WO2015059655A1

WO2015059655A1 - A tobacco article package with actuating element for the gripping tab

Info

Publication number: WO2015059655A1
Application number: PCT/IB2014/065546
Authority: WO
Inventors: Giuseppe Marchitto; Stefano Negrini
Original assignee: G. D S.P.A.
Priority date: 2013-10-23
Filing date: 2014-10-22
Publication date: 2015-04-30
Also published as: DE112014004883T5; ITBO20130585A1

Abstract

This invention relates to a package (1; 2) for tobacco articles, in particular cigarettes, comprising an inner wrapper (21; 22) having an extraction opening and enclosing a group of tobacco articles; a closure element (221; 222) able to cover and seal the extraction opening, having re-stick glue on at least a portion of the inside surface in contact with the inner wrapper (21, 22); a gripping tab (321; 322) of the closure element (221; 222) devoid of glue; an outer container (11; 12), enclosing the inner wrapper (21; 22), comprising at least a large front wall (111; 112) and a large rear wall (211; 212), parallel and opposite to each other, and optionally, a lid (32) hinged to the large rear wall (212) and a collar (52) protruding from the large front wall (112) towards the lid (32); wherein the gripping tab (321; 322) is positioned in an inside configuration interposed between the large front wall (111; 112) and the inner wrapper (21; 22), wherein the gripping tab (321; 322) is movable from the inside configuration to an outside configuration where the gripping tab (321; 322) overlaps the large front wall (111; 112) and/or the collar, (52); wherein the package (1; 2) comprises an actuating element (41; 42) for actuating said gripping tab (321; 322), said actuating element (41; 42) is removable from said package (1; 2) and is interposed at least between the gripping tab (321; 322) and the large front wall (111; 112), and wherein the actuating element (41; 42) is operatively connected to the gripping tab (321; 322) to move said gripping tab (321; 322) from the inside configuration to the outside configuration when the actuating element (41; 42) is removed from the package (1; 2 ).

Description

DESCRIPTION

A TOBACCO ARTICLE PACKAGE WITH ACTUATING ELEMENT FOR

THE GRIPPING TAB

Technical field

This invention relates to a package for tobacco articles. More specifically, the invention relates to a package with a sealed inner wrapper equipped with a gripping tab providing access to the opening through which the tobacco articles can be extracted.

In this specification, for brevity, reference is made to a packet of cigarettes without thereby limiting the scope of the invention.

Background art

In the prior art, packages for tobacco articles comprise cigarette packets of rigid type, of soft type or combinations of these.

Rigid packets include packets with hinge lids, packets without lids, or packets with slide-open or twist-open lids.

Generally speaking, a rigid cigarette packet comprises an inner wrapper enclosed within a rigid outer container. Access to the inner wrapper is obtained by turning the lid in the case of hinge lid packets or separating the component parts of the outer container from each other in the case of slide-open or twist-open packets.

Soft or "soft-rigid" packets comprise an inner wrapper wrapped in a sheet of wrapping material which varies in grammage. The sheet of wrapping material is shaped to form a "cup-like" wrapper or a sleeve-like wrapper around the inner wrapper, leaving uncovered at least one side to allow access to the group of cigarettes.

Generally speaking, in all the above types of packet, one wall of the rigid outer container or of the sheet of wrapping material is superposed on the inner wrapper at the access to the group of cigarettes.

The inner wrapper is made by wrapping a group of cigarettes around a suitably shaped sheet of wrapping material. In this regard, to better preserve the organoleptic properties of the tobacco in the cigarettes, it is known practice to make an inner wrapper by folding and thermosealing a sheet of impermeable wrapping material.

To allow the cigarettes to be extracted from the inner wrapper, the sheet of wrapping material has an extraction opening made in it which is covered by a closing element of the type which can be replaced after the packet is opened. This is normally in the form of a panel provided with re- stick glue on the perimeter portions of it in contact with the inner wrapper to make it of the "open and close" type. It is also known practice to provide the closing element with a gripping tab devoid of glue so as to make it easier for the user to move the closing element. Consequently, to lift and replace the panel, a user can easily grip the tab, which is not in any way fixed to the inner wrapper underneath.

The inner wrapper may also be provided with a stiffening element which partly surrounds the group of cigarettes before being wrapped in the sheet of wrapping material. This allows obtaining a stiffened inner wrapper.

Document WO 2012/095135 A1 describes a hinge-lid cigarette packet where the closing element, and hence the extraction opening, is made in the part of the inner wrapper covered by the lid. More specifically, the extraction opening is made taking into account that in that area, the closing element must, besides closing the opening itself, also be provided with the above mentioned portions (the perimeter or semi perimeter portions provided with re-stick glue and a gripping tab devoid of glue). In this case, the packet also comprises means for deforming or lifting the gripping tab when opening the lid, making it easier for the user to grasp the reduced portion of the gripping tab.

Considering the longitudinal extension (corresponding to the direction of extension of the tobacco articles) of the front surface of the inner wrapper covered by the lid, the perimeter portions occupy approximately 4-5mm of it. In the same way, the gripping tab also occupies approximately 4-5mm of the longitudinal extension available. To this must be added production tolerances, which are in the order of 3-4mm. Thus, the space available for making the extraction opening is considerably reduced, which in turn makes it difficult to extract the tobacco articles.

