TW201331099A - Container with integrally connected receptacles - Google Patents

Abstract

A container (10), (80) for consumer goods formed from a one-piece laminar blank (110), (180), the container comprising: a first receptacle (12), (82) having a first wall (24) with opposed first (50) and second (52) edges; a second receptacle (14), (84) having a first wall (36) with opposed first (54) and second (56) edges, wherein in an initial position the first wall (24) of the first receptacle (12), (82) and the first wall (36) of the second receptacle (14), (84) face each other so that the first edges of the first and second receptacles are adjacent and the second edges of the first and second receptacles are adjacent. A first integral connector (16), (86) and a second integral connector (18), (88) extend between the first edge (50) of the first receptacle (12) and the first edge (54) of the second receptacle (14). The second receptacle (14) is rotatable relative to the first receptacle (12) from the initial position into a first position or a second position.

Description

Container with integrally connected container

The present invention relates to a container for a consumer product comprising two receptacles pivotally connected to each other by a unitary connector. Containers according to the present invention find particular application on smoking packages.

Most of the currently known smoking articles are packaged in containers containing two connected cartons. For example, the patent application WO-A-2006/079799 describes a package comprising two cartons which are connected by at least a first and a second strap in a rope ladder configuration. In the first position, the first and second cartons face each other and are associated with the first side of the carton. The first and second straps are configured such that the first and second cartons can be moved relative to each other from the first position to the second position or the third position, and in the second position, the second cassette is wrapped around the first sheet The first edge of the cartridge is rotated relative to the first carton, or in the third position, the second carton is wrapped around the second edge of the first carton, on the other side of the first edge, relative to the first carton And turn.

The first and second carton packs of the package in the patent application WO-A-2006/079799 are formed by separate thin plate blanks and are arranged in a rope ladder configuration by a separate bonded blank or structure. connection.

Another example of a container comprising a two-phase connection carton is described in the patent application WO-A-2009/013627. The container of the patent application WO-A-2009/013627 comprises first and second cartons, each carton comprising an integral connector extending across the first wall. The integral connectors of the first and second carton are attached to each other to form a rope ladder configuration. Thus, the cartons can be in the first, second and third positions as described above in relation to WO-A-2006/079799. Move relative to each other.

It is desirable to provide a container comprising two or more receptacles that are connected in a rope ladder or similar configuration and that can be produced and assembled in a simple and efficient manner. It is especially desirable if such a container can be assembled and filled using conventional apparatus and methods without major modifications.

According to the present invention, there is provided a container for use in a consumer product, the container comprising a first container having a first wall, the first wall having opposite first and second edges; and a first wall having a first wall a second receiving container, the first wall having opposite first and second edges; a first integral connecting member extending between the first edge of the first receiving container and the first edge of the second receiving container; And a second integral connector extending between the first edge of the first receptacle and the first edge of the second receptacle. The first integral connector includes a first connection region attached to the first wall of the first container and a first pivotally connected to the first connection region and surrounding the second container a second connecting zone that rotates at an edge. The second integral connector includes a first connection region attached to the first wall of the second container and a first pivotally connected to the first connection region and surrounding the first container a second connecting zone that rotates at an edge.

In the initial position of the container, the first wall of the first receiving container and the first wall of the second receiving container face each other such that the first walls of the first and second receiving containers The first edge lines are adjacent to each other and the second edges of the first walls of the first and second receiving containers are adjacent to each other. From the initial position, the second receiving container is relative to the first receiving container, Rotating to the first position about the first edge of the first wall of the first receiving container, the first edge of the first walls of the first and second receiving containers in the first position Adjacent to each other, and the second edges of the first walls of the first and second receiving containers are spaced apart from each other. The second receiving container may also rotate relative to the first receiving container relative to the first receiving container about the second edge of the first wall of the first receiving container to the second position, in the second position, the first The second edges of the first walls of the first and second receiving containers are adjacent to each other and the first edges of the first walls of the first and second receiving containers are spaced apart from each other.

The first and second integral connectors are configured such that the first and second receptacles of the container in accordance with the present invention are pivotally interconnected to one another in a rope ladder configuration as described in the prior art. However, the container of the present invention is advantageously formed from a single single piece of sheet blank. Therefore, the first receiving container, the second receiving container, the first integral connecting member and the second integral connecting member are integrally and integrally formed of the same piece of material.

Including the integral connector, the integration of all components of the container into a single sheet blank provides significant manufacturing advantages. In particular, through the use of a single sheet blank, the production process of the container according to the present invention is more simple and efficient than the conventional art container using the corresponding process. Moreover, the positioning of all of the connectors between the same first edge of the first container and the same first edge of the second container allows for a tight layout of the blanks used for container assembly.

In a conventional art container, the first and second containment containers are formed from separate and distinct sheet blanks which must be separately manufactured and printed prior to being assembled and assembled into the final container. For making The handling and assembly of separate sheet blanks of different containers typically requires relatively complex manufacturing processes. Conversely, the use of a single sheet blank to form the first container and the second container of the container according to the present invention allows for a simpler and more efficient machine and process. In addition, when the container is formed from a single blank, the positioning of the printed indicia and other surface treatments on the assembled container is substantially improved as compared to the container being formed from a plurality of blanks. In many cases, the assembly of containers from a single sheet blank can be performed using existing packaging machinery.

In addition, the handling of a single sheet blank has a great deal of flexibility because the integration of the first container and the second container allows the container to be partially assembled while remaining flat. This allows the blank manufacturer to partially assemble the container before shipping it to the consumer product manufacturer, and the consumer product manufacturer will complete the assembly and filling process. For consumer product manufacturers, this makes the entire production process more efficient and allows manufacturers to assemble using existing machinery and methods.

