WO2009015976A1

WO2009015976A1 - Packet

Info

Publication number: WO2009015976A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/058525
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alan Douglas Tearle
Original assignee: British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited
Priority date: 2007-07-27
Filing date: 2008-07-02
Publication date: 2009-02-05
Also published as: ZA201001450B; EP2170715A1; TW200925070A; RU2010106853A; ATE540872T1; AR067694A1; JP2010534595A; EP2170715B1; UA102229C2; JP4965709B2; GB0714669D0; CL2008002176A1

Abstract

A packet (1) for smoking articles and a blank or set of blanks (BR, BL, PB) for making such a packet (1) are disclosed herein. The packet (1) comprises a container (11) that includes a front panel (HA), a rear panel (HB) and first and second opposing side panels (HD, HE). The packet (1) also comprises a first lid (3) and a second lid (5). The first lid (3) is attached by a first hinge to the first side panel (HD) and the second lid (5) is attached by a second hinge to the first side panel (HD) or the second side panel (HE). The axis of the first hinge and the axis of the second hinge are parallel to one another. When the first lid (3) is closed the rear panel (HB) and at least part of the second side panel (HE) are nested in the first lid (3). When the second lid (5) is closed the front panel (HA) and at least part of the side panel (HD; HE) opposite the second hinge are nested in the second lid (5).

Description

A PACKET FOR SMOKING ARTICLES AND A SET OF BLANKS FOR FORMING THE PACKET

FIELD OFTHE INVENTION

This invention relates to packaging for smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos. In particular, the invention relates to a packet and blanks for 5 making the packet.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Conventional cigarette packets are generally in the form of a regular rectangular parallelepiped; each side of the packet being a rectangle. The cross-section of the packet is generally wide in one aspect that defines the front and rear of the

10 packet and relatively thin in another aspect that defines the sides of the packet. An example of such a packet is one that contains twenty cigarettes. The cigarettes are often arranged in three rows inside the packet, with seven cigarettes placed towards the front of the packet and seven cigarettes to the rear of the packet, with the remaining six cigarettes sandwiched between the two rows of seven. Each one of the six cigarettes

15 nests in the void provided when two cigarettes in the rows of seven are in contact. The sides of such a packet are generally wide enough to accommodate approximately two and a half to three times the diameter of the cigarettes contained inside the packet. The front and rear of such a packet are generally wide enough to accommodate seven times the diameter of the cigarettes contained inside the packet.

20 A single hinged lid that is attached to the rear wall of the packet conventionally closes such a packet. The cross-sectional area of such a packet lends itself to opening and closing using such a hinged lid arrangement. However, this type of lid may be less suitable if the dimensions of the packet are altered.

25 SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a packet for smoking articles comprising: a container that includes a front panel, a rear panel and first and second opposing side panels; a first lid and a second lid, wherein the first lid is attached by a first hinge to the first side panel and the second lid is attached by a second hinge to the first side panel or to the second side panel, the axis of the first hinge and the axis of the second hinge being parallel to one another. When the first lid is closed, the rear panel and at least part of the second side panel are nested in the first lid, and when the second lid is closed, the front panel and at least part of the side panel opposite the second hinge are nested in the second lid.

The first and the second lids may each have a top end panel, which together fully cover a top end of the container when the first and second lids are closed. The top end panels have closing edges that may abut each other on closing the first and second lids to cover the top end of the container. Alternatively, the top end panels of the first and second lids may overlap at least partially when closed.

The first and the second lids may each have a bottom end panel, which together fully cover a bottom end of the container when the first and second lids are closed. The bottom end panels comprise closing edges that may abut each other on closing the first and second lids to cover the bottom end of the container. Alternatively, the bottom end panels of the first and second lids may overlap at least partially when closed. The abutting or overlapping edges close the ends of the packet, thereby retaining the contents within the container.

The second lid may be attached by a second hinge to the second side panel and both the first and second lids rotate to open in the same direction about their respective hinges. Alternatively, the second lid may be attached by a second hinge to the first side panel and the first and second lids rotate to open in opposite directions about their respective hinges.

