WO2010060544A2

WO2010060544A2 - Slide and shell container

Info

Publication number: WO2010060544A2
Application number: PCT/EP2009/008116
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lucas Chatelain
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
Priority date: 2008-11-28
Filing date: 2009-11-13
Publication date: 2010-06-03
Also published as: WO2010060544A3; EP2192045A1; CA2744641A1; RU2011126370A; EP2373548A2

Abstract

A slide and shell container (1)(50) for consumer goods comprises an outer shell (5)(55) and an inner slide (10)(60), the inner slide (10)(60) comprising a box (12), a first lid (20)(70) and a second lid (20)(70), wherein the first lid (20)(70) and the second lid (20)(70) are hingedly connected to the box (12) across a first (11)(71) and a second (11)(71) hinge line respectively. The first lid (20)(70) and the second lid (20)(70) comprise a first lid flap (25,26,28)(74,75,77,78) and a second lid flap (25,26,28)(74,75,77,78), respectively, and the first lid flap (25,26,28)(74,75,77,78) and the second lid flap (25,26,28)(74,75,77,78) are arranged between the inner slide (10) and the outer shell (5)(55) such that an engagement of the first lid flap (25,26,28)(74,75,77,78) and the outer shell (5)(55) is capable of opening the first lid (20)(70) and an engagement of the second lid flap (25,26,28) (74,75,77,78) and the outer shell (5)(55) is capable of opening the second lid (20)(60). The first lid flap (25,26,28)(74, 75,77, 78) and the second lid flap (25,26,28)(74,75, 77,78) are capable of engaging with the outer shell (5)(55) during movement of the inner slide (10)(60)relative to the outer shell (5)(55).

Description

SLIDE AND SHELL CONTAINER

The present invention relates to a novel slide and shell container for consumer goods. The container finds particular application as a container for elongate smoking articles, such as cigarettes.

It is known to package consumer goods in containers comprising an outer shell or sleeve and an inner slide or tray in which the consumer goods are housed and which is slidable within the outer shell. To remove consumer goods from such containers, a consumer slides the inner slide from an initial position within the outer shell to an open position in which the inner slide projects outwardly from the outer shell, in order to partially expose an open end or side of the inner slide through which the consumer goods housed therein may then be removed.

For example, EP-A-1 847 478 and US-A-3 400 874 disclose slide and shell containers wherein the slide comprises a box and a lid, which is attached to the box across a hinge line. The lid includes a flap on the outside thereof, that engages with a flap on the inner surface of the shell as the shell is moved into the open position of the container. The flap is pulled along with the shell, thereby pivoting the lid about the hinge line to open the slide to allow access to the consumer goods.

It would be desirable to provide a slide and shell container which provides novel ways for the consumer to access the consumer goods within the container.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a slide and shell container for consumer goods comprising an outer shell and an inner slide for housing the consumer goods, wherein the inner slide comprises a box, a first lid and a second lid and wherein the first lid and the second lid are hingedly connected to the box across a first and a second hinge line, respectively. The inner slide is slidable within the outer shell between a closed position in which the first lid and the second lid are closed and an open position in which the first lid and the second lid are open, such that the consumer goods are accessible. The first lid comprises a first lid flap and the second lid comprises a second lid flap. The first lid flap and the second lid flap are arranged between the inner slide and the outer shell such that an engagement of the first lid flap and the outer shell is capable of opening the first lid and an engagement of the second lid flap and the outer shell is capable of opening the second lid. The first lid flap and the second lid flap are capable of engaging with the outer shell during movement of the inner slide from the closed position to the open position.

The arrangement of the lid flaps may be such that when the inner slide is moved relative to the outer shell, both lids are opened simultaneously.

Alternatively, the lid flaps may engage with the outer shell at different positions during the opening movement of the inner slide such that the two lids open successively when the inner slide is moved towards the open position. The first and second hinge lines may extend across the same wall of the inner slide, so that the lids pivot in the same direction. Alternatively, the first and second hinge lines may extend across different walls of the inner slide, so that the lids pivot in different directions to each other.

For example, in one embodiment, the first and second hinge lines extend across opposed walls of the inner slide, so that the first and second lids pivot away from each other. In another embodiment, a first hinge line extends over adjacent walls of the inner slide such that the first and second lids pivot away from each other in perpendicular directions.

The first and second lids may have the same, or a different size and shape to each other.

