WO2015065943A1

WO2015065943A1 - Container for an electronic cigarette

Info

Publication number: WO2015065943A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/062526
Authority: WO
Inventors: William J. Bogdziewicz Iii; Ryan A. Bailey; Steven P. Jones; Rodney D. Dixon; Meng-Chuan Wu; Matthew ZACHERLE; Linh Li KOOC; Angela MCINTIRE; Tsugihiko Suzuki
Original assignee: Meadwestvaco Corporation
Priority date: 2013-11-01
Filing date: 2014-10-28
Publication date: 2015-05-07

Abstract

A container is disclosed for housing a product such as an electronic cigarette. The container is in the form of a shell to receive the product, and may include a cover, lid, or carton for closing or enclosing the shell.

Description

CONTAINER FOR AN ELECTRO IC CIGARETTE

[0001 ] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §1 19(e) of United States pro visional application serial number 61 899,135 filed on November 1 , 2013, which Is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This disclosure relates to a container for enclosing a product such as an electronic cigarette or other elongated product. The container .may be a booklet-style container or box-style container and the product may be supported in or on a plastic tray within the container.

[0003 ] The current invention seeks to provide new forms of container which: a) provide a slim, sturdy container for conveniently housing elongated products such as electronic cigarettes, b) provide convenient surfaces on which to print instructions, and c) are relatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0004] The disclosed packages may hold other items besides electronic cigarettes. Non-limiting examples include medical devices, writing instruments, and other products.

SUMMARY

[0005] According to one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a package for housing a rod-shaped item, the package including a base: a channel formed in the base portion and extending in a first direction, the channel having an open end, the channel extending for at least a first distance in the first direction; and a first retaining feature proximate the channel and extending along at least part of the channel .

[0006] According to certain embodiments, the channel defines a first generally uniform cross section, the package further including at least a first protrusion into the first generally uniform cross section.

[0007] According to certain embodiments, the channel has a wall and the first protrusion is raised from the wall. According to certain embodiments, the channel has a wall and the first protrusion is a narrowing of the wall. According to certain

embodiments, the first protrusion is formed at the open end of the channel.

[0008] According to certain embodiments, the package includes a second protrusion into the first generally uniform cross section, wherein the second protrusion is spaced apart from the open end. According to certain embodiments, the second protrusion is formed at the opposite end of the channel from the open end.

[0009] According to certain embodiments, the first retaining feature is a ledge overlying the channel. According to certain embodiments, the ledge extends at least partially along the first distance. According to certain embodiments, the first retaining feature is a pair of ledges overlying the channel,

[00010] According to certain embodiments, the first retaining feature is a sheet of material covering at least part of the base and at least part of the channel. According to certain embodiments, the sheet of material is plastic or paperboard. According to certain embodiments, the sheet of material is transparent. According to certain embodiments, the sheet of material is attached to the base. According to certain embodiments, the sheet of material is adhered to the base. According to certain embodiments, an access aperture is formed in the sheet of material, the access aperture at least partly overlying the channel

[00011 ] According to certain embodiments, the package further includes a sleeve or box structure enclosing the base, wherein the first retaining feature is provided by the sleeve or box structure. According to certain embodiments, the sleeve or box structure includes a closed end at the open end of the channel, wherein said closed end has a tear- away portion aligned with the open end of the channel.

[00012] According to certain embodiments, the package further includes a cover having a back panel, and front panel with a spine therebetween, wherein the base is attached to the back panel, and the first retaining feature is the cover. According to certain embodiments, the spine is attached to at l east one of the back panel and front panel by a fold or hinge.

[00013] According to certain embodiments, the package further includes a lid that fits onto the base, According to certain embodiments, the lid closes the open end of the channel. According to certain embodiments, the lid is attached to the front panel, and fits onto the base.

[00014] According to certain embodiments, the channel has a second generally uniform cross section extending coilinear with the first generally uniform cross section, the second generally imiform cross section being located toward the end of the channel opposite f om the open end, the second generally uniform cross section having a smaller area than the first generally uniform cross section.

[00015] According to certain embodiments, package further includes an additional channel extending parallel to the channel.

