TW201338720A - Container with receptacles connected by hinged connector - Google Patents

Abstract

A container (10) for consumer goods comprises: a first receptacle (12) and a second receptacle (14), each receptacle having a first wall (26, 36) with opposed first and second edges; and a connector (16) attached between the first (12) and second (14) receptacles. The connector (16) comprises: a first panel (40) overlying and affixed to the first wall (26) of the first receptacle (12); a second panel (42) overlying and affixed to the first wall (36) of the second receptacle (14); a first connector section (46) extending between the first panel (40) and the second panel (42) and comprising a first portion (46a) overlying and affixed to the first panel (40) and a second portion (46b) hingedly connected to the first portion and hingedly connected to the second panel (42) along the first edge of the second receptacle (14); and a second connector section (44) extending between the first panel (40) and the second panel and comprising a first portion (44a) overlying and affixed to the second panel (42) and a second portion (44b) hingedly connected to the first portion (46a) and hingedly connected to the first panel (40) along the first edge of the first receptacle (12).

Description

Container with a reservoir connected by an articulated connector

The present invention relates to a container for a consumer product having two reservoirs which are hingedly connected to each other by a connector fixed between the two reservoirs. The container of the present invention also has particular utility in packaging smoking articles.

It is known to package smoking articles in containers consisting of two connected packets. For example, WO-A-2006/079799 describes a package comprising two pouches connected by a Jacob's ladder configuration by at least first and second straps. In a first position, the first and second packets face each other such that the first faces of the packets are brought together. The first and second straps are configured to move the first and second pockets relative to each other from the first position to a second position, wherein the second packet is wrapped around the first packet relative to the first packet The first edge is rotated; or moved to a third position, wherein the second packet is rotated relative to the first packet about a second edge of the first packet opposite the first edge.

The first and second packets of the package described in WO-A-2006/079799 are formed from individual sheet blanks, and the packets are separated by a separate connection blank or structure having a rather complicated layout. (Jacob's ladder) configuration patterns are connected. The method for assembling the joined blank and attaching the joined blank around the first and second packets is also quite complicated.

Another example of a container consisting of two connected packets is described in WO-A-2009/013627. The container of WO-A-2009/013627 comprises first and second pouches each having an integral connector extending across a first wall. The one-piece connectors of the first and second packets are secured to one another in order to obtain a Jacob's ladder configuration. This allows the packets to be moved relative to each other between the first, second and third positions.

It would be desirable to provide a container comprising two or more reservoirs connected in a Jacob's ladder or similar configuration that can be manufactured, printed and assembled in a simple and efficient manner. In particular, it is preferred that the container be constructed of a small package of existing designs that can be assembled and filled using conventional equipment and methods.

The present invention provides a container for a consumer product comprising: a first reservoir and a second reservoir, each reservoir including a first wall having opposing first and second edges; and a connector that is Attached between the first reservoir and the second reservoir. The connector includes: a first plate stacked on and fixed to the first wall of the first reservoir; a second plate stacked on the first shelf and fixed to the second reservoir a first connector section extending between the first panel and the second panel; and a second connector section extending between the first panel and the second panel.

The first connector section includes a first portion superposed on and fixed to the first panel, and is hingedly coupled to the first portion along a first edge of the second reservoir and is hinged The method is connected to the second part of the second plate. The second connector section includes a first portion stacked on and fixed to the second panel, and a first along the first reservoir An edge is hingedly coupled to the first portion and is hingedly coupled to the second portion of the first panel.

In a first position of the container, the first wall of the first reservoir and the first wall of the second reservoir face each other such that the first edges of the first walls of the first and second reservoirs Adjacent, the second edges of the first walls of the first and second reservoirs may be adjacent.

The second reservoir is rotatable relative to the first reservoir from the first position about the first edge of the first reservoir to a second position, wherein the first edges of the first and second reservoirs are adjacent, The second edges of the first and second reservoirs are spaced apart. The second reservoir is rotatable relative to the first reservoir about a second edge of the first reservoir to a third position, wherein the second edges of the first and second reservoirs are adjacent, and the first and the second The first edges of the second reservoir are spaced apart.

The configuration of the connector results in the first and second reservoirs of the container of the present invention being interconnected in a Jacob's ladder configuration as described in the prior art.

The container of the present invention can be conveniently formed by joining a plurality of existing reservoirs that have been assembled and filled with consumer products. The reservoirs can be easily interconnected by securing the connector between the reservoirs as previously defined. This connector can be formed separately and can be attached to the first and second reservoirs in a simple and efficient manner.

The connector can be manufactured, printed, and partially assembled, for example, by a connector manufacturer in a separate process from the production of the reservoir. The arrangement of the plates in the connector allows the connector to be advantageously assembled and at the same time maintained flat. This allows connector manufacturers to ship to consumption The manufacturer has previously assembled the connector, and the consumer product manufacturer will complete the operation of connecting the reservoirs by securing the assembled connectors to the reservoirs. This makes the entire production process of consumer goods manufacturers more efficient and allows the manufacturer to assemble using existing equipment and methods.

This connector is sized and shaped to easily match a variety of reservoir sizes and shapes. There is no need to make any structural modifications to incorporate this connector. This provides greater flexibility in the use of this connector with existing reservoir designs. In addition, this connector allows it to be manufactured with minimal material consumption for any particular reservoir design.

