WO2009153725A2

WO2009153725A2 - Packet for smoke articles and corresponding blank

Info

Publication number: WO2009153725A2
Application number: PCT/IB2009/052533
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marco Vecchi
Original assignee: Marco Vecchi
Priority date: 2008-06-19
Filing date: 2009-06-15
Publication date: 2009-12-23
Also published as: WO2009153725A3; EP2315700A2; RU2011100475A; ITMO20080178A1; CN102112375A; RU2493067C2; KR101596910B1; KR20120016037A; CN102112375B; EP2315700B1

Abstract

A packet for smoke articles comprises a containing body (14) housing said smoke articles and an outer enclosure (2), said containing body (14) being arranged inside said outer enclosure (2), a connecting device (23) for connecting said containing body (14) to said outer enclosure (2) at a wall, said connecting device (23) comprising a pivoting member (25) passing through a layer of said wall to enable said outer enclosure (2) and said containing body (14) to rotate in relation to one another.

Description

Packet for smoke articles and corresponding blank

The invention relates to a packet for smoke articles, particularly cigarettes, and a blank from which it is possible to make the aforementioned packet . So-called stiff cigarette packets are known, i.e. packets made by folding a blank made of card, which are particularly appreciated by smokers inasmuch as they enable damage to the cigarettes to be avoided even when the packet is subject to blows or is kept in a pocket or a bag of a consumer. Recently a tendency has emerged to customise traditional stiff packets, in order to induce smokers to prefer a packet having a certain appearance rather than other packets with a more traditional appearance. For this purpose, packets have been designed comprising a containing body having a substantially parallelepipedon shape, having a base from which two greater side faces project that are opposite one another. The containing body further comprises two lesser side faces, each of which is interposed between the greater side faces. The containing body is provided with an upper opening from which the cigarettes can be removed.

An outer enclosure is arranged partially around the containing body. The outer enclosure comprises a bottom wall hinged on the base of the containing body at a hinge line. The hinge line, which is shaped as a straight line, is formed by a weakening line obtained on the base of the packet .

The outer enclosure further comprises two greater side walls that project from the bottom wall, a lesser side wall being interposed between the greater side walls. The outer enclosure lastly has an upper wall connected to respective upper edge zones of the lesser side wall and of the greater side walls. Between respective free edges of the greater side walls and of the upper wall there is defined a side opening that enables the containing body to be accessed. The outer enclosure can rotate around the hinge line obtained on the base of the packet, so as to move between a closed position, in which the outer enclosure closes the upper opening of the containing body and an open position, in which the user can access the cigarette.

Packets of this type are for example disclosed in European patent applications EP 1923329 and EP 1829799 and in the international patent application WO 2006/021581. A drawback of the packets disclosed above is that the hinge line can easily be damaged and compromise the aesthetic appearance of the packet. In fact, owing to repeated folding actions that are necessary for opening and closing the packet , the printed external layer that covers the packet may crack at the hinge line. Further, the free edges of the greater side walls of the outer enclosure that define the side opening tend to take on a curved configuration and to fold outwards the packet. In this manner, between the greater side walls of the outer enclosure and the greater side faces of the containing body an empty space is defined that is not aesthetically pleasing.

An object of the invention is to improve the packages for smoke articles, particularly for cigarettes, and the blanks that can be used for obtaining these packets . A further object is to provide packets for smoke articles comprising an outer enclosure hinged on a containing body arranged inside the outer enclosure, in which the risks of damage to the connection between the outer enclosure and the containing body are reduced. Another object is to provide packets for smoke articles comprising an outer enclosure and a containing body arranged inside the outer enclosure, in which the free edges of the outer enclosure are not excessively detached from the containing body. Still another object is to provide packets for smoke articles having an innovative appearance compared with traditional stiff packets.

In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a packet for smoke articles, comprising a containing body housing said smoke articles and an outer enclosure, said containing body being arranged inside said outer enclosure, a connecting device for connecting said containing body to said outer enclosure at a wall, characterised in that said connecting device comprises a pivoting member passing through a layer of said wall to enable said outer enclosure and said containing body to rotate in relation to one another . In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a blank for forming an enclosure of a packet for smoke articles, comprising a main panel for forming a longitudinal wall of said enclosure and a secondary panel for forming a transverse wall of said enclosure, characterised in that on said main panel an intended breakage line is obtained that is intended for forming a pivoting member of a connecting device, said intended breakage line being closed in a loop. Owing to the first aspect of the invention, it is possible to obtain a packet for smoke articles in which the containing body and the outer enclosure can be rotated many times in relation to one another without damaging the possible printed covering that covers the packet. In fact, the pivoting member passing through a layer of the wall of the packet avoids using weakening lines that act as hinge lines and can easily crack if they are subject to numerous folding actions.

The blank according to the second aspect of the invention enables the packet to be obtained according to the first aspect of the invention in a particularly simple manner, using a normal packaging machine that has undergone very slight modifications. The containing body and the outer enclosure further enable the packet to be customised with respect to traditional stiff packets and make a very wide surface available on which it is possible to print messages for the consumer. In an embodiment, the outer enclosure comprises a pair of greater side walls, facing one another and arranged along an axis of the packet .

