WO2010031652A1

WO2010031652A1 - Package for smoking articles

Info

Publication number: WO2010031652A1
Application number: PCT/EP2009/060722
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel Tabrah
Original assignee: British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited
Priority date: 2008-09-18
Filing date: 2009-08-19
Publication date: 2010-03-25
Also published as: GB0817093D0

Abstract

A package for smoking articles comprising first (1) and second (2) portions, the first portion being configured to receive smoking articles, said first and second portions being pivotable relative to each other from a closed position in which the smoking articles are received in the second portion to an open position in which the second portion extends at an angle relative to the first portion to prop the smoking articles received in the first portion in a display position.

Description

Package for smoking articles

Description

The present invention relates to a package for smoking articles. In particular, trie invention relates to a package for smoking articles comprising a first portion and a second portion rotatable relative to each other.

As used herein, the term "smoking article" includes smokeable products such as cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes and also heat-not- burn products, but is not limited thereto. The smoking article may be provided with a filter for the gaseous flow drawn by the smoker.

Packets formed from a cardboard blank, or multiple cardboard blanks, are known to those skilled in the art and are commonly used in the cigarette industry for holding smoking articles, such as cigarettes. Such packets generally hold between ten to twenty individual cigarettes in a predetermined arrangement.

A known packet comprises a carton formed from cardboard or paper which defines a smoking article receiving space. An aperture is formed in the carton proximate to one end to allow access to the smoking article receiving space such that smoking articles can be removed therefrom, and a lid is rotatable relative to the carton between an 'open' position, wherein smoking articles disposed in a smoking article receiving space defined in the carton are accessible, and a 'closed' position, wherein smoking articles disposed in a smoking article receiving space are inaccessible. The lid defines a cavity which contains at least a portion of the carton when the packet is disposed in the closed position such that, when in the 'closed' position, the Hd encloses the opening formed in the carton to access the smoking article receiving space.

In use, a conventional packet is generally placed on a horizontal surface, such as a table or shelf, such that it is easily accessible. However, such a conventional packet is unstable when it is in an upstanding position and is only in a stable position when it is placed on a front or rear face, on the table or shelf. In this case it is necessary to pick up the packet and rotate the lid into an 'open position' to access the smoking article receiving space and obtain a smoking article therefrom. Therefore, a need to improve accessibility of smoking articles disposed in a packet has been identified, because two hands are required to obtain a smoking article. Similarly, graphics and other indicia on the packet are an important feature and the visibility of these is reduced when the packet is laid in a horizontal orientation on a table or shelf. Furthermore, even if the packet is stood in an upstanding position, the packet may be in an upside down orientation or laid on its side. There is a need to increase the overall display and appearance of the packet.

A further problem with such packets for smoking articles is that typically they are constructed from a cardboard blank and so the packet and hence the smoking articles disposed therein are easily crushed when stored in a trouser pocket, handbag or the like. Therefore, there is a desire to increase the rigidity of such packets to improve storage and prevent damage of the smoking articles disposed therein.

The present invention seeks to provide a package for smoking articles that overcomes or substantially alleviates the problems with conventional packages referred to above.

According to the present invention, there is provided a package for smoking articles comprising first and second portions, the first portion being configured to receive smoking articles, said first and second portions being pivotable relative to each other from a closed position in which the smoking articles are received in the second portion to an open position in which the second portion extends at an angle relative to the first portion to prop the smoking articles received in the first portion in a display position.

The first portion may be configured to receive a carton in which smoking articles are contained. Preferably, the second portion comprises a front wall having a free edge and a pair of spaced parallel side walls that upstand from the front wall, each side wall extending longitudinally beyond the free edge of the front wall.

Advantageously, the first portion comprises an end wall and a pair of spaced parallel side walls upstanding from the end wall, the first and second portions being configured so that the first portion extends between the side walls of the second portion such that corresponding sidewalls of the first and second portions overlap each other.

Preferably, a hinge extends between each of said sidewalls of the second portion and each of said sidewalls of the first portion when the first portion is received between the side walls of the second portion to pivotally couple the first and second portions together.

In one embodiment, the first portion is received between a free-end of each side wall of the second portion spaced from the front wall beyond said free edge of the front wall.

