IES20020775A2 - A container - Google Patents

Abstract

A container (1) for concealing cigarette packs (2) of twenty cigarettes per pack and for facilitating dispensing of the cigarette packs (2) therefrom. The container (1) defines a hollow interior region (4) for the cigarette packs (2). A pair of outlet openings (5,6) are provided from the hollow interior region (4) for facilitating sequential withdrawal of the cigarette packs (2) from the hollow interior region (4). Depending on the orientation of the container (1), one or other of the outlet openings (5,6) is used for withdrawing the cigarette packs (2). A closure flap (19) is pivotally carried on the container (1) for closing the outlet opening (5), and a closure flap (24) is pivotally connected to the container (1) for closing the outlet opening (6). Thumb and finger accommodating recesses (17) are provided adjacent the outlet opening (5) for facilitating withdrawal of the cigarette packs (2) through the outlet opening (5), while thumb and finger accommodating recesses (22) are provided for facilitating withdrawal of the cigarette packs (2) through the outlet opening (6). The container (1) is of opaque plastics material and the closure flaps (19,24) are also of opaque plastics material for concealing the cigarette packs in the container for complying with recently introduced anti-smoking legislation in Ireland which prevents display of cigarette packs to the purchasing public. <Figure 1>

Description

The present invention relates to a container for packaged articles, and in particular, to a container which facilitates sequential removal ofthe packaged articles, for example, cigarette packs, and the invention also relates to a cabinet comprising a plurality of the containers.

Smoking cigarettes and other tobacco articles is generally considered now to be a serious health hazard, and many diseases have been linked directly to smoking, for example, cardiovascular diseases, lung diseases, and cancer. Authorities in many jurisdictions are currently implementing many measures which are intended to reduce the number of people smoking, and to encourage those not yet smoking not to commence the habit of smoking. Such measures include the requirement for manufacturers to clearly print health warnings on packages and packaging for cigarettes and other tobacco products; restrictions on advertising of cigarettes and other tobacco products, including restrictions on the types of advertising and locations of advertising, and indeed, in many jurisdictions an outright ban is placed on all forms of cigarette advertising; restrictions on the sponsoring and promoting of various events by cigarette companies, in particular, sporting events; restrictions on the sale and locations from which sales of cigarettes and other tobacco products can be made. Anti-smoking legislation has recently been introduced in Ireland which as well as imposing these restrictions on the sale and advertising of cigarettes, also proposes to implement a ban on the display of cigarettes and other tobacco products in stores and from other vending locations. Thus, it wilj be necessary to store OPEN TO PUBLIC INSPECTION UNDER SECTION 28 AN D RULE 23 IE Ο 2 07 7 5 cigarettes concealed from view of the purchasing public.

There is therefore a need for a container for packaged articles, and in particular, though not limited to cigarettes, for storing such packaged articles in a shop or other location whereby the packaged articles in the container can be readily accessed for selling to members of the purchasing public. There is also a need for a cabinet for such a container.

The present invention is directed towards providing such a container and a cabinet. io According to the invention there is provided a container for packaged articles, the container defining a hollow interior region for the packaged articles, and an outlet opening for facilitating sequential removal of the packaged articles from the hollow interior region, wherein the container is of a material which prevents viewing of the packaged articles therein, and a closure flap is provided for closing at least a part of the outlet opening and for preventing viewing of the packaged articles therein through the outlet opening, the closure flap being pivotally connected to the container, and being pivotal outwardly of the outlet opening as each packaged article is being removed from the hollow interior region through the outlet opening for facilitating ease of removal of the packaged articles.

In one embodiment of the invention the outlet opening is adapted for providing finger and thumb access to a packaged article adjacent the outlet opening for gripping thereof for removal from the hollow interior region.

I) -1 ΙΕ020Π5 Preferably, the closure flap closes the entire outlet opening, and preferably, is spring urged into a closed position closing the outlet opening.

In one embodiment of the invention a torsion spring is provided for urging the closure flap into the closed position.

