WO2018203287A1

WO2018203287A1 - Packet of cigarettes and method of making it

Info

Publication number: WO2018203287A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/053104
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michele Ferrari; Alessandro Venturoli; Roberto Gubbellini; Luca Federici
Original assignee: G.D S.P.A.
Priority date: 2017-05-04
Filing date: 2018-05-04
Publication date: 2018-11-08
Also published as: IT201700047993A1; PL3619143T3; EP3619143B1; EP3619143A1

Abstract

Packet (1) of cigarettes and to a method for making it. The packet comprises an outer case (2), an inner case (3) disposed inside the outer case and wrapped round a group of cigarettes; the inner case (3) has a transverse dimension which is smaller than the transverse dimension of the outer case (2) so as to form a cavity inside the outer case to accommodate a filling element (14) having an abutment wall (16), a top (15) connected to an upper end of the abutment wall (16), two flanks (18), a rear wall (17) connected to the top (15) and folded back to touch the edges of the flanks (18); two corner tabs (19), perpendicular to the abutment wall (16), are provided at opposite ends of the top (15) and in contact with the inside surface thereof.

Description

PACKET OF CIGARETTES AND METHOD OF MAKING IT

DESCRIPTION

Technical field

This invention relates to a cigarette packet and to a method for making it. More specifically, the packet is configured to accommodate a group of cigarettes of reduced size, that is, a group of cigarettes which is smaller in size than the total volume of the space inside the packet.

This invention applies in particular to a rigid cigarette packet, to which this specification hereinafter refers but without thereby losing in generality. The term cigarette is used to denote any product of the tobacco industry designed specifically for smoking such as, for example, traditional cigarettes, electric and electronic cigarettes and the like, also including, for example, those of the heat-not-burn type.

Background art

Rigid, hinge-lid cigarette packets, as made in the prior art, comprise an outer case with an open top end and a lid hinged to the outer case along a hinge allowing it to rotate between an open position and a closed position of the open top end. The outer case has the shape of a parallelepiped, with a front wall, a rear wall, a bottom and two flanks. This cigarette packet is configured to accommodate a group of cigarettes which is smaller in size than the total volume of the space inside the outer case. For example, and in particular, the cigarette packet described in US5358104 comprises a filling element inserted in the cigarette packet to occupy the part of the internal space left free by the group of cigarettes. The filling element is made by folding a piece of thin cardboard and comprises an abutment wall and two flanks, disposed at opposite ends of the abutment wall and perpendicular to the abutment wall itself, and a top connected to the top end of the abutment wall and perpendicular to the abutment wall itself. The abutment wall, opposite and parallel to the front wall of the outer case and extending longitudinally as far as the hinge of the cigarette packet, abuts the group of cigarettes, while the flanks and top of the filling element lean with their respective free edges against the rear wall of the outer case. The filling element also comprises two corner tabs at opposite ends of the top. The corner tabs are folded into a position perpendicular to the abutment wall and to the top and are butted against upper portions of the inside surfaces of the flanks of the filling element. The purpose of the filling element is to fill in the gaps inside the packet of cigarettes so that the group of cigarettes in the packet does not "wobble". In effect, if the group of cigarettes were left free to "wobble" inside the packet of cigarettes, the movements of the group of cigarettes when the packet is handled, not only during production but also during distribution and sale, would subject the cigarettes to mechanical stresses tending to empty the cigarette ends, that is, causing tobacco fibres to fall out of the free ends of the cigarettes.

A different type of cigarette packet is known from Italian patent No. 1427662; in this case, the filling element also comprises a pair of tabs connected to the flanks of the filling element and butting against, if necessary glued to, the top inside surface of the filling element to prevent it from being lifted. The filling element is also provided with a pair of spacer tabs. The spacer tabs are connected and perpendicular to the flanks of the filling element and not in contact with the top of the filling element and are adapted to keep the abutment wall of the filling element, which is in contact with the group of cigarettes, spaced from the rear wall of the filling element, which is in contact with the rear wall of the outer case.

Other examples of cigarette packets are described in the following patent documents: DE102015016079A1 and US5358104A.

The prior art filling elements described above are, however, relatively unstable. In effect, in the filling element described in US5358104, it is easy for the top of the filling to rise upwards, spoiling the appearance of the cigarette packet and making accessible a space inside the outer case. On the other hand, in the filling element described in IT1427662, the filling element tends to be compressed with use, giving the consumer the impression that the cigarette packet is less solid.

Finally, the solution with the spacer tabs tends, with use, to lose its principal function on account of stresses which upset the configuration where the spacer tabs are perpendicular to the flanks and which, because of the inherent elasticity of the spacer tabs, tend to make the spacer tabs spring back to the position where they are substantially co-planar with the portion of the blank from which the filling element is obtained by a cutting and pre-folding process. Disclosure of the invention

This invention has for an aim to provide a packet of cigarettes, as well as a method for the production thereof, which overcomes the above mentioned disadvantages and which is at once easy and inexpensive to make.

This aim is achieved by a cigarette packet with a filling element and by a method for the production of the cigarette packet, in accordance with the accompanying claims.

More specifically, the aim of this invention is to provide a packet of cigarettes which looks and feels more solid to the consumer and whose spacer tabs are able to maintain their principal function.

