US20190002187A1 - Multi-Compartment Cigarette Package - Google Patents
Multi-Compartment Cigarette Package Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20190002187A1 US20190002187A1 US15/639,620 US201715639620A US2019002187A1 US 20190002187 A1 US20190002187 A1 US 20190002187A1 US 201715639620 A US201715639620 A US 201715639620A US 2019002187 A1 US2019002187 A1 US 2019002187A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- compartment
- substrate
- compartments
- tabs
- tab
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/07—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for compressible or flexible articles
- B65D85/08—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for compressible or flexible articles rod-shaped or tubular
- B65D85/10—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for compressible or flexible articles rod-shaped or tubular for cigarettes
- B65D85/1036—Containers formed by erecting a rigid or semi-rigid blank
- B65D85/1045—Containers formed by erecting a rigid or semi-rigid blank having a cap-like lid hinged to an edge
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/64—Lids
- B65D5/66—Hinged lids
- B65D5/6602—Hinged lids formed by folding one or more extensions hinged to the upper edge of a tubular container body
- B65D5/662—Hinged lids formed by folding one or more extensions hinged to the upper edge of a tubular container body the container being provided with an internal frame or the like for maintaining the lid in the closed position by friction
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F15/00—Receptacles or boxes specially adapted for cigars, cigarettes, simulated smoking devices or cigarettes therefor
- A24F15/20—Receptacles or boxes specially adapted for cigars, cigarettes, simulated smoking devices or cigarettes therefor with separate compartments for each cigar or cigarette
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
- B65B43/08—Forming three-dimensional containers from sheet material
- B65B43/10—Forming three-dimensional containers from sheet material by folding the material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
- B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
- B65B7/26—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by closing hinged lids
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/02—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding or erecting a single blank to form a tubular body with or without subsequent folding operations, or the addition of separate elements, to close the ends of the body
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/44—Integral, inserted or attached portions forming internal or external fittings
- B65D5/48—Partitions
- B65D5/48024—Partitions inserted
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/56—Linings or internal coatings, e.g. pre-formed trays provided with a blow- or thermoformed layer
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/62—External coverings or coatings
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/64—Lids
- B65D5/66—Hinged lids
- B65D5/6602—Hinged lids formed by folding one or more extensions hinged to the upper edge of a tubular container body
- B65D5/6608—Hinged lids formed by folding one or more extensions hinged to the upper edge of a tubular container body the lid being held in closed position by self-locking integral flaps
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D75/04—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in single sheets or wrapper blanks
- B65D75/14—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in single sheets or wrapper blanks in sheets or blanks folded-up around all sides of the contents from a portion on which the contents are placed
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D75/52—Details
- B65D75/58—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
- B65D75/5827—Tear-lines provided in a wall portion
- B65D75/5833—Tear-lines provided in a wall portion for tearing out a portion of the wall
- B65D75/5844—Tear-lines provided in a wall portion for tearing out a portion of the wall the portion of the wall being a narrow strip, e.g. between lines of weakness
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
- B65D77/02—Wrapped articles enclosed in rigid or semi-rigid containers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/07—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for compressible or flexible articles
- B65D85/08—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for compressible or flexible articles rod-shaped or tubular
- B65D85/10—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for compressible or flexible articles rod-shaped or tubular for cigarettes
- B65D85/1081—Inserts or accessories added or joined to the container, e.g. coins, pens, cards, spacers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B19/00—Packaging rod-shaped or tubular articles susceptible to damage by abrasion or pressure, e.g. cigarettes, cigars, macaroni, spaghetti, drinking straws or welding electrodes
- B65B19/02—Packaging cigarettes
- B65B19/22—Wrapping the cigarettes; Packaging the cigarettes in containers formed by folding wrapping material around formers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2575/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D2575/52—Details
- B65D2575/58—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
- B65D2575/586—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture with means for reclosing
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to the field of cigarette boxes, particularly those of the hinged-lid type. More specifically, the invention relates to cigarette boxes having improved structure for preserving freshness of the contents therein. The invention further relates to a dual-compartment cigarette box wherein each compartment is independently re-sealable.
- Cigarette packs are marketed in different embodiments.
- the conventional structure of a cigarette package includes a small box, which may be either a so-called soft box or a hard box.
- Such boxes form a housing for a plurality of cigarettes, such as 20 cigarettes, and may be fabricated from either a cellulosic material or a synthetic material such as plastic.
- Cigarettes have a shelf life. A box of cigarettes is generally good for a period of about one year from the date of manufacture. After that one year, cigarettes will become stale and lose flavor. This is because the individual cigarettes become dry and brittle due to the evaporation of aromatic oils.
- Cigarettes may be vacuum sealed in freezer storage to extend freshness, but this is quite uncommon. Some stores and individuals use humidors that control humidity to preserve moisture and freshness of tobacco. This is somewhat common for cigars, but these generally are not used for off-the-shelf cigarettes. Further, humidors do not help tobacco packages while they are in transit.
- cigarette boxes are typically enshrouded by an outer layer of plastic foil. Such an outer wrapping keeps air and moisture out of the interior of the box, at least until it is opened.
- Cigarette boxes frequently also include an inner lining.
- the inner lining may be fabricated from tin or other metal material.
- a multi-layer structure is provided to help maintain freshness of the tobacco products therein.
- the seal offered by the inner lining is lost and the cluster of cigarettes is exposed to ambient conditions. This accelerates the drying of the cigarettes and the loss of aromatic oils.
- the individual packets may be integral with one another or may comprise two separate containers joined at the respective bottom ends of each container.
- the '872 patent is not concerned with increasing the shelf life of the tobacco contents, nor does the patent disclose a mechanism for resealing one of the containers after it has been opened.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,201,413 entitled “Dual Cigarette Carton With Separable or Divisible Label Containing Universal Product Code” offers a similar concept.
- a dual cigarette carton is formed from two substantially identical single cigarette cartons. This is essentially two separate cartons connected together for tax-stamping and price coding purposes, wherein the cartons may be easily separated after sale.
- the '895 patent offers a container with two packages to allow for the assembly of one's own cigarettes.
- a first package contains tobacco elements while a second package contains non-tobacco elements for construction of individual cigarettes.
- the '895 patent presents a clever idea but it is does not directed to a re-sealable cigarette package nor is it concerned with offering multiple, independently re-sealable compartments for existing cigarettes to increase the shelf life.
- the cigarette package first comprises an outer container.
- the outer container serves as a housing and is configured to closely hold a plurality of cigarettes.
- the outer container is fabricated primarily from a rigid cellulosic material (a so-called “hard” package) or from a pliable synthetic material (a so-called “soft” package). In either instance, the container preferably has a rectangular cross-section.
- the outer container includes a lid pivotally connected to the container proximate an upper end.
- the lid provides selective access to the cigarettes and is movable between open and closed positions.
- a single lid is provided for multiple compartments.
- the package also includes a first lining and a second lining.
- the first lining forms a first compartment while the second lining forms a second compartment.
- the first and second compartments reside within the same outer container.
- the first and second compartments each have an exterior surface with a top face, a bottom face, a front face, a back face, an upper portion and a lower portion.
- the first and second compartments further include a first compartment tab and a second compartment tab, respectively.
- the first and second compartment tabs are configured to allow for resealing of each compartment independently after each compartment has been opened. Embodiments comprising more than two compartments and associated compartment tabs are also envisioned in this disclosure.
- the package further includes a substrate.
- the substrate is coupled to the first and second compartments.
- the substrate has a proximal end, a distal end and lateral boundaries.
- the substrate preferably has an adhesive material in the form of a coating along an under-surface. The adhesive material allows the substrate to be coupled to the compartments.
- the substrate preferably includes a first substrate tab and a second substrate tab, wherein the tabs are integral with the substrate.
- the first and second substrate tabs may be disposed above the first and second compartment tabs, respectively, and coupled thereto. Because each substrate tab is coupled to a respective compartment tab, opening of a substrate tab results in a simultaneous opening of the respective compartment tab coupled thereto. It is noted that more than two substrate tabs may be provided, corresponding with the number of compartments.
- the first and second compartment tabs may each be defined laterally by opposing lateral edges and distally by a distal edge.
- Each substrate tab may be configured to extend beyond the lateral and distal edges of the respective compartment tab to form a perimeter of adhesive material that is exposed around an under-surface of each compartment tab.
- the perimeter of adhesive material lands upon the exterior surface of the respective compartment to form a temporary seal when the substrate tab and compartment tab are together moved to a closed position.
- each substrate tab and corresponding compartment tab extend from a portion of the back face of the compartment. In the closed position, the substrate tab and corresponding compartment tab continue along the top face of the compartment to a portion of the front face of the compartment.
- Each substrate tab may further comprise a flap that extends beyond the distal end of the substrate. The flap is configured to allow for easier grasping and pulling of each associated substrate tab.
- the compartments, the compartment tabs, the substrate, the substrate tabs, or combinations thereof are preferably fabricated from blanks of moisture- and aroma oil-insulating material.
- a material include a metallic material such as tin, aluminum or nickel, or a plastic material.
- a wax-coated cellulosic material may also be employed.
- the cigarette package further includes a sleeve.
- the sleeve is configured to wrap around the first and second compartments so as to securely hold the compartments together within the outer container.
- the sleeve also may serve to anchor the first and second compartments to the interior of the container, such as through an adhesive which prevents the compartments from sliding out of the container, particularly while the compartments are being opened.
- the sleeve is preferably fabricated from a thin cardboard material.
- the sleeve includes a front surface that serves as a recessed portion of the container.
- the recessed portion forms a shoulder on which the lid lands when the lid is pivoted to its closed position.
- the cigarette package may be provided with an exterior layer of water-resistant foil residing around the outer container.
- the foil is removed, or at least torn away, by the purchaser before opening the lid.
- the cigarette package again comprises an outer container configured to hold a plurality of cigarettes.
- the outer container has an exterior surface and a recessed portion along the exterior surface.
- the recessed portion may be inwardly indented from the outer container exterior surface and be provided with a top edge having a contour.
- the package may further include a lid pivotally connected to the outer container at an upper back end of the outer container.
- the lid In operation, the lid is movable between an open position and a closed position.
- the lid has a distal end having a profile that matches the contour of the recessed portion.
- At least two moisture-proof compartments are provided within the container.
- Each compartment offers a front surface that extends above the recessed portion. This serves to expose a peripheral margin portion of an exterior surface of each compartment.
- Each compartment further includes a compartment tab.
- Each compartment tab is integral with its associated compartment.
- Each compartment tab is provided with a distal end and lateral boundaries.
- a substrate is coupled to and resides along a top face of each of the compartments.
- the under-surface of the substrate is coated with an adhesive material that secures the substrate to the inner compartments.
- the substrate comprises substrate tabs that are integral with the substrate.
- the substrate tabs are generally concentric with the compartment tabs and are coupled to the compartment tabs via the adhesive material on the under-surface of the substrate.
- each of the at least two substrate tabs extends beyond the distal end of its respective compartment tab. In the closed position, the substrate tabs each extend onto the exterior surface of the respective compartment. Thus, when the compartment tabs are moved to the closed position, each adhesive substrate tab contacts the peripheral margin portion and the top face of the respective compartments to provide a moisture-proof seal. Under this configuration, each substrate tab allows for selective opening and resealing of its respective compartment.
- an outer container is provided that holds a plurality of cigarettes and has a top edge.
- a lid is also included and is pivotally connected to the outer container at an upper back end of the outer container. The lid is movable between an open position and a closed position.
- At least two moisture-proof compartments are positioned within the outer container.
- the compartments each have a front surface extending past the top edge of the outer container to expose a peripheral margin portion of an exterior surface of each compartment.
- Each compartment also includes a notch to allow access to cigarettes that are enclosed within the each compartment.
- Each compartment further includes a compartment tab, wherein the number of compartment tabs is equal to the number of compartments. Each tab is configured to conform with the notch of each compartment.