The containing body may comprise a pair of greater side faces and a pair of lesser side faces, each lesser side face being interposed between the two greater side faces.

The connecting device can connect a greater side wall of the outer enclosure to a corresponding greater side face of the containing body. A further connecting device can be provided for connecting a further greater side wall of the outer enclosure to a corresponding further greater side face of the containing body.

This allows to prevent that the greater side walls of the outer enclosure be deformed and detached from the greater side faces of the containing body, which would generate undesired and unaesthetic empty spaces.

The invention can be better understood and implemented with reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate some embodiments thereof by way of non- limiting example, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a packet for smoke articles, particularly cigarettes, arranged vertically and in a closed configuration; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the packet in Figure 1, arranged horizontally;

Figure 3 is a front view of the packet in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a section of the packet in Figure 1, taken along the plane IV-IV in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is an enlarged and fragmentary section showing the detail A in Figure 4; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the packet in Figure 1, in an open configuration;

Figure 7 is a view of a blank for forming a containing body of the packet of Figures 1 to 6 ; Figure 8 is a view showing the internal face of a blank for forming an outer enclosure of the packet of Figures 1 to 6 ;

Figure 9 is a view like that in Figure 8, showing a blank to which a locking element of a connecting device has been fixed; Figure 10 is a view showing the external face of the blank in Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a view like that in Figure 8, showing a blank for forming an outer enclosure of the packet of Figures 1 to

6 according to an alternative embodiment; Figure 12 is a view like that in Figure 11, showing a blank to which the locking element has been fixed;

Figure 13 is a view showing the external face of the blank in Figure 11.

Figures 1 to 4 show a packet 1, of stiff type, suitable for containing smoke articles, particularly cigarettes. The packet 1 extends along an axis Z, shown in Figure 3. The axis Z is substantially parallel to the cigarettes or to other smoke articles contained inside the packet 1.

The packet 1 comprises an outer enclosure 2 that can be formed by folding a blank made, for example, of card. The outer enclosure 2 comprises a first greater side wall 3 and a second greater side wall 4, which can be opposite one another. The first greater side wall 3 and the second greater side wall 4 extend along the axis Z. The outer enclosure 2 further comprises a first lesser side wall 5 and a second lesser side wall 6, that can be opposite one another. The first lesser side wall 5 is interposed between the first greater side wall 3 and the second greater side wall 4 and this occurs for the second lesser side wall 6. Also the first lesser side wall 5 and the second lesser side wall 6 extend along the axis Z. The first greater side wall 3, the second greater side wall 4, the first lesser side wall 5 and the second lesser side wall 6 can be flat. In the example shown, the aforesaid walls are joined to one another along rounded edge zones 7, that can be parallel to the axis Z. In this manner the packet 1 has the appearance of a so-called "round corner" packet. In an embodiment that is not shown, the edge zones that join two adjacent side walls could be smoothed, so as to give the packet 1 the appearance of an octagonal packet . It is also possible for two adjacent side walls to be joined along a sharp corner, so as to obtain a packet 1 with a parallelepipedon section, like a traditional stiff packet. In general, the edge zones that join two adjacent side walls can have any desired shape. The outer enclosure 2 further comprises a lower wall 8 and an upper wall 9, that can be opposite one another. The lower wall 8 and the upper wall 9 can be substantially flat. The lower wall 8 and the upper wall 9 can extend transversely to the axis Z, in particular perpendicularly to this axis. The first greater side wall 3 and the second greater side wall 4 are contiguous both with the lower wall 8 and with the upper wall 9. The first lesser side wall 5 and the second lesser side wall 6 have a length that is less than the first greater side wall 3 and the second greater side wall 4. In particular, the first lesser side wall 5 is contiguous with the lower wall 8, but is spaced apart from the upper wall 9. Between the first greater side wall 3, the second greater side wall 4, the first lesser side wall 5 and the upper wall 9 there is defined a first side opening 10, the function of which will be disclosed better below.

The second lesser side wall 6 is on the other hand contiguous with the upper wall 9, but is spaced apart from the lower wall 8. In this manner, between the first greater side wall 3, the second greater side wall 4, the second lesser side wall 6 and the lower wall 8 there is defined a second side opening 11. The second side opening 11 is diagonally opposite the first side opening 10. In fact, the second side opening 11 is arranged in a lower portion of the packet 1, whilst the first side opening 10 is arranged in an upper portion of the packet 1. As shown in Figure 2, the outer enclosure 2 has further two passages 12, conformed as through slots, defined between the second lesser side wall 6 and respectively the first greater side wall 3 and the second greater side wall 4. The passages 12 are therefore arranged above the second side opening 11. The first greater side wall 3 and the second greater side wall 4 can have printed zones, drawings or messages, in particular a box 13 that contains messages intended for the smoker . The packet 1 further comprises a containing body 14 arranged inside the outer enclosure 2. The containing body 14 is suitable for housing a group of smoke articles, for example a group of cigarettes wrapped in metallised sheet or tinfoil so as to form an internal wrap 15, which is visible in Figure 6. The containing body 14 can be cup-shaped.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4 , the containing body 14 comprises a lower face 16, that can have a flat shape and be arranged transversely, in particular perpendicularly, with respect to the smoke articles. The containing body 14 further comprises a first greater side face 17 and a second greater side face 18. The first greater side face 17 and the second greater side face 18 can be opposite one another. Such faces can extend in the same direction as the direction in which the smoke articles that are enclosed in the internal wrap 15 extend.