More specifically, the packet is configured to accommodate a group of cigarettes of reduced size, that is, a group of cigarettes which is smaller in size than the total volume of the space inside the packet and is therefore provided with a filling element which can occupy the part of the internal space left free by the group of cigarettes. In one embodiment, the filling element is obtained from a flat blank having a substantially rectangular, elongate shape, with a longitudinal axis of symmetry and two longitudinal lines of weakness which are symmetrical about the longitudinal axis.

The longitudinal lines of weakness divide the blank into three longitudinal strips side by side.

A first strip defines a first side panel.

A second strip defines a middle panel.

A third strip defines a second side panel.

The blank also has a transverse, horizontal direction of extension, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of symmetry in the plane of the flat blank, which also has two horizontal lines of weakness.

The horizontal lines of weakness divide the middle panel into three panels: an upper panel, an intermediate panel and a lower panel.

In one embodiment, the lower panel of the flat blank defines an abutment wall of the filling element, in contact with the group of cigarettes. The intermediate panel of the flat blank defines a top of the filling element, connected to the top end of the abutment wall and substantially perpendicular to the abutment wall itself. The first and second side panels of the flat blank define two flanks of the filling element, which are disposed at opposite ends of the abutment wall and are substantially perpendicular to the abutment wall itself.

The upper panel of the flat blank defines a rear wall of the filling element, connected to the top thereof and parallel and opposite to the abutment wall, where an end portion of the rear wall of the filling element is butted against, and glued to, the rear wall of the outer case.

In a preferred embodiment, the first and second side panels are mirror symmetric. In this disclosure, therefore, they are referred to without distinction simply as "side panel", without thereby losing in generality.

In one embodiment, the flat blank has a first continuous cut line between the intermediate panel and the side panel, a second continuous cut line between a part of the lower panel and a part of the side panel and a third continuous cut line, not necessarily horizontal, which runs right across the side panel.

The side panel has a first horizontal line of weakness and a second horizontal line of weakness.

In one embodiment, the first cut line and the first horizontal line of weakness define a corner panel, forming a corner tab of the filling element, while the first horizontal line of weakness constitutes a fold line of the corner tab.

In one embodiment, the second cut line, the third cut line and the second horizontal line of weakness define a spacer panel, forming a spacer tab of the filling element, and the second horizontal line of weakness constitutes a fold line of the spacer tab.

In one embodiment, the third continuous cut line on the side panel is closer to the upper panel than is the fold line of the spacer tab.

In one embodiment, the lower panel comprises two lines of weakness which are symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of symmetry and two continuous cut lines, for each line of weakness on the lower panel, which start at the ends of the corresponding line of weakness on the lower panel and terminate at the ends of the corresponding second continuous cut line of the side panel.

The line of weakness on the lower panel and the corresponding cut lines define a locking panel of the flat blank, constituting the locking tab of the filling element.

Each line of weakness on the lower panel constitutes the corresponding fold line of each locking tab.

The filling element comprises a pair of corner tabs, connected to the flanks and disposed at opposite ends of the top. The corner tabs are folded into a position perpendicular to the abutment wall and to the top and are butted against, and glued to, portions of the top inside surfaces. In one embodiment, the filling element comprises a pair of the aforementioned spacer tabs, connected and perpendicular to the flanks and perpendicular to the abutment wall. The spacer tabs are configured to keep a constant distance between the abutment wall and the rear wall of the filling element.

Each spacer tab, being tiltable (pivotable) about the fold line of the spacer tab, can define a respective volume of rotation.

In one embodiment, the filling element comprises a locking element for each spacer tab.

In one embodiment, the locking element is disposed at least partly inside the volume of rotation defined by the potential tilting of the spacer tab, so as to interfere with the corresponding spacer tab and oppose the potential tilting thereof. In one embodiment, therefore, the locking element rises up from the abutment wall.

In a preferred embodiment, the locking element is configured to oppose the potential tilting of the corresponding spacer tab in a return direction which would bring it back to a co-planar position not superposed on the flank of the filling element.

In one embodiment, the locking element allows the spacer tab to remain in its position folded towards the inside of the filling element.

In a preferred embodiment, the locking element allows the spacer tab to remain in the configuration where it is substantially perpendicular to the flanks of the filling element, thereby counteracting the tendency of the spacer tab to return to its initial position in the flat blank on account of the springback effect. In another embodiment, the filling element comprises two locking elements for each spacer tab, configured to stop the potential tilting of the corresponding spacer tab in the return direction and in the direction opposite to the return direction. In another embodiment, the filling element comprises one locking element for each spacer tab, configured to stop the potential tilting of the corresponding spacer tab in the return direction and in the direction opposite to the return direction.

In one embodiment, the filling element comprises two locking elements, obtained by punching, protruding from the abutment wall and disposed symmetrically relative to the spacer tab in its operating position. In this embodiment, a first locking element is configured to oppose the potential tilting of the spacer tab in the return direction and the second locking element is configured to oppose the potential tilting of the spacer tab in the direction opposite to the return direction.

In one embodiment, the locking element is, instead, integral with the spacer tab and protrudes from the side of the latter which is in contact with the abutment wall. In this embodiment, the abutment wall is provided with a slot, configured to receive the locking element protruding from the spacer tab. In this embodiment, the locking element thus protrudes from the spacer tab in the direction of the abutment wall.

In one embodiment, each locking element is a locking tab.

In one embodiment, each locking tab is obtained, for the benefit of constructional simplicity, from the abutment wall of the filling element.

