WO2019043739A1

WO2019043739A1 - Packet for smoking articles and corresponding blank

Info

Publication number: WO2019043739A1
Application number: PCT/IT2018/050163
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: EP3676195A1; IT201700096536A1

Abstract

Packet for smoking articles that comprises an external casing (11) formed by a front wall (12), a rear wall (13), a first and second lateral wall (14, 15), a lower wall (16), and that defines a housing (17) for the articles. The packet also comprises a lid (20) hinged to the external casing (11) and a lifting device (30) configured to lift one or more articles contained in the housing (17). The lifting device (30) comprises a mobile lifting member (31) that is intended to be driven manually by the smoker and that is comprised in a single body with the external casing (11).

Description

"PACKET FOR SMOKING ARTICLES AND CORRESPONDING BLANK"

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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

Embodiments described here also concern a blank for making the packet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many different types of pocketable packets for smoking articles are known in the state of the art, made starting from a blank, that is, from a sheet material, such as cardboard, paperboard, paper or suchlike, suitably shaped and worked.

Packets of a known type generally comprise a rigid external casing defining an external containing body inside which a housing for smoking articles is positioned. Known packets also comprise a re-closable lid which is hinged to the external containing body, and which allows to close the housing for the smoking articles.

In some types of packets known in the state of the art, an internal casing to contain the cigarettes is also provided, which can be fixed or slidable with respect to the external casing. The internal containing casing can, for example, be wrapped around the group of smoking articles and is typically made of paper, metallized paper, metal, aluminum or tinfoil.

Some types of packets known in the state of the art comprise systems for lifting one or more articles contained therein. Examples of this type of packet are described in the prior art patent documents n. WO-A1-201 1/138184 and WO-A1-2010/031467.

These packets comprise a lifting element mobile between an inactive position, in which the articles contained in the packet are disposed in the housing closed by the lid, and an active position, in which it is moved in such a way as to lift one or more of the articles contained in the housing when the packet is opened.

The mobile lifting element can be associated, for example by gluing, with the external casing or with the internal casing.

One disadvantage of packets comprising these lifting systems is that they have a complicated structure. For this reason, these packets have a different method of use from traditional packets, which is not appreciated by more habitual and conservative smokers.

Another disadvantage of these packets is that they have at least one additional member, consisting of the mobile lifting element, which makes them more expensive and complex to produce. Consequently, one disadvantage connected to these packets is that they generally cannot be produced on normal packaging machines, but on special machines or production lines which require modifications and adjustments with respect to known traditional machines.

Another disadvantage of some of these packets is that they entail at least one gluing operation and therefore an additional manufacturing step.

One purpose of the present invention is to make available a packet provided with a mobile lifting member perfected with respect to those of known packets.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a packet that is structurally simple and economical to produce.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a packet that is easy to use, convenient and practical for the smoker.

Yet another purpose of the present invention is to make available a packet having large surfaces which remain exposed to the user's sight, in order to affix thereto graphics, logos, advertising messages or messages required by the regulations in force, connected to health protection.

Another purpose of the present invention is to make available a packet that can be made by conventional packaging machines known in the state of the art, without needing to have recourse to special or adapted machines.

Yet another purpose of the present invention is to make available a perfected blank which allows to make a packet according to the invention.

Yet another purpose of the present invention is to make available a single blank which allows to make a 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 made from a single blank and comprising:

- an external casing formed by a front wall, a rear wall, a first and a second lateral wall, a lower wall delimiting internally a housing for the articles;

- a lid hinged to the external casing, to be rotatable between a closed condition in which it prevents access to the articles, and an open condition in which it allows access to and removal of the articles from the housing,

- a lifting device configured to lift one or more articles contained in the housing and comprising a mobile lifting member that is able to be driven manually by a user when the lid is in the open condition.

In accordance with the present description, the mobile lifting member is folded inside the housing for the articles, and is integrated in a single body with the external casing or with the lid.

According to possible embodiments, the mobile lifting member is made in a single body with the front wall of the external casing, being configured as its extension which is folded inside the housing so that the mobile lifting member is at least partly overlapping the front wall.

In possible embodiments, the mobile lifting member comprises an anchoring wall that is contiguous, and joined by gluing to the front wall of the external casing.

According to alternative embodiments, the mobile lifting member is made in a single body with a first wall comprised in the lid that is contiguous with the rear wall of the external casing, being configured as an extension of the first wall which is folded inside the housing so that the mobile lifting member at least partly overlaps the rear wall of the external casing.

According to other possible embodiments, the mobile lifting member comprises an adjustment portion that allows to adjust the position of it so as to vary the amount by which the smoking articles in the housing of the packet are lifted, with respect to the lower wall.

According to possible embodiments, the adjustment portion comprises a plurality of portions, each delimited by a pair of lines of separation and intended folding thanks to which each portion can be able to assume a different spatial orientation with respect to the portions adjacent thereto and/or to the anchoring wall.

In other embodiments, each of the adjustment portions can have a transverse extension equal to the transverse amplitude of the lower wall.

According to some embodiments, the mobile lifting member comprises a dorsal wall that, in at least one condition of use of the packet, overlaps the rear wall.

In yet other embodiments, the mobile lifting member comprises a gripping flap that is configured to be gripped by a user to drive the lifting device. The gripping flap is joined to the dorsal wall and projects upward so as to protrude outside a mouth of the housing and to facilitate gripping by the user.

In some embodiments, the gripping flap is configured as a tongue, a tab or a flap, and is able to assume an inclined position with respect to the dorsal wall to which it is joined in correspondence with a pre-yielded folding line, so as to be inclined forward toward the mouth of the housing.

According to embodiments provided here, in a longitudinal direction, the mobile lifting member has an amplitude substantially equal to the longitudinal extension of the external casing, that is, to the longitudinal extension of the housing. In this way, it is advantageously possible to prevent articles falling from the mobile lifting member. This configuration is advantageous because it allows to prevent some articles, after falling from the mobile lifting member, from remaining on the bottom of the housing, and therefore are not lifted by said member.

According to another aspect of the present description, a blank is provided configured to make a packet for smoking articles, comprising a casing assembly able to form an external casing of the packet, a lid assembly able to form a lid of the packet and a lifting assembly configured to form a lifting device comprised in the packet.

