WO2019043738A1

WO2019043738A1 - Package for smoking articles and blank for such a package

Info

Publication number: WO2019043738A1
Application number: PCT/IT2018/050162
Authority: WO
Inventors: Luca TAROZZI; Vincent ANTONELLINI; Fiorenzo Draghetti
Original assignee: Gima Tt S.P.A.
Priority date: 2017-08-28
Filing date: 2018-08-27
Publication date: 2019-03-07
Also published as: CN111491873B; CN111491873A; IT201700096655A1

Abstract

Packet for smoking articles comprising an external container (11) and an internal container (12) able to contain a group of smoking articles and slidingly removable with respect to said external container (1 1). The internal container (12) defines a housing (27) configured to receive the articles and an aperture (28) by means of which a user can access the housing (27), and comprises a lid (32) configured to close the aperture (28) in a re-closable manner.

Description

PACKAGE FOR SMOKING ARTICLES AND BLANK FOR SUCH A PACKAGE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments described here concern packets for smoking articles and, in particular, to contain tobacco-based products, such as traditional smoking articles, such as for example cigarettes or small cigars.

Embodiments described here also concern blanks, to make the packets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Packets for smoking articles that slide to open are known in the state of the art. Packets of this type comprise an internal container and an external container. The packet is opened by means of a relative sliding movement between the internal container and the external container, in particular a tangential sliding of the two containers along respective parallel lying planes.

The internal container is intended to receive a group of smoking articles wrapped in an internal casing or wrapper, typically made of paper, metallized paper, metal, aluminum or tinfoil. The external container encloses the internal container when the packet is in the closed position.

The internal container can slide with respect to the external container between a configuration in which it is received retracted inside the latter, thus defining the closed position, and a configuration in which the internal container is partly extracted from the external container to define an open position of the packet such that the smoking articles are accessible from the outside and, therefore, a user can remove the articles contained therein.

In particular, embodiments of these packets known in the state of the art can be opened with sliding opening by means of a linear translation movement of the internal container with respect to the external container, while other embodiments can be opened with sliding opening by means of a rotational movement of the internal container with respect to the external container, which are therefore hinged with respect to each other.

Examples of packets with a linear sliding of the internal container and the external container are described in patent documents US 5,080,227, US 4,534,463, FR 2,499,947 and WO 2013/068939.

Examples of packets with rotational sliding of the internal container and the external container are described in the patent documents US 3,881,599, US 3,052,398, WO 2006/021581 and WO 201 1/018704 (WO'704).

In particular, WO'704 describes various embodiments of a packet for smoking articles comprising an external container and an internal container, which is selectively extractable in a sliding manner with respect to the external container. The packet comprises an internal wrapper that wraps the group of smoking articles, defining an assembly of the internal wrapper - smoking articles that is located in the internal container.

The packet also comprises a lid which is associated with the internal container in a removable manner. For this purpose, the lid is joined to the internal container by means of pre-cut lines of weakening with a closed profile so that, when the packet is opened for the first time, the user must necessarily detach the lid permanently from the internal container. In other words, the first opening of the packet destroys the integrity and physical continuity of the lid and the internal container; the lid is not reusable and is normally thrown away.

In some embodiments described in WO'704, it is provided that the lid can be glued to a tear-off portion of the internal wrapper. When the user separates the lid from the internal container to open the packet, the tear-off portion of the internal layer tears and is removed together with the lid.

Therefore, when the user wishes to remove one or more articles, he/she slides the internal container with respect to the external container and lifts the lid associated with the internal container. At the first opening of the packet, when the lid is lifted, the tear- off portion is torn away, separating from the remaining internal wrapper which wraps the smoking articles. The user then has access to the articles contained in the packet because they are no longer completely wrapped by the internal wrapper.

In the packets with sliding opening known in the state of the art, once the packet has been opened for the first time, with the consequent physical separation of the lid, the internal container will always have an open zone in correspondence with which the articles are directly exposed toward the outside. It should be noted that this open zone defines the access zone in which the user can remove the articles contained in the packet when the internal container is partly extracted from the external container. This zone, while remaining always open, is not accessible to the user when the internal container is housed inside the external container, that is, in the closed position of the packet, because the latter overlaps it. However, even in this closed position of the packet, a certain play remains between the two containers, so that the external container does not hermetically close the open zone, which therefore remains in communication with the outside.

One disadvantage of these packets is, therefore, that it can often happen that loose or powdered material, such as for example tobacco dust, accidentally escapes from the packet through the open zone, even when the packet is in the closed position. It is obvious that this disadvantage is very unpleasant for users because the escaping material settles between the internal container and the external container or pours out, in the spaces surrounding the packet, making them dirty. For example, tobacco dust can fall on floors or support planes (such as tables, shelves or desks), on articles of furniture (such as sofas, chairs or armchairs), or even inside the objects in which the packet is stored (such as bags, handbags, purses, backpacks, pockets of clothes or cases).

Another disadvantage can derive from the fact that the lid, once completely separated from the internal container to be opened, is thrown away by the user as waste, since it cannot be reused, possibly together with part of the internal wrapper, and this can generate problems of pollution, particularly if the waste is not correctly disposed of but is dispersed in the environment.

Also known in the state of the art are packets for smoking articles with a traditional non-sliding opening, provided with a closable lid. In the closed configuration of the packet, the lid can be kept engaged with the front wall of the packet by means of a suitable adhesive substance or by interference of a flap of the lid which is retained by the front wall. Examples of this type of packets are described in the prior art documents WO-A2-2015/015391, DE-U1-29809572 and GB-A-264689.