- An adhesive substrate is also included that resides on the inner compartments and extends to the peripheral portion of the compartments.
- the adhesive substrate is configured to contact the compartment at a location upon the compartment between the outer container top edge and the notch of the compartment. Being so disposed, the adhesive substrate is configured to allow for selective opening of a single tab to expose the notch of a single compartment. Such a configuration allows the other compartment(s) to remain sealed.
- the adhesive substrate is additionally configured to allow for resealing of the individual compartments. Such resealing prevents evaporation of aromatic oils and preserves freshness of cigarettes in an opened compartment when the respective compartments are in their closed position.
- a method of opening and resealing a cigarette package is also provided herein.
- the method first includes providing a package of cigarettes.
- the packaging is designed in accordance with the package described above, in its various embodiments.
- the method also includes opening the lid, followed by opening a substrate tab. Opening of the substrate tab causes the associated compartment tab to be opened, which exposes cigarettes enclosed within one of the compartments. A consumer may then remove a cigarette from the container. The substrate and coupled internal compartment tab may then be moved from an open position to a closed position, and the selected compartment is sealed. Finally, the lid may be moved from an open position to a closed position to complete closure of the cigarette package.
- a method for assembling a cigarette package is also provided herein.
- the method first includes providing at least two blanks of material to serve as at least two inner linings of moisture-resistant or moisture-proof material.
- the blanks of material that serve as the at least two inner linings are fabricated from a moisture-proof material, such as aluminum, tin, nickel or combinations thereof.
- Each of the at least two inner linings is folded to form a compartment.
- the compartment is dimensioned to hold a parallel grouping of cigarettes.
- at least two inner compartments of the cigarette package are formed.
- Each of the at least two inner compartments has a top face, a back face, and a front face.
- Each of the inner compartments also includes a compartment tab.
- Each compartment tab is defined by opposing lateral edges and a distal edge configured to cover a compartment opening.
- the method further includes providing a blank of material to serve as a substrate.
- the substrate may be referred to as a “sticker.”
- the substrate comprises a planar body having a proximal end, a distal end and an under-surface.
- the substrate is designed to increase the shelf life of the cigarettes when the cigarettes are placed inside the compartments of the cigarette package.
- the substrate is comprised of aluminum, tin, nickel, or combinations thereof.
- the substrate may be fabricated from a wax-coated cellulosic material.
- the adhesive material is placed along the under-surface of the substrate.
- the adhesive material allows the substrate to be selectively folded onto a front surface or an upper surface of the compartments, and releasably attached thereto.
- the substrate optionally includes at least two substrate tabs. The tabs do not have the adhesive material, allowing the tabs to serve as flaps for gripping.
- the method additionally includes adhering the under-surface of the substrate to a top face of each of the at least two inner compartments.
- the top face may be along an upper surface of the compartments, or a front surface near the top.
- the at least two substrate tabs are generally collinear with the compartment tabs of the at least two compartments. The substrate tabs are, therefore, coupled to the inner compartment tabs. When so disposed, the at least two substrate tabs and the compartment tabs that are coupled thereto are configured to allow for the selective opening and resealing of each inner compartment, independently.
- the substrate tabs are slightly larger than the compartment tabs and extend beyond the lateral and distal edges of the compartment tabs. In this way, a perimeter of adhesive material is exposed around an under-surface of the tabs such that pressing along the perimeter of the substrate tabs causes the adhesive material to bond to the compartments, generating a reversible seal after a compartment has been opened.
- the method also includes providing a blank of material to serve as a container.
- the blank forms the perimeter for the inner linings.
- the method then includes folding the blank of material that serves as the container around the at least two inner compartments to form a rectangular housing for a plurality of cigarettes.
- the method still further includes folding the blank of material that serves as the container to create a hinged lid.
- the hinged lid may be releasably sealed to an outer front surface of the container.
- the housing is fabricated from a compliant synthetic material such as a plastic material.
- the housing is fabricated from a rigid cellulosic material.
- the method may additionally include providing a blank of material to serve as a sleeve.
- the blank of material that serves as the sleeve is folded around the at least two compartments.
- the sleeve is configured to hold the at least two inner compartments together and anchor the at least two inner compartments within the container.
- the sleeve may comprise a recessed portion that forms a shoulder on which the lid lands when the lid is pivoted to its closed position.
- the method further comprises providing a water-resistant material, and wrapping the container with the water-resistant material to provide a moisture barrier.
- FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views showing a known cigarette package design.
- FIGS. 2A through 2H present a series of views of a cigarette package in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the cigarette package of the present invention. The lid is shown in a closed position.
- FIG. 2B is a front plan view of the cigarette package of FIG. 2A .
- FIG. 2C is a back plan view of the cigarette package of FIG. 2A .
- FIGS. 2D and 2E are left and right side plan views, respectively, of the cigarette package of FIG. 2A .
- FIG. 2F is another perspective view of the cigarette package of FIG. 2A .
- the hinged lid is being moved from its closed position to an open position, revealing a substrate with two tabs covering two inner compartments within the container.
- FIG. 2G is still another perspective view of the cigarette package of FIG. 2A .
- the hinged lid is in its fully open position.
- a first tab is peeled away to reveal cigarettes within a first compartment.
- An adjacent second tab and corresponding second compartment remain sealed.
- FIG. 2H is still another perspective view of the cigarette package of FIG. 2A .
- certain internal components of the package are shown in exploded-apart relation.
- the substrate and inner compartment tabs are in a raised position, revealing two inner compartments.
- the cigarettes have been removed from the inner compartments for illustrative purposes.
- FIG. 3 is an engineering plan view of a “blank” of material used to create an outer container for the package of FIG. 2A , in one embodiment.
- FIGS. 4A through 4D are engineering views of blank materials used in forming the interior compartments of the cigarette package of FIG. 2A .
- FIG. 4A is an engineering plan view showing a blank of material used to create one of the at least two inner compartments, or inner linings, for the package of FIG. 2A , in one embodiment. A sealing tab is shown there along.
- FIG. 4B is an end view of ten cigarettes arranged in three rows in preparation for being wrapped in the inner compartment of FIG. 4A .
- FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the arranged cigarettes of FIG. 4B being placed along the interior surface of the compartment of FIG. 4A , to be wrapped therein.
- FIG. 4D is a perspective view showing the exterior surface of the compartment of FIG. 4A after being folded and wrapped around the cigarettes of FIG. 4B .
- FIGS. 5A through 5C are engineering views of blank materials used in forming a sleeve for use in the cigarette package of FIG. 2A .
- FIG. 5A is a plan view showing a blank of material used to create the sleeve in a flat, unfolded state.
- FIG. 5B is a perspective view showing the interior surface of a blank of material used to create the sleeve of FIG. 5A in a partially folded state.
- FIG. 5C is another perspective view showing the blank of material used to create the sleeve of FIG. 5A , in a partially folded state.
- the blank of material has been reversed relative to the view of FIG. 5B .
- FIG. 6A is a perspective view of two inner compartments of FIG. 4D aligned for wrapping by the partially folded sleeve of FIG. 5B .
- FIG. 6B is a plan view showing a blank of material used to create a substrate.
- FIG. 6C is a perspective view of two inner compartments of FIG. 4D being wrapped by the sleeve of FIG. 5B .
- the substrate of FIG. 6B is shown being placed along back faces of the two inner compartments, indicated by arrows.
- FIG. 6D is a front perspective view of the two inner compartments of FIG. 6C after being wrapped by the sleeve.
- the substrate is shown in an unfolded state, extending up from the back faces of the two inner compartments.
- FIG. 6E is a rear perspective view of FIG. 6D .
- the substrate attached to the back faces of the two inner compartments is more clearly seen. Perforations running along the length of the substrate are also visible.
- FIG. 6F is front perspective view of a portion of the cigarette package of FIG. 2A .
- the two inner compartments of FIG. 4D are shown wrapped in the sleeve of FIG. 5B .
- the substrate is folded across the top faces of the inner compartments and extends along a peripheral portion of the front faces of the inner compartments.
- FIG. 6G is a rear perspective view of the components of the cigarette package of FIG. 6F .
- the substrate is shown adhered to the back faces of the inner compartments and then folded across the top faces of the inner compartments.
- FIG. 7 is a front perspective view showing the components of the cigarette package of FIG. 6F being positioned along the interior surface of the unfolded outer container of FIG. 3 , in preparation for being enclosed therein.
- blade refers to a substrate that is folded along designated lines to form a three-dimensional object.
- FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views showing a design for a known cigarette package 100 .
- the cigarette package 100 defines a container 110 for holding a plurality of cigarettes 150 .
- FIG. 1A a few of the cigarettes 150 are shown extending from the container 110 for illustrative purposes.
- the container 110 has a lower end 112 and an upper end 114 .
- a lid 115 is hingedly connected to the container 110 at the upper end 114 .
- a hinge line is shown at 116 . It is understood that the hinge line extends along a back surface (seen best in FIG. 2C ).
- the lid 115 is movable from an open position wherein a cigarette 150 may be accessed, to a closed position wherein the lid 115 seats on a shoulder 118 . It is observed that while closing the lid 115 may limit contact of the cigarettes 150 with the air, it does not provide a moisture barrier or an air tight seal.
- FIGS. 2A through 211 present a series of views of a cigarette package 200 in accordance with the present invention, in one embodiment.
- the cigarette package 200 is a dual compartment package, meaning that groups of cigarettes 150 are held within separately sealable compartments 300 A, 300 B.
- FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the cigarette package 200 .
- An outer container 210 having a rectangular profile is first shown.
- the container 210 has a lower end 212 and an upper end 214 .
- a lid 215 is disposed at the upper end 214 .
- the lid 215 is pivotally connected to the container 210 through an integral hinge line 216 . (best seen in FIGS. 2C and 2D )
- the lid 215 is integrally connected to the container 210 as shown in the blank of FIG. 3 .
- the lid may further include a lid flap 220 .
- the lid flap 220 extends beyond a lower end 219 of a front portion 215 B (as seen in FIG. 2B ) of the lid 215 .
- the lid flap 220 is configured to facilitate opening of the container lid 215 by the consumer.
- FIGS. 2B and 2C are front and back plan views of the cigarette package 200 of FIG. 2A , respectively.
- a front panel 210 B of the container 210 is seen; while in FIG. 2C a back portion 210 C of the container 210 is shown.
- the front panel 210 B includes a recessed portion (seen at 520 in FIG. 2F ) that accommodates the lid 215 when the lid 215 is in its closed position. Stated another way, an inner surface 217 of the lid lands on the recessed portion 520 when the lid 215 is closed.
- FIG. 2B a front portion 215 B of the lid 215 is seen in FIG. 2B , while a back portion 215 C of the lid 215 is visible in FIG. 2C .
- the hinge line 216 is also shown in FIG. 2C , in dashed lines.
- FIGS. 2D and 2E provide left and right side plan views of the cigarette package 200 of FIG. 2A , respectively. In these views, the lid 215 remains in its closed position.
- FIGS. 2F and 2G provide additional perspective views of the cigarette package 200 of FIG. 2A .
- the hinged lid 215 is being moved from its closed position to an open position.
- Arrow “O” is provided, indicating a direction of movement for pivoting the lid 215 to its open position.
- the hinged lid 215 is in its fully open position.
- the outer container 210 includes a shoulder 218 .
- the shoulder 218 defines the upper end 214 of the material forming the container 210 along a front surface 210 B.
- Above the shoulder 218 is the recessed portion 520 .
- the recessed portion 520 has a front profile that is generally rectangular or trapezoidal in shape, and is formed from a sleeve 500 that is wrapped around at least two inner compartments 300 A, 300 B.
- the sleeve 500 is slidably received within the outer container 210 during fabrication.
- the recessed portion 520 is a front face of the sleeve 500 , and serves as something of a landing surface for the lid 215 when the lid 215 is pivoted back from its open position (seen in FIGS. 2F and 2G ) to its closed position (seen in FIG. 2A ).