In a further embodiment of the invention an urging means is provided for urging the packaged articles towards the outlet opening, and preferably, the urging means io comprises an article engaging member for engaging the packaged article most remote from the outlet opening, and advantageously, a spring urging means for urging the article engaging member, and in turn the packaged articles towards the outlet opening.

Advantageously, the spring urging means acts between the article engaging member and the container, and advantageously is provided by a compression spring. Alternatively, the spring urging means is provided by a tension spring.

In a further embodiment of the invention an indicating means is provided for indicating the number of packaged articles in the hollow interior region, and preferably, for providing a visual indication of the number of packaged articles therein, in one embodiment of the invention the indicating means is provided by at least one indicating opening through the container to the hollow interior region for providing visual access thereto, and preferably, for providing visual access to the article engaging means of the urging means.

In another embodiment of the invention a plurality of indicating openings are provided which coincide with respective positions of the article engaging means as the articles are sequentially removed through the outlet opening. Ideally, numbers are provided adjacent the one or more outlet openings, each number corresponding to the number of packaged articles in the hollow interior region and being located at a position corresponding to the position of the article engaging member for the corresponding number of packaged articles remaining in the hollow interior region.

Alternatively, the indicating means comprises an elongated indicating member of flexible material connected to the article engaging member of the urging means and moveable therewith, the flexible member being arranged to pass a viewing opening for facilitating viewing of the indicating member, the indicating member carrying a plurality of numbers corresponding to the numbers of packaged articles remaining in the hollow interior region, the relationship between the positioning of the numbers on the indicating means, and the viewing opening being such that the number exposed by the viewing opening corresponds to the number of packaged articles remaining in the hollow interior region.

Ideally, the flexible member is an endless flexible member and extends around the hollow interior region.

In a further embodiment of the invention the container is adapted for packaged IE Ο 2 Ο 7 7 5 cigarettes, and ideally, for packaged cigarettes in which the cigarettes are packaged in packs of ten cigarettes to twenty cigarettes, and preferably, for packs of twenty cigarettes.

Ina further embodiment of the invention the hollow interior region defined by the container is an elongated hollow interior region for receiving the cigarette packs stacked one above the other.

Preferably, the hollow interior region is of size for holding one stack of cigarette 10 packs, and preferably, a stack of cigarette packs containing in the range of ten packs to forty packs, and advantageously, fifteen packs to twenty-five packs, and ideally, twenty packs.

In a further embodiment of the invention the container is adapted for fitting into a 15 cabinet, and ideally, the container comprises a releasable securing means for releasably securing the container in the cabinet. Ideally, the securing means comprises at least one keyhole slot for engaging a complementary inter-engaging means in the cabinet, and ideally, a pair of spaced apart keyhole slots are provided.

In a still further embodiment of the invention the container is adapted for retrofitting into a cabinet.

Additionally, the invention provides a cabinet comprising a receiving compartment for receiving at least one container according to the invention, and preferably, the ΙΕΟ 2 0 7 7 5 receiving compartment is adapted for receiving the container with the outlet opening of the container readily accessible from the exterior of the cabinet.

In one embodiment of the invention the receiving compartment is adapted for receiving a plurality of containers, and preferably, for receiving a plurality of the containers stacked one above the other in a column of containers.

In another embodiment of the invention the receiving compartment is adapted for receiving a plurality of the containers arranged side by side in a horizontal row.

In a further embodiment of the invention the receiving compartment is adapted for receiving a plurality of the containers arranged in a matrix having a plurality of vertical columns and horizontal rows.

In a further embodiment of the invention an engaging means is provided in the receiving compartment, one for each container, and preferably, a pair of engaging means is provided for each container, each engaging means being adapted for engaging a corresponding releasable securing means of the container.

In a further embodiment of the invention a door is provided for closing the receiving compartment of the container, and in another embodiment of the invention a pair of doors is provided for closing the receiving compartment.

In one embodiment of the invention the cabinet is a cigarette display cabinet which £0 20 7 7 5 was originally provided for visually displaying cigarettes in a receiving compartment, and display racks located in the receiving compartment are removed for facilitating locating the containers therein.