One purpose of the present invention is to make available a perfected packet with respect to the packets known in the state of the art.

Another purpose of the present invention is to make a packet provided with a housing to receive the smoking articles which can be closed an indefinite number of times in any condition of use of the packet.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a packet that is easy to use and that is convenient and practical for both a right-handed user and a left-handed user. Yet another purpose of the present invention is to make available a packet which can be made by conventional packaging machines known in the state of the art, without needing to use special or adapted machines.

Yet another purpose of the present invention is to make available a perfected blank which allows to make embodiments of the internal container comprised in the packet according to the invention.

The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims, while the dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

In accordance with the above purposes, embodiments described here concern a packet for smoking articles with sliding opening comprising an external container and an internal container that is able to contain a group of articles and slidingly removable with respect to the external container.

According to embodiments described here, the container comprises:

- a first bigger lateral wall and a second bigger lateral wall opposite each other and delimiting internally a housing for the smoking articles;

- an aperture for removing the smoking articles from the housing; wherein the aperture comprises an upper mouth between the bigger lateral wall and the second bigger lateral wall and at least a lateral removal window made on the first bigger lateral wall in direct lateral prosecution of the upper mouth; and

- a lid to close the aperture.

Embodiments described here provide that the lid is hinged to the second bigger lateral wall along a hinging line that connects the lid rotatably to the second bigger lateral wall in order to rotate between a closed position and an open position, wherein the lid respectively prevents or allows access to the aperture.

According to some embodiments, the lid is configured to selectively close the aperture in a re-closable manner.

Embodiments described here also provide that the lid comprises:

- a top wall having an extension such as to close at least part of the upper mouth, in the closed position of the lid;

- a lateral closing flap configured to close the lateral removal window and to be positioned, in the closed position of the lid, in the housing, adjacent to the first bigger lateral wall. In embodiments described here, the lateral closing flap has a bigger extension with respect to the extension of the lateral removal window, to completely close the lateral removal window and to obtain a mechanical interference with the first bigger lateral wall, able to hold the lid stably in the closed position.

According to some embodiments, the lateral closing flap is contiguous to the top wall and joined to the latter by means of a pre-yielded hinge which allows the lateral closing flap to be able to assume, repeatedly, a folded or inclined position, for example by about 90° with respect to the top wall.

By the term 're-closable' in the present description we refer to the fact that the lid can be opened and closed by the user an indefinite number of times so as to keep the housing of the smoking articles closed.

According to some embodiments of the packet described here, the top wall of the lid is hinged to one of the respective bigger lateral walls along the hinging line and the lateral closing flap defines a free end of the lid. The closing lid is configured to cooperate with the first bigger lateral wall in order to close the lateral removal window thanks to mechanical interference between the lateral closing flap and an upper edge that delimits the lateral removal window.

In some embodiments, the hinging line defines a line of intended separation between which the lid can be separated from the internal container.

According to some embodiments, the internal container comprises a removable portion made in one of the bigger lateral walls and forming a portion that can be separated from the latter.

In embodiments described here, the second bigger lateral wall comprises a respective upper edge that is formed by a weakened pre-cutting line so as to define a breakable line of intended separation which allows to separate the removable portion from the second bigger lateral wall. In some embodiments, the removable portion is also joined to the lid along a portion of the hinging line.

In some embodiments, the upper edges of the first and the second bigger lateral wall have a shaped profile, in the shape of a U for example, so as to be able to define respective lateral removal windows on both the bigger lateral walls once the removable portion has been separated from the bigger lateral wall to which it was joined.

Embodiments of a blank are also described, configured to make an internal container comprised in a packet for smoking articles. The blank described here comprises a pair of respective bigger lateral panels each configured to define a respective bigger lateral wall of the internal container, a respective smaller central panel interposed between the respective bigger lateral panels and intended to form a bottom wall of the internal container, and a plurality of respective lateral flaps joined to the respective bigger lateral panels in correspondence with both sides with the bigger extension of the latter and intended to form respective smaller lateral walls of the internal container.

Embodiments described here provide that the blank comprises an assembly of end panels intended to define a lid of the internal container, wherein the assembly of end panels is joined only to one, and not also to the other, of the bigger lateral panels.

According to embodiments described here, the blank comprises a breakable flap which is configured to define a removable portion of the internal container and is joined to the same bigger lateral panel to which the assembly of end panels is also joined.

In some embodiments, the breakable flap is joined to the bigger lateral panel along a second line of intended separation, breakable and intended to define a respective upper edge of the bigger lateral wall to which the removable portion is joined.

In some embodiments, the breakable flap is also joined to a smaller end panel comprised in the assembly of end panels along a first line of intended separation intended to define a hinging line between the lid and the internal container.

Advantageously, thanks to the re-closable lid, the packet according to one or more of the embodiments described here allows to re-close the housing of the articles an indefinite number of times. In this way, it is possible to prevent loose or powdery material, such as for example tobacco dust, from escaping from the packet, dirtying the environment and/or the surrounding objects.

Another advantage of the packet described here is that it is very versatile as the lid can be separated from the inner container if necessary.

