TWI626896B - Packaging,blank for forming packaging and packaging forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a package that includes one of an inner box portion and an outer box portion that are movable relative to each other. The inner box portion can be moved by a user from a closed position to an open position. A locking element and an engaging portion are provided which provide resistance to movement, thereby ensuring that the package does not accidentally open. Additionally, the locking element can provide an audible sound when the locking element is received in one or both of the closed position and the open position.

Description

Packaging, blank for forming package and method for forming package

The present invention is generally in the field of packaging, particularly for the packaging of tobacco products. In particular, the present invention relates to a new type of cigarette package, and a blank for the construction of the package.

The ergonomic and practical design of improved packaging is an ongoing requirement. One aspect that is common to this requirement is the supply of packaging for one of the tobacco products, such as cigarette packages.

Cigarette packaging must meet a range of challenging requirements. In particular, packaging should not only be inexpensive and capable of mass production, but it should also be strong enough to ensure that the cigarette is non-destructive, maintains its freshness and maintains its integrity during multiple consecutive opening and closing of the package.

The most common design feature or license for cigarette packages today is a hinged lid case. In this design, a cardboard box having a hinged lid integrally formed at an upper end is provided. The cigarette is longitudinally positioned such that a user can remove the cigarette by the end of the cigarette when the lid is opened.

It is of course desirable that the hinged lid will not open when the user is not actively active. In one design, the restraining of movement of the lid between a closed position and an open position is achieved by the use of a set of rings or envelopes through which the lid must pass. The envelope is designed such that when the cover is opened (or closed), a friction element is introduced between the cover and the envelope, and the friction element must be overcome if the cover is to be moved further.

In an alternative design, a locking element can be used additionally or alternatively. For example, a lock The component can be mounted to the cartridge in a manner that the locking component engages with one of the engagement portions of the cover when the cover is open. The engagement of the locking elements can be constrained to move unless the user overcomes the resulting resistance.

While the above and other solutions have found some success in hinged lid boxes, these solutions are not suitable for other design concepts. For example, it has been proposed to provide a cigarette package having a sliding or swing opening mechanism. In this method, an inner box portion of one of the holding cigarettes is placed in an outer box portion. In a closed position, one of the openings of the inner box portion is covered by the outer box portion, and the inner box portion is movable relative to the outer box portion to an open position to enable the cigarette stored therein to be taken.

In a sliding configuration, the inner box portion moves in a linear motion relative to the outer box portion, while in a swing configuration the inner box portion moves relative to the outer box portion in a motion that includes at least some rotation. In such configurations (also in other configurations), it is desirable to provide some control over the relative movement of the inner and outer box portions to avoid undesired opening of the package.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a package is provided comprising: an outer casing portion; an inner casing portion disposed in the outer casing portion, the inner casing portion being positionable relative to the outer casing portion in a first position Moving between the second positions; and at least one locking mechanism comprising a locking member and an engaging portion, wherein the locking member protrudes from the inner box portion and the engaging portion projects from an outer surface of the outer box portion toward an inner surface of the inner box portion, wherein The locking element and the engagement portion are configured such that movement of the inner box portion between the first position and the second position is effective to engage the locking member and the engagement portion at one of the first edges of the engagement portion and can then be in one of the engagement portions The locking element is disengaged from the engaging portion at the two edges.

The present invention can provide a package in which the spontaneous movement of an inner box portion relative to an outer box portion can be restrained. As the locking element passes over the engagement portion, it engages and then disengages from the engagement portion. Engaging the joint portion at a first edge and disengaging at a second edge Between the mating portions, the locking element can travel across the surface of the mating portion. This engagement of the locking element causes a resistance to movement of the inner box portion relative to the outer box portion. The reverse movement also effectively reengages the locking element as the locking element also disengages during movement between positions. In this way, the movement can be restrained in both directions. The first and second positions can be, for example, a closed position in which one of the contents of the package cannot be taken and an open position in which the user can take the contents.

In a preferred embodiment, the locking element is concealed by the outer casing portion in one or both of the first position and the second position. Preferably, the locking element is concealed by the outer casing portion in both the first position and the second position. In this way, the operation of the locking element is hidden from the user. This increases the effectiveness of the sensation provided by the locking element.

In a preferred embodiment, the locking member and the engaging portion are configured such that at least the disengagement of the locking member from the engaging portion produces an audible sound, preferably one of the sounds audible to the user. Preferably, the locking element is configured to produce an audible sound when the inner box portion reaches the first position and/or the inner box portion reaches the second position. This provides a signal to the user indicating that the inner box portion has reached the desired location. This increases the confidence of the operation of the package, particularly when the inner box portion reaches a closed position.