It is also difficult for the user to access the extraction opening because the length of the gripping tab is limited to allow making the perimeter portions larger so that the extraction opening can be re-closed properly.

Similar considerations apply to the package described in document WO 2013/120915 A1 , where the gripping tab is coupled to the lid to allow automatic lifting each time the lid is opened, so the user does not have to operate on a reduced part of the gripping tab.

Furthermore, patent EP 2 366 637 B1 describes package where the gripping tab extends from the lid in the direction of the large front wall of the rigid container. In that case, the large front wall is provided with a recess or indentation for receiving the gripping tab in a configuration where it lies in the same plane as the wall itself. This solution, besides being aesthetically unattractive, is extremely awkward to use because the user has very little space in which to lift the gripping tab in order to separate it from the large front wall.

It would therefore be desirable to have a package for tobacco articles, in particular cigarettes, capable of minimizing the disadvantages described above. More specifically, it would be desirable to have a tobacco article package with an extraction opening of a size suitable for the contents of the inner wrapper.

It would also be desirable to have a tobacco article package with tamper evident means to indicate whether or not it has been opened.

It would be desirable to have a tobacco article package which is more practical to use, making it easier for the user to access the extraction opening.

It would also be desirable to have a tobacco article package which is easy and inexpensive to make. Disclosure of the invention

The aim of this invention is to provide a package for tobacco articles, with a sealed inner wrapper equipped with a gripping tab providing access to the opening for extracting the tobacco articles, which is more practical to use and which is at once easy and inexpensive to make.

More specifically, the aim of this invention is to provide a tobacco article package having an extraction opening which is larger than in prior art packages.

A further aim of the invention is to provide a tobacco article package whose gripping tab is large enough to be gripped easily by the user.

Another aim of the invention is to provide a tobacco article package whose gripping tab also acts as a tamper evident means indicating whether or not the package has been opened.

A further aim of the invention is to provide a tobacco article package where re-closing of the extraction opening is guaranteed by a perimeter portion which is larger than in prior art packages.

A yet further aim of the invention is to provide a tobacco article package whose gripping tab can overlap the collar and/or the large front wall of the outer container and allows improved machinability.

The above aims are achieved by a package for tobacco articles, in particular cigarettes, according to the accompanying claims.

The package comprises:

an inner wrapper having an extraction opening and enclosing a group of tobacco articles;

a closure element able to cover and seal the extraction opening, having re-stick glue on at least a portion of the inside surface in contact with the inner wrapper;

a gripping tab of the closure element devoid of glue;

an outer container, enclosing the inner wrapper, comprising at least a large front wall and a large rear wall, parallel and opposite to each other, and optionally, a lid hinged to the large rear wall and a collar protruding from the large front wall towards the lid;

the package for tobacco articles is characterized in that the gripping tab is interposed at least between the large front wall and the inner wrapper in an inside configuration, wherein the gripping tab is movable from the inside configuration to an outside configuration where the gripping tab overlaps the large front wall and/or the collar, wherein the package comprises an actuating element for actuating the gripping tab, the actuating element is removable from the package and is interposed at least between the gripping tab and the large front wall, and wherein the actuating element is operatively connected to the gripping tab to move the gripping tab from the inside configuration to the outside configuration when the actuating element is removed from the package.

Thus, placing the gripping tab in an inside configuration makes it possible for the portion of the inner wrapper to have a larger surface at the extraction opening. This allows making the extraction opening longer. Similarly, the perimeter portions with the re-stick glue can also be made longer, thus improving the hold of the closure element. It is also possible to increase the size of the gripping tab because the latter does not affect the size of the extraction opening and of the closure element.

In this invention, the term "inside configuration" denotes the position adopted by the gripping tab before it is activated. More specifically, the term "inside configuration" is used to mean the position where the gripping tab is not visible and/or directly accessible to the user, even in the case of hinge-lid packages with the lid turned to the open position.

In this invention, the term "outside configuration" denotes the position adopted by the gripping tab after it operates on the actuating element. More specifically, the term "outside configuration" is used to mean the position where the gripping tab is visible and/or directly accessible to the user, if necessary, in the case of hinge-lid packages, by turning the lid to the open position. The outside configuration does not necessarily coincide with access to the group cigarettes or to opening the package for the first time. The package can be opened, for example by turning the lid to the open position without positioning the gripping tab in the outer configuration. Similarly, the gripping tab can be positioned in the outside configuration without opening the inner wrapper to gain access to the group of cigarettes.

The term "actuating element' as used in this invention denotes any element which can be acted upon by the user to move the gripping tab from the inside configuration to the outside configuration.

The term "removable" as used in this invention refers to the possibility of physically separating the actuating element from the package. Such physical separation is possible because the actuating element is distinct from the other parts of the package and can thus be removed therefrom and/or detached. In the same way, if the actuating element is a removable portion of one or more elements making up the package (for example, a portion of the outer container, a portion of the gripping tab, a portion of the closure element, a portion of the collar, etc) the separation involves physically dividing the actuating element from the element it is removable from.

