WO2012089536A1

WO2012089536A1 - Container having interacting surface elements including a relief element

Info

Publication number: WO2012089536A1
Application number: PCT/EP2011/073068
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lucas Chatelain
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
Priority date: 2010-12-17
Filing date: 2011-12-16
Publication date: 2012-07-05
Also published as: RU2584523C2; WO2012080477A1; EP2651771A1; RU2013132943A; WO2012080477A8; JP5986580B2; JP2014503431A

Abstract

A container (2) for consumer goods comprises a first portion (20) and a second portion (30) that are moveable relative to each other between a closed position and an open position. A first surface (22) on the first portion (20) comprises one or more relief elements (40, 140, 240) which are raised above the level of the first surface (22). A second surface (32) on the second portion (30) comprising a fine cut element (44) formed of one or more cut outs (46) having at least a portion with a cut width of between 0.5 mm and 3 mm.

Description

CONTAINER HAVING INTERACTING SURFACE ELEMENTS INCLUDING A RELIEF

ELEMENT

The present invention relates to a novel container having a fine cut element which interacts with a relief element upon opening and closing of the container. The container of the present invention finds particular application as a container for consumer goods, for example elongate smoking articles such as cigarettes.

It is known to package consumer goods, such as food products, cosmetics and tobacco products, in containers formed from folded blanks. Blanks for constructing such containers are typically formed from a sheet material and provide a two-dimensional arrangement of connected panels for forming the walls of the container. Adjacent panels of the blank are connected together along hinge lines, formed by creases or score lines in the sheet material. The container is assembled by folding the blank along the hinge lines to form the three-dimensional shape of the container and using a suitable adhesive or seal to retain the assembled shape.

Elongate smoking articles, such as cigarettes and cigars, are commonly sold in hinge lid containers made from folded laminar blanks. The hinge lid containers have a box portion for housing the smoking articles and a lid portion connected to the box portion about a hinge line extending across the rear wall of the container. Such containers are typically constructed from one-piece laminar cardboard blanks. In use, the lid portion is pivoted about the hinge line to open the container to gain access to the smoking articles housed in the box portion.

It is also known to package consumer goods in containers comprising an outer shell or sleeve and an inner slide or tray in which the consumer goods are housed and which is slidable within the outer shell.

It has been previously proposed to adapt a hinge lid container so that an audible sound is produced as the hinge lid is pivoted from a closed position to an open position or from an open position to a closed position. The audible sound can indicate to the consumer that the container has been correctly and fully closed when the hinge lid is pivoted into the closed position. The audible sound can also provide feedback to the consumer that the goods within the container will remain securely sealed within the container between uses. The audible sound can further provide an interactive mechanism when the hinge lid is pivoted.

It would be desirable to provide containers for consumer goods which provide novel ways of delivering sensations to the consumer upon opening or closing of the container. For example, it would be desirable to provide an audible, visual or tactile sensation to the consumer. It would be particularly desirable if the method of delivering a sensation could be achieved without the need to significantly alter the design of standard containers for consumer goods. It would be particularly desirable if the method of delivering a sensation could be achieved without impacting the production of standard containers for consumer goods, particularly those involving fast moving consumer goods.

According to the invention there is provided a container for consumer goods comprising a first portion and a second portion that are moveable relative to each other between a closed position and an open position, the container further comprising: a first surface on the first portion comprising one or more relief elements which are raised above the level of the first surface; and a second surface on the second portion comprising a fine cut element formed of one or more cut outs having a minimum cut width of between 0.5 mm and 3 mm. The first surface and the second surface are arranged such that as the first portion and the second portion of the container are moved between the closed position and the open position, the first surface and the second surface are moved over each other, whereby the one or more relief elements on the first surface interact with the fine cut element on the second surface.

Containers according to the invention comprise a fine cut element, which interacts with the one or more relief elements on the container in order to provide a new effect upon opening or closing of the container. The term "fine cut element" refers to a design of cuts or cut outs on the second surface which have been provided using fine cut technology. The cuts or cut outs are provided by removing material at the second surface.

