WO2010014489A1

WO2010014489A1 - Auto-open lid for a multi -product package

Info

Publication number: WO2010014489A1
Application number: PCT/US2009/051534
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeremy Mowery; Bradford Walling; John A. Gelardi; William Bogdziewicz, Iii; Karin Ruthardt
Original assignee: Meadwestvaco Corporation
Priority date: 2008-08-01
Filing date: 2009-07-23
Publication date: 2010-02-04

Abstract

This disclosure relates to modifications for cigarette packs. One such modification includes adding a lift function to lift the product (24) out of the package as the lid (14) opened. Another such modification is creating a one-movement opening design that as a sleeve (12) is slipped down the lid is pulled back to reveal the product. Another such modification includes a top that slides to one side or another instead of using the traditional flip-top. Finally a unique closing mechanism (26) has been added that allows the cigarettes to be held closed either using an eco-click design or strategic placement of magnets.

Description

AUTO-OPEN LID FOR A MULTI -PRODUCT PACKAGE

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to improved opening mechanisms for multiple-product containers. It also relates generally to improved closure mechanisms for multiple-product containers. Furthermore it relates to improved protection for the products contained within multi-product containers and improved consumer access to such products. In particular, the improved containers would be useful for accommodating a group of cigarette or tobacco alternative products, medicinal products, food products as well as other types of multi-pack products.

Background

[0002] The flip-top pack is the most widely used soft cigarette pack. However, it is hard to get at the cigarettes due to their proximity to the rim of the pack, particularly when the pack is full. Furthermore, multiple movements are required to open and remove a cigarette. In addition, the products are not prominently displayed when the lid is opened. Also the flip-top pack design does not offer a lot of structural protection for the products inside nor does it offer a lot of protection from external elements (e.g. moisture, light and/or air).

[0003] The manufactured design of the traditional flip-top pack involves a two piece box structure, with as inner frame portion set atop the foil wrapped product and the other portion folded and assembled up around the foil wrapped product and inner frame. In this design, the product provides a substantial portion of its structural support. As a result, as the pack is consumed, the support for the remaining products decreases. In addition, the traditional flip-top pack lid does not tightly close after opening thereby leaving the product exposed to the elements which decreases the products lifespan and makes this type of box ineffective for some multi-pack products. Furthermore, the flip- top lid commonly gets caught on the inner frame preventing closure of the lid.

[0004] New designs are needed to provide increased product protection, maintain ease of use, improve product accessibility and prominence within the package, and increase closure capabilities. It is apparent from the above that there exists a need in the art for an easy to open flip-top pack that is aesthetically pleasing and provides greater protection for the products contained within. It is also easy to see that a need exists for alternate opening structures for the traditional flip-top package that are aesthetically pleasing, provide greater protection for the products contained within and increase product accessibility. In addition, a need exists for an easily assembled flip top carton comprised of alternate materials other than the traditional paperboard soft pack both for aesthetic purposes and product protection. Further, a need exists for a manner of keeping an opened package closed more tightly between uses to improve freshness of the product contained within.

Summary

[0005] The object of the invention is to improve the handling of packs, in particularly the ease of use in multi-product packs. A further objective of this invention is to promote the products contained within the multi-product packs and improve consumer product accessibility. More particularly, a user can open and display the product with one simple motion using only one hand and easily grasp a single product for consumption or use. Another objective of the invention is to improve the structural and elemental protection for the products contained within these packages. A further object is to utilize a variety of materials and material combinations to create a more structurally sound aesthetically pleasing user friendly multi-product container. An additional objective is to improve the opening mechanism for a multi-product package. A further objective is to improve the closing mechanism for a multi-product package.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] Fig. 1 is a front view of one aspect of the disclosed product packaging structure shown in a closed configuration. [0007] Fig. 2 is a front view of one aspect of the disclosed product packaging structure shown in an open configuration.

[0008] Fig. 3 is a front view of one aspect of the disclosed product packaging structure shown in an open configuration and displaying consumer product access.

[0009] Fig. 4 is a front view of one aspect of the disclosed product packaging structure shown in an open configuration and displaying product removal.

[0010] Fig. 5 is a front view of one aspect of the disclosed product packaging structure shown in an open configuration.

[0011] Fig. 6 is a front view of one aspect of the disclosed product packaging structure shown in an open configuration.

[0012] Fig. 7 is a front view of another aspect of the disclosed product packaging structure in a closed configuration.

[0013] Fig. 8 is a front view of another aspect of the disclosed product packaging structure in a closed configuration.

[0014] Fig. 9 is a front view of the disclosed product packaging structure in an open configuration.

[0015] Fig. 10 is a series of frontal package views displaying one aspect of the disclosed product packaging in it closed form its partially open form to its fully open form.

[0016] Fig. 11 is a series of frontal package views displaying one aspect of the disclosed product packaging in it closed form its partially open form to its fully open form. [0017] Fig. 12 is a series of frontal package views of another aspect of the disclosed product packaging structure in a closed and open configuration.

[0018] Fig. 13 is a series of frontal package views of another aspect of the disclosed product packaging structure in a closed and open configuration.

[0019] Fig. 14 is a series of frontal package views displaying one aspect of the disclosed product packaging in it closed form its partially open form to its fully open form.

[0020] Fig. 15 is a series of frontal package views displaying one aspect of the disclosed product packaging in it closed form its partially open form to its fully open form.

[0021] Fig. 16 is a series of frontal package views displaying one aspect of the disclosed product packaging in it closed form its partially open form to its fully open form.

