WO2009000678A1

WO2009000678A1 - Blister pack for smoking articles

Info

Publication number: WO2009000678A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/057470
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yuichi Kosaka; Dan Tabrah
Original assignee: British American Tobacco Japan, Ltd.; British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited
Priority date: 2007-06-26
Filing date: 2008-06-13
Publication date: 2008-12-31
Also published as: AR067157A1; GB0712417D0; TW200920663A; CL2008001889A1

Abstract

A blister pack (1; IA) comprises at least one detachable segment, wherein each segment includes one or more sealed container units having a moulded plastic tray that houses one or more smoking articles (7) within said one or more sealed container units (3; 300, 301, 302, 303). At least one hook (11) is provided on the blister pack (1,- IA) for suspending the blister pack (1; IA).

Description

BLISTER PACK FOR SMOKING ARTICLES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to packaging for smoking articles, such as cigarettes. In particular the invention relates to packaging smoking articles in a blister pack.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Cigarettes are most commonly supplied in cardboard packs holding ten or twenty cigarettes. One problem with such packs is that they are not always easy for a person to take around. Another problem is that once such packs are opened, the cigarettes in the pack may start to lose freshness.

A known alternative to the use of a cardboard pack for cigarettes is a blister pack. The cigarettes may be contained in sealed compartments in relatively small quantities. The sealed compartments are made of moulded plastic in the form of a trough in which the cigarettes are held. A film layer provides a seal to keep the cigarettes inside the trough. The film is removed by peeling it from the compartment to access the contents.

Examples of blister packs containing cigarettes are described in the following patent applications: PCT patent application WO 2005/014437, ARIPO patent

AP0000601A, PCT patent application WO 2004/080843, US Patent US 1,830,571,

German Utility model DE8407868U1, PCT patent application WO 01/83326, US Patent US 1,870,299, US Patent US 3,121,492, French Patent FR 2,439,725 and US Patent US 3,967,730.

Since these blister packs allow access to a relatively small number of cigarettes at a time, the remaining cigarettes in the unopened compartments can remain fresh. However, it can be difficult to retain cigarettes in an already opened compartment (this is not a problem if there is only one cigarette per compartment, but this is inefficient in terms of packaging). In addition, blister packs are generally the same size or larger than cardboard packs (for the same number of cigarettes), and so are just as cumbersome to take around. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention is directed to a blister pack having a moulded plastic tray for housing smoking articles, the tray comprising multiple detachable segments, wherein each segment includes one or more sealed container units and at least one hook for suspending the blister pack. The smoking articles are housed within the sealed container units. The hook allows the blister pack or each segment of the blister pack to be suspended from or carried on, for example, a lanyard, a line, a leash, necklace, key ring, belt etc. The hook therefore provides a convenient method of carrying smoking articles, especially in circumstances where the consumer does not have a free hand to carry the pack and/or where the consumer has no pocket or bag to hold the pack. Moreover, the hook provides a secure attachment point for the pack to reduce the risk of dropping or losing the pack. Note that it is known to provide a single hook on a blister pack for cigarettes to allow the complete pack to be hung for shop display purposes (see German Gebrauchmuster 8407868.5). This configuration is not aimed at use by a consumer. In contrast, the present approach associates the hooks with individual detachable segments. This allows a consumer to carry only one segment, while still being able to suspend the segment around the neck, from a belt, etc., and accordingly represents a very flexible and convenient arrangement for a consumer.

When multiple segments are joined together in the pack, there are multiple points of possible suspension for the pack (one hook for each segment). This allows the user to select the best ρoint(s) of suspension (which may change as segments are detached from the pack), generally in the centre of pack to provide balance.

The moulded plastic tray of the blister pack may include a substantially flat rim extending around the perimeter of the sealed container units. The hook may be attached to the rim; this then causes the pack to hang in a substantially vertical orientation and so helps to provide a compact carrying arrangement. In addition, the hook may be configured so that the cylindrical axis of the smoking articles is vertical when the pack is suspended by the hook, again helping to provide a compact carrying arrangement.

The multiple segments may be joined together by a weakened edge such that a segment can be detached from its neighbouring segment. This allows a consumer to carry a single segment (or a reduced number of segments) rather than the whole pack.

