ITBO20130238A1 - RIGID PACKAGE WITH HINGED LID AND CORRESPONDING METHOD OF WRITING AND PACKAGING MACHINE. - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

"Rigid packaging with hinged lid and corresponding wrapping method and packing machine."

TECHNIQUE SECTOR

The present invention relates to a packaging of smoking articles and to the corresponding wrapping method and packing machine. In particular, the present invention relates to a package of smoking articles of the rigid type with hinged lid and to the corresponding wrapping method and packing machine.

In the following description, reference will be made, for the sake of brevity, to a rigid packet of cigarettes with a hinged lid, without the present invention having to lose generality.

ANTERIOR ART

Generally, a hinged lid rigid cigarette packet comprises a soft inner envelope enclosed within a rigid outer container. Access to the internal casing is obtained by means of a lid, always of the rigid type, provided for the external container and hinged to it.

The soft inner casing is made by wrapping a group of cigarettes around a suitably shaped sheet of wrapping. In this regard, in order to better preserve the organoleptic characteristics of the tobacco contained in cigarettes, it is known the creation of an internal envelope of the sealed type, made by folding and heat-sealing a wrapping sheet of waterproof material.

To allow the cigarettes to be extracted from the internal wrapping, an extraction opening is made on the wrapping sheet, which is covered with a closing element of the type that can be repositioned after the first opening. This is normally achieved by means of a panel equipped with repositionable adhesive that does not dry on the perimeter portions in contact with the internal container to be of the â € œopen and closeâ € type. It is further known to provide such a closing element with a gripping flap for the user, which is free of adhesive and is suitable for facilitating the handling of the closing element. Therefore, to lift and reposition the panel, a user can easily grasp the grip flap which is in no way fixed to the underlying internal casing but simply superimposed on it and kept in position by the integral coupling with the panel.

Despite the presence of the grip flap, it is often difficult for the user to access the cigarette extraction opening. In fact, to guarantee the seal, the panel is integral with the internal container and extends over the same over a considerable area, leaving a small area of the casing on which to develop on the grip edge.

In addition, it is known to realize the grip flap as an appendage of the closing element itself. In this case, the portion defining the grip edge is made by superimposing a further layer of material on the adhesive surface so as to avoid contact with the user. Alternatively, if the closing element is made of a multilayer material, the portion defining the gripping element is obtained, simply, without removing the layer superimposed on the adhesive. In both cases, the plurality of layers that make up the gripping flap provide it with a high degree of rigidity which tends to keep it well adhered to the surface of the internal casing without the use of adhesives or joining means, thus making it difficult way to lift.

It is further known to provide a gripping flap which extends from the lid in the direction of the front major wall of the rigid container. In this case, the front major wall is provided with a shape, or recess, suitable for housing the grip flap in a configuration coplanar to the wall itself. This solution, although aesthetically pleasing, is extremely difficult for the user who is forced to lift the gripping flap, separating it from the main front wall, operating in the extremely reduced space of the interstices.

Furthermore, the first opening requires the application of sufficient force, such as to allow the closing element to break the perimeter pre-incisions, made on the portion of the inner container below, designed to define the opening for extracting the cigarettes .

It would therefore be desirable to have a package of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, capable of minimizing the drawbacks described above. In particular, it would be desirable to have a package of smoking items that presents an improved usability for the user, simplifying the opening and closing operations of the same.

It would also be desirable to have a package of smoking articles which are cheap and simple to manufacture.

Finally, it would be desirable to have a package of smoking articles which has a pleasant aesthetic appearance.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide a package of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, of the rigid type with hinged lid which has an improved usability and is, at the same time, easy and economical to manufacture.

In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a pack of smoking articles that is easy and quick to open.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a wrapping method and a packing machine for manufacturing a package of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, of the rigid type with hinged lid.

The aforementioned purposes are achieved by a package of smoking articles, in particular of cigarettes, in accordance with the attached claims.

The package includes:

- a soft inner casing provided with an extraction opening and enclosing a group of smoking articles;

- a closing element, suitable for covering and sealing the extraction opening, provided with repositionable adhesive which does not dry on at least a portion of the internal surface in contact with the soft internal covering;

- a gripping flap of the closing element without adhesive;

- a rigid external container, enclosing the soft internal casing, comprising a front major wall and a rear major wall, parallel and opposite, and a rigid lid hinged to the rear major wall, able to rotate between a first opening position and a second closing position of the external rigid container;

the packaging of smoking items is characterized by the fact that the grip flap protrudes from the rigid lid extending overlapping the main front wall in an area that can be grasped between at least two fingers of a user, when the rigid lid is in the second closed position.

In this way, the usability of the package for the user is considerably improved thanks to the possibility of using the grip flap without the need to operate on it for its extraction or lifting. The extension of the grip flap above the front major wall allows the user to open the lid directly by means of the flap itself. In this way, the user can easily access the enclosed smoking items through a single operation, the grip flap acting both as a means for opening the lid and as a means for opening the closing element.

Furthermore, the possibility of pinching the gripping flap between two fingers without acting on the package, in particular on the lid, avoids deformation of the same due to crushing or gripping.

Preferably, the gripping flap extends under the rigid lid in the longitudinal direction, towards the extraction opening, with a length of between 4mm and 20mm. Even more preferably, the gripping flap extends by a length of between 4mm and 10mm.

In this way, since the grip flap is devoid of adhesive, the effort required to open the lid, specifically at the first opening when it is solidly coupled to the rest of the container, does not interfere with the effort necessary to detach the lid. closing element from the casing it covers. In particular, the extension of the grip flap under the lid allows to separate the area of application of the force necessary to open the lid from the area of application of the force necessary to tear the opening of the lid. extraction along the pre-engravings with which, as is known, it is shaped.

Preferably, the gripping flap extends on the front major wall in the longitudinal direction of a length comprised between 10mm and the length of the front major wall. Even more preferably, the gripping flap extends a length between 10mm and 55mm. Even more preferably, the gripping flap extends by a length of between 15mm and 20mm.

Preferably, the gripping flap extends over the front major wall in a transverse direction by a width of between 5mm and the width of the front major wall. Even more preferably, the gripping flap extends a width of between 5mm and 25mm. Even more preferably, the gripping flap extends a width of between 20mm and 25mm.

In this way, the dimensions of the gripping flap are such that it can be interposed between at least two fingers of a user. In particular, these dimensions allow the gripping flap to be placed in the center of the fingertips, facilitating the application of effort.

Preferably, the gripping flap is a portion of the closing element.

In this way, the risk of detachment of the grip flap from the closing element is avoided even if this is subjected to repeated efforts to access the group of smoking articles.

Preferably, the gripping flap is at least partially transparent and / or reproduces at least a portion of the front major wall which it overlaps.

In this way, despite the wide extension and overlapping of the grip flap on the front major wall, it is possible to display or reproduce the necessary health warnings, any manufacturer's logo or other graphics on the package.

Preferably, the gripping flap is made of elastically deformable bending material.

In this way, the grip flap can easily assume its overlapping configuration on the front major wall even after use by the user. Elastic flexural deformation allows the grip flap to temper after being folded for use.

In a further aspect of the invention, the package comprises: - a soft inner casing provided with an extraction opening and enclosing a group of smoking articles;

- a closing element, suitable for covering and sealing the extraction opening, provided with repositionable adhesive which does not dry on at least a portion of the internal surface in contact with the soft internal covering;

- a gripping flap of the closing element without adhesive;

- a rigid external container, enclosing the soft internal casing, comprising a front major wall and a rear major wall, parallel and opposite, and a rigid lid hinged to the rear major wall, able to rotate between a first opening position and a second closing position of the external rigid container;

in which the grip flap is initially arranged in an internal configuration, characterized by the fact that the grip flap in the internal configuration is interposed between the front major wall and the soft inner casing when the rigid lid is in the second position closing, the grip flap protrudes from the rigid lid arranging itself in an external configuration extending overlapping the front major wall, in an area such as to be gripped between at least two fingers of a user, when the rigid lid is rotated for the first time in the first open position.

In this way, the package maintains its aesthetic appearance unaltered until it is first opened. The release of the grip flap allows the user to perceive the activation of the package. Furthermore, the release of the grip flap only at the first activation guarantees that the package is new even without the presence of any overwrapping.

