WO2014188358A1

WO2014188358A1 - Rigid hinged-lid package and corresponding packing method and machine

Info

Publication number: WO2014188358A1
Application number: PCT/IB2014/061598
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roberto Polloni; Paolo ARDUINI; Michele Squarzoni; Stefano Negrini
Original assignee: G.D Societa' Per Azioni
Priority date: 2013-05-21
Filing date: 2014-05-21
Publication date: 2014-11-27
Also published as: ITBO20130238A1; ITBO20130641A1

Abstract

A package (1) of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, having: a soft inner package (21) having an extraction opening (121) and enclosing a group of smoking articles; a cover flap (31) for covering and sealing the extraction opening (121), and coated with non-dry, re-stick adhesive on at least a portion of its inner surface contacting the soft inner package (21); a grip tab (41) for gripping the cover flap (31) and having no adhesive; and a rigid outer container (51) enclosing the soft inner package (21) and having a front major wall (151) and an opposite parallel rear major wall, and a rigid lid (61) hinged to the rear major wall to rotate between a first open position and a second closed position; wherein the grip tab (41) projects from the rigid lid (61), and overlaps the front major wall (151) in such an area as to be grippable by the user between at least two fingers, when the rigid lid (61) is in the second closed position.

Description

RIGID HINGED-LID PACKAGE AND CORRESPONDING PACKING METHOD AND MACHINE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a package of smoking articles, and to a corresponding packing method and machine. More specifically, the present invention relates to a rigid, hinged-lid package of smoking articles, and to a corresponding packing method and machine .

In the following description, reference is made, for the sake of simplicity and purely by way of example, to a rigid, hinged-lid packet of cigarettes.

BACKGROUND ART

A rigid, hinged-lid packet of cigarettes normally comprises a soft inner package enclosed inside a rigid outer container. Access to the inner package is by means of a rigid lid on and hinged to the outer container. The outer container may also have a collar that projects at the lid to hold it in the closed position.

The soft inner package is formed by wrapping a group of cigarettes in an appropriately shaped sheet of packing material. To better preserve the organoleptic characteristics of the cigarette tobacco, a sealed inner package is known, which is formed by folding and heat sealing a sheet of impermeable packing material. To withdraw the cigarettes from the inner package, an extraction opening is formed in the sheet of packing material, and is covered by a cover flap that can be opened and closed repeatedly after the inner package is unsealed. The cover flap is normally in the form of an open-close panel coated with non-dry, re-stick adhesive on the peripheral portions contacting the inner package. The cover flap is also known to have a user grip tab, with no adhesive, to make the cover flap easier to use. In other words, to open and close the panel, the user simply grips the grip tab, which is in no way fixed to, but simply rests on, the underlying inner package, and is maintained in position by being connected integrally to the panel.

Despite the grip tab, however, user access to the cigarette extraction opening often proves difficult. That is, to ensure effective sealing, the panel is integral with, and extends over a considerable area of, the inner package, thus leaving only a small area of the inner package for the grip tab.

The grip tab is also known to be made in the form of an appendage of the cover flap itself. In which case, the portion defining the grip tab is formed by superimposing a further layer of material on the adhesive surface, to prevent the user from coming into contact with it. Alternatively, if the cover flap is made of multilayer material, the portion defining the grip tab is formed by simply not removing the layer superimposed on the adhesive. In both cases, the multiple layers of which the grip tab is composed make it extremely stiff, so, even without adhesives or fastening means, it tends to adhere to the surface of the inner package, thus making it difficult to lift up.

A grip tab is also known which extends from the lid to the front major wall of the rigid outer container. In which case, the front major wall has a recess for housing the grip tab flush with the wall. Though attractive, this solution is extremely awkward, by forcing the user to work inside the tight gaps between the tab and the front major wall to pick the grip tab off the wall.

Moreover, when unsealing the inner package, sufficient force must be applied for the cover flap to tear along the peripheral tear lines formed in the underlying portion of the inner package and defining the cigarette extraction opening.

Producing a package with the above characteristics also poses serious difficulties in superimposing the grip tab on the collar or positioning the grip tab inside the recess formed for it in the front wall. More specifically, the grip tab must be raised to fit the collar to the inner package, underneath the grip tab. Demand therefore exists for a package of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, designed to minimize the above drawbacks. More specifically, demand exists for a package of smoking articles that is easier to use, by being easier to open and close.

Demand also exists for a package of smoking articles that is cheap and easy to produce.

Finally, demand also exists for a package of smoking articles that is attractive in appearance.

Demand also exists for a packing method, for producing packages of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, designed to minimize the above drawbacks.

Demand also exists for a packing machine, for producing packages of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, designed to minimize the above drawbacks and comprising a small number of component parts.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a rigid, hinged-lid package of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, that is easier to use and at the same time cheap and easy to produce.

More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a package of smoking articles that is quick and easy to open.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a packing method and machine for producing a rigid, hinged-lid package of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes.

According to the present invention, there is provided a package of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, as claimed in the attached Claims.

The package comprises:

- a soft inner package having an extraction opening and enclosing a group of smoking articles;

a cover flap for covering and sealing the extraction opening, and coated with non-dry, re-stick adhesive on at least a portion of its inner surface contacting the soft inner package;

- a cover flap grip tab with no adhesive;

- a rigid outer container enclosing the soft inner package and comprising a front major wall and an opposite parallel rear major wall; and a rigid lid hinged to the rear major wall to rotate between a first open position and a second closed position opening and closing the rigid outer container respectively;

the package of smoking articles being characterized in that the grip tab projects from the rigid lid, and overlaps the front major wall in such an area as to be grippable by the user between at least two fingers, when the rigid lid is in the second closed position.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the package comprises: - a soft inner package having an extraction opening and enclosing a group of smoking articles;

- a cover flap grip tab with no adhesive;

- a rigid outer container enclosing the soft inner package and comprising a front major wall and an opposite, parallel rear major wall; and a rigid lid hinged to the rear major wall to rotate between a first open position and a second closed position opening and closing the rigid outer container respectively;

the grip tab initially being in an inner configuration; and the package of smoking articles being characterized in that the grip tab, in the inner configuration, is interposed between the front major wall and the soft inner package when the rigid lid is in the second closed position; and the grip tab projects from the rigid lid into an outer configuration, and overlaps the front major wall in such an area as to be grippable by the user between at least two fingers, when the rigid lid is rotated the first time into the first open position.

The package is thus much easier to use, by eliminating the need to extract or lift up the grip tab for use. By overlapping the front major wall, the grip tab allows the user to open the lid directly using the grip tab itself. So the user can access the smoking articles easily in one operation, the grip tab acting as a means of opening both the lid and the cover flap.

The possibility of gripping the grip tab between two fingers without involving the rest of the package, in particular the lid, prevents deformation of the package caused by crushing or squeezing it.

When the grip tab is in the initial inner configuration, the look of the package remains unchanged until it is unsealed. Withdrawal of the grip tab tells the user the package is being opened for the first time. And the fact that the grip tab is only withdrawn the first time the package is opened guarantees the package has not been tampered with, even without an overwrap.

The grip tab is preferably made of elastically flexible material.

As such, the grip tab returns easily into position overlapping the front major wall, even after use. Being elastically flexible, the grip tab springs back to its original shape after being bent in use.

The grip tab is preferably connected to the rigid lid to withdraw into the outer configuration. Even more preferably, the grip tab is connected to the inner surface of the rigid lid by one or more spots of glue, the elastic flexibility of the grip tab allowing it to detach from the rigid lid when unsealing the package, when the rigid lid is rotated into the first open position .