The term "interposed" as used in this invention denotes placing the elements referred to in their respective planes. Interposition does not necessarily imply direct contact of the element but the positioning relative to each other of the planes they lie in. Interposing the gripping tab between the inner wrapper and the large front wall does not imply that the gripping tab is in direct contact with the wall but suggests that the plane the gripping tab lies in is located between the plane defined by the surface of the wrapper and the plane defined by the large front wall. Other planes may be interposed between the gripping tab and the large front wall without modifying the concept of interposition. Thus, interposing a collar between the large front wall and the gripping tab does not mean that the gripping tab cannot also be interposed between the inner wrapper and the large front wall, even where the collar prevents direct contact of the tab with the large front wall. The foregoing applies mutatis mutandis to the positioning of the actuating element and any other element forming part of the package according to the invention.

Preferably, the gripping tab is positioned in the inside configuration interposed between the collar and the inner wrapper and the actuating element is interposed between the gripping tab and the collar.

The configuration of the actuating element and of the gripping tab allows keeping the appearance of the package unchanged until the gripping tab is positioned in the outside configuration. Consequently, the gripping tab positioned in the outside configuration tells the user that the package has been activated.

The gripping tab may be positioned in the outside configuration in such a way as to overlap only the collar, remaining hidden when the lid is in the closed position. In the same way, the gripping tab may overlap both the collar and a portion of the large front wall. In the latter case, the gripping tab, once positioned in the outside configuration, is visible even when the lid is in the closed position.

If there is no collar, the gripping tab in the outside configuration overlaps only the large front wall and is thus always visible.

Preferably, the actuating element is made as an element distinct from the package.

Thus, the actuating element can be removed from the package without physically removing any parts which are integral with, or constitute, the package.

Preferably, the gripping tab is operatively connected to the actuating element by means of glue. Still more preferably, the glue is re-stick glue. Alternatively, the gripping tab is operatively connected to the actuating element by mechanical means. Preferably, the mechanical means comprise an engagement seat made on the actuating element and removing the actuating element causes the gripping tab to be inserted into the engagement seat.

That way, mechanical interaction between the gripping tab and the actuating element causes the gripping tab itself to be activated. The operative connection made by means of the engagement seat allows easy disconnection as soon as the gripping tab is in the outside configuration. Disconnection is automatic if the gripping tab and/or the actuating element are made of a flexible material.

Preferably, a bottom portion of the actuating element is folded onto itself on the surface at the gripping tab so as to form the engagement seat. Preferably, the length of the gripping tab (measured in the direction of extension of the tobacco articles) is greater than the length of the engagement seat which receives it.

Thus, the mechanical connection between the gripping tab and the actuating element has no effect on the other portions of the closure element and, in particular, prevents the perimeter portions from rising during activation of the gripping tab.

Alternatively, a portion of the actuating element has a U-shaped cut portion which is bent at the gripping tab to form the engagement seat. That way, the actuating element does not require additional material to form the engagement seat.

Preferably, the actuating element has a gripping attachment graspable by the user and protruding from the large front wall or from the collar towards the extraction opening.

This makes it easier to separate the actuating element from the package. Preferably, the large front wall at least partly covers the closure element and has a removable portion at the closure element, the actuating element is solidly coupled to the removable portion to position the gripping tab in the outside configuration when the removable portion is removed by the user.

That means the package need not be overwrapped. Moreover, evidence that the package has been activated is considerably improved, allowing the user to expose the extraction opening and activate the gripping tab in a single operation.

Preferably, the actuating element is a piece of sheet material. Still more preferably, the actuating element is a coupon.

This allows using an actuating element which is simple and inexpensive to produce and such as to make it easily machinable in standard wrapping processes. Moreover, that also means the actuating element can be used as an advertising element or the like. Brief description of the drawings

Other technical features of the invention and its advantages are more apparent from the description which follows of preferred embodiments of it, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of a hinge-lid cigarette package according to this invention when the actuating element is inside the package and the gripping tab is positioned in the inside configuration;

- Figures 2A-2C are cross sectional side views of the package of Figure 1 illustrating the sequence of steps by which the gripping tab is moved from the inside configuration to the outside configuration;

- Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the package of Figure 1 when the actuating element is positioned in the outside configuration;

- Figure 4 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the hinge-lid cigarette package with collar, according to this invention, when the actuating element is inside the package and the gripping tab is positioned in the inside configuration;

- Figures 5A-5C are cross sectional side views of the package of Figure 4 illustrating the sequence of steps by which the gripping tab is moved from the inside configuration to the outside configuration;

- Figure 6 is a front perspective view of the package of Figure 4 when the actuating element is positioned in the outside configuration;

- Figure 7 is a front perspective view of a third embodiment of a cigarette package, without a lid, according to this invention when the actuating element is inside the package and the gripping tab is positioned in the inside configuration;

- Figures 8A-8C are cross sectional side views of the package of Figure 7 illustrating the sequence of steps by which the gripping tab is moved from the inside configuration to the outside configuration;

