WO2008104870A1

WO2008104870A1 - A multiple rigid cigarette packet

Info

Publication number: WO2008104870A1
Application number: PCT/IB2008/000469
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ivanoe Bertuzzi; Luca Petrucci; Roberto Polloni; Andrea Biondi
Original assignee: G.D S.P.A.
Priority date: 2007-03-01
Filing date: 2008-02-19
Publication date: 2008-09-04
Also published as: ITBO20070137A1

Abstract

A multiple cigarette packet comprises two single packets (4), each with a hinged lid (7), and a cupped container (3) in which to accommodate the two single packets (4) side by side, their respective longitudinal axes (X) and the axes of the cigarettes (2) parallel one with another. The single packets (4) are slidable internally of the container (3) along the respective longitudinal axes (X), each capable of movement between an internal position in which the relative hinged lid (7) is immobilized in a closed configuration, and an at least partially extracted position in which the hinged lid (7) can be opened. The cupped container (3) presents an open mouth (22) at the top, through which the single packets (4) are insertable, and at the bottom, a wall (18) with two openings (23) through which the smoker can insert a finger and push against the bottom end face (6) of either packet (4), in such a way as to ease the packet 4 along the direction of its longitudinal axis (X) toward the partially extracted position.

Description

A multiple rigid cigarette packet

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a multiple rigid packet for tobacco products, and in particular for cigarettes.

More particularly, the present invention relates to packets of conventional hinged lid type. Such a packet comprises a container serving to accommodate a group of cigarettes enveloped previously in a soft wrapper consisting, for example, of metal foil paper. The packet also presents a lid hinged to an open top end of the container and pivotable thus about a relative hinge line between a position in which the container is open, and a position in which the selfsame container is closed. In the closed position, the lid engages a stiffening frame accommodated partly within the container and projecting beyond the free edges delimiting the open end, in such a way that the lid is retained stably in the closed position.

Background Art

Reference US 4,294,353 discloses a pack for tobacco products, consisting in a pair of hinged-lid type packets connected one to another along a common side edge that functions as a vertical hinge extending parallel to the longitudinal axes of the two packets, which can thus be opened and closed in the manner of a book or folder.

With a pack of this design, the single packets can be opened separately and the properties of the cigarettes in one of the packets consequently maintained intact while the cigarettes of the other packet are being consumed.

In use, however, such packs are inconvenient given that once the consumer has removed the overwrap, or other means serving to keep the half-packs together during transport and up to the moment when the pack is broken open initially, the two packets are free to rotate about the aforementioned vertical hinge and can therefore swing open while the pack is being handled, or if dropped accidentally.

Object of the Invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a multiple cigarette packet such as will be unaffected by the aforementioned drawbacks. The stated object is realized according to the invention in a multiple cigarette packet as recited in the claims appended.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will now be described in detail, by way of example, with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:

-figure 1 shows the multiple packet according to the present invention, illustrated in perspective and in a first embodiment;

-figure 2 is a perspective and part-exploded view of the multiple packet illustrated in figure 1;

-figure 3 is a perspective view of the multiple packet as in figure 1, illustrated in a configuration allowing the removal of the cigarettes; -figure 4 shows a flat diecut blank from which to fashion a cupped container of the packet illustrated in figures 1 to 3;

-figure 5 shows a flat diecut blank from which to fashion an outer wrapper for one of the single packets making up the multiple packet of figures 1 to 3;

-figure 6 shows a flat diecut blank from which to fashion an inner wrapper for one of the single packets making up the multiple packet of figures 1 to 3;

- figures 5a, 5b, 5c and 6a, 6b, 6c show variations of the diecut blanks of figures 5 and 6;

-figure 7 is a perspective view showing a variation on the first embodiment of the packet illustrated in figure 1; -figure 8 shows the multiple packet according to the present invention, illustrated in perspective and in a second embodiment; -figure 9 is a perspective view showing a variation in embodiment of the single packet.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

With reference to figure 1, numeral 1 denotes a multiple packet serving to contain cigarettes 2. The term "multiple packet" is used throughout the present specification to indicate a packet comprising a container 3, preferably rigid, accommodating at least two single packets 4, each in turn containing a group of cigarettes 2 preferably enveloped by an inner wrapper 2a (figure 9) fashioned from a material such as metal foil paper. The container 3 is not discarded once the multiple packet 1 has been opened initially, but remains an integral part of the assembly and serves as a holder for the single packets 4 while the cigarettes 2 are being consumed gradually.

