WO2009056465A1

WO2009056465A1 - Package for smoking articles

Info

Publication number: WO2009056465A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/064132
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Gibson
Original assignee: British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited
Priority date: 2007-10-31
Filing date: 2008-10-20
Publication date: 2009-05-07

Abstract

A package (10) for smoking articles is described. The package is of the type generally known as slide-shell packs. The package comprises an outer shell (12A,12B), and a rigid inner compartment (14). The outer shell is divided into two parts and, in a closed position, encloses the entire inner compartment. The inner compartment houses the smoking articles. The inner compartment has an access aperture (A), and a hinge (36), by which the inner compartment can be opened to reveal the access aperture and to obtain access to the smoking articles, and closed, to conceal the access aperture.

Description

Package for smoking articles

DESCRIPTION

Package for smoking articles

The present invention relates to a package for smoking articles, such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, loose tobacco and smokeless tobacco products such as snuff or the like. For convenience and brevity these will be referred to herein as cigarettes. The invention relates particularly to packages for smoking articles having an inner compartment and an outer shell comprising two parts (also known as slide-shell packs).

Slide-shell packages for smoking articles, such as cigarettes, differ from conventional packages in that the smoking articles are provided in an inner shell, which the user slides relative to an outer shell to access the smoking articles. A slide-shell package is known from WO 2004/024595, in which a first container is slidably located with a second container.

A disadvantage of known slide-shell packages is that they can sometimes fail to adequately protect the smoking articles. Another disadvantage of known slide shell packages, is that, once the outer shell has been slid relative to the inner shell, the package is fully open and the cigarettes are directly accessible. Therefore, if the sliding occurs accidentally, smoking articles can fall out.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved package for smoking articles.

According to the invention there is provided a package for smoking articles, comprising: a rigid inner compartment for containing smoking articles, an access aperture being provided in the inner compartment, and a hinge, by which the inner compartment can be opened to reveal the access aperture and to obtain access to the smoking articles, and closed, to conceal the access aperture; and an outer shell at least partially enclosing the inner compartment; wherein the outer shell is slidable to provide access to the inner compartment.

By referring to the inner compartment being "rigid", the term "rigid" shall be taken as having its conventional meaning in the art of smoking article packaging, to mean a hard pack, formed from cardboard or similar. This is in contrast to a "soft pack", which is formed of paper or foil (see WO '98/22367 for an example of a soft pack). Therefore "rigid" in this sense does not mean completely inflexible, but means simply more rigid than paper or foil.

Typically, the outer shell is slidable in a lateral direction.

Preferably, the hinge is aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the package, to provide a lateral opening and closing of the inner compartment.

A lateral opening of the inner compartment allows the opening of the inner compartment not to interfere with the lateral sliding of the outer shell part, and allows an opening across the full length of the package.

Preferably, the hinge is provided in a rear wall of the inner compartment. The hinge could alternatively be provided in a front wall of the inner compartment, or in one of the side walls.

Typically, the inner compartment comprises an inner frame portion and first and second outer frame portions, the outer frame portions being connected together by the hinge, and the inner frame portion being locatable within the outer frame portions. Preferably, the inner frame portion is shaped so as not to prevent movement of the hinge.

Optionally, the inner frame portion is permanently connected to the second outer frame portion and fits within the first outer frame portion when the inner compartment is closed.

Optionally, the inner frame portion is permanently adhered to the second outer frame portion. Alternatively, the inner frame portion and the second outer frame portion could be integrally formed.

Preferably, the inner frame portion and the first outer frame portion have a friction engagement means, which provides resistance when the inner compartment is being opened and closed.

A mild resistance to opening/closing is desirable, as this helps to prevent the inner compartment from being opened or closed accidentally.

Optionally, the friction engagement means comprises a protrusion provided on either the inner frame portion or on the first outer frame portion. Typically, the protrusion is elongate and is aligned perpendicular to the hinge. Thus, as the hinge moves, the protrusion remains at a tangent to the hinge, and therefore moves along a curved path with respect to the other of the first outer frame member and the inner frame portion.

Optionally, the protrusion is provided on the inner frame portion and protrudes longitudinally of the inner frame portion.

