EP1466844A1 - Package with sliding lid - Google Patents

Package with sliding lid Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1466844A1
EP1466844A1 EP03008022A EP03008022A EP1466844A1 EP 1466844 A1 EP1466844 A1 EP 1466844A1 EP 03008022 A EP03008022 A EP 03008022A EP 03008022 A EP03008022 A EP 03008022A EP 1466844 A1 EP1466844 A1 EP 1466844A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
receptacle
lid
pack
pack according
cut
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP03008022A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Jean-Pierre René Grandjean
Alessandro Velloni
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Philip Morris Products SA
Original Assignee
Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=32864961&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP1466844(A1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Philip Morris Products SA filed Critical Philip Morris Products SA
Priority to EP03008022A priority Critical patent/EP1466844A1/en
Priority to AU2004228356A priority patent/AU2004228356B2/en
Priority to MXPA05010901A priority patent/MXPA05010901A/en
Priority to EP04726979.0A priority patent/EP1626916B9/en
Priority to SI200431401T priority patent/SI1626916T2/en
Priority to EP08103229A priority patent/EP1930255A3/en
Priority to KR1020057019345A priority patent/KR101126451B1/en
Priority to DE602004025562T priority patent/DE602004025562D1/en
Priority to AT04726979T priority patent/ATE457941T1/en
Priority to PCT/EP2004/003887 priority patent/WO2004089785A1/en
Priority to PT04726979T priority patent/PT1626916E/en
Priority to UAA200509800A priority patent/UA85553C2/en
Priority to CNB2004800135319A priority patent/CN100393593C/en
Priority to CA2521609A priority patent/CA2521609C/en
Priority to EA200501603A priority patent/EA007575B1/en
Priority to ES04726979.0T priority patent/ES2340586T5/en
Priority to DK04726979T priority patent/DK1626916T5/en
Priority to BRPI0409300-3A priority patent/BRPI0409300B1/en
Priority to PL04726979T priority patent/PL1626916T5/en
Priority to JP2006505108A priority patent/JP4588697B2/en
Publication of EP1466844A1 publication Critical patent/EP1466844A1/en
Priority to EGNA2005000626 priority patent/EG24023A/en
Priority to ZA200508340A priority patent/ZA200508340B/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D85/00Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D85/07Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for compressible or flexible articles
    • B65D85/08Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for compressible or flexible articles rod-shaped or tubular
    • B65D85/10Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for compressible or flexible articles rod-shaped or tubular for cigarettes
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/42Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
    • B65D5/64Lids
    • B65D5/68Telescope flanged lids
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/38Drawer-and-shell type containers
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D85/00Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D85/07Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for compressible or flexible articles
    • B65D85/08Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for compressible or flexible articles rod-shaped or tubular
    • B65D85/10Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for compressible or flexible articles rod-shaped or tubular for cigarettes
    • B65D85/1036Containers formed by erecting a rigid or semi-rigid blank