Withdrawal of the grip tab when unsealing the package is thus guided by the lid, which ensures it subsequently overlaps the front major wall. More specifically, the possibility of elastically flexing the grip tab allows it to accumulate energy during the movement imposed by opening the lid, and to use the accumulated energy to detach itself from the lid and overlap the front major wall.

The grip tab preferably extends longitudinally beneath the rigid lid, towards the extraction opening.

As such, because the grip tab has no adhesive, the effort required to open the lid - more specifically, the first time, when the lid is connected integrally to the rest of the outer container - does not interfere with the effort required to detach the cover flap from the inner package. More specifically, the fact that the grip tab extends beneath the lid separates the force application area to open the lid from the force application area to tear open the extraction opening along the tear lines defining it.

Preferably, the grip tab is a portion of the cover flap . This safeguards against the grip tab detaching from the cover flap, even in the event the latter is subjected to repeated stress for access to the group of smoking articles.

Preferably, the grip tab is at least partly transparent and/or reproduces at least a portion of the front major wall it overlaps.

This way, despite the grip tab overlapping a large portion of the front major wall, compulsory health warnings, the manufacturer's logo, if any, and other graphics on the package are still visible or reproducible .

Preferably, the rigid outer container has a raised portion located at the rigid lid and designed to form a collar integral with the front major wall.

This way, connection of the rigid lid to the rest of the rigid outer container is ensured, even if the lid is formed from the same blank.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a packing method for producing a package of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, as claimed in the attached Claims.

The packing method comprises the steps of:

- forming in a strip of packing material a number of non-through incisions at least partly defining a number of smoking article extraction openings; - superimposing and gluing a cover flap onto each extraction opening, to cover and seal the extraction openings; the cover flap having non-dry, re-stick adhesive on at least a portion of its inner surface contacting the strip of packing material, and a grip tab with no adhesive;

- cutting off the strip of packing material a sheet of packing material comprising an extraction opening and corresponding cover flap;

folding the sheet of packing material about a group of smoking articles to form a soft inner package with the extraction opening;

- folding a blank about the soft inner package to form a rigid outer container comprising a front major wall and an opposite parallel rear major wall, and a rigid lid hinged to the rear major wall to rotate between a first open position and a second closed position opening and closing the rigid outer container respectively;

the method being characterized by comprising the steps of:

- raising the grip tab with respect to the soft inner package, before completely folding the front major wall, so as to superimpose the grip tab on the front major wall; and

- folding the end portions of the blank, which form the rigid lid, over the raised grip tab; the grip tab projecting from the rigid lid and overlapping the front major wall in such an area as to be grippable by the user between at least two fingers, when the rigid lid is in the second closed position.

A package can thus be obtained with a grip tab overlapping the front major wall and applied before folding the outer container blank about the inner package .

According to a further aspect of the invention, the method comprises the steps of:

- forming in a strip of packing material a number of non-through incisions at least partly defining a number of smoking article extraction openings;

- superimposing and gluing a cover flap onto each extraction opening, to cover and seal the extraction openings; the cover flap having non-dry, re-stick adhesive on at least a portion of its inner surface contacting the strip of packing material, and a grip tab with no adhesive;

folding the sheet of packing material about a group of smoking articles to form a soft inner package with the extraction opening; - folding a blank about the soft inner package to form a rigid outer container comprising a front major wall and an opposite parallel rear major wall, and a rigid lid hinged to the rear major wall to rotate between a first open position and a second closed position opening and closing the rigid outer container respectively;

the method being characterized by comprising the steps of:

- completely folding the front major wall, so as to interpose the grip tab between the front major wall and the soft inner package;

- folding the end portions of the blank, which form the rigid lid, over the grip tab;

- applying one or more spots of glue to the area of the inner surface of the rigid lid superimposed on said grip tab, before positioning the rigid lid in the second closed position, so as to connect the inner surface of the rigid lid to the grip tab, and so as to withdraw the grip tab into an outer configuration overlapping the front major wall in such an area as to be grippable by the user between at least two fingers, when the rigid lid is rotated the first time into the first open position .

A package can thus be obtained with a grip tab activatable by the user when unsealing the package. The method preferably also comprises the step of forming a raised portion on the blank, at the rigid lid, before folding the blank about the soft inner package; the raised portion forming a collar integral with the front major wall; and the rigid lid, in the second closed position, being superimposed on the raised portion .

The collar, if any, securing the rigid lid to the rest of the rigid outer container is thus formed on the blank when producing the package.

folding a blank about the soft inner package fitted with a collar, to form a rigid outer container comprising a front major wall and an opposite parallel rear major wall, and a rigid lid hinged to the rear major wall to rotate between a first open position and a second closed position opening and closing the rigid outer container respectively;

the method being characterized by comprising the steps of:

- applying the collar to the bottom end of the soft inner package opposite the extraction opening;

- raising the grip tab with respect to the soft inner package before completely folding the front major wall ;

- moving the collar from the bottom end to the top end, at the extraction opening; and

- superimposing the grip tab on the collar or on the collar and the front major wall.

A package can thus be obtained with a grip tab superimposed on the collar before folding the outer container blank about the inner package. More specifically, by positioning and subsequently moving the collar, the grip tab need only be raised once, thus speeding up the machine process.

The method also comprises the step of folding the end portions of the blank, which form the rigid lid, over the raised grip tab; the grip tab projecting from the rigid lid and overlapping the front major wall in such an area as to be grippable by the user between at least two fingers, when the rigid lid is in the second closed position.

A package can thus be obtained with a collar separate from the blank; and with a grip tab overlapping both the collar and the front major wall of the package. More specifically, by positioning and subsequently moving the collar, the grip tab need only be raised once, thus speeding up the machine process.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a packing machine for producing a package of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, as claimed in the attached Claims.

The machine comprises:

- a first incision device for forming in a strip of packing material a number of non-through incisions at least partly defining a number of smoking article extraction openings;

- a second application device for superimposing and gluing a cover flap onto each extraction opening; the cover flap having non-dry, re-stick adhesive on at least a portion of its inner surface contacting the strip of packing material, and a grip tab with no adhesive; - a first cutting unit for cutting off the strip of packing material a sheet of packing material comprising an extraction opening and corresponding cover flap;

- a first packing unit for folding the sheet of packing material about a group of smoking articles to form a soft inner package with the extraction opening;

- a second packing unit for folding a blank about the soft inner package to form a rigid outer container comprising a front major wall and an opposite parallel rear major wall, and a rigid lid hinged to the rear major wall to rotate between a first open position and a second closed position opening and closing the rigid outer container respectively;

the machine being characterized by comprising a folding device connected operatively to the second packing unit and designed to raise the grip tab with respect to the soft inner package, before the second packing unit completely folds the front major wall, so as to superimpose the grip tab on the front major wall; the second packing unit being designed to fold the end portions of the blank, which form the rigid lid, over the raised grip tab as the folding device releases the grip tab;

the folding device and the second packing unit interacting to position the grip tab projecting from the rigid lid and overlapping the front major wall in such an area as to be grippable by the user between at least two fingers, when the second packing unit positions the rigid lid in the second closed position.

Using one folding device, the grip tab can thus be bent elastically to allow the second packing unit to fold the blank conventionally. Partly folding the grip tab allows the second packing unit to form the rigid lid and subsequently guide the grip tab onto the front major wall .