Preferably, the end wall of the first portion is spaced from the free edge of the front wall by the side walls of the second portion to define a window between the side walls of the second portion that extends in the plane of the front wall.

Conveniently, the first portion is pivotable relative to the second portion from the closed position in which a carton attached to the first portion is received between the side walls of the second portion and the open position in which the smoking articles received in the first portion extend from between the side walls of the second portion.

Preferably, the first portion is pivotable relative to the second portion such that the smoking articles received in the first portion extend through the window formed in the plane of the front wall in the open position. Advantageously, the first portion is pivotable relative to the second portion through an angle in excess of 180 degrees.

In another embodiment, the first portion is pivotable relative to the second portion until the first portion or the carton or smoking articles received in the first portion contacts the free edge of the base wall.

Conveniently, the side walls of the second portion each comprise an exposed edge remote from the front wall configured to support the second portion on a surface when the package is in the open position.

Preferably, the second portion further comprises a top wall upstanding from the front wall and extending between the side walls of the second portion, the top wall comprising an exposed edge remote from the front face configured to support the second portion on a surface when the package is in the open position.

In one embodiment, the first portion is pivotable relative to the second portion such that the end wall of the first portion extends beyond the side walls of the second portion, said end wall and the exposed edge of the top wall being configured to support the package on the surface.

Conveniently, each hinge comprises an aperture in each of said side walls of one of the first or second portions and a hub extending from each of said side walls of the corresponding first or second portions, each hub being received in a corresponding aperture when the first portion is received between the side walls of the second portion to pivotally couple the first and second portions together.

Preferably, the aperture is formed in each of said side walls of the second portion and the hub extends from each of said side walls of the first portion.

Advantageously, the aperture comprises a ledge circumferentially extending therearound and the hub is configured to frictionally engage with the ledge to provide resistance to the first portion pivoting relative to the second portion. Preferably, the hinge further comprises at least one nub extending from one of the side walls of the first or second portions and a plurality of depressions formed in the corresponding side wall of the first or second portion, the at least one nub being locatable in a selected depression to retain the first portion in one of a plurality of predetermined positions.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a package for smoking articles further comprising a carton containing a bundle of smoking articles attached to the first portion.

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

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a package for smoking articles in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a side view of the package as shown in Figure 1;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a second portion of the package as shown in

Figure 1; FIGURE 4 is a rear view of the second portion of the package as shown in Figure 3;

FIGURE 5 is a front view of the first portion and carton of the package shown in

Figure 4;

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of a carton as shown in Figure 5

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of first portion as shown in Figure 5; FIGURE 8 is a rear view of a first portion as shown in Figure 5;

FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of the package as shown in Figure 1 in an open position;

FIGURE 10 is a side view of the package as shown in Figure 1 in another open position; FIGURE 11 is a partial front view of a second portion of the package according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 12 is a partial side view of the second portion of the package as shown in

Figure 11 ; FIGURE 13 is a rear view of a first portion of the package corresponding to the second portion as shown in Figure 11; and

FIGURE 14 is a side view of the first portion of the package as shown in Figure 13.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown in Figures 1 and 2 a package for smoking articles comprising a first portion 1 and a second portion 2 of a shell 4. The shell 4 encloses a carton 3 which contains a bundle of smoking articles. The carton 3 is attached to the first portion 1 (refer to Figure 5) and hinges 5 pivotally couple the first and second portions 1,2 to each other. In Figures 1 and 2 the package is shown in a 'closed' position, wherein the carton 3 is received in the second portion 2. Smoking articles are disposed in the carton 3 as will become apparent hereinafter.

The second portion 2 is shown in Figures 3 and 4 and comprises a front wall 6, a pair of second portion side walls 7 and a top wall 9. The pair of second portion side walls 7 oppose each other and extend perpendicularly from the front wall 6 along parallel edges thereof. Similarly, the top wall 9 extends perpendicularly from the front wall 6, between the pair of second portion side walls 7.

