KR20180114007A - Containers with top curved inclined edges - Google Patents

Abstract

The consumer goods container 10 includes a box portion 12 and a lid portion 14 connected to the box portion 12 along a hinge line 16 extending across the rear wall of the container. The lid portion 14 is pivotable about a hinge line 16 between a closed position and an open position and includes a lid top wall 30, a lid rear wall 28 and a lid top wall 30, And a lid rear edge portion (34) connecting the wall surface (28). The lid rear edge portion 34 extends between the upper edge 36 of the lid rear wall 28 and the rear edge 38 of the lid top wall 30. The upper edge 36 of the lid rear wall 28 and the rear edge 38 of the lid top wall 30 are curved and the upper edge 36 of the lid rear wall 28 is in contact with the container 10, The rear edge 38 of the lid top wall surface 30 is positioned such that when the container 10 is in the upright position and is at the front of the container 10 as viewed from the top of the container 10, Convex toward.

Description

Containers with top curved inclined edges

The present invention relates to a hinged lid container for a consumer article, which finds particular application as an elongated consumer item (e.g., a cigarette) such as a smoking article.

Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigarettes are typically packaged in tight hinge lid containers. They typically have a box portion with a box front wall surface, a box rear wall surface, a box side wall surface, and a box base wall surface. They also usually have a lid portion with a lid front wall, a lid rear wall, a lid sidewall, and a lid top wall. The lid portion is typically hinged to the box portion along a hinge line extending across the rear wall of the container. The hinge line is typically provided as a pre-folded line, a crease line, or a score line. The bundle of smoking articles contained in the box portion is typically packaged in an inner liner, or inner package, of metallized paper, metal foil or other flexible sheet material. To access the bundle of smoking articles inside the inner liner, the consumer must remove the top of the inner liner at the initial opening of the hinge lid container.

It is known to round or chamfer certain edges of the box and lid to give the container a unique appearance. This is typically done by providing a perforated line, e.g., a scribe line or a scribe line, in the blank in the area that previously formed the edge of the container. These perforations allow the blank to be folded in such a way that the edges do not bend abruptly, but instead progressively bend between two adjacent planar walls.

Also known from WO-A-2014/206939, for example, is a container wherein the top rear edge of the lid portion and the hinge line between the lid portion and the box portion are curved and have substantially the same radius of curvature . Thus, a convex shape (as viewed from the outside of the container) can be formed at the upper end of the container, which creates an elastic restoring force that can help hold the lid in the closed position.

It would be desirable to provide a new and improved hinge lid container for a consumer article wherein the lid is easily held in a tightly closed position and the chance of accidental opening of the container is less likely to occur. It is also desirable to provide one such container for consumer goods that can be manufactured from a single flexible thin layer blank.

It would also be desirable to provide a container for a consumer article that has unique visual impact and can be easily manufactured without requiring any major modifications to existing packaging devices. It would also be desirable to provide a blank for producing one such container that can be easily formed into an assembled container.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a container for a consumer article comprising a box portion and a lid portion connected to the box portion along a hinge line extending across the rear wall of the container, The lid portion is axially rotatable about the hinge line between the closed position and the open position. The lid portion includes the top wall of the lid, the rear wall of the lid, and the rear edge of the lid connecting the top wall of the lid and the rear wall of the lid. The rear edge of the lid extends between the upper edge of the lid rear wall and the rear edge of the lid top wall. Further, the upper edge of the lid rear wall and the rear edge of the lid upper wall are curved. When the container is in an upright position and viewed from the back of the container, the upper edge of the back wall of the lid is convex toward the top of the container. The container is in an upright position and the rear edge of the top wall of the lid as viewed from the top of the container is convex toward the front of the container.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a blank for forming a container for a consumer article, the blank comprising a box-defining blank portion for forming a box portion of the container and a lid-defining blank portion for forming a lid portion of the container . The box-bound blank portion includes a rear box wall panel for forming the rear wall surface of the box portion, the lid-defining blank portion hanging from the box-defining blank portion along a lid hinge line extending across the rear box wall panel have. The lid-bound blank portion includes a top lid wall panel and a rear wall panel for forming a lid top wall and a lid back wall wall, respectively. The lid-defining blank portion also includes a first perforation line defining an upper edge of the lid rear wall panel and a second perforation line defining a rear edge of the lid top wall, And an edge-defining blank portion extending between the first perforation line and the second perforation line to form a lid rear edge portion. When the blank is in a flat state, both the first perforation line and the second perforation line are concave toward the box-limited blank portion.

