WO2011010185A1

WO2011010185A1 - Packet for smoke articles and corresponding cardboard blank

Info

Publication number: WO2011010185A1
Application number: PCT/IB2009/053155
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fiorenzo Draghetti
Original assignee: Fiorenzo Draghetti
Priority date: 2009-07-21
Filing date: 2009-07-21
Publication date: 2011-01-27
Also published as: JP2012533483A; CN102470974B; EP2456688A1; RU2014102847A; EP2456688B8; PL2456688T3; EP2456688B1; JP5463556B2; RU2518210C2; KR101541841B1; CN102470974A; KR20120087888A; RU2012105336A

Abstract

A packet (101; 101a; 101b; 101c; 101d; 101e; 201; 301; 401) for smoke articles comprises a containing body (103; 203; 303; 403) for containing, at least partially, the smoke articles, and a closing body (104; 204; 304; 404) connected to the containing body (103; 203; 303; 403) so as to prevent/allow access to the smoke articles; the closing body (104; 204; 304; 404) includes a front face (115; 215; 387; 487) and a pair of side faces (116; 216; 389; 489) extending from opposite sides of the front face (115; 215; 387; 487); the side faces (116; 216; 389; 489) each comprising a fixing portion (120; 220; 320; 420) that is fixable to an inner surface (119; 219; 319; 419) of the front face (115; 215; 387; 487) such that each of the side faces (116; 216; 389; 489) is formed, at least partially, by an outer wall (154; 254; 386; 486) and by an inner wall (124; 224; 324; 424) that are connected to one another and bound, at least partially, a gap (126; 226; 326; 426).

Description

Packet for smoke articles and corresponding cardboard blank

The invention relates to a packet for smoke articles, particularly cigarettes, and a card blank, from which it is possible to make the packet mentioned above.

Traditional cigarette packets have a rectangular parallelpipedon shape that extends along a longitudinal axis, and comprise a containing body and a closing body hinged to the containing body through a hinge .

The containing body comprises a front wall, a rear wall, two side walls and a base wall, whilst the closing body comprises a front face, a rear face, two side faces and an upper face, the aforesaid hinge being positioned between the rear wall of the container and the rear face of the closing body.

The aforesaid packets are appreciated by smokers because of the stiffness of the packets, which avoid damage to the cigarettes even when the packet is subject to blows or kept in a pocket or a bag of a consumer.

Packets of the type disclosed above are made from a stiff card blank.

The blank has pre-weakened folded lines and is folded along these folded lines to form the packet.

Recently, a trend has emerged to customise traditional hinged closing-body packets to induce smokers to prefer packets having a certain aesthetic appearance rather than other packets having a more traditional appearance. The manufacturers of cigarettes thus feel the need to change the aesthetic appearance of the packet to make the packet more particular and more attractive for the consumer.

For this reason, packets have been made in which the front face of the closing body has a length, measured along the longitudinal axis, which is greater or the same as that of the front wall of the containing body.

In such packets, consequently, the side faces of the closing body have a length measured along the longitudinal axis, which is greater than that of the side faces of lids of traditional type.

Packets of this type are disclosed, for example, in

WO2004/065235 and WO2009/020383. A drawback of such packets is that the side faces of the closing body tend to flex outwards, i.e. they are not maintained flat, this causing problems in opening and closing the closing body and a displeasing aesthetic effect.

This flexure of the side faces is due to the reaction of the card to the simple foldings to which it is subjected.

In particular, the greater extent of the side faces entails that also the folded lines by which the latter are obtained are widely spaced apart, this distance causing a pronounced flexure of the card even in the event of a modest reaction of the material .

An object of the invention is to improve packets for smoke articles, particularly for cigarettes, and the corresponding card blanks that can be used for obtaining such packets.

A further object is to provide packets for smoke articles, particularly for cigarettes, provided with a closing body that is tougher than known packets.

Another further object is to obtain a stiff packet for smoke articles comprising a closing body provided with stiffer side faces than known side faces.

Another object is to provide packets for smoke articles, particularly for cigarettes, that have a wide surface that is available for communications to the consumer, advertising messages and the like.

Still another object is to provide packets for smoke articles, particularly for cigarettes, that have a pleasing aesthetic appearance.

In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a packet for smoke articles, particularly cigarettes, as disclosed in independent claim 1.

Owing to the invention, it is possible to provide a packet for smoke articles provided with a closing body that is tougher than known packets.

In fact, said fixing portions fixed, in particular glued, to said inner surface of said front face contrast, and substantially eliminate, the tendency of said side faces to flex outwards, maintaining the side faces substantially rectilinear . Further, as said side faces are formed, at least partially, by said inner wall and by said outer wall, they are stiffer, thus improving both the aesthetic appeal of the packet and the manageability of the closing body.

Also, as said side faces are stiffer than the side faces of known packets, it is possible to increase, compared with known packets, the extent of said front face compared with a front wall of said containing body, this enabling a surface to be increased that is available for communications to the consumer such as advertising messages and the like.

In particular, such messages can be preprinted onto said fixing portions, that, in an embodiment of the invention, can substantially extend for the entire width of said inner surface .

In a second aspect of the invention a card blank is provided, as disclosed in independent claim 31.

The card blank provided in the second aspect of the invention enables the packet according to the first aspect of the invention to be produced easily also on traditional machines inasmuch as this blank has an outer outline that is similar to that of traditional blanks.

The invention can be better understood and implemented with reference to the attached drawings that illustrate some embodiments thereof by way of non-limiting example, in which: Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a first example of a packet for smoke articles according to the invention in an open configuration;

Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the packet in Figure 1 in a closed configuration,- Figure 3 is a side view of the packet in Figure 1 in the open configuration;

Figure 4 is an enlarged detail of a cross section of a closing body of the packet in Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a version of the detail in Figure 4 ;

Figure 6 is a further version of the detail in Figure 4 ;

Figure 7 is a plan view of a card blank for obtaining the packet of Figure 1 ; Figure 8 is a plan view of an inner frame for obtaining an inner enclosure of the packet in Figure 1;

Figure 9 is a view like that in Figure 1 of a first version of the packet in Figure 1 ;

Figure 10 is an enlarged detail of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a plan view of a card blank for obtaining the packet of Figure 9 ;

Figure 12 is a view like that in Figure 1 of a second version of the packet in Figure 1 ;

Figure 13 is a view like that in Figure 2 of the packet in

Figure 12 ;

Figure 14 is a view like that in Figure 3 of a third version of the packet in Figure 1 ;

Figure 15 is a plan view of a card blank for obtaining the packet of Figure 12;

Figure 16 is a view like that in Figure 1 of the packet in

Figure 14^•

Figure 17 is a plan view of a card blank for obtaining the packet of Figure 14 ;

Figure 18 is a view like that in Figure 1 of a fourth version of the packet in Figure 1 ;

Figure 19 is a view like that in Figure 3 of the packet in

Figure 18;

Figure 19bis is a side view of the packet in Figure 18 in a closed configuration;

Figure 20 is a view like that in Figure 3 of a fifth version of the packet in Figure 1 ;

Figure 21 is a view like that in Figure 1 of a second example of a packet according to the invention;

Figure 22 is a view like that in Figure 2 of the packet in

Figure 21;

Figure 23 is an enlarged detail of a cross section of a closing body of the packet in Figure 21;

Figure 24 is a version of the detail in Figure 23;

Figure 25 is a further version of the detail in Figure 23;

Figures 26-28 are perspective views of an inner enclosure of the packet in Figure 21; Figure 29 is a view like that in Figure 7 of a card blank for obtaining the packet in Figure 21;

Figure 30 is a view like that in Figure 8 of an inner frame for obtaining the inner enclosure of Figures 26-28;

Figure 31 is a view like that in Figure 2 of a third example of a packet according to the invention;

Figure 32 is a side view of the packet in Figure 31 in a closed configuration;

Figure 33 is a view like that in Figure 1 of the packet in Figure 31;

Figure 34 is a cross section of a main body included in the packet in Figure 31;

Figure 35 is a first cross section of the packet in Figure

31;

Figure 36 is an enlarged detail of Figure 35;

Figure 37 is a second cross section of the packet in Figure

31;

Figure 38 is an enlarged detail of Figure 37;

Figure 39 is a view like that in Figure 7 of a card blank for obtaining the packet in Figure 31;

Figure 40 is a view like that in Figure 8 of an inner frame for an inner enclosure of the packet in Figure 31;

Figure 41 is a view like that in Figure 1 of a fourth example of a packet according to the invention;

Figure 42 is a view like that in Figure 3 of the packet in Figure 41;

Figures 43 to 45 are further perspective views of the packet in Figure 41;

Figure 46 is a side view of the packet in Figure 41 in a closed configuration;

Figure 47 is a view like that in Figure 7 of a card blank for obtaining the packet in Figure 41;

Figure 48 is a view like that in Figure 8 of an inner frame for an inner enclosure of the packet in Figure 41.

Figures 1 to 3 shows a first packet 101 according to the invention.

The first packet 101 is arranged for housing smoke articles, particularly cigarettes, which are not shown. The first packet 101, which is of stiff type, has a substantially rectangular parallelepipedon shape and extends along a first longitudinal axis Zl.

The first packet 101, for example made of stiff card, is suitable for housing an orderly group of cigarettes wrapped in an internal wrap 102 and comprises a containing body 103, which can house the cigarettes, and a closing body 104, or lid, which can be opened or closed to enable a smoker to access the cigarettes.

In particular, the closing body 104 is movable between an open position (Figures 1 and 3) and a closed position (Figure 2) rotating around a hinge 105.

The containing body 103 comprises a base wall 107 and an upper wall 190 opposite the base wall 107 (Figure 3) .

In particular, the upper wall 190 has an extent, measured on a plane that is perpendicular to the first axis Zl, that is less than the base wall 107.

The base wall 107 and the upper wall 190 are connected by a rear wall 109.

In other words, the base wall 107 and the upper wall 190 extend from opposite sides of the rear wall 109.

From the base wall 107 a front wall 108 extends, opposite the rear wall 109, the rear wall 109 having an extent, measured on a plane parallel to the first axis Zl that is greater than the front wall 108 (Figure 3) .

Between the front wall 108 and the rear wall 109 there are interposed two side walls 110, each of which has a reduced extent with respect to the front wall 108 and to the rear wall 109.

Each side wall 110 comprises a reduced portion 111, having a substantially trapezoidal shape, and an extended portion 112, also having a substantially trapezoidal shape, the reduced portion 111 having a length, measured on a plane parallel to the first axis Zl, that is less than the length of the extended portion 112.

In particular, the reduced portion 111 extends from the front face 108, whilst the extended portion 112 extends from the rear wall 109, the reduced portion 111 being fixed, in particular glued, above the extended portion 112.

In other words, Ia reduced portion 111 partially covers the extended portion 112.

The reduced portions 111 are connected to the front wall 108 by curved portions 113, in particular rounded portions.

In an embodiment of the invention, which is not shown, instead of the curved portions 113 flat bevels are provided. The closing body 104 comprises an upper face 114 that, in the closed position, is opposite the base wall 107, between the upper face 114 and the upper wall 190 there being defined the aforesaid hinge 105.

To the upper face 114 a front face 115 is connected having a length, measured on a plane parallel to the first axis Zl, that is greater than the length of the front wall 108.

The front face 115 comprises an end portion 118, having, for example, a substantially triangular shape folded by 180° and fixed, in particular glued, to an inner surface 119 of the front face 115, the end portion 118 reinforcing the front face 115.

From the front face 115 two side faces 116 extend.

The side faces 116 comprise respective widened portions 153 having, for example, a substantially triangular shape and being adjacent to the upper face 114.

The side faces 116 further comprises respective elongated, for example rounded, portions 154, interposed between and connecting the front face 115 and the widened portions 153. Each of the side faces 116 further comprises a fixing portion 120 connected to the respective elongated portion 154 on the side opposite the respective widened portion 153 and fixed, in particular glued, to the inner surface 119.

The fixing portions 120, having for example an irregular pentagon shape, comprise respective first edges 121 and second edges 122 connected to the first edges 121, the first edges 121 and the second edges 122 extending, in a closed configuration of the first packet 101, respectively substantially parallel and transversely to the first axis Zl. In particular, the first edges 121 are alongside one another, whilst the second edges 122, defining a "V", are alongside third edges 123 of the end wall 118.