The second portion side walls 7 extend longitudinally beyond a free edge 14 of the front wall 6 to a lower free end 13 distal to the top wall 9 such that a window 10 is formed through the front wall 6 when the first portion 1 is pivotally coupled to the second portion 2 spaced from the front wall 6, for reasons that will become apparent hereinafter. The front wall 6 further comprises an external face 11 and an internal face 12. Fillet portions 15 extend between the free edge 14 of the second portion 2 and the second portion side walls 7,8. The lower free end 13 of the second portion 2 is open and the second portion side walls 7, front wall 6 and top wall 9 define a cavity 17, in which part of the carton 3 is received. Each second portion side wall comprises exposed edges 7a which are remote from the front wall 6 and, together with an exposed edge 9a of the top wall 9 which is remote from the front wall 6, they define an opening to the cavity 17.

The top wall 9 comprises an arcuate indent portion 18 formed in a remote edge 9a thereof, distal from the front wall 6. The indent portion 18 is formed to aid a user in moving the package for smoking articles from a 'closed' position into an 'open' position by enabling a user to contact an inner assembly top exterior 16 (refer to Figure 9).

Each second portion side wall 7 comprises a circular aperture 19 formed therethrough between an internal surface 20 and an external surface 21 thereof. A ciicumferentially extending recess 22 extends around the circular aperture 19 indented from the external surface 21 and forms a circumferential ledge 23, for receiving the respective hub 45, as will be explained hereinafter. A V-shaped slit 24 is formed in each second portion side wall 7 extending between a lower edge 25 of each side wall 7 and the circumferentially extending recess 22, wherein slit edges 26 of the V-shaped slit 24 converge towards each other in the direction of the circumferentially extending recess 22.

The second portion 2 is formed from a stiff, resilient material, for example a plastic or cardboard, such that the carton 3 and any smoking articles disposed therein are protected, as will become apparent hereinafter.

The first portion 1 and carton 3 are shown in Figures 5 to 8 wherein one end of the carton 3 is received in the first portion 1. The carton 3 is shown in Figure 6 and comprises a carton front wall 30, a pair of carton side walls 31, a carton top wall 32, a carton base 33 and a carton rear wall 34. The pair of carton side walls 31 oppose each other and the carton front and rear walls 30,34 extend between the pair of carton side walls 31 from edges thereof. The carton top wall 32 extends perpendicularly from an upper edge 35 of the carton rear wall 34 between the pair of carton side walls 31. Similarly, the carton base 33 extends between lower edges of the pair of carton side walls 31 and the carton front and rear walls 30,34.

The carton front wall 30, pair of carton side walls 31, carton top wall 32, carton base 33 and carton rear wall 34 define a smoking article receiving space 36 therebetween. An opening 36a is formed through the carton 3, proximate to an upper end 37 of the carton 3. The opening 36a is formed by the carton front wall 30 and the carton top wall not extending to meet each other along an edge, as shown in Figure 6. Each carton side wall 31 comprises an inclined edge 38 extending between an upper edge 39 of the carton front wall 30 and a forward edge 40 of the carton top wall 32, which together define the opening 36.

The carton 3 is formed from a stiff, resilient material, for example a cardboard or plastic, such that the carton 3 substantially retains its shape. Alternatively, the carton 3 may be formed of a less resilient material, such as waxed paper, wherein the carton 3 and any smoking articles disposed in the smoking article receiving space 36 are protected by the first portion 1 and the second portion 2, as will become apparent hereinafter. Logos and illustrations (not shown) are formed on the outer surfaces of each of the carton front wall 30, pair of carton side walls 31, carton top wall 32, carton base 33 and carton rear wall 34 so that they are visible to a uset and other people when the package for smoking articles is in use, as will become apparent hereinafter. Similarly, logos and illustrations (not shown) are formed on the external face 11 of the second portion front wall 6 and external surface 21 of the second portion side walls 7. Portions of the carton base 33, carton front wall 30, pair of second portion side walls 31 and carton rear wall 34 enclosed by the first portion 1, as will be discussed in detail hereinafter, may be left blank. Alternatively, in another embodiment of the invention the second portion 2 and/or first portion 1 are formed from a transparent material such as clear Perspex such that illustrations (not shown) formed on the carton 3 and/or first portion 1 are visible through the second portion 2.

The carton 3 and the manufacture thereof is conventional and so further explanation of the carton 3 will be omitted herein.