Optionally, the protrusion is an extension of a front wall of the inner frame portion, and is formed by making a slot in the inner frame portion. This can provide an efficient design, where the protrusion is formed without requiring the adhesion of any further component to the inner frame portion, and without having to perform any additional acts to form the protrusion (e.g. folding), other than making the slot in the correct place.

Preferably, two friction engagement means are provided, one at respective upper and lower longitudinal ends of the inner compartment.

Typically, the outer frame portions tessellate when the inner compartment is closed. By "tessellate", we mean fit together without leaving space in between. This ensures that the inner frame portion is fully protected by both the outer shell and the outer frame portions when the package is fully closed. Hence, the package can provide two complete skins around the inner frame portion and the smoking articles.

Typically, the access aperture is provided in the inner frame portion.

Optionally, the access aperture comprises an open end of the inner compartment, so cigarettes can be extracted through the side of the inner compartment.

Alternatively, the inner compartment includes an enclosed base and four side walls, and the access aperture is provided in an upper end of the inner compartment so that smoking articles can be extracted through the top of the inner compartment.

Hence, embodiments of the invention can provide both "side extraction" and "top extraction" of smoking articles, by changing the design of the inner compartment.

Optionally, the four side walls are connected via an upper end wall, and the access aperture comprises an aperture in the upper end wall. Typically, both of the two parts of the outer shell are slideable with respect to the inner compartment. This gives a pleasing symmetry and aesthetic appearance.

Preferably, the package includes a restraining means to limit the movement of the at least one slideable part of the outer shell relative to the inner compartment. This prevents the package from being accidentally disassembled.

Typically, the restraining means comprises at least one pair of interlocking tongues, provided on the at least one slideable part of the outer shell and the inner compartment.

Typically, the restraining means comprises two pairs of interlocking tongues.

Optionally, interlocking tongues are provided on the outer face of upper end walls of the inner compartment, and on the inner face of upper end walls of each of the two parts of the outer shell, and further interlocking tongues are provided on the outer face of lower end walls of the inner compartment and on the inner face of lower end walls of the two parts of the outer shell. This design provides two pairs of interlocking tongues for each part of the outer shell, enabling secure restraining of both parts of the outer shell.

Optionally, the restraining means permanently connects the parts of the outer shell to the inner compartment.

Alternatively, at least one of the parts of the outer shell is removably attached to the inner compartment.

Preferably, the removable part of the outer shell comprises an ashtray portion.

Typically, the ashtray portion comprises an outer casing and an inner liner of inflammable material. The inflammable material allows a cigarette to be stubbed out in the ashtray portion, and reduces the risk of any matter re- igniting in the ashtray portion.

Optionally, at least part of the ashtray portion is transparent. Optionally, all of the ashtray portion is transparent. Optionally, all of the removable outer shell part is transparent. This allows a user to see if there are any spent smoking articles to be discarded in the ashtray portion. Typically, the ashtray portion comprises an end of the removeable part of the outer shell. After being used as an ashtray, the removable part of the outer shell can be replaced on the inner compartment, with the spent smoking articles being retained between the removable part of the outer shell and the inner compartment.

The ashtray portion is typically divided from the rest of the removeable part of the outer shell by a lid. The Hd can be hinged, and can be opened to allow spent smoking articles to be stored therein and removed therefrom. The lid typically has an aperture to allow spent smoking articles to be inserted therein.

In one embodiment, the outer shell may comprise a single shell part. The single shell part may enclose the first outer frame portion.

Preferably, the package includes restraining means to limit the movement of the outer shell relative to the inner compartment. The restraining means can comprise at least one pair of interlocking tongues, provided on the outer shell and the inner compartment. The restraining means can comprise two pairs of interlocking tongues.

In another embodiment, the outer shell comprises two parts, a first part that encloses the first outer frame portion and a second part that encloses the second outer frame portion. Preferably, the first and second outer frame portions entirely enclose the inner compartment.

