ES2448602T3 - Double compartment housing and slide container - Google Patents

Abstract

A double compartment housing and slide compartment (2, 72), comprising: an outer shell (4); and a slide (6) having a first compartment (38) with a first access opening and a second compartment (40) with a second access opening, which is sliding inside the outer housing (4) between a closed position, in the that the first and second access opening are occluded by the outer housing (4) such that the interiors of the first (38) and the second (40) compartment are inaccessible, and an open position, characterized in that, in the open position the interior of the first (38) and the second (40) compartment are accessible and the second access opening of the inner slide (6) is substantially aligned with a third access opening (20) provided in the outer housing (4) of such that the interiors of the second compartment (40) of the internal slide (6) is accessible through the second and third (20) access openings.

Description

Double compartment housing and slide container

The present invention relates to a casing and slide container comprising at least two compartments, which has a particular application as a container for smoking articles and other consumer goods.

The packaging of consumer goods in containers comprising an outer casing and a tray or slide, in which the consumer goods are housed and which is sliding inside the outer casing, is known. To remove consumer goods from these types of containers, a consumer slides the inner slide from an initial position inside the outer shell to an open position in which the inner slide projects outwardly from the outer shell, in order to partially expose an open or lateral end of the inner slide so that the consumer goods housed therein can be removed.

US-A-2,058,710 discloses a combined ash and cigarette container according to the preamble of claim 1, and comprising an outer shell cover open at its ends and a sliding inner drawer inside the shell sleeve. The drawer is divided into a cigarette compartment and a relatively small ash compartment. To access the cigarette compartment, a consumer slides the drawer in one direction until the cigarette compartment projects outwardly through one end of the case cover. To access the ash compartment, a consumer slides the drawer in the opposite direction until the ash compartment is projected outward through the other end of the casing cover. It is not possible for the consumer to simultaneously access the contents of the cigarette compartment and the ash compartment of the container of US-A-2,058,710.

EP-A-0 059 915 describes a cigarette container comprising an open end, an outer shell and two adjacent inner containers disposed end-to-end within the housing. It is not possible for a consumer to simultaneously access the contents of the two internal containers of the EP-A-0 059 915 container without completely removing at least one of the internal containers from the outer shell thereof.

The outer surfaces of one or more between the outer shell and the inner drawer or two inner compartments of containers of the type described in US-A-2,058,710 and EP-A-0 059 915 can be printed or otherwise embellished to allow consumers to distinguish between the two internal compartments or the opposite ends of the outer shell or inner drawer. Although this may reduce the risk that a consumer mistakenly moves the inner drawer or two inner containers in the wrong direction, and thus accesses the contents of the 'wrong' inner compartment or container, it will also disadvantageously reduce the external surface area of the outer casing or inner drawer or both inner containers or both that is available to carry other advertising, promotional or product information.

According to the present invention, there is provided a double compartment slide housing and housing comprising: an outer housing and an internal sliding housing having a first compartment with a first access opening and a second compartment with a second access opening, which is sliding inside the outer shell between a closed position, in which the first and the second access opening are occluded by the outer shell such that the inside of a first and a second compartment is inaccessible, and an open position in which the interiors of the first and second compartments are accessible. In the open position, the second access opening of the inner slide is substantially aligned with a third access opening provided in the outer housing, such that the second compartment of the inner slide is accessible through the second and The third access openings.

In the double compartment housing and slide containers according to the invention, the first and second inner slide compartment are accessible in the open position. Unlike the housing and slide containers described in documents US-A-2,058,710 and EP-A-0 059 915, a consumer cannot mistakenly access the contents of one of the two compartments of the internal slide, in instead of to the content of another of the two compartments of the inner slide, by moving the inner slide in the wrong direction. This is particularly advantageous when the content of the first and second compartment of the inner slide of the double-compartment housing and slide containers according to the invention is different. However, it is also advantageous when one between the first and the second compartment of the inner slide is empty and the other is at least partially filled, since the probability of a consumer accessing the empty compartment by mistake is reduced.

The term "access opening" refers to any opening through which the interior of the first and second compartment of the inner slide is accessible in the open position. The first, second and third access openings may be the same or different. In particular, the first and second access openings may be open faces of the first and second compartments of the inner slide.

In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the first access opening of the first inner slide compartment projects outwardly from the outer housing through an open end thereof, in the open position such that the The interior of the first compartment of the internal slide is accessible through the first access opening.

To facilitate access to the interior of the first compartment through the first access opening, a part of the first compartment that projects outwardly from the outer housing in the open position can be connected in an articulated manner to the rest of the inner slide for a movement relative to it.

Preferably, along a free edge of the open end of the outer shell there is provided at least a V cut or cut. More preferably, along a free edge of the open end of the outer shell there is provided a pair of V-shaped cuts or cuts As for its use, a consumer can advantageously hold the outer shell with one hand, and grab the inner slide through the one or more cuts provided along the free edges of the open end of the outer shell with its other hand in order to slide the inner slide from the closed position to the open position.

In addition, or alternatively, by providing at least one cut along a free edge of the open end of the outer shell, an opening or window can be provided in a wall of the outer shell opposite the open end, with the in order to facilitate the movement of the inner slide from the closed position to the open position. The opening, which is provided in the wall of the outer shell opposite the open end thereof, can extend to an adjacent wall of the outer shell opposite the third access opening.

During use, the consumer can push the inner slide through the opening provided in the outer housing wall in order to slide the inner slide from the closed position to the open position. By providing an opening or window in a wall of the outer housing opposite the open end thereof, it is advantageous for a consumer to open the housing and sliding containers, according to the invention, using only one hand.

Preferably the inner slide comprises a first compartment cover, which in the closed position covers the first access opening and which in the open position is movable to a position in which at least the part of the first access opening is discovered that It projects out of the outer shell. More preferably, the inner slide comprises a first compartment cover, which includes an articulated flap, which in the open position is pivoting towards a position in which at least the part of the first access opening projecting outwardly is discovered. The outer shell.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the first access opening of the first compartment of the inner slide is substantially aligned with a fourth access opening that is provided in the outer housing thereof in the open position, such that the first Interior slide compartment is accessible through the first and fourth access opening. In this alternative embodiment, the inner slide can also further comprise a first compartment cover, which in the closed position covers the first access opening and which in the open position is movable to a position in which at least one part is discovered of the first access opening. More preferably, the inner slide comprises a first compartment cover, which includes an articulated flap, which in the open position is pivoting towards a position in which at least a portion of the first access opening is discovered.

When the inner slide further comprises a first compartment cover that includes an articulated flap, at least one cutout is preferably provided along a free edge of the articulated flap.

or V-cut to facilitate the consumer to pivot the flap in the open position. The inclusion of a first compartment cover advantageously provides additional surface areas on which some indications or information of the manufacturer or brand logos, trademarks, slogans and other information for consumers can be exposed. For example, the inner slide can comprise a first compartment cover that includes an articulated flap, where at least one between the inner and outer surface of the flap is printed, embossed or embossed, or embellished in another way (by example, using labels or stickers) with information for the consumer.

Preferably the inner slide comprises a second compartment cover, which in the closed position covers the second access opening and which in the open position is movable to a position in which at least a part of the second access opening is discovered. More preferably, the inner slider comprises a second compartment cover, which includes an articulated flap, which in the open position is pivoting towards a position in which at least a part of the second access opening is discovered. Preferably, along a free edge of the articulated flap, a V-cut or cut is provided to facilitate a user to swing the flap in the open position. The inclusion of a second compartment cover advantageously provides additional surface areas on which some indications or information of the manufacturer or brand logos, trademarks, slogans and other information for consumers can be exposed. For example, the inner slide can comprise a second compartment cover that includes an articulated flap, where at least one between the inner and outer surface

The fin is printed, embossed or embossed, or otherwise embellished (for example, using labels or stickers) with information for the consumer.

In a preferred embodiment, the inner slide comprises a first compartment cover and a second compartment cover. However, it will be appreciated that the double compartment housing and slide containers according to the invention may have an inner slide comprising only one between the first compartment cover and the second compartment cover.

The inner slide can be sliding inside the outer shell between the closed position and the open position, through at least one intermediate position in which the interior of one between the first and the second compartment is inaccessible and inside the another between the first and the second compartment is accessible. For example, the inner slide can be sliding inside the outer shell between the closed position and the open position through an intermediate position in which only one between the first and the second access opening is occluded by the outer shell, of such that the interior of one between the first and the second compartment is inaccessible and the interior of the other between the first and the second compartment is accessible.

Preferably, the inner slide is sliding within the outer shell between the closed position and the open position through an intermediate position in which the interior of the second compartment is inaccessible and the interior of the first compartment is accessible. More preferably, the inner slide is sliding within the outer shell between the closed position and the open position through an intermediate position in which the second access opening is occluded by the outer shell, such that the interior of the second compartment is inaccessible and in which at least a part of the first access opening is projected outwardly from the outer housing through an open end thereof, such that the interior of the first interior slide compartment is accessible through the first access opening.

Preferably, the container comprises retaining means to prevent the inner slide from being removed from the outer shell. For example, the container may comprise one or more fins, flanges or other mechanical retention means to prevent the inner slide from being removed from the outer shell. Preferably, the retention means substantially restrict or impede the sliding movement of the inner slide beyond the open position. The retention means may comprise first retention means in the outer shell and second retention means in the inner slide which cooperate during use to prevent the sliding movement of the inner slide beyond the open position. For example, the retaining means may comprise at least one articulated flap in the outer shell and at least one fixed projection on the inner slide that cooperates during use to prevent the sliding movement of the inner slide beyond the open position .

In a preferred embodiment, the retention means define at least one intermediate position between the closed position and the open position, in which the interior of one between the first and the second compartment is inaccessible and the interior of the other between the first and The second compartment is accessible.

