CN117460674A

CN117460674A - Container with tray

Info

Publication number: CN117460674A
Application number: CN202280037510.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: L·查特莱恩
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Current assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date: 2021-06-04
Filing date: 2022-06-01
Publication date: 2024-01-26
Also published as: WO2022253885A1; US20240262594A1; JP2024522273A; KR20240018532A; EP4347425A1

Abstract

A container (10) for consumables is provided. The container comprises a box portion (20) and a lid portion (40) which together define a compartment for containing the consumable; and a tray 60 disposed within the compartment. The tray (60) is configured to support at least some of the consumables (14). The tray (60) includes a first portion (62) located in the box portion (20) and a second portion (64) located above the box portion (20). The cover portion (40) is movable relative to the cassette portion (20) between a closed position in which the tray (60) is covered and an open position in which the tray (60) is uncovered. The second portion (64) of the tray (60) extends into the lid portion (40) when the lid portion (40) is in the closed position and engages an inner surface of the lid portion (40) to help retain the lid portion (40) in the closed position. The container (10) further includes a retaining mechanism (80) between the first portion (62) of the tray (60) and the cassette portion (20). The retaining mechanism (80) is configured to resist movement of the tray (60) relative to the cartridge portion (20) in response to movement of the lid portion (40) from the closed position to the open position.

Description

Container with tray

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a container for consumables. The container according to the invention is particularly suitable for use as a container for one or more components of an aerosol-generating device or an aerosol-generating system.

Background

Aerosol-generating systems are generally known that may comprise a plurality of components. A handheld electrically operated smoking system typically comprises a battery pack and a rechargeable aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a heating portion, control electronics, and a rechargeable battery, and may be configured to house an aerosol-generating article. When combined with an aerosol-generating article, the rechargeable aerosol-generating device is configured to generate an inhalable aerosol.

It is also known to pack consumables in a rigid box-shaped container having a box for containing the consumable and a lid covering an upper portion of the box. The lid is movable relative to the cartridge to open the container and provide access to the consumable contained in the cartridge by a consumer.

In some known containers, the consumable may be located on or in a tray disposed within the cartridge. The tray may be immediately visible to the consumer when the container is opened. In some cases, other components, such as accessories and utilities, may be disposed below the tray and thus not immediately visible to the consumer.

It is often desirable to maintain the lid of the container in a closed position until access to the contents of the container is required. For example, the container may include one or more of a magnet, an adhesive, and a fastener (such as a hook and loop fastener) to help hold the lid in the closed position. However, such arrangements may increase the cost and complexity of the container design. Moreover, such arrangements may reduce the functionality or usability of other aspects of the container.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore desirable to provide a container of the above type with an improved solution for holding the lid in the closed position without having one or more of the above drawbacks.

The present disclosure relates to a container for consumables. The container may include a box portion and a lid portion. The box portion and the lid portion may together define a compartment for containing the consumable. The container may further comprise a tray disposed within the compartment. The tray may be configured to support at least some consumables. The tray may include a first portion located in the box portion and a second portion located above the box portion. The cover portion is movable relative to the box portion between a closed position in which the tray is covered and an open position in which the tray is uncovered. The second portion of the tray may extend into the lid portion when the lid is in the closed position. The tray may engage with an inner surface of the portion to help hold the lid portion in the closed position. The container may further comprise a retaining mechanism between the first portion of the tray and the cassette portion. The retaining mechanism may be configured to resist movement of the tray relative to the cartridge portion in response to movement of the lid portion from the closed position to the open position.

According to the present invention there is provided a container for consumable products, the container comprising: a box portion, and a lid portion, the box portion and lid portion together defining a compartment for containing a consumable; and a tray disposed within the compartment and configured to support at least some of the consumables, the tray including a first portion located in the box portion and a second portion located above the box portion; wherein the lid portion is movable relative to the box portion between a closed position in which the tray is covered and an open position in which the tray is uncovered; wherein the second portion of the tray extends into the lid portion when the lid portion is in the closed position and engages an inner surface of the lid portion to help retain the lid portion in the closed position; and wherein the container further comprises a retaining mechanism between the first portion of the tray and the cassette portion, the retaining mechanism being configured to resist movement of the tray relative to the cassette portion in response to movement of the lid portion from the closed position to the open position.