In containers according to the present invention, the cut outs of the fine cut element may extend part way through the material forming the second portion, or all of the way through.

The fine cut element of containers of the present invention is formed on the second surface using a fine cutting technique, which enables the formation of cut outs having a significantly narrower cut width than is possible using conventional cutting techniques, such as standard die-cutting. Furthermore, the fine cutting techniques enables more complex patterns and shapes to be formed, with less limitation on the angle or curvature in the cut out shapes. The clearance or separation between cut outs can also advantageously be minimised. For example, where knives or blades are used to form the cut outs the minimum clearance is preferably less than 2 mm, more preferably less than 1 .5 mm and more preferably around 1 .1 mm.

Unlike with standard die-cutting techniques, when fine cutting techniques are used, there is no remnant on the sheet material after cutting. The edges of the cut outs are sharp and precise and the cut outs are therefore perceived by consumers as of a high quality.

The "cut width" of the fine cut element is the internal width or dimension of the one or more cut outs in a given direction. In one direction, the cut width of at least a portion of the one or more cut outs is between 0.5 mm and 3 mm. In all other directions, the cut width may be within this range, or may be greater. This means that at its narrowest part, each cut out has at least one dimension between 0.5 mm and 3 mm. Preferably, at least a portion of the one or more cut outs has a cut width between 0.5 mm and 2 mm, more preferably between 0.5 mm and 1 mm, more preferably between 0.7 mm and 1 mm.

The cut width of at least a part of the one or more cut outs must have a cut width falling with the range of 0.5 mm to 3 mm. In some cases, the entire cut out will have a least one dimension with this range. In other cases, other parts of the one or more cut outs may be above 3 mm. Preferably, the maximum cut width of the fine cut element, i.e. the cut width of the one or more cut outs at the widest point, is between 1 mm and 10 mm, more preferably between 1 mm and 5 mm, more preferably between 1 mm and 3 mm.

The cut width of each cut out in the fine cut element may vary at different positions, particularly if the fine cut element is relatively complex in shape. The cut outs may include straight line portions, curved line portions, wavy line portions, regular and irregular shape portions, or any combination of these. If desired, the cut outs may form a pattern or image.

Using conventional cutting techniques, such as standard die cutting procedures, the minimum cut width that is typically achievable is about 5 mm to 8 mm. The use of fine cutting on containers according to the invention therefore allows for much finer and more intricately shaped cut outs to be included in the fine cut element on the second surface. This in turn allows for more complex and effective interactions between the one or more relief elements and the fine cut element.

The fine cut element of containers according to the invention may be formed on the second surface using any suitable means. Preferably, the fine cut element is formed on the second surface using an arrangement of knives or blades. For example, a rotary system of blades or a cutting mill may be used to carry out fine cutting on a continuous sheet of material. By maximising the cutting strokes and with the use of adapted screen inserts, very fine cutting can be achieved using such a multi-knife system.

A further suitable type of system for forming the fine cut element is a flatbed die-cutting system in which a shaped knife, blade or rule, such as a steel-rule die, is used to stamp shapes from a stationary piece of sheet material. This type of system may be useful for the cutting of relatively thick materials. Flatbed die-cutters are also known as click presses.

In relation to the present invention, the term "relief element" is used to refer to any element on the first surface which is raised above the general level of the first surface. This may be achieved in a variety of ways, as described in more detail below, either by applying the relief elements to the first surface, or by manipulating the first surface in some way such that parts of the first portion protrude from the general level of first surface.

The interaction of the one or more relief elements with the fine cut element as the container is opened and closed provides one or more sensations to the consumer. The sensations may relate to one or more of the consumer's senses, including but not limited to sound, smell, sight, touch or combinations thereof. The delivery of these sensations provides a unique experience to the consumer during the opening or closing of the container. The sensation delivered by the interaction of the one or more relief elements and the fine cut element for a particular container according to the invention may provide a type of alternative type of trade mark, which becomes associated with a certain brand or type of product.