In order that the invention be readily understood and easily carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Fig 1 shows a perspective view of a package of the invention, with an outer shell of the package in a closed position;

Fig 2 shows a perspective view of the Fig 1 package, with the outer shell of the package in an open position, and with an inner compartment of the package in a closed position;

Fig 3 shows a front view of the Fig 1 package in the configuration of Fig 2;

Fig 4 shows a rear view of the Fig 1 package in the configuration of Fig 2;

Fig 5 shows a side view of the Fig 1 package in the configuration of Fig 2;

Fig 6 shows a view from above of the Fig 1 package in the configuration of Fig 2; Fig 7 shows a view from beneath of the Fig 1 package in the configuration of Fig 2;

Fig 8 shows a perspective view of the Fig 1 package, with the outer shell and the inner compartment of the package both in open positions;

Fig 9 shows a front view of the Fig 1 package in the configuration of Fig 8;

Fig 10 shows a rear view of the Fig 1 package in the configuration of Fig 8;

Fig 11 shows a side view from the right of the Fig 1 package in the configuration of Fig 8;

Fig 12 shows a side view from the left of the Fig 1 package in the configuration of Fig 8;

Fig 13 shows a view from above of the Fig 1 package in the configuration of Fig 8;

Fig 14 shows a view from beneath of the Fig 1 package in the configuration of Fig 8; Fig 15 shows a detail (not to scale) of how one part of the outer shell can be mounted to the inner compartment;

Fig 16 shows an enlarged version of part of Fig 13;

Fig 17 shows the front view of Fig 9, with additional detail;

Fig 18 shows a perspective view of a package according to a second embodiment of the invention, with an outer shell and an inner compartment of the package both in open positions, this package having a different design of the inner compartment;

Fig 19 shows a perspective view of a package according to a third embodiment of the invention, with an outer shell and an inner compartment of the package both in open positions, this package having a further different design of the inner compartment; and

Fig 20 shows a perspective view of a package according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, with an outer shell and an inner compartment of the package both in open positions, this package having a further different design of the inner compartment; and Figure 21 shows a view of a package according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, with one outer shell part slid back and the first outer frame part 18A pivoted into an open position.

Figs 1 to 17 show a first embodiment of a package 10 for smoking articles (not shown). A set of axes is also shown, which defines a longitudinal axis X, a transverse axis Y and a depth axis Z. The front of the package 10 lies in the plane X-Y. Throughout the specification, "front" and "rear" are used with respect to the Fig 2 view, "front wall" being the wall in the X-Y plane closest to the observer in Fig 2, and "rear wall" being the wall in the X-Y plane furthest from the observer.

In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 17, the package 10 comprises an outer shell which is divided into first and second parts 12A, 12B; and a rigid inner compartment 14. The package 10 is made from cardboard, or the like.

Both the inner compartment 14 and the outer shell are substantially box shaped. The inner compartment 14, when closed (see Fig 2), forms a hollow box in which the smoking articles are received. The outer shell forms a larger hollow box, which fits around the inner compartment 14 when the outer shell is in a closed position (see Fig 1). The outer shell is split longitudinally into two parts 12A, 12B, so that the outer shell can be opened. The line of the split between the two parts lies in a plane perpendicular to the transverse axis Y (i.e. in the plane X-Z).

When the outer shell is in the closed position of Fig 1 , the first and second parts 12A, 12B abut one another, and the inner compartment 14 is neither visible nor accessible. Thus, the entire inner compartment 14 is enclosed within the outer shell.

Each part 12A, 12B of the outer shell is slideably mounted on the inner compartment 14, so that the parts 12A, 12B can be slid away from each other to provide access to the inner compartment 14. When the outer shell is in the open position of Figs 2 to 17, the inner compartment 14 is accessible.

The inner compartment 14 comprises an inner frame portion 16 and first and second outer frame portions 18A, 18B.

One way in which the parts 12A, 12B of the outer shell could be mounted to the inner compartment 14 will now be described with reference to Fig 15. The mounting includes a restraining means, which comprises a plurality of pairs of interlocking tongues. Fig 15 shows a detail of the upper portions of the outer shell part 12A and the first outer frame portion 18A. The first outer frame portion 18A has a front wall 20, which has a leading edge 22 and a trailing edge 24. The first outer frame portion 18A also has an upper end wall 26 which connects the front wall 20 to a rear wall (not shown). Outer shell part 12A also has a front wall 28 and an upper end wall 30, which connects the front wall 28 to a rear wall (not shown).

A pair of interlocking tongues 32, 34 is shown in Fig 15. Tongue 32 is provided on an outer face of the upper end wall 26 of the first outer frame portion 18A. The tongue 32 forms a folded flap extension, which extends upwardly from the upper end wall 26 at the trailing edge 24, in the direction of the leading edge 22.