- the illustrative substrate 400 includes a pair of integral substrate tabs 440 A, 440 B. Also revealed in FIGS. 2F and 2G is a pair of inner compartments 300 A, 300 B.
- the inner compartments 300 A, 300 B are housed within the outer container 210 , and are separately sealed. It is seen that the substrate tabs 440 A, 44 B cover a top face and a portion of the front face of the inner compartments 300 A, 300 B as part of the seal.
- An adhesive material is provided along the substrate 400 .
- the adhesive material is coated along an under-surface of the substrate 400 . This serves to releasably couple the substrate 400 to the inner compartments 300 A, 300 B along the top and, optionally, front faces.
- a first substrate tab 440 A is open, having been peeled away from the first inner compartment 300 A. It can be seen that a first inner compartment tab 340 A is coupled to the under-surface of the first substrate tab 440 A. When the first substrate tab 440 A is peeled off of the first inner compartment 300 A, the first inner compartment tab 340 A moves with it. Cigarettes 150 may then be accessed within the first compartment 300 A. Stated another way, the seal of the first inner compartment 300 A is broken, and cigarettes 150 wrapped within the first inner compartment 300 A are available for consumption.
- the substrate tab 440 A is slightly larger than the first inner compartment tab 340 A, providing a perimeter. As discussed above and in more detail below, this perimeter of exposed substrate may be coated in an adhesive material to allow for releasable resealing of the inner compartment 300 A after a cigarette is removed for consumption. Meanwhile, in the view of FIG. 2G , an adjacent second tab 440 B and corresponding second compartment 400 B remain sealed, and cigarettes residing in the second inner compartment 400 B are not visible.
- a consumer may selectively break the seal provided by the compartment tab 340 A on only a portion of the cigarettes 150 within a single package 200 , allowing the consumer to delay exposing the remaining portion of cigarettes 150 (under substrate tab 340 B and compartment tab 440 B) to ambient conditions until a first portion of cigarettes 150 within the package 200 is consumed.
- a front portion 325 A of the first inner compartment 300 A is also visible in FIG. 2G , wherein the lid 215 and the first substrate and compartment tabs ( 440 A and 340 A, respectively) are open, is a front portion 325 A of the first inner compartment 300 A.
- the front face 325 A includes a front notch, or upper contour 345 .
- the contour 345 is generally rectangular or trapezoidal in shape.
- the front portion 325 A is part of a larger inner compartment (seen more fully at 300 in the perspective view of FIG. 4D ) that defines a lining of moisture proof or moisture-resistant material.
- the inner compartments 300 A, 300 B when aligned side-by-side, have an exterior surface that includes a peripheral margin portion 326 .
- the peripheral margin portion 326 is exposed above the recessed portion 520 .
- the substrate 400 extends over the peripheral margin portion 326 .
- the substrate 400 further covers top faces of the inner compartments 300 A, 300 B, which reside along a substantial portion of an inner surface 227 of the container 210 .
- an under-surface 217 of the lid 215 will land on and cover the recessed portion 520 .
- the under-surface of the substrate tab 440 A is slightly larger and extends beyond the peripheral and distal edges of the compartment tab 340 A. This allows a perimeter of adhesive material to be formed around the under-surface of the compartment tab 340 A. Being so disposed, the perimeter of adhesive material allows a consumer to reversibly re-seal a selected inner compartment 300 A or 300 B after removing a cigarette for consumption. This is done by refolding the coupled substrate 440 A and compartment 340 A tabs to a closed position (as shown in FIG. 2F ). Optionally, the perimeter of adhesive material is lightly pressed to form the releasable temporary seal. In this way, freshness of the cigarettes 150 may be preserved when the tabs 340 A, 440 A are returned to a closed position, even after the factory seal of an outer foil and an internal compartment 300 A is broken.
- FIG. 2H is still another perspective view of the cigarette package 200 of FIG. 2A .
- certain inner components of the package 200 are shown in exploded-apart relation.
- the cigarettes 150 are removed for clarity.
- two inner compartments 300 A, 300 B can be seen extending out from the container 210 .
- the inner compartments 300 A, 300 B form two independent moisture-proof or moisture-resistant barriers for storing groupings of cigarettes within a single package 200 .
- the cigarette package 200 may enclose more than two inner compartments. In one aspect, three separately sealable, or four separately sealable, inner compartments are employed. In any event, the sleeve 500 is wrapped around the two inner compartments 300 A, 300 B to secure them together.
- the inner compartment tabs 340 A, 340 B are both shown in an open position, revealing a notch in the top face of the compartments 300 A, 300 B. This exposes interior chambers 380 A, 380 B of each compartment 300 A, 300 B.
- the substrate 400 is shown exploded away from the inner compartments 300 A, 300 B.
- the substrate tabs 440 A, 440 B are seen extending vertically from a proximal end 455 of the substrate 400 .
- a medial portion 430 of the substrate 400 is shown extending horizontally from the proximal end 455 of the substrate 400 , and then folded downward toward a distal end 435 to define a medial front portion 432 of the substrate 400 .
- the medial front portion 432 of the substrate 430 remains coupled to the top faces and a front portion 325 A, 325 B of the two inner compartment chambers 380 A, 380 B regardless of whether the substrate tabs 440 A, 440 B are open (as shown in FIG. 211 ) or closed (as shown in FIG. 2F ).
- proximal end 455 of the substrate 400 is also visible in FIG. 2H .
- the proximal end 455 is shown exploded away from an upper part of the back faces of the two inner compartments (shown at 355 in FIG. 6E ).
- the lid 215 in FIG. 2H is shown separated from the container 210 at the hinge 216 . It is noted that the lid 215 is integral with the blank of material forming the container, as more clearly shown in FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 3 is a plan view of a blank of material 310 used to create the container 210 for the package 200 of FIG. 2A , in one embodiment.
- the blank of material 310 offers front 210 B and back 210 C panels for the container 210 .
- the blank of material 310 also includes opposing side panels.
- the lid 215 is shown integral to the container 210 , and is defined as the portion of the blank 310 disposed above the hinge 216 .
- the lid flap 220 is also visible as an integral part of the lid 215 . Dashed lines show where the blank of material 310 is to be creased during manufacture.
- FIG. 4A is a plan view of a blank of material 410 used to create one of the at least two inner compartments 300 , or linings, in one embodiment. Dashed lines again show where the blank of material 410 is to be creased during manufacture of the inner compartment 300 . Opposing ends 320 , 330 are folded over each other to form a base.
- the blank of material 410 also includes opposing side panels, a front face 325 , a top face 360 , and a back face 327 .
- the compartment tab 340 can be seen extending from a small portion of the back face 327 , continuing through a portion of the top face 360 , and ultimately terminating at the upper contour 345 of the front face 325 .
- the majority of the compartment tab 340 resides along the top face 360 of the compartment 300 .
- the compartment tab 340 parallel sides 342 .
- the inner compartment 300 is preferably fabricated from a material that is moisture proof.
- the material may comprise aluminum, tin, nickel, or combinations thereof.
- the material may comprise any substance known in the art to be moisture proof and capable of being folded into a lining, such as wax-coated heavy paper.
- Each of the inner compartments 300 helps to maintain the aromatic oils and moisture of the cigarettes 150 within the container 210 , even after the package 200 has been opened by the consumer.
- the compartment tab 340 in essence, is an extension of the inner compartment 300 .
- the tab 340 is also fabricated from a moisture-proof material such as aluminum, tin, nickel, or combinations thereof.
- FIG. 4B is an end view of a grouping of ten loose cigarettes that are arranged in three rows in preparation for being wrapped in one of the at least two inner compartments 300 .
- FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the grouping of cigarettes 150 of FIG. 4B being placed along the interior surface of the compartment 300 to be wrapped therein. Once folded, glue 700 may be applied at the locations 700 noted in FIG. 4C to secure the compartment 300 in the folded state.
- FIG. 4D shows a perspective view of the inner compartment 300 that is folded around a grouping of cigarettes (not shown). In this way, the compartment 300 forms a moisture-proof or moisture-resistant barrier that preserves the freshness of the grouping of cigarettes enclosed therein. It is noted that the compartment tab 340 is in its sealed state. Parallel sides 342 and front notch 345 are perforated.
- FIG. 5A is a plan view of a blank of material 510 used to create the sleeve 500 that will be wrapped around the at least two inner compartments 300 A, 300 B.
- the blank of material 510 also forms the recessed portion 520 of the container 210 (as shown in FIGS. 2F and 2G ). Dashed lines again show where the blank of material 510 is to be creased during manufacture.
- FIGS. 5B and 5C are perspective views showing the blank of material 510 used to create the sleeve 500 in a partially folded state.
- the sleeve 500 includes two walls 530 A, 530 B.
- the walls 530 A, 530 B are coupled together to form an inner wall 530 by folding the two walls 530 A and 530 B in the direction of the arrows “F”.
- FIG. 5C shows exemplary glue locations 700 on the face of one wall 530 B that will receive the face of the other wall 530 A.
- the two walls 530 A, 530 B may be irreversibly coupled to form a single inner wall 530 placed between adjacent compartments 300 A, 300 B.
- FIG. 6A is a perspective view of two inner compartments 300 A, 300 B of FIG. 4D aligned for wrapping by the partially folded sleeve 500 of FIG. 5B .
- the compartments 300 A, 300 B are moved in the direction of the arrows “5” to join the sleeve 500 .
- Exemplary glue locations 700 are shown on the interior surface of what will become the back portion 527 of the sleeve 500 .
- the compartments 300 A, 300 B are being coupled to the sleeve 500 .
- FIG. 6B is a plan view of a blank of material 610 used to create the substrate 400 . Dashed lines show where the blank of material 610 is to be creased during manufacture of the package 200 .
- the under-surface of the substrate 400 may be coated with an adhesive material to allow for coupling with the compartments 300 A, 300 B after being folded (as shown in FIGS. 6F and 6G ).
- the substrate 400 has a proximal end 455 that preferably resides along and is coupled to the upper portion of the back faces of the inner compartments (shown at 355 A/ 355 B in FIG. 6E ).
- the proximal end 455 of the substrate 400 has a contour that matches the contour of the upper end of the back face 527 of the sleeve 500 when folded (as shown in FIGS. 6E and 6G ).
- the contour may comprise an elongated U-shaped design.
- the elongated U-shaped design is so configured to promote easy opening and closing of the lid 215 .
- the blank of material 610 further includes substrate tabs 440 A, 440 B.
- the tabs 440 A, 440 B are separated by a medial portion 430 .
- Both the medial portion 430 and the substrate tabs 440 A, 440 B have front faces ( 432 A and 432 B, respectively), which form a front face of the substrate 425 when folded and placed along the compartments 300 A, 300 B.
- Each substrate tab 440 A, 440 B is laterally defined by the lateral boundaries of the substrate 400 and medially defined by perforations 437 A, 437 B extending across a portion of the substrate 400 between the respective substrate tabs 440 A, 440 B and the medial portion 430 .
- the substrate 400 is distally defined by a distal end 435 of the substrate 400 .
- the substrate 400 further comprises substrate flaps 445 A, 445 B.
- the substrate flaps 445 A, 445 B are collinear with the respective substrate tabs 440 A, 440 B. As shown, substrate flaps 445 A, 445 B extend beyond the distal end 435 of the substrate 400 and are configured to facilitate easy opening of the substrate tabs 440 A, 440 B by the consumer.
- the substrate 400 and substrate tabs 440 are designed, fabricated, and configured to extend the life of the cigarettes 150 within the package 200 . It is believed that the life of the cigarettes 150 , calculated from when the consumer first opens the package, may be extended by up to 20%, or even up to 40%. It is also believed that the shelf life of the cigarettes 150 before the package 200 is opened is also extended.
- FIG. 6C is a perspective view of two inner compartments 300 A, 300 B being wrapped by the sleeve 500 .