As the first surface is moved over the second surface, the relief elements preferably slide at least partially into the cut outs of the fine cut element and back out again.

In a first embodiment of the present invention, the relief elements include one or more discrete, raised portions of a varnish applied to the first surface. As the first portion and the second portion of the container are moved between the open position and the closed position, the fine cut element slides over the raised portions of varnish. The consumer will be able to feel the cut outs in the fine cut element engaging with the raised portions of varnish and in some cases an audible click may be produced as a raised portion of varnish on the first surface slips or drops into a cut out on the second surface.

If desired, a flavourant material may be incorporated into the varnish, which is released upon interaction of the raised portions of varnish with the fine cut element as the first surface and the second surface are moved over each other. The flavourant is released as a result of the scratching or rubbing of the surface of the varnish as the fine cut element moves over the raised portions of varnish. The consumer is therefore able to smell a particular scent or flavour upon opening and closing the container. The flavourant may be selected to enhance the taste or smell of the consumer goods within the container.

Suitable types of varnish would be well known to the skilled person. For example, the varnish may be a gloss varnish, a matte varnish, a silk or satin varnish, a UV varnish, or any combination thereof. Preferably, the varnish is a spot varnish, which can be applied to specific areas of a surface and can be used to form different surface textures.

A wide variety of different liquid flavourants could be incorporated in the varnish to provide the desired flavour upon opening or closing of the container and suitable types of flavourant would be well know to the skilled person. Liquid flavourants for use in the varnish may include one or more flavour ingredients to create a certain flavour type and may be natural extracts, synthetic flavours, or a combination thereof. Liquid flavourants and flavour types that may be included in the varnish applied to containers according to the present invention include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint, coffee, tea, whiskey, vodka, spices (such as cinnamon, clove and ginger), cocoa, vanilla and fruit flavourants.

In a second embodiment of the present invention, the relief elements include one or more embossments, where the material forming the first portion is pressed, or imprinted with a particular design element to produce an image of that design that is raised from the level of the second surface. As the first surface and the second surface are moved over each other during opening and closing of the container, the cut outs forming the fine cut element slide over the embossments on the first surface. The effect of the interaction between the fine cut element and the embossments is similar to that when the relief element is provided by raised portions of varnish, as described above. Suitable embossment techniques would be well known to the skilled person.

In a third embodiment of the present invention, the relief elements include one or more cuts on the first surface forming one or more flaps protruding from the general level of the first surface. As the first surface and the second surface are moved over each other during opening and closing of the container, the cuts forming the fine cut element slide over the one or more flaps. Typically, as the cut outs slide over each flap, the free edge at the peripheral end of the flap will engage with the edges of the cut outs and the free edge will slide over the edge of each cut and into the cut out. The consumer will be able to feel the engagement of the fine cut element with the one or more flaps and an audible sound could be generated as the edge of each flap drops into a cut out.

Preferably, in all embodiments of the present invention, the one or more relief elements each have a diameter corresponding approximately to the cut width of the cut outs forming the fine cut element, or a diameter which is smaller than the cut width of the cut outs. As a result, each relief element preferably fits entirely within each of the cut outs of the fine cut element so that the relative movement of the first surface and the second surface towards and away from each other as the relief element slides into and out of the cut out is maximised. This may advantageously increase the tactile and sound effects produced upon interaction of the one or more relief elements with the fine cut element.

Preferably, the first surface of containers according to the present invention comprises a plurality of relief elements and the second surface comprises a plurality of cut outs. Particularly preferably, the interaction of the plurality of relief elements with the plurality of cut outs produces an audible sound. The cut outs and the relief elements may be arranged so that all interactions between individual cut outs and corresponding relief elements occur substantially simultaneously. In this way, the sensation produced by the interaction of the cut outs with the relief elements is amplified and a more noticeable or distinctive effect can be produced.