Preferably, each lid opens a different, separate compartment of the inner slide. The different compartments may house, for example, two bundles of smoking articles. The smoking articles contained in one bundle may be the same as, or different to the smoking articles contained in the other bundle.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a slide and shell container for consumer goods comprising an outer shell and two inner slides, each inner slide for housing consumer goods. The first inner slide comprises a first box and a first lid, wherein the first lid is hingedly connected to the first box across a first hinge line. The second inner slide comprises a second box and a second lid, wherein the second lid is hingedly connected to the second box across a second hinge line. Both the first and second inner slides are slidable within the outer shell between a closed position in which the first lid and the second lid are closed and an open position in which the first lid and the second lid are open, such that the consumer goods are accessible. The first lid comprises a first lid flap, and the second lid comprises a second lid flap. The first lid flap and the second lid flap are arranged between the inner slides and the outer shell such that an engagement of the first lid flap and the outer shell is capable of opening the first lid and an engagement of the second lid flap and the outer shell is capable of opening the second lid. The first lid flap and the second lid flap are capable of engaging with the outer shell during movement of the inner slides from the closed position to the open position.

Containers according to both the first aspect and the second aspect of the present invention share the same novel feature of the provision of two separate opening mechanisms. This feature means that the inner slide and the outer shell interact with each other at two separate locations within the container as they are moved relative to each other. In this way, it is possible to provide two separate lids for accessing the consumer goods within the inner slide, which open as the inner slide is moved within the outer shell. The first and second aspects of the invention provide two alternative means for incorporating the two opening mechanisms. In the first aspect, two lids are provided on a single inner shell, whilst in the second aspect the inner shell is provided in two parts, each with its own hinge Nd. However, the concept of incorporating two opening mechanisms is shared between the different aspects.

Preferably, the box or boxes of the slide or slides according to the invention comprises a box front wall, a box back wall, a box bottom wall and box side walls. The box may further comprise a box top wall that covers some of the top of the slide, where the lid or the lids do not cover the entire top wall of the slide. Preferably, the lid or the lids of the slide or slides according to the invention comprise a back wall, a top wall and side wall. The lid may further comprise a front wall.

The inner slide of containers according to the second aspect of the invention comprises two separate compartments, which may house separate consumer goods, for example two bundles of smoking articles. The smoking articles contained in one bundle may be the same as, or different to the smoking articles contained in the other bundle.

The first and second inner slides may have the same or different dimensions.

Preferably, the first and second inner slides may be moved independently from each other, so that the smoking articles in one slide can be accessed without opening the other slide. Advantageously, the consumer goods in one of the slides may therefore remain sealed and fresh while the consumer goods from the other slide are removed from the container.

The first and second inner slides may be mounted within the outer shell such that the first and second lids pivot either in the same direction, or in different directions to each other. For example, in one embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the first and second inner slides are arranged side by side, so that the hinge lines about which the lids pivot are substantially aligned. The lids therefore both pivot in the same direction. Alternatively, the first and second inner slides may be arranged side by side but with the hinge lines extending along the opposing walls of the container. The lids therefore pivot away from each other, in opposite directions.

In yet another embodiment, the first and second inner slides are arranged such that the hinge lines coincide with each other in the centre of the container. In this embodiment, the lid of each inner slide pivots over the lid of the other slide, so that only one of the inner slides can be opened at any time.

Preferably, the outer sleeve further comprises a separation wall between the first inner slide and the second inner slide. This adds structural strength to the container and allows for additional space on the outer shell to place the shell flap.

Preferably, the outer shell of containers according to the present invention comprise at least one outer shell flap extending from an edge thereof, for engaging with at least one lid flap. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the at least one shell flap extends from a first wall of the outer shell and the hinge line of the inner slide faces a different wall of the outer shell. - -

This means that the lid flap goes around at least one corner of the container to engage with the shell flap. This is particularly useful where the hinge line faces a narrow wall of the container where only little space is available for the shell flap. This way, the shell flap may have larger dimensions than would be possible on the narrow side wall. This advantageously increases the structural strength and the mechanical reliability of the opening mechanism of the container according to the invention.

Preferably, containers according to the invention further comprise at least one friction element to increase the friction between the outer shell and the at least one inner slide. The friction element ensures that the at least one inner slide remains within the outer shell until a positive force is applied by the consumer. Advantageously, the likelihood that the container is inadvertently opened between uses is reduced.

