JP2010518831A - Refillable composite case for smoking articles - Google Patents

Abstract

A refillable composite case (2) for smoking articles, such as cigarettes, includes two releasably connected individually accessible containers (4) each for containing a separate bundle of smoking articles (6). . The two releasably connected containers (4) are configured to be disconnected for separate and independent use and then releasably connected along a large adjacent plane.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a refillable composite case for a smoking article, such as a cigarette, comprising a pair of releasably connected containers.

  Prepare a reusable hard case that can be filled with multiple cigarettes to prevent the cigarettes from bending, collapsing, or tearing when carrying them in a consumer's pocket or handbag It is known. Typically, known reusable hard cases are designed to accommodate cigarettes removed from the package. On the other hand, reusable hard cases designed to accommodate conventional disposable hinge-lid or soft pack cigarettes are also known.

  U.S. Pat. No. 1,736,651 discloses a cigarette box structure including a plurality of cigarette boxes intended to be used as a personal trophy to be presented as a prize for various athletic events or other events. The cigarette box structure is held in a detachable connection with a key. Each of the plurality of cigarette boxes is flat and relatively shallow, and includes a main body portion having a large bottom wall and small side walls and end walls, and a sealing portion having a large top wall. It is hinged to one of the end walls. The plurality of cigarette boxes are detachably connected in a connected relationship by inserting a key into a slot extending across the longitudinal direction provided facing a small side wall of the main body. Thus, in a releasably connected relationship, the cigarette boxes having the cigarette box structure of U.S. Pat. No. 1,736,651 are keyed with the small side walls of the cigarette boxes facing each other adjacently. Held in a column relationship.

  The individual cigarette boxes of the cigarette box structure of US Pat. No. 1,736,651 are intended to engrave specific events that offer the box as a prize. By detachably connecting individual cigarette boxes in “adjacent” row relationships, the large top and bottom walls that can be engraved as described above are assembled into a cigarette box structure. The advantage is that it can be kept visible.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,736,651 U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,525

  A plurality of releasably connected containers having a reduced footprint compared to the cigarette box structure of US Pat. No. 1,736,651 to facilitate the carrying and handling of the box by the consumer It is desirable to provide a refillable composite case for smoking articles comprising

  It is also possible to provide a refillable composite case for smoking articles comprising a plurality of releasably connected containers, wherein the containers are releasably connected directly to each other without the use of a key or other intervening connecting means. desirable.

  In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a refillable composite case for smoking articles, with two releasably connected containers each for containing a separate bundle of smoking articles, the two releasably connected containers. The containers are individually accessible and are configured to be individually disconnected and then releasably reconnected so that the two releasably connected containers are adjacent to each other. Releasably connected along a large plane.

  The dimensions of the two releasably connected containers are such that the consumer can conveniently carry each of the two containers, for example in a pocket or bag, when separated for separate and independent use It is preferable that

  The dimensions of the two releasably connected containers are preferably such that, when releasably connected, the consumer can conveniently carry the refillable composite case, for example in a pocket or bag.

  The length, width, and depth of each of the two releasably connected containers is such that, when releasably connected, the overall dimensions of the resulting refillable composite case are such that the conventional smoking article disposable pack It may be equivalent to or substantially equal to the dimension. For example, the length, width, and depth of each of the two releasably connected containers is such that when releasably connected, the overall dimensions of the resulting refillable composite case are that of a conventional 20-pack cigarette. It may be equivalent to the dimensions of the disposable hinge lid pack.

  The two releasably connected containers of the refillable composite case according to the invention are preferably releasably connected directly to each other. Directly releasably connected means that two releasably connected containers are releasably connected to each other without the use of another intervening connecting means such as a key.

  The refillable composite case according to the present invention allows consumers to carry different types of smoking articles in a convenient and protected manner from time to time, depending on the consumer's specific personal preferences and requirements. Have advantages. By including two releasably connected containers each for containing a separate bundle of smoking articles, two different types of smoking articles can be placed in one refillable composite case according to the present invention and separated from each other. The advantage is that it can be carried easily.

  By allowing the consumer to frequently detach two releasably connected containers and then reconnect it releasably, the refillable composite case according to the present invention also provides the consumer's specific personal preferences. And, depending on the requirements, it also has the advantage of allowing consumers to carry different numbers of smoking articles in a convenient and protected manner from time to time.

  Furthermore, the inclusion of two releasably connected containers that are individually accessible provides the advantage of helping to maintain the freshness of the smoking article contained in the refillable composite case according to the present invention. Even if the consumer removes the smoking article from one of the two releasably connected containers, the freshness of the smoking article contained in the other of the two releasably connected containers is This is maintained until the smoking article is removed from the container.