- the inner wall 530 of the sleeve 500 is folded into position between the two compartments 300 A, 300 B as the sleeve 500 and compartments 300 A, 300 B are coupled together.
- the substrate 400 is shown being placed along an upper portion of the back faces ( 355 in FIG. 6E ) of the inner compartments 300 A, 300 B in the direction of the arrows 9 .
- FIG. 6D is a front perspective view of the two inner compartments 300 A, 300 B after being wrapped by the sleeve 500 .
- the inner wall 530 of the sleeve 500 can be partially seen disposed between the two compartments 300 A, 300 B.
- the recessed portion 520 of the sleeve 500 is shown covering a portion of the front faces 325 of the inner compartments 300 A, 300 B.
- the substrate 400 is shown in an unfolded state being placed onto an upper portion of the back faces 355 A, 355 B of the inner compartments 300 A, 300 B.
- FIG. 6E is a rear perspective view of FIG. 6D .
- the unfolded substrate 400 can be more clearly seen as it is placed along the upper portion 355 A, 355 B of the back faces 327 A, 327 B of the compartments 300 A, 300 B.
- the complimentary contours of the proximal end 455 of the substrate 400 and the upper end of the back face 527 of the sleeve 500 are shown relative to one another.
- the contours are of an elongated U-shaped design.
- FIG. 6F is front perspective view of an insert 600 .
- the insert 600 is comprised of two (or more) inner compartments 300 A, 300 B wrapped in the sleeve 500 .
- the substrate 400 is shown folded across the top faces 360 A, 360 B of the inner compartments 300 A, 300 B and extending along a portion of the front faces 325 A, 325 B of the inner compartments 300 A, 300 B to define the peripheral margin portion 326 .
- the peripheral margin portion 326 extends to the top of the recessed portion 520 of the sleeve 500 .
- the medial portion 430 of the substrate 400 is shown extending across the gap between the top faces 360 A, 360 B of the compartments 300 A, 300 B. In this way, the inner wall 530 of the sleeve 500 , which was visible before folding of the substrate 400 , is now covered.
- the substrate flaps 445 A, 445 B are shown extending out from the substrate tabs 440 A, 440 B. Note that the substrate 400 is closed over the compartment tabs 340 A, 340 B.
- the insert 600 is to be enclosed within the container 210 to form the complete cigarette package 200 (shown in FIG. 7 , and discussed in more detail below).
- FIG. 6G is a rear perspective view of the insert 600 .
- the substrate 400 is again shown folded across the top faces 360 A, 360 B of the inner compartments 300 A, 300 B.
- the substrate 400 extends along a portion of the back faces 355 A, 355 B of the inner compartments 300 A, 300 B.
- the contours of the proximal end 455 of the substrate 400 and the upper end of the back face 527 of the sleeve 500 which are complimentary to one another, are shown once again.
- the contours are in the form of an elongated U-shaped design and configured to allow for efficient opening and closing of the lid 215 .
- the location of the inner wall 530 of the sleeve 500 can be seen as a gap between the two compartments 300 A, 300 B.
- the medial portion 430 of the substrate 400 is shown extending across the gap between the top faces 360 A, 360 B of the compartments 300 A, 300 B, to cover a portion of the inner wall 530 of the sleeve 500 .
- FIG. 7 is a front perspective view showing the insert 600 of FIGS. 6F and 6G being positioned along the interior surface of the unfolded container 210 in preparation for being enclosed therein.
- the insert 600 is placed along the back wall 210 C of the container 210 , and the container 210 and lid 215 , are folded around the insert 600 .
- Exemplary glue locations 700 are shown as darkened areas along the interior surface of the container 210 and lid 215 . Dashed lines show where the container 210 and lid 215 are to be creased during manufacture. In this way, the insert 600 is irreversibly coupled to the container 210 and enclosed therein to form the complete cigarette package 200 as shown in FIGS. 2A-211 .
- the under-surface of the substrate tab 440 A is slightly larger and extends beyond the peripheral and distal edges of the compartment tab 340 A. Since the under-surface of the substrate 400 is covered in adhesive material, a perimeter of adhesive material is formed around the under-surface of the compartment tab 340 A. Being so disposed, the perimeter of adhesive material allows a consumer to reversibly re-seal an inner compartment 300 A after removing a cigarette for consumption. To provide a temporary seal after removal of a cigarette 150 from the package 200 , the open substrate tab 440 A and coupled compartment tab 340 A are folded in the direction of arrow “C” until the tabs are in a closed position (as shown in FIG. 2F ).
- the substrate tab 440 A is received along a portion of the top face 360 A and front face 325 A of the compartment 300 A.
- the substrate tab 440 A is then pressed such that the perimeter of adhesive material exposed on the under-surface of the substrate tab ( 440 A in FIG. 2G ) becomes coupled to the inner compartment 300 A, which forms the temporary seal.
- the lid 215 may be moved in the direction of the arrow “C” to rest on the shoulder 218 of the container 210 . In this way, freshness of the cigarettes may be preserved when the tabs 340 A, 440 A and lid 215 are moved to a closed position, even after the factory seal of an internal compartment 300 A, 300 B is broken.
- the lid 215 is first opened by moving the lid flap 220 in the direction of the arrow “O”, as shown in FIG. 2F .
- the substrate flap 445 A may be grasped and pulled in the direction of the arrow “O”, which breaks the perforation 437 A along the medial edge of the substrate tab 440 A and causes the substrate tab 440 A to peel upward.
- the inner compartment tab 340 A coupled thereto is likewise pulled in an upward direction, which breaks the seal and exposes the cigarettes 150 enclosed within the compartment 300 A (as shown in FIG. 2G ).
- the package 200 may be re-sealed and closed multiple times as described above due to the adhesive.
- an improved cigarette package is provided herein.
- the cigarette package operates to extend the life of a conventional package of cigarettes by at least 20% to 40%. While it will be apparent that the inventions herein described are well calculated to achieve the benefits and advantages set forth above, it will be appreciated that the inventions are susceptible to modification, variation, and change without departing from the spirit thereof.
Abstract
An improved cigarette package is provided. The cigarette package first includes a container which serves as a housing for two or more compartments, each compartment holding a plurality of cigarettes. The package also includes a lid which is hingedly connected to the container at an upper end. Opening and closing the lid provides selective access and closure to the container. The inner compartments each include a compartment tab that allows for opening and re-sealing of the respective inner compartments. Thus, a dual-compartment cigarette package is provided wherein the compartments may be independently opened and re-sealed. The configuration allows for selective opening of a single compartment while preserving the factory seal on the unopened compartment so that freshness and aromatic oils of the cigarettes within the package are preserved, even after opening of the package and compartments.
Description
- Not applicable.
- Not applicable.
- Not applicable.
- This section is intended to introduce various aspects of the art, which may be associated with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. This discussion is believed to assist in providing a framework to facilitate a better understanding of particular aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that this section should be read in this light, and not necessarily as admissions of prior art.
- This invention relates generally to the field of cigarette boxes, particularly those of the hinged-lid type. More specifically, the invention relates to cigarette boxes having improved structure for preserving freshness of the contents therein. The invention further relates to a dual-compartment cigarette box wherein each compartment is independently re-sealable.
- Cigarette packs are marketed in different embodiments. The conventional structure of a cigarette package includes a small box, which may be either a so-called soft box or a hard box. Such boxes form a housing for a plurality of cigarettes, such as 20 cigarettes, and may be fabricated from either a cellulosic material or a synthetic material such as plastic.
- Cigarettes have a shelf life. A box of cigarettes is generally good for a period of about one year from the date of manufacture. After that one year, cigarettes will become stale and lose flavor. This is because the individual cigarettes become dry and brittle due to the evaporation of aromatic oils.
- Cigarettes may be vacuum sealed in freezer storage to extend freshness, but this is quite uncommon. Some stores and individuals use humidors that control humidity to preserve moisture and freshness of tobacco. This is somewhat common for cigars, but these generally are not used for off-the-shelf cigarettes. Further, humidors do not help tobacco packages while they are in transit.
- Many cigarettes are not consumed until after extended periods of storage, transportation, and retail presentation. In some cases, particularly where cross-country or international transportation is involved, a package of cigarettes may not be consumed for many weeks or even months after manufacture and packaging. To help maintain freshness, cigarette boxes are typically enshrouded by an outer layer of plastic foil. Such an outer wrapping keeps air and moisture out of the interior of the box, at least until it is opened.
- Cigarette boxes frequently also include an inner lining. The inner lining may be fabricated from tin or other metal material. Thus, a multi-layer structure is provided to help maintain freshness of the tobacco products therein. Unfortunately, once the package is opened the seal offered by the inner lining is lost and the cluster of cigarettes is exposed to ambient conditions. This accelerates the drying of the cigarettes and the loss of aromatic oils.
- Several patents have issued in the field of cigarette packaging. One such example is U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,872 issued in 1995. This patent is entitled “Rigid Hinged-Lid Packet for Tobacco Products, Particularly Cigarettes.” The '872 patent discloses a cigarette package with two hinged lids, one at an end opposite the other, such that the appearance of the package resembles two standard cigarette packages coplanar with one another but joined together by the bottom edges. The user opens one hinged lid to consume the cigarettes in one container; then the user flips the package and opens the second hinged lid to consume the remaining cigarettes in a second container.
- In the cigarette package design for the '872 patent, the individual packets may be integral with one another or may comprise two separate containers joined at the respective bottom ends of each container. However, the '872 patent is not concerned with increasing the shelf life of the tobacco contents, nor does the patent disclose a mechanism for resealing one of the containers after it has been opened.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,201,413 entitled “Dual Cigarette Carton With Separable or Divisible Label Containing Universal Product Code” offers a similar concept. In the '413 patent, a dual cigarette carton is formed from two substantially identical single cigarette cartons. This is essentially two separate cartons connected together for tax-stamping and price coding purposes, wherein the cartons may be easily separated after sale.
- A next packaging example is found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,223,895 entitled “Two-Pack Kit for Packaging Make-Your-Own Cigarettes.” The '895 patent offers a container with two packages to allow for the assembly of one's own cigarettes. A first package contains tobacco elements while a second package contains non-tobacco elements for construction of individual cigarettes. As can be seen, the '895 patent presents a clever idea but it is does not directed to a re-sealable cigarette package nor is it concerned with offering multiple, independently re-sealable compartments for existing cigarettes to increase the shelf life.
- Another patent in the technical field is U.S. Pat. No. 4,664,310 entitled “Blank for Parallelepipedal Boxes or Box Elements.” The '310 patent offers a “blank” for forming a box for holding cigarettes. The box is constructed with a removal strip in such a manner that parallel tear lines extend through three connected wall sections of the blank. The '310 patent is not directed towards increasing shelf life of the tobacco contents.
- Additional cigarette packages are in existence that combine cigarette groupings to form a bundle. An example is U.S. Pat. No. 4,928,817 entitled “Packaging For a Plurality of Small Packs, Especially Cigarette Packs.” However, the inventors are unaware of any package that provides inner compartments that are capable of being independently resealed once opened.
- A need exists for an improved, multi-compartment cigarette package that extends the shelf life for cigarettes or other smoke tobacco products. A need further exists for a cigarette package that allows for selective opening and resealing of only a portion of the cigarettes. Such a package would not only preserve the freshness of some of the cigarettes in an unopened portion of the package, but also prevent cigarettes in an opened portion from drying out after the factory seal is broken.
- An improved cigarette package is provided. In one embodiment, the cigarette package first comprises an outer container. The outer container serves as a housing and is configured to closely hold a plurality of cigarettes. The outer container is fabricated primarily from a rigid cellulosic material (a so-called “hard” package) or from a pliable synthetic material (a so-called “soft” package). In either instance, the container preferably has a rectangular cross-section.
- The outer container includes a lid pivotally connected to the container proximate an upper end. The lid provides selective access to the cigarettes and is movable between open and closed positions. A single lid is provided for multiple compartments.