[0022] Fig. 17 is a series of frontal package views displaying one aspect of the disclosed product packaging in it closed form its partially open form to its fully open form.

[0023] Fig. 18 is a series of frontal package views displaying one aspect of the disclosed product packaging in it closed form to its fully open form.

[0024] Fig. 19 is a series of frontal package views displaying one aspect of the disclosed product packaging in it closed form to its fully open form.

[0025] Fig. 20 is a series of frontal package views displaying one aspect of the disclosed product packaging in it closed form its partially open form to its fully open form. Detailed Description

[0026] The illustrated embodiments include a generally rectangular body 10 designed for holding a variety of similar products, at least one end of the body comprising a lid 14 that is capable of opening, and a slidable sleeve 12 that is attached to the rectangular body 10. It is to be understood that the slidable sleeve 12 may be connected to the lid 14 of the body such that when the slidable sleeve 12 is slid from its position covering the top of the rectangular body 16 towards the bottom of the rectangular body 18 one or more lids 14 on the body 10 may be pulled open allowing access to the products 24, easier visibility of the products 24 and easier removal of the products 24. It is to be understood that such a package could be designed in a variety of different shapes.

[0027] It is also to be understood that the lid 14 may be manually opened by the consumer. It is to be understood that the lid 14 could be perforated prior to use such that the consumer needs to break the perforations to open the lid 14. It is to be understood that the lid 14 may be an auto-open lid such that when the sleeve 12 and body 10 are moved in opposing planar paths the lid 14 is pulled open to allow access to the product 24 inside. It is to be understood that there are a variety of ways to accomplish this functionality. It is to be understood that the back of the body 10 may have one or more lid opening tabs 84 that extends from the back of the lid 14 towards the bottom of the body 18 and that such lid opening tab may fold back upon itself creating a V-shape where the end not connected to the lid 14 is folded away from the body 10. It is to be understood that the body 10 may have an opening gap 86 located on one or more inside walls. It is to be understood that the opening gap may be advantageous because the opening gap 86 allows for more room for the opening tab 84 to slip into, thus allowing for a more sensitive auto-opening function. It is to be understood that a sleeve opening tab 88 may be designed to catch the lid opening tab 84. It is to be understood that the sleeve opening tab 88 may catch the lid opening tab 84 at the point of the V-shape. It is to be understood that the sleeve opening tab 88 may be a U-shaped tab and may slnat slightly inward from the sleeve 12 wall. It is to be understood that the one or more sleeve opening tabs 88 and the one or more V-shapes created by the one or more lid opening tabs 84 may be aligned such that the one or more sleeve opening tabs 88 lie within the one or more V-shapes created by the one or more lid opening tabs 84. It is to be understood that one or more openings may be cut into the back of the body creating an opening gap 86. It is to be understood that an opening gap may also be cut into the sleeve. It is to be understood that aesthetic and ease of use may benefit from the opening gap 86 being cut into the body as the internal opening gap may provide added protection for the functional components of the auto-opening lid. It is to be further understood that when the one or more sleeve opening tabs 88 catch on the bottom of the one or more lid opening tabs 84 and when opposing planar directional pressure is continued to be applied to the body 10 and the sleeve 12 to ease the pressure the one or more lid opening tabs 84 may bend into one or more opening gaps 86 in the back of the body 10 and the lid 14 is pulled open. It is to be understood that the one or more lid opening tabs 84 may be aligned with the one or more sleeve opening tabs 88.

[0028] It is also to be understood that one or more stop catch tabs 80 could be attached to the sleeve 12 adjacent to the one or more stop catch tabs 82 attached to the body 10. It is also to be understood that the one or more upper stop catch tabs attached to the body may catch on the bottom edge of the one or more body openings or gaps similar to 86. It is to be understood in thinner packages this design may reduce the space needed for package elements. It is to be understood that the one or more upper and/or lower stop catch tabs assist in preventing the sleeve 12 from sliding entirely off the bottom of the body 10. It is further to be understood that upper and/or lower stop tabs could be placed on the sides of the sleeve 12 and/ or the body 10. It is to be understood that body opening gaps similar to 86 may also be placed on one or more sides of the body 10. It is also to be understood that the upper and/or lower stop catch tabs could be adhesively connected to the sleeve and/or body as determined by manufacturing preferences. The adhesive connection of the upper and/or lower stop catch tabs may allow for a smaller package product design and/or a tighter fit between the sleeve and the body. It is to be understood that one or more upper stop catch tabs may be placed on or more sides of the sleeve 12. It is to be understood that one or more lower stop catch tabs may be placed on one or more sides of the body 10. It is to be understood that the stop tab openings may be placed on one or more sides of the sleeve 12 and/or one or more sides of the body 10. It is to be understood that the when a stop tab comes into contact with a stop tab opening it may inhibit planar movement in a particular direction. It is to be understood that one or more stop tabs and one or more stop tab opening connections may be used to keep the sleeve 12 from traveling off the top end and/or bottom end of the body 10. It is to be understood that this same function could be accomplished by having one or more stop tabs 82 on the body facing one direction and one or more stop tabs 80 on the sleeve facing in an opposite direction from those on the body. It is to be understood that one or more stop tabs could be placed on the body 10 and one or more stop tab openings could be placed on the sheath 12. It is further to be understood that these stop tabs on the body and/or sleeve may be aligned such that when the body 10 and sleeve 12 are moved in opposing planar directions they come in contact with one another and inhibit the body 10 and sleeve 12 from sliding further apart or completely apart. It is to be understood that this design can be accomplished with the use of one or more foldable blanks. It is to be understood that this design could be made from a variety of materials including a combination of one or more materials within the same package design.