The integral connector of the container of the present invention is integrally formed with the first and second receptacles of the container. Each integral connector is coupled to the first receptacle along a pivot axis extending along a first edge of the first receptacle and is coupled along a pivot axis extending along a first edge of the second receptacle To the second receiving container. An intermediate pivot axis is disposed between the first and second connecting portions and is disposed on the integral connector. The intermediate pivot axis is preferably parallel to the isometric axes of the first edges along the receptacles.

Such a pivotal axis arrangement allows the first connection of each integral connector to be folded such that the first connection covers the first wall. The first connecting portion is attached to the first wall such that the first connecting portion is kept covering the first The position of the wall. Furthermore, the configuration of the pivot axis allows the receptacles to be rotated between the different positions relative to one another, as defined above, as necessary.

Each of the pivot axes is preferably formed by a line of weakness on the material forming the sheet blank, such as a score line or perforation line. Preferably, the first attachment portion of each integral connector is attached to the first side of one of the receptacles by a suitable adhesive.

Advantageously, when the sheet blank remains flat, the first connection of each integral connector can be folded and attached to one of the first walls such that the sheet blank during manufacture, the integral connection The piece can be fixed in position. This can speed up the assembly of the container by the consumer product manufacturer and allow for the final assembly of the container using conventional means for filling standard containers, such as those currently used for smoking containers.

Preferably, one or more additional integral connectors may be disposed between the first edges of the first and second receptacles. For example, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, a third integral connector is disposed between the first edges of the first and second receptacles. Preferably, each of the additional integral connectors has the same structure as the first and second integral connectors, and the first connecting portion is attached to the first side of one of the receiving containers, and the second connecting portion is Pivoting around the first edge of the other receptacle. Preferably, two or more integral connectors are disposed adjacent to each other such that the integral connectors can be configured from one of the single sheet blanks through a simple cutting line arrangement between the connectors. Ground formation.

Preferably, the first and second edges of the first walls of the first and second receiving containers are longitudinal edges. More preferably, the first and second edges are substantially opposite the vertical longitudinal edges of the container.

Preferably, the first wall of each of the first and second receiving containers is a main wall of the container, such as a rear wall or a front wall. The term "primary" is used in receptacle walls that have a larger surface area than other walls. Particularly preferably, preferably, the first wall of at least one of the first and second receptacles is the rear wall of the receptacle. Preferably, the first wall of both the first and second receiving containers is the rear wall of the container. This means that at the initial position where the container and the container are together, the rear wall faces inward and the front wall faces the rear wall facing outward. Therefore, at the starting position, the front end of the two receiving container can be seen. It may be advantageous if the filled container in the starting position is presented to the customer at the point of sale.

Preferably, the starting positions of the receiving containers correspond to a closed position and each of the first position and the second position corresponds to an open position. To move the containers from the initial position to the first position, the container is opened as a book by rotating the first and second containers about each other about a coincident axis with adjacent first edges. Similarly, in order to move the containers from the starting position to the second position, the containers are in the opposite direction, by overlapping the first and second receiving containers with the adjacent second edges. The axes are rotated relative to each other to open.

At each of the first position and the second position, the first and second receiving containers can be positioned at an angle of approximately 180 degrees such that the first and second receiving containers are substantially flat with their side walls Located in the same plane. Alternatively, the first and second receptacles can be positioned at an angle of less than 180 degrees.

The first walls of the first and second receiving containers are not in the starting position It is visible to the customer, but can be seen when the containers are moved to the first or second position. The integral connectors are configured such that, in each of the first and second positions, the integral connectors cover at least a portion of the first walls of the receptacles. However, in each of the first and second positions, different surfaces of the unitary connector will be exposed to the first walls of the receptacles. Thus, the different surfaces of the unitary connectors can be advantageously printed or decorated in different graphics or text to provide a sharp contrast or complementary appearance in the first and second positions.

Preferably, the container according to the present invention is provided with a holding means for holding the containers in the starting position until a positive force is applied by the customer to separate the first and second receiving containers from each other. And move to the first or second position. The retaining means can be arranged to hold the receptacles in the starting position until the first opening. In a particular embodiment, the retaining means additionally maintains the receptacles in the starting position between uses. Suitable means of holding are well known to those skilled in the art, but may include, for example, one or more regions of the resealable adhesive that seal the first walls of the first and second receptacles from each other. A fixed piece, one or more mechanical or magnetic jaw-type fasteners, or a combination of the above.

One or both of the first container and the second container of the container according to the present invention may be in the form of a single box or cardboard box containing the consumer product. Each of the boxes includes a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, a left side wall, and a right side wall so that the consumer product can be completely enclosed. Preferably, the top wall of the box is openable for access to the consumer product. For example, the top wall preferably rotates about the top edge of the back wall.

In a preferred embodiment, the top wall of the box is provided with a closure panel extending from the front edge of the top wall, the closure panel being foldable into the box between the front wall of the box and the consumer product. Preferably, all of the mouthpieces are disposed on the top edge of the front wall of the box to cover the portion into which the closure sheet is folded. This facilitates the removal of the closure from the interior of the box and the opening of the top wall. A similar closure sheet can be placed on the bottom wall of the box to provide a secure closure if desired.

Alternatively or additionally, one or both of the first receiving container and the second receiving container of the container according to the present invention may be a hinged lid container including a box body and an integral hinge cover, the integral hinge cover Attached to the casing along a pivot axis extending across the rear wall of the receptacle. Preferably, the pivot axis extends across the first wall of the container such that the first wall corresponds to the rear wall of the container. In such a configuration, the hinge cover can be prevented from rotating about the pivot axis to the open position when the first and second receiving containers are in the initial position together with the first wall. Therefore, the containers must be moved to the first position or the second position before the hinge lid container can be opened. It is thus advantageous to avoid accidentally opening the hinge lid container between uses.