- The package also includes a first lining and a second lining. The first lining forms a first compartment while the second lining forms a second compartment. The first and second compartments reside within the same outer container.
- The first and second compartments each have an exterior surface with a top face, a bottom face, a front face, a back face, an upper portion and a lower portion. The first and second compartments further include a first compartment tab and a second compartment tab, respectively. The first and second compartment tabs are configured to allow for resealing of each compartment independently after each compartment has been opened. Embodiments comprising more than two compartments and associated compartment tabs are also envisioned in this disclosure.
- The package further includes a substrate. The substrate is coupled to the first and second compartments. The substrate has a proximal end, a distal end and lateral boundaries. The substrate preferably has an adhesive material in the form of a coating along an under-surface. The adhesive material allows the substrate to be coupled to the compartments.
- The substrate preferably includes a first substrate tab and a second substrate tab, wherein the tabs are integral with the substrate. The first and second substrate tabs may be disposed above the first and second compartment tabs, respectively, and coupled thereto. Because each substrate tab is coupled to a respective compartment tab, opening of a substrate tab results in a simultaneous opening of the respective compartment tab coupled thereto. It is noted that more than two substrate tabs may be provided, corresponding with the number of compartments.
- The first and second compartment tabs may each be defined laterally by opposing lateral edges and distally by a distal edge. Each substrate tab may be configured to extend beyond the lateral and distal edges of the respective compartment tab to form a perimeter of adhesive material that is exposed around an under-surface of each compartment tab. The perimeter of adhesive material lands upon the exterior surface of the respective compartment to form a temporary seal when the substrate tab and compartment tab are together moved to a closed position.
- In one embodiment, each substrate tab and corresponding compartment tab extend from a portion of the back face of the compartment. In the closed position, the substrate tab and corresponding compartment tab continue along the top face of the compartment to a portion of the front face of the compartment. Each substrate tab may further comprise a flap that extends beyond the distal end of the substrate. The flap is configured to allow for easier grasping and pulling of each associated substrate tab.
- The compartments, the compartment tabs, the substrate, the substrate tabs, or combinations thereof are preferably fabricated from blanks of moisture- and aroma oil-insulating material. Examples of such a material include a metallic material such as tin, aluminum or nickel, or a plastic material. A wax-coated cellulosic material may also be employed.
- The cigarette package further includes a sleeve. The sleeve is configured to wrap around the first and second compartments so as to securely hold the compartments together within the outer container. The sleeve also may serve to anchor the first and second compartments to the interior of the container, such as through an adhesive which prevents the compartments from sliding out of the container, particularly while the compartments are being opened.
- The sleeve is preferably fabricated from a thin cardboard material. The sleeve includes a front surface that serves as a recessed portion of the container. The recessed portion forms a shoulder on which the lid lands when the lid is pivoted to its closed position.
- The cigarette package may be provided with an exterior layer of water-resistant foil residing around the outer container. The foil is removed, or at least torn away, by the purchaser before opening the lid.
- An alternate cigarette package is also provided herein. In this embodiment, the cigarette package again comprises an outer container configured to hold a plurality of cigarettes. The outer container has an exterior surface and a recessed portion along the exterior surface. The recessed portion may be inwardly indented from the outer container exterior surface and be provided with a top edge having a contour.
- The package may further include a lid pivotally connected to the outer container at an upper back end of the outer container. In operation, the lid is movable between an open position and a closed position. The lid has a distal end having a profile that matches the contour of the recessed portion.
- At least two moisture-proof compartments are provided within the container. Each compartment offers a front surface that extends above the recessed portion. This serves to expose a peripheral margin portion of an exterior surface of each compartment.
- Each compartment further includes a compartment tab. Each compartment tab is integral with its associated compartment. Each compartment tab is provided with a distal end and lateral boundaries.
- A substrate is coupled to and resides along a top face of each of the compartments. The under-surface of the substrate is coated with an adhesive material that secures the substrate to the inner compartments. The substrate comprises substrate tabs that are integral with the substrate. The substrate tabs are generally concentric with the compartment tabs and are coupled to the compartment tabs via the adhesive material on the under-surface of the substrate.
- Each of the at least two substrate tabs extends beyond the distal end of its respective compartment tab. In the closed position, the substrate tabs each extend onto the exterior surface of the respective compartment. Thus, when the compartment tabs are moved to the closed position, each adhesive substrate tab contacts the peripheral margin portion and the top face of the respective compartments to provide a moisture-proof seal. Under this configuration, each substrate tab allows for selective opening and resealing of its respective compartment.
- Still another cigarette package is provided herein. In this embodiment, an outer container is provided that holds a plurality of cigarettes and has a top edge. A lid is also included and is pivotally connected to the outer container at an upper back end of the outer container. The lid is movable between an open position and a closed position.
- At least two moisture-proof compartments are positioned within the outer container. The compartments each have a front surface extending past the top edge of the outer container to expose a peripheral margin portion of an exterior surface of each compartment. Each compartment also includes a notch to allow access to cigarettes that are enclosed within the each compartment. Each compartment further includes a compartment tab, wherein the number of compartment tabs is equal to the number of compartments. Each tab is configured to conform with the notch of each compartment.
- An adhesive substrate is also included that resides on the inner compartments and extends to the peripheral portion of the compartments. The adhesive substrate is configured to contact the compartment at a location upon the compartment between the outer container top edge and the notch of the compartment. Being so disposed, the adhesive substrate is configured to allow for selective opening of a single tab to expose the notch of a single compartment. Such a configuration allows the other compartment(s) to remain sealed. The adhesive substrate is additionally configured to allow for resealing of the individual compartments. Such resealing prevents evaporation of aromatic oils and preserves freshness of cigarettes in an opened compartment when the respective compartments are in their closed position.
- A method of opening and resealing a cigarette package is also provided herein. The method first includes providing a package of cigarettes. The packaging is designed in accordance with the package described above, in its various embodiments.
- The method also includes opening the lid, followed by opening a substrate tab. Opening of the substrate tab causes the associated compartment tab to be opened, which exposes cigarettes enclosed within one of the compartments. A consumer may then remove a cigarette from the container. The substrate and coupled internal compartment tab may then be moved from an open position to a closed position, and the selected compartment is sealed. Finally, the lid may be moved from an open position to a closed position to complete closure of the cigarette package.
- A method for assembling a cigarette package is also provided herein. The method first includes providing at least two blanks of material to serve as at least two inner linings of moisture-resistant or moisture-proof material. Preferably, the blanks of material that serve as the at least two inner linings are fabricated from a moisture-proof material, such as aluminum, tin, nickel or combinations thereof.
- Each of the at least two inner linings is folded to form a compartment. The compartment is dimensioned to hold a parallel grouping of cigarettes. In this manner, at least two inner compartments of the cigarette package are formed. Each of the at least two inner compartments has a top face, a back face, and a front face. Each of the inner compartments also includes a compartment tab. Each compartment tab is defined by opposing lateral edges and a distal edge configured to cover a compartment opening.
- The method further includes providing a blank of material to serve as a substrate. The substrate may be referred to as a “sticker.” The substrate comprises a planar body having a proximal end, a distal end and an under-surface. The substrate is designed to increase the shelf life of the cigarettes when the cigarettes are placed inside the compartments of the cigarette package. In one embodiment, the substrate is comprised of aluminum, tin, nickel, or combinations thereof. Alternatively, the substrate may be fabricated from a wax-coated cellulosic material.
- An adhesive material is placed along the under-surface of the substrate. The adhesive material allows the substrate to be selectively folded onto a front surface or an upper surface of the compartments, and releasably attached thereto. To aid in releasing the substrate from the compartments, the substrate optionally includes at least two substrate tabs. The tabs do not have the adhesive material, allowing the tabs to serve as flaps for gripping.
- The method additionally includes adhering the under-surface of the substrate to a top face of each of the at least two inner compartments. The top face may be along an upper surface of the compartments, or a front surface near the top. The at least two substrate tabs are generally collinear with the compartment tabs of the at least two compartments. The substrate tabs are, therefore, coupled to the inner compartment tabs. When so disposed, the at least two substrate tabs and the compartment tabs that are coupled thereto are configured to allow for the selective opening and resealing of each inner compartment, independently.
- Preferably, the substrate tabs are slightly larger than the compartment tabs and extend beyond the lateral and distal edges of the compartment tabs. In this way, a perimeter of adhesive material is exposed around an under-surface of the tabs such that pressing along the perimeter of the substrate tabs causes the adhesive material to bond to the compartments, generating a reversible seal after a compartment has been opened.
- The method also includes providing a blank of material to serve as a container. The blank forms the perimeter for the inner linings. The method then includes folding the blank of material that serves as the container around the at least two inner compartments to form a rectangular housing for a plurality of cigarettes.
- The method still further includes folding the blank of material that serves as the container to create a hinged lid. The hinged lid may be releasably sealed to an outer front surface of the container. In one aspect, the housing is fabricated from a compliant synthetic material such as a plastic material. In another aspect, the housing is fabricated from a rigid cellulosic material.
- The method may additionally include providing a blank of material to serve as a sleeve. In such an embodiment, the blank of material that serves as the sleeve is folded around the at least two compartments. The sleeve is configured to hold the at least two inner compartments together and anchor the at least two inner compartments within the container. In these embodiments, the sleeve may comprise a recessed portion that forms a shoulder on which the lid lands when the lid is pivoted to its closed position.
- Optionally, the method further comprises providing a water-resistant material, and wrapping the container with the water-resistant material to provide a moisture barrier.
- So that the present inventions can be better understood, certain drawings, charts, graphs and/or flow charts are appended hereto. It is to be noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only selected exemplary embodiments of the inventions and are therefore not to be considered limiting of scope, for the inventions may admit to other equally effective embodiments and applications.
-
FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views showing a known cigarette package design. -
FIGS. 2A through 2H present a series of views of a cigarette package in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the cigarette package of the present invention. The lid is shown in a closed position. -
FIG. 2B is a front plan view of the cigarette package ofFIG. 2A . -
FIG. 2C is a back plan view of the cigarette package ofFIG. 2A . -
FIGS. 2D and 2E are left and right side plan views, respectively, of the cigarette package ofFIG. 2A . -
FIG. 2F is another perspective view of the cigarette package ofFIG. 2A . In this view, the hinged lid is being moved from its closed position to an open position, revealing a substrate with two tabs covering two inner compartments within the container. -
FIG. 2G is still another perspective view of the cigarette package ofFIG. 2A . InFIG. 2G , the hinged lid is in its fully open position. A first tab is peeled away to reveal cigarettes within a first compartment. An adjacent second tab and corresponding second compartment remain sealed. -
FIG. 2H is still another perspective view of the cigarette package ofFIG. 2A . Here, certain internal components of the package are shown in exploded-apart relation. The substrate and inner compartment tabs are in a raised position, revealing two inner compartments. The cigarettes have been removed from the inner compartments for illustrative purposes. -
FIG. 3 is an engineering plan view of a “blank” of material used to create an outer container for the package ofFIG. 2A , in one embodiment. -
FIGS. 4A through 4D are engineering views of blank materials used in forming the interior compartments of the cigarette package ofFIG. 2A . -
FIG. 4A is an engineering plan view showing a blank of material used to create one of the at least two inner compartments, or inner linings, for the package ofFIG. 2A , in one embodiment. A sealing tab is shown there along. -
FIG. 4B is an end view of ten cigarettes arranged in three rows in preparation for being wrapped in the inner compartment ofFIG. 4A . -
FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the arranged cigarettes ofFIG. 4B being placed along the interior surface of the compartment ofFIG. 4A , to be wrapped therein. -
FIG. 4D is a perspective view showing the exterior surface of the compartment ofFIG. 4A after being folded and wrapped around the cigarettes ofFIG. 4B . -
FIGS. 5A through 5C are engineering views of blank materials used in forming a sleeve for use in the cigarette package ofFIG. 2A . -
FIG. 5A is a plan view showing a blank of material used to create the sleeve in a flat, unfolded state. -
FIG. 5B is a perspective view showing the interior surface of a blank of material used to create the sleeve ofFIG. 5A in a partially folded state. -
FIG. 5C is another perspective view showing the blank of material used to create the sleeve ofFIG. 5A , in a partially folded state. Here, the blank of material has been reversed relative to the view ofFIG. 5B . -
FIG. 6A is a perspective view of two inner compartments ofFIG. 4D aligned for wrapping by the partially folded sleeve ofFIG. 5B . -
FIG. 6B is a plan view showing a blank of material used to create a substrate. -
FIG. 6C is a perspective view of two inner compartments ofFIG. 4D being wrapped by the sleeve ofFIG. 5B . The substrate ofFIG. 6B is shown being placed along back faces of the two inner compartments, indicated by arrows. -
FIG. 6D is a front perspective view of the two inner compartments ofFIG. 6C after being wrapped by the sleeve. The substrate is shown in an unfolded state, extending up from the back faces of the two inner compartments. -
FIG. 6E is a rear perspective view ofFIG. 6D . The substrate attached to the back faces of the two inner compartments is more clearly seen. Perforations running along the length of the substrate are also visible. -
FIG. 6F is front perspective view of a portion of the cigarette package ofFIG. 2A . The two inner compartments ofFIG. 4D are shown wrapped in the sleeve ofFIG. 5B . The substrate is folded across the top faces of the inner compartments and extends along a peripheral portion of the front faces of the inner compartments. -
FIG. 6G is a rear perspective view of the components of the cigarette package ofFIG. 6F . The substrate is shown adhered to the back faces of the inner compartments and then folded across the top faces of the inner compartments. -
FIG. 7 is a front perspective view showing the components of the cigarette package ofFIG. 6F being positioned along the interior surface of the unfolded outer container ofFIG. 3 , in preparation for being enclosed therein. - As used herein, the term “blank” refers to a substrate that is folded along designated lines to form a three-dimensional object.