Printing on the surfaces of the connector can also be easily integrated into the overall surface design of the reservoir. This integration of incorporating the connector into the overall design of the reservoir can advantageously be improved by printing the connector on both sides, which can be easily performed by the manufacturer. This will ensure that all exposed surfaces of the container of the present invention can be printed.

The connector of the container of the present invention includes a configuration of a plurality of panels including first and second panels to be secured to the first wall of each of the assembled reservoirs, and two Or more than a connector section extending between the first and second panels so as to provide a configuration of Jacob's ladder. Preferably, the connector is constructed from a single sheet stock having a plurality of dashed or tangent lines provided therein for defining different panels and connector segments.

Each connector segment is coupled to both the first and second panels along a hinge line extending along one of the edges of the panel. An intermediate hinge line is provided in each connector section so that the connector section can be defined The first and second parts. The intermediate hinge line is preferably parallel to the hinge lines connecting the connector segments to the first and second plates.

The configuration of the hinge lines allows the first portion of the first connector segment to be folded such that it overlaps the first panel and the first portion of the second connector segment can be folded such that Stacked on the second panel. The first portion of each connector section is secured to the underlying panel so that it can be held in place on the panel. Moreover, in the container which has been assembled here, the configuration of the hinge lines allows the reservoirs to be rotated as necessary between the various positions relative to each other, as previously defined.

Each of the hinge lines located in the container is preferably formed by a dashed line (e.g., a score line or perforation line) in the material forming the sheet stock. The first portion of each connector segment is preferably secured to the respective panel of the connector segment by a suitable adhesive.

Advantageously, the first portion of each connector segment can be folded and secured to the respective panel while the connector remains flat so that the connector can be assembled during the sheet blank manufacturing process. As mentioned above, this helps the consumer product manufacturer to assemble the container and allows the final assembly of the container to be carried out in a quick and efficient manner.

Preferably, one or more additional connector segments are provided between the first and second panels in the connector. For example, in various preferred embodiments of the invention, a third connector section is disposed between the first and second panels of the connector. Preferably, each of the additional component connectors has the same configuration as the first and second component connectors such that a first portion is superposed on and fixed in the first or second panel of the connector. In one case, and a second portion is hingedly coupled to the first portion and hingedly coupled to the other of the first and second panels.

Preferably, the two or more connector segments of the connector are disposed adjacent to each other such that the connector segments are easily traversable by a first one extending in a sheet blank And a single plate between the second plates is constructed via a simple tangent configuration between the connector segments. For example, the connector segments can be vertically configured such that a plurality of substantially horizontal tangent lines can extend between the first and second panels to define the connector segments.

Preferably, each of the first and second panels of the connector has a width that is substantially the same as the first wall of the reservoir to which it is secured. More preferably, each of the first panel and the second panel has substantially the same shape and dimensions as the first wall of the reservoir to which it is secured. This potentially minimizes the visual impact of this connector on the outside of this container. In addition, it would also be advantageous to align and secure the connector to the first wall of the reservoir. This is at least in part because the positions of the first and second panels are more easily aligned when the lower panels have correspondingly positioned edges. Printing on the connector panels can also be more easily incorporated into the overall printing of the reservoir without the need for printing on the connector to be accurately aligned with the printing on the first wall of the reservoir.

The shape and size of the first and second panels of the connector can be easily varied to substantially match the size and shape of the first wall of the first and second reservoirs to which the connector is attached. This is easily achieved during the connector manufacturing process so that there is no impact on the operation of securing the connector to the reservoirs. This is in the use of this connector with the existing packaging design Provides flexibility.

Preferably, the first portion of the first connector segment has substantially the same width as the first panel. When the connector is in position between the first and second reservoirs, the first connector section is thus positioned such that the hinge line between the first and second portions is engageable with the first reservoir The second edges coincide. The second portion of the first connector segment is thus pivotable about both the second edge of the first reservoir and the first edge of the second reservoir.

Additionally or alternatively, the second portion of the second connector segment has substantially the same width as the second panel. When the connector is in position between the first and second reservoirs, the second connector section is thus positioned such that the hinge line between the first and second portions is engageable with the second reservoir The second edges coincide. The second portion of the second connector segment is thus pivotable about both the second edge of the first reservoir and the first edge of the first reservoir.

It is this hinge line configuration that provides a Jacob's ladder configuration so that the reservoirs can be moved relative to each other between different positions such as those described above and as will be detailed below.

Preferably, the first wall of the first reservoir has substantially the same size and shape as the first wall of the second reservoir. The first panel of the connector therefore preferably also has the same size and shape as the second panel of the connector.

Preferably, the first wall of at least one of the first and second reservoirs is a secondary wall of the reservoir. The term "secondary" is used to refer to a wall of the reservoir that has a smaller surface area than the other major walls. Preferably, at least one of the first walls of the first reservoir and the second reservoir is a side wall or a bottom wall. You Jia The first wall of both the first and second reservoirs is a side wall, or the first wall of the first and second reservoirs is a bottom wall.

This causes the connector to be secured between the side walls of the first and second reservoirs, or between the bottom walls of the first and second reservoirs, respectively. This configuration advantageously makes this connector easier to secure to a pair of first and second reservoirs during high speed operation. During this operation, the reservoirs will typically be stacked such that the pairs are placed together such that one of the primary and secondary walls faces outward. This may correspond to the second or third position of the container, as defined above.