[00016] According to certain embodiments, the channel is shaped to receive an item having a round cylindrical shape. According to certain embodiments, the channel is shaped to receive an item having polygonal cylindrical shape,

[00017] As will he described further below, the container provides several advantages. In certain embodiments, shell of the container ma incorporate detents, tabs, or other devices that have an interference fit with the article contained in the shell, so as to allow the article to be moved out of the shell, without being so loose as to unintentionally fall from the shell, in certain embodiments, the container is provided with an access area by which to move the article out of or into the shell. In certain embodiments, portions of the shell may be formed to allow a close sliding fit with the article to provide a smooth sliding action and secure retention of article against unwanted motion witlrhi the container.

[00018] The container is preferabl formed from a sheet material and/or a molded materia!, The sheet material may be paperboard, plastic or other planar material, preferably being somewhat stiff and suitable for printing one or both sides. The molded material may be plastic, paperboard, or other material, preferably having at least a slightly rigid structure to provide packaging strength. The molded material may for example be a theimoformed plastic, or a pressed paperboard material, it is understood that thermoformtng and pressing processes may involve the application to the material of one or more of heat, pressure, and vacuum, and in the case of certain materials like paperboard, of moisture. Thus, a sheet portion of the container, such as the base or lid, may be folded from a blank cut from a substantially flat sheet or roll of material. The shell and frame portions may also be formed by a moulding process, e.g. vacuum moulding or injection moulding. In some cases, such techniques may also be used together, e.g. a pre-form may be made by vacuum moulding or injection moulding technique and then parts of the container folded to create the base poition and/or lid portion thereof.

[00019] In the container, the lid portion and base portion each extend over a major face of the container (rather than a minor face thereof). The separation between the lid and base portions may be sufficientl deep (in a direction perpendicular to their major face, in certain embodiments approximately equal to the width of a hinge portion) to house a shell to contain a product article. Generally, the lid and base portions may form a substantially rectangular major face. Preferably, the depth of the container may be relatively small compared to the length and/or width of the container.

[000201 Other exemplary and optional features of the invention will he apparent from the following description and from the subsidiary claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTIO OF DRAWINGS

[00021 ] The invention will now be further described, merely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[00022] Figure 1 A is a perspective view of a shell for holding a product item, illustrating one example of a feature for retaining the item within the shell;

[00023] Figure IB is a perspective view of a shell, illustrating another example of a feature for retaining the item within the shell;

[00024] Figure 2 is a perspective view of another shell , with the product item partially extended from the shell;

[00025] Figure 3 A is a perspective view of the shell structure of Figure 2, additionally showing a lid, in a closed configuration;

[00026] Figure 3B is a perspective view of a structure similar to Figure 3 A, with a spine section connecting the shell and lid;

[00027] Figure 4 is a perspecti ve view of another embodiment of a shell structure of current invention;

[00028] Figure 5 is a plan view of a blank for forming a carton to receive the shell structure of Figure 4;

[00029] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the carton formed from the blank of Figure 5, showing a product item housed in the shell of Figure 4 and extended partly from the carton;

[0003(3] Figure 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a shell structure of current: invention;

[00031] Figure 8 is a plan view of a blank for forming a carton to receive the shell structure of Figure 7; [00032] Figure 9 is a perspecti ve view of the carton formed from the blank of Figure. 8, showing a product item in its retracted or storage position in the shell of Figure- 7;

[00033] Figure 10 is a detail view showing a first retention feature for restraining the product in the shell of Figure 7, when the product item is in the retracted or storage position;

[00034] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a user about to push the product item outward from the storage position of Figure 10;

[00035 ] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the product item extended outward from the shell;

[00036] Figure 13 is a detail view showing an exit aperture in the co ver, a product item, still contained within the shell, and a second retention feature formed in the shell for restraining the product near the exit aperture or exit end of the shell;

[00037] Figure 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a shell structure of current invention, having a window structure;

[00038] Figure 16A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a shell structure of current invention, without a window stractiire but with a longitudinal retention feature;

[00039] Figure 16B is a perspective view of an embodiment similar to Figure 16 A, with a cover attached;

[00040] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the shell structure of Figure 16A, showing a retention feature formed in the shell near product exit location;