Alternatively or in addition to the at least one friction element, suitable retention means may be provided to keep the at least one inner slide in the closed or open position. For example, the retention means may include one or more magnets, Velcro^® strips, low-tack adhesives, embossed or debossed areas on at least one of the outer shell and the at least one inner slide.

The at least one inner slide may further comprise an inner frame mounted in the box portion thereof.

The container may be formed from blanks of any suitable materials including, but not limited to, cardboard, paperboard, plastic, metal, or combinations thereof. The blanks for forming the at least one inner slide and the outer shell may be made from the same or different materials. If desired, the outer shell may be at least partially formed from a substantially transparent material. This allows the opening and closing mechanism to be viewed.

Preferably, the container is formed from one or more folded laminar blanks, more preferably from one or more folded laminar cardboard blanks. Preferably, the cardboard has a weight of between about 100 grams per square metre and about 350 grams per square metre.

Containers according to the invention find particular application as packs for elongate smoking articles such as, for example, cigarettes, cigars or cigarillos.

Through an appropriate choice of the dimensions thereof, containers according to the invention may be designed to hold different total numbers of smoking articles, or different arrangements of smoking articles. For example, through an appropriate choice of the dimensions thereof, containers according to the invention may be designed to hold a total of ten, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty, twenty-one or twenty-five smoking articles. These may be arranged in different collations, depending on the total number of smoking articles. For example, the smoking articles may be arranged in one row of six, seven, eight, nine or ten; two rows of five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten; two rows of 5-6, 6-7, 7-8; three rows of 5-5-5, 5-6-5, 6-5-6, 5-6-7, 6-7-6, 7-5-7, 7-6-7, 7-7-7, 8-9-8; four rows of four, five or six. Containers according to the invention having two compartments or slides may hold a separate bundle of smoking articles in each compartment and the two bundles may contain cigarettes of the same type or brand, or of different types or brands.

In addition, both filterless cigarettes and filter cigarettes having many different types of filter tips may be contained as well as cigarettes of differing length (for example, between about 4 cm and about 18 cm), diameter (for example, between about 4 mm and about 9 mm). In addition, the smoking articles may differ in strength of taste, resistance to draw and total particulate matter delivery.

Preferably, the dimensions of the container are adapted to the length of the smoking articles, and the collation of the smoking articles. Typically, the outer dimensions of the container are between about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm larger than the dimensions of the bundle or bundles of smoking articles housed inside the container.

Alternatively, one or the two compartments or slides may contain other consumer goods, for example matches, a lighter, an ashtray, breath fresheners, fragrances or electronics.

The exterior surfaces of containers according to the invention may be printed, embossed, debossed or otherwise embellished with manufacturer or brand logos, trademarks, slogans and other consumer information and indicia. Alternatively, or in addition, the exterior surfaces of containers according to the invention may be at least partially covered with lacquer, metallisation, holograms, luminescent material, or any other materials that alter the feel, odour or appearance of the container.

Where the inner slide or slides of a container according to the present invention contains a bundle of cigarettes or other elongate smoking articles, the smoking articles are preferably wrapped in an inner liner of, for example, metal foil or metallised paper.

Once filled, containers according to the invention may be shrink wrapped or otherwise over wrapped with a transparent polymeric film of, for example, polyethylene or polypropylene in a conventional manner. Where containers according to the invention are over wrapped, the over wrapper may include a tear tape.

The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a container according to the first aspect of the present invention with the lids open;

Figure 2 shows the cardboard blanks for forming the outer shell of the container of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows the cardboard blanks for forming the inner slide of the container of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 shows a container according to the second aspect of the present invention, with one lid open and the other lid closed; -D-

Figure 5 shows the container of Figures 4 with both lids open;

Figure 6 shows the cardboard blank for forming an inner slide of the container of Figures 4 and 5; and

Figure 7 shows the cardboard blank for forming an outer shell of the container of Figures

4 and 5.

The terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "top", "bottom" and "side", are used in the present specification to describe the relative positions of the components of a container according to the invention, as well as the walls of the outer shell and inner slide of the container, when the container is in an upright position as shown in Figures 1, 4 and 5. A container according to the invention is typically held in an upright position during opening so that the articles in the container may be removed through the top side of the open container. When describing containers according to the present invention, or the components thereof, these terms are used irrespective of the orientation of the container being described.

Similarly, the terms "upwards" and "downwards" are used to describe the movement of the one or more inner slides or the outer shell of a container according to the invention when the container is in an upright position.