Definitions

  • the subject invention relates to packs in general and in particular to packs (or packages) for tobacco products, such as elongate smokable articles.
  • a currently very popular pack type for tobacco products and also for other articles such as food stuffs or sweets is the so-called "flip-top” or hinge-lid pack.
  • Such pack is characterized by a box part containing the articles to be packaged and a lid part hinged to the end of the rear side of the box part.
  • such pack has an innerframe inside the box part which extends up from the box part into the lid part as the latter opens and closes.
  • hinge-lid packs An undesired phenomenon of hinge-lid packs is the "smiling effect", which denotes a gap between the box part and the lid part and prevents complete closure of the pack. This effect is undesirable because it can lead to, for example, an inadvertent loss of pack contents, increased oxygen or air exponse of the contents, or an increased loss of flavor.
  • EP 204 933 B1 and EP 205 766 B1 disclose hinge-lid packs with rounded or bevelled longitudinal edges having "ears" on the edges of the collar side walls or an interlocking mechanism on the front wall;
  • EP 650 907 B1 discloses hinge-lid packs wherein the collar side walls are shaped such that an increased friction with the lid side walls results.
  • the present invention provides a pack comprising a first part and a second part which parts are connected to each other and which are contineously and linearly moveable relative to each other from the closed position of the pack to an open position, and vice versa, that is from an open position to the closed position.
  • the first part or box part is suitable to serve as a receptacle and the second part is suitable to serve as a lid.
  • the receptacle is the part of the pack which can hold the goods of the pack, that is the article or articles to be packaged.
  • the receptacle comprises a bottom wall (which is at the same time the bottom wall of the pack) and at least one receptacle wall which is attached to the bottom wall.
  • the bottom wall can take various froms. For example, if the bottom wall is circular or oval, advantageously there is only one receptacle wall which is attached to the circular or oval bottom wall along its circumference. If the bottom wall is essentially rectangular (or square) - including such bottom walls with one, two, three or four rounded corners - there are at maximum four discernible receptacle walls, namely a front wall, a rear wall and two side walls. The edges between those walls may optionally be rounded or bevelled. However, one or more of the walls may be missing and/or be reduced in size.
  • the front wall may be missing or reduced in size and/or one or both side walls can be reduced in size such that the receptacle sides are not completely covered by the side walls.
  • the bottom wall is polygonal (for example octagonal) there are discernible at maximum a corresponding number of receptacle walls (for example at maximum a total of eight receptacle walls in case of an octagonal bottom wall).
  • the receptacle can be made from an octagonal bottom wall with a front wall, a rear wall and two side walls and the four remaining receptacle walls being formed by the bevelled edges of the front wall, the rear wall and the side walls.
  • bottom and receptacle walls are preferably adapted to each other such that a receptacle wall or receptacle walls corresponding to the form of the bottom wall are provided, and one or more but not all of the maximally possible receptacle walls may be missing.
  • a receptacle results which is closed on the bottom and at least partially closed on its sides.
  • the top part of the receptacle (being directed towards the lid) is at least partially and preferably completely open.
  • the receptacle bottom wall is located opposite to the at least partially open receptacle top.
  • the receptacle walls are perpendicular to the bottom wall.
  • the lid comprises a top wall of (which is at the same time the top wall of the pack) and at least one lid wall attached to said top wall.
  • the top wall and the lid walls are preferably adapted to each other such that a lid wall or lid walls corresponding to the form of the top wall are provided.
  • One or more but not all of the maximally possible lid walls may be missing.
  • the lid wall is or the lid walls are adapted to the top wall such that a lid results which is closed on the top and at least partially on its sides.
  • the bottom of the lid (which is directed towards the receptacle) is at least partially and preferably completely open.
  • the lid top wall is located opposite to the at least partially open lid bottom.
  • the lid wall is or the lid walls are perpendicular to the top wall.
  • a lid with an essentially rectangular (or square) top wall is combined with a front wall, a rear wall and two side walls - preferably at least one and even more preferred more than one or all edges between the four walls may be rounded.
  • the two parts of the pack, receptacle and lid preferably have open meeting sides. This allows that the goods of the pack which are held in the receptacle may extend beyond the receptacle and, in the closed position, into the lid. This applies in particular in the event of elongate goods, such as cigarettes.
  • the first (receptacle) part and the second (lid) part of the packs of the invention are connected to each other such that under regular and intended handling conditions the two parts are not separated from each other when the pack is fully opened.
  • suitable connecting means which connect the receptacle with the lid, for example a thread, a strip, a strand, a filament, a flap, or tongue or a tongue-like part (herein refered to in general as a tongue).
  • Said tongue can be an integral part of the receptacle, or of the lid, or a separate part.
  • the tongue is made from the same material as the pack, for example the materials mentioned below, such as cardboard and paper.
  • the tongue may be folded, for example z-folded.
  • the tongue has a sheet-like structure. That is, it is relatively thin and its width corresponds to or is smaller than the width of the receptacle wall or lid wall, in particular the receptacle rear wall or the lid rear wall.
  • the packs according to the invention are characterized in that they lack a hinge, but in that the two parts are moveable in a linear movement to each other during the opening and closing steps (and not as in case of a hinge, in a circular movement).
  • This linear movement can also be described as a drawer-like movement.
  • the pack does not have any open sides. It is further preferred that the meeting open sides of receptacle and lid are adapted to each other. Thus, these two parts are mating completely along an interface line.
  • one or more lid wall or walls and/or one or more receptacle wall or walls have a cut-out portion.
  • cut-out portions are at corresponding and mating positions of the lid wall and the receptacle wall and have corresponding forms (for example each may be in the form of a semi-circle).
  • the cut-out portions (for example in the form of a circle made of two semi-circles) may facilitate the opening of the pack.
  • receptacle wall or walls and lid wall or walls are preferably perpendicular to (receptacle) bottom wall and (lid) top wall.
  • the form of bottom wall and top wall are adapted to each other and have corresponding geometric forms so that the resulting pack preferably has the form of a rectangular parallelepiped (in case of rectangular bottom and top walls, with or without rounded or bevelled corners) or the form of a cylinder (in case of round or oval bottom and top walls).
  • receptacle and lid walls are not perpendicular to the bottom or top walls, respectively.
  • the resulting pack can have the form, for example of a pyramid (with a square receptacle bottom wall and a lid top wall reduced to single point) or of a truncated cone (with a rectangular receptacle bottom wall and a rectangular but smaller lid top wall). In that event it is prefered (but not necessarily) that the pack has a constant cross-section along the distance of the linear movement.
  • the packs according to the invention provide further advantages, including, for example, an increased surface area in the open position, as compared with a hinge-lid pack. Such increased surface area is useful for example for consumer communication and/or information purposes. Additionally, the packs of the invention facilitate content retention or aroma preservation within the pack. They also combine the rigidity of hinge-lid packs with the handling benefit of known soft-packs.
  • the present invention relates to the packs per se as well as to the packs charged with content. While generally useful for various types of articles, including for example sweets, the novel packs of the invention are particularly useful for tobacco products, for example elongate smoking articles, preferably cigarettes.
  • the size and the shape of the packs are chosen such as to suitably accomodate the intended content. For example, the size of cigarette packs may be chosen to accomodate for example 10, 20 or 25 cigarettes.
  • the packs of the invention have the form of a rectangular parallelepiped.
  • one or more, preferably all of the (longitudianal) edges of the packs of the invention may be bevelled or rounded.
  • Particularly preferred packs of the invention are cigarette packs wherein the cigarettes are aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the packs.
  • the subject invention provides packs wherein the receptacle and the lid are connected with each other via any suitable connecting means which is fixed to, or an integral part of, the lid and which is moveable within the receptacle.
  • any suitable connecting means which is fixed to, or an integral part of, the lid and which is moveable within the receptacle.
  • such connecting means is a tongue.
  • additional connecting means may be present to support the connecting function of the tongue.
  • the consumer can open the packs by continuously and linearly moving (or sliding) the lid away from the receptacle.
  • the lid is moved towards the pack.
  • the connecting means is fixed to one of the inner sides of the lid.
  • the connecting means such as the tongue
  • the tongue can be an extension of the lid rear wall (for example an integral extension or an extension fixed to the inner lid rear wall), extending beyond the lower lid edge and into the receptacle (in the closed and open positions).
  • the tongue has a sheet-like form having substantially the same width as the inner side of the receptacle rear wall.
  • the tongue is guided on the one side by the rear wall of the receptacle and on the other side by the contents of the pack.
  • the tongue is fixed to the receptacle front wall, in particular to the edge formed by receptacle front and bottom wall. This allows a defined extent of linear movement which is essentially determined by the length of the tongue.
  • the tongue optionally may be folded. Then it can be fixed to the inner side of the receptacle, preferably to the receptacle bottom or front walls. The extent of movement is then determined by the difference of the tongue length in folded and unfolded condition.
  • the tongue may be fixed to the receptacle by one or more other connecting means, such as thin threads, allowing an extent of movement which is essentially determined by the length of the thread or threads and the length of the tongue.
  • the tongue has a width smaller than the inner side of the receptacle rear wall, and it has one or two tabs which are directed sidewards.
  • the receptacle has a corresponding protrusion or protrusions which is or are located towards the receptacle side walls and in the line of movement of the tongue. When opening the lid the tongue tab or tabs come in contact with the receptacle protrusion or protrusions and stop the opening movement.
  • this is a further possibility to fasten the connecting means, for example the tongue, with the receptacle and to control the extent of the linear opening movement.
  • the connecting means is a tongue it is in particular preferred that the extent of possible movement is such that in the fully or maximum open position the lid is far enough away from the receptacle so that it can be bent or swung away from the linear opening direction. This has the advantage that the content of the pack is more easily accessible.
  • the packs according to the first sub-group have an inner frame or collar attached to the inner side of the receptacle which extends from the receptacle up into the lid in the closed position.
  • Said arrangement has the advantage of providing additional protection and retention of the pack content.
  • the inner frame can provide guidance during the opening and closing movements of the lid.
  • the packs according to the first preferred sub-group have the form of a rectangular parallelepiped, wherein the edges of the lid facing the receptacle at the open meeting sides form at least one cut-out portion and preferably two cut-out portions on opposite sides, for example on the rear side and the front side.