[0029] In addition, it is to be understood that the lid 14 may be equipped with a closure mechanism 26 such as an adhesive, Velcro, magnetic strip, slot-and-tab mechanism or the like such that the package is kept closed by more than just gravitational forces. It is to be understood that a magnetic strip may assist in pulling the lid 14 tightly closed without the consumer needing to shut the lid 14 themselves. It is also to be understood that the lid 14 could be held closed by the presence of the sleeve covering one or more sides of the lid 14. Such a configuration may improve the elemental as well as structural protection for the products 24 contained within the body 10 of the package.

[0030] It is to be further understood that the package opening 28 could be located at the top of the body 16 similar to the traditional flip-top pack design or it could be placed on the side of the body. For example, the lid 14 positioned on the top of the rectangular body 16 could be a hinged lid having one or more sides unconnected to the body and one or more sides scored in such a manner as to create a hinge. It is to be understood that the hinged lid 14 could cover the entire top side of the body 16 or up to ³A of the top side of the body or up to ¹A of the top side of the body or up to ¹A of the top side of the body. It is to be further understood that the hinged lid 14 could be perforated such that the user may put pressure on the perforations to free to the lid 14 thus allowing it to work in its hinged state. It is to be understood that the hinged lid 14 could be an auto- open lid as described above or a manual lid. It is to be understood that the hinged lid 14 could be equipped with a closure mechanism 26 as described above. It is to be understood that the body and the lid may be made from one blank. It is to be understood that using one blank for the body and the lid may eliminate the inner frame making it easier for the consumer to close the lid. It is to be understood that the sleeve 12 may be made of one or more blanks. It is to be understood that the body 10, lid 14 and sleeve 12 may be made from one or more blanks. It is to be understood that perforations may be used to allow the consumer to open the lid 14 and separate the sleeve 12 from the body 10 such that the body 10 and sleeve 14 are able to slide in opposing planar directions. Where the package is made of one blank, it is to be understood that the perforations may provide the separation of the single blank into one or more separate pieces of the final package (e.g. lid, sleeve, body). It is to be understood manufacturing preferences may determine where to place the perforations, whether to use perforations, whether to use one or more blanks, what size to make the package, what materials to use, and/or other various considerations. It is to be understood that the body 10 and lid 14 blank may be made to form up around a product. It is to be understood that a sleeve 12 blank may be cut such that is capable of forming up and around a body 10 and lid 14. It is to be understood that a body 10, lid 14, and sleeve 12 blank may be made to form up around a product. It is to be understood that the package designs may be foldably connected. It is to be understood that a package designs may be adhesively connected. It is to be understood that the package designs may be connected by the use of interlocking parts connected together by folds, slots, grooves, adhesives, staples or other such mechanisms. [0031] The body opening could be a slidable lid 14 opening attached to one or more sides 30 of the sleeve 12. The slidable lid may be attached to the sleeve 12 such that the top 40 of the lid 14 is pulled to one or more sides 30 of the body exposing the product or it could be pulled to the front of back of the body 10 exposing the product 24. The slidable lid 14 could be connected to the sleeve 12 such that it is opened by the opposing sliding directions of the sleeve 12 and body 10 or it could be opened by the consumer and not connected to the sleeve 12 or not even have a sleeve 12 as a part of the package. The slidable lid 14 may be formed by perforations such that the user can open the lid 14 only after applying pressure to break the perforations. Such a connection may be done in a variety of manners including those discussed previously. This slidable lid 14 may cover one or more product openings 34 in the body 10. The one or more product openings 34 may be sized such that they cover the entire top side of the body (similar to your traditional flip-top package) or the one or more product openings 34 could cover up to ³A of the top side, or up to ¹A of the top side, or up to ¹A of the top side. It is to be understood that the one or more product openings 34 may be circular, oval, rectangular, similar to a doorway in shape, or any other shape as preferred by manufacturing preferences. It is to be further understood that the slidable lid may slide in a track formed between a lower top layer 38 and an upper top layer 36. It is to be understood that there may be one or more openings in both the top lower layer 38 and the top upper layer 36. It is too be understood that the one or more openings in the lower layer 38 and the top upper layer 36 may be the same shape and size or may be different shapes and sizes depending upon manufacturing preferences. It is to be understood that the lid package material may be pressed around the one or more openings such that the slidable lid 14 more tightly connects between the lower top lid 38 and the upper top lid 36. It is to be understood that as the lid 14 is slid between the layers the part furthest from the opening may slide off the end of the body. It is to be understood that the slidable lid may have a top strip 40 acting as a lid and a connected side strip 42 acting as an anchor. It is to be understood that the lid side strip 42 may be connected to the lid top strip 40 along a fold crease 44. It is to be understood that this fold crease 44 may align with one or more top edges of the body 10 when the lid is closed. It may be understood that the lid side strip 42 may be hingidly connected along one or more sides of the body 10 such that when the slidable lid 14 is opened a portion slides off the end of the body 10 creating a V-shape between the hingedly connected edge 42 and the top of the slidable lid 40 (see by way of example Figure 19). In addition, it is to be understood that a closure mechanism 26 as discussed previously may be used to help seal the slidable lid 14 as described above. It is to be understood that one or more closure mechanisms may be attached to the edge of the lid 14 such that it is held or pulled closed.