In the case where the reservoirs have the same size and shape, this means that the side walls and the bottom walls of the first and second reservoirs have been aligned with each other in substantially the same plane. The walls secured by the connector are conveniently placed at the top or side of the pair of reservoirs. The assembled connector can thus be placed directly on the surfaces of the first walls of the first and second reservoirs by a single bonding step without the need to reconfigure the reservoirs or containers. The resulting pair of connected reservoirs can then be directly wrapped such that the connector is secured to the bottom or side edge of the container.

Advantageously, in the case where the connector is secured to a side wall or bottom wall of the first and second reservoirs, a continuous operation for securing the plurality of connectors to the plurality of pairs of reservoirs may utilize existing equipment It is easily reached with technology.

Preferably, the first and second edges of the first walls of the first and second reservoirs are longitudinal edges of the first wall which correspond to the longest edges. For example, in some of the reservoirs, the rectangular parallelepiped and the reservoirs In a preferred embodiment of the first wall bottom wall, the opposing first and second edges preferably correspond to the leading and trailing edges of the bottom wall, which will generally be substantially horizontal. In an alternative preferred embodiment in which the reservoirs are rectangular parallelepiped and the first wall of each reservoir is a side wall, the opposing first and second edges preferably correspond to the front side of the wall The edge and the trailing edge will generally be substantially vertical.

In the first position of the container, the first walls of the first and second reservoirs face each other such that the first edges of the first walls are adjacent and the first of the first walls The edges can be adjacent. In this position, the first walls of the first and second reservoirs are therefore tied together such that they are equal to each other and the connector is typically visible.

The first position of the container may correspond to a closed position, which is generally such that the container can be packaged and sold therein, and is such that the container can be recycled to it during multiple uses. . Alternatively, the first position of the container may correspond to an open position, which is typically a location at which the container can be moved to allow for the removal of consumer products from the container.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention in which the connector is secured to a secondary wall of the first and second reservoirs, such as a bottom wall or a side wall, the first position generally corresponds to an open position. In the closed position of such a container, the reservoirs are preferably positioned such that a pair of secondary walls, such as a front or rear wall, are placed together. The side walls and the bottom walls are thus located on the outside of the container and facing outwards, and the connector will be visible in this closed position of the container.

In the first position of the container, the front walls of the reservoirs may face the same direction or different directions from one another.

Preferably, the first position of the container corresponds to an open position, and each of the second position and the third position corresponds to a closed position. In order to move the reservoirs from the first position to the second position, the container will be imaged by rotating the first and second reservoirs relative to each other about an axis that coincides with the adjacent first edges. The ground is opened. Similarly, to move the reservoirs from the first position to the third position, the container will be rotated by rotating the first and second reservoirs relative to each other about an axis that coincides with adjacent second edges. It is opened like a book.

In each of the second position and the third position, the first and second reservoirs may be positioned to bring together one of the plurality of cartridges such that the first and second reservoirs are in phase with each other Faced and completely closed together. Alternatively, the first and second reservoirs may be positioned such that the jaws face each other but do not coincide so that the reservoirs have an angle greater than 0 degrees therebetween.

Preferably, the container of the present invention is provided with retaining means for holding the reservoirs in a closed position until the consumer applies a positive force to move the first and second reservoirs apart from each other to an open position until. For example, the retaining means can be configured to retain the reservoirs in the second or third position until the reservoirs are displaceable at the first position after the first opening. In some embodiments, this retention means can additionally be used between multiple uses to hold the reservoirs in a closed position. Suitable means of holding are well known to those skilled in the art, but may, for example, include a resealable adhesive region for sealing the first walls of the first and second reservoirs to each other, one or more Holding tabs, one or more mechanical or magnetic fasteners, or combinations thereof.

The connector segments of the connector are configured such that in one of the second and third positions, the connector segments are stacked on at least a portion of the first walls of the reservoirs. However, in one of the second and third positions, the different surfaces of the connector segments will be exposed at the first walls of the reservoirs. The different surfaces of the connector segments can thus be printed or decorated with different patterns or text to provide a contrast or complementary appearance in the second and third positions.

One or both of the first reservoir and the second reservoir of the container of the present invention may be in the form of a single chamber or case containing consumer goods. Each of the casings 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 to provide a door for the consumer product to be removed. For example, the top wall preferably pivots about the top edge of the rear wall.

In a preferred embodiment, the top wall of the casing is provided with a closure flap extending from the front edge of the top wall that can be inserted between the front wall of the casing and the consumer product. Preferably, a cutout is provided at the top edge of the front wall of the casing, which is superposed on the inserted portion of the closure flap. If desired, a similar closure flap can be provided at the bottom wall of the casing to provide a secure closure.

Alternatively, or in addition, one or both of the first reservoir and the second reservoir of the container of the present invention may be a hinged lid-type container comprising a box and an integrally formed hinged lid along A hinge line extending across the rear wall of the reservoir is attached to the casing.

In the case where one or both of the first reservoir and the second reservoir of the container of the present invention comprise a hinged lid, the hinged lid may be tangentially threaded A suitable configuration of the fold lines in the single sheet stock is formed so that the hinge cover is formed simultaneously when the container is assembled. Alternatively, the hinge cover may be at least partially defined by one or more dashed lines in the single sheet stock. The one or more dashed lines must be simultaneously destroyed when the container is first opened so that the hinge cover can be formed and the hinge cover can be separated from the container of the container.

