EP0978462A1

EP0978462A1 - Cigarette paper dispenser box and cigarette paper dispenser arrangement based thereon

Info

Publication number: EP0978462A1
Application number: EP98114768A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Evert J. Brandenburg
Original assignee: Multipack Ltd
Current assignee: Multipack Ltd
Priority date: 1998-08-06
Filing date: 1998-08-06
Publication date: 2000-02-09

Abstract

A cigarette paper dispenser box (12), which is preferably applicable in combination with a dispenser box retainer, is described, said box (12) containing a stack of cigarette papers (22) in an interleaved folded manner, said box (12) having a first side (16) and a second side (18), being disposed above and below said stack of cigarette papers (22), respectively, and at least one third side (20) extending between said first side (16) and said second side (18), wherein said first side (16) exhibits a first opening (24), which is a slot-shaped opening (24) extending in parallel to a fold line (26) of said cigarette papers (22). The invention is characterized in that the size (H) of said box (12) measured between said first side (16) and said second side (18) is at least half as much as the width (W) of said cigarette papers (22, 40) measured transverse to the fold line (26), and said box (12) further exhibits at least a second opening (30) applicable for pushing said stack of cigarette papers (22) against said first side (16).

Description

The present invention relates to a cigarette paper dispenser box, preferably applicable in combination with a dispenser box retainer, said box containing a stack of cigarette papers in an interleaved folded manner, said box having a first side and a second side, being disposed above and below said stack of cigarette papers, respectively, and at least one third side extending between said first side and said second side, wherein said first side exhibits a first opening, which is a slot-shaped opening extending in parallel to a fold line of said cigarette papers.
The invention further relates to a cigarette paper dispenser box retainer and a cigarette paper dispenser arrangement comprising both, said dispenser box and said dispenser box retainer.
Cigarette paper dispenser boxes having the features described above are known from public use. These known boxes are folded from strong paper or carton. Their length and width is nearly the same as the length and half the width of the cigarette papers contained therein. The width of the boxes need only to be half of the width of the cigarette papers because of the interleaved folded manner, the cigarette papers are contained therein. The known cigarette paper dispenser boxes have a first side and a second side being disposed above and below a stack of cigarette papers, respectively. The first side exhibits a slot-shaped opening extending in parallel to a fold line of the cigarette papers. In each case, the topmost piece of cigarette paper of the stack extends partially through the slot-shaped opening and can be pulled out. By pulling out the topmost piece of cigarette paper completely, the respective second topmost piece of cigarette paper is partially pulled through the slot-shaped opening. This is due to the interleaved nature of the cigarette paper stack.
The size of these known cigarette paper dispenser boxes, measured between said first side and said second side, is about 5 mm. This enables the known boxes to contain round about 50 pieces of cigarette papers, when they are sold.
The known cigarette paper dispenser boxes are commonly used by smokers who roll their cigarettes by themselves.
At least in some countries, so-called coffee-shops or smokers' shops are known, where people can buy tobacco and other smoking utensils. In addition, it is highly acknowledged and appreciated that people meet in these coffee-shops to enjoy their cigarette. As the costs for a single piece of cigarette paper are comparatively low, it is an appreciated service of these shops that people, who are going to enjoy their cigarette within the shop, get the required piece of cigarette paper for free.
With the known cigarette paper dispenser boxes, however, it occurs the problem that these boxes "vanish" when they lie on the counter or the tables of these shops for free disposal. While the costs for a single piece of cigarette paper are neglectable, "vanishing" of complete dispenser boxes or packages containing up to 50 pieces of cigarette papers sums up to a considerable amount of money.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide for a cigarette paper dispenser box, or, alternatively, for a cigarette paper dispenser box arrangement, which is well suited for the appreciated service mentioned above, and, in addition, which reduces or even avoids the costs resulting from "vanishing" of complete dispenser boxes.
This object is achieved by a cigarette paper dispenser box, such as it is mentioned at the outset, wherein the size of said box measured between said first side and said second side is at least half as much as the width of said cigarette papers measured transverse to their fold line, and wherein said box further exhibits at least a second opening applicable for pushing said stack of cigarette papers against said first side.
