected to the box portion by a second lid hinge line extending across the second side wall of the container, the second lid being movable relative to the box portion between a closed position in which the second lid covers the second opening and an open position in which the second opening is uncovered. The second compartment may be used to contain another set of consumer goods than any set contained in the first compartment. This can be advantageous when freshness is important, because the consumer does not need to open the second lid and access the consumer product in the second compartment until after the consumer has used up the consumer product in the first compartment. Alternatively, after the first and second compartments have been used, the second compartment may be used to store the remaining consumer goods in the first compartment. As another alternative, the second compartment may be used to store a portion of the consumer product stored in the first compartment. For example, the consumer product may be an elongate consumer product, such as an aerosol-generating article, wherein the first end resides in the first compartment and the second end resides in the second compartment. Thus, the consumer can select whether to access the elongated consumer product through the first cover or the second end through the second cover.

The second compartment may be completely different from the first compartment. For example, an internal wall may be provided in the container to separate the second compartment from the first compartment. In such embodiments, one side of the inner wall may form a bottom surface of the first compartment and the other side of the inner wall may form a bottom surface of the second compartment. Alternatively, the first compartment and the second compartment may be integral. In this case, a group of consumer goods may reside in both compartments. Alternatively, two bundles of consumer goods may reside in the container, a first bundle accessible through the first lid and the first opening, and a second bundle accessible through the second lid and the second opening.

Preferably, the container further comprises a second panel connected to the box portion by a second panel hinge line and configured to pivot between a first position in which the second panel overlies at least a portion of the second main wall of the container and a second position in which the second panel extends substantially away from the box portion of the container. In such embodiments, the consumer will have two compartments to store or select their consumer product. This enables consumers to orient the container in the manner they prefer when attaching the container to an external object.

The second panel may comprise one or more free edges, more preferably at least two free edges, even more preferably at least three free edges. In some preferred embodiments, the second panel is comprised of four edges, three of which are free edges, and the other edge of the second panel is disposed at the first panel hinge line.

Preferably, the second panel hinge line is provided between the second major wall of the box portion and one of the first minor side wall and the second minor side wall. For example, if the container has a square edge connecting the second major wall to the first minor side wall or the second minor side wall, the second panel hinge line may extend along the square edge. As another example, if the container has a chamfered edge connecting the second major wall to the first minor side wall or the second minor side wall, the second panel hinge line may extend along one of the edges forming said chamfered edge. This may allow the second hinged panel to be of substantially the same size as the second main wall of the box portion, thereby giving the container a more conventional appearance when the second hinged panel is in the first position. Furthermore, this may also bring the second hinged panel flush with the second main wall when the second hinged panel is in its first position. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the second panel hinge line is disposed proximate to the same minor side wall that the second lid hinge line is disposed. That is, preferably, the second panel hinge line is disposed between the second major wall and the second minor side wall of the box portion.

In case the container comprises a second hinged panel, a slit is preferably provided in the second main wall of the container for securing the second hinged panel in its first position. This allows the second hinged panel to remain flush with the second main wall of the container when the second hinged panel is in its first position. Preferably, the slit is provided on the opposite side of the second main wall of the container to the side closest to the second panel hinge line. Preferably the slit extends at an angle to the second panel hinge line. Preferably, the slot is configured to engage with a corner portion of the second hinged panel.

Preferably, the second lid comprises a first major wall of the second lid, a second major wall of the second lid, first and second opposing minor side walls of the second lid, and a second lid bottom wall, wherein the second lid bottom wall forms the bottom wall of the container.

Preferably, the container further comprises a mechanism for securing the second lid to the box portion when the second lid is in the closed position. Preferably, the mechanism is provided in the form of a cut-out in the box portion and a flap in the second lid, which engage with each other when the second lid is moved to its closed position. This can advantageously reduce the likelihood of accidental opening of the second lid; for example, especially in the case where the second lid bottom wall forms the container bottom.

The container of the present invention may contain any suitable consumer product. Preferably, the container of the present invention contains a plurality of aerosol-generating articles. The term "aerosol-generating article" is used herein to denote an article comprising at least one substrate which forms an aerosol when heated. The aerosol-generating article may be a combustible type of aerosol-generating article, for example a tobacco-substrate-burning filter cigarette, cigar, cigarillo. However, the container of the present invention may be particularly suitable for containing aerosol-generating articles for use in electrically operated smoking systems. In this case, the aerosol-generating article may comprise tobacco or other nicotine-containing substrate, the aerosol comprising nicotine being generated upon heating of the substrate. Such aerosol-generating articles typically require the use of separate devices, and so the container of the present invention may advantageously be attached to such devices to allow the container and the device to be carried as a single combination.

Where the container comprises first and second compartments and stores aerosol-generating articles, aerosol-generating articles may be stored in both the first and second compartments. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article may be stored in only one of the compartments. In this case, the other compartment may receive waste products, such as ash or butts, or other consumer products, such as matches, lighters, fire extinguishing devices, breath fresheners, or electronics.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a system comprising a container according to any preceding claim and a device, wherein the device comprises a housing and a slot in the housing for receiving the first panel of the container. Preferably the device is for an electrically operated smoking system, more preferably the device is for providing a power supply to power a heater. It will be appreciated that any feature described with reference to the first aspect of the invention may also be equally applicable to the second aspect of the invention.