When one or both of the first container and the second container of the container according to the present invention comprise a hinged cover, the hinge cover can be formed by a suitable arrangement of cutting lines and fold lines on a single sheet blank. The hinge cover is formed when the container is assembled. Alternatively, the hinge cover can be partially defined by at least one of the single sheet blanks or more than one line of weakness. The one or more lines of weakness must be split when the container is first opened, in order to form the hinged lid and the lid of the hinged lid to the container Body apart.

When both the first receiving container and the second receiving container of the container according to the present invention are hinged lid containers, the two receiving containers may have a hinge that is rotatable about a pivot axis extending across the first wall of the container cover. In the initial position, the hinge lid container is thus positioned back to back with the rear walls such that none of the hinge lids can be opened. In another embodiment, the first receiving container has a hinge cover rotatable about a pivot axis extending across the first wall of the container, and the second receiving container has a second extending container extending around the receiving container A hinged lid that rotates about the axis of the wall. Preferably, the second wall is parallel and substantially opposite the first wall of the second container.

Alternatively or additionally, one or both of the first receiving container and the second receiving container may form an outer casing of the sliding shell container, wherein a separate inner sliding member for accommodating the consumer product may be placed Inside the outer casing. The inner slide does not form part of the container of the invention and must be formed from a separate sheet blank. The inner slide is movable relative to the outer housing between a closed position and an open position.

Preferably, the inner slide comprises an opening through which the consumer product can be removed when the inner slide is in the open position. The entire side of the inner slide can be opened, or an opening can be provided in one of the inner slides, such as the top or side wall. The size of the opening can be selected based on the size of the consumer product and can be adjusted to dispense a single consumer product or to distribute a small batch of consumer products at a time.

The outer housing includes at least one access opening through which the inner slide extends. Preferably, the top end of the outer casing is open to allow the inner slide to be removed from the outer casing. Preferably, the bottom end of the outer casing is also openable to allow the inner slide to be pushed out of the top end of the outer casing in an upward direction. Alternatively, the outer casing may further comprise one or more closure sheets located in the at least one access opening. The one or more closure sheets are preferably moveable between a closed position and an open position in which the one or more closure sheets cover the access opening when in the open position The access opening is not covered and the inner slide can be taken.

The one or more closure sheets can be bonded in the closed position using a permanent or resealable sealant. Alternatively, the one or more closure sheets may comprise a flat portion that can be folded into the outer casing between a wall of the outer casing and the consumer product, as described above with respect to one or more The container is an embodiment of a box type. When the one or more closure flaps can be folded into the outer casing, all of the mouthpieces are preferably disposed over the folded portion of the closure panel, as described above, on the outer casing wall. This facilitates the grasping and opening of the closure piece.

When one or both of the first and second receiving containers of the container according to the present invention are an outer casing of a sliding shell container, the at least one access opening and any of the closing sheets may be on a single sheet blank. It is defined by proper configuration of panels, cutting lines and polylines. Alternatively, a single sheet blank may be provided with one or more lines of weakness that rupture when the container is first opened to define at least one access opening or at least one closure piece.

Preferably, both the first receiving container and the second receiving container of the container according to the present invention have the same configuration. However, what you can understand is the root. The container according to the invention may comprise a first receiving container and a second receiving container and having different opening and closing means. For example, the first receiving container can be a hinged lid container and the second receiving container can be a sliding shell container and vice versa.

The first container and the second container of the container according to the invention may have the same or different cross sections. For example, the cross section of one or both of the first receiving container and the second receiving container of the container according to the present invention may be rectangular, square, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, D-shaped, semi-circular or semi-elliptical.

Preferably, the first container and the second container of the container according to the present invention are substantially parallel to the shape of the riser. More preferably, the first container and the second container of the container according to the present invention are substantially in the shape of a cube.

The first container and the second container of the container according to the present invention may be the same or different in size. Preferably, the first container and the second container of the container according to the present invention are of different sizes. More preferably, the first container and the second container of the container according to the invention have substantially the same length and width, but different depths.

Preferably, the first wall of the first container and the first wall of the second container of the container according to the present invention are substantially the same size.

The container of the present invention may be made of any suitable material including, but not limited to, cardboard, paperboard, plastic or a combination of the above. Preferably, the container is formed from a single thin cardboard blank and preferably the weight of the cardboard is between about 100 grams per square meter and about 350 grams per square meter.

The first receiving container and the second receiving container of the container according to the present invention may It is a rectangular parallelepiped shape with right-angled longitudinal and right-angled lateral edges. Alternatively, the receptacles may include one or more rounded longitudinal edges, rounded lateral edges, beveled longitudinal edges, or beveled lateral edges, or a combination of the above. For example, the first container and the second container of the container according to the invention may comprise, but are not limited to: - one or two longitudinally rounded or beveled edges of the front wall and/or one of the rear walls or Two longitudinal sleek or beveled edges; - one or two transversely rounded or beveled edges on the front wall and/or one or two transversely rounded or beveled edges on the back wall; - one longitudinally located on the front wall a rounded edge and a longitudinal beveled edge, and/or a transversely rounded edge and a transverse beveled edge of the back wall; - one or both of the laterally rounded or beveled edges of the front wall and one or both of the front walls Longitudinal sleek or beveled edges; or - two longitudinally rounded or beveled edges on the first side wall or two transversely rounded or beveled edges on the second side wall.