The containing body 14 also has a first lesser side face 19 and a second lesser side face 20. The first lesser side face 19, as also the second lesser side face 20, is interposed between the first greater side face 17 and the second greater side face 18. The first lesser side face 19 and the second lesser side face 20 are opposite one another. The first lesser side face 19 and the second lesser side face 20 can extend in the same direction in which the smoke articles extend.

The first lesser side face 19 and the second lesser side face 20 are joined to the first greater side face 17 and to the second greater side face 18 along respective edge regions 21. In the example shown, the edge regions 21 have a rounded edge. The edge regions 21 can, however, also have different shapes, corresponding in particular to the shapes of the edge zones 7 of the outer enclosure 2.

The containing body 14 has an upper opening 22, through which the smoker can remove the smoke articles. The packet 1 further comprises connecting means for rotatably connecting the outer enclosure 2 to the containing body 14. In particular, the connecting means may comprise a connecting device 23 that connects the first greater side wall 3 of the outer enclosure 2 to the first greater side face 17 of the containing body 14. The connecting means may comprise a further connecting device 24, shown in Figure 4, for connecting the second greater side wall 4 of the outer enclosure 2 to the second greater side face 18 of the containing body 14.

As shown in Figure 4, the connecting device 23 and the further connecting device 24 can face one another so as to have a common rotation axis X. In this manner, the containing body 14 and the outer enclosure 2 can rotate in relation to one another around the common rotation axis X to pass from a closed configuration, shown in Figures 1 to 4 , to an open configuration, shown in Figure 6. In the closed configuration, the containing body 14 is contained inside the outer enclosure 2. In this configuration, the axis Z along which the outer enclosure 2 extends substantially coincides with the direction defined by the smoke articles contained inside the containing body 14. The upper opening 22 of the containing body 14 is closed by the upper wall 9 of the outer enclosure 2, which prevents the smoke articles from exiting the packet 1. In the open configuration, the containing body 14 is rotated with respect to the outer enclosure 2. In this configuration, an upper portion of the containing body 14 projects outside the outer enclosure 2 through the first side opening 10. This make it possible to access the upper opening 22 for removing the smoke articles contained in the containing body 14. Further, in the open configuration a lower portion of the containing body 14 projects outside the outer enclosure 2 through the second side opening 11. In order to pass from the closed configuration to the open configuration and vice versa, the containing body 14 and the outer enclosure 2 rotate in relation to one another by a preset angle, for example by about 45°.

Figure 5 shows, on an enlarged scale, the connecting device 23. The connecting device 23 comprises a pivoting member 25 that passes through the thickness of the first greater side wall 3. The pivoting member 25 can have the shape of a circular disc obtained in the material that forms the outer enclosure 2. A cutting line 26 separates the pivoting member 25 from the surrounding zones of the first greater side wall 3. The pivoting member 25 has a first surface 27 fixed to the first greater side face 17 of the containing body 14, for example by means of an adhesive substance 28.

A locking element 29 is fixed to the pivoting member 25 to prevent the pivoting member 25 being able to be removed from the first greater side wall 3. The locking element 29 has a dimension, measured transversely to the rotation axis X, that is greater than the transverse dimension of the pivoting member 25. In this manner, the locking element 29 has an abutting surface 30 that is suitable for abutting on the first greater side wall 3. The abutting surface 30 makes it impossible to remove the pivoting member 25 from the 0

first greater side wall 3 even if the pivoting member 25 is pushed inwards the packet 1.

In the example shown, the locking element 29 has the shape of a circular panel, having a greater diameter than the diameter of the pivoting member 25. The locking element 29 can nevertheless have any desired shape, even a non-circular shape .

The locking element 29 is fixed to the pivoting member 25 by an adhesive substance, distributed, for example, as a plurality of glue points 31. The glue points 31 are applied between the locking element 29 and a second surface 32 of the pivoting member 25, the second surface 32 being opposite the first surface 27. The locking element 29 can be made, for example, of the same material that forms the containing body 14 and/or the outer enclosure 2, for example card.

The pivoting member 25 has a thickness, measured along the rotation axis X, substantially the same as the thickness of the greater side wall 3 of the outer enclosure 2. In particular, as will be disclosed better below, the pivoting member 25 can be obtained by shearing the material that forms the first greater side wall 3 along the cutting line 26. The pivoting member 25 can be joined to the surrounding zones of the first greater side wall 3 by joining portions that can, for example, be broken by the smoker the first time that the packet 1 is opened. Through the passages 12, the user can exert a thrust action on the containing body 14 , so as to induce the containing body 14 to exit the outer enclosure 2 through the first side opening 10 and the second side opening 11. In this manner, the packet 1 can be opened. In order to close the packet 1, it is sufficient for the user to act on the upper portion of the containing body 14 exiting the first side opening 10 and/or act on the lower portion of the containing body 14 exiting the second side opening 11, so that the containing body 14 rotates from the open configuration to the closed configuration .

