WO2016189298A1

WO2016189298A1 - Tobacco industry product container

Info

Publication number: WO2016189298A1
Application number: PCT/GB2016/051493
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven Holford
Original assignee: British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited
Priority date: 2015-05-26
Filing date: 2016-05-24
Publication date: 2016-12-01
Also published as: GB201508998D0; EP3303180A1

Abstract

Disclosed is a tobacco industry product container (1), comprising: a base portion (600) having an outer contact portion (615a) and defining a cavity (670) and an opening (680) at a first end (601) of the base portion via which the cavity is accessible from an exterior of the base portion; and a lid (400) having an inner contact portion (415a) and attached to the base portion by a hinge for rotation relative to the base portion about an axis between closed and open positions. The base portion has a second end (602) opposite from the first end. The axis is closer to the second end than is the outer contact portion. When the lid is at the closed position, the outer contact portion contacts and presses the inner contact portion with a force having at least a component in a direction perpendicular to the axis so as to resist rotation of the lid towards the open position.

Description

Tobacco industry product container

Technical Field The present invention relates to tobacco industry product containers and to blanks for forming tobacco industry product containers.

Background

It is known to provide tobacco industry products, such as smoking articles, e.g. cigarettes, in a container such as a box. Some known tobacco industry product containers comprise a base portion defining a cavity and an opening into the cavity from an exterior of the base portion, and a lid for closing the cavity.

Summary A first aspect of the present invention provides a tobacco industry product container, comprising: a base portion having an outer contact portion, the base portion defining a cavity and an opening at a first end of the base portion via which the cavity is accessible from an exterior of the base portion; and a lid having an inner contact portion, the lid being attached to the base portion by a hinge for rotation relative to the base portion about an axis between a closed position, at which the opening is closed by the lid, and an open position, at which the opening is not closed by the lid; wherein the base portion has a second end opposite from the first end, and the axis is closer to the second end than is the outer contact portion; and wherein, when the lid is at the closed position, the outer contact portion is in contact with the inner contact portion and presses the inner contact portion with a force having at least a component in a direction perpendicular to the axis so as to resist rotation of the lid towards the open position.

Optionally, when the lid is at the closed position, the outer contact portion presses the inner contact portion with the force in a direction perpendicular to the axis so as to resist rotation of the lid towards the open position.

Optionally, the base portion comprises a shell and an inner structure within the shell, and the inner structure comprises the outer contact portion. Further optionally, the inner structure comprises an inner frame and a wrapper enveloping the inner frame. The wrapper may comprise the outer contact portion. Optionally, the wrapper envelops the cavity, and the cavity is accessible from an exterior of the base portion via the opening when the wrapper is broken or removed.

Optionally, the lid has a resilient element comprising the inner contact portion. Optionally, the lid comprises a first layer of material and a second layer of material, the first layer of material comprises the inner contact portion, and the second layer of material is on a side of the first layer of material opposite from the inner contact portion.

Optionally, the lid comprises a sheet of material, and the first and second layers of material are respective portions of the sheet of material that are connected by a fold in the sheet of material.

Optionally, the first layer of material is non-unitary with the second layer of material and is fixed to the second layer of material.

Optionally, the base portion has a second outer contact portion that is discrete from the outer contact portion; the lid comprises a second inner contact portion; and, when the lid is at the closed position, the second outer contact portion is in contact with the second inner contact portion and presses the second inner contact portion with a force having at least a component in a direction perpendicular to the axis so as to resist rotation of the lid towards the open position.

Optionally, when the lid is at the closed position, the second outer contact portion presses the second inner contact portion with the force in a direction perpendicular to the axis so as to resist rotation of the lid towards the open position.

Optionally, the base portion has one or more secondary contact portions and the lid has one or more secondary contact portions; and, when the lid is at the closed position, the one or more secondary contact portions of the base portion are in frictional contact with the one or more secondary contact portions of the lid, respectively, so as to resist rotation of the lid towards the open position.

Optionally, the base portion comprises a front portion and a rear portion and the cavity between the front and rear portions; the lid comprises a front portion and a rear portion, the rear portion of the lid being attached to the rear portion of the base portion by the hinge; and the front portion of the base portion comprises the outer contact portion, and the front portion of the lid comprises the inner contact portion.

Optionally, the base portion comprises a front portion, a rear portion, the cavity between the front and rear portions, and at least one side portion extending between the front and rear portions; the lid comprises a front portion and a rear portion, the rear portion of the lid being attached to the rear portion of the base portion by the hinge; and the side portion of the base portion comprises the outer contact portion, and the front portion of the lid comprises the inner contact portion. Further optionally, an edge of the side portion comprises the outer contact portion.

Optionally, the at least one side portion comprises first and second side portions extending between the front and rear portions of the base portion; the first side portion comprises the outer contact portion, and the second side portion comprises a second outer contact portion; the front portion of the lid comprises a second inner contact portion; and, when the lid is at the closed position, the second outer contact portion is in contact with the second inner contact portion and presses the second inner contact portion with a force having at least a component in a direction perpendicular to the axis so as to resist rotation of the lid towards the open positron.

Optionally, when the lid is at the closed position, the second outer contact portion presses the second inner contact portion with the force in a direction perpendicular to the axis so as to resist rotation of the lid towards the open positron.

Optionally, the second end of the base portion is a closed end of the base portion. Optionally, when the lid is at the closed position, the cavity is free of the lid. Optionally, the base portion has a second outer portion, the lid has a second inner portion, and the second outer portion is closer to the second end than is the axis; wherein, when the lid is at the closed position, the second outer portion is in contact with the second inner portion and presses the second inner portion with a second force having at least a component in a direction perpendicular to the axis; and wherein the force and the second force are such as to resist rotation of the lid towards the open position.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a plurality of blanks, each of which comprises a sheet of material comprising one or more predetermined fold lines, wherein the blanks are foldable along the fold lines and locatable relative to each other to form the tobacco industry product container according to the first aspect of the present invention.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a blank comprising a sheet of material comprising one or more predetermined fold lines, wherein the blank is foldable along the fold lines to form the tobacco industry product container according to the first aspect of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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

Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of a tobacco industry product container according to an embodiment of the present invention, with a lid of the container at a closed position relative to a base portion of the container,

Figure 2 shows a rear perspective view of the container shown in Figure 1 , Figure 3 shows a front perspective view of the container shown in Figure 1 , with the lid at an open position relative to the base portion,

Figure 4 shows a front perspective view of an inner frame of the container shown in Figure 1 , Figure 5 shows a cross sectional view of the container of Figure 1 in the state shown in Figure 3,

Figure 6 shows a cross sectional view of the container of Figure 1 in the state shown in Figure 1 , Figure 7 shows a blank from which a combination of a shell and the lid of the container shown in

Figure 1 may be formed,

Figure 8 shows a blank from which the inner frame of the container shown in Figure 1 may be formed, Figure 9 shows a blank from which the wrapper of the container shown in Figure 1 may be formed,

Figures 10 to 14 show cross sectional views of respective portions of containers according to further respective embodiments of the present invention,

Figure 15 shows a front perspective view of a tobacco industry product container according to a further embodiment of the present invention, with a lid of the container at an open position relative to a base portion of the container, and

Figure 16 shows a front perspective view of an inner frame of the container shown in Figure 15. Detailed Description

Figures 1 to 3, 5 and 6 show a tobacco industry product container 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Briefly, and generally speaking, the container 1 comprises a shell 100, an inner frame 200, a wrapper 300 and a lid 400. Each of these elements will be described in turn.