In this manner, the fixing portions 120 extend substantially along the entire width of the closing body 104.

Also, the fixing portions 120 comprise respective further second edges 122' opposite the second edges 122.

The further second edges 122', which are rectilinear, are contiguous to an inner surface of the upper face 114.

In this manner, the fixing portions 120 extend substantially along the entire length of the front face 115.

In an embodiment of the invention, which is not shown, the further second edges 122' are curvilinear and form, when alongside, a profile like gull wings.

In this embodiment, further, the further second edges 122' can be positioned at a certain distance from the inner surface of the upper face 114.

Each of the side faces 116 comprises a stiffening portion 124 (Figure 4) .

The stiffening portions 124 are interposed between the respective elongated portions 154 and the respective fixing portions 120.

Further, the stiffening portions 124 have a length, measured on a plane parallel to the first axis Zl in a closed configuration of the first packet 101, that is less than the length of the elongated portions 154.

In an embodiment of the invention, which is not shown, the stiffening portions 124 have substantially the same length, measured on a plane parallel to the first axis Zl in a closed configuration of the first packet 101, of the elongated portions 154.

As said above, the stiffening portions 124 connect the elongated portions 154 to the fixing portions 120, the elongated portions 154 and the stiffening portions 124 bound respective longitudinal gaps 126 extending, in a closed configuration of the first packet 101, substantially parallel to the first axis Zl (Figure 4) .

This entails that each of the side faces 116 is formed, at least partially, from one elongated portion 154 which is outer, and from one stiffening portion 124 which is inner. On the end portion 118 and on the fixing portions 120 printed zones can be provided, which are shown by a broken line, comprising, for example, writing, drawings or other information intended for the smoker.

In an embodiment of the first packet 101, shown in Figure 5, the elongated portions 154 are flat and are tilted by an angle α of approximately 135° with respect to the front face 115.

In this version, the gaps 126 are bounded by the stiffening portions 124, by the elongated portions 154 and by the inner surface 119.

In a further version of the first packet 101, shown in Figure 6, the elongated portions 154 are flat and are tilted by an angle a. of approximately 90° with respect to the front face 115.

Also in this version, the gaps 126 are bounded by the stiffening portions 124, by the elongated portions 154 and by the inner surface 119.

The first packet 101 further comprises a closing wing 191 connected to the front face 115 and protruding in relation to, and positioned substantially in a central zone of, a lower edge 129 of the front face 115.

The function of the closing wing 191 will be clarified below. When the first packet 101 is in the closed position shown in Figure 2, the front face 115 of the closing body 104 is contiguous with and substantially coplanar to the front wall 108 of the containing body 103. Similarly, the side faces 116 are contiguous with the respective side walls 110.

The first packet 101 further comprises an inner enclosure 106 positioned inside the containing body 103 and shown partially in Figure 1.

The inner enclosure 106 houses, as said, a composition of cigarettes wrapped by the internal wrap 102, the internal wrap 102 including a sheet of tinfoil or metal foil .

The internal wrap 102 is of known type and does not have substantial differences compared with the internal wraps used in normal packets of cigarettes .

The inner enclosure 106 comprises a main wall 130 on which printed zones can be provided shown with a broken line, that comprise, for example, writing, drawings or other information intended for the smoker.

The main wall 130 is bounded by a U-shaped upper outline 131. Two lesser walls 132 are connected to the main wall 130, from each of which a secondary wall extends that is not shown.

The lesser walls 132 laterally contain the internal wrap 102, whilst the secondary walls are folded behind the internal wrap 102, so as to be adjacent to one another.

The inner enclosure 106 further comprises two flat bevels

133, tilted, for example, by approximately 135° with respect to the main wall 130, that connect the main wall 130 to the lesser walls 132.

Between the main wall 130 of the inner enclosure 106 and the front wall 108 of the containing body 103 there is defined a housing pocket 192 arranged for receiving and retaining, in the closed configuration of the first packet 101, the closing wing 191.

In particular, the housing pocket 192 is obtained between an intermediate portion of the front wall 108 and a corresponding intermediate portion of the main wall 130 facing the front wall 108.

In use, the closing wing 191 and the housing pocket 192 cooperate to maintain the first packet 101 closed.

The inner enclosure 106 further comprises a lower flap that is not shown that is connected to the main wall 130 and bound by a perimeter that is complementary to the upper outline

131. The lower flap is folded below the internal wrap 102.

The inner enclosure 106 is arranged inside the containing body 103 and is attached to the containing body 103 at the rear wall 109.

In particular, to an inner surface of the rear wall 109 one or more points of glue can be applied by means of which the rear wall 109 adheres to both the aforesaid secondary walls. This enables the inner enclosure 106 to be maintained closed around the internal wrap 102.

The first packet 101 can be used as a normal packet of cigarettes . The smoker can thus open the first packet 101 by rotating the closing body 104 around the hinge 105 and removing the cigarette as occurs in traditional packets.

It should be noted that when the first packet 101 is open, the zones printed on the fixing portions 120, on the end portion 118 and on the main wall 130 are visible to the smoker, who can thus read the writing and look at the pictures contained within the printed zones.

This enables the first packet 101 to be customised and the space available for communications to the consumer to be increased.

In fact, the communications for the consumer and possible advertising messages can be printed not only, as occurs in traditional packets, on the outer surface of the containing body 103 and of the closing body 104, but also in the printed zones provided inside the first packet 101.

After removing the cigarette, to close the first packet 101, the smoker has to rotate the closing body 104 around the hinge 105 and move the closing body 104 for a small stroke parallel to the first axis Zl away from the front wall 108 of the containing body 103 so as to facilitate the insertion of the closing wing 191 into the housing pocket 192.

The containing body 103 and the closing body 104 are formed by folding a flat blank 135, for example made of card, extending along a first longitudinal symmetry axis Xl.

The blank 135, shown in Figure 7, comprises a first portion 136, intended for forming the containing body 103 and a second portion 137, intended for forming the closing body 104.

The first portion 136 and the second portion 137 are joined together along an intended folded line 138, intended for giving rise, in the first packet 101, to the hinge 105.

The intended folded line 138 may comprise a crease or be formed of a plurality of cuts separated by joining points. The blank 135 comprises a first main panel 139 which is intended for forming the rear wall 109 of the containing body 103.

A first transverse panel 140 and a second transverse panel 141 are arranged at opposite ends of the first main panel 139, such that the first transverse panel 140, the first main panel 139 and the second transverse panel 141 are arranged in sequence along the first symmetry axis Xl.

The first transverse panel 140 and the second transverse panel 141 are intended for forming respectively the base wall 107 and the upper wall 190 of the containing body 103.

To the first transverse panel 140 a third transverse panel

142 is connected, which is intended for forming the front wall 108 of the containing body 103, whilst to the second transverse panel 141 a further second transverse panel 193 is connected that will form the upper face 114 of the closing body 104.

Between the further second transverse panel 193 and the second transverse panel 141 the aforesaid intended folded line 138 is obtained.

To the further second transverse panel 193 a second main panel 143 is connected that will form the front face 115 of the closing body 104. The second main panel 143 is in turn connected to a stiffening element 144 arranged for being folded by 180° so as to reinforce a front portion of the closing body 104 and intended for forming the end portion 118 of the closing body 104.

The third transverse panel 142, the first transverse panel 140, the first main panel 139, the second transverse panel 141, the further second transverse panel 193, the second main panel 143 and the stiffening element 144 are joined along respective transverse creases 145, arranged transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the first symmetry axis Xl. The blank 135 further comprises a C-shaped cut 194, rotated by 90°, intended for forming, once the blank 135 has been folded the closing wing 191.

In particular, the cut 194 is obtained near an intermediate zone of the transverse crease 145 that separates the stiffening element 144 from the second main panel 143.

The blank 135 further comprises a pair of intermediate panels 180 arranged on the sides of the second main panel 143 and intended for forming the curved elongated portions 154 of the closing body 104.

The intermediate panels 180 comprise first incision lines 151.

The first incision lines 151, which are substantially parallel to the first symmetry axis Xl, are arranged adjacent to one another and are arranged to promote folding of the intermediate panels 180.

In an embodiment of the invention, which is not shown, the intermediate panels 180 are devoid of the first incision lines 151 and between the intermediate panels 180 and the second main panel 143 longitudinal creases are provided.

The blank 135 further comprises a pair of first inner panels 146 arranged on the sides of the intermediate panels 180 and intended for forming the stiffening portions 124 of the closing body 104.

Between the intermediate panels 180 and the first inner panels 146 first longitudinal creases 150 are provided, extending substantially parallel to the first symmetry axis Xl.

The blank 135 further comprises a pair of first outer panels 149 arranged on the sides of the first inner panels 146 and separated from the latter by second longitudinal creases 152, extending substantially parallel to the first symmetry axis Xl, the first outer panels 149 being intended for forming the fixing portions 120.

In this manner, the first inner panels 146 are bounded by the first and by the second longitudinal creases 150, 152.

The blank 135 further comprises a pair of second internal panels 147 interposed between the intermediate panels 180, the first inner panels 146 and the first outer panels 149, the second internal panels 147 being intended for forming the widened portions 153 of the closing body 104.

Each second inner panel 147 is separated from the corresponding first inner panel 146 and from the first outer panel 149 by a tilted cut 148.

On the sides of the aforesaid further second transverse panel 193 first wings 155 project that are arranged for being folded inside the further second transverse panel 193 and being glued to the second internal panels 147 so as to stiffen the widened portions 153.

In particular, between the first wings 155 and the further second transverse panel 193 third longitudinal creases 156 are provided extending substantially parallel to the first symmetry axis Xl.

The blank 135 further comprises a pair of second external panels 157 arranged on the sides of the first main panel 139 and separated from the latter by fourth longitudinal creases 158 extending substantially parallel to the first symmetry axis Xl.

In particular, the second external panels 157 are intended for forming the extended portions 112 of the side walls 110 of the containing body 103.

To ends of the second external panels 157 second wings 159 are connected that are arranged for being folded inside the second external panels 157 and for being glued to the first transverse panel 140 so as to stiffen the base wall 107.

Further second wings 195 are connected to the second external panels 157 on opposite sides with respect to the second wings 159.

The further second wings 195 are arranged for being folded inside the second external panels 157 and for being glued to the second transverse panel 141 so as to stiffen the upper wall 190.

On the sides of the third transverse panel 142 third wings 160 project arranged for being folded inside the third transverse panel 142 and being glued to the second external panels 157 so as to form the reduced portions 111 of the side walls 110 of the containing body 103.

In particular, between the third wings 160 and the third transverse panel 142 there are provided connecting panels 181 intended for forming the curved portions 113.

The connecting panels 181 comprise second incision lines 161. The second incision lines 161, which are substantially parallel to the first symmetry axis Xl, are arranged adjacent to one another and are arranged to promote folding of the connecting panels 181. In an embodiment of the invention, which is not shown, the connecting panels 181 are devoid of the second incision lines 161 and are bound by pairs of longitudinal creases.

After receiving an adhesive substance, the blank 135 is folded according to the traditional sequence of folding operations as the blank 135 does not have additional panels compared with traditional blanks. Therefore the blank 135 can be processed in a common machine for producing stiff packets of cigarettes.

Figure 8 shows an inner frame 163 that can be used to form the inner enclosure 106.

The inner frame 163 can be made of card, possibly coupled with a metal sheet such as aluminium.

The inner frame 163 can be formed on a packaging machine from a reel, which is cut with a knife having a "U" profile corresponding to an upper transverse profile 164 and to a lower transverse profile 165 of the inner frame 163.

On the inner frame 163 two inner weakening lines 166, two outer weakening lines 167 and two intermediate weakening lines 168 are further obtained by suitable incisors, the outer weakening lines 167 being arranged outside the inner weakening lines 166.

A transverse weakening line 169, arranged transversely to the inner, intermediate and outer weakening lines 166, 168 and 167, is lastly obtained in a lower region of the inner frame 163.