Preferably, the gripping flap is coupled to the rigid lid to allow the gripping flap to come out in the external configuration. Even more preferably, the grip flap is coupled to the internal surface of the rigid lid by means of one or more points of glue, the bending elastic deformation of the grip flap allowing the detachment from the rigid lid at the first opening, when the rigid lid is rotated to the first open position.

In this way, the exit of the grip flap at the first opening of the package is guided by the lid, which ensures its subsequent overlap on the major front wall. In particular, the ability to flexibly deform the gripping flap allows it to accumulate energy during the dragging imposed by opening the lid and to use the stored energy to detach itself from the lid overlapping the major front wall.

Preferably, the external rigid container is provided with a raised portion in correspondence with the rigid lid, adapted to form a collar integrated in the front major wall.

In this way, the coupling of the rigid lid with the remaining part of the external rigid container is guaranteed even if it is made on a single blank.

The aforementioned purposes are further achieved by a wrapping method for manufacturing a container for smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, in accordance with the attached claims.

The wrapping method includes the phases of:

- making a plurality of non-passing incisions in a wrapping tape suitable for at least partially defining a plurality of extraction openings for the smoking articles;

- overlap and glue a closure element to each of the extraction openings, covering and sealing the extraction openings, the closure element being provided with repositionable adhesive which does not dry on at least a portion of the internal surface in contact with the tape € ™ wrapping and a grip flap without adhesive;

- obtain a wrapping sheet by cutting the wrapping tape, the wrapping sheet including an extraction opening and the corresponding closing element;

- fold up the wrapping sheet, enclosing a group of smoking items, creating a soft inner casing with an extraction opening;

- folding a blank, enclosing the soft inner casing, creating a rigid outer container comprising a front major wall and a rear major wall, parallel and opposite, and a rigid lid hinged to the rear major wall to rotate between a first opening position and a second closing position of the rigid outer container;

the method being characterized in that it comprises the steps of: - lifting, before completing the bending of the front major wall, the gripping flap with respect to the soft inner casing so as to overlap the gripping flap on the front major wall;

- fold the head portions of the blank making up the rigid lid over the raised grip flap, the grip flap coming out of the rigid lid extending overlapping the front major wall in an area such as to be grasped between at least two fingers of a user , when the rigid lid is placed in the second closed position. In this way, it is possible to obtain a package provided with a gripping flap superimposed on the front major wall applied before enclosing the internal envelope with the blank of the external container.

In a further aspect of the invention, the method comprises the steps of:

- making a plurality of non-passing incisions in a wrapping tape suitable for at least partially defining a plurality of extraction openings for the smoking articles;

- overlap and glue a closure element to each of the extraction openings, covering and sealing the extraction openings, the closure element being provided with repositionable adhesive which does not dry on at least a portion of the internal surface in contact with the tape wrapping and a grip flap without adhesive;

- obtain a wrapping sheet by cutting the wrapping tape, the wrapping sheet including an extraction opening and the corresponding closing element;

- fold up the wrapping sheet, enclosing a group of smoking items, creating a soft inner casing with an extraction opening;

- folding a blank, enclosing the soft inner casing, creating a rigid outer container comprising a front major wall and a rear major wall, parallel and opposite, and a rigid lid hinged to the rear major wall to rotate between a first opening position and a second closing position of the rigid outer container;

the method being characterized by the fact that it comprises the steps of: - completing the bending of the front major wall, interposing the gripping flap between the major wall and the soft inner casing;

- folding the head portions of the blank making up the rigid lid over the gripping flap;

- apply to the internal surface of the rigid lid one or more points of glue in correspondence with the area overlapping with said grip flap, before placing the rigid lid in the second closing position, allowing the coupling between the internal surface of the rigid lid and the grip flap for the exit of the grip flap in an external configuration that extends overlapping the front major wall, in an area such as to be gripped between at least two fingers of a user, when the rigid lid is ̈ turned to the first open position for the first time.

In this way, it is possible to produce a package provided with a gripping flap that can be activated by the user at the first opening.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of making on the blank, before folding around the soft inner casing, a raised portion in correspondence with the rigid lid, the raised portion making a collar integrated into the front major wall, the rigid lid overlapping the raised portion when it is placed in the second closed position.

In this way, any collar necessary to guarantee the coupling of the rigid lid with the remaining part of the external rigid container is made on the blank during the making of the package.

In a further aspect of the invention, the method comprises the steps of:

- making a plurality of non-passing incisions in a wrapping tape suitable for at least partially defining a plurality of extraction openings for the smoking articles;

- overlap and glue a closure element to each of the extraction openings, covering and sealing the extraction openings, the closure element being provided with repositionable adhesive which does not dry on at least a portion of the internal surface in contact with the tape € ™ wrapping and a grip flap without adhesive;

- obtain a wrapping sheet by cutting the wrapping tape, the wrapping sheet including an extraction opening and the corresponding closing element;

- fold up the wrapping sheet, enclosing a group of smoking items, creating a soft inner casing with an extraction opening;

- fold a blank, enclosing the soft inner casing provided with the collar, creating a rigid outer container comprising a front major wall and a rear major wall, parallel and opposite, and a rigid lid hinged to the rear major wall to rotate between a first open position and a second closed position of the rigid outer container;

the method being characterized by the fact that it includes the steps of: - applying a collar to the soft inner casing at the bottom end opposite the extraction opening;

- before completing the bending of the major front wall, lift the grip flap with respect to the soft inner casing in order to move the collar from the bottom end to the head end in correspondence with the extraction opening and so as to overlap the gripping flap on the collar and on the front major wall;

- fold the head portions of the blank making up the rigid lid over the raised grip flap, the grip flap coming out of the rigid lid extending overlapping the front major wall, in an area such as to be gripped between at least two fingers of a user, when the hard lid is placed in the second closed position. In this way, it is possible to produce a package provided with a collar separated from the blank and with a flap overlapping both the collar and the front wall of the package. In particular, the positioning and subsequent movement of the collar allow the gripping flap to be lifted only once, speeding up operations on the machine. The aforementioned purposes are further achieved by a packing machine for manufacturing a container for smoking articles, in particular for cigarettes, in accordance with the attached claims.

The machine includes:

- a first incision device for defining in the wrapping sheet a plurality of non-passing incisions suitable for at least partially defining a plurality of extraction openings for the smoking articles;

- a second coupling device for superimposing and gluing a closure element to each of the extraction openings, the closure element being provided with repositionable adhesive which does not dry on at least a portion of the internal surface in contact with the tape wrapping and a grip flap without adhesive;

- a first cutting unit to obtain a wrapping sheet by cutting the wrapping tape, the wrapping sheet including an extraction opening and the corresponding closing element;

- a first wrapping unit to fold the wrapping sheet enclosing a group of smoking items to create a soft inner wrapping provided with an extraction opening; - a second wrapping unit to fold a blank, enclosing the soft inner casing, creating a rigid outer container comprising a front major wall and a rear major wall, parallel and opposite, and a rigid lid hinged to the rear major wall to rotate between a first opening position and a second closing position of the rigid outer container;

the machine being characterized in that it comprises a folding device operatively connected to the second wrapping unit and able to lift the gripping flap with respect to the soft inner wrapping, before the second wrapping unit completes the folding of the front major wall, so as to overlap the gripping flap on the front major wall;

the second wrapping unit being able to fold the head portions of the blank composing the rigid lid over the raised grip flap while the first folding device releases the grip flap;

the interaction between the folding device and the second wrapping unit being able to arrange the gripping flap coming out of the rigid lid, extending it overlapping the front major wall, in an area such as to be gripped between at least two fingers of a user, when the second wrapping unit places the rigid lid in the second operating position.