  Each of the two releasably connected containers can be opened, for example, to allow access to the smoking article contained in the container and prevent access to the smoking article contained in the container. A hinge lid, a slide lid, or another known opening / closing means that can be closed as much as possible can be provided. The two releasably connected containers are preferably provided with the same kind of opening and closing means. However, it will be appreciated that a refillable composite case according to the present invention may comprise two releasably connected containers provided with different types of opening and closing means. For example, one of two releasably connected containers can be provided with a hinge lid and the other of the two releasably connected containers can be provided with a slide lid.

  Alternatively, one or both of the two releasably connected containers can comprise an outer shell and an inner slide within the outer shell for receiving a bundle of smoking articles.

  The refillable composite cases for smoking articles according to the present invention each comprise, for example, a cigarette having a conventional ignition end, an electric smoking (such as a cigarette of the type disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,692,525). Two releasably connected containers for containing cigarettes, cigars, or small cigar bundles for use in the system can be included. The refillable composite case for smoking articles according to the present invention preferably comprises two releasably connected containers each for containing a separate bundle of cigarettes.

  By appropriately selecting the case dimensions, the two releasably connected containers of the refillable composite case according to the present invention can be designed to accommodate different numbers of separate cigarette bundles. Alternatively or in addition, two releasably connected containers of a refillable composite case according to the present invention can be separated into different cigarettes of different dimensions (eg different lengths or different perimeter cigarettes). Can be designed to accommodate a bundle of For example, two releasably connected containers of a refillable composite case for smoking articles according to the present invention can be made into different numbers of separate shorts (about 70-75 mm in length), regular sizes (about 80 mm in length), king sizes (About 84 mm long), can be designed to accommodate a bundle of super king size, slim, super slim, or wide cigarettes.

  By appropriately selecting the dimensions of the two releasably connected containers, the refillable composite case according to the present invention can also be designed to hold different smoking articles. For example, a refillable composite case for cigarettes according to the present invention may comprise two releasably connected containers for accommodating together a total number of 20 or 21 regular size cigarettes. Alternatively, a refillable composite case for cigarettes according to the present invention may comprise two releasably connected containers for accommodating together a total number of 17 or 18 wide cigarettes.

  The refillable composite case preferably includes two releasably connected containers, each for containing a different number of separate bundles of smoking articles.

  For example, a refillable composite case according to a preferred embodiment of the invention for 20 regular size cigarettes, one containing a bundle of 13 regular size cigarettes and one containing a bundle of 7 regular size cigarettes Two releasably connected containers for providing. A refillable composite case according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention for 17 wide cigarettes, 2 for accommodating 11 bundles of 11 wide cigarettes and 2 for accommodating 6 bundles of wide cigarettes With two releasably connected containers.

  A refillable composite case according to the invention for accommodating 20 cigarettes arranged in a 7-6-7 occlusal form can be made. For example, a refillable composite case according to the present invention contains 13 cigarettes, one in the form of a 7-6 occlusion, and two releasably connected containers for containing one row of seven cigarettes. Can be provided.

  A refillable composite case according to the invention for accommodating 21 cigarettes arranged in a 7-7-7 occlusion can also be made. For example, a refillable composite case according to the present invention contains a bundle of 14 cigarettes, one in the form of a 7-7 bite, and two releasably connected to accommodate one row of seven cigarettes. Container can be provided.

  In another embodiment, a refillable composite case according to the invention for housing 17 wide cigarettes arranged in a 6-5-6 occlusal form can be made. For example, a refillable composite case according to the present invention accommodates a bundle of 11 wide cigarettes, one in the form of a 6-5 bite, and two releasably connected to accommodate a row of six cigarettes Can be provided.

  In yet another embodiment, a refillable composite case according to the present invention for housing a bundle of 18 wide cigarettes in the form of a 6-6-6 occlusion can be made. For example, a refillable composite case according to the present invention accommodates a bundle of 12 cigarettes, one in the form of a 6-6 bite, and two releasably connected to accommodate six cigarettes in a row. Container can be provided.

  It will be appreciated that the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only and that a refillable composite case according to the present invention for accommodating other desired numbers of smoking articles in other occlusal forms can be made.

  The refillable composite case according to the present invention can also comprise two releasably connected containers, each for containing the same number of bundles of smoking articles. For example, a refillable composite case according to the present invention for 20 regular size cigarettes can comprise two releasably connected containers each for containing a bundle of 10 regular size cigarettes.

