WO2011054650A1 - Emballage à couvercle articulé - Google Patents

Emballage à couvercle articulé Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011054650A1
WO2011054650A1 PCT/EP2010/065474 EP2010065474W WO2011054650A1 WO 2011054650 A1 WO2011054650 A1 WO 2011054650A1 EP 2010065474 W EP2010065474 W EP 2010065474W WO 2011054650 A1 WO2011054650 A1 WO 2011054650A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
lid
panel
latching tab
package
inner frame
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2010/065474
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jean-Claude Groulx
Paul Labelle
Antonio Da Costa
Daniel Major
Original Assignee
Imperial Tobacco Canada Limited
British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Imperial Tobacco Canada Limited, British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited filed Critical Imperial Tobacco Canada Limited
Priority to US13/508,335 priority Critical patent/US20130284623A1/en
Priority to CA2779032A priority patent/CA2779032A1/fr
Publication of WO2011054650A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011054650A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
    • B65D5/64—Lids
    • B65D5/66—Hinged lids
    • B65D5/6685—Hinged lids formed by extensions hinged to the upper edge of a container body formed by erecting a blank to U-shape
    • B65D5/6691—Hinged lids formed by extensions hinged to the upper edge of a container body formed by erecting a blank to U-shape the container being provided with an internal frame or the like for maintaining the lid in the closed position by friction
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B69/00—Unpacking of articles or materials, not otherwise provided for
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D85/07—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for compressible or flexible articles
    • B65D85/08—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for compressible or flexible articles rod-shaped or tubular
    • B65D85/10—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for compressible or flexible articles rod-shaped or tubular for cigarettes
    • B65D85/1036—Containers formed by erecting a rigid or semi-rigid blank
    • B65D85/1045—Containers formed by erecting a rigid or semi-rigid blank having a cap-like lid hinged to an edge
    • B65D85/1056—Containers formed by erecting a rigid or semi-rigid blank having a cap-like lid hinged to an edge characterized by the lid
    • B65D85/10564—Containers formed by erecting a rigid or semi-rigid blank having a cap-like lid hinged to an edge characterized by the lid having means for holding the lid in a closed position

Definitions

  • the present invention pertains to the field of hinge lid packages and to blanks for making such packages.
  • the present invention pertains to a hinge lid package with good opening and closing capabilities.
  • Conventional hinge lid cigarette packages are well known in the art and are usually produced from a either a single blank or two blanks as outlined in U.S. Patent No. 6,276,600, U.S. Patent No. 5,586,648 and U.S. Patent No. 5,553,773 and constructed of paperboard substrate which may be coated with a fluidized mixture of finely particulated minerals and binders resulting in a smooth luxurious appearance.
  • U.S. Patent No. 6,276,600 attempts to solve the problem of "smiling" by providing a container comprising a round-corner body and lid wherein the lid is hingedly attached to the body along a curved perimeter.
  • the curved hinge lid reduces the occurrence of "smiling” the package becomes difficult to open and close due to the curvature of the lid perimeter.
  • others for example as described in German patent DE 39 26 621 Al, have attempted to overcome this problem by increasing the pivot point height of the hinge to above the intersection point of the rear lid panel and rear box panel.
  • U.S. Patent No. 3,874,581 discloses inclined slits that are provided at the ends of the hinge line to facilitate easier opening of the lid. Attempts have been made to facilitate hinge lid cigarette packages that are easier to open and which remain completely closed when not in use.
  • U.S. Patent 5,553,773 discloses a blank having collar side tabs angled off to an oblique edge which, when assembled, are intended to ensure easy opening and closing of the lid.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,586,648 discloses a package made from a blank with collar side tabs designed with special contours such that recesses are formed that result in inner side webs with less height, in an attempt to simplify the extraction of the cigarettes and reduce interference between the collar and lid when opening the cigarette package.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,586,648 discloses the use of material webs formed by punching perforations in corresponding regions between the front wall of the main blank and the inner lid of the collar or inner frame blank. Although these material webs retain the lid in a tightly closed position, once these webs are broken upon the initial opening of the hinge lid of the package it becomes difficult to properly close the lid. In order to close the hinge lid a user must ensure that each web tab properly aligns with its corresponding web cavity before closing the lid. Not only is this a difficult and arduous task, but if used incorrectly this configuration prevents proper full closure of the lid onto the box part or main frame of the cigarette package.
  • GB 2 151 212 discloses that an inclination of the side and front edges of the blank facilitates closure of the packet by the effective removal of the front upper corners of the collar which would otherwise engage the reinforcing panel during closure.
  • an inner frame that is tapered in that it grows larger as you move toward the top of the pack as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,392,905.
  • the ever-widening shoulder of this type of package although functional, is not aesthetically appealing which is a major consideration in the field of tobacco packaging.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a hinge lid package, for example a cigarette package, that requires less force to open and close than conventional hinge lid packages while preventing the occurrence of package "smiling".
  • a hinge lid package with an improved opening and closing mechanism comprising a cam assembly as illustrated in Figure 4 which facilitates a reduction in the force required to open and close the lid of the hinge lid cigarette package.
  • a package having a hinge lid assembly, a cam resting in the interior portion of the lid, and a set of latching tabs comprising an unconventionally modified profile that provides a smooth and progressive frictional engagement with the cam assembly within the lid of the main package frame and that co-operate to provide a cigarette package having a lid with improved opening and closing properties.
  • a hinge lid package comprising a cam resting in the interior portion of the lid, and a set of latching tabs comprising a modified profile that provides a smooth and progressive frictional engagement with the cam assembly within the lid of the main package frame and a modified raised hinge lid pivot point that co-operate to provide a cigarette package having a lid with improved opening and closing properties.
  • a hinge lid package having a cam assembly frictionally engageable with an modified latching tab profile, a modified inner frame profile and a raised hinge lid pivot point that provides a hinge lid cigarette package that requires significantly less force to open and close, decreases the occurrences of package "smiling" and has a luxurious feel and elegant appearance.
  • a package comprising: (a) a box part having a pair of opposed front and rear panels, a pair of opposed side panels and a bottom panel; (b) a lid having a pair of opposed front and rear panels, a pair of opposed side panels and a top panel, said lid being pivotally moveable between an open and a closed position about a hinge connection defined by a pivot axis along a fold between the rear panels of said lid and box part and being substantially parallel to said top and bottom panels; (c) an inner frame closely received in and having a portion projecting upwardly from said box part, said inner frame having a front panel and a pair of opposed side panels each connected to an opposite end of the front panel along a fold line substantially parallel to said side panels, said projecting portion being closely received by said lid when in the closed position; (d) a pair of latching tabs, each latching tab extending outwardly from one of said fold lines of said inner frame and having a forward facing surface and a rearward facing surface
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a prior art hinge lid cigarette package.
  • Figure 2A is a plan view of a blank for a prior art hinge lid cigarette package and Figure 2B is a plan view of a standard inner frame in an unfolded configuration.
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating a hinge lid cigarette package comprising a lid side panel having a non-engaging curved profile.
  • Figure 4A is a perspective view a hinge lid cigarette package according to one embodiment of the present invention comprising a cam panel.
  • Figure 4B is an enlarged view of the cam panel.
  • Figure 5 depicts a cross-sectional view of the lid of the package depicted in Figure 4, which is in a fully closed configuration.
