EP1675774B1

EP1675774B1 - A rigid packet, in particular for sweets and candy and/or chewing gum

Info

Publication number: EP1675774B1
Application number: EP04791684A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Marco Ghini; Stefano Cavallari
Original assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche ACMA SpA
Current assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche ACMA SpA
Priority date: 2003-10-15
Filing date: 2004-10-12
Publication date: 2008-12-10
Anticipated expiration: 2024-10-12
Also published as: ITBO20030602A1; DE602004018354D1; WO2005037664A1; EP1675774A1; ATE416984T1

Abstract

Items of confectionery such as sweets and candy, chewing gum and the like, or alternatively tobacco products, are distributed for retail in a rigid packet (1) appearing essentially as a container (2) that presents a bottom (3), a front wall (4), a rear wall (5) and two flank walls (6), with a mouth (8) uppermost. The packet also comprises a lid (9) having a top portion (10), a front portion (11) and two flank portions (12), hinged to the container (2) in such a way as to cover and uncover the mouth (8). To ensure a firm closure, each flank wall (6) affords an interference portion (14), located near the mouth (8) and angled outwardly from the container (2), which is designed to engage in frictional contact with the corresponding flank portion (12) of the lid (9) and thus counteract any movement that could cause the packet (1) to open accidentally.

Description

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a rigid packet, in particular for sweets and candy and/or chewing gum, presenting the features recited in the prior art portion of claim 1.
In particular, the present invention relates to the art field concerned with the packaging of food and/or confectionery products, namely sweets and candy, chewing gum and/or other similar consumer packaged goods, but is applicable no less to the packaging of tobacco products including cigarettes, cigars and similar commodities.

Background Art

Conventionally, the marketing of such items and their presentation to the public will involve the use of special packaging solutions. These typically are packs incorporating special opening and closure systems such as can be operated manually by the consumer to allow the removal of one or more items and/or to close the pack.
One familiar example of such a packaging solution line the one disclosed in the document WO 02/32786 consists in a rigid packet of parallelepiped geometry comprising a container in which one or more items of food and/or confectionery can be accommodated. The rigid packet also comprises a lid hinged to the container and capable of movement thus between a closed position in which the inside of the container is inaccessible, and an open position in which the inside of the container is exposed to view.
This type of rigid packet is also furnished with suitable retaining means interposed between the container and the lid and serving to keep the lid in the·closed position. Such retaining means consist in a locking tab that projects from a top edge of the side wall opposite the side to which the lid is hinged, and a corresponding lip formed on the inside face presented by the front portion of the lid. The locking tab is free to rotate about an axis coinciding with the top edge of the relative side wall in such a way as to engage with and/or disengage from the aforementioned lip. When the lid is in the closed position, the locking tab occupies a plane substantially parallel to that of the relative side wall, engaging the lip and thus holding the lid shut. The lid is opened by pushing the front portion up and toward the top part of the packet, exerting a pressure sufficient to overcome the resistance offered by the interlocked tab and lip. The lid thus pivots on its hinge, lifting the locking tab, which in turn pivots on the top edge of the relative side wall to the point of separating from the lip. Conversely, the packet is closed by rotating the lid down in the opposite direction and causing it to snap shut over the locking tab.
Whilst conventional rigid packets of the type in question for sweets and candy and/or chewing gum are effective in containing the product and isolating it from the external environment, it has been observed that they are affected by certain drawbacks connected mainly with the closure of the lid, with their structural complexity, and with the manufacturing and/or marketing costs involved.
It has been found in particular that with repeated opening and closing of the lid, the locking tab of the conventional packet tends to wear at a rapid rate, and this will impact undesirably on the closure of the packet.
The main object of the present invention is to overcome the problems associated with the prior art by setting forth a rigid packet, in particular for sweets and candy and/or chewing gum, such as will ensure an optimum closure of the lid while presenting a structure that is simple and can be manufactured at reasonable cost.