According to some embodiments, the lifting assembly is integrated in a single body with the casing assembly and the lid assembly; the lifting assembly is joined and contiguous with the casing assembly on the opposite side with respect to the lid assembly.

According to other embodiments, the lifting assembly is integrated in a single body with the casing assembly and the lid assembly; and the lifting assembly is joined and contiguous with the lid assembly and comprises an anchoring wall by means of which it is attached to the casing assembly.

According to some embodiments, the lifting assembly comprises a plurality of smaller panels each able to form a portion comprised in an adjustment portion of the packet. Each smaller panel has a transverse extension substantially equal to a transverse amplitude of a smaller central panel comprised in the casing assembly.

The packet for smoking articles according to the present description has the advantage that it allows the smoker to remove the articles contained therein conveniently and simply.

Another advantage of the packet according to the embodiments described here is that it allows to lift the articles toward a mouth of the housing which contains them so as to facilitate their removal by the smoker.

Another advantage of the packet in accordance with the present description is that it allows a progressive and gradual lifting depending on how full the packet is.

Another advantage of the packet according to the embodiments described here is that it provides a mobile lifting member that is able to assume a series of stable positions in succession, in which the articles are progressively lifted from the lower wall of the external casing in increasing quantities.

Another advantage of the packet according to the present description is that it is very flexible during use since it allows to lift the articles an indefinite number of times, until there are none left; and every time the articles can be lifted in different quantities depending on how full the housing currently is.

Another advantage of the packet according to the embodiments described here is that it has a simple structure that is obtainable by means of a single blank.

In accordance with some embodiments described here, a single blank is also made available that already integrates a lifting assembly intended to form the lifting device comprised in the packet.

Another advantage of the packet and the blank according to embodiments described here is that they can be made using conventional packaging machines that do not require any structural modifications or adjustments. Thanks to this, the packet according to the invention is also advantageously very economic 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 characteri sties described in the description or 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 packet according to the present description in a closed position;

- figs. 2-4 are three-dimensional views that show a packet according to the present description in an open position;

- figs. 5-9 are cross sections of a packet according to the present description, in which the packet is shown in positions that it can assume in succession during use;

- fig. 10 is a plan view from above of a shaped sheet, also called blank, that defines the plan development of the packet in fig. 1 ;

- figs. 1 1 and 12 are three-dimensional views that show a variant embodiment of a packet for smoking articles according to the present description in an open position; - fig. 13 is a plan view from above of a variant of a shaped sheet, also called blank, that defines the plan development of the packet shown in figs. 11 and 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.

Figs. 1-4 are used to describe embodiments of a packet for smoking articles, indicated in its entirety by the reference number 10, by way of example shaped like a parallelepiped and pocket-sized. The packet 10 in question is preferentially a rigid packet.

According to some embodiments, the packet 10 is configured to contain small articles, such as cartridges for vaporizers or inhalers, for example of tobacco or other substances, or components for electronic cigarettes, or even traditional smoking articles, such as cigarettes, or small cigars. Generally, the articles contained in the packet 10 are disposed horizontally and lie inside the packet.

The packet 10 defines an external casing 1 1 suitable to contain one or more products or articles, for example of the type listed above. In particular, the external casing 1 1 is a casing defining a seating or internal housing to contain the articles as above, which will be better described hereafter in the description, generally defined in the state of the art also as a "cup" shaped casing.

In particular, the packet 10 comprises a front wall 12, a rear wall 13, a first lateral wall 14, a second lateral wall 15 and a bottom wall 16.

The walls 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 are joined to form the external casing 1 1 of the packet 10, as will be explained in more detail below with reference to the detailed description of a single shaped sheet, or blank, 100 from which the packet 10 can be obtained.

The walls 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 can have, for example, a rectangular shape and internally define a housing, or seating 17 for the articles which can be contained in the packet 10. The housing 17 is provided with a mouth 27 in correspondence with which the consumer or user, for example the smoker, can access the housing 17 to remove the products or articles contained there.

The packet 10 can comprise a plurality of edges 19, each of which separates two adjacent and contiguous walls.

In possible embodiments, the edges 19 can be sharp corners.

In other embodiments, the edges 19 can be beveled or rounded edges.

In some embodiments, the front wall 12 can comprise one or more notches, slots, or windows, 18 which define filling indicator means thanks to which the smoker can have an indication of the level of fullness of the packet 10, as will be explained in more detail below.

In the embodiment shown by way of example, the front wall 12 comprises three notches 18, for example of a rectangular shape, which extend parallel to one another.

In other embodiments, the front wall 12 can provide a number of notches 18 different from three, provided they are disposed in succession in a direction of transverse development H (vertical) of the packet 10. In other words, each notch 18 is at a made different height Hi, H₂, HN, that is, at a different distance from the edge 19 which separates the front wall 12 from the lower wall 16. In particular, the heights Hi, H₂, H_N are increasing, that is, H₂ is bigger than Hi and H_N is bigger than H₂.

In other embodiments, the notches 18 can have a different shape from rectangular, such as for example a circular or elliptical shape.

The packet 10 also comprises a lid 20 hinged to the external casing 11. Advantageously, the lid 20 can be comprised in the external casing 1 1, that is, it is integrally made in a single body with the external casing 11.

In some embodiments, the lid 20 can be hinged to the rear wall 13, so as to be rotatable between an open condition A (see fig. 3), in which it allows access to the articles contained in the external casing 1 1 by the consumer or user, and a closed condition C (see fig. 1), in which it prevents access to the articles. In particular, the lid 20 can be hinged to the rear wall 13 in correspondence with a rear upper edge 21 of the external casing 1 1 which defines a hinging member, or hinge, between the lid 20 and the external casing 11.

The lid 20 comprises a first wall 22 which is adjacent to the rear wall 13 of the external casing 1 1. The first wall 22 can have a rectangular shape, and an extension equal to that of the lower wall 16.

During use, when the packet 10 is closed, the first wall 22 of the lid 20 is disposed parallel to the lower wall 16 so as to close the housing 17 above. In other words, the first wall 22 defines an upper wall of the packet 10.

The lid 20 further comprises a closing wall 23 which extends from the first wall 22 on the opposite side with respect to the rear wall 13.