- The inventions are described herein in connection with certain specific embodiments. However, to the extent that the following detailed description is specific to a particular embodiment or a particular use, such is intended to be illustrative only and is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the inventions or claims.
-
FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views showing a design for a knowncigarette package 100. Thecigarette package 100 defines acontainer 110 for holding a plurality ofcigarettes 150. InFIG. 1A , a few of thecigarettes 150 are shown extending from thecontainer 110 for illustrative purposes. - The
container 110 has alower end 112 and anupper end 114. Alid 115 is hingedly connected to thecontainer 110 at theupper end 114. A hinge line is shown at 116. It is understood that the hinge line extends along a back surface (seen best inFIG. 2C ). - The
lid 115 is movable from an open position wherein acigarette 150 may be accessed, to a closed position wherein thelid 115 seats on ashoulder 118. It is observed that while closing thelid 115 may limit contact of thecigarettes 150 with the air, it does not provide a moisture barrier or an air tight seal. -
FIGS. 2A through 211 present a series of views of acigarette package 200 in accordance with the present invention, in one embodiment. Thecigarette package 200 is a dual compartment package, meaning that groups ofcigarettes 150 are held within separatelysealable compartments - First,
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of thecigarette package 200. Anouter container 210 having a rectangular profile is first shown. Thecontainer 210 has alower end 212 and anupper end 214. Alid 215 is disposed at theupper end 214. Thelid 215 is pivotally connected to thecontainer 210 through anintegral hinge line 216. (best seen inFIGS. 2C and 2D ) Preferably, thelid 215 is integrally connected to thecontainer 210 as shown in the blank ofFIG. 3 . - The lid may further include a
lid flap 220. Thelid flap 220 extends beyond alower end 219 of afront portion 215B (as seen inFIG. 2B ) of thelid 215. Thelid flap 220 is configured to facilitate opening of thecontainer lid 215 by the consumer. -
FIGS. 2B and 2C are front and back plan views of thecigarette package 200 ofFIG. 2A , respectively. InFIG. 2B , afront panel 210B of thecontainer 210 is seen; while inFIG. 2C aback portion 210C of thecontainer 210 is shown. Thefront panel 210B includes a recessed portion (seen at 520 inFIG. 2F ) that accommodates thelid 215 when thelid 215 is in its closed position. Stated another way, aninner surface 217 of the lid lands on the recessedportion 520 when thelid 215 is closed. - It is also noted that a
front portion 215B of thelid 215 is seen inFIG. 2B , while aback portion 215C of thelid 215 is visible inFIG. 2C . Thehinge line 216 is also shown inFIG. 2C , in dashed lines. -
FIGS. 2D and 2E provide left and right side plan views of thecigarette package 200 ofFIG. 2A , respectively. In these views, thelid 215 remains in its closed position. - Additional details of the
package 200 are presented inFIGS. 2F and 2G .FIGS. 2F and 2G provide additional perspective views of thecigarette package 200 ofFIG. 2A . In the view ofFIG. 2F , the hingedlid 215 is being moved from its closed position to an open position. Arrow “O” is provided, indicating a direction of movement for pivoting thelid 215 to its open position. InFIG. 2G , the hingedlid 215 is in its fully open position. - Referring to
FIGS. 2F and 2G together, it is first noted that theouter container 210 includes ashoulder 218. Theshoulder 218 defines theupper end 214 of the material forming thecontainer 210 along afront surface 210B. Above theshoulder 218 is the recessedportion 520. The recessedportion 520 has a front profile that is generally rectangular or trapezoidal in shape, and is formed from asleeve 500 that is wrapped around at least twoinner compartments - The
sleeve 500 is slidably received within theouter container 210 during fabrication. The recessedportion 520 is a front face of thesleeve 500, and serves as something of a landing surface for thelid 215 when thelid 215 is pivoted back from its open position (seen inFIGS. 2F and 2G ) to its closed position (seen inFIG. 2A ). - In
FIGS. 2F and 2G , as the pivotinglid 215 is being moved from its closed position to its open position, a 400 substrate is revealed. Theillustrative substrate 400 includes a pair ofintegral substrate tabs FIGS. 2F and 2G is a pair ofinner compartments inner compartments outer container 210, and are separately sealed. It is seen that thesubstrate tabs 440A, 44B cover a top face and a portion of the front face of theinner compartments - An adhesive material is provided along the
substrate 400. Specifically, the adhesive material is coated along an under-surface of thesubstrate 400. This serves to releasably couple thesubstrate 400 to theinner compartments - In
FIG. 2G , afirst substrate tab 440A is open, having been peeled away from the firstinner compartment 300A. It can be seen that a firstinner compartment tab 340A is coupled to the under-surface of thefirst substrate tab 440A. When thefirst substrate tab 440A is peeled off of the firstinner compartment 300A, the firstinner compartment tab 340A moves with it.Cigarettes 150 may then be accessed within thefirst compartment 300A. Stated another way, the seal of the firstinner compartment 300A is broken, andcigarettes 150 wrapped within the firstinner compartment 300A are available for consumption. - Of interest, the
substrate tab 440A is slightly larger than the firstinner compartment tab 340A, providing a perimeter. As discussed above and in more detail below, this perimeter of exposed substrate may be coated in an adhesive material to allow for releasable resealing of theinner compartment 300A after a cigarette is removed for consumption. Meanwhile, in the view ofFIG. 2G , an adjacentsecond tab 440B and correspondingsecond compartment 400B remain sealed, and cigarettes residing in the secondinner compartment 400B are not visible. In this way, a consumer may selectively break the seal provided by thecompartment tab 340A on only a portion of thecigarettes 150 within asingle package 200, allowing the consumer to delay exposing the remaining portion of cigarettes 150 (undersubstrate tab 340B andcompartment tab 440B) to ambient conditions until a first portion ofcigarettes 150 within thepackage 200 is consumed. - Also visible in
FIG. 2G , wherein thelid 215 and the first substrate and compartment tabs (440A and 340A, respectively) are open, is afront portion 325A of the firstinner compartment 300A. Thefront face 325A includes a front notch, orupper contour 345. Thecontour 345 is generally rectangular or trapezoidal in shape. Thefront portion 325A is part of a larger inner compartment (seen more fully at 300 in the perspective view ofFIG. 4D ) that defines a lining of moisture proof or moisture-resistant material. - As shown in
FIGS. 2F and 2G , when aligned side-by-side, theinner compartments peripheral margin portion 326. Theperipheral margin portion 326 is exposed above the recessedportion 520. When alltabs substrate 400 extends over theperipheral margin portion 326. Thesubstrate 400 further covers top faces of theinner compartments inner surface 227 of thecontainer 210. When the lid is moved to its closed position, an under-surface 217 of thelid 215 will land on and cover the recessedportion 520. - As noted above, and as seen in
FIG. 2G , the under-surface of thesubstrate tab 440A is slightly larger and extends beyond the peripheral and distal edges of thecompartment tab 340A. This allows a perimeter of adhesive material to be formed around the under-surface of thecompartment tab 340A. Being so disposed, the perimeter of adhesive material allows a consumer to reversibly re-seal a selectedinner compartment substrate 440A andcompartment 340A tabs to a closed position (as shown inFIG. 2F ). Optionally, the perimeter of adhesive material is lightly pressed to form the releasable temporary seal. In this way, freshness of thecigarettes 150 may be preserved when thetabs internal compartment 300A is broken. -
FIG. 2H is still another perspective view of thecigarette package 200 ofFIG. 2A . Here, certain inner components of thepackage 200 are shown in exploded-apart relation. In addition, thecigarettes 150 are removed for clarity. InFIG. 2H , twoinner compartments container 210. Theinner compartments single package 200. - It is understood that the
cigarette package 200 may enclose more than two inner compartments. In one aspect, three separately sealable, or four separately sealable, inner compartments are employed. In any event, thesleeve 500 is wrapped around the twoinner compartments - The
inner compartment tabs compartments interior chambers compartment FIG. 2H , thesubstrate 400 is shown exploded away from theinner compartments substrate tabs proximal end 455 of thesubstrate 400. Amedial portion 430 of thesubstrate 400 is shown extending horizontally from theproximal end 455 of thesubstrate 400, and then folded downward toward adistal end 435 to define a medialfront portion 432 of thesubstrate 400. The medialfront portion 432 of thesubstrate 430 remains coupled to the top faces and afront portion inner compartment chambers substrate tabs FIG. 211 ) or closed (as shown inFIG. 2F ). - Also visible in
FIG. 2H is theproximal end 455 of thesubstrate 400. Theproximal end 455 is shown exploded away from an upper part of the back faces of the two inner compartments (shown at 355 inFIG. 6E ). For illustrative purposes, thelid 215 inFIG. 2H is shown separated from thecontainer 210 at thehinge 216. It is noted that thelid 215 is integral with the blank of material forming the container, as more clearly shown inFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a blank of material 310 used to create thecontainer 210 for thepackage 200 ofFIG. 2A , in one embodiment. The blank of material 310 offers front 210B and back 210C panels for thecontainer 210. The blank of material 310 also includes opposing side panels. Thelid 215 is shown integral to thecontainer 210, and is defined as the portion of the blank 310 disposed above thehinge 216. Thelid flap 220 is also visible as an integral part of thelid 215. Dashed lines show where the blank of material 310 is to be creased during manufacture. -
FIG. 4A is a plan view of a blank ofmaterial 410 used to create one of the at least twoinner compartments 300, or linings, in one embodiment. Dashed lines again show where the blank ofmaterial 410 is to be creased during manufacture of theinner compartment 300. Opposing ends 320, 330 are folded over each other to form a base. The blank ofmaterial 410 also includes opposing side panels, afront face 325, atop face 360, and aback face 327. - The
compartment tab 340 can be seen extending from a small portion of theback face 327, continuing through a portion of thetop face 360, and ultimately terminating at theupper contour 345 of thefront face 325. The majority of thecompartment tab 340 resides along thetop face 360 of thecompartment 300. Thecompartment tab 340parallel sides 342. - The
inner compartment 300 is preferably fabricated from a material that is moisture proof. For example, the material may comprise aluminum, tin, nickel, or combinations thereof. Alternatively, the material may comprise any substance known in the art to be moisture proof and capable of being folded into a lining, such as wax-coated heavy paper. Each of theinner compartments 300 helps to maintain the aromatic oils and moisture of thecigarettes 150 within thecontainer 210, even after thepackage 200 has been opened by the consumer. - The
compartment tab 340, in essence, is an extension of theinner compartment 300. Thetab 340 is also fabricated from a moisture-proof material such as aluminum, tin, nickel, or combinations thereof. -
FIG. 4B is an end view of a grouping of ten loose cigarettes that are arranged in three rows in preparation for being wrapped in one of the at least twoinner compartments 300. -
FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the grouping ofcigarettes 150 ofFIG. 4B being placed along the interior surface of thecompartment 300 to be wrapped therein. Once folded,glue 700 may be applied at thelocations 700 noted inFIG. 4C to secure thecompartment 300 in the folded state. -
