JP2016517376A - Tamper-evident container - Google Patents

Abstract

Container for consumer goods (100) with box (12), hinge lid (14) and tear strip for containing consumer goods. The box (12) includes a front wall (16), a rear wall (204), a bottom panel (202) and two side walls (18), and the hinge lid (14) is a front wall (20), a rear wall (206) A top wall (24) and two side walls (22). The tear strip (102) is defined between weakening lines (104, 106) through first and second gaps extending in the transverse direction. The bottom edge of the box's front wall (16) hangs along the fold from the front edge of the box's bottom panel (202), and the bottom edge of the box's rear wall (204) runs along the fold to the box's bottom panel ( 202) hangs from the rear edge. The bottom end of the rear wall (206) of the lid hangs along the crease from the upper end of the rear wall (204) of the box. The first end of the tear strip (102) hangs along the first weakening line (104) from the bottom end of the front wall (20) of the lid, and the second end of the tear strip (102) is the second end It hangs from the top edge of the front wall (16) of the box along the weakening line (106). [Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a container for consumer goods, the container comprising a box for containing consumer goods, a lid, and a tear strip connecting the lid to the box. The container of the present invention has particular application as a container for smoking articles, such as cigarettes.

  It is known to package consumer goods in hinge lid containers formed from folded layered blanks. For example, elongated smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigarettes are generally sold in a hinged lid pack having a box containing the smoking article and a lid connected to the box by a hinge line extending across the rear wall of the container. Is done. Such packs usually consist of a single layered cardboard blank. In use, the lid rotates about the hinge line to open the pack, providing access to the smoking articles held in the box.

  Hinge lid containers commonly used for packaging cigarettes and other consumer goods are usually packaged with an outer wrapper. The outer wrapper typically includes an opening tape. The opening tape is placed around the container under the lower edge of the front wall of the lid so that once the opening tape is removed, the lid is free to rotate around the first hinge line. The opening tape provides an anti-tampering function that cannot be closed again once removed. The tamper-evident prevention function is a desirable function in order to guarantee the consumer the original product quality when the product is shipped from the manufacturer.

  WO-2009 / 040379-A1 describes a pack for smoking articles, the pack including a removable portion that connects the lid portion to the container portion. However, in order to provide such a pack, in WO-2009 / 040379-A1, as shown in FIG. 1 of WO-2009 / 040379-A1, a pack is formed by bending “alternately left and right” near the side wall. A blank is taught. As a result of the “alternating left and right” folding method taught in WO-2009 / 040379-A1, the blank described therein results in a pack having side walls formed from only a single panel. Results in an asymmetric pack and reduces structural integrity when compared to conventional hinge lid containers that typically have two sidewalls each formed from two overlapping panels.

  On the other hand, standard high speed machines for the production of hinge lid containers, such as those available from Focke GmbH (Germany) or GD Spa (Italy), use a container blank structure where the container lids and boxes The front wall panels are placed on the opposite side of the laminar blank so that it is difficult to introduce the front wall tamper-proof elements without overlapping panels or extensive machine modifications.

  Therefore, there are no drawbacks associated with the container described in WO-2009 / 040379-A1, and the tamper-evident prevention function that guarantees the consumer that the container has not been previously opened is maintained. Desirably, a container is provided.

  According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a container for consumer goods, the container comprising a box for containing consumer goods, a hinge lid and an opening band. The box includes a front wall, a rear wall, a bottom panel and two side walls, and the hinge lid includes a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall and two side walls. The bottom end of the front wall of the box hangs down from the front end of the bottom panel of the box along the crease, and the bottom end of the back wall of the box hangs down from the rear end of the bottom panel of the box along the fold. The bottom end of the rear wall of the lid hangs along the crease from the upper end of the rear wall of the box. The first end of the tear strip hangs from the bottom end of the front wall of the lid along the first weakening line, and the second end of the tear strip is the top of the front wall of the box along the second weakening line Hanging from the edge.

  The terms “front”, “rear”, “top”, “bottom”, “side”, “left”, “right” and other terms used to describe the relative positions of the components of the container according to the present invention are consumed Reference is made to a container in an upright position, with the opening through which the goods are removed at the upper end and the hinge at the rear of the container.

  The term “major axis direction” means from the bottom to the top or vice versa. The term “crossing” means a direction perpendicular to the major axis direction.