[00041 ] Figure 18 is an end view of the shell of Figures 16 A and 17, showing the longitudinal retention features and the retention feature near the product exit location;

[00042] Figure 19 is a perspective view of a shell structure similar to Figure 17, but adapted for retaining two product items; [00043] Figures 20A and 20B are perspecti ve views of a shell structure of one piece that encloses the product from below and above;

[00044] Figure 21 A is a perspective view of a shell structure with an interference tab;

[00045] Figure. 21 B is a cross section view of the shell structure of Figure 21 A;

[00046] Figures 22A and 22B are perspective views of example folded shell structures with channels formed therein;

[00047] Figure 23 is a perspective view of various forms of channel for retaining product items; and

[00048] Figures 24 A and 24B are perspective views of various forms of product for use in the shell structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00049] Figure 1A shows a shell base 109 for housing a product item (not shown) in a channel 112, The chamiel 112 may have a closed end 1 3 and an open end 114, One or more overhanging ledges 115 may be provided to help retain the product item within the shell base. Such overhanging ledge(s) may serve to retain a product item within the channel while allowing the product item to slide longitudinally in the channel.

[00050] Figure IB shows a shell base 109 with channel 112, and with a shell window 125 provided, for example to help retain the product item within the shell base. Shell wind ow 125 may be made of any material and may be transparent or non-transparent. Shell window 125 may serve to retain a product item within the channel while allowing the product item to slide longitudinally in the channel.

[00051] Figure 2 shows product P moved forward and partly out the open end. 1 14 of the shell I40B. A customer may, using a finger or thumb placed through the access opening 122, push product P forward through the channel. [00052] Figure 3A shows a shell 140B along with a shell closure 160B. The shell and shell closure may join together and may be held together by friction fit, or by intereiigaging structures such as depressions and protrusion in the mating surfaces. The shell 14013 may have a peripheral flange 1 19. The shell closure 160B may likewise have a peripheral flange 169. Figure 3B shows a somewhat similar structure, shown partly opened, where the shell 140B and shell closure 16GB are hingedly joined by a spine section 183, For example spine section 183 may join together the shell peripheral flange 119 and the shell closure peripheral flange 169. Spine section. 183 may join to shell peripheral flange 119 along one or more fold lines, for example living hinge lines.

Likewise spine section 183 may join to shell closure peripheral flange 169 along one or more fold lines, for example living hinge lines. Alternately, the spine section 183 may be a flexible or curved section.

[00053] As shown in ghost lines on Figure 3A, a cover 180 may be formed from a sheet material suc as paperboard or plastic. The cover 180 may include a base portion 181 , a lid portion 182 and a spine section 183 that connects the base portion 181 to the lid portion 182. The shell 140B may be attached to the base portion 181, and the shell closure 160B may be attached to the lid portion 182, for example by attaching shell peripheral flange 119 to the base portion 181, and shell closure peripheral flange 169 to the lid portion 182. A structure similar to a hook cover is thus formed, which may be printed on one or both sides,

[00054] Figure 4 shows a third embodiment of a shell 240 for housing a product item P such as an electronic cigarette. The shell 240 may include a shell base 209 and a shell peripheral flange 219. Extending from the shell may be a shell retainer flap 245. The shell 240 may be transparent, translucent, or opaque. The shell base may, for example, he a thermoformed plastic or pressed paperboard, although other materials may also be used. The shell base 209 may have a channel 212 formed to receive the product item. The channel. 212 may have a closed end 213 that may be at least partly surrounded by a raised lip 21 L One or more clearance areas 215 may be provided along portions or all of channel 212 to allow more access to product P within the channel. One or more overhanging ledges (not shown) may be provided along portions or all of channel 212 to help retain product P within the channel. The channel 212 may have an open end 214. At the open end 214 or proximate thereto and extending into the channel 212 may he provided one or more exit Interference features 2.16 such as bumps or ridges that may serve to keep the product from inadvertently failing from the shell, and/or to control the motion of the product as it is moved into or out of the shell,

[00055] Figure 5 shows a plan view of a blank 500 for forming an enclosure or carton 501 to house shell 240. Depending on its form, without limitation, the enclosure or carton may be a sleeve or box structure. Blank 500 may include a series of hingediy connected panels, such as glue flap 510, first side panel 515, hack panel 520, second, side panel 525 and front panel 530, which may be folded to form a tubular structure 560 with glue flap 510 attached to the inside of front panel 530. The blank ma further include cover inner panel 540 and cover outer panel 550 that together may form a cover 570 hingediy attached to the tubular structure 560.