The inventor of the present invention has recognized that "vanishing" of cigarette paper dispenser boxes can be reduced or even avoided by an enlargement of the size of the boxes, because they can no longer be taken with that ease and unseen. However, simple enlargement of the size of the boxes alone would not work, because in this case the follow-up mechanism of the cigarette papers, resulting from the interleaved folded manner, would no longer work, when the size of the box measured between said first side and said second side exceeds half of the width of the cigarette papers measured transverse to their fold line. This is because a folded piece of cigarette paper lying at the bottom of the dispenser box could no longer extend through the slot-shaped opening of said first side then. Consequently, pure enlargement of the known boxes would not be successful. The inventor of the present invention, however, has recognized that enlargement of the size of the known dispenser boxes could be combined with additional measures for proper working, such as a second opening applicable for pushing said stack of cigarette papers against said first side.
As an alternative, other mechanisms, such as a spring, could be provided within an enlarged cigarette paper dispenser box for pushing the stack of cigarette papers against the slot-shaped opening.
Beyond its property to solve the above-mentioned object, the new and inventive cigarette paper dispenser box has further advantages. A major advantage is that the amount of cigarette papers contained within the box may also be increased accordingly. Such an increase provides the advantage that the respective box does not get empty that quickly. Consequently, an increased amount of cigarette papers perfectly meets the requirements of a frequent use, such as it just occurs in the above-mentioned coffee-shops.
Another advantage of an enlarged box containing an increased amount of cigarette papers is that less waste is produced, because for the same amount of cigarette papers less boxes are required.
Another advantage of the new and inventive dispenser box is that it is attractive for commercial and advertising purposes, because it provides an increased area for slogans to be printed on.
In addition, at least in combination with a retainer described later on, the new and inventive box provides an easy and comfortable access to the cigarette papers.
Therefore, the above-mentioned object is completely achieved in a highly advantageous manner.
According to a preferred embodiment, the inventive cigarette paper dispenser box is characterized in that said second opening is at least partially located in said second side.
This embodiment provides the advantage that the stack of cigarette papers contained in the box can be pushed from its very bottom side. Consequently, the box can be filled completely with cigarette papers in an interleaved folded manner and it is not necessary to insert distance pieces or supports for the stack of cigarette papers within the box. Therefore, additional expenditure is avoided and the available space within the box is used in an optimum way.
Another preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that said second opening is a longitudinal opening extending along said third side in a direction from said second side to said first side.
This embodiment provides the advantage that a means for pushing said stack of cigarette papers against said first side can be made comparatively small and short, because continuous access to the bottom side of the stack of cigarette papers is obtained by such a longitudinal opening. Otherwise, a comparatively long pushing device, such as a stick or a rod, would be necessary to push the stack of cigarette papers against said first side just through an opening located in said second side.
In this connection, it is preferred that said second opening extends along said third side substantially orthogonal with respect to said first opening, and even more preferred, that said second opening extends along a center line of said third side.
While the former of these two embodiments provides the advantage that a way of movement of the means for pushing said stack of cigarette papers is reduced to a minimum, the latter provides an optimum point of impact in view of a lever arm. In combination, both features provide for an optimum movement of the stack of cigarette papers achieved with a minimum of required force. However, each of these features is already advantageous on its own.
In a further preferred embodiment, the cigarette paper dispenser box is characterized by a crosspiece remaining between the end of said second opening and an edge between said first side and said third side.
Such a crosspiece provides the advantage that it increases stability of the box in case the second opening is a longitudinal opening, as it is described above. Consequently, probability of twisting or collapsing of the box is reduced.
In a further preferred embodiment, the cigarette paper dispenser box is characterized in that said third side extends in parallel to said fold line of said cigarette papers.