  The term “panel” means a portion of a container formed from a single continuous piece of material that forms a layered blank. The term “wall” more usually means the face of the assembled container, for example “front wall” defines the front face of the container. The wall can be formed from a single panel or from two or more adjacent or overlapping panels.

  The container according to the invention advantageously includes a front wall and a rear wall depending from the bottom panel along the fold. In other words, the blank used to form the container according to the invention is folded in the “top to bottom” direction. Thus, the container according to the present invention facilitates the use of multiple overlapping panels that form sidewalls to enhance structural integrity.

  The container according to the present invention comprises an opening band defined between weakening lines through first and second gaps extending in a transverse direction, the first end of the opening band being along the first weakening line The lid hangs from the bottom end of the front wall, and the second end of the tear strip hangs from the top end of the front wall of the box along a second weakening line. To open the container for the first time, the consumer breaks the first and second weakening lines and removes the opening band. Thus, when opening the container with an opening band connecting the front wall of the lid and the front wall of the box, the consumer can be sure that the contents of the container are not handled illegally.

  The first and second weakening lines are preferably substantially parallel to define a substantially straight tear strip. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other shapes are within the scope of the present invention. For example, the first and second weakening lines can also define a wavy shape, such as a sine wave, a saw blade or a triangular wave. Alternatively, the tear strip may traverse the front wall at an angle such that the opening portion of the tear strip and the end portion of the tear strip are offset longitudinally on the front wall of the container. it can.

  The container further includes a lid side panel that hangs from the first side of the front wall of the lid along the crease, and a side panel of the box that hangs from the first side of the front wall of the box along the fold. Can be prepared. The bottom edge of the lid side panel is adjacent to the top edge of the box side panel, and a portion of the lid side panel is contiguous with the box side panel, maintaining a fragile retention that maintains adjacency between the lid and the box side panel Define the part.

  In addition to maintaining the adjacency between the lid and the side panels of the box so that the lid shape is maintained, the frangible retaining portion also indicates to the consumer that the container has not been previously opened. In particular, the consumer can see the fragile holding part being broken when opening the container for the first time. In addition, the fragile parts advantageously stabilize the relationship between the panels of the container during manufacture, preventing or reducing the possibility of machine clogging and therefore preventing machine downtime. Or reduced.

  The fragile retaining portion can be formed during the manufacture of the blank used to form the container. For example, cuts can be made through a single side panel to form the bottom end of the lid side panel and the top end of the box side panel. By forming cuts so that they do not spread completely over a single side panel, a fragile retaining portion that connects the side panels of the lid and box is created.

  The container includes a lid side panel that hangs from the left and right sides of the front wall of the lid along the crease, and a fragile hold that includes a side panel of the box that hangs from the left and right sides of the front wall of the box along the fold. The portions preferably connect the side panels of each pair of lids and boxes.

  In these embodiments comprising at least one lid side panel and at least one box side panel, the end portion of the tear strip is preferably formed from a cut out from the at least one lid and box side panel. In this case, the end portion of the tear strip protrudes from the side of the box and provides a portion that can be more easily grasped by the consumer to begin removing the tear strip when the container is first opened.

  In any of the embodiments described above, each weakening line can comprise a scoring line, a notch extending through the panel, or a combination of both. The term “scoring line” as used herein means an incision that extends along a portion of the material from which the container is formed, but does not extend through the entire thickness of the material. A cut extending through the panel extends along a portion of the panel and through the entire thickness of the panel.

  Each weakening line preferably includes a series of scoring lines, a series of cuts extending through the panel, or both. For example, the weakening line can comprise a tear line formed from a plurality of cuts placed in close proximity through the panel.

  In any of the embodiments described above, the rear end of the lid upper wall can hang down from the upper end of the lid rear wall along the crease, but the container can further lie along the crease at the front end of the lid upper wall. And includes a lower panel that hangs from and adheres to the interior surface of the front wall of the lid.

  Alternatively, the front edge of the lid's top wall can hang down from the top edge of the lid's front wall along the crease, but the container further hangs along the fold from the top edge of the lid's rear wall, and the lid A lower panel that adheres to the inner surface of the upper wall.

  In both embodiments including a lower panel, the lower panel improves the structural integrity of the lid and helps prevent lid deformation when exposed to repeated opening and closing by the consumer. In an embodiment where the lower panel hangs from the rear wall of the lid, the free end of the upper wall of the lid, i.e. the end defined by the end of the blank, not the fold in the blank, is visible when the container is viewed from the front. So it may be preferable under some circumstances.