In another embodiment of the invention the cabinet is a display counter, and the receiving compartment is located beneath the display counter and preferably, to the rear thereof.

The invention further provides a display stand for receiving at least one container io according to the invention.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof, which are given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig is a perspective view of a container according to the invention, Fig is another perspective view of the container of Fig. 1, Fig is a further perspective view of the container of Fig. 1, Fig is a still further perspective view of the container of Fig. 1, Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the container of Fig. 1 illustrated in use ΙΕ020Π5 Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the container of Fig. 1, Fig. 1 is another exploded perspective view of the container of Fig. 1, Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a cabinet according to the invention containing a plurality of the containers of Fig. 1, Fig. 9 is a perspective view of another cabinet also according to the invention 10 containing a plurality of the containers of Fig. 1, Fig. 10 is a transverse cross-sectional side elevational view of a portion of a cabinet according to another embodiment of the invention containing a plurality of the containers of Fig. 1, Fig. 11 is a side elevational view of a display stand also according to the invention, Fig. 12 is a perspective view ofthe display stand of Fig. 11 in use, Fig. 13 is a front elevational view of a container according to another embodiment of the invention, Fig. 14 is a side elevational view of the container of Fig. 13, ΙΕΟ 207 75 Fig. 15 is an underneath plan view of the container of Fig. 13 in the direction ofthe arrow X of Fig. 14, Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a portion of the container of Fig. 13, Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional front elevational view of a detail of the container of Fig. 13, and Fig. 18 is a side elevational view of the container of Fig. 13 illustrated in use.

Referring to the drawings and initially to Figs. 1 to 7, there is illustrated a container according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 for storing a plurality of packs 2 of cigarettes, in which each pack 2 is of size for containing twenty cigarettes. The container 1 defines a hollow interior region 4 within which twenty cigarette packs 2 each containing twenty cigarettes are stacked one above the other in a column. A pair of outlet openings 5 and 6 are located at respective opposite ends of the container 1 for facilitating sequential removal of the cigarette packs 2 from the hollow interior region 4 at respective opposite ends 8 and 9 thereof, although only one of the outlet openings 5 and 6 will be used as will be described below. The container 1 is particularly suitable for mounting along with a plurality of similar containers in a cabinet for storing different brands of cigarettes, and this will be described in more detail with reference to Figs. 8 to 10.

The container 1 is of opaque plastics material for concealing the cigarette packs 2 in the hollow interior region 4 from the public, and comprises front and rear end walls 10 and 11 which are joined by side walls 12. A bottom wall 14 extending between the end walls 10 and 11 and the side walls 12 closes the end 8 of the hollow interior region 4, and a top wall 15 partly closes the end 9 of the hollow interior region 4.

The bottom wall 14 defines with the side walls 12 and the front end wall 10 the outlet opening 5 for facilitating sequential removal of the cigarette packs 2. The area of the outlet opening 5 when viewed from the front substantially defines the transverse cross-sectional area of a cigarette pack 2. Recesses 17 are formed in the side walls 12 adjacent the outlet opening 5 for accommodating a finger and a thumb for facilitating gripping of each cigarette pack 2 adjacent the outlet opening 5 for removal therefrom. A closure flap 19 also of opaque plastics material, which is pivotally carried on the front end wall 10 above the outlet opening 5 depends downwardly therefrom to close the front of the outlet opening 5 for preventing visual access to an end 20 of the cigarette pack 2 within the hollow interior region 4 located adjacent the outlet opening 5. The closure flap 19 is freely pivotal from a closed position closing the outlet opening to an open position as each cigarette pack 2 is being withdrawn through the outlet opening 5 for facilitating ease of withdrawal of the cigarette packs 2 through the outlet opening 5. In general, it is envisaged that cigarette packs 2 will be removed through the outlet opening 5 when the container 1 is mounted in a vertical orientation or an inclined orientation with the outlet opening 5 located at the lower end of the container 1 so that the cigarette packs are urged downwardly in the hollow interior region towards the outlet opening 5 under gravity. ΙΕ ο 2 ο Ί Ί 5 Turning now to the outlet opening 6, the outlet opening 6 is defined by the top wall 15, the side walls 12 and the front end wall 10. A pair of recesses 22 extend into the side walls 12 adjacent the outlet opening 6 for accommodating a finger and thumb for gripping a cigarette pack 2 adjacent the outlet opening 6. A closure flap 24 also of opaque plastics material is pivotally connected to the front end wall 10 for closing the outlet opening 6, and for preventing visual access to the end of the cigarette pack 2 adjacent the outlet opening 6. The closure flap 24 is freely pivotal from a closed position closing the outlet opening 6 to an open position as the cigarette pack 2 adjacent the outlet opening 6 is being withdrawn therethrough. In general, it is io envisaged that the container 1 will be oriented so that the outlet opening 6 is located adjacent the top of the container 1, when the outlet opening 6 is to be used for withdrawing cigarette packs 2 from the container 1.