The weakened edge may be parallel to the cylindrical axis of the smoking articles housed in the tray.

Each sealed container unit may be moulded to have one or more curved portions and one or more flat portions. The curved portions are shaped to correspond with the shape of the smoking articles, so that each smoking article can be housed in a corresponding curved portion. The smoking articles can be separated or spaced from one another by the shape of the moulded curved sections inside the housing, so that the smoking articles do not touch each other. This helps to protect the smoking articles from damage. The flat portions may be spaced from the smoking articles to help protect the smoking articles against potential damage. The flat portions facilitate the attachment of labels or printing, for example in relation to consumer information.

Note that the flat surface for labels or printing is on the outside of the container unit, while the curved surface for accommodating the smoking articles is on the inside of the container. It is possible for some or all of the plastic tray to be both curved on the inside and also flat on the outside (although in this arrangement the flat portion is not spaced from the curved portion).

Each sealed container unit may have a seal that covers the moulded plastic tray.

The seal may comprise, for example, a film, paper or card that can be removed or broken to provide access to the tray. The seal may be attached to the tray by adhesive, heat sealing, or any other appropriate method. The seal may be attached around all or part of the perimeter of each container unit in the tray by a permanent adhesive and/or a permanent tacky adhesive to facilitate resealing. To aid removal of the seal from the sealed container unit, the seal may include a weakened or loosened section where the seal can be ruptured or removed (partially or fully) from the container unit.

In one embodiment, each container unit may be opened individually. This allows the other container units to stay sealed until their contents are specifically desired, thereby helping to maintain freshness. The use of different container units also allows a single pack to be provided with different smoking articles, e.g. different cigarette flavours, without risk of cross-contamination.

Each segment of the blister pack may include a pair of sealed container units, wherein one sealed container unit in the pair is hinged to the other sealed container unit in the pair to allow the two sealed container units in the pair to be folded together.

This helps to provide a smaller and more compact pack for a user. When the two sealed container units in each pair are folded together, the two sealed container units may be arranged such that their open portions (if the seals are broken or removed) are enclosed between the two sealed container units. This arrangement provides a closed container even after the seal has been removed from one or both of the container units in the pair, in that when the two container units in the pair are folded together, each container unit acts to close the other container unit.

A locking device may be included that locks together each pair of sealed container units (when folded). The locking device may be included on the substantially flat rim of the tray, since the rim associated with one sealed container unit in a pair will generally contact the rim associated with the other sealed container unit in a pair (when the two sealed container units in the pair are folded together).

The locking device may include at least one protrusion associated with one sealed container unit of a pair and at least one recess associated with the other sealed container unit of the pair for receiving a corresponding protrusion. Engagement between the protrusion and the recess may be provided by an interference fit, whereby the protrusion is forced into the recess, which then holds the protrusion in position.

By physically locking the two container units, the two container units are made more secure. In particular, the lock prevents accidental unfolding of the container units, thereby avoiding the risk of the contents of the blister pack, for example cigarettes, falling out from the container units.

In an embodiment, the segments are joined together by a weakened edge such that the segments can be detached from each other. The weakened edge may be parallel to the cylindrical axis of the smoking articles housed in the tray and the hinge may be located opposite the hook. The consumer can detach one segment from the other segments) such that a consumer only has a smaller article to carry. In an alternative embodiment, the hinge and the weakened edge may be parallel to the cylindrical axis of the cigarettes. For example, a pack may include two pairs of sealed container units, each pair having a first and a second sealed container unit, wherein the first sealed container units of each pair are joined to one another along a central line, and the second sealed container units of each pair fold about their respective hinges towards the central line. The central line may be the weakened edge that facilitates the detachment of one pair of sealed container units from the other. In this configuration, a locking device may be provided at both ends of the sealed container units (along the cylindrical axis). There is a hook associated with each pair of sealed container units so that the pair of container units can be individually suspended. In one embodiment, each sealed container unit in a pair includes its own hook; when the two sealed container units in the pair are folded together the two hooks overlap to act as a single hook. In another embodiment, for each pair of container units a hook is only provided on one container unit of the pair. A notch may be provided on the other container unit of the pair, where the locations and dimensions of the notch are arranged so that when the two container units are folded together, the notch overlays the hook. Consequently, when the pack is suspended by the hook, the two container units can be readily unfolded (since the notch allows one of the container units to move away from the point or line of suspension). This enables a user to access the contents of the container units without first removing the whole pack from the lanyard or other line of suspension.