Alternatively, the plurality of cut outs and relief elements may be arranged so that a number of interactions occur sequentially as the container is opened or closed. For example, this type of arrangement may be used to generate a 'ratchet' or 'stepped' type of effect as the first surface and the second surface are moved over each other. In another example, the sequential interactions may be sufficiently close together that a more continuous 'drum roll' effect is produced.

By adjusting the cut width of the cut outs forming the fine cut element and/or the position of the fine cut element on the second portion of the container, it may be possible to adjust the tonality of the sound produced as a result of the interaction between the cut outs and the relief elements on the first surface. For example, a cut out provided closer to an edge of a panel forming the second portion will typically produce a higher pitch sound than a cut out of corresponding size closer to the centre of the panel, since the flexibility of the panel will be greater away from the edges.

Where a plurality of cut outs are provided on the second surface, the cut outs may be arranged in different positions such that a sequence of sounds having different tones is produced as the container is opened or closed. Alternatively or in addition, by adjusting the spacing or separation of the plurality of cut outs or the relief elements, it may be possible to adjust the rhythm of the sequence of sounds produced. A distinctive sequence of sounds may advantageously be created for association with a particular type or brand of consumer goods.

In certain preferred embodiments of containers according to the present invention, the interaction of the one or more relief elements on the first surface with the fine cut element on the second surface advantageously retains the first portion and the second portion of the container in the closed position. The combination of the one or more relief elements and the fine cut element therefore perform a locking function as well as delivering sensations upon opening and closing of the container. This ensures that the consumer goods are retained within the container and ensures that the freshness of the consumer goods is maintained as much as possible once the container has been opened for the first time and any seals have been removed.

The interaction of the relief elements with the cut outs forming the fine cut element typically increases the level of friction between the first surface and the second surface as the surfaces are moved relative to each other. This means that a greater force is required to move the first portion and the second portion relative to each other between an open and a closed position than in a standard container. The increased level of friction between the relief elements and the fine cut element as they interact with each other can be used to effectively lock the first portion and the second portion in a closed position so that they do not move towards the open position unless or until a positive force is applied by the consumer. This can be achieved, for example, by positioning the fine cut element and the relief elements such that the interaction between them occurs immediately as the first portion and the second portion of the container are moved from the closed position towards the open position. In this way, the interaction prevents any further inadvertent movement towards the open position and retains the first portion and the second portion in the closed position.

The first surface of containers according to the invention may optionally be provided with a printed design element in the region of the one or more relief elements. In such embodiments, the second surface overlies the first surface and the cut outs in the second surface extend through the second portion such that an image of the printed design element is visible through the fine cut elements as the first surface and the second surface move over each other, wherein the image is visually altered as the fine cut element moves relative to the printed design element. In this way, a unique optical or visual effect will be observed by the consumer upon opening or closing of the container in addition to the sound or tactile effects produced as a result of the interaction of the fine cut element with the one or more relief elements.

In relation to the present invention, the term "printed design element" refers to any pattern, design or indicia that has been printed onto the first surface of the container and that is adapted so that the movement of the fine cut element over the design element causes the image of the design element to change in some way. For example, the design element may include any combination of text, logos, images or other graphic designs or patterns. The design element may be used to provide information to the consumer, or may be a decorative feature of the container, or both. The printed design element may be printed on the surface of the first portion using known printing techniques.

Preferably, containers according to the invention are formed from one or more laminar blanks, which are provided with the one or more relief elements on a first surface and the fine cut element on a second surface. The one or more laminar blanks may then advantageously be assembled using conventional apparatus and methods.

According to the invention there is provided a laminar blank for forming a container according to the present invention, comprising: an box-defining portion including a first surface with one or more relief elements applied thereto; and a lid-defining portion connected to the box-defining portion and including a second panel with a fine cut element.