An urging means comprising an urging mechanism 25 is located in the hollow interior region 4 for urging the cigarette packs 2 along the hollow interior region 4 towards the outlet opening 6. The urging mechanism 25 comprises a carrier plate 27 which is releasably secured to the rear end wall 11 within the hollow interior region 4, see Fig. 6. A pressure plate 28 slideably carried on the carrier plate 27 is slideable longitudinally along the carrier plate 27 from the bottom wall 14 to the top wall 15 for urging the cigarette packs 2 towards the outlet opening 6. A compression spring (not shown) but housed in the carrier plate 27 urges the pressure plate 28 towards the top wall 15. In general, it is envisaged that the outlet opening 6 will be used instead of the outlet opening 5 when it is desired to withdraw cigarette packs 2 from the top end of the container. For example, the outlet opening 6 would be used ¢0 2 07 7 5 when the container is vertically oriented or inclined but with the outlet opening 6 towards the top of the container 1 when it is desired to withdraw the cigarette packs 2 through the top end of the container. Additionally, the outlet opening 6 will be used when the container 1 is horizontally oriented, since the cigarette packs 2 would not feed to the outlet opening 5 under gravity. However, when it is desired to mount the container vertically or inclined and withdraw cigarette packs 2 from the bottom end of the container, in general, once the angle of inclination of the container 1 is such that the cigarette packs 2 will feed under gravity to the outlet opening 5, then the container 1 will be mounted with the outlet opening 5 toward the bottom, and the outlet opening 5 will be used for withdrawing cigarette packs from the container 1. In such cases, the urging mechanism 25 would not be required, and thus would be removed from the hollow interior region 4. Typically, if the container 1 is to be supplied for removal of cigarettes through the outlet opening 6, the container 1 will be supplied with the urging mechanism 25 in place, and where the container 1 is supplied for removal of the cigarette packs 2 through the outlet opening 5, the container 1 will be supplied without the urging mechanism 25.

A releasable securing means for securing the container in a cabinet as will be described below comprises a pair of keyhole slots 30 in the rear end wall 10.

The front end wall 10 is removable from the container 1 for facilitating charging of the hollow interior region 4 with cigarette packs 2. Side flanges 31 extending rearwardly on each side of the front end wall 10 releasably engage the side walls 12 with a snap-fit action. ΙΕΟ 207 7 5 In use, when the container 1 is to be used such that cigarette packs 2 are to be sequentially withdrawn through the outlet opening 5, as mentioned above, the urging mechanism 25 is omitted from the container 1. The container 1 is oriented in such a manner that the cigarette packs 2 within the hollow interior region 4 are urged downwardly towards the outlet opening 5 under gravity. As a cigarette pack 2 is required, a user grips the cigarette pack adjacent the outlet opening 5 on either side thereof through the recesses 17 and withdraws the cigarette pack 2 through the outlet opening 5. The next lowest cigarette pack 2 in the hollow interior region 4 then under gravity takes up the position of the just withdrawn cigarette pack 2 adjacent the outlet opening 5.