Another embodiment of the invention provides a blister pack having a moulded plastic tray for housing smoking articles. The tray comprises at least one detachable segment. Each segment includes a pair of sealed container units for housing smoking articles, wherein one sealed container unit in the pair is hinged to the other sealed container unit in the pair to allow the two sealed container units in the pair to be folded together. Each sealed container unit has a moulded base covered by a seal that can be removed or broken to provide access into the container unit. When a pair of container units is folded together, their two moulded bases close together to retain smoking articles in the two container units irrespective of whether said seals have been removed or broken. Each pair of sealed container units includes a locking device for locking the two sealed container units to one another when the sealed container units in the pair are folded together.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure IA shows an illustrative example of a blister pack according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figures IB, 1C and ID show illustrative examples of seals as applied to the open side of the pack of Figure 1 A;

Figure 2 shows another illustrative example of a blister pack according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 A illustrates an example of a hook and a locking device on a section of the blister pack of Figure 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 B illustrates a hook and locking device in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 A is a side view of the blister pack as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2; Figure 4B is a schematic representation of the blister pack of Figure 1 or Figure 2 partially folded; Figure 4C shows a side view of a folded blister pack of Figure 1 or Figure 2;

Figure 4D shows a plan (top) view of a folded blister pack of Figure 1 or Figure 2;

Figure 5 A shows an illustrative example of a blister pack in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 5B shows a side view of the blister pack of Figure 5 A folded;

Figure 5C shows a front elevation view of the blister pack of Figure 5 A folded; Figure 6 shows an illustrative example of a blister pack in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7A shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of the invention; and Figure 7B shows a plan view of the pack of Figure 7 A and illustrates the hinged arrangement of each section of the pack.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures IA and 2 each shows an example of a blister pack 1 that is made of moulded plastic for containing cigarettes 7 or other smoking articles (e.g. cigars, cigarillos, smokeless devices, etc). The plastic may be transparent or otherwise. In addition, the plastic may be clear or coloured.

In Figures IA and 2 the blister pack 1 includes eight container units 3. Each tray 3 is attached to another container unit 3 at one end by a hinge 5 to form four sections (or segments) 33, each section comprising a pair of container units 3. Each segment 33 is joined to at least one other segment 33 by a longitudinal edge 3A₅ which is perforated.

In the example shown in Figure IA, each container unit 3 is configured to hold three cigarettes 7; therefore, the blister pack 1 contains twenty-four cigarettes in total. In the example shown in Figure 2, one container unit 3 in each section is configured to hold two cigarettes 7 and one container unit 3 in each section is configured to hold three cigarettes 7; therefore the blister pack 1 contains twenty cigarettes in total. (Note that Figures IA and 2 show the leftmost container units containing cigarettes, with the other six container units empty for ease of understanding).

As illustrated in Figure IA and Figure 2, the cigarettes are arranged side-by- side and in a single layer within a container unit. The inside of each container unit 3 is moulded to include curved portions that are the width of a single cigarette 7. These curved portions therefore accommodate the cigarettes on an individual basis. The cigarettes 7 are separated from one another by the shape of the moulding. This spacing or gap between the cigarettes helps to avoid any potential damage to the product by cigarettes knocking against one another.

The open side of the moulded blister pack 1 includes a seal 9 that overlays the moulded base of each container unit 3. Accordingly, the cigarettes in the blister pack 1 are maintained in an airtight (and waterproof) housing. The seal 9 can be removed or broken to access the contents of each container unit 3. The seal may comprise a plastic film, a label, a piece of cardboard or paper, or any other suitable material.

The seal 9 may be attached to the blister pack 1 by heat sealing such that the seal 9 adheres to the blister pack 1 around the periphery of the blister pack 1 and also around the rim 3B of each container unit 3 (including inbetween the container units).