Preferably, in the case of the first or second reservoir being a hinged lid container, the first wall of the reservoir is one of the panels of the cartridge so that the connector can be secured to the cartridge instead of On the hinge cover. This ensures that this connector does not affect the opening and closing of this hinge cover. More preferably, the connector is secured to one or both of the side walls of the casing. The shape of the first and second panels may be adapted to substantially match the shape of the panel of the casing such that the connector does not interfere with opening and closing of the hinge cover. For example, the top of the first or second panel can be configured to follow the line between the cartridge and the hinged lid on the wall of the container.

In embodiments in which a plurality of sides or bottom walls of the casing in which the connector is secured to a reservoir, the wall including the hinge line is generally inwardly facing the second position or third in the container. A wall of the reservoir in the position. In this position, the hinge cover will be prevented from pivoting about the hinge line to an open position. It is therefore necessary to move the reservoirs to either of the other two to before the hinged lid container is to be opened. This can advantageously prevent this hinged lid container from being inadvertently opened between uses.

In the case where both the first reservoir and the second reservoir of the container of the present invention are hinged lid-type containers, the reservoirs may be provided such that the rear walls are The containers will face in the same direction or in different directions as they are in the ground position. In either case, where the connector is disposed on one of the side walls or the bottom wall of the reservoir, another reservoir may be utilized to substantially avoid when the container is in both the second and third positions. Two hinged lids are opened. Preferably, in the case where the connector is fixed to one of the side walls or the bottom wall of the two reservoirs, the rear walls will face in opposite directions to each other in the first position, such that in the second position or the third In the position, the reservoirs are placed back to back such that their rear walls are brought together and their front walls are facing outward. This allows both front surfaces of both reservoirs to be seen. This location can be a preferred location for wrapping the reservoirs because the front surfaces of both reservoirs can be displayed to the consumer prior to opening.

Alternatively, or in addition, one or both of the first reservoir and the second reservoir may be a sliding member and a housing combined container formed by an outer casing and an inner sliding member, and the inner sliding member is It is installed in the other housing. The inner slide is movable between a closed position and an open position relative to the outer housing.

Preferably, the inner slide comprises an opening through which the consumer product can be removed when the inner slide is in an open position. All of the sides of one of the inner slides may be open, or an opening may be provided on one of the walls of the inner slide, such as a top wall or a side wall. The size of the opening is selected based on the size of the consumer product and may be suitable for dispensing a single consumer product, or dispensing a small group of consumer products at a time.

The outer casing includes at least one access opening through which the inner slide can extend in the open position. Preferably, the top end of the housing is further open to allow the inner slide to be removed outwardly from the outer casing. Preferably, in addition The bottom end of the housing is also open so that the inner slide can be pushed upwardly from the top end of the outer housing. Alternatively, the housing may further comprise one or more closure flaps at the at least one access opening. Preferably, the one or more closure flaps are movable in a closed position in which the one or more closure flaps cover the access opening and in which the access opening is split and the inner slide is Close to the open position.

The one or more closure flaps can be bonded in a closed position by the use of a permanent or resealable adhesive. Alternatively, the one or more closure flaps may scrape a web portion that is inserted into the outer casing between one of the walls of the outer casing and the consumer product, as previously referenced in one or more of the reservoir systems The embodiment described in the form of a box. In the case where one or more of the closure flaps can be inserted into the outer casing, a cutout is preferably provided in the wall of the further housing, and the wall is superposed on the closure flap as previously described. It has been inserted into the part. This helps to grip and open the closure tab.

Preferably, both the first and second reservoirs of the container of the present invention have the same configuration as one another. However, it will be appreciated that the container of the present invention can include a first reservoir and a second reservoir having different opening and closing means. For example, the first reservoir can be a hinged lid container and the second reservoir can be a slider and housing combination container, or vice versa.

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

Preferably, the first reservoir and the second reservoir of the container of the present invention are substantially parallelepiped. More preferably, the first reservoir and the second reservoir of the container of the present invention are substantially cubic.

The first reservoir and the second reservoir of the container of the present invention may be the same or different in size. Preferably, the first reservoir and the second reservoir of the container of the present invention are of the same size. In a number of alternative embodiments, the first reservoir and the second reservoir of the container of the present invention have substantially the same length and width, but have different depths.

Preferably, each reservoir of the container is comprised of one or more sheet stocks and, more preferably, a single sheet stock.

The container of the present invention may be constructed of any suitable material including, but not limited to, cardboard, cardboard, plastic, or combinations thereof. Preferably, each reservoir is constructed from a single sheet of cardboard blank, and the cardboard preferably has a weight of between about 100 g/m ² and 350 g/m ² .

The first reservoir and the second reservoir of the container constructed in accordance with the present invention may be in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped having a plurality of right angle longitudinal and right angle lateral edges. Alternatively, the reservoirs may include one or more of a circular longitudinal edge, a circular lateral edge, a beveled longitudinal edge, a beveled lateral edge, or combinations thereof. For example, the first reservoir and the second reservoir of the container implemented in accordance with the present invention may include, without limitation: one or two longitudinal circular or beveled edges on the front wall, and/or one or two Longitudinal round or beveled edge on the back wall; - one or two transverse circular or beveled edges on the front wall and/or one or two transversely rounded or beveled edges on the rear wall; - in front a longitudinal rounded edge on the wall and a longitudinal beveled edge a rim, and/or a transverse circular edge and a transverse beveled edge on the back wall; - one or two transverse circular or beveled edges on the front wall, and one or two longitudinal circles on the front wall Shape or beveled edge; or - two longitudinal circular or beveled edges on a first side wall, or two transverse circular or beveled edges on the second side wall.