Preferably, the sound is generated by elastic release of the locking member from the engaged portion. For example, the locking element can be configured to produce an acoustic sound by striking one of the opposing faces of the inner box portion when released from engagement with the engagement portion. In particular, the locking element can be biased against the opposing face and the first and/or second engagement portion can comprise a raised area of the opposing face. Thus, when the locking element passes over the edge of this raised area it is released to strike the opposite face.

In a preferred embodiment, the engaging portion includes at least one engaging flap that is folded at a position above the inner face of one of the outer casing portions to form a convex portion on the inner surface, wherein one of the engaging portions An edge is formed by folding one of the joint flaps, and a second edge is formed by one end of the joint flap. This provides an effective structure in which the engaging portion can thus be integrally formed with the remainder of the outer casing portion. In a preferred implementation In the example, a debossed region is provided adjacent the end of the joint flap. This causes a depression to be more clearly defined in one of the joint portions.

Preferably, the locking element is cut from a corner portion of the inner box portion such that its distal edge projects from the inner box portion. In this way, the locking element can protrude into a space between the inner box portion and the outer box portion while being relatively simple to form from the inner box portion.

Preferably, the package includes a second locking mechanism, wherein the first locking mechanism is disposed on a first side of the package and the second locking mechanism is disposed on a second side of the package. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first side and the second side of the package are opposite sides.

The first side and the second side of the package may be the upper side and the lower side of the package or the front side and the back side of the package. In fact, having a locking mechanism on the opposite side of the package further improves the stability of the inner and outer portions of the package relative to one another. The preferred embodiment can improve the locking effect of the present invention by providing a locking mechanism on more than one side of the package. The second locking mechanism preferably includes the same features as the first locking mechanism and can thus operate in a similar manner.

Preferably, the first locking mechanism is offset from the center of the first side of the package in a first direction and the second locking mechanism is in a second direction opposite the first direction from the second side of the package Center offset. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the offsets of the first and second locking mechanisms are equal in magnitude. Thus, in the preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism can be positioned away from the center of the package (which may need to be used for other purposes) while maintaining an overall balance in the operation of the mechanism.

Preferably, the present invention further includes a restraining mechanism configured to limit movement of the inner box portion relative to the outer box portion. In particular, the restraining mechanism prevents the inner box portion from moving beyond the first and/or second position.

In a preferred embodiment, the restraining mechanism includes a first restraining element and a second restraining element provided on opposite sides of the inner box portion and the outer box portion, wherein the engagement of the first and second members is effective to limit the inner portion The movement of the box portion relative to the outer box portion.

Preferably, the first restraining element is a restraining piece and the second restraining element is configured to A restraining piece is received between the second restraining element and one of the inner box portion or the outer box portion. The second restraining element can, for example, comprise a restraining flap that folds inwardly from the outer box portion or the inner box portion, or can include a restraining portion that allows the restraining tab to enter the restraining member and the inner box portion or the outer box A position between the faces of the parts.

In a preferred embodiment, the outer casing portion includes at least one opening or recess through which the inner casing portion can be pushed or pulled to initiate movement of the inner casing portion relative to the outer casing portion. This allows a user to simply open and/or close the package.

Preferably, the longitudinal edges of the package have a curved profile when the inner box portion is in a closed position. This provides the user with a desirable configuration and particularly improves comfort in the user's hand. It further reduces the risk of damage to the container carrying the package, such as a user's pocket or bag that can be damaged by the sharp edges of the package.

In a preferred embodiment, the relative movement of the inner and outer casing portions occurs substantially parallel to the opposing faces on which the locking mechanism is provided. In particular, movement of the inner box portion from the first position to the second position may include linear movement. Alternatively or additionally, movement of the inner box portion from the first position to the second position may include rotational movement.

Preferably, at least one joint portion is provided on the outer casing portion. Similarly, in the preferred embodiment, at least one locking element is provided on the inner box portion. This configuration has been found to provide an effective and reliable engagement between the locking element and the engagement portion.

In a preferred embodiment, the inner box portion includes at least one opening in an upper face to permit removal of one of the products in the inner box portion, wherein the opening is concealed by the outer box portion when the inner box portion is in the first position. Therefore, the first position is a closed position in which the product cannot be taken. In the second open position, the outer box portion does not conceal the opening. More generally, the opening can be positioned on any face that is desired to provide access to the contents of the inner box portion through the face.

Preferably, the opening of the inner box portion extends into at least one side of the inner box portion. This configuration further facilitates the user to access the product within the inner box portion.