When the packet 10 is in the closed condition C (fig. 1), the closing wall 23 overlaps the front wall 12.

In some embodiments, the closing wall 23 has the same shape and the same sizes as the front wall 12, so as to perfectly overlap the latter in the closed condition C of the packet 10.

According to possible embodiments, the lid 20 also comprises a flap 24, of a flexible type, for example configured as a tongue, tab, or flap, which allows to releasably connect the lid 20 to the external casing 11.

The flap 24 is associated with the closing wall 23 by means of a pre-yielded folding line, and extends from a terminal edge 25 of the latter.

During use, the flap 24 is intended to be received inside a slot 26, which for example can be made in correspondence with the edge 19 which separates the front wall 12 from the lower wall 16.

The flap 24 and the slot 26 have sizes such as to allow a reciprocal engagement which, during use, allows the flap 24 to remain held inside the slot 26 when the packet 10 is in the closed condition C.

It should be noted that, thanks to the provision of the pre-yielded folding line, the flap 24 can advantageously be of a flexible type so as to be able to assume, in a repeatable manner, a folded or inclined position, for example by about 90°, with respect to the closing wall 23, at least when the packet 10 is in the closed condition C, which folded or inclined position is suitable for the insertion of the flap 24 in the slot 26, when the lid 20 is positioned in the closed condition C.

In possible embodiments, the terminal edge 25 can comprise a protrusion 28 made in such a position that the flap 24 develops around it. When the flap 24 assumes the folded or inclined position, the protrusion 28 defines an opening facilitator element which allows to facilitate the opening of the packet 10 by the smoker.

It is not excluded, however, that the present invention can comprise, alternatively or in addition, other releasable connection means of the lid 20 to the external casing 1 1. By way of non-restrictive example, the releasable connection means can comprise magnetic association means, Velcro, adhesives, or suchlike.

The packet 10 according to embodiments described here comprises a lifting device 30 configured to lift one or more articles contained in the packet 10 itself. In this way, the articles are made available to the consumer or user in greater vicinity of the aperture 27, so as to facilitate the removal operations. The lifting device 30 is also reversible, that is, it allows the articles to be lowered again with respect to the mouth 27, repositioning them in a desired manner in the housing 17, once the consumer or user has removed one or more selected articles.

The lifting device 30 comprises a mobile lifting member 31 which is intended to be manually operated by a user.

In some embodiments, the mobile lifting member 31 can be configured as a sheet of material, for example made of cardboard, paperboard, paper or suchlike.

According to some embodiments, in a longitudinal direction X, the mobile lifting member 31 has an amplitude substantially equal to the longitudinal extension of the external casing 1 1, that is to say, that of the housing 17, as can be seen in fig. 4.

In one embodiment, the mobile lifting member 31 is comprised in the external casing 11 and is integrated in a single body with the external casing 1 1 itself.

In particular, in some embodiments, the mobile lifting member 31 is made in a single body with the front wall 12.

The mobile lifting member 31 is configured as an extension of the front wall 12 which is folded inside the housing 17 so that the mobile lifting member 31 at least partly overlaps the front wall 12, in particular on the internal part of the latter facing toward the housing 17.

The mobile lifting member 31 comprises an anchoring wall 32 which is joined to the front wall 12, for example by gluing.

The anchoring wall 32 is contiguous to the front wall 12, and is connected thereto along a front upper edge 33 of the external casing 1 1.

The mobile lifting member 31 also comprises an adjustment portion 34 which allows to adjust its position so as to vary the entity of lifting - that is, the height - of the articles contained in the packet 10, in particular with respect to the mouth 27.

In some embodiments, the adjustment portion 34 can comprise a plurality of portions, for example a first portion 35, a second portion 36 and a third portion 37.

In other embodiments, not shown, the adjustment portion 34 can comprise any number of portions other than three, for example two or four.

It should be noted that in some embodiments, the portions 35, 36, 37 can be the same, in terms of shape and size. Advantageously, the portions 35, 36, 37 can have a transverse extension equal to the transverse amplitude L of the lower wall 16, as shown in figs. 5, 7 and 9.

In other embodiments, not shown, the portions 35, 36, 37 can have different sizes and shapes from each other.

Each portion 35, 36, 37 is delimited by a pair of separation lines which allow each portion 35, 36, 37 to assume a different spatial orientation with respect to the adjacent portions and/or to the anchoring wall 32.

A first separation line 38 is interposed between the anchoring wall 32 and the first portion 35.

A second separation line 39 is interposed between the first portion 35 and the second portion 36.

A third separation line 40 is interposed between the second portion 36 and the third portion 37.

A fourth separation line 41 is interposed between the third portion 37 and a dorsal wall 42 comprised in the mobile lifting member 31.

The dorsal wall 42, in at least one condition of use of the packet 10, overlaps the rear wall 13, as can be seen for example in fig. 5.

In some embodiments, the dorsal wall 42 has the same rectangular shape and approximately the same sizes as the rear wall 13, so as to be able to overlap it.

The mobile lifting member 31 further comprises a gripping flap 43 which is configured to be gripped by the consumer or user to manually drive the lifting device 30.

The gripping flap 43 is joined to the dorsal wall 42 and projects upward so as to protrude outside the mouth 27 and facilitate its grip by the smoker.

It should be noted that the dorsal wall 42, at least in the configuration of use in which the user removes the articles, is extracted from the housing 17 and remains exposed to the view of the user. For this reason, the dorsal wall 42 defines a surface useful for writings, logos, graphics, images or messages, for example of an advertising type, or the messages required by current regulations related to the dangers of smoking. For this reason, the packet 10 described here offers a wider useful surface to affix the writings or messages, thanks to the fact that the latter can also be disposed on a wall comprised in the mobile lifting member 31 , which at least in a condition of use, is clearly visible to the user.

It should also be noted that the gripping flap 43 is the flexible type, for example configured as a tongue, tab or flap. To this end, in fact, a pre-yielded folding line is provided which connects the gripping edge 43 to the dorsal wall 42 of the mobile lifting member 31.