As used herein, the terms "side," "top," "bottom," "front," "rear," and other terms used to describe the relative positions of components of a container according to the present invention refer to a container in an upright position with the access opening at the top. When describing a container according to the present invention, these terms are used regardless of the orientation of the container being described. The "bottom" of a container refers to the side of the container opposite the "top" of the container.

The term "height" is used herein to refer to the dimension extending between the top and bottom. The term "width" is used herein to refer to the dimension extending between two sides. The term "depth" is used herein to refer to the dimension extending between the front and rear portions. The height, width and depth are mutually orthogonal.

The term "wall" refers more generally to a facet of a container, and the wall may be formed from a single panel or flap, or the wall may be formed from two or more adjoining or overlapping panels or flaps.

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

For example, the side walls or panels may depend directly from an adjacent front 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 beveled edges, the side walls or panels may depend indirectly from the front wall or panel. In this case, a curved or inclined edge wall or panel connects the side wall or panel with the front wall or panel. In the case of a beveled edge, both the side wall or panel and the front wall or panel may depend from the connected beveled edge wall or panel along respective fold lines.

The term "hinge line" is used herein to refer to a line about which a lid may pivot in order to open a container. The hinge line may be, for example, a fold line or a score line. The hinge line around which the lid is connected to the box may coincide with the edge of the container, or the hinge line may extend across the wall of the container at a location spaced from the edge.

Throughout this specification, the term "inner surface" is used to refer to the surface of a component of the container that faces the interior of the container (e.g., faces a consumable product) when the assembled container is in the closed position. Throughout this specification, the term "outer surface" is used to refer to the surface of a component of a container that faces the exterior of the container. For example, the front wall of the package has an inner surface facing the interior of the package and the consumable, and an outer surface facing away from the consumable.

The term "recessed" herein refers to a portion of the container wall that has been pressed, engraved, molded or stamped such that the thickness of the wall at the recessed portion is less than the thickness of the wall at the portion that has not yet been recessed. For example, the recessed portion of the wall may be formed by applying pressure to the wall with a tool. The material of the wall is compressed such that there is no raised portion at the opposite side of the wall from the recessed portion.

The container may be a hinged lid container, wherein the lid portion is hingedly attached to the box portion at a hinge line extending along a rear wall of the box portion, and wherein the lid portion is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the lid portion and the box portion define a compartment that receives the consumable. A tray for supporting at least some of the consumables is received in the compartment.

The container of the present invention provides an improved container for containing consumables. In contrast to existing containers, in the container according to the invention, the tray has a first portion located in the box portion and a second portion located in the lid portion when the lid portion is in the closed position. The second portion of the tray is configured to engage with an inner surface of the lid portion to help retain the lid portion in the closed position. However, when the lid is moved to the open position, such engagement between the tray and the lid portion may risk lifting the tray with the lid. The inventors have thus realized that in such a case it is advantageous to provide a retaining mechanism between the first part of the tray and the cassette part. The retaining mechanism advantageously resists movement of the tray relative to the cassette part in response to movement of the lid part from the closed position to the open position. This advantageously avoids that the engagement between the second portion of the tray and the lid portion causes the first portion of the tray to be removed from the box portion when the lid portion is moved to the open position. This further avoids the tray getting stuck in the cover part due to engagement between the tray and the cover part. These effects and advantages may be particularly applicable to embodiments in which the tray may be removed from the container when the lid portion is in the open position, for example, if the retaining mechanism has been separated. Removing the tray from the container when the lid portion is in the open position may advantageously allow a user to access the space in the compartment below the tray.

For example, when a user wishes to open the container by moving the lid portion from the closed position to the open position, engagement between the second portion of the tray and the lid portion may cause the tray to also be subjected to an opening force applied by the user. However, when the user moves the cover portion, the retaining mechanism may act to resist such forces and thus disengage the tray from the cover portion. Thus, the retaining mechanism may help to retain the tray in position relative to the cassette part when the lid part is moved from the closed position to the open position.

The engagement between the cover portion and the second portion of the tray may occur between an inner surface of the front wall of the cover portion and the front wall of the tray. The holding mechanism may be formed between an inner surface of the front wall of the box portion and the front wall of the tray.