An opening is provided in the container to allow access to its contents. The opening may be provided at the top end of the container. The opening may further comprise a recessed portion on the front and/or rear panels. The recessed portion extends the opening and allows greater access to the contents than if only an opening at the end of the container were provided. The recessed portion may be substantially U-shaped to provide access to the contents fully across the width of the front and rear of the packet. Alternatively, the container may include an opening portion to provide access to the inside of the container. The opening portion may be defined by perforations. The user can tear the opening portion along the perforations to open the container. The opening portion may be attached by a hinge to a side edge of the container. This side edge may form a hinge line about which the opening portion can rotate to open and close the opening. Alternatively, the opening portion may be fully removable.

The opening portion may be provided on each of the front and rear panels. The opening portion may extend onto a top end panel at the top end of the container and/or may extend onto a bottom end panel at the bottom end of the container. The opening provided by removing or opening an opening portion that extends from the top to the bottom of the front and rear panels and extends onto the bottom end panel exposes the full length (and one end) of the contents, for example, cigarettes. In this embodiment, a cigarette may be removed from the opening by tilting about the exposed end and lifting the cigarette from the opening. Alternatively, a cigarette could be removed by pinching anywhere along the exposed length and lifting.

The packet may include a partition that divides the container into at least two compartments. Each compartment may be sized appropriately such that on opening one lid the contents of only that compartment are accessible. Therefore, both lids may be opened to access the contents of both compartments. The first lid may cover one of the two compartments when closed and the second lid may cover the other of the two compartments when closed.

A further aspect of the invention is directed to a set of blanks that may include one or more blanks for forming such a packet. For example, the set of blanks may include two blanks, wherein a first blank includes the rear panel and the first lid, and a second blank includes the front panel and the second lid. A packet may be formed by combining the two blanks, wherein each side panel of the packet comprises an overlap of the first and second blanks when the packet is formed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are described, by way of the example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a closed packet according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a packet according to a first embodiment of the invention with one lid open; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the packet of Figure 2 with two lids open;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a packet according to a second embodiment of the invention with two lids open and including an opening portion;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the packet of Figure 4 with one lid open and an opening portion removed;

Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a set of blanks for making the packet of Figures 2 and 3;

Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a set of blanks for making the packet of Figures 4 and 5; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a partially assembled packet made from the set of blanks of Figure 6.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that drawings and detailed description thereto 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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In Figures 1 to 8, solid lines indicate edges or through cuts and dashed or broken lines indicate hinge-lines about which the lids in the packet rotate to open and close the packet. Dashed or broken lines are also used to indicate fold lines about which a blank is folded to form the packet.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a packet 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The packet 1 has two lids 3, 5 and a container (not visible in Figure 1). When the packet 1 is closed, as shown in Figure 1, the container is nested inside the two lids 3, 5.

The packet 1 has the form of a rectangular parallelepiped that includes a front face, a rear face, two opposing sides, a top face and a bottom face. The front and rear faces of the packet 1 when closed are provided by corresponding panels 3 A, 5 A of the two lids 3, 5. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an open packet 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, each lid 3, 5 comprises a main panel 3A, 5A, a top end panel 3B, 5B, a bottom end panel 3C, 5C and two opposing side panels 3D, 3E and 5D, 5E. The top panels 3B, 5B of each lid 3, 5 have closing edges that abut against each other to cover the top end of the container 11. Similarly, the bottom panels 3C, 5C of each lid 3, 5 have closing edges that abut against each other to cover the bottom end of the container. When both lids are closed the top panels 3B, 5B and the bottom panels 3C, 5C provide the top and bottom faces of the packet 1 respectively. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the packet of Figure 2 with both lids 3, 5 open. The container 11 includes a front panel 1 IA and a rear panel 1 IB, two opposing side panels 1 ID, 1 IE, an open top end and a closed bottom end (not visible). The container 11 also includes a partition IIP that divides the container into two separate compartments. In the example illustrated, the partition 1 IP is the same size as the front and rear panels 1 IA, 1 IB of the container 11 such that the container 11 is divided into a front compartment and a rear compartment. The partition I IP may be removable or fixed.