[00056] A carton window 532 may be formed in front panel 530, and may receive raised lip 211. The raised lip 211 may help locate the- shell 240 within the tubular structure 560, and the raised lip 211 may further protect a user from cutting his finger on die possibly sharp edge of the carton window 532.

[00057] One or more closure flaps 521. 526, and 531 may extend off back panel 520, second side panel 525, and front panel 530 respectively. The closure flaps may be adhered together to close one end of tubular structure 560,

[00058] A clearance cutout 512 may be provided in glue flap 510 to avoid encroaching into the area of carton window 532.

[00059] A inward flap 523 may be provided on the open end of back panel 520, When folded into the tubular structure 560, the inward flap 523 may abut shell retainer flap 245 to hold shell 240 within the tubular structure 560.

[00060] When cover inner panel 540 and cover outer panel 550 are folded together to form cover 570, their "binge" edges adjoin tubular structure 560 may be glued together so that the cover 570 is two plies of materia! with a space therebetween to receive contents such as an instruction leaflet. A clearance cutaway 542 may be provided on cover inner panel 540 to provide easier access to the leaflet or other contents,

[00061] Figure 6 shows a completed carton 501, viewed from the open end, with the cover 570 opened away from the tabular structure 560, and with a product P such as an electronic cigarette extending from the open end of the carton.

[00062] Figure 7 shows a fourth embodiment of a shell 340 (similar in many respects to the third embodiment shown in Figure 4) for housing a product item P such as an electiOnic cigarette. The shell 340 may include a shell base 309 and a shell peripheral flange 319. The shell 340 may be transparent, translucent, or opaque. The shell base may, for example, be a thermoformed plastic or pressed paperboard, although other materials may also be used. The shell base 309 may have a channel 312 formed to recei ve the product item. The channel 312 may have a closed end 313 that may be at least partly surrounded by a raised lip 311. At. the closed end 31 there may be one or more clearance areas 315 in the vicinity of channel 312. Alternately or additionally one or more overhanging ledges (not shown) may be provided along portions or all of channel 312 to help retain product P within the channel. The channel 312 may have an open end 314. At the open end 314 or proximate thereto and extending into the channel 312 may be provided one or more exit interference features 316 such as bumps or ridges that ma serve to keep the product from, inadvertently falling from the shell, and/or to control the motion of the product as it is moved into or out of the shell. At the closed end. 313 or proximate thereto and extending into the channel 312 may be provided one or more storage interference features 317 such as bumps or ridges that may serve to retain the product when it is stored in the shell .

[00063] Figure 82 shows a plan view of a blank 502 for forming an enclosure or carton 503 to house shell 2.40. Blank 502 may include a series of hingedly connected panels, such as glue flap 510, first side panel 515, front panel 530, second side panel 525, back panel 520, and third side panel 5 ISA, which, may be folded to form a tubular structure 560 with glue flap 510 attached to the inside of back panel 520. The blank may further include cover inner panel 540 and cover outer panel 550 that together may form a cover 570 hingedly attached to the tubular structure 560.

[00064] A carton window 532 may be formed in front panel 530. and may receive raised lip 31 1. The raised lip 31 1 may help locate the shel l 340 within the tabular structure 560, and the raised lip 311 may further protect a user from cutting his finger on the possibly sharp edge of the carton window 532.

[00065] One or more closure flaps 521, 531 may extend, off back panel 520 and front panel 530 respectively at one end of blank 502. The closure flaps may be adhered together to close one end of tubular structure 560.

[00066] One or more closure flaps 524, 534 ma extend off back panel 520 and front panel 530 respectively at the opposite end of blank 502. The closure flaps may be adhered together to close the other end of tubular structure 560. Perforations 524A, 534A ma be provided in closure flaps 524, 534 respectively.