Thanks to the fact that the gripping flap 43 is the flexible type, it can assume an inclined position, for example by about 45°, with respect to the dorsal wall 42 to which it is joined. In this way, the gripping flap 43 is inclined forward, that is, toward the mouth 27, so as to be distanced from the first wall 22 and to be easily gripped by the consumer or user to manually operate the lifting device 30.

In some embodiments, the articles contained in the packet 10 can be wrapped inside an internal casing, not shown and of a type known in the state of the art.

With reference to fig. 10, a blank is described, indicated in its entirety by the reference number 100, which can be used to make the packet 10 according to embodiments described here.

Advantageously, it is provided that the packet 10 is realized with a single blank 100.

The blank 100 comprises a casing assembly 1 1 1 intended to form the external casing 1 1, a lid assembly 120 intended to form the lid 20 and a lifting assembly 130 configured to form the lifting device 30.

In the blank 100 according to embodiments described here, the lifting assembly 130 is advantageously integrated in a single body with the housing assembly 1 1 1 and the lid assembly 120.

In some embodiments, the lifting assembly 130 is joined and contiguous to the housing assembly 111 opposite to the lid assembly 120. In other words, the lifting assembly 130 and the lid assembly 120 are joined to the housing assembly 1 11 on opposite sides with respect to each other.

The casing assembly 1 1 1 comprises a first central main panel 1 12, with a substantially rectangular shape, configured to define the front wall 12.

The casing assembly 111 comprises a first lateral flap 114A connected to the first central main panel 112 in correspondence with a short side thereof by a first line of intended folding 147.

The casing assembly 11 1 also comprises a second lateral flap 115 A connected to the first central main panel 112 in correspondence with the other short side thereof by means of a second line of intended folding 148.

The first lateral flap 1 14A and the second lateral flap 1 15A are therefore located at opposite ends of the first central main panel 1 12.

The casing assembly 1 11 also comprises a smaller central panel 1 16, of rectangular shape, and configured to define the lower wall 16. The smaller central panel 1 16 is joined to the first central main panel 1 12 in correspondence with a third line of intended folding 149 which develops on a long side of the first central main panel 1 12.

It should be noted that the third line of intended folding 149 is configured to define the edge 19 of the external casing 1 1 which is interposed between the front wall 12 and the lower wall 16.

On the third line of intended folding 149 an incision 126 is made, intended to form the slot 26. The incision 126 is appropriately sized and positioned so that the slot 26 can receive the flap 24. For example, the incision 126 is located in a median zone of the third line of intended folding 149.

The central main panel 1 12 comprises a plurality of windows 1 18, configured to define the plurality of notches 18.

In some embodiments, three windows 1 18 can be provided, parallel to each other, and rectangular in shape.

In other embodiments, a number of windows 1 18 different from three can be provided, for example two or four, and they can have a shape other than rectangular, for example circular or elliptical.

The casing assembly 1 1 1 also comprises a second central main panel 1 13, substantially rectangular in shape, and intended to form the rear panel 13.

It should be noted that the first and second central main panels 1 12, 113 have substantially the same sizes and the same shape.

The second central main panel 1 13 is joined to the smaller central panel 1 16 in correspondence with a fourth line of intended folding 150 which extends along a long side of the second central main panel 1 13.

The casing assembly 1 1 1 comprises a third lateral flap 1 14B connected to the second central main panel 113 in correspondence with a short side thereof by a fifth line of intended folding 151.

The casing assembly 1 1 1 also comprises a fourth lateral flap 1 15B connected to the second central main panel 1 13 in correspondence with the other short side thereof by means of a sixth line of intended folding 152.

The third lateral flap 114B and the fourth lateral flap 1 15B are therefore located at opposite ends of the second central main panel 113.

It should be noted that, when the packet 10 is formed, the first lateral flap 1 14A overlaps the third lateral flap 1 14B and is joined to the latter, for example by gluing, so as to form the first lateral wall 14.

Similarly, when the packet 10 is formed, the second lateral flap 1 15A overlaps the fourth lateral flap 115B and is joined to the latter, for example by gluing, so as to form the second lateral wall 15.

The casing assembly 1 1 1 also comprises a first lateral fin 144 and a second lateral fin 145, which are joined, on opposite sides with respect to each other, to the smaller central panel 116.

The first lateral fin 144 is joined to the smaller central panel 116 in correspondence with one of its short sides by a seventh line of intended folding 153.

The first lateral flap 144 is adjacent to the first and third lateral flaps 114A, 1 14B but is separated from the latter by a first cutting line 164 A, respectively, and a second cutting line 164B.

The second lateral fin 145 is joined to the smaller center panel 1 16 in correspondence with its other short side by an eighth line of intended folding 154.

The second lateral fin 145 is adjacent to the second and fourth lateral flaps 1 15A, 115B but is separated from the latter by a third cutting line 165 A, respectively, and a fourth cutting line 165B.

During use, when the packet 10 is formed, the lateral fins 144, 145 are disposed folded by about 90° with respect to the lower wall 16 so as to overlap the lateral walls 114, 1 15. In other words, each lateral fin 144, 145 is in contact with the internal side of the respective lateral wall 1 14, 1 15 so as to ensure an effective closure of the bottom of the packet 10.

The lid assembly 120 comprises a first lateral panel 122 intended to form the first wall 22 of the lid 20. The first lateral panel 122 is connected to the second central main panel 1 13 in correspondence with one of its long sides by a ninth line of intended folding 155.

The ninth line of intended folding 155 defines the upper rear edge 21 in correspondence with which the lid 20 is hinged to the external casing 1 1.

The lid assembly 120 also comprises a first main lateral panel 123 A, with a rectangular shape, and can possibly comprise a second main lateral panel 123B, rectangular in shape and substantially the same size as the first main lateral panel 123 A.

During use, when the packet 10 is formed, the main lateral panels 123 A, 123B can overlap to form the closing wall 23. In particular, the main lateral panels 123 A, 123B can be joined together, for example by gluing.

The first main lateral panel 123A is joined to the first lateral panel 122 in correspondence with one of its long sides by a tenth line of intended folding 156.

The second main lateral panel 123B can be joined to the first main lateral panel 123 A in correspondence with one of its long sides by an eleventh line of intended folding 157. The latter defines the line along which the second main panel 123B can be folded over the first 123 A main panel and, when the packet 10 is formed, defines the terminal edge 25.