Each of the single packets 4 is a rigid hinged-lid type and accordingly, as shown in figure 2, comprises a container 5 with a bottom wall 6 that provides the bottom end face of the single packet 4, and a lid 7 with a top wall 8 providing the top end face of the selfsame single packet 4. The lid 7 is attached to the container 5 along a hinge line 9 and capable of movement thus between a position in which the single packet 4 is open (figure 3) and a position in which the selfsame packet 4 is closed (figures 1 and 2). When in the closed position, the lid 7 conceals an open top end 10 of the container 5 and is retained in this same position by interference with a frame 11 anchored to the inside of the container 5 and projecting from the edge 12 of the open top end 10. With the single packet 4 in the closed configuration, the edge 12 presented the open top end of the container 5 and an edge 13 of the lid 7 combine to establish a line 14 of separation between the lid 7 and the container 5 (figures 1, 2, 3, 7 and 8).

The container 3 is of cupped embodiment and houses two single packets 4 disposed side by side, the respective longitudinal axes X extending parallel one with another and with the axes of the cigarettes 2. In the examples illustrated, the two single packets 4 are arranged in the cupped container 3 with side faces in mutual contact. The shape presented by the cupped container 3 substantially matches that of the assembly created by the two single packets 4 when placed side by side, with the result that certain of the side faces presented by the two packets 4 are breasted in sliding contact with respective inside faces of the cupped container 3.

The single packets 4 are accommodated thus slidably in the container 3, capable of movement along the respective longitudinal axes X. In particular, each of the single packets 4 is capable of movement within the cupped container 3 between an inner or retracted position (figures 1 and 7), and a position extracted at least in part (figures 3 and 8).

With the single packet 4 occupying the inner or retracted position, the relative hinged lid 7 remains locked in the closed position and cannot be opened, even deliberately by hand.

In the partially extracted position of the single packet 4, the relative hinged lid 7 can be rotated about the respective hinge line 9 and thus opened.

In the example of figures 1-6, each of the single packets 4 presents a flat rear face 15 (figure 2) incorporating the hinge line 9 of the relative lid 7, two flat flank faces 16, and a rounded front face 17.

The rounded front face 17 is joined seamlessly to the two flank faces 16, and generated by a radius approximately half the width of the rear face 15.

The cupped container 3 presents a bottom wall 18, two larger side walls 19, flat and mutually opposed, and two smaller side or flank walls 20 of rounded profile. The bottom wall 18 presents two mutually opposed straight sides associated with the larger side walls 19, and two rounded smaller sides associated with the rounded smaller side walls 20. The width of each larger side wall 19 is substantially equal to the sum of the widths of the two flat flank faces 16 presented by the two single packets 4, whilst the radius of each rounded smaller side is substantially the same as the radius of the rounded front face 17 presented by each single packet 4. When inserted into the cupped container 3, the single packets 4 are breasted one with another by way of the faces 15 presenting the hinge lines 9 (phantom lines in figure 2) and positioned resting against the inside surfaces presented by the side walls 19 and 20 of the container 3.

The side walls 19 and 20 of the cupped container 3 extend parallel with the longitudinal axes X of the single packets 4 through a distance substantially equal to the corresponding dimension of the selfsame single packets 4.

In this situation, when the single packets 4 occupy the retracted position, with their bottom end faces 6 offered to the bottom wall 18 of the cupped container 3 (figure 1), the top end faces 8 of the packets 4 lie flush with a top edge 21 of the container 3 delimiting the mouth 22 through which the selfsame packets are admitted. Accordingly, the lids 7 remain effectively inaccessible, as it is not possible to grip either one by hand.

The lids 7 remain secured thus in the closed position, given that each is breasted in contact with the inside faces presented by the side walls 19 and 20 of the cupped container 3, and the two faces 15 presenting the hinge lines 9 are breasted in contact one with another.