According to a further aspect of the invention, the machine comprises:

- a second application device for superimposing and gluing a cover flap onto each extraction opening; the cover flap having non-dry, re-stick adhesive on at least a portion of its inner surface contacting the strip of packing material, and a grip tab with no adhesive;

- a first cutting unit for cutting off the strip of packing material a sheet of packing material comprising an extraction opening and corresponding cover flap;

- a first packing unit for folding the sheet of packing material about a group of smoking articles to form a soft inner package with the extraction opening; - a second packing unit for applying a collar to the soft inner package, and for folding a blank about the soft inner package to form a rigid outer container fitted with a collar and comprising a front major wall and an opposite parallel rear major wall, and a rigid lid hinged to the rear major wall to rotate between a first open position and a second closed position opening and closing the rigid outer container respectively;

the machine being characterized by comprising:

a folding device connected operatively to the second packing unit; and

a shift device connected operatively to the second packing unit;

the second packing unit being designed to apply the collar to the bottom end of the soft inner package opposite the extraction opening, before the blank is folded about the soft inner package;

the folding device being designed to raise the grip tab with respect to the soft inner package before the second packing unit completely folds the front major wall ;

the shift device being designed to move the collar from the bottom end to the top end, at the extraction opening, so as to superimpose the grip tab on the collar or on the collar and the front major wall;

the second packing unit also being designed to fold the end portions of the blank, which form the rigid lid, over the raised grip tab as the folding device releases the grip tab;

Using one folding device, the grip tab can thus be bent elastically to allow the second packing unit to fold the blank conventionally. More specifically, by positioning and subsequently moving the collar, the grip tab need only be raised once, thus speeding up the machine process. Partly folding the grip tab allows the second packing unit to form the rigid lid and subsequently guide the grip tab onto the front major wall.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the machine comprises:

the machine being characterized by comprising a gumming device connected operatively to the second packing unit to apply glue to the inner surface of the rigid lid;

the second packing unit being designed to:

- completely fold the front major wall, so as to interpose the grip tab between the front major wall and the soft inner package, in a first inner configuration;

- fold the end portions of the blank, which form the rigid lid, over the grip tab;

the gumming device being designed to apply one or more spots of glue to the area of the inner surface of the rigid lid superimposed on the grip tab, before the second packing unit rotates the rigid lid into the second closed position, so as to connect the inner surface of the rigid lid to the grip tab, and so as to withdraw the grip tab into a second outer configuration overlapping the front major wall in such an area as to be grippable by the user between at least two fingers, when the rigid lid is rotated the first time into the first open position.

The gumming device thus connects at least part of the grip tab to at least part of the inner surface of the rigid lid, thus speeding up and minimizing the number of operations required to produce a package of smoking articles with a grip tab designed to overlap the front major wall when the package is unsealed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A number of preferred, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the attached drawings, in which :

Figure 1 shows a front view in perspective of a first embodiment of the package of smoking articles according to the present invention, and with the lid in the second closed position;

Figure 2 shows a front view in perspective of the Figure 1 package of smoking articles with the lid in the first open position;

Figure 3 shows a front view in perspective of a second embodiment of the package of smoking articles according to the present invention, with a built-in collar and with the lid in the second closed position;

Figure 4 shows a front view in perspective of the Figure 3 package of smoking articles with the lid in the first open position;

Figure 5 shows a front view in perspective of a third embodiment of the package of smoking articles according to the present invention, with the grip tab in the first inner configuration, and with the lid in the second closed position;

Figures 6-8 show front views in perspective of the sequence of steps to position the grip tab overlapping the front major wall of the rigid outer container of the Figure 1 and 2 package of smoking articles;

Figures 9 and 10 show front views in perspective of the sequence of steps to position the collar beneath the grip tab in a fourth embodiment of the package according to the present invention;

Figure 11 shows a schematic view in perspective of a packing machine for producing a package of smoking articles in accordance with the present invention.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Figures 1 and 2 show a package 1 of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, in accordance with the present invention.

Package 1 of cigarettes comprises a parallelepiped- shaped rigid outer container 51 made of rigid paper material, such as cardboard; and a sealed soft inner package 21 made of heat-sealed plastic material and housed inside container 51.

Inner package 21 is also parallelepiped-shaped, encloses a group of cigarettes (not shown) , and has a cigarette extraction opening 121 defined by a U-shaped incision 131' formed in the top surface and part of the front surface, but not in the rear surface, of inner package 21. Extraction opening 121 is covered and sealed by a cover flap 31 in the form of a reclosable 'open & close' sealing panel, which therefore also extends over the top surface and a portion of the front surface of inner package 21. More specifically, in the Figure 1 and 2 embodiment, cover flap 31 has permanent adhesive on its central portion 31' substantially coincident with extraction opening 121, and on its rear portion (not shown) directly contacting the rear surface of inner package 21, and has non-dry, re-stick adhesive on its remaining outer portion 31" contacting the top and front surfaces of inner package 21. For the sake of clarity, central portion 31' and outer portion 31" of cover flap 31 are outlined by dash lines in Figures 1 and 2. More specifically, dash line 131' corresponding to the incision defining extraction opening 121 outlines the area of central portion 31' . And dash line 131" marks the perimeter of outer portion 31" outside central portion 31 ' .

Cover flap 31 is movable between an open position and a closed position opening and closing extraction opening 121 respectively. Cover flap 31 is normally in the closed position closing extraction opening 121, and is temporarily lifted into the open position to allow user withdrawal of cigarettes through opening 121.

Package 1 according to the present invention also has a grip tab 41 by which to grip cover flap 31. Grip tab 41 has no adhesive, so as to avoid soiling the user's fingers with adhesive when gripped, and is located at and below extraction opening 121. In the Figure 1 and 2 embodiment, grip tab 41 and cover flap 31 are formed in one piece, i.e. grip tab 41 forms an adhesive-free portion of cover flap 31, thus safeguarding against grip tab 41 detaching from cover flap 31, even in the event of repeated stress on cover flap 31 to access the group of cigarettes over the working life of package 1. In other embodiments of the present invention, the grip tab may even be separate from, but connected integrally to, the cover flap. Grip tab 41 is described in detail below.

Outer container 51 comprises a front major wall 151 opposite and parallel to a rear major wall (not shown); two opposite parallel minor lateral walls 151', both connected to the major walls; and an open top end for access to extraction opening 121 of inner package 21. According to the present invention, the heightwise extension, from the base to the open top end of package 1, is referred to as longitudinal direction L; and the widthwise extension, such as the distance between the two minor walls or the width of the major walls, is referred to as transverse direction T.

Package 1 is closed by a rigid lid 61 of container 51, which is hinged to the rear major wall of container 51 to rotate between a first open position (Figure 2) opening outer container 51 to allow access to extraction opening 121, and a second closed position (Figure 1) closing the open top end of container 51.

When lid 61 is in the second closed position, outer container 51 is in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped with the walls described above. Different embodiments of the present invention from the one in Figures 1 and 2 may have differently shaped outer containers 51 and, hence, differently shaped inner packages 21. Likewise, in alternative embodiments of the present invention, the edges of outer container 51, which are all square in the Figure 1 and 2 embodiment, may be bevelled or rounded.

As stated, package 1 according to the present invention has a grip tab 41 forming an integral part of cover flap 31. Grip tab 41 projects from lid 61 in the second closed position, and overlaps front major wall 151. Grip tab 41 therefore lies in a plane parallel to front major wall 151, for easy grip by the user. More specifically, as shown in Figure 1, grip tab 41 extends in such as are as to be grippable easily by the user between at least two fingers when lid 61 is in the second closed position.

In the present invention, the term ^xgrippable by the user between two fingers' is intended to mean that the area of grip tab 41 is large enough to fit between the centre portions of two fingertips.

More specifically, according to the present invention, grip tab 41 extends over the front major wall in longitudinal direction L and transverse direction T, so that all or most of its area overlaps front major wall 151.