The container 1 according to the first and third aspects of the invention shown in Figure 1 is rectangular parallelepipedal in shape and comprises an outer shell 5 and an inner slide 10 mounted within the outer shell 5.

The outer shell 5 comprises a front wall 2, a back wall 6 opposed to the front wall 2, a left side wall 8 and a right side wall 4 (see Figure 2). The top and bottom faces of the outer shell

5 are open, to allow movement of the inner slide 10 relative to the outer shell 5 during opening and closing of the container 1.

The inner slide 10 comprises a box 12 and two lids 20 connected to the box along opposed hinge lines 1 1 extending across the side walls 14, 18 of the inner slide 10. When the container 1 is open, that is, the two lids 20 are pivoted about the hinge lines 11 , the articles housed in the container 1 may be removed.

Figure 1 shows the container 1 with the lids 20 both open. In the closed position of the container 1 both lids 20 are closed and the inner slide 10 fits within the outer shell 5 such that the upper walls 24 and lower walls 15 (see Figure 3) of the inner slide 10 form the upper and lower walls of the container 1.

The inner slide 10 includes two lid flaps extending from each of the rear edges of the top lid walls 24, each comprising three segments 25, 26, 28. A first segment 25 of each lid flap 25, 26, 28 extends down the side wall of the lid 20 to the position of the hinge line 11. A second segment 26 extends a short distance below the first portion 25. The first 25 and second 26 segments of the lid flap are connected to each other along a fold line 29. The third segment is an opening tab 28 that extends from the back edge of the second segment 26 of each lid flap and is folded by approximately 90 degrees back towards the inner slide 10. When the container 1 is assembled, the opening tab 28 lies against the back wall 6 of the outer shell 5.

The inner slide 10 also includes a pair of retention tabs 30, extending from the opposed back edges of the side walls 14, 18, a short distance above the bottom of the inner slide 10. The retention tabs are folded by approximately 90 degrees towards the back wall 6 of the outer shell 5, so that when the container 10 is assembled, they lie between the back wall 16 of the box and the back wall 6 of the outer shell 5.

The outer shell 5 includes a single stopper flap 32 extending from the upper edge of the back wall and folded downwards by approximately 180 degrees, towards the inner surface of the outer shell 5. The stopper flap 32 is substantially trapezoidal, so that its side edges taper away from the side edges of the rear wall 6 of the outer shell 5. The stopper flap 32 is not connected or adhered to the rear wall 6 of the outer shell 5, except at the upper edge thereof. Once the container 1 is assembled, the stopper flap 32 lies between the back walls 6, 16 of the inner slide 10 and outer shell 5.

The outer shell 5 also includes a retention flap 34, which extends upwards from the lower edge of the back wall 6 and is adhered to the inner surface thereof. The retention flap 34 extends upwards by a distance that is substantially equal to the distance between the lower edges of the retention tabs 30 of the inner slide and the lower edge of the rear wall 16 thereof. This means that when the container 1 is closed, the lower edges of the retention tabs 30 of the inner slide 10 abut the upper edge of the retention flap 34 of the outer shell 5, so that the inner slide 10 is prevented from moving any further in a downwards direction. The inner slide 10 is thereby retained within the outer shell 5.

In order to open the container 1 , the inner slide 10 is pushed upwards by applying pressure to its bottom wall 15, through the open end at the bottom of the outer shell 5. As the inner slide 10 moves upwards and out of the outer shell 5, the opening tabs 28 of the inner slide 10 pass behind the stopper flap 32 of the outer shell 5 and continue moving upwards until their upper edges abut the fold line at the upper edge of the stopper flap 32. The lid flaps are then prevented from moving any further upwards.

Therefore, as the inner slide 10 is pushed further upwards, the lids 20 will pivot open about their respective hinge lines 11. As the inner slide 10 moves upwards relative to the outer shell 5 the lid flaps bend about the fold line 29 between the first 25 and second 26 segments. The further the inner slide 10 is moved upwards relative to the outer shell 5, the more each lid flap bends about the fold line 29 and the greater the angle of each lid 20 from its closed position. In an alternative embodiment, the first segment 25 of one of the lid flaps is slightly shorter than the first segment 25 of the second lid flap, such that the lid flap of the first lid 20 will engage the stopper flap 32 earlier than the second lid flap. This results in the first lid 20 opening earlier than the second lid 20 when the inner slide 10 is pushed upward. -o-

Eventually, as the inner slide 10 is moved further upwards relative to the outer shell 5, the upper edges of the retention tabs 30 in the inner slide 10 abut the lower edge of the stopper flap 32 in the outer shell 5 and prevent any further upwards movement. This prevents the inner slide 10 from being pushed out of the outer shell 5.