In this way, by means of a folding element it is possible to flexibly flex the gripping flap allowing the second wrapping unit to fold the blank traditionally. The incomplete fold of the grip flap allows the second wrapping unit to make the rigid lid and, subsequently, to guide the overlap of the grip flap on the front major wall. In a further aspect of the invention, the machine comprises: - a first incision device for defining in the wrapping web a plurality of non-passing incisions suitable for at least partially defining a plurality of extraction openings for the smoking articles;

- a second coupling device for superimposing and gluing a closure element to each of the extraction openings, the closure element being provided with repositionable adhesive which does not dry on at least a portion of the internal surface in contact with the tape wrapping and a grip flap without adhesive;

- a first cutting unit to obtain a wrapping sheet by cutting the wrapping tape, the wrapping sheet including an extraction opening and the corresponding closing element;

- a first wrapping unit to fold the wrapping sheet enclosing a group of smoking items to create a soft inner wrapping provided with an extraction opening; - a second wrapping unit to apply a collar to the soft inner casing and to fold a blank, enclosing the soft inner casing, creating a rigid outer container with a collar and comprising a major front wall and a major rear wall, parallel and opposite, and a rigid lid hinged to the rear major wall to rotate between a first open position and a second closed position of the rigid outer container;

the machine being characterized by the fact that it includes:

- a folding device operatively connected with the second wrapping unit;

- a translating device operatively connected with the second wrapping unit;

the second wrapping unit being able to apply the collar to the soft inner wrapping at the bottom end opposite the extraction opening and before the blank is folded around the soft inner wrapping;

the folding device being able to raise the gripping flap with respect to the soft inner casing, before the second wrapping unit completes the folding of the front major wall, so as to overlap the gripping flap on the front major wall and after the ™ application of the collar;

the translating device being able to move the collar from the bottom end to the head end in correspondence with the extraction opening so as to overlap the gripping flap on the collar and on the front major wall;

the second wrapping unit being able to fold the head portions of the blank composing the rigid lid over the raised grip flap while the first folding device releases the grip flap;

the interaction between the folding device and the second wrapping unit being able to arrange the gripping flap coming out of the rigid lid, extending it overlapping the front major wall, in an area such as to be gripped between at least two fingers of a user, when the second wrapping unit places the rigid lid in the second operating position.

In this way, by means of a folding element it is possible to flexibly flex the gripping flap allowing the second wrapping unit to fold the blank traditionally. In particular, the positioning and subsequent movement of the collar allow the gripping flap to be lifted only once, speeding up operations on the machine. The incomplete fold of the grip flap allows the second wrapping unit to make the rigid lid and, subsequently, to guide the overlap of the grip flap on the front major wall.

In a further aspect of the invention, the machine comprises: - a first incision device for defining in the wrapping sheet a plurality of non-passing incisions suitable for at least partially defining a plurality of extraction openings for said smoking articles;

- a second coupling device for superimposing and gluing a closure element to each of the extraction openings, the closure element being provided with repositionable adhesive which does not dry on at least a portion of the internal surface in contact with the tape wrapping and a grip flap without adhesive;

- a first cutting unit to obtain a wrapping sheet by cutting the wrapping tape, the wrapping sheet including an extraction opening and the corresponding closing element;

- a first wrapping unit to fold the wrapping sheet enclosing a group of smoking items to create a soft inner wrapping provided with an extraction opening; - a second wrapping unit to fold a blank, enclosing the soft inner casing, creating a rigid outer container comprising a front major wall and a rear major wall, parallel and opposite, and a rigid lid hinged to the rear major wall to rotate between a first opening position and a second closing position of the rigid outer container;

the machine being characterized in that it comprises a gumming device operatively connected to the second wrapping unit and able to apply glue to the internal surface of the rigid lid;

the second wrapping unit being suitable for:

- complete the bending of the front major wall, placing the gripping flap between the major wall and the soft inner casing, in a first internal configuration;

- folding the head portions of the blank making up the rigid lid over the gripping flap;

the gumming device being able to apply to the internal surface of the rigid lid one or more points of glue in correspondence with the area overlapping with the gripping flap, before the second wrapping unit rotates the rigid lid in the second position of closing, allowing the coupling between the internal surface of the rigid lid and the grip flap for the exit of the grip flap in a second external configuration that extends overlapping the front major wall, in an area such as to be graspable between at least two fingers of a user, when the hard lid is first rotated to the first open position.

In this way, the gumming device allows at least part of the gripping flap to be coupled with at least part of the internal surface of the rigid lid. This allows to speed up and minimize the operations necessary to obtain a pack of smoking items equipped with a gripping flap that can be superimposed, after the first opening, on the main front wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become evident from the description of preferred embodiments, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the attached figures, in which:

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of the cigarette pack, according to the present invention, when the lid is in the second closed position;

- Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the cigarette pack of Figure 1, when the lid is in the first open position;

Figure 3 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the cigarette pack with integrated collar, according to the present invention, when the lid is in the second closed position;

- Figure 4 is a front perspective view of the cigarette pack of Figure 3, when the lid is in the first open position;

Figure 5 is a front perspective view of a third embodiment of the cigarette pack with grip flap arranged in the first internal configuration, according to the present invention, when the lid is in the second closed position;

Figures 6-8 are front perspective views illustrating the sequence of steps for arranging the overlapping closure flap in extension to the front major wall of the outer rigid container of the cigarette pack of Figures 1 and 2;

Figures 9-10 are front perspective views illustrating the sequence of steps for arranging the collar below the gripping flap, a further embodiment of the package according to the present invention;

Figure 11 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a packing machine for making a pack of cigarette articles according to the present invention.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION With reference to Figures 1 and 2, a package 1 of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, according to the present invention is illustrated.

The cigarette pack 1 comprises a rigid outer container 51 of parallelepiped shape made of rigid paper material, such as cardboard or cardboard, and a soft inner casing 21 housed inside the container 51 and of the sealed type, made of heat-sealed plastic material.

The internal casing 21, also parallelepiped in shape, contains a group of cigarettes (not shown) and is provided with an opening 121, for the extraction of the same. This is defined by a pre-incision 131â € ™, shaped like a â € œUâ €, made on the upper surface and, partially, on the front surface of the same internal casing 21, without affecting the rear surface of the same. This extraction opening 121 is covered and sealed by a closing element 31 made by means of a resealable sealing panel, of the `` open & close '' type, which consequently also extends to the upper surface and a portion of the front surface. of the internal casing 21. In particular, in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the sealing panel 31 is provided with permanent type adhesive on the central portion 31 ', substantially coinciding with the extraction opening 121, and on the rear portion (not illustrated) in direct contact with the rear surface of the internal casing 21. The same sealing panel 31 is provided with repositionable adhesive which does not dry on the remaining external portion 31, in contact with the upper and front surfaces of the internal casing 21. For clarity, the central 31 'and outer 31' portions are delimited on the closing element 31, in Figures 1 and 2, by means of suitable dashed lines. In particular, the dashed line 131â € ™, corresponding to the pre-incision of the extraction opening 121, encloses the area relating to the central portion 31â € ™. The dashed line 131â € ™ â € ™ identifies the perimeter within which the portion 31â € ™ â € ™ extends outside the central portion 31â € ™.

The closing element 31 is movable between an open position and a closed position of the extraction opening 121. Normally, this closing element 31 is in the closed position of the extraction opening 121 and is temporarily raised to the open position to allow the user to extract the cigarettes through the same opening 121.

The package 1, according to the present invention, is further provided with a flap 41 for gripping the closing element 31. In particular, this grip flap 41 is devoid of adhesive, to allow the user to grip it, avoiding the deposition of glue on the skin, and is arranged in correspondence with and below the extraction opening 121. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the gripping flap 41 and the closing element 31 are made in a single piece, since the gripping flap 41 is a portion of the closing element 31. to which no adhesive has been applied. In this way, the risk of detachment of the grip flap 41 from the closing element 31 is avoided even if this is subjected to repeated efforts to access the group of cigarettes during the useful life of the pack 1. According to further embodiments, in accordance with the present invention, the gripping flap can also be realized as a separate element but integrally coupled to the closing element. The grip flap 41 will be described in detail in the following.

The outer container 51 comprises a front major wall 151 opposite and parallel to a rear major wall (not shown) and two parallel and opposite lateral minor walls 151, both coupled to the major walls. The external container 51 further has an open upper end for access to the opening 121 for extracting the internal casing 21. The development in height, from the base to the open upper end of the package 1 is defined, according to the present invention, in the longitudinal direction L. Similarly, the development in width, as the distance between the two minor walls or the width of the major walls, is defined, according to the present invention, as the transverse direction T. The closure of the package 1 is ensured by a rigid lid 61, with which the container 51 is provided, hinged to the rear major wall of the container 51 itself. The lid 61 is able to rotate between a first opening position of the external container 51 (illustrated specifically in Figure 2), which allows access to the extraction opening 121, and a second closing position (illustrated in specific in Figure 1), which allows the open upper end of the container 51 to be closed.