[0032] It is to be understood that a slidable lid package design may be made of a variety of materials and/or from one or more blanks. It is to be understood that a sleeve 12 may be added to this package in a similar manner as suggested above. It is to be understood that an auto-open lid 14 may be provided as described above. It is to be understood that the lid side arm 42 may be connected to the sleeve 12 as discussed previously. It is to be understood that the product 26 may be shaken such that it comes out of the product 26 through the one or more openings. It is to be understood that a lift element as described later in this application may be added to the package such that the product is lifted out of the box.

[0033] The sleeve could surround the rectangular body 10 leaving one or more sides open, such that the body 10 may be slidably repositioned with respect to the sleeve 12 either by pushing or pulling on one or more body 10 and/or sleeve 12 sides. For example, where the top and bottom of the sleeve 12 are open, a consumer may push on the bottom of the rectangular body 10 while holding the sleeve 12 in place and the sleeve 12 may slide down lower with respect to its initial positioning on the body 10. The sleeve 12 may be connected to an auto opening lid 14 as described above. The sleeve 12 may cover the lid 14 such that when it is slid away from the top of the body 16 the lid is exposed allowing the consumer to open the package and access the products (see by way of example Figures 11 and 18). The sleeve 12 may also cover all but a small portion of the rectangular body 10, such as one or more notches 20 which may be located in the outer corners of the sleeve 12 allowing a user access to the body 10 such that they are able to change the planar orientation of the body 10 respective to the sleeve 12. The one or more outer corner notches 20 on the sleeve 12 may be located over one or more of the bottom corners of the body. The one or more notches 20 could also be located in the center of the bottom side of the sleeve 12 so as to provide a means of access to the bottom of the body 10. It is to be understood that the one or more notches 20 could be located anywhere along the bottom portion of the sleeve 12 and or body 10.

[0034] It is to be further understood that the sleeve 12 could fully cover as many as five sides of the body 10, such that only the top portion of the sleeve 12 is left open. It is to be understood that the consumer may pull the body 10 out of the sleeve 12 through this opening. It is to be further understood that a slight dip along the upper edge of the sleeve 12 may allow the user easier access to the top 16 of the body 10 and thus increase the ease of use for such a design. It is to be understood that the sleeve 12 could be designed to cover the lid 14 of the package in its closed shape and provide additional product protection both structurally and from the elements. It is to be understood that the sleeve 12 could slide from side edge towards an opposing side edge of the body 10 or from the top edge 16 towards bottom edge 18 of the body 10. It is to be further understood that one or more notches 20 could be removed from the sleeve 12 along the front, back, sides and/or any combination of these locations that would allow the user to contact both the sleeve 12 and the body 10 such that they are able to alter the planar positions of the body 10 relative to the sleeve 12. Furthermore, one or more notches 20 could be perforated onto the sleeve 12 allowing a user could opt for which notch 20 they would prefer to use and remove one or more choice notches based on their user preference. It is also to be understood that the lid 14 does not need to be connected to the sleeve 12. It is to be understood that one or more lids 14 may be present. It is to be understood that one or more sleeves 12 may cover one or more lids 14. It is also to be understood that a sleeve 12 may slide planar to the body 10 in a side to side manner or in a top to bottom depending upon manufacturing preferences. It is further understood that the shape of the body 10 and corresponding sleeve 12 can be made in a variety of dimensions, including but not limited to width and height dimensions including up to 2 1/4 inches by 3 Vi inches, up to 2 1/8 inches by 31/2 inches, up to 2 1/8 inches by 3 ³A and/or up to 3 1/8 inches by 3 ³A inches. Larger, smaller, wider or thinner containers could also be made depending upon the product they were designed to contain. For example, medications may require a wider and/or taller package or office product longer and narrower packages. Such a package design could also be used for cough drops, band-aids or business cards, note cards, or any other suitable multiple product type packages. Medication blister pack designs may want a thinner package. With the adhesively connected stop tabs, the blister pack design containing a body (or tray) 10 and a sleeve 12 may be constructed in a slimmer manner. In addition, the body 10 can be designed to be open at the top 16 to allow easy product access once it is slid out from the sleeve 12. It is further understood that child-proofing as well as other means may be added to the one or more sleeve openings 12 to meet federal regulations and prevent unwanted access to the product. Furthermore all of these product designs may be structured to prevent tampering with the product. Gum, candy or other food products could require a deeper product package depending upon the individual products dimensions. The sleeve 12 or any portion of the package could be made of the same material as the body 10 or an alternate material, such as tear resistant paper-board, treated paper board, plastic, PLA, APET, heavy or thick foil-type materials or other similar materials, depending upon design preferences. The sleeve 12 could have a textured surface. It is to be understood that the sleeve 12 and/or body 10 could be embossed or debossed to create texture. It is to be understood that adding texture to the sleeve 12 and/or body 10 could improve the consumer's ability to grip the sleeve 12 and /or body 10 and thus assist with the repositioning of the sleeve 12 relative to the body 10. It is also to be understood that the sleeve 12 may have a ledge or ridge or other type of grip added to the outside to assist the user in gripping the sleeve 12.

[0035] Any of the package designs disclosed in here could be made of a variety of materials including but not limited to, plastic, paperboard (treated or untreated/ coated or uncoated), FDA approved package materials, tear resistant package materials, APET, PLA or other related materials. It is to be understood that a variety or materials may be used and that the type of materials used could depend on the product the package is designed to contain. For example, a water resistant material could be used to protect a product that water or other liquids would harm. In the alternative, a product with greater sealability could be used to protect a product that air or light would harm or make go stale more quickly. For example, a paperboard with heat sealing potential could be used to create a package of the designs discussed herein that is heat sealed on its bottom edges and/or sides and/or lid and thus would better preserve the product contained therein. Furthermore, layered treated material could be used in any of these packaging designs that would improve durability, strength, freshness of the product etc... all dependent upon design and manufacturing preferences. It is to be understood that material that may eliminate the need for additional interior packaging may also be used (e.g. coating that would eliminate the need for the foil wrapper around the tobacco products). It is to be further understood, that it may be desirable to use different materials for different parts of these package designs to improve structural stability, product protection, aesthetics, decrease manufacturing costs, improve sustainability, or for other manufacturing preferences.