This feature, in particular, is advantageous in combination with the feature that the second opening is a longitudinal opening, because in this case even a short means for pushing said stack of cigarette papers against said first side achieves a good point of engagement with said stack of cigarette papers. Otherwise, i.e. in case the longitudinal opening extends along a third side being transverse to the fold line, the point of impact for a short or small pushing device would be disadvantageous. Consequently, this feature provides for an easier pushing with less power or force necessary.
According to a further preferred embodiment, the second opening of said cigarette paper dispenser box is at least partially closed by a removable cover or insert.
This feature provides the advantage that the cigarette papers are better protected within the box before use. Consequently, damage or crumple of the cigarette papers before use can be avoided. In addition, the cigarette papers can be kept clean. On the other hand, a removable insert or cover may easily be removed for use of the cigarette paper dispenser box.
In a further preferred embodiment, the cigarette paper dispenser box comprises a reinforcement plate disposed at the end of said stack of cigarette papers which is opposite to said first opening.
This feature is advantageous, because it provides stability at that side of said stack of cigarette papers which is opposite to said first opening. In addition, a power provided for pushing said stack of cigarette papers against said first opening is distributed evenly by such a reinforcement plate. Furthermore, in one embodiment the cigarette paper dispenser box may be used in such a way that the first opening is at the bottom side of said box. In this case, gravity provides advantageously a force to push the stack of cigarette papers against said first opening. In this case, the effect of gravity is advantageously increased by the reinforcement plate.
According to a further embodiment, the cigarette paper dispenser box is a folded box made of paper or carton.
This feature is advantageous, because such a box is easy and inexpensive to produce, and it is light-weight and environmentally sensitive. Another advantage is that a folded box made of paper or carton may be easily printed, such as for commercial or advertising purposes.
In a further preferred embodiment, the size (H) of the cigarette paper dispenser box measured between said first side and said second side is at least 4 cm, more preferably between 4 cm and 15 cm, and even more preferred between 7 cm and 11 cm.
These lateral dimensions provide a good and advantageous compromise between the amount of papers, which may be contained within such a box, and the size and handiness of the box. In particular, in view of the above-mentioned objective the size of the box may not be too small. On the other hand, the size of the box may not be too large in view of handiness, and, in addition, in view of its time of use. In particular, the latter point is important, because the new and inventive cigarette paper dispenser box is mainly designed for public use at a free disposal of many different users. In this case, such a box gets more and more shabby during its time of use. Consequently, the time of use, which is related to the amount of cigarette papers contained within the box, is an important factor for determination of optimum dimensions of the inventive box.
The new and inventive cigarette paper dispenser box is particularly advantageous in combination with a cigarette paper dispenser box retainer. In view of this, the invention further comprises a cigarette paper dispenser box retainer for accommodating the dispenser box of any of the embodiments explained above, wherein the retainer comprises a means for automatically pushing said stack of cigarette papers against said first side.
Such a dispenser box retainer provides a stable support for the inventive cigarette paper dispenser box and, in addition, contributes to a good handiness and an easy access to the single pieces of cigarette papers.
According to a preferred embodiment, said means of said dispenser box retainer comprises a slider being adapted to engage into said second opening of said dispenser box on that end of said stack of cigarette papers, which is opposite said first opening, said slider further being adapted to provide a force onto said stack of cigarette papers in the direction of said first side.
By means of such a dispenser box retainer, the stack of cigarette papers may even be pushed against gravity in the direction of said first opening. This provides the advantage that the pieces of cigarette papers may be taken out from said dispenser box at the first side being its top side. This is a preferred usage of the new and inventive dispenser box, because the cigarette papers are very thin and fine, and taking out the papers from the box is made easier, when it is possible to look onto the first opening.
In a preferred embodiment the retainer is adapted to accommodate said dispenser box in such a way that a side of said dispenser box being opposite of said third side is visible.
This embodiment provides the advantage that, for example, a trademark of the producer of the cigarette papers can be printed onto that side for creating attraction, this trademark still being visible, when the box is retained.
The invention further comprises a cigarette paper dispenser arrangement, comprising the cigarette paper dispenser box and the cigarette paper dispenser box retainer of any of the embodiments explained in the foregoing.