To open one of the single packets 4, the selected packet needs only to be withdrawn from the cupped container 3 by a distance that will allow the lid 7 to rotate about the relative hinge line 9 and flip open (figure 3). In the example of figure 7, the cupped container 3 extends parallel with the longitudinal axes X of the single packets 4 through a distance less than the corresponding dimension of the selfsame single packets.

More exactly, the side walls 19 and 20 of the cupped container 3 terminate below the separation lines 14 and the hinge lines 9 delimiting the lids 7. In this instance, the lids 7 are held in the closed position only by the mutual contact between the faces 15 of the packets presenting the hinge lines 9.

To facilitate the withdrawal of the single packets 4 from the cupped container 3, particularly in the case of the container 3 being the same height as the packets 4, the bottom wall 18, at the end remote from the mouth 22, affords at least one opening 23 partially exposing the bottom end face 6 of each single packet 4, through which the consumer can insert a finger and push the selected packet 4 in a direct parallel with its longitudinal axis X (figures 2 and 3).

In a preferred embodiment, as illustrated, the bottom wall 18 of the cupped container 3 will present two openings 23 appearing as circular holes, each placed to coincide with the bottom end face 6 of a relative single packet 4.

In accordance with the second embodiment illustrated (figure 8), the single packets 4 present a substantially triangular cross section, or in practice an outer shape substantially identical to that described and illustrated in patent application WO 01/44077. Here, the two single packets 4 are accommodated by a cupped container 3 that presents a rhomboidal outline, viewed in plan.

In accordance with further embodiments, not illustrated, the single packets 4 utilized could present any given cross-sectional outline, for example square or rectangular.

Moreover, notwithstanding the single packets 4 are identical one to another in each of the examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings, a multiple packet 1 according to the invention might equally well accommodate two single packets 4 of dissimilar geometry, for example exhibiting different outlines when viewed in plan.

Moreover, leaving aside the similarity or otherwise of the single packets 4 adopted, the two packets 4 might be accommodated by the cupped container 3 in positional configurations different to that described above, for example breasted in mutual contact by way of the faces opposite to those presenting the hinge lines 9 of the respective lids 7.

Alternatively, one of the two single packets 4 might be positioned in the cupped container 3 with the face presenting the relative hinge line 9 breasted in contact with the face of the other single packet 4 opposite to that presenting the hinge line 9 of the relative lid 7.

In both of the cases described above, the interference between the two lids 7 will prevent either one being opened unless the corresponding packet is partially withdrawn. The two single packets 4 might also be arranged in the cupped container 3 with the relative hinge lines 9 disposed parallel one to another. In this instance, to prevent the lids 7 opening inopportunely, the height of the cupped container

3 will be matched preferably to that of the single packets 4, or at least sufficient to overlap the hinge line 9 and/or the separation line 14, so that the lids 7 will interfere with the inside surfaces presented by the side and flank walls 19 and

20 of the container 3 and thus remain immobilized.

With reference to the embodiment illustrated in figures 1...6, the multiple packet 1 is fashioned from a diecut blank comprising a first flat portion 24 that provides the cupped container 3. Also, each of the two single packets 4 is fashioned preferably from a second flat portion 25 and a third flat portion 26

(figures 5, 6, 5a, 6a, 5b, 6b, 5c, 6c).

The first flat portion 24 (figure 4) presents a plurality of main panels 24a,

24b, 24c, 24d and 24e arranged side by side along a predetermined direction denoted Y and delimited in familiar manner, not discussed further, by crease lines extending transversely to the aforementioned direction Y.

The first flat portion 24 also presents a secondary panel 24f joined to at least one of the main panels 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d or 24e and aligned on a direction Z normal to the aforementioned predetermined direction Y. The main panels 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d and 24e provide the side walls 19 and

20 of the cupped container 3, whilst the secondary panel 24f constitutes the bottom wall 18 of the container 3.