Preferably, the engagement between the lid portion and the tray occurs at the front side of the container. Preferably, the holding of the tray in the box portion takes place at the front side of the container. Preferably, there is substantially no engagement between the lid portion and the tray at the rear side of the container.

Preferably, the tray is removable from the container when the lid portion is in the open position. When the cover portion is in the open position, a user may be able to disengage the retaining mechanism. Once the retaining mechanism is disengaged, the tray may be removed from the container. The retaining mechanism may be the only means for securing the tray to the cassette part.

By providing a tray without an engagement or retention mechanism at the rear side of the container, a user may be able to more easily remove the tray from the box portion to access the space below the tray in the container. For example, a user may be able to remove a tray from a cassette section to access one or more consumables contained in a container space below the tray. Alternatively, the user may need to access the space in the container below the tray for storing the consumable.

The cover portion and the tray may be frictionally engaged. Such engagement may be advantageous over other forms of engagement for holding the cover in the closed position, such as one or more of a magnet, adhesive, and fastener. This is because such other forms of engagement may increase one or both of the cost and complexity of the container design. Further, such other forms of engagement may reduce one or both of the functionality or usability of other aspects of the container. Thus, the preferred embodiment of the present invention may provide a cost effective, simpler and more functional solution than existing containers.

In addition, the container according to the present invention may also provide an improved unpacking experience for the user. Since the tray supporting the consumable is not fully received in the cartridge portion in the container according to the present invention, the consumable supported by the tray can be more easily accessed by the consumer. Where the container contains multiple consumables, more important or valuable merchandise may be displayed on the tray while additional consumables such as utility and accessories may be contained under the tray. Thus, in a container according to the invention, the arrangement of the consumable in the container may be more attractive to consumers.

The container according to the invention comprises a box portion, a lid portion and a tray.

The container, box portion, lid portion, and tray may be formed of any suitable material including, but not limited to, cardboard, paperboard, plastic, metal, or any combination thereof.

The container according to the invention may be in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with right-angled longitudinal edges and right-angled transverse edges. Alternatively, the container may be in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped having one or more rounded longitudinal edges, rounded transverse edges, beveled longitudinal edges or beveled transverse edges, or a combination thereof.

The outer surface of the container according to the invention may be printed, embossed, debossed or otherwise decorated with manufacturer or brand logos, trademarks, slogans and other consumer information or other indicia.

The container may be configured to hold consumables such as one or more aerosol-generating devices, aerosol-generating articles, accessories, and utilities. The consumable may be contained in a separate compartment in the container.

The lid portion and the box portion may be formed from a single laminar blank of material. Alternatively, the lid portion and the box portion may be formed from separate laminar material blanks.

The box portion may include a box portion front wall, a box portion rear wall, opposing first and second box portion side walls, and a box portion bottom wall. The box portion may have an opening at a top end of the box portion. The opening of the box portion may be defined by a box portion front wall, a box portion rear wall, and top edges of opposing box portion first and second side walls. The box portion defines an interior space that forms part of the compartment of the container. The tray may be disposed within the compartment such that a first portion of the tray is below the opening of the box portion and a second portion of the tray is above the opening of the box portion.

The lid portion may include a lid portion front wall, a lid portion rear wall, opposed first and second lid portion side walls, and a lid portion top wall. The cover portion may have an opening at a bottom end of the cover portion. The opening of the cover portion may be defined by a cover portion front wall, a cover portion rear wall, and bottom edges of the first and second cover portion side walls. The lid portion may define an interior space that forms part of the compartment of the container. The lid portion may be connected to the box portion by a hinge line extending across the rear wall of the box portion. The tray may be disposed within the compartment such that when the lid portion is in the closed position, a first portion of the tray is located below the opening of the lid portion and a second portion of the tray is located above the opening of the lid portion.

The inner surface of the lid portion top wall may include a recessed portion for receiving the consumable. The inner surface of the lid portion top wall may include a plurality of recessed portions for receiving a plurality of consumables. One or more recessed portions in the inner surface of the lid portion top wall may be configured to conform to the shape of the consumable. This may help support the consumable and limit movement of the consumable within the container.

Preferably, the lid portion is connected to the box portion by a hinge line. The hinge line may allow the cover portion to move between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the lid portion may cover the opening of the box portion. In the open position, the opening of the box portion may not be covered by the cover portion.