  • the cut-out portion or portions can have various forms, such as circles, semi-circles, triangles and in particular isosceles triangles.
  • the edges of the receptacle facing the lid at the meeting open sides form a counterpart to and mate with a corresponding cut-out portion of the lid facing the receptacle.
  • the two counterparts on opposite sides mate with the cut-out portions and have the form of isosceles triangle or triangles.
  • packs have the advantage that the consumer, irrespective of whether he is a left-hander or right-hander, can hold the pack with the left or right hand, and the thumb, and more preferably also the forefinger in case of two cut-out portions, in both cases being located on the receptacle counterpart or counterparts in the form of an isosceles triangle or triangles, that is in an ideal position so that the pack can be hold very firmly and opened easily.
  • the subject invention provides packs wherein the receptacle and the lid are connected with each other via a suitable connecting means which is fixed to or an integral part of the receptacle and wherein the receptacle is movable within the lid.
  • the connecting means is as defined above in conjunction with the first sub-group. It is, however, preferred for the packs of the second sub-group that the connecting means is a tongue which is part of or identical with the receptacle rear wall, optionally in combination with one or more threads.
  • the receptacle comprises a rear wall, a bottom wall, at least one, preferably two side walls but no front wall.
  • the side wall or walls can be reduced in size (for example to a semi-circle or a triangle) so that they do not completely cover (extend across) the receptacle side or sides.
  • the lid comprises a top wall, a rear wall, a front wall and at least one, preferably two side walls.
  • the bottom wall and the top wall have a rectangular shape.
  • the side wall or walls can be reduced in size (for example with cut-out portions in the form of a semi-circle or a triangle) such that they do not completely cover the lid side or sides but correspond with the reduced receptacle side wall or walls.
  • the side wall or walls can be reduced in size (for example with cut-out portions in the form of a semi-circle or a triangle) such that they do not completely cover the lid side or sides but correspond with the reduced receptacle side wall or walls.
  • the receptacle comprises a rear wall, a (preferably rectangular) bottom wall, at least two side walls and a front wall.
  • One or more of the walls may have a reduced size.
  • one of the side walls, the front wall and the rear wall are reduced in size, that is they have cut-out portions, for example in the form of a square, a semi-circle or a triangle, so that these walls do not completely cover the respective side or sides, but only a part thereof.
  • the cut-out portions are located on adjacent parts of the walls.
  • the lid comprises a (preferably rectangular) top wall, a rear wall, a front wall and at least two side walls.
  • One of the side walls, the front wall and the rear wall are reduced in size, that is they have cut-out portions in the form of, for example a square, a semi-circle or a triangle.
  • the cut-out portions are located on adjacent parts of the walls such that they do not completely cover the respective side or sides but preferably essentially correspond to the cut-out portions on the receptacle.
  • Said pack then has a lid which in the open position overlaps with the receptacle on two opposite sides. An opening on one of the sides of the pack results. This is a further position for an easy removal of goods from the pack. It has the advantage that, because of the relatively small opening, the risk of content inadvertently falling out of the pack is reduced.
  • the consumer can open such packs according to the second sub-group by moving the lid away from the receptacle or close it by moving the lid towards the receptacle. Separation of the lid from the receptacle is avoided by the connecting means which is fixed to the receptacle, or preferably, to certain parts or points of the receptacle, typically to one of the inner sides of the receptacle.
  • the tongue may be an extension of or preferably an integral part of the receptacle rear wall (thus, an extension fixed to the inner receptacle rear wall or preferably a direct extension thereof), extending into the lid in the closed and open positions.
  • the tongue typically has a sheet-like form having essentially the same width and preferably also essentially the same height as the inner side of the lid rear wall, such that the lid rear wall and the receptacle rear wall are completely mating in closed position.
  • the tongue is fixed to the lid front wall, in particular to the edge formed by lid front wall and top wall. This allows a defined extent of linear movement which is essentially determined by the length of the tongue.
  • the tongue optionally may be folded. Then it can be fixed to the inner side of the lid, preferably to the lid top or front walls. The extent of movement is then determined by the difference of the tongue length in folded and unfolded condition.
  • the tongue may be fixed to the lid by one or more other connecting means, such as thin threads, allowing an extent of movement which is essentially defined by the length of the thread or threads and the length of the tongue.
  • the tongue has a width smaller than the inner side of the lid rear wall, and it has one or two tabs which are directed sidewards.
  • the lid has corresponding protrusion or protrusions which are located towards the lid side walls and in the line of movement of the tongue. When opening the lid the tongue tab or tabs come in contact with the lid protrusion or protrusions and stop the opening movement.
  • the connecting means for example the tongue, with the receptacle and to control the extent of the linear opening movement.
  • the tongue is formed by the rear wall of the receptacle which is mating completely with the rear wall of the lid.
  • the receptacle further comprises a receptacle bottom wall and one or two receptacle side walls (preferably in the form of isosceles triangle or triangles) but without a receptacle front wall so that the pack goods can very easily be removed.
  • the packs according to the second preferred sub-group are in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped, wherein the edges of the lid facing the receptacle at the open meeting sides form at least one cut-out portion and preferably two cut-out portions on opposite sides, for example on the lid sides.
  • the cut-out portion or portions can have various forms, such as circles, semi-circles, triangles and in particular isosceles triangles.
  • the edges of the receptacle facing the lid at the meeting open sides form a counterpart to and mate with a corresponding cut-out portion of the lid facing the receptacle.
  • the two counterparts on opposite sides mate with the cut-out portions and have the form of isosceles triangle or triangles.
  • packs have the advantage that the consumer, irrespective of whether he is a left-hander or right-hander, can hold the pack with the left or right hand, and the thumb, and more preferably also the forefinger in case of two cut-out portions, in both cases being located on the receptacle counterpart or counterparts in the form of an isosceles triangle or triangles, that is in an ideal position so that the pack can be held very firmly and opened easily.
  • the packs according to the subject invention can be made from various materials or combination of materials. Suitable materials are known in the art and include, for example, paper, for example coated or laminated paper, cardboard, plastic, wood, for example soft wood, velvet, velvetlike materials, leather and/or metal, with paper and cardboard being preferred. The materials are selected such as to meet the desired properties of the pack.
  • the packages according to the subject invention can be made from separate blanks, for example one blank for the receptacle and one blank for the lid.
  • the blanks for each part are folded such that the first and the second part with their respective front wall, rear wall, side wall, top wall and bottom wall (as far as the same are present), are formed.
  • the respective walls are suitably attached to each other, for example by gluing, so that again the separate first and second parts result.
  • suitable connecting means for example by the use of an adhesive or a thread to yield the final packs.
  • the closed cigarette pack 10 of Fig. 1 made of regular cardboard has a lid 20 with front wall 22, side walls 24, rear wall 26 and top wall 28 and a receptacle 30 with front wall 32, side walls 34, rear wall 36 and bottom wall 38.
  • Receptacle 30 and lid 20 are mating along an interface line 50.
  • the receptacle 30 is designed to hold a group of cigarettes, e.g. 20 cigarettes, of normal size.
  • Fig. 2 shows a cross-section of the cigarette pack 10 along line II-II.
  • Top wall 28, bottom wall 38 and rear walls 26 and 36 can be seen, and a tongue 21, which is fixed by an adhesive to the inner side of lid rear wall 26 and which has extensions such that in the closed position, as in Figs. 1 and 2, it covers exept for a small gap at the lower end of the receptacle rear wall 36 essentially all of the inner sides of rear walls 26 and 36.
  • Tongue 21 is connected at its lower end by thread 23 to the bottom wall 38, for example by small drops of adhesive on the tongue 21 and on the bottom wall 38.
  • the length of the thread 23 defines the distance the lid 20 can be moved or drawn out of the receptacle 30.
  • Fig. 2 further shows front walls 22 and 32 and a collar 40 which is also made of cardboard and glued to the inner side of receptacle front wall 32.
  • Collar 40 typically extends, as shown in Fig. 2, beyond the receptacle 30 and, in the closed position of pack 10, into the lid 20 and along receptacle front wall 32 and receptacle side walls 34, but not along the receptacle rear wall 36.
  • Fig. 3 shows the cigarette pack 10 (cigarettes are not shown in Fig. 3) of Figs. 1 and 2 in open position.
  • the receptacle 30 and the lid 20 as well as the collar 40 with its front wall 42 and its side walls 44 can be seen. Moreover, tongue 21 and collar 40 are visible.
  • the lid front wall 22 has at its lower edge a cut-out portion 25 in the form of an isosceles triangle with a mating counterpart 35 on the receptacle 30, which also has the form of an isosceles triangle.
  • the same mating isosceles triangles on the lid 20 and the receptacle 30 can be provided on the rear side of the box as can be seen from the cross-section shown in Fig. 2.
  • the angle ⁇ is preferably about 90°.
  • opening and closing can easily be achieved by way of holding the receptacle 30 and putting, for example a thumb on the isosceles triangle 35 and pulling on the lid for opening or pushing on the lid for closing.
  • Fig. 4 concerns a different embodiment according to the subject invention, namely a cigarette pack 10 according to the first embodiment of the second preferred sub-group.
  • the cigarette package 10 of Fig. 4 is provided with the lid 20 with lid front wall 22, side walls 24, top wall 29 and rear wall 26. Further provided is the receptacle 30 with its bottom wall 39 and its side walls 34.
  • a receptacle front wall is missing in the cigarette pack 10 of Fig. 4, and the receptacle rear wall 36 is at the same time also the tongue which extends into the lid 20.
  • the cigarette pack 10 in Fig. 4 is in the open position and it can be seen that the consumer can, for opening and closing, grip the receptacle side walls 34 (which are both in the preferred form of an isosceles triangle) with, for example thumb and forefinger and the lid with the other hand so that then receptacle 30 and lid 20 can be moved away from or towards each other.
  • the cigarette pack 10 in Fig. 4 is empty but it can easily be imagined that cigarettes wrapped in an innerliner can be hold within the receptacle 30.
  • the receptacle side walls 34 can be designed in a different way such that complete side walls and, if desired, also a complete top wall is formed. The risk of cigarettes falling out of the cigarette pack can thus be avoided.
  • Fig. 5 shows an example of the second embodiment of the preferred cigarette packs 10 according to the second sub-group with a lid part 20 (with lid front wall 22, lid top wall 29, lid rear wall 26 and lid side walls 24) and the receptacle 30 (with receptacle front wall 32, receptacle bottom walls 39, receptacle rear wall 36 and receptacle side walls 34), which can be moved in and out of the lid 20.
  • the pack 10 of Fig. 5 can have the isosceles triangles on the lid 20.
  • an opening 46 results on one side of the cigarette pack 10 which is relatively small compared to normal cigarette packs so that the risk that cigarettes inadvertently are lost from the cigarette pack is considerabely reduced.