In the preferred embodiment of figure 4, a central main panel 24a is flanked on each side by respective lateral main panels 24b and 24c furnished with a plurality of crease lines such as will allow the selfsame lateral main panels 24b and 24c to assume a given curvature. Each of the lateral main panels 24b and

24c is flanked in turn by an end main panel 24d and 24e. The central main panel 24a provides one of the two flat side walls 19 of the container 3, whilst the two end main panels 24d and 24e combine, partially overlapped (figure 2), to provide the other flat side wall 19. The secondary panel 24f presents two straight, mutually opposed and parallel sides that will be associated with the two flat side walls 19, and two rounded sides that will be associated with the rounded side walls 20, and is joined to the central main panel 24a along one of the two straight sides. Preferably, the first flat portion 24 also comprises reinforcement flaps 24g and 24h joined to at least two of the main panels 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d and 24e and overlappable with the secondary panel 24f to form the bottom wall 18 of the cupped container 3.

As illustrated, two reinforcement flaps 24g and 24h are joined to the end main panels 24d and 24e along a common edge of the main panels 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d and 24e, to which the secondary panel 24f is also attached.

Each of the reinforcement flaps 24g and 24h presents an outline identical to one half of the secondary panel 24f, so that when the bottom wall 18 is assembled, the two flaps 24g and 24h will butt edge to edge and cover the secondary panel 24f in its entirety.

The secondary panel 24f and the reinforcement flaps 24g and 24h, if any, present openings denoted 23f, 23 g and 23h, destined to provide the opening or openings 23 mentioned above; on completion of the multiple packet 1, these same openings will expose part of the bottom end face 6 presented by each single packet 4, which the user can access to push either packet 4 along its longitudinal axis X.

Figure 4 shows two circular openings 23f formed in the secondary panel 24f and one circular opening 23g and 23h in each of the reinforcement flaps 24g and 24h. Each opening 23g and 23h of a relative flap 24g and 24h is alignable coaxially with a relative opening 23f of the secondary panel 24f .

The second flat portion 25 serves to form the outer wrapper for one of the single packets 4, whilst the third portion 26 forms an inner wrapper and stiffening frame 11 for this same packet 4; accordingly, the single packet 4 can be made suitably rigid utilizing flat portions 25 and 26 of relatively simple design (figures 5 and 6). The structure of the second and third flat portions 25 and 26, described more fully in due course, and of the single packet 4 as illustrated in figures 1...3 and described above, could constitute the subject matter of the invention with or without the cupped container 3. In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal dimension of the third flat portion 26, that is to say, as measured along the longitudinal axis X of the packet 1, substantially matches that of the second flat portion 25. Accordingly, the inner wrapper of the single packet 4 will line the part of the outer wrapper coinciding with the container 5, in its entirety, and project beyond the edge 12 of the open top end 10 to provide the stiffening frame 11.

In detail (figures 5 and 6), the second flat portion 25 presents a plurality of main panels 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d and 25e arranged side by side along a predetermined direction denoted Y and separated in conventional manner, not discussed further, by crease lines extending transversely to the aforementioned direction Y.

The second flat portion 25 also presents two secondary panels 25f and 25g joined to at least one of the main panels 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d and 25e and aligned on a direction Z normal to the aforementioned predetermined direction Y.

The main panels 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d and 25e provide the side walls 15, 16 and 17 of the single packet 4, whilst the secondary panels 25f and 25g coincide respectively with the top end face 8 of the lid 7 and the bottom end face 6 of the container 5.

In the preferred embodiment of figure 5, a central main panel 25a, furnished with a plurality of crease lines such as will allow the selfsame panel to assume a given curvature, is flanked on each side by respective lateral main panels 25b and 25c. Each of the lateral main panels 25b and 25c is flanked in turn by an end main panel 25d and 25e.

The central main panel 25a coincides with the rounded front face 17 of the single packet 4, whilst the two end main panels 25d and 25e combine when fully overlapped to form the rear face 15, and the lateral main panels 25b and 25c provide the flat flank faces 16.

Each of the two secondary panels 25f and 25g presents two straight, mutually opposed and parallel sides that will be associated with the two flat flank faces 16, a rounded side that will be associated with the rounded front face 17, and a further straight side opposite to the rounded side, associated with the rear face 15 of the single packet 4 and joined directly to the corresponding end main panel 25d.

Preferably, the second flat portion 25 also comprises a plurality of reinforcement flaps 25h, 25i, 251 and 25m joined to the lateral main panels 25b and 25c and overlappable with the secondary panels 25f and 25g to form the top wall 8 of the lid 7 and the bottom wall 6 of the container 5, respectively.