In one embodiment, the maximum distance between the third continuous cut line on each side panel and the second line of weakness on the same side panel, that is, the fold line of each spacer tab, is greater than the minimum distance of each locking element from each flank of the filling element.

In one embodiment, the locking tab is substantially trapezoidal in shape with major base parallel to the top of the filling element. In one embodiment, the minor base of the substantially trapezoidal shape is curvilinear to facilitate cutting by machines which work continuously. In another embodiment, the minor base is rectilinear.

In this embodiment, the substantially trapezoidal shape has a major base which is smaller than its height so as to guarantee, operatively, that the potential springback of the spacer tab causes the latter to butt against the locking tab.

In one embodiment, the locking tab is folded towards the inside of the filling element around the corresponding fold line of the locking tab.

In one embodiment, the locking tab can be folded around the fold line of the locking tab. Operatively, the locking tab is folded around the fold line of the locking tab while maintaining a substantially static configuration. In an embodiment, the fold line of the locking tab is divergent from the longitudinal axis in the direction of the top of the outer case.

In another embodiment, the fold line of the locking tab is parallel to the longitudinal axis or convergent with the longitudinal axis in the direction of the top of the outer case. In another embodiment, the fold line of the locking tab is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

In one embodiment, the locking tab comprises a locking line. The locking line is one edge of the locking tab in contact with the corresponding spacer tab at least at one point. In one embodiment, the locking line is inclined to a transverse direction of the packet and converging with the transverse direction of the packet at the abutment wall. In one embodiment, the inclination of the locking line relative to the transverse direction of the packet is determined by the inclination of the fold line of the locking tab relative to the longitudinal direction of the packet.

As will become clearer from the description of the method below, the fact that the locking line is inclined is a feature which brings advantages during folding operations.

In one embodiment, the locking tab is potentially tiltable about the corresponding fold line of the locking tab. On account of this potential tilting, the locking tab is operatively movable from an optimal operating configuration, in which it is substantially perpendicular to the abutment wall, to other configurations, in which its inclination relative to the abutment wall is less than a right angle. The inclination of the locking tab relative to the abutment wall is in any case always greater than zero to satisfy the feature of the locking tab rising from the abutment wall.

In one embodiment, the filling element comprises more than one pair of spacer tabs, disposed along the flanks of the filling element so as to space the rear wall from the abutment wall. This allows the pressure applied by the user to be distributed, in use, on a plurality of spacer tabs, thereby reducing the stress on each individual spacer tab and consequently the potential springback of the spacer tabs in the return direction, which is the main cause of their losing their spacing function.

Another aim of this invention is to provide a method for making the filling element of the cigarette packet disclosed herein.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of making the two longitudinal lines of weakness symmetrically about the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the flat blank. The longitudinal lines of weakness define the first side panel, the middle panel and the second side panel.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of making the first horizontal line of weakness and the second horizontal line of weakness on the middle panel along the horizontal direction. The first and second horizontal lines of weakness define the upper panel, the intermediate panel and the lower panel.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of making the first cut line between the intermediate panel and each side panel. This step comprises making the first horizontal line of weakness on each side panel. The first cut line between the intermediate panel and each side panel and the first horizontal line of weakness on each side panel define the corner panel for each side panel.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of making the second continuous cut line between a part of the lower panel and part of each side panel. This step comprises making the third continuous cut line on the side panel. The third cut line runs along the side panel from the end of it bordering the middle panel to the opposite end of it.

In one embodiment, the third continuous cut line made on the side panel has a curvilinear profile. The curvilinear profile allows cutting to be performed uninterruptedly by continuous operations. In another embodiment, the third cut line has a horizontal profile.

This step comprises making the second horizontal line of weakness on each side panel. The second and third continuous cut lines and the second line of weakness define the spacer panel for each side panel.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of making the two lines of weakness on the lower panel symmetrically about the longitudinal axis of symmetry. This step comprises making, for each line of weakness on the lower panel, the continuous cut lines starting at the ends of the corresponding line of weakness on the lower panel and terminating at the ends of the corresponding second continuous cut line of the side panel. Each line of weakness on the lower panel, and the two respective continuous cut lines on the lower panel define the locking panel for each line of weakness on the lower panel.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of folding each corner panel and each spacer panel about the respective fold line defined, respectively, by the first line of weakness of the corresponding side panel and by the second line of weakness of the corresponding side panel; This folding step defines a pair of the corner tabs and a pair of the spacer tabs of the filling element.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of folding each locking panel about the respective fold line defined by each line of weakness on the lower panel. This folding step defines a pair of the locking tabs of the filling element.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of folding each side panel about the respective fold line defined by each longitudinal line of weakness of the flat blank. This folding step defines the two flanks of the filling element.

In one embodiment, the fold line of the locking tab is inclined and divergent from the longitudinal axis of symmetry in the direction towards the upper panel of the flat blank to reduce the probability, during the step of folding each side panel, of the spacer tab interfering with the locking tab, which is already folded.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of folding the intermediate panel about the respective fold line defined by the first horizontal line of weakness of the middle panel. This folding step defines the top of the filling element.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of folding the upper panel about the respective fold line defined by the second horizontal line of weakness of the middle panel. This folding step defines the rear wall of the filling element.