- Figure 9 is a front perspective view of the package of Figure 7 when the actuating element is positioned in the outside configuration;

- Figure 10 is a front perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a cigarette package, without a lid, according to this invention, when the outer container comprises a removable portion solidly coupled to the actuating element inside the outer container and the gripping tab is positioned in the inside configuration;

- Figures 11A-11C are cross sectional side views of the package of Figure 10 illustrating the sequence of steps by which the removable portion is removed and the gripping tab is moved from the inside configuration to the outside configuration;

- Figure 12 is a front perspective view of the package of Figure 10 when the actuating element is positioned in the outside configuration.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

Figures 1 and 3 illustrate a package 1 for tobacco articles, in particular cigarettes, according to this invention.

The cigarette package 1 comprises a rigid outer container 11 having the shape of a parallelepiped and made of a stiff paper-like material such as cardboard or paperboard, and a sealed inner wrapper 21 housed inside the outer container 11 and made of a thermosealed plastic material.

The inner wrapper 21 , also having the shape of a parallelepiped, encloses a group of cigarettes (not illustrated) and has an extraction opening for taking out the cigarettes. The extraction opening is defined by a U-shaped pre-cut made on the top surface and partly on the front surface of the inner wrapper 21 itself and without extending onto the rear wall. The extraction opening is covered and sealed by a closure element 221. The latter is in the form of a re-closable sealing panel of the "open & close" type which, consequently, also extends on the top surface and on a portion of the front surface of the inner wrapper 21. More specifically, the sealing panel 221 has permanent glue at the cut portion of the inner wrapper 21 and re-stick glue at the semi-perimeter portions of the U- shaped cut in the surface in contact with the inner wrapper 21. The re- stick glue allows the inner wrapper 21 to be opened and closed several times without losing the adhesive property of the glue. This type of glue is also known as non-dry, re-stick glue, as described, for example, in patent EP 2 366 637 B1 in the name of G.D and which is incorporated herein by reference.

The sealing panel 221 is movable between an open position where the extraction opening is open and a closed position where the extraction opening is closed. Normally, the sealing panel 221 is in the closed position, where the extraction opening is closed, and is temporarily lifted to the open position to allow the user to take out the cigarettes through the extraction opening.

The package 1 according to the invention further comprises a gripping tab 321 for gripping the closure element 221. More specifically, the gripping tab 321 is devoid of glue to allow the user to grip it without sticking to the user's skin. Also, the gripping tab 321 is located at and under the extraction opening. Using the gripping tab 321 , the user can lift the closure element 221 to the raised open position in order to access the group of cigarettes.

In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 3, the gripping tab 321 and the closure element 221 are made as a single element, the gripping tab 321 being a portion of the closure element 221 to which glue has not been applied. This avoids the risk of detaching the gripping tab 321 from the closure element 221 even if pulled repeatedly during the working life of the package 1 in order to access the group of cigarettes. In other embodiments of the invention, the gripping tab may be made as a separate element but solidly joined to the closure element.

The outer container 11 comprises a large front wall 111 opposite and parallel to a rear large wall 211. The two large walls 111 , 21 are joined to each other by two small side walls 311 , also parallel and opposite to each other, and by a bottom wall. The outer container 11 also has an open top end 411 (illustrated in Figure 2A) which is opposite to the bottom wall and which allows access to the extraction opening on the inner wrapper 21. The closure of the package 1 is guaranteed by a rigid lid 31 forming part of the container 11 and hinged to the large rear wall 211 of the container 11 itself. The lid 31 is designed to be turned between a first, open position for opening the outer container 11 (as illustrated in Figures 1-3), which allows access to the extraction opening, and a second, closed position (not illustrated), which allows closing the open upper end 411.

The lid 31 , when it is in the second, closed position, gives the outer container 11 the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. In embodiments different from what is illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, according to the invention, the outer container 11 , and hence the inner wrapper 21 , may have alterative shapes. In the same way, the edges of the outer container 11 , illustrated as being bevelled or straight in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 3, may in alternative embodiments of this invention, have a rounded shape or mixed shapes.

The gripping tab 321 is initially positioned in an inside configuration, where it is interposed between the large front wall 111 and the inner wrapper 21. In the inside configuration, the gripping tab 321 is not visible and/or directly accessible to the user. More specifically, the inside configuration corresponds to the configuration prior to activation of the gripping tab for the first time. Thus, the user can tell whether or not the package 1 has already been opened or tampered with.

The package 1 also comprises an actuating element 41 which is removable from the package 1 and which is interposed between the gripping tab 321 and the large front wall 111. More specifically, the actuating element 41 is extractable from the package 1. In a further embodiment (not illustrated), the actuating element may be provided with a gripping attachment graspable by the user and protruding from the large front wall towards the extraction opening. Thus, extraction of the actuating element from the package is facilitated by its structure.