The lids 3, 5 are both attached by a hinge 3H (not visible), 5H to opposing side panels 1 ID, 1 IE of the container 11. The axis of the first hinge 3H and the axis of the second hinge 5H are parallel to one another. In this arrangement, both lids 3, 5 rotate in the same direction; for example, counter clockwise when viewed from the top to open the packet and clockwise Al, A2 when viewed from the top to close the packet 1. One lid 3 rotates to open and close the front compartment and the other lid 5 rotates to open and close the rear compartment. In the example illustrated the hinge line 3H, 5H about which each lid 3, 5 rotates is offset from the side edge of the packet 1. hi the example illustrated the hinge line 3H, 5H is offset from the side edge by approximately one quarter of the breadth of the packet 1. Therefore, the opposing side faces of the closed packet 1 each includes a side panel 1 ID, 1 IE of the container 11 and a side panel 3D, 5D of each lid 3, 5 that is attached by a hinge 3H, 5H to the respective side panel 1 ID, 1 IE of the container 11. In the example illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the top end of the container 11 is wholly open. The opening extends onto the front panel 1 IA and the rear panel 1 IB to provide increased access to the contents, for example, cigarettes. The opening on the front panel 1 IA and rear panel 1 IB is a substantially U-shaped recess 13. By extending the opening onto the front panel 1 IA and the rear panel 1 IB, the end of the cigarettes and at least a section of the length of the cigarettes are exposed. Such an opening makes gripping of the contents for removal easier than if the opening were restricted to just the end of the container.

Referring to Figure 4, a perspective view of a further embodiment is illustrated, in which the container 11 of the packet 1 includes a top end panel 1 IF instead of an opening at the top of the packet 1. In the example illustrated in Figure 4, an opening portion 15 is provided on the front 1 IA and the rear 1 IB of the container 11, such that removing the opening portion allows access to the contents of the container 11. The opening portion 15 is defined by perforations on the front 1 IA and the rear 1 IB of the container 11.

On the front 1 IA and rear panels 1 IB of the container 11, the opening portion 15 extends from one side edge on the container 11 towards the opposite side edge of the container 11, and from the top to the bottom edges of the container 11. The opening portion 15 extends onto the top panel 1 IF of the container 11 at one end and onto the bottom panel 11C at the other end.

In some embodiments, the opening portion 15 can be removed completely from the container 11 to provide an opening of corresponding shape. Alternatively, the opening portion 15 may be partially removable, for example the side edge defined by the front panel 15A of the opening portion 15 and the side panel 1 ID of the container 11 remains intact and provides a hinge about which the opening portion 15 can rotate. In this example the opening portion 15 provides a hinged cover that can be closed after each removal of, for example a cigarette through the opening that is provided when the opening portion is open.

In the example illustrated in Figure 4, the opening portion 15 (and the resulting opening) form U-shaped recesses on the top 1 IF and the bottom 11C ends of the container 11. The end panels 15B, 15C (not visible in Figure 4) of the opening portion 15 are each displaced towards the side panel that is opposite to the side panel to which the lid that covers the opening is attached. For example, the part of the opening portion 15B that extends from the front panel 1 IA onto the top panel 1 IF is positioned towards the side panel 1 ID that is opposite side panel 1 IE to which the first lid 3 is attached. hi the example illustrated, the main panel 15A of the opening portion 15 has a contoured shape such that a major part of the front panel 1 IA and the rear panel 1 IB is removed when the opening portion is open or removed. The contoured shape helps to ensure the integrity of the front panel 1 IA and rear panel 1 IB of the container 11 on removal or opening of the opening portion 15.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figure 4 where one lid 3 is open and shows the opening that is provided by removal of the opening portion 15. The opening allows access to the whole length of a cigarette contained in the packet 1. Therefore, to extract a cigarette from the packet 1, the opening allows the consumer to grip anywhere along the length of the cigarette or to grip the cigarette on its ends between finger and thumb.

A partition 1 IP is included in this example. The partition I IP comprises a main panel that is approximately the same size as the front panel 1 IA and rear panel 1 IB of the container 11 and separates the container 11 into front and rear compartments.

In the embodiments described with reference to Figures 1 to 5, the packet 1 is suitable for containing twenty cigarettes. The cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the packet 1 are such that the twenty cigarettes can be accommodated in four rows including five cigarettes in each row. Referring to Figure 1, the depth D of the packet is approximately equal to four times the diameter of a cigarette to be contained in the packet 1 and the width or breadth W of the packet 1 is approximately equal to five times the diameter of a cigarette to be contained in the packet 1. The length or height

L of the packet 1 is approximately equal to the length of a cigarette to be contained in the packet 1. For example, the dimensions of the packet 1 for cigarettes that are 83mm long are: the length or height L is 85mm, the width or breadth W is 41 to 42mm and the depth D is 32 to 33mm.