Disclosure of the Invention

The stated object, and other objects that will emerge more clearly from the following specification, are substantially realized according to the invention in a rigid packet for sweets and candy and/or chewing gum, of which the essential features are recited in claim 1 appended.
The invention will now be described in detail, by way of example, with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 is a perspective view of a rigid packet, in particular for sweets and candy and/or chewing gum, illustrated in a first embodiment and shown in a closed position;
figure 2 is a further perspective as in figure 1, showing the packet in an open position;
figure 3 is a front view of the packet illustrated in figure 1;
figure 4 is a side view of the packet as illustrated in figures 1 and 3;
figure 5 is a rear view of the packet as illustrated in figure 2;
figure 6 is a side view of the packet as illustrated in figures 2 and 5;
figure 7 illustrates a flat diecut blank from which to fashion the packet of figures 1 to 6;
figure 8 is a perspective view of a rigid packet, illustrated in a second embodiment and shown in an open position;
figure 9 is a further perspective view of the packet illustrated in figure 8;
figure 10 is a further perspective view of the packet illustrated in figures 8 and 9, shown in a closed position;
figure 11 is a front view of the packet illustrated in figure 10;
figure 12 is a side view of the packet as illustrated in figures 10 and 11;
figure 13 is a side view of the packet as illustrated in figures 8 and 9;
figure 14 is a further side view of the packet as illustrated in figures 8, 9 and 13;
figure 15 is a rear view of the packet as illustrated in figures 9, 13 and 14;
figure 16 illustrates a flat diecut blank from which to fashion the packet of figures 8 to 15;
figure 17 illustrates a further flat diecut blank from which to fashion the packet of figures 8 to 15.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, 1 denotes a rigid packet, in its entirety, in particular for sweets and candy and/or chewing gum, embodied in accordance with the present invention.
The rigid packet 1 comprises a container 2 in which to place a plurality of food and/or confectionery items, typically sweets and candy, chewing gum and other consumer packaged goods of a similar nature. The container 2 presents a substantially rectangular bottom 3 and, joined to the periphery of the bottom, a front wall 4, a rear wall 5 opposite to the front wall 4, and a pair of mutually opposed flank walls 6 disposed transversely to the front and rear walls 4 and 5. The bottom 3 combines with the front and rear walls 4 and 5 and the flank walls 6 to establish a compartment 7 presenting a mouth 8 located at the end opposite from the bottom 3.
Structurally, the end of the container 2 adjacent to the mouth 8 appears splayed, at least in part. More precisely, only the flank walls 6 are divergent at the mouth 8 of the container 2, whilst the front wall 4 and the rear wall 5 converge mutually toward the mouth 8.
The structure of the container 2 also presents mutually opposite convexly and concavely contoured surfaces giving the packet 1 a sinuous and undulating appearance. Considered relative to a median plane of reference denoted Y, in particular, the container 2 is divisible into a plurality of cross sectional slices, parallel to the bottom 3, having peripheral outlines substantially of similar, and preferably rectangular geometry. Moreover, notwithstanding the different dimensional proportions presented by these single sections, the notional surface area compassed by the outline of the rectangle remains substantially the same in each case.
The packet 1 further comprises a lid 9 hinged to the container 2 along an axis X lying transverse to the flank walls 6. The lid 9 is capable of movement between a closed position, in which the mouth 8 of the compartment 7 is concealed, and an open position in which the mouth 8 is exposed and the contents of the packet are accessible to the consumer.
In particular, the lid 9 comprises a top portion 10 hinged directly to the container 2, also a front portion 11 projecting transversely from the top portion 10, and a pair of mutually opposed flank portions 12 extending transversely both to the top portion 10 and to the front portion 11.
The packet 1 further comprises retaining means 13 interposed and operating between the container 2 and the lid 9, and serving to keep the lid in the closed position. In a preferred embodiment of the packet, such retaining means 13 are afforded by a first interference portion 14 located on one flank wall 6 of the container 2 and by a corresponding flank portion 12 of the lid 9. As illustrated in the front and rear views of figures 3, 5, 11 and 15, the first interference portion 14 occupies a plane inclined relative to the median plane of reference Y, perpendicular to the bottom 3, and is able thus to interact directly with the corresponding flank portion 12 of the lid 9 to the end of resisting any movement that tends to displace the lid 9 from the closed position toward the open position.