[0036] It is to be understood that a flap 46 may be utilized to provide further protection for the product. Said flap could be scored on one or more sides such that it folds over one or more sides of the body 10 or sleeve 12 providing further protection to the enclosed product 24. Said flap 46 may have a cut out portion 50 near the hinge to improve the opening function allowing the user to position his hand, thumb or one or more fingers on the body through said cut out opening so that the flap is opened more easily by the consumer. Said flap 46 could cover one or more sides of the body 10 and can be connected by any of the closing mechanisms discussed in this application.

[0037] Another embodiment of this invention includes adding a closing feature to a product containing box to increase freshness and or security. For example, a hingedly connected lid could be held closed by an eco-friendly slot-and-tab design, a removable adhesive, a small magnetic attachment, or any other releasable fastener. It is to be understood that a flap 46 could also be added to the package wherein said flap 46 provides another measure of protection for the package either structurally or from the elements. It is to be understood that this flap 46 could be made of the same material or a different material than the body 10 of the package. The material choice would depend upon the design including both functionality and aesthetic concerns. For example, an eco-friendly package could be designed entirely of paperboard like materials, including a paperboard locking mechanism such as the slot 52 and tab mechanism 54 described more fully in application number PCTUS08059452. It is to be understood that the locking lip (locking tab) 54 may be positioned on one or more sides of the body. It is also to be understood that the locking notch (locking slot) 52 may be positioned on one or more sides of the body. It is further to be understood that one or more locking lips 54 may be positioned to contact one or more locking notches 52. It is to be understood that such a locking mechanism can be achieved through a simple cutout on the blank prior to its three dimensional formation. It is also to be understood that the package design could be made of eco-friendly plastics such as APET or PLA. It is also to be understood that said locking lip 54 and said locking slot 52 may be perforated such that they are only in use when released by the user.

[0038] The flap 46 could be designed to cover the lid 14 in its entirety and thus provide a second barrier to light, air, and/or moisture. It is to be understood that the flap 46 could cover only a portion of the lid 14. In addition, the flap 46 could cover the body opening 56. It is to be understood that the flap may cover one or more entire sides of the body. It is to be understood that the flap 46 may cover the majority of four sides of the body. The product opening 34 could be perforated so that it remains sealed until the user opens the package to access the products 24. It is to be understood that a foil wrapper or paper wrapper or internal wrapper made of any other materials as determined by manufacturing preferences could still be used and could also have a perforated opening of the same size, smaller, or large than the product opening 34 on the body 10 of the box. It is to be understood that the flap could be hingedly connected to the body 10 through the use of a scored edge. It is also to be understood that the flap 46 could be perforated such that the user would need to release the flap edges by applying pressure to the perforations prior to opening the package. It is to be further understood that the closing mechanism 26 could be on one or more sides of the body 10 portion of the box. It is further to be understood that the entire package could be made of one or more blanks that whose ends are foldably connected, adhesively connected or connected by other means to make the package. The option of having one foldably connected piece gives the manufacturer an advantage over the previous two piece traditional flip-top package construction. However, the two or more piece construction of these designs allows for a variety of materials to be used in combination.

[0039] Another embodiment of this invention comes in the form of a flat wallet shaped container including a lid 14 and/or flap 46 that covers the body 10 where the body 10 has a cut out window below the product opening 34 allowing the user to push a product 24 out of the body 10 via this cut out window 58. It is to be understood that the flap 46 may be extended to cover the cut out window 58 and thus, protect the product both structurally and from external elements. The lid 14 or flap 46 may be held closed by an eco-click, magnet, adhesive, snap, or other similar closure mechanism 26. This design may allow for a thinner product package body 10, which may be desirable. The flap 46 of this design also fully covers the product protecting it from the elements. Furthermore the body 10 of the package could be made of a stronger more durable material providing greater structural support for the product contained within. It is to be understood that a variety of packaging materials could be used for this package as discussed throughout this application.