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  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Cartons (AREA)
  • Packaging Of Annular Or Rod-Shaped Articles, Wearing Apparel, Cassettes, Or The Like (AREA)
  • Telephone Function (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Bag Frames (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
  • Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
  • Dry Shavers And Clippers (AREA)
  • Massaging Devices (AREA)
  • Stereoscopic And Panoramic Photography (AREA)
  • Image Input (AREA)
  • Studio Devices (AREA)
  • Wrappers (AREA)

Abstract

The subject invention deals with a pack (10) with a first and a second part (20,30) which are connected to each other and which are linearly moveable relative to each other from a closed position to an open position and vice versa.

Description

  • The subject invention relates to packs in general and in particular to packs (or packages) for tobacco products, such as elongate smokable articles.
  • A currently very popular pack type for tobacco products and also for other articles such as food stuffs or sweets is the so-called "flip-top" or hinge-lid pack. Such pack is characterized by a box part containing the articles to be packaged and a lid part hinged to the end of the rear side of the box part. Typically, such pack has an innerframe inside the box part which extends up from the box part into the lid part as the latter opens and closes.
  • An undesired phenomenon of hinge-lid packs is the "smiling effect", which denotes a gap between the box part and the lid part and prevents complete closure of the pack. This effect is undesirable because it can lead to, for example, an inadvertent loss of pack contents, increased oxygen or air exponse of the contents, or an increased loss of flavor.
  • There are many proposals in the prior art aiming at reducing the "smiling effect". For example EP 204 933 B1 and EP 205 766 B1 disclose hinge-lid packs with rounded or bevelled longitudinal edges having "ears" on the edges of the collar side walls or an interlocking mechanism on the front wall; EP 650 907 B1 discloses hinge-lid packs wherein the collar side walls are shaped such that an increased friction with the lid side walls results.
  • It is an object of the subject invention to provide novel and improved packs which reduce or avoid said disadvantage of the hinge-lid pack.
  • The present invention provides a pack comprising a first part and a second part which parts are connected to each other and which are contineously and linearly moveable relative to each other from the closed position of the pack to an open position, and vice versa, that is from an open position to the closed position.
  • The first part or box part is suitable to serve as a receptacle and the second part is suitable to serve as a lid.
  • The receptacle is the part of the pack which can hold the goods of the pack, that is the article or articles to be packaged. The receptacle comprises a bottom wall (which is at the same time the bottom wall of the pack) and at least one receptacle wall which is attached to the bottom wall. The bottom wall can take various froms. For example, if the bottom wall is circular or oval, advantageously there is only one receptacle wall which is attached to the circular or oval bottom wall along its circumference. If the bottom wall is essentially rectangular (or square) - including such bottom walls with one, two, three or four rounded corners - there are at maximum four discernible receptacle walls, namely a front wall, a rear wall and two side walls. The edges between those walls may optionally be rounded or bevelled. However, one or more of the walls may be missing and/or be reduced in size.
  • For example the front wall may be missing or reduced in size and/or one or both side walls can be reduced in size such that the receptacle sides are not completely covered by the side walls. If the bottom wall is polygonal (for example octagonal) there are discernible at maximum a corresponding number of receptacle walls (for example at maximum a total of eight receptacle walls in case of an octagonal bottom wall). For example, in the event of packs with bevelled edges the receptacle can be made from an octagonal bottom wall with a front wall, a rear wall and two side walls and the four remaining receptacle walls being formed by the bevelled edges of the front wall, the rear wall and the side walls. In general, bottom and receptacle walls are preferably adapted to each other such that a receptacle wall or receptacle walls corresponding to the form of the bottom wall are provided, and one or more but not all of the maximally possible receptacle walls may be missing. Thus, a receptacle results which is closed on the bottom and at least partially closed on its sides. The top part of the receptacle (being directed towards the lid) is at least partially and preferably completely open. Thus, the receptacle bottom wall is located opposite to the at least partially open receptacle top. Moreover, preferably the receptacle walls are perpendicular to the bottom wall.
  • The lid comprises a top wall of (which is at the same time the top wall of the pack) and at least one lid wall attached to said top wall. The top wall and the lid walls are preferably adapted to each other such that a lid wall or lid walls corresponding to the form of the top wall are provided. One or more but not all of the maximally possible lid walls may be missing. The lid wall is or the lid walls are adapted to the top wall such that a lid results which is closed on the top and at least partially on its sides. The bottom of the lid (which is directed towards the receptacle) is at least partially and preferably completely open. Thus, the lid top wall is located opposite to the at least partially open lid bottom. Preferably the lid wall is or the lid walls are perpendicular to the top wall. For example, a lid with an essentially rectangular (or square) top wall is combined with a front wall, a rear wall and two side walls - preferably at least one and even more preferred more than one or all edges between the four walls may be rounded.
  • The two parts of the pack, receptacle and lid, preferably have open meeting sides. This allows that the goods of the pack which are held in the receptacle may extend beyond the receptacle and, in the closed position, into the lid. This applies in particular in the event of elongate goods, such as cigarettes.
  • The first (receptacle) part and the second (lid) part of the packs of the invention are connected to each other such that under regular and intended handling conditions the two parts are not separated from each other when the pack is fully opened. This is achieved by one or more suitable connecting means, which connect the receptacle with the lid, for example a thread, a strip, a strand, a filament, a flap, or tongue or a tongue-like part (herein refered to in general as a tongue). Said tongue can be an integral part of the receptacle, or of the lid, or a separate part. In the latter cases one of its ends is attached to one of the two pack parts, for example to the receptacle, and the tongue's other end is preferably connected to the other of the two parts, for example to the lid. Advantageously, the tongue is made from the same material as the pack, for example the materials mentioned below, such as cardboard and paper. Optionally the tongue may be folded, for example z-folded. Preferably, the tongue has a sheet-like structure. That is, it is relatively thin and its width corresponds to or is smaller than the width of the receptacle wall or lid wall, in particular the receptacle rear wall or the lid rear wall. This allows for sufficient ridigity during the opening and closing of the pack when the tongue is, for example, moved up and down between the receptacle wall or the lid wall, in particular the receptacle rear wall or lid rear wall, and the content of the pack.
  • The packs according to the invention are characterized in that they lack a hinge, but in that the two parts are moveable in a linear movement to each other during the opening and closing steps (and not as in case of a hinge, in a circular movement). This linear movement can also be described as a drawer-like movement.
  • It is preferred that in the closed position the pack does not have any open sides. It is further preferred that the meeting open sides of receptacle and lid are adapted to each other. Thus, these two parts are mating completely along an interface line. However, it is also possible that one or more lid wall or walls and/or one or more receptacle wall or walls have a cut-out portion. Preferably such cut-out portions are at corresponding and mating positions of the lid wall and the receptacle wall and have corresponding forms (for example each may be in the form of a semi-circle). The cut-out portions (for example in the form of a circle made of two semi-circles) may facilitate the opening of the pack.
  • As mentioned above receptacle wall or walls and lid wall or walls are preferably perpendicular to (receptacle) bottom wall and (lid) top wall. Moreover, it is prefered that the form of bottom wall and top wall are adapted to each other and have corresponding geometric forms so that the resulting pack preferably has the form of a rectangular parallelepiped (in case of rectangular bottom and top walls, with or without rounded or bevelled corners) or the form of a cylinder (in case of round or oval bottom and top walls). However, it is also possible that receptacle and lid walls are not perpendicular to the bottom or top walls, respectively. In that case the resulting pack can have the form, for example of a pyramid (with a square receptacle bottom wall and a lid top wall reduced to single point) or of a truncated cone (with a rectangular receptacle bottom wall and a rectangular but smaller lid top wall). In that event it is prefered (but not necessarily) that the pack has a constant cross-section along the distance of the linear movement.