In the example of figure 5, the reinforcement flaps 25h, 25i, 251 and 25m present a substantially rectangular outline.

The blank 25 illustrated in figure 5, moreover, might also be furnished with tongues 27, presenting a sawtooth profile for example, arranged along the edges of the central main panel 25a and serving to improve the connection of this same panel to the secondary panels 25f and 25g.

In addition, the second flat portion 25 presents an incision 28 extending across the lateral main panels 25b and 25c and the central main panel 25a, also a crease line 29 extending from the opposite ends of the incision 28 and across each of the end main panels 25d and 25e with no break in continuity.

The incision 28 and the crease line 29 coincide respectively with the separation line 14 and with the hinge line 9 of the single packet 4.

Thus, the crease line 29 and the separation line 14 establish a division between an area of the second flat portion 25 coinciding with part of the lid 7, and an area of the selfsame portion 25 coinciding with part of the container 5.

The third flat portion 26 presents a plurality of main panels 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d and 26e arranged side by side along a predetermined direction denoted Y and separated in conventional manner, not discussed further, by crease lines extending transversely to the aforementioned direction Y. The main panels 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d and 26e of the third flat portion 26 combine with the main panels 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d and 25e of the second flat portion 25 to establish the side faces 15, 16 and 17 of the single packet 4.

In the preferred embodiment of figure 6, a central main panel 26a, furnished with a plurality of crease lines such as will allow the selfsame panel to assume a given curvature, is flanked on each side by respective lateral main panels 26b and 26c. Each of the lateral main panels 26b and 26c is flanked in turn by an end main panel 26d and 26e.

The central main panel 26a coincides with the rounded front face 17 of the single packet 4, whilst the two end main panels 26d and 26e coincide with the rear face 15, and the lateral main panels 25b and 25c coincide with the flat flank faces 16.

Preferably, the third flat portion 26 also comprises reinforcement flaps 26i and 26m joined to the lateral main panels 26b and 26c and overlappable with the secondary panels 25f and 25g of the second flat portion 25 to form the bottom wall 6 of the container 5. In the example of figure 6, the reinforcement flaps 26i and 26m present a substantially rectangular outline.

The third flat portion 26 also presents a perforation line 30, appearing for example as a string of incisions extending across the central main panel 26a. The line 30 in question serves to delimit a reinforcing panel 31 overlappable with and connectable to a portion of the lid 7 of the single packet 4.

In addition, the third flat portion 26 might be furnished with tongues 32, presenting a sawtooth profile for example, arranged along the edges of the central main panel 26a and serving to improve the connection of this same panel to the secondary panels 25f and 25g of the second flat portion 25.

The central main panel 26a of the third flat portion 26 also presents notches located close to the perforation line 30 and serving, on completion of the single packet 4, to create lugs 33 on the frame 11, by which the lid 7 is retained stably in the closed position. When assembling the single packet 4, the third flat portion 26 is paired with the second flat portion 25 with the respective central main panels 25a and 26a offered in contact one to another and glued together, or united in whatever manner, as also are the respective lateral main panels 25b-25c and 26b-26c, and the respective end main panels 25d-25e and 26d-26e. The reinforcing panel 31 of the third flat portion 26 is paired with the area of the central main panel 25a presented by the second flat portion 25 that coincides with the lid 7.

In the alternative embodiment of figures 5a and 6a, the first and second flat portions 25 and 26 are prepared without the respective tongues 27 and 32 aforementioned. Also, the reinforcement flaps 25h, 25i, 251 and 25m of the second flat portion 25 are shaped in such a way as to overlap the respective secondary panels 25f and 25g in their entirety. Finally, the end main panels 25d-25e and 26d-26e of the second and third flat portions 25 and 26 are connected to the respective adjoining lateral main panels 25b-25c and 26b-26c by intermediate bands 34 and 35 each presenting a plurality of crease lines, in such a way that the selfsame bands can be bent to match respective rounded corners 36 presented by the secondary panels 25f and 25g of the second flat portion 25.