  In any of the embodiments described above, the side walls of each lid include two overlapping side panels of the lid, one side panel of the lid depending from the front wall of the lid along the crease and the lid side panel along the crease. Preferably, it is formed from the other side panel of the lid depending from the rear wall. In addition, the side walls of each box have two overlapping side panels, one side panel of the box hanging from the front wall of the box along the crease and the other side of the box hanging from the rear wall of the box along the fold. It is preferable to form from one side panel. Forming the respective side walls from two overlapping lid side panels and two overlapping box side panels advantageously improves the structural integrity of the container.

  In an embodiment where each side wall is formed of two lid side panels that overlap and two box side panels that overlap, it is preferred that each of the outer lid side panel and the adjacent outer box side panel include a cutout. The cutouts cooperate to form an opening such that adjacent ends of each of the inner lid side panel and the inner box side panel are at least partially exposed. Through the opening, the adjacent edges of each of the inner lid side panel and the inner box side panel are visible. The adjacent ends of the inner lid side panel and the inner box side panel may be connected by a fragile retaining portion as described above. In these embodiments, the opening formed through the outer lid and the side panel of the box allows the consumer to see the fragile retaining portion and check whether the container has been previously opened. Alternatively, the side panel of the inner lid and the side panel of the inner box can be connected by a weakening line.

  The side panels of both outer lids and the side panels of both outer boxes work together so that the adjacent edges of each of the inner lid side panel and the inner box side panel are at least partially exposed. It is preferable to include cutouts that form openings on each side. In this case, the adjacent ends of the inner lid side panels and the inner box side panels on either side of the container are connected by a fragile retaining portion or weakened lines.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, a container for consumer goods is provided, the container comprising a box and a hinge lid for containing consumer goods. The box includes a front wall, a rear wall, a bottom wall, and two side walls, and the hinge lid includes a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall, and two side walls. The side walls of each lid are the two lid side panels that overlap, one side panel of the lid hanging from the front wall of the lid along the crease and the other side of the lid hanging from the rear wall of the lid along the fold. And a side panel. The side walls of each box are the side panels of two overlapping boxes, one side panel of the box hanging from the front wall of the box along the fold and the other side of the box hanging from the rear wall of the box along the fold. And a side panel. The outer lid side panel and the adjacent outer box side panel each include a cutout, but the cutouts cooperate so that the adjacent edges of each of the inner lid side panel and the inner box side panel are at least partially exposed. In addition, an opening is formed. Thus, through the opening, the adjacent edges of each of the inner lid side panel and the inner box side panel are visible.

  The adjacent side edges of the inner lid side panel and the inner box side panel visible through the opening are preferably connected by a fragile retaining portion or weakening line. In those embodiments that include a fragile retaining portion, the fragile retaining portion is integrally formed with the respective inner lid and the side panel of the box. In other words, a part of the side panel of the inner lid is continuous with the side panel of the inner box, and the continuous part forms a fragile holding part.

  Advantageously, the opening allows the consumer to see if the fragile retaining portion or weakening line has been broken, thus indicating to the consumer whether the container has been previously opened.

  The fragile retaining portion can be formed during the manufacture of the blank used to form the container. For example, a generally transverse cut can be made through a single side panel to form the bottom end of the lid side panel and the top end of the box side panel. By forming cuts so that they do not spread completely over a single side panel, a fragile portion is created that connects the lid and the side panels of the box.

  The weakening line can comprise a scoring line, a cut extending through the panel, or a combination of both. The term “scoring line” as used herein means an incision that extends along a portion of the material from which the container is formed, but does not extend through the entire thickness of the material. A cut extending through the panel extends along a portion of the panel and through the entire thickness of the panel.

  The weakening line preferably includes a series of scoring lines, a series of cuts extending through the panel, or both. For example, the weakening line can comprise a tear line formed from a plurality of cuts placed in close proximity through the panel.

  The side panels of both outer lids and the side panels of both outer boxes preferably include cutouts that cooperate to form an opening on each side of the container, wherein the inner lid side panels and the inner box side panels The adjacent edge of each panel is visible through its respective opening. In these embodiments, the fragile retaining portions or weakening lines preferably connect the inner lid of each pair and the side panels of the box.