Preferably, when one or both of the receptacles comprise one or more rounded edges, preferably the single sheet blanks used to form the container comprise three, four, five, six or seven score lines or creases Lines to form the various rounded edges of the assembled container. The score line or crease line can be located on the inside of the container or on the outside of the container. Preferably, the line of the score line or crease line is spaced apart from each other by a distance of between about 0.3 mm and 4 mm.

Preferably, the spacing between the line of the score line or crease line and the line is a function of the thickness of the sheet blank. Preferably, the line between the line of the crease line or the score line is between about 0.5 times and about 4 times the thickness of the sheet blank. between.

When one or both of the receptacles comprise one or more beveled edges, preferably each beveled edge has a width between about 1 mm and about 10 mm, preferably about 2 Between mm and approximately 6 mm. Alternatively, one or both of the receptacles may comprise double beveled edges formed by three parallel creases or score lines that are separated such that the two are different The hypotenuse is formed on the edge of the container.

When one or both of the receptacles comprise a beveled edge, the bevel may be formed by forming two parallel crease lines or score lines on a single sheet blank of the container. The crease line or score line can be configured symmetrically to the edge between the two walls. Alternatively, the crease line or score line can be configured asymmetrically to the edge between the walls such that the beveled edge can reach one of the walls more deeply.

The container according to the invention finds a special application as a container for containing elongated tobacco products, such as, for example, cigarettes, cigars or cigarillos. Preferably, at least one of the first receiving container and the second receiving container holds a plurality of smoking articles, and particularly preferably accommodates the bundled smoking articles.

It will be appreciated that the first and second receptacles of the container according to the present invention can be designed to accommodate a different number of separate packets of cigarettes by appropriate selection of their dimensions. For example, the first and second receptacles of the container according to the present invention may each be designed to accommodate a total of between ten and thirty cigarettes, via appropriate selection of their dimensions.

The smoking articles contained in the first and second receiving containers can be configured to be different The order of the arrangement depends on the head of the smoking article. For example, smoking articles can be configured in six, seven, eight, nine or ten rows in a row. Alternatively, the smoking article can be configured in two or more rows. The two or more rows may contain the same number of smoking articles. For example, the smoking article can be configured in two rows of five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten per row; three rows, five or seven per row; or four rows, four per row. Five or six. Alternatively, the two or more rows may comprise at least two rows containing a different number of smoking articles from each other. For example, smoking articles can be configured as: a row of five branches and a row of six branches (5-6); a row of six branches and a row of seven branches (6-7); a row of seven branches and a row of eight branches (7- 8); one middle row of five branches and two outer rows of six branches (6-5-6); one middle row of five branches and two outer rows of seven branches (7-5-7); one middle row of six branches and two The outer row is five branches (5-6-5); one middle row of six branches and two outer rows of seven branches (7-6-7); one middle row of seven branches and two outer rows of six branches (6-7- 6); one middle row of nine branches and two outer rows of eight branches (8-9-8); or one middle row of six branches, one outer row of five branches and the other outer row of seven branches (5-6-7). The order of the smoking articles of the first receiving container may be the same as or different from the order of the smoking articles of the second receiving container. The above-described arrangement order may be applied to each container individually or to a combination of the two containers. For example, each single container may contain a single row of smoking articles or two rows of smoking articles according to the above-described arrangement order, so that one of the arrangement order of the entire container system of two or three rows can be achieved. For example, the first receiving container may comprise a 7-6 sorting order and the second receiving container may comprise another 7 sorting order to produce a complete 7-6-7 sorting order for the entire container.

The first and second receiving containers can be designed to accommodate separate cigarette packets of different sizes, such as conventional size, oversized, super-large size, ultra-thin or ultra-thin cigarettes. Another option, other consumer products can be included One or both of the first and second receiving containers.

The first and second containers of the container according to the present invention can contain smoking articles of the same type or brand, or smoking articles of different types or brands. In addition, both filterless smoking articles and smoking articles with a variety of different filters, and different lengths (eg, between about 40 mm and 180 mm in length), different diameters (eg, diameters between about 4 mm and Smoke products between 9 mm) can be stored. In addition, smoking products may differ in taste intensity, resistance to drag, and total particulate matter transport. Preferably, the size of each container is adjustable for the length of the smoking article and the order in which the smoking articles are arranged. Typically, the outer dimensions of each container are greater than the size of the packet of pouch contained within the container from about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm.

The length, width and depth of the first and second receptacles of the container according to the present invention can be designed such that in the initial position, the overall dimensions of the container are similar to those of a typical disposable twenty cigarette pack. The size of the container.

Preferably, the total height of the container according to the invention is between about 60 mm and about 150 mm, more preferably the height is between about 70 mm and about 125 mm, wherein the height is from the bottom wall of the container Measure to the top wall.

Preferably, the total width of the container according to the invention is between about 12 mm and about 150 mm, more preferably the width is between about 70 mm and about 125 mm, wherein the width is from one side of the container Measure to the other side wall.

Preferably, the total depth of the container according to the invention is between about 6 mm and about 150 mm, more preferably the depth is between about 12 mm and about 25 mm, wherein the depth is measured from the front wall of the container. To the back wall.

Preferably, the ratio of the height of the container to the depth of the container is between about 0.3 to 1 and about 10 to 1, more preferably between about 2 to 1 and about 8 to 1, most preferably, Between about 3 to 1 and 5 to 1.

Preferably, the ratio of the width of the container to the depth of the container is between about 0.3 to 1 and about 10 to 1, more preferably between about 2 to 1 and about 8 to 1, most preferably, Between about 2 to 1 and 3 to 1.

