WO2013127690A1

WO2013127690A1 - Slide and shell container with detachable wall panel

Info

Publication number: WO2013127690A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/053476
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philippe Bourgoin; Lucas Chatelain; Daniel PAKSI
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
Priority date: 2012-02-27
Filing date: 2013-02-21
Publication date: 2013-09-06

Abstract

A slide and shell container (10) comprises: an outer shell (14); and an inner slide (12) comprising an access opening, wherein the inner slide (12) is mounted within the outer shell (14). The outer shell (14) comprises a detachable wall panel (40) forming at least a part of a first wall of the container, wherein upon removal of the detachable wall panel (40) from the container an opening is provided in the outer shell (14) and the inner slide (12) becomes moveable relative to the outer shell (14) through the opening in the outer shell, between a closed slide position, in which the access opening in the inner slide (12) is inaccessible, and an open slide position, in which the inner slide (12) at least partially projects through the opening in the outer shell (14) such that the access opening is accessible. Prior to removal of the detachable wall panel (40) from the container (10), the opening in the outer shell (14) through which the inner slide (12) becomes moveable relative to the outer shell (14) is at least partially blocked by the detachable wall panel (40). The outer shell (14) and the inner slide (12) are formed together from a single laminar blank (110) in which the detachable wall panel (40) is detachably connected to at least one of the outer shell (14) and the inner slide (12).

Description

SLIDE AND SHELL CONTAINER WITH DETACHABLE WALL PANEL

The present invention relates to a novel slide and shell container for consumer goods. The container finds particular application as a container for elongate smoking articles, such as cigarettes. The present invention further relates to a laminar blank for forming a slide and shell container for consumer goods and to a method of assembling such a laminar blank.

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

In several known examples of slide and shell containers, the inner slide is slidable out from the outer shell through an opening provided at one side wall of the pack, as for example in WO-A-2008/065541 . The inner slide and outer shell of such containers are typically formed separately from two distinct laminar blanks. The manufacturing process for assembling and filling the container is often therefore relatively complex.

It would be desirable to provide an improved slide and shell container for consumer goods such as smoking articles that can be assembled and filled more efficiently using conventional methods and apparatus. It would be particularly desirable if such a container could be formed of a laminar blank that can be produced in a simple and efficient manner.

According to the invention there is provided a slide and shell container for consumer goods comprising an outer shell; and an inner slide for housing the consumer goods, which is mounted within the outer shell. The inner slide comprises an access opening for accessing the consumer goods therein. The outer shell comprises a detachable wall panel forming at least a part of a first wall of the container. Upon removal of the detachable wall panel from the container, an opening is provided in the outer shell and the inner slide becomes moveable relative to the outer shell through the opening in the outer shell, between a closed slide position and an open slide position. In the closed slide position the access opening in the inner slide is inaccessible whilst in the open slide position, the inner slide at least partially projects through the opening in the outer shell such that the access opening is accessible. Prior to removal of the detachable wall panel from the container, the opening in the outer shell through which the inner slide becomes moveable relative to the outer shell is at least partially blocked by the detachable wall panel. The outer shell and the inner slide are formed together from a single laminar blank in which the detachable wall panel is detachably connected to at least one of the outer shell and the inner slide. Prior to the first opening of the container, the inner slide and outer shell of the container of the present invention are attached to each other by means of the detachable wall panel. Until the detachable wall panel is removed, this attachment between the two portions of the container preferably substantially prevents movement of the inner slide within the outer shell. Furthermore, the detachable wall panel at least partially blocks the opening in the outer shell through which the inner shell must be moved in order to access the consumer goods. This also substantially prevents movement of the inner slide out of the outer shell.

Preferably, the detachable wall panel retains the inner slide in the closed slide position within the outer shell. It is therefore not possible to move the inner slide to the open slide position to gain access to the consumer goods in the inner slide without first removing the detachable wall panel.

The detachable wall panel therefore provides containers according to the invention with a tamper evident seal, which enables the consumer to tell whether or not the container has been previously opened or tampered with in any way. The presence of an unbroken seal indicates that the inner slide has not yet been opened and the consumer goods have not been accessed. The presence of the detachable wall may also reflect to the consumer that the goods within the container are still fresh, since the packaging has not yet been opened.

Upon removal of the detachable wall panel, the inner slide becomes free to move relative to the outer shell and to move out through the opening created in the outer shell which was previously blocked by the detachable wall panel. The movement of the inner slide to its open slide position is therefore possible, in order to gain access to the consumer goods through the access opening in the inner slide.