  • the enlarged view depicts the position of a latching tab and its corresponding cam panel in relation to the lid and inner frame of the fully closed package.
  • Figure 6 is an enlarged view of a cam panel according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which the region between the dashed lines is the wedging zone and the inclination angle is shown.
  • Figure 7 illustrates the relative positions of a cam panel, having a non-functional inclination angle of greater than 45°, a latching tab and the lid inside front panel when the lid is in a partially closed position.
  • Figure 8 illustrates the relative positions of a cam panel, having a non-functional inclination angle of greater than 45°, a latching tab and the lid inside front panel when the lid is in a fully closed position.
  • Figure 9 illustrates the relative positions of a cam panel, having a non-functional inclination angle of less than 15°, a latching tab and the lid inside front panel when the lid is in a partially closed position.
  • Figure 10 illustrates the relative positions of a cam panel, having a non- functional inclination angle of less than 15°, a latching tab and the lid inside front panel when the lid is in a fully closed position.
  • Figure 11 illustrates the relative positions of a cam panel, having a functional inclination angle of approximately 33.8°, a latching tab and the lid inside front panel when the lid is in a partially closed position.
  • Figure 12 illustrates the relative positions of a cam panel, having a functional inclination angle of approximately 33.8°, a latching tab and the lid inside front panel when the lid is in a fully closed position.
  • Figure 13 illustrates the relative positions of a cam panel, having a functional inclination angle, a latching tab and the lid inside front panel when the lid is in a partially closed position.
  • the dashed lines represent the zero interference latching tab trajectories of a damaged, or not fully deployed latching tab and an undamaged, fully deployed latching tab. Also shown in Figure 13 is the position of the wedging zone with respect to the upper and lower limits of the assembly play.
  • Figure 14A is a perspective view a hinge lid cigarette package according to one embodiment of the present invention comprising a cam panel with a recessed cavity.
  • Figure 4B is an enlarged view of the cam panel.
  • Figure 15 illustrates an inner frame comprising a modified latching tab according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 16 is an enlarged view of a latching tab according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 17 is a perspective view of a latching tab according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figures 18A and 18B depict latching tabs having a non-functional contact angle and a functional contact angle, respectively.
  • Figure 19A is a front view of a fully closed package comprising a modified latching tab according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 19B is an enlarged view of the latching tab showing its position relative to the cam panel and lid side panel of the package.
  • Figure 20A shows a modified inner frame according to one embodiment of the present invention in the folded configuration maintained within box part 10.
  • Figure 20B depicts the same inner frame in its unfolded configuration.
  • the dashed lines represent the shape of a standard inner frame.
  • Figure 21 shows a modified inner frame according to one embodiment of the present invention in the its unfolded configuration.
  • the dashed lines represent the shape of a standard inner frame.
  • Figure 22 is an enlarged view of the bevelled front corners of a modified inner frame according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the dashed lines depict examples of different front corner profiles that can be incorporated into the modified inner frame of the present invention.
  • Figure 23 is a perspective rear view of a hinge lid cigarette package according to one embodiment of the present invention having a raised lid pivot axis position.
  • Figure 24 is a side view of a package having a raised pivot axis and a modified inner frame according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the package is in a partially closed position.
  • Figure 25 is a side view of a package having a raised pivot axis and a standard inner frame, wherein the package is in a partially closed position.
  • Figure 26 is a side view of a package having a standard pivot axis position and a modified inner frame according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the package is in a partially closed position.
  • Figure 27 is a side view of a standard package having a standard pivot axis position and a standard inner frame, wherein the package is in a partially closed position.
  • Figure 28 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a hinge lid cigarette package according to the present invention, which comprises cam panels, modified latching tabs and a standard inner frame.
  • Figure 29 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a hinge lid cigarette package of the present invention, which comprises cam panels, modified latching tabs and a modified inner frame.
  • Figure 30 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a hinge lid cigarette package of the present invention, which comprises cam panels, modified latching tabs, a modified inner frame and a raised pivot axis.
  • Figure 31 depicts a blank for manufacture of the box part of the package depicted in Figure 30.
  • Figure 32A and 32B illustrate a standard "drop test” procedure used to measure the amount of "smiling" (the opening gap) between the lid and the main body of various hinge lid cigarette packages.
  • Figure 32A demonstrates the first step of the "drop test” wherein the test package is dropped from a height of 100 mm.
  • Figure 32B shows how the opening gap is measured using a ruler.
  • Figure 33(A-C) illustrate the series of steps used to measure the force required to open (opening force) using a standard "PCA score bend tester”.
  • Figure 33A illustrates the first step of placing the cigarette package on holder and attaching the lid clamp to the lid of the cigarette package.
  • Figure 33B illustrates the second step of attaching the lid clamp chain to the "PCA score bend tester”.
  • Figure 33C illustrates the final step of activating of the "PCA score bend tester” and measuring the force required to open the lid as recorded on the scale.
  • Figure 34 is a graphical representation of the results of a "drop test” showing the degree of "smiling" versus the number of times the test packages were opened. This graph includes results obtained from a control (commercial hinge lid cigarette packages) and from various improved hinge lid cigarette packages of the present invention.
  • Figure 35 is a graphical representation of the results of a test to determine the degree of opening force required to open a control package and three improved hinge lid cigarette packages according to specific embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 36 depicts various latching tab and inner frame configurations.
  • the present invention provides a hinge lid cigarette package that requires less force to open and close than conventional hinge lid cigarette packages and significantly reduces the occurrence of package "smiling".
  • the hinge lid package (hereinafter referred to as "package") of the instant invention comprises some of the features of a standard flip top cigarette package, for example those found in the package of U.S. Patent No. 5,392,905.
  • the features of a standard flip top cigarette package include a main frame or box part 10, and a lid 20.
  • a cigarette group can be wrapped in an inner wrap of paper, tin-foil, or the like, and thus forms a cigarette bundle 11, an example of the intended contents of the package.
  • Box part 10 comprises a box front panel 30, a box rear panel 32 (Figure 2A), and a box bottom panel 34 ( Figure 2A).
  • the sides of box part 10 (only one side shown in Figure 1) are formed from mutually overlapping side frame panels 40 and 44 ( Figure 2A), which can be connected to one another by adhesive bonding.
  • the side frame panels 40 and 44 can partially or fully overlap one another when the box sides are formed.
  • the lid 20 comprises a lid front panel 50, a lid rear panel 52 (Figure 2A), and a lid top panel 60.
  • the lid sides (only one of the lid sides is shown in Figure 1) are formed from mutually overlapping lid side frame panels 70 and 72 ( Figure 2A), which can be adhesively bonded to one another.
  • Lid side frame panels 70 and 72 can partially or fully overlap one another when the lid sides are formed.
  • Lid 20 additionally comprises lid inside front panel 54, which is folded under lid front panel 50 and can be adhesively attached to front lid panel 50 to add strength to the lid 20, and lid frame panels 74, which are folded under and secured to the lid top panel 60.
  • Box part 10 and lid 20 are pivotally connected to one another along a fold line at which box rear panel 32 meets lid rear panel 52.
  • the fold line forms pivot axis 102, one end of which is identified by the arrow in Figure 1 , about which lid 20 pivots upon opening and closing of the package.