  • The packs according to the invention provide further advantages, including, for example, an increased surface area in the open position, as compared with a hinge-lid pack. Such increased surface area is useful for example for consumer communication and/or information purposes. Additionally, the packs of the invention facilitate content retention or aroma preservation within the pack. They also combine the rigidity of hinge-lid packs with the handling benefit of known soft-packs.
  • The present invention relates to the packs per se as well as to the packs charged with content. While generally useful for various types of articles, including for example sweets, the novel packs of the invention are particularly useful for tobacco products, for example elongate smoking articles, preferably cigarettes. The size and the shape of the packs are chosen such as to suitably accomodate the intended content. For example, the size of cigarette packs may be chosen to accomodate for example 10, 20 or 25 cigarettes.
  • Preferably, the packs of the invention have the form of a rectangular parallelepiped. Optionally, one or more, preferably all of the (longitudianal) edges of the packs of the invention may be bevelled or rounded. Particularly preferred packs of the invention are cigarette packs wherein the cigarettes are aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the packs.
  • In a first and preferred sub-group, the subject invention provides packs wherein the receptacle and the lid are connected with each other via any suitable connecting means which is fixed to, or an integral part of, the lid and which is moveable within the receptacle. Preferably, such connecting means is a tongue. If desired, additional connecting means may be present to support the connecting function of the tongue.
  • To access the pack content the consumer can open the packs by continuously and linearly moving (or sliding) the lid away from the receptacle. To close the pack, the lid is moved towards the pack.
  • Separation of the lid from the receptacle is avoided by the presence of the connecting means which is fixed to the lid or is even part thereof and which is moveable within the receptacle. Advantageously, the connecting means is fixed to one of the inner sides of the lid. Preferably the connecting means, such as the tongue, is also fixed to the receptacle. In particular, the tongue can be an extension of the lid rear wall (for example an integral extension or an extension fixed to the inner lid rear wall), extending beyond the lower lid edge and into the receptacle (in the closed and open positions). Advantageously, the tongue has a sheet-like form having substantially the same width as the inner side of the receptacle rear wall. Thus, the tongue is guided on the one side by the rear wall of the receptacle and on the other side by the contents of the pack. Preferably the tongue is fixed to the receptacle front wall, in particular to the edge formed by receptacle front and bottom wall. This allows a defined extent of linear movement which is essentially determined by the length of the tongue. The tongue optionally may be folded. Then it can be fixed to the inner side of the receptacle, preferably to the receptacle bottom or front walls. The extent of movement is then determined by the difference of the tongue length in folded and unfolded condition. Alternatively and/or additionally, the tongue may be fixed to the receptacle by one or more other connecting means, such as thin threads, allowing an extent of movement which is essentially determined by the length of the thread or threads and the length of the tongue. In a further alternative, the tongue has a width smaller than the inner side of the receptacle rear wall, and it has one or two tabs which are directed sidewards. The receptacle has a corresponding protrusion or protrusions which is or are located towards the receptacle side walls and in the line of movement of the tongue. When opening the lid the tongue tab or tabs come in contact with the receptacle protrusion or protrusions and stop the opening movement. Thus, this is a further possibility to fasten the connecting means, for example the tongue, with the receptacle and to control the extent of the linear opening movement.
  • For packs wherein the connecting means is a tongue it is in particular preferred that the extent of possible movement is such that in the fully or maximum open position the lid is far enough away from the receptacle so that it can be bent or swung away from the linear opening direction. This has the advantage that the content of the pack is more easily accessible.
  • Preferably, the packs according to the first sub-group have an inner frame or collar attached to the inner side of the receptacle which extends from the receptacle up into the lid in the closed position. Said arrangement has the advantage of providing additional protection and retention of the pack content. Additionally, the inner frame can provide guidance during the opening and closing movements of the lid.
  • Preferably the packs according to the first preferred sub-group have the form of a rectangular parallelepiped, wherein the edges of the lid facing the receptacle at the open meeting sides form at least one cut-out portion and preferably two cut-out portions on opposite sides, for example on the rear side and the front side. The cut-out portion or portions can have various forms, such as circles, semi-circles, triangles and in particular isosceles triangles. The edges of the receptacle facing the lid at the meeting open sides form a counterpart to and mate with a corresponding cut-out portion of the lid facing the receptacle. Preferably, the two counterparts on opposite sides mate with the cut-out portions and have the form of isosceles triangle or triangles. These packs have the advantage that the consumer, irrespective of whether he is a left-hander or right-hander, can hold the pack with the left or right hand, and the thumb, and more preferably also the forefinger in case of two cut-out portions, in both cases being located on the receptacle counterpart or counterparts in the form of an isosceles triangle or triangles, that is in an ideal position so that the pack can be hold very firmly and opened easily.
  • As a second and preferred sub-group the subject invention provides packs wherein the receptacle and the lid are connected with each other via a suitable connecting means which is fixed to or an integral part of the receptacle and wherein the receptacle is movable within the lid. The connecting means is as defined above in conjunction with the first sub-group. It is, however, preferred for the packs of the second sub-group that the connecting means is a tongue which is part of or identical with the receptacle rear wall, optionally in combination with one or more threads.
  • In a first embodiment of this second sub-group the receptacle comprises a rear wall, a bottom wall, at least one, preferably two side walls but no front wall. The side wall or walls can be reduced in size (for example to a semi-circle or a triangle) so that they do not completely cover (extend across) the receptacle side or sides. The lid comprises a top wall, a rear wall, a front wall and at least one, preferably two side walls. Preferably, the bottom wall and the top wall have a rectangular shape. The side wall or walls can be reduced in size (for example with cut-out portions in the form of a semi-circle or a triangle) such that they do not completely cover the lid side or sides but correspond with the reduced receptacle side wall or walls. Thus, when the pack is in the closed position all sides are completely closed due to the fitting (proper) combination of partial receptacle side walls and partial lid side walls.
  • As a result of the opening movement the lid partially overlaps in the open position with the receptacle. An opening on the pack front side results. For example, in case of cigarette packs, such arrangement allows for an opening on the pack front side with one or more cigarettes lying in full length in the opening so that these cigarettes can easily be taken out of the pack. This has the advantage that the pack goods are easily accessible.
  • In a second embodiment of the second sub-group the receptacle comprises a rear wall, a (preferably rectangular) bottom wall, at least two side walls and a front wall. One or more of the walls may have a reduced size. For example one of the side walls, the front wall and the rear wall are reduced in size, that is they have cut-out portions, for example in the form of a square, a semi-circle or a triangle, so that these walls do not completely cover the respective side or sides, but only a part thereof. The cut-out portions are located on adjacent parts of the walls. The lid comprises a (preferably rectangular) top wall, a rear wall, a front wall and at least two side walls. One of the side walls, the front wall and the rear wall are reduced in size, that is they have cut-out portions in the form of, for example a square, a semi-circle or a triangle. The cut-out portions are located on adjacent parts of the walls such that they do not completely cover the respective side or sides but preferably essentially correspond to the cut-out portions on the receptacle. Thus, when the pack is closed all sides are completely closed due to the fitting (mating) combination of partial receptacle walls with partial lid walls.
  • Said pack then has a lid which in the open position overlaps with the receptacle on two opposite sides. An opening on one of the sides of the pack results. This is a further position for an easy removal of goods from the pack. It has the advantage that, because of the relatively small opening, the risk of content inadvertently falling out of the pack is reduced.