As best shown in Figures 1 to 3, the shell 100 comprises a front panel 110, a rear panel 120 spaced from and parallel to the front panel 110, first and second side portions 130, 140 extending between the front and rear panels 110, 120, and a bottom panel 150. The front panel 110 is planar, or substantially planar, lies in a first plane, and has a rectangular shape with parallel top and bottom edges 111 , 112 and parallel left and right edges 113, 114 orthogonal to the top and bottom edges 111 , 112. The rear panel 120 also is planar, or substantially planar, lies in a second plane parallel to the first plane, and has a rectangular shape with top and bottom edges 121 , 122 and parallel left and right edges 123, 124 orthogonal to the top and bottom edges 121 , 122. The top, bottom, left and right edges 111 , 112, 113, 114 of the front panel 110 are respectively parallel to the top, bottom, left and right edges 121 , 122, 123, 124 of the rear panel 120.

The first side portion 130 comprises a first side panel 135 orthogonal to the rear panel 120, a first bevelled edge 136 extending from the left edge 113 of the front panel 110 and connecting the first side panel 135 with the front panel 110, and a second bevelled edge 137 extending from the left edge 123 of the rear panel 120 and connecting the first side panel 135 with the rear panel 120. The first side portion 130 has top and bottom edges 131 , 132. Similarly, the second side portion 140 comprises a second side panel 145 orthogonal to the rear panel 120, a third bevelled edge 146 extending from the right edge 114 of the front panel 110 and connecting the second side panel 145 with the front panel 110, and a fourth bevelled edge 147 extending from the right edge 124 of the rear panel 120 and connecting the second side panel 145 with the rear panel 120. The second side portion 140 has top and bottom edges 141 , 142.

A width of the front panel 110 measured between, and orthogonal to, the left and right edges 113, 114 thereof is equal to, or approximately equal to, a width of the rear panel 120 measured between, and orthogonal to, the left and right edges 123, 124 thereof. The bottom edges 112, 122, 132, 142 of the front and rear panels 110, 120 and of the first and second side portions 130, 140 all lie in, or substantially in, a third plane orthogonal to the first and second planes. A height of the front panel 110 measured between, and orthogonal to, the top and bottom edges 111 , 112 thereof is less than a height of the rear panel 120 measured between, and orthogonal to, the top and bottom edges 121 , 122 thereof. Accordingly, the third plane is closer to the top edge 111 of the front panel 110 than to the top edge 121 of the rear panel 120. Moreover, the top edges 131 , 141 of the first and second side portions 130, 140 are inclined to the third plane, so as to join the top edges 111 , 121 of the front and rear panels 110, 120.

Edges 151 , 152, 153, 154 of the bottom panel 150 of the shell 100 respectively are adjacent, or abut, the bottom edges 112, 122, 132, 142 of the front and rear panels 110, 120 and of the first and second side portions 130, 140 of the shell 100. The bottom panel 150 is planar, or substantially planar, and is orthogonal to each of the front and rear panels 110, 120 of the shell 100 and each of the first and second side portions 130, 140 of the shell 100. The top edges 111 , 121 , 131 , 141 of the front and rear panels 110, 120 and of the first and second side portions 130, 140 of the shell 100 are at a first end 101 of the shell 100, and the bottom panel 150 is at an opposite second end 102 of the shell 100.

As shown in Figure 4, the inner frame 200 comprises a main panel 210, first and second side portions 230, 240, and first and second top flaps 237, 247. The main panel 210 is planar, or substantially planar, has a bottom edge 212, parallel left and right edges 213, 214 orthogonal to the bottom edge 212, and a top edge 211. The top edge 211 is non-linear and defines a cut-out into the otherwise rectangular main panel 210. The first side portion 230 of the inner frame 200 comprises a first side panel 235 orthogonal to the main panel 210, and a first bevelled edge 236 extending from the left edge 213 of the main panel 210 and connecting the first side panel 235 with the main panel 210. The first side portion 230 has top and bottom edges 231 (the latter not visible in the Figures) parallel to the bottom edge 212 of the main panel 210. Similarly, the second side portion 240 of the inner frame 200 comprises a second side panel 245 orthogonal to the main panel 210, and a second bevelled edge 246 extending from the right edge 214 of the main panel 210 and connecting the second side panel 245 with the main panel 210. The second side portion 240 has top and bottom edges 241 , 242 parallel to the bottom edge 212 of the main panel 210. The first and second top flaps 237, 247 extend towards each other from the top edges 231 , 241 of the first and second side portions 230, 240 and orthogonally to the first and second side portions 230, 240. The first and second top flaps 237, 247, and the top edges 211 , 231 , 241 of the main panel 210 and of the first and second side portions 230, 240, are at a first end 201 of the inner frame 200, whereas the bottom edges 212, 242 of the main panel 210 and of the first and second side portions 230, 240 are at an opposite second end 202 of the inner frame 200.

As shown in Figure 3, the wrapper 300 is located between the shell 100 and the inner frame 200, so that the inner frame 200 is not visible in Figure 3. The wrapper 300 envelopes the inner frame 200 and any tobacco industry products, such as smoking articles, e.g. cigarettes, to be contained within the container 1. The wrapper 300 is formed from a material that enables the wrapper 300 to form a hermetic seal around the inner frame 200 and the tobacco industry products. In other words, the wrapper 300 prevents, or substantially prevents, air at an exterior of the wrapper 300 from passing through the wrapper 300 to contact the inner frame 200 and any tobacco industry products at an interior of the wrapper 300.

When enveloping the inner frame 200 as illustrated, the wrapper 300 comprises a front portion 310 overlying the main panel 210 of the inner frame 200 and located between the main panel 210 of the inner frame 200 and the front panel 110 of the shell 100, a rear portion 320 located between the rear panel 120 of the shell 100 and the inner frame 200, a first side portion 330 located between the first side portion 130 of the shell 100 and the inner frame 200, a second side portion 340 located between the second side portion 140 of the shell 100 and the inner frame 200, a bottom portion (not visible in the Figures) located between the bottom panel 150 of the shell 100 and the inner frame 200, and a top portion 360 located between the top panel 450 of the lid 400 and the first and second top flaps 237, 247 of the inner frame 200 when the lid 400 is at a closed position, as discussed below. The wrapper 300 also comprises a line of weakness 390 along which the wrapper 300 is breakable in a predetermined manner to access the inner frame 200 and any tobacco industry products contained by the container 1. The line of weakness 390 extends along the front, rear and top portions 310, 320, 360 of the wrapper 300. The wrapper 300 may be removable from the container 1 to access the inner frame 200 and any tobacco industry products contained by the container 1. The first and second side portions 330, 340 of the wrapper 300 are fixed, by adhesive or otherwise, to respective inner (i e. facing in the direction of the opposite side portion 130, 140) surfaces of the first and second side portions 130, 140 of the shell 100. The inner frame 200 and the wrapper 300 are located relative to the shell 100 so that the top portion 360 of the wrapper 300, and the top edges 211 , 231 , 241 of the main panel 210 and of the first and second side portions 230, 240 of the inner frame 200, are further from the second end 102 of the shell 100 than are the top edges 111 , 131 , 141 of the front panel 110 and the first and second side portions 130, 140 of the shell 100.

The inner frame 200 and the wrapper 300 are comprised in an inner structure 500 within the shell 100. Accordingly, the inner structure 500 is located relative to the shell 100 so that a portion of the inner structure 500 is further from the second end 102 of the shell 100 than are the top edges 111 , 131 , 141 of the front panel 110 and the first and second side portions 130, 140 of the shell 100. This portion of the inner structure 500 may thus be considered to protrude from within the shell 100. The shell 100 and the inner structure 500 are comprised in a base portion 600 of the container 1.