Between the inner weakening lines 166 and the transverse weakening line 169 there is defined a primary panel 170 arranged for forming the main wall 130 in the inner enclosure 106.

On the sides of the primary panel 170 there are arranged two side panels 171, each of which is interposed between an inner weakening line 166 and an intermediate weakening line 168. Each side panel 171 is intended for forming a bevel 133 of the inner enclosure 106.

On the sides of the side panels 171 two intermediate panels 172 are arranged, each of which is interposed between an intermediate weakening line 168 and an external weakening line 167 .

Each intermediate panel 172 is intended for forming a lesser wall 132 of the inner enclosure 106.

Lastly, outside the intermediate panels 172 two peripheral panels 173 are provided, each of which is joined to a corresponding intermediate panel 172 along an external weakening line 167.

The peripheral panels 173 are folded inside the internal wrap 102 to form the secondary walls.

In this manner, the inner frame 163, after being folded, surrounds the inner enclosure 106 on four sides.

Between the transverse weakening line 169 and the lower transverse profile 165 there is defined an end panel 174, which is suitable for being folded below the internal wrap 102 to obtain the lower flap.

During packaging, the inner frame 163 is folded around the internal wrap 102 and made adherent thereto by glue points positioned in a similar manner to what occurs in traditional inner frames .

The inner frame 163 can be folded around the internal wrap 102 by using a folding unit that is similar to that used for traditional inner frames.

The containing body 103 and the closing body 104 are then constructed by folding the blank 135 around the inner enclosure 106.

From what has been set out above, it is clear that the first packet 101 can be made by using packaging machines that do not differ substantially from existing machines.

With reference to Figures 9 and 10, with 101a a packet for smoke articles according to a first version of the first packet 101 is indicated.

The components of the packet 101a that are similar to the components of the first packet 101 are indicated by the same reference numbers of the first packet 101 and are not disclosed here for the sake of brevity.

In particular, the packet 101a comprises, instead of the closing wing 191, a pair of closing wings 128. Each closing wing 128 is included in a stiffening portion

124 and protrudes with respect to the lower edge 129 of the front face 115.

The packet 101a further comprises, instead of the housing pocket 192, a pair of pockets 134, each arranged for receiving, in the closed configuration of the packet 101a, a corresponding closing wing 128.

In particular, each pocket 134 is defined between a bevel 133 and a curved portion 113.

In use, the closing wings 128 and the pockets 134 cooperate to maintain the packet 101a closed.

After removing the cigarette, to close the packet 101a, the smoker has to rotate the closing body 104 around the hinge

105 and move the closing body 104 for a small stroke parallel to the first axis Zl away from the front wall 108 of the containing body 103 so as to facilitate insertion of the closing wings 128 into the pockets 134.

In Figure 11 with 135a there is indicated a flat blank made of card intended for forming the packet 101a.

The components of the blank 135a that are similar to the components of the blank 135 are indicated by the same reference numbers of the blank 135 and are not disclosed here for the sake of brevity.

The blank 135a, unlike the blank 135, is devoid of the cut 194 and instead has protruding elements 162, for example having rounded profile, intended for forming the closing wings 128.

In particular, each protruding element 162 is included in and is positioned at an end of a respective first inner panel 146.

With reference to Figures 12 and 13, with 101b there is indicated a packet for smoke articles according to a second version of the first packet 101.

The components of the packet 101b that are similar to the components of the first packet 101 are indicated by the same reference numbers of the first packet 101. and are not disclosed here for the sake of brevity. In particular, in the packet 101b, devoid of the upper wall

190, the hinge 105 is positioned between the upper face 114 and the rear wall 109.

In Figure 15, with 135b there is indicated a flat blank made of card intended for forming the packet 101b.

The components of the blank 135b that are similar to the components of the blank 135 are indicated by the same reference numbers of the blank 135 and are not disclosed here for the sake of brevity.

The blank 135b unlike the blank 135, is devoid of the further second wings 195.

Further, in the blank 135b, devoid of the further second transverse panel 193, the second transverse panel 141 is interposed between the first main panel 139 and the second main panel 143 and is intended for forming the upper face

114 of the closing body 104.

With reference to Figures 14 and 16, with 101c there is indicated a packet for smoke articles according to a third version of the first packet 101.

The components of the packet 101c that are similar to the components of the first packet 101 are indicated by the same reference numbers of the first packet 101 and are not disclosed here for the sake of brevity.

In particular, in the packet 101c, devoid of the upper wall 190, the hinge 105 is positioned between the upper face 114 and the rear wall 109.

Further, the packet 101c comprises, instead of the closing wing 191, a pair of closing wings 128.

Each closing wing 128 is included in a stiffening portion 124 and protrudes with respect to the lower edge 129 of the front face 115.

The packet 101c further comprises, instead of the housing pocket 192, the pair of pockets 134, each arranged for receiving, in the closed configuration of the packet 101c, a corresponding closing wing 128.

In use, the closing wings 128 and the pockets 134 cooperate to maintain the packet 101c closed.

After removing the cigarette, to close the packet 101c, the smoker has to rotate the closing body 104 around the hinge 105 and move the closing body 104 for a small stroke parallel to the first axis Zl away from the front wall 108 of the containing body 103 so as to facilitate insertion of the closing wings 128 into the pockets 134.

In Figure 17 with 135c there is indicated a flat blank made of card intended for forming the packet 101c.

The components of the blank 135c that are similar to the components of the blank 135 are indicated by the same reference numbers of the blank 135 and are not disclosed here for the sake of brevity.

The blank 135c unlike the blank 135, is devoid of the further second wings 195.

Further, in the blank 135b, devoid of the further second transverse panel 193, the second transverse panel 141 is interposed between the first main panel 139 and the second main panel 143 and is intended for forming the upper face 114 of the closing body 104.

Also, the blank 135c unlike the blank 135, is devoid of the cut 194 and instead has the protruding elements 162, for example having a rounded profile, intended for forming the closing wings 128.

With reference to Figures 18 to 19b, with 101d there is indicated a packet for smoke articles according to a fourth version of the first packet 101.

In particular, the packet 101d is of the round-corner type. The components of the packet 101d that are similar to the components of the first packet 101 are indicated by the same reference numbers of the first packet 101 and are not disclosed here for the sake of brevity.

In particular, in the packet 101d, devoid of the upper wall 190, the hinge 105 is defined between a rear face 115' of the closing body 104 opposite the front face 115 and the rear wall 109 of the containing body 103.

Further, the packet 101d comprises, instead of the closing wing 191, a pair of closing wings 128.

The packet 101d further comprises, instead of the housing pocket 192, the pair of pockets 134, each arranged for receiving, in the closed configuration of the packet 101d, a corresponding closing wing 128.

Also, the fixing portions 120 of the packet 101d comprise respective further second edges 122' opposite the second edges 122.

The further second edges 122', which are curved, form, when alongside, a profile like gull wings and are positioned at a certain distance from the inner surface of the upper face

114.

In an embodiment of the packet 101d which is not shown, the further second edges 122' are rectilinear and contiguous with the inner surface of the upper face 114.

In a further embodiment of the packet 101d, which is not shown, the first edges are spaced away from one another, leaving free intermediate portions of the inner surface 119.

In use, the closing wings 128 and the pockets 134 cooperate to maintain the packet 101d closed.

After removing the cigarette, to close the packet 101d, the smoker has to rotate the closing body 104 around the hinge 105 and move the closing body 104 for a small stroke parallel to the first axis Zl away from the front wall 108 of the containing body 103 so as to facilitate insertion of the closing wings 128 into the pockets 134.

With reference to Figure 20, with lOle there is indicated a packet for smoke articles according to a fifth version of the first packet 101.

In particular, the packet lOle is of the round-corner type. The components of the packet lOle that are similar to the components of the first packet 101 are indicated by the same reference numbers of the first packet 101 and are not disclosed here for the sake of brevity.

In particular, in the packet lOle, devoid of the upper wall

190, the hinge 105 is defined between a rear face 115' of the closing body 104 opposite the front face 115 e Ia rear wall

109 of the containing body 103.

Figures 21 and 22 show a second example of a second packet 201 for smoke articles, in particular cigarettes, according to the invention.

The second packet 201, which is also of stiff type, has a substantially rectangular parallelpipedon shape and extends along a second longitudinal axis Z2.

In particular, the second packet 201 is of the round-corner type.

The second packet 201, for example made of stiff card, is suitable for housing an ordered group of cigarettes wound in an internal wrap 202 and comprises a containing body 203, which can house the cigarettes, and a closing body 204, or lid, which can be opened or closed to enable a smoker to access the cigarettes .

In particular, the closing body 204 is movable between an open position (Figure 21) ed a closed position (Figure 22) rotating around a hinge 205, shown in Figure 21.

The containing body 203 comprises a base wall which is not shown, from which a rear wall, which is not shown, extends.

From opposite sides of the rear wall two side walls 210 extend .

The side walls 210 have a substantially trapezoidal shape and have an extent that is reduced with respect to the rear wall.

In particular, the side walls 210 are connected to the rear wall by curved, in particular rounded, portions 213.

In an embodiment of the invention, which is not shown, instead of the curved portions 213 flat bevels are provided.

From the rear wall, on the side opposite the base wall, an upper wall 299 extends, having for example a shaped profile.

In particular, in a closed configuration of the second packet 201, the base wall is opposite the upper wall 299.

The closing body 204 comprises an upper face 214 that, in the closed position, is opposite the base wall and faces the upper wall 299.

To the upper face 214 a front face 215, is connected that has a length, in a closed configuration of the second packet 201, measured on a plane parallel to the second axis Z2 , that is substantially the same as that of the rear wall.

In particular, in the closed configuration of the second packet 201, the front face 215 is opposite the rear wall, the front face 215 having a length, measured on a plane parallel to the second axis Z2 , substantially equal to a length of the rear wall .

Between the front face 215 and the base wall the aforesaid hinge 205 is defined.

From the front face 215 two side faces 216 extend.

The side faces 216 comprise respective widened portions 253 having, for example, a substantially triangular shape and being adjacent to the upper face 214.

The side faces 216 further comprises respective elongated portions 254, for example rounded, interposed between and connecting the front face 215 and the widened portions 253.

Each of the side faces 216 further comprises a fixing portion

220 connected to the respective elongated portion 254 on the side opposite the respective widened portion 253 and fixed, in particular glued, to an inner surface 219 of the front face 215.

The fixing portions 220 extend substantially for the entire length of the front face 215.

Also, the fixing portions 220, having, for example, a rectangular trapezium shape, comprise respective first edges

221 extending, in the closed configuration of the second packet 201, substantially parallel to the second axis Z2.

In particular, the first edges 221 are alongside one another, this entailing the fixing portions 220 extending substantially for the entire length of the closing body 204. In an embodiment of the invention, which is not shown, the first edges 221 are spaced away from one another, so as to leave free intermediate portions of the inner surface 219. Each of the side faces 216 comprises a stiffening portion 224 (Figure 23) .

The stiffening portions 224 are interposed between the respective elongated portions 254 and the respective fixing portions 220.

Further, the stiffening portions 224 have a length, measured on a plane parallel to the second axis Z2 , that is less than the length of the elongated portions 254.

In an embodiment of the invention, which is not shown, the stiffening portions 224 have substantially the same length, measured on a plane parallel to the second axis Z2, as the elongated portions 254.

As said above, the stiffening portions 224 connect the elongated portions 254 to the fixing portions 220, the elongated portions 254 and the stiffening portions 224 bounding respective longitudinal gaps 226, extending, in the closed configuration of the second packet 201, substantially- parallel to the second axis Z2.

This entails each of the side faces 216 being formed, at least partially, by an elongated portion 254, positioned externally, and by a stiffening portion 224, positioned internally.

On the fixing portions 220 printed zones can be provided, which are shown by a broken line, that comprise for example, writing, drawings or other information intended for the smoker .

In an embodiment of the second packet 201, shown in Figure 24, the elongated portions 254 are flat and are tilted by an angle α by approximately 135° with respect to the front face 215.

In this version, the gaps 226 are bounded by the stiffening portions 224, by the elongated portions 254 and by the inner surface 219.