The tongue 34 is provided on an inner face of the upper end wall 30 of the outer shell part 12A. The tongue 34 forms a folded flap extension, which extends downwardly from the upper end wall 30, folding back in the direction of the trailing edge 24 of the first outer frame portion 18A.

When the outer shell part 12A is slid relative to the first outer frame portion 18A, the tongues 32, 34, interlock to prevent any further sliding beyond the position shown in Fig 15. Hence, the interlocking tongues 32, 34 act to limit the movement of the part 12A of the outer shell relative to the inner compartment 14.

Although only one pair of interlocking tongues 32, 34 is shown in Fig 15, the package 10 has a further pair of interlocking tongues that connect the lower portions of the outer shell 12A and the first outer frame portion 18A. Likewise, the outer shell 12B is also connected to the second outer frame portion 18B with two further pairs of interlocking tongues. Therefore, there are four pairs of tongues in total, each typically the same as the exemplary pair shown in Fig 15.

In this embodiment, the restraining means (the interlocking tongues 32, 34) permanently connects the parts 12A, 12B of the outer shell to the inner compartment 14. Since the package 10 is made from cardboard or the like, it is likely that with abusive handling, the package 10 could be forced out of shape, such that the parts 12A, 12B become detached from the inner compartment 14. However, by "permanent", we mean, in normal, non-abusive use, the parts 12A, 12B of the outer shell should not become disconnected from the inner compartment 14.

We will now consider the inner compartment 14 in more detail. As above, the inner compartment 14 comprises an inner frame portion 16 and two outer frame portions 18A, 18B. The rear walls of the outer frame portions 18A, 18B are connected together at a hinge 36, which is provided in a rear wall of the inner compartment 14 (see Fig 4). The hinge 36 provides the only fixed connection between the outer frame portions 18A, 18B.

When the inner compartment 14 is closed (see Fig 2), the outer frame portions 18A, 18B tessellate, with the respective front, upper end, and lower end walls of the outer frame portions 18A, 18B meeting at a line of abutment 38.

As shown in Figs 6 and 7, the part of the line of abutment 38 along the front of the package 10 does not lie directly in front of the hinge 36, and is instead spaced relative thereto, along the transverse axis Y. Hence, the line of abutment 38 is inclined relative to the outermost edges of the package 10, when viewed from above and beneath. Thus, the outer frame portions 18A, 18B are not identical.

The hinge 36 allows the outer frame portions 18A, 18B to be pivoted relative to each other, to provide an opening therebetween. The hinge 36 is aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the package 10, to provide a lateral opening and closing of the inner compartment 14. Starting from the closed configuration of Fig 2, the inner compartment 14 can be brought into the open configuration of Fig 8 by pivoting the part of the outer shell 12A and the first outer frame portion 18A about the hinge 36, relative to the rest of the package 10.

Referring now to Figs 8 to 14, the inner frame portion 16 comprises a hollow, inner sleeve of rectangular cross-section, which is adhered within the second outer frame portion 18B. Therefore, the longitudinal (X) and depth (Z) dimensions of the inner frame portion 16 are slightly smaller than the dimensions of the second outer frame portion 18B. However, the inner frame portion 16 has sufficient width to protrude from the second outer frame portion 18B, in the direction of the transverse axis Y.

The open, protruding end of the inner frame portion 16 provides an access aperture A. When the inner compartment 14 is in the open position of Fig 8, the access aperture A is revealed, and smoking articles housed within the inner compartment 14 can be withdrawn therefrom. In contrast, when the inner compartment 14 is in the closed position of Fig 2, the access aperture A is concealed.

Hence, the access aperture A is provided in the inner compartment 14, and in particular, it is provided in the inner frame portion 16 of the inner compartment 14. The access aperture A can thus be considered to be in an open end of the inner compartment 14, from which cigarettes can be extracted through the side of the inner compartment 14.

The protruding part of the inner frame portion 16 fits snugly within the first outer frame portion 18A when the inner compartment 14 is in the closed position of Figs 2 to 7.

The protruding part of the inner frame portion 16 is shaped so as not to prevent movement of the hinge 36. However, this does not mean that the inner frame portion 16 does not touch the first outer frame portion 18A at all when the inner compartment 14 is being opened or closed.