In the case where one or both of the reservoirs includes one or more rounded edges, the single sheet stock used to form the reservoir preferably includes three, four, five, six or seven score lines or fold lines In order to form rounded edges in the assembled container. The score lines or fold lines can be located on the inside of the reservoir or on the outside of the reservoir. Preferably, the score lines or fold lines are spaced apart from one another by a distance of between about 0.3 mm and 4 mm.

Preferably, the spacing of the score lines or fold lines is a function of the thickness of the sheet stock. Preferably, the spacing between the score lines or fold lines is about 0.5 to 4 times greater than the thickness of the sheet stock.

Where one or both of the reservoirs comprise one or more beveled edges, each beveled edge preferably has a width of between about 1 mm and about 10 mm, preferably between about Between 2 mm and approximately 6 mm. Alternatively, one or both of the reservoirs may comprise a double bevel formed by three parallel fold lines or score lines, and the fold lines or score lines are separated so as to be on the edge of the reservoir Form two different slopes.

In the case where one or both of the reservoirs includes a beveled edge, the bevel may be formed by two parallel fold lines or score lines located in the sheet stock forming the container. The fold lines or score lines can be relative to the side The edges are symmetrically arranged between the two walls. Alternatively, the fold lines or score lines may be asymmetrically disposed between the two walls relative to the edge such that the slope may extend further into one of the walls and more than to the other wall Inside.

Containers constructed in accordance with the present invention have particular utility for use as a reservoir for elongated tobacco articles such as cigarettes or cigars or cigarillos. Preferably, at least one of the first reservoir and the second reservoir can store a plurality of smoking articles, and particularly preferably a bundle of wrapped smoking articles.

It will be appreciated that the first reservoir and the second reservoir of the container of the present invention can be designed to store individual bundles of cigarettes that are comprised of different amounts of smoking products, by appropriate selection of their dimensions. For example, the first reservoir and the second reservoir of the container of the present invention can be designed to store a total of between 10 and 30 cigarettes by appropriately selecting their size.

The smoking articles stored in the first reservoir and the second reservoir may be configured in different arrangements depending on the total number of smoking articles. For example, smoking articles can be configured in a single column of six, seven, eight, nine or ten. Alternatively, the smoking article can be configured in two or more columns. The two or more columns may include the same amount of smoking. For example, the smoking articles can be configured as: two columns of five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten; three columns of five or seven; or four columns of four, five or six. Alternatively, the two or more columns may include at least two columns comprising different amounts of smoking articles from each other. For example, the tobacco products can be configured as: a row of five branches and a column of six branches (5-6); a column of six branches and a column of seven branches (6-7); a column of seven branches and a column of eight branches (7-8); The five branches and the two outer columns are six branches (6-5-6); one middle column five branches and two outer columns seven branches (7-5-7); one middle column six branches and two outer columns five branches (5- 6-5); a middle column of six branches and two outer columns of seven branches (7-6-7); a middle column of seven branches and two outer columns of six branches (6-7-6); one middle column of nine branches and two outer columns of eight branches (8-9-8); or one middle column of six branches and one outer column of five branches and The other outer column is seven branches (5-6-7). The arrangement of the smoking articles in the first reservoir may be the same or different than the arrangement of the smoking articles in the second reservoir. The above arrangements are individually applicable to each reservoir and to a combination of two reservoirs. For example, each single reservoir may comprise a single row of smoking articles or two rows of smoking articles in accordance with an arrangement as described above such that the entire container can achieve one of an arrangement consisting of two or three columns. For example, the first reservoir can include a 7-6 arrangement and the second reservoir can include another 7 arrangement to form a 7-6-7 arrangement for the entire container.

The first reservoir and the second reservoir can be designed to store bundles of cigarettes of different sizes, such as conventional sized, oversized, oversized, fine, or ultra-fine cigarettes, respectively. Alternatively, other consumer products may be stored in one or both of the first reservoir and the second reservoir of the container.

The first reservoir and the second reservoir of the container of the present invention can hold the same type or brand of smoking article, or different types or brands of smoking articles. In addition, filterless smoking articles and smoking articles having a variety of different filters may be included, as well as having different lengths (eg, between about 40 mm and about 180 mm) and diameters (eg, between about 4 mm and about Between 9 mm) of smoking products. In addition, the tobacco products may differ in taste strength, suction resistance, and total particulate matter transfer. Preferably, each reservoir is sized to conform to the length of the smoking article and the arrangement of the smoking article. Typically, the dimensions outside of each reservoir are greater than between about 0.5 mm and about 5 mm of the bundle or bundle of articles stored within the reservoir.

Length and width of the first reservoir and the second reservoir of the container of the present invention The depth may be such that in the initial position, the final formed overall size of the container is approximately the size of a typical disposable hinged lid type twenty cigarette pack.

Preferably, the container of the present invention has a height of between about 60 mm and about 150 mm, more preferably between about 70 mm and about 125 mm, wherein the height is measured from the bottom wall of the container. To its top wall.

Preferably, the container of the present invention has a width of between about 12 mm and about 150 mm, more preferably between about 70 mm and about 125 mm, wherein the width is measured from one of the side walls of the container. To the other side wall.