Preferably, the first panel is adapted to be retained to an external object, more preferably to the device of the second aspect of the invention.

Preferably, the second panel is adapted to be retained to an external object, more preferably to the device of the second aspect of the invention.

For example, one or both of the first panels may be sized and shaped to complementarily engage a corresponding slot or slit on an external object. Such an arrangement may allow the container of the first aspect to be attached to and detached from an external object.

The attachment of the container of the invention to an external object is preferably non-permanent. That is, preferably, the container of the present invention should be capable of being attached to and subsequently detached from an external object.

Preferably, the container is formed from one or more folded laminar blanks. The one or more folded laminar blanks may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials, including, but not limited to, cardboard, paperboard, plastic, metal, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the blank is a laminar cardboard blank having a weight between about 100 grams per square meter and about 350 grams per square meter. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the blank is from about 200 microns to about 400 microns, more preferably from 250 microns to 350 microns.

The vessel is generally a rectangular parallelepiped vessel comprising two wider major walls separated by two narrower minor walls. The container may comprise two longitudinal rounded or chamfered edges on the first main wall and/or two longitudinal rounded or chamfered edges on the second main wall. These edges may be combined with one or more rounded or chamfered lateral edges as desired.

The exterior surface of a 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.

Drawings

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

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a container according to the present invention viewed from the back of the container;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the container according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front of the container;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 from the back of the container showing the first and second hinged panels in their respective first positions;

figure 3 is a perspective view of a container according to the present invention, the container being arranged alongside a device for electrically operating a smoking system;

fig. 4 is a perspective view of the container of fig. 1-3 when attached to the device of fig. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a blank for forming a container according to a second embodiment of the invention; and

fig. 6 is a top view of a blank for forming a container according to a third embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

As shown in fig. 1A, a container 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a first major wall 11, a second major wall (not visible), a first minor side wall (not visible), a second opposing minor side wall 13, a top wall 15, and a bottom wall (not visible). The container has a box portion 40 defining first and second compartments for containing consumer goods. Dashed lines are included in fig. 1A to show the separation points between the first and second compartments.

The first lid 30 is connected to the box portion 40 by a first lid hinge line 32 extending across a first side wall of the container. The first cover 30 is movable relative to the box portion 40 between a closed position in which the first cover 30 covers the first opening and an open position in which the first opening is uncovered. In fig. 1A, the first cover is disposed in a closed position. The first lid defines a top wall 15 of the container.

The first panel 20 is connected to the box portion 40 by a first panel hinge line 22 and is configured to pivot between a first position in which the first panel 20 overlies at least a portion of the first main wall 11 of the container 10 and a second position in which the first panel 20 extends substantially away from the box portion 40 of the container 10. In fig. 1A, the first panel 20 is disposed in a second position. The slot 42 is provided in the first main wall 11 of the container. This will be described in more detail with respect to fig. 2.

The container further comprises a second lid 60 connected to the box portion 40 by a second lid hinge line 62 extending across the second side wall 14 of the container 10. The second cover 60 is movable relative to the box portion 40 between a closed position in which the second cover 60 covers the second opening in the box portion 40 and an open position in which the second opening is uncovered. In fig. 1A, the second cover 60 is disposed in the closed position. The second lid defines a bottom wall of the container.

As shown in fig. 1A, the container further comprises a second panel 50 connected to the box portion 40 by a second panel hinge line 52.

As can best be appreciated from fig. 1B (fig. 1B shows a perspective view of the back of the container of fig. 1A), the second panel 50 is configured to pivot between a first position in which the second panel 50 overlies at least a portion of the second main wall 12 of the container 10 and a second position in which the second panel 50 extends substantially away from the box portion 40 of the container 10. In fig. 1B, the second hinged panel 50 is disposed in a second position.

Fig. 2 shows the container of fig. 1A and 1B as viewed from the back of the container, with the first panel 20 and the second panel 50 now disposed in their respective first positions. As can be seen from fig. 2, the corner portions of the second hinged panel 50 have been placed in the slots 44 on the second main wall 12 of the container, keeping the second hinged panel 50 flush with the second main wall of the container.

Figure 3 shows the container of figure 1B disposed adjacent to an external device, which may be a charger unit for an aerosol-generating article. The device 100 has a body 150 and a cover 130 connected to the body 150 by a device cover hinge line 132. The first main wall 111 of the device 100 has a slot 142 defining an access opening to an internal cavity in the device, the slot being shaped and sized to accommodate either the first hinged panel 50 or the second hinged panel 20 of the container 10.

In use, as shown in fig. 4, a consumer may choose to insert the first hinged panel 20 of the container 10 through the slot 142 of the device, thereby attaching the container 10 to the device 100. In this way, the container 10 and the device 100 may be carried as a single combination. Although not visible in the figures, a micro-suction layer may be provided on the outer surface of the first panel 20 or the second panel 50 in order to further fix the placement position of the container relative to the device 100.