To advantage, the retaining means 13 are afforded also by a second interference portion 15 located on the flank wall 6 of the container 2 opposite to the flank wall 6 presenting the first interference portion 14. The second interference portion 15 likewise occupies a plane inclined relative to the median plane of reference Y, in such a way as to interact directly with the corresponding flank 12 of the lid 9 and thus resist any movement tending to displace the lid from the closed position toward the open position.
As discernible in the drawings, the first and second interference portions 14 and 15 of the retaining means 13 extend divergently one from another, preferably in symmetrical formation relative to the median plane of reference Y.
In like manner, the flank portions 12 of the lid 9 extend divergently one from another from the top portion 10, preferably in symmetrical formation relative to the median plane of reference Y. More precisely, the flank portions 12 of the lid 9 lie substantially within planes inclined relative to the median plane of reference Y and substantially parallel to the planes occupied by the respective interference portions 14 and 15, at least when the lid 9 is in the closed position.
In the examples of the accompanying drawings, both the interference portions 14 and 15 of the retaining means 13 and the flank portions 12 of the lid 9 present a substantially arcuate profile, viewed edgewise.
In the case of a first embodiment, illustrated in figures 1 to 5, the front wall 4 and the rear wall 5 of the packet 1 are substantially identical and present a surface area greater than that of the flank walls 6. The flank walls 6 likewise are identical one with another and determine the depth of the packet 1, which in this instance is appreciably wide and fairly shallow.
It will be evident that the packet illustrated in figures 1 to 5 could contain a group of cigarettes.
The packet 1 of figures 1 to 5 can be erected from a flat diecut blank 100 (figure 7) exhibiting two longitudinal crease lines 100a and a plurality of transverse crease lines 100b. The longitudinal crease lines 100a and the transverse crease lines 100b intersect one another perpendicularly and combine thus to create a front panel 140, a bottom panel 130, a rear panel 150 and a top panel 190.
As discernible in figure 7, the front panel 140 presents a central portion 140a joined to the bottom panel 130, also two flank portions 140b delimited partly by the longitudinal crease lines 100a and presenting respective fixing flaps 140c aligned each with the bottom panel 130.
Still in figure 7, the rear panel 150 presents a central portion 150a joined to the bottom panel 130 on the side opposite from the front panel 140, and two flank portions 150b delimited partly by the longitudinal crease lines 100a.
Finally, the top panel 190 presents a central portion 190a compassed between the longitudinal crease lines 100a and divided by a transverse crease line 100b into two transverse half-portions 191 of which one at least is joined to the rear panel 150. The top panel 190 further comprises two flank portions 190b, delimited partly by the longitudinal crease lines 100a and divided each into two flank half-portions 192 aligned with the respective transverse half-portions 191 of the aforementioned central portion 190a.
Preferably, the longitudinal crease lines 100a present a substantially undulating appearance and extend symmetrically on either side of a longitudinal median axis of reference A. Also presented by each longitudinal crease line 100a along a given part of its length is a first interference curve 100c located adjacent to a free transverse edge 140c of the front panel 140, remote from the bottom panel 130, and a second interference curve 100d located on the rear panel 150 adjacent to the top panel 190. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second interference curves 100c and 100d of each longitudinal crease line 100a will be dispos ed symmetrically on either side of a median transverse axis of reference B dividing the bottom panel 130.
To advantage, the interference curves 100c and 100d of each longitudinal crease line 100a present a respective convex profile directed toward the central portion 140a and 150a of the relative panel 140 and 150. Each longitudinal crease line 100a also presents a relative curve 100e adjacent to the freely projecting transverse half-portion 191 of the top panel 190, of which the convex side is directed toward the central portion 190a.
In addition, the transverse crease line 100b separating the transverse half-portions 191 of the top panel 190 presents respective curves 100f, coinciding with the flank portions 190b, of which the concave sides are directed toward the rear panel 150. The two flank half-portions 192 nearer to the rear panel 150 each present an outer profile 192a angled in relation to the transverse crease lines 100b and extending from a respective point of incidence 192b located between the central portion 150a and the relative flank portion 150b of the rear panel 150 to merge with an outer lateral edge 192c of the corresponding adjacent flank half-portion 192.
The central portion 140a of the front panel 140 coincides with the front wall 4 of the aforementioned packet 1, and the central portion 150a of the rear panel 150 coincides with the rear wall 5. The flank walls 6 on the other hand are created by overlapping the flank portions 140b and 150b of the front and rear panels 140 and 150, and the lid 9 is fashioned by folding the various half- portions 191 and 192. making up the top panel 190.