In one embodiment, the step of folding each corner panel and each spacer panel and the step of folding each locking panel are carried out simultaneously. This variant of the method allows using a single folding tool and a single abutment element for the two folding steps.

Brief description of the drawings

These and other features will become more apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 shows the cigarette packet according to this invention in a front perspective view;

- Figure 2 shows the cigarette packet of Figure 1 in a rear perspective view;

- Figure 3 shows the cigarette packet of Figure 1 in a rear perspective view; - Figure 4 shows the cigarette packet of Figure 3 in a top perspective view, with some parts cut away to better illustrate others, in particular the filling element of this invention;

- Figure 5 shows the flat blank used to make the filling element of the packet of Figure 1 ;

- Figure 6 shows the filling element obtained by folding the blank of Figure

5;

- Figure 7 illustrates a step of folding the blank of Figure 5 to obtain the filling element of Figure 6;

- Figure 8 shows a side view of the filling element of Figure 6;

- Figure 9 shows an enlarged detail from Figure 8, viewed from above.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

The numeral 1 in Figure 1 denotes a packet of cigarettes (for example, cigarettes, cigars, electronic cigarettes or products of the heat-not-burn type).

The cigarette packet 1 extends along a main longitudinal direction of extension A of the packet 1 .

The packet 1 comprises an outer case 2 having the shape of a parallelepiped and an inner case 3, illustrated in Figure 3, which encloses a group of cigarettes, not visible, and which is accommodated inside the outer case 2.

In one embodiment, the outer case 2 has an open top end and is provided with a lid 8 which is hinged to the outer case 2 along a hinge 13 to rotate relative to the outer case 2 itself between an open position (illustrated in Figures 3 and 4) and a closed position (illustrated in Figures 1 and 2). The lid 8, when it is in the closed position, gives the outer container 2 the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped having a top 9 and a bottom 7 which are parallel and opposite to each other, a front wall 4 and a rear wall 5 which are parallel and opposite to each other and two flanks 6 which are parallel and opposite to each other.

The cigarette packet 1 extends along a transverse direction B, at right angles to the longitudinal direction A and perpendicular to the front wall and to the rear wall. The cigarette packet 1 extends along a horizontal direction C, at right angles to the longitudinal direction A and to the transverse direction B.

The inner case 3 has a transverse dimension which is smaller than the transverse dimension of the outer case 2 so as to form a cavity within the outer case 2.

As illustrated in Figure 3, the packet 1 comprises an inner frame 10, which is connected by gluing and folded into a U shape inside the outer case 2 to protrude partly from the open top end of the outer case 2 and to engage a corresponding inside surface of the lid 8 when the lid 8 is in the aforementioned closed position. The inner frame 10 comprises a front wall 1 1 in contact with the front wall 4 of the outer case 2 and two flanks 12 located on opposite sides of the front wall 1 1 of the inner frame 10 and in contact with the flanks 6 of the outer case 2. Usually, the front wall 1 1 of the inner frame 10 is glued to an inside surface of the front wall 4 of the outer case 2 and the flanks 12 of the inner frame 10 are glued to the inside surfaces of the corresponding flanks 6 of the outer case 2.

In one embodiment, the cigarette packet 1 comprises a filling element 14 which occupies the part of the internal space of the outer case 2 left free by the inner case 3 so as to hold the inner case 3 securely within the outer case 2.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 5, the filling element is obtained from a flat blank having a substantially rectangular, elongate shape. The flat blank has a rear surface (not visible in Figure 5) and a front surface 14A. The parts of the flat blank 14' are, where possible, denoted by reference numbers which are the same reference numbers, but primed, as those denoting the corresponding parts of the filling element 14. Also, it should be noted that in Figure 5, the lines of weakness of the flat blank 14' are represented as dashed lines, while the continuous cut lines are represented as solid lines.

In one embodiment, the flat blank 14' has a longitudinal axis of symmetry S which is parallel to the longitudinal direction A and two longitudinal lines of weakness 11 , I2 which are symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of symmetry S. The longitudinal lines of weakness 11 and I2 divide the flat blank 14' into three longitudinal strips side by side. A first strip defines a first side panel 18'. The second strip defines a middle panel P. The third strip defines a second side panel 18'. The flat blank 14' extends along a horizontal direction of extension C, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of symmetry S in the plane of the flat blank. In one embodiment, the flat blank has two horizontal lines of weakness I3 and I4. The horizontal lines of weakness I3 and I4 divide the middle panel P into three panels: an upper panel 17', an intermediate panel 15' and a lower panel 16'.

In one embodiment, the lower panel 16' of the flat blank 14' defines an abutment wall 16 of the filling element 14, in contact with the group of cigarettes. The intermediate panel 15' of the flat blank 14 defines a top 15 of the filling element, connected to the top end of the abutment wall 16 and substantially perpendicular to the abutment wall 16 itself. The first and second side panels 18' of the flat blank 14' define two flanks 18 of the filling element 14, which are disposed at opposite ends of the abutment wall 16 and are substantially perpendicular to the abutment wall 16 itself. The upper panel 17' of the flat blank 14' defines a rear wall 17 of the filling element 14, connected to the top 15 thereof and parallel and opposite to the abutment wall 16, where an end portion of the rear wall 17 of the filling element 14 is butted against, and glued to, the rear wall 5 of the outer case 2.