It will be appreciated that any feature described with reference to one aspect of the invention is equally applicable to any other aspect of the invention.

In contrast to conventional hinge lid containers, in the container according to the invention, the lid rear edge portion connects the lid top wall and the lid rear wall. More specifically, the lid edge portion extends between the upper edge of the lid rear wall surface and the rear edge of the lid top wall. The top edge of the back wall of the lid and the back edge of the top wall of the lid are both curved. The upper edge of the back wall of the lid is convex toward the lid portion of the container while the rear edge of the lid top wall is convex toward the front of the container. This can be done basically by forming a pair of curved perforations in the blank in which the container is formed and the perforations are concave towards the box-defining portion of the blank when the blank is in a flat condition. Therefore, when the container is formed by folding the blank, it is easy to obtain a substantially convex lid rear edge (as viewed from the outside of the container).

In the assembled container, the rear edge of the lid provides a smooth transition between the curved top edge of the lid rear wall and the curved rear edge of the lid top wall such that the surface of the lid top rear edge is intrinsically So as to have a convex shape. This convex shape deformation on the lid can advantageously produce a physical biased tensile force that causes the lid to tend to bend towards the box portion. As a result, this lid configuration tends to keep the container tightly closed when the hinge lid is in the closed position. This makes it possible to manufacture a hinged lid container for a consumer article from a single blank, wherein the lid front wall surface lies partially above the box front wall surface. The aforementioned physical tendency to tension advantageously tends to keep the lid front wall surface against the box front wall surface, thus ensuring a good closure of the container so that all parts of the consumer material are retained in the container. For example, when the container is used for smoking articles, it is advantageously ensured that the tobacco shorts do not escape from the container during transport between uses. At the same time, this configuration makes it easier for the consumer to hold the container with one hand and open it because the lid can conveniently be opened by the lower edge of the lid front wall.

On the other hand, in an embodiment in which the container includes an inner frame that extends above the upper edge of the box portion and includes an upper portion defining a contact surface for the lid, the lid front wall surface lies on the upper portion of the inner frame The elastic force created by the convex shape of the rear edge of the lid thus advantageously corresponds to any tendency for the so-called "smiling effect ", i.e. the occurrence of slight misalignment between the lid portion and the box portion of the container have.

The present invention advantageously provides a container with a unique visual impact. Further, in the embodiment in which the convex shape described above is combined with another rounded or chamfered edge, an ergonomic shape in particular can be advantageously provided for the consumer.

It is easy to manufacture the container according to the present invention from a single thin layer blank. In some preferred embodiments, the perforated line may advantageously be provided as a resurfacing line, which allows the perforated line to be easily formed with great precision. This also allows the outer surface of the container to maintain a smooth appearance without any ridges or ripples. Thus, the visual and tactile perception of the container is not advantageously influenced.

As used herein, the terms "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "uppermost", " Refers to the relative position of a portion of a container and its components in accordance with the present invention when the container is in an upright position. When describing a container according to the invention, these terms are used irrespective of the orientation of the container being described. The rear wall of the outer housing is a wall surface including the hinge line.

The term "hinge line" refers to a line through which the lid may rotate to open the container. The hinge line may be, for example, a fold line in the panel forming the rear wall surface of the container or a bird's eye line. In the blank according to the present invention, the hinge line is clearly distinguished from the first and second perforations in the assembled container, which define the upper edge of the lid rear wall surface and the rear edge of the lid top wall. The hinge line extends from one sidewall surface to the other sidewall surface across the rear wall surface of the container, and is preferably straight.

The term "inner surface" is used throughout this specification to refer to the interior surface of the container, e.g., the surface of a component of an assembled container facing the consumer article when the container is in the closed position. Similarly, the term "outer surface" is used throughout this specification to refer to the surface of a component of a container facing toward the exterior of the container. It should be noted that the inner or outer surface need not necessarily be equivalent to the particular side of the blank used in the assembly of the container. Depending on how the blank is folded, the area on the same side of the container may face toward the inside or outside of the container.