Owing to the pivoting member 25, it is possible to establish a hinge connection between the outer enclosure 2 and the containing body 14, in particular between the first greater side wall 3 and the first greater side face 17. The pivoting member 25 acts as a hinge pivot that passes through the thickness of the first greater side wall 3. In this manner, it is no longer necessary to use hinge connections made by means of a weakening line obtained on the external surface of the packet, which would easily damage the printed external surface of the packet. On the contrary, the pivoting member 25 enables the packet 1 to be opened and closed even for a high number of times, without risking damaging the visible surface of the packet 1 and the possible writings or drawings printed thereupon. The pivoting member 25 and the locking element 29 define a connection between the first greater side wall 3 and the first greater side face 17 at respective central zones of the aforesaid wall and of the aforesaid face. This enables the first greater side wall 3 to be maintained in contact with the first greater side face 17 and prevents the first greater side wall 3 being deformed excessively by curving outwards. In this manner it is avoided that undesired free spaces are formed between the free edge of the first greater side wall 3 that partially defines the first side opening 10 and the containing body 14. This positive effect is still more noticeable if also the further connecting device 24 is present that connects the second greater side wall 4 and the second greater side face 18.

The further connecting device 24, if present, has a structure and an operation that are similar to the connecting device 23. On the locking element 29 one or more graphic signs can be obtained that are arranged for interacting with one or more further graphic signs obtained on an external surface of the first greater side wall 3, so as to communicate a message to the smoker. This message can be different according as the packet 1 is in the open configuration or in the closed configuration. For example, on the locking element 29 there can be printed first position indicating means 33 comprising, for example, a double arrow. On the external surface of the first greater side wall 3 second position indicating means 34 can be obtained, comprising, for example, a pair of letters "C" arranged in diametrically opposite positions and a pair of letters "0" arranged in diametrically opposite positions and rotated by approximately 45° with respect to the pair of letters "C" . When the packet 1 is in the closed configuration, the double arrow printed on the locking element 29 is arranged in a vertical position, so that each tip of the arrow is directed to a letter "C" (closed) printed on the first greater side wall 3. If the containing body 14 is rotated so as to being taken to the open configuration, the locking element 29 rotates together with the containing body 14 and the double arrow is tilted by about 45°. In this manner, the double arrow is positioned at the pair of letters "0" (open) printed on the first greater side wall 3.

Naturally, instead of the double arrow and of the pairs of letters "0" and "C" it is possible to use any other graphic sign obtained on the locking element 29 and on the first greater side wall 3.

This enables a packet 1 to be obtained having a characteristic appearance that is easily distinguished from the appearance of the traditional packets on the market, which constitutes an element of attraction for the smoker.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in the closed configuration between the internal wrap 15 and the upper wall 9 of the outer enclosure 2 it is possible to define a clearance Gl. In the same configuration, between the containing body 14 and the lower wall 8 of the outer enclosure 2 it is possible to define a further clearance G2. The clearance Gl and the further clearance G2 can be the same as one another or different from one another. The clearance Gl and the further clearance G2 ensure that, when the containing body 14 passes from the closed configuration to the open configuration or vice versa, the internal wrap 15 and the containing body 14 do not knock against the lower wall 8 or the upper wall 9 of the outer enclosure 2.

In order to avoid interference between the internal wrap 15 and the upper wall 9 of the outer enclosure 2, it is also possible to use an adhesive substance to fix an upper flap 35 of the internal wrap 15 to an underlying flap 36, shown in Figure 6. This prevents the upper flap 35 detaching from the underlying flap 36 and contacting the upper wall 9 when the containing body 14 is rotated. A similar solution can also be adopted at the lower end of the internal wrap 15.

The upper flap 35 is torn by the smoker when the packet 1 is opened for the first time, so as to enable the smoke articles to be accessed. In order to prevent that clearance Gl giving rise to an unaesthetic empty space that is visible when the packet 1 is in the closed configuration, the containing body 14 has an upper side end 37 that protrudes towards the upper wall 9 with respect to the internal wrap 15. The upper side end 37 is arranged on the side of the containing body 14 that faces the first side opening 10 in the closed configuration. The upper side end 37 is dimensioned in such a way as to be in contact, or almost in contact, with the upper wall 9 when the packet 1 is in the closed configuration, so as to make the clearance Gl not visible in this configuration. A further upper side end 38 of the containing body 14, opposite the upper side end 37 and, like the upper side end 37 facing the upper wall 9, is on the other hand arranged substantially at the same level of the internal wrap 15, so as not to interfere with the upper wall 9 during rotation. The first lesser side face 19, as well as the edge regions 21 that are adjacent thereto, protrudes towards the upper wall 9 more than the second lesser side face 20, so that the upper side end 37 is at a different level from the further upper side end 38.