The removable actuating element may be a distinct element from the rest of the package and is thus removable by separation therefrom. In the same way, the actuating element may be a portion of one or more elements making up the package (for example, a portion of the outer container, a portion of the gripping tab, a portion of the closure element, a portion of the collar, etc.) which is removable in order to physically divide the actuating element from the element it is removable from.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, the actuating element 41 is made as an element distinct from the package . In other words, the wrapping material or blank the actuating element 41 is made from is different both from that used to make the outer container 11 and that used to make the inner wrapper 21. In the embodiment described here, the actuating element 41 is a piece of sheet material. More specifically, the actuating element is a coupon. Thus, in addition to its technical function of actuating the gripping tab, it has the communication function typical of a coupon. Although not described in more detail, actuating elements different from the above mentioned coupon are also imaginable.

The actuating element 41 is operatively connected to the gripping tab 321 to allow changing the position thereof. More specifically, the operative connection is made by mechanical means. That way, the actuating element 41 allows changing the position of the gripping tab 321 to make it visible and/or accessible to the user. In the embodiment described here, the mechanical means of the actuating element 41 comprise an engagement seat 141 formed on the actuating element 41. In the embodiment described here, the bottom portion of the coupon 41 is folded on itself on the surface at the gripping tab 321 , thus forming the engagement seat 141.

To allow an optimal operative connection, the engagement seat 141 is smaller in size than the gripping tab 321 it is designed to receive. More specifically, the longitudinal dimension of the engagement seat 141 , measured along the vertical extension of the group of cigarettes, is smaller than the corresponding extension of the gripping tab 321. That way, inserting the gripping tab 321 into the engagement seat 141 causes the tab to bend and prevents the closure element 221 from being lifted, thereby keeping the inner wrapper 21 sealed.

In use, before opening for the first time, the upper end of the container 1 is closed by the rigid lid 31 in the closed position. The gripping tab 321 is interposed between the large front wall 111 and the inner wrapper 21 in an inside configuration where it is not visible or accessible to the user. More specifically, since the actuating element 41 is, in the same way, also positioned in an inside configuration where it is interposed between the gripping tab 321 and the same large front wall 111 , the gripping tab 321 is in practice in direct contact with the actuating element 41 and not with large front wall 111 , although it is interposed between the latter and the inner wrapper.

The presence of the actuating element 41 , in the form of a coupon, thus prevents direct contact with the gripping tab 321. A user wishing to access the group of cigarettes inside the inner wrapper 21 must first remove the actuating element 41 which, thanks to the operative connection established between it and the gripping tab 321 during extraction, allows the gripping tab 321 to be moved from the inside configuration to the outside configuration. This outside configuration corresponds to the configuration where the gripping tab 321 overlaps the large front wall 111 and/or the collar, where such collar is provided, as in the case described below, in a further embodiment.

The sequence of steps by which the gripping tab 321 is moved from the inside configuration to the outside configuration is illustrated schematically in Figures 2A-2C.

Figure 2A shows the position prior to opening for the first time, where the actuating element 41 and the gripping tab 321 , although in direct contact, are not operatively connected to each other.

Removing the actuating element 41 from the package 1 produces mechanical interaction between the engagement seat 141 and the gripping tab 321. This mechanical interaction is schematically illustrated in Figure 2B, where the gripping tab 321 is inserted in the engagement seat 141 and is then removed along with the actuating element 41.

Lastly, Figure 2C schematically illustrates the situation where the actuating element 41 is fully removed and the gripping tab 321 is in the outside configuration. The gripping tab is made of a material which can be elastically deformed by bending or a single-layer material, so that it can bend during extraction in order to facilitate withdrawal. The possibility of being elastically deformed by bending allows the gripping tab 321 to accumulate energy during the movement imparted to it by the actuating element 41 and to use that energy to detach itself therefrom and overlap the large front wall 111. In effect, elastic deformation allows the gripping tab 32 to recover its shape after being bent or otherwise deformed by the actuating element 41. In the outside configuration, the gripping tab 321 is thus accessible to the user. More specifically, in the embodiment described here, the gripping tab 321 overlaps the large front wall 111 to allow first-time access to the group of tobacco articles. In particular, when the gripping tab 321 is in the extracted condition, the user can perceive that the package 1 has been activated and is thus provided with evidence that it has been opened.

Figure 3 illustrates the package 1 with the gripping tab 321 positioned in the outside configuration, ready for the closure element 221 to be lifted for first-time access to the group of tobacco articles. The gripping tab 321 thus lies in a plane parallel to the large front wall 1 1 1 so that it can be easily gripped by the user.

A second embodiment of the package for tobacco articles, in particular cigarettes, according to this invention is illustrated in Figures 4 and 6.

The second embodiment of the package 2 differs from the first embodiment described above in that the outer container 12 comprises a collar 52. Preferably, the collar 52 is of traditional type, that is, made from a blank separate from the blank used to make the rigid outer container 12 and, more specifically, interposed between the inner wrapper 22 and the rigid outer container 12. Alternatively, the collar might be of the integrated type, made directly on the blank of the outer container and reproducing the shape and size of a traditional collar.

The collar 52 protrudes from the large wall 1 12 towards the lid 32. More specifically, it overlaps the lateral surfaces of the inner wrapper 22 and at least partly covers unattractive lateral overlapping edges while at the same time avoiding the need for these to be glued to the lateral surfaces of the wrapper 22 itself.