In a preferred embodiment, the inner box portion and the outer box portion are each obtained from a single foldable blank of paper, cardboard, plastic material or a combination thereof. More specifically, the present invention further includes a blank for the production of the inner box portion and the outer box portion. Furthermore, the invention includes forming an inner box portion or an outer box portion from such blanks.

1‧‧‧Packaging

100‧‧‧Outer box part

101a‧‧‧ positive

101b‧‧‧Back

102a‧‧‧Top top part

102b‧‧‧After the top part

102c‧‧‧side top part

103a‧‧‧Front bottom section

103b‧‧‧Back bottom section

103c‧‧‧ side bottom section

105‧‧‧ side

106a‧‧‧Front reinforcement flaps

106b‧‧‧Backside reinforced flaps

107a‧‧‧ Front restraint

107b‧‧‧ After restraint

108a‧‧‧ Front joint flap

108b‧‧‧ rear joint flap

109a‧‧‧First depressed area

109b‧‧‧second depressed area

111‧‧‧ openings

150‧‧‧ inner box section

151a‧‧‧ positive

151b‧‧‧Back

152‧‧‧Tear strip

152a‧‧‧ Front tear strips

152b‧‧‧Tear strips

153a‧‧‧Front top flap

153b‧‧‧ Rear top flap

154a‧‧‧ front first side flap

First side flap after 154b‧‧

155a‧‧‧ front second side flap

155b‧‧‧ rear side flaps / second rear side flaps

156‧‧‧ base

157‧‧‧Folding

158a‧‧‧ cut off part

158b‧‧‧ cut off part

159a‧‧‧ Front restraint

159b‧‧‧post restraint

160a‧‧‧ cut off part

160b‧‧‧ cut off part

161a‧‧‧ front locking element

161b‧‧‧ rear locking element

170‧‧‧ cigarettes

200‧‧‧Outer box part

201a‧‧‧ positive

201b‧‧‧Back

202a‧‧‧Top top part

202b‧‧‧After the top part

202c‧‧‧side top part

203a‧‧‧Front bottom section

203b‧‧‧Back bottom section

203c‧‧‧side bottom part

204‧‧‧Connected flaps

205‧‧‧ side

205a‧‧‧ Front reinforcement flaps

205b‧‧‧Reinforced flaps

207a‧‧‧ Front restraint/first restraint

207b‧‧‧ After restraint/second restraint

208a‧‧‧ front joint flap

208b‧‧‧ rear joint flap

209a‧‧‧First depressed area

209b‧‧‧second depressed area

210a‧‧‧Constrained part

210b‧‧‧Constrained part

211‧‧‧ openings

250‧‧‧ inner box section

251a‧‧‧ positive

251b‧‧‧back

253a‧‧‧ Front reinforcement flaps

253b‧‧‧Reinforced flaps

254a‧‧‧ front first side flap

First side flap after 254b‧‧

255a‧‧‧ front second side flap

255b‧‧‧ rear side flaps / second rear side flaps

256‧‧‧ base

257‧‧‧Folding

258a‧‧‧ cut off part

258b‧‧‧ cut off part

259a‧‧‧ Front restraint

259b‧‧‧post restraint

260a‧‧‧ cut off part

260b‧‧‧ cut off part

261a‧‧‧ front locking element

261b‧‧‧ rear locking element

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1A shows a first preferred embodiment of the invention in a closed position; FIG. A preferred embodiment; FIG. 2A is a side view of a front side of one of the outer casing portions of the first preferred embodiment; FIG. 2B is a side view of the back side of one of the outer casing portions of the first preferred embodiment; 3 shows a blank for the production of the outer box portion of the first preferred embodiment; FIG. 4A is a side view of the front side of one of the inner box portions of the first preferred embodiment; FIG. 4B is a first preferred embodiment A side view of the back side of one of the inner box portions; FIG. 5 shows a blank for the production of the inner box portion of the first preferred embodiment; and FIG. 6A shows the inner box portion in the outer box when in a closed position a side view of the position within the portion; FIG. 6B is a side view showing the position of the inner box portion in the outer box portion when the inner box portion is moved from the closed position to an open position; FIG. 6C Illustrating the side of the position of the inner box portion in the outer box portion when in the open position Figure 6D is a side view showing the position of the inner box portion in the outer box portion when the inner box portion is moved from the open position to the closed position; FIG. 7A shows the inner box portion in the closed position. A cross section of the first preferred embodiment viewed from above; FIG. 7B shows a first preferred embodiment as seen from above when the inner box portion is in the open position One cross section; Fig. 8 shows a second preferred embodiment of the invention in a closed position; Fig. 9 shows a second preferred embodiment in an open position; Fig. 10 is a second preferred embodiment a side view of the front side of one of the outer casing portions; Fig. 11 shows a blank for the production of the outer casing portion of the second preferred embodiment; and Fig. 12 is a front side of one of the inner casing portions of the second preferred embodiment a side view; FIG. 13 shows a blank for the production of the inner box portion of the second preferred embodiment; and FIG. 14A is a side view showing the position of the inner box portion in the outer box portion when in a closed position; And Figure 14B is a side view showing the position of the inner box portion within the outer box portion when in the open position.