  In any embodiment according to the second aspect of the invention, the container may further comprise at least one weakening element connecting the bottom end of the front wall of the lid to the upper end of the front wall of the box.

  In some embodiments, the at least one weakening element includes first and second extending in a transverse direction such that a tear strip is defined between the first weakening line and the second weakening line Including a weakening line through the gap. The first end of the tear strip is connected to the top end of the front wall of the box along the first weakening line, and the second end of the tear strip is connected to the front wall of the lid along the second weakening line. Connected to the bottom end. Thus, to open the container for the first time, the consumer breaks the first and second weakening lines and removes the opening band. Thus, when opening the container with an opening band connecting the front wall of the lid and the front wall of the box, the consumer can be sure that the contents of the container are not handled illegally.

  The first and second weakening lines are preferably substantially parallel to define a substantially straight tear strip. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other shapes are within the scope of the present invention. For example, the first and second weakening lines can also define a wavy shape, such as a sine wave, a saw blade or a triangular wave.

  The end portion of the tear strip is preferably formed from a cutout from at least one of the lid and the outer side panel of the box. In this case, the end portion of the tear strip protrudes from the side of the box and provides a portion that can be more easily grasped by the consumer to begin removing the tear strip when the container is first opened.

  Instead of a tear strip, the weakening element can alternatively comprise a single weakening line. In these alternative embodiments, the bottom end of the front wall of the lid is connected to the top end of the front wall of the box along a single weakening line. In addition to the advantages described above with respect to the opening band, embodiments in which the weakening element includes a single weakening line also has the advantage of eliminating the need to dispose of the opening band when the consumer first opens the container.

  In those embodiments that include a single weakening line, the single weakening line is such that the bottom edge of the inner lid side panel is connected to the top edge of the inner box side panel along the single weakening line. And between the inner lid on at least one side of the container and the side panel of the box. A single weakening line is on each side of the container so that the bottom edge of the side panel of the inner lid on each side of the container is connected to the side panel of each inner box along a single weakening line It preferably extends between the side panels of both the inner lid and the box.

  Extending the weakening line between the lid and the side panels of the box further locks the lid in the closed position before being opened for the first time by the consumer. The extended weakening line is also provided with a tamper-evident function that can be seen when viewed through the opening from the side of the container, so that the consumer can see only one side of the container, e.g. Unwrapping can be checked when packaged side by side.

  In any of the above embodiments in which the weakening element includes a single weakening line, the container is further on the front wall of the box, the front wall of the lid, or both the front wall of the box and the front wall of the lid. The cutout preferably includes a cutout that extends from a single weakening line and provides an opening in the front wall of the box, the front wall of the lid, or both the front wall of the box and the front wall of the lid . Such openings facilitate the opening of the container for the first time by allowing the consumer to insert a fingernail or fingertip into the opening and under the portion of the front wall of the lid adjacent to the opening. . Thus, consumers can more easily grasp the front wall of the lid, lift the lid to break a single weakening line, and open the container.

  Alternatively or additionally, the cut-out section described above may be hinged to the lower edge of the front wall of the lid and form a so-called “front lower” flap when folded into the lid. This front lower flap provides a printed lower edge of the front wall of the lid in the area of the cutout. Furthermore, the front lower flap can be associated with the respective retaining flap on the inner frame (if present) to create a locking mechanism with the front lower flap when the container is closed after first opening. The front lower flap and the retaining flap on the inner frame may further create a clicking sound that gives the consumer an audible indication that the container has closed.

  In any of the embodiments described above, the weakening element can comprise a score line, a cut extending through the panel, or a combination of both. The term “scoring line” as used herein means an incision that extends along a portion of the material from which the container is formed, but does not extend through the entire thickness of the material. A cut extending through the panel extends along a portion of the panel and through the entire thickness of the panel.

  Each weakening element preferably includes a series of score lines, a series of cuts extending through the panel, or both. For example, the weakening line can comprise a tear line formed from a plurality of cuts placed in close proximity through the panel.

  In any embodiment according to the second aspect of the present invention, the rear end of the top wall of the lid may hang down from the upper end of the rear wall of the lid along the crease, but the container further extends along the crease of the upper wall of the lid. It includes a lower panel depending from the front end and attached to the inner surface of the front wall of the lid.

  Alternatively, the front edge of the lid's top wall can hang down from the top edge of the lid's front wall along the crease, but the container further hangs along the fold from the top edge of the lid's rear wall, and the lid A lower panel that adheres to the inner surface of the upper wall.