Preferably the first compartment and the second compartment of the inner slide are separated from each other by a partition that substantially prevents cross contamination between the contents of the first and second compartments during normal use of the container. This is particularly desirable when the first and second compartment of the inner slide contain different consumer goods or one between the first and second compartment of the inner slide contains consumer goods and the other between the first and second compartment of the slide Interior is a waste compartment, as described in more detail below.

The first compartment and the second compartment of the inner slide can be separated from each other by an integral or non-integral partition.

The first and second access opening of the first and second compartment of the inner slide can have the same or different dimensions. The second opening of the second compartment of the inner slide and the third access opening in the outer housing can also have the same or different dimensions. Preferably the second access opening has dimensions substantially equal or larger than the third access opening.

When in the open position, the first access opening of the first inner slide compartment is aligned with a fourth access opening provided in the outer housing, the first access opening and the fourth access opening may have same or different dimensions. Preferably the first access opening has dimensions substantially equal or larger than the fourth access opening.

The first and second compartments of the inner slide can have the same or different size. Preferably, the first and second compartment of the inner slide are of different size. More preferably, the first compartment of the inner slide is larger than the second compartment thereof. When the first compartment of the inner slide is larger than the second compartment (it is

that is, when the double compartment housing and slide containers according to the invention comprise an inner slide with a first major compartment and a second minor compartment), the first access opening of the first compartment is preferably larger than the second access opening of the second compartment.

The double compartment housing and slide containers according to the invention can be used as packages for various consumer goods. In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one between the first and second compartment of the inner slide is used to package smoking articles. The double-compartment housing and slide containers according to the invention can be advantageously used to package smoking articles, including, but not limited to, cigars, conventional cigarettes or end-lit cigarettes, hot smoking articles comprising a heat source or element fuel and an aerosol generating substrate (for example cigarettes of the type described in US-A-4,714,082) and smoking articles for use with electrical systems for smoking (for example cigarettes of the type described in document UA -A-5,692,525).

The first and second compartments of the inner slide can contain the same or different consumer goods. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second compartment of the inner slide contain different consumer goods. For example, one between the first and the second compartment may contain a plurality of smoking articles and the other between the first and the second compartment may contain a plurality of matches, a lighter or other ignition device.

In other preferred embodiments, one between the first and second compartment of the inner slide contains a plurality of consumer goods and the other between the first and second compartment of the inner slide is a un waste compartment ’. In this embodiment, the first and second compartment of the inner slide being accessible in the open position can advantageously provide a visual reminder or ask a consumer to empty the waste compartment. Preferably the first compartment of the inner slide contains a plurality of consumer goods and the second compartment of the inner slide is a waste compartment.

The waste compartment can be used to contain waste materials resulting from the use of all or some of the consumer goods contained in the other compartment of the inner slide. For example, with the appropriate choice of dimensions, the waste compartment can be used to contain the waste materials resulting from the use of all consumer goods contained in the other compartment of the inner slide and can be disposed of with the rest of the container double-compartment housing and slide when all consumer goods contained in the other compartment have been used. As an alternative, the waste compartment can be used to temporarily contain waste resulting from the use of only a limited number of consumer goods contained in the other interior slide compartment until waste materials can be transferred to a permanent receptacle for waste Examples of waste materials, which can be placed in the waste bin, include, but are not limited to, discarded wrappings and other containers and remains of used consumer goods.

When one between the first and second compartment of the inner slide contains a plurality of consumer goods and the other between the first and second compartment of the inner slide is a waste compartment, the inner slide preferably comprises a cover, which in the closed position covers the access opening of the compartment containing the plurality of consumer goods and which in the open position is movable to a position in which at least a part of the access opening of the compartment containing the plurality is discovered of consumer goods. For example, when the first compartment of the inner slide contains a plurality of consumer goods and the second compartment of the inner slide is a waste compartment, the inner slide preferably comprises a first compartment cover, which in the closed position covers the first access opening and that in the open position is movable to a position in which at least a part of the first access opening is discovered, as described above.

The inclusion of a cover advantageously helps to ensure that any consumer goods that remain within the compartment are retained in the inner slide during the emptying of the waste compartment thereof. For example, with the inner slide in the open position, by keeping the cover in a position that covers the access opening of the compartment containing the plurality of consumer goods, the consumer can reverse the double-compartment housing and slide container for empty the waste compartment of the internal slide without loss of the remaining consumer goods in it.

In a preferred embodiment, one between the first and second compartment of the inner slide contains a plurality of smoking articles and the other between the first and second compartment of the inner slide is a waste compartment for receiving one or more of the ash and cigarette butts resulting from the use of all

or some of the smoking articles. For example, one between the first and the second compartment may contain a plurality of hot smoking articles comprising a heat source or combustible element and an aerosol generating substrate or a plurality of smoking articles for use with electrical systems for

smoking and the other between the first and the second compartment may be a waste compartment capable of containing one or more of the smoking articles after use. Unlike conventional end-lit cigarettes, the length of hot smoking articles comprising a combustible element or heat source and an aerosol generating substrate and the length of smoking articles for use with non-smoking electrical systems It decreases significantly when smoking.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the inner slide comprises a first major compartment for containing a plurality of smoking articles or other consumer goods and a second minor compartment for temporarily containing a residual material from the use of a limited number of the plurality of articles. for smoking or other consumer goods. For example, the first interior slide compartment may contain twenty hot smoking articles comprising a heat source or combustible element and an aerosol generating substrate and the second interior slide compartment may be a waste compartment capable of containing two 'used' hot smoking articles.

When one between the first and second compartment of the inner slide is a waste compartment intended to receive one or more used smoking articles, the waste compartment may be formed at least partially from one or more materials, single or multi -capable, heat resistant, one or more materials, single or multi-layer, heat conductors, one or more materials, single or multi-layer, thermal insulators or a combination thereof. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to: heat resistant cardboard, such as fireproof cardboard, laminated cardboard and sheet stamped cardboard, metals, such as aluminum and copper; alloys, such as steel, heat-resistant plastics, such as polyamides, polycarbonates, graphite and combinations thereof. For example, the waste compartment can be formed at least partially from laminated aluminum cardboard having a thickness of between about 5 µm and about 50 µm. In a preferred embodiment, the waste compartment is formed at least partially from aluminum cardboard having a thickness between about 5 µm and about 50 µm.

In addition, or alternatively, the waste compartment may be coated or coated, at least partially, with one or more heat resistant materials, one or more heat conducting materials, one or more thermal insulating materials or a combination thereof. . For example, the waste compartment can be coated at least partially with aluminum foil or a heat-resistant varnish or ink. At least a part of the interior thereof can be applied another surface treatment.

Within the waste compartment, one or more heat-resistant materials, one or more heat-conducting materials, one or more thermal insulating materials or a combination thereof may be applied in any suitable manner. For example, at least a part of the interior of the waste compartment can be applied one or more varnishes or inks resistant to heat or other materials, using printing technologies, such as gravure, offset, screen printing, flexographic printing; to at least a part of the interior of the waste compartment one or more adhesives, heat resistant coatings, or other materials may be applied, using spray, paint or brush technologies; to at least a part of the interior of the waste compartment one or more heat conducting sheets or other materials may be applied, using thermal transfer or hot foil technology; to at least a part of the interior of the waste compartment one or more heat resistant fibers, such as glass, stone or carbon fibers, can be applied using flocking technology; to at least a part of the interior of the waste compartment one or more heat-resistant papers or sheets, such as ceramic fiber or graphite sheet, can be applied using lamination technology; or any combination thereof.

By forming, coating or coating, at least partially, the waste compartment of or with one or more heat resistant materials, one or more heat conducting materials, one or more thermal insulating materials

or a combination thereof, is advantageously helped to ensure that, during use, the external surface temperature of the double-compartment housing and slide container will not increase beyond an acceptable predetermined level due to the heat generated by the placed smoking articles inside the waste compartment during their extinction. This is particularly beneficial when the waste compartment of the inner slide of the double-compartment housing and slide container according to the invention is intended to receive one or more used hot smoking articles comprising a heat source or fuel element and a generating substrate Spray

When one between the first and second compartment of the inner slide is a waste compartment intended to receive one or more hot smoking articles comprising a heat source or combustible element and an aerosol generating substrate, the structure and composition of the Waste compartment is preferably such that, during use, the external surface temperature of the double compartment housing and slide container does not exceed approximately 60 ° C, more preferably it does not exceed approximately 50 ° C, most preferably it does not exceed approximately 40 ° C.

The waste compartment can be formed, coated or coated, at least partially, with one or more materials that perform a single function selected from the group consisting of heat resistance, heat conduction and thermal insulation. For example, the waste compartment can be formed, coated or coated, by

at least partially, with a material comprising multiple layers, each of them performs a single function selected from the group consisting of heat resistance, heat conduction and thermal insulation. For example, the waste compartment can be formed, coated or coated, at least partially, with a multi-layer material comprising a first layer of heat-resistant material, a second layer of heat-conducting material and a third layer of material thermal insulator

In addition, or alternatively, the waste compartment may be formed, coated or coated, at least partially, with one or more materials that perform two functions selected from the group consisting of heat resistance, heat conduction and thermal insulation. For example, the waste compartment may be formed, coated or coated, at least partially, with one or more materials that are heat resistant and heat conductive, such as, for example, aluminum. For example, the waste compartment may be formed, coated or coated, at least partially, with a multi-layer material comprising a first layer of heat-resistant material and heat-conducting material and a second layer of thermal insulating material.

In even additional embodiments, the waste compartment can be formed, coated or coated, at least partially, with one or more materials that are heat resistant, heat conductive and thermal insulating, such as, for example, graphite sheet.

By forming, coating or coating, at least partially, the waste compartment of or with one or more heat resistant materials, it is advantageously helped to protect the container from heat damage.