The term "longitudinal direction" refers to the direction from the lower end to the upper end, or vice versa. The term "transverse direction" refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

The term "curved" as used herein refers to any line that is not a straight line. The perforations defining the top edge of the lid back wall and the back edge of the lid top wall may be any suitable curves. Preferably, however, the curve has a single maximum or minimum along its length. That is, preferably, the curve has a wavelength equal to or greater than the total curve length. The curve may or may not have a constant curvature along its length. Preferably, the curves are symmetrical between the sidewall surfaces of the container. These may be any suitable curve, including, but not limited to, parabolic, hyperbolic, elliptic and algebraic curves. Preferably, the line defining the upper edge of the lid back wall surface and the rear edge of the lid top wall includes an arc. The arc is a part of the circumference of the circle.

In this specification, an element, such as the edge of a container, has a curvature center of an arc which is the same as or approximate to the shape of such element is opposite to the reference point, so that when the element of the container effectively curves toward the reference point, Convex toward ". You can refer to the Euclidean definition of "convex curve" as a curve that lies completely on one side of each and every tangent. Thus, in the present context, it will be appreciated that the term "convex" is used to describe a curve having a single maximum or minimum along its length. By way of example, in a container, the container is in an upright position and the edge of the rear wall of the container as viewed from the rear of the container can be convex toward the top of the container. This means that the center of curvature of the arc, which is the same as the shape of the edge or nearest to the arc, is directed to the bottom of the container. Thus, the edge is effectively curved toward the top of the container. In a corresponding manner, the container is in an upright position and the edge of the top wall of the container as viewed from the top of the container can be convex toward the front of the container. This means that the center of curvature of the arc, which is the same as the shape of the edge or nears the arc, is pointing towards the rear of the container. Thus, the edge is effectively curved toward the front of the container.

The term "scale line" refers to a line along a thin-layer blank forming a container that has been mechanically deformed, e.g., by mechanical pressing or rolling, to form a line of weakness in the blank. Is used herein. In particular, the scale line is a perforated line formed without removing the material.

The term "ablation line" is used herein to refer to a line from which the material has been ablated (e.g., removed by a laser beam or a blade) from the surface of a thin layer blank or container. Therefore, the residual thickness of the abstraction line is smaller than the thickness T of the thin-layer blank. For example, ablation lines are provided as grooves in the blank. It can be formed with a linear ablation tool such as a laser or a blade.

The term "residual thickness" is used herein to refer to the minimum distance measured between two opposing surfaces of a container wall surface formed from a thin layer blank, or blank. Indeed, the distance at a given location is measured along a direction that is locally vertical to the opposing surface. If the material is substantially homogeneously removed throughout the ablation line (flat profile), the "residual thickness" of the ablation line may be constant across the ablation line. Alternatively, if the material is heterogeneously removed (e.g., V-shaped, U-shaped groove) over the ablation line, the residual thickness of the ablation line may vary across the width of the ablation line.

The container according to the present invention, in its most general term, includes a box portion and a lid portion that is axially rotatable about a hinge line extending across the rear wall of the container between the open and closed positions. The lid portion includes the top wall of the lid, the rear wall of the lid, and the rear edge of the lid connecting the top wall of the lid and the rear wall of the lid. The rear edge of the lid extends between the upper edge of the lid rear wall and the rear edge of the lid top wall. The top edge of the back wall of the lid and the back edge of the top wall of the lid are both curved. The upper edge of the back wall of the lid is convex toward the lid portion of the container. That is, the center of curvature of the arc, which is the same as or close to the curve, is in the direction of the box portion (i.e., the lowermost portion of the container), and the upper edge of the lid rear wall surface is curved toward the lid portion. Further, the rear edge of the top wall of the lid is convex toward the front of the container. That is, the center of curvature of the arc equal to or close to the curve is in the direction of the box rear wall surface (i.e., the rear surface of the container), and the rear edge of the lid top wall is curved toward the front wall surface of the lid. Preferably, the container includes a first perforation line defining an upper edge of the lid rear wall surface and a second perforation line defining a rear edge of the lid top wall. Thus, the lid rear edge portion basically extends between the first and second perforations and is advantageously easily defined. Since the first perforation line and the second perforation line are formed in advance on the blank in which the container is assembled, when folding the blank into a desired shape, the rear edge of the lid is easily formed with a desired convex shape.

Preferably, the curve defining each of the first and second perforations has a single largest or minimum portion along its length.