In the case of a second embodiment, illustrated in figures 8 to 15, the front wall 4 and the rear wall 5 of the packet 1 are substantially identical and present a surface area smaller than that of the flank walls 6, which determine the depth of the packet 1. In this second embodiment, the packet 1 is essentially slim and of appreciable depth.
This second embodiment of the packet comprises a lid 9 hinged to a top end face 16 of the container 2, occupying an area remote from the rear wall 5 and predominantly toward the front wall 4.
More precisely, the lid 9 is anchored to a hinge line 17 occupying a substantially central position along the length of the top end face 16, and presents a top portion 10 forming part of the top end face 16, also two mutually opposed flank portions 12 of substantially triangular outline issuing transversely from the top portion 10 and disposed transversely also to the front portion 11.
In this instance, the mouth 8 of the container is located in the front wall 4, near the top end of the packet 1.
As in the example of figures 1 and 2, the lid 9 is able to pivot about the hinge line 17 between a position in which the mouth 8 is exposed (figures 8 and 9) and a position in which the mouth 8 is concealed (figure 10), in this instance by the front portion 11 of the lid.
The packet 1 of figures 8 to 15 can be erected from a flat diecut blank 200 as illustrated in figure 16 or from a blank 300 as illustrated in figure 17.
In the example of figure 16, the blank 200 presents two longitudinal crease lines 200a, also a plurality of transverse crease lines 200b intersecting and combining with the longitudinal crease lines 200a to delimit a first panel 240 and a second panel 250. The first panel 240 presents a front portion 240a pierced to create a mouth 280, a flank portion 240b joined to the front portion 240a on one side, and a rear portion 240c substantially identical to the front portion 240a, joined to the flank portion 240b on the side remote from the front portion 240a.
The first panel 240 of the blank also presents a top portion 240d joined to the front portion 240a and the flank portion 240b, and extending transversely to these same portions, a bottom portion 240e joined to the flank portion 240b at the end opposite to the top portion 240d, and a fixing portion 240f joined to the front portion 240a on the side remote from the flank portion 240b. The second panel 250 presents a front portion 250a furnished with a fixing flap 251 projecting toward the first panel 240, a flank portion 250b joined to the front portion 250a and to the bottom portion 240e of the first panel 240, also a rear portion 250c joined to the flank portion 250b on the side remote from the front portion 250a and furnished with a fixing flap 251 projecting toward the first panel 240. The second panel further comprises a top cover portion 250d adjoining the front, flank and rear portions 250a, 250b and 250c at the end remote from the first panel 240.
As discernible in figure 16, the longitudinal crease lines 200a present a substantially undulating appearance and extend symmetrically on either side of a longitudinal intermediate axis of reference C. More exactly, each longitudinal crease line 200a presents a first interference curve 200c along a given part of its length, adjacent to the top portion 240d of the first panel 240, and a second interference curve 200d located adjacent to the top cover portion 250d of the second panel 250. In addition, the first and second interference curves 200c and 200d of each longitudinal crease line 200a will be disposed symmetrically on either side of a median transverse axis of reference D dividing the bottom portion 240e of the first panel 240. Preferably, the interference curves 200c and 200d of the single longitudinal crease lines 200a will each present a concave profile directed toward the flank portion 240b and 250b of the relative panel 240 and 250.
Still referring to the example of figure 16, the front portion 240a and the fixing portion 240f of the first panel 240 are rendered distinct one from the other by a curved fold line 200e of which the concave profile is directed toward the fixing portion 240f. In a preferred embodiment, the curved fold line 200e occupies a position substantially of symmetry with the interference curve 200a on the longitudinal crease line 200a between the flank portion 240b and the a rear portion 240c of the first panel 240.
As illustrated in figure 16, the cover portion 250d of the second panel 250 presents a first segment 252 of substantially triangular outline coinciding predominantly with the flank portion 250b of the second panel 250, a second segment 253 of substantially rectangular outline extending predominantly in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal crease lines 200a, and a third triangular segment 254 substantially identical to the first segment 252, located on the side of the second segment 253 opposite to the first segment 252. The three segments 252, 253 and 254 present respective fixing flaps 252a, 253a and 254a projecting laterally from the cover portion 250d. More exactly, the fixing flap 253a extending from the second segment 253 of the cover portion 250d presents opposite edges 253b of arcuate outline, disposed transversely to the longitudinal crease lines 200a, of which the convex profiles are directed in toward the body of the flap 253a.