In the case where a single laminar blank is used to form both the box portion and the lid portion, the hinge lines may be formed in the single laminar blank.

The hinge line may be formed from one or more laminar blanks connecting the box portion to the lid portion. One or more laminar blanks having hinge lines formed therein may be adhered to the box portion back wall and the lid portion back wall.

The one or more laminar blanks having the hinge lines formed therein may comprise an outer laminar blank adhered to the outer surface of the rear wall of the box portion and the outer surface of the rear wall of the lid portion. The outer laminar blank may help conceal any gap that may occur between the rear wall of the box portion and the rear wall of the lid portion.

The one or more laminar blanks having the hinge lines formed therein may comprise an inner laminar blank adhered to the inner surface of the rear wall of the box portion and the inner surface of the rear wall of the lid portion. The inner laminar blank may help conceal any gap that may occur between the rear wall of the box portion and the rear wall of the lid portion.

The hinge line may extend across only a portion of the rear wall of the box portion. Alternatively, the hinge line may extend across the entire length of the rear wall of the box portion.

The tray is disposed in a compartment of the container and is configured to support at least some of the consumables. The tray includes a first portion located in the box portion and a second portion located in the lid portion.

The second portion of the tray may have a height of 4 to 10 mm, more preferably 5 to 9 mm, and even more preferably 6 to 9 mm.

The tray may be substantially rectangular parallelepiped in shape. In such embodiments, the height of the second portion of the tray may be constant. Alternatively, the tray may have a height that is not constant in a cross section of the tray in a direction of a depth of the tray. The second portion of the tray may have a maximum height adjacent the tray front wall.

The tray may have a trapezoidal cross section in the direction of the depth of the tray.

The tray may include a recessed portion for receiving the consumable.

There may be one or more trays disposed in the compartment of the container. Each tray may have a first portion located in the box portion and a second portion located in the lid portion. Each tray may be configured to support at least some consumables.

In the container according to the invention, the second portion of the tray engages with the lid portion when the lid is in the closed position to assist in retaining the lid portion in the closed position. Preferably, the second portion of the tray engages with the inner surface of the cover portion.

The cover portion may be configured to frictionally engage the first tray. Friction between the cover portion and the tray may occur between the first tray front wall and the cover portion front wall. Friction between the second portion of the tray and the lid portion may be such that accidental opening of the lid portion is avoided during normal use or transportation of the container. The friction between the second portion of the tray and the cover portion may not be so great that the user is required to apply excessive force to overcome the friction. For example, preferably, the required opening force may not exceed 13 newtons. Thus, the user may be able to move the cover portion to the open position by overcoming the friction.

Friction between the tray and the cover portion may be caused by an interference fit between the tray and the cover portion. Preferably, the depth of the tray may be 0.1 to 0.5 mm greater than the inner depth of the cover portion, more preferably, the depth of the tray is 0.2 to 0.4 mm greater than the inner depth of the cover portion, and even more preferably, the depth of the tray is 0.25 to 0.35 mm greater than the inner depth of the cover portion.

The container according to the invention comprises a holding mechanism between the first part of the tray and the cassette part. The retaining mechanism is configured to resist movement of the tray relative to the cartridge portion in response to movement of the lid portion from the closed position to the open position. The retaining mechanism may act as an anchor to retain the first portion of the tray in the box portion when the lid portion is moved to the open position.

The retaining mechanism may comprise a protrusion on the front wall of the tray. The protrusions of the retaining mechanism may extend from the bottom edge of the tray front wall. The protrusion may be a folded edge of the tray front wall. The protrusion may be an edge of a panel attached to a bottom surface of the tray. The protrusion may be a raised portion of the tray front wall.

The retaining means may comprise corresponding engagement edges on the cassette part. The engagement edge of the retaining means may be on an inner surface of the front wall of the box portion. The inner surface of the box portion front wall may be defined by a first box portion front wall panel and a second box portion front wall panel. The first cassette part front wall panel may extend across only a portion of the inner surface of the cassette part front wall. The engagement edge may be an edge of the first cassette part front wall panel. The engagement edge may be a bottom edge of the first box portion front wall panel.

The engagement edge of the retaining mechanism may form part of a slot in the container. The engagement edge may form a top edge of a slot in the container.