The present invention finds application in any containers formed of two portions that move relative to each other when the container is opened and closed and have at least one pair of contacting surfaces that move over each other as the portions are moved relative to each other.

In certain embodiments, the first portion and the second portion may be rotatable or pivotable relative to each other between the closed position and the open position. In alternative embodiments, the first portion and the second portion may be slidably moveable relative to each other between the closed position and the open position.

Containers according to the invention may be in the form of a slide and shell container comprising: an inner slide for housing the consumer goods; and an outer shell mounted around the inner slide for movement relative thereto between a closed position and an open position.

In slide and shell containers according to the invention, either the first surface or the second surface is provided on an outer surface of a wall of the inner slide and the other is provided on an inner surface of an overlying wall of the outer shell, wherein as the outer shell is moved relative to the inner slide between the closed position and the open position the first surface and the second surface slide against each other. In some slide and shell containers according to the invention, the inner slide is slidable into and out of the outer shell in a straight line, either from the top or bottom of the outer shell, or from one side of the outer shell. To move to an open position, the inner slide is therefore typically moved in one direction out of the outer shell to expose an opening in the inner slide through which the consumer goods can be removed. In other slide and shell containers according to the invention, the inner slide is pivotable into and out of the outer shell about a hinge line provided along a free edge of the outer shell. To move to an open position, the inner slide is therefore rotated to bring at least a part of the inner slide out of the outer shell and the expose an opening through which the consumer goods can be removed. In some embodiments, the inner slide may comprise one or more hinge lids which are openable upon moving the inner slide out of the outer shell into an open position.

Containers according to the invention may alternatively be hinge lid containers comprising: a box for housing the consumer goods; a hinge lid connected to the box along a hinge line extending across a wall of the container and pivotable about the hinge line between a closed position and an open position; and an inner frame mounted within the box and having a protruding portion extending beyond the free edges of the box. The hinge lid is pivotable relative to the inner frame between the closed position and the open position.

In slide and shell containers according to the invention, either the first surface or the second surface is provided on an outer surface of the protruding portion of the inner frame and the other is provided on an inner surface of the hinge lid such that the first surface and the second surface are in contact with each other when the hinge lid is in the closed position and slide against each other as the hinge lid is moved towards the open position.

Containers according to the invention may be formed from any suitable materials including, but not limited to, cardboard, paperboard, plastic, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the container is formed from one or more folded laminar cardboard blanks and preferably, the cardboard has a weight of between about 100 grams per square metre and about 350 grams per square metre.

Containers according to the invention may be in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, with right-angled longitudinal and right-angled transverse edges. Alternatively, the container may comprise one or more rounded longitudinal edges, rounded transverse edges, bevelled longitudinal edges or bevelled transverse edges, or combinations thereof. For example, the container according to the invention may comprise, without limitation:

- One or two longitudinal rounded or bevelled edges on the front wall, and/or one or two longitudinal rounded or bevelled edges on the back wall.

- One or two transverse rounded or bevelled edges on the front wall, and/or one or two transverse rounded or bevelled edges on the back wall. - One longitudinal rounded edge and one longitudinal bevelled edge on the front wall, and/or one transverse rounded edge and one transverse bevelled edge on the back wall.

- One or two transverse rounded or bevelled edges on the front wall and one or two longitudinal rounded or bevelled edges on the front wall.

- Two longitudinal rounded or bevelled edges on a first side wall or two transverse rounded or bevelled edges on the second side wall.

Where the container comprises one or more rounded edges and is made from one or more laminar blanks, preferably the blanks comprise three, four, five, six or seven scoring lines or creasing lines to form each rounded edge in the assembled container. The scoring lines or creasing lines may be either on the inside of the container or on the outside of the container. Preferably, the scoring lines or creasing lines are spaced from each other by between about 0.3 mm and 4 mm.

Preferably, the spacing of the creasing lines or scoring lines is a function of the thickness of the laminar blank. Preferably, the spacing between the creasing lines or scoring lines is between about 0.5 and about 4 times larger than the thickness of the laminar blank.