The alternative embodiment illustrated in figures 5b and 6b is identical to that of figures 5 and 6 except that there are no tongues 27 associated with the second flat portion 25, whereas the third flat portion 26 is again furnished with tongues 32 as in figure 6.

The alternative embodiment illustrated in figures 5c and 6c differs from the solution of figures 5a and 6a in that there are tongues 32 associated with the third flat portion 26, and in that the second flat portion 25 is furnished with reinforcement flaps 25h, 25i, 251 and 25m of square outline.

A single packet 4 comprising the flat portions of figures 5a and 6a or 5c and 6c is illustrated in figure 9, and in this instance the longitudinal corner edges of the packet 4, denoted 37, are rounded in such a way as to match the rounded corners 36 presented by the secondary panels 25f and 25g of the second flat portion 25; in addition, the comer edges 37 are merged with the adjoining flank face 16 and rear face 15 of the packet.

The effect of these expedients is to render the single packet 4 still more ergonomic. The packet is formed around the group of cigarettes 2, and accordingly, before being opened for the first time by the consumer, the lid 7 will be sealed in the closed position by the reinforcing panel 31, which is affixed to and rendered integral with the lid 7, and anchored to the rest of the container 5 by way of the perforation line 30.

To break open the packet, the consumer will puncture the wrapper along the perforation line 30, whereupon the reinforcing panel 31 remains attached to the lid 7 and separated from the rest of the container 5.

The stability of the lid 7, with the packet 4 in the closed configuration, is assured by the interference fit between the lid and the stiffening frame 11, and the retaining lugs 33 if incorporated. Once erected, the cupped container 3 and the two single packets 4 are assembled by inserting the selfsame packets into the container 3. To take out a cigarette 2, one of the single packets 4 must be withdrawn partially or totally from the container 3 so that the relative lid 7 is free to open. With the lid 7 then closed again and the single packet 4 replaced in the cupped container 3, the interference between the two single packets 4 one with another, and/or between the packets and the container 3 at the height of the lids 7, will ensure that neither lid can flip open by accident.

Claims

1) A multiple cigarette packet comprising at least two single packets (4) of the type with a hinged lid (7), characterized

- in that it comprises a cupped container (3) accommodating the two single packets (4), placed side by side and with respective longitudinal axes (X) disposed parallel one with another and with the axes of the cigarettes (2);

- in that the single packets (4) are arranged internally of the container (3) with freedom of sliding movement along the respective longitudinal axes

(X); - in that each of the single packets (4) is capable of such movement relative to the cupped container (3) between an internal position in which the relative hinged lid (7) is immobilized in a closed configuration, and an at least partly extracted position in which the relative hinged lid (7) can be opened.

2) A multiple packet as in claim 1, wherein a bottom wall (18) of the cupped container (3), lying opposite to a mouth (22) through which the single packets (4) are insertable, presents at least one opening (23) such as will allow a user of the packet to locate the bottom end face (6) of a single packet (4) and thereupon push the selfsame packet (4) along the respective longitudinal axis (X).

3) A multiple packet as in claim 1, wherein a bottom wall (18) of the cupped container (3), lying opposite to a mouth (22) through which the single packets (4) are insertable, presents two openings (23) each positioned to coincide with the bottom end face (6) of a respective single packet (4), such as will allow a user of the packet to locate the bottom end face (6) of either packet (4) and thereupon push the selfsame packet (4) along the respective longitudinal axis (X).

4) A multiple packet as in claim 3, wherein each opening (23) appears as a circular hole.

5) A multiple packet as in claims 1 to 4, wherein the two single packets

(4) are arranged in the cupped container (3) with relative side faces (15) breasted in mutual contact.

6) A multiple packet as in claims 1 to 5, wherein the two single packets (4) are arranged in the cupped container (3) with relative side faces (15), each presenting a hinge line (9) for the respective lid (7), breasted in mutual contact.

7) A multiple packet as in claims 1 to 5, wherein the two single packets (4) are arranged in the cupped container (3) with relative side faces, opposite to the side faces presenting respective hinge lines (9) for the respective lids (7), breasted in mutual contact.