Preferably, at least one of the first perforation line and the second perforation line is defined by an arc having a constant curvature.

More preferably, both the first perforation line and the second perforation line are defined by respective arcs each having a constant curvature. Thus, each of the first and second perforations has a single largest portion.

Preferably, both the first perforation line and the second perforation line are substantially symmetrical between the side wall faces of the container. Therefore, the maximum portions of the first and second perforations are substantially aligned with each other with respect to the direction perpendicular to the box front wall surface and the box rear wall surface.

In some preferred embodiments, the arcs defining the first and second perforations have the same radius of curvature. Thus, the first perforation line and the second perforation line in the blank for forming the container are substantially parallel to each other. In an alternative embodiment, the radius of curvature of the first perforation is greater than the radius of curvature of the second perforation.

Preferably, the distance between the largest portion of the first perforation line and the largest portion of the second perforation line is at least about 1 mm. More preferably, the distance between the largest portion of the first perforation line and the largest portion of the second perforation line is at least about 5 mm.

Additionally or alternatively, the distance between the largest portion of the first perforation and the largest portion of the second perforation is less than about 15 mm. The distance between the largest portions of the first and second perforations can be conveniently measured longitudinally on a flat blank.

Preferably, the distance between the largest portion of the first perforation line and the box rear wall surface is at least about 0.5 mm. Additionally, or alternatively, the distance between the largest portion of the first perforation line and the lid front wall surface is preferably at least about 2 mm.

Further, the distance between the maximum portion of the second perforation line and the box rear wall surface is preferably at least about 1 mm. Additionally, or alternatively, the distance between the largest portion of the second perforation line and the lid front wall surface is preferably at least about 1 mm.

The distance between the maximum portion of the perforations and the box rear wall surface is substantially the distance between the highest point of the edge defined by the perforation line and the plane defined by the box rear wall surface and is measured along the direction perpendicular to the box front wall surface and the box rear wall surface do. The distance between the largest portion of the perforations and the lid front wall surface is substantially the distance between the highest point of the edge defined by the perforations and the plane of the lid front wall surface and is measured along a direction perpendicular to the lid front wall surface and the lid rear wall surface.

Each of the first and second perforations can be formed independently in another suitable manner. Preferably, each of the first perforation line and the second perforation line is formed as a scribe line or a resection line.

It may be convenient to remove material from the inner surface of the blank to form the container according to the present invention using ablation tools (e.g., laser, blade). Lasers as ablation tools are particularly desirable because they allow for a wide variety of ablation profiles and configurations, while requiring minimal adjustment of the laser tool. For example, the laser can be repeatedly passed over a given portion of the blank to repeatedly remove different amounts of material, allowing a finely controlled ablation profile.

In some preferred embodiments, both the first perforation line and the second perforation line are formed as graduation lines. Alternatively, in other embodiments, both the first and second perforations are formed as ablation lines.

Each of the first and second perforations preferably includes an arc. Preferably, the radius of curvature of each of the upper edge of the lid back wall surface and the back edge of the lid top wall surface is about 0.5 to about 3 times the width of the container.

In some preferred embodiments, the lid portion of the container further includes a lid front wall surface connected to the lid top wall by a first deformed edge forming a beveled edge of the container. Alternatively, the first deformed edge may form a rounded edge of the container. This is advantageous in that the provision of the front uppermost edge of the beveled or rounded container imparts a particularly ergonomic shape to the container. One such inclined lid front edge portion of the container can advantageously be obtained by forming a resection line on the inner surface of the lid front edge portion.

In some preferred embodiments, the box portion includes a box front wall surface, and the lid portion includes a lid front wall surface such that when the lid portion is in the closed position, the lid front wall surface rests on the upper portion of the box front wall surface. These are typically implementations in which the vessel is formed with a single blank (i.e., a vessel without an inner frame). However, the container according to the present invention may also include an inner frame. In this case, the lid is placed in a portion of the inner frame extending over the upper edge of the box front wall surface when the lid front wall is substantially aligned with the box front wall surface and the lid is in the closed position to provide the user with a substantially flat surface .

The container according to the present invention preferably includes at least retaining tabs extending laterally and outwardly from the box front wall, the retaining tabs having a lid portion which, when the lid portion is moved between the open and closed positions, Lt; / RTI > This is advantageous in that the cooperation between the retaining tab and the lid portion can help maintain the lid portion in the closed position.