Referring to Figures 1A and 1B, a first preferred embodiment of a package 1 in accordance with the present invention is shown. The package includes an outer box portion 100 and an inner box portion 150. The inner box portion 150 is movable relative to the outer box portion and, in particular, can be slid between a first, closed position as shown in FIG. 1A and a second, open position as illustrated in FIG. 1B.

The user can slide the inner box portion 150 by pushing a portion of the inner box portion 150 that is exposed through one of the openings 111 in the outer box portion 100 using a thumb or a finger. As seen in FIG. 1B, the inner box portion 150 includes a tear strip 152 that can be removed to form an opening in the inner box portion 150 to expose the cigarette 170.

The outer box portion 100 and the inner box portion 150 are coupled to each other in a manner that provides an audible sound when the cartridge enters the closed or open position. In addition, a degree of resistance is provided to maintain the inner box portion in the open position and the closed position. In this way, the unexpected movement of the outer casing 100 relative to the inner casing portion 150 can be restrained. The mechanism for producing such effects can be understood with reference to Figures 2A through 5, and the mechanism will be described in more detail below.

2A, 2B and 3 illustrate the outer casing portion 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the outer box part borrows Formed by folding a cardboard blank. 2A shows a front side view of one of the outer box portions, and FIG. 2B shows a rear side view of one of the outer box portions 100.

The outer casing portion 100 includes a front surface 101a and a rear surface 101b which are opposed to each other when the outer casing portion 100 is formed. The front side 101a and the back side 101b are connected by a side surface 105. An opening 111 is formed in the side surface 105. In addition, a front reinforcing flap 106a and a back reinforcing flap 106b are formed toward the front and back of the opening 111, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, when the outer casing portion 100 is formed, the reinforcing flaps 106a, 106b are folded inwardly and glued to the inside of the front surface 101a and the back surface 101b of the outer casing portion 100.

One of the top surfaces of the outer box portion 100 is formed by a front top surface portion 102a, a rear top surface portion 102b, and a side top surface portion 102c. When the outer box portion 100 is formed, the rear top surface portion 102b and the side top surface portion 102c are glued to the lower side of one of the front top surface portions 102a. Similarly, one of the bottom faces of the outer casing portion is formed by the front bottom portion 103a, the rear bottom portion 103b, and the side bottom portion 103c. When the outer casing portion is formed, the rear bottom portion 103b and the side bottom portion 103c are glued to one of the top sides of the front bottom portion 103a.

The outer casing portion 100 further includes a front restraining flap 107a and a rear restraining flap 107b extending from the front surface 101a and the rear surface 101b, respectively. Further, a front engaging flap 108a and a rear engaging flap 108b extend from the front restraining flap 107a and the rear restraining flap 107b.

When the outer casing portion is formed, the front restraining flap 107a and the rear restraining flap 107b are folded inward, and the engaging flaps 108a, 108b are folded back onto the restraining flaps 107a, 107b. This is illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B. Accordingly, the engaging flaps 108a, 108b form a raised platform on the inner surface of the outer casing portion as one of the engaging portions which will be described in further detail below.

The engagement flaps 108a, 108b are preferably glued to the restraining flaps 107a, 107b at the locations shown in Figures 2A and 2B. Similarly, the restraining flaps 107a, 107b under the engaging flaps are preferably glued to the front side 101a and the back side 101b of the outer box portion. However, the glue preferably does not extend across the entire restraining flaps 107a, 107b, but is configured to allow material to enter The gap between the flaps 107a, 107b and the faces 101a, 101b is away from one of the joint flaps 108a, 108b.

In addition, the first restraining flap 107a and the second restraining flap 107b respectively include a first embossed area 109a and a second embossed area 109b. The embossed areas 109a, 109b are recessed in the restraining flaps 107a, 107b and positioned such that they are adjacent the ends of the joining flaps 108a, 108b (when they are folded as shown in Figures 2A and 2B) .

4A, 4B, and 5 illustrate the inner box portion 150. As shown in Figure 5, the inner box portion 150 is formed by folding a cardboard blank. 4A shows a front side view of one of the inner box portions 150, and FIG. 4B shows a rear side view of one of the inner box portions 150.