  Alternatively or in addition, the refillable composite case according to the present invention may comprise two releasably connected containers, each for containing a bundle of different types of separate smoking articles. .

  A variety of different types of cigarettes are produced and sold. Cigarette brands with different characteristic flavors using different types of tobacco with unique characteristic flavors and aromas such as Burley, Oriental, and Virginia cigarettes alone or with varying amounts of tobacco blends Produced. Cigarettes containing flavors such as menthol can also be produced. Also, length (such as short, regular size, king size, or super king size), outer circumference (such as slim, super slim, or wide), flavor intensity, total delivery of particulate matter, and nicotine In addition to cigarettes with different total delivery volumes, cigarettes with double-cut cigarettes (ie, non-filters) and different types of filter tips are also produced.

  In use, the two releasably connected containers of a refillable composite case according to the present invention can each contain a separate cigarette bundle of different tobacco blends or flavors. For example, one of two releasably connected containers can contain a bundle of menthol cigarettes and the other of two releasably connected containers can contain a bundle of non-menthol cigarettes. Inclusion of two individually accessible releasably connected containers prevents flavor transfer between two separate cigarette bundles of different tobacco blends or flavors contained in a refillable composite case according to the present invention The advantage that it can be obtained.

  The refillable composite case according to the present invention can also comprise two releasably connected containers for receiving separate cigarette bundles, each of a different size. For example, a refillable composite case according to the present invention may comprise two releasably connected containers, one for accommodating a bundle of regular size cigarettes and one for accommodating a bundle of slim cigarettes.

  The refillable composite case for smoking articles according to the present invention preferably includes two releasably connected containers each for containing a separate bundle of wrapped smoking articles. More preferably, the refillable composite case for smoking articles according to the present invention comprises two releasably connected containers each for receiving a separate wrap and a bundle of sealed smoking articles.

  For example, refillable composite cases according to the present invention are each individually wrapped with paper, plastic, metal foil, metallized paper, metallized film, laminate (such as aluminum polypropylene laminate), or other packaging material. Two releasably connected containers for housing a bundle of smoking articles can be provided.

  The refillable composite case for smoking articles according to the present invention can comprise two releasably connected containers for receiving a bundle of wrapping and resealable smoking articles, each separately.

  The two releasably connected containers and the refillable composite case are preferably substantially parallelepipeds. More preferably, the two releasably connected containers and the refillable composite case are substantially cubic.

  Two releasably connected containers and a refillable composite case have one or more right-angled longitudinal edges, one or more right-angled lateral edges, one or more rounded longitudinal directions Having one or more rounded lateral edges, one or more inclined longitudinal edges, one or more inclined lateral edges, or any suitable combination thereof be able to.

  The two releasably connected containers are preferably substantially identical in shape.

  The dimensions of the two releasably connected containers may be the same or different. The refillable composite case preferably comprises two releasably connected containers of different dimensions. More preferably, the refillable composite case comprises two releasably connected containers having the same length and width but different depths.

  Two releasably connected containers are preferably releasably connected along adjacent large planes of substantially the same dimensions. More preferably, the two releasably connected containers are releasably connected along adjacent large front walls of substantially the same dimensions, or along adjacent large side walls of substantially the same dimensions. .

  The refillable composite case preferably comprises two releasably connected hinge lid containers releasably connected along adjacent large planes of substantially the same dimensions. In one preferred embodiment, the hinge lids of the two releasably connected hinge lid containers extend across a small plane of the container that is perpendicular to the adjacent large plane that releasably connects the two hinge lid containers. It can pivot around the hinge line. For example, two hinge lid containers are releasably connected along adjacent large sidewalls of substantially the same dimensions, and the hinge lids of two releasably connected hinge lid containers are of substantially the same dimensions. It may be pivotable about a hinge line that extends across a small rear wall perpendicular to the adjacent large side wall.

  In another preferred embodiment, the hinge lids of the two releasably connected hinge lid containers are parallel to and opposite to the adjacent large planes that releasably connect the two hinge lid containers. It is pivotable about a hinge line that extends across a large plane. In a particularly preferred embodiment, two hinge lid containers are releasably connected along adjacent large rear walls of substantially the same dimensions, and the hinge lids of two releasably connected hinge lid containers are adjacent And pivotable about a hinge line that extends across a large front wall of substantially the same dimensions that is parallel to and opposite the rear wall.

  Providing a first fixing means on one of the two releasably connected containers of the refillable composite case according to the invention and providing a second fixing means on the other of the two releasably connected containers. And the two containers can be releasably connected by releasable engagement of the first securing means and the second securing means. The first securing means and the second securing means can include a magnetic fastener, a mechanical fastener, an adhesive fastener, or a combination thereof. For example, the first securing means and the second securing means can include one or more releasable pressure-actuated surface fasteners or hooks.