More preferably, the lid portion includes a lid sidewall extending between the lid front wall and the lid rear wall; The lid portion further includes at least one incision in one of the lid sidewalls, and the incision interacts with the retaining tab when the lid portion is moved between the open position and the closed position. For example, the retaining tab may be received within the incision, which may further assist in securing the lid in the closed position. Further, the interaction of the retaining tab with the incision can advantageously be associated with an audible indication that the lid is fixed in the closed position.

The container according to the invention finds particular application as consumer goods, in particular as elongated consumer goods, for example containers for smoking articles. However, they can also be used for some other types of consumer goods.

The blank may be formed of any suitable material, including, but not limited to, cardboard, paperboard, plastic, metal, or combinations thereof, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the blank is a thin layer of cardboard blank having a weight of about 100 g / m ² to about 350 g / m ² . Preferably, the thickness (T) of the blank is at least about 200 [mu] m.

The container may optionally include an outer wrapper which is preferably a transparent polymer film of, for example, high density or low density polyethylene, polypropylene, oriented polypropylene, polyvinylidene chloride, a cellulose membrane, or a combination thereof, The outer wrapper is applied in a conventional manner. The outer wrapper may include a release tape. Also, the outer wrapper may be printed with images, consumer information, or other data.

The consumer article may also be provided in a container in the form of a bundle wrapped in an inner package formed of a metal foil or metallized paper. The inner package material may be formed as a laminate of a metallized polyethylene film and a liner material. The liner material may be a super calendared glassine paper. Also, the inner package material may be provided with a printable aqueous topcoat. The inner package has an access opening through which the consumable material can be removed when the lid of the container is in its respective open position.

The container is preferably a rectangular parallelepiped comprising two wider wall surfaces spaced apart by two narrower wall surfaces. The hinge lid container according to the present invention may be in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped having a right-angled longitudinal edge and a right-angled transverse edge. Alternatively, the hinge lid container may include at least one round longitudinal edge, a round transverse edge, a bevelled longitudinal edge, or a slanted transverse edge, or a combination thereof. For example, the hinge lid container according to the present invention may include, without limitation:

One or two longitudinally rounded edges on the front wall, and / or one or two longitudinally rounded edges or longitudinally beveled edges on the rear wall.

One or two transverse rounded edges on the front wall, and / or one or two transverse rounded or slanted edges on the back wall.

One longitudinally rounded edge and one longitudinally sloping edge on the front wall, and / or one lateral rounded edge and one transverse sloping edge on the rear wall.

- One or two transverse round edges or transversely sloping edges on the front wall and one or two longitudinal rounded or sloping edges on the front wall.

Two longitudinally rounded or inclined edges on the first sidewall, or two transversely rounded or inclined edges on the second sidewall surface.

Where the container comprises more than one tapered edge, the tapered edge has a width of from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, preferably from about 2 mm to about 6 mm. Alternatively, the container may include a multi-sloping edge formed by spaced parallel graduation lines or nicks so that two or more distinct sloping portions are formed on at least one edge of the container.

Alternatively, the container may have a non-rectangular cross-section, for example a polygonal cross-section such as a triangular or hexagonal, semi-elliptical or semicircular.

The container according to the invention finds particular application as packs for elongated smoking articles such as, for example, cigarettes, cigars or cigars. It will be appreciated that the container according to the present invention may be designed for a different number of conventional size, king size, super-king size, slim or super-slim cigarettes, through a suitable choice of its dimensions. Alternatively, other consumer goods can be accommodated inside the container.

The container according to the present invention can be designed to maintain a different total number of smoking articles, or different arrangements of smoking articles, through an appropriate choice of its dimensions. For example, a container according to the present invention can be designed to hold a total of 10 to 30 smoking articles, through an appropriate choice of its dimensions.

The smoking articles may be arranged in different collation depending on the total number of smoking articles.

The containers according to the invention can hold the same type or brand, or different types or brands of smoking articles. In addition, both the no-filter smoking article and the smoking article with the various filter tips can be contained, as well as being of a different length (e.g., from about 40 mm to about 180 mm), diameter (e.g., About 9 mm) of smoking article may also be included. Preferably, the dimensions of the container are adapted to the length of the smoking article and the occlusion of the smoking article. Typically, the outer dimensions of the container are about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm greater than the dimensions of the bundle or bundles of smoking articles contained within the container.