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

The consumer products located inside the container according to the invention may be wrapped individually or in bundles. This has the advantage that once the container according to the invention is opened and the first consumer product is removed, the other consumer products are still wrapped and can be protected from dust, sunlight or other environments.

Once filled, the container according to the invention may be shrink wrapped or otherwise coated with a transparent polymeric film, for example, high density or low density polyethylene, polypropylene, oriented polypropylene, polyvinylidene chloride, fiber A plain film, or a combination of the above. When the container according to the present invention is packaged in transparent paper, the transparent wrapper may comprise one or more tear strips. In addition, transparent wrappers can be printed with images, consumer information or other materials.

Containers in accordance with the present invention can advantageously be assembled using conventional assembly methods and apparatus, as detailed below, from a single sheet blank. For example, the container can be automatically assembled on an existing assembly machine, for example Use Bergami® from Bologna, Italy.

The invention also provides a sheet blank for forming a container according to the invention as described above. The sheet blank includes a first receiving container defining portion including a first wall panel, the first wall panel having opposite first and second edges, and a second receiving container defining portion including a first wall panel The first wall panel has opposite first and second edges; a first integral connector extending between the first receiving portion defining portion and the first edges of the second receiving container defining portion, the first integral connector The first integral connector includes a pivot axis defining the first and second attachment regions; and a second integral extending between the first receptacle defining portion and the first edges of the second receptacle defining portion a connector, the second integral connector including a pivot axis defining the first and second attachment regions.

Preferably, the sheet blank further comprises a third integral connector extending between the first receiving portion defining portion and the first edges of the second receiving container defining portion.

Preferably, the sheet blank of the present invention comprises a connector panel extending between the first receiving portion defining portion and the first edge of the second receiving container defining portion, and the connecting member panel is integrated into The first walls defining the first receiving container defining portion and the second receiving container defining portion, wherein the connector panel comprises one or more of the first edges of the first and second receiving container defining portions An inter-extended cutting line defining the first, second and optional third integral connectors.

The present invention also provides a method of making a container from the sheet blank of the present invention, as defined above, the method comprising the steps of: Separating the first receiving container and the second receiving container by folding the first receiving container defining portion and the second receiving container defining portion along the longitudinal fold line disposed inside; inserting the consumer product into the partially assembled portion Opening the first receiving container and the second receiving container; closing the ends of the first receiving container and the second receiving container; applying an adhesive to the first connecting portion of each integral connector panel; Attaching the first connection region of the first integral connector to the first wall of the first container and attaching the first connection region of the second integral connector to the second container One wall.

The step of attaching the first attachment zone of each integral connector panel to the first walls of the first and second receptacles is preferably part of the initial assembly process and partially assembling the first receptacle and the first The steps of the second container are executed together. This partially assembled container can advantageously be flattened at this stage for efficient storage or transfer. Consumer products can be inserted into the first and second receiving containers in the same or separate processes. If desired, the assembled first and second receiving containers can be placed in the starting position and their first walls are brought together in a suitable transparent wrapper.

The invention additionally provides a method of taking a consumer product from a container according to the invention as described above. The method includes rotating the second receiving container from the first position relative to the first receiving container about the first edge of the first receiving container to the first position, or from the starting position to the second receiving container relative to the first receiving portion The container is rotated to the second position about the second edge of the first receiving container; and the first receiving container or the second receiving container is opened for consumption product.

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

The container 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a first receiving container 12 and a second receiving container 14 connected by a first integral connecting member 16, a second integral connecting member 18 and a third integral connecting member 20. Each of the first container 12 and the second container 14 is a rectangular parallelepiped and has substantially the same size and shape. A bundle of smoking articles (not shown) is contained in each of the containers of the container 10.

The first container 12 has a front wall 22, a rear wall 24, a left side wall 26, a right side wall 28, a top wall 30, and a bottom wall 32. The front wall 22 and the rear wall 24 are opposite each other and each have a width greater than the width of the side walls 26, 28. The rear wall 24 corresponds to the "first" wall of the first container.

The second container 14 has the same configuration as the first container 12, and has a front wall 34, a rear wall 36, a left side wall 38, a right side wall 40, a top wall 42, and a bottom wall 44. The rear wall 36 corresponds to the "first" wall of the second container.

The front walls 22, 34 each include an intermediate cutout portion 46 that extends from the upper edge of the front wall. The top walls 30, 42 of each receptacle are connected to the rear walls 24, 36 along a fold line extending across the top edge of the rear walls 24, 36. A closure piece 48 extends from the free edges of each of the top walls 30,42. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, when the container is closed, each closure piece 48 is bent nearly 90 degrees to the top wall 30, 42 and inserted into the corresponding front wall 22, 34 and placed in the container. Packed between bundles of tobacco products. The tobacco in the first receiving container 12 and the second receiving container 14 can be opened by opening the corresponding top wall 30, 42 and closure piece 48 are taken around the fold line on the top edge of the back wall. The cutout portion 46 located in each front wall allows the container to be easily opened.

A similar closure sheet 50 is disposed at the bottom of each container and extends from the corresponding bottom wall 32,44. The bottom closure sheet 50 is bent approximately 90 degrees to the bottom wall and is inserted between the corresponding front wall and the packet of tobacco placed in the container.

The first receiving container 12 rear wall 24 includes a first vertical edge 50 and a second vertical edge 52 on the other side, the rear wall 24 being coupled to the integral connectors 16, 18, 20 along the first vertical edge 50, and The rear wall 24 is coupled to the right side wall 28 along a second vertical edge 52. Similarly, the rear wall 36 of the second container 14 includes a first vertical edge 54 and a second vertical edge 56 on the other side, the rear wall 36 being along the first vertical edge 54 and the integral connectors 16, 18, 20 Connected, and rear wall 36 is coupled to left side wall 38 along second vertical edge 56.