8) A multiple packet as in claims 1 to 5, wherein one of the two single packets (4) is positioned in the cupped container (3) with one side face (15), presenting a hinge line (9) for the respective lid (7), breasted in contact with a side face of the other single packet (4) opposite to the face presenting a hinge line (9) for the respective lid (7).

9) A multiple packet as in claims 1 to 8, wherein the shape of the cupped container (3) is substantially matched to the shape of the assembly created by the two single packets (4) when breasted together, in such a way that side faces (16, 17) of the selfsame single packets (4) are able to slide in contact with inside faces presented by the walls of the cupped container (3).

10) A multiple packet as in claims 1 to 9, wherein the dimension of the cupped container (3), measured parallel with the longitudinal axes (X) of the single packets (4), is substantially equal to the longitudinal dimension of the selfsame single packets (4).

11) A multiple packet as in claims 1 to 9, wherein the dimension of the cupped container (3), measured parallel with the longitudinal axes (X) of the single packets (4), is less than the longitudinal dimension of the selfsame single packets (4).

12) A multiple packet as in claims 1 to 9, wherein the dimension of the cupped container (3), measured parallel with the longitudinal axes (X) of the single packets (4), is less than the distance from the bottom end face (6) of the single packet (4) to a line (14) separating the lid (7) from the container of the packet, and to the hinge line (9) of the selfsame lid (7).

13) A multiple packet as in claims 1 to 12, wherein the two single packets (4) are identical one to another.

14) A multiple packet as in claims 1 to 12, wherein the two single packets (4) are dissimilar one to another.

15) A multiple packet as in claims 1 to 13, wherein each of the two single packets (4) presents a flat rear face (15) incorporating a hinge line (9) for the respective lid (7), two flat flank faces (16), and a rounded front face (17). 16) A multiple packet as in claims 1 to 13, wherein each of the two single packets (4) presents a substantially triangular cross sectional outline.

17) A multiple packet as in claims 1 to 13, wherein each of the two single packets (4) presents a substantially rectangular cross sectional outline.

18) A multiple packet as in claim 15, wherein the cupped container (3) presents two larger flat side walls (19), mutually opposed, and two smaller rounded side walls (20).

19) A diecut blank from which to fashion a multiple packet as in claim 1, characterized, - in that it comprises a first flat portion (24) serving to form the cupped container (3), presenting a plurality of main panels (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e) arranged side by side along a predetermined direction (Y) and coinciding with side walls (19, 20) of the cupped container (3), also a secondary panel (24f) joined to at least one of the main panels (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e) and coinciding with a bottom wall (18) of the cupped container (3);

- in that the secondary panel (24f) presents at least one opening (23f) which, when the multiple packet (1) is assembled, allows a user to locate the bottom end face (6) presented by each of the single packets (4) and thereupon push either packet (4) along the respective longitudinal axis (X).

20) A blank as in claim 19, wherein the secondary panel (24f) presents two openings (23f), each positioned, when the multiple packet (1) is assembled, in alignment with the bottom end face (6) of one of the single packets (4). 21) A blank as in claim 19 or 20, further comprising reinforcement flaps (24g, 24h) joined to the main panels (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e) and overlappable with the secondary panel (24f) when the cupped container (3) is erected, wherein each of the reinforcement flaps (24g, 24h) presents a relative opening (23g, 23h) overlappable with the at least one opening (23f) of the secondary panel (24f).

22) A blank as in claim 19, 20 or 21, wherein the openings (23f, 23g, 23h) are circular holes.

23) A blank as in claim 19, wherein the secondary panel (24f) presents two mutually opposed straight sides and two rounded sides.

24) A blank as in claim 19, further comprising a second flat portion (25) serving to form an outer wrapper for one of the single packets (4), and a third flat portion (26) serving to form an inner wrapper and a stiffening frame (11) for the selfsame single packet (4).

25) A blank as in claim 24, wherein the third flat portion (26) presents a longitudinal dimension substantially identical to that of the second flat portion (25).

26) A blank as in claim 24, wherein the second flat portion (25) presents an incision (28) and a crease line (29) delimiting a lid (7) of the single packet (4), and the third flat portion (26) presents a perforation line (30) serving to delimit a reinforcing panel (31) overlappable with and connectable to a portion of the lid (7) of the single packet (4).