[0040] Another embodiment involves the use of a variety of packaging materials in order to improve durability and aesthetic appeal of the package. It is to be understood that a package design could encompass a rectangular body 10 comprised of a clear material such as plastic, PLA, or other type materials allowing the consumer to view the metallic foil wrapping of the package. A clear material may be chosen to provide additional support structure for the products contained therein or to allow viewing of the product 24 within the package. In addition, a body 10 made from plastic materials or water-resistant cardboard materials or the like may provide additional protection against moisture which could be harmful to the products contained therein. It is to be understood that a variety of designs could be used that use a combination of two or more materials. It is to be understood that scoring or cutting shapes or slots along the fold-lines of less flexible or bendable materials such as plastic, PLA, APET or other similar materials may make it easier to fold these materials into three-dimensional containers. It is to be understood that small cuts 70 in various shapes along the folding edges may add aesthetic appeal as well as increase the foldability of the materials. It is to be understood that the one or more cuts 70 scored or cut into the material could be square, circles, rectangles, triangles, ellipses or any other shape. It is to be understood that ellipse shaped cuts 70 may increase the ease in folding these plastic and other plastic-like materials. It is to be understood that these ellipse shaped cuts 70 could be pointed at the narrow ends to further increase the foldability of the plastic, PLA, APET or other plastic-like materials. In addition the scoring or cutting technique described above may be useful for layered cardboard or other more durable, less flexible, less foldable materials. It is to be understood that where the material is cut or scored it may be beneficial to locate the flap or seam at the back or front of the body or lid. It is to be understood that the body 10 may be comprised of one or more blanks. It is to be understood that the body 10 may be open at its top 16. It is to be understood that the one or more body blanks may be folded up around the product 24. It is to be understood that the body 10 may be closed on one or more sides. It is to be understood that the closed sides may be heat sealed, adhesively connected, foldable connected, tucked-in or other type closure method. It is to be understood that the closure mechanisms 26 and location for these closure mechanisms 26 may be chosen based on manufacturing preference. It is to be understood that one or more sides may be perforated such that a one or more sides to the sleeve 12 or body 10 may be removed by the user. It is to be understood that a lid 14 may be added. It is to be understood that a lid 14 and collar 48 may be added. It is to be understood that the lid 14 may comprise of a clear material or a colored material or a cut-out paperboard portion. It is to be understood that the lid 14 and/or collar 48 may be made of a different material than the body 10. It is to be understood that the body 10 could be made of PLA, APET or a plastic type clear material. It is to be understood that the lid and collar piece could be made of PLA, APET, plastic-type material, paperboard type material, foil based material, or any other suitable material. It is to be understood that the lid 14 and collar 48 piece is folded up and around the body 10 such that it lies on top of a portion of the body. It is to be understood that the lid 14 and collar 48 piece may cover the entire body 10, up to ³A of the body 10, up to ¹A of the body 10, up to ¹A of the body 10, up to 1/8 of the body 10, or up to 1/10 of the body. It is to be understood that the lid 14 and collar 48 positioned on the top of the body 10 assists in preventing the lid 14 from catching on the body 10 when the user tries to close the package. It is to be understood that the lid 14 and body 10 portions may overlap. It is to be understood that the friction between the lid 14 and the body 10 may hold the lid 14 closed. It is to be understood that the lid 14 may be a flip- top style or a slidable side opening style. It is to be understood that the lid 14 comprises a movable portion that allows the user to access the product while the stationary portion, the collar 48, remains in contact with the body 10. It is to be understood that the lid 14 may be perforated such that the user must apply pressure to release the movable portion and open the package. It is to be understood that the perforations to release the lid 14 may be between the lid portion 14 and the collar portion 48. It is to be understood that the stationary portion, the collar 48, may be adhesively connected, sealed, temperature sealed, stapled or connected by other means to the body 10. It is to be understood that the collar portion may be arched at its base. It is to be understood that collar portion may be any other geometric shape or partial geometric shape at its base depending upon manufacturing preferences. It is to be understood that the collar 48 may be straight along its base. It is to be understood that the collar could have one or more flaps 66 folded up underneath along the body 10. It is to be understood that the one or more flaps may have a locking lip 62 at its exposed end. It is to be understood that the lid may have a notch 64. It is to be further understood that the notch 64 and locking lip 62 may align such that they lock the lid 14 closed. It is to be understood that the notch 64 could be cut through the lid 14. It is to be understood that the notch 64 may be cut partially through the lid 14 material. It is to be understood that the lid 14 may have a layer folded underneath and the notch 64 could be located on the interior fold of the lid 14. It is to be understood that this two piece design with the lid 14 and collar 48 piece overlapping the body 10 piece may be made entirely of paperboard or paperboard like materials and may have seams or folds along the sides of the body. It is to be understood that even where the same material is used for both parts of the package the benefit (ease in closing the lid without catching on the inner panel piece) of the lid 14 and collar 48 sitting atop the body 10 remains. It is to be understood that the other features disclosed in this application could also be added to this package design such as the lift function and/or additional closure mechanisms 26.

[0041] Another embodiment of the current invention includes an interior lift mechanism whereby, when the lid 14 and or flap 46 is opened the floor of the body 10 lifts and pushes the product 24 contained therein up and at least partially out the body for ease of product removal. The lift function can lift the entire product floor, thus raising all of the products 24 or only a portion of the floor thus raising one or more products 24 depending upon manufacturing preferences. It is to be understood that there are a variety of ways this function could be designed to work and that this function could be added to any of the product package designs discussed in this application as well as any existing product package designs once the disclosed features are appropriately added. It is to be understood that the one or more spine panels 60 of the body 10 could be designed such that they engage one or more floor panels of the body. It is to be understood that the lift function may increase ease of use and product accessibility. It is to be understood that one or more floor panels within the body could connect to one or more spine panels 60 along the bottom of the body 10. It is to be understood that the one or more spine panels 60 could be connected to the inner side of the floor panel 18 of the body 10 or be connected directly to the inner side of the bottom of the body 10 itself. It is to be understood that where the one or more spine panels 60 are connected to the one or more floor panels of the package there may be less risk that air, light or other elements will seep into the package and harm the products within as the outer side of the bottom of the body 10 may not be moved.