The first integral connector 16 extends between the first edge 50 of the rear wall 24 of the first container 12 and the first edge 54 of the second container back wall 36. The first integral connector 16 is rectangular in shape and is disposed on top of the receptacle such that the top edge of the first integral connector 16 is substantially the same level as the rear walls 24,36. The height of the first integral connector 16 is approximately one third of the height of the entire rear wall 24,36.

The first connector includes a first connection portion 16a pivotally coupled to the rear wall 24 of the first container 12 along the first edge 50 of the first container 12, and along a first edge of the second container 14. 54 is pivotally connected to the second connecting portion 16b of the wall 36 of the second receiving container 14. the first The 16a and second connecting portions 16b are substantially pivotally connected to each other along the intermediate vertical fold line 58. The first and second connecting portions 16a, 16b individually have a width corresponding to the width of the first and second receiving container rear walls 24, 36. In the assembled container 10, the first attachment portion 16a covers the rear wall 24 of the first container 12 such that the fold line 58 covers the second edge 52 of the rear wall 24. The first attachment portion 16a is attached to the rear wall 24 of the first container 12 using a suitable adhesive.

The second integral connector 18 is disposed directly below the first integral connector 16 and likewise extends between the first edges 50, 54 of the first and second container back walls 24, 36. The second integral connector 18 is similar in size and configuration to the first integral connector 16. It includes a first attachment zone 18a pivotally coupled to the first edge 54 of the rear wall 36 of the second receptacle 14 and a second attachment zone 18b pivotally coupled to the first edge of the rear wall 24 of the first receptacle 12. . The first and second attachment zones 18a, 18b are also pivotally connected to one another along the intermediate pivot axis 58'. In the assembled container, the first attachment zone 18a covers the rear wall 36 of the second receptacle 14 such that the pivot axis 58' covers the second edge 56 of the rear wall 36. The first attachment zone 18a is attached to the rear wall 36 of the second receptacle 14 using a suitable adhesive.

The third integral connector 20 is disposed directly below the second integral connector 18 and the bottom edge of the third integral connector 20 is substantially the same level as the bottom edge of the rear walls 24,36. The third integral connector 20 is similar in size and configuration to the first integral connector 16 and includes a first connection portion 20a and a second connection portion 20b that are pivotally coupled to each other along the intermediate pivot axis 58". The first connecting portion 20a of the connecting member 20 Attached to the rear wall 24 of the first container 12 in the same manner as the first connection of the first integral connector 16.

Figure 1 shows the container 10 in the closed position, and the walls 24, 36 of the first container 12 and the second container 14 are in close proximity to one another. In this position, the second edges 52, 56 of the rear walls 24, 36 are adjacent to one another and the first edges 50, 54 are also adjacent one another. Each integral connector 16, 18, 20 is bent along the intermediate pivot axis 58, 58', 58" such that the first and second connectors overlap each other and after the first receptacle 12 and the second receptacle 14 The walls 24, 36 are placed substantially flat.

From the closed position shown in Fig. 1, the container 10 can be moved to the second position by rotating the second receiving container 14 relative to the first receiving container 12 about the first edge 50 of the rear wall 24 of the first receiving container 12. The first open position shown in the figure. Alternatively, the first container 12 can be rotated relative to the second container 14 about the first edge 54 of the rear wall 36 of the second container 14 to the first open position. In the first open position, the walls 24, 36 of the first and second receiving containers 12, 14 are spaced apart from each other such that the surface behind the container is exposed. When the container is moved from the closed position to the first open position, the first edges 50, 54 of the rear walls 24, 36 remain together, while the second edges 52, 56 of the rear walls 24, 36 are remote from each other.

In the first open position, the first integral connector 16 remains folded such that the first and second connectors 16a, 16b of the first unitary connector 16 are attached to one third of the wall 24 of the first container. Cover each other. Similarly, the third integral connector 20 is kept folded such that the first and second connecting portions 20a, 20b of the third integral connector 20 are against the lower third of the wall 24 of the first receiving container 12. Overlap each other cover. The second integral connector also remains folded such that the first and second attachment regions 18a, 18b of the second integral connector are overlying each other against the rear wall 36 of the second receptacle 14. The first receiving container 12 between the first and third integral connectors 16, 20 is visible in the region of the rear wall 24 and the second receiving container 14 rear wall 36 is also on either side of the second integral connector 18. Seen.

From the closed position shown in Fig. 1, the container 10 can also be moved to the second container 54 by rotating the second container 14 relative to the first container 12 about the second edge 54 of the wall 24 of the first container 12. 3 shows the second open position. This position can also be achieved by rotating the first container 12 relative to the second container 14 about the second edge 58 of the rear wall 36 of the second container 14. In the second open position, the rear walls 24, 36 are also spaced apart from each other such that the surface behind the container is exposed. With respect to the first open position, in the second open position, the second edges 54, 58 of the rear walls 24, 36 remain together when the container is moved from the closed position to the second open position, however the rear walls 24, 36 The first edges 52, 56 are remote from each other.

In the second open position, the integral connectors 16, 18, 20 are opened such that each integral connector extends across the first and second receptacles 12, 14 between the first edges 52, 56 that are now separated from each other. After the walls 24, 36. In this position, the rear walls 24, 36 of the first and second receiving containers 12, 14 are covered by integral connectors 16, 18, 20.