The inner box portion 150 includes a front surface 151a and a back surface 151b which are opposed to each other when the inner box portion 150 is formed. The front surface 151a and the back surface 151b are connected by a base surface 156. A first side is formed by a front first side flap 154a and a rear first side flap 154b, and a second side is formed by a front second side flap 155a and a rear side flap 155b. The rear side flaps 154b, 155b are glued to the inner surfaces of the front side flaps 154a, 155a to form the front side and the rear side of the inner box portion 150.

The base flap 157 is coupled to the first rear side flap 154b and the second rear side flap 155b. When the inner box portion 150 is formed, the base flap is glued to the upper surface of one of the base faces 156.

The top surface of one of the inner box portions is formed by a rear top flap 153b, a front top flap 153a, a rear tear flap 152b and a front tear strip flap 152a. The front top flap 152a and the rear top flap 152b are glued together to form a permanent portion of the top surface of the inner box portion 150. The front tear strip flap 152a and the back tear strip flap 152b are glued together to form the tear strip 152 shown in Figure 1B. The front and rear tear strip flaps are joined to the remainder of the inner box portion 150 by perforations to allow the user to remove the tear strip 152 when they wish.

The inner box portion further includes a front locking member 161a and a rear locking member 161b. The locking members 161a, 161b are disposed in the cut-away portions 160a, 160b (located at the joint faces between the front face 151a, the back face 151b, and the second side face). When the inner box portion 150 is formed, The locking members 161a, 161b protrude beyond the front surface 151a and the back surface 151b. It should be noted that the front locking member 161a is disposed on an upper portion of the front surface 151a, and the rear locking member 161b is disposed on a lower portion of the back surface 151b. More generally, the front locking element 161a and the rear locking element 161b are preferably disposed in different regions of the front side 151a and the back side 151b, and in particular between the base surface 156 and the opposite ends of the front side 151a and the back side 151b. The center of one of the front surface 151a and the back surface 151b is offset in the opposite direction.

In addition, the inner box portion includes a front restraint piece 159a and a rear restraint piece 159b. The restraining pieces 159a, 159b are respectively disposed in the cut-away portions 158a, 158b of the front surface 151a and the back surface 151b. It should be noted that the front restraint piece 159a is disposed at a lower portion of the front surface 151a, and the rear restraint piece 159b is disposed at an upper portion of the back surface 151b. More generally, the front restraint 159a and the rear restraint 159b are preferably disposed in different regions of the front side 151a and the back side 151b, and in particular between the base 156 and the opposite ends of the front side 151a and the back side 151b. The center of one of the front surface 151a and the back surface 151b is offset in the opposite direction.

The operation of the package 1 can be understood with reference to Figures 6A-6D, which shows the position of the inner box portion 150 relative to the outer box portion 100 during movement between the closed and open positions from a front view, and may also refer to Figures 7A and 7B. It shows a plan view through one of the cross sections AA in FIGS. 6A and 6C. The invisible features of the outer box portion 100 in Figures 6A through 6D are shown in dashed lines, while the features not visible in the inner box portion 150 are shown in dotted lines.

6A and 7A show the cartridge portion 150 in a closed position relative to one of the outer casing portions 100. In this position, as best seen in Figure 7A, the locking elements 161a, 161b are disposed away from the engagement flaps 108a, 108b. The locking members 161a, 161b project perpendicularly outward from the front surface 151a and the back surface 151b of the inner box portion 150, thereby occupying a space between the inner box portion 150 and the inner box portion 100.

When the user moves the inner box portion from the closed position shown in Figs. 6A and 7A, the locking members 161a, 161b approach the engaging flaps 108a, 108b. Since the engaging flap projects above the inner surface of the outer casing portion 100, the locking member and the engaging flap are moved after a certain amount of movement. 108a, 108b are in contact and joined. Further movement of the inner box portion 150 causes the locking member to continue its engagement with the engagement flaps 108a, 108b, rubbing along the top surface of the engagement flaps 108a, 108b. At this stage, the locking elements are slightly deflected from the vertical orientation relative to the front side 151a and the back side 151b of the inner box portion 150. When the engagement of the locking members 161a, 161b with the engaging flaps 108a, 108b is initiated, the requirement from the original orientational deflection locking members 161a, 161b creates a restraining effect on the movement of the inner box portion 150 relative to the outer box portion 100. .

As shown in Figures 6C and 7B, the inner box portion 150 is then moved further relative to the outer box portion 100 to the open position. When the inner box portion enters the open position, the locking members 161a, 161b move beyond the engagement flaps 108a, 108b and thus disengage from the engagement flaps 108a, 108b. Therefore, the locking members 161a, 161b project outward toward the inner surface of the outer box portion 100. The embossed areas 109a, 109b now receive the locking elements 161a, 161b. When the locking members 161a, 161b strike the surface of the depressed regions 109a, 109b, an audible click is produced, giving the user confidence that they have reached a suitable position.