Referring to Figs 16 and 17, the inner frame portion 16 is shown in more detail. The inner frame portion 16 has a front wall 40 and an upper end face 42. The upper end face 42 has a front edge 44 (which connects the front wall 40 to the upper end face 42, and a leading edge 46 (the edge furthest from the second outer frame portion 18B). As best shown in Fig 16, the leading edge 46 is not completely straight, but has a small tapered portion 48 as it approaches the corner joining the leading edge 46 and the front edge 44. The tapered portion 48 smoothes what would otherwise have been a sharp corner. This helps the inner frame portion 16 to fit within the first outer frame portion 18A, when the inner compartment 14 is being opened and closed. A thin slot 50 (see Fig 16) is formed in the upper end face 42, very close to the front edge 44, and aligned with the front edge 44. The slot 50 is a flattened-bridge shape, and has a flat upper portion and curved ends which lead down to the front edge 44. The slot 50 is typically cut into the inner frame portion 16, whilst the inner frame portion 16 is a template, before the inner frame portion 16 is assembled.

The slot 50, being cut out of the upper end face 42, leaves a corresponding flattened-bridge shaped protrusion 52, which protrudes slightly upwardly from the front wall 40 (see Fig 17). Hence, the protrusion 52 protrudes longitudinally of the inner frame portion 16 and is an extension of the front wall 40. As shown, the protrusion 52 is elongate and is aligned with the transverse axis Y, which is perpendicular to the hinge 36.

Although not shown in Figs 16 and 17, a corresponding slot 50 and protrusion 52 are also provided at the lower end of the inner frame portion 16 (see Figs 8 and 9).

The height of each protrusion 52 is approximately the same as the inner dimension of the first outer frame portion 18A. Thus, when the inner compartment 14 is being opened and closed, the protrusions 52 abut the insides of the upper and lower end walls of the first outer frame portion 18A. Hence, each protrusion 52 is a friction engagement means, which provides resistance when the inner compartment is being opened and closed.

Also, the smoothed corner joining the leading edge 46 and the front edge 44 (in particular the part of the front wall 40 near the corner) abuts against the inside of the front wall of the first outer frame portion 18A.

Hence, the abutments of both the protrusions 52, and of the smoothed corner, provide a mild resistance to opening/closing of the inner compartment 14, so that this is less likely to occur by accident.

Fig 18 shows a second embodiment of the invention, in which like parts are designated by like reference numbers. Similar parts are designated with the same reference number, but prefixed by "100". The difference between the Fig 18 embodiment and the Fig 1 embodiment is in shape of the inner frame portion, here designated as 116.

The part of the inner frame portion 116 adhered within the second outer frame portion 18B is typically similar to the inner frame portion 16; i.e. it can also be of a sleeve-type form. However, the part of the inner frame portion 116 which protrudes from the second outer frame portion 18B has a front wall 120, a leading end wall 122, and a rear wall (not shown). These three walls, together with the (inner) closed trailing end wall of the second outer frame portion 18B, provide the inner compartment 114 with four side walls. The lower end wall (the base wall) of the inner frame portion 116 protrudes out of the second outer frame portion 18B, and connects with the front wall 120 and the leading end wall 122, so that the combination of the inner frame portion 116 and second outer frame portion 18B has a fully enclosed base.

The front wall 120, leading end wall 122, and rear wall extend upwardly from the base to only about half of the longitudinal height of the second outer frame portion 18B. This provides an access aperture A in an upper end of the inner compartment 114, so that smoking articles can be extracted through the top of the inner compartment 114. This is in contrast to the Fig 1 embodiment, in which cigarettes are extracted through the side of the inner compartment 14.

It should be noted that the shape of the part of the inner frame portion 116 adhered within the second outer frame portion 18B is not important. In some embodiments, the inner frame portion 116 can extend into the second outer frame portion 18B only as far as to provide sufficient overlap for adhesion therein. Hence, in the embodiment of Fig 18, the inner frame portion 116 does not necessarily comprise a whole sleeve. Fig 19 shows a third embodiment of the invention, which is very similar to the Fig 18 embodiment. Like parts are designated by like reference numbers and similar parts are designated with the same numbers, prefixed by "200". The difference between the Fig 19 embodiment and the Fig 18 embodiment is that the front wall 220 and the leading end wall 222 extend upwardly from the base to almost the full height of the second outer frame portion 18B.