  In both embodiments including a lower panel, the lower panel improves the structural integrity of the lid and helps prevent lid deformation when exposed to repeated opening and closing by the consumer. The embodiment in which the lower panel hangs from the rear wall of the lid is such that the free end of the upper wall of the lid (i.e. the end defined by the end of the blank, not a fold in the blank) is when the container is viewed from the front. It may not be visible and may be preferable under some circumstances.

  The container formed according to the present invention, according to any of the above aspects, is preferably formed from a single layered blank to simplify the manufacture and assembly of the container. The container may include additional elements such as an inner liner or inner frame. In some embodiments, they can be formed from the same blank used to form the container. Alternatively, these additional elements can be formed separately and incorporated into the container during assembly.

  A container according to any aspect of the invention described above may be filled with a plurality of smoking articles, such as filter cigarettes. However, the container according to the present invention can be used with various consumer goods other than smoking articles.

  Each container is preferably a rectangular parallelepiped including two wide walls spaced by two narrow walls. The two wide walls are usually the front wall and the rear wall, and the two narrow walls are usually the side walls.

  The container may be formed from any suitable material, including but not limited to cardboard, cardboard, plastic, metal, or combinations thereof. The container is preferably formed from a folded single layered cardboard blank as described above, and the basis weight of the cardboard is preferably from about 100 grams / square meter to about 350 grams / square meter.

  In some embodiments, each assembled and filled container is packaged in an outer wrapper. The outer wrapper is preferably a transparent polymer film of high density or low density polyethylene, polypropylene, directional polypropylene, polyvinylidene chloride, cellulose film, or combinations thereof, and the outer wrapper is applied in a conventional manner. Is done. The outer wrapper can include an opening tape. In addition, the outer wrapper can print with images, consumer information or other data. The wrapper preferably follows the contour of a recess formed at least partially at the first end of the container.

  As described above, a container according to any aspect of the present invention can be cuboid shaped and can have a longitudinal right-angle end and a transverse right-angle end. Alternatively, the container may include one or more longitudinal rounded ends, transverse rounded ends, longitudinal chamfered ends or transverse chamfered ends, or combinations thereof. For example, the container can include, but is not limited to:

  One or two major rounded or chamfered edges of the front wall and / or one or two major rounded or chamfered edges of the rear wall.

  One or two transversely rounded or chamfered edges of the front wall and / or one or two transversely rounded or chamfered edges of the rear wall.

  -One longitudinal rounded end and one longitudinal chamfered end of the front wall and / or one transverse rounded end and one transverse direction of the rear wall Chamfered end.

  -One or two transverse rounded or chamfered edges on the front wall and one or two longitudinal rounded or chamfered edges on the rear wall.

  -Two longitudinal rounded or chamfered ends of the first side wall or two transverse rounded or chamfered ends of the second side wall.

  Where the container includes one or more chamfered ends, the width of the chamfered end is preferably from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, and preferably from about 2 mm to about 6 mm. Alternatively, the container may include a double chamfer formed by three parallel vertical or horizontal ruled lines spaced so that two distinct chamfers are formed on the edge of the container.

  As described above, containers according to any aspect of the present invention have particular application as packs for elongated smoking articles such as, for example, cigarettes, cigars or cigarillos. Of course, by appropriately selecting the dimensions, the container according to the present invention can be designed for different numbers of conventional sizes, king sizes, super king sizes, slim or super slim cigarettes. Alternatively, other consumer goods can be contained in packages and containers.

  By appropriately selecting the dimensions of the container according to the present invention, it may be designed to hold a different total number of smoking articles or different arrangements of smoking articles. For example, by appropriate selection of its dimensions, a container according to the present invention can be designed to hold a total of 5 to 30 smoking articles.

  The smoking articles can be arranged in different arrangements depending on the total number of smoking articles. For example, smoking articles may be arranged in a row of 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10. Alternatively, smoking articles can be arranged in more than one row. Two or more rows may contain the same number of smoking articles. For example, the smoking article may be arranged in 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 2 rows, 5 or 7 3 rows, or 4, 5 or 6 4 rows. Alternatively, the two or more rows may include at least two rows that include different numbers of smoking articles. For example, a smoking article is composed of 5 1 row and 6 1 row (5-6), 6 1 row and 7 1 row (6-7), 7 1 row and 8 1 row. Row (7-8), 5 middle 1 row and 6 outer 2 rows (6-5-6), 5 middle 1 row and 7 outer 2 rows (7- 5-7), 6 central 1 row and 5 outer 2 rows (5-6-5), 6 central 1 row and 7 outer 2 rows (7-6- 7), 7 central 1 row and 6 outer 2 rows (6-7-6), 9 central 1 row and 8 outer 2 rows (8-9-8) Or six central rows, five outer rows in one and seven outer rows in one (5-6-7).