The first container 12, the second container 14, and the integral connectors 16, 18, 20 are formed together by a single sheet blank, such as the blank 100 shown in FIG. The thin plate blank 110 includes a first receiving container defining portion 112. A second receiving container defining portion 114 and a connector panel 116 extending between the rear walls 24, 36 of the first and second receiving container defining portions 112, 114. The panels of the blank 100 in Fig. 4 have been corresponding to the reference numerals formed by the walls formed by the panels of the assembled container 10. A fold line or score line is also provided between adjacent panels in the blank 100.

The connector panel 116 has the same height as the rear walls 24, 36 and has a width corresponding to the combined width of the rear walls 24, 36. Two substantially horizontal cutting lines 'A' are provided on the connector panel 116. The cutting line 'A' extends the width of the entire connector panel 116 and divides it into three integral connectors 16, 18 of substantially equal height. 20. A substantially vertical pivot axis is disposed downwardly in the center of the connector panel 116, the vertical pivot axis providing pivot axes 58, 58', 58" defining the first and second connectors of the respective integral connectors.

A first adhesive panel 60 extends from the left edge of the left side wall 26 of the first receptacle defining portion 112 and a similar second adhesive panel 62 extends from the right edge of the right side wall 40 of the second receptacle defining portion 114. A cutout portion 46 is provided at the top edge of each of the front wall panels 22, 34.

The container 10 can be assembled from the blank 100 in the following manner. First, the first and second receiving container defining portions 112, 114 are each folded along the longitudinal vertical edge and the adhesive sheets 60, 62 of the respective containers are adhered to the inner side surfaces of the corresponding rear walls 24, 36. The first connecting portions 16a, 20a of the first and second integral connecting members 16, 20 are attached to the rear wall defining portion 112 of the first receiving container defining portion 112 and the first connecting portion 18a of the second integral connecting member 18 is attached. The wall panel 36 is behind the second receiving container defining portion. In this partially assembled state, the sheet blank 110 can be flattened and delivered to the manufacturer.

In a subsequent step, the bundled tobacco product is then inserted through one of the open ends of the first and second receiving containers 12, 14 of the partially assembled container, and then the top walls 28, 42 and the bottom wall of each container are formed. The panels of 30 and 44 are folded and closed using a standard packaging machine such that the closure sheets 48, 50 are folded between the front walls 22, 34 of the container and the packets of cigarettes in each container. If desired, the assembled first and second receiving containers 12, 14 can be placed together in the starting position as in Figure 1 and packaged in an overwrap.

Figure 5 shows another container 80 in accordance with the present invention constructed similarly to the container 10 shown in Figures 1 through 3, but wherein the first and second receiving containers 82, 84 individually comprise an extendable span The hinges 82a, 84a are rotated relative to the pivot axis 'B' of the container rear walls 24, 36 and connected to the boxes 82b, 84b. The smoking articles in each of the hinged lid containers 82, 84 can thus be taken by the hinged lids 82a, 84a of the container to the open position.

The integral connectors 86, 88, 90 of the container 80 have a similar configuration to the integral connectors 16, 18, 20 of the container 10 except that the top edge of the first integral connector 86 is substantially associated with the rear wall 24, 36 of the container. The pivot axis B has the same level, rather than having the same level as the top edge of the rear wall of the container 10. This ensures that the integral connectors 86, 88, 90 do not interfere with the action of the hinge covers 82a, 84a being rotated about the pivot axis B to the open position.

In the initial closed position shown in Figure 5, the first and second receptacles 82, 84 are placed with the rear walls 24, 36. The pivot axis B around which the hinge covers 82a, 84a are wound is disposed on the rear walls 24, 36 as described above, so that the pivot axis B is also placed together. This means each container It is possible to avoid opening the hinge cover of another container. Therefore, in the closed position, it is impossible to take the smoking article in the container 80.

The first and second receptacles 82, 84 of the container 80 can be moved to the first and second open positions in the same manner as described above for the container 10. Once in the first or second open position, each hinge cover is rotatable about a pivot axis B for access to the interior of the opposing receptacle.

The container 80 is made of a single sheet blank shown in Figure 6. The sheet blank 180 shown in Fig. 6 includes a first receiving container defining portion 182, a second receiving container defining portion 184, and a connector panel 186 extending between the first and second receiving container defining portions, like a thin plate blank 110. Each of the container defining portions includes a case defining portion 182b, 184b and a cover defining portion 182a, 184a that connects the case defining portion at the pivot axis B. As in the thin plate blank 110, the connector panel 186 is divided into three integral connectors 86, 88, 90 by two parallel cutting lines A that extend across the width of the entire panel 186. A substantially vertical fold line defines two connector panels for each integral connector, as described above with respect to container 10.

The method of assembling into the container 80 from the sheet blank 180 is similar to the method of assembling the container 10 described above.

10, 80‧‧‧ containers

12, 82‧‧‧ first container

14, 84‧‧‧ second container

16, 86‧‧‧ first integral connector

16a, 20a‧‧‧ first connection

16b, 20b‧‧‧second connection

18, 88‧‧‧ second integral connector

18a‧‧‧First connection area

18b‧‧‧Second connection area

20, 90‧‧‧ third integral connector

22, 34‧‧‧ front wall

24, 36‧‧‧Back wall/first wall

26, 38‧‧‧ left wall

28, 40‧‧‧ right side wall

30, 42‧‧‧ top wall

32, 44‧‧‧ bottom wall

46‧‧‧cutting section

48‧‧‧Closed piece

50, 54‧‧‧ first edge / first vertical edge

52, 56‧‧‧ second edge / second vertical edge

58‧‧‧ fold line

58', 58"‧‧‧ pivot axis

60‧‧‧Adhesive board/first adhesive board

62‧‧‧Adhesive board / second adhesive board

82a, 84a‧‧‧ Hinged cover

82b, 84b‧‧‧ box

100‧‧‧ gross embryo

110, 180‧‧‧Sheet blank

112, 182‧‧‧ First Container Limitation

114, 184‧‧‧ Second Container Limitation

116, 186‧‧‧Connector panel/panel

182a, 184a‧‧ ‧ cover limited

182b, 184b‧‧‧ box body

Figure 1 shows a container in an initial closed position in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows the container in the first open position in Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows the container in the second open position in Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 4 shows the thinness of the container suitable for forming the first to third figures. Plate embryo.