The eleventh line of intended folding 157 comprises a shaped portion 128 which is configured to define the protrusion 28.

It should be noted that thanks to the fact that the closing wall 23 is formed by a pair of overlapping panels, it is more rigid and structurally more robust. This is particularly appreciated because the closing wall 23 is a highly stressed wall since it is the wall on which the smoker must act each time he/she opens/closes the packet 10.

Furthermore, this implementation advantageously allows to make the flap 24 in a simple manner, as will be explained below.

For this purpose, the second main lateral panel 123B comprises a shaped incision line 146 which delimits a pre-cut portion 124, which is configured to define the flap 24. The latter therefore remains joined to the first main lateral panel 123 A along a portion of the eleventh line of intended folding 157, and is instead separated from the second main lateral panel 123B by means of the shaped incision line 146.

It should be noted that the pre-cut portion 124 is joined to the first main lateral panel 123 A in correspondence with a suitable median zone of the eleventh line of intended folding 157, mating with the median zone of the third line of intended folding 149 in which the incision 126 is made, so that the flap 24 can engage in the corresponding slot 26.

The lifting assembly 130 comprises a connection panel 132 which is joined to the first central main panel 112 in correspondence with one of its long sides, by means of a twelfth line of intended folding 158.

During use, when the packet 10 is formed, the twelfth line of intended folding 158 defines the front upper edge 33 and the connection panel 132 identifies the anchoring wall 32.

The connection panel 132 is configured to be folded along the twelfth line of intended folding 158 to overlap a portion of the first central main panel 112.

When the packet 10 is formed, the connection panel 132 is joined, for example by gluing, to the first central main panel 112 so as to be attached to the latter during use.

The lifting assembly 130 can comprise a plurality of smaller panels 135, 136, 137 intended to form the plurality of portions 35, 36, 37 of the adjustment portion 34.

For example, the lifting assembly 130 comprises a first smaller panel 135, a second smaller panel 136 and a third smaller panel 137, respectively configured to define the first portion 35, the second portion 36 and the third portion 37.

It should be noted that the first smaller panel 135, the second smaller panel 136, and the third smaller panel 137 can have a transverse extension L substantially equal to the transverse amplitude L of the smaller central panel 1 16.

In one embodiment, between the connection panel 132 and the first smaller panel 135 a first incision line 138 develops, configured to define, during use, the first separation line 38.

In one embodiment, between the first smaller panel 135 and the second smaller panel 136 a second incision line 139 develops, configured to define, during use, the second separation line 39.

In one embodiment, between the second smaller panel 136 and the third smaller panel 137 a third incision line 140 develops, configured to define, during use, the third separation line 40.

In one embodiment, a fourth incision line 141 is also provided, which is interposed between the third smaller panel 137 and an end panel 142 and is configured to define, during use, the fourth separation line 41.

In other embodiments, a number of smaller panels other than three can be provided, for example two or four panels. It is obvious that in these embodiments a number of incision lines other than four are provided, depending on the number of smaller panels present.

The end panel 142 is configured to define the dorsal wall 42 and therefore, in at least one condition of use of the packet 10, it at least partly overlaps the second central main panel 1 13 and can slide parallel to it.

For this reason, the end panel 142 has the same rectangular shape and approximately the same sizes as the second central main panel 1 13.

The lifting assembly 130 also comprises a terminal flap 143 which is joined to the end panel 142 in correspondence with one of its long sides, by means of a thirteenth line of intended folding 159. Thanks to this configuration, the terminal flap 143 can be folded with respect to the end panel 142, for example by an angle of 45°.

The terminal flap 143 is configured to define the gripping flap 43. For this reason, the terminal flap 143 can be provided with beveled or rounded edges 160 so that the smoker does not accidentally injure him/herself by pricking or cutting him/herself while gripping the gripping flap 43.

The lifting assembly 130 has an amplitude X, measured in the longitudinal direction, which is substantially equal to the longitudinal extension of the lid assembly 120 and of the first and second central main panels 1 12, 113 comprised in the housing assembly 11 1. The amplitude X of the lifting assembly is substantially homogeneous for the entire lifting assembly 130, that is, all the panels comprised therein have the same amplitude X.

It should be noted that in the context of the present description, the expressions "line of intended folding" and "incision line" indicate lines made on the shaped sheet or blank 100, as lines incised or punched in segments, or pre-creased lines, or pre-creased lines in segments.

With reference to the attached drawings, an advantageous method of using a packet for smoking articles 10 according to the embodiments described here will be briefly described below.

When the smoker wishes to remove one of the articles contained in the packet 10, he/she lifts the lid 20 by acting on the protrusion 28.

In this way, the flap 24 protrudes from the slot 26 and the closing wall 23 is substantially rotated by about 180° around the hinge defined by the upper rear edge 21. The packet 10 is therefore in the open condition A, shown in fig. 3, in which the smoker can access the housing 17 to remove the articles.

Initially, when the packet 10 is full, the lifting device 30 is completely enclosed inside the housing 17. In this configuration, shown in fig. 5, the mobile lifting member 31 is disposed in such a way as to follow the profile of the external casing 1 1. In particular, the mobile lifting member 31 contacts, and overlaps, the front wall 12, the lower wall 16 and the rear wall 13.

With reference to figs. 6-9, several successive positions are shown that the mobile lifting member 31 can assume.

Thanks to the lifting device 30 the smoker can take the articles contained in the housing 17 toward the mouth 27, progressively modifying the disposition of the mobile lifting element 31.

Advantageously, the mobile lifting member 31 is able to selectively assume a series of positions, shown in sequence in figs. 6-9, which allow to lift the articles contained in the packet 10 by progressively increasing distances from the lower wall 16, as the quantity of articles remaining inside the packet 10 gradually decreases.

It should be noted that the positions which the mobile lifting member 31 is able to assume are pre-defined positions, a function of the number of portions 35, 36, 37 and their conformation.

During use, the smoker grips the gripping flap 43 and pulls it upward by the desired quantity, in particular of the quantity such as to take the remaining articles into the housing 17 in proximity to the mouth 27, without them falling outside the packet 10.

It should be noted that this operation can be repeated by the smoker an indefinite number of times, for example until the articles contained in the packet 10 are completely finished. It should also be noted that, on every occasion, the smoker can extract the mobile lifting member 31 from the external casing 1 1 by the desired quantity.