[0042] It is to be understood that the one or more floor panels may be connected to the one or more spine 60 panels in a variety of manners including foldably connected, adhesively connected, stapled, sealed as well as other ways. It is to be understood that when the one or more spine panels 60 are lifted they may lift the one or more floor panels and thus in turn, may lift one or more products. It is to be understood that the one or more floor panels may be lifted when the lid 14 and/or flap 46 is opened. It is to be understood that the one or more spine panels 60 may be connected to the lid 14 such that the one or more spine panels 60 are repositioned with respect to the interior of the body 10 and may in addition, reposition the floor panel with respect to the interior of the body 10, which may in turn reposition the product 24 with respect to the interior of the body 10. It is to be understood that the one or more spine panels 60 could be connected to the lid 14 or flap 46 in a variety of manners including but not limited to foldably connected, adhesively connected, stapled, sealed as well as by other means. It is to be understood that one or more spine panels 60 may be connected to the lid 14 and/or flap 46. It is to be understood that the one or more spine panels 60 may be foldably connected or connected by any other means described elsewhere in this application to the lid 14 and or floor panel. The one or more spine panel 60 may extend the entire length of one side, up to ³A the length of a side, up to ¹A the length of a side, up to ¹A the length of a side, up to 1/8 of a side, up to 1/10 the length of a side, or whatever length is preferred by manufacturers.

[0043] It is to be understood that the one or more floor panels may connect with one or more sides of the one or more spine panels 60. The one or more spine panels 60 may be a single strip of material connecting the lid 14 to the floor panel and/or bottom of the body. The one or more spine panels 60 may connect with the lid 14 and/or the flap 46 at one or more places including at the front foldable edge 72 that aligns with the front body 10 edge. The one or more spine panel 60 may connect with the lid 14 and or flap 46 at a variety of locations including the front foldable edge 72 that aligns with the front body edge or the back foldable edge 74 that aligns with the back body edge. It is to be understood that connecting the one or more spine paneB 60 to the front foldable edge 72 of the lid may allow for improved lift function due to the greater movement of the front foldable edge 72 as compared to the rear foldable edge 74. The one or more spine panels 60 may diagonally bisect the one or more floor panels. It is to be understood that a perpendicular alignment of the one or more spine panels 60 with the one or more lids 14 and one or more floor panels 46 may be advantageous from a product filling perspective. The one or more spine panels may form a rectangular shape on one end of the floor panel. It is to be understood that a more secure and durable lift function may result from allowing the one or more spine panels 60 to have one or more sides connected to the one or more sides of the floor panel. It is to be understood that designing the one or more spine panels 60 such that they prevent product from slipping into the lift mechanism (e.g. between the spine panel and the back or front of the body 10) will improve functionality and prevent blocking the lift function. It is to be understood that attaching the one or more spine panels 60 to the front side of the floor panel and adding one or more flaps on the side 76 of the spine panel 60 such that the one or more flaps touch the product may prevent the product from impeding the lift function. It is to be understood that the one or more flaps may be aligned perpendicular to the spine panel 60. It is to be understood that the one or more spine panel flaps could run up to the entire length of the spine panel 60. It is to be understood that the one or more spine panel flaps could run up to ³A the length of the spine panel 60, up to ¹A the length of the spine panel, or up to ¹A of the length of the spine panel. It is to be understood that there are several other variations on this design that would also work, such as having the spine panel positioned perpendicular to the front and back of the body and attached to the front foldable edge 72 of the lid and the rear foldable edge 74 of the lid or having a separate wall positioned between the one or more spine panels and the product. It is to be understood that this separate wall may be attached to the floor panel. It is to be understood that this separate wall may be attached to the lid 14. It is to be understood that this separate wall may be attached to the interior side of the front of the body 10. It is to be understood that this separate wall may be attached to the interior side of the rear of the body 10. It is to be understood that the spine panel flap could be foldable into a variety of geometric shapes, such as a rectangle or triangle or any other such shape. It is to be understood that the spine panel flap may be attached in one or more places to the spine panel. It is to be understood that the one or more spine flaps may be attached to the spine panel. It is to be understood that adding one or more spine flaps to the spine panel 60 or next to the spine panel on side 76 that separates the product 24 from the spine panel 60 prevents the product from sliding in between the spine panel 60 and where it is connected to the floor panel and the lid 14. It is to be further understood that the one or more spine flaps separating the spine panel 60 from the product 24 may be attached to the body 10. It is to be understood that the spine panel flaps may be attached to the spine panel 60. It is to be understood that a spine flaps may be foldably attached to spine panel 60 at side 76. It is to be understood that the one or more spine panel flaps may be attached to the lid 14. It is to be understood that the one or more spine panel flaps may be attached to the one or more floor panels. It is to be understood that a narrower spine panel 60 may take up less room in the body 10 leaving more space for products 24.

[0044] It is to be understood that the opposite edge end of the floor panel away from the floor panels connection with the spine panel may be left loose such that as the product is removed this flap may provide pressure on the product such that the product may be pushed toward the lifting side. It is to be understood that the spine panel 60 attached to the front of the floor panel and the front fold 72 of the lid 14 may allow for a greater lift than attaching at the rear of the package or rear fold 74 of the lid 14. It is to be understood that less materials may be needed to attach the spine panel 60 at the front of the floor panel and the lid 14 than at the rear of the floor panel and the rear of the lid 14. It is to be understood that one or more sides of the floor panel could lift up to 90 degrees from its starting position. It is to be understood that one or more sides of the floor panel could lift up to 75 degrees from its starting position. It is to be understood that one or more sides of the floor panel could lift up to 60 degrees from its starting position. It is to be understood that one or more sides of the floor panel could lift up to 50 degrees from its starting position. It is to be understood that one or more sides of the floor panel could lift up to 40 degrees from its starting position. It is to be understood that one or more sides of the floor panel could lift up to 30 degrees from its starting position. It is to be understood that one or more sides of the inner panel could lift up to 15 degrees from its starting position. It is to be understood that the floor panel may lift mostly uniformly across its length. It is to be understood that the floor panel may lift at an angle.