According to the present invention, grip tab 41 extends in longitudinal direction L to a length ranging between 10 mm and the length of front major wall 151, preferably between 10 mm and 55 mm, and even more preferably between 15 mm and 20 mm. According to the present invention, grip tab 41 extends in transverse direction T to a width ranging between 5 mm and the width of front major wall 151, preferably between 5 mm and 25 mm, and even more preferably between 20 mm and 25 mm.

The size of grip tab 41 makes package 1 much easier to use, in particular by making it easier to open. Using grip tab 41, the user is able to access the group of cigarettes in one operation, which provides for successively moving lid 61 into the first open position and cover flap 31 into the raised open position. More specifically, the fact that grip tab 41 overlaps front major wall 151 allows the user to open lid 61 directly using grip tab 41. The size of grip tab 41 allows it to be gripped between at least two fingers without acting on package 1, and in particular on lid 61, thus preventing deformation of package 1 or lid 61 by crushing or squeezing it.

The size of grip tab 41 also makes it easier to apply force when opening package 1, by preventing the user's fingers from losing grip on tab 41.

In the Figure 2 embodiment, grip tab 41 also extends beneath lid 61, in longitudinal direction L, towards extraction opening 121 by a length D preferably ranging between 4 mm and 20 mm, and even more preferably between 4 mm and 10 mm. In other embodiments of the present invention, the grip tab may not extend beneath the lid, and extends exclusively over the front major wall of the outer container.

In the Figure 1 and 2 embodiment, because grip tab 41 has no adhesive, even on length D extending beneath lid 61, the force required to open the lid - more specifically, the first time, when the lid is connected integrally to the rest of container 51 - does not interfere with the force required to detach cover flap 31 from inner package 21. More specifically, by grip tab 41 extending beneath lid 61, the force application area, at length D, to open lid 61 is separated from the force application area, at outer portion 31", to tear open extraction opening 121 along incision 131' defining it, as stated.

Grip tab 41 is preferably made of elastically flexible or monolayer material, so it springs back easily into position overlapping front major wall 151, even after being raised by the user. This is due to the elastic flexibility of grip tab 41 allowing it to return to its original shape after being bent or raised in use.

In actual use, when the top end of container 51 is closed by rigid lid 61 in the second closed position, grip tab 41 projects from lid 61 and overlaps front major wall 151. And, to withdraw a cigarette from inner package 21, the user can opt either to first rotate lid 61 into the first open position and then lift cover flap 31 using grip tab 41, or to open lid 61 and cover flap 31 simultaneously by pulling up grip tab 41, which acts sequentially on lid 61 and cover flap 31. In other words, by pulling up grip tab 41 when lid 61 is in the second closed position, both lid 61 and cover flap 31 can be opened simultaneously in one operation to access extraction opening 121.

The Figure 11 schematic shows as a whole a packing machine 100, manufactured by G.D Societa per Azioni, for producing packages of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, and which provides for producing a package 1 of cigarettes in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention described above and illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

Packing machine 100 comprises a first reel-off line 101 for reeling off a strip 521 of heat-seal packing material. Reel-off line 101 comprises a known first, preferably laser, incision device (not shown) for forming in strip 521 a number of non-through incisions 131' . As stated, these are U-shaped and define at least part - in particular, three sides - of a number of cigarette extraction openings 121. First reel-off line 101 also comprises a known second application device (not shown) for superimposing and gluing a cover flap 31 onto each of incisions 131' defining extraction openings 121. The second application device comprises one or more gumming devices for defining one or more adhesive deposition patterns. More specifically, the gumming devices deposit permanent adhesive on central portion 31' and the rear portion (not shown) of cover flap 31, as stated, and deposit non-dry, re-stick adhesive on the remaining outer portion 31" of cover flap 31, except for grip tab 41. Once gumming is completed, the second application device superimposes and glues a cover flap 31 onto each incision 131', to cover and seal the resulting extraction openings 121. Finally, first reel- off line 101 comprises a known first cutting unit (not shown) for cutting strip 521 of packing material, in predetermined steps, into sheets 522 of packing material, each with an extraction opening 121 and corresponding cover flap 31.

Downstream from first reel-off line 101, packing machine 100 comprises a known second forming line 102 (only shown partly) for forming groups 102' of cigarettes and respective inner packages 21 enclosing them. Second forming line 102 comprises a first transfer wheel 202 which rotates about a horizontal axis of rotation, successively receives groups 102' of cigarettes, and transfers them to a second packing wheel 302', having a number of peripheral pockets 312', at a first packing unit 302. On second packing wheel 302', which rotates about a vertical axis of rotation, each pocket 312' receives a group 102' of cigarettes and respective sheet 522 of packing material. And rotation of second packing wheel 302' folds sheet 522 of packing material about the group 102' of cigarettes to form a soft inner package 21 with extraction opening 121. More specifically, sheet 522 of packing material is folded starting from the tip of the cigarettes, so that incision 131' of extraction opening 121 is located at the filter-tipped end of the cigarettes. As second packing wheel 302' rotates, inner package 21 is completed by forming a superimposed rear portion 21' and superimposed lateral portions 22', 22" of inner package 21.

First packing unit 302 also comprises a linear transfer station 302" for completing inner packages 21, and which comprises heating means for heat sealing the superimposed rear portion 21' and lateral portions 22', 22" to obtain the finished inner package 21. More specifically, in the embodiment described, the heating means comprise three successive axial heat-sealing stations .

In the Figure 11 embodiment, machine 100 comprises three known wheels 111, 111', 111" for simply transferring the finished inner package 21.

Packing machine 100 also comprises a second packing unit 402 for folding a blank 51' about soft inner package 21. Second packing unit 402 comprises a fourth packing wheel 402' rotating about a vertical axis of rotation and having a number of peripheral pockets 412'; and a fifth packing wheel 402" rotating about a horizontal axis of rotation, perpendicular to the axis of rotation of fourth packing wheel 402', and having a number of peripheral pockets 412".

Fourth packing wheel 402' is overlapped by transfer wheel 111" and has peripheral pockets, each for transferring an inner package 21, together with a blank 51' supplied by a feed line 414, to a corresponding peripheral pocket on fifth packing wheel 402".

Fifth packing wheel 402" therefore receives each inner package 21 and relative blank 51', and performs the folding operations necessary to form package 1 of cigarettes according to the present invention. More specifically, folding blank 51' produces a rigid outer container 51 enclosing inner package 21 and comprising a front major wall 151 and an opposite parallel rear major wall, and a rigid lid 61 hinged to the rear major wall to rotate between a first open position and a second closed position opening and closing rigid outer container 51 respectively.

At fifth packing wheel 402", packing machine 100 has a folding device 500 (shown schematically in Figures 7 and 8) connected functionally to second packing unit 402, and more specifically to fifth packing wheel 402".

Alternatively, pneumatic means for the same purpose may be substituted for the folding device.

Figures 6-8 show in perspective the sequence of steps performed on fifth packing wheel 402" of packing machine 100 to fold blank 51', in the Figure 1 and 2 embodiment, about inner package 21 to form an outer container 51 in which grip tab 41 overlaps front major wall 151 of container 51. More specifically, in a pocket 415" on fifth packing wheel 402", blank 51' is partly folded about inner package 21, as shown in Figure 6, so the next step calls for folding the front major wall 151 of container 51 and relative lid 61. In this condition, and as shown in Figure 7, folding device 500 is eased onto the front surface of inner package 21, between inner package 21 and the overlapping grip tab 41. Next, as shown in Figure 8, folding device 500 folds up grip tab 41 with respect to soft inner package 21 before second packing unit 402 completes folding front major wall 151.