The lid 61, when in the second closed position, gives the outer container 51 a rectangular parallelepiped shape provided with the walls described above. Embodiments different from what is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, in accordance with the present invention, can provide alternative configurations for the external container 51 and, consequently, for the internal envelope 21. Likewise, the edges of the outer container 51, all shown having a straight conformation in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, could have, according to alternative embodiments of the present invention, a blunt or rounded conformation.

As previously described, the package 1 is provided, in accordance with the present invention, with a gripping flap 41 which is an integral part of the closing element 31. The gripping flap 41 protrudes from the lid 61, when this is arranged in the second closing position, extending overlapping the front major wall 151. The gripping flap 41 is therefore placed on a plane parallel to the front major wall 151 so as to be easily grasped by a user. In particular, as illustrated in Figure 1, the gripping flap 41 extends in an area such as to be graspable between at least two fingers of a user when the lid 61 is in the second closing position.

With the term graspable between two fingers of a user we mean, in the present invention, the possibility of gripping the gripping flap 41 between two fingers of a user since the extension area of the same is sufficiently large to be interposed between the central portions of two fingertips.

In particular, in accordance with the present invention, the gripping flap 41 extends on the front major wall in the longitudinal L direction and in the transverse T direction in such a way that all or most of its area is superimposed on the wall 151 greater anterior.

In accordance with the present invention, the aforementioned gripping flap 41 extends in the longitudinal direction L by a length comprised between 10mm and the length of the greater front wall 151. Preferably, the extension is between 10mm and 55mm and, even more preferably, between 15mm and 20mm.

Still in accordance with the present invention, the aforementioned gripping flap 41 extends in the transverse direction T by a length comprised between 5mm and the width of the greater front wall 151. Preferably, the extension is between 5mm and 25mm and, even more preferably, between 20mm and 25mm.

The extension of the grip flap 41 makes it possible to considerably improve the usability of the package 1, in particular by facilitating the operations of opening it. Through the grip flap 41, the user is able to access the group of cigarettes by performing a single operation to arrange, sequentially, the lid 61 in the first opening position and the closing element 31 in the raised position of opening. In particular, the overlapping of the gripping flap 41 over the front major wall 151 allows the user to open the lid 61 directly by means of the flap 41 itself. The dimensions of the gripping flap 41 therefore allow it to be pinched between at least two fingers without acting on the package 1 and, in particular, without acting on the lid 61, thus avoiding deformation of the package 1 or of the lid 61 itself as a consequence to crushing or pressures.

The dimensions of the gripping flap 41 also make it possible to facilitate the application of effort during the opening of the package 1, avoiding the loss of contact between the user's fingers and the gripping flap 41 itself.

The embodiment illustrated in Figure 2 further provides that the gripping flap 41 also extends under the lid 61 in the longitudinal direction L towards the extraction opening 121. This extension develops for a length D preferably between 4mm and 20mm and, even more preferably, between 4mm and 10mm. In accordance with the present invention, this extension may not be present in other embodiments, where the gripping flap would develop exclusively on the front major wall of the outer container.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, since the grip flap 41 is devoid of adhesive also in the length D in extension below the lid 61, the effort necessary to open it, specifically at the first opening when this It is integrally coupled to the rest of the container 51, it does not interfere with the effort necessary to detach the closing element 131 from the internal casing 21 it covers. In particular, the extension of the gripping flap 41 under the lid 61 allows to separate the area of application of the force necessary to open the lid 61 itself, at length D, from the area of application of the force necessary to tear the extraction opening 121, in correspondence with the external portion 31â € ™ â € ™, along the pre-incision 131â € ™ with which, as previously described, it is shaped.

Furthermore, the gripping flap 41 is preferably made of a material that is elastically deformable in bending, or of the single-layer type. In this way, the position overlapping the front major wall 151 can easily be assumed also following lifting by the user as a consequence of the elastic return. This is because, the elastic bending deformation allows the grip flap 41 to recover after being bent, or lifted, for use.

In use, when the container 51 has its upper end closed by the rigid lid 61 arranged in the second closing position, the gripping flap 41 protrudes from the lid 61 and extends overlapping the front major wall 151. The user who wants to extract a cigarette from the internal wrapper 21 can choose whether to act first on the lid 61, turning it to the first opening position, and then act on the closing element 31, lifting it through the grip flap 41, or whether to open the lid 61 and the element 31 at the same time by pulling only the grip flap 41 which acts sequentially on the aforesaid elements. In other words, by pulling the gripping flap 41 upwards when the lid 61 is placed in the second closing position, it is possible with a single gesture to open both the lid 61 itself and the closing element 31 at the same time, by accessing the extraction opening 121.

Figure 11 illustrates as a whole and schematically a packaging machine 100 for the production of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, produced by the company G.D Società per share. This packing machine 100 allows to make a package 1 of smoking articles, in accordance with the present invention according to the first embodiment previously described and illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

The packing machine 100 is provided with a first line 101 for unwinding a reel of wrapping tape 521, of the heat-sealable type. The unwinding line 101 is provided with a first engraving device (of the known type and not shown), preferably with laser technology, to define in said tape 521 a plurality of non-passing pre-engravings 131â € ™. These, as previously described, are â € œUâ € shaped and able to define at least partially, in particular on three sides, a plurality of openings 121 for extracting the smoking articles. The first unwinding line 101 further comprises a second coupling device (also of a known type and not illustrated) for superimposing and gluing a closing element 31 to each of the pre-cuts 131â € ™ made for the extraction openings 121 . This second coupling device is provided with one or more gummers suitable for defining one or more deposition patterns of adhesive substances. In particular, the gummers lay adhesive of the permanent type on the central 31â € ™ and rear portions (not shown) of the closing element 31, as previously described. Furthermore, the same gummers lay adhesive of the repositionable type which does not dry on the remaining external portion 31 of the closing element 31, with the exclusion of the grip flap 41. When gumming is completed, the second coupling device overlaps and glues each closure element 31 on the respective pre-cut 131â € ™ made, covering and sealing the resulting extraction openings 121. Finally, the first unwinding line 101 comprises a first cutting unit (also of a known type and not illustrated) to obtain a wrapping sheet 522, provided with the extraction opening 121 and the corresponding element 31 for closing, cutting the wrapping tape 521 at a predetermined pitch.

Downstream of the first unwinding line 101, the packing machine 100 is provided with a second line 102 (only partially illustrated and of a known type) for forming the groups 102 'of cigarettes and the relative internal wrapping 21 which encloses them. The second forming line 102 comprises a first transfer wheel 202 which is rotatable about its own axis of horizontal rotation. This receives in succession the groups 102â € ™ of cigarettes and transfers them to a second wrapping wheel 302 "provided with a plurality of peripheral pockets 312" in correspondence with a first wrapping unit 302. In correspondence with the second wrapping wheel 302â € ™, which rotates around its own vertical rotation axis, each pocket 312â € ™ receives the 102â € ™ group of cigarettes and the relative wrapping sheet 522. The rotation of the second wrapping wheel 302â € ™ allows, therefore, to fold the wrapping sheet 522 enclosing the aforementioned group 102â € ™ of formed smoking articles, to make the soft internal wrapping 21 provided with the ™ extraction opening 121. In particular, the wrapping sheet 522 takes place starting from the head of the cigarettes, so that the pre-incision 131â € ™ of the extraction opening 121 is positioned in correspondence with the tail of the cigarettes, coinciding with the portion of the filter. The rotation in the second wheel 302â € ™ of wrapping follows, therefore, the completion of the couplings of the internal casing 21 with the formation of the rear 21â € ™ and side edges 22â € ™, 22â € ™ â € ™ same internal casing 21.

The first wrapping unit 302 further includes a linear transfer station 302â € ™ â € ™ for the completion of the internal wrappers 21 being formed. This transfer station 302â € ™ â € ™ is equipped with suitable heating means designed to heat-seal the rear 21â € ™ and side 22â € ™, 22â € ™ â € ™ overlapping edges, obtaining the completed internal casing 21. In particular, in the embodiment described, the heating means consist of three axial heat-sealing stations arranged sequentially.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 11, the machine 100 comprises three wheels 111, 111 ', 111' of the known type and with the function of mere transfer of the previously formed inner casing 21.