  • short inclined slits 106 may be provided at the ends of pivot axis 102, to facilitate opening of lid 20 by allowing flexibility of lid 20 and to compensate for interference during opening and closing.
  • inner frame 80 or collar, which comprises inner frame front wall 90, having top front corners 92, and inner frame side walls 100 (only one of which is shown in Figure 1) each having a top edge 104.
  • inner frame 80 When assembled into the package, inner frame 80 is seated within box part 10 such that a lower region of inner frame 80 is fixed on the inner side of box front panel 30 and/or box side panels 44, optionally by adhesive bonding.
  • the region of inner frame 80, that projects above box part 10 is surrounded by lid 20 when the package is in the closed position.
  • Inner frame front panel 90, on the one hand, and inner frame side walls 100, on the other hand, are folded about perforation lines 130 (Figure 2B).
  • the inner frame 80 depicted in Figures 1 and 2B additionally comprises two latching tabs 140 extending outwardly from along a portion of each of perforation lines 130. When the package is in the closed position, latching tabs 140 frictionally engage the inner side of lid side frame panels 70 and 72.
  • latching tabs 140 can be integrally formed from inner frame 80 as a result of cuts made in the inner frame blank.
  • each latching tab edge is defined by a cut line in inner frame side walls 100 that intersects perforation lines 130 at upper intersection points 142 and lower intersection points 144.
  • latching tabs 140 are secured to inner frame 80, for example, using an appropriate adhesive.
  • box part 10 and lid 20 abut one another at the box front top edge 36 and box side edges 38 (only one side edge shown in Figure 1) of box part 10 and lid bottom edge 56 and lid side edges 58 (only one side edge shown in Figure 1) of lid 20.
  • Side edges 38 of box part 10 may be inclined to slope towards box front panel 30.
  • lid side edges 58 are correspondingly sloped to form a diagonal running from pivot axis 102 to lid bottom edge 56 of lid front panel 50.
  • Box part 10 and lid 20 of the conventional cigarette package depicted in Figure 1 are formed from a single blank. Further, the package that includes inner frame 80 can be made from one blank plus an inner frame or, alternatively, from a single blank, which incorporates the inner frame and the box blank, as taught in U.S. Patent No. 3,874,581.
  • Package blank 110 depicted in Figure 2A is used to form box part 10 and lid 20 whereas inner frame blank 120 depicted in Figure 2B is used to form inner frame 80.
  • the package of the present invention contains the features of the conventional cigarette package described above and it additionally contains features that are not found in conventional cigarette packages.
  • the additional features maximise the degree to which a package according to the present invention remains closed when not in use and, at the same time, minimise the force required to open the package to obtain one or more units contained within the package.
  • the additional features that act individually or collectively to achieve these desired results include: latching tabs projecting outwardly from the inner frame; cam panels in place of inside lid side frame panels 72 of the conventional package, each having a cam shape that engages a corresponding latching tab during the closing of the lid to maintain the package in the closed position; a modified inner frame profile; and a raised lid pivot axis or hinge.
  • Figure 3 depicts a configuration of a lid side panel 170 having a non-engaging curved profile 180.
  • the radius and position of curved profile 180 were selected to ensure that there was no interference with latching tab 140 during the opening and closing action of lid 20.
  • this configuration minimised the damage of latching tab 140 and the propensity for lid 20 to "hang-up" during the opening action of lid 20, it has been found that this configuration does not exhibit an improvement in the degree of "smiling" in comparison to analogous packages comprising standard inside lid side panels 72.
  • a lid side panel modified to include an angled camming portion to engage latching tab 140, which latching tab acts as a cam follower, both minimises damage to latching tab 140 and the propensity for lid 20 to "hang-up" during the opening action of lid 20.
  • packages comprising such a cam panel exhibit an improvement in the degree of "smiling" observed in comparison to analogous packages comprising standard inside lid side panels 72.
  • a package that includes two cam panels in the interior of the lid for engaging two corresponding latching tabs on the inner frame. Said cam panels provide a smooth and progressive lid locking action.
  • the cam panel profile can vary in shape, as described herein, and functions to engage the corresponding latching tab to provide smooth opening and closing action of the lid while minimising the force required to open the lid, occurrences of smiling, and unintentional opening of the package lid.
  • the improved package of the present invention comprises cam panels 150 having a profile adapted to engage the latching tabs 140 on the inner frame 80.
  • FIG. 5A is a cross-section view through lid 20 of a package comprising cam panel 150.
  • each cam panel 150 acts to wedge the corresponding latching tab 140 between the camming edge 160 of the cam panel 150 and ridge 78 formed by crease line 76 defining the corner formed by lid front panel 50 and lid side panel 70.
  • latching tab 140 is wedged such that the rear face of the latching tab is in direct contact with the forward facing camming edge 160 of a cam panel 150 and the front face of the latching tab is in direct contact with ridge 78.
  • This wedging action maintains the package in the closed position until an external force is applied to open the lid 20.
  • the region defined by ridge 78 and camming edge 160 can be referred to as a latch retaining zone.
  • the latching tab retaining zone is defined by the inside face of lid front panel 50 and camming edge 160.
  • six specific segments define the profile of the camming edge 160 of cam panel 150. These segments are identified by profile points A, B, C, D, E, F and G in Figures 4B and 6.
  • the dashed line identified by the arrow in Figure 4B represents the trajectory of an undamaged, fully deployed latching tab, in relation to the cam panel, during opening and closing of the package.
  • the trajectory shown in Figure 4B which represents a theoretical zero interference line, defines the path that would be taken by the latching tab during opening and closing of the package, if there was no interference between the latching tab and the cam panel and ridge 78 or the inside face of lid front panel 50 of lid 20.
  • “deployed” refers to the operable position of the latching tab. When initially formed by the packer the latching tab may not be fully deployed, but rather in an inoperable position wherein the tab is not outwardly projecting from the inner frame. During use, operation of cam panel 150 acts to move an undeployed latching tab into an operable, deployed state.
  • the cam panel of the present invention has an angled profile defined by a first linear segment along the axis defined by points A and B and a second linear segment along the axis defined by points F and G.
  • inclination angle the angle between the first and second linear segment (hereinafter the "inclination angle"), as shown in Figure 6, should be greater than about 15° and less than about 45°.
  • Figure 7 illustrates a cam panel 152 having a camming edge 162 comprising an inclination angle of 45°, which is beyond the maximum effective angle, in a partially closed lid 20 of a cigarette package.
  • Figure 8 depicts the same package, in which lid 20 is in the fully closed position.
  • Figures 7 and 8 depict cam panel 152, which has an inclination angle that is too large, or abrupt, to allow the latching tab to function as a cam follower along the cam profile.
  • the dashed lines in Figures 7 and 8 represent the trajectory of an undamaged, fully deployed latching tab and, again, define the path that would be taken by the latching tab during opening and closing of the package if there were no interference between the latching tab and the cam panel and ridge 78 or the inside face of lid front panel 50.
  • the use of an inclination angle of 45° or greater does not generally result in a cam panel that facilitates a balance between an improved ease of opening of the package with minimal damage to the latching tabs and a reduced occurrence of smiling.
  • Figure 9 illustrates a cam panel having a cam panel 154 having a camming edge 164 comprising an inclination angle of 15°, which is beyond the minimum effective angle, in a partially closed lid 20 of a cigarette package.