  • The consumer can open such packs according to the second sub-group by moving the lid away from the receptacle or close it by moving the lid towards the receptacle. Separation of the lid from the receptacle is avoided by the connecting means which is fixed to the receptacle, or preferably, to certain parts or points of the receptacle, typically to one of the inner sides of the receptacle. The tongue may be an extension of or preferably an integral part of the receptacle rear wall (thus, an extension fixed to the inner receptacle rear wall or preferably a direct extension thereof), extending into the lid in the closed and open positions. The tongue (or the receptacle rear wall) typically has a sheet-like form having essentially the same width and preferably also essentially the same height as the inner side of the lid rear wall, such that the lid rear wall and the receptacle rear wall are completely mating in closed position. Preferably the tongue is fixed to the lid front wall, in particular to the edge formed by lid front wall and top wall. This allows a defined extent of linear movement which is essentially determined by the length of the tongue. The tongue optionally may be folded. Then it can be fixed to the inner side of the lid, preferably to the lid top or front walls. The extent of movement is then determined by the difference of the tongue length in folded and unfolded condition. Alternatively and/or additionally, the tongue may be fixed to the lid by one or more other connecting means, such as thin threads, allowing an extent of movement which is essentially defined by the length of the thread or threads and the length of the tongue. In a further alternative, the tongue has a width smaller than the inner side of the lid rear wall, and it has one or two tabs which are directed sidewards. The lid has corresponding protrusion or protrusions which are located towards the lid side walls and in the line of movement of the tongue. When opening the lid the tongue tab or tabs come in contact with the lid protrusion or protrusions and stop the opening movement. Thus, this is a further possibility to fasten the connecting means, for example the tongue, with the receptacle and to control the extent of the linear opening movement.
  • In a particularly preferred embodiment of the second sub-group the tongue is formed by the rear wall of the receptacle which is mating completely with the rear wall of the lid. In this embodiment the receptacle further comprises a receptacle bottom wall and one or two receptacle side walls (preferably in the form of isosceles triangle or triangles) but without a receptacle front wall so that the pack goods can very easily be removed.
  • It is preferred that the packs according to the second preferred sub-group are in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped, wherein the edges of the lid facing the receptacle at the open meeting sides form at least one cut-out portion and preferably two cut-out portions on opposite sides, for example on the lid sides. The cut-out portion or portions can have various forms, such as circles, semi-circles, triangles and in particular isosceles triangles. The edges of the receptacle facing the lid at the meeting open sides form a counterpart to and mate with a corresponding cut-out portion of the lid facing the receptacle. Preferably, the two counterparts on opposite sides mate with the cut-out portions and have the form of isosceles triangle or triangles. These packs have the advantage that the consumer, irrespective of whether he is a left-hander or right-hander, can hold the pack with the left or right hand, and the thumb, and more preferably also the forefinger in case of two cut-out portions, in both cases being located on the receptacle counterpart or counterparts in the form of an isosceles triangle or triangles, that is in an ideal position so that the pack can be held very firmly and opened easily.
  • The packs according to the subject invention can be made from various materials or combination of materials. Suitable materials are known in the art and include, for example, paper, for example coated or laminated paper, cardboard, plastic, wood, for example soft wood, velvet, velvetlike materials, leather and/or metal, with paper and cardboard being preferred. The materials are selected such as to meet the desired properties of the pack.
  • The packages according to the subject invention can be made from separate blanks, for example one blank for the receptacle and one blank for the lid. The blanks for each part are folded such that the first and the second part with their respective front wall, rear wall, side wall, top wall and bottom wall (as far as the same are present), are formed. For materials which cannot be folded, the respective walls are suitably attached to each other, for example by gluing, so that again the separate first and second parts result. These are then connected to each other by suitable connecting means, for example by the use of an adhesive or a thread to yield the final packs.
  • The invention is illustrated by the following figures, wherein
  • Fig.
    1 is a front side view of a cigarette pack 10 exemplifying the first preferred sub-group in closed position,
    Fig.
    2 is a view of the cigarette pack 10 of Fig. 1 along line II-II,
    Fig.
    3 shows a view of cigarette pack 10 of Fig. 1 in open position,
    Fig.
    4 is a top view of a cigarette pack 10 exemplifying a first embodiment of the second preferred sub-group in open position, and
    Fig.
    5 is a top view of a further cigarette pack 10 exemplifying a second embodiment of the second preferred sub-group.
  • Like parts in the figures are designated with like numerals.
  • The closed cigarette pack 10 of Fig. 1 made of regular cardboard has a lid 20 with front wall 22, side walls 24, rear wall 26 and top wall 28 and a receptacle 30 with front wall 32, side walls 34, rear wall 36 and bottom wall 38. Receptacle 30 and lid 20 are mating along an interface line 50. The receptacle 30 is designed to hold a group of cigarettes, e.g. 20 cigarettes, of normal size.
  • Fig. 2 shows a cross-section of the cigarette pack 10 along line II-II. Top wall 28, bottom wall 38 and rear walls 26 and 36 can be seen, and a tongue 21, which is fixed by an adhesive to the inner side of lid rear wall 26 and which has extensions such that in the closed position, as in Figs. 1 and 2, it covers exept for a small gap at the lower end of the receptacle rear wall 36 essentially all of the inner sides of rear walls 26 and 36. Tongue 21 is connected at its lower end by thread 23 to the bottom wall 38, for example by small drops of adhesive on the tongue 21 and on the bottom wall 38. The length of the thread 23 defines the distance the lid 20 can be moved or drawn out of the receptacle 30.
  • Fig. 2 further shows front walls 22 and 32 and a collar 40 which is also made of cardboard and glued to the inner side of receptacle front wall 32. Collar 40 typically extends, as shown in Fig. 2, beyond the receptacle 30 and, in the closed position of pack 10, into the lid 20 and along receptacle front wall 32 and receptacle side walls 34, but not along the receptacle rear wall 36.
  • Fig. 3 shows the cigarette pack 10 (cigarettes are not shown in Fig. 3) of Figs. 1 and 2 in open position. The receptacle 30 and the lid 20 as well as the collar 40 with its front wall 42 and its side walls 44 can be seen. Moreover, tongue 21 and collar 40 are visible.
  • As can be seen from Figs. 1, 2 and 3, the lid front wall 22 has at its lower edge a cut-out portion 25 in the form of an isosceles triangle with a mating counterpart 35 on the receptacle 30, which also has the form of an isosceles triangle. The same mating isosceles triangles on the lid 20 and the receptacle 30 can be provided on the rear side of the box as can be seen from the cross-section shown in Fig. 2. The angle α is preferably about 90°.
  • As can be seen from Figs. 1 and 3, opening and closing can easily be achieved by way of holding the receptacle 30 and putting, for example a thumb on the isosceles triangle 35 and pulling on the lid for opening or pushing on the lid for closing.
  • Fig. 4 concerns a different embodiment according to the subject invention, namely a cigarette pack 10 according to the first embodiment of the second preferred sub-group. The cigarette package 10 of Fig. 4 is provided with the lid 20 with lid front wall 22, side walls 24, top wall 29 and rear wall 26. Further provided is the receptacle 30 with its bottom wall 39 and its side walls 34. As can further be seen, a receptacle front wall is missing in the cigarette pack 10 of Fig. 4, and the receptacle rear wall 36 is at the same time also the tongue which extends into the lid 20.
  • The cigarette pack 10 in Fig. 4 is in the open position and it can be seen that the consumer can, for opening and closing, grip the receptacle side walls 34 (which are both in the preferred form of an isosceles triangle) with, for example thumb and forefinger and the lid with the other hand so that then receptacle 30 and lid 20 can be moved away from or towards each other. The cigarette pack 10 in Fig. 4 is empty but it can easily be imagined that cigarettes wrapped in an innerliner can be hold within the receptacle 30. In the event that use of an innerliner is undesirable, the receptacle side walls 34 can be designed in a different way such that complete side walls and, if desired, also a complete top wall is formed. The risk of cigarettes falling out of the cigarette pack can thus be avoided.
  • Fig. 5 shows an example of the second embodiment of the preferred cigarette packs 10 according to the second sub-group with a lid part 20 (with lid front wall 22, lid top wall 29, lid rear wall 26 and lid side walls 24) and the receptacle 30 (with receptacle front wall 32, receptacle bottom walls 39, receptacle rear wall 36 and receptacle side walls 34), which can be moved in and out of the lid 20. As for the other cigarette packs 10 shown, also the pack 10 of Fig. 5 can have the isosceles triangles on the lid 20. As is evident from Fig. 5, an opening 46 results on one side of the cigarette pack 10 which is relatively small compared to normal cigarette packs so that the risk that cigarettes inadvertently are lost from the cigarette pack is considerabely reduced.