[00067] When cover inner panel 540 and cover outer panel 550 are folded together to form cover 570, their "hinge" edges adjoin tubular structure 560 may be glued together so that the cover 570 is two plies of material with a space therebetween to receive contents such as an instruction leaflet. A clearance cutaway 542 may be provided on cover inner panel 540 to provide easier access to the leaflet or other contents.

[00068] A closure tab 547 may be provided on the cover inner panel 540, which may be inserted into a slit 537 formed on front panel 530, second side panel 525, or the fold line between front panel 530 and second side panel 525, to hold the cover 570 closed against tubular structure 560, An access perforation or cutaway 549 may be provided adjacent closure tab 547 to facilitate separating it from the plane of cover inner panel 540.

[00069] Figure 9 shows a completed carton 503, viewed from the closed end, with the cover 570 opened away from the tubular structure 560, and with a product P such as an electronic cigarette seen housed in the shell 340. Carton window 532 formed in front panel 530 is seen to receive raised lip 211.

[00070] Figure 10 shows a closer view of the opened carton and the product P inside and resting in channel 312. The raised lip 311 is more clearly seen just within carton window 532. The raised lip here may help locate the shell within the tubular structure 560. Storage interference features 317 are shown which may help hold the product P at the closed end 313 of the channel 312.

[00071] Figure 11 shows a view of the opened carton in the hand H of a customer. The product P rests in channel 312. The user is starting to push product P with his thumb T to move the product out of the carton. The raised lip 311 may protect a user from cutting his finger on the possibly sharp edge of the carton window 532.

[00072] Figure 12 shows a view of the opened carton with product P pushed further from the carton.

[00073] Figure 13 shows a detail view of the "open" end of the carton, where exit opening 534A is seen in closure flap 534. Visible through exit opening 534A is product P, and also tire exit interference features 316, which here are bumps that protrude slightly into the channel 312.

[00074] Figures 14-18 show additional examples of shells that may e used alone, or with lids such as lid 160B in Figure 3B or with booklet covers such as booklet cover 180 in Figures 3A, or with cartons such as tubular structure 560 with or without attached covers such as cover 570.

[00075] Figure 14 shows an assembled fifth embodiment of a shell 440 for housing a product item P such as an electronic cigarette. The shell 440 may include a shell base 409 and shell window 425. These parts may be transparent, translucent, or opaque. The shell base may, for example, be a thermoformed plastic or pressed paperboard, although other materials ma also be used. The shell base 409 may have a channel 412 formed to receive the product item. The channel 412 may have a closed end 413 and an open end 414.

[00076] Shell window 425 may he shaped to fit closely to the shell base 109 for example by lying flat on the shell base 109 or by lying in a depression 411 formed in shell base 409. The shell window 425 may be a sheet material, including plastic or paperboard. The shell window 425 may not extend entirely to the closed end 413, so that there is room for a thumb or fing to push the product item P forward in channel 412 toward the open end 414. The shell window 425 may have a small cutaway portion 425A at the open end to give the product P extra room to clear any exit interference feature 416. The shell base 409 and shell window' 425 may be joined together, for example by adhesive, or by heat sealing or welding as appropriate (e.g. for plastics or coated paperboard), or by snap fit or other ^"method of holding the parts together. A shell closure (not shown) may be provided to fit over the shell base 409, in a manner similar to shown in Figure 3.B. The shell base 409, and shell closure if provided, may be attached to a cover (not shown) in a manner similar to that shown in Figure 3 A.

[00077] Figure 15 shows a detail view of the open end 414 of shell 440. The window 425 is seen located within depression 411. At the open end of channel 412 is shown optional exit interference feature 416, here in the form of a bump raised into the channel 412, although other forms of exit interference feature may be used and more than one interference feature may be used. The exit interference feature 416 may be located, shaped, and sized to provide any desired amount of interference to movement of product P.