The length, width and depth of the container according to the invention can be such that the overall dimensions of the resulting container are similar to the dimensions of a conventional disposable pack of 20 cigarettes.

Preferably, the container according to the present invention has a height of from about 60 mm to about 150 mm, more preferably from about 70 mm to about 125 mm, wherein the height is measured from the bottom wall surface of the container to the top wall surface.

Preferably, the container according to the present invention has a width of from about 12 mm to about 150 mm, more preferably from about 55 mm to about 125 mm, wherein the width is measured from one side wall of the container to the other side wall.

Preferably, the container according to the present invention has a depth of about 6 mm to about 150 mm, more preferably a depth of about 12 mm to about 25 mm, wherein the depth is measured from the front wall surface of the container to the rear wall surface.

Preferably, the ratio of the height of the container to the depth of the container is from about 0.3: 1 to about 10: 1, more preferably from about 2: 1 to about 8: 1, and most preferably from about 3: : 1.

Preferably, the ratio of the width of the container to the depth of the container is from about 0.3: 1 to about 10: 1, more preferably from about 2: 1 to about 8: 1, and most preferably from about 2: : 1.

Preferably, the ratio of the height of the lid rear wall to the height of the box rear wall of the outer sleeve is about 0: 1 (the lid is located at the top edge of the container) to about 1: 1, : 5 to about 1: 10, most preferably from about 1: 6 to about 1: 8.

Preferably, the ratio of the height of the lid front wall of the outer sleeve to the height of the box front wall of the outer sleeve is about 1: 0 (lid covering the entire front wall) to about 1:10, more preferably about 1 : 1 to about 1: 5, most preferably from about 1: 2 to about 1: 3.

The outer surface of the container according to the present invention may be printed, embossed, engraved or otherwise decorated with a manufacturer or brand logo, trademark, slogan and other consumer information and indicia.

A container according to the present invention may be formed by folding a blank including a box-defining blank portion for forming a box portion of the container and a lid-defining blank portion for forming a lid portion of the container. The box-bound blank portion includes a rear box wall panel for forming the rear wall surface of the box portion, the lid-defining blank portion hanging from the box-defining blank portion along a lid hinge line extending across the rear box wall panel have. The lid-limited blank portion comprises a top wall panel and a rear wall panel, the top lid for forming a lid top wall and a lid rear wall, respectively; A second perforation line defining a first perforation line defining an upper edge of the lid backside wall panel and a rear edge of the lid top wall surface to form a lid rear edge portion connecting the lid top wall and the lid back wall surface in the assembled container; And an edge-defining blank portion extending between the first perforation line and the second perforation line. When the blank is in a flat state, both the first perforation line and the second perforation line are concave toward the box-defining blank portion of the blank.

The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
1 shows a schematic perspective view of a container for consumer goods according to the invention;
Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of the container of Figure 1;
Figure 3 shows a top view of a blank for forming a deformation of the container according to the invention.

The container 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is essentially rectangular in shape and has a box portion 12 and a box portion 12 along a hinge line 16 extending across the rear wall of the container 10. [ And a lid portion 14 connected to the lid. The container 10 is formed as a single blank. The overall size and configuration of the box 12 and the lid 14 of the container 10 are substantially the same as those of a standard hinge lid cigarette pack. The box portion 12 includes a box front wall surface 20, a box rear wall surface 22, a box bottom wall surface, a box left wall surface 24, and a box right wall surface. The lid portion 14 includes a lid front wall surface 26, a lid rear wall surface 28, a lid top wall surface 30, a lid left wall surface 32 and a lid right wall surface. The lid portion 14 is pivotable about a hinge line 16 between a closed position and an open position. 1 and 2, the lid portion 14 covers the access opening of the vessel 10 and the side walls of the hinge lid form an extension of the corresponding side wall surfaces of the box portion On the other hand, the lid front wall surface 26 partially overlaps the box front wall surface 20. In the open position, the lid portion 14 is axially rotated to project rearwardly from the box portion 12, and the access opening at the upper end of the box portion 12 is fully open.