The over opening of the inner box portion 150 with respect to the outer box portion 100 is prevented by the engagement of the restraining pieces 159a, 159b with the restraining flaps 107a, 107b. Specifically, the restraining pieces 159a and 159b are respectively received between the restraining flaps 107a and 107b and the front surface 101a and the back surface 101b of the outer casing portion 100. Therefore, when the front edge of the restraining flaps 107a, 107b is engaged with the base of the restraining pieces 159a, 159b, the inner box portion 150 cannot move further with respect to the outer box portion 100.

When the inner box portion 150 is moved from the open position to the closed position as shown in Figs. 6C and 7B, the tip end of the locking member 161a is once again engaged with the engaging flaps 109a, 109b, causing the locking members 161a, 161b to be perpendicular to the inner box portion. One of the front surface 151a and the back surface 151b of 150 is oriented obliquely (as shown in Fig. 6D). As for the movement from the closed position, since the locking members 161a, 161b are required to be deflected from their original positions, the movement from the open position is thus restrained.

When the inner box portion 150 enters the closed position, the locking members 161a, 161b advance past the engagement flaps 108a, 108b and eject outwardly to contact the front and back of the inner box portion 150. surface. Again, this causes an audible click to indicate that the user's action has been completed or is nearing completion.

8 and 9 illustrate a package in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. As in the first embodiment, the package of the second embodiment includes an inner box portion 250 and an outer box portion 200. The inner box portion 250 is movable relative to the outer box portion 200 and, in particular, is rotatable between a closed position as shown in FIG. 8 and an open position as shown in FIG.

The user can rotate the inner box portion 250 by pushing a portion of the inner box portion 250 that is exposed through one of the openings 211 in the outer box portion 200 using a thumb or a finger. Although not shown in Fig. 9, the cigarette held in the inner box portion 250 can be taken by the user when the outer box portion is in the open position.

The outer box portion 200 and the inner box portion 250 are coupled to each other in a manner that provides an audible sound when the cartridge enters the closed or open position. In addition, a degree of resistance is provided to maintain the inner box portion in the open position and the closed position. In this way, the unexpected movement of the outer box portion 200 relative to the inner box portion 250 can be restrained. The mechanism for producing such effects can be understood with reference to Figures 10 through 14B, and the mechanism will be described in more detail below.

10 and 11 illustrate the outer casing portion 200. In Fig. 11, the outer casing portion is formed by folding a cardboard blank. Figure 10 shows a front side view of the outer box portion 200 once formed.

The outer casing portion 200 includes a front surface 201a and a rear surface 201b which are opposed to each other when the outer casing portion 200 is formed. The front surface 201a and the rear surface 201b are connected by a side surface 205. Opening 211 is formed in side 205. Further, a front reinforcing flap 205a and a rear reinforcing flap 205b are formed toward the front and rear portions of the opening 211, respectively. As seen in Fig. 10, when the outer casing portion 200 is formed, the reinforcing flaps 205a, 205b are folded inwardly and glued to the inside of the front surface 201a and the back surface 201b of the outer casing portion 200.

One of the top surfaces of the outer box portion is formed by the front top surface portion 202a, the rear top surface portion 202b, and the side top surface portion 202c. When the outer box portion 200 is formed, the rear top surface portion 202b and the side top The face portion 202c is glued to the underside of one of the front top surface portions 202a. Similarly, the bottom surface of one of the outer casing portions 200 is formed by the front bottom surface portion 203a, the rear bottom surface portion 203b, and the side bottom surface portion 203c. When the outer casing portion 200 is formed, the rear bottom surface portion 203b and the side bottom surface portion 203c are glued to one of the top sides of the front bottom surface portion 203a.

The bottom surface formed by the bottom surface portions 203a, 203b, 203c does not cover the entire bottom surface of the outer casing portion 200 when formed. The outer box portion further includes a connecting flap 204 that is foldably connected to the bottom surface portion 203b. Unlike the bottom surface portion 203b, the connecting flaps are separated from the back surface 201b. Therefore, when the outer box portion 200 is formed, the connecting flap 204 can be rotationally moved with respect to the remaining portion of the outer box portion 200. The inner box portion 250 is mounted to the attachment flap 204 as will be described further below.

The outer box portion 200 further includes a front restraining flap 207a and a rear restraining flap 207b. Further, a front engaging flap 208a and a rear engaging flap 208b extend from the front restraining flap 207a and the rear restraining flap 207b.