  Containers according to the present invention may hold smoking articles of the same type or brand or of different types or brands. In addition, it can include both non-filtered smoking articles and smoking articles with various filter tips, and smoking of different lengths (eg, about 40 mm to about 180 mm) and diameters (eg, about 4 mm to about 9 mm). Articles can also be included. In particular, the container may comprise a smoking article with a recessed filter. In addition, smoking articles can vary in taste intensity, resistance to inhalation and total particulate matter delivery. The dimensions of the container are preferably adapted to the length of the smoking article and the way the smoking article is arranged. The dimensions of the container are typically about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm larger than the dimensions of the package of smoking articles contained within the container.

  The height of the container according to the present invention is preferably about 40 mm to about 150 mm, more preferably about 50 mm to about 125 mm, where the height is the front wall or the rear Measured in the long axis direction between the upper end and the lower end of the wall, whichever is longer.

  The width of the container according to the present invention is preferably from about 12 mm to about 150 mm, more preferably from about 40 mm to about 125 mm, where the width is from one side wall of the container to the other. Measured up to the side wall.

  The depth of the container according to the present invention is preferably about 6 mm to about 150 mm, more preferably the depth is about 12 mm to about 25 mm, where the depth is from the front wall to the rear wall of the container. Is measured.

  The ratio of container height to container depth is preferably about 0.3 to 1 to about 10 to 1, more preferably about 2 to 1 to about 8 to 1, and about 3 to 1 to 5 pairs. Most preferred is 1.

  The ratio of container width to container depth is preferably about 0.3 to 1 to about 10 to 1, more preferably about 2 to 1 to about 8 to 1, and about 2 to 1 to 3 to 1. Most preferably.

  If the container contains smoking articles, the container may also contain containers (eg, for waste such as ash or trash) or other consumer goods such as matches, lighters, fire extinguishing means, halitosis deodorants or electronics. Can be prepared. Other consumer goods may be attached to the outside of the container, included in a separate compartment of the container along the smoking article within the packaging of the container, or a combination thereof.

  The outer surface of the container according to the present invention may be printed, embossed, debossed or otherwise decorated with manufacturer or brand logos, trademarks, slogans and other consumer information and indicia.

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

FIG. 1 shows a conventional hinge lid container. FIG. 2 shows a hinge lid container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows an exemplary blank for forming the container of FIG. FIG. 4 shows an alternative blank for forming the container of FIG. FIG. 5 shows a hinge lid container according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows an exemplary blank for forming the container of FIG.

  FIG. 1 shows a conventional hinge lid container 10 that includes a box 12 and a hinge lid 14 that hangs along the hinge line from the rear wall of the box 12. The box portion includes the front wall 16 of the box, the two box side walls 18, the rear wall of the box and the bottom panel. The front wall 16 and the rear wall of the box 12 hang from the bottom panel along the crease.

  The lid 14 includes a lid front wall 20, two lid sidewalls 22, a lid rear wall and an upper wall 24. The bottom end of the lid front wall 20 is adjacent to the top end of the box front wall 16, and the bottom end of the lid sidewall 22 is adjacent to the top end of the box sidewall 18. Adjacent ends define an abutment line 26 between the lid 14 and the box 12. Adjacent lines are not sealed and the lid 14 is connected to the box 12 only by a hinge line. Thus, in order for the consumer to be able to verify that the container has not been opened before, it is necessary to provide an outer wrapper around the outside of the container.

  FIG. 2 shows a hinge lid box 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Similar reference numerals have been used to indicate those parts in common with the hinge lid container 10 shown in FIG.

  The box 100 of the hinge lid shown in FIG. 2 includes a tear strip 102 that connects the front wall 20 of the lid 14 to the front wall 16 of the box 12. The front wall 20 of the lid, the opening band 102 and the front wall 16 of the box, the first weakening line 104 defines the bottom end of the lid front wall 20 and the top end of the opening band 102, the second weakening Line 106 is integrally formed so as to define the top end of box front wall 16 and the bottom end of tear strip 102. Suitable means for forming the weakening lines 104, 106 include, for example, horizontal rules and perforations, or a combination of horizontal rules and perforations.