  The two releasably connected containers are preferably releasably magnetically connected. One of the two releasably connected containers can include a permanent magnet material, and the other of the two releasably connected containers can include a magnetically attractable material, the permanent magnet material and the magnetically attractable By attraction between the materials, two releasably connected containers can be releasably connected. Two releasably connected containers can be formed at least in part of a permanent magnetic material and a magnetically attractable material, or affixed or inserted into a part of the outer or inner side of the container, or otherwise Permanent magnetic materials and magnetically attractable materials can be incorporated.

  At least one ridge is provided on one of the two releasably connected containers of the refillable composite case for smoking articles according to the present invention, and this ridge is provided on the other of the two releasably connected containers. It can be made to be received in two depressions. Providing at least one indentation in one of the two releasably connected containers individually and independently is fitted with at least one corresponding ridge provided on the other of the two releasably connected containers. To ensure that the two containers that were separated for use are then correctly aligned or registered with each other when the consumer releasably reconnects to form a refillable composite case. Has the advantage of being helpful. Providing at least one ridge in one of the two releasably connected containers and providing at least one depression in the other of the two releasably connected containers means that the two releasably connected containers It also has the advantage of being able to help prevent movement within each other in the refillable composite case.

  The refillable composite case according to the invention preferably comprises two releasably connected thin-walled containers.

  Two releasably connected containers include, but are not limited to, paperboard, plastic, metal, alloys (such as zinc alloys), composite materials (such as carbon fiber composites), etc. More rigid materials can be used. The two releasably connected containers are preferably formed of one or more lightweight rigid materials.

  The two releasably connected containers are preferably formed from one or more metals, and more preferably from aluminum.

  The two releasably connected containers are preferably formed of thin gauge metal, and more preferably the material gauge is formed of about 0.6 mm aluminum.

  On the outside of the two releasably connected containers of the refillable composite case according to the present invention is a manufacturer name, brand logo, trademark, slogan, and other consumer information and indicators (eg, using a label or sticker) Can be printed, embossed, debossed or otherwise decorated. It will be appreciated that the same or different manufacturer and brand logos, trademarks, slogans, and other consumer information and indicators can be added to the outside of each of the two releasably connected containers.

  The two releasably connected containers of the refillable composite case according to the present invention can also have the same or different surface finish (such as an abrasive finish or a varnish finish). For example, when two releasably connected containers are formed of aluminum, at least a portion of one or both surfaces of the two releasably connected containers can be brushed.

  The two releasably connected containers of the refillable composite case according to the present invention can also be subjected to the same or different surface treatment (eg, anodizing, powder coating, pad printing, or screen printing). For example, if two releasably connected containers are formed of aluminum, anodize at least a portion of one or both surfaces of the two releasably connected containers, and partially or wholly Coloring can be performed.

  The refillable composite case for smoking articles according to the present invention may further comprise a lighter. Alternatively or in addition, the refillable composite case for smoking articles according to the present invention may further comprise an ashtray.

  For example, at least one of the two releasably connected containers of the refillable composite case can include a compartment for receiving a lighter or for receiving ash. Alternatively, the refillable composite case according to the invention is mounted differently inside or outside one of the releasably connected containers, for example releasably magnetically connected or two releasably connected containers. A lighter or ashtray provided.

  The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a perspective view of a refillable composite cigarette case according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the state which cut away two containers of the refillable composite cigarette case of FIG. It is a perspective view of the state which opened one of the two containers of the refillable composite cigarette case of FIG.

  The refillable composite cigarette case 2 shown in FIG. 1 comprises two releasably magnetically connected generally cubic hinge lid containers 4, each having a large front wall and a large rear wall facing it, and a pair of It has opposite side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall facing it. As shown in FIG. 1, the longitudinal edge between the large front wall and the opposite side wall of each of the two releasably connected hinge lid containers 4 is rounded.

  The two releasably magnetically connected generally cubic hinge lid containers 4 have the same height and width (ie, the large front and large rear walls of the two hinge lid containers have the same dimensions) but are deep. (Ie, the side walls of the hinge lid container have the same height but different widths). For this reason, one volume of the two hinge lid containers 4 is larger than the other volume of the hinge lid containers 4.