  • Figure 10 depicts the same package as in Figure 9, in which lid 20 is in the fully closed position.
  • the dashed lines in Figures 9 and 10 represent the trajectory of an undamaged, fully deployed latching tab and, again, define the path that would be taken by the latching tab during opening and closing of the package if there were no interference between the latching tab and the cam panel and front inside panel 54.
  • the use of an inclination angle of 15° or less does not generally result in a cam panel that facilitates a balance between an improved ease of opening of the package with minimal damage to the latching tabs and a reduced occurrence of smiling.
  • An inclination angle of 15° or less generally was found to result in a cam panel that does not exert sufficient pressure on the latching tab during opening and closing of lid 20 to increase the friction between latching tab 140 and the inside face of lid front panel 50 and to wedge latching tab 140 between the ridge 78 or the inside face of lid front panel 50.
  • FIGS 11 and 12 depict cam panel 150 according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which the inclination angle is at or near 33.8°.
  • Figure 11 illustrates the relative positions of cam panel 150, latching tab 140 and ridge 78 of the package when it is in a partially closed position.
  • Figure 12 illustrates the relative positions of cam panel 150, latching tab 140 and lid inside front panel 54 of the package when it is in a fully closed position.
  • the dashed lines in Figures 11 and 12 represent the trajectory 167 of an undamaged, fully deployed latching tab and, again, define the path that would be taken by the latching tab during opening and closing of the package if there were no interference between the latching tab and the cam panel and front inside panel 54.
  • cam panel 150 having an inclination angle of 33.8° is effective in frictionally engaging and wedging the corresponding latching tab.
  • This observation has been made using computer drawings and using packages prepared with a transparent window in place of lid side panel 70, which permits the observation of the actual latching tab trajectory during opening and closing of lid 20.
  • the actual positions of latching tab 140 in a partially closed package and a fully closed package are depicted in Figures 11 and 12, respectively.
  • the position of the cam panel is determined on the basis of the theoretical zero interference trajectory 167 of a damaged or not fully deployed latching tab.
  • Figure 13 illustrates trajectory 167 of an undamaged, fully deployed latching tab in comparison to trajectory 168 of a damaged or not fully deployed latching tab.
  • Each trajectory again, defines the path taken by the respective latching tab during opening and closing of the package when there is no interference between the latching tab and the cam panel and ridge 78 or the inside face of lid front panel 50.
  • Profile point A of a cam panel according to the present invention is located inside the latching tab trajectory 168 defined for a latching tab that is not fully deployed or is damaged.
  • Cam profile segments AB and BC clear the inner frame latching tab during the opening and closing action of the lid and minimise damage of the latching tab and the propensity for lid 20 to "hang-up" or snag during the opening action of lid 20.
  • the cam profile segment BC is positioned and angled to straighten the inner frame latching tab if it is damaged or not fully cut and/or properly deployed, for example, by the cigarette packer during packaging.
  • segment CD progressively lifts the inner frame latching tab and progressively creates friction and interference with cam panel edge 160 and ridge 78 or the inside face of lid front panel 50.
  • the latching tab partially bends toward ridge 78 or the inside face of lid front panel 50 (See, for example, Figure 13).
  • segment CD comprising a latching tab lifting zone.
  • Segment CD also comprises a zone at which the maximum interference with the latching tab occurs.
  • Segment CD is defined by an arc extending from point C to point D. The radius of the arc extending from point C to point D is determined, in part, by the limitations of the equipment used to manufacture and cut the blanks used to make the package.
  • the radius of the arc defined by points C and D is selected by taking into consideration (i) the need to maximise the size of the wedging zone; (ii) the limits of the equipment used to manufacture and cut the blanks; and (iii) the material used to manufacture the cam panels and the latching tabs.
  • the type of material is an important consideration since the amount of damage (e.g., delamination) caused to the latching tabs and cam panels during use will vary depending on the thickness and rigidity of the material.
  • Cam profile segment CD is also positioned to compensate for the lower limit of the inner frame 80 vertical position play.
  • the inner frame When the package is assembled by a packer, the inner frame is incorporated within box part 10 as described above.
  • the position of the inner frame 80 relative to box front top edge 36 of box front panel 30 can vary within an upper and lower design limit. This variation is referred to as the vertical position play of the inner frame.
  • the lower limit of the inner frame 80 vertical position play is the lowest position of inner frame 80 relative to box front top edge 36 of box front panel 30 that can be tolerated.
  • Segment CD must be positioned such that it properly interferes with the latching tab, even when the inner frame is at the lowest allowable position.
  • the latching tabs are an integral part of, or are secured to, the inner frame.
  • the vertical position of the latching tabs relative to box front top edges 36 is dependent on the position of the inner frame within box part 10.
  • the existing variation in the design, available settings and speed of the packing machinery used to assemble a package according to the present invention determines the magnitude of the vertical position play of the inner frame and, consequently, the latching tabs. It is important to evaluate the amount of vertical position play (e.g., by observation, measurement of packages produced at different packer speeds, etc.) in order to properly position cam profile segment CD to ensure that it is able to interfere with the latching tab when the inner frame is at the lowest position within the observed or measured vertical position play.
  • Cam profile segment DE is referred to as the "wedging zone” and wedges the latching tab between camming edge 160 and ridge 78, or the inside face of lid front panel 50, when lid 20 is in a closed position, thereby minimising the occurrence of "smiling".
  • the wedging zone can comprise a straight edge or a curved edge.
  • the maximum distance of the edge of the curve from the straight line between point D and point E is approximately equivalent to the three times the thickness of the material used in the construction of the latching tab.
  • the maximum distance of the edge of the curve from the straight line between point D and point E is approximately equivalent to the thickness of the material used in the construction of the latching tab.
  • the actual dimensions of the inward or outward curve in relation to the straight line between point D and point E is partially dependent on the rigidity of the material used to construct the latching tabs. This is especially important in the case of an inwardly curved segment DE.
  • An inwardly curved segment DE can be designed to create a recessed cavity that engages the latching tab upon closing of the lid.
  • An outwardly curved segment DE can be used in order to increase the degree of wedging of the latching tab that the cam panel is capable of in comparison to that of a straight segment DE.
  • cam profile segment DE also compensates for the upper limit of the inner frame 80 vertical position play that may occur during assembly of the package and, thereby, maintains the wedging effect on the latching tab irrespective of the exact position of the inner frame in relation to box front top edge 36 of box front panel 30.
  • the upper limit of the wedging zone defined by segment DE corresponds to the maximum height, in relation to box front top edge 36 of box front panel 30, that the uppermost portion of the latching tab reaches when the lid is closed.
  • the lower limit of the wedging zone defined by segment DE corresponds to the minimum height, in relation to the upper edge 36 of the front panel 30, that the latching tab reaches when the lid is in the closed position.
  • cam profile segments EF and FG abut and, consequently, support the inside of lid front panel 50 or ridge 78, thereby facilitating vertical alignment of lid front panel 50 and box front panel 30.
  • These cam profile segments provide support to the front of lid 20 and thereby maintain the configuration of the lid 20 such that when the package is closed lid 20 will be flush with box part 10.
  • Segments EF and FG do not taper away from or toward lid front panel 50, but rather are positioned such that they form a straight edge approximately parallel to the inside surface of lid front panel 50.