In a preferred embodiment, the first and second side panels 18' are mirror symmetric. Hereinafter, therefore, they are referred to without distinction simply as side panel 18', without thereby losing in generality. In one embodiment, the flat blank 14' has a first continuous cut line T1 between the intermediate panel 15' and the side panel 18'. The flat blank 14' has a second continuous cut line T2 between a part of the lower panel 16' and a part of the side panel 18'. The side panel 18' has a third continuous cut line T3, not necessarily horizontal, which runs right across the side panel 18'. The side panel 18' has a first horizontal line of weakness 21 ' and a second horizontal line of weakness 22'.

In one embodiment, the first cut line T1 and the first horizontal line of weakness 21 ' define a corner panel 19', forming a corner tab 19 of the filling element 14. The first horizontal line of weakness 21 ' constitutes a fold line 21 of the corner tab 19.

In one embodiment, the second continuous cut line T2, the third continuous cut line T3 and the second horizontal line of weakness 22' define a spacer panel 20', forming a spacer tab 20 of the filling element 14. The second horizontal line of weakness 22' constitutes a fold line 22 of the spacer tab 20. In one embodiment, the third continuous cut line T3 on the side panel is closer to the upper panel 17' than is the fold line 22 of the spacer tab 20.

In one embodiment, the lower panel 16' comprises two lines of weakness 25' which are symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of symmetry S. In one embodiment, the lower panel 16' comprises two continuous cut lines T4 for each line of weakness on the lower panel, which start at the ends of the corresponding line of weakness 25' on the lower panel 16' and terminate at the ends of the corresponding second continuous cut line T2 of the side panel 18'. Each line of weakness 25' on the lower panel 16' and the corresponding cut lines T4 define a locking panel 24A' of the flat blank 14', constituting the locking tab 24A of the filling element 14. Each line of weakness 25' on the lower panel constitutes the corresponding fold line 25 of each locking tab 24A. In a preferred embodiment, illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the filling element 14 terminates further down - that is, away from the open top end - than the flanks 12 of the inner frame 10: that is to say, the upper edge of the filling element 14 is located lower down than the upper edge of the flanks 12 of the inner frame 10. In other words, the distance between the top 15 of the filling element 14 and the bottom 9 of the outer case 2 is less than the distance between an upper edge of the flanks 12 of the inner frame 10 and the bottom 9 of the outer case 2. That way, the filling element 14 terminates lower down than the inner case 3, which is the same in height as the flanks 12 of the inner frame 10, as illustrated in Figure 3, thus making it easier to take the cigarettes out of the inner case 3. In another embodiment, the filling element 14 terminates further up - that is, away from the bottom 9 of the outer case 2 - than the hinge 13: that is to say, the upper edge of the filling element 14 is located higher up than the hinge 13. In other words, the distance between the top 15 of the filling element 14 and the bottom 9 of the outer case 2 is greater than the distance between the hinge 13 and the bottom 9 of the outer case 2. That way, the filling element 14 terminates further up than the rear wall 5 of the outer case 2, thus providing increased longitudinal support for the inner case 3.

In a preferred embodiment, the filling element 14 is oriented along the main longitudinal direction of extension A of the packet 1 : that is to say, it is disposed parallel to the front and rear walls 4 and 5 of the outer case 2 and perpendicular to the flanks 6 of the outer case 2. Preferably, but not necessarily, the inner case 3 is disposed at a front position - that is, in direct contact with the front wall 4 of the outer case 2 - and the filling element 14 is disposed at a rear position - that is, in direct contact with the rear wall 5 of the outer case 2, so as to facilitate access to the cigarettes which are contained in the inner case 3 and which are easier to reach if the inner case 3 is located at the front. In another embodiment, not illustrated, the inner case 3 is disposed in contact with both the front wall 4 and the rear wall 5 and with only one flank 6 of the outer case 2, while the filling element 14 is disposed in contact with the other flank 6 of the outer case 2.

In one embodiment, the rear wall 17 of the filling element 14 is parallel to the rear wall 5 of the outer case 2, which is connected to the top 15. In one embodiment, the rear wall 17 of the filling element 14 is parallel and opposite to the abutment wall 16. In another embodiment, not illustrated, the rear wall 17 is parallel to the flanks 6 of the outer case 2 and connected to the top 15.

In one embodiment, the flanks 18 of the filling element 14 are oriented parallel to the flanks 6 of the outer case 2. In another embodiment, the flanks 18 of the filling element 14 are oriented perpendicularly to the flanks 6 of the outer case 2 and parallel to the rear and front walls 5 and 4 of the outer case 2.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3 to 7, an end portion of the rear wall 17 of the filling element 14 is butted against, and glued to, the rear wall 5 of the outer case 2. Preferably, the rear wall 17 of the filling element 14 is glued to the rear wall 5 of the outer case 2 so as to be integral with the wall 5. The portion of the rear wall 17 not glued to the rear wall 5 of the outer case 2 protrudes partly from the open top end of the outer case 2, above the hinge 13, and engages a corresponding inside surface of the lid 8 when the lid 8 is in the aforementioned closed position.

It should be noted that the presence of the top 15 and of the rear wall 16 of the filling element 14 prevents access to the part of the internal space of the outer case 2 not occupied by the inner case 3. In other words, the top 15 and the rear wall 16 of the filling element 14 enclose the upper and rear sides of the part of the internal space of the outer case 2 not occupied by the inner case 3, without giving access to that part of the internal space. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3 to 7, the flanks 18 of the filling element 14 are butted, at the top, against the flanks 12 of the inner frame 10 and, at the bottom, against the flanks 6 of the outer case 2.