In a further version of the second packet 201, shown in Figure 25, the elongated portions 254 are flat and are tilted by an angle α by approximately 90° with respect to the front face 215. Also in this version, the gaps 226 are bounded by the stiffening portions 224, by the elongated portions 254 and by the inner surface 219.

When the second packet 201 is in the closed configuration shown in Figure 22, the upper face 214 of the closing body 204 is flush with the rear wall of the containing body 203, whilst the side faces 216 are contiguous with the respective side walls 210.

The second packet 201 further comprises an inner enclosure 206 positioned inside the containing body 203 and shown in detail in Figures 26 to 28.

The inner enclosure 206 houses, as said, a composition of cigarettes wrapped by the internal wrap 202 comprising a sheet of tinfoil or metal foil. The internal wrap 202 is of known type and does not have substantial differences from the internal wraps used in normal packets of cigarettes .

The inner enclosure 206 comprises a main wall 230 on which printed zones can be provided that are shown by a broken line (Figure 21) , comprising, for example, writing, drawings or other information intended for the smoker.

The main wall 230 is bounded by a U-shaped upper outline 231. To the main wall 230 two lesser walls 232 are connected, from each of which there extends a secondary wall 298.

The lesser walls 232 laterally contain the internal wrap 202, whilst the secondary walls 298 are folded behind the internal wrap 202.

The inner enclosure 206 further comprises two flat bevels 233, for example tilted by approximately 135° with respect to the main wall 230, connecting the main wall 230 to the lesser walls 232.

From the bevels 233, near the upper outline 231, two closing wings 297 project outwards that are suitable for engaging with the closing body 204 to maintain this closing body 204 in the closed position.

The inner enclosure 206 further comprises a lower flap 296 connected to the main wall 230 and bounded by a perimeter that is complementary to the upper outline 231. The lower flap 296 is folded below the internal wrap 202. The inner enclosure 206 further comprises a pair of upper flaps 295, each of them being connected to a respective lesser wall 232.

In particular, the upper flaps 295 are folded above the internal wrap 202 so as to contain the latter above.

The inner enclosure 206 is arranged inside the containing body 203 and is attached to the containing body 203 at the side walls 210.

In particular, to the inner surface of the side walls 210 one or more glue points can be applied by means of which the side walls 210 adhere to a corresponding lesser wall 232.

This enables the inner enclosure 206 to be maintained closed around the internal wrap 202.

Also the second packet 201 can be used as a normal packet of cigarettes.

The smoker can thus open the second packet 201 by rotating the closing body 204 around the hinge 205 and removing the cigarette as occurs in traditional packets.

It should be noted that when the second packet 201 is open the zones printed on the fixing portions 220 and on the main wall 230 are visible to the smoker, who can thus read the writing and look at the pictures contained in the printed zones .

This enables the second packet 201 to be customised and the space available for communications to the consumer to be increased.

In fact, the communications for the consumer and possible advertising messages can now be printed not only on the outer surface of the containing body 203 and of the closing body 204, but also in the printed zones provided inside the second packet 201.

After removing the cigarette, to close the second packet 201, the smoker has to rotate the closing body 204 around the hinge 205 until the closing body 204 engages the closing wings 297.

The containing body 203 and the closing body 204 are formed by folding a flat blank 235, for example made of card, extending along a second longitudinal symmetry axis X2. The blank 235, shown in Figure 29, comprises a first portion 236, intended for forming the containing body 203 and a second portion 237, intended for forming the closing body 204.

The first portion 236 and the second portion 237 are joined together along an intended folded line 238, intended for giving rise, in the second packet 201, the hinge 205.

The intended folded line 238 may comprise a crease or be formed of a plurality of cuts separated by joining points. The blank 235 comprises a first main panel 239 which is intended for forming the rear wall of the containing body 203.

A first transverse panel 240 and a second transverse panel 241 are arranged at opposite ends of the first main panel 239, such that the first transverse panel 240, the first main panel 239 and the second transverse panel 241 are arranged in sequence along the second symmetry axis X2.

The first transverse panel 240 is intended for forming the base wall of the containing body 203, whilst the second transverse panel 241 is intended for forming the upper wall 299 of the containing body 203.

To the first transverse panel 240 a second main panel 243 is connected that will form the front face 215 of the closing body 204, between the first transverse panel 240 and the second main panel 243 there being provided the aforesaid intended folded line 238.

To the second main panel 243 a third transverse panel 242 is connected, which is intended for forming the upper face 214 of the closing body 204.

The third transverse panel 242 is in turn connected to a reinforcing wing 244, arranged for being folded by 180° so as to reinforce a portion of the closing body 204 intended for forming the upper face 214.

The reinforcing wing 244, the third transverse panel 242, the second main panel 243, the first transverse panel 240, the first main panel 239 and the second transverse panel 241 are joined along respective transverse creases 245, arranged transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the second symmetry axis X2.

The blank 235 further comprises a pair of intermediate panels 280 arranged on the sides of the second main panel 243 and intended for forming the elongated portions 254, curved, of the closing body 204.

The intermediate panels 280 comprise first incision lines

251.

The first incision lines 251, which are substantially parallel to the second symmetry axis X2 , are arranged adjacent to one another and are arranged to promote folding of the intermediate panels 280.

In and embodiment of the invention, which is not shown, the intermediate panels 280 are devoid of the first incision lines 251 and between the intermediate panels 280 and the second main panel 243 longitudinal creases are provided.

The blank 235 further comprises a pair of first inner panels 246 arranged on the sides of the intermediate panels 280 and intended for forming the stiffening portions 224 of the closing body 204.

Between the first inner panels 246 and the intermediate panels 280 first longitudinal creases 250 are provided, extending substantially parallel to second symmetry axis X2. The blank 235 further comprises a pair of first outer panels 249 arranged on the sides of the first inner panels 246 and separated from the latter by second longitudinal creases 252 extending substantially parallel to second symmetry axis X2 , the first outer panels 249 being intended for forming the fixing portions 220.

In this manner, the first inner panels 246 are bounded by the first and by the second longitudinal creases 250, 252.

The blank 235 further comprises a pair of second internal panels 247 interposed between the intermediate panels 280, the first inner panels 246 and the first outer panels 249, the second internal panels 247 being intended for forming the widened portions 253 of the closing body 204.

Each second inner panel 247 is separated from the corresponding first inner panel 246 and from the first outer panel 249 by a tilted cut 248. From the sides of the third transverse panel 242 first wings 255 project that are arranged for being folded inside the third transverse panel 242 and being glued to the second internal panels 247 so as to stiffen the widened portions 253.

In particular, between the first wings 255 and the third transverse panel 242 third longitudinal creases 256 are provided extending substantially parallel to second symmetry axis X2.

The blank 235 further comprises a pair of second external panels 257, arranged on the sides of the first main panel 239.

In particular, between the second external panels 257 and the first main panel 239 there are provided connecting panels 281 intended for forming the curved portions 213.

In particular, the connecting panels 281 comprise second incision lines 261.

The second incision lines 261, which are substantially- parallel to second symmetry axis X2 , are arranged adjacent to one another and are arranged to promote folding of the connecting panels 281.

In and embodiment of the invention, which is not shown, the connecting panels 281 are devoid of the second incision lines 261 and are bounded by pairs of longitudinal creases.

To ends of the second external panels 257 second wings 259 are connected that are arranged for being folded inside the second external panels 257 and for being glued to the first transverse panel 240 so as to stiffen the base wall.

After receiving an adhesive substance, the blank 235 is folded according to the traditional sequence of folding operations, as this blank does not have additional panels compared with the traditional blanks. The blank 235 can thus be processed in a common machine for producing stiff packets of cigarettes .

Figure 30 shows an inner frame 263 that can be used to form the inner enclosure 206.

The inner frame 263 can be made of card, possibly coupled with a metal sheet such as aluminium. The inner frame 263 can be formed directly on a packaging machine from a reel, which is cut by a knife having a shaped "U" profile corresponding to an upper transverse profile 264 and to a lower transverse profile 265 of the inner frame 263. On the inner frame 263 are further obtained, by suitable incisors, two inner weakening lines 266, two outer weakening lines 267 and two intermediate weakening lines 268, the outer weakening lines 267 being arranged outside the inner weakening lines 266.

A transverse weakening line 269, arranged transversely to the inner, intermediate and outer weakening lines 266, 268 and 267, is further obtained in a lower region of the inner frame 263.

Another transverse weakening line 290 arranged transversely to the inner, intermediate and outer weakening lines 266, 268 and 267, is lastly obtained in an upper region of the inner frame 263.

Between the inner weakening lines 266 and the transverse weakening line 269 there is defined a primary panel 270, arranged for forming in the inner enclosure 206, the main wall 230.

On the sides of the primary panel 270 there are arranged two side panels 271, each of which is interposed between an inner weakening line 266 and an intermediate weakening line 268. Each side panel 271 is intended for forming a bevel 233 of the inner enclosure 206.

On the sides of the side panels 271 two intermediate panels 272 are arranged, each of which is interposed between an intermediate weakening line 268 and an external weakening line 267.

Each intermediate panel 272 is intended for forming a lesser wall 232 of the inner enclosure 206.

Further, outside the intermediate panels 272 there are provided two peripheral panels 273, each of which is joined to corresponding intermediate panel 272 along an external weakening line 267.

The peripheral panels 273 are folded inside the internal wrap 202 to form the secondary walls 298. In this manner, the inner frame 263, after being folded, surrounds the inner enclosure 206 on four sides.

Between the transverse weakening line 269 and the lower transverse profile 265 there is defined an end panel 274, which is suitable for being folded below the internal wrap 202 for obtaining the lower flap 296.

Also, between the other transverse weakening line 290 and the upper transverse profile 264 there are defined other end panels 289, which are suitable for being folded above the internal wrap 202 for obtaining the upper flaps 295.

Lastly, on the inner frame 263 two further C-shaped cuts 288 are obtained, intended for forming the closing wings 297. During packaging, the inner frame 263 is folded around the internal wrap 202 and made adherent thereto by glue points positioned in a similar manner to what occurs in traditional inner frames .

The inner frame 263 can be folded around the internal wrap 202 by using a folding unit that is similar to that used for traditional inner frames.

The containing body 203 and the closing body 204 are then constructed by folding by folding the blank 235 around the inner enclosure 206.

From what has been set out above, it is clear that also the second packet 201 can be made by using packaging machines that do not differ substantially from existing machines.

Figures 31 to 38 show a third example of a third packet 301 for smoke articles, in particular cigarettes, according to the invention.

The third packet 301, which is also of stiff type, has a substantially rectangular parallelpipedon shape and extends along a third longitudinal axis Z3.

The third packet 301, for example made of stiff card, is suitable for housing an ordered group of cigarettes wound in an internal wrap 302 and comprises a containing body 303, which can house the cigarettes, and a closing body 304 which can be opened or closed to enable a smoker to access the cigarettes .

The containing body 303 comprises a base wall 307, having for example a shaped profile, from which a rear wall 309 extends.

From opposite sides of the rear wall 309 two side walls 310 extend.

The side walls 310 have a substantially trapezoidal shape and have an extent that is reduced with respect to the rear wall

309.

From the rear wall 309 on an opposite side of the base wall

307, an upper wall 399 extends, having for example a shaped profile .

In particular, in a closed configuration of the third packet

301, the base wall 307 is opposite the upper wall 399.

The closing body 304 comprises a main body 392, slidably connected, as will be better disclosed below, to the containing body 303, and a lid 396.

In particular, the main body 392, cooperating with the containing body 303 for containing the smoke articles, is connected to the lid 396 by a hinge 305, the lid 396 being movable between an open position (Figure 33) and a closed position (Figure 31) by rotating around the hinge 305.

The lid 396 comprises an upper face 314 which, in the closed position, is opposite the base wall 307 and faces the upper wall 399.

To the upper face 314 a front face 315 is connected that has a length, in a closed configuration of the third packet 301, measured on a plane that is parallel to the third axis Z3, which is less than that of the rear wall 309.

In particular, in the closed configuration of the third packet 301, the front face 315 is opposite the rear wall 309.

From the front face 315 two side faces 316 extend.

The side faces 316 comprise respective widened portions 353 that have, for example, a substantially trapezoidal shape and are adjacent to the upper face 314.