The packing machine 100 is also provided with a second wrapping unit 402 for folding a blank 51â € ™, enclosing the soft internal wrapping 21. This second wrapping unit 402 comprises a fourth wrapping wheel 402 which rotates around its own vertical axis of rotation and is also provided with a plurality of peripheral pockets 412. The second wrapping unit 402 is finally equipped with a fifth wrapping wheel 402â € ™ â € ™ rotatable around its own horizontal rotation axis, perpendicular to the rotation axis of the aforementioned fourth wheel 402â € ™ wrapping, and also provided with a plurality of peripheral pockets.

The fourth wrapping wheel 402â € ™ is partially superimposed on the transfer wheel 111â € ™ and has a peripheral pocket suitable for the transfer of the internal wrapping 21, coupled with the blank 51, fed by a specific line 414 feed, to the corresponding peripheral pocket of the fifth wrapping wheel 402â € ™ â € ™.

The fifth wrapping wheel 402 therefore receives each inner wrapper 21 and the relative blank 51, making the folds necessary for making the pack 1 of smoking articles according to the present invention. In particular, by folding the blank 51â € ™ an external rigid container 51 is obtained, enclosing the internal casing 21 and comprising a front major wall 151 and a rear major wall, parallel and opposite, and a rigid cover 61 hinged to the rear major wall to rotate between a first open position and a second closed position of the rigid outer container 51.

In correspondence with the fifth wrapping wheel 402â € ™, the packing machine 100 is provided with a folding device 500 (schematically illustrated in Figures 7 and 8) operatively connected with the second wrapping unit 402 and, in particular, with the fifth wheel 402â € ™ â € ™ of wrapping.

Alternatively, the bending device can be replaced by pneumatic means used for the same purpose

Figures 6-8 illustrate, in perspective view, a sequence of folding steps carried out in the fifth wrapping wheel 402â € ™ â € ™ of the packing machine 100. These steps make it possible to fold each blank 51â € ™, relating to the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, around the relative internal casing 21 so as to create an external container 51 in which the closing flap 41 is superimposed in extension to the wall 151 greater than the front of the container 51 itself. In particular, in a pocket 415â € ™ â € ™ of the fifth wheel 402â € ™ â € ™ of wrapping the blank 51 is in the partially folded condition around the inner wrapping 21 which is illustrated in Figure 6. The The next step therefore requires the folding of the major front wall 151 of the container 51 and the folding of the relative lid 61. In this condition, and as illustrated in Figure 7, the folding device 500 rests on the front surface of the internal casing 21 , interposing between this and the gripping edge 41 superimposed thereto. Subsequently, as illustrated in Figure 8, the same folding device 500 raises and folds the gripping flap 41 with respect to the soft inner casing 21, before the second wrapping unit 402 completes the folding of the front major wall 151.

In this way, the elastic bending deformation imposed on the gripping flap 41 allows the front major wall 151 to be folded without contacting the flap 41 itself.

When the front major wall 151 is folded, the folding device 500 is removed laterally, to completely disengage the blank 51â € ™, while the second wrapping unit 402 proceeds to fold the head portions making up the rigid lid 61, including the tabs 14â € ™, 14â € ™ â € ™ of the same, above the raised grip flap 41. The elastic return of the gripping flap 41 and the rotation of the lid 61 formed above it therefore allow the gripping flap 41 to overlap on the major front wall 151.

The interaction between the folding device 500 and the second wrapping unit 402, in particular the fifth wrapping wheel 402, allows the gripping flap 41 to come out of the rigid lid 61 by extending it overlapping to the front major wall 151, in an area such as to be grasped between at least two fingers of a user, when the second wrapping unit 402 places the rigid lid 61 in the second operating position.

In this way, by means of a folding device 500 it is possible to flexibly flex the gripping flap 41 allowing the second wrapping unit 402 to fold the blank 51 'traditionally. The incomplete fold of the grip flap 41 allows the second wrapping unit 402 to form the rigid lid 61 and, subsequently, to guide the overlap of the grip flap 41 on the front major wall 151.

When rotation is complete, the fifth wrapping wheel 402â € ™ â € ™ feeds the packages 1 of smoking articles completed in succession to a linear type transfer and storage station 405. In particular, each pack 1 that reaches the transfer and storage station 405 is arranged, on the periphery of the fifth wrapping wheel 402, flat, i.e. with a larger wall of the relative external container 51 facing the external and with the longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the fifth wheel 402â € ™ of wrapping itself.

A second embodiment of the packaging of smoking articles, in particular of cigarettes, in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in Figures 3 and 4.

This second embodiment of the package 2 differs from the embodiment previously described and illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 by the presence of a collar on the container 251 and integrated thereto and by the shape of the grip flap 41â € ™.

In particular, the rigid outer container 251 is provided with a portion 251â € ™ in relief in correspondence with the rigid lid 261, which reproduces the shape of a traditional collar. This portion 251â € ™ in relief therefore creates a collar integrated into the major front wall 151 and the lateral walls 151â € ™ of the container 251. The coupling of the rigid lid 261 with the remaining part of the external rigid container 251 is guaranteed even if the same is made from the bending of a single blank.

The integrated collar 251â € ™ partially covers the portion of the internal casing 21 which protrudes from the open end of the container 251. In particular, it overlaps the lateral surfaces of the same casing 21, at least partially covering the unsightly overlapping edges 22 at the same time avoiding the need for these to be glued to the side surfaces of the casing 21.

The presence of the integrated collar 251â € ™ also obliges to modify the conformation of the grip flap 41 so that it can follow the perimeter of the same.

In use for package 2, what has already been said for package 1 relating to the first embodiment to which reference is made is valid.

The previously described packing machine 100 can also be used for the realization of the package 2 and, therefore, reference should also be made to what has already been described for it. The only difference is related to the conformation of the blank which is fed to the feeding line 414 already provided with the portion 251â € ™ in relief.

Alternatively, if the blank is fed to the aforementioned supply line 414 without the integrated collar portion, it is necessary to provide itself with a device suitable for forming the necessary reliefs on the blank. Therefore, in this case, before bending the blank around the soft inner casing 21 on the fifth wheel 403â € ™, the forming device generates a portion 251â € ™ in relief by creating a collar integrated into the wall 151â € ™ greater anterior. The rigid lid 261 therefore overlaps the raised portion 251 when it is arranged in the second closing position.

In this way, the collar allows the coupling of the rigid lid 261 with the remaining part of the external container 251 while maintaining a sufficiently rigid conformation that avoids the common defect of the package that â € œrideâ €, that is, that it leaves an interstice between the lid 261 and the 151â € ™ greater anterior wall. Alternatively, according to a further embodiment, the package 2 could be provided with a traditional collar, therefore made starting from a different blank with respect to the one made by the external rigid container 51. As partially illustrated in Figures 9-10, in this case the collar 300 is made as a separate element of the cigarette pack 2, and subsequently coupled to the container 51. What previously explained for the pack 2 with integrated collar 251â € ™ is applicable , mutatis mutandis, to a pack 2 made with a separate collar 300.

In order to make a package provided with a collar, integrated or separated from the container, in accordance with the present invention, it is necessary that the gripping flap is superimposed both on the main front wall and on the collar itself.

In particular, in the case of a separate collar 300, it will be necessary to provide that the packing machine 100 is provided with a folding device 500 operatively connected with the second wrapping unit 402. Preferably the second wrapping unit 402 is operatively connected to, or is also provided with, a translating device (not shown).

Alternatively, the folding device can be replaced by pneumatic means used for the same purpose.

The collar 300 is therefore applied to the soft internal casing 21 at the bottom end opposite the extraction opening 121. The application of the collar 300 is preferably obtained in correspondence with the fourth wrapping wheel 402 in the packing machine 100.

The second wrapping unit 402 is suitable for applying the collar 300 to the soft internal wrapping 21. In particular, the aforesaid application is obtained during the transfer and by means of the fourth wrapping wheel 402â € ™. As shown in Figure 9, the application of the collar 300 is obtained on the soft internal casing 21 at the bottom end opposite the extraction opening 121. The overlap of the collar 300 is made, as is known, before the blank 51â € ™ is folded around the soft inner casing 21.

Subsequently, still in correspondence with the second wrapping unit 402, in particular by means of the fifth wrapping wheel 402â € ™ â € ™, the blank 51 is folded around the soft inner wrapping 21. Before completing the bending of the major front wall 151, however, it is necessary to lift the gripping flap 41 with respect to the casing 21 itself.