  The end portion 108 of the tear strip 102 is formed from a cutout from one side of the box sidewall 18 so that the end portion 108 protrudes from the side of the container 100 and facilitates grasping of the tear strip 102 by the consumer.

  A frangible holding portion 110 is formed on each side of the container 100, and each frangible holding portion 110 provides a frangible connection between the side wall 22 of the lid and the side wall 18 of the adjacent box. Each fragile retaining portion 110 is formed integrally with the respective lid and box sidewalls 22, 18 to further indicate to the consumer that the container 100 has not been previously opened. In addition, the fragile retaining portion 110 helps maintain alignment between the lid and the side walls 22, 18 of the box before the container is opened, especially during manufacture of the container in a high-speed packer. When the container 100 is opened for the first time, the fragile retaining portion 110 is broken such that the lid and box sidewalls 22, 18 are pulled apart from each other.

  FIG. 3 shows an exemplary single layered blank 200 for forming the container 100 shown in FIG. A broken line represents a crease line, and a solid line represents a cut. Dotted lines represent weakening lines 104, 106 used to form the tear strip 102.

  The blank 200 includes a bottom panel 202 that forms the bottom wall of the container 100. The front wall 16 of the box and the rear wall 204 of the box are folded around the bottom panel 202.

  The box sidewall 18 is formed from two outer box side panels 218 depending from the box front wall 16 and two inner box side panels 219 depending from the box rear wall 204. The side panels 218 of each outer box overlap with the side panels 219 of each inner box and adhere to it when the blank 200 is folded to form the container 100.

  Similarly, the lid side wall 22 is formed from two side panels 222 of the outer lid depending from the front wall 20 of the lid and two side panels 223 of the inner lid depending from the rear wall 206 of the lid. Each outer lid side panel 222 overlaps with each inner lid side panel 223 and adheres to the blank 200 when it is folded to form a container 100.

  The dividing line defines a hinge line 208 between the rear wall 206 of the lid and the rear wall 204 of the box. The lower panel 210 hangs from the front end of the lid upper wall 24 and adheres to the inner surface of the lid front wall 20 when the blank 200 is folded to form the container 100.

  FIG. 4 shows an alternative single layered blank 300 for forming the container 100 shown in FIG. The blank 300 shown in FIG. 4 is identical to the blank 200 shown in FIG. 3 except for the position of the lower panel and the upper wall 24 of the lid. Instead of a lower panel depending from the top wall 24 of the lid, an alternative blank 300 includes a lower panel 310 depending from the rear wall 206 of the lid. In this case, the upper wall 24 of the lid hangs from the front wall 20 of the lid along the crease. When the blank 300 is folded to form the container 100, the lower panel 310 adheres to the inner surface of the upper panel 24 of the lid.

  FIG. 5 shows a hinge-lid box 700 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Similar reference numerals have been used to indicate those parts in common with the hinge lid container 10 shown in FIG.

  The hinge lid box 700 includes a weakening line 702 that connects the bottom end of the lid front wall 20 to the top end of the box front wall 16. A cutout in the front wall 16 of the box extends from the weakening line 702 to provide an opening 704 in the front wall 16 of the box. The opening 704 allows the consumer to insert his fingertip under the bottom edge of the lid front wall 20 and when the hinge lid box 700 is opened for the first time, the lid 14 is pulled open, breaking the weakening line 702 Help consumers in doing so.

  Each box sidewall 18 includes an inner box side panel and an outer box side panel. Similarly, each lid sidewall 22 includes an inner lid side panel and an outer lid side panel. The notches 706 separate the respective outer lid side panels from the respective outer box side panels, and a weakening line 708 is provided between each inner lid side panel and each inner box side panel. To allow the consumer to see the weakening line 708, the cutout in each side panel of the outer lid cooperates with the cutout in each side panel of the outer box, through which the weakening line 708 passes. A visible opening 710 is defined.

  FIG. 6 shows an exemplary single layered blank 800 for forming the container 700 shown in FIG. A broken line represents a crease line, and a solid line represents a cut. Dotted lines represent weakening lines 702 and 708.