  • segments EF and FG define a straight edge spaced from the inside face of lid front panel 50 or ridge 78 a distance that is within 1 ⁇ 4 to 1 ⁇ 2 of the thickness of the material used to manufacture the lid.
  • the package Prior to its first use the package is typically assembled by a packer in such a way that the latching tabs are located between the cam panel edge 160 and ridge 78 or the inside face of lid front panel 50.
  • the profile of the cam panels 150 creates the desired level of friction and interference with the latching tabs to maintain the package in a closed position. It should be understood that varying levels of friction can be created by varying the configuration, angles and/or profile of the cam panels within the limits defined above.
  • the latching tabs act as cam followers and will follow the segments of the cam profile on cam panel edges 160 from segment DE to AB.
  • the latching tabs again act as cam followers and will follow the segments of the cam profile on the cam panel edges 160 from segment AB to DE.
  • FIG 14A depicts a package according to a further embodiment of the present invention, in which the cam panels 190 (only one shown in Figure 14A) are each designed to include a recessed cavity that specifically engages the corresponding improved latching tab 210 (described further below).
  • the cam panel 190 has a camming edge 200 that comprises all six segments, AB, BC, CD, DE, EF and FG. In this case, however, segments DE and EF are designed to specifically engage improved latching tab 210.
  • segments DE and EF are designed to specifically engage improved latching tab 210.
  • the rear face of improved latching tab 210 progressively interferes with camming edge 200 until lid 20 reaches its fully closed position, at which point segment DE is in direct contact with the rear face of improved latching tab 210.
  • Cam panels 150 and 190 can be used with any latching tab and are not limited to use with latching tabs 140 and 210 described herein.
  • a package that includes a pair of cam panels and a corresponding pair improved latching tabs.
  • the improved latching tabs can vary in shape, as described herein, but always function in combination with the corresponding cam panels to provide smooth opening and closing action of the lid while minimising the force required to open the lid, occurrences of smiling, and unintentional opening of the package lid.
  • Latching tabs 140 frictionally engage the inside of lid side frame panels 70 and/or 72, and thereby contribute to the force required to open and close lid 20.
  • Latching tabs 140 are formed from an integral portion of the inner frame 80 and have a front face 216 and a rear face 217.
  • an improved latching tab comprising an inlet ramp, a bearing area and an exit ramp can be formed from an integral portion of inner frame 80.
  • the improved latching tabs 210 depicted in Figure 15 are formed from cuts made in the inner frame blank. The cuts are configured so that when inner frame side walls 100 are folded about perforation lines 130 the outwardly extending latching tabs 210 are formed.
  • Latching tab 210 consists of three segments, which define the profile of the latching tab edge 211. These segments are identified by profile points X, Y, Z and Q as depicted in Figure 16. The uppermost portion of latching tab edge 211 comprises an exit ramp defined by points Z and Y. Segment ZY is inclined to slope down and away from top front corner 92 of inner frame 80. Latching tab 210 further comprises a bearing area along latching tab edge 211 at segment YX and an inlet ramp at segment XQ, which are depicted in more detail in Figure 16.
  • Inlet and exit ramps XQ and ZY, respectively, and radius W of the arc defining the bearing area YX combine to improve the functionality and operation of lid 20 by reducing the force required to open the package, decreasing the tendency of package to open spontaneously when a user does not require access to the contents of the package and at the same time preserving the aesthetic appearance of the cigarette package. It would be readily appreciated, however, by a worker skilled in the art that the geometry of X and Z, can be modified in order to properly balance the force required to open the lid 20 with that required to maintain the lid 20 in a closed position when the package is not in use.
  • inlet ramp XQ of latching tab 210 provides the required level of rigidity and flexibility to permit latching tab 210 to flex and thereby permit rear face 217 to act as a cam follower over a cam panel, for example, cam panel 150 or 190, without damaging the material from which latching tab 210 is constructed (e.g., paperboard).
  • cam panel 150 having cam panel edge 160.
  • the configuration of inlet ramp XQ allows lid 20 to progressively disengage upon opening of the package.
  • Exit ramp ZY also influences the required level of rigidity and flexibility to permit latching tab 210 to flex and thereby permit rear face 217 to act as a cam follower over cam panel 150 without damaging latching tab 210.
  • Exit ramp ZY is defined by a straight line, an arc or a combination of a straight line and an arc. When all or a portion of exit ramp ZY consists of an arc, the arc is an extension of the arc defining bearing area YX. Further, with reference to Figure 16, when all or a portion of exit ramp ZY is defined by a straight line the uppermost point of latching tab 210 is at Z ⁇ The configuration of the exit ramp ZY allows latching tab 210 to progressively disengage lid 20 upon opening and engage lid 20 upon closing of the package.
  • Bearing area YX is the portion of latching tab edge 211 that bears the greatest pressure from frictional engagement of latching tab 210 and the inside of the lid side panel 70.
  • latching tab 210 comprises front bearing area 218, which is the region of front face 216 adjacent to bearing area YX, and rear bearing area 219, which is the region of rear face 217 adjacent to bearing area YX.
  • Front bearing area 218 bears the greatest pressure from ridge 78
  • rear bearing area 219 bears the greatest pressure from camming edge 160.
  • Bearing area YZ concentrates the friction and interference forces between latching tab edge 211 and side panel 70, and is positioned as high as possible on inner frame 80 in order to maximise the working range associated with the lid opening action.
  • the outermost point S of latching tab 210 is positioned such that it is above segment CD of the corresponding cam panel 150 when lid 20 is in the closed position.
  • the initial contact point between latching tab 210 and lid 20 is the point at which the bottom edge of lid side panel 70 first comes into contact with latching tab 210 during closing of the package. Lid side panel 70 is flush with box side panel 40 when the bottom edge of lid side panel 70 is in contact with latching tab 210 at the initial contact point.
  • all or a portion of exit ramp ZY is defined by an arc that extends to also define bearing area YX and the initial contact point is on the arc.
  • the radius of the arc determines the latching tab contact surface angle T at the lid side edge 58 upon closing of the package.
  • the contact surface angle T is the angle between lid side panel 70 and the tangent at the initial contact point between latching tab 210 and lid side edge 58.
  • all or a portion of exit ramp ZY is defined by a straight line and the initial contact point is on a straight portion of exit ramp ZY.
  • the latching tab contact surface angle T is the angle between the lid side panel 70 and the straight line defining the straight portion of exit ramp ZY.
  • latching tab contact surface angle T must be less than about 60° in order to avoid "hang-up" during opening of lid 20. It has also been found that latching tab contact surface angle T must be less than about 50° in order to provide smooth operation of lid 20 during opening and closing. Latching tab 210 having an angle T of less than about 50°, is able to smoothly engage cam panel 150 as a cam follower during opening and closing of lid 20.
  • the interference level between latching tab 210 and the inside of side panel 70 is one parameter that contributes to the lid holding force and can be adjusted by adjusting the geometry of the latching tab.
  • one embodiment of the present invention provides latching tab 210 having an exit ramp ZY comprising at least portion defined by a straight line.
  • Angle V is the angle between this straight line and a line parallel to box front top edge 36 (not shown in Figure 16). It has now been found that angle V can be varied by increasing or decreasing distance P between the outermost point S of bearing area YX and a straight line defined by perforation line 130, essentially to form a latching tab 210 that extends outwardly to a lesser or greater amount from perforation line 130.