Preferably, the container of the present invention has a depth of between about 6 mm and about 150 mm, more preferably between about 12 mm and about 25 mm, wherein the depth is measured from the front wall of the container to At the back wall.

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

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

The inner or outer or inner and outer surfaces of the container of the present invention may be printed, embossed, indented, or otherwise decorated with manufacturer's or brand identity, trademarks, slogans, and other consumer information, metrics.

Consumer goods located in the container of the present invention may be individually or in groups package. This has the advantage that once the container of the present invention is opened and a first consumer product is removed, the remaining consumer product is still wrapped and protected from dust, sunlight or other environmental influences.

Once filled, the container of the present invention can be wrapped by heat shrinking or otherwise covered with a transparent polymeric film such as high or low density polyethylene, polypropylene, oriented polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, cellulose. A combination of a film or the like. In the case where the container of the present invention is completely covered, the entire inclusion may include one or more tear strips. In addition, the entire package can be printed with images, consumer information, or other materials.

The reservoirs of the containers of the present invention may advantageously be assembled in a single sheet stock using conventional assembly methods and equipment.

The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a container constructed in accordance with the present invention, comprising the steps of providing an assembled connector, wherein a first portion of the first connector segment is secured to the first panel And the first portion of the second connector segment is secured to the second panel; the first and second reservoirs that have been assembled and filled; and the first panel of the connector that has been assembled are provided The piece is secured to the first wall of the first reservoir and the second plate of the assembled connector is secured to the first wall of the second reservoir.

The invention may optionally include the additional step of assembling the connector from a single sheet stock. However, the step of assembling the connector is preferably performed in a separate procedure as described above so that the connector can be provided to the manufacturer in an assembled state, ready to be fixed to the On the reservoir.

Preferably, the first and second reservoirs that have been assembled are provided such that the reservoirs are linearly aligned such that the first walls thereof are brought together and facing outward. This allows the assembled connector to be secured to the reservoirs in a simple manner that requires little operation of the reservoirs or connectors. The connector is secured to the first walls of the first and second reservoirs with a suitable adhesive.

If necessary, a continuous line of a plurality of first and second reservoir pairs can be provided on a conveyor such that the first walls of the reservoirs all face the same direction. A continuous stack of connectors is then provided to allow the connector to be secured to the reservoir pair with a continuous operation.

The invention will be further illustrated by way of example and with the accompanying drawings in the drawings.

The container 10 shown in Fig. 1 includes a first reservoir 12 and a second reservoir 14, which are connected by a connector 16. Each of the first reservoir 12 and the second reservoir 14 is a rectangular parallelepiped, and the reservoirs are substantially the same size and shape to each other. A bundle of wrapped smoking articles (not shown) is stored in each of the reservoirs of the container 10.

The first reservoir 12 and the second reservoir 14 each include a hinged cover 12a and 14a that is coupled to a casing 12b, 14b along a hinge line "B" extending across the rear wall of the corresponding reservoir. on. The smoking articles located in the respective reservoirs 12, 14 of the hinged cover can be removed by pivoting the hinged covers 12a, 14a of the respective reservoirs to an open position.

The first reservoir 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. The front wall 22 and the rear wall 24 are opposite each other and have a width greater than the width of the side walls 26, 28. The left side wall 26 corresponds to the "first" wall of the first reservoir.

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

The connector 16 is secured to the left side wall 26 of the first reservoir 12 and the left side wall 36 of the second reservoir 14. The shape of the sheet stock used to form the connector 16 is shown in Figure 4, with a plurality of shaded areas indicating the adhesive locations necessary to secure the connector to the reservoirs and themselves. The connector 16 is rectangular in shape and includes a first plate member 40 at one side of the connector 16, a second plate member 42 at an opposite side of the connector 16, and three extending from the first Connector sections 44, 46, 48 between the plate 40 and the second plate 42.

The first panel 40 and the second panel 42 generally have the same width as the left side walls 26, 36 of the first reservoir 12 and the second reservoir 14. In the assembled container 10, the first plate member 40 is stacked on and fixed to the left side wall 26 of the first reservoir 12, and the second plate member 42 is stacked and fixed to the left side wall of the second reservoir. 36. The height of the first plate member 40 and the second plate member 42 substantially corresponds to the height of the front wall of the casings 12a, 14a of the respective reservoirs. The container 16 is positioned such that the first panel 40 and the second panel 42 can extend upwardly from the bottom edges of the left side walls 26, 36 to the height of the adjacent line between the hinged lid and the box on each reservoir. At the office. In this way, the connector 16 does not Will affect the opening of the reservoirs.

The first connector section 44 extends between the first panel 40 and the second panel 42. The first connector section 44 is in the shape of a rectangle and is disposed on top of the connector 16 such that the upper edge of the first connector section 44 is positioned with the first panel 40 and the second panel 42. The upper edge is approximately the same height. The height of the first connector section 44 is about one third of the total height of the connector 16.

The first connector section 44 includes a first portion 44a hingedly coupled to the first panel member 40 and a second portion 44b hingedly coupled to the second panel member 42. The first portion 44a and the second portion 44b are hingedly connected along a substantially vertical fold line 50 at the center. Each of the first portion 44a and the second portion 44b has a width corresponding to the width of the first plate member 40 and the second plate member 42. In the assembled connector 16, the first portion 44a is superposed on and fixed to the first plate member 40.