The collar 52 thus allows coupling the rigid lid 32 to the rest of the outer container 12 to make the package structure rigid enough to prevent giving the package the defect known as "grin", that is, a package with a gap between the lid 32 and the large front wall 1 12 when the package is closed.

The previous description of the package 1 without a collar also applies, mutatis mutandis, to a package 2 with a collar 52, whether of traditional or integrated type.

More specifically, the gripping tab 322 is positioned in an inside configuration, where it is interposed between the collar 52 and the inner wrapper 22. In this embodiment, the separable actuating element 42 is also interposed between the gripping tab 322 and the collar 52. Preferably, the wrapping material or blank the actuating element 42 is made from is different not only from that used to make the outer container 12 and/or the collar 52 but also from that used to make the inner wrapper 22.

Also, in a further embodiment (not illustrated), the actuating element may be provided with a gripping attachment graspable by the user to facilitate extraction and protruding from the large front wall towards the extraction opening.

As regards use, what is stated above in connection with the first embodiment of the package 1 also applies to the package 2 and the reader is referred thereto. The sequence of steps by which the gripping tab 322 is moved from the inside configuration to the outside configuration is illustrated schematically in Figures 5A-5C.

Figure 5A shows the position prior to opening for the first time, where the actuating element 42 and the gripping tab 322, although in direct contact, are not operatively connected to each other. Figure 5B shows the mechanical interaction between the gripping tab 322 and the engagement seat 142 it is inserted in. Then, when the actuating element 42 is removed, the gripping tab 322 is removed along with it.

Lastly, Figure 5C schematically illustrates the situation where the actuating element 42 is fully removed and the gripping tab 322 is in the outside configuration where it overlaps the collar 52, allowing first-time access to the group of tobacco articles.

Figure 6 illustrates the package 2 with the gripping tab 322 positioned in the outside configuration, ready for the closure element 222 to be lifted for first-time access to the group of tobacco articles. The gripping tab 322 thus lies in a plane parallel to both the large front wall 112 and the collar 52 so that it can be easily gripped by the user.

In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated) the extension of the gripping tab might be such that the gripping tab overlaps both the collar and a portion of the large front wall. According to the invention, the above description also applies to other types of rigid packets, with or without hinge lid, such as "slide-open" or "twist-open" packets.

A third embodiment of the package for tobacco articles, in particular cigarettes, according to this invention is illustrated in Figures 7 and 9.

The third embodiment relates to a soft packet. The same considerations apply to similar packets of "soft-rigid" type.

The package 3 has an inner wrapper 23 enclosed in a "cup-like" container 3 without a lid. More specifically, the outer container 13 has a completely open side and has a cut portion 3' shaped like a collar through which the closure element 223 is visible.

In the case of a soft packet, the outer container 13 is made from a sheet, of paper or plastic, wrapped in cup-like fashion around the inner wrapper 23. In the case of a "soft-rigid" packet, the grammage of the sheet of wrapping material the outer container is made from is higher. Similarly, the outer container might have a "sleeve-like" shape, forming a tubular wrapping around the inner wrapper to cover at least the portion at the gripping tab.

The shape of the container 3 is such that it overlaps the lateral surfaces of the inner wrapper 23 and completely covers unattractive lateral overlapping edges while at the same time avoiding the need for these to be glued to the lateral surfaces of the wrapper 23 itself.

The gripping tab 323 is positioned in an inside configuration, where it is interposed between the outer container 13 and the inner wrapper 23. More specifically, the gripping tab is positioned at the cut portion 3' and is neither visible nor graspable by the user. In this embodiment, the separable actuating element 43 is also interposed between the gripping tab 323 and the outer container 13. The actuating element 43 protrudes from the cut portion 13' to allow the user to grip it. Preferably, the wrapping material or blank the actuating element 43 is made from is different both from that used to make the outer container 13 and from that used to make the inner wrapper 23.

Also in the embodiment described here, the mechanical means of the actuating element 43 comprise an engagement seat 143 formed on the surface of the actuating element 43 at the gripping tab 323. In the embodiment described here, the bottom portion of the coupon 43 is folded on itself on the surface at the gripping tab 323, thus forming the engagement seat 143.

To allow an optimal operative connection, the engagement seat 143 is smaller in size than the gripping tab 323 it is designed to receive. More specifically, the longitudinal dimension of the engagement sea 143, measured along the vertical extension of the group of cigarettes, is smaller than the corresponding extension of the gripping tab 323. That way, inserting the gripping tab 323 into the engagement seat 143 causes the tab to bend and prevents the closure element 223 from being lifted, thereby keeping the inner wrapper 23 sealed.

As regards use, what is stated above in connection with the embodiments of the package described above also applies to the package 3 and the reader is referred thereto. The sequence of steps by which the gripping tab 323 is moved from the inside configuration to the outside configuration is illustrated schematically in Figures 8A-8C.

