CONTAINER HAVING INTEGRATED INNER SPACER ELEMENT

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a novel hinge lid container for consumer articles comprising an integrated inner spacer element. The container of the present invention finds particular application as a container for elongate consumer articles, such as smoking articles.

[0002] It is known to package elongate smoking articles and other consumer articles in containers formed from folded laminar blanks. Elongate smoking articles, such as cigarettes and cigars, are commonly sold in hinge-lid packs having a box for housing the smoking articles and a lid connected to the box about a hinge line extending across the back wall of the container, so called "flip-top®" packs. Such packs are typically constructed from laminar cardboard blanks. In use, the lid is pivoted about the hinge line to open the pack and so gain access to the smoking articles held in the box.

[0003] As consumer articles are progressively removed from a container, the empty space within the container increases and the remaining consumer articles may no longer be held in place as securely as in the unopened container. Therefore, the remaining consumer articles are more likely to move around and may be shaken during transport of the container, which may cause damage to the consumer articles. In the case of cigarettes, this may cause some tobacco material to fall out of the tobacco rods.

[0004] In some cases, there is a need to provide containers that are larger in size than the volume occupied by the consumer articles within the container. This may result in there being empty space within the container so that the consumer articles are more likely to be displaced or shaken within the container during transport, as described above.

[0005] It has been previously proposed to incorporate a spacer element into a container in order to define a compartment within the container having a volume that is smaller than the overall internal volume. By way of example, GB 1086725 describes a parallelepiped hinge-lid container for smoking articles, wherein the box of the container is divided internally by a partition element into a larger compartment containing cigarettes and a smaller compartment containing a cigarette holder. The partition element is provided as a strip of cardboard mounted within the box and extending between two opposite sides of the box. In particular, in one embodiment, the strip comprises a first end panel affixed to the left side wall of the box and a second end panel affixed to the rear wall of the box. The left side wall and the rear wall of the box are substantially perpendicular to each other and the box comprises a vertical back left side edge between the left side wall and the rear wall.

[0006] Further, the strip comprises a middle section extending between the first end panel and the second end panel. The middle section is formed of a first middle section panel and a second middle section panel. The first middle section panel lies against the front wall of the box. The second middle section panel is substantially parallel to the box side walls and is spaced apart from the left side wall of the box, so that a smaller compartment is defined between the second middle section panel and the right side wall of the box.

[0007] The middle section of the strip forming the partition element is connected to the first end panel of the strip along a first hinge line extending along the front edge of the left side wall of the box and is connected to the second end panel along a second hinge line extending along the rear wall of the box at a distance from the left side edge of the rear wall. The distance between the first hinge line and the second hinge line along the middle section corresponds approximately to the sum of the distance between the first hinge line and the back left side edge of the box and the distance between the second hinge line and the back left side edge of the box.

[0008] However, the manufacture of such containers may be less efficient, since additional steps and apparatus must be incorporated into the manufacturing process in order to assemble the spacer element and insert it into the appropriate position within the container. For example, in the case of GB 1086725 it is difficult to integrate the partition element into the laminar blank for forming the box of the container prior to assembly, that is, when the laminar blank is in a flat state, because this requires pre-folding the first end panel by 180 degrees so that it lies against the first middle section partition strip. Further, once the pre-folded partition element is glued to the laminar blank for forming the box of the container, the spring back force of the partition element may cause the laminar blank to curve, and so the automated assembly of the container from the blank may be disrupted or hindered.

[0009] It would be desirable to provide a novel container for consumer articles that substantially retains the consumer articles in position within the container, where the consumer articles occupy only a portion of the internal space of the container. In particular, it would be desirable to provide a container that provides means to retain consumer articles in position within the container after a proportion of the consumer articles have been removed. It would be particularly desirable to provide such a container that can be readily manufactured without significant modification to existing assembly methods and apparatus. In particular, it would be desirable to provide such a container that facilitates the integration of the inner spacer element into the laminar blank for forming the main body of the container prior to assembly.