By forming, coating or coating, at least partially, the waste compartment or with one or more heat conducting materials, it is advantageously helped to reduce or prevent a localized accumulation of heat within the waste compartment, which can result in high external surface temperatures located in the container. On the other hand, by dissipating the heat generated by the combustible sources of heat or combustible elements thereof, the one or more heat conductive materials advantageously help in extinguishing the hot smoking articles placed inside the waste compartment.

By forming, coating or coating, at least partially, the waste compartment or with one or more thermal insulating materials advantageously reduces or prevents the transfer of heat from the hot smoking articles placed inside the waste compartment towards the outer surface of the container.

When one between the first and the second compartment of the inner slide is a waste compartment, the inner slide may advantageously comprise a waste compartment cover, which in the closed position covers the access opening of the waste compartment and which in the open position is movable to a position in which at least a part of the access opening of the waste compartment is discovered. For example, when the second compartment of the inner slide is a waste compartment, the inner slide preferably comprises a second compartment cover, which in the closed position covers the second access opening and which in the open position is movable to a position in which at least a portion of the second access opening is discovered, as described above.

The waste compartment and the waste compartment cover can be formed of the same or different materials. Preferably, the waste compartment and the waste compartment cover are formed of the same or similar material or materials.

The inclusion of a waste compartment cover is particularly preferred when one between the first and second inner slide compartment is a waste compartment intended to receive one or more used smoking articles. In such embodiments, the waste compartment cover reduces the amount of oxygen that can enter the waste compartment in the closed position, and thus advantageously helps to extinguish the used smoking articles placed therein more quickly. This is particularly beneficial when the waste compartment of the inner slide is intended to receive hot smoking articles comprising a heat source of fuel or fuel element and an aerosol generating substrate.

When one between the first and second compartment of the inner slide is a waste compartment intended to receive one or more used smoking articles, the waste compartment cover may advantageously be formed, at least partially, from one or more materials, single or multi-layer, heat resistant, one or more materials, single or multi-layer, heat conductive, one or more materials, single or multi-layer, thermal insulators or a combination thereof.

In addition, or alternatively, the waste compartment cover may be coated or coated, at least partially, with one or more heat resistant materials, one or more heat conducting materials, one

or more heat insulating materials or a combination thereof.

Suitable heat-resistant materials, heat conductors and thermal insulators with which the waste compartment cover can be formed, coated or coated at least partially include those described above for the waste compartment.

As described above, when forming, partially coating or coating the waste compartment cover of or with one or more heat resistant materials, one or more heat conductive materials, one or more thermal insulating materials or a combination of the they can advantageously help protect the container from heat damage, help reduce or prevent localized accumulation of heat inside the waste compartment, help dissipate the heat generated by used smoking articles placed in the waste compartment, help to reduce or prevent heat transfer from used smoking articles placed inside the waste compartment to the outer surface of the container, or a combination thereof. This is particularly beneficial when the waste compartment is intended to receive hot smoking articles comprising a heat fuel source or fuel element and an aerosol generating substrate.

A thermal indicator comprising at least one reversible thermochromatic material can be provided on the outer surface of the waste compartment cover. In addition, or alternatively, on the outer surface of a part of the outer shell that overlaps the waste compartment in the closed position, a thermal indicator may be provided comprising at least one reversible thermochromatic material. In the specification, the term "reversible thermochromic material" is used to denote any material that experiences a visible reversible color change in response to temperatures above a predetermined temperature of change.

During use, by means of the visible reversible color change of the at least one thermochromic material, the thermal indicator in one or both between the waste compartment cover and the outer housing advantageously provides a visual indication to a consumer of the temperature changes inside the waste compartment. The provision of a thermal indicator on one or both of the waste compartment cover and the outer shell is particularly preferred when the waste compartment is intended to receive hot smoking articles comprising a heat source of fuel or fuel element and a substrate aerosol generator

In order for the consumer to see a thermal indicator that is provided on the waste compartment cover when the inner slide is in the closed position, one or more openings or windows can be provided in a part of the outer housing that overlap the waste compartment cover in the closed position. For example, when the second compartment of the inner slide is a waste compartment, one or more openings or windows may be advantageously provided in a part of the outer housing that overlaps the second compartment cover and the second access opening in The closed position.

The thermal indicator may comprise at least one thermochromic material that undergoes a reversible visible change of color from a colored state to a colorless state when heated above a predetermined change temperature. In this case, the at least one reversible thermochromic material returns to the colored state from the substantially colorless state when the temperature drops below a predetermined temperature of change.

In addition, or alternatively, the thermal indicator may comprise at least one thermochromic material that undergoes a visible reversible color change from a first colored state to a second colored state when heated above a predetermined change temperature. In this case, the at least one reversible thermochromic material returns to the first colored state from the second colorless state when the temperature drops below a predetermined temperature of change.

In addition to the at least one thermochromic material, the thermal indicator may further comprise at least one non-thermochromatic colored material. The thermal indicator can be formed by application of at least one thermochromic material and at least one non-thermochromatic colored material separately or in combination to one or both of the waste compartment cover and the outer shell.

For example, the thermal indicator may comprise one or more points, lines, symbols, logos, words or other indications formed by the application of a thermochromatic material comprising a mixture of one or more pigments or thermochromatic dyes and one or more pigments or dyes not thermochromatic to one or both of the waste compartment cover and the outer shell.

In addition, or alternatively, the thermal indicator may comprise one or more points, lines, symbols, logos, words or other indications formed by applying a base layer of non-thermochromatic colored material on the outer surface of one or both between the waste compartment cover and the outer shell and then the application of an outer layer of thermochromatic material on the base layer of non-thermochromatic colored material.

For example, the thermal indicator may comprise one or more indications formed from a non-thermochromic colored material that is covered by a layer of thermochromic material that undergoes a visible reversible color change from a colored state to a substantially colorless state when heated above a predetermined change temperature. At temperatures below the change temperature only

The layer of thermochromic material is visible. However, at temperatures above the change temperature, the one or more indications of the non-thermochromatic material covered by the layer of thermochromatic material is revealed.

Thermochromatic materials suitable for the thermal indicator are commercially available in a wide variety of formulations that include, but are not limited to, powders, inks, paints and other coating compositions. Micro-encapsulated leuco dyes that undergo a visible reversible color change when heated above a predetermined change temperature suitable for use in the thermal indicator are commercially available under the Gem'innov Live colors brand name at Gemenos, France and under the brand names ChromaZone® and Thermostar® of Thermografic Measurements Ltd in Honiton, England.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one thermochromic material comprises one or more thermochromic dyes, one or more thermochromatic pigments or a combination thereof dispersed in a carrier

or liquid vehicle. More preferably, the thermal indicator comprises at least one thermochromatic ink.

The thermal indicator may be formed by applying at least one thermochromic material to the waste compartment cover in any suitable manner. For example, the at least one thermochromic material can be adhered, brushed, coated, stamped or otherwise applied or fixed to one or both of the waste compartment cover and the outer shell. Preferably, the at least one thermochromic material is printed on one or both of the waste compartment cover and the outer shell.

With the appropriate choice of at least one reversible thermochromic material, the thermal indicator can provide one or more desired visual indications for a consumer at one or more desired temperatures. For example, to provide a visual indication to the consumer of when they have extinguished and dispose of used smoking articles within the waste compartment, the thermal indicator can advantageously comprise one or more thermochromatic materials that undergo a visible reversible color change from a substantially colorless state when the temperature of one or both between the waste compartment cover and the outer shell falls below a predetermined temperature. The thermal indicator, for example, may include one or more points, lines, symbols, logos, words or other signs formed from thermochromatic materials that are only visible when hot smoking articles inside the waste compartment are cooled sufficiently as To be discarded.

For example, a thermal indicator can be formed by printing a base layer of non-thermochromatic red ink on the outer surface of one or both of the waste and the outer compartment cover and then by applying an outer layer of material thermochromic that undergoes a visible reversible change of color from blue to substantially colorless when heated above a predetermined temperature (for example, above 60 ° C) on the base layer of thermochromatic colored material. During use, when the waste compartment is empty and at room temperature, only the blue outer layer of thermochromatic material is visible. When a hot smoking article is placed in the waste compartment comprising a heat fuel source or combustible element and an aerosol generating substrate, the temperature in the waste compartment may rise above the predetermined temperature (for example, by above 60 ° C) due to the heat generated by the heat fuel source or fuel element before the heated smoking article is extinguished. This will cause the thermochromatic material to undergo a visible reversible change of color from blue to substantially colorless, and therefore will reveal the base layer of non-thermochromatic red material. Once the heat fuel source or fuel element has been extinguished, the temperature inside the waste compartment will be gradually reduced below the predetermined temperature (for example, below about 60 ° C), causing the thermochromatic material to return to change from substantially colorless to blue. The reappearance of the blue outer layer of thermochromic material advantageously indicates to the consumer that the hot smoking article used in the waste compartment has been successfully extinguished and can be discarded. In addition, or alternatively, the "reappearance" of the blue outer layer of thermochromatic material advantageously indicates to the consumer that an additional used hot smoking article may be placed in the waste compartment in order to be extinguished.

If desired, a fire extinguishing substance can be advantageously provided in the waste compartment to aid in the extinction of used smoking articles placed therein. For example, a fire extinguishing substance may be provided on at least a part of the interior surface of the waste compartment. In addition, or alternatively, the waste compartment can be partially filled with a fire extinguishing substance. The inclusion of a fire extinguishing substance in the waste compartment to help extinguish used smoking articles placed thereon after smoking is particularly advantageous when the plurality of smoking articles contained in the other compartment of that of the inner slide of the double compartment housing and slide container according to the invention are hot smoking articles comprising a heat fuel source or fuel element.

The waste compartment may include any suitable fire extinguishing substance. For example, the fire extinguishing substance may comprise one or more pastes or water-based gels or containing water, one or more clay pastes, or a combination thereof.