Such an arrangement provides all the advantages mentioned in view of the respective embodiments.
According to a preferred embodiment of such an arrangement, the cigarette paper dispenser box is comprised in such a way that its first side is essentially on top of said arrangement.
As already explained above, this embodiment provides the advantage that the single pieces of cigarette papers can be taken out very easily from said dispenser box.
It is noted that the present invention not only comprises the explained embodiments, but also any combination of features of the different embodiments and other embodiments within the scope of the invention.
In the following, a preferred embodiment of the cigarette paper dispenser box and a preferred cigarette paper dispenser box retainer, both in combination constituting a cigarette paper dispenser arrangement, are described.
In the drawings,
Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventive cigarette paper dispenser arrangement,
Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventive cigarette paper dispenser box,
Fig. 3 illustrates a single piece of cigarette paper,
Fig. 4 illustrates a second perspective view of the embodiment of Fig. 2 from the opposite direction,
Fig. 5 illustrates a pattern from which the inventive dispenser box may be folded,
Fig. 6 illustrates a schematic view for illustrating the interleaved folded manner, in which the cigarette papers are contained within the dispenser box,
Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a dispenser box retainer, and
Fig. 8 illustrates an exploded view of the dispenser box retainer of Fig. 7.
In Fig. 1, the inventive cigarette paper dispenser arrangement is designated by reference numeral 10. The dispenser arrangement is comprised of a cigarette paper dispenser box 12 and a dispenser box retainer 14. The dispenser box retainer 14 accommodates the cigarette paper dispenser box 12 in such a way that a topmost piece of cigarette paper 15 can be pulled out of the dispenser box 12 at its top side. Further details of the arrangement and its different parts will be seen from the following.
According to Fig. 2, the cigarette paper dispenser box 12 comprises a first side 16 and a second side 18, wherein the second side 18 is hardly to be seen here. The dispenser box 12 further comprises a third side 20 extending between said first side 16 and said second side 18. The dispenser box 12 is filled with a stack of cigarette papers 22 in an interleaved folded manner. This special kind of folding is explained later on in Fig. 6 in further detail.
For sake of visibility, the stack of cigarette papers 22 is shown in several sections 23. However, dotted lines under each section 23 indicate that sections 23 only show a small part of the complete stack of cigarette papers 22.
The dispenser box 12 has a first opening 24 in its first side 16, which is a slot-shaped opening extending in parallel to a fold line 26 of cigarette papers 22. In each case, the topmost piece of cigarette paper 15 extends partially through opening 24, such that it may completely be pulled out of the box 12.
According to one aspect of the invention, the dispenser box 12 exhibits a second opening 30. The second opening 30 is partially located in second side 18, and, in addition, continues as a longitudinal opening along third side 20. The longitudinal section of second opening 30 extends along a center line 32 of third side 20.
A crosspiece 34 remains between the end of second opening 30 and an edge 35 between first side 16 and third side 20.
Reference numeral 36 designates a reinforcement plate disposed at the bottom end 38 of stack of cigarette papers 22.
The size of box 12 measured between first side 16 and second side 18 is designated by H. It is 11 cm in this embodiment.
Fig. 3 illustrates an unfolded piece of cigarette paper 40 taken out from box 12 and showing fold line 26. The width of cigarette paper 40 measured transverse to fold line 26 is designated by W, which is 5,5 cm in this embodiment. The length of cigarette paper 40 is 9,7 cm. Thus, the cigarette paper 40 is larger than regular cigarette papers, and it is particularly useful to roll conical cigarettes.
In the perspective view of Fig. 4, a fourth side 42 of dispenser box 12 is to be seen, which is opposite of third side 20 of Fig. 2. Preferably, a printing 44, such as for example a trademark, is disposed on at least fourth side 42 of box 12.
In Fig. 5, a pattern 50 of an unfolded box 12 is shown. In this connection, same reference numerals still designate same elements of the dispenser box 12, as they are already explained with respect to the preceding figures. Consequently, pattern 50 comprises first side 16, second side 18, third side 20, and fourth side 42. Moreover, pattern 50 further comprises lateral sides 51 and 52. In addition, each of the afore-mentioned sides 16, 18, 20, 42, 51, and 52 is connected via respective folding edges 53 to at least one folding tab 54. The folding tabs 54 are suitable to form a box 12 from pattern 50 by folding. It is basically possible, but not necessary, that folding tabs 54 are provided with an adhesive or a glue during manufacturing of box 12. Alternatively or in addition, at least some of tabs 54 can be inserted into corresponding slots 55. The size and structure of folding tabs 54 should be selected such that box 12 cannot unfold itself.