The mobile lifting member 31 can be extracted, at most, up to an end-of-travel position, visible in fig. 9, in which only the anchoring wall 32 adheres to the front wall 12 and the first portion 35 forms an angle of about 90° both with the anchoring wall 32, and also with the second portion 36.

It should be noted that, if the portions 35, 36, 37 advantageously have the same transverse extension L of the lower wall 16, in some positions of the mobile lifting member 31 such as those shown in figs. 7 and 9, they define a bottom wall of the housing 17 which is parallel to the lower wall 16, has substantially its own extension, but is distanced (that is, raised) with respect to the latter.

Thanks to this, the mobile lifting member 31 can remain stably in the positions, shown in figs. 6-9, in which it is carried by the smoker.

During use, the packet 10 according to the present description also allows the smoker to have an immediate indication of how full it is, thanks to the presence of the notches 18, which define filling indicator means.

In fact, as can be seen from fig. 4, in which the mobile lifting member 31 is completely extracted from the external casing 1 1, the notches 18 on the front wall 12 are no longer occluded by the adjustment portion 34 since in this position the portions 35, 36 and 37 are no longer in contact with the front wall 12.

It is obvious that, in the other positions of figs. 6-8, only some of the notches 18 can be occluded by the adjustment portion 34, indicating that the mobile lifting member 31 is partly extracted from the external casing 1 1, and therefore the packet 10 is only partly filled.

In some embodiments, the back of each portion 35, 36, 37, that is, the surface of the latter facing toward the walls 12, 13, 16 of the internal casing 1 1, can be colored with different colors so that different colored portions are visible through the notches 18, which indicates how full the packet 10 is and which is simple and easy for the smoker to understand.

With reference to figs. 1 1 and 12, a variant of a packet for smoking articles is described in accordance with possible embodiments, indicated in its entirety by the reference number 10'. The common or equal characteristics between the packet 10 described using figs. 1-9 and the packet 10' described using figs. 11 and 12 are not repeated here and are considered valid and applicable also for the packet 10'. In fact, the packet 10', externally, has the same appearance as the packet 10 in the closed condition C described for example using fig. 1.

In the embodiments described using figs. 1 1 and 12, the packet 10' comprises an external casing 1 1, similar to that described previously with reference to the packet 10. The packet 10' also comprises a lid 20' hinged to the external casing 1 1. Advantageously, the lid 20' can be comprised in the external casing 1 1, that is, it is integrally made in a single body with the external casing 1 1.

Also in this variant embodiment, the lid 20 can be hinged to the rear wall 13, so as to be rotatable between an open condition A (see fig. 12), in which it allows access to the articles contained in the external casing 11 by the consumer or user, and a closed condition C, in which it prevents access to the articles. In particular, the lid 20' can be hinged to the rear wall 13 at a rear upper edge 21 of the external casing 11 which defines a hinging member, or hinge, between the lid 20' and the external casing 11.

The lid 20 comprises a first wall 22', which is adjacent to the rear wall 13 of the external casing 1 1. The first wall 22' can have a rectangular shape, and an extension equal to that of the lower wall 16.

During use, when the packet 10' is closed, the first wall 22' of the lid 20' is disposed parallel to the lower wall 16 so as to close the housing 17 above. In other words, the first wall 22' defines a top wall of the packet 10'.

The lid 20' also comprises a closing wall 23' which extends from the first wall 22' on the opposite side with respect to the rear wall 13.

When the packet 10' is in the closed condition C, the closing wall 23' partly overlaps the front wall 12.

It should be noted that, unlike the embodiments of the packet 10 described using figs. 1 -9, where the lid 20 comprises a flap 24 of a flexible type which allows to connect the lid 20 releasably to the external casing 1 1 , in this variant embodiment described using figs. 11 and 12, the lid 20' may not have the flap 24. Consequently, the external casing 11 too may not have the slot 26 intended to receive the flap 24.

Instead of the flap 24, the lid 20' comprises a cut portion 24' formed in the closing wall 23' and intended to cooperate with a gripping flap 43' to ensure the closure of the packet 10', as will be explained in more detail below.

The packet 10' according to embodiments described here with reference to figs. 1 1 and 12 comprises a lifting device 30' configured to lift one or more articles contained in the packet 10'. In this way, the articles are made available to the consumer or user in greater proximity to the aperture 27, so as to facilitate the removal operations. The lifting device 30' is also reversible, that is, it allows the articles to be lowered again with respect to the mouth 27, repositioning them in a desired manner in the housing 17, once the consumer or user has removed one or more selected articles.

The lifting device 30' comprises a mobile lifting member 3 Γ which is intended to be manually operated by a user.

In some embodiments, the mobile lifting member 31 ' can be configured as a sheet of material, for example made of cardboard, paperboard, paper or suchlike.

The mobile lifting member 31 ' is comprised, during use, inside the external casing 11 and is integrated in a single body with the lid 20'.

In particular, in some embodiments, the mobile lifting member 3 is made in a single body with the first wall 22'.

The mobile lifting member 3 Γ is configured as an extension of the first wall 22' which is folded inside the housing 17 so that the mobile lifting member 3 Γ at least partly overlaps the rear wall 13, in particular from the inside of the latter facing toward the housing 17.

The mobile lifting member 31 comprises an anchoring wall 32' which is joined to the first wall 22, for example by means of gluing.

The anchoring wall 32' is adjacent to the first wall 22', and is connected thereto along a rear connection edge 21 ' which substantially overlaps the upper rear edge 21 of the external casing 1 1.

The mobile lifting member 31 ' also comprises an adjustment portion 34 which allows to adjust its position so as to vary the extent of lifting - that is the height - of the articles contained in the packet 10', in particular with respect to the mouth 27.

In this embodiment too, the adjustment portion 34 can comprise a plurality of portions, and be shaped like the one described above.

The mobile lifting member 3 Γ also comprises a front wall 42' which, in at least one condition of use of the packet 10', overlaps the front wall 12.

In some embodiments, the front wall 42' has the same rectangular shape and approximately the same sizes as the front wall 12, so as to be able to overlap it.