Instead of or in addition to a fire extinguishing substance, the waste compartment may contain an extinguishing device such as, for example, a damper. In addition, or alternatively, a damper or extinguishing device can be connected, for example, to the outer shell or to the inner slide of the container or be contained in an additional compartment independent of the inner slide.

With an appropriate selection of the dimensions thereof, the inner slide of the double compartment housing and slide containers according to the invention can contain different total number of smoking articles. For example, the inner slide can contain a total of between ten and twenty smoking articles. In addition, or alternatively, the inner slide of the double compartment housing and slide containers according to the invention may contain smoking articles of different dimensions (for example, smoking articles of different length or different circumference). For example, the inner slide can contain smoking articles with a length of between about 60 mm and about 120 mm and diameters of about 4 mm to about 9 mm.

When the first compartment and the second compartment of the inner slide contain smoking articles, with the appropriate choice of the dimensions thereof, the first and second compartment may contain the same or different number of smoking articles. For example, the first and second compartment of the inner slide can contain between 5 and 10 smoking articles. In addition, or alternatively, the first and second compartment of the inner slide may contain smoking articles of the same type or of different types (for example, smoking articles with different dimensions, filters, tobacco mixtures, flavors, total particles and nicotine release).

The smoking articles contained in the inner slide of the double compartment housing and slide containers according to the invention can be wrapped in an inner lining of, for example, sheets of metal or foil in a conventional manner.

The combustible sources of heat or combustible elements of hot smoking articles may be sensitive to moisture ingress. When the inner slide of the double compartment housing and slide containers according to the invention contains such hot smoking articles, the hot smoking articles are preferably wrapped in an inner lining formed from a flexible moisture barrier material. Suitable flexible barrier materials include, but are not limited to: polymeric materials, such as oriented polypropylene (OPP); Metallized polymeric materials, such as metallized OPP and stratified polymeric films, such as polypropylene / aluminum / polypropylene laminated film. To provide moisture protection and easy access to smoking articles, the inner liner formed of the flexible moisture barrier material preferably comprises a resealable label.

The outer shell and inner slide containers according to the invention can be formed from any suitable material, including, but not limited to, cardboard, cardboard, plastic, metal or combinations thereof. The outer shell and the inner slide can be formed from the same or different materials. Preferably, the outer casing and the inner slide are formed from folded laminar initial pieces, for example from folded layered cardboard initial pieces.

The outer shell can be formed from a single folded laminar initial piece or two or more independent folded laminar initial pieces. Preferably, the outer shell is formed from a single folded sheet initial.

The inner slide can be formed from a single folded laminar initial piece or two or more independent folded laminar initial pieces. When one between the first and second compartment of the inner slide contains a plurality of smoking articles and the other between the first and second compartment of the inner slide is a waste compartment intended to receive one or more smoking articles, the first and the second compartment of the inner slider are formed from independent folded laminar initial parts. The formation of the first and second compartments from independent laminar initial pieces allows the compartment containing the plurality of smoking articles and the waste compartment to be formed from different materials. For example, the compartment containing the plurality of smoking articles may be formed from a single initial piece of folded sheet cardboard and the waste compartment may, at least partially, be formed, coated or coated with or with one or more materials Heat conductors and heat resistant as described above. This is particularly preferred when one between the first and second compartment of the inner slide contains a plurality of hot smoking articles comprising a heat source of fuel or combustible element and an aerosol generating substrate and the other between the first and second Interior slider compartment is a waste compartment intended to receive and extinguish one or more used hot items.

The containers according to the invention can be completely wrapped in a known manner with any known material or combination of suitable materials, including, but not limited to, cellophane, polymeric films of, for example, polyethylene or polypropylene, metallized polymeric films and stratified polymeric films. The containers according to the invention can be completely wrapped with complete envelopes that include one or more tear tapes. One or more tear tapes may extend in a transverse or longitudinal direction around the perimeter of the container.

The outer and inner surface of the outer shell and inner slider can be printed, embossed or embossed, or otherwise embellished (for example, using labels or stickers) with signs or information from the manufacturer or brand logos, trademarks , slogans and other information for the consumer.

The inner and outer surfaces of the first and second inner slide compartment can be printed

or beautify otherwise in the same or different way. For example, when the first and second compartments contain different consumer goods, the interior surfaces of the first and second compartments can be advantageously printed in a different way to emphasize that they contain different consumer goods. In addition, when one between the first and second compartment of the inner slide contains a plurality of consumer goods and the other between the first and second compartment of the inner slide is a waste compartment, the waste compartment can be advantageously printed or beautify otherwise in a different way to the rest of the container in order to highlight its function and thus avoid throwing it away. For example, the interior surfaces of the waste compartment may be a different color than the rest of the container.

In contrast to the housing and slide containers described in documents US-A-2,058,710 and EP-A-0 059 915, the first and second compartment of the inner slide of the double compartment housing and slide containers according to the invention are both accessible in the open position. This reduces or eliminates the need to print or otherwise beautify the outer surfaces of the outer casing and the inner slider in order to reduce the likelihood that the consumer will mistakenly access the 'wrong' compartment, and advantageously maximize the area outer surface of the inner slide and outer shell available to carry advertising, promotional or product information.

The outer shell and the inner slide can have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, with longitudinal edges at right angles and transversal at right angles. Alternatively, the outer shell and the inner slide can comprise one or more rounded longitudinal edges, rounded transverse edges, beveled longitudinal edges, beveled transverse edges or combinations thereof. For example, by marking for cutting in a known manner the laminar initial parts from which the outer shell and the inner slide of the container are lifted, a multi-component shell and slide container of "rounded corners" can be produced according to the invention.

Preferably, the inner dimensions of the outer shell are substantially equal to the outer dimensions of the inner slide, so that the inner surfaces of the shell overlap and meet the outer surfaces of the inner slide in the closed position. During use, the friction forces generated between the outer surfaces of the inner slide and the inner surfaces that meet the outer shell resist the sliding movement of the inner slide between the closed position and the open position. This advantageously prevents the opening and closing of the container without the application of a positive force by the consumer.

The double compartment housing and slide containers according to the invention may further comprise an aroma release system. The aroma release system can release an aroma with the opening of the double compartment housing and slide container or with the closing of the double compartment housing and sliding container or with the opening and closing of the container and the double slide compartment. In the specification, the term "aroma" is used with the meaning of any substance capable of producing an olfactory sensation and includes, but is not limited to, odors, fragrances, perfumes, deodorants and flavoring agents. Preferably, the aroma produces a taste and olfactory sensation.

Suitable aroma release systems for inclusion in double-compartment housing and slide containers according to the invention are known in the art and are described in, for example, WO-A22007 / 029120 and WO-A2-2007 / 026260.

When the internal dimensions of the outer shell are substantially equal to the outer dimensions of the inner slide, the double-compartment shell and slide containers according to the invention can advantageously comprise an aroma release system that releases an aroma with both the opening and with the closure of the package as a result of contact with friction between the outer surfaces of the inner slide and the inner surfaces that run into the outer shell. For example, the aroma release system may be formed by printing or otherwise applying one or more microencapsulated flavoring agents on at least one outer surface of the inner slider, at least one inner surface of the outer shell or a combination of the same.

In addition, or alternatively, the double compartment housing and slide containers according to the invention may comprise other known aroma release systems that include, but are not limited to: "tear tape" aroma release systems, such such as those described in documents W0-A22007 / 026260 and US-A-4,717,017, in which a scent is released by removing a tear tape included in the entire container wrapper; "peel and smell" aroma release systems, in which an aroma is released by a consumer who physically separates two strips of film, paper or other material between which one or more microencapsulated flavoring substances have been deposited; and "scratch and smell" aroma release systems, in which an aroma is released by a consumer who scratches or rubs a paper, film or other material in which one or more micro-encapsulated flavoring substances have been applied. The aroma release system can release any suitable aroma. Examples of suitable aromas include, but are not limited to, menthol, tobacco, peppermint and mint. The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an empty multi-compartment housing and slide container according to a first embodiment of the invention with the inner slide in the closed position;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the container of Figure 1 in an open position;

Figure 3 shows a plan view of an initial sheet piece of cardboard to form the outer shell of the containers of Figures 1 and 2 and 7;

Figure 4 shows a plan view of an initial sheet piece of cardboard to form a first part of the inner slide of the container of Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 5 shows a plan view of a second initial sheet piece of cardboard to form a second part of the inner slide of the container of Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 6 shows perspective views of the first and second part of the inner slide of the container of Figures 1 and 2, formed by the initial parts shown in Figures 4 and 5, respectively.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an empty multi-compartment housing and slide container according to a second embodiment of the invention in an open position;

Figure 8 shows a plan view of an initial sheet piece of cardboard to form a first part of the inner slide of the container of Figure 7;

Figure 9 shows a plan view of a second initial sheet piece of cardboard to form a second part of the inner slide of the container of Figure 7; Y

Figure 10 shows perspective views of the first and second part of the inner slide of the container of Figure 7, formed by the initial parts shown in Figures 8 and 9, respectively.

The housing and slide container 2 according to the first embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1 and 2 is in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped and comprises an outer shell 4 and an inner slide 6 inside the outer shell 4.

The outer shell 4 has a front wall 8 and an opposite rear wall 10, a left side wall 12 and an opposite right side wall 14 and a bottom wall 16. The walls 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 of the outer shell 4 they define a cup-shaped receptacle with an open upper rectangular end face 18 defined by the upper transverse free edges of the front wall 8, the rear wall 10, the left side wall 12 and the right side wall 12, into which it is inserted the inner slide 6. At the upper end of the outer shell 4 there are provided a pair of opposite cuts 22 along the free edges of the left 12 and right side walls 14 thereof.

The terms "front", "behind", "top", "bottom," top "and" bottom "are used to describe the relative positions of the components of the container 2 according to the first embodiment of the invention when the container is held in a vertical position with the open end face 18 of the outer shell 4 thereof in the upper part of the container 2. In the following description of the container 2 according to the first embodiment of the invention, these terms are used regardless of the actual orientation of the container 2 of the outer shell 4 or the inner slide 6 thereof shown in Figures 1 to 6.