Elastically flexing grip tab 41 in this way allows front major wall 151 to be folded without contacting grip tab 41.

Once front major wall 151 is folded, folding device 500 is withdrawn laterally to completely release blank 51', while second packing unit 402 folds the end portions, including tabs 14' and 14", of rigid lid 61 over the raised grip tab 41. The resilience of grip tab 41 and rotation of lid 61 formed over it therefore cause grip tab 41 to spring back into position overlapping front major wall 151.

Folding device 500 and second packing unit 402, in particular fifth packing wheel 402", interact to position grip tab 41 projecting from rigid lid 61 and overlapping front major wall 151 in such an area as to be grippable by the user between at least two fingers when second packing unit 402 positions rigid lid 61 in the second closed position.

By means of folding device 500, grip tab 41 can thus be flexed elastically to allow second packing unit 402 to fold blank 51' in the normal way. Partly folding grip tab 41 allows second packing unit 402 to first form rigid lid 61 and then guide grip tab 41 into position overlapping front major wall 151.

At the end of its rotation, fifth packing wheel 402" feeds the finished packets 1 of cigarettes successively to a linear transfer and storage station 405. More specifically, each package 1 reaching transfer and storage station 405 is positioned flat on the periphery of fifth packing wheel 402", i.e. with a major wall of outer container 51 facing outwards, and with its longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of rotation of fifth packing wheel 402".

Figures 3 and 4 show a second embodiment of the package of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, according to the present invention.

The package 2 in the second embodiment differs from the Figure 1 and 2 embodiment described by having a collar on and integral with the container 251, and as regards the shape of the grip tab 41' .

More specifically, the rigid outer container 251 has a raised portion 251', at rigid lid 261, of the same design as a conventional collar and which therefore forms a collar integral with front major wall 151 and lateral walls 151' of container 251. Connection of rigid lid 261 to the rest of rigid outer container 251 is ensured, even if the lid is formed from the same blank.

Integral collar 251' partly covers the portion of inner package 21 projecting from the open end of container 251. More specifically, it overlaps the lateral surfaces of inner package 21 to at least partly conceal the unsightly superimposed lateral portions 22 and, at the same time, avoid having to glue them to the lateral surfaces of inner package 21.

Integral collar 251' makes it necessary to alter the shape of grip tab 41' to follow the outline of the collar . The statements made regarding use of package 1 in the first embodiment, to which the reader is referred, also apply to package 2.

Package 2 can also be produced on packing machine 100 described above, to which the reader is also referred. The only difference lies in the form of the blank, which is fed to feed line 414 complete with raised portion 251'.

Alternatively, if the blank is fed to feed line 414 without the integral collar portion, feed line 414 must be equipped with a device for forming the raised portion on the blank. In which case, before the blank is folded about soft inner package 21 on fifth packing wheel 402", the forming device forms a raised portion 251' to form a collar integral with front major wall 151, Rigid lid 261 is therefore superimposed on raised portion 251' in the second closed position.

The collar thus secures rigid lid 261 to the rest of outer container 251 firmly enough to avoid a common defect of the package, that of leaving a gap between lid 261 and front major wall 151.

To produce a package with a collar integral with the container, in accordance with the present invention, the grip tab must overlap both the front major wall and the collar.

Figure 5 shows a third embodiment, which differs from the first embodiment in Figures 1 and 2 as regards the initial location of the grip tab 343, prior to unsealing the package 3. The structure of package 3 is therefore identical to that of package 1, to which the reader is referred.

Grip tab 343 is initially in an inner configuration, i.e. interposed between the front major wall 351 and the soft inner package (not shown) , when the rigid lid is in the second closed position and package 3 is not yet unsealed.

For the grip tab 343 to withdraw into an outer configuration, as in the Figure 1 and 2 embodiment, when the package is unsealed, the grip tab is connected to rigid lid 363. More specifically, the grip tab and lid are connected by a glued portion 361' in the area where the lid overlaps the grip tab. The glue used is a very low-grip temporary glue which allows grip tab 343 to detach from lid 363 when the resilience of grip tab 343 exceeds the grip of glued portion 361' . The glue pattern may also be defined by one or more spots of glue on rigid lid 363 or on the corresponding underlying portion of grip tab 343.

The glue spots must be strong enough to withstand flexing of grip tab 343, but weaker than the force required to lift outer portion 31" coated with re-stick adhesive. Likewise, the spots of glue must be weaker than the force required to tear open extraction opening 121 along incision 131'.

The glued portion 361' (one or more spots, glue pattern, etc.) must extend over an elastically flexible area of grip tab 343. And the glue spots must be located a minimum distance, e.g. roughly 10 mm, from the dash line 131" marking he perimeter of outer portion 31" facing grip tab 343.

The connection described allows grip tab 343 to flex elastically to withdraw and overlap the front major wall as described in detail below.

The strength of the glue spots is such that, the first time it is opened, rigid lid 363 simply withdraws grip tab 343 without lifting cover flap 31.

The glue spots applied must preferably also be such as to detach cleanly from the surface of grip tab 343, and remain integral with the inner surface of rigid lid 363.

When rigid lid 363 is rotated the first time into the first open position, grip tab 343 projects from lid 363 and is positioned in an outer configuration in which it overlaps front major wall 351. As in the Figure 1 and 2 embodiment, grip tab 343 extends over such an area as to be grippable by the user between at least two fingers when subsequently opening package 3.

In the third embodiment in Figure 5, withdrawal of grip tab 343 when unsealing package 3 is guided by lid 363, which ensures it overlaps front major wall 351. More specifically, the possibility of elastically flexing grip tab 343 allows it to accumulate energy during the movement imposed by opening lid 363, and to use the accumulated energy to detach itself from lid 363 and overlap front major wall 351.

This way, the look of package 3 remains unchanged until it is unsealed. Withdrawal of grip tab 343 tells the user package 3 is being opened for the first time. Furthermore, the third embodiment makes it clearly visible from the outside that package 3 of cigarettes is ^new' (i.e. has never been opened), and the fact that grip tab 343 is only withdrawn the first time the package is opened guarantees package 3 has not been tampered with, even without an overwrap.

The statements made regarding use of package 1 in the first embodiment, to which the reader is referred, also apply to package 3, except for the grip tab activating feature described above.

Package 3 can also be produced on packing machine 100 described above, to which the reader is therefore referred. The only difference lies in the folding device being replaced by a gumming device connected operatively to second packing unit 402 to apply glue to inner surface portion 361' of rigid lid 363. In the absence of a folding device, grip tab 343 therefore adheres to the front surface of the soft inner package, and fifth packing wheel 403" completes folding front major wall 351 with grip tab 343 interposed between front major wall 351 and the soft inner package. Once the end blank portions forming rigid lid 363 are folded, the gumming device, on fifth wheel 403", applies one or more spots of glue to the inner surface area of rigid lid 363 overlapping the grip tab. More specifically, glue is applied to portion 361' before lid 363 is positioned in the second closed position. So the glue pattern connects the inner surface of lid 363 to the underlying portion of grip tab 343.

Package 3 according to the third embodiment described and illustrated in Figure 5 can thus be produced with a grip tab 343 activatable by the user the first time the package is opened.

The gumming device provides for connecting at least part of grip tab 343 to at least part of the inner surface of rigid lid 363, to speed up and minimize the number of operations required to produce package 3 of cigarettes with a grip tab 343 that overlaps front major wall 351 the first time the package is opened.