The lid portion 14 also includes a lid rear edge portion 34 that connects the lid top wall 30 and the lid rear wall 28. 1, the lid rear edge portion 34 extends between the upper edge 36 of the lid rear wall surface 28 and the rear edge 38 of the lid top wall surface 30. As shown in Fig. The upper edge 36 of the lid rear wall 28 and the rear edge 38 of the lid top wall are curved. The upper edge 36 of the lid back wall 28 is convex toward the lid portion 14 of the container and the rear edge 38 of the lid top wall 30 is convex toward the front of the container.

The upper edge 36 of the lid rear wall 28 and the rear edge 38 of the lid top wall 30 are defined by respective perforations and the laser ablation on the inner surface of the blank in which the container 10 is formed As shown in Fig.

The box portion 12 and the lid portion 14 of the container according to the present invention may be formed together from the single thin layer blank 300 shown in Fig. The laminate blank 300 may be assembled and filled using standard equipment. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the thin layer blank 300 includes a box blank portion 3001 for forming a box portion of the container, and a lid blank portion 3002 for forming a lid portion of the container. The box blank portion 3001 is suspended from the lid blank portion 3002 along the hinge line 3003.

The box blank portion 3001 includes a front wall panel 308, a rear wall panel 312, and a bottom wall panel 309. The two sidewall panels 310 extend from the front wall panel 308 and the two sidewall panels 311 extend from the rear wall panel 312 and the two box dust flaps 313 extend from the side And extends from the wall panel 311. When the box portion of the container is assembled from the box blank 3001, the front wall panel 308 forms the container front wall surface and the rear wall panel 312 forms the container rear wall surface and the side wall panels 310, 311 Overlaps the bottom wall panel 309 to form the left and right container wall surfaces, and the box dust flap 313 overlaps the bottom wall panel 309 to form the bottom wall surface. The side wall panels 310 and 311 are substantially the same size and shape as each other. When the container is formed, the sidewall panels 310 and 311 are superimposed directly on top of one another with their free edges substantially aligned, so that the inner sidewall panel is almost invisible. The box dust flap 313 is smaller than the lowermost wall panel 309. When the container is formed, the box dust flap 313 lies inside the lowermost wall panel 309. They provide additional structural support for the container bottom wall of the container but are not visible outside the container.

The lid blank portion 3002 includes a front wall panel 314, a rear wall panel 318 and a top wall panel 320. The two sidewall panels 316 extend from the front wall panel 314 and the two sidewall panels 317 extend from the rear wall panel 318 and the lid dust flap 319 And extends from the side wall panel 317. When the lid portion of the container is assembled with the lid blank 3002, the front wall panel 314 forms the container front wall surface, the rear wall panel 318 forms the rear wall surface, and the sidewall panels 316 and 317 Overlap to form the left and right wall surfaces, and the lid dust flap 319 overlaps the top wall panel 320 to form the lid top wall. The side wall panels 316 and 317 are substantially the same size and shape as each other. When the container is formed, the sidewall panels 316 and 317 lie directly on top of each other by their free edges being substantially aligned so that the inner sidewall panels are only visible. The lid dust flap 319 is smaller than the top wall panel 320. When the container is formed, the lid dust flap 319 lies inside the top wall panel 320. They provide additional structural support for the container top (top) wall, but are not visible outside the container.

The lid blank 3002 also includes a first perforation line 322 that defines the upper edge of the lid rear wall panel 318 and a second perforation line 321 that defines the back edge of the lid top wall panel 320. [ . The lid blank portion 3002 also has an edge-to-edge extension extending between the first perforation line 321 and the second perforation line 322 to form a lid rear edge portion that connects the lid top wall and the lid rear wall surface in the assembled container. And includes a limited blank portion 324.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, each of the first perforation line 321 and the second perforation line 322 includes a resection line.

A cut line 315 is formed in the box blank 3001 such that the cut line 309 intersects the fold line. One of the sidewall panels 310 is connected to the front wall panel 308 along the fold line It is hanging. In the assembled container, the cutting line 315 defines a retaining tab extending outwardly from the box front wall surface such that the retaining tab interacts with the lid portion as the lid portion is moved between the open and closed positions.

Also in the assembled container, the incision 325, at the position where the retaining tab defined by the cutting line 315 interacts with the incision 325 when the lid portion is moved between the open and closed positions, As shown in Fig. In particular, in the assembled container, the cutout defines a recess in which the retaining tab can be partially received. The cooperation between the retaining tab and the incision can help maintain the lid in the closed position and can be associated with the creation of an audible indication of the closure.