  Blank 800 includes a bottom panel 802 that forms the bottom wall of container 700. The box front wall 16 and the box rear wall 804 are folded around the bottom panel 802.

  The box sidewall 18 is formed from two outer box side panels 818 depending from the box front wall 16 and two inner box side panels 819 depending from the box rear wall 804. Each outer box side panel 818 overlaps with each inner box side panel 819 and adheres to the blank 800 when folded, forming a container 700.

  Similarly, the lid side wall 22 is formed from two side panels 822 of the outer lid depending from the front wall 20 of the lid and two side panels 823 of the inner lid depending from the rear wall 806 of the lid. Each outer lid side panel 822 overlaps with each inner lid side panel 823 and adheres to the blank 800 when folded, forming a container 700.

  A weakening line 708 connects each side panel 823 of the inner lid to each side panel 819 of the inner box. The cutouts in each pair of outer lid and box side panels 822, 818 cooperate to form an opening 710.

  The dividing line defines a hinge line 808 between the rear wall 806 of the lid and the rear wall 804 of the box. The lower panel 810 hangs from the front end of the lid upper wall 24 and adheres to the inner surface of the lid front wall 20 when the blank 800 is folded to form the container 700. Alternatively, the lower panel can hang from the upper end of the rear wall 806 of the lid, as described above with respect to FIG.

  One skilled in the art will appreciate that the side wall opening 710 can be used in combination with an alternative hinge lid box design. For example, the side wall opening described in connection with a conventional hinge lid box (ie, the bottom end of the lid front wall is not connected to the top end of the box front wall) or FIG. Can be used in hinge lid box with tear strip. In either case, the opening in the side wall allows the consumer to see one or more fragile retention points or weakening lines extending between the inner lid and the box side panel.

Claims (11)

A container for consumer goods, said container being
A box for containing said consumer goods, comprising a front wall, a rear wall, a bottom panel and two side walls;
A hinge lid including a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall and two side walls;
A tear strip defined between weakening lines through first and second gaps extending in a transverse direction,
The bottom end of the front wall of the box hangs down from the front end of the bottom panel of the box along the crease, the bottom end of the back wall of the box hangs down from the rear end of the bottom panel of the box along the fold,
The bottom end of the rear wall of the lid hangs along the crease from the upper end of the rear wall of the box;
A first end of the tear strip hangs from the bottom end of the front wall of the lid along the first weakening line, and a second end of the tear strip along the second weakening line A container depending from the upper end of the front wall of the box.   2. The container of claim 1 wherein the lid side panel hangs from the first side of the front wall of the lid along the fold, and the first side of the front wall of the box along the fold. A side panel of the box depending from the bottom end of the side panel of the lid is adjacent to an upper end of the side panel of the box, and a portion of the side panel of the lid is continuous with the side panel of the box. Forming a frangible retaining portion to maintain the adjacency between the lid and the side panel of the box.   3. A container according to claim 2, wherein the end portion of the tear strip is formed from a cutout from at least one of the lid and the side panel of the box such that the end portion of the tear strip protrudes from the side of the box. .   4. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weakening element comprises at least one of a score line or a cut extending through the panel.   5. A container according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the container is formed from a single layered blank.   6. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the container further comprises an inner frame.   7. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the container is filled with a plurality of smoking articles.   The side walls of each lid have two overlapping side panels of the lid, one side panel of the lid hanging from the front wall of the lid along the fold, and the other side of the lid hanging from the rear wall of the lid along the fold. The box is formed from one side panel and the side wall of each box hangs from the two side panels of the overlapping box, one side panel of the box hanging from the front wall of the box along the fold, and the box along the fold. 8. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, formed from the other side panel of the box depending from the rear wall.   The side panels of the outer lid and the side panels of the adjacent outer box each include a cut-out, the cut-outs cooperate to form an opening, and the adjacent ends of the inner lid side panel and the inner box side panel respectively 9. A container according to claim 8, wherein the container is adapted to be at least partially exposed.   The left and right outer lid side panels and the left and right outer box side panels include cutouts that cooperate with respective sides of the container to form openings, the inner lid side panels and the inner box sides 10. A container according to claim 9, wherein the adjacent edge of each panel is at least partially exposed.   At least one inner lid side panel is connected to each inner box side panel by a frangible holding portion or weakening line, and the frangible holding portion or the weakening line passes through the opening on each side of the container. 11. A container according to claim 9 or 10 that is visible.

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