The side faces 316 further comprise respective elongated, for example rounded, portions 354, interposed between and connecting the front face 315 and the widened portions 353.

The main body 392 comprises a further front face 387 opposite the rear wall 309.

Between the further front face 387 and the front face 315 the hinge 305 is defined.

From opposite sides of the further front face 387 two further side faces 389 extend, the front face 387 and the further side faces 389 defining a lower profile 388 complementary to that of the base wall 307.

The aforesaid further side faces 389 each have a reduced extent with respect to the front face 387.

In particular, each of the further side faces 389 comprises a respective further elongated portion 386.

Each further elongated portion 386 comprises a first part

385, for example rounded, connected to the further front face

387, and a second part 384, for example substantially flat, connected to a respective first part 385.

Each of the further side faces 389 further comprises a fixing portion 320 (Figure 34) connected to a respective further elongated portion 386 and fixed, in particular glued, to an inner surface 319 of the further front face 387.

The fixing portions 320 extend substantially for the entire length of the further front face 387.

The fixing portions 320, having for example a rectangular shape, comprise respective first edges 321 extending, in the closed configuration of the third packet 301, substantially parallel to the third axis Z3.

In particular, the first edges 321 are adjacent to one another, this entailing the fixing portions 320 extending substantially for the entire length of the closing body 304.

In an embodiment of the invention, which is not shown, the first edges 321 are spaced away from one another, so as to leave free intermediate portions of the inner surface 319. Each of the further side faces 389 comprises a stiffening portion 324 (Figure 34) .

The stiffening portions 324 are interposed between the respective further elongated portions 386 and the respective fixing portions 320.

In particular, the stiffening portions 324 are interposed between the respective second parts 384 and the respective fixing portions 320.

Further, the stiffening portions 324 have a length, measured on a plane that is parallel to the third axis Z3, substantially equal to the length of the further elongated portions 386.

As said above, the stiffening portions 324 connect the further elongated portions 386 to the fixing portions 320, the further elongated portions 386 and the stiffening portions 324 bounding respective longitudinal gaps 326, extending, in the closed configuration of the third packet 301, substantially parallel to the third axis Z3.

This entails each of the further side faces 389 being formed, at least partially, by a further elongated portion 386, positioned externally, and by a stiffening portion 324, positioned internally.

On the fixing portions 320 printed zones can be provided, which are not shown, comprising, for example, writing, drawings or other information intended for the smoker.

In a version of the third packet 301, which is not shown, the further elongated portions 386 are flat and are tilted by approximately 135° with respect to the further front face 387.

In this version, the gaps 326 are bounded by the stiffening portions 324, by the further elongated portions 386 and by the inner surface 319.

In a further version of the third packet 301, which is not shown, the further elongated portions 386 are flat and are tilted by approximately 90° with respect to the further front face 387.

Also in this version, the gaps 326 are bounded by the stiffening portions 324, by the further elongated portions 386 and by the inner surface 319.

When the third packet 301 is in the closed configuration shown in Figures 31 and 32, the upper face 314 of the lid 396 is flush with the rear wall 309 of the containing body 303, whilst the side faces 316 and the further side faces 389 are contiguous, and substantially coplanar, with the respective side walls 310.

In particular, the side faces 316 and the further side faces 389 are adjacent. Further, in the closed configuration of the third packet 301 the lower profile 388 is contiguous, and substantially coplanar, with the profile of the base wall 307.

The third packet 301 further comprises an inner enclosure 306 positioned inside the containing body 303.

The inner enclosure 306 houses, as said, a composition of cigarettes wrapped by the internal wrap 302 comprising a sheet of tinfoil or metal foil. The internal wrap 302 is of known type and does not have substantial differences from the internal wraps used in normal packets of cigarettes.

The inner enclosure 306 comprises a main wall 330 on which printed zones can be provided, which are not shown, comprising, for example, writing, drawings or other information intended for the smoker.

The main wall 330 is bounded by an upper outline 331 having a "U" shape.

To the main wall 330 two lesser walls 332 are connected, from each of which there extends a secondary wall, which is not shown.

The lesser walls 332 laterally contain the internal wrap 302, whilst the secondary walls are folded behind the internal wrap 302.

The inner enclosure 306 further comprises two flat bevels 333, tilted with respect to the main wall 330 and connecting the main wall 330 to the lesser walls 332.

From outer corners 380 of the bevels 333, near the upper outline 331, two closing wings 397 project outwards that are suitable for engaging with notches 399' included in the lid 396 to maintain the lid 396 in the closed position.

The inner enclosure 306 further comprises further wings 382

(Figures 35 and 36) positioned lower than the closing wings

397 and projecting outwardly from inner corners 379 of the bevels 333, the inner corners 379 being nearer the third axis

Z3 than the outer corners 380.

In particular, there are provided two pairs of further wings 382, these pairs being positioned at a certain distance above one another along the third axis Z3.

The further wings 382 are suitable for engaging with longitudinal passages 378 (Figure 36) obtained between the stiffening portions 324 and the fixing portions 320, the longitudinal passages 378 extending substantially parallel to the third axis Z3.

In other words, in use, the further wings 382 are retained inside, and slide longitudinally in, the longitudinal passages 378.

In this manner, it is possible to slidable connect the containing body 304 to the containing body 303.

The inner enclosure 306 further comprises a lower flap, which is not shown, connected to the main wall 330 and bounded by a perimeter that is complementary to the upper outline 331.

The lower flap is folded below the internal wrap 302.

The inner enclosure 306 further comprises a pair of upper flaps, which are not shown, each of which being connected to a respective lesser wall 332.

In particular, the upper flaps are folded above the internal wrap 302 so as to contain the latter above.

The inner enclosure 306 is arranged inside the containing body 303 and is attached to the containing body 303 at the rear wall 309 and/or at the side walls 310.

In particular, to the inner surface of the rear wall 309 and/or to the inner surfaces of the side walls 310 one or more glue points can be applied by means of which the rear wall 309 and/or the side walls 310 adhere respectively to a corresponding secondary wall and to a lesser wall 332.

This enables the inner enclosure 306 around the internal wrap

302 to be maintained closed.

Also the third packet 301 can be used as a normal packet of cigarettes.

The smoker can thus open the third packet 301 by rotating the lid 396 around the hinge 305 and removing the cigarette as occurs in traditional packets .

After removing the cigarette, to close the third packet 301, the smoker has to rotate the lid 396 around the hinge 305 until the lid 396 engages with the closing wings 397.

Alternatively, the smoker can, as previously mentioned, slide the closing body 304 with respect to the containing body 303 retaining with one hand the containing body 303 and with the other hand grasping the closing body 304, applying to the latter a cutting force that tends to make the closing body 304 slide with respect to the containing body 303. In this manner, the closing body 304 is slid with respect to the containing body 303, the closing body 304 remaining attached to the inner enclosure 306 through the further wings 382 engaging in the respective longitudinal passages 378.

The user can thus slide the closing body 304 to which the lid 396 is fixed, with respect to the containing body 303.

When this occurs, the lid 396 is spaced away from the rear wall 309 of the containing body 303.

In particular, the closing body 304 can be slide with respect to the containing body 303 until the pair of further wings 382 positioned lowest abuts on first end zones of the longitudinal passages 378 that are nearer the base wall 307 of the containing body 303, such first end zones acting as stops, or end buffers, for such a pair of further wings 382. After sliding, at least partially, the closing body 304 with respect to the containing body 303 so as to rotate the lid 396 around the hinge 305, the user can access the cigarettes. After removing one or more cigarettes, the user can again slide the closing body 304 with respect to the containing body 303 until the pair of further wings 382 that is positioned highest abuts on second end zones of the longitudinal passages 378, opposite the first end zones, such second end zones also acting as stops, or end buffers, for such pair of further wings 382.

Subsequently the user can close the lid 396, which is maintained closed by the closing wings 397 cooperating with the notches included in the lid 396, so that the third packet 301 again takes on the shape of a traditional stiff packet. It should be noted how the containing body 303 and the closing body 304 are separated along, and are slidable in, a longitudinal plane of the third packet 301 containing the third axis Z3.

It should be further noted that when the third packet 301 is open the zones printed on the fixing portions 320 and on the main wall 330 are visible to the smoker, who can thus read the writing and look at the pictures contained in the printed zones .

This enables the third packet 301 to be customised and the space available for communications to the consumer to be increased.

In fact, the communications for the consumer and possible advertising messages can now be printed not only on the outer surface of the containing body 303 and of the closing body 304, but also in the printed zones provided inside the third packet 301.

The containing body 303 and the closing body 304 are formed by folding a flat blank 335, for example made of card, extending along a third longitudinal symmetry axis X3.

The blank 335, shown in Figure 39, comprises a first portion 336, intended for forming the containing body 303, and a second portion 337, intended for forming the closing body 304.

The first portion 336 and the second portion 337 are joined together along an intended cutting line 317, along which the blank 335 is successively cut to separate the containing body 303 and the closing body 304.

The blank 335 further comprises a first main panel 339, the first main panel 339 being intended for forming the rear wall 309 of the containing body 303.

A first transverse panel 340 and a second transverse panel 341 are arranged at opposite ends of the first main panel 339, such that the first transverse panel 340, the first main panel 339 and the second transverse panel 341 are arranged in sequence along the third symmetry axis X3.

The first transverse panel 340 is intended for forming the base wall 307 of the containing body 303, whilst the second transverse panel 341 is intended for forming the upper wall 399 of the containing body 303.

To the first transverse panel 340 a second main panel 343 is connected that will form the further front face 387 of the closing body 304, between the first transverse panel 340 and the second main panel 343 there being provided the aforesaid intended cutting line 317.

To the second main panel 343 a third transverse panel 342 is connected, which is intended for forming the upper face 314 of the lid 396, between the second main panel 343 and the third transverse panel 342 there being interposed a fourth transverse panel 377 which is intended for forming the front face 315 of the lid 396.

The third transverse panel 342 is in turn connected to a reinforcing wing 344, arranged for being folded by 180° so as to reinforce a portion of the lid 396 intended for forming the upper face 314.

The second main panel 343 and the fourth transverse panel 377 are joined together along an intended folded line 338, intended for giving rise, in the third packet 301, to the hinge 305.

The intended folded line 338 may comprise a crease or be formed of a plurality of cuts separated by joining points. The reinforcing wing 344 and the third transverse panel 342, the third transverse panel 342 and the fourth transverse panel 377, the first transverse panel 340 and the first main panel 339, the first main panel 339 and the second transverse panel 341 are joined along respective transverse creases 345, arranged transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the third symmetry axis X3.

The blank 335 further comprises a pair of intermediate panels 380 arranged on the sides of the second main panel 343 and intended for forming the further elongated portions 386 of the main body 392.

The intermediate panels 380 comprise first incision lines 351.

The first incision lines 351, which are substantially parallel to the third symmetry axis X3 , are positioned adjacent to one another and are arranged for promoting folding of the intermediate panels 380 to form the first parts 385.

In an embodiment of the invention, which is not shown, the intermediate panels 380 are devoid of the first incision lines 351 and between the intermediate panels 380 and the second main panel 343 longitudinal creases are provided.

The blank 335 further comprises a pair of first inner panels 346 arranged on the sides of the intermediate panels 380 and intended for forming the stiffening portions 324 of the closing body 304.

Between the first inner panels 346 and the intermediate panels 380 first longitudinal creases 350 are provided, extending substantially parallel to the third symmetry axis X3.

The blank 335 further comprises a pair of first outer panels 349 arranged on the sides of the first inner panels 346 and separated from the latter by second longitudinal creases 352 extending substantially parallel to the third symmetry axis X3 , the first outer panels 349 being intended for forming the fixing portions 320.

In this manner, the first inner panels 346 are bounded by the first and by the second longitudinal creases 350, 352.

The blank 345 further comprises substantially rectilinear cuts 376 obtained in the second longitudinal creases 352 and intended for forming the longitudinal passages 378.

On the sides of the fourth transverse panel 377 panels 347 project that are intended for forming the widened portions 353 of the lid 396.

In particular, between the panels 347 and the fourth transverse panel 377 further intermediate panels 393 are provided .