3, the blank for forming a container in accordance with the present invention includes a box bottom wall panel 309, a box front wall panel 308, and a box rear wall panel 312, And may include other new or ablative lines that define the edges, respectively. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, another such modified edge portion is also provided between the lid top wall panel 320 and the lid front wall panel 314. A rounded edge is obtained when the blank 300 is folded to form a container because of the new line or ablation line provided at this location. The provision of the rounded top front edge of the lid contributes to imparting a particularly ergonomic shape to the container according to the present invention with respect to the rear edge of the lid.

Claims (15)

A container for a consumer article, the container comprising:
Box portion; And
And a lid portion connected to the box portion along a hinge line extending across the rear wall of the container, the lid portion being axially rotatable about the hinge line between a closed position and an open position, A lid top wall, a lid rear wall, and a lid rear edge connecting the lid top wall and the lid rear wall;
Wherein the lid rear edge portion extends between an upper edge of the lid rear wall surface and a rear edge of the lid upper wall; And
Wherein the upper edge of the lid rear wall surface and the rear edge of the lid top wall are curved such that when the container is in an upright position and viewed from the rear side of the container, the upper edge of the lid rear wall surface faces toward the top of the container Wherein the container is in an upright position and the rear edge of the lid top wall as viewed from the top of the container is convex toward the front of the container. The lid of claim 1, further comprising a first perforation line defining an upper edge of the lid rear wall surface and a second perforation line defining a rear edge of the lid top wall, wherein the first perforation line and the second perforation line At least one of which comprises ablation lines or graduation lines. The container according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the first perforation line and the second perforation line is defined by an arc having a constant curvature. 4. The container of claim 3, wherein both the first perforation line and the second perforation line are defined by respective arcs, each arc having a constant curvature. The container according to claim 4, wherein the first perforation line and the second perforation line have the same radius of curvature, or the curvature radius of the first perforation line is larger than the curvature radius of the second perforation line. 6. A container according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein a distance between a maximum portion of the first perforation line and a maximum portion of the second perforation line is at least about 1 mm. 7. A container according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein a distance between a maximum portion of the first perforation line and a maximum portion of the second perforation line is less than about 15 mm. 8. A method according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein a distance between a maximum portion of the first perforation line and the box rear wall surface is at least about 0.5 mm, and a distance between a maximum portion of the first perforation line and the lid front wall surface is at least About 2 mm. 9. A method according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein a distance between a maximum portion of the second perforation line and the box rear wall surface is at least about 1 mm, and a distance between a maximum portion of the second perforation line and the lid front wall surface is at least About 1 mm. 10. A lid according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid portion is a lid front wall portion connected to the lid top wall by a first deformed edge portion forming a beveled edge or rounded edge of the container Further comprising a container. 11. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the box portion includes a box front wall surface, the lid portion including a lid front wall surface, wherein when the lid portion is in the closed position, The top surface of the box front wall. 9. The container of claim 8, further comprising at least retaining tabs extending laterally and outwardly from the box front wall, the retaining tabs having a lid portion of the container when the lid portion is moved between an open position and a closed position, Lt; / RTI > 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the lid portion includes a lid sidewall surface extending between the lid front wall surface and the lid rear wall surface; Wherein the lid portion further comprises at least one incision in one of the lid sidewalls, the incision interacting with the retaining tab when the lid portion is moved between an open position and a closed position. 14. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising a smoking article. A blank for forming a container for a consumer article,
A box-defining blank portion for forming a box portion of the container;
A lid-defining blank portion for forming a lid portion of the container;
Wherein said box-defining blank portion comprises a rear box wall panel for forming a rear wall surface of said box portion, said lid-defining blank portion having a box-shaped blanket portion extending along said lid hinge line extending across said rear box wall panel, Hanging on the limited blank portion;
Wherein the lid-defining blank portion
A top lid for forming a lid top wall and a lid rear wall, respectively; a wall panel and a top rear wall panel;
A first perforated line defining an upper edge of the lid rear wall panel and a second perforated line defining a rear edge of the lid top wall panel, a lid connecting the lid top wall and the lid rear wall, And an edge-defining blank portion extending between the first perforation line and the second perforation line to form a rear edge portion;
Wherein both the first perforation line and the second perforation line are concave toward the box-defining blank portion.

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