As will be seen from this figure, second opening 30 of dispenser box 12 comprises of a first opening portion 56 and a second opening portion 58. First opening portion 56 is located in second side 18, while second opening portion 58 is located in third side 20. By folding box 12 from pattern 50, opening portions 56 and 58 are combined to second opening 30 of box 12.
The illustrated pattern 50 further comprises a removable insert 60, which at least partially closes opening 58. Insert 60 is connected to side 20 of pattern 50 by a perforation or the like.
In this embodiment, opening portion 56 of pattern 50 is not closed by an insert or cover in order to facilitate engagement for a removal of insert 60, when pattern 50 is folded to form box 12.
In schematic view of Fig. 6, a partial sectional view along line VI-VI of Fig. 4 is shown. In this connection, however, it is noted that for sake of visibility the distance between respective pieces of cigarette papers is shown in an enlarged scale.
As already seen from the preceding figures, topmost piece of cigarette paper 15 extends partially through first opening 24 of first side 16. It is folded along fold line 26, and, consequently, comprises an upper folded part 62 and a lower folded part 64. Second topmost piece of cigarette paper 66 is folded in a corresponding way along its fold line 26. It is disposed in a direction opposite to topmost piece of cigarette paper 15, such that its upper part 68 lies between lower part 64 and upper part 62 of topmost piece of cigarette paper 15.
Third topmost piece of cigarette paper 69 is disposed in a direction opposite of second topmost piece of cigarette paper 66 in a corresponding interleaved relationship.
By means of this interleaved folded relationship, the respective second topmost piece of cigarette paper 66 is partially pulled through first opening 24 of first side 16, when topmost piece of cigarette paper 15 is pulled out of dispenser box 12 completely. Then, former second topmost piece of cigarette paper 66 becomes the new topmost piece of cigarette paper. Its upper half 68, however, points is in a direction opposite to the direction, in which upper part 62 of former topmost piece of cigarette paper 15 pointed.
The dispenser box retainer 14 of Fig. 7 comprises a body 70, a lid 72, and stands 74. In addition, a slider 76 is provided. Retainer 14 is adapted to accommodate the cigarette paper dispenser box 12 of the preceding figures. It is particularly adapted to accommodate dispenser box 12 in such a way that fourth side 42 thereof is visible in order to enable printing 44 to be seen.
Therefore, body 70 of retainer 14 comprises a recess 78 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, the lateral dimensions of which are a little bit larger than the lateral dimensions of box 12. In particular, recess 78 provides three side walls 80, 82, and 84 connected to each other, such as to form a clamp having a substantially rectangular, U-shaped cross section.
Side wall 80 exhibits a further recess 81, which is adapted to accommodate slider 76. At their ends side walls 82 and 84 exhibit small projecting parts 86 and 87, both being directed to each other and each having a surface 88, 89 extending in parallel to side wall 80. By means of projecting parts 86, 87, box 12 will be held in retainer 14, such that its fourth side 42 remains visible.
When box 12 is inserted in retainer 14, as it is shown in Fig. 1, third side 20 of box 12 faces side wall 80 of retainer 14, while lateral sides 51, 52 face side walls 82, 84, respectively.
In the exploded view of Fig. 8, retainer 14 is illustrated in further detail. Its body 70 is an injection-molded, or extruded profile exhibiting hollow segments 92, 94. Hollow segment 92 accommodates a ball 96 made of lead or another comparably heavy material, which is connected to a thread 98. In its assembled condition, thread 98 is fixed with its other end to slider 76. Slider 76 then is guided in rails 100, which are formed by further recess 81 in side wall 80. Thread 98 will be turned over the upper end of side wall 80. In combination with gravity, ball 80, therefore, provides a force onto slider 76 in a direction to pull up slider 76.
Slider 76 is adapted to reach into second opening 30 of cigarette paper dispenser box 12 in order to transmit the force onto stack of cigarette papers 22. By means of this, stack of cigarette papers 22 is pushed up against first side 16, and, thus, against first opening 24.
The whole container including body 70 and lid 72 exhibits a rounded and smoothed surface in order to avoid any dangerous parts, where users can hurt.
Beyond the fact that hollow segment 92 accommodates lead ball 96, the profile structure itself provides for a lightweight and stable retainer 14 at the same time.
While alternative to a mechanism based on lead ball 96, a spring mechanism could be used to provide a force onto slider 76, the illustrated mechanism based on lead ball 96 is easy to assemble and provides a continuous force gradient.
Stands 74 are adapted to fix retainer 14 to any smooth surface, such as a top side of a table or a counter.