When the outer box portion is formed, the front restraining flap 207a and the rear restraining flap 207b are folded inwardly and the engaging flaps 208a, 208b are folded back onto the restraining flaps 207a, 207b. This is illustrated in Figure 10. Accordingly, the engaging flaps 208a, 208b form a raised platform on the inner surface of the outer box portion 200 as one of the engaging portions which will be described in more detail below.

The engagement flaps 208a, 208b are preferably glued to the restraining flaps 207a, 207b at the location shown in FIG. Similarly, the restraining flaps 207a, 207b below the engaging flaps are preferably glued to the front side 201a and the back side 201b of the outer box portion. However, the glue preferably does not extend across the entire restraining flaps 207a, 207b, but is configured to allow material to enter between the restraining portions 210a, 210b of the restraining flaps 207a, 207b and the faces 201a, 201b away from the engaging flap 208a. One of the areas 208b.

In addition, the first restraining flap 207a and the second restraining flap 207b respectively include a first embossed area 209a and a second embossed area 209b. The embossed areas 209a, 209b are recessed in the restraining flaps 207a, 207b and positioned such that they are folded as shown in Figure 10 It is adjacent to the end of the engagement flaps 208a, 208b.

12 and 13 illustrate the inner box portion 250 of the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 13, the inner box portion 250 is formed by folding a cardboard blank. Figure 12 shows a front side view of the inner box portion 250 once formed.

The inner box portion 250 includes a front surface 251a and a back surface 251b which are opposed to each other when the inner box portion 250 is formed. The front surface 251a and the back surface 251b are connected by a base surface 256. A first side is formed by a front first side flap 254a and a rear first side flap 254b, and a second side surface is formed by a front second side flap 255a and a rear side flap 255b. The rear side flaps 254b, 255b are glued to the inner surfaces of the front side flaps 254a, 255a to form the front side and the rear side of the inner box portion 250.

The base flap 257 is coupled to the first back side flap 254b and the second back side flap 255b. When the inner box portion 250 is formed, the base flap is glued to one of the upper surfaces of the base surface 256.

The inner box portion 250 has an open top. The front reinforcing flap 253a and the rear reinforcing flap 253b are connected to the upper edges of the front surface 251a and the back surface 251b, respectively, and are folded inward.

The inner box portion further includes a front locking member 261a and a rear locking member 261b. The locking members 261a, 261b are disposed in the cut-out portions 260a, 260b positioned at the joint between the front surface 251a and the back surface 251b and the second side surface. When the inner box portion 250 is formed, the locking members 261a, 261b protrude beyond the front surface 251a and the back surface 251b.

In addition, the inner box portion includes a front restraint piece 259a and a rear restraint piece 259b. The restraining pieces 259a, 259b are respectively disposed in the cut-away portions 258a, 258b of the front surface 251a and the back surface 251b.

The operation of the package can be understood with reference to Figures 14A and 14B, which show the position of the inner box portion 250 relative to the outer box portion 200 from a front view in both the closed position of Figure 8 and the open position of Figure 9. In Figs. 14A and 14B, the invisible features of the outer box portion 200 are shown in dashed lines, while the invisible features of the inner box portion 250 are shown in dotted lines.

Figure 14A shows the inner box portion 250 in a closed position relative to one of the outer box portions 200. in In this position, as best seen in Figure 7A, the locking members 261a, 261b are disposed away from the engagement flaps 208a, 208b. The locking members 261a, 261b project vertically outward from the front surface 251a and the back surface 251b of the inner box portion 250, thereby occupying a space between the inner box portion 250 and the outer box portion 200.

When the user moves the inner box portion from the closed position shown in Fig. 14A, the locking members 261a, 261b approach the engaging flaps 208a, 208b. Since the engaging flap projects above the inner surface of the outer casing portion 200, the locking member contacts and engages with the engaging flaps 208a, 208b after a certain amount of movement. Further movement of the inner box portion 250 causes the locking member to continue its engagement with the engagement flaps 208a, 208b, rubbing along the upper surface of the engagement flaps 208a, 208b. At this stage, the locking elements 261a, 261b are slightly deflected from the vertical orientation relative to the front side 251a and the back side 251b of the inner box portion 250. When the engagement of the locking members 261a, 261b with the engagement flaps 208a, 208b is initiated, the requirement from the original orientation deflection locking members 261a, 261b creates a restraining effect on the movement of the inner box portion 250 relative to the outer box portion 200. .