In other words, the base portion 600 comprises the shell 100, the inner frame 200, and the wrapper 300. The base portion 600 comprises a front portion 610 (comprising the front panel 110 of the shell 100, the main panel 210 of the inner frame 200, and the front portion 310 of the wrapper 300), a rear portion 620 (comprising the rear panel 120 of the shell 100 and the rear portion 320 of the wrapper 300) spaced from and parallel to the front portion 610 of the base portion 600, a first side portion 630 (comprising the first side portion 130 of the shell 100, the first side portion 230 of the inner frame 200, and the first side portion 330 of the wrapper 300), a second side portion 640 (comprising the second side portion 140 of the shell 100, the second side portion 240 of the inner frame 200, and the second side portion 340 of the wrapper 300), a bottom portion 650 (comprising the bottom panel 150 of the shell 100 and the bottom portion of the wrapper 300), and a top portion 660 (comprising the top portion 360 of the wrapper 300).

As best shown in Figures 3, 5 and 6, the front portion 610 of the base portion 600 comprises an outer surface 615 facing away from the rear portion 620 of the base portion 600. By "outer surface" it is meant that the surface 615 faces outwardly of the container 1. The outer surface

615 comprise an outer contact portion 615a of the base portion 600. As mentioned above, the front portion 610 of the base portion 600 comprises the front panel 110 of the shell 100, the main panel 210 of the inner frame 200, and the front portion 310 of the wrapper 300. Given that the inner frame 200 and the wrapper 300 are comprised in the inner structure 500, and given that the above-discussed portion of the inner structure 500 protrudes from within the shell 100, the shell

100 and the inner structure 500 define respective first and second portions of the front portion 610 of the base portion 600. In this embodiment, the inner structure 500 comprises the outer contact portion 615a. Moreover, given that in this embodiment the wrapper 300 envelops the inner structure 200, the wrapper 300 comprises the outer contact portion 615a. In this embodiment, the outer contact portion 615a is parallel to, or substantially parallel to, the rear portion 620 of the base portion 600, but in other embodiments this may not be the case.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the base portion 600 defines a cavity 670 therein. More specifically, the cavity 670 is defined by a combination of the inner frame 200 and the wrapper 300 and is enveloped by the wrapper 300. Nevertheless, the cavity 670 is defined by and between the front, rear, top, bottom and first and second side portions 610, 620, 630, 640, 650, 660 of the base portion 600. The cavity 670 is for containing the tobacco industry products contained by the container 1. The base portion 600 also defines an opening 680, via which opening 680 the cavity 670 of the base portion 600, and any tobacco industry products contained therein, is accessible when the wrapper 300 is removed or broken as discussed above. The opening 680 is defined by a rim 681 , which comprises the top edges 111 , 121 , 131 , 141 of the front and rear panels 110, 120 of the shell 100 and of the first and second side portions 130, 140 of the shell 100. The opening 680 is at a first end 601 of the base portion 600, and the bottom portion 650 of the base portion 600 is at an opposite second end 602 of the base portion 600. The second end 602 is thus a closed end of the base portion 600.

The lid 400 is for closing the opening 680 at the first end 601 of the base portion 600. The lid 400 is attached to the base portion 600 by a hinge 603 for rotation relative to the base portion 600 about an axis A1-A1. The axis A1-A1 is closer to the second end 602 of the base portion 600 than is the outer contact portion 615a discussed above. In this embodiment, the hinge 603 is at the first end 601 of the base portion 600. Thus, the lid 400 is hinged to the first end 601 of the base portion 600. More specifically, in this embodiment the lid 400 is unitary or integral with the shell 100, and is connected directly to the top edge 121 of the rear panel 120 of the shell 100, with the hinge 603 formed at the top edge 121 of the rear panel 120. The 603 hinge is thus a living hinge in this embodiment. The lid 400 is rotatable relative to the base portion 600 about the axis A1-A1 between a closed position as shown in Figures 1 , 2 and 6, at which the lid 400 closes or blocks the opening 680, and an open position as shown in Figures 3 and 5, at which the opening 680 is not blocked or closed by the lid 400.

As best shown in Figures 1 to 3, the lid 400 comprises a front portion 410, a rear portion 420 spaced from and parallel to the front portion 410, first and second side portions 430, 440 extending between the front and rear portions 410, 420 of the lid 400, and a top panel 450. The front portion 410 of the lid 400 has a rectangular shape with parallel top and bottom edges 411 , 412 and parallel left and right edges 413, 414 orthogonal to the top and bottom edges 411 , 412. The rear portion 420 of the lid 400 has a rectangular shape with parallel top and bottom edges 421 , 422 and parallel left and right edges 423, 424 orthogonal to the top and bottom edges 421 , 422. The rear portion 420 of the lid 400 is that portion of the lid 400 that is hinged to the base portion 600, and more specifically to the rear portion 620 of the base portion 600. The top, bottom, left and right edges 411 , 412, 413, 414 of the front portion 410 of the lid 400 are respectively parallel to the top, bottom, left and right edges 421 , 422, 423, 424 of the rear portion 420 of the lid 400. As shown in Figures 3, 5 and 6, the front portion 410 of the lid 400 has an inner surface 415. By "inner surface" it is meant that the surface 415 faces inwardly of the container 1. The inner surface 415 comprises an inner contact portion 415a of the lid 400. More specifically, in this embodiment, the front portion 420 of the lid 400 comprises a first layer of material 416 comprising the inner contact portion 415a and a second layer of material 417 on a side of the first layer of material 416 opposite from the inner contact portion 415a. In the illustrated embodiment, the second layer of material 417 forms an outer surface of the front portion 410 of the lid 400. The first layer of material 416 is non-unitary with, i.e. a separate piece from, the second layer of material 417 and is fixed to the second layer of material 417, by adhesive or otherwise.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the first side portion 430 of the lid 400 comprises a first side panel 435 orthogonal to the rear portion 420 of the lid 400, a first bevelled edge 436 extending from the left edge 413 of the front portion 410 of the lid 400 and connecting the first side panel 435 with the front portion 410 of the lid 400, and a second bevelled edge 437 extending from the left edge 423 of the rear portion 420 of the lid 400 and connecting the first side panel 435 with the rear portion 420 of the lid 400. The first side portion 430 of the lid 400 has top and bottom edges 431 , 432. Similarly, the second side portion 440 of the lid 400 comprises a first side panel 445 orthogonal to the rear portion 420 of the lid 400, a third bevelled edge 446 extending from the right edge 414 of the front portion 410 of the lid 400 and connecting the first side panel 445 with the front portion 410 of the lid 400, and a fourth bevelled edge 447 extending from the right edge 424 of the rear portion 420 of the lid 400 and connecting the first side panel 445 with the rear portion 420 of the lid 400. The second side portion 440 of the lid 400 has top and bottom edges 441 , 442.

Edges 451 , 452, 453, 454 of the top panel 450 of the lid 400 respectively are adjacent, or abut, the top edges 411 , 421 , 431 , 441 of the front and rear portions 410, 420 and of the first and second side portions 430, 440 of the lid 400. The top panel 450 is planar, or substantially planar, and is orthogonal to each of the front and rear portions 410, 420 of the lid 400 and each of the first and second side portions 430, 440 of the lid 400. The bottom edges 412, 422, 432, 442 of the front and rear portions 410, 420 and of the first and second side portions 430, 440 of the lid 400 are at a first end 401 of the lid 400, and the top panel 450 is at an opposite second end 402 of the lid 400.