Fig. 5 shows a top view of a blank 200 for forming a container according to a second embodiment of the invention. The container of the second embodiment of the present invention is similar to the container of the first embodiment of fig. 1 to 4. However, the container of the second embodiment has only one lid connected to its box portion and only one hinged panel for attaching the container to an external object.

The blank 200 of fig. 5 is shown in a deployed condition. The blank comprises a first portion 210 comprising a plurality of panels connected by a plurality of fold lines. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the panels of the first portion 210 of the blank 200 are arranged to be folded about the fold lines of the first portion 210 of the blank to form the box portion and the first lid of the container.

The blank 200 further comprises a second portion comprising a first panel 220 connected to an edge of the first side wall panel 214 of the first portion of the blank 200 by a first hinge line 222. When the blank 20 is folded to form the container of the second embodiment of the invention, the first panel 220 is configured to pivot about the first hinge line 222 between a first position in which the first panel 220 overlies at least a portion of the first major wall 211 of the container and a second position in which the first panel 220 extends substantially away from the box portion of the container.

Fig. 6 is a top view of a blank 300 for forming a container according to a third embodiment of the invention. The blank 300 comprises a first portion 310 which is identical to the first portion 210 of the blank 200 of the second embodiment shown in figure 5.

The blank 300 further includes a second portion 315 configured to form a hinged first panel 320 and a second panel 350 on the assembled container. In particular, the second portion 315 comprises a first panel 320 connected to an edge of the first side wall panel 314 of the first portion of the blank 300 by a first hinge line 322. The cut line 325 separates the first panel 320 from a connecting main panel 327 that is configured to remain flush with a portion of the panel 311 forming the front wall of the container. The connecting main panel 327 is connected to a connecting secondary side panel 353, which in turn is connected to the second panel 350.

When the blank 300 is folded to form the container of the third embodiment of the invention, the connecting minor side panel 353 is flush with the panel 313 forming the second minor side wall of the container. The second panel 350 is optionally pivotable about a second hinge line 352 between a first position in which the second panel 350 overlies at least a portion of the first major wall of the container and a second position in which the first panel 220 extends substantially away from the box portion of the container.

Claims

1. A container for consumer goods, comprising:

a first major wall, a second major wall, opposing first and second minor side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall;

a cartridge portion defining at least a first compartment for containing consumer goods and a first opening for accessing consumer goods in the first compartment; and

a first lid connected to the box portion by a first lid hinge line extending across the first minor side wall of the container, the first lid being movable relative to the box portion between a closed position in which the first lid covers the first opening and an open position in which the first opening is uncovered;

wherein the container further comprises a first panel connected to the box portion by a first panel hinge line and configured to pivot between a first position in which the first panel overlies at least a portion of the first major wall of the container and a second position in which the first panel extends substantially away from the box portion of the container; and is

Wherein the first panel of the container has an attachment mechanism for assisting in attaching the first panel of the container to an external object.

2. The container of claim 1, further comprising a slit in the first major wall of the container for holding the hinged first panel in the first position.

3. A container according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first panel hinge line is provided between one of the first and second minor side walls and the first major wall of the box portion.

4. The container of claim 3, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a micro-suction layer on the first surface of the first panel.

5. The container of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a mechanism for securing the first lid to the box portion when the first lid is in the closed position.

6. The container of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first lid comprises a first lid first major wall, a first lid second major wall, first lid opposing first and second minor side walls, and a first lid top wall, wherein the first lid top wall forms the top wall of the container.

7. A container according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first major wall of the container has an attachment mechanism for attaching the first major wall of the container to another object.

8. The container of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the cartridge portion further defines a second compartment for containing consumer goods and a second opening for accessing consumer goods in the second compartment, and wherein the container further comprises:

a second lid connected to the box portion by a second lid hinge line extending across the second minor side wall of the container, the second lid being movable relative to the box portion between a closed position of the second lid in which the second lid covers the second opening and an open position of the second lid in which the second opening is uncovered.

9. The container of claim 8, further comprising a second panel connected to the box portion by a second panel hinge line and configured to pivot between a first position of the second panel in which the second panel overlies at least a portion of the second major wall of the container and a second position of the second panel in which the second panel extends substantially away from the box portion of the container.

10. The container of claim 9, wherein the second panel hinge line extends along an edge separating the second major wall of the box portion from the first minor side wall or the second minor side wall.

11. The container of claim 10, wherein the second lid comprises a first major wall of the second lid, a second major wall of the second lid, opposing first and second minor side walls of the second lid, and a second lid bottom wall, wherein the second lid bottom wall forms the bottom wall of the container.

12. The container of claim 10, further comprising a mechanism for securing the second cover to the box portion when the second cover is in the closed position.

13. A container according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the consumer product is an aerosol-generating article.

14. A system comprising a device for electrically heating a smoking system and a container according to any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises a housing and a slot in the housing for receiving the first panel of the container.