Preferably, the detachable wall panel is detachably connected to both the outer shell and the inner slide. This way, the consumer may decide whether to detach the detachable wall panel from the inner slide or from the outer shell, or entirely remove the detachable wall panel from both the outer shell and the inner slide. In some embodiments, the completely detachable wall panel may be for example a coupon.

Alternatively, the detachable wall panel may be detachably connected to only one of the outer shell and the inner slide. In such embodiments, preferably, the detachable wall panel is hingedly connected to the other of the outer shell and the inner slide. Advantageously, the detachable wall panel that is still attached to one of the outer shell and the inner slide may be used to retain the inner slide within the outer shell if desired. For example, the detachable wall panel may comprise a locking mechanism such as for example engaging flaps, magnets, Velcro® type hook and loop fasteners or a tacky surface to retain the inner slide within the outer shell in the closed position of the container.

The inner slide and outer shell are integrally formed from a single laminar blank. The integration of the outer shell and the inner slide into a single laminar blank provides manufacturing advantages. In particular, through the use of a single laminar blank the production process of the containers according to the invention can be made simpler and more efficient than the corresponding processes of the prior art for slide and shell containers made from two pieces.

As set out above, in the containers of the prior art the inner slide and outer shell are typically formed of separate and distinct laminar blanks which must be produced and printed separately before being assembled and combined to form the final container. The handling and assembly of the separate laminar blanks for the inner slide and outer shell typically requires relatively complex manufacturing processes. In contrast, the use of a single laminar blank to form both the inner slide and the outer shell of containers according to the invention enables the use of simpler and more efficient machinery and processes. In many cases, the assembly of the containers from the single laminar blanks can be carried out using existing packaging machinery.

In addition, there is greater flexibility in the processing of the single laminar blank, since the integration of the inner slide and outer shell enables the container to be partially assembled whilst remaining flat. This is due to the assembly process for the container, which enables the consumer goods to be inserted into the partially assembled container, rather than the container having to be assembled around the consumer goods, as in prior art processes, particularly in the tobacco industry. The blank manufacturer is therefore able to partially assemble the container prior to transport to the manufacturer of the consumer goods, who will complete the assembly and filling of the container. This makes the overall production process more efficient for the manufacturer of the consumer goods and allows the manufacturer to use the existing packaging apparatus and methods for assembly.

The integration of the inner slide and the outer shell into a single laminar blank also provides a simple and convenient way to incorporate the detachable wall panel and connect the detachable wall panel to both the inner slide and the outer shell of the container.

The detachable wall panel of containers according to the invention is provided in the outer shell such that it at least partially covers the opening through which the inner slide must be moved in order to access the consumer goods through the access opening. The detachable wall panel is provided at a first wall of the container, which is at the side of the container through which the inner slide is to be removed. Preferably, the first wall of the container is a minor wall of the container. The term "minor" is used to refer to the walls of the container having a smaller surface area than the other, "major" walls. In a container having a rectangular parallelepipedal shape, the major walls correspond to the front and back walls and the minor walls correspond to the top, bottom and side walls.

The terms "front", "back", "upper, "lower", "side", "top", "bottom", "left", "right" and other terms used to describe relative positions of the components of containers according to the invention refer to the container in an upright position with the front wall facing towards the consumer. This is the position in which a slide and shell container will typically be displayed, for example on a shelf.

The term "longitudinal" refers to a direction from bottom to top or vice versa. The term "transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

Particularly preferably, the first wall at which the detachable wall panel is provided is a side wall of the container. In such preferred embodiments, an opening is therefore formed at the side of the container upon removal of the detachable wall panel so that the inner slide is slidable in a sideways direction from the outer shell.

The provision of the detachable wall panel at the side of the container requires a more significant adaptation of the single laminar blank than where the detachable wall panel is provided at the top of the container. This is because the way in which the single laminar blank must be folded in order to assemble the container requires that there will typically be at least two overlapping panels at the side walls of the container. The laminar blank must be adapted such that all of the necessary panels are removed in order to provide an opening in the outer shell through which the inner slide may be removed, whilst retaining the structural integrity of the remainder of the inner slide and outer shell.