The lid 400 defines a cavity 460 therein and an opening 470 into the cavity 460 from an exterior of the lid 400. The opening 470 is defined by a rim 471 , which comprises the bottom edges 412, 422, 432, 442 of the front and rear portions 410, 420 and of the first and second side portions 430, 440 of the lid 400. The cavity 460 defined by the lid 400 is located between the front and rear portions 410, 420, the first and second side portions 430, 440, and the top panel 450 of the lid 400.

A width of the front portion 410 of the lid 400 measured between, and orthogonal to, the left and right edges 413, 414 thereof is equal to, or approximately equal to, a width of the rear portion 420 of the lid 400 measured between, and orthogonal to, the left and right edges 423, 424 thereof. The width of the front portion 410 of the lid 400 is equal to, or approximately equal to, the width of the front panel 110 of the shell 100, and the width of the rear portion 420 of the lid 400 is equal to, or approximately equal to, the width of the rear panel 120 of the shell 100. The top edges 411 , 421 , 431 , 441 of the front and rear portions 410, 420 and of the first and second side portions 430, 440 of the lid 400 all lie in, or substantially in, a fourth plane. A height of the front portion 410 of the lid 400 measured between, and orthogonal to, the top and bottom edges 411 , 412 thereof is greater than a height of the rear portion 420 of the lid 400 measured between, and orthogonal to, the top and bottom edges 421 , 422 thereof. Accordingly, the fourth plane is closer to the bottom edge 422 of the rear portion 420 of the lid 400 than to the bottom edge 412 of the front portion 410 of the lid 400. Moreover, the bottom edges 432, 442 of the first and second side portions 430, 440 of the lid 400 are inclined to the fourth plane, so as to join the bottom edges 412, 422 of the front and rear portions 410, 420 of the lid 400 and form therewith the rim 471. The angle of inclination of the top edges 131 , 141 of the first and second side portions 130, 140 of the shell 100 relative to the third plane is equal to the angle of inclination of the bottom edges 432, 442 of the first and second side portions 430, 440 of the lid 400 relative to the fourth plane.

When the lid 400 is at the closed position, the front portion 410 of the lid 400 lies in, or substantially in, the first plane, the rear portion 420 of the lid 400 lies in, or substantially in, the second plane, the third and fourth planes are parallel, or substantially parallel, and the top edges 111 , 131 , 141 of the front panel 110 and of the first and second side portions 130, 140 of the shell 100 abut, or lie parallel or adjacent to, the bottom edges 412, 432, 442 of the front portion 410 and of the first and second side portions 430, 440 of the lid 400, respectively. Moreover, when the lid 400 is at the closed position, the top portion 360 of the wrapper 300 and the top edges 211 , 231 , 241 of the main panel 210 and of the first and second side portions 230, 240 of the inner frame 200 are located within the cavity 460 defined by the lid 400. The sum of the respective heights of the front panel 110 of the shell 100 and the front portion 410 of the lid 400 is equal to, or approximately equal to, the sum of the respective heights of the rear panel 120 of the shell 100 and the rear portion 420 of the lid 400. Accordingly, when the lid 400 is at the closed position, the base portion 600 and the lid 400, and more specifically the shell 100 and the lid 400, together give the container 1 a substantially cuboid shape, albeit with four bevelled edges formed by the first to fourth bevelled edges 136, 137, 146, 147 of the shell 100 and the first to fourth bevelled edges 436, 437, 446, 447 of the lid 400.

When the lid 400 is at the open position relative to the base portion 600, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, the cavity 670 of the base portion 600 is free of the lid 400 and the inner contact portion 415a of the lid 400 is out of contact with the outer contact portion 615a of the base portion 600. On the other hand, when the lid 400 is at the closed position relative to the base portion 600, as shown in Figures 1 , 2 and 6, the outer contact portion 615a of the base portion 600 is in contact with the inner contact portion 415a of the lid 400 and presses the inner contact portion 415a of the lid 400 with a force having at least a component in a direction perpendicular to the axis A1 -A1 so as to resist rotation of the lid 400 relative to the base portion 600 about the axis A1-A1 towards the open position. Accordingly, there is not, or not merely, frictional force between the outer contact portion 615a and the inner contact portion 415a. Rather, there is a force applied to the inner contact portion 415a by the outer contact portion 615a in a direction that extends from the outer contact portion 615a through the inner contact portion 415a. The outer contact portion 615a may press the inner contact portion 415a with the force in a direction perpendicular to the axis A1-A1. Since the axis A1-A1 is closer to the second end 602 of the base portion 600 than is the outer contact portion 615a, the pressing biases the lid 400 towards the closed position relative to the base portion 600, so as to resist rotation of the lid 400 towards the open position. In some embodiments, the application of the force by the outer contact portion 615a causes the lid 400 to remain at the closed position until moved by a user. In this embodiment, when the lid 400 is at the closed position relative to the base portion 600, the cavity 670 of the base portion 600 still is free of the lid 400. This advantageously avoids any part of the lid 400 entering the cavity 670 of the base portion 600, which helps to avoid damage being caused to any tobacco industry products, such as smoking articles, e.g. cigarettes, within the cavity 670 of the base portion 600 by the lid 400 during movement of the lid 400 towards the closed position. Moreover, this also permits the cavity 670 of the base portion 600 to be enveloped by the wrapper 300, as discussed above, so as to help maintain the condition of any tobacco industry products, such as smoking articles, e.g. cigarettes, within the cavity 670 of the base portion 600. In other embodiments, when the lid 400 is at the closed position relative to the base portion 600, part of the lid 400 may be located in the cavity 670 of the base portion 600.

As would be understood from Figure 3, when the wrapper 300 is broken as discussed above, the outer surface 615 of the base portion 600, and more specifically the inner structure 500 in this embodiment, comprises a second outer contact portion 615b that is spaced from and discrete from the first outer contact portion 615a discussed above. In this embodiment, the second outer contact portion 615b is parallel to, or substantially parallel to, the rear portion 620 of the base portion 600, but in other embodiments this may not be the case. The lid 400 also can be considered to have a corresponding second inner contact portion 415b that is spaced from the first inner contact portion 415a discussed above. The axis A1-A1 is closer to the second end 602 of the base portion 600 than is the second outer contact portion 615b. When the lid 400 is located relative to the base portion 600 at the closed position, the second outer contact portion 615b is in contact with the second inner contact portion 415b and presses the second inner contact portion 415b with a force having at least a component in a direction perpendicular to the axis A1-A1 so as to further resist rotation of the lid 400 relative to the base portion 600 about the axis A1-A1 towards the open position. Accordingly, again, there is not, or not merely, frictional force between the second outer contact portion 615b and the second inner contact portion 415b. Rather, there is a force applied to the second inner contact portion 415b by the second outer contact portion 615b in a direction that extends from the second outer contact portion 615b through the second inner contact portion 415b. The second outer contact portion 615b may press the second inner contact portion 415b with the force in a direction perpendicular to the axis A1-A1. Since the axis A1- A1 is closer to the second end 602 of the base portion 600 than is the second outer contact portion 615b, this pressing further biases the lid 400 towards the closed position relative to the base portion 600, so as to resist rotation of the lid 400 towards the open position.

In this embodiment, both the first and second inner contact portions 415a, 415b are comprised in a single piece of material. However, in some embodiments, similar to that shown in Figure 15, the first and second inner contact portions 415a, 415b may be comprised in respective separate pieces of material, which may be adhered to the rest of the lid 400.