Fig 20 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention, which is very similar to the Fig 19 embodiment. Like parts are designated by like reference numbers and similar parts are designated with the same numbers, prefixed by "300". The difference between the Fig 20 embodiment and the Fig 19 embodiment is that the front wall 320 and the leading end wall 322 extend fully to the top of the second outer frame portion 18B, where they are connected by an upper end wall 324. A square aperture 326 (the access aperture A) is provided in the upper end wall 324, from which cigarettes can be extracted. The square aperture 326 typically has a width of around 15-20mm.

Hence, in the Fig 20 embodiment, the four side walls (320, 322, etc) of the inner compartment 314 are connected via an upper end wall 324, and the access aperture A comprises an aperture in the upper end wall 324. The embodiments of Figs 18 to 20 all have an advantage that the four side walls of the inner compartment help to prevent smoking articles being accidentally spilled out of the package 10, when the inner compartment 14 is opened. The Fig 20 embodiment is particularly secure, with the aperture 326 allowing a user to "shake" out a single cigarette at a time.

Although not specifically shown, the embodiments of Figs 18 to 20 can have a friction arrangement (e.g. such as the slot 50 and protrusion 52 arrangement of Figs 16 and 17), at least at the lower ends of the inner frame portions 116, 216, 316. The Fig 20 embodiment may optionally have an additional friction arrangement at the upper end of its inner frame portion 316.

Also, in Figs 18 to 20, the corners joining the front walls 120, 220, 320 to the leading end walls 122, 222, 322, could be tapered, instead of being perfectly square, similar to the tapered portion 48 of the leading edge 46 in Fig 16.

In a further alternative embodiment (not shown), which could be based on any of the foregoing embodiments, at least one of the parts 12A, 12B of the outer shell is removably attached to the inner compartment 14. This is instead of having a restraining means which permanently connects both parts 12A, 12B of the outer shell to the inner compartment 14.

Typically, only one of the parts 12A, 12B is removable, e.g. the part 12A, but alternatively, both parts 12A, 12B can be removable.

The removable part 12A of the outer shell comprises an ashtray portion, formed in an end of the removeable part 12A. The hollow, cuboid form of the part 12A, once removed, provides a ready-made receptacle for spent smoking articles (e.g. cigarette ash and butts). After being used as an ashtray, the removable part 12A can be replaced on the inner compartment 14, with the spent smoking articles being retained between the removable part 12A and the first outer frame portion 18A.

The removeabie part 12A typically has a locking mechanism to lock it in back in place on the first outer frame portion 18A.

The ashtray portion is typically divided from the rest of the removeable part of the outer shell by a lid. The lid can be hinged, and can be opened to allow spent smoking articles to be stored therein and removed therefrom. The lid typically has an aperture to allow spent smoking articles to be inserted therein. The ashtray portion comprises an outer casing and an inner liner of inflammable material (e.g. carbon or charcoal paper). The outer casing can typically comprise cardboard. The inflammable material allows a cigarette to be stubbed out in the ashtray portion, and reduces the risk of anything re-igniting in the ashtray portion.

Optionally, at least part of the ashtray portion is transparent. Optionally, all of the ashtray portion is transparent. Optionally, all of the removable outer shell part 12A is transparent. This allows a user to see if there are any spent smoking articles to be discarded in the ashtray portion.

Modifications and improvements can be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, in an alternative embodiment, only one of the two parts of the outer shell (for example, the part 12A) is slidable relative to the inner compartment, instead of both of the parts of the outer shell being slidable.

In the above embodiments, the first and second parts 12A, 12B are identical to each other, and are symmetrical with each other in the assembled package 10. However, in other embodiments, the first and second parts 12A, 12B might have different forms. For example, one of the first and second parts 12A, 12B could be longer in the transverse direction Y, than the other. This could allow additional room, e.g. for the ashtray function described above.

None of the drawings are drawn necessarily to scale. For example, in particular, Fig 15 is not to scale. The interlocking tongues 32, 34 may be longer, or shorter than shown.