Preferably, the detachable wall panel extends between opposed edges of the first wall. Particularly preferably, the detachable wall panel extends between opposed longitudinal edges of the first wall such that the detachable wall panel extends across the full width of the wall. For example, where the first wall is a side wall, the detachable wall panel preferably extends between the front and back edges of the side wall.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the detachable wall panel extends along the full length of the first wall so that prior to removal, the detachable wall panel fully covers the opening in the outer shell. In such embodiments, the inner slide will not be visible at the first wall of the container prior to removal of the detachable wall panel.

In alternative embodiments, the detachable wall panel extends along only a part of the length of the first wall, wherein the remainder of the first wall remains open. Prior to the removal of the detachable wall panel, the outer shell therefore includes at least one opening at the first wall of the container. The inner slide will typically be visible through the at least one opening but the opening will be too small for the inner slide to be removed through the opening. The removal of the detachable wall panel increases the size of the opening in the outer shell so that the opening is sufficiently large for the inner slide to move out through the opening to the open slide position. The detachable wall panel may be provided at one end of the first wall, so that the inner slide is visible on one side of the panel. Alternatively, the detachable wall panel may be provided at an intermediate position along the first wall, so that the inner slide is visible on both sides of the panel. Where the detachable wall panel extends along only a part of the length of the first wall, the detachable wall panel may be formed from a part of a larger wall panel, for example, a wall panel that extends along the full length of the first wall. The remainder of the wall panel, on one or both sides of the detachable wall panel, is preferably folded inwards and secured to one or both of the walls adjoining the first wall. The remainder of the wall panel therefore provides one or more strengthening flaps at the opening in the outer shell. The strengthening flaps provide rigidity to the outer shell and prevent buckling of the edges of the outer shell at the opening. Furthermore, the strengthening flaps advantageously stabilise the single laminar blank during assembly of the container of the invention, in particular during the folding of the laminar blank when the container is partially assembled. This prevents twisting of the blank, which in turn helps to prevent the premature tearing of the detachable wall panel during production.

Preferably, the detachable wall panel is formed of overlying outer and inner panels which are affixed to each other to provide a double thickness wall panel. This increases the rigidity of the detachable wall panel and may advantageously provide a more secure closure of the outer shell around the inner slide until opening. Where the detachable wall panel is formed of outer and inner panels, one or both of the panels is preferably detachably connected to both the outer shell and the inner slide. In one preferred embodiment, the inner panel is detachably connected to both the outer shell and the inner slide and the outer panel is detachably connected to the outer shell only. This arrangement facilitates the assembly of the container from a single laminar blank.

The detachable connection between the detachable wall panel and each of the adjoining walls of the outer shell and inner slide is preferably provided by means of a line of weakness extending along the edge of the detachable wall panel.

The term "line of weakness" describes a line in the laminar blank, along which the sheet material forming the blank has been weakened for example through removal or destruction of some of the material along that line. This facilitates the tearing or breakage of the sheet material along a desired line. The one or more lines of weakness in containers according to the present invention may be, for example, score lines, or lines of perforations.

Preferably, the detachable wall panel is attached to the container along two opposed lines of weakness extending along opposed edges of the first wall. Particularly preferably, the detachable wall panel is attached to the outer shell along two opposed lines of weakness. One edge of the detachable wall panel may alternatively or additionally be connected to the inner slide along a line of weakness.

For example, where the detachable wall panel is provided at a side wall of the container, the detachable wall panel is preferably attached to the outer shell along lines of weakness extending along the front and back edges of the side wall. The detachable wall panel is additionally attached to the inner shell along a line of weakness extending along one of the edges. This can be conveniently achieved through the use of overlying panels to form the detachable wall panel, as described above.

The lines of weakness define the lines along which the detachable wall panel is separated from the container. Preferably, the lines of weakness substantially coincide with edges of the container so that the lines of weakness have a low visibility in the assembled container. The lines of weakness defining the edges of the detachable wall panel may conveniently be provided in the single laminar blank prior to assembly of the container.

Preferably, an opening tab is provided at one or both ends of the detachable wall panel in order to make it easier for the consumer to grasp the detachable wall panel. The opening tab or tabs are connected to the detachable wall panel but not to the remainder of the container, such that they can be readily lifted away from the surface of the container. If desired, the opening tab may be folded relative to the rest of the detachable wall panel so that the opening tab protrudes slightly from the surface of the container.

The inner slide of containers according to the present invention includes an access opening which is uncovered, or capable or being uncovered, when the inner slide is in the open slide position so that the consumer goods within the inner slide can be removed. In the closed position, the access opening is preferably covered by one or more of the walls of the outer shell. The covering or closing of the access opening protects the consumer goods within the inner slide and helps to retain the freshness of the consumer goods.