The combination of the shell 100 and the lid 400 may be formed from the blank 10 shown in Figure 7. The blank 10 comprises a sheet of material, such as card, paper or cardboard, which has a plurality of fold lines 11. The blank 10 may have been cut from a larger sheet of the material. As would be readily understood by the skilled person on consideration of Figures 1 to 3, 5 and 6, the blank 10 is foldable along the fold lines 11 to form the combination of the shell 100 and the lid 400. As would also be readily understood by the skilled person, the blank 10 includes a plurality of tabs 12 there are fixable, by adhesive or otherwise, to other portions of the blank 10 to hold the material in the desired final configuration.

The inner frame 200 may be made from the blank 20 shown in Figure 8. The blank 20 comprises a sheet of material, such as card, paper or cardboard, which has a plurality of fold lines 21. The blank 20 may have been cut from a larger sheet of the material. As would be readily understood by the skilled person on consideration of at least Figures 4 and 8, the blank 20 is foldable along the fold lines 21 to form the inner frame 200.

The wrapper 300 may be made from the blank 30 shown in Figure 9. The blank 30 comprises a sheet of flexible material, such as a plastics material, e.g. polythene. The sheet of flexible material may have been cut from a larger sheet of the material, and may or may not have a plurality of fold lines. As would be readily understood by the skilled person on consideration of at least Figures 3, 5, 6 and 9, the blank 30 is foldable to form the wrapper 300. In other words, the sheet of flexible material is wrappable around the inner frame 200 and any tobacco industry products, such as smoking articles, e.g. cigarettes, to be contained in the container 1.

The blanks 10, 20, 30 are locatable relative to each other to form the tobacco industry product container 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3, 5 and 6. Optionally, the blanks 10, 20 are formed into the combination and the inner frame 200, respectively, then the inner frame 200 and any tobacco industry products to be contained in the container 1 are enveloped by the blank 30 to form the inner structure 500, and then the inner structure 500, comprising the inner frame 200, the wrapper 300 and any tobacco industry products to be contained in the container 1 , is inserted into the shell 100 and adhered thereto as discussed above to form the base portion 600. Other orders of assembly steps may be apparent to the skilled person on consideration of the present disclosure. In some variations to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9, the shell 100 may have a different form to that described above. For example, the first and/or second and/or third and/or fourth bevelled edge 136, 137, 146, 147 of the first and/or second side portion 130, 140 of the shell 100 may be replaced with a curved edge. In some variations, the first side portion 130 may comprise only a first side panel extending from the left edge 123 of the rear panel 120 and orthogonal to the rear panel 120 to the left edge 113 of the front panel 110. In some variations, the second side portion 140 may comprise only a second side panel extending from the right edge 124 of the rear panel 120 and orthogonal to the rear panel 120 to the right edge 114 of the front panel 110. In some variations, the first and/or second side portion 130, 140 of the shell 100 may comprise only one curved or bevelled edge connecting the first and/or second, respectively, side panel 135, 145 with the front or rear panel 110, 120 of the shell 100. In some variations, the front and rear panels

110. 120 of the shell 100 may be of equal height and the top edges 131 , 141 of the first and second side portions 130, 140 of the shell 100 may be parallel to the third plane, so as to join the top edges

111. 121 of the front and rear panels 110, 120.

In some variations to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9, the inner frame 200 may have a different form to that described above. For example, in some variations the bottom edge 212 of the main panel 210 of the inner frame 200 is not linear but instead takes the same form as the top edge 211 of the main panel 210 of the inner frame 200. In some variations, the top edge 211 of the main panel 210 of the inner frame 200 is linear and parallel to the bottom edge 212 of the main panel 210. In some variations, the first and second top flaps 237, 247 are omitted. Accordingly, in some variations, such alternative forms of the main panel 210 permit plural inner frame blanks, for forming into respective inner frames 200 for respective containers 3, to better tessellate on a sheet, so that the inner frame blanks can be cut from the sheet with less wastage of sheet material. In some variations to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9, the inner frame 200 is omitted. In some such variations, the cavity 670 defined by the base portion 600 is defined by only the wrapper 300 within the shell 100. In other such variations in which the wrapper 300 also is omitted, the cavity 670 defined by the base portion 600 is defined by only the shell 100, and more specifically by and between the front, rear and bottom panels 110, 120, 150 and the first and second side portions 130, 140 of the shell 100.

In some variations to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9, the wrapper 300 may have a different form to that described above. In some variations to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9, the wrapper 300 may be free of a line of weakness. In some such variations, the wrapper 300 may be removable from the container 1 to access the cavity 670 defined by the base portion 600 and any tobacco industry products contained by the container 1. In other such variations, the wrapper 300 may be unfoldable to access the cavity 670 defined by the base portion 600 and any tobacco industry products contained by the container 1. In some variations to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9, the wrapper 300 may not envelop the inner frame 200 and/or the cavity 670 defined by the base portion 600, but may instead be wrapped around only a portion of the inner frame 200 and/or the cavity 670 defined by the base portion 600. In some such variations, the wrapper 300 still may comprise a line of weakness along which the wrapper 300 is breakable in a predetermined manner to access the cavity 670 defined by the base portion 600 and any tobacco industry products contained by the container 1. In other such variations, the wrapper 300 may be removable from the container 1 , and/or unfokJable, to access the cavity 670 defined by the base portion 600 and any tobacco industry products contained by the container 1.

In some variations to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9, the wrapper 300 may be omitted.

In some variations to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9, the inner structure 500 may have a different form to that described above. In some variations to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9 in which the inner frame 200 is omitted, the inner structure 500 may comprise only the wrapper 300, and the first and second outer contact portions 615a, 615b of the base portion 600 may be comprised in the wrapper 300. In some variations to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9 in which the wrapper 300 is omitted, the inner structure 500 may comprise only the inner frame 200, and the first and second outer contact portions 615a, 615b of the base portion 600 may be comprised in the inner frame 200.

In some variations to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9, the inner structure 500 may be omitted. As would be readily understood by the skilled person, in some such variations there may be provided a blank comprising a sheet of material comprising one or more predetermined fold lines, wherein the blank is fokJable along the fold lines to form the container.

In some variations to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9, the base portion 600 may have a different form to that described above. In some variations to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9, such as those in which the wrapper 300 is omitted, the first outer contact portion 615a and/or the second outer contact portion 615b may be comprised in the shell 100, the front panel

110 of the shell 100, or the inner frame 200.

In some variations to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9, the first outer contact portion 615a and/or the second outer contact portion 615b may be non-parallel to the rear portion 620 of the base portion 600. For example, the first outer contact portion 615a and/or the second outer contact portion 615b may be oblique to the rear portion 620 of the base portion 600.