  • the force required to close the package is directly proportional to contact surface angle T.
  • the minimum distance P has now been found to be approximately equivalent to the thickness of the material used to manufacture cam panel 210.
  • the maximum distance P is the distance at which latching tab 210 is significantly bent toward inner frame side panel 100 when lid 20 is in the closed position. As would be appreciated by a worker skilled in the art, this maximum distance P is influenced by the overall dimensions of the package and by the strength and rigidity of the material used to manufacture latching tab 210.
  • the material used to form the inner frame limits the tolerable geometry of latching tabs 210, which are formed from an integral portion of the inner frame.
  • the inner frame is formed from paperboard
  • the paperboard foldability and thickness, as well as the delaminating resistance will have an effect on the limits of tolerable geometry of latching tabs 210.
  • FIGS 18A and 18B depict latching tabs 212 and 214, having a non-functional angle T and a functional angle T, respectively.
  • Each latching tab has the same radius W, which is the radius of the arc defining bearing area YX.
  • the difference between the two latching tabs in Figures 18A and 18B, is the distance P between the outermost point S of bearing area YX and perforation line 130.
  • Latching tab 212 in Figure 18A has an increased distance between bearing area YX and perforation line 130 in comparison to that of latching tab 214 in Figure 18B.
  • angle T of latching tab 212 is greater than that of latching tab 214.
  • angle T of latching tab 214 is beyond the maximum tolerable angle.
  • lid side panel 70 hits latching tab 212 during closing of lid 20 such that side panel 70 does not effectively slide along exit ramp ZY. This, in turn, causes damage of latching tab 212.
  • latching tab 214 has a preferred angle T that allows lid side panel 70 to slide along exit ramp ZY during closing of lid 20, such that latching tab 214 is then able to frictionally engage cam panel 150. It has been found that angle T should be less than about 60°, or more preferably less than about 50°, in order for the latching tab to smoothly engage cam panel 150 as a cam follower during opening and closing of lid 20. Similarly, when the distance P between the outermost point S of bearing area YX is maintained and radius W is varied, the force required to open and close the package will be altered.
  • latching tab 210 act in combination, therefore, it is possible to optimise the latching tab configuration depending on the material used to construct the inner frame, the application of the package and the configuration of the lid and cam panel of the package.
  • latching tab 210 acts as a cam follower during opening of lid 20 from box part 10, and will follow the cam profile segments on the cam panel edge 160 of the cam panel 150 from segment EF through to segment AB.
  • latching tab 210 Upon closing, latching tab 210 reverses its course following the cam profile of cam panel 150, from segment AB to segment EF.
  • Cam profile segment DE creates the required level of friction and engagement between rear bearing area 219 of latching tab 210 and camming edge 160 and between front bearing area 218 and ridge 78, or the inside face of lid front panel 50, to maintain the package in a closed configuration until application of an external force.
  • latching tab 210 During engagement with the cam panel, the outermost portion of bearing area YX of latching tab 210 is in contact with the inner surface of side panel 70. As depicted in Figures 19A and 19B, latching tab 210 slightly deforms side panel 70 causing it to bend outwardly as the latching tab moves along the camming edge of the cam panel. Improved Inner Frame Profile
  • a cigarette package that includes an improved inner frame profile, which has been modified in order to reduce the interference between the lid inside front panel 54 and the top edge 92 of the inner frame.
  • inner frame 220 of the present invention further includes bevelled front corners 230, inclined downward from the upper horizontal portion 232, on each inner frame side panel 234.
  • Figure 20 A shows inner frame 220 in the folded configuration maintained within box part 10.
  • Figure 20B depicts inner frame 220 in its unfolded configuration.
  • bevelled front corners 230 reduces the interference between inner frame 220 and lid front panel 54, in comparison to the same package including a standard inner frame 80, during opening and closing of the package.
  • the configuration of bevelled front corners 230 maintains inner frame top edge 232 close to the inside of lid frame panels 74, thereby minimising the extent to which the lid side panels 70 "hang-up” or snag behind side panels 234 of the inner frame 220.
  • Figure 21 depicts inner frame 220 in its unfolded configuration.
  • the dashed lines represent the geometry of the front corners of a standard inner frame.
  • the bevelled front corners of inner frame 220 are lower in height in relation to inner frame top edge 232 than the analogous height of the front corners of a standard inner frame.
  • interference of front corners 230 with lid inside front panel 54 is reduced during opening and closing of lid 20 in comparison to the interference observed in a package comprising a standard inner frame, for example, inner frame 80.
  • the maximum distance between front corners 230 and the inner surface of lid frame panels 74, as measured when lid 20 is in the fully closed position is equivalent to approximately 35% of the height of lid front panel 50.
  • a specific embodiment of the present invention provides a packages comprising standard box part 10 and lid 20 having the dimensions commonly used in cigarette packages, wherein the maximum reduction of the height of top corners 230 is approximately 4.25 mm from the existing standard of 0.75 mm from the top edge 232 of the inner frame 80.
  • the shape and degree of downward incline of bevelled front corners 230 can vary widely.
  • the dashed lines in Figure 22 depict examples of different front corner profiles that can be incorporated into the improved inner frame of the present invention.
  • top edge 232 of inner frame 220 should be at or near the top of the lid 20 such that it is close to the inside surface of lid frame panels 74. However, the position of top edge 232 relative to lid frame panels 74 is partially dependent upon the thickness of the package, the length of the extension panel 54 and the location of the lid pivot axis 102 in relation to the top of package. A friction fit must exist between lid 20 and top edge 232 of inner frame 220 that is sufficiently loose to permit lid 20 to slip past inner frame 220 and, when present, to facilitate engagement of the cam panels with the corresponding latching tabs.
  • a plurality of inner frames 220 can be produced from one continuous strip of material, such as paperboard.
  • material such as paperboard.
  • a package that includes a pivot axis that is raised in comparison to the pivot axis used in conventional cigarette packages.
  • raised pivot axis 240 is defined by a fold line between box rear panel 32 and lid rear panel 52, which extends from one side of the package to the other side in order to pivotally connect box part 10 to lid 20.
  • the cigarette package of the present invention can additionally comprise an elevated or raised lid pivot axis 240, which is raised toward the top of the package in comparison to the position of the lid pivot axis 102 of a standard package.
  • Raising pivot axis 240 decreases the resistance required to open lid 20 and the friction between the lid 20 and box part 10, having inner frame 80, in comparison to a conventional hinge. With the decreased resistance, lid 20 is more easily moved to its opened position.
  • Raised pivot axis 240 thereby substantially reduces the force required to open the package.
  • the use of raised pivot axis 240 in combination with the additional features of a cam panel, an improved latching tab and an improved inner frame further reduces the force required to open and close the cigarette package of the present invention.
  • raised pivot axis 240 in a standard cigarette package would result in the occurrence of increased smiling. In accordance with the present invention, however, raised pivot axis 240 can be incorporated into the package without causing an increase in the occurrence of smiling.
  • the pivot axis 240 can be raised closer to the top of lid 20 by an amount that is just enough to change the trajectory of lid 20 during opening and closing of the package and, thereby, reduce the interference between the lid inside front panel 54 and bevelled front corners 230.