In a fourth embodiment, the package 4 has a conventional collar formed from a blank separate from the one forming rigid outer container 51. In which case, as shown partly in Figures 9 and 10, the collar 300 is formed as a separate part of package 4 of cigarettes and then applied to container 51. The above description of package 2 with integral collar 251' also applies, mutatis mutandis, to package 4 with a separate collar 300.

Rigid outer container 51 has a collar 300, at rigid lid 61, which partly covers the portion of inner package 21 projecting from the open end of container 51. More specifically collar 300 overlaps the lateral surfaces of inner package 21 to at least partly conceal the unsightly superimposed lateral portions 22', 22" and, at the same time, avoid having to glue them to the lateral surfaces of inner package 21.

Collar 300 secures rigid lid 61 to the rest of outer container 51 firmly enough to avoid a common defect of the package, that of leaving a gap between lid 61 and front major wall 151.

As stated, package 4 has a grip tab 41 integral with cover flap 31. In the Figure 1 and 2 embodiment, grip tab 41 projects from lid 61 in the second closed position, and overlaps collar 300 and front major wall 151. Grip tab 41 therefore lies in a plane parallel to both collar 300 and front major wall 151, for easy grip by the user.

Alternatively, grip tab 41 may only overlap collar 300, without projecting from lid 61 in the second closed position, so grip tab 41 is concealed when the package is closed- Grip tab 41 is preferably made of elastically flexible material, so it springs back into position when folded or raised.

The Figure 11 schematic shows a packing machine 100, manufactured by G.D Societa per Azioni, for producing packages of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, and which, according to the present invention, provides for producing package 4 described above and shown in Figures 9 and 10.

Packing machine 100 comprises a first reel-off line 101 for reeling off a strip 521 of heat-seal packing material. Reel-off line 101 comprises a known first, preferably laser, incision device (not shown) for forming in strip 521 of packing material a number of non-through incisions at least partly defining a number of cigarette extraction openings 121. The incisions are preferably U-shaped, defining three sides of extraction openings 121. First reel-off line 101 also comprises a known second application device (not shown) for superimposing and gluing a cover flap 31 onto each of extraction openings 121 defined by the incisions. The second application device comprises one or more gumming devices for defining one or more adhesive deposition patterns. More specifically, the gumming devices deposit permanent adhesive on the central portion and the rear portion (not shown) of cover flap 31, and deposit non- dry, re-stick adhesive on the remaining outer portion of cover flap 31, except for grip tab 41. Once gumming is completed, the second application device superimposes and glues a cover flap 31 onto each incision, to cover and seal the resulting extraction openings 121. Finally, first reel-off line 101 comprises a known first cutting unit (not shown) for cutting strip 521 of packing material, in predetermined steps, into sheets 522 of packing material, each with an extraction opening 121 and corresponding cover flap 31.

Downstream from first reel-off line 101, packing machine 100 comprises a known second forming line 102 (only shown partly) for forming groups 102' of cigarettes and respective inner packages 21 enclosing them. Second forming line 102 comprises a first transfer wheel 202 which rotates about a horizontal axis of rotation, successively receives groups 102' of cigarettes, and transfers them to a second packing wheel 302', having a number of peripheral pockets 312' and rotating about a vertical axis of rotation, at a first packing unit 302. Each pocket 312' receives a group 102' of cigarettes and respective sheet 522 of packing material. And rotation of second packing wheel 302' folds sheet 522 of packing material about the group 102' of cigarettes to form a soft inner package 21 with extraction opening 121. More specifically, sheet 522 of packing material is folded starting from the tip of the cigarettes, so that extraction opening 121 is located at the filter-tipped end of the cigarettes. As second packing wheel 302' rotates, inner package 21 is completed by forming a superimposed rear portion 21' and superimposed lateral portions 22', 22" of inner package 21.

Packing machine 100 also comprises a second packing unit 402 for applying collar 300 to the finished inner package 21 and for folding a blank 51' about inner package 21. Second packing unit 402 comprises a fourth packing wheel 402' rotating about a vertical axis of rotation and having a number of peripheral pockets 412'; and a fifth packing wheel 402" rotating about a horizontal axis of rotation, perpendicular to the axis of rotation of fourth packing wheel 402', and having a number of peripheral pockets 412".

Fourth packing wheel 402' has peripheral pockets, each for transferring an inner package 21, together with a blank 51' supplied by a feed line 414, to a corresponding peripheral pocket on fifth packing wheel 402".

To produce a package 4 with a collar 300 separate from the container, grip tab 41 must overlap collar 300. So packing machine 100 has a collar feed device (not shown) .

Packing machine 100 also has a folding device 500 connected functionally to second packing unit 402. Folding device 500 is shown schematically in Figure 4 and connected functionally, in particular, to fifth packing wheel 402".

Preferably, second packing unit 402 is connected functionally to, or equipped with, a shift device (not shown) .

Figures 9 and 10 show in perspective some of the folding sequence steps performed on fifth packing wheel 402" of packing machine 100 to fold blank 51' about inner package 21 to form an outer container 51 in which grip tab 41 overlaps collar 300 and front major wall 151 of container 51.

The same sequence also applies to producing a similar container, in which the grip tab only overlaps the collar.

Collar 300 is applied to the bottom end, opposite extraction opening 121, of inner package 21, as shown in Figure 9. Collar 300 is preferably applied on fourth packing wheel 402' of packing machine 100 before blank 51' is folded about inner package 21.

Next, still on second packing unit 402, and in particular on fifth packing wheel 402", blank 51' is folded about inner package 21.

Before completely folding front major wall 151, however, grip tab 41 must be raised with respect to inner package 21. This is done by folding device 500, and more specifically before second packing unit 402, i.e. fifth packing wheel 402", completes folding front ma or wall 151.

While folding device 500 keeps grip tab 41 raised, the shift device shifts collar 300 in direction F from the bottom-end position to a top-end position, at extraction opening 121, as shown in Figure 10. Grip tab 41 is thus superimposed on front major wall 151 after collar 300 is applied. The size of the grip tab permitting, the same steps also apply to superimpose the grip tab on the collar alone. Once front major wall 151 is folded, folding device 500 is withdrawn laterally to release blank 51' completely, while second packing unit 402 proceeds to fold the end portions, including tabs 14', 14", of lid 61 onto the raised grip tab 41. This folding operation allows for contacting the raised grip tab 41 as folding device is withdrawn to release it. More specifically, second packing unit 402 positions rigid lid 61 in the second closed position by means of fifth packing wheel 402".

The resilience of grip tab 41 and rotation of lid 61 formed over it therefore cause grip tab 41 to spring back into position overlapping front major wall 151 or only the collar.

By means of folding device 500, grip tab 41 can thus be flexed elastically to allow second packing unit 402 to fold blank 51' in the normal way. Partly folding grip tab 41 allows second packing unit 402 to first form rigid lid 61 and then guide grip tab 41 into position overlapping front major wall 151. Grip tab 41 thus overlaps both collar 300 and front major wall 151, or, the size of the grip tab permitting, only overlaps the collar .

At the end of its rotation, fifth packing wheel 402" feeds the finished packets 4 of cigarettes successively to a linear transfer and storage station 405. More specifically, each package 4 reaching transfer and storage station 405 is positioned flat on the periphery of fifth packing wheel 402", i.e. with a major wall of outer container 51 facing outwards, and with its longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of rotation of fifth packing wheel 402".

In a variation (not shown) of the embodiments described, the grip tab is at least partly transparent and/or reproduces at least a portion of the front major wall it overlaps. This minimizes the effect on the look of the package and the visual impact of the appendage created by the considerable size of the grip tab. More specifically, compulsory health warnings, the manufacturer's logo, if any, and other graphics on the package can still be displayed or reproduced, while still maintaining the technical effects of the present invention .