In some variations to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9, the lid 400 may be non-unitary or non-integral with the shell 100. In some such variations, the lid 400 may be detachable from the base portion 600. In some variations to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9, the lid 400 may have a different form to that described above. For example, the top panel 450 may be non-planar, such as arched or domed or including one or more apexes. In some variations, the first and/or second and/or third and/or fourth bevelled edge 436, 437, 446, 447 of the first and/or second side portion 430, 440 of the lid 400 may be replaced with a curved edge. In some variations to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9, the first side portion 430 of the lid 400 may comprise only a first side panel extending from the left edge 423 of the rear panel 420 of the lid 400 and orthogonal to the rear panel 420 of the lid 400 to the left edge 413 of the front panel 410 of the lid 400. In some variations, the second side portion 440 of the lid 400 may comprise only a second side panel extending from the right edge 424 of the rear panel 420 of the lid 400 and orthogonal to the rear panel 420 of the lid 400 to the right edge 414 of the front panel 410 of the lid 400. Thus, in some variations, when the lid 400 is at the closed position, the base portion 600 and the lid 400, and more specifically the shell 100 and the lid 400, together give the container 1 a cuboid shape. In some variations, the first and/or second side portion 430, 440 of the lid 400 may comprise only one curved or bevelled edge connecting the first and or second, respectively, side panel 435, 445 with the front or rear panel 410, 420 of the lid 400. In some variations, the front and rear panels 410, 420 of the lid 400 may be of equal height and the bottom edges 432, 442 of the first and second side portions 430, 440 of the lid 400 may be parallel to the fourth plane, so as to join the bottom edges 412, 422 of the front and rear panels 410, 420 of the lid 400.

In some embodiments, the first outer contact portion 615a or the second outer contact portion 615b may be omitted, or the first and second outer contact portions 615a, 615b may not be discrete from each other. For example, in some embodiments, the base portion 600 may comprise an outer contact portion that is equidistant between the first and second side portions 630, 640 of the base portion 600.

In some variations to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9, the first layer of material 416 may be unitary with the second layer of material 417. For example, and as shown in each of Figures 10 to 13, each of which Figures shows a lid of a container according to a respective variation to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9, the first and second layers of material 416, 417 may be respective portions of a sheet of material connected by a fold 418 in the sheet of material.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the sheet of material comprised by the front portion 410 of the lid 400 has first and second folds 418, 419 therein. The second layer of material 417 forms an outer surface of the front portion 410 of the lid 400 and extends to the first fold 418. The first layer of material 416 extends between the folds 418, 419, and a portion of the first layer of material 416 is set apart from the second layer of material 417 by a third layer of the sheet of material. The third layer of material extends from the second fold 419 to a distal end of the sheet of material between the first and second layers of material 416, 417. The third layer of material lies directly against the first and second layers of material 416, 417 and/or is adhered directly to the first and second layers of material 416, 417. In the embodiment shown in Figure 11 , the sheet of material comprised by the front portion 410 of the lid 400 again has first and second folds 418, 419 therein. The second layer of material 417 forms an outer surface of the front portion 410 of the lid 400 and extends to the first fold 418. The first layer of material 416 comprises the inner surface 415, extends from the second fold 419 to a distal end of the sheet of material, and is set apart from the second layer of material 417 by a third layer of material of the sheet of material. The third layer of material extends between the folds 418, 419. The third layer of material lies directly against the first and second layers of material 416, 417 and/or is adhered directly to the first and second layers of material 416, 417. In some variations to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9, the front portion 410 of the lid

400 comprises a single layer or piece of non-folded material that both comprises the inner surface 415 and forms an outer surface of the front portion 410 of the lid 400.

In some variations to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9, the front portion 410 of the lid 400 comprises a resilient element comprising the inner surface 415 and thus the first inner contact portion 415a (and optionally the second inner contact portion 415b, when provided). For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 12, a first portion of the first layer of material 416 lies directly against the second layer of material 417 and/or is adhered directly to the second layer of material 417, and the second layer of material 417 forms an outer surface of the front portion 410 of the lid 400. An end portion of the first layer of material 416, distal from the fold 418 and comprising the inner surface 415, is bent so as to protrude away from the second layer of material 417. The material from which the first layer of material 416 is made is inherently resilient, so that the end portion of the first layer of material 416 is a resilient element. The resilient element is biased inwards and away from the second layer of material 417.

The embodiment shown in Figure 13 is similar to that shown in Figure 12, except that resilient material 490 is located between the second layer of material 417 and the end portion of the first layer of material 416, which is distal from the fold 418 and comprises the inner surface 415. Together the resilient material 490 and the end portion of the first layer of material 416 form a resilient element. The resilient element is biased inwards and away from the second layer of material 417.

The embodiment shown in Figure 14 is similar to that shown in Figures 1 to 9, except that resilient material 490 is located between the second layer of material 417 and the first layer of material 416, which is non-unitary with the second layer of material 417 and comprises the inner surface 415. Together the resilient material 490 and the first layer of material 416 form a resilient element. The resilient element is biased inwards and away from the second layer of material 417. Although not shown in Figures 10 to 14, in each of these embodiments the container comprises a base portion 600 having an outer contact portion 615a, and the base portion 600 defines a cavity 670 and an opening 680 at a first end 601 of the base portion 600 via which the cavity 670 is accessible from an exterior of the base portion 600. Moreover, each of these containers comprises the respective illustrated lid 400 that has the respective illustrated inner contact portion 415a, the lid 400 is attached to the base portion 600 by a hinge 603 for rotation relative to the base portion 600 about an axis between a closed position, at which the opening 680 is closed or blocked by the lid 400, and an open position, at which the opening 680 is not closed or blocked by the lid 400. In each container, the base portion 600 has a second end 602 opposite from the first end 601 , and the axis is closer to the second end 602 than is the outer contact portion. Still further in each container, when the lid is at the closed position, the outer contact portion is in contact with the inner contact portion and presses the inner contact portion with a force having at least a component in a direction perpendicular to the axis so as to resist rotation of the lid towards the open position.

In some embodiments, the base portion 600 has a second outer portion, the lid 400 has a second inner portion, the second outer portion is closer to the second end 602 of the base portion than is the axis, and, when the lid 400 is at the closed position, the second outer portion is in contact with the second inner portion and presses the second inner portion with a second force having at least a component in a direction perpendicular to the axis A1-A1. The inner surface 415 of the lid 400 may comprise the second inner portion. For example, in some such embodiments, the front portion 420 of the lid 400 may comprise the second inner portion. The second force would itself tend to encourage movement of the lid 400 towards the open position. However, the force and the second force are such as to resist rotation of the lid 400 towards the open position. That is, the respective magnitudes, points of application, and directions of application of the force and second force cause rotation of the lid 400 towards the open position to be resisted. In some embodiments, the net forces applied to the lid 400 by the base portion 600 when the lid is at the closed position are such that rotation of the lid 400 towards the open position is resisted. In some embodiments, a magnitude of the component of the force is greater than a magnitude of the component of the second force. In some embodiments, a product of the force and its distance from the axis A1-A1 is a first moment, a product of the second force and its distance from the axis A1-A1 is a second moment, and the first moment is greater than the second moment. In a series of variations to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9, one or each of the side portions 630, 640 of the base portion 600 may have an outer contact portion, and the axis A1-A1 is closer to the second end 602 of the base portion 600 than is/are the outer contact portion(s) of the side portion (s) 630, 640. In such embodiments, the lid 400 is locatable relative to the base portion 600 at the closed position, at which the first and second outer contact portions of the side portions 630, 640 are in contact with the inner surface 415 of the lid 400 and press the inner surface 415 of the lid 400 with respective forces, each of the forces having at least a component in a direction perpendicular to the axis A1-A1 , so as to resist rotation of the lid 400 relative to the base portion 600 about the axis A1-A1 and towards the open position. The first and second outer contact portions of the side portions 630, 640 may press the inner surface 415 of the lid 400 with respective forces in a direction perpendicular to the axis A1- A1. For example, Figure 15 shows a container 2 that is identical to the container 1 described above with reference to Figures 1 to 9, except that in the container 2 of Figure 15 the wrapper 300 is omitted, the first and second inner contact portions 415a, 415b are comprised in respective separate pieces of material adhered to the rest of the lid 400, and the inner frame 200 has a different shape, as best shown in Figure 16. For conciseness, the shell 100 and the lid 400 of the container 2 of Figure 15 will not be described again in detail.