As shown in Figures 6C and 7B, the inner box portion 250 is then moved further to the open position relative to the outer box portion 200. When the inner wrap portion enters the open position, the locking members 261a, 261b move beyond the engagement flaps 208a, 208b and thus disengage from the engagement flaps 208a, 208b. Therefore, the locking members 261a, 261b are ejected toward the inner surface of the outer casing portion 200. The embossed areas 209a, 209b now receive the locking elements 261a, 261b. When the locking members 261a, 261b strike the surface of the embossed regions 209a, 209b, an audible sound is produced to give the user confidence that they have reached a suitable position.

The engagement of the front restraint piece 259a with the restraining flap 207a and the rear restraint piece 259b with the restraining flap 207b prevents excessive opening of the inner box portion 250 with respect to the outer box portion 200. Specifically, the front restraint piece 259a is received between the restraining flap 207a and the front surface 201a, and the rear restraint piece 259b is received through the restraining portion 207b between the rear flap 208b and the back surface 201b of the outer box portion 200. Therefore, the engagement of the restraining pieces 259a, 259b prevents the inner box portion 250 from exceeding Move through the open position.

When the inner box portion 250 is moved from the open position shown in Fig. 14B to the closed position, the locking member 261a is again engaged with the engaging flaps 209a, 209b, causing the locking members 261a, 261b to be perpendicular to the front side 251a of the inner box portion 250 and One of the orientations of the back side 251b is deflected. As for the movement from the closed position, since the locking members 261a, 261b are required to be deflected from their original positions, the movement from the open position is thus restrained.

When the inner box portion 250 enters the closed position, the locking members 261a, 261b advance past the engagement flaps 208a, 208b and eject outwardly to contact the front and back sides of the inner box portion 250. Again, this causes an audible click to indicate that the user's action has been completed or is nearing completion.

The above description relates to two particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, but it will be apparent that other embodiments are possible. In particular, a person skilled in the art may modify or modify the particular geometry and configuration of the particular features of the package. In particular, the relative positions of the locking members and the engaging portions on the inner box portion and the outer box portion can be simply modified or reversed by those skilled in the art without affecting the functional behavior of the package of the present invention. Other changes and modifications will also be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made to equivalents and other features which are used in addition to or in addition to the features described herein. Features described in the context of different embodiments may be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, features described in the context of a single embodiment can be provided alone or in any suitable subcombination.

Claims (13)

A package comprising: an outer box portion; an inner box portion disposed within the outer box portion, the inner box portion being positionable relative to the outer box portion between a first position and a second position Moving; and at least one locking mechanism disposed on an opposite side of the inner box portion and the outer box portion and the at least one locking mechanism includes a locking member and an engaging portion, wherein the locking member protrudes from the inner box portion and The engaging portion protrudes from an inner surface of the outer casing portion facing the inner casing portion, wherein the locking member and the engaging portion are configured such that the inner casing portion is at the first position and the first portion relative to the outer casing portion The relative movement between the two positions is effective to engage the locking element and the engaging portion at a first edge of the engaging portion, and then the locking member can be disengaged from the engaging portion at a second edge of the engaging portion The relative movement occurs substantially parallel to the opposing faces on which the locking mechanism is disposed, wherein the engaging portion includes at least one position that is folded over an inner face of one of the outer casing portions Bonding a flap to form a raised portion on the inner surface, wherein a first edge of the joint portion is formed by folding one of the joint flaps and a second edge is formed by one of the joint flaps Formed at the end. The package of claim 1, wherein the locking element is concealed by the outer box portion in one or both of the first position and the second position. A package of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the locking element and the engaging portion are configured such that at least the locking element is disengaged from the engaging portion to produce a sound. The package of claim 3, wherein the sound is generated by elastic release of the locking member from the joint portion. The package of claim 1 further comprising a embossed region adjacent the end of the bond flap. A package according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the locking member is cut from a corner portion of the inner box portion such that an end edge thereof protrudes from the inner box portion. The package of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a second locking mechanism, wherein the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the package associated with an intermediate plane of the package . The package of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a restraining mechanism, the restraining mechanism comprising a first restraining element and a second restraining element provided on opposite sides of the inner box portion and the outer box portion, Wherein the engagement of the first and second members is effective to limit movement of the inner box portion relative to the outer box portion. The package of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the outer box portion includes at least one opening or recess through which the inner box portion can be pushed or pulled to initiate the inner box portion relative to the outer box Part of the move. A package of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the longitudinal edge of the package has a curved profile when the inner box portion is in a closed position. A blank for forming the inner box portion of any one of claims 1 to 10. A blank for forming the outer casing portion of any one of claims 1 to 10. A method for forming a package according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising the steps of: forming an inner box portion by folding a separate blank, and folding by surrounding the inner box portion A separate blank forms an outer box portion such that the inner box portion is in the first position when the package is completed.