When the container 1 is to be used such that cigarette packs 2 are to be sequentially withdrawn through the outlet opening 6, the urging mechanism 25 is provided in the hollow interior region 4 and the container 1 is oriented such that the outlet opening 6 is readily accessible. A user wishing to withdraw a cigarette pack 2 from the container 1 grips the cigarette pack 2 adjacent the outlet opening 6 between a finger and thumb through the recesses 22 and urges the cigarette pack 2 through the outlet opening 6. The urging mechanism 25 urges the column of cigarette packs in the hollow interior region 4 towards the outlet opening 6 such that the next adjacent cigarette pack takes up a position adjacent the outlet opening 6 after the preceding cigarette pack 2 has been withdrawn.

Referring now to Fig. 8, there is illustrated a cabinet, namely, a display counter ΙΕΟ 2 Ο? 7 5 according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 40. The display counter 40 is of the type which comprises a top display area 41 in which confectionery, such as sweets, bars and the like are typically displayed. The display counter 40 defines a receiving compartment 43 beneath the top display area 41, and a plurality of shelves 44 are located within the receiving compartment 43 for receiving rows 45 ofthe containers 1. The containers 1 in this embodiment of the invention are oriented horizontally with their respective top ends 9 facing outwardly from the receiving compartment 43, and the outlet openings 6 are accessible. Thus, in this embodiment of the invention the containers 1 are oriented so that cigarette io packs 2 can be sequentially withdrawn through the respective outlet openings 6. Although not illustrated, a plurality of pairs of engagement studs (not shown) are provided on each of the shelves 44 for engaging the corresponding keyhole slots 30 of each container of an adjacent container 1 for retaining the containers 1 in place on the shelves 44. It is envisaged that each container 1 will store a different brand of pack 2 of cigarettes.

Referring now to Fig. 9, there is illustrated a display cabinet also according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 50 which in this embodiment of the invention is of the type which comprises a top display area 51 on which confectionery, such as sweets, bars and the like are displayed, and lower display areas 52 in which other items may be displayed, typically, crisps and the like. The display cabinet 50 defines a rear receiving compartment 54 for receiving a plurality of the containers 1 arranged in rows 55. In this embodiment of the invention two rows 55 of containers 1 are illustrated, one row 55a being behind the other row 55b.

IE Ο 2 017 5 The containers 1 in this embodiment of the invention are vertically orientated, and the outlet opening 6 adjacent the top end 9 thereof is used for withdrawing cigarette packs 2 from the hollow interior regions 4 of the respective containers 1. In order to facilitate access to the outlet openings 6, the containers 1 in the back row 55a are at a higher level than the containers 1 in the front row 55b. As with the cabinet 40 it is envisaged that each container 1 will store a different brand of cigarettes.

Referring now to Fig. 10, there is illustrated a cabinet also according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 60. The cabinet 60 in this embodiment io of the invention is a typical cigarette display cabinet, having a receiving compartment 61 from which display shelves have been removed. A plurality of support members (not shown) extend the width of the receiving compartment 61 for supporting a plurality of the containers 1 within the receiving compartment 61. In this embodiment of the invention the containers 1 are arranged within the receiving compartment 61 in vertical columns 62 and in horizontal rows to form a matrix of containers 1. The containers 1 are oriented and arranged in the receiving compartment 61 so that their outlet openings 5 are accessible and cigarette packs 2 are withdrawn through the outlet openings 5. A plurality of front plates 65 are pivotally mounted to the front of the receiving compartment 61, and are pivotal downwardly for facilitating insertion and removal of the containers 1 into the receiving compartment 61. Although not illustrated, a plurality of engagement studs are located on the support members (not shown) for engaging corresponding keyhole slots 30 of the containers 1 for retaining the containers 1 securely in the receiving compartment 61.