  • a minimum distance must be maintained between pivot axis 240 and the top of the package, to allow the user to securely grasp lid 20.
  • the portion of lid 20 defined by pivot axis 240 and the top of the lid can be referred to as a "gripping zone" since this portion of the lid is gripped by the user during opening of the package.
  • the minimum distance from pivot axis 240 to the top of the package has been found to be approximately 10.5 mm.
  • the term "comfortable gripping zone” as used herein refers to a gripping zone that is sufficiently large to permit the user to comfortably grip the lid during opening of the package.
  • the minimum distance between the pivot axis and the top of lid 20 can vary depending on the overall dimensions of the package and the nature of the material used to construct the package.
  • the exterior surface of the package can be selected to have a rough texture, which would improve the ability of the user to grip lid 20 during opening and closing. This, in turn, could permit a smaller minimum distance between pivot axis 240 and the top of the package to be functional and still provide a comfortable gripping zone.
  • the elevated or raised lid pivot axis 240 and the modified profile of the inner frame 220 together contribute to reduce the interference between the lid inside front panel 54 and front corners 230 and/or with cigarette bundle 11 within the package.
  • Figure 24 depicts package 300, according to one embodiment of the present invention, which has overall dimensions that are equivalent to those of a standard cigarette package and comprises an improved inner frame.
  • Package 300 also has a raised pivot axis.
  • lid 20 is shown in a fully closed position using solid lines and in a partially open position using dashed lines. By drawing package 300 in this manner it was determined that the amount of interference between bevelled front corners 230 and lid inside front panel 54 was significantly less than that observed for package 302, which is depicted in Figure 25.
  • Package 302 has overall dimensions that are equivalent to those of a standard cigarette package and comprises a standard inner frame and a raised pivot axis.
  • lid 20 is shown in a fully closed position using solid lines and in a partially open position using dashed lines.
  • Interference refers to the length of the portion of lid inside front panel 54 that contacts the inner frame front corners during opening and closing of the package.
  • Figure 26 depicts a package 304, that has overall dimensions that are equivalent to those of a standard cigarette package and comprises an improved inner frame and a standard pivot axis.
  • lid 20 is shown in a fully closed position using solid lines and in a partially open position using dashed lines.
  • Package 306 which has overall dimensions that are equivalent to those of a standard cigarette package.
  • Package 306 comprises a standard inner frame and a standard pivot axis.
  • lid 20 is shown in a fully closed position using solid lines and in a partially open position using dashed lines. This demonstrates that the lowered height of the front corners of the inner frame compensates for part of the increase in interference caused by the increased distance between the lid pivot axis and the top of package 304.
  • the package of the present invention comprises a pair of cam panels that interact with a corresponding pair of latching tabs and thereby increase the initial force required to open the package. This effect is more pronounced when, as depicted in Figure 28, the package additionally comprises a pair of improved latching tabs 210.
  • a specific embodiment of the present invention provides a package 320 comprising two cam panels 150 (only one shown), a modified inner frame 220 and improved latching tabs 210 (only one shown).
  • the package depicted in Figure 30 additionally comprises raised pivot axis 240.
  • Package 320 depicted in Figure 30 can be formed from an inner frame and a blank 330 as shown in Figure 31. Alternatively, it can be formed from a single frame that incorporates the features of the inner frame, the box part and the lid.
  • the present invention further provides a method of designing a package having improved opening and closing capabilities in comparison to conventional packages.
  • the steps of this method are outlined below and are not necessarily performed in the order in which they are listed.
  • the acceptable interference level between the inner frame and the lid is determined and the inner frame is modified such that the interference does not go beyond the acceptable interference level.
  • the term "interference" is used herein to refer to the length of the portion of lid inside front panel 54 that contacts the inner frame front corners during opening and closing of the package.
  • the acceptable interference is less than 10% of the package depth. More particularly, the acceptable interference can be less than 8% of the package depth or, even more particularly, approximately 2.5% of the package depth. It should be recognized that some degree of interference should be maintained since it is useful for guiding the lid to the correct position during closing to allow the camming action between the cam panels and latching tabs.
  • the inner frame is modified by lowering the top front comers to reduce the interference between the inner frame top front corners and the lid inside front panel to an acceptable level.
  • the inner frame is modified by lowering the top front corners, the inner frame position must be maintained as high as possible within the box part of the package.
  • the profile of the edge of the latching tab is selected based on required interference between the cam panel and the latching tab.
  • the latching tab is designed by first locating the outermost point S as close as possible to the package top panel.
  • the latching tab protrusion, or distance between the perforation lines on the inner frame and the outermost point S, is selected such that the latching tab will engage the cam panel and will interfere with the lid side panel with minimal bending and damage.
  • the cam panel profile is designed by first determining the latching tab zero interference trajectory for both the damaged (or not fully deployed) and undamaged (and fully deployed) latching tab.
  • Cam profile point A is positioned inside the damaged latching tab trajectory.
  • the cam inclination angle is adjusted in relation with the desired wedging zone and the required latching tab flexibility based on the material used to manufacture the latching tab.
  • the location and size of the required wedging zone is determined in order to compensate for inner frame vertical position play.
  • the radius of cam segment CD is selected in order to minimise damage (e.g. delamination) of the cam panel and the latching tab and to optimise the wedging zone.
  • cam segments EF and FG are positioned to support the lid inside front panel.
  • Example 4 demonstrates the use of the above method to design a package according to the present invention.
  • the cigarette package of the present invention is constructed of a paperboard substrate or any other material which is known or used in the manufacture of cigarette packages.
  • foil such as 7 micron foil, or 0.35 mm thick lined/coated manila backed board having a weig ht of 215 - 230 g/m 2 .
  • the blank used to manufacture the lid and box parts, with or without the inner frame can by made from a substance such as, but not limited to, 0.006 - 0.009 mm gold foil laminated-white lined hard rolled manila back board having a thickness of 0.33 - 0.39 mm and a weig ht of 220 - 248 g/m 2 ; 0.27 - 0.30 mm coated solid bleached sulfate board having a weight of 220 - 248 g/m 2 ; polycoated board; direct/indirect metallized board (e.g. 250 micorn, 235 g/m 2 Tako Hilioboard). These materials can be laminated or not, depending on the application of the package.
  • a substance such as, but not limited to, 0.006 - 0.009 mm gold foil laminated-white lined hard rolled manila back board having a thickness of 0.33 - 0.39 mm and a weig ht of 220 - 248 g/m
  • the package according to the present invention can be manufactured from a plastic, or combination of plastics, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or the like.
  • plastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or the like.
  • the package of the present invention can be constructed from a blank plus an inner frame, or a single blank, using standard techniques in the art.
  • the method of construction comprises the following steps: (i) grouping the cigarettes to be stored in the package into the desired formation (e.g.
  • step (viii) embossing, if necessary, and cutting the required length of material from a foil or a paper roll; (iii) wrapping the cigarette group from step (i) in the cut foil or paper from step (ii) to form a cigarette bundle; (iv) cutting the inner frame; (v) folding the inner frame into the suitable configuration for assembly within the box part; (vi) providing a printed and precreased blank for the box part; (vii) assembling the box part with the inner frame; (viii) forming the package around the cigarette bundle by the use of a series of folding and adhering steps; and (ix) compressing and heating the package until adhesive used in step (viii) is cured.