The further intermediate panels 393 comprise further first incision lines 391.

The further first incision lines 391, which are substantially parallel to the third symmetry axis X3 are positioned adjacent to one another and are arranged for promoting the folding of the further intermediate panels 393 to form the elongated parts 354 of the side faces 316.

From the sides of the third transverse panel 342 first wings 355 project that are arranged for being folded inside the third transverse panel 342 and being glued to the panels 347 so as to stiffen the widened portions 353.

In particular, between the first wings 355 and the third transverse panel 342 there are provided third longitudinal creases 356 extending substantially parallel to the third symmetry axis X3.

Also, in the first wings 355 there are obtained slots 375 having the shape of a triangle with the vertices rounded that are intended for forming the aforesaid notches 399'.

The blank 335 further comprises a pair of second external panels 357, arranged on the sides of the first main panel

339.

To ends of the second external panels 357 second wings 359 are connected that are arranged for being folded inside the second external panels 357 and for being glued to the first transverse panel 340 so as to stiffen the base wall 307.

After receiving an adhesive substance, the blank 335 is folded inside the traditional sequence of folding operations, as this blank does not have additional panels compared with the traditional blanks. Thus the blank 335 can be processed in a common machine for producing stiff packets of cigarettes .

Figure 40 shows an inner frame 363 that can be used to form the inner enclosure 306.

The inner frame 363 can be made of card, possibly coupled with a metal sheet such as aluminium.

The inner frame 363 can be formed directly on a packaging machine from a reel, which is cut with a knife having a shaped profile corresponding to an upper transverse profile

364 and to a lower transverse profile 365 of the inner frame

363.

On the inner frame 363 there are further obtained, by suitable incisors, two inner weakening lines 366, two outer weakening lines 367 and two intermediate weakening lines 368, the outer weakening lines 367 being arranged outside the inner weakening lines 366.

A transverse weakening line 369, arranged transversely to the inner, intermediate and outer weakening lines 366, 368 and

367, is further obtained in a lower region of the inner frame

363.

Another transverse weakening line 390 arranged transversely to the inner, intermediate and outer weakening lines 366, 368 and 367, is lastly obtained in an upper region of the inner frame 363.

Between the inner weakening lines 366 and the transverse weakening line 369 there is defined a primary panel 370, arranged for forming the main wall 330 in the inner enclosure

306.

On the sides of the primary panel 370 there are arranged two side panels 371, each of which is interposed between an inner weakening line 366 and an intermediate weakening line 368.

Each side panel 371 is intended for forming a bevel 333 of the inner enclosure 306.

On the sides of the side panels 371 there are arranged two intermediate panels 372, each of which is interposed between an intermediate weakening line 368 and an external weakening line 367.

Each intermediate panel 372 is intended for forming a lesser wall 332 of the inner enclosure 306.

Further, outside the intermediate panels 372 there are provided two peripheral panels 373, each of which is joined to a corresponding intermediate panel 372 along an external weakening line 367.

The peripheral panels 373 are folded behind the internal wrap

302 to form the secondary walls.

In this manner, the inner frame 363, after being folded, surrounds the inner enclosure 306 on four sides.

Between the transverse weakening line 369 and the lower transverse profile 365 there is defined an end panel 374, which is suitable for being folded below the internal wrap 302 to obtain the lower flap.

Also, between the transverse weakening line 390 and the upper transverse profile 364 there are defined other end panels

389, which are suitable for being folded above the internal wrap 302 to obtain the upper flaps.

Further, on the inner frame 363, in particular along the intermediate weakening line 368 near the upper transverse profile 364, two further C-shaped cuts 388 are obtained that are intended for forming the closing wings 397. Lastly, on the inner frame 363, in particular along the inner weakening line 366 near the upper transverse profile 364, four further C-shaped cut 394 are obtained, intended for forming the further wings 382.

During packaging, the inner frame 363 is folded around the internal wrap 302 and made adherent thereto by glue points positioned in a similar manner to what occurs in traditional inner frames .

Figures 41 to 46 show a fourth example of a fourth packet 401 for smoke articles, in particular cigarettes, according to the invention.

The fourth packet 401, which is also of stiff type, has a substantially rectangular parallelpipedon shape and extends along a fourth longitudinal axis Z4.

In particular, the fourth packet 401 is of the type of bevelled edges.

The fourth packet 401, for example made of stiff card, is suitable for housing an ordered group of cigarettes wound in an internal wrap 402 and comprises a containing body 403, which can house the cigarettes, and a closing body 404 which can be opened or closed to enable a smoker to access the cigarettes .

The containing body 403 comprises a base wall 407 from which extend a rear wall 409 and a front wall 408, opposite the rear wall 409, the rear wall 409 having an extent measured on a plane parallel to the fourth axis Z4 , which is greater than the front wall 408 (Figure 44) .

Between the front wall 408 and the rear wall 409 two side walls 410 are interposed, each of which has a reduced extent with respect to the front wall 408 and to the rear wall 409.

The side walls 410 have a substantially irregular hexagonal shape, and are connected to the rear wall 409 by flat portions 413, or bevels, tilted with respect to the rear wall

409 for example by substantially 135° .

In particular, the side walls 410, the flat portions 413 and the rear wall 409 are bounded above by an upper U-shaped edge

409' .

In an embodiment of the invention, which is not shown, instead of the flat portions 413 there are provided curved portions .

The closing body 404 comprises a main body 492, connected, as will be better disclosed below, to the containing body 403, and a lid 496.

In particular, the main body 492, cooperating with the containing body 403 for containing the smoke articles, is connected to the lid 496 by a hinge 405, the lid 496 being movable between an open position (Figures 41 to 44) and a closed position (Figures 45 and 46) by rotating around the hinge 405.

Further, the main body 492 is connected to the front wall 408 by a further hinge 405', the main body 492 being movable between an open position (Figures 41 to 44) and a closed position (Figures 45 and 46) by rotating around the further hinge 405' .

In particular, the hinge 405 and the further hinge 405' are substantially parallel and coplanar.

The lid 496 comprises an upper face 414 that, in the closed position, is opposite the base wall 407.

A rear face 415' is connected to the upper face 414, the rear face 415' has a length, in a closed configuration of the fourth packet 401, measured on a plane parallel to the fourth axis Z4, which is less than that of the rear wall 409.

In particular, in the closed configuration of the fourth packet 401, the rear face 415' is contiguous with the rear wall 409.

From the rear face 415' two side faces 416 extend.

The side faces 416 comprise respective widened portions 453 having, for example, a substantially trapezoidal shape, and being adjacent to the upper face 414.

The side faces 416 further comprise respective elongated portions 454 or bevels, for example flat, interposed between and connecting the rear face 415' and the widened portions 453.

The lid 496 further comprises a front face 415 opposite the rear wall 415' and connecting the side faces 416.

The main body 492 comprises a further front face 487 opposite, in a closed configuration of the fourth packet 401, the rear wall 409.

Between the further front face 487 and the front face 415 the hinge 405 is defined, whilst between the further front face 487 and the front wall 408 the further hinge 405' is defined.

From opposite sides of the further front face 487 two further side faces 489 extend that have, for example, a substantially isosceles trapezium shape.

In particular, the further side faces 489 define a lateral profile 488' that is complementary to that of an upper portion of the side walls 410.

The aforesaid further side faces 489 each have a reduced extent with respect to the further front face 487.

In particular, each of the further side faces 489 comprises a respective further elongated portion 486.

The further elongated portions 486 are flat and are tilted by approximately 90° with respect to the further front face 487.

Each of the further side faces 489 further comprises a fixing portion 420 (Figure 41) connected to a respective further elongated portion 486 and fixed, in particular glued, to an inner surface 419 of the further front face 487.

In an embodiment of the invention, which is not shown, the fixing portions 420 extend substantially for the entire length of the further front face 487.

The fixing portions 420, having for example trapezoidal shape, comprise respective first edges 421 extending, in the closed configuration of the fourth packet 401, substantially parallel to the fourth axis Z4.

In particular, the first edges 421 are spaced away from one another, so as to leave free intermediate portions of the inner surface 419.

In an embodiment of the invention, which is not shown, the first edges 421 are adjacent to one another, this entailing the fixing portions 420 extending substantially for the entire width of the closing body 404.

Each of the further side faces 489 comprises a stiffening portion 424 (Figure 41) , having, for example, trapezoidal shape. The stiffening portions 424 are interposed between the respective further elongated portions 486 and the respective fixing portions 420.

Further, the stiffening portions 424 have a length, measured on a plane parallel to the fourth axis Z4 , that is less than the length of the further elongated portions 486.

As said above, the stiffening portions 424 connect the further elongated portions 486 to the fixing portions 420, the further elongated portions 486, the stiffening portions 424 and the inner surface 419 of the further front face 487 bounding respective longitudinal gaps 426, extending, in the closed configuration of the fourth packet 401, substantially parallel to the fourth axis Z4.

This entails each of the further side faces 489 being formed, at least partially, by a further elongated portion 486, positioned externally, and by a stiffening portion 424, positioned internally.

On the fixing portions 420 printed zones can be provided, shown by a broken line, comprising, for example, writing, drawings or other information intended for the smoker.

In a version of the fourth packet 401, which is not shown, the further elongated portions 486 are curved.

Also in this version, the gaps 426 are bounded by the stiffening portions 424, by the further elongated portions 486 and by the inner surface 419.

In a further version of the fourth packet 401, which is not shown, the further elongated portions 486 are flat and are tilted by approximately 135° with respect to the further front face 487.

When the fourth packet 401 is in the closed configuration shown in Figures 45 and 46, the rear face 415' of the lid 496 is flush with the rear wall 409 of the containing body 403.

In particular, a lower edge 429 of the lid 496, complementary to the upper edge 409' of the containing body 403, is flush with the upper edge 409' . Further, when the fourth packet 401 is in the closed configuration, the side faces 416 and the further side faces 489 are contiguous, and substantially coplanar, with the respective side walls 410, the side profile 488' being flush with a further side profile 410' of an upper portion of the side walls 410.

In particular, the side faces 416 and the further side faces 489 are adjacent.

The fourth packet 401 further comprises an inner enclosure 406 positioned inside the containing body 403.

The inner enclosure 406 houses, as said, a composition of cigarettes wrapped by the internal wrap 402, the internal wrap 402 comprising a sheet of tinfoil or metal foil.

The internal wrap 402 is of known type and does not have substantial differences from the internal wraps used in normal packets of cigarettes .

The inner enclosure 406 comprises a main wall 430 bounded by an upper outline 431 having, for example, a pointed "U" shape .

In an embodiment of the invention, which is not shown, the main wall 430 comprises a printed zone, shown by a broken line, comprising, for example, writing, drawings or other information intended for the smoker.

To the main wall 430 two lesser walls 432 are connected, from each of which there extends a secondary wall 498, each secondary wall 498 comprising a printed zone, shown by a broken line, comprising, for example, writing, drawings or other information intended for the smoker.

The lesser walls 432 laterally contain the internal wrap 402, whilst the secondary walls 498, opposite the main wall 430, are folded behind the internal wrap 402.

In particular, the secondary walls 498 comprise respective further first edges 421' extending, in the closed configuration of the inner enclosure 406, substantially parallel to the fourth axis Z4 , the further first edges 421' being adjacent to one another.

In an embodiment of the invention, which is not shown, the further first edges 421' are spaced away from one another, so as to leave free intermediate portions of the internal wrap

402.

Further, the secondary walls 498 define a further upper outline 431' having, for example, a pointed "U" shape, similarly to the upper outline 431.

The inner enclosure 406 further comprises two flat bevels

433, for example tilted by approximately 135° with respect to the main wall 430, connecting the main wall 430 to the lesser walls 432.

From the bevels 433, near the upper outline 431, two closing wings 497 project outwards, suitable for engaging with the lid 496 to maintain the fourth packet 401 in the closed configuration.

The inner enclosure 406 further comprises two further flat bevels 433', for example tilted by approximately 135° with respect to the secondary walls 498, each connecting a lesser wall 432 to a secondary wall 498.

The inner enclosure 406 further comprises a lower flap, which is not shown, connected to the main wall 430 and bounded by a perimeter that is complementary to the upper outline 431.