The inner frame 200 of the container 2 of Figure 15 comprises a main panel 210 and first and second side portions 230, 240. The main panel 210 is planar, or substantially planar, and has a rectangular shape with parallel top and bottom edges 211 , 212 and parallel left and right edges 213, 214 orthogonal to the top and bottom edges 211 , 212. The first side portion 230 of the inner frame 200 is orthogonal to the main panel 210 and extends from the left edge 213 of the main panel 210. The first side portion 230 has top and bottom edges 231 (the latter not being visible in the Figures) parallel to the top edge 211 of the main panel 210. Similarly, the second side portion 240 of the inner frame 200 is orthogonal to the main panel 210 and extends from the right edge 214 of the main panel 210. The second side portion 240 has top and bottom edges 241 , 242 parallel to the top edge 211 of the main panel 210. The top edges 231 , 241 of the first and second side portions 230, 240 are at a first end 201 of the inner frame 200, whereas the bottom edges 212, 232, 242 of the main panel 210 and of the first and second side portions 230, 240 are at an opposite second end 202 of the inner frame 200.

The first and second side portions 230, 240 of the inner frame 200 are fixed, by adhesive or otherwise, to respective inner (i.e. facing in the direction of the opposite side portion 130, 140) surfaces of the first and second side portions 130, 140 of the shell 100. The inner frame 200 is located relative to the shell 100 so that a portion of the inner frame 200, comprising the top edges 231 , 241 of the first and second side portions 230, 240 of the inner frame 200, is further from the second end 102 of the shell 100 than are the top edges 11 1 , 131 , 141 of the front panel 110 and the first and second side portions 130, 140 of the shell 100. This portion of the inner frame 200 may thus be considered to protrude from within the shell 100.

The base portion 600 of the container 2 of Figure 15 comprises the shell 100 and the inner frame 200 within the shell 100. The base portion 600 comprises a front portion 610 (comprising the front panel 110 of the shell 100 and the main panel 210 of the inner frame), a rear portion 620 (comprising the rear panel 120 of the shell 100) spaced from and parallel to the front portion 610 of the base portion 600, a first side portion 630 (comprising the first side portion 130 of the shell 100 and the first side portion 230 of the inner frame 200), a second side portion 640 (comprising the second side portion 140 of the shell 100 and the second side portion 240 of the inner frame 200), and a bottom portion 650 (comprising the bottom panel 150 of the shell 100).

Given that the above-discussed portion of the inner frame 200 protrudes from within the shell 100, the shell 100 and the inner frame 200 define respective first and second portions of the first side portion 630 of the base portion 600, and define respective first and second portions of the second side portion 640 of the base portion 600. The first side portion 630 of the base portion 600 comprises a first outer end 634 facing away from the second plane in which the rear portion 620 of the base portion 600 lies. The first outer end 634 is an edge of the first side portion 230 of the inner frame 200 in this embodiment. Similarly, the second side portion 640 of the base portion 600 comprises a second outer end 644 facing away from the second plane in which the rear portion 620 of the base portion 600 lies. The second outer end 644 is an edge of the second side portion 240 of the inner frame 200 in this embodiment. The first and second outer ends 634, 644 comprise first and second outer contact portions 634a, 644b, respectively, of the base portion 600. The axis A1-A1 is closer to the second end 602 of the base portion 600 than are the first and second outer contact portions 634a, 644b of the base portion 600.

In this embodiment, each of the first and second outer ends 634, 644 of the base portion 600 is parallel to, or substantially parallel to, the rear portion 620 of the base portion 600. It is to be noted that, in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 15 and 16, each of the first and second outer ends 634, 644 is a one-dimensional edge. In some variations to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 15 and 16, one or each of the first and second outer ends 634, 644 is a surface, i.e. a two-dimensional area, which may be parallel to, or substantially parallel to, the rear portion 620 of the base portion 600, and the first and second outer contact portions 634a, 644b correspondingly may be a surface, i.e. a two-dimensional area, which may be parallel to, or substantially parallel to, the rear portion 620 of the base portion 600.

As shown in Figure 15, the base portion 600 of the container 2 defines a cavity 670 therein. More specifically, the cavity 670 is defined by a combination of the inner frame 200 and the shell 100. Nevertheless, the cavity 670 is defined by and between the front, rear, bottom and first and second side portions 610, 620, 630, 640, 650 of the base portion 600. The cavity 670 is for containing the tobacco industry products contained by the container 2. The base portion 600 also defines an opening 680 at the first end 601 of the base portion 600, via which opening 680 the cavity 670 of the base portion 600, and any tobacco industry products contained therein, is accessible. As for the container 1 described above with reference to Figures 1 to 9, the opening 680 is defined by a rim 681 , which comprises the top edges 111 , 121 , 131 , 141 of the front and rear panels 110, 120 of the shell 100 and of the first and second side portions 130, 140 of the shell 100.

In this embodiment, each of the first and second inner contact portions 415a, 415b is comprised in a respective separate piece of material adhered to the rest of the lid 400. Therefore, the second inner contact portion 415b is spaced from and discrete from the first inner contact portion 415a. In other embodiments, both the first and second inner contact portions 415a, 415b may be comprised in a single piece of material, which may be adhered to the rest of the lid 400.

When the lid 400 is at the open position relative to the base portion 600, as shown in Figure 15, the cavity 670 of the base portion 600 is free of the lid 400 and the inner surface 415 of the lid 400 is out of contact with the first and second outer contact portions 634a, 644b of the base portion 600. On the other hand, when the lid 400 is at a closed position relative to the base portion 600, the first and second outer contact portions 634a, 644b of the base portion 600 contact the first and second inner contact portions 415a, 415b of the inner surface 415 of the lid 400 and press the first and second inner contact portions 415a, 415b with respective forces, each of the respective forces having at least a component in a direction perpendicular to the axis A1-A1 so as to resist rotation of the lid 400 relative to the base portion 600 about the axis A1-A1 towards the open position. Accordingly, there is not, or not merely, frictional force between the first and second outer contact portions 634a, 634b and the first and second inner contact portions 415a, 415b. Rather, there is a force applied to the first inner contact portion 415a by the first outer contact portion 634a in a direction that extends from the first outer contact portion 634a through the first inner contact portion

415a, and a force applied to the second inner contact portion 415b by the second outer contact portion 644b in a direction that extends from the second outer contact portion 644b through the second inner contact portion 415b. Each of the respective forces may be in a direction perpendicular to the axis A1-A1. Moreover, since the axis A1-A1 is closer to the second end 602 of the base portion 600 than are the first and second outer contact portions 634a, 644b of the base portion 600, the pressing biases the lid 400 towards the closed position relative to the base portion 600, so as to resist rotation of the lid 400 towards the open position.

In this embodiment, when the lid 400 is at the closed position relative to the base portion 600, the cavity 670 of the base portion 600 still is free of the lid 400. This advantageously avoids any part of the lid 400 entering the cavity 670 of the base portion 600, which helps to avoid damage being caused to any tobacco industry products, such as smoking articles, e.g. cigarettes, within the cavity 670 of the base portion 600 by the lid 400 during movement of the lid 400 towards the closed position. In other embodiments, when the lid 400 is at the closed position relative to the base portion 600, part of the lid 400 may be located in the cavity 670 of the base portion 600.