In another embodiment, the seal 9 is attached to the blister pack 1 by permanent adhesive and/or permanent tacky adhesive. By using permanent tacky adhesive to attach the seal 9 to the blister pack 1 „ the seal 9 is resealable, in that the seal 9 may be removed (lifted) and replaced along (a portion of) the perimeter where permanent tacky adhesive is applied. In one embodiment, permanent tacky adhesive may be applied around half the perimeter, to allow the seal to be lifted and product removed, while the seal may be permanently fixed to the other half of the perimeter, for example by permanent adhesive or heat sealing. It will be appreciated that any other appropriate form of bonding, apart from adhesive or heat sealing, could be used to seal the container units (e.g. acoustic welding).

Figures IB, 1C and ID illustrate a portion of the seal 9 for covering a single container unit 3. In some embodiments, an individual seal 9 could be applied to each container unit 3 separately, while in other embodiments, for ease in the manufacturing process, a single seal 9 may cover the whole of the blister pack 1. In the latter case, the single seal 9 is also attached to the tray inbetween the container units (to seal the individual container units), and may also be perforated between the container units 3, to permit ready separation of one container unit 3 from another.

In Figures IB, 1C and ID the shaded area 9 A around the periphery of the seal 9 indicates the section of the seal 9 that adheres to the rim 3B of each container unit 3. Figure IB shows the seal 9 adhered around the whole periphery. Figure 1C shows a corner tag 9B that has not been adhered to the rim 3B of a container unit 3. The corner tag 9B facilitates peeling the seal 9 from the container unit 3. The corner tag 9B can be gripped by the user and can be pulled back to remove (partly or completely) the remainder of the seal 9 from the container unit 3. Note that corner tag 9B is limited to the outer portion of the rim of the sealed container unit (it does not extend to the open portion containing the cigarettes), and so does not compromise the seal of the container unit. Figure ID shows a line of weakening 9C across the seal 9. The line of weakening 9C divides the seal 9 into two sections 9D, 9E. To remove the seal 9, the seal material is broken at the line of weakening 9C. When the seal is broken at the line of weakening, one section 9D of the seal 9 can be removed by peeling in one direction to leave the other section 9E intact (or vice versa). By removing only one section 9D, 9E of the seal 9, the remaining section acts as a barrier to help prevent the contents, for example cigarettes 7, from falling out of the open container unit 3. To fully expose the contents of the container unit 3, the whole of the seal 9 can be removed by peeling off both of the sections 9D, 9E of the seal 9 in opposite directions relative to the line of weakening 9C.

A rim 3B extends around the whole periphery of each container unit 3. At one end of each container unit 3, the rim 3 B is elongated such that a hook 11 and a locking device 13 can be included in the elongated area. Figures 3 A and 3B show one segment comprising a single container unit pair of the blister pack 1 and include examples of the hook 11 and the locking device 13. (N.B. Figure 3 A shows a blister pack from the top - i.e. with the sealed layer 9 on top, while Figure 3B shows a blister pack from underneath).

As shown in both Figure 3 A and Figure 3B, the locking device 13 is at the opposite end of the container units from the hinge 5. This increases the effective strength of the locking device in holding the container units together. In addition, the hook is located opposite the hinge. This helps to ensure that the contents of a pair of container units do not immediately fall out when the pair is opened out from being together.

Figure 3A shows the hook 11 as a circular hole through the elongated section of the rim 3B. In Figure 3B the hook 11 is provided by a substantially semi-circular hole through the elongated section. In other embodiments, the hook may comprise any other suitable shape for hanging the blister pack, whether a fully closed shape, such as the circular hole of Figure 3 A, or an open shape, such as a "C" or an inverted "J". The hook 11 provides an attachment point for suspending the blister pack 1 (or each segment of the blister pack 1) from a lanyard, neck-chain or the like. This is especially convenient for users who do not have pockets or a bag for otherwise storing cigarettes. Although Figures 3A and 3B show the same hook formation on each container unit within a pair (so that the two hooks overlap when the pair of container units is folded together), in other embodiments, this is not necessarily the case. For example, the hook may be formed on only one container unit with a pair. Another possibility is that the hook is formed from a combination of structures on both container units when folded together (even if individually the structures would not operate as a hook). For example, one structure on one container unit may have a surface sloping up to the right, and a structure on the other container unit in the pair may have a surface sloping up to the left. These can be arranged to partly overlap when the container units are folded together to provide a hook or hole for hanging in the shape of an inverted V.