In the examples illustrated the closing edges at the ends of the lid may be shaped such that the edges abut to close the ends of the packet 1. Alternatively, the edges may be shaped such that the ends of the lid partially overlap to close the ends of the packet 1. The side panel 3E, 5E of each lid 3, 5 that is opposite the side panel 3D,

5D that is attached by a hinge 3H, 5H to the container 11 also comprises a shaped edge. In the example illustrated the shaped edge on the lid side panel 3E, 5E is contoured and includes a concave portion that aids gripping for opening the packet 1. The side panels 3E, 5E may have any suitable shape.

The packets described above in relation to Figures 1 to 5 may be made by folding a single blank to form the packet 1 or by folding and combining a set of blanks to produce the packet 1.

A set of blanks for making the packet 1 as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 is illustrated in Figure 6 and a set of blanks for making a packet 1 as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 is illustrated in Figure 7. The set of blanks illustrated in Figures 6 and 7 each comprises two identical blanks BR, BL that are folded and joined together to make the packet 1 and a partition blank BP that is folded and inserted into the erected packet 1 to divide the container 11 of the packet 1 into two separate compartments. The blanks are denoted BR and BL to indicate the placement of the blanks BR, BL as illustrated; BR denotes the blank that is rightmost in Figure 6 and Figure 7 and BL denotes the blank that is leftmost in Figure 6 and Figure 7.

Figure 8 shows the blanks BR, BL of Figure 6 partially folded before combining them to form the erected packet 1 as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3.

An example of how the blanks BR and BL are folded and how they are combined to produce a packet 1 is discussed below.

Referring to Figure 6, the rightmost blank BR comprises a lid portion BRL and a container portion BRC. The lid portion BRL includes a main panel BR3 A, a top end panel BR3B, a bottom end panel BR3C, each depending respectively from the top and bottom opposite edges of the main panel BR3A, and two opposing side panels BR3D, BR3E. One of the side panels BR3D is attached by a hinge 3H to a side panel BR2 of the container portion BRC. The other side panel BR3E has a free edge that provides the closing edge of the lid in an erected packet. In the example illustrated the free edge of the side panel BR3E is contoured.

The lid portion BRL also includes tabs BRTl, BRT2, BRT3, BRT4, which are foldable relative to the panels as described above to which they are attached. These tabs facilitate joining adjacent panels together in the erected packet to form the lid 3. One tab BRTl extends from the top edge of the side panel BR3E that includes the free edge and when forming the lid 3 the tab BRTl is fixed to the inside of the lid top panel BR3B. Another tab BRT2 extends from the bottom edge of the side panel BR3E that includes the free edge and when forming the lid 3 the tab BRT2 is fixed to the inside of the lid bottom panel BR3C. A tab BRT3 and a tab BRT4 extend respectively from the top and bottom edges of the side panel BR3D that is attached to the side panel BR2 of the container portion BRC. When forming the lid 3, the tabs BRT3, BRT4 are fixed to the inside of the lid end panels BR3B, BR3C.

The container portion BRC comprises one side panel BR2 that is attached by a perforated hinge or a fold line to the side panel BR3D of the lid portion BRL, a main panel BRl and another side panel BR3.

Attached to the main panel BRl is a bottom end panel BR4 that is foldable relative to the main panel BRl to provide the base of the container 11 in the erected packet 1. A tab BRT5 is provided on the side panel BR3 and is foldable relative to the side panel BR3 and is attachable to the bottom end panel BR4 to secure the base of the container 11 of the erected packet 1.

In Figure 6, the leftmost blank BL comprises a lid portion BLL and a container portion BLC. In the lid portion BLL there is defined a main panel BL5A, a top end panel BL5B and a bottom end panel BL5C, each depending respectively from the top and bottom opposite edges of the main panel BL5A, and two opposing side panels BL5D, BL5E. One side panel BL5D is attached by a hinge 5H to a side panel BL2 of the container portion BLC. The other side panel BL5E has a free edge that provides the closing edge of the lid in an erected packet. In the example illustrated the free edge of the side panel BL5E is contoured.

The lid portion BLL also includes tabs BLTl, BLT2, BLT3, BLT4, which are foldable relative to the panels described above to join the adjacent panels together to form the lid 5 in the erected packet 1. A tab BLTl and a tab BLT2 extend respectively from each of the top and bottom edges of the side panel BL5E that includes the free edge. When forming the lid 5, the tab BLTl is fixed to the inside of the lid top panel BL5B and the tab BLT2 is fixed to the inside of the bottom lid panel BL5C. A tab BLT3 and a tab BLT4 extend respectively from each of the top and bottom edges of the side panel BL5D that is attached by a hinge 5H to the container portion BLC. When forming the lid 5, the tab BLT3 is fixed to the inside of the lid top panel BL5B and the tab BLT4 is fixed to the inside of the bottom lid panel BL5C.