[00078] Figure 16A shows an assembled sixth embodiment of a shell 640 for housing a product item P such as an electronic cigarette. The shell 640 may include a shell base 609 that may be transparent, translucent, or opaque. The shell base 609 may, for example, be a thermoformed plastic or pressed paperboard, although other materials may also be used. The shell base 609 may have a channel 612 formed to receive the product item. The channel 612 may have a closed end 613 and an open end 614. Overhanging ledges 615 may be provided along portions or all of channel 612 to help retain product P within the channel,

[00079] A label or overlay 625 (shown in dashed lines) may be applied to an upper surface 626 of the shell base 609. For example, a paper or plastic sheet material may be adhesively or otherwise attached to upper surface 626. If desired, the areas of the label or overlay directly above channel 612 may be left without an adhesive, to avoid adhesion to product P. If desired a depressed area (not shown) may be provided on upper surface 626 to receive the label or overlay 625. The label or overlay 625 may not extend entirely to the closed end 613, so that there is room for a thumb or finger to push the product item P forward in channel 612 toward the open end 614. A shell closure (not shown) may be provided to fit over the shell base 609, in a manner similar to shown in Figure 6A 6B. The shell base 609, and shell closure if provided, may be attached to a cover in a manner similar to that shown in Figure 16B,

[00080] Figure 16B shows a shell 640A, similar to that in Figure 16A, but having a cover 682. The shell 640A may have a spine panel 645, for example attached by a living hinge to shell flange 619. Optionally attached to the spine panel 645 may be provided an extension pane! 648 to which cover 682 may be attached. The extension panel may be relatively short as shown, or may itself be large enough to form a cover instead of cover 682. Cover 682 may be a sheet material such, as paperboard. It may include just a single plane as shown, forming an upper cover panel, or it may extend onto the spine panel 645 and even around underneath shell 640A, for example being attached to the shell flange 619.

[00081 ] Figure 17 shows another view of shell 640 seen obliquely from open end 614. Here optional label or overlay 625 is not shown. However, an optional seal 625 A, such as a metal or plastic foil or film, is shown which may entirely cover the channel 612 and. any otherwise exposed areas. Thus seal 625A may extend over the upper surface 626 as well as the open end 614. The seal 625A may for example be used to seal in freshness. Before use, seal 625A may be completely removed from the shell 640, or it may be sufficient to remove only a portion of seal 625 A. For example, at open end 614, a portion, of the seal ma be removed along line 62.5B which may optionally be weakened for cleaner tearing. At the opposite end a portion of the seal- may be removed along l ine 625C which may optionally be weakened for cleaner tearing.

[00082] At the open end of channel 612 is shown optional exit interference feature 616, again here in the form of a bump raised into the channel 612, although other forms of exit interference feature may he used and more than one interference feature may be used, The exit interference feature 616 ma be located, shaped, and sized to provide any desired amount of interference to movement of product P.

[00083] Figure 18 shows a view of the shell 640 seen directly from open end 614. Flange 619 is seen extending around the shell base 609, Exit interference feature 616 is seen extending upward slightly into channel 612. Overhanging ledges 615 are seen above channel 612.

[00084] Figure 19 shows a shell 642 similar to shell 640 seen in Figure 18, but shell 642 is adapted for holding two product, items P, with the second item, held in a second channel 612B. Of course, the shell may also be adapted to hold more than two product items, or product items of different sizes and shapes. Rather than sliding out through a channel 612, 612B additional, product items may be contained depressions or openings in the shell from which they may be lifted or otherwise removed,

[00085] Figures 20A and 20B show perspective views of a shell 643 similar to some of the shells discussed thus far. Shell 643 may include a channel 612 with an open end 614 and closed end 613, and a peripheral flange 61.9. A product item P may be stored in ehannel 612 and may slide therein, While the product P lies above the shell in many of the examples herein, for shell 643 a portion of the product P may be located under a shell tunnel portion 630. The shell tunnel portion 630 may include tunnel wails 633. Cutouts 631 and 632 may be provided in shell 643 to allow the product P to move through the shell.