The container may further comprise a second tray. In such embodiments, a tray comprising a first portion located in the box portion and a second portion located above the box portion may be referred to as a first tray. The second tray may be received in the compartment below the first tray. Where the engagement edge of the retaining mechanism forms part of a slot in the container, the top wall of the second tray may define a bottom edge of the slot in the container.

The slot in the container may be further defined by a recessed portion of the inner surface of the front wall of the box portion. The recessed portion of the inner surface of the front wall of the box portion may be formed by applying pressure to the inner surface of the front wall of the box portion with a tool.

Features described with respect to one example or embodiment may also be applicable to other examples and embodiments.

A non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

Ex1 a container for a consumable, the container comprising: a box portion and a lid portion together defining a compartment for containing a consumable; and a tray disposed within the compartment and configured to support at least some consumables, the tray including a first portion located in the box portion and a second portion located above the box portion; wherein the cover portion is movable relative to the box portion between a closed position in which the tray is covered and an open position in which the tray is uncovered; wherein the second portion of the tray extends into the lid portion when the lid portion is in the closed position and engages an inner surface of the lid portion to help retain the lid portion in the closed position; and wherein the container further comprises a retaining mechanism between the first portion of the tray and the box portion, the retaining mechanism being configured to resist movement of the tray relative to the box portion in response to movement of the lid portion from the closed position to the open position.

Ex2. the container of EX1, wherein the first portion of the tray is removable from the box portion when the lid portion is in the open position.

The container of EX3 wherein the lid portion is connected to the box portion by a hinge line extending across the rear wall of the box portion.

Ex4. the container of any preceding EX, wherein the lid portion is frictionally engaged with the tray.

Ex5 the container of EX4 wherein the friction occurs between the tray front wall and the lid portion front wall.

The container of any preceding claim EX, wherein the retaining mechanism comprises a protrusion on the tray front wall and a corresponding engagement edge on the cassette part.

The container of EX7. EX6 wherein the protrusion extends from a bottom edge of the tray front wall.

The container of EX6 or 7, wherein the box portion comprises a box portion front wall, and wherein the corresponding engagement edge is on an inner surface of the box portion front wall.

The container of EX9 wherein the inner surface of the box portion front wall is defined by a first box portion front wall panel and a second box portion front wall panel.

The container of EX9, wherein the first box portion front wall panel extends across only a portion of the inner surface of the box portion front wall.

The container of EX9, wherein the engagement edge is an edge of the first cassette part front wall panel.

The container of any one of EX6 to 11, wherein the engagement edge of the retaining mechanism forms part of a slot in the container.

The container of any preceding EX, wherein the container further comprises additional consumables received in a space in the compartment below the tray.

The container of EX12, wherein the slot is defined by a recessed portion of an inner surface of the front wall of the box portion.

The container according to EX15, wherein the recessed portion of the inner surface of the box portion front wall is formed by applying pressure to the inner surface of the box portion front wall with a tool.

The container of any preceding claim, wherein the second portion of the tray has a height of 4 millimeters to 10 millimeters.

The container of any preceding claim, wherein the second portion of the tray has a height of 5 millimeters to 9 millimeters.

The container of any preceding claim, wherein the second portion of the tray has a height of 6 millimeters to 8 millimeters.

The container of any preceding EX, wherein the tray comprises a recess for receiving a consumable.

The container of any preceding EX, wherein the inner surface of the lid portion top wall comprises a corresponding recess for receiving a consumable.

The container of EX3, wherein the depth of the tray is 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm greater than the inner depth of the lid portion to form an interference fit between the lid portion and the tray.

The container of EX21, wherein the depth of the tray is 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm greater than the inner depth of the lid portion.

The container of EX22, wherein the depth of the tray is 0.25 mm to 0.35 mm greater than the inner depth of the lid portion.

The container of any preceding claim, wherein the box portion further comprises a box portion back wall, a box portion bottom wall, and opposing first and second box portion side walls.

The container of any preceding claim, wherein the lid portion further comprises a lid portion back wall, and opposing first and second lid portion side walls.

The container of any preceding claim, wherein the tray further comprises a tray front wall, a tray rear wall, and opposing first and second inner tray side walls.

The container of any one of EX1 to 26, wherein the lid portion and the box portion are formed from separate laminar blanks.