The inner slide 6 of the container 2 shown in Figures 1 and 2 has a rear wall 24, a left side wall 26 and an opposite right side wall 28, an upper wall 30 and an opposite lower wall 32. The walls 24, 26, 28, 30, 32 of the inner slide 6 define a tray that is longitudinally sliding inside the outer shell 4 between the closed position, shown in Figure 1, and the open position, shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 2, a pair of opposite cuts 34 are provided along the longitudinal free edges of the left 12 and right side walls 14 of the inner slide 6 close to the upper wall 30 thereof.

An integral transverse partition 36 extends between the left 26 and right side walls 28 of the inner slide 6 proximal to the bottom wall 32 thereof. The partition 36 divides the interior of the inner slide 6 into a first major compartment 38, which extends longitudinally from the partition 36 to the upper wall 30 of the inner slide 6, and a second minor compartment 40, which extends into longitudinal direction from the partition 36 to the bottom wall 32 of the inner slide 6. The open front faces of the first 38 and the second 40 compartment of the inner slide 6, act as first and second access openings, respectively, through the which can be accessed inside the first 38 and second 40 compartment in the open position.

A first independent compartment cover 42 parallel to the rear wall 24 of the inner slide 6 extends from the partition 36 to the upper wall 30 of the inner slide 6. The first compartment cover 42 has a first cover section 44, which it is fixed in partition 36, and a second cover section 46, which is connected to the first cover section along a transverse articulation line. As shown in Figure 2, a central cutout 48 is provided along the transverse free edge of the second cover section 46 of the first compartment cover 42 next to the upper wall 30 of the inner slide 6.

In the closed position shown in Figure 1, the inner slide 6 is contained within the outer housing 4 with the front wall 8, the rear wall 10, the left side wall 14, the right side wall 12 and the bottom wall 16 of the outer housing 4 adjacent and superimposed on the first compartment cover 42, the rear wall 24, the left side wall 26, the right side wall 28 and the bottom wall 32, respectively, of the inner slide 6. As shown in Figure 1, the first 44 and the second cover section 46 of the first compartment cover 42, extending through the front face of the first compartment 38 of the inner slide 6 and the open front face of the second compartment 40 of The inner slide 6 is covered by the front wall 8 of the outer shell 4 in the closed position. Consequently, the interiors of the first 38 and the second 40 compartment of the inner slide 6 are inaccessible in the closed position shown in Figure 1.

In the open position shown in Figure 2, the bottom wall 32 of the inner slide 6 is spaced from the bottom wall 16 of the outer shell 4 and the part of the first compartment 38 of the inner slide 6 covered by the second section 46 of Cover of the first compartment cover 42 projects outwardly from the outer housing 4 through the upper end 18 thereof. As shown in Figure 2, the relative position of the inner slide 6 and the outer shell 4 in the open position is such that the open front face of the second compartment 40 of the inner slide 6 substantially aligns with a third elongated access opening 20 provided in the front wall 8 of the outer shell 4. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the third access opening 20 extends through the front wall 8 of the outer shell towards the left 12 and right side walls 14 thereof.

With the container 2 in the open position shown in Figure 2, the consumer can access the interior of the first compartment 38 of the inner slide 6, by swinging the second cover section 46 of the first compartment cover 42 around the line of articulation that separates it from the first cover section 44 thereof and can also access the interior of the second compartment 40 of the inner slide 6 through the third access opening 20 provided in the front wall 8 of the housing exterior 4.

Consequently, the interiors of the first 38 and the second 40 compartment of the inner slide 6 are accessible in the open position shown in Figure 2.

During use, with the inner slide 6 in the closed position shown in Figure 1, the consumer holds the outer shell 4 of the container 2 in one hand and with the thumb and index finger of his other hand grabs the left side walls 26 and right 28 of the inner slide 6 through the opposite cutouts 22 provided in the left 12 and right side walls 14 of the outer shell 4. To open the container 2 the consumer pulls the inner slide 6 outwards away from the outer shell through the open upper end 18 thereof, in the direction shown by the arrow in Figure 1, in order to slide the inner slide 6 with respect to the outer shell 4 from the closed position shown in the Figure 1 to the open position shown in Figure 2 and to align the front face of the second compartment 40 of the inner slide 6 with the third access opening 20 in the front wall 8 d e the outer shell 4.

If desired, in addition, or alternatively, the pair of opposing cuts 22 provided along the transverse free edges of the left side walls 12 and right 14 thereof, an opening (not shown) can be provided in the bottom wall 16 of the outer shell 4 through which, during use, a consumer can push on the bottom wall 32 of the inner slide 6 in order to open the container 2.

The external cross-section of the inner slide 6 of the container 2 according to the first embodiment of the invention is substantially equal to the internal cross-sectional cross-section of the outer shell 4 thereof, so that during the opening and closing of the container 2, the frictional forces generated between the surface

outside of the inner slide 6 and the inner surface of the outer shell 4 prevent the sliding movement of the inner slide 6 with respect to the outer shell 4 until the consumer applies a positive force.

As described below, the container 2 further comprises retention means to prevent the sliding movement of the inner slide 6 with respect to the outer housing 4 beyond the open position shown in Figure 2. Once the container 2 is in the open position shown in Figure 2, the consumer grabs the second cover section 46 of the first compartment cover 42 that extends through the front face of the first compartment 38 of the inner slide 6 and pivots it towards back to access smoking articles or other consumer goods (not shown) contained in the first compartment 38. The cutout provided along the free edge of the second deck section 46 of the first deck 42 of compartment facilitates the pivotal movement of the second cover section 46 of the first compartment cover 42 by the consumer. During use, the opposing cuts 34 provided along the longitudinal free edges of the left side walls 26 and right 28 of the inner slide 6 then facilitate the removal of the consumer goods (not shown) contained in the first compartment 38 of the inner slide 6 of the container 2.

Figure 3 shows a sheet initial piece of cardboard from a piece from which the outer shell 4 of the container 2 of Figures 1 and 2 is formed. In Figures 4 and 5, the initial pieces of sheet cardboard of a piece from which the first compartment 38, the second compartment 40 and the partition 36 and the first compartment cover 42 of the inner slide 6 of the container 2 of Figures 1 and 2, respectively, can be formed.

In Figures 3, 4 and 5 corresponding reference numbers are used for the elements of the initial parts that are similar or related to the elements of the outer shell 4 and the inner slide 6 of the container 2 of Figures 1 and 2 that have been described above. The initial pieces include various panels, fins and tabs (labeled in bold in Figure 3, 4 and 5) which, once folded around corresponding lines of notches (shown by the dashed lines in Figures 3, 4 and 5 ) and fixed with adhesive (shown by shaded line areas in Figures 3 and 4) in a conventional manner, form the outer shell 4 and the inner slide 6 of the container 2 shown in Figures 1 and 2. In the specification, The term notch line is used to indicate a line formed, for example, by wrinkles, grooves, perforation, or compress, cut or otherwise weaken the initial piece.

The initial part shown in Figure 3 to form the outer shell 4 of the container 2 shown in Figures 1 and 2 has a front wall panel 8, a rear wall panel 10, a left side wall panel 12, an inner panel of right side wall 14a, an outer panel 14b of right side wall, an inner panel 16a of lower wall and an outer panel 16b of lower wall, which when the initial piece is folded form the corresponding walls of the outer shell 4. As shown in Figure 3, the initial part further comprises a pair of lower closing flanges 50 and a pair of upper retaining fins 52, which are connected to the upper and lower edges, respectively, of the left side wall panel 12 and the outer right wall panel 14b along the notch lines, and a pair of upper reinforcing fins 54, which are connected to the upper edges of the front 10 and rear wall panels 8 to along a few notched lines.

To form the outer shell 4, the upper reinforcing fins 54 fold at 180 degrees and are fixed to the inner surface of the front wall panel 8 and the rear wall panel 10. The front panels 8, rear 10, left side 12 , right inner side 14a and right outer side wall 14b are then folded to form a hollow sheath with open ends and the right outer side panel 14b is fixed to the right inner side panel 14a. The lower inner wall panel 16a, the lower outer wall panel 16b and the lower closing fins 50 fold at 90 degrees and are fixed together in a known manner to close the lower end of the hollow sheath and thus form the part bottom of the outer shell 4. Finally, the upper retaining fins 52 fold at 180 degrees, so that they rest against the inner surface of the left side wall panel 12 and the outer side panel 14b of the right side wall in the outer shell formed 4.

The fold lines formed between the upper reinforcing fins 54 and the upper retention fins 52 and the front wall 8 and rear 10 panels and the left side 12 and right outer wall panels 14b of the initial part advantageously provide free shores neatly arranged to the front wall 8, the rear wall 10, the left side wall 12 and the right side wall 14, respectively, of the outer shell formed 4 of the container 2.

The initial piece shown in Figure 4, to form the first compartment 38, the second compartment 40 and the partition 36 of the inner slide 6 of the container 2 shown in Figures 1 and 2 has a rear wall panel 24, inner panels 26a and exterior 26b of left side wall, inner panels 28a and exterior 28b of right side wall, upper inner panels 30a and outer wall 30b, inner panels 32a and outer 32b of lower wall, which when the initial piece is folded they form the corresponding walls of the inner slide 6.

As shown in Figure 4, the initial part also includes a pair of lower closing tabs 56, which are connected on the opposite side edges of the outer wall panel 32b along a few lines of

notches, a pair of upper closing tabs 58, which are connected to the upper edges of the outer left side panels 26b and right outer wall 28b along a few notched lines, and a pair of rear reinforcing fins 60 of wall, which are connected to the longitudinal edges of the inner left side panels 26a and inner right wall 28a away from the outer left side panels 26b and outer right wall 28b along a few notched lines.