The folding device 500 is therefore used to lift the aforementioned gripping flap 41 with respect to the soft inner casing 21. In particular, the folding device 500 operates before the second wrapping unit 402, or the fifth wrapping wheel 402, completes the folding of the front major wall 151. In this way, the overlapping of the gripping flap 41 on the front major wall 151 is achieved after the application of the collar 300.

While the folding device 500 keeps the gripping flap 41 raised, the translating device moves the collar 300 along the direction F from the position at the bottom end to the position at the head end, in correspondence with the extraction opening 121, as known and shown in Figure 10.

In this way the gripping flap 41 is superimposed both on the collar 300 and on the front major wall 151.

Subsequently the second wrapping unit 402, in particular the fifth wrapping wheel 402â € ™ â € ™, folds the head portions of the blank 51â € ™ making up the rigid lid 61. This fold makes it possible to contact the raised gripping flap 41 while the folding device 500 retracts to release the same. In particular, the second wrapping unit 402 places the rigid lid 61 in the second operating position by means of the fifth wrapping wheel 402.

The interaction between the folding device 500 and the second wrapping unit 402 allows the gripping flap 41 to emerge from the rigid lid 61. In particular, the gripping flap 41 protrudes from the connection portion between the edge of the front wall of the lid 61 and the edge of the front major wall 151 of the external rigid container 51. The exit of the gripping flap 41 is such that it can extend overlapping the aforementioned major front wall 151, in an area such as to be grasped between at least two fingers of a user.

Alternatively, in the case of a package provided with a collar separated from the external container, an additional folding device, or the like, can be provided in correspondence with the wheel suitable for the application of the collar itself. In this way the gripping flap is first raised and folded before the coupling of the collar itself with the internal casing. Subsequently, a further folding device raises the gripping flap again to allow the construction of the rigid outer container with the gripping flap superimposed on the front major wall of the same.

A third embodiment is illustrated in Figure 5, which differs from the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 for the initial arrangement of the gripping flap 343, when the package 3 is not yet used and opened. The structure of the package 3 therefore corresponds exactly to the structure of the package 1, to which reference is made in its entirety.

The gripping flap 343 is initially arranged in an internal configuration, in particular it is interposed between the front major wall 351 and the soft internal casing (not shown) when the rigid lid is in the second closed position, according to the package. 3 not yet used.

In order to ensure the exit in the external configuration of the gripping flap 343 at the first opening, as in the embodiment described and illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, this is coupled to the rigid lid 363. In particular, the coupling is obtained in the overlapping area in a portion 361â € ™ provided with glue. In particular, the deposited glue is of the temporary type, with a particularly low adhesion force and suitable for allowing the detachment of the gripping flap 343 from the cover 363 when the elastic return force of the gripping flap 343 exceeds the adhesion force of the 361â € ™ portion of deposited glue. Similarly, the coupling pattern could be defined by one or more points of glue deposited on the rigid lid 363 or on the corresponding overlapping portion of the gripping flap 343.

The resistance of the glue points must be such as to overcome the bending deformation of the gripping flap 343, but lower than the force necessary to lift the external portion 31â € ™ â € ™ equipped with repositionable adhesive. Similarly, the resistance of the glue points must be less than the force necessary to break the pre-incision 131â € ™ by opening the extraction opening 121.

Furthermore, the portion 361â € ™ provided with glue (one or more points, a pattern, etc.) must involve an elastically deformable flexion area of the gripping edge 343 itself. The glue points must be placed at a minimum distance from the dashed line 131â € ™ â € ™ which identifies the perimeter of the external portion 31â € ™ â € ™ towards the grip edge 343. This distance is, for example, about 10mm.

The coupling described allows the triggering of the elastic bending deformation of the gripping flap 343 which allows it to overlap the front major wall, as described in detail below.

The resistance of the glue points causes the first opening of the rigid lid 363 to extract only the gripping flap 343 without lifting the closing element 31.

Preferably, moreover, the glue points applied must be such as to detach from the surface of the gripping flap 343 without leaving residues thereon to remain integral with the inside of the rigid lid 363.

When the rigid lid 363 is rotated for the first time into the first open position, the gripping flap 343 emerges from the lid 363 itself, arranging itself in an external configuration, extending overlapping the front major wall 351. As for the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the extension is such that the gripping flap 343 can be grasped between at least two fingers of a user in the subsequent opening operations of the package 3.

In the third embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the exit of the gripping flap 343 at the first opening of the package 3 is guided by the lid 363, which ensures its subsequent superposition on the front major wall 351. In particular, the possibility of flexibly deforming the gripping flap 343 allows it to accumulate energy during the dragging imposed by opening the lid 363 and to use the stored energy to detach itself from the lid 363 and overlap the wall 351 greater anterior. In this way, the package 3 maintains the aesthetic aspect unaltered until the first opening. The release of the gripping flap 343 allows the user to perceive the activation of the package 3 itself as the first opening. Furthermore, the third embodiment makes it possible to make immediately visible from the outside if the pack 3 of cigarettes is â € œnewâ € (that is, it has never been opened), as the release of the gripping flap 343 only at the first activation guarantees that package 3 has never been used even if it is not provided with any overwrapping.

In use for the package 3, what has already been said for the package 1 relating to the first embodiment to which reference is made, apart from the first activation described above, applies.

The packaging machine 100 described above can also be used for the realization of the package 3 and, therefore, reference should also be made to what has already been described for it. The only difference is related to the absence of the folding device replaced, instead, with a gumming device operatively connected with the second wrapping unit 402 and able to apply glue to the portion 361â € ™ of the internal surface of the rigid cover 363 formed .

Therefore, in the absence of the bending device, the gripping flap 343 will be adhered to the front surface of the soft inner casing and the fifth wheel 403â € ™ â € ™ will be able to complete the bending of the front major wall 351, interposing the gripping flap 343 between this and the soft inner shell. Once the folds of the head portions of the blank forming the rigid lid 363 have been completed, always on the same fifth wheel 403â € ™ â € ™ the gumming device will apply to the internal surface of the rigid lid 363 formed one or more points of glue in correspondence with the ™ overlapping area with said grip flap. In particular, the glue is applied in correspondence with the portion 361â € ™, before placing the lid 363 in the second closing position. In this way, the pattern of glue deposited allows the coupling between the internal surface of the lid 363 and the portion of the gripping flap 343 superimposed on it.

In this way, it is possible to produce the package 3, in accordance with the third embodiment described and illustrated in Figure 5, provided with a gripping flap 343 which can be activated by the user upon first opening.

The gumming device allows at least part of the gripping flap 343 to be coupled with at least part of the internal surface of the rigid lid 363. This allows to speed up and minimize the operations necessary to obtain the pack 3 of smoking articles provided with a gripping flap 343 which can be superimposed, after the first opening, on the major front wall 351.

According to a possible variant (not shown) of the embodiments described, the gripping flap can be at least partially transparent and / or reproduce at least a portion of the front major wall which it overlaps. This allows to minimize the aesthetic and visual impact of the appendix created by the considerable extension of the grip flap. In particular, in this way it is possible to display or reproduce the necessary health warnings, any manufacturer's logo or other graphics present on the package while maintaining the technical effects of the present invention.

According to a further possible variant (not shown), the gripping flap protrudes from the lid hinged on the rear major wall of the container but partly overlaps, when in the second closing position, on the front major wall.

A further variant (not shown) provides for the decentralized arrangement of the gripping flap, while maintaining the technical characteristics relating to the present invention.

The packaging of smoking articles described above has numerous advantages.

In the first place, the packaging of smoking articles, in accordance with the present invention, allows the opening of the external container and the extraction opening with a single gesture, acting by means of the gripping flap superimposed on the front major wall. Access to the group of cigarettes is obtained simply by pulling upwards the grip flap that protrudes from the lid overlapping the main front wall. Thanks to the possibility of sequentially opening the lid and the closing element with a single gesture, the usability and ergonomics of the packaging of smoking items, previously described in the illustrated construction variants, are significantly improved compared to similar packaging. of smoking articles of the known type. Furthermore, the packaging of smoking articles described above, in particular in the variant illustrated in the third embodiment, makes it possible to immediately identify whether the lid has already been opened previously and therefore does not require a protective overwrapping.