Another advantage of the packet described here is that it is convenient and practical for both right-handed users and left-handed users. In fact, once the lid and the removable portion have been separated from the inner container, the latter has a lateral removal window - which allows access to the housing of the articles - on both the bigger lateral walls of the internal container. This means that a lateral removal window is always facing toward the user, regardless of the orientation with which the packet is opened (that is, extracting it to the right or left) and/or regardless of the hand used by the user to open it. Another advantage of the packet and the blank according to the embodiments described here is that they can be made by conventional packaging machines that do not require any structural modification or adjustment. Thanks to this, the packet according to the invention is also advantageously economical to produce.

These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood with reference to the following description, drawings and attached claims. The drawings, which are integrated and form part of the present description, show some forms of embodiment of the present invention, and together with the description, are intended to describe the principles of the disclosure.

The various aspects and characteristics described in the present description can be applied individually where possible. These individual aspects, for example aspects and characteristics described in the attached dependent claims, can be the object of divisional applications.

It is understood that any aspect or characteristic that is discovered, during the patenting process, to be already known, shall not be claimed and shall be the object of a disclaimer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

- fig. 1 is a three-dimensional view of a first embodiment of a packet in a closed configuration;

- figs. 2-6 are three-dimensional views that show the packet of fig. 1 shown in different conditions of use;

- figs. 7 and 8 are plan views from above of a shaped sheet, also called blank, that defines the flat development respectively of an external and internal container that form the packet of fig. 1 ;

- figs. 9-12 are three-dimensional views that show a second embodiment of a packet for smoking articles shown in different conditions of use;

- figs. 13 and 14 are plan views from above of a shaped sheet, also called blank, that defines the flat development respectively of an external and internal container that form the packet as per figs. 9-12.

To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can conveniently be incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

We will now refer in detail to the various embodiments of the present invention, of which one or more examples are shown in the attached drawings. Each example is supplied by way of illustration of the invention and shall not be understood as a limitation thereof. For example, the characteristics shown or described insomuch as they are part of one embodiment can be adopted on, or in association with, other embodiments to produce another embodiment. It is understood that the present invention shall comprise all such modifications and variants.

Before describing these embodiments, we must also clarify that the present description is not limited in its application to details of the construction and disposition of the components as described in the following description using the attached drawings. The present description can provide other embodiments and can be obtained or executed in various other ways. We must also clarify that the phraseology and terminology used here is for the purposes of description only, and cannot be considered as limitative.

We must clarify that in the present description and in the claims the terms upper, lower, front, rear, external and internal, central and lateral, with their variations, have the sole function of better illustrating the present invention with reference to the drawings and they must in no way be used to limit the scope of the invention itself, or the field of protection defined by the claims.

Embodiments of a packet for smoking articles, indicated in its entirety by the reference number 10, are described using figs. 1-6.

In possible implementations, the packet 10 is preferentially a rigid packet and can have a parallelepiped shape.

According to some embodiments, the packet 10 is configured to contain small articles, such as for example traditional smoking articles, such as cigarettes, or small cigars. It is understood that, according to other embodiments, the packet 10 can be configured to contain cartridges for vaporizers or inhalers, for example of tobacco or other substances, or components of electronic cigarettes.

The packet 10 comprises an external container 1 1 and an internal container 12, which can be extracted slidingly with respect to the external container 1 1.

In the embodiments described using figs. 1-6, the internal container 12 can slide in a rotatable manner with respect to the external container 1 1 according to a rotational movement indicated by the arrow R in the drawings.

In this way, it is possible to identify a closed configuration C of the packet 10, where the internal container 12 is received retracted in the external container 1 1 (fig. 1), and an extracted configuration E of the packet 10, where the internal container 12 is at least partly extracted from the external container 11 (figs. 2-6).

It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the internal container 12 is hinged with respect to the external container 1 1. The hinging members, which allow the reciprocal rotation of the internal container 12 and the external container 1 1, are integrated into the blanks configured to make the respective containers 12, 1 1 and will be described in greater detail below with particular reference to figs. 7 and 8.

In this embodiment, between the closed configuration C and the extracted configuration E, the internal container 12 can rotate with respect to the external container 1 1 by an angle a comprised between 30° and 60°.

In possible implementations, the external container 11 is conformed as a parallelepiped and comprises a top wall 13, a bottom wall 14, two opposite bigger lateral walls 15 and a smaller lateral wall 16, interposed between the two bigger lateral walls 15.

In possible embodiments, the external container 11 also comprises a lateral aperture 17 through which the internal container 12 can slide between the closed configuration C and the extracted configuration E. The lateral aperture 17 is made on the opposite side with respect to the smaller lateral wall 16 and has substantially the same extension as the latter.

In possible embodiments, the external container 1 1 also comprises a window 18 intended to allow the user to contact the internal container 12 and press on it to take it from the closed configuration C to the extracted configuration E.

In possible implementations, the window 18 is made in the smaller lateral wall 16. The window 18, for example, can have a substantially rectangular shape and has a size suitable to allow the passage of at least one finger of a user.

In these embodiments, the bottom wall 14 comprises a fixed portion 19 and a mobile portion 20, separated by a line of intended folding. The fixed portion 19 is adjacent to the smaller lateral wall 16. The mobile portion 20 is configured to rotate with respect to the fixed portion 19 when the internal container 12 passes from the closed configuration C to the extracted configuration E.

Similarly, the internal container 12 is also conformed as a parallelepiped.

In possible implementations, the internal container 12 comprises a respective bottom wall 24, two opposite respective bigger lateral walls 25 and two opposite respective smaller lateral walls 26.