The first portion 1 is shown in Figures 7 and 8 and comprises a first portion base 41 and a pair of first portion side walls 42. The pair of first portion side walls 42 oppose each other and are upstanding from opposing edges of the first portion base 41. A spine 43 extends between the pair of first portion side walls 42 along a front edge 44 of the first portion base 41 and extends perpendicular from said front edge

44 of the first portion base 41 and respective front edges 42a of the first portion side walls 42. In the exemplary drawings, the spine 43 extends a short distance along the front edges 42a of the first portion side walls 42, although it will be understood that the spine may extend to upper ends 42b of the first portion side walls 42. The spine 43 helps to fixedly mount the carton 3 in the first portion 1, as will be explained in detail hereinafter.

In the above embodiment the opposing side of the first portion 1 to the spine 43 is open, although it will be understood that an opposing spine (not shown) may be formed thereon to more rigidly support the carton 3 in the first portion 1.

A hub 45 extends from an outer face 46 of each first portion side wall 42. Each hub

45 comprises a cylindrical plate 48, with planer inner and outer plate faces 51,52, spaced from the outer face 46 of the respective first portion side wall 42 by an axial portion 49. The axial portion 49 is cylindrical and comprises a circumferentially extending outer surface 50. The axial portion 49 extends between the first portion side wall outer face 46 and the inner plate face 51 of the cylindrical plate 48, and the axial portion 49 and cylindrical plate 48 are disposed to extend on the same axis extending therethrough.

The length of the axial portion 49 extending between the inner plate face 51 and the outer face 46 of the first portion side wall 42 is substantially the same as the depth of the circular aperture 19 between the internal surface 20 of a respective second portion side wall 7 and the circumferential ledge 23, for reasons that will become apparent hereinafter.

Each first portion side wall 42, cylindrical plate 48 and axial portion 49 is integrally formed in this embodiment, wherein the first portion 1 is formed from a stiff, resilient material, such as a plastic, which is moulded or machined into shape.

However, it will be understood that the first portion 1 may be formed from separate components, wherein each hub 45 is mounted to the corresponding first portion side wall 42 by a fixing means (not shown) such as a rivet. A lower end 55 of the carton 3 is fixedly disposed in the first portion 1. Lower ends 55a,55b of the carton front and side walls 30,31 locate against inner surfaces 56,57 of the first portion spine 43 and side walls 42 respectively and an outer face 58 of the carton base 33 locates against an inner surface 59 of the first portion base 41. The lower end 55 of the carton 3 is fixedly mounted by means of an adhesive (not shown) applied between said lower end 55 and the inner surfaces 56,57,59 of the first portion spine 43, side walls 42 and base 41 respectively.

In the present embodiment the lower end 55 of the carton 3 is fixedly mounted to the first portion 3 by means of an adhesive, however it will be understood that the invention is not limited thereto and that other means to mount the first and second portions 2,3 together may be used. For example, the first and second portions 2,3 may be configured such that the lower end 55 of the carton 3 is push fitted into first portion 1. In this instance, the carton 3 is removable from the first portion 1 such that the first portion 1 and second portion 2 is reusable with a new carton 3. Therefore, only the carton 3 may be supplied to be disposed in a reusable first portion 1 and second portion 2.

The second portion 2 is mounted to the first portion 1 by means of the opposing hinge portions 45 extending outwardly from opposing first portion side walls 42 locating in the corresponding circular apertures 19 formed in opposing second portion side walls 7 to form a hinge 5.