Finally, the packaging of smoking articles described above can be produced in a simple and economical way using a standard packaging machine (which requires only modest modifications). The production of the package does not therefore require the use of special packaging machines with a considerable design and production cost.

Due to the numerous advantages of the package described above, this package can also be used to contain items other than cigarettes, for example food (sweets, chocolates or other sweets).

Claims (23)

R I V E N D I C A Z I O N I 1) Packaging (1) of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, comprising: - a soft inner casing (21) provided with an extraction opening (121) and enclosing a group of said smoking articles; - a closing element (31), adapted to cover and seal said extraction opening (121), provided with repositionable adhesive which does not dry on at least a portion of the internal surface in contact with said soft internal envelope (21); - a flap (41) for gripping said closing element (31) devoid of adhesive; - a rigid outer container (51), enclosing said soft inner casing (21), comprising a front major wall (151) and a rear major wall, parallel and opposite, and a rigid lid (61) hinged to said rear major wall, adapted to rotate between a first opening position and a second closing position of said rigid outer container (51); said pack (1) of smoking articles is characterized by the fact that said grip flap (41) protrudes from said rigid lid (61) extending overlapping said major front wall (151), in an area such as to be graspable between at least two fingers of a user, when said rigid lid (61) is in said second closing position. 2) Packaging (1) of smoking articles according to claim 1, characterized in that said grip flap (41) extends under said rigid lid (61) in the longitudinal direction, towards said extraction opening (121) , with a length (D) between 4mm and 20mm. 3) Packaging (1) of smoking articles according to claim 2, characterized in that said gripping flap (41) extends by a length of between 4mm and 10mm. 4) Packaging (1) of smoking articles according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said gripping flap (41) extends on said major front wall (151) in the longitudinal direction (L) of a length comprised between 10mm and the length of said major front wall (151). 5) Packaging (1) of smoking articles according to claim 4, characterized in that said gripping flap (41) extends by a length of between 10mm and 55mm. 6) Packaging (1) of smoking articles according to claim 5, characterized in that said gripping flap (41) extends by a length of between 15mm and 20mm. 7) Packaging (1) of smoking articles according to one or more claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said gripping flap (41) extends over said major front wall (151) in a transverse direction (T) of a width comprised between 5mm and the width of said greater front wall (151). 8) Packaging (1) of smoking articles according to claim 7, characterized in that said gripping flap (41) extends with a width of between 5mm and 25mm. 9) Packaging (1) of smoking articles according to claim 8, characterized in that said gripping flap (41) extends with a width of between 20mm and 25mm. 10) Packaging (1) of smoking articles according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said gripping flap (41) is a portion of said closing element (31). 11) Packaging (1) of smoking articles according to one or more of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said grip flap (41) is at least partially transparent and / or reproduces at least a portion of said wall (151) greater anterior which overlaps. 12) Packaging (1) of smoking articles according to one or more of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that said grip edge (41) is made of elastically deformable bending material. 13) Packaging (3) of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, comprising: - a soft inner casing (21) provided with an extraction opening (121) and enclosing a group of said smoking articles; - a closing element (31), adapted to cover and seal said extraction opening (121), provided with repositionable adhesive which does not dry on at least a portion of the internal surface in contact with said soft internal envelope (21); - a flap (343) for gripping said closing element (31) and without adhesive; - a rigid outer container (51), enclosing said soft inner casing (21), comprising a front major wall (351) and a rear major wall, parallel and opposite, and a rigid lid (363) hinged to said rear major wall, adapted to rotate between a first opening position and a second closing position of said rigid outer container (51); in which said gripping flap (343) is initially arranged in a first internal configuration, characterized in that said gripping flap (343) in said first internal configuration is interposed between said major front wall (351) and said casing ( 21) soft interior when said rigid lid (363) is in said second closing position, said grip flap (343) protrudes from said rigid lid (363) arranging itself in a second external configuration extending overlapping said wall (351) greater front, in an area such as to be grasped between at least two fingers of a user, when said rigid lid (363) is rotated for the first time into said first opening position. 14) Packaging (3) of smoking articles according to claim 13, characterized in that said grip flap (343) is coupled to said rigid lid (363) to allow said grip flap (343) to come out in said external configuration. 15) Packaging (3) of smoking articles according to claims 12 and 14, characterized in that said grip edge (343) is coupled to the internal surface of said rigid lid (363) by means of one or more points of glue, the elastic bending deformation of said gripping flap (343) allowing detachment from said rigid lid (363) upon first opening, when said rigid lid (363) is rotated into said first opening position. 16) Packaging (2) of smoking articles according to one or more of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that said rigid external container (251) is provided with a portion (251â € ™) in relief in correspondence with said lid (261) rigid, suitable for making an integrated collar to said greater anterior wall (151â € ™). 17) Wrapping method for making a package (1) of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, comprising the steps of: - making in a wrapping tape (521) a plurality of non-passing incisions able to at least partially define a plurality of extraction openings (121) for the extraction of said smoking articles; - superimposing and gluing a closing element (31) to each of said extraction openings (121), covering and sealing said extraction openings (121), said closing element (31) being provided with repositionable adhesive which does not dry on at least a portion of the internal surface in contact with said wrapping tape (521) and a gripping flap (41) devoid of adhesive; - obtaining a wrapping sheet (522) by cutting said wrapping tape (521), said wrapping sheet (522) including an extraction opening (121) and the corresponding closing element (31); - folding said wrapping sheet (522), enclosing a group of smoking articles, making a soft inner casing (21) provided with said extraction opening (121); - folding a blank (51â € ™), enclosing said soft inner casing (21), making a rigid outer container (51) comprising a front major wall (151) and a rear major wall, parallel and opposite, and a lid (61 ) rigid hinged to said rear major wall to rotate between a first open position and a second closed position of said rigid outer container (51); the method being characterized by the fact that it includes the steps of: - lifting, before completing the bending of said major front wall (151), said grip flap (41) with respect to said soft inner casing (21) so as to overlap said grip flap (41) on said wall (151) greater anterior; - folding the head portions of said blank (51â € ™) forming the rigid lid (61) above said raised grip flap (41), said grip flap (41) emerging from said rigid lid (61) extending overlapping said front major wall (151), in an area such as to be graspable between at least two fingers of a user, when said rigid lid (61) is arranged in said second closing position. 18) Wrapping method for making a package (3) of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, comprising the steps of: - making in a wrapping tape (521) a plurality of non-passing incisions able to at least partially define a plurality of extraction openings (121) for the extraction of said smoking articles; - superimpose and glue a closing element (31) to each of said extraction openings (121), covering and sealing said extraction openings (121), said closing element (31) being provided with repositionable adhesive which does not dry on at least a portion of the internal surface in contact with said wrapping tape (521) and a gripping flap (343) devoid of adhesive; - obtaining a wrapping sheet (522) by cutting said wrapping tape (521), said wrapping sheet (522) including an extraction opening (121) and the corresponding closing element (31); - folding said wrapping sheet (522), enclosing a group of smoking articles, making a soft inner casing (21) provided with said extraction opening (121); - folding a blank (51â € ™), enclosing said soft inner casing (21), making a rigid outer container (51) comprising a front major wall (351) and a rear major wall parallel and opposite and a rigid lid (363) hinged to said rear major wall to rotate between a first open position and a second closed position of said rigid outer container (51); the method being characterized by the fact that it includes the steps of: - completing the bending of said major front wall (351), interposing said grip edge (343) between said major wall (351) and said soft inner casing (21), in a first internal configuration; - folding the head portions of said blank (51â € ™) making up the rigid lid (363) over said gripping flap (343); - applying to the internal surface of said rigid lid (363) one or more points of glue in correspondence with the area overlapping with said grip flap (343), before placing said rigid lid (363) in said second closing position , allowing the coupling between said internal surface of said rigid lid (363) and said grip flap (343) for the release of said grip flap (343) into a second external configuration which extends overlapping said wall ( 351) greater anterior, in an area such as to be grasped between at least two fingers of a user, when said rigid lid (363) is rotated for the first time into said first opening position. 