The lower flap is folded below the internal wrap 402.

The inner enclosure 406 further comprises a pair of further lower flaps, which are not shown, each of each of which being connected to a respective secondary wall 498_.

In particular, the further lower flaps, similarly to the aforesaid lower flap, are folded below the internal wrap 402 so as to contain the latter below .

The inner enclosure 406 is arranged inside the containing body 403 and is attached to the containing body 403 at the side walls 410 and/or at the rear wall 409.

In particular, to the inner surface of the rear wall 409 and/or to the inner surfaces of the side walls 410 one or more glue points can be applied by means of which the rear wall 409 adheres to the main wall 430 and/or the side walls 410 adhere to a corresponding lesser wall 432.

This enables the inner enclosure 406 to be maintained closed around the internal wrap 402.

Also the fourth packet 401 can be used as a normal packet of cigarettes .

The smoker can thus open the fourth packet 401 by rotating the lid 496 around the hinge 405 and removing the cigarette as occurs in traditional packets.

After removing the cigarette, to close the fourth packet 401, the smoker has to rotate the lid 496 around the hinge 405 until the lid 496 engages with the closing wings 497.

Alternatively, the smoker can open the fourth packet 401 by rotating the lid 496 around the hinge 405 and by rotating the main body 492 around the further hinge 405' and remove the cigarette .

After removing the cigarette, to close the fourth packet 401, the smoker has to rotate the main body 492 around the further hinge 405' and the lid 496 around the hinge 405 until the lid 496 engages with the closing wings 497.

It should be noted that when the fourth packet 401 is open as disclosed above the zones printed on the fixing portions 420 and on the secondary walls 498 are visible to the smoker, who can thus read the writing and look at the pictures contained in the printed zones.

This enables the fourth packet 401 to be customised and the space available for communications to the consumer to be increased.

In fact, the communications for the consumer and possible advertising messages can now be printed not only on the outer surface of the containing body 403 and of the closing body 404, but also in the printed zones provided inside the fourth packet 401.

The containing body 403 and the closing body 404 are formed by folding a flat blank 435, for example made of card, extending along a fourth longitudinal symmetry axis X4 .

The blank 435, shown in Figure 47, comprises a first portion 436, intended for forming the containing body 403 and a second portion 437, intended for forming the closing body 404.

The first portion 436 and the second portion 437 are joined together along an intended folded line 438', intended for giving rise, in the fourth packet 401, to the further hinge 405 ' .

The intended folded line 438' may comprise a crease or be formed of a plurality of cuts separated by joining points. The blank 435 further comprises a first main panel 439, the first main panel 439 being intended for forming the rear wall 409 of the containing body 403.

At an end of the first main panel 439 there is arranged a first transverse panel 440, a second transverse panel 441 being connected to the latter, such that the second transverse panel 441, the first transverse panel 440 and the first main panel 439 are arranged in sequence along the fourth symmetry axis X4.

The first transverse panel 440 is intended to form the base wall 407 of the containing body 403, whilst the second transverse panel 441 is intended to form the front wall 408 of the containing body 403.

To the second transverse panel 441 there is connected a second main panel 443 that will form the further front face 487 of the closing body 404, between the second transverse panel 441 and the second main panel 443 the aforesaid intended folded line 438' being provided.

To the second main panel 443 a third transverse panel 442 is connected, which is intended for forming the upper face 414 of the lid 496, between the second main panel 443 and the third transverse panel 442 there being interposed a fourth transverse panel 477 which is intended for forming the front face 415 of the lid 496.

Between the second main panel 443 and the fourth transverse panel 477 there is provided a further intended folded line 438 intended for giving rise, in the fourth packet 401, to the hinge 405.

The further intended folded line 438 may comprise a crease or be formed of a plurality of cuts separated by joining points. To the third transverse panel 442 a fifth transverse panel 477' is connected.

The fifth transverse panel 477', which is intended for forming the rear face 415' of the lid 496, is in turn connected to a reinforcing wing 444, arranged for being folded by 180° so as to reinforce a portion of the lid 496 intended for forming the rear face 415' .

The reinforcing wing 444 and the fifth transverse panel 477', the fifth transverse panel 477' e the third transverse panel 442, the third transverse panel 442 and the fourth transverse panel 477, the first transverse panel 440 and the second transverse panel 441, the first main panel 339 and the first transverse panel 440, are joined along respective transverse creases 445, arranged transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the fourth symmetry axis X4.

The blank 435 further comprises a pair of intermediate panels 480 arranged on the sides of the second main panel 443 e intended for forming the further elongated portions 486 of the main body 492.

In an embodiment of the invention, which is not shown, the intermediate panels 480 comprise incision lines which are substantially parallel to the fourth symmetry axis X4 , that are positioned adjacent to one another and are arranged for promoting the folding of the intermediate panels 480.

The blank 435 further comprises a pair of first inner panels

446 arranged on the sides of the intermediate panels 480 and intended for forming the stiffening portions 424 of the closing body 404.

Between the first inner panels 446 and the intermediate panels 480 there are provided first longitudinal creases 450, whilst between the intermediate panels 480 and the second main panel 443 there are provided further first longitudinal creases 450', the first longitudinal creases 450 and the further first longitudinal creases 450' extending substantially parallel to the fourth symmetry axis X4.

The blank 435 further comprises a pair of first outer panels 449 arranged on the sides of the first inner panels 446 and separated from the latter by second longitudinal creases 452 extending substantially parallel to the fourth symmetry axis X4 , the first outer panels 449 being intended for forming the fixing portions 420.

In this manner, the first inner panels 446 are bounded by the first and by the second longitudinal creases 450, 452. On the sides of the fifth transverse panel 477' panels 447 project that are intended for forming the widened portions 453 of the lid 496.

In particular, between the panels 447 and the fifth transverse panel 477' there are provided further intermediate panels 493 intended for forming the elongated parts 454 of the side faces 416, between the fifth transverse panel 477' and the further intermediate panels 493 and between the latter and the panels 447 there being provided further second longitudinal creases 452' extending substantially parallel to the fourth symmetry axis X4.

In an embodiment of the invention, which is not shown, the further intermediate panels 493 comprise further first incision lines which are substantially parallel to fourth symmetry axis X4 , are positioned adjacent to on another and arranged for promoting the folding of the further intermediate panels 493.

On the sides of the fourth transverse panel 477 first wings 455 project that are arranged for being folded inside the fourth transverse panel 477 and being glued to the panels 447 so as to stiffen the widened portions 453.

In particular, between the first wings 455 and the fourth transverse panel 442 there are provided third longitudinal creases 456 extending substantially parallel to the fourth symmetry axis X4.

To the first wings 455 further first wings 455' are connected that are arranged for being folded inside the first wings 455 so as to stiffen the upper face 414.

The blank 435 further comprises a pair of second external panels 457, arranged on the sides of the first main panel 439 and intended for forming the side walls 410 of the containing body 403.

In particular, between the second external panels 457 and the first main panel 439 there are provided connecting panels 481 intended for forming the flat portions 413, between the first main panel 439 and the connecting panels 481 and between the latter and the second external panels 457 there being provided pairs of fourth longitudinal creases 456' extending substantially parallel to the fourth symmetry axis X4.

In an embodiment of the invention, which is not shown, the connecting panels 481 comprises second incision lines which are substantially parallel al fourth symmetry axis X4 , positioned adjacent to one another and arranged for promoting the folding of the connecting panels 481.

The blank 435 further comprises a pair of third outer panels 457', positioned on the sides of the second transverse panel 441 and arranged for being folded inside the second transverse panel 441 and being glued to the second external panels 457 so as to stiffen the side walls 410.

To ends of the third outer panels 457' second wings 459 are connected that are arranged for being folded inside the third outer panels 457' and for being glued to the first transverse panel 440 so as to stiffen the base wall 407.

After receiving an adhesive substance, the blank 435 is folded inside the traditional sequence of folding operations, as this blank does not have additional panels compared with traditional blanks. The blank 435 can thus be processed in a common machine for producing stiff packets of cigarettes.

Figure 48 shows an inner frame 463 that can be used to form the inner enclosure 406.

The inner frame 463 can be made of card, possibly coupled with a metal sheet such as aluminium.

The inner frame 463 can be formed directly on a packaging machine from a reel that is cut with a knife having a shaped profile corresponding to an upper transverse profile 464 and to a lower transverse profile 465 of the inner frame 463.

On the inner frame 463 there are further obtained, by suitable incisors, two inner weakening lines 466, two outer weakening lines 467, two intermediate weakening lines 468 and two further intermediate weakening lines 468'.

In particular, the intermediate weakening lines 468 are interposed between the inner weakening lines 466 and the further intermediate weakening lines 468', whilst the latter are interposed between the intermediate weakening lines 468 and the outer weakening lines 467, the outer weakening lines 467 being arranged outside the inner weakening lines 466. A transverse weakening line 469, arranged transversely to the inner, intermediate and outer weakening lines 466, 468, 468' and 467, is further obtained in a lower region of the inner frame 463.

Another transverse weakening line 490 arranged transversely to the inner, intermediate and outer weakening lines 466,

468, 468' and 467, is lastly obtained in the lower region of the inner frame 463.

Between the inner weakening lines 466 and the transverse weakening line 469 there is defined a primary panel 470, arranged for forming the main wall 430 in the inner enclosure

406.

On the sides of the primary panel 470 there are arranged two side panels 471, each of which is interposed between an inner weakening line 466 and an intermediate weakening line 468.

Each side panel 471 is intended for forming a bevel 433 of the inner enclosure 406.

On the sides of the side panels 471 there are arranged two intermediate panels 472, each of which is interposed between an intermediate weakening line 468 and a further intermediate weakening line 468'.

Each intermediate panel 472 is intended for forming a lesser wall 432 of the inner enclosure 406.

Further, outside the intermediate panels 472 there are provided two further side panels 471' , each of which is interposed between a further intermediate weakening line 468' and an external weakening line 467.

Each further side panel 471' is intended for forming a further bevel 433' of the inner enclosure 406.

Also, on the sides of the further side panels 471' there are provided two peripheral panels 473, each of which is joined to corresponding further side panel 468' along an external weakening line 467.

The peripheral panels 473 are folded behind the internal wrap 402 to form the secondary walls 498.

In this manner, the inner frame 463, after being folded, surrounds the inner enclosure 406 on four sides.

Between the transverse weakening line 469 and the lower transverse profile 465 there is defined an end panel 474, which is suitable for being folded below the internal wrap

402 to obtain the lower flap.

Also, between the other transverse weakening line 490 and the lower transverse profile 465 there are defined other end panels 489, which are suitable for being folded below the internal wrap 402 to obtain the further lower flaps.

Lastly, on the inner frame 463 two further C-shaped cuts 488 are obtained that are intended for forming the closing wings 497.

During packaging, the inner frame 463 is folded around the internal wrap 402 and made adherent thereto by glue points positioned in a similar manner to what occurs in traditional inner frames .

The inner frame 463 can be folded around the internal wrap

402 by using a folding unit that is similar to that used for traditional inner frames.

The containing body 403 and the closing body 404 are then constructed by folding the blank 435 around the inner enclosure 406.

From what has been disclosed above it is clear that also the fourth packet 401 can be made by using packaging machines that do not differ substantially from existing machines.

It should be noted how the packets 101, 101a-e, 201, 301 and 401 according to the invention enable a closing body 104,

204, 304 and 404 that is stronger than that of the known packets .

In fact, the fixing portions 120, 220, 320 and 420 fixed, in particular glued, to the inner surface 119, 219, 319 and 419 of the front face 115, 215, 315 and 415 contrast and substantially cancel the tendency of the side faces 116, 216,

389 and 489 to flex outwards, maintaining the side faces 116,

216, 389 and 489 substantially rectilinear.

Further, as the side faces 116, 216, 389 and 489 are stiffer both the aesthetic appearance of the packets 101, 101a-e,

201, 301 and 401 and the ease of handling of the closing body

104, 204, 304 and 404 is improved.

Also, as the side faces 116, 216, 389 and 489 are stiffer than the side faces of the known packets, it is possible to increase the extent of the front face 115, 215, 315 and 415 compared with known packets, thus enabling a surface to be increased that is available for communications to the consumer such as advertising messages and the like.