Referring now to Figs. 11 and 12 there is illustrated a display stand also according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 70. The display stand 70 comprises a ground engaging base 71 having a pair of upstanding side support members 72 which support a display unit 73 in which a plurality of containers 1 according to the invention are located for storing different brands of cigarettes. The display unit 73 comprises a pair of side walls 74 and an upwardly inclined arcuate support wall 75 extending between the side walls 74 for supporting the containers 1. In this embodiment of the invention two rows 76 of containers 1 are supported in the display unit 73. Support members (not shown) extending between the side wall 74 which carry engagement studs (also not shown) for engaging the keyhole slots 30 in the containers 1 support and secure the containers 1 in the display unit 73. In this embodiment of the invention the containers 1 are arranged so that the cigarette packs may be withdrawn through the outlet opening 5 of each container 1, and are fed to the outlet opening 5 by gravity feed.

In use, the display stand 70 is placed on the ground as illustrated in Fig. 11, and is stabilised by placing a counter 77 on the ground engaging base 71.

Referring now to Figs. 13 to 18, there is illustrated a container according to another embodiment of the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 80. The container 80 is substantially similar to the container 1 and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The container 80 is also for storing a plurality of cigarette packs 2 concealed from the public, in which each pack 2 is of size containing twenty cigarettes. In this embodiment of the invention the container IEO 2 0 7 7 5 is of opaque plastics material, and is sized to store a maximum of twelve cigarette packs 2. The front and rear end walls 10 and 11 and the side walls 12 along with the bottom wall 14 and the top wall 15 define the hollow interior region 4. However, in this embodiment of the invention the front end wall 10 is pivotally connected to the respective side walls 12 by pivot pins 81 for facilitating pivoting of the front end wall 10 between an open position exposing the hollow interior region 4 for facilitating rapid filling of the hollow interior region 4 with packs 2, and a closed position defining with the rear end wall 11, side walls 12 and bottom and top walls 14 and 15 the hollow interior region 4. Additionally, in this embodiment of the invention the outlet opening 5 is defined by the front end wall 10, the side walls 12 and the bottom wall 14.

The closure flap 19 is of opaque plastics material, and is pivotally connected to the front end wall 10 by pivot pins 82 extending from the closure flap 19 which are pivotally engageable with pivot bores 83 in corresponding side wings 87 extending from opposite sides of the front end wall 10. A torsion spring (not shown) is provided on the closure flap 19 for co-operating with the front end wall 10 for spring urging the closure flap into a position abutting the bottom wall 14 at 85 for substantially closing a forwardly facing portion of the outlet opening 5.

In this embodiment of the invention releasable catches 86 are provided on the front end wall 10 for releasably engaging the side walls 12 for in turn releasably securing the front end wall 10 in the closed position. In this embodiment of the invention the catches 86 are provided by recesses (not shown) in the side wings 87 of the front ΙΕΟ 207 Η IS end wall 10 which engage corresponding projections (also not shown) extending outwardly from the side walls 12 for releasably engaging the recesses (not shown).

In order to disengage the catches 86 the side walls 12 adjacent the outlet opening 5 are urged inwardly towards each other for releasing the projections from the recesses. Outwardly projecting surfaces 88 on the side wings 87 of the front end wall 10 are illustrated in Fig. 14 which form the outer side of the side wings 87 adjacent the recesses (not shown).

In this embodiment of the invention the urging means for urging the packs 2 towards io the outlet opening 5 is provided by an article engaging member, namely, the pressure plate 28. A coiled clock spring 89 is carried on the pressure plate 28, and a free end 96 of the spring 89 is anchored at 101 to the rear wail 11 adjacent the bottom wall 14 for urging the pressure plate 28 against the packs 2, for in turn urging the packs along the hollow interior region 4 to the outlet opening 5. The pressure plate 28 is of a colour different to that of the material of the container 1, and also forms an indicating means for indicating the number of packs 2 remaining in the hollow interior region 4. A plurality of transversely extending indicating slots 90 are provided in the front end wall 10 for facilitating viewing of the pressure plate 28. The indicating slots 90 are located at appropriate positions which correspond to the incremental position of the pressure plate 28 as the packs 2 are being sequentially removed from the container 1. Accordingly, the pressure plate 28 is sequentially viewable through the respective indicating slots 90 as the pressure plate 28 is incremented along the hollow interior region 4 as the packs 2 are being sequentially removed through the outlet opening 5. The indicating slots 90 are numbered from ΙΕΟ20 J 75 twelve down to three, indicating the number of packs 2 remaining in the container when the pressure plate 28 is viewable through the corresponding indicating slot 90.