In an alternative embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the lids of the inner slide are connected to the box along hinge lines extending along the front and rear walls of the inner slide, respectively. The construction and functioning of the opening and retention tabs are similar to those described above.

Figure 2 shows the blank 105 from which the outer shell 5 is made. Figure 3 shows the blank 110 from which the inner slide 10 is made. Both of the blanks are made from laminar cardboard and fold lines are indicated by dashed lines. The reference numerals used in Figures 2 and 3 correspond to those used in Figures 1 such that each panel of the blanks has been labelled with the reference numeral used to refer to the wall, flap or tab formed by that panel in the assembled container.

In order to form the container 10, the outer shell 5 and the inner slide 10 are first formed from the laminar blanks shown in Figures 2 and 3, respectively. The inner slide 10 may be formed around a wrapped bundle of cigarettes. Then, the inner slide 10 is mounted in the outer shell 5 whilst folding all of the tabs and flaps as set out above, to ensure that the lids will open correctly. The assembled container 1 is finally overwrapped with a transparent film, in the conventional manner. These steps may be carried out manually, or by machine.

The container 50 according to the second and third aspect of the invention shown in Figures 4 and 5 is rectangular parallelepipedal in shape and comprises an outer shell 52 and two inner slides 60. The inner slides 60 are substantially identical to each other in size and construction, and are mounted adjacent to each other within the outer shell 55.

The outer shell 55 comprises a front wall 52, a back wall 56 opposed to the front wall 52 and left and right side walls 54, 58 (see Figure 7). A stopper flap 82, 83 extends from each of the upper edges of the front and back walls 52, 56 and is folded downwards by approximately 180 degrees, towards the inner surface of the outer shell 55. The outer shell 55 also includes two retention flaps 84, which extend upwards from the lower edges of the front and rear walls 54, 58 and are adhered to the inner surfaces thereof. The stopper flaps 82, 83 and retention flaps 84 are each of similar construction to the stopper flap 32 and retention flap 34 of the container 1 and have a similar function. The outer shell 55 further comprises a separating wall 57, 59 between the two adjacent side walls 68 of the inner slides 60.

Each of the inner slides 60 comprises a box and a lid 70 connected to the box along a hinge line 71 extending across a respective side wall 78 of the inner slide 10.

The box comprises a back wall 66, front wall 77, bottom wall 65 and left and right side walls 64, 68. The upper side of the box is open, to allow removal of the articles contained - -

therein once the lid 75 is open. The upper edge of the side wall 68 of the box opposing the side wall 64 comprising the hinge 71 includes a cut out to further facilitate removal of the smoking articles from the inner slide 60. A lid stopper flap 67 extends from the middle of the side wall 64 folded upwards by approximately 180 degrees, towards the inner surface of the outer shell 55. The lid stopper flap 67 engages with the stopper flap 82, 83 to limit an upward movement of the inner slide 60 thus limiting the opening angle of the lid 70. This prevents the inner slide 60 from being pushed out of the outer shell 55.

The lid 70 comprises a front wall 72, a back wall 76, a top wall 73 and a side wall. In addition, the lid 70 comprises a lid flap extending from the side edge of the top wall 73 of the lid 70 comprising four segments 74, 75, 77, 78. A first segment 74 of the lid flap extends over the top wall 73 of the lid, a segment 75 extends from the first portion 74 down the side wall of the lid 70 to the position of the fold line therein, and a third segment 77 extends from the segment 75 a short distance down the side wall 64 of the box. The first 74 and second 75 segments and the second 75 and third 77 segments of the lid flap are connected along fold lines.

The forth segment is a pair of opening tabs 78 that extend from the opposed side edges of the third segment 78 of the lid flap 74, 75, 77, 78 and are folded by approximately 90 degrees back towards the inner slide 60, so that when the container is assembled, the opening tabs 78 lie against the front and back walls 62, 66 of the box portion.

Each of the inner slides 60 also includes a retention tab 80 extending from the side edge of the front walls 62 of the box portion. The retention tabs 80 of container 50 are similar in construction and function to that of container 1 , as described above.