Preferably, the access opening is positioned in the part of the inner slide that projects through the opening in the outer shell in the open slide position. The size and shape of the access opening in the inner slide can advantageously be adjusted in order to suit the size and shape of the consumer goods to be housed within the inner slide. Furthermore, if desired, the size of the access opening can be selected so that only a single consumer good or a small group of consumer goods is dispensed from within the inner slide. Alternatively, the outer shell may provide a separate access opening that can be brought into alignment with the opening in the inner slide to allow removal of the consumer goods through the separate access opening via the opening in the inner slide.

In certain preferred embodiments of the invention, at least a part of the top wall of the inner slide is open in order to provide access to the interior of the inner slide in the open position. In the closed position of the inner slide, the opening in the top wall is covered by the top wall of the outer shell. When the inner slide is moved into the open slide position, the access opening is uncovered. The consumer goods can then be lifted out of the inner slide from the top end. The top of the inner slide may be fully open so that the inner slide does not include a top wall panel. Alternatively, an opening may be provided in the top wall of the inner slide which extends along only the part of the inner slide that projects through the opening in the outer shell. If desired, the opening may extend at least part way across other adjacent walls of the inner slide, such as for example the front wall. This may facilitate the grasping of the consumer goods within the inner slide.

Preferably, the bottom end of the inner slide is closed in order to prevent the loss of consumer goods through the bottom of the inner slide when the container is in the open slide position.

The access opening is preferably provided in one or more walls of the inner slide such that it is automatically uncovered when the inner slide is moved to the open slide position. Alternatively, the inner slide may be provided with a lid or flap which must be opened or removed in order to expose the access opening in the inner slide. For example, the inner slide may be provided with a hinge lid which can be pivoted to an open position when the inner slide is in the open slide position.

Preferably, the inner slide comprises one or more cut outs extending from the access opening. For example, where at least a part of the top wall is open to provide the access opening, one or more cut outs extending from the opening are preferably provided. Preferably, a pair of opposed cut outs is provided which extend into the adjacent walls of the inner slide. The cut outs advantageously facilitate access to the consumer goods within the inner slide and the removal of the consumer goods from the inner slide through the access opening.

The outer shell of containers according to the invention preferably includes walls at all sides of the container to fully enclose the inner slide until the detachable wall panel has been removed. The provision of all of the walls, in particular the inclusion of walls at the top and bottom ends of the outer shell, also advantageously provide structural rigidity to the outer shell after removal of the detachable wall panel.

As described above, the outer shell preferably includes one or more strengthening tabs at the edges around the opening that is formed upon removal of the detachable wall panel. The strengthening tabs are preferably folded inwards by about 180 degrees and affixed to the inner surfaces of the adjacent panels of the outer shell. This improves rigidity of the outer shell and in addition, provides smooth, printed edges rather than cut edges at the opening. Preferably, a strengthening tab is provided at each side of the detachable wall panel, which preferably extends along only a central portion of the first wall.

The opening formed in the outer shell after removal of the detachable wall panel should be of an appropriate size and shape to enable the inner slide to project through the opening such that the access opening is uncovered. The necessary size and shape of the opening will depend upon the mechanism for removing the inner slide from the outer shell. The opening may extend over a part of the first wall of the container, for example, if the inner slide is pivoted so that only a corner projects in the open slide position. Alternatively, the outer shell may be fully open at the first wall of the container upon removal of the detachable wall panel. This arrangement enables the inner slide to slide out from within the outer shell. Preferably, the outer shell comprises one or more cut outs extending from the opening in the first wall that is provided upon removal of the detachable wall panel. Preferably, a pair of opposed cut outs is provided, wherein each cut out extends from the opening in the front wall into the side wall. The provision of the cut outs adjacent the opening advantageously allow the consumer to more easily grasp the inner slide through the opening in order to pull it out through the opening. This facilitates the opening of the container in order to access the consumer goods.

Preferably, the outer shell comprises one or more cut outs or windows in the wall of the outer shell that is opposite to the first wall. The provision of one or more cut outs in this wall allows the consumer to apply a pushing force on the inner slide in order to move the inner slide towards the open slide position. This therefore further facilitates the opening of the container to access the consumer goods. Preferably, the one or more cut outs in the opposed wall are substantially circular or oval in shape and are of a sufficient size to enable a finger or thumb to be placed through the cut out and into contact with the back wall of the inner slide. If desired, the cut out or cut outs may extend from the wall opposite the first wall into adjacent walls.