Embodiments described here provide that the two opposite respective bigger lateral walls 25 comprise a first bigger lateral wall 25a and a second bigger lateral wall 25b, opposite each other and internally delimiting a housing 27 for the smoking articles (not shown).

In possible embodiments, the articles can typically be wrapped in a wrapping sheet, which, for example, can be made of paper, metallized paper, metal, aluminum or tinfoil.

In possible implementations, the internal container 12 comprises an aperture 28 to remove the smoking articles from the housing 27, in particular to allow a user to remove and/or replace one or more articles.

According to some embodiments, the aperture 28 comprises an upper mouth 29 between the first bigger lateral wall 25a and the second bigger lateral wall 25b and at least a lateral removal window 30 made on the first bigger lateral wall 25a in direct lateral continuation of the upper mouth 29.

In one embodiment, the first bigger lateral wall 25a comprises an upper edge 31 which is substantially U-shaped to define the lateral removal window 30.

In possible implementations, the internal container 12 comprises a lid 32 to close the aperture 28.

In one embodiment, the lid 32 is hinged to the second bigger lateral wall 25b along a hinging line 33 which rotatably connects the lid 32 to the second bigger lateral wall 25b to rotate between a closed position and an open position, where the lid 32 respectively prevents or allows access to the aperture 28.

According to embodiments described here, the lid 32 is configured to selectively close the aperture 28 in a re-closable manner.

Thanks to the fact that the lid 32 can be re-closed, the user can open and close the internal container 12 an indefinite number of times, for example as often as necessary until the articles disposed in the housing 27 are finished. In some embodiments, the lid 32 comprises a top wall 23, having an extension such as to close at least part of the upper mouth 29 in the closed position of the lid 32. It should be noted that the top wall 23 of the lid 32 defines the upper wall of the internal container 12, when the lid 32 is closed.

According to some embodiments, the lid 32 comprises a lateral closing flap 34 configured to close the lateral removal window 30 and to be positioned, in the closed position of the lid 32, in the housing 27, adjacent to the first bigger lateral wall 25a.

In possible implementations, the lateral closing flap 34 has a greater extension than the extension of the lateral removal window 30 (see figs. 2 and 3), to completely close the lateral removal window 30 and to obtain a mechanical interference with the first bigger lateral wall 25a, able to hold the lid 32 stably in the closed position.

In one embodiment, the top wall 23 of the lid 32 is joined to the second bigger lateral wall 25b by means of the hinging line 33.

According to one embodiment, the lateral closing flap 34 is contiguous to the top wall 23 and defines a free end of the lid 32 suitable to be held stably in position by the first bigger lateral wall 25a, to completely close the lateral removal window 30 when the lid 32 is closed.

In possible implementations, the lateral closing flap 34 is joined to the top wall 23 by means of a pre-yielded hinge 37 which allows the lateral closing flap 34 to be able to assume, in a repeatable manner, a folded or inclined position, for example by about 90°, with respect to the top wall 23, as can be seen in fig. 2.

In one embodiment, the lateral closing flap 34 is also delimited by a shaped edge 38, which defines the free end of the lid 32. The shaped edge 38, visible in figs. 3-5 and 10- 12, is also indicated with a dotted line in fig. 2, where the lid 32 is shown in the closed position.

When the lid 32 is closed (fig. 2), the lateral closing flap 34 is therefore substantially parallel, adjacent and overlapping to the first bigger lateral wall 25a. In this condition of use, the lateral closing flap 34 is disposed inside the first bigger lateral wall 25a so that the latter is able to hold it stably in the intended position. In other words, in this condition of use, the lateral closing flap 34 is inserted into the housing 27 so as to be interposed between the articles contained in the packet 10 (possibly wrapped in the wrapping sheet) and the first bigger lateral wall 25a.

In some embodiments, the internal container 12 comprises a removable portion 35. The removable portion 35 is made in the second bigger lateral wall 25b.

In possible implementations, the removable portion 35 forms a portion that is distinct and separable from the second bigger lateral wall 25b.

For this purpose, the second bigger lateral wall 25b comprises a respective upper edge 36 which can be formed by a weakened pre-cutting line so as to define a breakable line of intended separation which allows to separate the removable portion 35 from the second bigger lateral wall 25b.

In some embodiments, the upper edge 31 of the first bigger lateral wall 25a and the respective upper edge 36 of the second bigger lateral wall 25b have the same profile. In this embodiment the respective upper edge 36 is therefore also substantially U-shaped.

In some embodiments, the removable portion 35 is also joined to the lid 32 along a portion of the hinging line 33.

In other words, the lid 32 is connected, by means of the hinging line 33, both to the second bigger lateral wall 25b, and also to the removable portion 35 made therein. It should be noted that the hinging line 33 is a pre-yielded line so that the top wall 23 can assume, in a repeatable manner, a folded or inclined position, for example by about 90°, with respect to the second bigger lateral wall 25b and to the removable portion 35.

The removable portion 35 has the same shape and size as the lateral removal window 30 made on the first bigger lateral wall 25a. Consequently, the removable portion 35 is configured to define a respective lateral removal window 30 made on the second bigger lateral wall 25b in direct continuation of the upper mouth 29.