  • Suitable adhesives for use in construction of the package of the present invention are well known to workers skilled in the art.
  • a polyvinyl acetate (PVA) adhesive such as, but not limited to, IPACOLLTM LP2931, can be used in the construction of the package.
  • the hinge lid package of the present invention can be assembled manually or by an automated method using a packer machine.
  • An example of a packer that is suitable for assembly of packages according to the present invention is the Hinge Lid Packer 350 S from Focke & Co.
  • a packer can be used to assemble cigarette packages according to the method outlined above.
  • each package was dropped from an elevation of 10 cm six times, and the degree of smiling measured with a ruler. In each case the package was dropped so that it would land with its back panel 32 facing downwards. The gap or opening between the bottom edge 56 of the lid front panel 50 and the top edge 36 of the box front panel 30 was considered to be the smile, as illustrated in Figure 32B. Following the initial drop and after each subsequent drop the lid 50 was opened and closed 5 times by hand. Accordingly, at the end of the test each package had been opened and closed 25 times to simulate a user opening and closing the package to obtain cigarettes.
  • packages having either all four improvements or the cam panel and improved latching tab combination only exhibited no significant difference between the degree of smiling that occurred after the first 5 openings compared to that following 25 openings ( Figure 34 and Tables 4 and 5).
  • the reduction of package smiling in relation to the control samples was 29% for packages comprising only the cam panel, 92% for packages with the cam cut panel and improved latching tab design and 74% for packages with the combination of all four improvements.
  • the degree of smiling was highest for conventional packages at 0.71 mm (Table 3), followed by 0.54 mm for packages with the cam cut profile only (Table 4), 0.06 mm for packages with the cam panel and improved latching tab design (Table 5) and 0.20 mm for the packages having all four improvements (Table 6).
  • packages were placed in a holder so that box part 10 was immobile, and lid 20 was clamped either on one side (as in most tests) or in the middle (Figure 33A).
  • the lid clamp chain was then attached to the PCA score bend tester (Figure 33B).
  • the score bend tester was activated and the force required to open the package was recorded ( Figure 33C).
  • each package was opened four times by hand. The test was performed a total of five times so that, at the end of the experiment, each package studied was opened and closed 25 times to simulate a user opening and closing the package to obtain cigarettes.
  • the observed force required to open the packages was measured in grams, which can be converted to Newton meters (Nm) using standard calculations.
  • the average forces for the first opening of the package samples as illustrated in greater detail in Figure 35 and Tables 3 to 6 are: 275 g for control packages, 173 g for the cam cut profile design alone, 1 8 g for the cam cut profile and new latching tab design and 149 g for the combined four improvements.
  • the required force to open a package reduces and stabilises for all types of packages measured.
  • the high standard deviation of 112 g for the control sample force measurements (Table 3) confirms the unpredictability of the existing latching tab operation.
  • Example 4 Design of Hinge Lid 25 - 100 mm - Slims Package
  • Package width 65% of package height (what is the package height? 100mm?)
  • the lid pivot axis was raised to 10.5 mm from the top of the package, or 51% of lid top panel depth.
  • the acceptable interference level between the inner frame top front corners and the lid inside front panel was determined to be 0.525 mm, or 2.5% of lid top panel depth. Therefore, the distance of the inner frame top front corners to the lid inside top panel (in closed position) was set at 6.57 mm, or 25% of lid front panel height. The distance of inner frame top edge to lid inside top panel was 2 mm, or 7.7% of lid front panel height.
  • the modified latching tab was selected and the distance from outermost point S to lid inside top panel was set at 13.7 mm, or 53% of lid front panel height.
  • the latching tab protrusion P was set at 1 mm, which was equivalent to 3.3 times the thickness of the board used to manufacture the cam panel.
  • the latching tab zero interference trajectories were determined and the cam profile point A was set at a distance of 0.5 mm, or 1.9% of lid front panel height, from the zero interference trajectory of the damaged latching tab.
  • the cam inclination angle was set at 33.8° to allow for the flexibility of the latching tab material.
  • cam panel segments EF and FG were positioned to support the lid inside front panel by using a distance of 10.4 mm (40% of lid front panel height) between point E and point G.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Packaging Of Annular Or Rod-Shaped Articles, Wearing Apparel, Cassettes, Or The Like (AREA)
  • Cartons (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne des emballages à couvercle articulé, par exemple des paquets de cigarettes, comprenant des éléments permettant de réduire la force requise pour ouvrir et fermer l'emballage, maintenir le couvercle bien fermé lorsqu'il n'est pas utilisé et/ou améliorer la sensation de luxe de l'emballage lors de l'ouverture et de la fermeture, par rapport à des emballages similaires ne comprenant pas lesdits éléments.
PCT/EP2010/065474 2009-11-04 2010-10-14 Emballage à couvercle articulé WO2011054650A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/508,335 US20130284623A1 (en) 2009-11-04 2010-10-14 Hinge Lid Package
CA2779032A CA2779032A1 (fr) 2009-11-04 2010-10-14 Emballage a couvercle articule

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US61/258,061 2009-11-04

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WO2017046325A1 (fr) * 2015-09-18 2017-03-23 Philip Morris Products S.A. Contenant pour articles de consommation doté d'une action de fermeture de couvercle sans à-coup
US9833021B2 (en) 2014-10-02 2017-12-05 Digirettes, Inc. Disposable tank electronic cigarette, method of manufacture and method of use
US11760559B2 (en) * 2019-08-01 2023-09-19 G.D Societa' Per Azioni Rigid pack for smoking articles provided with a hinged lid

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CA2821760A1 (fr) * 2010-12-14 2012-06-21 Altria Client Services Inc. Emballage a couvercle articule
USD863953S1 (en) * 2016-02-29 2019-10-22 Focke & Co. (Gmbh & Co. Kg) Cigarette pack
DE102017007130A1 (de) * 2017-07-31 2019-01-31 Focke & Co. (Gmbh & Co. Kg) Packung für Zigaretten
DE102018002742A1 (de) * 2018-04-03 2019-10-10 Focke & Co. (Gmbh & Co. Kg) Packung für Produkte der Zigarettenindustrie und Verfahren zur Herstellung derselben
CN111936391A (zh) * 2018-04-04 2020-11-13 吉第联合股份公司 带有铰接盖的吸烟制品包装

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US9833021B2 (en) 2014-10-02 2017-12-05 Digirettes, Inc. Disposable tank electronic cigarette, method of manufacture and method of use
USD805686S1 (en) 2014-10-02 2017-12-19 Digirettes, Inc. Vaping device
USD805687S1 (en) 2014-10-02 2017-12-19 Digirettes, Inc. Vaping device tank
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WO2017046325A1 (fr) * 2015-09-18 2017-03-23 Philip Morris Products S.A. Contenant pour articles de consommation doté d'une action de fermeture de couvercle sans à-coup
CN108025830A (zh) * 2015-09-18 2018-05-11 菲利普莫里斯生产公司 具有平稳盖关闭作用的用于消费品的容器
US11760559B2 (en) * 2019-08-01 2023-09-19 G.D Societa' Per Azioni Rigid pack for smoking articles provided with a hinged lid

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CA2779032A1 (fr) 2011-05-12
US20130284623A1 (en) 2013-10-31

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