In certain embodiments, additional cut outs or cuts may be provided in the outer shell in order to reveal the underlying surface of the inner slide. For example, a pattern of cut outs or cuts may be provided in order to reveal a design element on the exterior surface of the inner slide. With an appropriate combination of cut outs and design elements, it may be possible to provide visual effects, such as animation, as the inner slide is moved between the closed slide position and the open slide position. Advantageously, in these embodiments, the alignment of the design elements on the inner slide and the cut outs in the outer shell can be achieved particularly easy and precisely as the inner slide and the outer shell are made from a single piece blank. Therefore, the relative positions between the design elements on the inner slide and the cut outs in the outer shell are predetermined.

Preferably, the internal dimensions of the outer shell are substantially the same as the external dimensions of the inner slide, so that inner surfaces of the outer shell overlie the outer surfaces of the inner slide in the closed position. In this embodiment, the inner slide is entirely within the outer shell in the closed position of the container.

As described above, upon removal of the detachable wall panel to separate the inner slide and outer shell and to provide an opening in the outer shell, the inner slide may be moved between the closed slide position and the open slide position in which the access opening is uncovered. The inner slide may be pivotally moveable relative to the outer shell such that the consumer may pivot the inner slide out through the opening in the outer shell. More preferably, the inner slide is slidable relative to the outer shell such that the consumer may slide the inner slide out through the opening in the outer shell. Preferably, the opening is provided at a side wall of the container such that the inner slide is slidable in a sideways direction. After removal of the detachable wall panel, frictional forces generated between the outer surfaces of the inner slide and the inner surfaces of the outer shell may resist movement of the inner slide between the closed slide position and the open slide position. This advantageously prevents opening and closing of the container without the application of a positive force by the consumer.

Preferably, containers according to the invention further comprise at least one friction element to further increase the friction between the outer shell and the inner slide. Alternatively or in addition to the at least one friction element, suitable retention means may be provided to retain the inner slide in the closed position and to limit the movement of the inner slide relative to the outer shell. Particularly preferably, the retention means ensure that the inner slide cannot be pushed out of the outer shell beyond its open slide position. The retention means may include, for example, one or more magnets, Velcro^® strips, low-tack adhesives, embossed or debossed areas on at least one of the outer shell and the inner slide.

In certain preferred embodiments, the retention means comprises at least one retention tab provided on the inner slide. The at least one retention tab is capable of engaging with the outer shell to prevent movement of the inner slide beyond the open position. The at least one retention tab may engage with a corresponding tab provided on the inside of the outer shell, wherein the engagement of the tabs prevents further movement of the inner slide out of the outer shell. Alternatively, the outer shell may include one or more cut outs on the inner surface thereof, wherein the at least one retention tab is restrained to moving within the one or more cut outs.

Containers according to the invention may be formed from any suitable materials including, but not limited to, cardboard, paperboard, plastic, metal, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the outer shell and inner slide are formed from a folded laminar cardboard blank 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, preferably the laminar blank for forming the container comprises 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, 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. Preferably, smoking articles are housed within the inner slide of containers according to the invention. 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 .

Where the container comprises smoking articles, the container may further comprise waste-compartments (for example for ash or butts) or other consumer goods, for example matches, lighters, extinguishing means, breath-fresheners or electronics. The other consumer goods may be attached to the outside of the container, contained within the container along with the smoking articles, in a separate compartment of the container or combinations thereof.

The 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.

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

Once filled, containers according to the invention may be shrink wrapped or otherwise over wrapped with a transparent polymeric film of, for example, 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 tear tapes. In addition, the over wrapper may be printed with images, consumer information or other data.

The inner slide and outer shell of containers according to the invention are formed from a single laminar blank, which is provided with a detachable wall panel.

The present invention further provides a laminar blank for forming a container according to the invention as described above. The laminar blank comprises a slide-defining portion for forming the inner slide and a shell-defining portion for forming the outer shell, wherein the shell- defining portion comprises a detachable wall panel connecting the shell-defining portion to the slide-defining portion. The detachable wall panel is attached to each of the slide-defining portion and the shell-defining portion along one or more lines of weakness.