The mobile lifting member 31 ' also comprises a gripping flap 43; which is configured to be gripped by the consumer or user to manually drive the lifting device 30'.

The gripping flap 43' is joined to the front wall 42' and projects upward so as to protrude outside the aperture 27 and facilitate gripping by the user.

It should be noted that the gripping flap 43 ' is the flexible type, for example configured as a tongue, tab, or flap. To this end, in fact, a pre-yielded folding line is provided which connects the gripping edge 43' to the front wall 42' of the mobile lifting member 3 .

The gripping flap 43' has the same shape as the cut portion 24'. During use, when the packet 10' is in the closed condition C, the lid 20' is kept stably associated, releasably, with the external casing 1 1 thanks to the engagement between the gripping flap 43 ' and the cut portion 24'. In this way, when the packet 10' is open, the gripping flap 43' can be easily grasped by the consumer to manually operate the lifting device 30', and when the packet 10' is closed, it ensures an effective closure thereof.

Advantageously, in this embodiment, the closing wall 23' can have a size smaller than the front wall 12, with a consequent saving of material.

With regard to the method of use of the packet for smoking articles 10' in accordance with the embodiments described using figs. 11 and 12, it is substantially similar to that described previously with reference to the packet 10. By virtue of the particular characteristics of the packet 10', it has the advantage that the front wall 42' also has the function of containing the articles when it is lifted by the user. This is advantageous because, when they are brought close to the aperture 27, the smoking articles could fall out of the packet, but the lid 20' on one side and the front wall 42' form a sort of barrier means preventing the articles from escaping.

With reference to fig. 13, a variant embodiment of a blank is described, indicated in its entirety by the reference number 100', which can be used to make the packet 10' according to embodiments described here with reference to figs. 11 and 12.

Advantageously, it is provided that the packet 10' is realized with a single blank 100'.

The blank 100 comprises a housing assembly 1 1 1 intended to form the external casing 11, a lid assembly 120' intended to form the lid 20' and a lifting assembly 130' configured to form the lifting device 30'.

Also in the blank 100' according to the embodiments described here, the lifting assembly 130' is advantageously integrated in a single body with the casing assembly 111 and the lid assembly 120'.

In this embodiment, the lifting assembly 130' is joined and contiguous to the lid assembly 120'.

The casing assembly 1 1 1 is identical to that previously described with reference to blank 100 (see fig. 10), consequently it will not be described here again, the description having already been given in relation to fig. 10.

The lid assembly 120' comprises a first lateral panel 122A' intended to form the first wall 22' of the lid 20' together with a second lateral panel 122B', as will be explained below.

The first lateral panel 122A' is connected to the second central main panel 113 in correspondence with one of its long sides by the ninth line of intended folding 155.

The ninth line of intended folding 155 defines the upper rear edge 21 in correspondence with which the lid 20' is hinged to the external casing 11.

The lid assembly 120' also comprises a first main lateral panel 123A', with a rectangular shape, and a second main lateral panel 123B', with a rectangular shape and sizes substantially identical to the first main lateral panel 123A'.

The second main lateral panel 123B' comprises an incised area 124' intended to form the cut portion 24 ' .

During use, when the packet 10 is formed, the main lateral panels 123A', 123B' can overlap to form the closing wall 23'. In particular, the main lateral panels 123A', 123B' can be joined together, for example by gluing.

The first main lateral panel 123A' is joined to the first lateral panel 122A' in correspondence with one of its long sides by the tenth line of intended folding 156.

The second main lateral panel 123B' can be joined to the first main lateral panel 123A' in correspondence with one of its long sides by an eleventh line of intended folding 157. The latter defines the line along which the second main panel 123B' can be folded over the first main panel 123A' and, when the packet 10' is formed, defines the terminal edge 25.

The lifting assembly 130' comprises a second lateral panel 122B' which is intended to overlap the first lateral panel 122A' to form the first wall 22'. The second lateral panel 122B' is joined to the second main panel 123B' along one of its long sides by means of another line of intended folding 161 '.

It should be noted that thanks to the fact that the closing wall 23' and the lateral wall 22' are both formed by a pair of overlapping panels, they are more rigid and structurally more robust. This is particularly advantageous because these walls are very stressed as they are those on which the consumer must act every time he/she opens/closes the packet 10'.

The lifting assembly 130' comprises a connection panel 132' which is joined to the second lateral panel 122B' in correspondence with one of its long sides, by means of a twelfth line of intended folding 158.

During use, when the packet 10' in accordance with the embodiments described using figs. 1 1 and 12 is formed, the twelfth line of intended folding 158 defines the upper connection edge 21 ' and the connection panel 132' identifies the anchoring wall 32'.

The connection panel 132' is configured to be folded along the twelfth line of intended folding 158 so as to overlap a portion of the second central main panel 1 13.

When the packet 10' in accordance with the embodiments described using figs. 1 1 and 12 is formed, the connection panel 132' can be joined, for example by gluing, to the second central main panel 113 so as to be attached to the latter during use.

The lifting assembly 130' can comprise a plurality of smaller panels 135', 136', 137' intended to form the plurality of portions 35, 36, 37 of the adjustment portion 34.

For example, the lifting assembly 130' comprises a first smaller panel 135', a second smaller panel 136' and a third smaller panel 137', respectively configured to define the first portion 35, the second portion 36 and the third portion 37.

It should be noted that the first smaller panel 135', the second smaller panel 136', and the third smaller panel 137' can have a transverse extension L substantially equal to the transverse amplitude L of the smaller central panel 116.

In one embodiment, the smaller panels 135', 136', 137' are separated by incision lines, similarly to what was described above with reference to the blank 100.

In other embodiments, which can be combined with the embodiments described using fig. 13, a number of smaller panels other than three can be provided, for example two or four panels.

The lifting assembly 130' also comprises an end panel 142' which is configured to define the front wall 42' and therefore, in at least one condition of use of the packet 10', at least partly overlaps the first central main panel 112 and can slide parallel to it.

For this reason, the end panel 142' has the same rectangular shape and approximately the same sizes as the first central main panel 1 12.

The lifting assembly 130' also comprises a terminal flap 143' which is joined to the end panel 142' in correspondence with one of its long sides, by means of a thirteenth line of intended folding 159. Thanks to this configuration, the terminal flap 143' can be folded with respect to the end panel 142', for example by an angle equal to 45°.