In another variation (not shown) , the grip tab projects from the lid hinged to the rear major wall of the container but partly superimposed on the front major wall in the second closed position.

In another variation (not shown) , the grip tab is off-centred, while still maintaining the technical characteristics of the present invention.

The package of smoking articles described has numerous advantages. Firstly, the package of smoking articles according to the present invention allows the outer container and the extraction opening to be opened in one operation, using the grip tab overlapping the front major wall. The group of smoking articles is accessed by simply pulling up the grip tab projecting from the lid and overlapping the front major wall. Sequentially opening the lid and the cover flap in one operation makes the package of smoking articles in the embodiments shown much easier to use than similar known packages of smoking articles.

Secondly, the package of smoking articles described, especially the third embodiment, clearly indicates whether or not the lid has been opened, and so requires no protective overwrap.

Finally, the package of smoking articles described can be produced cheaply and easily on a standard packing machine (with only minor alterations), as opposed to requiring specially designed packing machines of considerable design and manufacturing cost.

The packing method and machine described, for producing packages of smoking articles, also have numerous advantages.

The method and machine described make it possible to produce a package with a grip tab overlapping the collar or the collar and the major wall, while minimizing the time and number of operations required to so position the grip tab. More specifically, only raising the grip tab once speeds up the machine process, thus maximizing output.

At the same time, only raising the grip tab once improves the machinability of the packages, and minimizes manufacturing errors, thus reducing the number of rejects.

In view of its numerous advantages, the package described may be used for other than smoking articles, e.g. foodstuffs (sweets, chocolates or other types of confectionary) .

Claims

1) A package (1) of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, comprising:

- a soft inner package (21) having an extraction opening (121) and enclosing a group of said smoking articles ;

- a cover flap (31) for covering and sealing said extraction opening (121), and coated with non-dry, re- stick adhesive on at least a portion of its inner surface contacting said soft inner package (21) ;

- a grip tab (41) for gripping said cover flap (31) and having no adhesive;

- a rigid outer container (51) enclosing said soft inner package (21) and comprising a front major wall

(151) and an opposite parallel rear major wall; and a rigid lid (61) hinged to said rear major wall to rotate between a first open position and a second closed position opening and closing said rigid outer container

(51) respectively;

said package (1) of smoking articles being characterized in that said grip tab (41) projects from said rigid lid (61), and overlaps said front major wall (151) in such an area as to be grippable by the user between at least two fingers, when said rigid lid (61) is in said second closed position. 2) A package (3) of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, comprising:

- a cover flap (31) for covering and sealing said extraction opening (121), and coated with non-dry, re- stick adhesive on at least a portion of its inner surface contacting said soft inner package;

- a grip tab (343) for gripping said cover flap (31) and having no adhesive;

(351) and an opposite, parallel rear major wall; and a rigid lid (363) hinged to said rear major wall to rotate between a first open position and a second closed position opening and closing said rigid outer container

(51) respectively;

said grip tab (343) initially being in a first inner configuration; and the package of smoking articles being characterized in that said grip tab (343), in said first inner configuration, is interposed between said front major wall (351) and said soft inner package (21) when said rigid lid (363) is in said second closed position; and said grip tab (343) projects from said rigid lid (363) into a second outer configuration, and overlaps said front major wall (351) in such an area as to be grippable by the user between at least two fingers, when said rigid lid (363) is rotated the first time into said first open position.

3) A package (3) of smoking articles as claimed in Claim 2, characterized in that said grip tab (343) is connected to said rigid lid (363) to allow withdrawal of said grip tab (343) into said second outer configuration .

4) A package (1) of smoking articles as claimed in one or more of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said grip tab (41) is made of elastically flexible material.

5) A package (3) of smoking articles as claimed in Claim 2 or 3 and as claimed in Claim 4, characterized in that said grip tab (343) is connected to the inner surface of said rigid lid (363) by one or more spots of glue; the elastic flexibility of said grip tab (343) allowing it to detach from said rigid lid (363) when unsealing the package, when said rigid lid (363) is rotated into said first open position.

6) A package (1) of smoking articles as claimed in one or more of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said grip tab (41) extends longitudinally beneath said rigid lid (61), towards said extraction opening (121) .

7) A package (1) of smoking articles as claimed in one or more of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said grip tab (41) is a portion of said cover flap (31) .

8) A package (1) of smoking articles as claimed in one or more of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said grip tab (41) is at least partly transparent and/or reproduces at least a portion of said front major wall (151) it overlaps.

9) A package (2) of smoking articles as claimed in one or more of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said rigid outer container (251) has a raised portion (251') located at said rigid lid (261) and designed to form a collar integral with said front major wall (151) .

10) A packing method for producing a package (1) of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, the method comprising the steps of:

- forming in a strip (521) of packing material a number of non-through incisions at least partly defining a number of smoking article extraction openings (121) ;

- superimposing and gluing a cover flap (31) onto each said extraction opening (121), to cover and seal said extraction openings (121) ; said cover flap (31) having non-dry, re-stick adhesive on at least a portion of its inner surface contacting said strip (521) of packing material, and a grip tab (41) with no adhesive;

- cutting a sheet (522) of packing material off said strip (521) of packing material; said sheet (522) of packing material comprising an extraction opening (121) and corresponding cover flap (31) ;

folding said sheet (522) of packing material about a group of smoking articles to form a soft inner package (21) with said extraction opening (121) ;

folding a blank (51') about said soft inner package (21) to form a rigid outer container (51) comprising a front major wall (151) and an opposite parallel rear major wall, and a rigid lid (61) hinged to said rear major wall to rotate between a first open position and a second closed position opening and closing said rigid outer container (51) respectively; the method being characterized by comprising the steps of:

- raising said grip tab (41) with respect to said soft inner package (21), before completely folding said front major wall (151), so as to superimpose said grip tab (41) on said front major wall (151) ; and

folding the end portions of said blank (51'), which form the rigid lid (61), over the raised grip tab (41) ; said grip tab (41) projecting from said rigid lid (61) and overlapping said front major wall (151) in such an area as to be grippable by the user between at least two fingers, when said rigid lid (61) is in said second closed position.

11) A packing method for producing a package (3) of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, the method comprising the steps of:

- superimposing and gluing a cover flap (31) onto each said extraction opening (121), to cover and seal said extraction openings (121) ; said cover flap (31) having non-dry, re-stick adhesive on at least a portion of its inner surface contacting said strip (521) of packing material, and a grip tab (343) with no adhesive;

folding a blank (51') about said soft inner package (21) to form a rigid outer container (51) comprising a front major wall (351) and an opposite parallel rear major wall, and a rigid lid (363) hinged to said rear major wall to rotate between a first open position and a second closed position opening and closing said rigid outer container (51) respectively; the method being characterized by comprising the steps of: - completely folding said front major wall (351), so as to interpose said grip tab (343) in a first inner configuration between said front major wall (351) and said soft inner package (21) ;

folding the end portions of said blank (51'), which form the rigid lid (363) , over said grip tab (343) ;

- applying one or more spots of glue to the area of the inner surface of said rigid lid (363) superimposed on said grip tab (343), before positioning said rigid lid (363) in said second closed position, so as to connect said inner surface of said rigid lid (363) to said grip tab (343), and so as to withdraw said grip tab (343) into a second outer configuration overlapping said front major wall (351) in such an area as to be grippable by the user between at least two fingers, when said rigid lid (363) is rotated the first time into said first open position.