The initial part comprises a lower partition wall panel 62, a front partition wall panel 64 and a pair of opposite side partition fins 66 connected to the sides of the bottom partition wall panel 62 along lines of notches, that when the initial piece is folded form the partition 36 in the inner slide 6 which divides the interior thereof into a first major compartment 38 and a second minor compartment 40. As shown in Figure 4, the panel of lower partition wall 62 is connected to the inner panel 32a of the lower wall of the initial piece through a connection panel 68, which with the lifting of the initial piece is folded so that it overlaps the rear wall 24 of the slide inside 6 in the second compartment 40 and spacing the partition 36 in the bottom wall 32 of the inner slide 6.

The various panels, tabs and fins of the initial part shown in Figure 4 are folded and fixed together to form the first compartment 38, the second compartment 40 and the partition 36 of the inner slide 6 of the container 2 according to the first embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1 and 2. At the time the initial part is lifted, the opposing side wall partition fins 66 are fixed to the inner surface of the left inner panels 26a and right side wall 28a. This ensures that the first 38 and the second 40 compartment of the inner slide 6 of the container 2 are isolated from each other and thus cross-contamination is reduced or advantageously prevented between the contents of the first 38 and the second 40 compartment of the slide interior 6 during use of the container 2. This is particularly desirable in embodiments of the invention in which the first compartment 38 of the interior slide 6 of the container contains a plurality of consumer goods, such as for example smoking articles, and The second compartment 40 of the inner slide 6 is a waste compartment containing the remains of one or more of the consumer goods after each use, such as for example the butts of one or more used smoking articles.

The inclusion of the opposing side wall partition fins 66 together with the inner bottom wall panel 32a, the bottom partition wall panel 62 and the connection panel 68 also advantageously allows both inner surfaces of the second slide compartment 40 inside 6 and the outer surfaces of the inner slider 6 are printed by printing only one side of the initial part shown in Figure 4, that is to say without the need for straight-verse printing of the initial part.

The fold lines formed between the inner panels 26a and outer 26b of the left side wall and the inner panels 28a and exterior 28b of the right side wall, between the inner panels 30a and outer 30b of the upper wall and between the inner panels 32a and exterior 32b Bottom wall of the initial part advantageously provide blunt free edges arranged to the left side wall 26, the right side wall 28, the top wall 30 and the bottom wall 32, respectively, of the inner slide 6 of the container 2.

The rear wall reinforcing fins 60, which at the time of lifting the initial piece are folded so that they overlap the rear wall 24 of the inner slide 6 in the first compartment 38, advantageously provide an additional surface area that is you can print, for example, with information regarding the composition or use of the consumer goods contained in the first compartment of the inner slide 6 of the container 2. The inclusion of the rear wall reinforcement fins 60 together with the inner panel 26a of left side wall, inner panel 28a of right side wall and inner panel 30a of upper wall advantageously allows the interior surfaces of the rear wall 24, the left side wall 26, the right side wall 28 and the top wall 30 to be printed of the first compartment 38 of the inner slide 6 and the outer surfaces of the inner slide 6 by printing only u On the side of the initial piece shown in Figure 4, that is to say without the need for a straight-verse print of the initial piece. In the absence of, for example, the rear wall reinforcing fins 60, it would be necessary to print both sides of the initial piece shown in Figure 4, in order to provide the impression of the inner surface of the rear wall 24 of the inner slide 6 and on the outer surfaces of one or more of the rear walls 24, left side 26, right side 28, upper 30 and lower 32 of the inner slide 6.

In the container 2 shown in Figures 1 and 2, the rear wall reinforcing fins 60 have the same dimensions and each is approximately half the width of the rear wall 24 of the inner slide 6, so that in the Inner slider formed 6 the longitudinal free edges of the rear wall reinforcing fins 60 meet each other. However, it will be understood that the containers according to the invention may have inner slides with one or more rear wall reinforcement fins of different size. For example, the inner slide can comprise a single rear wall reinforcement flap with substantially the same width as the rear wall thereof, which is connected to a left inner side wall panel, a right inner side wall panel or a Inner upper wall panel of the inner slide along a line of notches. It will also be appreciated that the containers according to the invention may comprise internal slides in which the rear wall reinforcement fins 60 are omitted. On the other hand, to reduce the amount of material necessary to form the inner slide 6 of the container 2 shown in Figures 1 and 2, and to facilitate the folding of the initial piece shown in Figure 4, it will be appreciated that one can also be omitted or more between

left outer side panel 26b wall, right outer side wall 28b and upper outer wall panel 30b.

The initial part shown in Figure 5 to form the first compartment cover 42 of the inner slide 6 has a first cover section panel 44 and a second cover section 46, which are connected along an articulation line ( shown by a heavy dashed line in Figure 5), and a pair of opposite retention tabs 70, which are connected to the side edges of the first cover section panel 44.

To form the inner slide 6 of the container 2 of Figures 1 and 2, the opposing retaining fins 70 of the initial piece to form the first compartment cover 42 shown in Figure 5 are folded at 90 degrees. As shown in Figure 6, the first cover section panel 44 and opposite retaining tabs 70 of the initial piece to form the first compartment cover 42 of the inner slide 6 are then fixed on the outer surfaces of the panel front wall partition 64 and left side wall panels 26 and right 28, respectively, of the folded start piece to form the first compartment 38, the second compartment 40 and the partition 36 of the inner slide 6. To reduce the amount of material necessary to form the inner slide 6 of the container 2, the second cover section 46 of the first compartment cover 42 of the inner slide 6 can be omitted.

The formed inner slide 6 shown in Figure 6 is then inserted into the formed outer shell 4 through the open upper end 18 to form the container 2 according to the first embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1 and 2.

It will be appreciated that the precise order with which the various panels, fins and flanges of the initial pieces of laminar cardboard shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5 are folded and secured together to form the outer shell 4 and the inner slide 6 of the container 2 of Figures 1 and 2 can be varied depending on, for example, the apparatus used to produce the container 2. It will also be appreciated that the initial pieces of laminated cardboard of a piece shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5, if desired, can be folded manually to form the outer shell 4 and the inner slide 6 of the container 2 of Figures 1 and 2.

The upper retention fins 52 of the outer shell 4 are not fixed on the inner surface of the left side wall panel 12 and the outer right side wall panel 14b of the outer shell 4. This ensures that the opposing upper retention wings 52 of the outer shell 4 interact with the opposing retention tabs 70 of the inner slide 6 once the inner slide 6 is inserted into the outer shell 4 as described further below. During use, when the inner slider 6 reaches the open position shown in Figure 2, the upper retention fins folded in 52 of the outer shell 4 engage the retention tabs 70 of the inner slider 6, advantageously preventing so that there is more sliding movement of the inner slide 6 with respect to the outer shell 4 beyond the open position. The interaction between the upper retention fins 52 of the outer shell 4 and the retention flanges 70 of the inner slide 6 prevent the inner slide 6 of the container 2 from being removed from the outer shell 4 thereof.

The housing and slide container 72 according to the second embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 7 has a construction similar to the housing and slide container according to the first embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1 and 2. In Figures 7, 8 and 9 corresponding reference numbers are used for the elements of the housing and slide container 72 according to the second embodiment of the invention and the initial parts to form the inner slide thereof which are similar or related to elements of the housing container 2 and slide according to the first embodiment of the invention and the initial parts for forming the inner slide thereof shown in Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5, and described above.

The housing and slide container 72 according to the second embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 7 is in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped and comprises an outer shell 4 and an inner slide 6 inside the outer shell 4.

The outer shell 4 of the container 72 according to the second embodiment of the invention is identical to the outer shell 4 of the vessel 2 according to the first embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1 and 2. As described above, the outer shell 4 has a front wall 8 and an opposite rear wall 10, a left side wall 12 and an opposite right side wall 14 and a bottom wall 16. The walls 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 of the outer shell 4 define a shaped receptacle cup with an open upper rectangular end face 18 defined by the upper transverse free edges of the front wall 8, the rear wall 10, the left side wall 12 and the right side wall 12, into which the inner slide 6 is inserted. At the upper end of the outer shell 4 there are provided a pair of opposite cuts 22 along the free edges of the left 12 and right side walls 14 thereof.

The terms "front", "behind", "top", "bottom," top "and" bottom "are used to describe the relative positions of the components of the container 72 according to the second embodiment of the invention when the container is held in a vertical position with the open end face 18 of the outer shell 4 thereof in the upper part of the container 72. In the following description of the container 72 according to the second embodiment of the invention,

These terms are used regardless of the actual orientation of the container 72 or the outer shell 4 or the inner slide 6 thereof shown in Figures 7 to 10.

The inner slide 6 of the container 72 shown in Figure 7 has a rear wall 24, a left side wall 26 and an opposite right side wall 28, an upper wall 30 and an opposite lower wall 32. The walls 24, 26, 28, 30, 32 of the inner slide 6 define a tray that is longitudinally sliding inside the outer shell 4 between a closed position and an open position, shown in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 7, a pair of opposing cuts are provided 34 along the longitudinal free edges of the left side walls 26 and right 28 of the inner slide 6 close to the upper wall 30 thereof.

The inner slide 6 of the container 72 according to the second embodiment of the invention comprises a first major compartment 38 and a second minor compartment 40. The first major compartment 38 extends longitudinally from the upper wall 30 of the inner slide 6 to the first bottom wall 62a of compartment, which extends transversely between the left side walls 26 and right 28 of the inner slide 6 close to the bottom wall 32 thereof. The second compartment 40 extends longitudinally from a second upper compartment wall 62b, which extends transversely between the left side walls 26 and right 28 of the inner slide 6 parallel and adjacent to the first lower wall 62a of compartment, to the bottom wall 32 of the inner slide 6. The open front faces of the first 38 and the second 40 compartment of the inner slide 6, act as the first and second access openings, respectively, through which the interiors of the first can be accessed 38 and the second 40 compartment in the open position.