Similarly, to prevent the further clearance G2 being visible when the packet 1 is in the closed configuration, the containing body 14 has a lower side end 39 that projects from the internal wrap 15 to the lower wall 8. The lower side end 39 is arranged on the side of the containing body 14 that faces the second side opening 11 in the closed configuration. In other words, the lower side end 39 is diagonally opposite the upper side end 37. The lower side end 39 is dimensioned so as to be substantially in contact with the lower wall 8 when the packet 1 is in the closed configuration . A further lower side end 40 of the containing body 14, opposite the lower side end 39, is on the other hand substantially flush with the internal wrap 15, so as not to interfere with the lower wall 8 when the containing body 14 rotates between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

The lower side end 39 is defined by the second lesser side face 20 that, like the edge regions 21 that are adjacent thereto, protrudes towards the lower wall 8 more than the first lesser side face 19. In an embodiment that is not shown, the connecting device 23 and/or the further connecting device 24 may comprise a pivoting member that, instead of passing through the thickness of the greater side wall of the outer enclosure 2, passes through the greater side face of the containing body 14. In this case, the locking element is arranged inside the containing body 14. Further, the pivoting member is fixed to the corresponding greater side wall of the outer enclosure 2. In general, a greater side wall (whether it be the first greater side wall 3 or the second greater side wall 4) of the outer enclosure 2 and the corresponding greater side face of the containing body 14 define a wall of the packet 1. This wall has a two- layered structure, one layer being defined by the greater side wall of the outer enclosure 2 and a further layer being defined by the greater side face of the containing body 14. The pivoting member 25 can pass through any of these two layers. The pivoting member 25 is fixed to the other of the two aforementioned layers, i.e. to the layer through which the pivoting member 25 does not pass. The locking element 29 is arranged on the side of the pivoting member 25 opposite the layer to which the pivoting member 25 is fixed.

Figure 7 shows a blank 41, made, for example, of card, which can be used to obtain the containing body 14 of the packet 1. The blank 41 comprises a base portion 42 intended for forming the lower face 16 of the containing body 14. The base portion 42 has a substantially rectangular shape corresponding to the cross section of the containing body 14. The base portion 42 has four rounded vertex zones 43. The base portion 42 is joined, along two creases 44, to a first greater portion 45 and to a second greater portion 46, arranged for forming the greater side faces 17, 18 of the containing body 14. On the two sides of the first greater portion 45 there are arranged a first lesser portion 47 and a further first lesser portion 48. On the two sides of the second greater portion 46 there are arranged a second lesser portion 49 and a further second lesser portion 50. When the blank 41 is folded, the first lesser portion 47 and the second lesser portion 49 are superimposed on one another, just like the further first lesser portion 48 and the further second lesser portion 50. In this manner the first lesser side face 19 and the second lesser side face 20 of the containing body 14 are formed. Parallel groups of creases 51 are interposed between the first greater portion 45 and the first lesser portion 47, between the first greater portion 45 and the further first lesser portion 48, between the second greater portion 46 and the second lesser portion 49, between the second greater portion 46 and the further second lesser portion 50. The groups 51 are intended for forming the rounded edge regions 21 of the containing body 14.

A fin 52 is further connected to the further first lesser portion 48, which fin 52, once it is folded, is interposed between the internal wrap 15 and the base portion 42. The hatched zones on the blank 41 indicate fixing zones 53, to which a glue can be applied. The fixing zones 53 provided on the second lesser portion 49 and on the further second lesser portion 50 enable such portions to be attached respectively to the first lesser portion 47 and to the further first lesser portion 48. The fixing zone 53 provided on the fin 52 instead enables the internal wrap 15 to be anchored to the containing body 14.

The first greater portion 45 and the second greater portion 46 are bounded, on the side opposite the base portion 42, by respective "U" profiles 54 that give the first greater side face 17 and the second greater side face 18 of the containing body 14 the typical "U" shape of the inner frames used in traditional packets.

The first lesser portion 47 and the second lesser portion 49 are bounded by respective transverse edges 55 that are at a distance from the respective crease 44 that is less than the distance from said crease of further transverse edges 56 that bound the further first lesser portion 48 and the further second lesser portion 50. This ensures that, in the containing body 14, the upper side end 37 projects towards the upper wall 9 more than the further upper side end 38.

The first lesser portion 47 and the second lesser portion 49 are further bounded, near the base portion 42, by respective edge lines 57. The edge lines 57 are not at the same level as the creases 44, which can ensure that, in the containing body 14, the lower side end 39 projects from the lower face 16. The blank 41 can be folded, for example around an internal wrap 51, to obtain the containing body 14.

Figure 8 shows the internal surface of a blank 59, made, for example, of card, which can be folded for obtaining the outer enclosure 2 of the packet 1.

The blank 59 comprises a first greater panel or first main panel 60 connected to a first lesser panel or first secondary panel 61. The first secondary panel 61 is intended for forming the upper wall 9 of the outer enclosure 2. A second main panel 62 is connected to the first secondary panel 61 arranged on the side opposite the first secondary panel 61 with respect to the first main panel 60. The first main panel 60 and the second main panel 62 are intended for forming, in the outer enclosure 2, respectively the first greater side wall 3 and the second greater side wall 4.