When the user detaches the removable portion 35 from the second bigger lateral wall 25b by acting on the respective upper edge 36, a respective lateral removal window 30 is formed. In this case, the internal container 12 comprises a lateral removal window 30 made on the first bigger lateral wall 25a, and another respective lateral removal window 30 on the second bigger lateral wall 25b, as shown in figs. 5 and 6.

In some embodiments, the hinging line 33 defines a line of intended separation by means of which the lid 32 can be separated from the internal container 12. In particular, thanks to the hinging line 33, the user can detach the respective top wall 23 (and the lateral closing flap 34 joined thereto) from the second bigger lateral wall 25b and from the removable portion 35, as shown in fig. 4. Thanks to this, the packet described here is even more versatile since the user can choose to remove the lid 32 from the internal container 12, if he/she prefers to use a packet without a lid. It is understood that all that has been described here with reference to the embodiment shown in figs. 1-6 also extends to the embodiment shown in figs. 9-12, where the same reference numbers indicate the same elements that are also comprised in the first embodiment described previously.

The embodiment shown in figs. 9-12 also concerns a packet for smoking articles, which is indicated in its entirety by the reference number 10'. According to some embodiments, the packet 10' is also configured to contain small articles, such as for example traditional smoking articles, such as cigarettes, or small cigars.

The packet 10' is structurally similar to the packet 10 described above, but is different from the latter in how it opens.

Also in the packet 10' the internal container 12 is housed in the external container 1 1 and can slide with respect to the latter. However, in the packet 10' the internal container 12 slides linearly with respect to the external container 1 1 according to a translation movement indicated by the arrow F in the drawings.

In this way, the packet 10' is mobile between a closed configuration C, in which the internal container 12 is received retracted in the external container 1 1 (not shown, but completely similar to the view in fig. 1), and an extracted configuration E of the packet 10, where the internal container 12 is at least partly extracted from the external container 1 1 (figs. 9-12).

We will now describe possible ways of using embodiments of packets 10, 10' described in the field of the present invention.

When not used, the packet 10, 10' is normally in the closed configuration C (fig. 1).

When the user has to remove one or more articles contained in the housing 27, he/she presses with a finger on the internal container 12 through the window 18 so as to take the internal container 12 into the extracted configuration E (figs. 2 and 9). In this configuration, although the internal container 12 is partly extracted from the external container 1 1, the user cannot yet remove the articles contained in the packet 10, 10' because access to the aperture 28 is prevented by the lid 32, which is in the closed position.

To access the housing 27, the user must lift the lid 32 (figs. 3 and 10). To open the lid 32 it is sufficient for the user to apply with a finger a slight upward force which allows the lateral closing flap 34 to be removed out of the first bigger lateral wall 25a.

It should be noted that the embodiments of the packet 10, 10' described here allow to open and close the housing of the articles an indefinite number of times. For example, every time the user wishes to remove one or more articles contained in the packet 10, 10', the latter is in the configuration shown in figs. 3 and 10, and subsequently the packet is returned to the closed configuration C (fig. 1) after the lid 32 has been closed, as shown in figs. 2 and 9.

The lid 32, being re-closable, advantageously allows to keep the housing 27 always closed so as to prevent, in a simple and effective manner, any loose material - such as for example tobacco dust - present in the housing from escaping to the outside.

If necessary, the user can also separate the lid 32 from the internal container 12. Figs. 4 and 11 show a condition of use of the packet 10, 10' in which the respective top wall 23 (and consequently the lateral closing flap 34 joined to it) is separated from the second bigger lateral wall 25b and from the removable portion 35. In order to obtain this condition of use, the user acts on the hinging line 33, which acts as a breakable separation line, in order to permanently separate the respective top wall 23 and the lateral closing flap 34 from the internal container 12.

Instead, figs. 5 and 12 show another condition of use of the packet 10, 10' where both the lid 32 and the removable portion 35 are detached from the internal container 12. To obtain this condition of use, the user acts on the respective upper edge 36, which acts as a line of intended separation, to thus permanently separate the removable portion 35 from the internal container 12. In this way the lid 32 is separated from the internal container 12, which thus has a lateral removal window 30 on each bigger lateral wall 25a, 25b, as shown in figs. 6 and 12.

In this condition of use, the packet 10, 10' has the advantage that it is convenient and practical to use for both right-handed users and left-handed users.

In fact, once the lid 32 and the removable portion 35 have been detached from the internal container 12, the latter can be extracted from the external container 11 both so as to be to the right of the external container 1 1 once extracted (figs 2- 5 and 9-12), and also so as to be to the left of the external container 11 (fig. 6), once extracted.

In this condition of use, the packet 10, 10' therefore always has a lateral removal window 30 facing toward the user, regardless of the orientation of the packet 10, 10'. In this way, the packet 10, 10' can be gripped indifferently with the user's preferred hand and can be opened in any direction whatsoever without the possibility of the removable portion 35 facing toward the user and obstructing access to the housing 27. With reference to figs. 7 and 13, we will now describe blanks, which can be used to make the external container 1 1 of the packets 10, 10' according to the embodiments described here.

In particular, with reference to fig. 7, a blank is visible, indicated in its entirety by the reference number 100, configured to form the external container 11 of the packet 10 described above.

With particular reference to fig. 13, on the other hand, a blank can be seen, indicated in its entirety by the reference number 100', configured to form the external container 11 of the packet 10' as in figs. 9-12.

Since the blanks 100, 100' have very similar structures, they will be described below by referring to the same elements of the two different blanks with the same reference numbers.