Additionally, another indicating means is provided also for indicating the number of packs 2 remaining in the hollow interior region 4. This indicating means is provided by an elongated flexible indicating member, namely, an endless ribbon 92 which extends around the hollow interior region 4, and is retained captive in a recess 93 extending through the side walls 12 and the bottom and top walls 14 and 15, respectively. Lips 94 extending along the recess 93 retain the ribbon 92 captive in the recess 93. The ribbon 92 is secured by a mounting bracket 95 to the pressure plate 28 and is incremented along the recess 93 as the pressure plate 28 is incremented along the hollow interior region 4 as the packs 2 are being sequentially removed through the outlet opening 5. Numbers from one to twelve are provided on the ribbon 92 for indicating the number of packs 2 remaining in the hollow interior region 4. A viewing opening 97 is provided in the bottom wall 14 into the recess 93 for facilitating viewing of the numbers on the ribbon 92. The numbers are located on the ribbon 92 at appropriate locations relative to the pressure plate 28 and the viewing opening 97 in the bottom wall 14, so that the number of packs remaining in the hollow interior region can be determined by viewing the ribbon 92 through the viewing opening 97.

T-shaped slots 98 are provided in portions ofthe side walls 12 extending rearwardly of the rear end wall 11 for accommodating Z-shaped brackets 99 for facilitating mounting a plurality of containers 1 side by side on a wall 100 or in a cabinet. One ΙΕΟ 2 07 7 5 ofthe containers 80 is illustrated mounted on the Z-shaped brackets 99 on a wall 100 in Fig. 18. As can be seen, the containers 1 can be removed and replaced on the Z-shaped brackets 99 by urging the container 1 upwardly until the container 1 can be withdrawn outwardly in the direction ofthe arrows Y from the wall 100.

In use, with the front end wall 10 pivoted into the open position and the pressure plate 28 urged towards the top wall 15, twelve packs of cigarettes are inserted in the hollow interior region 4, and the front end wall 10 is closed with the projections (not shown) extending from the side walls 12 engaging the corresponding recesses (not io shown) in the side wings 87 of the front end wall 10. The container 80 is then ready for use, and may be located in any suitable cabinet, or indeed, may be wall mounted on the brackets 99. Where the container 80 is wall mounted on the brackets 99 the container 1 is mounted with the outlet opening 5 adjacent the lower end thereof, packs 2 of cigarettes are withdrawn through the outlet opening 5. As each pack is being withdrawn through the outlet opening 5 it is gripped by the thumb and finger through the recesses 17 and urged outwardly against the closure flap 19. The spring urging of the closure flap 19 is such as to permit relatively easy withdrawal of the packs 2 through the outlet opening 5. As soon as a pack 2 has been withdrawn through the outlet opening 5, the closure flap is returned to engage the bottom wall 14 under the action of the torsion spring (not shown).

As each pack 2 is withdrawn through the outlet opening 5, the pressure plate 28 is incremented downwardly from its position towards the top wall 15 to the bottom wall 14. On each incremental movement of the pressure plate 28 it is visible through the appropriate indicating slot 90, thus indicating the number of packs 2 remaining in the hollow interior region 4. Additionally, as the pressure plate 28 is incremented downwardly towards the bottom waif 14 the ribbon 92 is incremented around the recess 93, thus presenting a number to the viewing opening 97 for indicating the number of packs remaining in the container 1.