The first main panel 60, the first secondary panel 61 and the second main panel 62 are arranged in sequence along a longitudinal axis Y. This gives the blank 59 a structure that is not too different from that of a blank for a normal packet of cigarettes.

A second secondary panel 63 is connected to the first main panel 60 on the opposite side with respect to the first main panel 60. Similarly, a further second secondary panel 64 is connected to the second main panel 62 on the side opposite to the first secondary panel 61. The second secondary panel 63 and the further second secondary panel 64 are suitable for being superimposed on one another for forming the lower wall 8 of the outer enclosure 2. The first secondary panel 61, the second secondary panel 63 and the further second secondary panel 64 have a substantially rectangular shape, corresponding to the cross section of the outer enclosure 2, with rounded corners 65. The corners 65 could also be smoothed, or sharp, or have other shapes according to the desired cross section for the outer enclosure 2. Transverse creases 66 are interposed between the second secondary panel 63 and the first main panel 60, between the first main panel 60 and the first secondary panel 61, between the first secondary panel 61 and the second main panel 62 and between the second main panel 62 and the further second secondary panel 64. The transverse creases 66 are arranged transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the longitudinal axis Y. A first side panel 67 is connected to an edge zone of the first main panel 60 that is arranged parallelly to the longitudinal axis Y. The first side panel 67 has a length, measured parallelly to the longitudinal axis Y, that is less than the length of the first main panel 60. The edge zone of the first main panel 60 to which the first side panel 67 is connected is arranged near the second secondary panel 63 and is spaced apart from the first secondary panel 61. A further first side panel 68 is connected to an edge zone of the second main panel 62 having about the same length, measured along the longitudinal axis Y, of the first side panel 67. The edge zone of the second main panel 62 to which the further first side panel 68 is connected extends parallelly to the longitudinal axis Y in a position adjacent to the further second secondary panel 64 and is spaced apart from the first secondary panel 61. The further first side panel 68 is intended for being folded on the first side panel 67 so as to define the first lesser side wall 5 of the outer enclosure 2. The first side panel 67 and the further first side panel 68, having a length that is less than the corresponding main panels and being spaced apart from the first secondary panel 61, allow to define the first side opening 10 in the outer enclosure 2. A first fin 69 is further connected to the further first side panel 68, the first fin 69 being arranged for being folded by 90° so as to be interposed between the lower wall 8 and the containing body 14. The first fin 69 prevents an unaesthetic empty space being visible in the finished packet 1 between the lower wall 8 and the first lesser side wall 5 of the outer enclosure 2.

In a position diametrically opposite the first side panel 67, a second side panel 67 is further connected to the first main panel 60, the second side panel 70 having a length that is less than the length of the first main panel 60 along the longitudinal axis Y. The second side panel 70, which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis Y but is spaced apart from this axis, is arranged near the first secondary panel 61 and is a distant from the second secondary panel 63.

A further second side panel 71, having about the same length as the second side panel 70, is connected to the second main panel 62 in a position that is diametrically opposite the further first side panel 68. The second side panel 70 and the further second side panel 71 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the first secondary panel 61. In this manner, when the blank 59 is folded, the further second side panel 71 can be superimposed on the second side panel 70 to form the second lesser side wall 6 of the outer enclosure 2. A second fin 72 is connected to the further second side panel 71, with respect to which the second fin 72 can be folded by 90° for being interposed between the containing body 14 and the upper wall 9 of the outer enclosure 2. The second fin 72 prevents unaesthetic spaces between the upper wall 9 and the second lesser side wall 6 of the outer enclosure 2 remaining visible in the finished packet 1. The first side panel 67, the further first side panel 68, the second side panel 70 and the further second side panel 71 are connected to the respective main panels 60, 62 by multiple creases 73, arranged parallelly to the longitudinal axis Y. The multiple creases 73 enable the rounded edge zones 7 of the outer enclosure 2 to be obtained when the blank 59 is folded. Between the second side panel 70 and the first main panel 60, as also between the further second side panel 71 and the second main panel 62, through openings 74 are obtained that are intended for forming, in the outer enclosure 2, the passage 12.

A stiffening fin 75 and a further stiffening fin 76 are connected respectively to the first secondary panel 61 and to the further second secondary panel 64.

The hatched areas of Figure 8 indicate gluing zones 77 intended for receiving an adhesive substance to enable desired portions of the blank 59 to be fixed. Two gluing zones 77 are provided on the second main panel 63 so as to enable the second main panel 63 to be attached to the further second main panel 64.

The gluing zones 77 are also provided on the first side panel 67 and on the second side panel 70, so that such panels can be fixed respectively to the further first side panel 68 and to the further second side panel 71. Lastly, a gluing zone 77 can also be provided on the further stiffening fin 76. On the first main panel 60 an intended breakage line 78 is obtained extending along a closed path that, in the example shown, is circular. The intended breakage line 78 is defined by a plurality of cutting lines 26 separated by joining portions 79. The intended breakage line 78 defines on the blank 59 an internal zone 80, arranged inside the intended breakage line 78, surrounded by an external zone 81. The internal zone 80 gives rise, on the finished packet 1, to the pivoting member 25, which becomes free to move with respect to the external zone 81 when the joining portions 79 are broken. When this occurs, the external zone 81 act as seat with respect to which the pivoting member 25 can rotate .