[0045] It is to be understood that the floor panel may be rectangular in shape. It is to be understood that the floor panel may be foldable attached to form a partial rectangular shape. It is to be understood that the floor panel may be adhesively connected to form the partial rectangular shape. It is to be understood that interlocking parts may allow the floor pane to form a partial rectangular shape. It is to be understood that the floor panel could form an L- shape off of the spine panel 60. It is to be understood that the partial rectangular shape of the floor panel may be missing the top of the rectangle such that the product 24 sits between the bottom of the partial rectangular shape and the lid 14 of the body 10. It is to be understood that the floor panel may form other shapes based on manufacturing preferences. It is to be understood that the shape of the floor panel may be formed by perforations in the material that forms the floor panel. It is to be understood that the spine and floor panel may be a separate piece from the body 10 and/or lid 14. It is to be understood that a single blank could make the entire package including the spine and floor panel. It is to be understood that the one or more spine panels 60 may be located on one or more sides of the body 10. It is to be understood that the floor panel may if left unattached to itself to form a loose partial rectangular shape its loose edges will push against the product 24 as the products 24 are removed and may maintain the product 24 in or near its initial upright position, thus it may increase the consumers access to the products 24 and increase the products' 24 removability by the consumer.

[0046] Another type of lift may be added connected to an area of pressure on the side of the package. For example, Figure 19 displays such an option. The side area of pressure, the lift bulge 78, may stand out slightly from the box. The lift bulge 78 may be connected to a strip of cardboard or other material including but not limited to paperboard based products or plastic-like products as set out in detail elsewhere in this application. The strip originating from the lift bulge 78 may extend up to the length of the bottom of the body, up to ³A the length of the bottom or the body, up to ¹A the length of the bottom of the body, or up to ¹A the length of the bottom of the body. A second strip of material made of paperboard, plastic, PLA or other such materials as set forth in this application may be positioned to run in an opposing direction. The second strip of material may extend up to the length of the bottom of the body, up to ³A the length of the bottom or the body, up to ¹A the length of the bottom of the body, or up to ¹A the length of the bottom of the body. The two strips of material may be attached to one another. The two strips of material may be partially attached to one another. The two strips of material may be attached on one or more sides. The two strips of material may be attached closer to the lift bulge 78 side of the body 10. The side further away from the lift bulge 78 may be unconnected to the first strip originating from the lift bulge 78 side of the body 10. The second strip originating from the side furthest away from the lift bulge 78 may be scored or cut. The second strip originating from the side furthest away from the lift bulge 78 may be scored or cut closer to the opposing side of the lift bulge 78, such that when pressure is applied to the lift bulge 78 the first strip originating from the lift bulge 78 pushes against the second strip originating opposite the lift bulge 78 causing the material to bend at the scoring line, crease, cut or the like. The bend in the material may lift the product 24 out of the opening in of the body 10. It is to be understood that there are a variety of ways of accomplishing a similar function. It is to be understood that one strip with material of a length greater than the bottom of the body 10 of the package may be use. It is to be understood in such an example that this strip may be scored to encourage bending at a particular spot. It is to be understood that the scoring or crease in the second strip or elongated single strip may align opposite the product opening.

[0047] It is also to be understood that the package designs above could include a side opening located on the right or left side of the package (the long side for rectangular boxes) for the consumer to access the product. This side opening could hingedly connected to the body and comprise one or more sides. The hingedly connected side opening could be place on the front or back sides of the package as well as the top or bottom. It is also to be understood that the side opening could comprise up to the entire length of a side, up to ³A of a side length, up to ¹A of the side length, or up to ¹A of a side length. The side opening may have a tab at one edge to assist the user in pulling open the side. The side opening may have a slidable lid 14 positioned on the right or left sides of the box. The side opening may be covered by a sleeve 12. The side opening may be covered by a lid 14. The side opening may be covered by a flap 46.

Claims

We claim as follows:

1. A container comprising: a. a rectangular body, b. a rectangular sleeve, and c. a lid wherein said rectangular body rests within said rectangular sleeve, further wherein said lid is hingedly connected to said rectangular body, further wherein said lid has a v-shaped lip; further wherein said sleeve has a lip facing in the opposite direction that comes into contact with said V-shaped lip when the body and the sleeve are slide in opposing directions, is connected to said rectangular sleeve by a t [allows lid to open as sleeve and body are separated]

2. The container of claim 1 wherein the sleeve is approximately the same size as the body.

3. The container of claim 2 wherein, the sleeve has one or more notches cut into the sleeve.

4. The container of claim 3 wherein said notch is on the sleeve covering one or more corners of the body.

5. The container of claim 3 wherein the notch is in the center of the sleeve located over the front of the body.

6. The container of claim 3 wherein the notch is in the center of the back of the sleeve located over the back of the body.

7. The container of claim 1 wherein the sleeve is open at the top of the body.

8. The container of claim 7 wherein the sleeve has a notch cut into the back of the sleeve positioned behind the lid.

9. The container of claim 1 wherein the sleeve is open at the bottom of the body.

10. The container of claim 1 wherein the sleeve is open at the top and bottom of the rectangle.

11. The container of claim 10 wherein the sleeve covers up to 90% of the body.

12. The container of claim 10 wherein the sleeve covers up to 70% of the body.

13. The container of claim 10 wherein the sleeve covers up to 60% of the body.

14. The container of claim 10 wherein the sleeve covers up to 50% of the body.

15. The container of claim 10 wherein the sleeve covers less than 50% of the body.