The container portion BLC of the blank BL comprises one side panel BL2 that is attached by a perforated hinge 5H or fold line 5H to the side panel BL5D of the lid portion BLL, a main panel BLl that provides the rear panel 1 IB of the container 11 in the erected packet 1, and an opposing side panel BL3. Attached to the main panel BLl is a bottom end panel BL4 that is foldable relative to the main panel BLl to provide the base of the container 11 in the erected packet 1.

A tab BLT5 is provided on the bottom edge of the side panel BL3, and when forming the packet 1, this tab is folded relative to the side panel BL3 and is fixed to the inside face of the bottom end panel BL4 to secure the base of the container 11 of the erected packet 1. hi both blanks BR, BL, the top panels BR3B, BL5B and the bottom panels

BR3C, BL5C of the lid portion BRL, BLL each have a free edge that provides the closing edges at the top and bottom of the erected packet. As illustrated the closing edges may have complementary shapes, such that when the edges of the two top panels

BR3B, BL5B and the edges of the two bottom panels BR3C, BL5C come together on closing the erected packet 1 , their edges abut.

In Figure 6, a partition blank BP is illustrated and is included in the set of blanks to form the packet 1 as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. The partition is insertable into the container 11 of the erected packet 1 to divide the container 11 into two compartments.

The partition blank BP comprises three panels BPl, BP2, BP3. The main panel

BPl is the same size as the main panels BRl, BLl of the container portion BLC, and the other two panels BP2, BP3 are at least as wide as one diameter of cigarettes to be contained in the packet. In the example illustrated, the packet 1 is suitable for containing four rows of five cigarettes and the side panels BP2, BP3 of the partition blank BP are each as wide as twice the diameter of a cigarette, so that the partition divides the container 11 into two equal-sized compartments. Like reference numerals to those applied to the blanks in Figure 6 have been applied to the set of blanks illustrated in Figure 7. Referring to Figure 7, the rightmost blank BR comprises a lid portion BRL and a container portion BRC. The lid portion BRL includes a main panel BR3A, a top end panel BR3B and a bottom end panel BR3C, each depending respectively from the top and bottom edges of the main panel BR3A, and two opposing side panels BR3D, BR3E. One of the side panels BR3D is attached by a hinge 3H to a side panel BR2 of the container portion BRC and the other side panel BR3E has a free edge that provides the closing edge of the lid in an erected packet. In the example illustrated, the free edge of the side panel BR3E is contoured.

The lid portion BRL also includes tabs BRTl, BRT2, BRT3, BRT4, which are foldable relative to the panels as described above to which they are attached. The tabs facilitate joining adjacent panels together in the erected packet 1 to form the lid 3. One tab BRTl extends from the top edge of the side panel BR3E that includes the free edge, and when forming the lid 3 is fixed to the inside of the lid top panel BR3B. Another tab BRT2 extends from the bottom edge of the side panel BR3E that includes the free edge, and when forming the lid 3 is fixed to the inside of the lid bottom panel BR3C. A tab BRT3 and a tab BRT4 extend respectively from the top and bottom edges of the side panel BR3D that is attached to container portion BRC. When forming the lid 3 the tab BRT3 is fixed to the inside of the top lid panel BR3B and the tab BRT4 is fixed to the inside of the bottom lid panel BR3C. The container portion BRC comprises a main panel BRl and opposing side panels BR2, BR3; one side panel BR2 is attached by a perforated hinge 3H or a fold line 3H to the side panel BR3D of the lid portion BRL.

A bottom end panel BR4 and a top end panel BR5 are attached respectively to the bottom and top of the main panel BRl . The bottom and top end panels are foldable relative to the main panel BRl to provide respectively the base and top of the container 11 in the erected packet 1. A tab BRT6 and a tab BRT5 are provided respectively on the top and bottom edges of the side panel BR3. When forming the packet 1, the tabs BRT5 and BRT6 are folded through 90 degrees relative to the side panel BR3, and fixed respectively to an inside surface of the bottom end panel BR4 and top end panel BR5 to provide a base and a top for the container 11 in the erected packet 1. In Figure 7, the leftmost blank BL is a mirror image of the rightmost blank and comprises a lid portion BLL and a container portion BLC. In the lid portion BLL there is defined a main panel BL5 A, a top end panel BL5B and a bottom end panel BL5C, each depending respectively from the top and bottom opposite edges of the main panel BL5A, and two opposing side panels BL5D, BL5E. One of the side panels BL5D is attached by a hinge 5H to the container portion BLC and the other side panel BL5E has a free edge that provides the closing edge of the lid in an erected packet. In the example illustrated, the free edge of the side panel BR3E is contoured.