The intended breakage line 78 can be obtained on the first main panel 60 directly by the manufacturer of the blank 59. It is also possible for the intended breaking line 78 to be obtained on the blank 59 by means of a blanking operation performed on the packaging machine that packages the packet

1.

On the second main panel 62 a further intended breakage line

82 can be obtained, which is similar to the intended breakage line 78. The intended breakage line 78 gives rise to the pivoting member 25 of the connecting device 23, whilst the further intended breakage line 82 gives rise to the pivoting member 25 of the further connecting device 24. The distance between the intended breakage line 78 and the first secondary panel 61 is substantially the same as the distance between the further intended breakage line 82 and the first secondary panel 61. In this manner, in the finished packet 1 the connecting device 23 and the further connecting device 24 can have the same rotation axis X. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, to the external surface of the blank 59 a locking panel 83 is applied that is intended for forming the locking element 29 of the connecting device 23. The locking panel 83 is applied in a region of the blank 59 in which the intended breakage line 78 is obtained so as to protrude to the outside of the intended breakage line 78. In the example shown, the locking panel 83 has a circular shape and has a diameter that is greater than the circumference defined by the intended breakage line 78. The locking panel

83 can be arranged concentrically with respect to the intended breakage line 78.

The locking panel 83 can be fixed to the internal zone 80 by glue points 31, as already disclosed with reference to Figure 5. The glue points 31 have been shown as a hatched zone in Figures 8 to 10. The locking panel 83 can be applied to the blank 59 by the manufacturer of the blank 59, or can be glued to the blank 59 on the machine that packages the packet 1. In the latter case, the locking panel 83 can be shorn from a sheet of card and reach the packaging machine as a precut element. A further locking panel 84, similar to the locking panel 83, can be glued to the external surface of the larger second side panel 62 for defining the locking element 29 of the further connecting device 24, if present.

When the packet 1 is packaged, the blank 41 is folded so as to obtain the containing body 14 , which houses the internal wrap 15. If necessary, on the blank 59 the intended breakage line 78 and possibly the further intended breakage line 82 are obtained.

The glue is then applied at the gluing zones 77. In this step, the glue points 31 are also applied, if required. It is now possible to glue the locking panel 83 and possibly the further locking panel 84 to the blank 59. Subsequently, the blank 59 is folded around the containing body 14 to obtain the outer enclosure 2 and make the finished packet 1. When the smoker opens the packet 1 for the first time the joining portions 79 are broken, after which the pivoting member 25 can rotate freely around the rotation axis X to enable the smoker to open and close the packet . Figures 11 to 13 show a blank 159 that can be folded for obtaining the outer enclosure 2, according to an alternative embodiment.

The components of the blank 159 corresponding to those of the blank 59 are indicated by the same reference numbers as those used for the blank 59, preceded by the digit "1", and are not again disclosed in detail. Essentially, the blank 59 is of the so-called longitudinal extent type, inasmuch as the main panels and the secondary panels are arranged in sequence along a longitudinal axis of the main panels. The blank 159 is on the other hand of the so-called transverse extent type, in which the main panels and the secondary panels are arranged alongside one another, along a transverse axis of the main panels .

In the blank 159 the first main panel 160 and the second main panel 162 are joined together by a central panel 85, intended for forming the second lesser side wall 6 of the outer enclosure 2. The central panel 85 has a lesser length than the first main panel 160 and the second main panel 162. The central panel 85 is connected to the first main panel 160 along an edge zone that extends parallelly to a main axis P of the first main panel 160.

The first main panel 160 and the second main panel 162 are further joined by a removable panel 86, arranged at ends of the first main panel 160 and of the second main panel 162 that are opposite the central panel 85. The removable panel 86 is joined to the first main panel 160 and to the second main panel 162 along breakable lines 87 and is used for limiting the deformations of the blank 159 when the blank 159 is manipulated on the packaging machine. The removable panel 86 is then removed by the smoker, so that the second side opening 11 is defined. A first stiffening panel 88 and a second stiffening panel 89 are connected respectively to the first main panel 160 and to the second main panel 162 near the first side panel 167 and the second side panel 168. The first stiffening panel 88 and the second stiffening panel 89 are arranged for being folded by 180° inwards the blank 159 and thus for being glued respectively to the first main panel 160 and to the second main panel 162. The first stiffening panel 88 and the second stiffening panel 89 enable the free edges of the first side opening 10 to be stiffened so as to prevent these edges curving outwards, compromising the aesthetic appearance of the packet 1.

It should also be noted that the blank 159 comprises a further first secondary panel 90, connected to the second main panel 162 and suitable for being folded in contact with the first secondary panel 161 for forming the upper wall 9 of the outer enclosure 2.

The blank 41 and the blanks 59 or 159 enable the connecting device 23 and the possible further connecting device 24 to be made in an extremely simple manner in a slightly modified traditional packaging machine without resorting to external materials that are different from card to make the hinge connection between the outer enclosure 2 and the containing body 14.