In certain preferred embodiments, the laminar blank further comprises an outer detachable wall panel positioned such that upon assembly of the laminar blank to form a container, the outer detachable wall panel overlies the detachable wall panel connecting the slide-defining portion to the shell-defining portion. In this way, a detachable wall panel is formed with inner and outer panels, as described above. The outer detachable wall panel is preferably detachably connected to the shell-defining portion along a line of weakness, but not directly to the slide-defining portion. Once assembled with the inner and outer panels overlying each other, the detachable wall panel is therefore connected to the outer shell along a pair of opposed lines of weakness on either side of the opening, as well as to the inner slide.

According to the present invention there is also provided a method for assembling a container according to the invention from a single laminar blank, as described below.

The laminar blank incorporating the detachable wall panel is first partially assembled. In a first step, the slide-defining portion of the laminar blank is partially assembled by folding it along the longitudinal fold lines provided therein. The shell-defining portion is also folded along the longitudinal fold lines provided therein and folded around the partially assembled slide- defining portion such that the detachable wall panel is provided at the first wall of the container, overlying the inner slide-defining portion. This provides an open ended sleeve, with the inner slide within the outer shell. The resultant open ended sleeve can advantageously be flattened at this stage for efficient storage or transport.

In the same or a separate process to the partial assembly described above, the consumer goods are then inserted into the partially assembled inner slide through one of the open ends. The panels of the laminar blank forming the top and bottom walls of the container are folded inwards and glued in the conventional manner, so that the open ends of the container are closed and the opening in the inner slide is covered. This closure of the open ends of the container can be carried out automatically during assembly of the container, for example, in a standard Bergami® machine.

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

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a container according to the invention in a closed slide position, with the detachable wall panel intact;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the container of Figure 1 in an open slide position after removal of the detachable wall panel; and

Figure 3 shows a plan view of a single laminar blank suitable for forming the container of Figures 1 and 2.

The container 10 shown in Figure 1 is a rectangular parallelepiped and comprises an outer shell 14 and an inner slide 12 mounted within the outer shell 14. A bundle of smoking articles 16 is housed in the inner slide 12 of the container 10.

The inner slide 12 has a slide front wall 18, a slide back wall 20, a left slide side wall 22, a right slide side wall 24 and a slide bottom wall 26. The top side of the inner slide 12 is open, to provide an access opening through which the smoking articles within the inner slide 12 can be accessed when the container 10 is in an open slide position, as shown in Figure 2. A pair of opposed, substantially trapezoidal cut outs 28 extend from the front and back edges of the opening at the top of the inner slide 12 down into the front 18 and back 20 walls. The cut outs 28 are provided at the right side of the inner slide 12 such that the cut outs 28 are at least partially exposed in the open slide position of the container 10. This facilitates the removal of the smoking articles from within the inner slide 12.

The outer shell 14 comprises a shell front wall 30, a shell back wall 32, a left shell side wall 34, a shell bottom wall 36 and a shell top wall 38. The internal dimensions of the outer shell 14 are similar to the internal dimensions of the inner slide 12 such that in the closed position shown in Figure 1 the inner slide 12 sits entirely within the outer shell 14 with the walls of the outer shell 14 overlying the corresponding walls of the inner slide 12.

The outer shell 14 further comprises a detachable wall panel 40 forming a partial right side wall of the outer shell 14. The detachable wall panel 40 has a height corresponding to approximately half of the overall height of the container 10 and is provided approximately centrally at the right side of the outer shell 14. The remainder of the right side of the outer shell 14 remains open, such that the inner slide 12 is visible above and below the detachable wall panel 40. The detachable wall panel is connected to the front wall 30 and back wall 32 of the outer shell 14 along opposed lines of weakness 42 extending along the right side edges of the shell front wall 30 and back wall 32, respectively. An opening tab 44 is provided at the top end of the detachable wall panel 40 to make it easier for the detachable wall panel 40 to be grasped by the consumer.

The detachable wall panel 40 comprises an inner wall panel 401 and an outer wall panel 402 overlying the inner wall panel 401 . As can be seen from Figure 3, the right edge of the inner wall panel 401 is detachably connected to the shell back wall 32 along a first line of perforation 421 and the opposed, left edge of the inner wall panel 401 is detachably connected to the slide front wall 18 along a second line of perforation 422. The inner wall panel 401 is therefore detachably connected to both the inner slide 12 and the outer shell 14. The outer wall panel 402 overlies the inner wall panel 401 and is affixed to the outer surface of the inner wall panel 401 by means of a suitable adhesive. The left edge of the outer wall panel 402 is detachably connected to the shell front wall 30 along a third line of perforation 423. The outer wall panel 402 is therefore detachably connected to the outer shell 14 only. In the assembled container 10, the third line of perforation 423 substantially coincides with the second line of perforation 422.