The container of any one of EX1 to 26, wherein the lid portion and the box portion may be formed from a single laminar blank.

EX28 the container of EX28, wherein the hinge line may be formed in the single laminar blank.

The container of any one of EX3 to 27, wherein the hinge line is formed from one or more laminar blanks connecting the box portion to the lid portion.

The container of EX30, wherein the one or more laminar blanks having the hinge lines formed therein are adhered to the rear wall of the box portion and the rear wall of the lid portion.

The container of EX32 wherein the one or more laminar blanks having the hinge lines formed therein comprise an outer layer-like blank adhered to an outer surface of the rear wall of the box portion and an outer surface of the rear wall of the lid portion.

The container of EX33 wherein the one or more laminar blanks having the hinge lines formed therein comprise an inner laminar blank adhered to an inner surface of the rear wall of the box portion and an inner surface of the rear wall of the lid portion.

The container of any one of EX3 to 33, wherein the hinge line extends across only a portion of the rear wall of the box portion.

The container of any one of EX3 to 33, wherein the hinge line extends across the entire length of the rear wall of the box portion.

The container of any preceding claim, wherein the second portion of the tray has a height that is constant in a direction of a depth of the tray.

Ex37 the container of EX36, wherein the tray is rectangular parallelepiped in shape.

The container of any one of EX1 to 35, wherein the second portion of the tray has a height that is not constant in a direction of a depth of the tray.

The container of EX38, wherein the second portion of the tray has a maximum height adjacent the tray front wall.

The container of any preceding EX, wherein one or more additional trays are disposed in the compartment of the container.

The container of EX40, wherein the one or more additional trays have a first portion located in the box portion and a second portion located in the lid portion.

The container of EX41, wherein the one or more additional trays are configured to support at least some consumables.

The container of any one of EX6 to 42, wherein the protrusion is a folded edge of the front wall of the tray.

The container of any one of EX 6-42, wherein the protrusion is an edge of a panel attached to a bottom surface of the tray.

Drawings

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

FIG. 1 shows a box portion and a lid portion forming a container according to an embodiment of the invention, with the lid portion in a closed position;

FIG. 2 shows a container according to an embodiment of the invention with a lid portion in a partially open position;

FIG. 3 shows a container according to an embodiment of the invention with the lid portion in an open position;

FIG. 4 shows the container according to an embodiment of the invention with the lid portion in an open position and the tray partially removed from the box portion;

FIG. 5 shows the container according to an embodiment of the invention with the lid portion in the open position and the tray completely removed from the box portion;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a container according to an embodiment of the invention with the lid portion in an open position and the tray partially removed from the box portion;

fig. 7 shows a holding mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 8 shows a holding mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 to 5 show a container 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The solid walls of the container are shown transparent in these figures so that the details within the container 10 can be seen. The container 10 includes a box portion 20, a lid portion 40 connected to the box portion 20 by a hinge line 50, and a tray 60 received in the container 10 configured to support at least some of the consumables 14. Additional consumables 17 are received in the space 18 below the tray 60.

Fig. 1 shows a container 10 according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the lid portion 40 is in a closed position.

The box portion 20 comprises a box portion bottom wall 21, a box portion front wall 22, a box portion rear wall 23, a first box portion side wall 24, a second box portion side wall 25 (not shown), and a top end 30 comprising an opening 31. As best seen in fig. 6, the opening 31 of the box portion 20 is defined by a top end 32 of the box portion front wall, a top end 33 of the box portion rear wall, a top end 34 of the first box portion side wall, and a top end 35 of the second box portion side wall.

The lid portion 40 is connected to the box portion 20 by a hinge line 50 extending across the box portion rear wall 23. The lid portion 40 includes a lid portion top wall 41, a lid portion front wall 42, a lid portion rear wall 43, a first lid portion side wall 44, and a second lid portion side wall 45 (not shown). The cover portion 40 is movable relative to the box portion 20 between a closed position in which the cover portion covers the opening of the box portion and an open position in which the opening 31 of the box portion 20 is uncovered. In fig. 1, the cover portion 40 is disposed in the closed position. The lid portion 40 is pivotable about a hinge line 50 on the rear wall 23 of the box portion between a closed position and an open position. When the lid portion top wall 41 is perpendicular to the opening 31 at the top end 30 of the box portion 20, the lid portion 40 is considered to be in the fully open position. The lid portion 40 may be pivoted 180 degrees to an open position in which the lid portion rear wall 43 and the box portion rear wall 23 are substantially parallel. Fig. 1 to 3 show the lid portion 40 in various stages of opening between the closed position in fig. 1 and the fully open position in fig. 3.