The blank 100, 100' comprises a pair of bigger lateral panels 1 15 each configured to define a bigger lateral wall 15.

The bigger lateral panels 1 15 have a substantially rectangular shape.

Between the bigger lateral panels 1 15, a smaller central panel 114 is provided, intended to form the bottom wall 14. The smaller central panel 114 is separated from each bigger lateral panel 1 15 by a respective first line of intended folding 140.

The smaller central panel 1 14 comprises a first portion 1 19 and a second portion 120, respectively configured to define the fixed portion 19 and the mobile portion 20.

The second portion 120 must be mobile with respect to the first portion 119 to ensure that the mobile portion 20 can incline with respect to the fixed portion 19.

The second portion 120 is then separated from the first portion 1 19 by a second line of intended folding 141.

The first folding lines 140 comprise a continuous portion 140a which extends in correspondence with the first portion 1 19 substantially up to the second folding line 141.

Each first folding line 140 also comprises a portion 140b which is engraved or punched in various points. It extends in correspondence with the second portion 120 and forms the extension of the continuous portion 140a on the opposite side with respect to the second line of intended separation 141. In this way, the second portion 120 is not joined to the bigger lateral panels 1 15 and can rotate around the axis of rotation defined by the second line of intended folding 141. Unlike the blank 100, in the blank 100' the smaller central panel 114 does not comprise two distinct portions separated from each other by a line of intended folding. In fact, since in the packet 10' it is provided that the internal container 12 slides with a linear, non-rotary movement with respect to the external container 1 1 , the smaller central panel 1 14 of the blank 100' does not need any mobile portion with respect to another portion, kept fixed.

The blank 100, 100' also comprises a pair of shaped fins 1 17, which each extend along the long side of a respective bigger lateral panel 115.

Each shaped fin 117 is intended to be folded and glued onto the bigger lateral panel 1 15 to which it is connected, along a third line of intended folding 142.

The shaped fins 117 are configured to engage with respective retaining fins 217 made on the blank 200, 200'. The cooperation between the shaped fins 1 17 and the retaining fins 217 allows to limit the travel of the internal container 12 with respect to the external container 1 1. In other words, during the sliding of the internal container 12 with respect to the external container 1 1, when the retaining fins 217 come into contact with the shaped fins 117, the internal container 12 has reached the end of its travel and the further sliding thereof is blocked.

Moreover, the shaped fins 1 17 are also intended to reinforce the zone of the external container 11 in which the aperture 17 is defined. This is advantageous because it is a very stressed zone since every time the internal container 12 passes from the extracted configuration E to the closed configuration C, and vice versa, it slides against the internal surface of the bigger lateral walls 15.

The blank 100, 100' also comprises a plurality of lateral flaps 1 16 intended to form the smaller lateral wall 16.

The lateral flaps 116 are joined to the bigger lateral panels 115 on the opposite side with respect to the shaped fins 1 17.

In particular, the lateral flaps 116 are connected to the bigger lateral panels 1 15 along a fourth line of intended folding 143, which extends substantially parallel to the third line of intended folding 142.

The lateral flaps 1 16 comprise a pair of bigger lateral flaps 1 16a and a pair of smaller lateral flaps 1 16b. Both a bigger lateral flap 1 16a and a smaller lateral flap 1 16b are connected to each bigger lateral panel 115.

Between the bigger lateral flap 116a and the smaller lateral flap 1 16b a space 1 18 is defmed which is configured to form the window 18.

It should be noted that, in some embodiments, in correspondence with the space 118, the fourth line of intended folding 143 can have a curvilinear portion 144. In this embodiment, the window 18 will therefore have rounded vertical edges, which allow to confer on the window 18 a more ergonomic shape that facilitates the insertion of the user's finger when he/she wishes to extract the internal container 12 from the external container 1 1.

During use, when the external container 11 is formed, the two bigger lateral flaps 1 16a are intended to be joined together, for example by gluing with a suitable adhesive substance.

Similarly, during the formation of the external container 11, the two smaller lateral flaps 1 16b are also intended to be reciprocally joined, for example by gluing with the adhesive substance.

The blank 100, 100' also comprises a pair of end panels 113, intended to be joined to each other, for example by gluing, to form the top wall 13.

Each end panel 113 is joined to one of the bigger lateral panels 1 15 along a fifth line of intended folding 145. The end panels are joined to the bigger lateral panels 1 15 on the opposite side with respect to the smaller center panel 114.

The blank 100, 100' also comprises a connection fin 121, joined to one of the smaller lateral flaps 116b along a sixth line of intended folding 146 and intended to adhere by gluing to one of the end panels 113 when the external container 11 is formed.

We will now describe, with reference to figs. 8 and 14, blanks which can be used to make the internal container 12 of the packets 10, 10' according to embodiments described here.

In particular, with reference to fig. 8, a blank is visible, indicated in its entirety by the reference number 200, configured to form the internal container 12 of the packet 10 described above with reference to figs. 1-6.

With particular reference to fig. 14, on the other hand, a blank can be seen, indicated in its entirety by the reference number 200', configured to form the internal container 12 of the packet 10' seen in figs. 9-12.

Since the blanks 200, 200' have similar structures, in the following description the same elements of the two different blanks 200, 200' will be indicated by the same reference numbers. The blank 200, 200' comprises a pair of respective bigger lateral panels 225a, 225b each configured to define a respective bigger lateral wall 25, that is, the first and second bigger lateral walls 25a, 25b.