The outer shell 14 is provided with a cut out 46 which extends across the left shell side wall 34 and into the adjacent portions of the shell front 30 and back walls 32. The cut out 46 exposes an area of the underlying left slide side wall 22 so that the consumer can push the inner slide 12 through the cut out 46 in order to move it towards the open position.

The container 10 described above may be formed from the single laminar blank 1 10 shown in Figure 3. In Figure 3, the dashed lines indicate fold lines and the solid lines indicate cut lines. The reference numerals of the panels in the blank 1 10 correspond to the reference numerals of the corresponding walls in the assembled container 10.

The blank 1 10 comprises a slide-defining portion 1 12 for forming the inner slide 12 and a shell-defining portion 1 14 for forming the outer shell 14. The slide-defining portion 1 12 and the shell-defining portion 1 14 are integrally formed from the single laminar blank 1 10 and are connected to each other by means of a panel 140 extending between the right edge of the slide front wall 18 and the left edge of the shell back wall 32.

The panel 140 is cut into three separate portions by means of cut lines extending across the panel. The upper 1401 and lower 1402 portions are connected to the shell back wall panel 32 along fold lines extending along the left side edge of the shell back wall panel 32. In the assembled container, the upper 1401 and lower 1402 portions are each folded by 180 degrees and affixed to the inner surface of the shell back wall 32 to provide rigidity.

The central portion of the panel 140 provides the inner wall panel 401 of the detachable wall panel 40. The central portion 401 is therefore connected to both the shell back wall 32 and the slide front wall 18 along opposed lines of perforation 421 , 422, as described above.

The outer wall panel 402 of the detachable wall panel 40 is cut out from a panel 142 extending from the left edge of the shell front wall 30. The panel 142 extends the full height of the outer shell 42 and the remainder of the panel 142 after the outer wall panel 402 has been cut out is connected to the shell front wall panel 30 along a fold line extending along the right edge of the shell front wall panel 30. In the assembled container, the remainder of the panel 142 is folded by 180 degrees and affixed to the inner surface of the shell front wall 30 to provide rigidity.

A pair of first stopper flaps 144 extends from the top and bottom edges of the left shell side wall panel 22. In the assembled container, the first stopper flaps 144 are each folded by approximately 90 degrees to the left shell side wall so that they lie against the inner surfaces of the shell top wall 38 and shell bottom wall 36, respectively. A pair of second stopper flaps 146 extends from the right edges of the shell top wall panel 38 and the shell bottom wall panel 36. In the assembled container 10, the second stopper flaps 146 are folded by approximately 180 degrees so that they lie against the inner surfaces of the shell top wall 38 and shell bottom wall 36, respectively.

As the inner slide 12 is moved out of the outer shell 14 towards the open slide position, the free edges of the first 142 and second 144 stopper flaps are brought towards each other until the flaps engage and each of the first stopper flaps 142 slides underneath the corresponding second stopper flap 144. The engagement of the first 142 and second 144 stopper flaps prevents further movement of the inner slide 12 out from the outer shell 14.

Figure 1 shows the container 10 with the inner slide 12 in a closed position and the detachable wall panel 40 still in place on the container 10. In the closed slide position, the inner slide 12 is positioned fully within the outer shell 14 so that the access opening at the top of the inner slide 12 is fully covered by the shell top wall 38. The detachable wall panel 40 prevents movement of the inner slide 12 relative to the outer shell 14, by partially blocking the right side of the outer shell, such that the inner slide 12 remains in the closed position. In order to access the smoking articles within the inner slide 12, the detachable wall panel 40 must be torn away from the container 10 by breaking the lines of perforation 42 provided along the edges of the panel 40.

Once the detachable wall panel 40 has been removed, the right side of the outer shell 14 is fully open and the inner slide 12 and outer shell 14 are no longer attached to each other. The inner slide 12 therefore becomes moveable in a substantially horizontal direction between the closed slide position and the open slide position shown in Figure 2, in which the inner slide 12 projects through the opening at the right side of the outer shell 14, which was previously partially blocked by the detachable wall panel 40.

In order to move the inner slide 12 to the open slide position shown in Figure 2, the inner slide 12 may be grasped and pulled out through the opening at the right side of the outer shell 14. Alternatively, the inner slide 12 may be pushed sideways through the cut out in the left shell side wall 34.