The front portion 240a of the first panel 240 and the front portion 250a of the second panel 250 combine to form the front wall 4 of the packet 1 illustrated in figures 8 to 15, whilst the flank portions 240b and 250b combine with the fixing portion 240f of the first panel 240 to form the respective flank walls 6. In like manner to the front portions 240a and 250a, the rear portions 240c and 250c of the first and second panels 240 and 250 combine to form the rear wall 5 of the packet 1.
The blank 300 illustrated in figure 17 presents a plurality of longitudinal crease lines 300a, also two transverse crease lines 300b intersecting and combining with the longitudinal crease lines 300a to delimit a first panel 340 and a second panel 350. The first panel 340 presents a front portion 340a pierced to create a mouth 380, a flank portion 340b joined to the front portion 340a on one side, and a rear portion 340c substantially identical to the front portion 340a, joined to the flank portion 340b on the side remote from the front portion 340a.
The first panel 340 of the blank also presents a top portion 340d joined to the front, flank and rear portions 340a, 340b and 340c and placed transversely to these same portions, a bottom portion 340e joined to the front, flank and rear portions 340a, 340b and 340c at the end opposite to the top portion 340d, and a fixing portion 340f joined to the front portion 340a on the side remote from the flank portion 340b.
The second panel 350 presents a flank portion 350a joined to the rear portion 340c of the first panel 340, a front portion 350b joined to the flank portion 350a on the side remote from the rear portion 340c of the first panel 340, also a cover portion 350c adjoining the top portion 340d of the first panel 340 and the flank and front portions 350a and 350b of the second panel 350. The second panel 350 further comprises a bottom portion 350d adjoining the bottom panel 340e of the first panel 340 and the flank portion 350a of the selfsame second panel 350.
In the example of figure 17, the longitudinal crease lines 300a present a substantially undulating appearance. Each longitudinal crease line 300a will also present at least one interference curve 300c adjacent to the top portion 340d or to the cover portion 350c, of which the convex profile is directed toward the respective front portion 340a and 350b or rear portion 340c of the respective panel 340 and 350.
Still referring to the example of figure 17, the front portion 340a and the fixing portion 340f of the first panel 340 are rendered distinct one from the other by a curved fold line 300d of which the concave profile is directed toward the fixing portion 340f. In a preferred embodiment, the curved fold line 300d occupies a position substantially of symmetry with an interference curve 300c on the adjacent longitudinal crease line 300a, relative to a median longitudinal axis of reference E dividing the front portion 340a of the first panel 340.
The top cover portion 350c of the second panel 350 presents a first segment 351 of substantially triangular outline coinciding predominantly with the relative flank portion 350a, a second segment 352 of substantially rectangular outline extending predominantly in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal crease lines 300a, and a third triangular segment 353 substantially identical to the first segment 351, located on the side of the second segment 352 opposite to the first segment 351. The three segments 351, 352 and 353 present respective fixing flaps 351a, 352a and 353a projecting laterally from the top cover portion 350c of the second panel 350. More exactly, the fixing flap 352a extending from the second segment 352 of the cover portion 350c presents opposite edges 352b of arcuate outline, disposed transversely to the longitudinal crease lines 300a, of which the convex profiles are directed inwards, toward the body of the flap 352a.
In like manner to the blanks described above, the various portions of the blank 300 illustrated in figure 17 combine to create respective parts of the packet 1 as in figures 8 to 15.
The stated objects are thus realized in a packet according to the present invention, and the problems associated with the prior art duly overcome. First and foremost, the rigid packet 1 disclosed will contain sweets and candy, chewing gum and similar items of food and/or confectionery in perfect condition, with no risk of their spilling from the compartment 7, even by accident. In addition, the packet 1 incorporates a closure system such as will effectively inhibit any involuntary movement tending to displace the lid 9 from the closed position toward the open position. This is made possible thanks to the interaction between the divergent and arcuate interference portions 14 and 15 presented by the flank walls 6 of the packet 1, with the corresponding flank portions 12 of the lid 9.
It will be seen also that the hinge-lid solution described above and claimed hereunder is not affected by malfunctions associated with structural wear and tear on the packet 1 liable to jeopardize its proper closure. Finally, the packet disclosed presents a simple structure that can be manufactured at reasonable cost.