A first compartment cover 42 parallel to the rear wall 24 of the inner slide 6 extends from the first lower wall 62a of the compartment to the upper wall 30 of the inner slide 6. The first compartment cover 42 has a first section 44 of cover, which is connected to the first lower compartment wall 62a along a transverse joint line, and a second cover section 46, which is connected to the first cover section 44 along a transverse joint line . As shown in Figure 7, a central cutout 48 is provided along the transverse free edge of the second cover section 46 of the first compartment cover 42 next to the upper wall 30 of the inner slide 6.

A second compartment cover 74 parallel to the rear wall 24 of the inner slide 6 is connected to the bottom wall 32 of the inner slide 6 along a transverse joint line and extends from the bottom wall 32 of the inner slide 6 to the second upper wall 62b of compartment. As shown in Figure 10, a central flange or projection is provided along the transverse free edge of the second compartment cover 74 next to the upper wall 62b of the second compartment.

In the closed position shown in Figure 1, the inner slide 6 of the container 72 according to the second embodiment of the invention is contained within the outer shell 4 thereof with the front wall 8, the rear wall 10, the left side wall 14 , the right side wall 12 and the bottom wall 16 of the outer shell 4 adjacent and superimposed on the first compartment cover 42 and the second compartment cover 74, the rear wall 24, the left side wall 26, the right side wall 28 and the bottom wall 32, respectively, of the inner slide 6. The first 44 and the second cover section 46 of the first compartment cover 42, which extends through the front face of the first compartment 38 of the inner slide 6 and the second compartment cover 74, which extends through the open front face of the second compartment 40 of the inner slide 6 is covered by the pa front net 8 of the outer shell 4 in the closed position. Consequently, the interiors of the first 38 and the second 40 compartment of the inner slide 6 are inaccessible in the closed position; in the closed position the container 72 according to the second embodiment of the invention is substantially identical in appearance to the container 2 according to the first embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1.

In the open position shown in Figure 7, the bottom wall 32 of the inner slide 6 of the container 72 according to the second embodiment of the invention is spaced from the bottom wall 16 of the outer shell 4 thereof and the part of the first compartment 38 of the inner slide 6 covered by the second cover section 46 of the first compartment cover 42 projects outwardly from the outer housing 4 through the upper end 18 thereof. As shown in Figure 7, the relative position of the inner slider 6 and the outer shell 4 in the open position is such that the second compartment cover 74 extending through the front face of the second compartment 40 of the inner slide 6 substantially aligns with a third elongated access opening 20 that is provided in the front wall 8 of the outer housing 4. As shown in Figure 7, the third access opening 20 extends through the front wall 8 of the outer shell towards the left 12 and right side walls 14 thereof.

With the container 72 in the open position shown in Figure 7, the consumer can access the interior of the first compartment 38 of the inner slide 6, by swinging the second cover section 46 of the first compartment cover 42 around the line of transverse articulation that separates it from the first cover section 44 thereof. In the open position, the consumer can also access the interior of the

second compartment 40 of the inner slide 6 through the third access opening 20 provided in the front wall 8 of the outer shell 4 by pivoting the second compartment cover 74 around the transverse articulation line along which the second compartment cover 74 is connected to the bottom wall 32 of the inner slide 6.

Accordingly, the interiors of the first 38 and the second 40 compartment of the inner slide 6 of the container 72 according to the second embodiment of the invention are accessible in the open position shown in Figure 7.

During use, with the inner slide 6 in the closed position, the consumer holds the outer shell 4 of the container 72 in one hand and with the thumb and index finger of his other hand grabs the left side walls 26 and right 28 of the inner slide 6 through the opposite cuts 22 provided on the left 12 and right side walls 14 of the outer shell 4. To open the container 72 the consumer pulls the inner slide 6 outwardly away from the outer shell 4 a through the open upper end 18 thereof in order to slide the inner slide 6 with respect to the outer housing 4 from the closed position to the position shown in Figure 7 and thus align the second compartment cover 74 extending to through the front face of the second compartment 40 of the inner slide 6 with the third access opening 20 in the front wall 8 of the outer housing 4.

If desired, in addition, or alternatively, the pair of opposing cuts 22 provided along the transverse free edges of the left side walls 12 and right 14 thereof, an opening (not shown) can be provided in the bottom wall 16 of the outer shell 4 through which, during use, a consumer can push on the bottom wall 32 of the inner slide 6 in order to open the container 72.

As in the first embodiment of the invention, the outer cross section of the inner slide 6 of the container 72 according to the second embodiment of the invention is substantially equal to the inner cross section of the outer shell 4 thereof, so that during opening and the closure of the container 72, the frictional forces generated between the outer surface of the inner slide 6 and the inner surface of the outer shell 4 prevent the sliding movement of the inner slide 6 with respect to the outer shell 4 until the consumer Apply a positive force.

As described below, the container 72 further comprises retention means to prevent the sliding movement of the inner slide 6 with respect to the outer shell 4 beyond the open position shown in Figure 7. Once the container 72 is in the open position shown in Figure 7, the consumer grabs the second cover section 46 of the first compartment cover 42 that extends through the front face of the first compartment 38 of the inner slide 6 and pivots it towards back to access the smoking articles or other consumer goods (not shown) contained in the first compartment 38. The cutout 48 provided along the free edge of the second cover section 46 of the first cover 42 of compartment facilitates the pivotal movement of the second cover section 46 of the first compartment cover 42 by the consumer. During use, the opposing cuts 34 provided along the longitudinal free edges of the left side walls 26 and right 28 of the inner slide 6 then facilitate the removal of the consumer goods (not shown) contained in the First compartment 38 of the inner slide 6 of the container 2. However, it will be appreciated that depending on, for example, the orientation of the consumer goods contained in the first compartment 38, the cuts 34 may be omitted.

The outer shell 4 of the container 72 of Figure 7 can be formed from the initial piece of a piece shown in Figure 3 in the manner described above. In Figures 8 and 9, the initial pieces of laminar cardboard of a piece are shown from which it can be formed: the first compartment 38 and the first compartment cover 42 and the second compartment 40 and the second compartment cover 74 of the inner slide 6 of the container 72 of Figure 7, respectively.

In Figures 8 and 9, corresponding reference numbers are used for the elements of the initial parts that are similar or related to the elements of the inner slide 6 of the container 72 of Figure 7 described above. The initial pieces include various panels, fins and tabs (labeled in bold in Figures 8 and 9) which, once folded around corresponding lines of notches (shown by the dashed lines in Figures 8 and 9) and fixed with Adhesive (shown by shaded line areas in Figures 8 and 9) in a conventional manner, form the outer shell 4 and the inner slide 6 of the container 72 shown in Figure 7.

The initial part shown in Figure 8, to form the first compartment 38 and the first compartment cover 42 of the inner slide 6 of the container 72 shown in Figures 7 has a rear wall panel 24, inner panels 26a and outer 26b of left side wall, inner panels 28a and outer 28b of right side wall and inner panels 30a and outer 30b of upper wall, which when the initial piece is folded form the corresponding walls of the inner slide 6. As shown in Figure 8, the initial piece also includes a pair of upper closing tabs 58, which are connected to the upper edges of the left outer panels 26b and right side wall 28b along a notched lines.

As shown in Figure 8, the initial part further comprises a first lower wall panel 62a of compartment, which is connected to the rear wall panel 24 of the initial part through a connection panel 68a. At the moment the initial part is lifted, the connection panel 68a is folded so that it overlaps the rear wall 24 of the inner slide 6 and spaces the first lower wall panel 62a of the compartment from the lower edges of the wall rear 24 and the outer side walls left 26 and right 28 of the inner slide 6.

The initial part also comprises a first cover section panel 44, which is connected to the first bottom wall panel 62a along a transverse notch line, a second cover section 46, which is connected to the first panel 44 of cover section along an articulation line (shown by a heavy dashed line in Figure 8), and a pair of opposite retention tabs 70, which are connected to the side edges of the first panel 44 of section of cover.

The various panels, tabs and fins of the initial part shown in Figure 8 are folded and fixed together to form the first compartment 38 and the first compartment cover 42 of the inner slide 6 of the container 72 according to the second embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 10, at the time of lifting the initial part, the opposite retention tabs 70 of the initial part are fixed to the outer surfaces of the left side walls 26 and right 28 of the inner slide

6.

The fold lines formed between the inner panels 26a and outer 26b of the left side wall and the inner panels 28a and exterior 28b of the right side wall and between the inner inner panels 30a and exterior 30b of the initial part advantageously provide free shores bluntly arranged to the left side wall 26, the right side wall 28 and the top wall 30, respectively, of the inner slide 6 of the container 72. However, to reduce the amount of material necessary to form the inner slide 6 of the container 72 shown in Figure 7, and to facilitate the folding of the initial piece shown in Figure 8, it will be appreciated that one or more can be omitted between the outer left side wall panel 26b, the outer right side wall 28b and the upper panel exterior 30b wall.

It will also be appreciated that, if desired, the initial part for forming the first compartment 38 and a first compartment cover 42 of the inner slide 6 of the container 72 according to the second embodiment of the invention may further comprise one or more reinforcing fins of rear wall connected to the inner panel 26a of the left side wall, inner panel 28b of the right side wall or inner panel 30a of the upper wall of the inner slide 6 along a notch lines, as described above. In such embodiments, the rear wall reinforcing fins, which at the time of lifting the initial piece are folded so that they overlap the rear wall 24 of the inner slide 6 in the first compartment 38, advantageously provide a surface area additional that can be printed, for example, with information regarding the composition or use of the consumer goods contained in the first compartment 38 of the inner slide 6 of the container 72.