The container 10 may be assembled from the blank 1 10 in the manner described above. Firstly, the slide-defining portion 1 12 is folded along its longitudinal, vertical edges and partially assembled into an open ended sleeve. The shell-defining portion 1 14 is also folded along its longitudinal, vertical edges and secured around the partially assembled inner slide 12 with the outer wall panel 402 adhered to the inner wall panel 401 in order to form the detachable wall panel 40. During the folding of the shell-defining portion 1 14, the upper 1401 and lower 1402 portions of the panel 140 are folded and adhered against the inner surface of the shell back wall 32 and the part of the panel 142 not forming the outer wall panel 402 of the detachable panel 40 is folded and adhered against the inner surface of the shell front wall 30.

The wrapped bundle 16 of smoking articles is then inserted through one of the open ends of the partially assembled container and the panels forming the slide bottom wall 26 and the shell top wall 38 and bottom wall 36 are folded and glued closed using a standard packing machine.

Claims

1 . A slide and shell container comprising:

an outer shell; and

an inner slide comprising an access opening, wherein the inner slide is mounted within the outer shell,

wherein the outer shell comprises a detachable wall panel forming at least a part of a first wall of the container, wherein upon removal of the detachable wall panel from the container an opening is provided in the outer shell and the inner slide becomes moveable relative to the outer shell through the opening in the outer shell, between a closed slide position, in which the access opening in the inner slide is inaccessible, and an open slide position, in which the inner slide at least partially projects through the opening in the outer shell such that the access opening is accessible;

wherein prior to removal of the detachable wall panel from the container, the opening in the outer shell through which the inner slide becomes moveable relative to the outer shell is at least partially blocked by the detachable wall panel; and

wherein the outer shell and the inner slide are formed together from a single laminar blank in which the detachable wall panel is detachably connected to at least one of the outer shell and the inner slide.

2. A slide and shell container according to any preceding claim wherein prior to removal of the detachable wall panel, the inner slide is retained in the closed slide position.

3. A slide and shell container according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the detachable wall panel extends part way along the length of the first wall of the container.

4. A slide and shell container according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the detachable wall panel is provided at a side wall of the container.

5. A slide and shell container according to any preceding claim wherein the outer shell comprises a cut out in the wall panel opposed to the detachable wall panel.

6. A slide and shell container according to any preceding claim wherein the detachable wall panel is connected to at least one of the adjacent walls of the outer shell along a line of weakness.

7. A slide and shell container according to any preceding claim wherein the detachable wall panel comprises an outer wall panel detachably connected to the outer shell and an inner wall panel detachably connected to the outer shell and the inner slide.

8. A slide and shell container according to any preceding claim wherein at least a part of the top wall of the inner slide is open to provide the access opening.

9. A slide and shell container according to claim 8 wherein the inner slide comprises one or more cut outs extending from the open part of the top wall of the inner slide.

10. A slide and shell container according to any preceding claim further comprising retention means for preventing removal of the inner slide from the outer shell.

1 1 . A slide and shell container according to claim 10 wherein the retention means comprises a retention flap provided on the inner slide, wherein the retention flap is capable of engaging with the outer shell to prevent movement of the inner slide beyond the open position.

12. A slide and shell container according to any preceding claim wherein smoking articles are housed within the inner slide.

13. A laminar blank for forming the slide and shell container according to any preceding claim, the laminar blank comprising: a slide-defining portion for forming the inner slide and a shell-defining portion for forming the outer shell, wherein the shell-defining portion comprises a detachable wall panel connecting the shell-defining portion to the slide-defining portion and attached to each of the slide-defining portion and the shell-defining portion along one or more lines of weakness.

14. A laminar blank according to claim 13 wherein the slide defining portion further comprises an outer detachable wall panel positioned such that upon assembly of the laminar blank to form a container, the outer detachable wall panel overlies the detachable wall panel connecting the slide-defining portion to the shell-defining portion.

15. A method for forming a slide and shell container from the laminar blank according to claim 13 or 14, comprising the steps of:

partially assembling the slide-defining portion by folding along the longitudinal fold lines provided therein; folding the shell-defining portion around the partially assembled inner slide defining portion such that the detachable wall panel is provided at the first wall of the container, overlying the slide-defining portion;

inserting consumer goods into the partially assembled inner slide through an open end thereof; and

closing the ends of the partially assembled container in order to cover the open end of the inner slide.