Figure 8A shows the position prior to activation for the first time, where the actuating element 43 and the gripping tab 323, although in direct contact, are not operatively connected to each other. Figure 8B shows the mechanical interaction between the gripping tab 323 and the engagement seat 143 it is inserted in. Then, when the actuating element 43 is removed, the gripping tab 323 is removed along with it.

Lastly, Figure 8C schematically illustrates the situation where the actuating element 43 is fully removed and the gripping tab 323 is in the outside configuration where it is accessible to the user. More specifically, the gripping tab 323 overlaps the large front wall 1 13 of the outer container 13, thus allowing first-time access to the group of tobacco articles.

Figure 9 illustrates the package 3 with the gripping tab 323 positioned in the outside configuration, ready for the closure element 223 to be lifted for first-time access to the group of tobacco articles. The gripping tab 323 thus lies in a plane parallel to the large front wall 1 13 so that it can be easily gripped by the user.

A variant of the embodiment described previously is illustrated in Figures 10 and 12. What is set out above is thus applicable, mutatis mutandis, to the package 4 constituting the fourth embodiment illustrated.

The large front wall 1 14 of the package 4 entirely covers the surface of the inner wrapper 24 at the closure element 224. More specifically, the wall 114 has a pre-cut 14' to define a portion 14" which is removable by the user. The removable portion 14" is designed to cover the closure element 224 when joined to the container 14.

The gripping tab 324 is positioned in an inside configuration, where it is interposed between the outer container 14 and the inner wrapper 24 and is neither visible nor graspable by the user. In this embodiment, the actuating element 44, which is made as a separate element of the package 4, is interposed between the gripping tab 324 and the outer container 14. This actuating element 44, too, is neither visible nor graspable directly by the user since it is solidly connected to the removable portion 224. The connection is made preferably by gluing.

It is also possible to obtain the actuating element 44 directly from the sheet of wrapping material used to make the container 14, and hence, the removable portion 224. In such a case, the actuating element 44 is not a separate element of the package 4.

The sequence of steps by which the gripping tab 324 is moved from the inside configuration to the outside configuration is illustrated schematically in Figures 11A-11C.

Figure 11A shows the position prior to activation of the package 4 for the first time. In this position, the removable portion 14" is joined to the container 4 and partly covers the closure element 224. More specifically, the removable portion 14" covers part of the closure element 224 positioned at the large front wall 114 of the outer container 14, leaving it uncovered at the open end of the container itself.

The gripping tab 324 is interposed between the outer container 14 and the inner wrapper 24. The gripping tab 324 is not, however, in direct contact with the outer container 14 but with the actuating element 44 interposed between the two. More specifically, the gripping tab 324 and the actuating element 44, although in direct contact, are not operatively connected to each other.

Unlike the embodiment described previously, the actuating element 44 is not visible or directly accessible to the user but is solidly joined to the removable portion 14".

Figure 11 B illustrates removal of the removable portion 14" to make the closure element 224 fully visible. Removal is facilitated by the pre-cut 14 which gives the large front wall 114 of the package 4 a new profile. At the same time, the solid connection between the removable portion 14' and the actuating element 44 causes the latter to be extracted from the package 4. This action produces the mechanical interaction between the gripping tab 324 and the engagement seat 144 it is inserted in. As a result, when the actuating element 44 is removed, the gripping tab 324 is removed along with it.

Figure 11 C schematically illustrates the removal of the removable portion 4" together with complete removal of the actuating element 44 it is solidly connected to. Removal of the portion 14" thus provides access to the closure element 224 and activates the gripping tab 324. The latter is positioned in the outside configuration where it overlaps the large front wall 114 of the outer container 14, thus allowing first-time access to the group of tobacco articles.

Figure 12 illustrates the package 4 with the gripping tab 324 positioned in the outside configuration, ready for the closure element 224 to be lifted for first-time access to the group of tobacco articles. The gripping tab 324 thus lies in a plane parallel to the large front wall 114 so that it can be easily gripped by the user.

The engagement seat which makes the operative connection between the actuating element and the gripping tab may be made according to other variants (not illustrated) without departing from the inventive concept. In one variant, a portion of the actuating element comprises a U-shaped cut portion which is bent at the gripping tab. Bending the U-shaped cut portion thus forms the engagement seat of the gripping tab.

More specifically, the cut portion may be folded on itself by approximately 180° about a rotating hinge in such a way as to be positioned at the gripping tab and thus forming the engagement seat. Alternatively, the cut portion may simply be inclined inwards relative to the rotating hinge without being folded on itself.

The U-shaped cut portion may be provided with an embossing at the rotating hinge. More specifically, the embossing is preferably geometrically equal and opposite to the cut portion and extends from the hinge itself. The embossing allows keeping the cut portion inclined in a more satisfactory manner.

The above alternatives allow making an actuating element which is reduced in size and which does not require additional material to form the engagement seat.

In a further possible embodiment (not illustrated), the gripping tab may be at least partly transparent and/or may reproduce at least a portion of the large front wall or of the collar it overlaps when in the outside configuration. This allows minimizing the aesthetic and visual impact of the gripping tab. More specifically, it allows displaying or reproducing the health warnings required by law, the manufacturer's logo or other graphics on the package without altering the technical effects of this invention.