Between the respective bigger lateral panels 225a, 225b a respective smaller central panel 224 is interposed, intended to form the bottom wall 24. The respective smaller central panel 224 is separated from each respective lateral panel 225a, 225b by a respective first line of intended folding 240.

The blank 200, 200' comprises a respective connection fin 221, joined to the respective smaller central panel 224 in correspondence with one of its ends along a respective second line of intended folding 241.

The blank 200, 200' also comprises a plurality of respective lateral flaps 226 intended to form the respective smaller lateral walls 26.

The respective lateral flaps 226 are joined to the respective bigger lateral panels 225a, 225b in correspondence with both sides of the latter that have the greater extension.

The respective lateral flaps 226 comprise a pair of first lateral flaps 226a and a pair of second lateral flaps 226b. Both a first lateral flap 226a and a second lateral flap 226b are connected with each respective bigger lateral panel 225, on opposite sides with respect to each other.

Each first lateral flap 226a is connected to a respective bigger lateral panel 225a, 225b along a respective third line of intended folding 242.

Similarly, each second lateral flap 226b is connected to a respective bigger lateral panel 225a, 225b along a respective fourth line of intended folding 243, parallel to the respective third line of intended folding 242.

During use, when the internal container 12 is formed, the first lateral flaps 226a are intended to be joined together, for example by gluing with a suitable adhesive substance. It should be noted that when the internal container 12 is formed, the respective connection fin 221, after having rotated by about 90° around the second line of intended folding 241 , is also disposed overlapping on the pair of first lateral flaps 226a and is joined to the latter, for example by gluing.

Similarly, during the forming of the internal container 12, the second lateral flaps 226b are also intended to be joined together, for example by gluing with a suitable adhesive substance. The blank 200, 200' also comprises a pair of retaining fins 217, each of which is configured to engage with a respective shaped fin 117 of the blank 100, 100'.

Each retaining fin 217 is delimited by an incision line 244 which defines its profile and is made on a respective bigger lateral panel 225a, 225b. The retaining fins 217 depart from the respective fourth line of intended folding 243 and their position is suitably predefined according to the relative travel provided between the containers 1 1, 12 and/or the profile of the fins 1 17, 217.

It should be noted that, in order to guarantee the correct sliding of the containers 1 1, 12, the profile of the incision line 244 of each retaining fin 217 is such as to mate with that of the corresponding shaped fin 1 17.

The blank 200, 200' also comprises an assembly of end panels 232, intended to define the lid 32.

The assembly of end panels 232 is joined, in particular separably, only to one, and not to the other, of the bigger lateral panels 225. In the embodiment shown, the assembly of end panels 232 is joined to the second bigger lateral panel 225b.

This is advantageous because the lid 32 defined by the assembly of end panels 232 can be closed an indefinite number of times so that the user can always keep the housing 27 of the smoking articles closed. If, on the contrary, the lid 32 was formed by end panels 232 associated with both respective bigger lateral panels 225, as happens in the solutions known in the state of the art, it is obvious that to allow access to the housing of the articles, when the packet is first opened, the lid should be separated permanently from the container, so that the housing of the articles cannot be closed again after the first opening of the packet.

In some embodiments, the assembly of end panels 232 can comprise a first lateral panel 234 and a smaller end panel 223.

The first lateral panel 234 is configured to define the lateral closing flap 34 of the lid 32 and the smaller end panel 223 is configured to define the top wall 23.

The first lateral panel 234 is joined to the smaller end panel 223 along a fifth line of intended folding 237 configured to define the hinge 37. The first lateral panel 234 is also delimited by an edge line 238 configured to define the shaped edge 38 which defines the free end of the lid 32.

The smaller end panel 223 is joined to one of the first bigger lateral panels 225 along a first line of intended separation 233, breakable and intended to define the hinging line 33.

Thanks to the first line of intended separation 233, the smaller end panel 223 and the first lateral panel 234 permanently connected thereto can be definitively separated from the blank 200, 200'.

The blank 200, 200' also comprises a breakable flap 235 which is configured to define the removable portion 35.

The breakable flap 235 is joined to the same bigger lateral panel 225b to which the assembly of end panels 232 is also joined. The breakable flap 235 is joined to said panel along a second line of intended separation 236, breakable and intended to define the respective upper edge 36 of the bigger lateral wall (in this case, the second bigger lateral wall 25b) adjacent to the removable portion 35.

Thanks to the second line of intended separation 236, the breakable flap 235 - alone or possibly together with the smaller end panel 223 and the first lateral panel 234 - can be separated permanently from the respective bigger lateral panel 225 to which it is joined.

The breakable flap 235 is also joined to the smaller end panel 223 along the first line of intended separation 233.

It should be noted that the respective bigger lateral panel 225 with which the assembly of end panels 232 is not associated - in this case the first bigger lateral panel 225a - is delimited, on the opposite side with respect to the respective smaller central panel 224, by a line of shaped edge 231, configured to define the upper edge 31 of the first bigger lateral wall 25a and the lateral removal window 30 of the aperture 28.

In some embodiments, the line of shaped edge 231 has substantially the same profile as the second line of intended separation 236.

It should be noted that in the description of the blanks 100, 100', 200, 200' shown above, each "line of intended folding" and/or each "line of intended separation", unless otherwise specified, can be an engraved or punched line in segments, or a pre-creased line, or a pre-creased line in segments, made according to conventional techniques in the sector. Each line of intended folding, in the field of the present description, is therefore a pre-yielded line which allows the two elements (panels, flaps, ...) adjacent thereto to be able to assume, in a repeatable manner, a folded or inclined position, for example by about 90°, one with respect to the other.