  The two hinge lid containers 4 are releasably magnetically connected along the large rear wall of the container, and these rear walls contact each other in a refillable composite cigarette case 2. As shown in FIG. 2, a rectangular ridge 6 is provided at the bottom of the rear wall of the larger container of the two hinge lid containers 4, and the two hinge lid containers 4 have their large rear walls as shown in FIG. When releasably magnetically connected along the ridge 6, this ridge 6 mates with a corresponding rectangular recess 8 provided at the bottom of the large rear wall of the smaller container of the two hinge lid containers 4. To do.

  To detach two releasably magnetically connected hinge lid containers 4 in use, the consumer opposes the two hinge lid containers 4 to overcome the magnetic attraction between adjacent large rear walls of the container Pull away in the direction. When separated as shown in FIG. 2, the consumer can use each of the two hinge lid containers 4 independently of the other of the two hinge lid containers 4. Thereafter, to releasably reconnect the two hinge lid containers 4, the consumer uses a rectangular ridge 6 provided at the bottom of the larger container of the two hinge lid containers 4 to form the two hinge lid containers 4. The two hinge lid containers 4 are aligned with a rectangular recess 8 provided at the bottom of the rear wall of the smaller container until the rear walls of the two hinge lid containers 4 contact each other as shown in FIG. Stick the big back walls together.

  Each of the two releasably magnetically connected hinge lid containers 4 contains a separate bundle of cigarettes 10 wrapped with an aluminum polypropylene laminate. The larger of the two releasably connected hinge lid containers 4 accommodates a bundle of thirteen cigarettes 10 in the form of a 7-6 bite and the smaller of the two hinge lid containers is in a row (not shown). ) 7 cigarettes. As a result, the refillable composite cigarette case 2 accommodates a total of 20 cigarettes arranged in the form of 7-6-7 occlusion.

  Each of the two hinge lid containers 4 comprises a hinge lid having a front wall, a top wall, and a pair of opposing side walls, the hinge lid being centered on a horizontal hinge line extending across the large front wall of the hinge lid container 4 Can pivot. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the horizontal hinge line extending across the large front wall of the two hinge lid containers 4 is located below the middle between the opposed bottom and top walls. In use, as shown in FIG. 3, the hinge lid of the container 4 is pivoted downward about the horizontal hinge line to expose the upper part of the wrapped bundle 10. Access the bundle 10 of wrapped cigarettes. To separately access the separate wrapped cigarette bundles 10 housed in each of the two hinge lid containers 4, the hinge lids of the two hinge lid containers 4 are centered about the respective horizontal hinge lines of the containers. Can be pivoted separately from each other. Even when two hinge lid containers 4 are releasably magnetically connected as shown in FIG. 1, the two hinge lid containers 4 are separated as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 for independent use. In that case, separate wrapped cigarette bundles 10 in each of the two hinge lid containers 4 can be accessed individually in the same manner.

  The refillable composite case for smoking articles according to the present invention retains freshness of smoking articles and prevents damage to them, while differing numbers and different from time to time depending on the consumer's personal preferences and requirements It will be appreciated from the above description that it has the advantage of giving consumers the flexibility to carry types of smoking articles.

2 Refillable composite case for smoking articles 4 Two releasably connected containers

Claims (8)

Two releasably connected containers (4) each for containing a separate bundle of smoking articles (6);
The two releasably connected containers (4) are individually accessible and configured to be individually disconnected and then releasably reconnected;
The two releasably connected containers (4) are releasably connected along adjacent large planes;
A refillable composite case (2) for smoking articles. The two releasably connected containers (4) are releasably connected along adjacent large planes of substantially the same dimensions;
A refillable composite case (2) for a smoking article according to claim 1, characterized in that The two releasably connected containers (4) are hinge lid containers;
A refillable composite case (2) for smoking articles according to claim 2, characterized in that The hinge lids of the two releasably connected hinge lid containers (4) extend across a plane that is parallel to and faces the adjacent large plane connecting the two hinge lid containers (4). Pivotable around the hinge line,
Refillable composite case (2) for smoking articles according to claim 3, characterized in that. A first fixing means is provided on one of the two releasably connected containers (4), and a second fixing means is provided on the other of the two releasably connected containers (4); The two containers are releasably connected by engagement of the first fixing means and the second fixing means.
Refillable composite case (2) for smoking articles according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The two releasably connected containers (4) are releasably magnetically connected;
A refillable composite case (2) for a smoking article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that. At least one ridge (6) is provided on one of the two releasably connected containers (4), the ridge (6) on the other of the two releasably connected containers (4). Received in at least one recess (8) provided,
A refillable composite case (2) for a smoking article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The two releasably connected containers are of different dimensions;
A refillable composite case (2) for a smoking article according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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