In Figure 3 A, locking device 13 is provided by two protrusions 13A formed in the elongated section of the rim 3B on one container unit 3 and two corresponding recesses 13B formed in the elongated section of the rim 3 B of the adjoining container unit 3. In Figure 3B the locking device 13 is provided by a single protrusion 13A that extends substantially across the width of the elongated section of the rim 3B on one container unit 3 and on the adjoining container unit 3 by a single corresponding (opposing) recess 13B that extends substantially across the width of the elongated rim 3B. When the container units 3 are folded about the hinge 5, each protrusion 13A is received by an interference fit in a corresponding recess 13B to hold the container units 3 together.

It will be appreciated that other locking devices may be employed that have a different configuration. For example, the shape, number and/or positioning of the mating members (such as protrusions, recesses or holes etc), can be varied as appropriate. Furthermore, in the embodiments of Figures 3A and 3B, the locking device closes using a snap fit. This snap fit can then be overcome to open the pair of container units by pulling harder. In other embodiments, a more complex locking arrangement may be used, for example, one which requires pressure at a particular location to allow the locking device to be opened.

Figures 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D show the blister pack 1 in cross-section and how the container units are folded together. Note that this folding results in a smaller, more compact pack, which is therefore easier for use by a consumer. In addition, the configuration of Figures 4A-4D ensures that the contents are retained in the pack, even if the seal 9 has been removed (as described in more detail below).

Referring to Figure 4A, a side view of the pack 1 is illustrated and shows that the blister pack 1 is flat on the side to which the seal 9 is adhered. On the other side of the blister pack 1 the container units 3 are moulded to include on the inside a curved portion for each cigarette 7. In addition, the moulded tray includes one or more flat sections 15 (see also Figure IA). These flat sections may be used for applying labels or print, for example, brand information, health warning, etc. In the example illustrated three flat sections 15 are provided. In the illustrated example, the depth of the fiat sections 15 (i.e. the distance from seal 9) is greater than for the curved portions. The flat sections 15 are therefore spaced slightly from the cigarettes supported within the curved portions. This helps to protect the cigarettes from damage, in that any slight indentation of the flat portion will not contact or otherwise disturb the cigarettes in a container unit 3. (The curved portions are somewhat more robust against distortion than the flat portions by virtue of their shape).

In the embodiments of Figures IA, 2 and 4B, each section 33 includes two container units 3 that are connected by a hinge 5. The blister pack 1 as a whole or each section 33 of the blister pack 1 is folded about the hinge 5 so that the flat faces of the container units 3 on either side of the hinge come face-to-face. When the pack 1 or each section is closed in this manner, the seals 9 are sandwiched between the moulded sections of each container unit 3. This forms a closed container that prevents the contents from falling out even when a seal 9 is removed from one or more of the container units. In addition, when the pack 1 is folded about the hinge 5, each protrusion 13A engages with a corresponding recess 13B to lock the two halves of the blister pack 1 together as shown in Figure 4C and Figure 4D.

Figures 5A, 5B, 5C and 6 each show a blister pack 1 having the same hinge configuration as the pack 1 illustrated in Figures IA, 2, 3 A, 3B and 4A to 4D. The same reference numerals used above have been applied to Figures 5A, 5B, 5C and 6. For ease of understanding, Figures 5A and 6 show only the upper leftmost container unit 3 containing cigarettes 7, with the other container units 3 shown as empty. The blister pack 1 as illustrated in Figure 5A has two segments 33, each comprising a pair of container units 3, with each containing unit holding five cigarettes 7 (when foil). Thus each segment 33 contains ten cigarettes 7, and the pack as a whole contains 20 cigarettes. Figure 6 shows three pairs of container units 3 attached to each other for a pack that contains 30 cigarettes in total. It will be appreciated that the number of segments and/or the number of cigarettes within a segment can be varied as appropriate.

Figure 5 A shows a hook 11 on one container unit 3 of each section 33. On the other container unit 3 of each section 33 a notch HA is included. In the illustrated example, the notch 1 IA is slightly larger than the hook 11 such that when the pack is folded about the hinge 5, as shown in Figure 5C, the notch HA aligns with the hook 11, thereby allowing unobstructed use of the hook. In particular, notch HA is positioned and shaped such that the pack 1 or section 33 can be unfolded without removing the pack 1 or segment 33 from a lanyard, neck chain or the like when the blister pack 1 or segment 33 is suspended.