Claims (19)

  1. Pack comprising a first and a second part which are connected to each other and which are linearly moveable relative to each other from a closed position to an open position and vice versa.
  2. Pack according to claim 1 wherein first and second part are mating completely along an interface line (50).
  3. Pack according to claim 1 or claim 2 which is a cigarette pack (10).
  4. Pack according to any preceding claim wherein the pack has a constant cross-section along the distance of the linear movement.
  5. Pack according to any preceding claim which is made of paper, cardboard, plastic, wood, velvet, velvetlike materials, textile, leather and/or metal.
  6. Pack according to any preceding claim in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped.
  7. Pack according to claim 6 wherein at least one, preferably all of the longitudinal edges are rounded or bevelled.
  8. Pack according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the first part is a receptacle (30) and the second part is a lid (20) and the receptacle (30) and the lid (20) are connected with each other via a tounge (21) or other connecting means which is fixed to or part of the lid (20) and which is movable within the receptacle (30).
  9. Pack according to claim 8 wherein an inner frame (40) is attached to the inner side of the receptacle (30), the inner frame (40) extending beyond the receptacle (30) and into the lid (20) in the closed postilion.
  10. Pack according to claim 8 or claim 9 wherein the lid (20) in the open position is free from the receptacle (30) so that it can be swung or bent away from the linear opening direction.
  11. Pack according to anyone of claims 8 to 10 in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped wherein the edges of the lid (20) facing the receptacle (30) at the open meeting sides form at least one cut-out portion (25) and preferably two cut-out portions (25) on opposite sides, such that the cut-out portion(s) (25) has/have the form of isosceles triangle(s), and the edges of the receptacle (30) facing the lid at the open meeting sides form one counterpart (35) mating with the cut-out portion (25) and preferably two counterparts (35) on opposite sides mating with the cut-out portions (25) and having the form of isosceles triangle(s).
  12. Pack according to anyone of claims 8 to 11 wherein the tongue (21) in the pack's open position is partially in the receptacle (30).
  13. Pack according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the first part is a receptacle (30) and the second part is a lid (20) and the receptacle (30) and the lid (20) are connected with each other via a tongue or other connecting means which is fixed to or part of the receptacle (30) and which is movable within the lid (20).
  14. Pack according to claim 13 wherein in the open position the lid (20) partially overlaps the receptacle (30).
  15. Pack according to claim 13 or claim 14 which has in the open position an opening (46) on the front side of the pack (10) .
  16. Pack according to anyone of claims 13 to 15 in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped wherein the edges of the lid (20) facing the receptacle (30) at the open meeting sides form at least one cut-out portion (25) and preferably two cut-out portions (25) on opposite sides, such that the cut-out portions (25) has/have the form of isosceles triangle(s) and the edges of the receptacle (30) facing the lid (20) at the open meeting sides form one counterpart (35) mating with the cut-out portion (25) and preferably two counterparts (35) on opposite sides mating with the cut-out portions (25) and having the form of isosceles triangle(s).
  17. Pack according to claim 13 or claim 14 wherein in the open form the lid (20) overlaps the receptacle (30) on two opposite sides.
  18. Pack according to claim 17 which has in the open position an opening (46) on one of the sides of the pack.
  19. Pack according to any of claims 13 to 18 wherein the tongue in the pack's open position is partially in the lid (20).
EP03008022A 2003-04-11 2003-04-11 Package with sliding lid Withdrawn EP1466844A1 (en)

Priority Applications (22)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP03008022A EP1466844A1 (en) 2003-04-11 2003-04-11 Package with sliding lid
JP2006505108A JP4588697B2 (en) 2003-04-11 2004-04-13 Package with sliding lid
PT04726979T PT1626916E (en) 2003-04-11 2004-04-13 Package with sliding lid
CNB2004800135319A CN100393593C (en) 2003-04-11 2004-04-13 Packages with sliding lids
EP04726979.0A EP1626916B9 (en) 2003-04-11 2004-04-13 Package with sliding lid
SI200431401T SI1626916T2 (en) 2003-04-11 2004-04-13 Package with sliding lid
EP08103229A EP1930255A3 (en) 2003-04-11 2004-04-13 Package with sliding lid
KR1020057019345A KR101126451B1 (en) 2003-04-11 2004-04-13 Package with sliding lid
DE602004025562T DE602004025562D1 (en) 2003-04-11 2004-04-13 PACK WITH SLIDING COVER
AT04726979T ATE457941T1 (en) 2003-04-11 2004-04-13 PACKAGE WITH SLIDING LID
PCT/EP2004/003887 WO2004089785A1 (en) 2003-04-11 2004-04-13 Package with sliding lid
AU2004228356A AU2004228356B2 (en) 2003-04-11 2004-04-13 Package with sliding lid
UAA200509800A UA85553C2 (en) 2003-04-11 2004-04-13 pack with moveable cover (embodiments)
MXPA05010901A MXPA05010901A (en) 2003-04-11 2004-04-13 Package with sliding lid.
CA2521609A CA2521609C (en) 2003-04-11 2004-04-13 Package with sliding lid
EA200501603A EA007575B1 (en) 2003-04-11 2004-04-13 Package with sliding lid
ES04726979.0T ES2340586T5 (en) 2003-04-11 2004-04-13 Sliding lid pack
DK04726979T DK1626916T5 (en) 2003-04-11 2004-04-13 Package with zipper
BRPI0409300-3A BRPI0409300B1 (en) 2003-04-11 2004-04-13 PACKING WITH SLIDING COVER
PL04726979T PL1626916T5 (en) 2003-04-11 2004-04-13 Package with sliding lid
EGNA2005000626 EG24023A (en) 2003-04-11 2005-10-08 Package with sliding lid
ZA200508340A ZA200508340B (en) 2003-04-11 2005-10-14 Package with sliding lid

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP03008022A EP1466844A1 (en) 2003-04-11 2003-04-11 Package with sliding lid

Publications (1)

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EP1466844A1 true EP1466844A1 (en) 2004-10-13

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ID=32864961

Family Applications (3)

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EP03008022A Withdrawn EP1466844A1 (en) 2003-04-11 2003-04-11 Package with sliding lid
EP04726979.0A Expired - Lifetime EP1626916B9 (en) 2003-04-11 2004-04-13 Package with sliding lid
EP08103229A Withdrawn EP1930255A3 (en) 2003-04-11 2004-04-13 Package with sliding lid