Each hub 45 is disposed in a respective circular aperture 19 by sliding the hub 45 along the V-shaped slit 24 and into the circular aperture 19. The width of the V- shaped slit 24 at the entrance to the circular aperture 19 is narrower than the diameter of the axial portion 49 of the respective hub 45 received therein. However, due to the resilience of the second portion 2 the slit edges, proximate to the entrance to the circular aperture 19 are resiliently deformed when the respective axial portion 49 is urged thereagainst such that the axial portion is slid into the circular aperture 19. Therefore, when the hub 45 locates in the circular aperture 19 the hub 45 is fixedly held therein and is free to rotate. The axial portion 49 is disposed in the circular aperture 19, and the inner face 48 of the cylindrical plate 45 locates against the circumferential ledge 23 formed in the circular aperture 19, such that the circumferential ledge 23 is disposed between the cylindrical plate 45 and the outer face 42 of the first portion side wall 42. The surfaces of the circumferential ledge 23 locate against the outer face 46 of the respective first portion side wall 42 and the inner face 51 of the cylindrical plate 48 and are frictionally engaged therewith such that resistance is provided to rotation of the second and first portions 1,2 with respect to each other. Therefore, each hinge 5 has a resistance to rotation and the first portion 1 and carton 3 may be maintained in an upstanding position as will become apparent hereinafter. The thickness of the cylindrical plate 48 corresponds to the depth of the circumferentially extending recess 22 such that the outer face 52 of the hub cylindrical plate 48 lies flush with the external surface 21 of the second portion 2 when the second portion 2 is mounted to the first portion 1.

Channels (not shown) may be formed in the external surface 21 of the second portion side walls 7 parallel and extending to the V-shaped slit 24 such that the cylindrical plate 45 of each hub 45 slides therein to allow the hub 45 to locate in the circular aperture 19.

In this embodiment, resistance to rotation of the second portion 2 relative to the first portion 1 is imparted due to friction between the surfaces of each hinge 5. However, it will be understood that the invention is not limited thereto and that resistance to rotation of the second portion 2 relative to the first portion 1 may be restricted by alternative means.

Referring now to Figures 11 to 14, an alternative embodiment of the invention is shown wherein the hinge comprises a locking mechanism 60. The package for smoking articles according to the present invention is generally the same as the package described above and so a detailed description will be omitted. Components that are generally the same as discussed above retain the same reference numerals. In the present embodiment, a plurality of partial spherical nubs 62 are disposed to extend from the outer faces 46 of the first portion side walls 42 and are arranged in a circumferential arrangement around the hub 45 extending from each first portion side wall 42. Although in the Figures eight nubs 62 are shown, it will be understood that the invention is not limited thereto and any number of nubs 62 may be used.

A plurality of corresponding partial spherical depressions 63 are formed in the internal surface 20 of the second portion side walls 7. The depressions 63 correspond to the positioning and arrangement of the nubs 62 formed on the outer faces of the first portion side walls 42 and are disposed in a circumferential arrangement about the circular aperture 19. When the first and second portions 1,2 are mounted to each other, such that the hinge portions 45 are received in the corresponding circular apertures 19 and circumferentially extending recess 22, the nubs 62 are locatable in the depressions 63.

When the nubs 62 are disposed in the depressions 63, rotation of the second portion 2 relative to the first portion 1 is restricted, such that the first and second portions 1,2 do not freely rotate relative to each other. However, if a rotational force is applied to the first and second portions 1,2 each nub 62 is dislocated from its corresponding depression 63 such that the first and second portions 1,2 are rotatable relative to each other. Furthermore, this locking mechanism 60 defines locking steps in the relative movement of the first and second portions 1,2. Due to the resilience of the first and second portions 1,2, each nub 62 is also urged against the internal surface 20 of the second portion side wall 7. This provides resistance to rotation of the first and second portions 1,2 relative to each other.

In an alternative embodiment, the package comprises a single nub and a plurality of corresponding depressions such that, as the first and second portions 1,2 are rotated relative to each other the single nub locates in a corresponding depression to provide resistance to the rotation of said first and second portions 1,2 relative to each other. Although the locking mechanism 60 is shown on each side of the package, it will be understood that a locking mechanism may be formed on a single side of the package. Further, in the present embodiment the nubs 62 extend from the outer face 46 of the first portion side walls 42 and are received in the corresponding depressions 63 formed in the internal surface 20 of the second portion side walls 7, however, in an alternative embodiment the nubs may extend from the internal surface 20 of the second portion side walls 7, and the corresponding depressions may be formed in the outer face 46 of the first portion side walls 42.

It will be appreciated that alternative locking mechanisms may be used to provide resistance against rotation of said first and second portions 1,2 relative to each other. In another embodiment, a ratchet arrangement (not shown) is used, for example resilient teeth extending radially outwardly from the cylindrical plate 48 which are received in corresponding grooves formed in an outer surface of the circumferentially extending recess 22.