FIG. 4D shows a perspective view of theinner compartment 300 that is folded around a grouping of cigarettes (not shown). In this way, thecompartment 300 forms a moisture-proof or moisture-resistant barrier that preserves the freshness of the grouping of cigarettes enclosed therein. It is noted that thecompartment tab 340 is in its sealed state.Parallel sides 342 andfront notch 345 are perforated. -
FIG. 5A is a plan view of a blank ofmaterial 510 used to create thesleeve 500 that will be wrapped around the at least twoinner compartments material 510 also forms the recessedportion 520 of the container 210 (as shown inFIGS. 2F and 2G ). Dashed lines again show where the blank ofmaterial 510 is to be creased during manufacture. -
FIGS. 5B and 5C are perspective views showing the blank ofmaterial 510 used to create thesleeve 500 in a partially folded state. As shown, thesleeve 500 includes twowalls walls inner wall 530 by folding the twowalls FIG. 5C showsexemplary glue locations 700 on the face of onewall 530B that will receive the face of theother wall 530A. Thus, when folded together, the twowalls inner wall 530 placed betweenadjacent compartments -
FIG. 6A is a perspective view of twoinner compartments FIG. 4D aligned for wrapping by the partially foldedsleeve 500 ofFIG. 5B . Thecompartments sleeve 500.Exemplary glue locations 700 are shown on the interior surface of what will become theback portion 527 of thesleeve 500. Thus, in this embodiment, thecompartments sleeve 500. -
FIG. 6B is a plan view of a blank ofmaterial 610 used to create thesubstrate 400. Dashed lines show where the blank ofmaterial 610 is to be creased during manufacture of thepackage 200. The under-surface of thesubstrate 400 may be coated with an adhesive material to allow for coupling with thecompartments FIGS. 6F and 6G ). - As shown in the blank of
material 610 ofFIG. 6B , thesubstrate 400 has aproximal end 455 that preferably resides along and is coupled to the upper portion of the back faces of the inner compartments (shown at 355A/355B inFIG. 6E ). Theproximal end 455 of thesubstrate 400 has a contour that matches the contour of the upper end of theback face 527 of thesleeve 500 when folded (as shown inFIGS. 6E and 6G ). The contour may comprise an elongated U-shaped design. The elongated U-shaped design is so configured to promote easy opening and closing of thelid 215. - The blank of
material 610 further includessubstrate tabs tabs medial portion 430. Both themedial portion 430 and thesubstrate tabs substrate 425 when folded and placed along thecompartments substrate tab substrate 400 and medially defined byperforations substrate 400 between therespective substrate tabs medial portion 430. Thesubstrate 400 is distally defined by adistal end 435 of thesubstrate 400. - The
substrate 400 further comprises substrate flaps 445A, 445B. The substrate flaps 445A, 445B are collinear with therespective substrate tabs distal end 435 of thesubstrate 400 and are configured to facilitate easy opening of thesubstrate tabs - The
substrate 400 and substrate tabs 440 are designed, fabricated, and configured to extend the life of thecigarettes 150 within thepackage 200. It is believed that the life of thecigarettes 150, calculated from when the consumer first opens the package, may be extended by up to 20%, or even up to 40%. It is also believed that the shelf life of thecigarettes 150 before thepackage 200 is opened is also extended. -
FIG. 6C is a perspective view of twoinner compartments sleeve 500. Here, theinner wall 530 of thesleeve 500 is folded into position between the twocompartments sleeve 500 andcompartments substrate 400 is shown being placed along an upper portion of the back faces (355 inFIG. 6E ) of theinner compartments -
FIG. 6D is a front perspective view of the twoinner compartments sleeve 500. Theinner wall 530 of thesleeve 500 can be partially seen disposed between the twocompartments portion 520 of thesleeve 500 is shown covering a portion of the front faces 325 of theinner compartments substrate 400 is shown in an unfolded state being placed onto an upper portion of the back faces 355A, 355B of theinner compartments -
FIG. 6E is a rear perspective view ofFIG. 6D . The unfoldedsubstrate 400 can be more clearly seen as it is placed along theupper portion compartments proximal end 455 of thesubstrate 400 and the upper end of theback face 527 of thesleeve 500 are shown relative to one another. In the present embodiment, the contours are of an elongated U-shaped design. -
FIG. 6F is front perspective view of aninsert 600. Theinsert 600 is comprised of two (or more)inner compartments sleeve 500. Thesubstrate 400 is shown folded across the top faces 360A, 360B of theinner compartments inner compartments peripheral margin portion 326. As shown in the exemplary embodiment, theperipheral margin portion 326 extends to the top of the recessedportion 520 of thesleeve 500. - The
medial portion 430 of thesubstrate 400 is shown extending across the gap between the top faces 360A, 360B of thecompartments inner wall 530 of thesleeve 500, which was visible before folding of thesubstrate 400, is now covered. - Also in
FIG. 6F , the substrate flaps 445A, 445B are shown extending out from thesubstrate tabs substrate 400 is closed over thecompartment tabs insert 600 is to be enclosed within thecontainer 210 to form the complete cigarette package 200 (shown inFIG. 7 , and discussed in more detail below). -
FIG. 6G is a rear perspective view of theinsert 600. In this embodiment, thesubstrate 400 is again shown folded across the top faces 360A, 360B of theinner compartments substrate 400 extends along a portion of the back faces 355A, 355B of theinner compartments proximal end 455 of thesubstrate 400 and the upper end of theback face 527 of thesleeve 500, which are complimentary to one another, are shown once again. The contours are in the form of an elongated U-shaped design and configured to allow for efficient opening and closing of thelid 215. - Of interest, the location of the
inner wall 530 of thesleeve 500 can be seen as a gap between the twocompartments medial portion 430 of thesubstrate 400 is shown extending across the gap between the top faces 360A, 360B of thecompartments inner wall 530 of thesleeve 500. - Finally,
FIG. 7 is a front perspective view showing theinsert 600 ofFIGS. 6F and 6G being positioned along the interior surface of the unfoldedcontainer 210 in preparation for being enclosed therein. Theinsert 600 is placed along theback wall 210C of thecontainer 210, and thecontainer 210 andlid 215, are folded around theinsert 600.Exemplary glue locations 700 are shown as darkened areas along the interior surface of thecontainer 210 andlid 215. Dashed lines show where thecontainer 210 andlid 215 are to be creased during manufacture. In this way, theinsert 600 is irreversibly coupled to thecontainer 210 and enclosed therein to form thecomplete cigarette package 200 as shown inFIGS. 2A-211 . - As discussed above and as shown in
FIG. 2G , the under-surface of thesubstrate tab 440A is slightly larger and extends beyond the peripheral and distal edges of thecompartment tab 340A. Since the under-surface of thesubstrate 400 is covered in adhesive material, a perimeter of adhesive material is formed around the under-surface of thecompartment tab 340A. Being so disposed, the perimeter of adhesive material allows a consumer to reversibly re-seal aninner compartment 300A after removing a cigarette for consumption. To provide a temporary seal after removal of acigarette 150 from thepackage 200, theopen substrate tab 440A and coupledcompartment tab 340A are folded in the direction of arrow “C” until the tabs are in a closed position (as shown inFIG. 2F ). In the closed position ofFIGS. 2F and 6F , thesubstrate tab 440A is received along a portion of thetop face 360A andfront face 325A of thecompartment 300A. Thesubstrate tab 440A is then pressed such that the perimeter of adhesive material exposed on the under-surface of the substrate tab (440A inFIG. 2G ) becomes coupled to theinner compartment 300A, which forms the temporary seal. Following resealing of theinner compartment 300A, thelid 215 may be moved in the direction of the arrow “C” to rest on theshoulder 218 of thecontainer 210. In this way, freshness of the cigarettes may be preserved when thetabs lid 215 are moved to a closed position, even after the factory seal of aninternal compartment - To break either the factory or temporary seal, the
lid 215 is first opened by moving thelid flap 220 in the direction of the arrow “O”, as shown inFIG. 2F . Next, thesubstrate flap 445A may be grasped and pulled in the direction of the arrow “O”, which breaks theperforation 437A along the medial edge of thesubstrate tab 440A and causes thesubstrate tab 440A to peel upward. As thesubstrate tab 440A is pulled upward, theinner compartment tab 340A coupled thereto is likewise pulled in an upward direction, which breaks the seal and exposes thecigarettes 150 enclosed within thecompartment 300A (as shown inFIG. 2G ). After selection of acigarette 150, thepackage 200 may be re-sealed and closed multiple times as described above due to the adhesive. - As can be seen, an improved cigarette package is provided herein. The cigarette package operates to extend the life of a conventional package of cigarettes by at least 20% to 40%. While it will be apparent that the inventions herein described are well calculated to achieve the benefits and advantages set forth above, it will be appreciated that the inventions are susceptible to modification, variation, and change without departing from the spirit thereof.
Claims (20)
1. A cigarette package, comprising:
an outer container configured to closely hold two or more cigarette inserts, wherein each insert comprises:
a moisture-resistant lining forming a compartment configured to closely hold a plurality of cigarettes in parallel alignment, wherein each compartment comprises:
an exterior surface having a top face, a bottom face, a front face, a back face, an upper portion and a lower portion; and
a compartment tab configured to be peeled away from at least the upper surface of the compartment into an unsealed position, enabling access of cigarettes within the associated compartment, and configured to be re-sealed after the associated compartment is opened;
a lid pivotally connected to the container proximate an upper end to provide selective access to the compartments and the cigarettes therein, the lid being movable between open and closed positions; and
a sleeve configured to wrap around the two or more cigarette inserts and to hold the cigarette inserts in adjacent relation within the outer container.
2. The cigarette package of claim 1 , wherein:
the outer container comprises a front surface forming an upper shoulder, wherein a distal end of the lid lands on the shoulder when the lid is pivoted to its closed position;
the sleeve comprises a front surface that serves as a recessed portion of the container, wherein the recessed portion extends above the shoulder and receives an under-surface of the lid when the lid is pivoted to its closed position; and
each compartment tab has a proximal end integral to the moisture-resistant lining of an associated compartment, and a distal end that moves between the unsealed and re-sealed positions.
3. The cigarette package of claim 2 , further comprising a substrate coupled to each compartment of the at least two cigarette inserts, the substrate comprising:
a distal end, a proximal end, lateral boundaries and an under-surface, wherein:
the proximal end is secured to the respective back surfaces of the compartments;
the distal end is configured to pivot from a sealed position wherein the distal end adhesively lands on the front surfaces of the respective compartments above the sleeve, and an unsealed position; and
the under-surface is adhesively secured to the compartment tabs such that moving the distal end of a substrate to its unsealed position causes a corresponding compartment tab to at least partially move to its unsealed position as well.