Family Applications After (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP04726979.0A Expired - Lifetime EP1626916B9 (en) 2003-04-11 2004-04-13 Package with sliding lid
EP08103229A Withdrawn EP1930255A3 (en) 2003-04-11 2004-04-13 Package with sliding lid

Country Status (20)

Country Link
EP (3) EP1466844A1 (en)
JP (1) JP4588697B2 (en)
KR (1) KR101126451B1 (en)
CN (1) CN100393593C (en)
AT (1) ATE457941T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2004228356B2 (en)
BR (1) BRPI0409300B1 (en)
CA (1) CA2521609C (en)
DE (1) DE602004025562D1 (en)
DK (1) DK1626916T5 (en)
EA (1) EA007575B1 (en)
EG (1) EG24023A (en)
ES (1) ES2340586T5 (en)
MX (1) MXPA05010901A (en)
PL (1) PL1626916T5 (en)
PT (1) PT1626916E (en)
SI (1) SI1626916T2 (en)
UA (1) UA85553C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2004089785A1 (en)
ZA (1) ZA200508340B (en)

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WO2007083151A1 (en) * 2006-01-23 2007-07-26 Duff Design Limited Drawer-and-shell type package
EP1884468A1 (en) * 2006-08-03 2008-02-06 G.D Societ Per Azioni Method and unit for folding a lid reinforcing flap of a rigid, hinged-lid packet of cigarettes
DE102007009251A1 (en) 2007-02-22 2008-08-28 Focke & Co.(Gmbh & Co. Kg) Pack for cigarettes and method and apparatus for producing packs
WO2009125240A1 (en) 2008-04-10 2009-10-15 Marco Vecchi Packet for smoke articles and corresponding blank.
IT201800020494A1 (en) 2018-12-20 2020-06-20 Gd Spa Rigid package of smoking items with a hinged and sliding lid
WO2021032619A1 (en) 2019-08-16 2021-02-25 Philip Morris Products S.A. Container having sliding lid and locking mechanism
IT202000001873A1 (en) 2020-01-31 2021-07-31 Gd Spa Rigid package of smoking items equipped with a hinged and sliding lid

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TWD119598S1 (en) 2006-07-07 2007-10-21 菲利浦莫里斯製品股份有限公司 Pack, particularly useful for somkable articles
US20150232261A1 (en) 2012-03-09 2015-08-20 Philip Morris Products S.A. Container with slidable lid and lifting feature
GB201205243D0 (en) 2012-03-26 2012-05-09 Kraft Foods R & D Inc Packaging and method of opening
CN104395196B (en) * 2012-05-16 2018-07-31 菲利普莫里斯生产公司 Container with the sliding members for distributing the consumer goods
CN103508100A (en) * 2012-06-18 2014-01-15 广东中烟工业有限责任公司 Cigarette case
GB2511560B (en) 2013-03-07 2018-11-14 Mondelez Uk R&D Ltd Improved Packaging and Method of Forming Packaging
GB2511559B (en) 2013-03-07 2018-11-14 Mondelez Uk R&D Ltd Improved Packaging and Method of Forming Packaging
PL2865612T3 (en) 2013-10-22 2017-03-31 Reemtsma Cigarettenfabriken Gmbh Package for tobacco products or tobacco related commodities or smoking devices and use thereof
CN106081299A (en) * 2016-08-03 2016-11-09 深圳市同洁科技有限公司 Packing box
WO2018130556A1 (en) 2017-01-13 2018-07-19 Philip Morris Products S.A. Container with front spacer element
CN110116870A (en) * 2018-02-07 2019-08-13 红塔烟草(集团)有限责任公司 Cigarette package, cigarette package manufacture and application method
KR20230098847A (en) * 2020-12-07 2023-07-04 필립모리스 프로덕츠 에스.에이. Aerosol-generating device with a movable upper cover and a lower cover

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GB961558A (en) * 1961-05-23 1964-06-24 Reckitt & Sons Ltd An improved cardboard carton
US6527166B1 (en) * 1998-12-10 2003-03-04 Focke & Co. (Gmbh & Co.) Box with a hinged lid, for cigarettes
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Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2007083151A1 (en) * 2006-01-23 2007-07-26 Duff Design Limited Drawer-and-shell type package
EP1884468A1 (en) * 2006-08-03 2008-02-06 G.D Societ Per Azioni Method and unit for folding a lid reinforcing flap of a rigid, hinged-lid packet of cigarettes
US7625334B2 (en) 2006-08-03 2009-12-01 G.D Societa' Per Azioni Method and unit for folding a lid reinforcing flap of a rigid, hinged-lid packet of cigarettes
DE102007009251A1 (en) 2007-02-22 2008-08-28 Focke & Co.(Gmbh & Co. Kg) Pack for cigarettes and method and apparatus for producing packs
WO2008101571A1 (en) 2007-02-22 2008-08-28 Focke & Co. (Gmbh & Co. Kg) Pack for cigarettes and method and device for producing packs
WO2009125240A1 (en) 2008-04-10 2009-10-15 Marco Vecchi Packet for smoke articles and corresponding blank.
IT201800020494A1 (en) 2018-12-20 2020-06-20 Gd Spa Rigid package of smoking items with a hinged and sliding lid
US11713183B2 (en) 2018-12-20 2023-08-01 G.D Societa' Per Azioni Rigid pack for smoking articles with a hinged or sliding lid
WO2021032619A1 (en) 2019-08-16 2021-02-25 Philip Morris Products S.A. Container having sliding lid and locking mechanism
US20220297927A1 (en) * 2019-08-16 2022-09-22 Philip Morris Products S.A. Container having sliding lid and locking mechanism
US11999557B2 (en) 2019-08-16 2024-06-04 Philip Morris Products S.A. Container having sliding lid and locking mechanism
IT202000001873A1 (en) 2020-01-31 2021-07-31 Gd Spa Rigid package of smoking items equipped with a hinged and sliding lid
US11891233B2 (en) 2020-01-31 2024-02-06 G.D Societa' Per Azioni Rigid pack of smoking articles with a hinged and sliding lid

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
KR20050121720A (en) 2005-12-27
MXPA05010901A (en) 2005-11-25
AU2004228356B2 (en) 2011-01-27
JP4588697B2 (en) 2010-12-01
CA2521609C (en) 2010-08-03
CN100393593C (en) 2008-06-11
ATE457941T1 (en) 2010-03-15
AU2004228356A1 (en) 2004-10-21
ZA200508340B (en) 2007-02-28
EA007575B1 (en) 2006-12-29
SI1626916T2 (en) 2015-01-30
EA200501603A1 (en) 2006-02-24
PL1626916T3 (en) 2010-07-30
PT1626916E (en) 2010-05-12
BRPI0409300B1 (en) 2014-09-02
EP1626916B2 (en) 2014-09-03
EP1930255A2 (en) 2008-06-11
EP1626916A1 (en) 2006-02-22
EP1626916B1 (en) 2010-02-17
DK1626916T4 (en) 2014-12-08
DK1626916T5 (en) 2015-05-04
CA2521609A1 (en) 2004-10-21
ES2340586T9 (en) 2015-05-04
DE602004025562D1 (en) 2010-04-01
EP1626916B9 (en) 2015-03-11
KR101126451B1 (en) 2012-03-29
UA85553C2 (en) 2009-02-10
WO2004089785A1 (en) 2004-10-21
CN1791538A (en) 2006-06-21
EP1930255A3 (en) 2008-07-02
JP2006523163A (en) 2006-10-12
SI1626916T1 (en) 2010-06-30
EG24023A (en) 2008-03-26
ES2340586T3 (en) 2010-06-07
ES2340586T5 (en) 2014-11-28
PL1626916T5 (en) 2015-01-30
BRPI0409300A (en) 2006-04-11
DK1626916T3 (en) 2010-05-10

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