The second connector section 46 is disposed below the first connector section 44 and also extends between the first panel 40 and the second panel 42. The second connector section 46 is similar in size and construction to the first connector section 44. The second connector section 46 includes a first portion 46a hingedly coupled to the first panel 40 and a second portion 46b hingedly coupled to the second panel. The first portion 46a and the second portion 46b are also interconnected along the central hinge line 50 in an articulated manner. In the assembled connector, the second portion 46b is superposed and fixed to the second plate member 42.

The third connector section 48 is disposed under the second connector section 46 The bottom edge of the third connector section 48 is located at substantially the same height as the bottom edge of the first panel 40 and the second panel 42. The third connector section 48 is similar in size and configuration to the first connector section 44 and includes a first portion 48a and a second portion 48b that are connected in an articulated manner along the central hinge line 50. In the assembled connector, the first portion 48a of the third connector section 48 is stacked and secured to the first panel 40.

Figure 1 shows the container 10 in a first closed position such that the front wall 44 of the first reservoir 12 and the rear wall of the second reservoir 14 can be brought together. In this position, the connector 16 is visible at one side of the container 10. The two reservoirs 12, 14 are prevented from opening because any movement of the hinged covers 12a, 14a will be blocked by another reservoir. The first closed position shown in Figure 1 corresponds to the second position of the container, as defined above.

In the first closed position, the first connector section 44 is folded such that the first and second portions 44a, 44b of the first connector section 44 can be secured against the left side wall 36 of the second reservoir 14. The second plate members 42 are stacked on top of each other. Likewise, the third connector section 48 is folded such that the first and second portions 48a, 48b of the third connector section 48 can overlap each other against the lower third of the second panel 42. The second connector section 46 is folded such that the first and second portions 46a, 46b can overlap each other against the first panel 40 that is secured to the left side wall 26 of the first reservoir 12.

The container 10 is moved from the closed position shown in Fig. 1 to the one shown in Fig. 2 by rotating the first reservoir 12 and the second reservoir 14 toward each other to bring the left side walls 26, 36 together. In the open position. This is as above The defined relationship corresponds to the first position of the container 10. In this open position, only the left side walls 26, 36 of the reservoirs are in contact with each other and the front and rear walls of the two reservoirs are exposed. Both hinged covers 12a, 14a are thus free to rotate about the respective hinge line B so that the reservoirs can be opened. In this position, the connector 16 is located between the reservoirs 12, 14 and is therefore no longer visible.

The container 10 can be moved back from the open position shown in Fig. 2 to the one shown in Fig. 1 by rotating the reservoirs 12, 14 relative to each other about the axis "X" shown in Fig. 2. First closed position. The axis "X" coincides with one of the vertical edges of the left side walls. Alternatively, the reservoirs 12 and 14 can be moved relative to each other about the axis "Y" shown in Figure 2 to bring the container 10 into the second closed position shown in Figure 3. The axis "Y" coincides with the other opposing vertical edge of the left side walls.

In the second closed position of the container 10 shown in Figure 3, the first reservoir rear wall and the second reservoir front wall are placed together and the connector 16 is opposite the container 10 relative to the first closed position The side is visible. As in the first closed position, the hinged covers 12a, 14a are thus prevented from opening. This position is equivalent to the third position of the container as defined above.

In the second closed position, the connector segments 44, 46, 48 are opened outwardly such that each connector segment extends across the left side walls 26, 36 of the first reservoir 12 and the second reservoir 14. The connector sections 44, 46, 48 completely cover the first panel 40 and the second panel 42 of the connector 16.

The first reservoir 12 and the second reservoir 14 are each formed from one or more sheet stocks and are filled with a bundle of tobacco products using conventional equipment and methods.

The connector 16 is constructed of a single sheet stock as shown in Fig. 4. In Fig. 4, the folding line is displayed with a broken line, and the cutting line is displayed with a solid line. The connector can be folded and folded as described above by a plurality of strips that are shown to define the first panel 40, the second panel 42, and the connector segments 44, 46, 48. A portion of each of the connector segments is partially assembled by being fixed to the first or second plate as described above. This assembled connector 16 remains in a flat state.

In order to interconnect the first reservoir 12 and the second reservoir 14 with the connector 16, the reservoirs are brought together into the first closed position shown in Figure 1 and the assembled connector 16 is secured. To the left side walls 26, 36 that are placed adjacent to each other. The first plate 40 of the connector is glued to the left side wall of the case 12a of the first reservoir 12, and the second plate 42 of the connector is glued to the case 14a of the second reservoir 14. Left side wall.

Figure 5 shows an alternative container 60 implemented in accordance with the present invention comprising a first reservoir 12, a second reservoir 14 and a connector 16, which are similar in construction to those shown in Figures 1 through 4 Corresponding components of the container 10. The difference between the container 60 shown in Fig. 5 and the container 10 shown in Figs. 1 to 4 is that in the container 60, the connector 16 is fixed to the bottom of the first reservoir 12 and the second reservoir 14. On walls 62, 64, rather than on one side wall.