The lid portion BLL also includes tabs BLTl, BLT2, BLT3, BLT4, which are foldable relative to the panels described above to join the adjacent panels together to form the lid 5 in the erected packet 1. A tab BLTl and a tab BLT2 extend respectively from the top and bottom edges of the side panel BL5E. When folded to form the packet 1, the tab BLTl and the tab BLT2 fold through 90 degrees relative to the side panel BL5E and fix to the inside surface of the top lid panel BL5B and the bottom lid panel BL5C respectively. A tab BLT3 and a tab BLT4 extend respectively from each of the top and bottom edges of the side panel BL5D. When folded to form the packet 1, the tab BLT3 and the tab BLT4 fold through 90 degrees relative to the side panel BL5D and fix to the inside surface of the top lid panel BL5B and the bottom lid panel BL5C respectively. The container portion BLC of the blank BL comprises a main panel BLl and opposing side panels BL2, BL3; one side panel BL2 is attached by a perforated hinge or fold line 5H to the side panel BL5D of the lid portion BLL.

A bottom end panel BL4 and a top end panel BL5 are attached respectively to the bottom and the top of the main panel BLl . The bottom end panel BL4 and the top end panel BL5 are foldable relative to the main panel BLl to provide respectively the base and the top of the container 11 in the erected packet 1. A tab BLT6 and a tab BLT5 are provided respectively on the top and bottom edges of the side panel BL3. When forming the packet 1, the tabs BLT5 and BLT6 are folded through 90 degrees relative to the side panel BL3 and fix respectively to the inside surface of the bottom end panel BL4 and the top end panel BL5 to provide a base and a top for the container 11 in the erected packet 1. In both blanks BR, BL, each of the top panels BR3B, BL5B and the bottom panels BR3C, BL5C of the lid portion BRL has a free edge which provides the closing edges at the top and bottom of the erected packet. As illustrated, the closing edges may have complementary shapes, such that when the edges of the two top panels and the edges of the two bottom panels come together on closing the erected packet, the edges abut.

In Figure 7, the rightmost blank BR and the leftmost blank BL each comprises an opening portion RP that is defined by a perforated tear line in the blanks. The opening portion RP is defined by a main panel RPl, a top panel RP2 and a bottom panel, RP3. The main panel RPl is defined in the main panel BRl, BLl of the container portion BRC, BLC. The top panel RP2 of the opening portion RP and the bottom panel RP3 of the opening portion RP are defined in the top panel BR5 of the container portion BLC, BRC and the bottom panel BR4 of the container portion BLC, BRC respectively. The set of blanks illustrated in Figure 7 also includes a partition blank BP that is configured to divide the container 11 in the erected packet 1 into two equal sized compartments. The partition blank BP comprises three panels BPl, BP2, BP3. The main panel BPl is the same size as the main panel BRl, BLl of the container portion BLC, BRC, and the other two panels BP2, BP3 are defined on the top and bottom edges of the main panel BPl . In this embodiment, the panels BP2, BP3 of the partition BP each has the same size and width as the top BL5, BR5 and bottom BL4, BR4 panels of the container portion BLC, BRC.

In the erected packet, the end panels BP2, BP3 of the partition blank BP coincide respectively with the top BR5, BL5 and bottom BR4, BL4 panels of the container portion BRC, BLC. In the example illustrated, the end panels BP2, BP3 each includes a cut out portion that corresponds in shape to the top and bottom parts RP2, RP3 of the portion RP.

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a partially erected packet comprising two half-assembled packets IA, IB, wherein each half-assembled packet IA, IB is made using the set of blanks illustrated in Figure 6.