The advantage of providing the indicating ribbon 92 and the viewing opening 97 in the bottom wail 14 is that it facilitates horizontal, or indeed, upside-down mounting of the container 1, where the front wall 10 may be obscured by a wall of the cabinet in io which the container may be mounted. However, in such cases the bottom wall 14 would be visible, and thus, the indicating ribbon 92 would be visible through the viewing opening 97, thus giving an indication of the number of packs remaining in the hollow interior region 4.

The advantages of the invention are many. A particularly important advantage of the invention is that cigarette packs 2 in the containers 1 and 80 are concealed from the purchasing public, and thus, the containers 1 and 80 according to the invention, and the cabinets also according to the invention with the containers 1 and 80 located therein comply with the requirements of the recently introduced anti-smoking legislation in Ireland, which prevents display of cigarette packs to the purchasing public.

While the container 1 has been described as comprising two outlet openings 5 and 6, it is envisaged that containers may be provided in two forms, one having an outlet IEO2071 5 opening 5, and the other form having an outlet opening 6.

It is also envisaged that in certain cases, it may be desirable to orient the container 1 with the outlet 5 to the top and the outlet 6 to the bottom. In which case, it is envisaged that the urging mechanism 25 would be located in the hollow interior region 4, and would be arranged so that the pressure plate 28 would urge the cigarette packs 2 towards the top wall 15.

It will be appreciated that the containers according to the invention are suitable for both retrofitting into cabinets, such as, for example, the types described with reference to Figs. 8 to 10, and they are also suitable for mounting in new and custom made cabinets.

While the containers according to the invention have been described as being of plastics material, the containers may be of any other suitable material. Additionally, while the containers have been described as being of opaque plastics material, other suitable materials, plastics material or otherwise, may be used which may not necessarily be opaque, provided that visual access to the contents of the container is prevented. For example, while the material may not be opaque, it may be translucent but would be approaching being opaque, in order to prevent identification of the contents of the containers.

While the containers have been described for cigarette packs of twenty cigarettes in each pack, the containers may be sized for other sized packs, for example, packs of ΙΕ ο 2 ο Ί 7 5 ten, packs of fifty, or indeed, packs of any desired number of cigarettes. It will also be appreciated that the containers according to the invention may be provided for cigars, and other tobacco products, and would be appropriately sized and shaped. Needless to say, the containers may be of any size for storing more or less packs than those already described. It will also be appreciated that the containers according to the invention may be provided for storing packs of other products besides cigarettes and tobacco products.

Further, it will be appreciated that the containers may be adapted for fitting into any other types of cabinets besides those described. Indeed, it is envisaged that the containers according to the invention may be adapted for wall mounting directly onto a wall, floor mounting, or direct mounting onto any panel or base.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described, which may be varied in construction and detail.

Claims (5)

1. A container for packaged articles, the container defining a hollow interior region for the packaged articles, and an outlet opening for facilitating sequential removal of the packaged articles from the hollow interior region, wherein the 5 container is of a material which prevents viewing of the packaged articles therein, and a closure flap is provided for closing at least a part of the outlet opening and for preventing viewing of the packaged articles therein through the outlet opening, the closure flap being pivotally connected to the container, and being pivotal outwardly of the outlet opening as each packaged article is being removed from the hollow 10 interior region through the outlet opening for facilitating ease of removal of the packaged articles.

2. A container as claimed in Claim 1 in which the closure flap closes the entire outlet opening, and is spring urged into a closed position closing the outlet opening.

3. A container as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which an urging means is provided for urging the packaged articles towards the outlet opening, the urging means comprising an article engaging member for engaging the packaged article most remote from the outlet opening, and a spring urging means for urging the article 20 engaging member, and in turn the packaged articles towards the outlet opening.

4. A container for packaged articles, the container being substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. IE0 20 7 75

5. A cabinet comprising a plurality of the containers as claimed in any preceding claim. F.F. GORMAN & CO. 10. IEO2 0 7 7 5 IE0 2 01 T 5 hu Ih 1 n A /2 _ , NS flG 13 ω c ω ν -Ρ d ω |_1_