Figure 5 shows the container 60 in a first closed position in which the first reservoir 12 and the second reservoir 14 are positioned such that their rear walls are brought together. Connector 16 is visible at the bottom wall of the container. The container can be moved from this first closed position to an open position in which the first reservoir 12 and the bottom walls 62, 64 of the second reservoir 14 meet. here In the open position, the reservoirs can each be opened by moving the hinge cover to an open position. The container can be moved back to the first closed position shown in Figure 5 from this open position, or to a second alternative in which the first reservoir 12 and the front walls of the second reservoir 14 are joined together. Closed position.

10‧‧‧ Container

12‧‧‧First reservoir

12a‧‧‧ cover

12b‧‧‧ box

14‧‧‧Second storage

14a‧‧‧ cover

14b‧‧‧Box

16‧‧‧Connector

22‧‧‧ front wall

24‧‧‧ Back wall

26‧‧‧Left wall

28‧‧‧ right wall

30‧‧‧ top wall

34‧‧‧ front wall

36‧‧‧Left wall

38‧‧‧ top wall

40‧‧‧First board

42‧‧‧Second board

44‧‧‧Connector section

44a‧‧‧Part I

44b‧‧‧Part II

46‧‧‧Connector section

46a‧‧‧Part I

46b‧‧‧Part II

48‧‧‧Connector section

48a‧‧‧Part 1

48b‧‧‧Part II

50‧‧‧Center hinge line

60‧‧‧ container

62‧‧‧ bottom wall

64‧‧‧ bottom wall

X‧‧‧ axis

Y‧‧‧ axis

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

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

Figure 3 shows the container shown in Figures 1 and 2 in a second closed position.

Figure 4 shows a sheet stock suitable for forming the containers of Figures 1 through 3.

Figure 5 shows a container constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention in a first closed position.

10‧‧‧ Container

12‧‧‧First reservoir

12a‧‧‧ cover

12b‧‧‧ box

14‧‧‧Second storage

14a‧‧‧ cover

14b‧‧‧Box

16‧‧‧Connector

26‧‧‧Left wall

30‧‧‧ top wall

34‧‧‧ front wall

36‧‧‧Left wall

38‧‧‧ top wall

Claims (15)

A container for consumer goods, comprising: a first reservoir and a second reservoir, each reservoir comprising a first wall having opposing first and second edges, wherein the first of the first reservoirs The wall and the first wall of the second reservoir are facing each other in a first position such that the first edges of the first reservoir and the second reservoir are adjacent to each other, and the first reservoir And the second edge of the second reservoir are adjacent; and a connector is attached between the first reservoir and the second reservoir, the connector comprising: a first board And stacked on the first wall of the first reservoir; a second plate stacked on the first wall of the second reservoir; a connector section extending between the first plate and the second plate and including a first portion stacked on and fixed to the first plate, and a second along the second The first edge of the reservoir is hingedly coupled to the first portion and hingedly coupled to the second portion of the second panel; and a second connector segment extending Between the first plate and the second plate, and including a first portion stacked on and fixed to the second plate, and a first edge along the first reservoir Hingedly coupled to the first portion and hingedly coupled to the second portion of the first panel, wherein the second reservoir is detachable from the first reservoir relative to the first portion Rotating the first edge of the first reservoir to a second position, wherein the first edge of the first reservoir and the second reservoir are adjacent to each other, and the first reservoir and The second edges of the second reservoir are spaced apart and rotatable relative to the first reservoir about the second edge of the first reservoir to a third position, wherein the first reservoir and the first reservoir The second edges of the second reservoir are adjacent, and the first edges of the first reservoir and the second reservoir are spaced apart. A container of claim 1 further comprising one or more additional connector segments extending between the first panel and the second panel. The container of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first wall of the at least one of the first reservoir and the second reservoir is a first side wall of the reservoir. The container of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first wall of at least one of the first reservoir and the second reservoir is a bottom wall of the reservoir. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector is constructed from a single sheet stock. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connector section and the second connector section are tangentially extending between the first panel and the second panel or They are separated by a dotted line. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first reservoir and the second reservoir is a hinged lid reservoir comprising a box and a lid, and the lid system A hinge line extending across the rear wall of the reservoir is attached to the casing. The container of claim 7, wherein in the at least one of the second position and the third position, the first reservoir and the second reservoir are disposed such that at least one hinged lid reservoir is disposed The wall faces one of the walls of the other reservoir so that the hinge cover can be prevented from being opened. The container of claim 7 or 8, wherein the first reservoir and the second reservoir are both hinged lid reservoirs, and wherein the first panel and the second panel of the connector The pieces are separately secured to the first and second reservoirs at a level below the height of the hinge line in the rear wall of the reservoir. The container of claim 9, wherein the first wall of the at least one of the first reservoir and the second reservoir is a first side wall, and wherein the connector is stacked on the first side wall The upper plate substantially covers the first side wall of the casing. The container of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one of the first reservoir and the second reservoir is a sliding member formed by an outer casing and an inner sliding member; A housing combination container, the inner slide being received within the outer casing and movable between a closed position and an open position relative to the outer casing. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first walls of the first reservoir and the second reservoir face in substantially opposite directions when in the first position. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first reservoir and the second reservoir stores a plurality of smoking articles. A method for manufacturing a container according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: Providing an assembled connector, wherein the first portion of the first connector segment is secured to the first panel and the first portion of the second connector segment is secured to the second panel Providing the first and second reservoirs that have been assembled and filled; and fixing the first panel of the assembled connector to the first wall of the first reservoir, and The second panel of the connector that has been assembled is secured to the first wall of the second reservoir. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of assembling the connector from a single sheet stock.