The hook 11 in Figures 5 A, 5B, 5C and Figure 6 is a circular hole through the elongated section of the rim 3B, In other embodiments, the hook may comprise any other suitable shape for hanging the blister pack 1, whether it is a fully closed shape, such as the circular hole of Figure 5 A, or an open shape, such as a "C" or an inverted "J". The notch 1 IA can be arranged to have an appropriate shape and size, given the size and shape of hook 11, so as not to prevent the folded pack 1 or section 33 from unfolding when the pack 1 or section 33 is suspended from hook 11.

Referring to Figures 5B and 5C, these show one section 33 of the blister pack 1 in a folded, compact form. In this embodiment, the outer surface of the pack 1 comprises a large, generally flat surface, onto which a label 17 may be attached or printing may be applied. This flat surface may be achieved by having the moulded plastic of the tray thicker where necessary for the curved portions than for the flat portions 15.

Figure 7 A shows an alternative arrangement of a blister pack IA. The blister pack IA as shown comprises four container units 300, 301, 302, 303 that are joined together along their longitudinal edge (the longitudinal edge is parallel to the axis of the cigarettes contained in the pack 1). In the illustrated example, each container unit 300, 301, 302, 303 holds five cigarettes 7 (although only container unit 300 is depicted with cigarettes inside).

The pack IA is divided into two segments 304, 305 by a perforated longitudinal edge or weakened line 5B down the centre of the pack IA between two of the container units 301 , 302. The perforated or weakened line 5B facilitates separation of the two segments 304, 305 to provide two separate compact cigarette holders. Each segment 304, 305 comprises two container units that are joined together by a hinge 5 A on a longitudinal edge. In particular, one segment 304 includes a container unit 300 which is hinged to a container unit 301 along the opposite edge to the perforated or weakened line 5B, while the other segment 305 includes a container unit 303 which is hinged to a container unit 302 along the opposite edge to the perforated or weakened line 5B.

Figure 7B shows a plan view of the pack IA and illustrates how the pack IA is closed by rotating the two outer container units 300, 303 about their respective hinges 5 A such that the flat sides (the sealed sides) of each pair of container units 300, 301, 302, 303 are brought face-to-face. This leads to a compact and convenient pack for the consumer.

The pack IA as illustrated in Figure 7 A includes a hook 11 at the top of each container unit 300, 301, 302, 303. In the illustrated example the hook 11 is provided on the elongated section at the top of each container unit 300, 301, 302, 303. Other embodiments of pack IA may have a different design of hook, as discussed above.

In addition, each section 304, 305 includes a locking device comprising a protrusion 13A and a corresponding recess portion 13B that engage one another to lock the pair of container units in each section 304, 305 together. In the embodiment illustrated, protrusions 13 A are provided at the top and bottom of one container unit 301, 302 in each section 304, 305, and corresponding recess portions 13B are likewise provided at the top and bottom of the other container unit 300, 303 in the section 304, 305. To lock the container units in each section 304, 305 to one another, the pack is folded, and each protrusion 13A engages with interference fit in a corresponding recessed portion 13B. Again, other embodiments of pack IA may have a different design of locking device, as discussed above. It will be appreciated that an individual container unit within a blister pack houses a relatively small number of cigarettes compared to a conventional hinged-lid pack. Accordingly, even after one container unit is opened, the cigarettes in the other container units remain sealed and therefore retain their freshness until they are needed. Rather than having to carry a whole blister pack, a user may take with them a reduced number of segments 33. It will be appreciated that for the consumer this is a much more flexible and convenient arrangement for carrying cigarettes. Furthermore, different sealed container units may be provided with different smoking articles, e.g. different cigarette flavours, without risk of cross-contamination. For example, one sealed container unit may house cigarettes with menthol, while another sealed container unit may house cigarettes without menthol.

In conclusion, while specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail herein, the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of the claimed invention.

Claims

1. A blister pack having a moulded plastic tray for housing smoking articles, the tray comprising multiple detachable segments, wherein each segment includes one or more sealed container units and at least one hook for suspending the segment, wherein the smoking articles are housed within the sealed container units.