In alternative embodiments, interlocking tongues are not used and an alternative restraining means may be used. In other embodiments, interlocking tongues may be used, but not necessarily connecting the top walls 26, 30, as shown in Fig 15. E.g. the interlocking tongues could be folded flap extensions of the trailing edge 24 and the leading lateral edge of the front wall 28. In alternative embodiments, not all of the restraining means are necessarily identical. For example, the part 12A could have a restraining means of a different form, from the restraining means of the part 12B.

In alternative embodiments, the inner compartment 14 may optionally not exist, or alternatively still, it may be formed integrally with the second outer frame portion 18B. For example, the inner frame portion 16 and the second outer frame portion 18B could both be replaced by a single component, which is similar to the inner frame portion 16 but which has its own base portion, instead of being a sleeve. The outer shell 12B could then attach directly to this new component. In such embodiments, there is no need for a second outer frame portion 18B that is distinct from the inner frame portion 16. Hence, the access aperture A is not necessarily provided in an inner frame portion 16. Also, in the embodiments where the inner compartment 14 is formed integrally with the second outer frame portion 18B, naturally, these two components are not adhered together.

The protrusion does not necessarily protrude longitudinally of the inner frame portion. In alternative embodiments, the protrusion could protrude in other directions, e.g. in the Z (depth) direction, outwardly of the inner frame portion 16.

Although the embodiments described above all make reference to an outer shell having first and second parts 12A, 12B, it is also envisaged that the outer shell may comprise just one part that does not cover the entire inner compartment 14. For example, the second part 12B of the outer shell may be omitted altogether so that the outer shell comprises only the first part 12A that covers the outer frame portion 18A, the outer frame portion 18B remaining uncovered. The second part 12B of the outer shell is optional as it merely provides further protection to the smoking articles and provides a flush surface together with the first part 12A to enable the packet to be more easily overwrapped. Fig 21 shows a fifth embodiment of the invention, which is similar to the previously described embodiments except that the packet opens at the top rather than at one side, as in the previous embodiments, the cigarettes extending longitudinally in the X-axis direction between the top and bottom of the pack, the top of the pack being defined by the first outer frame portion 18A and the bottom of the pack by the second outer frame portion 18B. The cigarettes are also removed from the inner compartment in the X-axis direction.

In the alternative embodiment shown in Fig 21 , the front wall 440 of the inner frame portion 416 may have a central divider 428 to create a partition 430 in the inner compartment 414 so as to separate the smoking articles into two bundles, one on each side of the divider 428. The divider 428 is formed by providing a fold in the wall of the inner frame portion 416 The dimensions of the package may differ according to the type or number of smoking articles contained within the pack although it is envisaged that this embodiment of pack would contain a total of twenty smoking articles, ten on each side of the divider 428 and in two rows.

The embodiment of Figure 21 has been shown without a second part 12B of the outer shell. As stated above in connection with the previous embodiments, the second part 12B of the outer shell is optional.

Claims

1. A package for smoking articles, comprising: a rigid inner compartment for containing smoking articles, an access aperture being provided in the inner compartment, and a hinge, by which the inner compartment can be opened to reveal the access aperture and to obtain access to the smoking articles, and closed, to conceal the access aperture; and an outer shellat least partially enclosing the inner compartment; wherein the outer shell is slidable to provide access to the inner compartment.

2. A package as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the outer shell is slidable in a lateral direction.

3. A package as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the hinge is aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the package, to provide a lateral opening and closing of the inner compartment.

4. A package as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the hinge is provided in a rear wall of the inner compartment.

5. A package as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the inner compartment comprises an inner frame portion and first and second outer frame portions, the outer frame portions being connected together by the hinge, and the inner frame portion being locatable within the outer frame portions.

6. A package as claimed in claim 5, wherein the inner frame portion is shaped so as not to prevent movement of the hinge.

7. A package as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the inner frame portion is permanently connected to the second outer frame portion and fits within the first outer frame portion when the inner compartment is closed.

8. A package as claimed in claim 7, wherein the inner frame portion is permanently adhered to the second outer frame portion.

9. A package as claimed in any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the inner frame portion and the first outer frame portion have a friction engagement means, which provides resistance when the inner compartment is being opened and closed.