Claims

A rigid packet, in particular for sweets and candy and/or chewing gum, comprising a container (2) presenting a bottom (3), a front wall (4), a rear wall (5) opposite to the front wall (4), a pair of mutually opposed flank walls (6) disposed transversely to the front wall (4) and the rear wall (5), and a mouth (8); a lid (9), hinged to the container (2) and capable of movement between positions in which the mouth (8) is closed and open, respectively, and comprising a top portion (10), a front portion (11) and a pair of mutually opposed flank portions (12) disposed transversely to the front portion (11); also retaining means (13) operating between the container (2) and the lid (9) in such a way as to keep the lid in the closed position,
characterized
in that the retaining means (13) comprise at least a first interference portion (14) located on one flank wall (6) of the container (2) and engaged by a corresponding flank portion (12) of the lid (9); in that the first interference portion (14) occupies a plane inclined relative to a median plan of reference (Y) perpendicular to the front and rear walls (4, 5); and,in that the flank portion (12) of the lid (9) is elastically deformable and able thus to interact with the first interference portion (14) in such a manner as will resist any movement tending to displace the lid (9) from the closed position toward the open position.
A packet as in claim 1, of which the retaining means (13) further comprise a second interference portion (15) located on the flank wall (6) of the container (2) opposite to the flank wall (6) presenting the first interference portion (14) and engaged by a corresponding flank portion (12) of the lid (9), wherein the second interference portion (15) occupies a plane inclined relative to the median plane of reference (Y), and the flank portion (12) of the lid (9) is elastically deformable and able thus to interact with the second interference portion (15) in such a manner as will resist any movement tending to displace the lid (9) from the closed position toward the open position.
A packet as in claim 1, wherein the structure of the container (2) presents a profile appearing splayed, at least in part, adjacent to the mouth (8).
A packet as in claim 3, wherein the flank walls (6) of the container (2) are mutually divergent at the mouth (8).
A packet as in claims 2 to 4, wherein the first and second interference portions (14, 15) of the retaining means (13) are mutually divergent.
A packet as in claims 2 to 5, wherein the first and second interference portions (14, 15) of the retaining means (13) are disposed symmetrically in relation to the median plane of reference (Y).
A packet as in claims 2 to 6, wherein the flank portions (12) of the lid (9) are mutually divergent approaching the top portion (10).
A packet as in claims 2 to 7, wherein cross sectional slices taken through the container (2) parallel to the bottom (3) appear with respective external outlines geometrically similar one to another and delimiting an area of substantially the same size throughout the structure.
A packet as in claim 8, wherein the container (2) presents mutually opposed convexly and concavely contoured surfaces.
A packet as in claims 2 to 9, wherein the flank portions (12) of the lid (9) are inclined relative to the median plane of reference (Y).
A packet as in claims 2 to 10, wherein the flank portions (12) of the lid (9) appear substantially symmetrical in relation to the median plane of reference (Y).
A packet as in claims 2 to 11, wherein the flank portions (12) of the lid (9) extend substantially parallel to the respective first and second interference portions (14, 15) of the retaining means (13) afforded by the flank walls (6) of the container (2), at least when the lid (9) occupies the closed position.
A packet as in claims 2 to 12, wherein the interference portions (14, 15) of the retaining means (13) and the flank portions (12) of the lid (9) occupy planes substantially of arcuate profile.
A packet as in claims 2 to 13, of which the depth is determined by the flank walls (6) of the container (2), wherein the flank walls (6) are substantially identical one to another, and the front wall (4) and the rear wall (5) of the container (2) are substantially identical likewise one to another, presenting a surface area greater than that of the flank walls (6).
A packet as in claims 2 to 13, of which the depth is determined by the flank walls (6) of the container (2), wherein the flank walls (6) are substantially identical one.to another, and the front wall (4) and the rear wall (5) of the container (2) are substantially identical likewise one to another, presenting a surface area less than that of the flank walls (6).