Where the container comprises one or more bevelled edge, preferably the bevelled edge has a width of between about 1 mm and about 10 mm, preferably between about 2 and about 6 mm. Alternatively, the container may comprise a double bevel formed by three parallel creasing or scoring lines that are spaced such that two distinct bevels are formed on the edge of the container.

Where the container comprises a bevelled edge and is made from one or more laminar blanks, the bevel may be formed by two parallel creasing lines or scoring lines in the laminar blank. The creasing lines or scoring lines may be arranged symmetrically to the edge between a first wall and a second wall. Alternatively, the creasing lines or scoring lines may be arranged asymmetrically to the edge between the first wall and the second wall, such that the bevel reaches further into the first wall of the container than into the second wall of the container.

Alternatively, the container may have a non-rectangular transversal cross section, for example polygonal such as triangular or hexagonal, semi-oval or semi-circular.

Containers according to the invention find particular application as packs for elongate smoking articles such as, for example, cigarettes, cigars or cigarillos. It will be appreciated that through appropriate choices of the dimensions thereof, containers according to the invention may be designed for different numbers of conventional size, king size, super-king size, slim or super-slim cigarettes. Alternatively, other consumer goods may be housed inside the container.

Through an appropriate choice of the dimensions thereof, containers according to the invention may be designed to hold different total numbers of smoking articles, or different arrangements of smoking articles. For example, through an appropriate choice of the dimensions thereof, containers according to the invention may be designed to hold a total of between ten and thirty smoking articles.

The smoking articles may be arranged in different collations, depending on the total number of smoking articles. For example, the smoking articles may be arranged in a single row of six, seven, eight, nine or ten. Alternatively, the smoking articles may be arranged in two or more rows. The two or more rows may contain the same number of smoking articles. For example, the smoking articles may be arranged in: two rows of five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten; three rows of five or seven; or four rows of four, five or six. Alternatively, the two or more rows may include at least two rows containing different number of smoking articles to each other. For example, the smoking articles may be arranged in: a row of five and a row of six (5-

6) ; a row of six and a row of seven (6-7); a row of seven and a row of eight (7-8) ; a middle row of five and two outer rows of six (6-5-6); a middle row of five and two outer rows of seven (7-5-

7) ; a middle row of six and two outer rows of five (5-6-5); a middle row of six and two outer rows of seven (7-6-7); a middle row of seven and two outer rows of six (6-7-6) ; a middle row of nine and two outer rows of eight (8-9-8); or a middle row of six with one outer row of five and one outer row of seven (5-6-7).

Containers according to the present invention may hold smoking articles of the same type or brand, or of different types or brands. In addition, both filterless smoking articles and smoking articles with various filter tips may be contained, as well as smoking articles of differing length (for example, between about 40 mm and about 180 mm), diameter (for example, between about 4 mm and about 9 mm). In addition, the smoking articles may differ in strength of taste, resistance to draw and total particulate matter delivery. Preferably, the dimensions of the container are adapted to the length of the smoking articles, and the collation of the smoking articles. Typically, the outer dimensions of the container are between about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm larger than the dimensions of the bundle or bundles of smoking articles housed inside the container.

The length, width and depth of containers according to the invention may be such that, in the closed lid position, the resultant overall dimensions of the container are similar to the dimensions of a typical disposable hinge-lid pack of twenty cigarettes.

Preferably, containers according to the invention have a height of between about 60 mm and about 150 mm, more preferably a height of between about 70 mm and about 125 mm, wherein the height is measured from the bottom wall to the top wall of the container.

Preferably, containers according to the invention have a width of between about 12 mm and about 150 mm, more preferably a width of between about 70 mm and about 125 mm, wherein the width is measured from one side wall to the other side wall of the container. Preferably, containers according to the invention have a depth of between about 6 mm and about 150 mm, more preferably a depth of between about 12 mm and about 25 mm wherein the depth is measured from the front wall to the back wall of the container.