Yet another variant of the invention (not illustrated) comprises different interaction means for making the operative connection between the gripping tab and the actuating element. More specifically, the gripping tab may be operatively connected to the actuating element by means of glue, preferably re-stick glue. That way, the energy accumulated by the gripping tab during bending allows it to be detached from the actuating element, overcoming the retaining force of the glue, and then caused to overlap the large front wall and/or the collar of the outer container.

In a further variant (not illustrated), the gripping tab is positioned off centre without altering the technical features of the invention.

The package for tobacco articles described above has numerous advantages.

Firstly, in the package according to this invention, the extraction opening is larger than in the prior art, thus improving accessibility to the group of cigarettes. In the same way, it is possible to provide a package for tobacco articles where also the perimeter portions with the re-stick glue are larger than in the prior art, thus improving the reclosability of the closure element.

The package may therefore be provided with a larger gripping tab which is easier to use. Further, the inside configuration of the gripping tab allows improving the machinability of the package because it is not necessary to lift the gripping tab during the packaging process. Moreover, moving the gripping tab from the inside configuration to the outside configuration provides the user with an indication that the tab has been activated.

The package for tobacco articles according to the invention allows immediate detection of tampering, which means that protective overwrapping may not be necessary.

Furthermore, the package for tobacco articles described above is easy and inexpensive to make using a standard packaging machine (requiring only minor modifications to be made to it). Production of the package does not therefore require use of special packaging machines which would involve considerably high design and production costs.

Claims

1. A package (1 ; 2) for tobacco articles, in particular cigarettes, comprising:

- an inner wrapper (21 ; 22) having an extraction opening and enclosing a group of said tobacco articles;

- a closure element (221 ; 222), able to cover and seal said extraction opening, having re-stick glue on at least a portion of the surface in contact with said inner wrapper (21 ; 22);

- a gripping tab (321 ;322) of said closure element (221 ; 222) devoid of glue;

- an outer container (11 ; 12), enclosing said inner wrapper (21 ; 22), comprising at least a large front wall (111 ; 112) and a large rear wall (211 ; 212), parallel and opposite to each other, and optionally, a lid (32) hinged to the large rear wall (212) and a collar (52) protruding from said large front wall (112) towards said lid (32);

the package (1 ;2) is characterized in that said gripping tab (321 ; 322) is positioned in an inside configuration, interposed at least between said large front wall (11 ; 112) and said inner wrapper (21 ; 22);

wherein the gripping tab (321 ; 322) is movable from said inside configuration to an outside configuration where the gripping tab (321 ; 322) overlaps the large front wall (111) and/or the collar (52),

wherein the package (1 ; 2) comprises an actuating element (41 ; 42) for actuating said gripping tab (321 ; 322), said actuating element (41 ; 42) is removable from said package (1 ; 2) and is interposed at least between said gripping tab (321 ; 322) and said large front wall ( 11 ; 12); and wherein said actuating element (41 ; 42) is operatively connected to said gripping tab (321 ; 322) to move said gripping tab (321 ; 322) from said inside configuration to said outside configuration when said actuating element (41 ; 42) is removed from said package (1 ; 2 ).

2. The package (2) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said gripping tab (322) in said inside configuration is interposed between said collar (52) and said inner wrapper (22), said actuating element (42) is interposed between said gripping tab (322) and said collar (52).

5 3. The package (1) according to one or both of claims 1 to 2, wherein said actuating element (41) is a distinct element from said package (1).

4. The package according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, wherein said gripping tab is operatively connected to said actuating element by glue.

5. The package according to claim 4, wherein said glue is re-stick glue. 10

6. The package (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, wherein said gripping tab (321) is operatively connected to said actuating element (41) by mechanical means.

7. The package (1) according to claim 6, wherein said mechanical means comprise an engagement seat (141) made on said actuating

] 5 element (41), the removal of said actuating element (41) causing said gripping tab (321) to be inserted into said engagement seat (141).

8. The package (1) according to claim 7, wherein a bottom portion of said actuating element (41) is folded on itself on the surface at said gripping tab (321), making said engagement seat (141).

20 9. The package (1) according to claim 8, wherein the length of the gripping tab (321), measured in the direction of extension of the tobacco articles, is greater than the length of the engagement seat (141) which receives it.

10. The package according to claim 7, wherein a portion of said 5 actuating element has a U-shaped cut portion which is bent at said gripping tab, thus forming said engagement seat.

11. The package according to one or more of claims 1 to 10, wherein said actuating element has a gripping attachment graspable by the user and protruding from said large front wall or from said collar toward said 0 extraction opening.

12. The package (4) according to one or more of claims 1 to 11 , wherein said large front wall (114) covers at least partly said closure element (224) and has a removable portion (14") at said closure element (224), said actuating element (44) is solidly coupled to said removable portion (14") to position said gripping tab (224) in said outside configuration when said removable portion (14") is removed by the user.

13. The package (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 12, wherein said actuating element is a piece of sheet material.

14. The package (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 13, wherein said actuating element is a coupon (41).