Finally, it should be noted that both the blanks 100, 100', 200, 200', and also the packet 10, 10' can be made, formed and filled using conventional packaging machines, which do not require any structural modification or adaptation.

It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts can be made to the packet 10, 10' and to the blanks 100, 100', 200, 200' as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention.

It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to achieve many other equivalent forms of packets and/or blanks, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby. In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate reading: they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection claimed in the specific claims.

Claims

1. Packet for smoking articles with sliding opening, said packet comprising:

- an external container (11),

- an internal container (12) able to contain a group of articles and slidingly removable with respect to said external container (11);

said internal container (12) comprising:

- a first bigger lateral wall (25a) and a second bigger lateral wall (25b) opposite each other and delimiting internally a housing (27) for said smoking articles;

- an aperture (28) for removing said smoking articles from said housing (27);

wherein said aperture (28) comprises an upper mouth (29) between said first bigger lateral wall (25a) and said second bigger lateral wall (25b) and at least a lateral removal window (30) made on said first bigger lateral wall (25a) in direct lateral prosecution of said upper mouth (29);

- a lid (32) for closing said aperture (28);

said packet being characterized in that said lid (32) is hinged to said second bigger lateral wall (25b) along a hinging line (33) that connects rotatably said lid (32) to said second bigger lateral wall (25b) in order to rotate between a closed position and an open position, wherein said lid (32) respectively prevents or allows access to said aperture (28),

said lid (32) being configured to selectively close said aperture (28) in a re-closable manner and comprising:

a top wall (23) having an extension such as to close at least part of said upper mouth (29), in the closed position of said lid (32);

a lateral closing flap (34) configured to close said lateral removal window (30) and to be positioned, in the closed position of said lid (32), in said housing (27), adjacent to said first bigger lateral wall (25 a);

wherein said lateral closing flap (34) has a bigger extension with respect to the extension of said lateral removal window (30), to completely close said lateral removal window (30) and to obtain a mechanical interference with said first bigger lateral wall (25a), able to hold said lid (32) stably in said closed position.

2. Packet as in claim 1, characterized in that said first bigger lateral wall (25a) comprises an upper edge (31) which is substantially U-shaped to define said lateral removal window (30).

3. Packet as in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said lateral closing flap (34) is contiguous to said top wall (23) and joined to the latter by means of a pre-yielded hinge (37) which allows said lateral closing flap (34) to be able to assume, repeatedly, a folded or inclined position, for example by about 90° with respect to said top wall (23).

4. Packet as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said hinging line (33) defines a line of intended separation by means of which said lid (32) can be separated from said internal container (12).

5. Packet as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said internal container (12) comprises a removable portion (35) made in said second bigger lateral wall (25b) forming a distinct and separable portion from the latter.

6. Packet as in claim 5, characterized in that said second bigger lateral wall (25b) comprises a respective upper edge (36) that is formed by a weakened pre-cutting line so as to define a breakable line of intended separation which allows to separate said removable portion (35) from said second bigger lateral wall (25b); and in that said removable portion (35) is joined to said lid (32) along a portion of said hinging line (33).

7. Packet as in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that said removable portion (35) has the same shape and size as said lateral removal window (30) made in one of said bigger lateral walls (25a) so that said removable portion (35) is configured to define a respective lateral removal window (30) made on said second bigger lateral wall (25b) in direct lateral prosecution of said upper mouth (29).

8. Blank configured to make an internal container (12) comprised in a packet (10) for smoking articles as in any claim hereinbefore, comprising a pair of respective bigger lateral panels (225a, 225b) each configured to define a respective bigger lateral wall (25a, 25b) of said internal container (12), a respective smaller central panel (224) interposed between said respective bigger lateral panels (225) and intended to form a bottom wall (24) of said internal container (12), and a plurality of respective lateral flaps (226) joined to said respective bigger lateral panels (225a, 225b) in correspondence with both sides with the bigger extension of the latter and intended to form respective smaller lateral walls (26) of said internal container (12),

said blank being characterized in that it comprises an assembly of end panels (232) intended to define a lid (32) of said internal container (12), said assembly of end panels (232) being joined only to one, and not also to the other, of said bigger lateral panels (225a, 225b).

9. Blank as in claim 8, characterized in that said assembly of end panels (232) comprises a first lateral panel (234), configured to define a lateral closing flap (34) of said lid (32), and a smaller end panel (223) configured to define a top wall (23) of said lid (32); wherein said first lateral panel (234) is joined to said smaller end panel (223) along a fifth line of intended folding (237) configured to define a hinge (37) and said smaller end panel (223) is joined to one of said first bigger lateral panels (225) along a first line of intended separation (233), breakable and intended to define a hinging line (33).

10. Blank as in claim 9, characterized in that it also comprises a breakable flap (235) which is configured to define a removable portion (35) of said internal container (12) and is joined to the same bigger lateral panel (225b) to which said assembly of end panels (232) is also joined, along a second line of intended separation (236), breakable and intended to define a respective upper edge (36) of said bigger lateral wall (25b) in which said removable portion (35) is made; said breakable flap (235) is also joined to said smaller end panel (223) along said first line of intended separation (233).