The initial part shown in Figure 9 to form the second compartment 40 and the second compartment cover 74 of the inner slide 6 of the container 72 shown in Figure 7 comprises inner panels 62b 'and outer "62b of upper compartment wall, that when the initial piece is folded they form the upper wall 62b of the second compartment 40.

As shown in Figure 9, the initial part further comprises a second lower compartment wall panel 32, which is connected to the inner compartment upper wall panel 62b 'through a connection panel 68b, and a second panel Compartment cover 74, which is connected to the second lower compartment wall panel 32 along a transverse notch line.

When the initial piece is folded and fixed until it is the folded initial piece to form the first compartment 38 and the first compartment cover 42 of the inner slide 6, the second bottom compartment wall panel 32 forms the bottom wall 32 of the inner slide 6 and the connection panel 68b, which overlaps the connection panel 68a of the initial part to form the first compartment 38 and first compartment cover 42 of the internal slide 6, forms the rear wall of the second compartment 40.

The initial part also comprises: left inner panels 76a and right side wall 78a of the second compartment, which are connected to the opposite side edges of the connecting panel 68b along a notched lines; left outer panels 76b and right side wall 78b of the second compartment, which are connected to the opposite side edges of the outer wall 62b "of the upper wall of the second compartment along lines of notches; and a pair of lower closing tabs 80, which are connected to the opposite side edges of the left outer panels 76b and right side wall 78b of the second compartment.

The various panels, tabs and fins of the initial part shown in Figure 9 are folded and fixed together to form the second compartment 40 and the second compartment cover 74 of the inner slide 6 of the container 72 according to the second embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 7. At the time the initial part is lifted, the second outer upper wall panel 62b "of compartment is fixed to the outer surface of the

Second inner upper wall panel 62b "of compartment and the outer left side wall panels 76b and right 78b of compartment are fixed to the outer surfaces of the second inner left panels 76a and right 78a of compartment side wall, respectively. shown in Figure 10, the lower closing tabs 80 of the initial part are also fixed to the outer surface of the lower wall panel 32 of the second compartment.

As shown in Figure 10, to form the inner slide 6 of the container 72 of Figure 7, the outer surface of the outer upper wall panel 62b "of the second compartment of the folded start piece to form the second compartment 40 and the Second compartment cover 74 is then fixed to the outer surface of the first bottom wall panel 62a of the folded start piece to form the first compartment 38 and the first compartment cover 42 of the inner slide 6.

The formed inner slide 6 shown in Figure 10 is then inserted into the formed outer shell 4 through the open upper end 18 to form the container 72 according to the second embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 7.

The formation of the first compartment 38 and the first compartment cover 42 of the inner slide 6 from the first laminar initial piece of a piece and the second compartment 40 and the second compartment cover 74 thereof from a second initial piece laminating a piece, the first 38 and the second compartment of the container 72 according to the second embodiment of the invention are allowed to be formed from different materials. As described above, this is particularly advantageous when one between the first and second compartment of the inner slide contains a plurality of hot smoking articles comprising a heat source of fuel or combustible element and an aerosol generating substrate and the other. Between the first and the second compartment of the inner slide is a waste compartment intended to receive and extinguish one or more used hot items. In such embodiments, the compartment containing the plurality of smoking articles and the compartment cover thereof can be formed from, for example, a sheet-shaped initial piece of cardboard and the waste compartment can be formed, coated or coated. at least partially coated with or with one or more heat resistant materials, one or more heat resistant and heat conductive materials or a combination thereof. For example, the waste compartment and the waste compartment cover can be formed from an initial piece of cardboard laminated with aluminum in one piece.

It will be appreciated that the precise order with which the various panels, fins and flanges of the initial pieces of laminar cardboard shown in Figures 8 and 9 are folded and secured together to form the inner slide 6 of the container 72 of Figure 7 can be varied depending on, for example, the apparatus used to produce the container 72. It will also be appreciated that the initial pieces of laminar cardboard of a piece shown in Figures 8 and 9, if desired, can be folded manually to form the outer shell 4 and the inner slide 6 of the container 72 of Figure 7.

As in the first embodiment of the invention described above, the upper retention fins 52 of the outer shell 4 of the container 72 according to the second embodiment of the invention are not fixed on the inner surface of the left side wall panel 12 and the outer panel 14b of the right side wall of the outer shell 4. This ensures that the opposite upper retention wings 52 of the outer shell 4 interact with the opposite retention tabs 70 of the inner slide 6 once the inner slide 6 is inserted into the outer casing 4. During use, when the inner slide 6 of the container 72 according to the second embodiment of the invention reaches the open position shown in Figure 7, the upper retention flaps folded in 52 of the outer casing 4 are coupled to the retention tabs 70 of the inner slide 6, thereby advantageously preventing further movement sliding of the inner slide 6 with respect to the outer shell 4 beyond the open position. The interaction between the upper retention fins 52 of the outer shell 4 and the retention flanges 70 of the inner slide 6 prevent the inner slide 6 of the container 72 from being removed from the outer shell 4 thereof.

The invention has been exemplified above by referring to the containers comprising an inner slide formed from two laminar initial pieces of a piece. However, the containers according to the invention can comprise an inner slide formed from a single laminar initial piece of a piece. For example, the containers according to the invention may comprise an inner slide having a first and a second compartment, an integral partition and a first integral compartment cover formed from a single laminar initial piece of a piece. A single laminar initial piece of a suitable piece to form an inner slide having a first and a second compartment, an integral partition and a first integral compartment cover can be formed by combining the panels and fins of the initial part shown in Figure 5 with the initial part shown in Figure 4. The containers according to the invention can also comprise inner slides in which the second articulated cover section of the first compartment cover and the first and second compartment of the inner slide are omitted. front faces at least partially open.

It will be appreciated that when the second cover section of the first compartment cover of the inner slide is omitted or when the inner slide of the container is formed from an initial sheet piece of a

piece, one or more fixed tabs or other protrusions can still be provided on the inner slide which, during use, interact with one or more articulated fins provided on the outer housing to further prevent the sliding movement of the inner slide with respect to to the outer shell beyond the open position. For example, the containers according to the invention may comprise an inner slide

5 formed from a single laminar initial piece of a piece similar to that shown in Figure 4, where, during use, the upper retention fins folded in 52 of the outer shell 4 are coupled to the flanges lower closure 56 of the inner slide 6 to further prevent the sliding movement of the inner slide 6 with respect to the outer shell 4 beyond the open position.

The invention has been exemplified above by referring to the containers comprising a

10 internal slide that is sliding inside the outer housing between a closed position, in which the interiors of the first and second compartment are inaccessible, and an "fully" open position, in which the interiors of the first and second compartment two accessible. However, the containers according to the invention may comprise an inner slide that is sliding inside the outer housing between a closed position and an "fully" open position through one or more intermediate positions "partially

15 open "in which the interior of one between the first and the second compartment is inaccessible and the interior of the other between the first and the second compartment is accessible.

Claims (15)

1. A double compartment housing and slide compartment (2, 72), comprising: an outer shell (4); Y a slide (6) having a first compartment (38) with a first access opening and a second compartment (40) with a second access opening, which is sliding inside the outer housing (4) between a closed position, in which the first and second access opening are occluded by the outer housing (4) such that the interiors of the first (38) and the second (40) compartment are inaccessible, and an open position, characterized in that, in the open position, the interior of the first (38) and the second (40) compartment are accessible and the second access opening of the internal slide (6) is substantially aligned with a third access opening (20) which is it provides in the outer casing (4) such that the interiors of the second compartment (40) of the inner slider (6) is accessible through the second and third (20) access openings.

2.

A container (2, 72) according to claim 1, wherein in the open position at least a part of the first access opening is projected out of the outer shell (4) through an open end (18) of the same in such a way that the interior of the first compartment (38) of the inner slide (6) is accessible through the first access opening.

3.

A container (2, 72) according to claim 2 wherein the inner slide further comprises a first compartment cover (42), which in the closed position covers the first access opening and which in the open position is movable to a position in which at least the part of the first access opening that projects out of the outer shell (4) is discovered.

Four.

A container (72) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the inner slide further comprises a second cover (74), which in the closed position covers the second access opening and which in the open position is movable to a position in which is discovered at least a part of the second access opening.

5.

A container (72) according to claim 4, wherein an indicator comprising at least one reversible thermochromic material is provided on the second compartment cover (74).

6.

A container (72) according to claims 4 and 5, wherein on a part of the outer shell (4), which overlaps the second compartment cover (74) in the closed position, a thermal indicator is provided comprising At least one reversible thermochromic material.

7.

A container (2, 72) according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner slide (6) is sliding inside the outer shell (4) between the closed position and the open position through an intermediate position in which the interior of one between the first (38) and the second compartment (40) is inaccessible and the inside of the other between the first (38) and the second (40) compartment is accessible.

8.

A container (2, 72) according to claim 7, wherein in the intermediate position the interior of the second compartment (40) is inaccessible and the interior of the first compartment (38) is accessible.

9.

A container (2, 72) according to any preceding claim further comprising retaining means (52, 70) to prevent the inner slide (6) from being removed from the outer housing (4).

10.

A container (2, 72) according to claim 9, wherein the retention means (52, 70) prevent the movement of the inner slide (6) beyond the open position.

eleven.

A container (2, 72) according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one cutout (22) is provided along a free edge of the outer shell (4).

12.

A container (2, 72) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first compartment (38) of the inner slide (6) is larger than the second compartment (40) of the inner slide (6).

13.

A container (2, 72) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first compartment (38) of the inner slide (6) contains a plurality of consumer goods and the second compartment (40) of the inner slide (6) is a waste compartment

14.

A container (72) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first compartment (38) of the inner slider (6) and the second compartment (40) of the inner slider (6) are formed from independent folded laminar initial parts.

fifteen.

A container (2, 72) according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one between the first

(38) and the second (40) interior slide compartment (6) contains a plurality of smoking articles.