The terminal flap 143' is configured to define the gripping flap 43'.

Finally, it should be noted that both the blanks 100 (fig. 10), 100' (fig. 13) and the packets 10 (figs. 1-9), 10' (figs. 1 1, 12) 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', 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 made from a single blank (100; 100'), comprising:

- an external casing (1 1) formed by a front wall (12), a rear wall (13), a first and a second lateral wall (14, 15), a lower wall (16) delimiting internally a housing (17) for said articles;

- a lid (20; 20') hinged to said external casing (11) to be rotatable between a closed condition (C) in which it prevents access to said articles, and an open condition (A) in which it allows access to and removal of said articles from said housing (17),

- a lifting device (30; 30') configured to lift one or more articles contained in said housing (17) and comprising a mobile lifting member (31; 3 Γ) that is able to be driven manually by a user when said lid (20; 20') is in said open condition (A) and is comprised in said external casing (1 1) and integrated in a single body with said external casing (1 1) or with said lid (20').

wherein said mobile lifting member (31; 31 ') is made alternatively in a single body with said front wall (12) or with a first wall (22') comprised in said lid (20') that is contiguous with said rear wall (13), being respectively configured as an extension of said front wall (12) or of said first wall (22') which is folded inside said housing (17) so that said mobile lifting member (31; 3 ) at least partly overlaps said front wall (12) or said rear wall (13).

2. Packet as in claim 1, characterized in that, in a longitudinal direction, said mobile lifting member (31; 3 ) has an amplitude (X) substantially equal to the longitudinal extension of said external casing (11), that is, to the longitudinal extension of said housing (17), so as to prevent said articles falling from said mobile lifting member (31 ; 31).

3. Packet as in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said mobile lifting member (31) comprises an anchoring wall (32) that is joined by gluing to said front wall (12); said anchoring wall (32) being contiguous to said front wall (12) and connected to the latter along a front upper edge (33) of said external casing (11).

4. Packet as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said mobile lifting member (31; 3 ) comprises an adjustment portion (34) that allows to adjust the lifting position of said mobile lifting member (31 ; 3 ) so as to vary the amount by which the smoking articles in said housing (17) are lifted, with respect to said lower wall (16).

5. Packet as in claim 4, characterized in that said adjustment portion (34) comprises a plurality of portions (35, 36, 37), each of which being delimited by a pair of lines of separation and intended folding (38, 39, 40, 41) thanks to which each portion (35, 36, 37) is able to assume a different spatial orientation with respect to the portions adjacent thereto and/or to an anchoring wall (32; 32') comprised in said mobile lifting member (31 ; 31 ').

6. Packet as in claim 5, characterized in that one or more of said portions (35, 36, 37) have a transverse extension (L) equal to the transverse amplitude (L) of said lower wall (16).

7. Packet as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said mobile lifting member (31) comprises a dorsal wall (42) that, in at least a condition of use of the packet, overlaps said rear wall (13), and in that said mobile lifting member (31) also comprises a gripping flap (43) that is configured to be gripped by a user to drive said lifting device (30); wherein said gripping flap (43) is joined to said dorsal wall (42) and projects upward so as to protrude outside a mouth (27) of said housing (17) and to facilitate gripping by the user.

8. Packet as in claim 7, characterized in that said gripping flap (43) is configured as a tongue, a tab or a flap, and is able to assume an inclined position with respect to said dorsal wall (42) to which it is joined in correspondence with a pre-yielded folding line, so as to be inclined forward toward said mouth (27) of said housing (17).

9. Packet as in claim 1, characterized in that said mobile lifting member (3 ) comprises an anchoring wall (32') that is joined by gluing to said rear wall (13).

10. Packet as in claim 1 or 9, characterized in that said mobile lifting member (3 ) also comprises a front wall (42') that, in at least one condition of use of the packet, overlaps said front wall (12); and also comprises a gripping flap (43') that is configured to be gripped by the consumer or user to drive said lifting device (30') manually.

1 1. Packet as in claim 10, characterized in that said gripping flap (43') is joined to said front wall (42') and projects upward so as to protrude outside a mouth (27) of said housing (17) and to facilitate gripping by the user; wherein said gripping flap (43') is configured as a tongue, a tab or a flap and is able to assume an inclined configuration with respect to said front wall (42') to which it is joined by means of a pre-yielded folding line.

12. Packet as in claim 10 or 1 1, characterized in that said lid (20') comprises a notched portion (24') made in a closing wall (23') comprised in said lid (20') and intended to cooperate with said gripping flap (43') to guarantee the closing of the packet (10') so as to keep said lid (20') stably associated, in a releasable manner, with said external casing (11).

13. Blank configured to make a packet (10) for smoking articles, comprising a casing assembly (1 11) able to form an external casing (11) of said packet (10), a lid assembly

(120) able to form a lid (20) of said packet (10) and a lifting assembly (130) configured to form a lifting device (30) comprised in said packet (10),

said blank being characterized in that said lifting assembly (130) is integrated in a single body with said casing assembly (1 11) and said lid assembly (120); said lifting assembly (130) being joined and contiguous with said casing assembly (111) on the opposite side with respect to said lid assembly (120).

14. Blank as in claim 13, characterized in that said lifting assembly (130) comprises a plurality of smaller panels (135, 136, 137) able to form a plurality of portions (35, 36, 37) of an adjustment portion (34) comprised in the packet; wherein each of said smaller panels (135, 136, 137) has a transverse extension (L) substantially equal to a transverse amplitude (L) of a smaller central panel (1 16) comprised in said casing assembly (111).

15. Blank configured to make a packet (10') for smoking articles, comprising a casing assembly (1 1 1) able to form an external casing (1 1) of said packet (10'), a lid assembly (120') able to form a lid (20') of said packet (10') and a lifting assembly (130') configured to form a lifting device (30') comprised in said packet (10'),

said blank being characterized in that said lifting assembly (130') is integrated in a single body with said casing assembly (11 1) and said lid assembly (120'); said lifting assembly (130') being joined and contiguous with said lid assembly (120') and comprising an anchoring wall (132') by means of which it is attached to said casing assembly (111).