Figure 5 is a view showing the container in the initial closed position in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 shows a sheet blank suitable for forming the container of Figure 5.

10‧‧‧ Container

12‧‧‧First container

14‧‧‧Second container

22‧‧‧ front wall

28‧‧‧ right wall

38‧‧‧ left wall

42‧‧‧ top wall

46‧‧‧cutting section

48‧‧‧Closed piece

52, 56‧‧‧ second edge / second vertical edge

Claims (15)

A container for use in a consumer product formed from a single piece of sheet blank, the container comprising: a first container having a first wall, the first wall having opposing first and second edges; a second receiving container of the first wall, the first wall having opposite first and second edges, wherein the first wall of the first receiving container and the first wall of the second receiving container Facing each other such that the first edges of the first and second receptacles are adjacent to each other and the second edges of the first and second receptacles are adjacent to each other; a first integral connector is Extending between the first edge of the first receiving container and the first edge of the second receiving container, and the first integral connecting member includes a first connection attached to the first wall of the first receiving container And a second connection region pivotally coupled to the first connection region and rotatable about the first edge of the second receptacle; and a second integral connector at the first receptacle An edge extends between the first edge of the second container and the second body The connector includes a first connection region attached to the first wall of the second container and a pivotally connected to the first connection region and rotatable about the first edge of the first container a second connecting area; wherein the second receiving container is rotatable relative to the first receiving container about the first edge of the first receiving container to a first position from the initial position, in the first position, The first and second receiving containers The first edge lines are adjacent to each other, and the second edges of the first and second receiving containers are spaced apart from each other and are rotatable relative to the first receiving container about the second edge of the first receiving container to a second position, wherein the second edges of the first and second receiving containers are adjacent to each other, and the first edges of the first and second receiving containers are away from each other. The container of claim 1 further comprising one or more integral connectors extending between the first edge of the first container and the first edge of the second container. The container of claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the integral connectors is coupled to the first receiving container along a pivot axis extending along the first edge of the first receiving container. And connected to the second receiving container along a substantially opposite side pivot axis extending along the first edge of the second receiving container. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first wall of the at least one of the first and second receiving containers is the rear wall of the receiving container. A container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first integral connector is separated from the second integral connector by a cutting or weakening line. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first receiving container and the second receiving container is a hinged lid container, the hinge lid container comprising a box body and a hinge axis Attached to the hinged lid of the box, the pivot axis extends across the rear wall of the container. The container of claim 6, wherein at least one of the first receiving container and the second receiving container has a hinge cover that extends around a first wall of the receiving container The pivot axis rotates. The container of claim 6 or 7, wherein the first receiving container has a hinge cover that is rotatable about a pivot axis extending across the first wall of the first receiving container, And the second receiving container has a hinge cover that is rotatable about a pivot axis extending across a second wall of the second receiving container, wherein the second wall is substantially opposite to the second receiving container The first wall is opposite. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first receiving container and the second receiving container is a sliding shell container, the sliding shell container comprising an inner sliding member and a housing therein An outer housing within the slider and the inner slider is movable relative to the outer housing between a closed position and an open position. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first receiving container and the second receiving container comprises at least one access opening and a closing piece disposed in the opening, wherein the closing piece is Moving between a closed position and an open position, the closure sheet covers the access opening, in the open position, the access opening is uncovered and the inner slide is removable. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first receiving container and the second receiving container holds a plurality of smoking articles. A container for forming a container according to any one of the above patent claims a thin plate blank comprising: a first receiving container defining portion comprising a first wall panel, the first wall panel having opposite first and second edges; a second receiving container defining portion comprising a first a wall panel having opposite first and second edges; a first integral connector extending between the first edges of the first container defining portion and the second container defining portion, The first integral connector includes a pivot axis defining the first and second attachment regions; and a second integral connector is disposed at the first edges of the first container defining portion and the second container defining portion Extendingly, the second integral connector includes a pivot axis defining the first and second attachment regions. A sheet blank according to claim 12, comprising a connector panel extending between the first edge of the first container defining portion and the first edge of the second container defining portion, and The connector panel is integrated into the first walls of the first receiving container defining portion and the second receiving container defining portion, wherein the connecting member panel comprises a first portion and a second receiving container defining portion And extending the cutting line across the panel between the first edges, the first and second receiving defining portions defining the first and second integral connectors. The sheet blank according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising a third integral connection extending between the first edge of the first container defining portion and the first edge of the second container defining portion Pieces. A method of making a container from the sheet blank of the 12th to 14th of the patent application, the method comprising the steps of: Separating the first receiving container and the second receiving container by folding the first receiving container defining portion and the second receiving container defining portion along the longitudinal fold line disposed inside; inserting the consumer product into the partially assembled portion Opening the first receiving container and the second receiving container; closing the ends of the first receiving container and the second receiving container; applying an adhesive to the first connecting portion of each integral connector panel; The first connecting area of the first integral connecting member is attached to the first wall of the first receiving container, and the first connecting area of the second integral connecting piece is attached to the second receiving container First wall.