Preferably, the ratio of the height of the container to the depth of the container is in between about 0.3 to 1 and about 10 to 1 , more preferably between about 2 to 1 and about 8 to 1 , most preferably between about 3 to 1 and 5 to 1

Preferably, the ratio of the width of the container to the depth of the container is in between about 0.3 to 1 and about 10 to 1 , more preferably between about 2 to 1 and about 8 to 1 , most preferably between about 2 to 1 and 3 to 1 .

The interior surfaces or exterior surfaces of containers or both interior and exterior surfaces of containers according to the invention may be printed, embossed, debossed or otherwise embellished with manufacturer or brand logos, trade marks, slogans and other consumer information and indicia.

The consumer goods within the containers according to the invention may be individually wrapped. This has the advantage that once the container according to the invention is opened and a first consumer good is removed, the remainder of the consumer goods are still wrapped and remain such protected from dust, sunlight or other environmental influences.

Once filled, containers according to the invention may be shrink wrapped or otherwise over wrapped with a transparent polymeric film of, for example, high or low density polyethylene, polypropylene, oriented polypropylene, polyvinylidene chloride, cellulose film, or combinations thereof in a conventional manner. Where containers according to the invention are over wrapped, the over wrapper may include one or more a tear tapes. In addition, the over wrapper may be printed with images, consumer information or other data.

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

Figure 1 shows a perspective, front view of a hinge lid container according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with the lid in an open position;

Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of a portion of the hinge lid container shown in Figure 1 , with the lid in a closed position;

Figure 3a shows a schematic side view of a portion of a hinge lid container according to the second embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 3b shows a schematic side view of a portion of a hinge lid container according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

The hinge lid container 2 shown in Figure 1 is a rectangular parallelepiped and comprises a box 10 and a lid 20 that is hinged to the box 10 along a hinge line extending substantially horizontally along the back wall of the container 2. Figure 1 shows the container with the hinge lid 20 in an open position. A bundle of cigarettes (not shown) is housed in the box 10 of the container 2. The overall size and construction of the box 10 and lid 20 of container 2 are substantially the same as that of a standard hinge lid cigarette pack.

The box 10 has a box front wall 12, a box left side wall, a box right side wall 14, a box back wall, and a box bottom wall. The upper side of the box 10 is open, to provide an upper opening through which the cigarettes can be removed.

The terms "front", "back", "upper", "lower", "side", "top", "bottom" and other terms used to describe relative positions of the components of containers 2 according to the invention refer to the container in an upright position with the lid 20 at the top end and the hinge on the back. The terms "left" and "right" are used with reference to side walls of the container when the container 2 is viewed from the front in its upright position. When the container in the upright position is open, the cigarettes 5 contained in the box 10 may be removed from the upper end of the container 2.

The lid 20 has a lid front wall 22, a lid left side wall, a lid right side wall 24, a lid back wall and a lid top wall 26. When the container 2 is closed, the free edges of the walls of the lid 20 abut the free edges of the walls of the box 10 along a line of abutment. In the closed position, the walls of the lid 20 therefore form extensions of the corresponding walls of the box 10 to define the walls of the container 2.

An inner frame 30 is mounted within the box 10 of the container 2. The inner frame 30 comprises an inner frame front wall 32, an inner frame left side wall and an inner frame right side wall 34 which are connected to the inner surface of the box front wall 12, box left side wall and box right side wall 14, respectively. The inner frame front wall 32 includes a rectangular cut out at the top free edge thereof, in order to facilitate removal of the cigarettes from the box 10. The walls of the inner frame 30 extend above the upper edges of the box 10.

Prior to first opening, the container 2 is wrapped in an outer wrapper (not shown) formed of a transparent film, in the conventional manner.