In fig. 1 to 5, the hinge line 50 is formed from two laminar blanks that connect the box portion 20 to the lid portion 40. Two laminar blanks having hinge lines 50 formed therein are adhered to the box portion rear wall 23 and the lid portion rear wall 43.

An outer layer-like blank 52 having a hinge line 50 formed therein is adhered to the outer surface of the box portion rear wall 23 and the outer surface of the lid portion rear wall 43.

An inner laminar blank 54 having hinge lines 50 formed therein is adhered to the inner surface of the box portion rear wall 23 and the inner surface of the lid portion rear wall 43.

The box portion bottom wall 21 defines the bottom wall of the container 10. The lid portion top wall 41 defines the top wall of the container 10. The box portion front wall 22 and the lid portion front wall 42 together define a front wall of the container 10. The box portion rear wall 23 and the lid portion rear wall 43 together define a rear wall of the container 10. The first and second box portion side walls 24, 25, and the first and second lid portion side walls 44, 45 together define first and second side walls of the container 10.

The front, rear, first and second side walls, top and bottom walls of the container 10 define compartments within the box portion 20 and the lid portion 40 for containing the consumable 14. When the lid portion 40 is in the open position, the consumer may be able to access the consumable 14 contained within the compartment.

The container 10 further includes a tray 60 configured to support at least some of the consumables 14 disposed within the compartment of the container 10. Tray 60 includes a recessed portion 61 configured to receive at least some of consumables 14. The tray 60 includes a tray front wall 65, a tray rear wall 66, a first tray side wall 67, and a second tray side wall 68 (not shown). The compartment of the container 10 for consumables is configured to receive a tray 60. The tray 60 is disposed within the compartment such that a first portion 62 of the tray is located below the opening 31 of the box portion 20 and a second portion 64 of the tray is located above the opening 31 of the box portion 20. The second portion 64 of the tray is received in the lid portion 40 when the lid portion 40 of the container 10 is in the closed position.

The second portion 64 of the tray frictionally engages the lid portion 40 to help retain the lid portion 40 in the closed position. Engagement between the second portion 64 of the tray and the cover portion 40 occurs between the tray front wall 65 and the inner surface of the cover portion front wall 42.

The container 10 includes a retaining mechanism (not shown in fig. 1-6) between the first portion 62 of the tray and the box portion 20 to resist movement of the tray 60 relative to the box portion 20 in response to movement of the lid portion 40 from the closed position to the open position. The retaining mechanism is positioned adjacent to the front wall of the box portion. The retaining mechanism will be described in more detail with reference to fig. 7 and 8.

The retaining mechanism may be separable so that the tray 60 may be removed from the container 10 through the box portion opening 31 when the lid portion 40 is in the open position.

A second tray 16 supporting further consumables 17 is received in the compartment in a space 18 located below the tray.

Fig. 4 shows the container 10 according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the lid portion 40 is in an open position and the tray 60 is partially removed from the box portion 20. The container 10 is shown with the rear of the tray 60 lifted. In this position, the retaining mechanism 80 can be disengaged and the tray 60 removed from the cassette part 20.

Fig. 5 shows the container 10 according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the lid portion 40 is in the open position and the tray 60 is completely removed from the box portion 20. With the tray 60 removed from the box portion 20, additional consumables 14 contained in the container 10 in the space 18 below the tray 60 are accessible.

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the container 10 according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the lid portion 40 is in the open position and the tray 60 is partially removed from the box portion 20. Fig. 6 shows the lid portion 40 in a fully open position with the tray 60 in substantially the same position as in fig. 4. The consumables are not shown in this figure, however, the recessed portion 61 in the tray 60 for supporting at least some of the consumables 14 is shown. A corresponding recess 46 is shown in the lid portion 40 to receive a consumable 14 supported by the tray 60.