12) A packing method for producing a package (2) of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, as claimed in Claim 11, characterized by also comprising the step of forming a raised portion (251') on said blank, at said rigid lid (261), before folding the blank about said soft inner package (21) ; said raised portion (251') forming a collar integral with said front major wall (151) ; and said rigid lid (261), in said second closed position, being superimposed on said raised portion (251' ) .

13) A packing method for producing a package (1) of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, the method comprising the steps of:

- forming in a strip (521) of packing material a number of non-through incisions at least partly defining a number of smoking article extraction openings (121);

- superimposing and gluing a cover flap (31) onto each said extraction opening (121), to cover and seal said extraction openings (121); said cover flap (31) having non-dry, re-stick adhesive on at least a portion of its inner surface contacting said strip (521) of packing material, and a grip tab (41) with no adhesive;

- cutting a sheet (522) of packing material off said strip (521) of packing material; said sheet (522) of packing material comprising an extraction opening (121) and corresponding cover flap (31);

folding said sheet (522) of packing material about a group of smoking articles to form a soft inner package (21) with said extraction opening (121);

folding a blank (51') about said soft inner package (21) fitted with a collar (300), to form a rigid outer container (51) comprising a front major wall (151) and an opposite parallel rear major wall, and a rigid lid (61) hinged to said rear major wall to rotate between a first open position and a second closed position opening and closing said rigid outer container (51) respectively;

the method being characterized by comprising the steps of:

- applying said collar (300) to the bottom end of said soft inner package (21) opposite said extraction opening (121) ;

- raising said grip tab (41) with respect to said soft inner package (21) before completely folding said front major wall (151);

- moving said collar (300) from said bottom end to the top end, at said extraction opening (121) ; and

- superimposing said grip tab (41) on said collar (300) or on said collar (300) and said front major wall (151) .

14) A packing method as claimed in Claim 13, characterized by comprising the step of folding the end portions of said blank (51'), which form the rigid lid (61), over the raised grip tab (41) ; said grip tab (41) projecting from said rigid lid (61) and overlapping said front major wall (151) in such an area as to be grippable by the user between at least two fingers, when said rigid lid (61) is in said second closed position.

15) A packing machine (100) for producing a package (1) of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, the machine comprising:

- a first incision device for forming in a strip

(521) of packing material a number of non-through incisions at least partly defining a number of smoking article extraction openings (121);

- a second application device for superimposing and gluing a cover flap (31) onto each said extraction opening (121); said cover flap (31) having non-dry, re- stick adhesive on at least a portion of its inner surface contacting said strip (521) of packing material, and a grip tab (41) with no adhesive;

- a first cutting unit for cutting a sheet (522) of packing material off said strip (521) of packing material; said sheet (522) of packing material comprising an extraction opening (121) and corresponding cover flap ( 31 ) ;

- a first packing unit (302) for folding said sheet

(522) of packing material about a group of smoking articles to form a soft inner package (21) with said extraction opening (121);

- a second packing unit (402) for folding a blank (51') about said soft inner package (21) to form a rigid outer container (51) comprising a front major wall (151) and an opposite parallel rear major wall, and a rigid lid (61) hinged to said rear major wall to rotate between a first open position and a second closed position opening and closing the rigid outer container

(51) respectively;

the machine (100) being characterized by comprising a folding device (500) connected operatively to said second packing unit (402) and designed to raise said grip tab (41) with respect to said soft inner package

(21), before said second packing unit (402) completely folds said front major wall (151), so as to superimpose said grip tab (41) on said front major wall (151) ;

said second packing unit (402) being designed to fold the end portions of said blank (51'), which form the rigid lid (61), over the raised grip tab (41) as said folding device (500) releases said grip tab (41) ; said folding device (500) and said second packing unit (402) interacting to position said grip tab (41) projecting from said rigid lid (61) and overlapping said front major wall (151) in such an area as to be grippable by the user between at least two fingers, when said second packing unit (402) positions said rigid lid

(61) in said second closed position.

16) A packing machine (100) for producing a package

(1) of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, the machine comprising:

- a first incision device for forming in a strip

(521) of packing material a number of non-through incisions at least partly defining a number of smoking article extraction openings (121) ;

- a second application device for superimposing and gluing a cover flap (31) onto each said extraction opening (121) ; said cover flap (31) having non-dry, re- stick adhesive on at least a portion of its inner surface contacting said strip (521) of packing material, and a grip tab (41) with no adhesive;

- a first packing unit (302) for folding said sheet (522) of packing material about a group of smoking articles to form a soft inner package (21) with said extraction opening (121) ;

- a second packing unit (402) for applying a collar (300) to said soft inner package (21), and for folding a blank (51') about said soft inner package (21) to form a rigid outer container (51) fitted with a collar (300) and comprising a front major wall (151) and an opposite parallel rear major wall, and a rigid lid (61) hinged to said rear major wall to rotate between a first open position and a second closed position opening and closing said rigid outer container (51) respectively; the machine (100) being characterized by comprising :

- a folding device (500) connected operatively to said second packing unit (402) ; and

a shift device connected operatively to said second packing unit (402) ;

said second packing unit (402) being designed to apply said collar (300) to the bottom end of said soft inner package (21) opposite said extraction opening (121), before said blank (51') is folded about said soft inner package (21) ;

said folding device (500) being designed to raise said grip tab (41) with respect to said soft inner package (21) before said second packing unit (402) completely folds said front major wall (151) ;

said shift device being designed to move said collar (300) from the bottom end to the top end, at said extraction opening (121), so as to superimpose said grip tab (41) on said collar (300) or on said collar (300) and said front major wall (151) .

17) A packing machine (100) as claimed in Claim 16, characterized in that:

said second packing unit (402) is designed to fold the end portions of said blank (51'), which form the rigid lid (61), over the raised grip tab (41) as said folding device (500) releases said grip tab (41) ; and said folding device (500) and said second packing unit (402) interact to position said grip tab (41) projecting from said rigid lid (61) and overlapping said front major wall (151) in such an area as to be grippable by the user between at least two fingers, when said second packing unit (402) positions said rigid lid

(61) in said second closed position.

18) A packing machine (100) for producing a package

(3) of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, the machine comprising:

- a first incision device for forming in a strip

- a second application device for superimposing and gluing a cover flap (31) onto each said extraction opening (121); said cover flap (31) having non-dry, re- stick adhesive on at least a portion of its inner surface contacting said strip (521) of packing material, and a grip tab (343) with no adhesive;

- a first packing unit (302) for folding said sheet

(522) of packing material about a group of smoking articles to form a soft inner package (21) with said extraction opening (121) ;

- a second packing unit (402) for folding a blank (51') about said soft inner package (21) to form a rigid outer container (51) comprising a front major wall (351) and an opposite parallel rear major wall, and a rigid lid (363) hinged to said rear major wall to rotate between a first open position and a second closed position opening and closing said rigid outer container (51) respectively;

the machine (100) being characterized by comprising a gumming device connected operatively to said second packing unit (402) to apply glue to the inner surface of said rigid lid (363) ;

said second packing unit (402) being designed to:

- completely fold said front major wall (351), so as to interpose said grip tab (343) between said front major wall (351) and said soft inner package (21), in a first inner configuration;

- fold the end portions of said blank (51'), which form said rigid lid (363), over said grip tab (343) ;

said gumming device being designed to apply one or more spots of glue to the area (361') of the inner surface of said rigid lid (363) superimposed on said grip tab (343), before said second packing unit (402) rotates said rigid lid (363) into said second closed position, so as to connect said inner surface of said rigid lid (363) to said grip tab (343), and so as to withdraw said grip tab (343) into a second outer configuration overlapping said front major wall (351) in such an area as to be grippable by the user between at least two fingers, when said rigid lid (363) is rotated the first time into said first open position.