Operation of the package for smoking articles will now be described with reference to the drawings, in particular Figures 1, 9 and 10. The package is produced as described above, with smoking articles disposed in the smoking article receiving space 36 formed in the carton 3. The carton may be lined with a conventional foil lining (not shown), a portion of which may extend from the opening 36a of the smoking article receiving space 36 to enclose the smoking articles (not shown) and protect the smoking articles from moisture.

The package is initially maintained in its 'closed' position, wherein the carton 3 is received in the first portion 1, and the carton 3 is received in the second portion 2. The carton 3 is therefore protected by the first and second portions 1,2 in the 'closed' position. The package may then be transported in the closed position, for example by a user in a pocket or bag. The package is maintained in the 'closed' position by means of the hinges 5 which impart a resistance to the rotation of the first portion 1 relative to the second portion 2. As described above, a lower end 55 of the carton 3 is received in the first portion 1. In the 'closed' position, the carton 3 is received in the cavity 17 defined by the second portion 2 such that the carton front wall 30 lies against the internal face 12 of the second portion front wall 1. The pair of carton side walls 31 and top wall 32 lie adjacent and parallel to the corresponding second portion side walls 7 and top wall 8. In the 'closed position' the carton rear wall 34 and second portion front wall 6 form outwardly opposing external surfaces of the package for smoking articles.

When a user wants to obtain a smoking article from the package the first portion 1 and carton 3 are rotated relative to the second portion 2. The user can do this by holding the second portion 2 and pushing the carton front wall 30 through the window 10 such that a force is exerted on the carton 3 or by pulling on the carton top wall 32 exposed by the indented portion 18. Rotation of the first portion 1 and carton 3 relative to the second portion 2 is restrained by the resistance imparted by the hinges 5, as described above. A first open position of the package is shown in Figure 10. The first portion 1 and carton 3 are rotated such that the second portion 2 extends substantially at right angles to the carton 3.

The lower end of the first portion 1 extends partially through the window 10 such that the first portion 1 is supported in an upstanding position by the first portion base 41 and the second portion 2. Alternatively, the lower end of the first portion 1 may be configured such that it does not extend from the second portion side walls 7 when rotated and so the first portion 1 is supported by the second portion front wall 6.

The first portion 1 and carton 3 are then rotated about the second portion 2 into a second open position as shown in Figure 9. In this second open position the first portion 1 and carton 3 are rotated about the second portion 2 through an angle in excess of 180 degrees such that the carton 3 attached to the first portion 1 extends through the window 10. The carton 3 extends through the window 10 of the second portion 2, such that carton 3 does not impact the front wall 6 of the second portion 2 until the carton 3 impacts the free edge 14 thereof, to enable a greater rotation. When the first portion 1 and carton 3 are rotated into the first open position, the first portion 1 and carton 3 are r etained in said position due to the resistance provided by the hinges 5.

Therefore, the package for smoking articles is supported on a surface (not shown) by the second portion side wall remote edges 7a and second portion top wall remote edge 9a. The carton 3 then extends from the second portion 2 and so the smoking articlesare propped in an upstanding display position, such that smoking articles are accessible from the smoking article receiving space 36 through the opening 36a thereto. It will be understood that the first portion 1 and carton 3 are locatable in a number of upstanding orientations due to the resistance of the hinges 5.

Although in this embodiment the carton 3 is supported in an upstanding orientation due to the resistance of the hinges 5, in another embodiment of the invention the first and second portions 1,2 are freely rotatable relative to each other and the carton 3 is supported in an upstanding orientation in the first open position by the rear wall 34 of the carton 3 locating against the free edge 14 of the second portion 2 or, alternatively, against the fillet portions 15.

Although in the above embodiments the hinge portions 45 extend from the respective outer face 46 of each first portion side wall 42 and are received in a respective circular aperture 19 formed in a respective second portion side wall 7, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited thereto, and that each hub may extend from the internal surface of a second portion side wall and be received in a corresponding circular aperture formed in a respective first portion side wall. An advantage of this arrangement is that the hinge is substantially obscured from view by the second portion side wall 7. Similarly, the V-shaped slit may extend from a different edge of each side wall, so as to reduce the visibility of such a slit.