The flanks 18 of the filling element 14 may be glued to the flanks 12 of the inner frame 10 so as to be integral with the flanks 12 and/or, that is to say, in addition or alternatively, they may be glued to the flanks 6 of the outer case 2 so as to be integral with the flanks 6.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3 to 7, the flanks 18 of the filling element 14 have a longitudinal dimension which is greater than the longitudinal dimension of the abutment wall 16.

In one embodiment the filling element 14 comprises a pair of the corner tabs 19. The corner tabs 19 are at right angles to the flanks 18, at right angles to the abutment wall 16 and parallel to the top 15. In one embodiment, the corner tabs 19 are butted against the top 15. In another embodiment, the corner tabs 19 are butted against, and glued to, the top 15 in such a way as to prevent the top 15 of the filling element 14 from rising upwards.

In one embodiment the filling element 14 comprises at least one spacer tab 20 for each flank 18. The at least one spacer tab 20 is at right angles to the flanks 18, at right angles to the abutment wall 16 and parallel to the top 15. The distance between the spacer tab 20 and the top 15 of the filling element 14 is less than the longitudinal extension of the rear wall 17. In one embodiment the filling element 14 comprises, for each of the two flanks 18, two spacer tabs 20 which are folded at the respective fold lines 22 (solution not illustrated). In one embodiment, the distance between each third continuous cut T3 on the side panel 18' of the flat blank 14' and the intermediate panel 15' of the flat blank 14' is less than the distance between each fold line 22 of the respective spacer tab 20 and the top 15 of the filling element 14.

In one embodiment, the spacer tabs 20 have a transverse dimension which is equal to that of the respective flanks 18. That way, they are capable of keeping the abutment wall 16 of the filling element 14 spaced from the rear wall 17 of the filling element 14, folded until touching (being in contact with) the edges of the flanks.

In one embodiment, the distance between the bottom 7 of the outer case 2 and each fold line 22 of the corresponding spacer tab 20 is less than the distance between the bottom 7 of the outer case 2 and a line connecting the corner tabs 21 to the respective flanks 18.

In one embodiment, the spacer tab 20 of each flank 18 tends to return to its initial position of spacer panel 20' on the flat blank 14' owing to its folding and potential tilting. The term "springback" is used in this document to mean the tendency of the spacer tab to return to its initial position of spacer panel 20' on the flat blank 14'.

Each spacer tab 20 can rotate about the axis passing through its fold line 22 so as to generate a volume of rotation 23, illustrated in Figure 8. In one embodiment, the profile of the spacer 20 defines the edges of the spacer tab 20. In one embodiment, at least one edge of the spacer tab has a curvilinear profile.

In one embodiment, the profile is substantially a right-angle trapezium having one curved side and the other side coinciding with the fold line 22 of the spacer tab 20.

In another embodiment, all the edges of the spacer tab 20 are, instead, rectilinear.

Since each spacer tab 20 is obtained by folding a portion of the flank 18 of the filling element 14, it has springback which could cause it to tilt in a return direction towards its position of spacer panel 20' on the flat blank 14'.

This potential "springback" could be amplified by the stresses applied by the user on the cigarette packet 1 , causing the spacer tabs 20 to lose their spacing function and allowing the abutment wall 16 to move closer to the rear wall 17 of the filling element 14.

In this regard, the filling element 14 comprises at least one locking element 24 for each spacer tab 20. The locking element 24 is configured to interfere with the corresponding spacer tab 20, opposing its potential tilting due to the "springback" effect.

In an embodiment not illustrated, the locking element 24 is a protrusion which rises up from the abutment wall 16 and interferes with the volume of rotation 23 which could potentially be generated by the rotation of the spacer tab 20 about its fold line 22. In one embodiment, the locking element 24 is a protrusion which rises up from the rear wall 14 and interferes with the volume of rotation 23 which could be generated by the potential tilting of the spacer tab 20 due to the "springback" effect.

In one embodiment, the locking element is the locking tab 24A from the locking panel 24A'.

In one embodiment, each locking tab 24A is folded towards the inside of the filling element 14 around the corresponding fold line 25.

In one embodiment, each locking tab 24A is rotatable about the respective fold line 24 of the locking tab 24A.

In one embodiment, the fold line 25 of the locking tab 24A is inclined and divergent from the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the packet, oriented along the main longitudinal axis of extension A of the packet, in the direction of the top 15 of the filling element 14.

In one embodiment, the fold line 25 of the locking tab 24A is parallel to the longitudinal direction or convergent with the longitudinal axis of the packet, in the direction of the top 15 of the filling element 14. In another embodiment, not illustrated, the fold line 25 of the locking tab 24A is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A.

In one embodiment, the locking tab 24A comprises a locking line. 26. The locking line is one edge of the locking tab 24A in contact with the corresponding spacer tab 20 at least at one point. In one embodiment, the locking line 26 is inclined to a transverse direction B of the packet 1 , converging with the transverse direction B of the packet 1 at the abutment wall 16.

In an embodiment where the filling element 14 is obtained from the flat blank 14' and where the locking element 24 is a locking tab 24A, the locking line 26 corresponds to a cut line 26' of the flat blank 14'.