2. A blister pack according to Claim 1, wherein the tray includes a substantially flat rim extending around the perimeter of the sealed container units.

3. A blister pack according to Claim 2, wherein each hook is attached to the rim of the tray.

4. A blister pack according to any one of Claims, 1, 2 or 3, wherein the smoking articles are cylindrical and each hook is configured such that the axis of the cylindrical smoking articles is vertical when suspended by the hook.

5. A blister pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the segments are joined to one another by a weakened edge such that the segments can be detached from one other along the weakened edge.

6. A blister pack according to Claim 5, wherein the smoking articles are cylindrical and wherein the cylindrical axis of the smoking articles is parallel to the weakened edge(s).

7. A blister pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the smoking articles are cylindrical, and wherein each sealed container unit is moulded to have a curved portion corresponding to the cylindrical shape of one or more smoking articles therein and to have one or more flat parts.

8. A blister pack according to Claim 7, wherein the one or more flat parts are spaced from the smoking articles.

9. A blister pack according to Claim 8, wherein the one or more flat parts have one or more labels applied thereto.

10. A blister pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein there is a locking device adjacent the hook for each segment.

11. A blister pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each segment includes a pair of sealed container units, wherein one sealed container unit in the pair is hinged to the other sealed container unit in the pair to allow the two sealed container units in the pair to be folded together.

12. A blister pack according to Claim 11, wherein each sealed container unit has a moulded base covered by a seal that can be removed or broken to provide access into the container unit, and wherein when a pair of container units is folded together, their two moulded bases close together to retain smoking articles in the two container units irrespective of whether said seals have been removed or broken.

13. A blister pack according to Claim 11 or 12, wherein a pair of sealed container units includes a locking device for locking the two sealed container units to one another when the sealed container units in the pair are folded together.

14. A blister pack according to Claim 13, wherein the locking device for the pair comprises at least one protrusion associated with one sealed container unit of the pair and at least one recess associated with the other sealed container unit of the pair for receiving a corresponding protrusion with a snap fit.

15. A blister pack according to any one of Claims 11 to 14, wherein the sealed container units in a pair are hinged along an edge of the tray opposite the hook for that segment.

16. A blister pack according to any one of Claims 11 to 14, wherein the smoking articles are cylindrical and wherein the hinge of each pair of sealed container units is parallel to the cylindrical axis of the smoking articles housed in the tray.

17. A blister pack according to Claim 16, wherein the container units can be locked together at each end along said cylindrical axis.

18. A blister pack according to Claim 16 or 17, wherein the pack includes two segments, each segment having a first and a second sealed container unit, wherein the first sealed container units of each segment are joined to one another along a central line and the second sealed container units of each segment fold about their respective hinges towards the central line.

19. A blister pack according to any one of Claims 11 to 18, wherein only one sealed container unit in a pair includes a hook.

20. A blister pack according to Claim 19, wherein the other sealed container unit of the pair includes a notch configured so that when the two sealed container units in the pair are folded together, the hook and the notch overlap.

21. A blister pack according to any one of Claims 11 to 18, wherein each sealed container unit in a pair includes a hook such that when the two sealed container units in the pair are folded together, the two hooks overlap to act as a single hook.

22. A blister pack having a moulded plastic tray for housing smoking articles, the tray comprising at least one detachable segment, each segment including a pair of sealed container units for housing smoking articles, wherein one sealed container unit in the pair is hinged to the other sealed container unit in the pair to allow the two sealed container units in the pair to be folded together, each sealed container unit having a moulded base covered by a seal that can be removed or broken to provide access into the container unit, wherein when a pair of container units is folded together, their two moulded bases close together to retain smoking articles in the two container units irrespective of whether said seals have been removed or broken, and each pair of sealed container units including a locking device for locking the two sealed container units to one another when the sealed container units in the pair are folded together.

23. A blister pack according to Claim 22, wherein the locking device comprises at least one protrusion associated with one sealed container unit of the pair and at least one recess associated with the other sealed container unit of the pair for receiving a corresponding protrusion with a snap fit.

24. A blister pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein different sealed container units are provided with different smoking articles.

25. A blister pack according to Claim 24, wherein one sealed container unit houses smoking articles with one flavour, and another sealed container unit houses smoking articles with another flavour.

26. A blister pack as substantially hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.