A packet as in claim 15, wherein the lid (9) is hinged to a top end face (16) of the container (2) on the side opposite to the rear wall (5), occupying a position predominantly in the region of the front wall (4).
A packet as in claims 1 to 16, suitable for packaging groups of tobacco products such as cigarettes and the like.
A flat diecut blank from which to erect a rigid packet as in claim 14, characterized in that it presents two longitudinal crease lines (100a), and a plurality of transverse crease lines (100b) intersecting and combining with the longitudinal crease lines (100a) to delimit a front panel (140), presenting a central portion (140a) joined to the bottom panel (130) and two flank portions (140b) delimited partly by the longitudinal crease lines (100a), each presenting a respective fixing flap (140c) aligned each with the bottom panel (130); a rear panel (150), presenting a central portion (150a) joined to the bottom panel (130) on the side opposite from the front panel (140), and two flank portions (150b) delimited partly by the longitudinal crease lines (100a); and a top panel (190) presenting a central portion (190a) compassed between the longitudinal crease lines (100a) and divided by a transverse crease line (100b) into two transverse half-portions (191) of which one at least is joined to the rear panel (150); also two flank portions (190b) delimited partly by the longitudinal crease lines (100a) and divided each into two flank half-portions (192) aligned with the respective transverse half-portions (191) of the central portion (190a).
A flat diecut blank from which to erect a rigid packet as in claim 15 or 16, characterized in that it presents two longitudinal crease lines (200a), and a plurality of transverse crease lines (200b) intersecting and combining with the longitudinal crease lines (200a) to delimit a first panel (240) and a second panel (250), of which the first panel (240) presents a front portion (240a) pierced to create a mouth (280), a flank portion (240b) joined to the front portion (240a) on one side, and a rear portion (240c) substantially identical to the front portion (240a), joined to the flank portion (240b) on the side remote from the front portion (240a), a top portion (240d) joined to the front portion (240a) and the flank portion (240b) and extending transversely to these same portions, a bottom portion (240e) joined to the flank portion (240b) at the end opposite to the top portion (240d), and a fixing portion (240f) joined to the front portion (240a) on the side remote from the flank portion (240b); the second panel (250) presenting a front portion (250a) furnished with a fixing flap (251) extending toward the first panel (240), a flank portion (250b) joined to the front portion (250a) and to the bottom portion (240e) of the first panel (240), also a rear portion (250c) joined to the flank portion (250b) on the side remote from the front portion (250a) and furnished with a fixing flap (251) extending toward the first panel (240), and a cover portion (250d) adjoining the front, flank and rear portions (250a, 250b, 250c) at the end remote from the first panel (240).
A flat diecut blank from which to erect a rigid packet as in claim 15 or 16, characterized in that it presents a plurality of longitudinal crease lines (300a), and two transverse crease lines (300b) intersecting and combining with the longitudinal crease lines (300a) to delimit a first panel (340) and a second panel (350), of which the first panel (340) presents a front portion (340a) pierced to create a mouth (380), a flank portion (340b) joined to the front portion (340a) on one side, and a rear portion (340c) substantially identical to the front portion (340a), joined to the flank portion (340b) on the side remote from the front portion (340a), a top portion (340d) joined to the front, flank and rear portions (340a, 340b, 340c) and placed transversely to these same portions, a bottom portion (340e) joined to the front, flank and rear portions (340a, 340b, 340c) at the end opposite to the top portion (340d), and a fixing portion (340f) joined to the front portion (340a) on the side remote from the flank portion (340b); the second panel (350) presenting a flank portion (350a) joined to the rear portion (340c) of the first panel (340), a front portion (350b) joined to the flank portion (350a) on the side remote from the rear portion (340c) of the first panel (340), also a cover portion (350c) adjoining the top portion (340d) of the first panel (340) and the flank portion and (350a) and front portion (350b) of the second panel (350), and a bottom portion (350d) adjoining the bottom panel (340e) of the first panel (340) and the flank portion (350a) of the second panel (350).