19) Wrapping method for making a package (2) of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, according to claim 17 or 18, characterized by further comprising the step of making on said blank, before folding around said wrapping (21) soft interior, a portion (251â € ™) in relief in correspondence with said rigid lid (261), said portion (251â € ™) in relief creating a collar integrated to said greater anterior wall (151â € ™), called rigid lid (261) overlapping said portion (251â € ™) in relief when placed in said second closing position. 20) Wrapping method for making a package (1) of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, comprising the steps of: - making in a wrapping tape (521) a plurality of non-passing incisions able to at least partially define a plurality of extraction openings (121) for the extraction of said smoking articles; - superimpose and glue a closing element (31) to each of said extraction openings (121), covering and sealing said extraction openings (121), said closing element (31) being provided with repositionable adhesive which does not dry on at least a portion of the internal surface in contact with said wrapping tape (521) and a grip edge (41) devoid of adhesive; - obtaining a wrapping sheet (522) by cutting said wrapping tape (521), said wrapping sheet (522) including an extraction opening (121) and the corresponding closing element (31); - folding said wrapping sheet (522), enclosing a group of smoking articles, making a soft inner casing (21) provided with said extraction opening (121); - folding a blank (51â € ™), enclosing said soft inner casing (21) provided with said collar (300), making a rigid outer container (51) comprising a front major wall (151) and a rear major wall, parallel and opposite, and a rigid lid (61) hinged to said rear major wall to rotate between a first open position and a second closed position of said rigid outer container (51); the method being characterized by the fact that it includes the steps of: - applying a collar (300) to said soft inner casing (21) at the bottom end opposite to said extraction opening (121); - lift, before completing the bending of said major front wall (151), said grip flap (41) with respect to said soft inner casing (21) so as to move said collar (300) from said bottom end to head end in correspondence with said extraction opening (121) and in such a way as to superimpose said grip edge (41) on said collar (300) and on said major front wall (151); - folding the head portions of said blank (51â € ™) forming the rigid lid (61) above said raised grip flap (41), said grip flap (41) emerging from said rigid lid (61) extending overlapping said front major wall (151), in an area such as to be graspable between at least two fingers of a user, when said rigid lid (61) is arranged in said second closing position. 21) Packing machine (100) for making a pack (1) of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, comprising: - a first incision device for defining in the wrapping tape (521) a plurality of non-passing incisions suitable for at least partially defining a plurality of openings (121) for extracting said smoking articles; - a second coupling device for superimposing and gluing a closing element (31) to each of said extraction openings (121), said closing element (31) being provided with repositionable adhesive which does not dry on at least a portion of the internal surface in contact with said wrapping tape (521) and with a grip edge (41) devoid of adhesive; - a first cutting unit to obtain a wrapping sheet (522) by cutting said wrapping tape (521), said wrapping sheet (522) including an extraction opening (121) and the corresponding element ( 31) closing; - a first wrapping unit (302) for folding said wrapping sheet (522) enclosing a group of said smoking articles to form a soft inner wrapping (21) provided with said extraction opening (121); - a second wrapping unit (402) for folding a blank (51â € ™), enclosing said soft inner casing (21), making a rigid outer container (51) comprising a front major wall (151) and a rear major wall, parallel and opposite, and a rigid lid (61) hinged to said rear major wall to rotate between a first open position and a second closed position of said rigid outer container (51); the machine (100) being characterized in that it comprises a folding device (500) operatively connected with said second wrapping unit (402) and able to lift said gripping flap (41) with respect to said soft inner casing (21), before that said second wrapping unit (402) completes the folding of said front major wall (151), so as to superimpose said grip edge (41) on said front major wall (151); said second wrapping unit (402) being able to fold the head portions of said blank (51 ') making up the rigid lid (61) above said gripping flap (41) raised while said first folding device (500) releases said grip flap (41); the interaction between said folding device (500) and said second wrapping unit (402) being able to arrange said gripping flap (41) coming out of said rigid lid (61) extending it overlapping said wall (151 ) greater front, in an area such as to be grasped between at least two fingers of a user, when said second wrapping unit (402) arranges said rigid lid (61) in said second operating position. 22) Packing machine (100) for making a pack (1) of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, comprising: - a first incision device for defining in the wrapping tape (521) a plurality of non-passing incisions suitable for at least partially defining a plurality of openings (121) for extracting said smoking articles; - a second coupling device for superimposing and gluing a closing element (31) to each of said extraction openings (121), said closing element (31) being provided with repositionable adhesive which does not dry on at least a portion of the internal surface in contact with said wrapping tape (521) and with a grip edge (41) devoid of adhesive; - a first cutting unit to obtain a wrapping sheet (522) by cutting said wrapping tape (521), said wrapping sheet (522) including an extraction opening (121) and the corresponding element ( 31) closing; - a first wrapping unit (302) for folding said wrapping sheet (522) enclosing a group of said smoking articles to form a soft inner wrapping (21) provided with said extraction opening (121); - a second wrapping unit (402) to apply a collar (300) to said soft inner wrapping (21) and to fold a blank (51â € ™), enclosing said soft inner wrapping (21), making a container (51) rigid outer wall provided with a collar (300) and comprising a front major wall (151) and a rear major wall, parallel and opposite, and a rigid lid (61) hinged to said rear major wall to rotate between a first opening position and a second closing position of said rigid outer container (51); the machine (100) being characterized in that it comprises: - a folding device (500) operatively connected with said second wrapping unit (402); - a translating device operatively connected with said second wrapping unit (402); said second wrapping unit (402) being able to apply said collar (300) to said soft inner wrapping (21) at the bottom end opposite said extraction opening (121) and before said blank ( 51â € ™) is folded around said soft inner casing (21); said folding device (500) being adapted to lift said gripping flap (41) with respect to said soft inner casing (21), before said second wrapping unit (402) completes the folding of said front major wall (151), in so as to superimpose said grip edge (41) on said major front wall (151) and after the application of said collar (300); said translating device being able to move said collar (300) from said bottom end to the head end in correspondence with said extraction opening (121) so as to superimpose said gripping flap (41) on said collar (300) and on said front major wall (151); said second wrapping unit (402) being able to fold the head portions of said blank (51 ') making up the rigid lid (61) above said gripping flap (41) raised while said first folding device (500) releases said grip flap (41); the interaction between said folding device (500) and said second wrapping unit (402) being able to arrange said gripping flap (41) coming out of said rigid lid (61) extending it overlapping said wall (151 ) greater front, in an area such as to be grasped between at least two fingers of a user, when said second wrapping unit (402) arranges said rigid lid (61) in said second operating position. 23) Packing machine (100) for making a pack (3) of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, comprising: - a first incision device for defining in the wrapping tape (521) a plurality of non-passing incisions suitable for at least partially defining a plurality of openings (121) for extracting said smoking articles; - a second coupling device for superimposing and gluing a closing element (31) to each of said extraction openings (121), said closing element (31) being provided with repositionable adhesive which does not dry on at least a portion of the internal surface in contact with said wrapping tape (521) and a grip flap (343) devoid of adhesive; - a first cutting unit to obtain a wrapping sheet (522) by cutting said wrapping tape (521), said wrapping sheet (522) including an extraction opening (121) and the corresponding element ( 31) closing; - a first wrapping unit (302) for folding said wrapping sheet (522) enclosing a group of said smoking articles to form a soft inner wrapping (21) provided with said extraction opening (121); - a second wrapping unit (402) for folding a blank (51â € ™), enclosing said soft inner casing (21), making a rigid outer container (51) comprising a front major wall (351) and a rear major wall, parallel and opposite, and a rigid lid (363) hinged to said rear major wall to rotate between a first open position and a second closed position of said rigid outer container (51); the machine (100) being characterized in that it comprises a gumming device operatively connected to said second wrapping unit (402) and adapted to apply glue to the internal surface of said rigid lid (363); said second wrapping unit (402) being suitable for: - completing the bending of said major front wall (351), interposing said grip edge (343) between said major wall (351) and said soft inner casing (21), in a first internal configuration; - folding the head portions of said blank (51â € ™) making up said rigid lid (363) over said grip edge (343); said gumming device being able to apply to the internal surface of said rigid lid (363) one or more points of glue in correspondence with the area (361â € ™) overlapping with said gripping flap (343), before said second unit (402) of wrapping rotates said rigid lid (363) into said second closing position, allowing the coupling between said internal surface of said rigid lid (363) and said grip flap (343) for the release of said gripping flap (343) in a second external configuration which extends overlapping said major front wall (351), in an area such as to be gripped between at least two fingers of a user, when said rigid cover (363) is It is rotated for the first time in said first opening position.