Claims

1. Packet for smoke articles, comprising a containing body (14) housing said smoke articles and an outer enclosure (2) , said containing body (14) being arranged inside said outer enclosure (2) , a connecting device (23) for connecting said containing body (14) to said outer enclosure (2) at a wall, characterised in that said connecting device (23) comprises a pivoting member (25) passing through a layer of said wall to enable said outer enclosure (2) and said containing body (14) to rotate in relation to one another.

2. Packet according to claim 1, wherein said pivoting member (25) is joined to said layer by joining portions

(79; 179) that are breakable to enable said pivoting member (25) and said layer to rotate mutually.

3. Packet according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein said wall comprises a further layer, said pivoting member (25) being fixed to said further layer.

4. Packet according to claim 3, wherein said layer is a side wall (3; 4) of said outer enclosure (2) and said further layer is a side face (17; 18) of said containing body (14) .

5. Packet according to claim 3, wherein said layer is a side face (17; 18) of said containing body (14) and said further layer is a side wall (3; 4) of said outer enclosure (2) .

6. Packet according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said side wall (3; 4) is a side wall that is greater than said outer enclosure (2) and said side face (17; 18) is a greater side face of said containing body (14) .

7. Packet according to any preceding claim and further comprising a locking element (29) to prevent said pivoting member (25) being removed from said layer.

8. Packet according to claim 7, as appended to any one of claims 3 to 6 , wherein said locking element (29) is fixed to said pivoting member (25) on the side opposite said further layer.

9. Packet according to any preceding claim, wherein said pivoting member (25) is a circular disc obtained through the thickness of said layer.

10. Packet according to claim 9, as appended to claim 7 or 8, wherein said locking element (29) has the shape of a circular panel having a greater diameter than the diameter of said circular disc.

11. Packet according to claim 7, or 8 , or 10, or according to claim 9 as appended to claim 7 or 8, wherein said locking element (29) comprises first position indicating means (33) cooperating with second position indicating means (34) provided on said wall to indicate visually if said packet (1) is open or closed.

12. Packet according to any preceding claim, wherein said outer enclosure (2) has a first side opening (10) and a second side opening (11) , said first side opening (10) and said second side opening (11) being arranged in a diagonally opposite position so that a first end of said containing body (14) exits said first side opening (10) and a second end of said containing body (14) exits said second side opening (11) when said packet (1) is open.

13. Packet according to any preceding claim, wherein said outer enclosure (2) has at least one passage (12) through which a user can act on said containing body (14) for rotating said containing body (14) with respect to said outer enclosure (2) .

14. Packet according to any preceding claim, wherein said containing body (14) has a longitudinal dimension that is less than a further longitudinal dimension of said outer enclosure (2) , so as to define between said containing body (14) and respective transverse walls (8, 9) of said outer enclosure (2) corresponding clearances (Gl, G2) dimensioned so as to enable said containing body (14) to rotate in relation to said internal enclosure (2) without interfering with said transverse walls (8, 9) .

15. Packet according to claim 14, wherein said containing body (14) comprises a first lesser side face (19) and a second lesser side face (20) each having a protruding end (37, 39) for closing said clearances (Gl, G2) when said packet (1) is in a closed position.

16. Packet according to any preceding claim, wherein said containing body (14) is shaped as a cup body.

17. Packet according to any preceding claim, and further comprising a further connecting device (24) comprising a respective pivoting member for rotatably connecting said outer enclosure (2) and said containing body (14) at a further wall opposite said wall.

18. Packet according to claim 17, wherein said further connecting device (24) and said connecting device (23) have a common rotation axis (X) .

19. Packet according to claim 18, wherein said rotation axis (X) is arranged perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis (Z) of said packet (1) .

20. Blank for forming an enclosure (2; 14) of a packet (1) for smoke articles, comprising a main panel (60; 160) for forming a longitudinal wall (3) of said enclosure (2; 14) and a secondary panel (61; 161) for forming a transverse wall (8, 9; 16) of said enclosure (2; 14), characterised in that on said main panel (60; 160) an intended breakage line (78) is obtained that is intended for forming a pivoting member (25) of a connecting device (23), said intended breakage line (78) being closed in a loop.

21. Blank according to claim 20, wherein said intended breakage line (78) is circular.

22. Blank according to claim 20 or 21, and further comprising a locking panel (83) fixed to said main panel (60; 160) in a position superimposed on said intended breakage line (78) for forming a locking element (29) of said connecting device (23) .

23. Blank according to claim 22, wherein said locking panel

(83) has a transverse dimension that is greater than the transverse dimension of the portion of said blank (41; 59) enclosed by said intended breakage line (78) .

24. Blank according to any one of claims 20 to 23, and further comprising a side panel (67; 167) adjacent to said main panel (60; 160) for forming a side wall (5, 6; 19, 20) of said enclosure (2; 14) .

25. Blank according to claim 24, wherein said main panel

(60) and said side panel (67) are arranged in sequence along a longitudinal axis (Y) of said main panel (60) .

26. Blank according to claim 24, wherein said main panel (160) and said side panel (167) are arranged in sequence transversely to a longitudinal axis (P) of said main panel (60) .