In one embodiment, the inclination of the locking line 26 relative to the transverse direction B of the packet is determined by the inclination of the fold line 25 of the locking tab 24A relative to the longitudinal direction A of the packet.1 , the locking tab 24A being folded about the fold line 25.

The inclination of the locking line 26 advantageously facilitates the folding operations whereby the filling element 14 is obtained from the blank 14'. This advantage is more apparent further on in this specification, when the method for making the packet 1 comprising the filling element 14 is described.

In an embodiment where the locking element 24 is a locking tab 24A. The locking tab 24A is foldable about the corresponding fold line 25. On account of its possible "springback", the locking tab 24A is movable from an optimal operating configuration, in which it is substantially perpendicular to the abutment wall 16, to other operating configurations, in which its inclination relative to the abutment wall 16 is variable and in any case less than a right angle.

Figures 6 and 7 illustrate two successive configurations of the filling element 14 during the steps of the method for making the packet.

More specifically, the method for making a cigarette packet 1 comprising a filling element 14, comprises the following steps.

The method comprises a first step of making the outer case 2 of the cigarette packet 1 and a second step of making the inner case 3 of the cigarette packet 1 .

In one embodiment, the method comprises a third step of making the flat blank 14'.

The method comprises a fourth step of making the filling element from the flat blank, in turn comprising the following steps.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of making the two longitudinal lines of weakness 11 and I2 symmetrically about the longitudinal axis of symmetry S of the flat blank 14'. The longitudinal lines of weakness 11 and I2 define the first side panel 18', the middle panel P and the second side panel 18'.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of making the first horizontal line of weakness 13 and the second horizontal line of weakness 14 on the middle panel P along the horizontal direction. The first and second horizontal lines of weakness 13 and 14 define the upper panel 17', the intermediate panel 15' and the lower panel 16'.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of making the first cut line T1 between the intermediate panel 15' and each side panel 18'. This step comprises making the first horizontal line of weakness 21 ' on each side panel 18'. The first cut line T1 between the intermediate panel 15' and each side panel 18' and the first horizontal line of weakness 21 ' on each side panel 18' define the corner panel 19' on each side panel 18'. In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of making the second continuous cut line T2 between a part of the lower panel 16' and part of each side panel 18'. This step comprises making the third continuous cut line T3 on the side panel 18'. The third cut line T3 runs along the side panel 18' from the end of it bordering the middle panel P to the opposite end of it.

In one embodiment, the third continuous cut line T3 made on the side panel 18' has a curvilinear profile.

This step comprises making the second horizontal line of weakness 22' on each side panel 18'. The second continuous cut line T2, the third continuous cut line T3 and the second horizontal line of weakness 22' define a spacer panel 20' on each side panel 18'.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of making on the lower panel 16' two lines of weakness 25' which are symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of symmetry S. This step comprises making two continuous cut lines T4 for each line of weakness 25' on the lower panel 16', which start at the ends of the corresponding line of weakness 25' on the lower panel 16' and terminate at the ends of the corresponding second continuous cut line T2 of the side panel 18'. Each line of weakness 25' on the lower panel 16', and the two respective continuous cut lines T4 on the lower panel 16' define the locking panel 24A' for each line of weakness 25' on the lower panel 16'.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of folding each corner panel 19' and each spacer panel 20' about the respective fold line 21 ' and 22'. This folding step defines a pair of the corner tabs 19 and a pair of the spacer tabs 20 of the filling element 14.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of folding each locking panel 24A' about the respective fold line 25'. This folding step defines a pair of the locking tabs 24A of the filling element 14.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of folding each side panel 18' about the respective fold line defined by the respective longitudinal line of weakness 11 , I2 of the flat blank. This folding step defines the two flanks 18 of the filling element 14.

In one embodiment, the fold line 25' of the locking tab 24A is inclined and divergent from the longitudinal axis of symmetry S in the direction towards the upper panel 17' of the flat blank 14' to reduce the probability, during the step of folding each side panel 18', of the spacer tab 20 interfering with the locking tab 24A, which is already folded.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of folding the intermediate panel 15' about the respective fold line defined by the first horizontal line of weakness I4 of the middle panel. This folding step defines the top 15 of the filling element 14.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of folding the upper panel 17' about the respective fold line defined by the second horizontal line of weakness I3 of the middle panel. This folding step defines the rear wall 17 of the filling element 14.

In one embodiment, the step of folding each corner panel 19 and each spacer panel 20 and the step of folding the locking panel 24A are carried out simultaneously. This variant of the method allows using a single folding tool and a single abutment element for the two folding steps.

In one embodiment, the method for making a cigarette packet 1 comprises a step of inserting the inner case 3 into the outer case 2. In one embodiment, the step of inserting the inner case 3 into the outer case 2 results in the formation of a cavity inside the outer case 2, between the inner case 3 and a wall of the outer case 2. In one embodiment, the method for making a cigarette packet 1 comprises a step of inserting the filling element 14 into the cavity between a wall of the outer 2 and the inner case 3.