4. The cigarette package of claim 3 , wherein:
the two or more cigarette inserts represent two cigarette inserts such that first and second compartments are provided for the cigarette package;
the substrate further comprises a first substrate tab associated with the first compartment and a second cigarette tab associated with the second compartment, wherein each of the first and second substrate tabs is disposed above the first and second compartment tabs, respectively, and adhesively coupled thereto;
the first and second compartment tabs are each defined laterally by opposing lateral edges and distally by its distal end, enabling the substrate tabs to be independently peeled from the respective first and second compartments; and
the substrate tabs are configured such that pulling of the distal end of the substrate adjacent one substrate tab results in the selective opening of the one substrate tab and simultaneous opening of the respective compartment tab coupled thereto to reversibly open a portion of the respective compartment for access to cigarettes.
5. The cigarette package of claim 4 , wherein:
each substrate tab extends beyond the lateral and distal edges of the respective compartment tab to form a perimeter of adhesive material that is exposed around the under-surface of each substrate tab; and
the perimeter of adhesive material lands upon the exterior surface of the respective compartment to form a temporary seal when the substrate tab and compartment tab are closed.
6. The cigarette package of claim 5 , wherein each substrate tab and corresponding compartment tab extend from a portion of the back face of the compartment and continue along the top face of the compartments to a portion of the front face of the compartment.
7. The cigarette package of claim 4 , wherein each substrate tab further comprises a flap that extends beyond the distal end of the substrate that is configured to allow for easier grasping and pulling of each substrate tab.
8. The cigarette package of claim 4 , wherein the compartments, the compartment tabs, the substrate, the substrate tabs, or combinations thereof are fabricated from blanks of moisture- and aroma oil-insulating material.
9. The cigarette package of claim 4 , wherein the compartments, the compartment tabs, the substrate, the substrate tabs, or combinations thereof comprise a metallic material, cellulosic material, plastic material, or combinations thereof.
10. The cigarette package of claim 9 , wherein the compartments, the compartment tabs, the substrate, the substrate tabs, or combinations thereof comprise aluminum, tin, nickel, or combinations thereof.
11. The cigarette package of claim 1 , further comprising:
an exterior layer of water-resistant foil residing around the outer container.
12. The cigarette package of claim 1 , wherein the outer container is fabricated primarily from a rigid cellulosic material or a synthetic material and has a rectangular cross-section.
13. A cigarette package comprising:
an outer container configured to hold a plurality of cigarettes, the outer container having an exterior surface and a recessed portion inwardly indented from the exterior surface, the recess portion having a top edge and a first contour;
a lid pivotally connected to the outer container at an upper back end of the outer container, the lid being movable between an open position and a closed position;
at least two moisture-proof compartments positioned within the outer container, the compartments each having a front surface that extends above the top edge and first contour of the recessed portion to expose a peripheral margin portion of an exterior surface of each compartment;
the at least two compartments each comprising a compartment tab that is integral with each compartment, each compartment tab having a distal end and lateral boundaries;
a substrate coupled to and residing along a top face of the at least two compartments, wherein the under-surface of the substrate is coated in an adhesive material;
the substrate further comprising at least two substrate tabs that are integral with the substrate, are generally concentric with the compartment tabs and are adhesively coupled to the compartment tabs;
each of the at least two substrate tabs extending beyond the distal end and lateral boundaries of its respective compartment tab and onto the exterior surface of the respective compartment, the adhesive substrate being configured to contact the peripheral margin portion and the top face of the respective compartment to provide a moisture-proof seal when the substrate tabs and compartment tabs are in a closed position;
each substrate tab being configured to allow for selective opening and re-sealing of its respective compartment.
a sleeve configured to wrap around the two or more cigarette inserts and to hold the cigarette inserts in adjacent relation within the outer container.
14. The cigarette package of claim 13 , further comprising:
a sleeve configured to wrap around the at least two moisture-proof compartments configured to hold the compartments in adjacent relation within the outer container, wherein the sleeve is adhesively secured within the outer compartment;
wherein:
the at least two compartments represent first and second compartments, and the at least two compartment tabs represent first and second compartment tabs integral to the first and second compartments, respectively;
the at least two substrate tabs represent first and second substrate tabs;
the outer container comprises a front surface forming an upper shoulder, wherein a distal end of the lid lands on the shoulder when the lid is pivoted to its closed position;
the sleeve comprises a front surface that serves as the recessed portion of the outer container, wherein the recessed portion extends above the shoulder and receives an under-surface of the lid when the lid is pivoted to its closed position;
the lateral boundaries of the compartment tabs comprise perforations;
each of the first and second substrate tabs is disposed above the first and second compartment tabs, respectively, and adhesively coupled thereto; and
the substrate tabs are configured such that pulling of the distal end of the substrate adjacent one substrate tab results in the selective opening of the one substrate tab and simultaneous opening of the respective compartment tab coupled thereto to reversibly open a portion of the respective compartment for access to cigarettes.
15. The cigarette package of claim 14 , wherein:
the compartments, the compartment tabs, the substrate and the substrate tabs are fabricated from blanks of moisture- and aroma oil-insulating material; and
the outer container is fabricated primarily from a rigid cellulosic material or a synthetic material and has a rectangular cross-section.
16. A cigarette package comprising:
an outer container configured to hold a plurality of cigarettes, the outer container having a top edge;
a lid pivotally connected to the outer container at an upper back end of the outer container, the lid being movable between an open position and a closed position;
at least two moisture-proof compartments positioned within the outer container, said compartments each having a front surface extending past the top edge of the outer container to expose a peripheral margin portion of an exterior surface of each compartment, said compartments each having a notch to allow access to a grouping of cigarettes within each compartment;
each compartment further comprising a compartment tab, wherein the number of tabs is equal to the number of compartments;
each tab being configured to conform with the notch of each compartment; and
an adhesive substrate residing on the compartments and extending to the peripheral portion of the compartment, the adhesive substrate being configured to contact the compartment at a location upon the compartment between the outer container top edge and the notch of the compartment
wherein the adhesive substrate is thereby configured to allow for selective opening of a single tab to expose the notch of single compartment while allowing the other compartments to remain sealed;
the adhesive substrate being further configured to allow for resealing of the compartment to prevent evaporation of aromatic oils and preserve freshness of cigarettes in a previously opened compartment when the container is in a closed position.
17. A method of opening and resealing a cigarette package comprising:
providing a package of cigarettes, the package comprising:
an outer container, the container configured to closely hold a plurality of cigarettes;
a lid pivotally connected to the container proximate an upper end to provide selective access to the cigarettes, the lid being movable between open and closed positions;
a first lining forming a first compartment and second lining forming a second compartment;
the first and second compartments residing within the outer container;
the first and second compartments each having an exterior surface with a top face, bottom face, front face, back face, upper portion, and lower portion;
the first and second compartments further comprising a first compartment tab and a second compartment tab, respectively, that are configured to allow for resealing of each compartment after each compartment is opened;
a substrate with an adhesive material along an under-surface that comprises a distal end;
the substrate further comprising a first substrate tab and a second substrate tab that are disposed above the first and second compartment tabs, respectively, and coupled thereto;
opening the lid;
opening a substrate tab, which then causes the respective internal compartment tab coupled thereto to be opened, exposing cigarettes that are enclosed within the opened compartment;
moving the substrate and coupled internal compartment tab from an open to a closed position to seal the opened inner compartment; and
moving the lid from an open position to a closed position to complete closure of the cigarette package.
18. A method for assembling a cigarette package comprising:
providing at least two blanks of material to serve as at least two inner linings of moisture-resistant or moisture-proof material;
providing at least two groupings of cigarettes;
folding a first inner lining around a first grouping of cigarettes to form one of at least two inner compartments;
folding a second inner lining around a second grouping of cigarettes to form another of the at least two inner compartments;
each of the at least two inner compartments comprising a top face, back face, and a front face;
each of the at least two inner compartments further comprising a compartment tab that is defined by opposing lateral edges and a distal edge;
providing a blank of material to serve as a substrate;
the substrate comprising an under-surface with an adhesive material placed along the under-surface; and
the substrate further comprising at least two substrate tabs;
adhering the under-surface of the substrate to a top face of each of the at least two inner compartments such that the at least two substrate tabs are generally collinear with the compartment tabs of the at least two compartments and coupled thereto;
the at least two substrate tabs and the compartment tabs coupled thereto being configured to allow for the selective opening and resealing of each inner compartment;
providing a blank of material to serve as a container that comprises a lid portion;
folding the blank of material to serve as a container around the at least two inner compartments to form an outer container configured to closely hold the at least two groupings of cigarettes after assembly; and
folding the lid portion of the bank of material to serve as a container to create a hinged lid.
19. The method of claim 18 , further comprising:
providing a blank of material to serve as a sleeve;
folding the blank of material that serves as the sleeve around the at least two compartments, the sleeve being configured to hold the at least two inner compartments together and anchor the at least two inner compartments to the container, wherein the sleeve comprises a recessed portion that forms a shoulder on which the lid lands when the lid is pivoted to its closed position.
20. The method of claim 18 , wherein:
the substrate tabs are slightly larger than the compartment tabs and extend beyond the lateral and distal edges of the compartment tabs to form a perimeter of adhesive material that is exposed around an under-surface of the tabs; and
pressing along the perimeter of adhesive material causes the compartment to be sealed after opening.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/639,620 US20190002187A1 (en) | 2017-06-30 | 2017-06-30 | Multi-Compartment Cigarette Package |
CN201880042532.8A CN111031816A (en) | 2017-06-30 | 2018-05-31 | Multi-compartment cigarette package |
PCT/US2018/035262 WO2019005410A1 (en) | 2017-06-30 | 2018-05-31 | Multi-compartment cigarette package |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/639,620 US20190002187A1 (en) | 2017-06-30 | 2017-06-30 | Multi-Compartment Cigarette Package |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20190002187A1 true US20190002187A1 (en) | 2019-01-03 |
Family
ID=64735214
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/639,620 Abandoned US20190002187A1 (en) | 2017-06-30 | 2017-06-30 | Multi-Compartment Cigarette Package |
Country Status (3)
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US (1) | US20190002187A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN111031816A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2019005410A1 (en) |
Cited By (8)
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US20180297762A1 (en) * | 2017-03-31 | 2018-10-18 | Keith Delane Amidei | Storage and display pouch. |
USD850905S1 (en) * | 2016-06-29 | 2019-06-11 | Altria Client Services Llc | Re-closeable tear open pack |
US10407208B2 (en) | 2016-06-29 | 2019-09-10 | Altria Client Services Llc | Re-closeable tear open pack, a blank for forming the pack, and a method of making the pack |
USD877972S1 (en) * | 2018-10-24 | 2020-03-10 | Maui Kahawaiolaa | Cigarette package |
DE102019119609A1 (en) * | 2019-07-19 | 2021-01-21 | Focke & Co. (Gmbh & Co. Kg) | Pack for products of the cigarette industry and method and device for producing the same |
DE102019132850A1 (en) * | 2019-12-03 | 2021-06-10 | Focke & Co. (Gmbh & Co. Kg) | Pack for products of the cigarette industry |
WO2021214611A1 (en) * | 2020-04-24 | 2021-10-28 | Philip Morris Products S.A. | Container with expandable spacer for used and unused consumer goods |
US11279505B1 (en) * | 2018-04-04 | 2022-03-22 | Jesse Hinojosa | System for re-securing bales with broken or defective wrapping |
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CN109850255A (en) * | 2019-03-22 | 2019-06-07 | 苏州英派克自动化设备有限公司 | A kind of cigarette special-shaped box inner box paper molding and tobacco loading device |
CN109895451A (en) * | 2019-03-22 | 2019-06-18 | 苏州英派克自动化设备有限公司 | A kind of special-shaped box inner box paper molding machine of cigarette |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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WO2019005410A1 (en) | 2019-01-03 |
CN111031816A (en) | 2020-04-17 |
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