On the inner surface of the lid front wall 22, a relief element 40 is provided, which comprises a pattern formed of small circular deposits 42 of a spot varnish which have been applied to the surface of the laminar blank forming the container, prior to assembly of the container. Each deposit 42 of varnish is raised above the general inner surface of the lid front wall 22 and has a diameter of approximately 0.25 mm.

On the inner frame front wall 32, a fine cut element 44 is provided, which comprises a pattern formed of a plurality of cut outs 46 having a cut width of approximately 1 mm.

The relief element 40 and the fine cut element 44 are positioned such that in the closed position of the hinge lid 20, the relief element 40 overlies the fine cut element 44. As the hinge lid 20 is moved from a closed position to an open position, the lid front wall 22 slides upwards over the inner frame front wall 32 and the relief element 40 is thereby moved over the fine cut element 44, as illustrated by Figure 2. As the deposits 42 of varnish forming the relief element 40 slide into and out of the cut outs 46 forming the fine cut element 44, a sound is generated and the consumer is able to feel the interaction of the relief element 40 and the fine cut element 44 as the container is opened.

Figure 3a shows a schematic side view of an alternative container in which the relief element 140 comprises a plurality of embossments 142 in place of the deposits of varnish of container 10. The effect of the interaction between the relief element 140 and the fine cut element 44 is similar to that described above in relation to container 10.

Figure 3b shows a schematic side view of an alternative container in which the relief element 240 comprises a flap 242 formed by a U-shaped cut out in place of the deposits of varnish of container 10. The flap 242 is folded about a hinge line so that is protrudes from the surface to provide the relief element. As the relief element 240 is moved over the fine cut element 44, the flap snaps into each of the cut outs 46 of the fine cut element 44, generating an audible clicking sound.

It will be appreciated that the combinations of relief elements and fine cut elements described above could equally be applied to the side walls of the inner frame and hinge lid of a hinge lid container, or to the contacting surfaces of an alternative construction of container, such as the slide and shell construction used for smoking articles.

Claims

1 . A container for consumer goods comprising a first portion and a second portion that are moveable relative to each other between a closed position and an open position, the container further comprising:

a first surface on the first portion comprising one or more relief elements which are raised above the level of the first surface; and

a second surface on the second portion comprising a fine cut element formed of one or more cut outs having at least a portion with a cut width of between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, wherein the first surface and the second surface are arranged such that as the first portion and the second portion of the container are moved between the closed position and the open position, the first surface and the second surface are moved over each other, whereby the one or more relief elements on the first surface interact with the fine cut element on the second surface.

2. A container according to claim 1 wherein the relief elements include one or more discrete, raised portions of a varnish applied to the first surface and wherein as the first portion and the second portion of the container are moved between the closed position and the open position, the fine cut element slides over the raised portions of the varnish.

3. A container according to claim 2 wherein the raised portions of varnish comprise a flavourant material which is released upon interaction of the raised portions with the fine cut element as the first portion and the second portion of the container are moved between the closed position and the open position.

4. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the relief elements include one or more embossments wherein as the first portion and the second portion of the container are moved between the closed position and the open position, the fine cut element on the first surface slides over the embossments on the second surface.

5. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the relief elements include one or more cuts to form one or more flaps protruding from the first surface wherein as the first portion and the second portion of the container are moved between the closed position and the open position, the fine cut element slides over the one or more flaps.

6. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the first surface comprises a plurality of relief elements and the second surface comprises a plurality of cuts and wherein the interaction of the plurality of relief elements with the plurality of cuts produces an audible sound.

7. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the interaction of the one or more relief elements on the first surface with the fine cut element on the second surface retains the first portion and the second portion in the closed position.

8. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the first portion and the second portion are slidably moveable relative to each other between the closed position and the open position.

9. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the first portion and the second portion are rotatable relative to each other between the closed position and the open position.

10. A laminar blank for forming the container according to claim 1 , the blank comprising: a box-defining portion including a first panel with one or more relief elements applied to the outer surface; and

a lid-defining portion connected to the box-defining portion and including a second panel with a fine cut element.