Claims

1 . A packet (1 ) of cigarettes comprising an outer case (2), a group of cigarettes and an inner case (3) wrapped around the group of cigarettes and having a transverse dimension which is smaller than the transverse dimension of the outer case (2) so as to form a cavity within the outer case; the packet (1 ) comprising a filling element (14) disposed inside the outer case (2) between a wall of the outer case (2) and a wall of the inner case (3) and having an abutment wall (16) to abut against the inner case (3), a top (15) connected to an upper end of the abutment wall (16), two flanks (18) disposed at opposite ends of the abutment wall (16), a rear wall (17) connected to the top (15) and folded back to touch the edges of the flanks (18), two spacer tabs (20), each connected to a flank (18) and folded towards the inside of the filling element (14) about a corresponding fold line (22); characterized in that the filling element (14) comprises, for each spacer tab (20), at least one locking element (24) configured to lock the respective spacer tab (20) in the position where it is folded towards the inside of the filling element (14).

2. The packet (1 ) of cigarettes according to the preceding claim, wherein each locking element (24) rises from the abutment wall (16) of the filling element (14) and projects towards the rear wall (17) of the filling element (14).

3. The packet (1 ) of cigarettes according to claim 2, wherein each locking element (24) is disposed inside a space (23) traversed by the spacer tab (20) in a rotation the spacer tab (20) might perform in a return direction which would bring it back to a co-planar position not superposed on the flank (18) of the filling element (14).

4. The packet (1 ) of cigarettes according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each locking element (24) is a locking tab (24A) made from the abutment wall (16) of the filling element (14) and folded towards the inside of the filling element (14) about a corresponding fold line (25) of the locking tab (24A).

5. The packet (1 ) of cigarettes according to claim 4, wherein the fold line (25) of each locking tab (24A) is inclined to the main axis of extension of the packet (1 ) and diverges in the direction of the top (15) of the filling element (14) from the main axis of extension of the packet (1 ).

6. The packet (1 ) of cigarettes according to claim 4 or 5, wherein each locking tab (24A) comprises a locking line (26) defined by one side of the corresponding locking tab (24A) impinging on the corresponding spacer tab (20) at least at one point; the locking line (26) being inclined to a transverse direction (B) of the packet and converging with the transverse direction (B) of the packet at the abutment wall (16).

7. The packet (1 ) of cigarettes according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the minimum distance of each locking element (24) from each flank (18) of the filling element (14) is smaller than the distance, from each flank (18) of the filling element (14), of the point on each spacer tab (20) furthest from the corresponding flank (18) of the filling element (14).

8. The packet (1 ) of cigarettes according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer case (2) comprises a lid (8) which is hinged along a hinge line (13), the hinge line (13) being disposed between a bottom (7) of the packet (1 ) of cigarettes and the top (15) of the filling element (14).

9. A method for making a packet of cigarettes according to claim 1 , comprising the following steps:

- making the outer case (2);

- making the inner case (3) with transverse dimensions which are smaller than the transverse dimensions of the outer case;

- packing the group of cigarettes in the inner case (3);

- inserting the inner case (3) into the outer case (2), thereby defining an internal cavity; - inserting a filling element (14), made from a flat blank, into the cavity between a wall of the outer case (3) and the inner case (2), and performing the following steps:

- making two longitudinal lines of weakness (11 , I2) symmetrically about a longitudinal axis of symmetry (S) of the flat blank (14') to define a first side panel (18'), a middle panel (P) and a second side panel (18');

- making, on the middle panel (P), a first horizontal line of weakness (I3) and a second horizontal line of weakness (I4) along a horizontal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of symmetry (S) in the plane of the flat blank (14'), to define an upper panel (17'), an intermediate panel (15') and a lower panel (16');

- making a first continuous cut line (T1 ) between the intermediate panel (15') and each of the side panels (18'), and a first horizontal line of weakness (21 ') on each of the side panels (18'), thereby defining a corner panel (19') for each side panel (18');

- making a second continuous cut line (T2) between a part of the lower panel (16') and a part of each of the side panels (18'), a third continuous cut line (T3) and a second horizontal line of weakness (22') on each of the side panels (18'), thereby defining a spacer panel (20') for each side panel (18');

- making, on the lower panel (16'), two longitudinal lines of weakness (25') symmetrically about the longitudinal axis of symmetry (S) of the flat blank, and two continuous cut lines (T4), for each line of weakness on the lower panel (25'), which start at the ends of the corresponding line of weakness on the lower panel and terminate at the ends of the corresponding second continuous cut line (T2) of the side panel, thereby defining a locking panel (24A) for each line of weakness on the lower panel (25');

- folding each corner panel (19') and each spacer panel (20') about a respective fold line (21 , 22) defined, respectively, by the first line of weakness (21 ') of the corresponding side panel and by the second line of weakness (22') of the corresponding side panel; this folding step defining a pair of corner tabs (19) and a pair of spacer tabs (20) of the filling element (14);

- folding each locking panel (24Α') about a respective fold line (25) defined by each line of weakness on the lower panel (25'); this folding step defining a pair of locking tabs (24A) of the filling element (14);

- folding each side panel (18') about a respective fold line defined by each longitudinal line of weakness (11 , I2) on the flat blank (14'); this folding step defining two flanks (18) of the filling element (14);

- folding the intermediate panel (15') about a respective fold line defined by the first horizontal line of weakness (I4) of the middle panel (P); this folding step defining a top (15) of the filling element (14);

- folding the upper panel (17') about a respective fold line defined by the second horizontal line of weakness (I3) of the middle panel (P); this folding step defining a rear wall (17) of the filling element (14).

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the step of folding each corner panel (19') and each spacer panel (20') and the step of folding each locking panel (24Α') are carried out simultaneously.