[00086] Figure 21 A shows a perspective view of a shell 746 with a window 725, The window portion may be of any material and may be transparent or non-transparent Protruding from window 725 and into channel 712 there may be a flap portion 750 to provide some resistance against sliding movement of a product item through channel 712. The flap 750 is best seen in the cutaway view of Figure 2 IB,

[00087] Figures 22A and 22B show cutaway perspective views of shell 840 and 841, which may for example be made of a sheet material, such as paperboard or plastic. The shells may include a front panel 830, back panel 820, and side panels 818. A channel 812 may be formed in the shell by cutting and folding portions 831 of front panel 830 inward into the shell. Preferably the channel 812 may snugly hold a product item. For a product item with a circular or square cross section, this means it may be desirable for the channel to have a width equal to its depth. If the channel 812 is made exactly as wide as the product diameter, the portions 831 will only extend into the shell about half the diameter of the product. Figures 22A and 22B illustrate on way to form channel 812 so that its side walls extend the full diameter of the product.

[00088] As seen in Figure 22A, for shell 840, an inner panel 850 may be provided from which portions 851 may be cut and folded to increase the depth of the channel walls. As seen in Figure 22B, for shell 841, inner panel 850 may be provided which is spaced apart from front panel 830, and from which portions 851 may be cut and folded to increase the depth of the channel walls.

[00089] In the examples described thus far, the channel housing the product P has, by example, a shape generally of a half-cylinder or half-pipe 901 , as shown by channel configuration CI in Figure 23. Here the channel wails are generally continuous. Of course the shape of CI (or other configurations) may be modified to more closely fit various shapes of product such as those shown in Figures 24 A and 24B.

[00090] As another example a channel configuration C2 may have a tapered shape 902 along a portion or ail of its length. As still another example, a channel configuration C3 may include a series of discontinuous short sections 903 whose shapes and sizes may be similar (as shown) or may vary down the length of the channel. [00091] As yet another example, a channel configuration C4 may include a series of frames 904 with openings 905 therein whose size and shape may be constant or may vary down the length of the channel. As yet. another example, a channel configuration C5 may include a number of rails 906 extending at least partly down the length of the channel. The rails 906 may be continuous or discontinuous. The height of an individual rail ma be constant or may vary down ihe length of the channel. ^'The rails may he straight as shown, or may be curved.

100092] The channel configurations shown in Figure 23 generally support the product P from below. However, depending upon the type of construction, support ma also be pro ided from above the product.

[00093] In the examples described thus far, product P is in the form of a round cylinder such as an electronic cigarette. However, product P may be any other product item, for example writing utensils, cosmetic items, medical items, and so forth. Furthermore, item P may have other forms beside round cylinders. Figure 24 A shows a few of the many possible forms that product P may have, In addition to a round cylinder P, the product ma be a polygonal cylinder. Non-limiting examples include hexagonal cylinder P2 or triangular cylinder P3. The product may be a rectangular object. P4, or a stack of rectangular objects P5. Such rectangular objects might include gum, medication, etc.

[00094] Figure 24B shows additional variations on the product shape. For example product P6 depicts a product having a variation in cross section, such as a round cylinder having a first diameter 951 and with a section 952 having a different diameter than first diameter 951 . Product P7 depicts a round cylinder having a longitudinal feature 953 , such as a groove. Product PS has a first section 951 and a second, collinear section 954 with a larger cross section. Product P8 may be received in the structures described herein, particularly if the channel is larger at the open end than the closed end, i which case the larger section. 954 would be housed toward the open end of the channel.

However, if the length of the larger section 954 is sufficient to fit relati vely snug within the channel, the ch annel may be a si ngl e diameter for all or most of the channel length. [00095] Product P9 depicts a product with a first section 955 and a second, non- collinear section 956 with larger cross section. Such a product P9 might for example he found in a USB memory stick. Product P9 may he received in the structures described herein, particularly if the channel is larger at the open end than the closed end, in which case the larger section 956 would be housed toward the open end of the channel.

[00096] However, if the length of the larger section 956 is sufficient to fit relatively sn ug within the channel, the channel may he a single size for all or most of the channel length.

[00097] Certain parts of the container, for example the shell, may be formed by processing such as thermoforming, vacuum forming, pressure forming, etc as is known to those sk lled in the art. Certain parts may be formed by injection molding. In certain embodiments, the molded parts of the container may be made of materials chosen for heat sealing to the base and lid portions of the container, which may be coated with materials suitable for heat sealing. Alternately, other means such as adhesives may be used for attaching the molded parts to the base and lid.