Claims

A cigarette paper dispenser box, preferably applicable in combination with a dispenser box retainer (14),

said box (12) containing a stack of cigarette papers (22) in an interleaved folded manner,

said box (12) having a first side (16) and a second side (18), being disposed above and below said stack of cigarette papers (22), respectively, and at least one third side (20) extending between said first side (16) and said second side (18),
wherein said first side (16) exhibits a first opening (24), which is a slot-shaped opening (24) extending in parallel to a fold line (26) of said cigarette papers (22),
characterized in that

the size (H) of said box (12) measured between said first side (16) and said second side (18) is at least half as much as the width (W) of said cigarette papers (22, 40) measured transverse to their fold line (26), and

said box (12) further exhibits at least a second opening (30) applicable for pushing said stack of cigarette papers (22) against said first side (16).
The cigarette paper dispenser box of claim 1, characterized in that said second opening (30) is at least partially located in said second side (18).
The cigarette paper dispenser box of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said second opening (30) is a longitudinal opening (30) extending along said third side (20) in a direction from said second side (18) to said first side (16).
The cigarette paper dispenser box of claim 3, characterized by a crosspiece (34) remaining between the end of said second opening (30) and an edge (35) between said first side (16) and said third side (20).
The cigarette paper dispenser box of claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said third side (20) extends in parallel to said fold line (26) of said cigarette papers (22, 40).
The cigarette paper dispenser box of any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said second opening (30) is at least partially closed by a removable insert (60) or cover.
The cigarette paper dispenser box of any of claims 1 to 6, characterized by a reinforcement plate (36) disposed at the end (38) of said stack of cigarette papers (22) which is opposite to said first opening (24).
The cigarette paper dispenser box of any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said box (12) is a folded box (50) made of paper or carton.
The cigarette paper dispenser box of any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the size (H) of said box (12) measured between said first side (16) and said second side (18) is at least 4 cm, preferably between 4 cm and 15 cm, and more preferably between 7 cm and 11 cm.
A cigarette paper dispenser box retainer for accommodating the dispenser box (12) of any of claims 1 to 9, characterized by a means (76) for automatically pushing said stack of cigarette papers (22) against said first side (16).
The cigarette paper dispenser box retainer of claim 10, characterized in that said means (76) comprises a slider (76) being adapted to engage into said second opening (30) of said dispenser box (12) on that end (38) of said stack of cigarette papers (22), which is opposite said first opening (24), said slider (76) further being adapted to provide a force onto said stack of cigarette papers (22) in the direction of said first side (16).
The cigarette paper dispenser box retainer of claim 10 or 11, characterized in that said retainer is adapted to accommodate said dispenser box in such a way that a side (42) of said dispenser box being opposite of said third side (20) is visible.
A cigarette paper dispenser arrangement, comprising the cigarette paper dispenser box (12) of any of claims 1 to 9 and the cigarette paper dispenser box retainer (14) of any of claims 10 to 12.
The cigarette paper dispenser arrangement of claim 13, comprising said cigarette paper dispenser box (12) such that its first side (16) is essentially on top of said arrangement.