The inner slides 60 are mounted within the outer shell 55 so that they are facing each other, with their side walls 68 together and the hinge lines 71 about which the lids 70 pivot positioned against the side walls 54, 58 of the outer shell 55. The lids 70 therefore pivot outwardly to the sides of the container, in opposite directions to each other, as shown in Figure 5.

Each of the inner slides 60 may be opened independently from each other, although it is possible to have both lids open at the same time, as shown in Figure 5. The inner slides 60 are each opened as described above in relation to container 1 and the mechanism for opening the lid is analogous to that for opening the inner slide 10 of container 1.

The outer shell 55 and inner slides 60 of the container 50 are formed from the blanks shown in Figure 6 and 7, respectively. The outer shell 55 comprises a second front wall 53 as can be seen in Figure 7. The second front wall 53 overlies the front wall 52 when the container 1 is assembled. From the second front wall 53 further depends a first separating wall panel 57 folded about 90 degrees towards the inside of the outer shell 55. From the first separating wall panel 57 depends a second separating wall panel 59 which is folded about 180 degrees onto the first separating wall 57 to form the separating wall 57, 59. In an alternative embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the inner slides are mounted side by side with the hinge lines positioned against the back wall of the outer shell. This means that the lids of the inner slides both pivot in the same direction.

In a further alternative embodiment, one of the inner slides may be mounted such that the hinge line is positioned against the back wall of the outer shell, while the other inner slide is positioned so that the hinge line is positioned against the front wall of the outer shell. In this embodiment, the lids therefore pivot away from each other, towards the front and back of the container, respectively.

In yet a further alternative embodiment the container the inner slides are mounted within the outer shell, such that when the container is closed the hinge lines coincide with each other across the centre of the inner slide. This arrangement means that only one of the inner slides can be open at any one time, since the lid of each inner slide opens over the lid of the other inner slide, thereby obstructing opening of the other lid.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A slide and shell container for consumer goods comprising an outer shell and an inner slide, the inner slide comprising a box, a first lid and a second lid, wherein the first lid and the second lid are hingedly connected to the box across a first and a second hinge line respectively, wherein the inner slide is slidable within the outer shell between a closed position in which the first lid and the second lid are closed and an open position in which the first lid and the second lid are open, wherein the first lid comprises a first lid flap, and wherein the second lid comprises a second lid flap, and wherein the first lid flap and the second lid flap are arranged between the inner slide and the outer shell such that an engagement of the first lid flap and the outer shell is capable of opening the first lid and an engagement of the second lid flap and the outer shell is capable of opening the second lid and wherein the first lid flap and the second lid flap are capable of engaging with the outer shell during movement of the inner slide from the closed position to the open position.

2. A container according to claim 1 wherein the first and second hinge lines extend across opposing walls of the box of the inner slide, such that the first and second lids pivot away from each other as the inner slide is moved from the closed position to the open position.

3. A slide and shell container for consumer goods comprising an outer shell and two inner slides, wherein the first inner slide comprises a first box and a first lid, wherein the first lid is hingedly connected to the first box across a first hinge line and comprises a first lid flap; wherein the second inner slide comprises a second box and a second lid, wherein the second lid is hingedly connected to the second box across a second hinge line and comprises a second lid flap; wherein the first and second inner slides are slidable within the outer shell between a closed position in which the first lid and the second lid are closed and an open position in which the first lid and the second lid are open; and wherein the first lid flap and the second lid flap are arranged between the inner slides and the outer shell such that an engagement of the first lid flap and the outer shell is capable of opening the first lid and an engagement of the second lid flap and the outer shell is capable of opening the second lid and wherein the first lid flap and the second lid flap are capable of engaging with the outer shell during movement of the inner slides from the closed position to the open position.

4. A container according to claim 3 wherein the first and second inner slides are arranged such that the first and second lids are pivotable in opposite directions to each other.

5. A container according to claim 3 wherein the first and second inner slides are arranged such that the first and second lids are pivotable in the same direction.

6. A container according to claim 3 wherein the first and second slides are arranged such that the first and second lids are pivotable towards each other.

7. A container according to claim 3 wherein the outer shell comprises a separation wall between the first inner slide and the second inner slide.

8. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the first lid flap and the second lid flap are arranged such the first lid and the second lid are capable of opening successively.

9. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the outer shell comprises at least one shell flap extending from an edge thereof, for engaging with at least one lid flap.

10. A container according to claim 9, wherein the at least one shell flap extends from a first wall of the outer shell and wherein the hinge line of the inner slide faces a different wall of the outer shell.

11. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the container comprises smoking articles.