[00098] Certain embodiments of the shell as shown herein use a "stepped" structure (e.g. formed in part by a first recess and a second recess), a structure that may be readily formed , for example by thermoforming of plastic. Ho wever, alternative structures, having different numbers of steps, or having sloped sides with or wi thout steps, are also within the scope of the disclosure. A pressed paperboard shell, for example, may have sufficient strength and be more readily formed with sloping sides rather than stepped sides.

[00099] The embodiments of the containers described here are all designed to facilitate single-handed operation. The user may for example, using one hand, open the container, and slide a product item at least partly out of the. shell.

[000100] Graphics may be provided on the external surfaces of the container, for example the external surfaces of the cover, Graphics may also be provided on the internal surface of the cover. [000101] The embodiments described above provide a wide variety of features. Many of these features can be interchanged between embodiments. Further embodiments are thus envisaged which use a selection of the features from those described above, ^'The mvention thus extends to cover containers having other combinations of the features described.

Claims

1. A package for housing a rod-shaped item, the package comprising:

a base;

a channel formed in the base portion and extending in a first direction,

the channel having an open end,

the channel extending for at least a first distance in the first direction; arid a first retaining feature proximate the channel and extending along at least part of the channel.

2. The package of claim 1, wherein the channel defines a first generally uniform cross section, the package furtlier comprising at leas a first protrusion into the first generally uniform cross section.

3. The package of claim 1, wherein the channel has a wall and the first protrusion is raised from the wall.

4. The package of claim 1 , wherein the channel has a wall and the first protrusion is a narrowing of the wall,

5. The package of cl aim 2, wherein the first protrusion is formed at tire open end of the channel.

6. The package of claim 5, further comprising a second protrusion into the first generally uniform cross section, wherei the second protrusion is spaced apart from the open. end.

7. The package of claim 6, wherein the second protrusion is formed at the opposite end of the channel from the open end.

8. The package of claim 1, wherein the first retaining feature is a ledge extending along at least part of the channel.

9. The package of claim 8_S wherein the ledge extends at least partially along the first distance,

i 0. The package of claim 1 , wherein the first retaining feature is a pair of ledges extending along at least part of the channel.

11. The package of claim 1 , wherein the first retaining feature is a sheet of material covering at least part of the base and at least part of the channel.

12. The package of claim 11, wherein the sheet of material is plastic or paperboard,

13. The package of claim 11 , wherein the sheet of material is transparent,

14. The package of claim 11, wherein the sheet of materia! is attached to the base.

15. 12a The package of claim 11, wherein the sheet of material is adhered to the base.

16. The package of claim 11, wherein an access aperture is formed in the sheet of material, the access aperture at least partly overlying the channel

17. The package of claim 1, further comprising a sleeve or box structure enclosing the base, wherein the first retaining feature is provided by the sleeve or box structure.

18. 14A. The package of claim 1, further comprising a sleeve or box structure enclosing the base, wherein the sleeve or box structure comprises a closed end at the open end of the channel, wherein sai d cl osed end has a tear-away portion aligned with, the open end of the channel.

19. The package of claim 1, further comprising a cover having a back panel and front panel with a spine therebetween, wherein the base is attached to the back panel, and the first retaining feature is the cover.

20. The package of claim 19, wherein the spine is attached to at least one of the back panel and front panel by a fold, or hinge.

21. The package of claim 1 , further comprising a lid, wherein the lid fits onto the base.

22. The package of claim 21 , where the lid closes (he open end of the channel.

23. The package of claim 19, furiher comprising a lid, wherein the lid is attached to the front panel, and fits onto the base.

24. The package of claim 1 , wherein the channel has a second generally uniform cross section extending col linear with the first generally uniform cross section, the second, generally uniform cross section being located toward the end of the channel opposite from the open end, the second generall uniform cross section having a smaller area than the first generally uniform cross section,

25. The package of claim 1, further comprising an additional channel extending parallel to the channel.

26. The package, of claim 1, wherein the channel is shaped to receive an item having a round cylindrical shape,

27. The package of claim 1, wherein the channel is shaped to receive an item having

polygonal cylindrical shape.