Although one embodiment of a hinge for rotating the first and second portions is described above, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto and that an alternative hinge means may be utilised. Further, although the fitst and second portions 1, 2 are discussed in combination with a carton 3 throughout the description, according to another embodiment of the invention, the smoking articles are received in the first portion without the need for a carton. In such an embodiment, the smoking articles are received in the first portion which comprises front, rear and side walls (not shown) to contain the smoking articles.

Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations may be made to the above exemplary embodiments that he within the scope of the invention, as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A package for smoking articles comprising fitst and second portions, the fitst portion being configured to receive smoking articles, said first and second portions being pivotable relative to each other from a closed position in which the smoking articles are received in the second portion to an open position in which the second portion extends at an angle relative to the first portion to prop the smoking articles received in the first portion in a display position.

2. A package according to claim 1, wherein the first portion is configured to receive a carton in which smoking articles are contained.

3. A package according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second portion comprises a front wall having a free edge and a pair of spaced parallel side walls that up stand from the front wall, each side wall extending longitudinally beyond the free edge of the front wall.

4. A package according to claim 3, wherein the first portion comprises an end wall and a pair of spaced parallel side walls upstanding from the end wall, the first and second portions being configured so that the first portion extends between the side walls of the second portion such that corresponding sidewalls of the first and second portions overlap each other.

5. A package according to claim 4, comprising a hinge extending between each of said sidewalls of the second portion and each of said sidewalls of the first portion when the first portion is received between the side walls of the second portion to pivotally couple the first and second portions together.

6. A package according to claim 5, wherein the first portion is received between a free-end of each side wall of the second portion spaced from the front wall beyond said free edge of the front wall.

7. A package according to claim 6, wherein the end wall of the first portion is spaced from the free edge of the front wall by the side walls of the second portion to define a window between the side walls of the second portion that extends in the plane of the front wall.

8. A package according to claim 7, wherein the first portion is pivotable relative to the second portion from the closed position in which a carton attached to the first portion is received between the side walls of the second portion and the open position in which the smoking articles received in the first portion extend from between the side walls of the second portion.

9. A package according to claim 8, wherein the first portion is pivotable relative to the second portion such that smoking articles received in the first portion extend through the window formed in the plane of the front wall in the open position.

10. A package according to claim 9, wherein the first portion is pivotable relative to the second portion through an angle in excess of 180 degrees.

11. A package according to claim 10, wherein the first portion is pivotable relative to the second portion until the first portion or the carton or smoking articles received in the first portion contacts the free edge of the base wall.

12. A package according to any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the side walls of the second portion each comprise an exposed edge remote from the front wall configured to support the second portion on a surface when the package is in the open position.

13. A package according to any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the second portion further comprises a top wall upstanding from the front wall and extending between the side walls of the second portion, the top wall comprising an exposed edge remote from the front face configured to support the second portion on a surface when the package is in the open position.

14. A package according to claim 13, wherein the first portion is pivotable relative to the second portion such that the end wall of the first portion extends beyond the side walls of the second portion, said end wall and the exposed edge of the top wall being configured to support the package on the surface.

15. A package according to claim 5, wherein each hinge comprises an aperture in each of said side walls of one of the first or second portions and a hub extending from each of said side walls of the corresponding first or second portions, each hub being received in a corresponding aperture when the first portion is received between the side walls of the second portion to pivotally couple the first and second portions together.

16. A package according to claim 15, wherein the aperture is formed in each of said side walls of the second portion and the hub extends from each of said side walls of the first portion.

17. A package according to claim 16, wherein the aperture comprises a ledge circumferentially extending therearound and the hub is configured to frictionally engage with the ledge to provide resistance to the first portion pivoting relative to the second portion.

18. A package according to claim 13, wherein the hinge further comprises at least one nub extending from one of the side walls of the first or second portions and a plurality of depressions formed in the corresponding side wall of the first or second portion, the at least one nub being locatable in a selected depression to retain the first portion in one of a plurality of predetermined positions..

19. A package according to any preceding claim with reference to the accompanying drawings.

20. A package according to any preceding claim, further comprising a carton containing a bundle of smoking articles attached to the first portion.