Fig. 7 shows a holding mechanism 780 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The retaining mechanism includes a protrusion 781 on the tray front wall 765 and a corresponding engagement edge 782 on the box portion front wall 722. Protrusions 781 extend from the bottom edge of tray front wall 765. A corresponding engagement edge 782 is on the inner surface of the box portion front wall 722. The inner surface of the box portion front wall 722 is defined by a first box portion front wall panel 783 and a second box portion front wall panel 784. The first cassette part front wall panel 783 extends across only a portion of the interior surface of the cassette part front wall 722. The corresponding engagement edge 782 on the inner surface of the box portion front wall 722 is the edge of the first box portion front wall panel 783. The engagement edge 782 of the retaining mechanism 780 forms a portion of a slot 785 in the container. The engagement edge 782 forms a top edge 786 of the slot 785. A second tray 716 supporting additional consumables 717 is received in the compartment below tray 760. The top surface of the second tray 716 forms a bottom edge 787 of the slot 785.

The retaining mechanism 780 is shown in an engaged configuration in which the protrusion 781 on the tray front wall 765 is received in the slot 785 to resist movement of the tray 760 relative to the box portion 720 in response to movement of the lid portion from the closed position to the open position.

Fig. 8 shows a holding mechanism 880 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The panel 888 is attached to the bottom of the tray 860 such that a portion of the panel protrudes away from the tray 860 to form a protrusion 881 of the tray 860. A tab 881 extends from the bottom edge of the tray front wall 865. A corresponding engagement edge 882 is on the inner surface of the box portion front wall 822. The engagement edge 882 of the retention mechanism 880 forms a portion of the slot 885 on the inner surface of the front wall 822 of the cartridge portion. A slot 885 on the inner surface of the box portion front wall 822 is defined by a recessed portion of the box portion front wall 822. The engagement edge 882 forms a top surface of the slot 885. A second tray 816 supporting additional consumables 817 is received in the compartment below tray 860.

The retention mechanism 880 is shown in an engaged configuration in which the protrusion 881 on the tray front wall 865 is received in the slot 885 to resist movement of the tray 860 relative to the box portion 820 in response to movement of the lid portion from the closed position to the open position.

Claims

1. A container for consumable items, the container comprising:

a box portion and a lid portion together defining a compartment for containing a consumable; and

a tray disposed within the compartment and configured to support at least some consumables, the tray comprising a first portion located in the box portion and a second portion located above the box portion;

wherein the cover portion is movable relative to the box portion between a closed position in which the tray is covered and an open position in which the tray is uncovered;

wherein the second portion of the tray extends into the lid portion when the lid portion is in the closed position and engages an inner surface of the lid portion to help retain the lid portion in the closed position;

and wherein the container further comprises a retaining mechanism between the first portion of the tray and the box portion, the retaining mechanism being configured to resist movement of the tray relative to the box portion in response to movement of the lid portion from the closed position to the open position.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the tray is removable from the box portion when the lid portion is in the open position.

3. A container according to claim 2, wherein the lid portion is connected to the box portion by a hinge line extending across a rear wall of the box portion.

4. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the lid portion is frictionally engaged with the tray.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein the friction occurs between the tray front wall and the lid portion front wall.

6. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the retaining means comprises a projection on the tray front wall and a corresponding engagement edge on the box portion.

7. The container of claim 6, wherein the protrusion extends from a bottom edge of the tray front wall.

8. A container according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the box portion comprises a box portion front wall, and wherein the corresponding engagement edge is on an inner surface of the box portion front wall.

9. The container of claim 8, wherein the inner surface of the box portion front wall is defined by a first box portion front wall panel and a second box portion front wall panel.

10. The container of claim 9, wherein the first box portion front wall panel extends across only a portion of the inner surface of the box portion front wall.

11. The container of claim 9, wherein the engagement edge is an edge of the first box portion front wall panel.

12. A container according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the engagement edge of the retaining mechanism forms part of a slot in the container.

13. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the container further comprises a further consumable received in a space in the compartment below the tray.

14. The container of claim 12, wherein the slot is defined by a recessed portion of an inner surface of the front wall of the box portion.

15. A container according to claim 3, wherein the depth of the tray is 0.1 to 0.5 mm greater than the inner depth of the lid portion to form an interference fit between the lid portion and the tray.