In particular, such messages can be preprinted on the fixing portions 120, 220, 320 and 420, on the end portion 118 and on the main walls 130, 230, 330 and on the secondary walls 498.

Claims

1. Packet (101; 101a; 101b; 101c; lOld; lOle; 201; 301;

401) for smoke articles comprising a containing body

(103; 203; 303; 403) for containing, at least partially, said smoke articles and a closing body

(104; 204; 304; 404) connected to said containing body

(103; 203; 303; 403) so as to prevent/allow access to said smoke articles; said closing body (104; 204; 304;

404) including a front face (115; 215; 387; 487) and a pair of side faces (116; 216; 389; 489) that are opposite one another and extend from opposite sides of said front face (115; 215; 387; 487), characterised in that said side faces (116; 216; 389; 489) each comprising a fixing portion (120; 220; 320; 420) that is fixable to an inner surface (119; 219; 319; 419) of said front face (115; 215; 387; 487) such that each of said side faces (116; 216; 389; 489) is formed, at least partially, by an outer wall (154; 254; 386; 486) and by an inner wall (124; 224; 324; 424) that are connected to one another and bound, at least partially, a gap (126; 226; 326; 426).

2. Packet (101; 101a; 101b; lOlC; 101d; lOle; 201; 301;

401) according to claim 1, wherein said gap (126; 226; 326; 426) extends, in a closed configuration of said packet (101; 101a,- 101b; 101c; 101d; lOle; 201; 301;

401) , substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis (Zl; Z2; Z3 ; Z4) of said packet (101; 101a; 101b; 101c; 101d; lOle; 201; 301; 401) .

3. Packet (101; 101a,- 101b; lOle; 101d; lOle; 201; 301;

401) according to claim 1, or 2, wherein each inner wall (124; 224; 324; 424) is interposed between, and connects, a fixing portion (120; 220; 320; 420) and an outer wall (154; 254; 386; 486) .

4. Packet (101; 101a; 101b; lOlC; 101d; lOle; 201; 301;

401) according to any preceding claim, wherein each outer wall (154; 254; 386; 486) is interposed between, and connects, said front face (115; 215; 387; 487) and an inner wall (124; 224; 324; 424).

5. Packet (101; 101a; 101b; 101c; 101d; lOle; 201; 301; 401) according to any preceding claim, wherein said outer walls (154; 254; 386; 486) are, at least partially, rounded.

6. Packet (101; 101a; 101b; lOlC; 101d; lOle; 201; 301;

401) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein said outer walls (154; 254; 386; 486) are substantially flat and tilted with respect to said front face (115; 215; 387; 487) by an angle (α) comprised between approximately 0° and approximately 180°, in particular by about 90°, or approximately 135° .

7. Packet (101; 101a,- 101b; 101c; 101d; lOle; 201; 301;

401) according to any one of claims 2 to 6 , wherein said fixing portions (120; 220; 320; 420) comprise respective first edges (121; 221; 321; 421) extending substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis (Zl; Z2; Z3; Z4) .

8. Packet (101; 101a; 101b; lOlC; 101d; lOle; 201; 301;

401) according to claim 7, wherein said first edges

(121; 221; 321; 421) are alongside one another and said fixing portions (120; 220; 320; 420) extend substantially for the entire width of said inner surface (119; 219; 319; 419) .

9. Packet (101; 101a; 101b; lOle; 101d; lOle) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein said fixing portions (120) comprise respective second edges (122) extending transversely to said longitudinal axis (Zl) , said second edges (122) being alongside third edges (123) of an end wall (118) of said front face (115) folded and fixed to said inner surface (119) .

10. Packet (101; 101a; 101b; lOlC; 101d; lOle; 201) according to any preceding claim, wherein each side face (116; 216) comprises a widened portion (153; 253), in particular having a triangular shape, connected to a respective outer wall (154; 254); said widened portions (153; 253) being adjacent to an upper face (114; 214) of said closing body (104; 204) .

11. Packet (101; 101a; 101b; lOlC; lOld; lOlθ; 201; 301; 401) according to any preceding claim, and comprising closing means (128; 191; 297; 397; 497) to maintain said closing body (104; 204; 304; 404) closed.

12. Packet (101; 101a; 101b; lOlc; 101d; lOle) according to claim 11, wherein said closing means (128; 191; 297; 397; 497) comprises wing means (128; 191) and pocket means (134; 192) obtained between said containing body (103) and an inner enclosure (106) of said packet (101; 101a; 101b; lOlc; lOld; lOle) positioned in said containing body (103) to house said smoke articles, said wing means (128; 191) being insertible into said pocket means (134; 192) to maintain said closing body (104) closed.

13. Packet (101; 101a,- 101b; lOlc; lOld; lOle) according to claim 12, wherein said wing means (128; 191) comprises a pair of wings (128) connected to a respective inner wall (124), each of said wings (128) protruding from a lower edge (129) of said front face (115), and said pocket means (134; 192) comprises a pair of pockets (134) each obtained between an outer wall (113) and a bevel (133) of said inner enclosure (106) .

14. Packet (101; 101a; 101b; lOlc; lOld; lOle) according to claim 12, wherein said wing means (128; 191) comprises a wing (191) , connected to said front face (115) , protruding from, and positioned substantially in a central zone of, a lower edge (129) of said front face (115) and said pocket means (134; 192) comprises a pocket (192) obtained between a front wall (108) of said containing body (103) ed a main wall (130) of said inner enclosure (106) .

15. Packet (201; 301; 401) according to claim 12, wherein said closing means (128; 191; 297; 397; 497) comprises a pair of closing wings (297; 397; 497) projecting outwards from bevels (233; 333; 433) of said inner enclosure (206; 306; 406) and arranged for engaging with said closing body (204; 304; 404) to maintain said closing body (204; 304; 404) closed.

16. Packet (101; 101a; 101b; 101c ; 101d; lOle; 201; 301;

401) according to any preceding claim, wherein said closing body (104; 204; 304; 404) comprises an upper face (114; 214; 314; 414) connected to said front face (115,- 215; 387; 487) and opposite, in a closed configuration of said packet (101; 101a; 101b; 101c,- 101d; lOle; 201; 301; 401) , a base wall (107; 307; 407) of said packet (101; 101a; 101b; lOle; 101d; lOle; 201; 301; 401) .

17. Packet (101; 101a,- 101b; 101c; 101d; lOle; 201; 301;

401) according to any preceding claim, wherein said front face (115) has a length, measured along said longitudinal axis (Zl) , that is greater than a length of a front wall (108) of said containing body (103) .

18. Packet (201) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein said front face (215) has a length, measured along said longitudinal axis (Z2), that is substantially equal to a length of a rear wall of said containing body (203) .

19. Packet (101; 101a; 101b; lOle; 101d; lOle; 201; 301;

401) according to any preceding claim, wherein said closing body comprises a lid (104; 204; 396; 496).

20. Packet (301; 401) according to claim 19 as claim 19_is appended to any one of claims 1 to 8 , or to claim 11, or to claim 15, or to claim 16, or to claim 19, wherein said closing body (304; 404) comprises a main body (392; 492) connected to said containing body

(303; 403) and to said lid (396; 496), said side faces (389; 489) being included in said main body (392;

492) .

21. Packet (301) according to claim 20, wherein said main body (392) is slidably connected to said containing body (303) .

22. Packet (301) according to claim 20, or 21, wherein said main body (392) and said containing body (303) are separated along, and are slidable in, a longitudinal plane of said packet (301) containing said longitudinal axis (Z3) .

23. Packet (101; 101a; 101b; 101c ; 101d; lOle; 201) according to any preceding claim, and comprising a hinge (105; 205) to connect said closing body (104; 204) to said containing body (103; 203) .

24. Packet (101; 101a) according to claim 23, as claim 23 is appended to claim 10, wherein said hinge (105) is defined between said upper face (114) and an upper wall (190) of said containing body (103) .

25. Packet (101b; 101c) according to claim 23, as claim 23 is appended to claim 10, wherein said hinge (105) is defined between said upper face (114) and a rear wall (109) of said containing body (103) .

26. Packet (101d; lOle) according to claim 23, as claim 23 is appended to claim 10, wherein said hinge (105) is defined between a rear face (115') of said closing body (104) opposite said front face (115) and a rear wall (109) of said containing body (103) .

27. Packet (201) according to claim 23, as claim 23 is appended to claim 16, wherein said hinge (205) is defined between said front face (215) and said base wall .

28. Packet (301; 401) according to any one of claims 20 to

22, and comprising a hinge (305; 405) to connect said lid (396; 496) to said main body (392; 492).

29. Packet (401) according to any one of claims 20 to 22, or according to claim 28, and comprising a further hinge (405') to connect said main body (492) to said containing body (403) .

30. Packet (401) according to claim 29, wherein said hinge

(405) and said further hinge (405') are substantially parallel and coplanar.

31. Blank (135; 135a,- 135b; 135C; 235; 335; 435) made of card to make a packet (101; 101a; 101b; 101c ; 10Id; lOle; 201; 301; 401) for smoke articles as claimed in any preceding claim, said packet (101; 101a,- 101b; 101c; lOld; lOle; 201; 301; 401) including a containing body (103; 203; 303; 403) for containing said smoke articles and a closing body (104; 204; 304; 404) connected to said containing body (103; 203; 303; 403); said blank (135; 135a; 135b; 135c; 235; 335; 435) comprising a first panel (143; 243; 343; 443) intended for forming a front face (115; 215; 387; 487) of said closing body (104; 204; 304; 404) and a pair of second panels (146, 147, 149, 180; 246, 247, 249, 280; 346, 349, 380; 446, 449, 480) intended for forming side faces (116; 216; 389; 489) of said closing body (104; 204; 304; 404), characterised in that each of said second panels (146, 147, 149, 180; 246, 247, 249, 280; 346, 349, 380; 446, 449, 480) comprises intended longitudinal folded lines (150, 152; 250, 252; 350, 352; 450, 452) along which said blank (135; 135a; 135b; 135c; 235; 335; 435) is foldable to form a fixing portion (120; 220; 320; 420) of said side faces (116; 216; 389; 489) that is fixable to an inner surface (119; 219; 319; 419) of said front face (115; 215; 387; 487) , and an outer wall (154; 254; 386; 486) and an inner wall (124; 224; 324; 424) of said side faces (116; 216; 389; 489) bounding, at least partially, a longitudinal gap (126; 226; 326; 426) of said packet (101; 101a; 101b; lOlc; lOld; lOle; 201; 301; 401) .

32. Blank (135; 135a; 135b; 135c; 235; 335; 435) according to claim 31, wherein said second panels (146, 147, 149, 180; 246, 247, 249, 280; 346, 349, 380; 446, 449, 480) comprise a pair of intermediate panels (180; 280; 380; 480) positioned on the sides of said first panel (143; 243; 343; 443) and intended for forming said outer walls (154; 254; 386; 486).

33. Blank (135; 135a; 135b; 135c; 235; 335) according to claim 31, or 32, wherein each of said intermediate panels (180; 280; 380) comprises incision lines (151; 251; 381) extending substantially parallel to a symmetry axis (Xl; X2 ; X3) of said blank (135,- 135a; 135b; 135c; 235; 335), said incision lines (151; 251; 351) promoting the curving of said intermediate panels ( 180 ; 280 ; 380 ) .

34. Blank (135; 135a; 135b; 135c ; 235; 335; 435) according to any preceding claim, wherein said second panels (146, 147, 149, 180; 246, 247, 249, 280; 346, 349, 380; 446, 449, 480) comprise a pair of first inner panels (146; 246; 346; 446) positioned on the sides of said intermediate panels (180; 280; 380; 480) and intended for forming said inner walls (124; 224; 324; 424) .

35. Blank (135; 135a; 135b; 135c; 235; 335; 435) according to claim 34, wherein said second panels (146, 147, 149, 180; 246, 247, 249, 280; 346, 349, 380; 446, 449, 480) comprise a pair of first outer panels (149; 249; 349; 449) positioned on the sides of said first inner panels (146; 246; 346; 446) and intended for forming said fixing portions (120; 220;- 320; 420) .