A method of folding the rightmost blank BR to produce the half-assembled packet IA involves the following steps: a) Fold the top lid panel BR3B, the bottom lid panel BR3C, the bottom end panel BR4 of the container portion BRC and tabs BRTl, BRT2, BRT3, BRT4, BRT5 through ninety degrees so that they upstand from the panels to which they are attached; b) Fold the side lid panel BR3E through ninety degrees relative to the main lid panel BR3A ensuring that the already folded tabs BRTl, BRT2 are guided to make contact with the inside surface of the top lid panel BR3B and the bottom lid panel BR3C respectively; c) Fold the main panel BR3 A through ninety degrees relative to the side lid panel BR3D ensuring that the tabs BRT3, BRT4 are guided into contact with the inner surface of the top lid panel BR3B and the bottom lid panel BR3C respectively; d) Fold the side panel BR3 of the container portion BRC through ninety degrees relative to the main panel BRl of the container portion BRC such that the tab BRT5 comes into contact with the inside surface of the bottom panel BR4 of the container portion BRC; e) Fold the main panel BRl through ninety degrees relative to the other side panel BR2 so that the side panel BR3 makes contact with the inside surface of the lid side panel BR3E; f) Repeat steps a) to e) of folding the rightmost blank BL to fold the leftmost blank BL in Figure 6 to form the second half-assembled packet IB of the partially erected packet 1 ; g) Join the two half-assembled packets IA, IB together by first rotating the lid portion BRL, BLL on each assembly through ninety degrees to open the container portions BRC, BLC; h) Move the two half-assembled packets IA, IB together such that the side panel BR2 to which the lid BRL is attached on the first half- assembled packet IA overlaps the side panel BL3 on the second half- assembled packet IB and the side panel BL2 to which the lid BLL is attached on the second half-assembled packet IB overlaps the side panel BR3 on the first half-assembled packet IA. When the two half- assembled packets IA, IB are combined the two bottom panels BR4, BL4 come together with substantially abutting edges to form a base of the container 11 in the erected packet 1 ; i) Fold the partition blank BP by folding both side panels BP2, BP3 through ninety degrees relative to the main panel BPl and insert the formed partition I IP into the container 11 by sliding the partition I IP through the open top end to divide the container 11 into two equal sized compartments; j) Rotate both lids 3, 5 to close the packet 1. The contents of the packet may be placed on the blanks at step a) and the blanks can be folded around the contents. Alternatively, the contents could be placed in each container portion BRC, BLC of each half-assembled packet IA, IB prior to step h) when the half-assembled packets IA, IB are combined. Alternatively, the contents may be inserted through the open top end prior to step j) when the lids are rotated to close the packet 1. An example of how to fold and assemble the set of blanks illustrated in Figure

7 to form an erected packet 1 as illustrated in Figures 1, 4 and 5 is as follows: a) Fold the lid top panel BR3B, the lid bottom panel BR3C, the top panel BR5 and the bottom panel BR4 and the tabs BRTl, BRT2, BRT3, BRT4, BRT5, BRT6 through ninety degrees so that they upstand from the panels to which they are attached; b) Fold the lid side panel BR3E through ninety degrees relative to the main panel BR3A whilst guiding the tabs BRTl, BRT2 into contact with the inside surface of the top and bottom lid panels BR3B, BR3C; c) Fold the lid main panel BR3 A through ninety degrees relative to the lid side panel BR3D whilst guiding the tabs BRT3, BRT4 into contact with the inside surface of the lid top panel BR3B and the lid bottom panel BR3C; d) Fold the side panel BR3 of the container portion BRC through ninety degrees relative to the main panel BRl of the container portion BRC such that the tab BRT5 comes into contact with the inside surface of the bottom panel BR4 of the container portion BRC and the tab BRT6 comes into contact with the inside surface of the top panel BR5 of the container portion BRC; e) Fold the main panel BRl of the container portion BRC through ninety degrees relative to the side panel BR2 to which the lid portion BRL is attached such that the side panel BR3 makes contact with the inside surface of the lid side panel BR3E; f) Repeat steps a) to e) of folding the rightmost blank BL to fold the leftmost blank BL in Figure 7 to form the second half-assembled packet IB of the partially erected packet 1; g) Join the two half-assembled packets IA, IB together by first rotating the lid portion BRL, BLL on each assembly through ninety degrees to open the container portions BRC, BLC; h) Form the partition blank BP by folding both side panels BP2, BP3 through ninety degrees relative to the main panel BPl and insert the partition into the container portion BRC, BLC of one of the half- assembled packets IA, IB by sliding the partition I IP into the opening that is opposite the front and rear panels of the container portion BRC, BLC of each half-assembled packet IA, IB; i) Move the two half- assembled packets IA, IB together such that the side panel BR2 to which the lid BRL is attached on the first half-assembled packet IA overlaps the side panel BL3 on the second half-assembled packet IB and the side panel BL2 to which the lid BLL is attached on the second half-assembled packet IB overlaps the side panel BR3 on the first half-assembled packet IA; the two bottom panels BR4, BL4 both come together with substantially abutting edges to form the base of the container 11 of the erected packet 1; j) Rotate both lids 3, 5 to close the packet 1.