In a variation to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 15 and 16, one of the first and second outer contact portions 634a, 644b of the base portion 600 may be omitted. The axis A1-A1 would be closer to the second end 602 of the base portion 600 than is the remaining outer contact portion. In such an embodiment, when the lid 400 is at a closed position relative to the base portion

600, the outer contact portion of the base portion 600 contacts the inner contact portion of the inner surface 415 of the lid 400 and presses the inner contact portion of the inner surface 415 of the lid 400 with a force having at least a component in a direction perpendicular to the axis A1-A1 so as to resist rotation of the lid 400 relative to the base portion 600 about the axis A1-A1 towards the open position. The outer contact portion of the base portion 600 may press the inner contact portion of the inner surface 415 of the lid 400 with a force in a direction perpendicular to the axis A1-A1.

Each of the above discussed variations to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9, such as the variations discussed with reference to Figures 10 to 14, is equally applicable to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 15 and 16. As would be readily understood by the skilled person on consideration of at least Figures 15 and 16, particularly in light of the preceding discussion of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9, there may be provided a plurality of blanks, each of which blanks comprises a sheet of material comprising one or more predetermined fold lines, wherein the blanks are foldable along the fold lines and locatable relative to each other to form the container 2 shown in Figure 15.

In respective variations to the embodiments discussed above, the base portion 600 may have one or more secondary contact portions, and the lid 400 may have one or more secondary contact portions, arranged so that, when the lid 400 is located relative to the base portion 600 at the closed position, the one or more secondary contact portions of the lid 400 are in frictional contact with the one or more secondary contact portions of the base portion 600, respectively. This arrangement further resists rotation of the lid 400 relative to the base portion 600 about the axis A1-A1 from the open position towards the open position. For example, in some embodiments, the outer surface of one or both of the first and second side portions 630, 640 of the base portion 600 may comprise a secondary contact portion of the base portion 600, and the inner surface of one or both of the first and second side portions 430, 440 of the lid 400 may comprise a secondary contact portion of the lid 400 for frictional engagement with a respective one of the secondary contact portions of the base portion 600. The secondary contact portion (s) of the base 600 and or the lid 400 may be one-dimensional edges or two-dimensional surfaces. The secondary contact portion (s) of the base 600 and/or the lid 400 may be orthogonal to the axis A1-A1. Each of the secondary contact portion(s) of the lid 400 may be part of a first layer of material, and a second layer of material may be fixed to a side of the first layer of material opposite from the secondary contact portion and form an outer surface of the side portion of the lid 400 in question. Alternatively, the side portion of the lid 400 in question may comprises a single layer or piece of non- folded material that both comprises the secondary contact portion and forms an outer surface of that side portion of the lid 400.

In order to address various issues and advance the art, the entirety of this disclosure shows by way of illustration and example various embodiments in which the claimed invention may be practised and which provide for a superior tobacco industry product container. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and teach the claimed and otherwise disclosed features. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and/or spirit of the disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist in essence of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. The disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

Claims:

1. A tobacco industry product container, comprising:

a base portion having an outer contact portion, the base portion defining a cavity and an opening at a first end of the base portion via which the cavity is accessible from an exterior of the base portion; and

a lid having an inner contact portion, the lid being attached to the base portion by a hinge for rotation relative to the base portion about an axis between a closed position, at which the opening is closed by the lid, and an open position, at which the opening is not closed by the lid; wherein the base portion has a second end opposite from the first end, and the axis is closer to the second end than is the outer contact portion; and

wherein, when the lid is at the closed position, the outer contact portion is in contact with the inner contact portion and presses the inner contact portion with a force having at least a component in a direction perpendicular to the axis so as to resist rotation of the lid towards the open position.

2. The tobacco industry product container according to claim 1 , wherein the base portion comprises a shell and an inner structure within the shell, and wherein the inner structure comprises the outer contact portion.

3. The tobacco industry product container according to claim 2, wherein the inner structure comprises an inner frame and a wrapper enveloping the inner frame.

4. The tobacco industry product container according to claim 3, wherein the wrapper comprises the outer contact portion.

5. The tobacco industry product container according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the wrapper envelops the cavity, and wherein the cavity is accessible from an exterior of the base portion via the opening when the wrapper is broken or removed.

6. The tobacco industry product container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid has a resilient element comprising the inner contact portion.

7. The tobacco industry product container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid comprises a first layer of material and a second layer of material, wherein the first layer of material comprises the inner contact portion, and wherein the second layer of material is on a side of the first layer of material opposite from the inner contact portion.

8. The tobacco industry product container according to claim 7, wherein the lid comprises a sheet of material, and wherein the first and second layers of material are respective portions of the sheet of material that are connected by a fold in the sheet of material.

9. The tobacco industry product container according to claim 7, wherein the first layer of material is non-unitary with the second layer of material and is fixed to the second layer of material.

10. The tobacco industry product container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base portion has a second outer contact portion that is discrete from the outer contact portion; wherein the lid comprises a second inner contact portion; and

wherein, when the lid is at the closed position, the second outer contact portion is in contact with the second inner contact portion and presses the second inner contact portion with a force having at least a component in a direction perpendicular to the axis so as to resist rotation of the lid towards the open position.

11. The tobacco industry product container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base portion has one or more secondary contact portions and the lid has one or more secondary contact portions; and

wherein, when the lid is at the closed position, the one or more secondary contact portions of the base portion are in frictional contact with the one or more secondary contact portions of the lid, respectively, so as to resist rotation of the lid towards the open position.

12. The tobacco industry product container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base portion comprises a front portion and a rear portion and the cavity between the front and rear portions;

wherein the lid comprises a front portion and a rear portion, the rear portion of the lid being attached to the rear portion of the base portion by the hinge; and

wherein the front portion of the base portion comprises the outer contact portion, and the front portion of the lid comprises the inner contact portion.

13. The tobacco industry product container according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the base portion comprises a front portion, a rear portion, the cavity between the front and rear portions, and at least one side portion extending between the front and rear portions;

wherein the side portion of the base portion comprises the outer contact portion, and the front portion of the lid comprises the inner contact portion.

14. The tobacco industry product according to claim 13, wherein an edge of the side portion comprises the outer contact portion.

15. The tobacco industry product container according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the at least one side portion comprises first and second side portions extending between the front and rear portions of the base portion;

wherein the first side portion comprises the outer contact portion, and the second side portion comprises a second outer contact portion;

wherein the front portion of the lid comprises a second inner contact portion; and

16. The tobacco industry product container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second end of the base portion is a closed end of the base portion.

17. The tobacco industry product container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when the lid is at the closed position, the cavity is free of the lid.

18. The tobacco industry product container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base portion has a second outer portion, the lid has a second inner portion, and the second outer portion is closer to the second end than is the axis;

wherein, when the lid is at the closed position, the second outer portion is in contact with the second inner portion and presses the second inner portion with a second force having at least a component in a direction perpendicular to the axis; and

wherein the force and the second force are such as to resist rotation of the lid towards the open position.

19. A plurality of blanks, each of which comprises a sheet of material comprising one or more predetermined fold lines, wherein the blanks are fokJable along the fold lines and locatable relative to each other to form the tobacco industry product container according to any one of the preceding claims.

20. A blank comprising a sheet of material comprising one or more predetermined fold lines, wherein the blank is foldable along the fold lines to form the tobacco industry product container according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

21. A tobacco industry product container substantially as herein described; optionally with reference to Figures 1 to 9, or one of Figures 10 to 14, or Figures 15 and 16.

22. A blank or a plurality of blanks substantially as herein described; optionally with reference to Figures 7 to 9.