10. A package as claimed in claim 9, wherein the friction engagement means comprises a protrusion provided on either the inner frame portion or on the first outer frame portion.

11. A package as claimed in claim 10, wherein the protrusion is elongate and is aligned perpendicular to the hinge.

12. A package as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11 , wherein the protrusion is provided on the inner frame portion and protrudes longitudinally of the inner frame portion.

13. A package as claimed in any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the protrusion is an extension of a front wall of the inner frame portion, and is formed by making a slot in the inner frame portion.

14. A package as claimed in any of claims 9 to 13, wherein two friction engagement means are provided, one at respective upper and lower longitudinal ends of the inner compartment.

15. A package as claimed in any of claims 5 to 14, wherein the outer frame portions tessellate when the inner compartment is closed.

16. A package as claimed in any of claims 5 to 15, wherein the access aperture is provided in the inner frame portion.

17. A package as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the access aperture comprises an open end of the inner compartment, so cigarettes can be extracted through the side of the inner compartment.

18. A package as claimed in any of claims 1 to 16, wherein the inner compartment includes an enclosed base and four side walls, and wherein the access aperture is provided in an upper end of the inner compartment so that smoking articles can be extracted through the top of the inner compartment.

19. A package as claimed in claim 18, wherein the four side walls are connected via an upper end wall, and wherein the access aperture comprises an aperture in the upper end wall.

20. A package as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the outer shell comprises a single shell part.

21. A package as claimed in any of claims 5 to 17 or 20, wherein the outer shell encloses the first outer frame portion.

22. A package as claimed in claim 21 , including a restraining means to limit the movement of the outer shell relative to the inner compartment.

23. A package as claimed in claim 22, wherein the restraining means comprises at least one pair of interlocking tongues, provided on the outer shell and the inner compartment.

24. A package as claimed in claim 23, wherein the restraining means comprises two pairs of interlocking tongues.

25. A package as claimed in any of claims 1 to 20, wherein the outer shell comprises two parts, a first part that encloses the first outer frame portion and a second part that encloses the second outer frame portion.

26. A package as claimed in claim 25, wherein the first and second parts of the outer shell entirely enclose the inner compartment.

27. A package as claimed in claim 25 or 26, wherein the second part of the outer shell is slideable with respect to the inner compartment.

28. A package as claimed in any of claims 25 to 27, including a restraining means to limit the movement of the at least one slideable part of the outer shell relative to the inner compartment.

29. A package as claimed in claim 28, wherein the restraining means comprises at least one pair of interlocking tongues, provided on the at least one slideable part of the outer shell and the inner compartment.

30. A package as claimed in claim 29, wherein the restraining means comprises two pairs of interlocking tongues.

31. A package as claimed in claim 30 when dependent on claim 27, wherein interlocking tongues are provided on the outer face of upper end walls of the inner compartment, and on the inner face of upper end walls of each of the two parts of the outer shell, and wherein further interlocking tongues are provided on the outer face of lower end walls of the inner compartment and on the inner face of lower end walls of the two parts of the outer shell.

32. A package as claimed in any of claims 28 to 31 , wherein the restraining means permanently connects the parts of the outer shell to the inner compartment.

33. A package as claimed in any of claims 25 to 31 , wherein at least one of the parts of the outer shell is removably attached to the inner compartment.

34. A package as claimed in claim 33, wherein the removable part of the outer shell comprises an ashtray portion.

35. A package as claimed in claim 34, wherein the ashtray portion comprises an outer casing and an inner liner of inflammable material.

36. A package as claimed in claim 34 or claim 35, wherein at least part of the ashtray portion is transparent.

37. A package as claimed in claim 36, wherein all of the ashtray portion is transparent.

38. A package as claimed in claim 37, wherein all of the removable outer shell part is transparent.

39. A package as claimed in any of claims 34 to 38, wherein the ashtray portion comprises an end of the removeable part of the outer shell.

40. A package as claimed in claim 39, wherein the ashtray portion is divided from the rest of the removeable part of the outer shell by a lid.

41. A package as claimed in claim 40, wherein the lid is hinged, and can be opened to allow spent smoking articles to be stored therein and removed therefrom.

42. A package as claimed in claim 40 or claim 41 , wherein the lid has an aperture to allow spent smoking articles to be inserted therein.

43. A package substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.