When the set of blanks as illustrated in Figure 7 is folded and combined the container 11 is wholly closed. Therefore, during assembly of the half-assembled packets IA, IB the contents and the partition are inserted during the assembly process prior to combining the two half-assembled packets IA, IB. It will be appreciated that the packets described herein, for example as shown in Figure 1, are closer to a square cross-section than conventional hinged-lid packets. This can lead to more rigidity and protection of the enclosed product. It may also be feasible to reduce the amount card required to make the blank. Furthermore, the lid arrangement of Figure 1 avoids any problems with interference between the lid and the body of the pack (which might potentially arise if a conventional lid mechanism were to be used with a much fatter packet arrangement).

In conclusion, although a variety of embodiments have been described herein, these are provided by way of example only, and many variations and modifications on such embodiments will be apparent to the skilled person and fall within the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A packet for smoking articles comprising: a container that includes a front panel, a rear panel and first and second opposing side panels; a first lid and a second lid, wherein the first lid is attached by a first hinge to the first side panel and the second lid is attached by a second hinge to the first side panel or to the second side panel, the axis of the first hinge and the axis of the second hinge being parallel to one another, wherein when the first lid is closed the rear panel and at least part of the second side panel are nested in the first lid and when the second lid is closed the front panel and at least part of the side panel opposite the second hinge is nested in the second lid.

2. A packet according to Claim 1, wherein the first and the second lids each have a top end panel, which together fully cover a top end of the container when the first and second lids are closed.

3. A packet according to Claim 2, wherein the top end panels of the first and second lids have closing edges that abut each other on closing the first and second lids to cover the top end of the container.

4. A packet according to Claim 2, wherein the top end panels of the first and second lids overlap at least partially when closed.

5. A packet according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the first and the second lids each have a bottom end panel, which together fully cover a bottom end of the container when the first and second lids are closed.

6. A packet according to Claim 5, wherein the bottom end panels of the first and second lids have closing edges that abut each other on closing the first and second lids to cover the bottom end of the container.

7. A packet according to Claim 5, wherein the bottom end panels at least partially overlap when the first and second lids are closed.

8. A packet according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the second lid is attached by a second hinge to the second side panel and both the first and second lids rotate to open in the same direction about their respective hinges.

9. A packet according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the second lid is attached by a second hinge to the first side panel and the first and second lids rotate to open in opposite directions about their respective hinges.

10. A packet according to any one of Claims 2 to 9, wherein an opening is provided at the top end of the container.

11. A packet according to Claim 10, wherein the opening comprises a recessed portion on the front and/or rear panels.

12. A packet according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the container includes an opening portion to provide access to the inside of the container.

13. A packet according to Claim 12, wherein the opening portion is defined by perforations.

14. A packet according to Claim 12 or Claim 13, wherein the opening portion is attached by a hinge to a side edge of the container.

15. A packet according to Claim 12 or Claim 13, wherein the opening portion is fully removable.

16. A packet according to any one of Claims 12 to 15, wherein an opening portion is provided on each of the front and rear panels.

17. A packet according to Claim 16, wherein the opening portion extends onto a top end panel at the top end of the container and/or extends onto a bottom end panel at the bottom end of the container.

18. A packet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a partition divides the container into at least two compartments.

19. A packet according to Claim 18, wherein the first lid covers one of the two compartments when closed and the second lid covers the other of the two compartments when closed.

20. A set of blanks comprising one or more blanks for forming the packet as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 19.

21. A set of blanks according to Claim 20, comprising two blanks, wherein a first blank includes a rear panel and a first lid, and a second blank includes the front panel and the second lid.

22. A set of blanks according to Claim 20 or 21, wherein each side panel comprises an overlap of first and second blanks when the packet is formed.

23. A set of blanks as hereinbefore described and with reference to Figures 6, 7 and 8.