[0010] According to the invention there is provided a container for consumer articles, the container comprising: a box portion for housing the consumer goods; and an inner spacer element mounted within the box portion. The inner spacer element has a first side and a second opposite side. The inner spacer element comprises a first end spacer panel, a second end spacer panel and a middle spacer section extending between the first end spacer panel and the second end spacer panel. The first end spacer panel is affixed to the inner surface of a first wall of the container by means of adhesive provided on the first side of the inner spacer element and the second end spacer panel is affixed to the inner surface of a second wall of the container by means of adhesive provided on the same first side of the inner spacer element, wherein the second wall is substantially perpendicular to the first wall and wherein the container comprises a first container edge between the first wall and the second wall.

[0011] The middle spacer section comprises one or more middle spacer panels and is spaced apart from the first wall to define a holding compartment for consumer articles within the box portion, the holding compartment having a volume smaller than the internal volume of the box portion. The middle spacer section is connected to the first end spacer panel along a first spacer hinge line extending across the first wall of the container and connected to the second end spacer panel along a second spacer hinge line extending across the second wall of the container at a distance from the first container edge.

[0012] According to the invention, the distance between the first spacer hinge line and the second spacer hinge line along the inner spacer element substantially corresponds to the sum of a first distance (x) between the first spacer hinge line and the first container edge and a second distance (y) between the second spacer hinge line and the first container edge.

[0013] In the following description of the invention the terms "side", "top", "bottom", "front", "back" and other terms used to describe relative positions of the components of containers according to the invention refer to the container in an upright position. When describing containers according to the present invention, these terms are used irrespective of the orientation of the container being described. Where the container comprises a lid portion, the lid hinge line that allows opening the lid portion of the container by a pivotal movement is located at the "back" of the container. Conversely, the "front" of the container refers to the side of the container opposite of the "back" of the container.

[0014] The terms "height", "width" and "depth" refer to the external dimensions of the container or a component of the container along three perpendicular axes. For example, the "height" of the container refers to the vertical distance between the top wall and the bottom wall, the "width" of the container refers to the distance between opposed side walls of the container and the "depth" of the container refers to the distance between the front wall and the back wall. The terms "internal height", "internal width" and "internal depth" refer to the corresponding dimensions inside the container or component. The difference between the external dimensions of the container and the internal dimensions of the container is determined by the thickness of the material forming the container, the number of layers and the thickness of any additional elements, such as for example, any layers of adhesive.

[0015] The term "edge" refers to the line along which two adjacent panels or walls of the container are connected. The edge may be defined, for example, by a fold line between two adjacent walls of the container. In a rectangular parallelepipedal container, the two adjacent panels connected along an edge will form an angle of approximately 90 degrees to each other about that edge.

[0016] The term "hinge line" refers to a line about which two elements may be pivoted relative to each other. A hinge line may be, for example, a fold line, a perforation line or a score line in a wall or panel of the container. Where the hinge line is a perforation line, the perforation line may be used to remove parts of the container, for example, parts of the spacer element.

[0017] For the purposes of the present invention, the distance between two parallel hinge lines is considered as the perpendicular distance between the hinge lines. The distance between two non-parallel hinge lines is considered as the mean distance between the hinge lines. The same applies with reference to the distance between a hinge line and a specific edge of the container.

[0018] The distance between the first and second spacer hinge lines along the inner spacer element refers to the distance between the hinge lines when the inner spacer element is lying in a flat position with all of the panels opened out into the same plane and without curvature or bending of the middle spacer section as may occur in the assembled container. This distance corresponds to the "length" of the middle spacer section. The "width" of the middle spacer section refers to the dimension of the middle spacer section perpendicular to the length.

[0019] In containers according to the invention, an inner spacer element is incorporated within the container to divide the space within the box portion and define a holding compartment having a smaller volume than the box portion. In particular, this is achieved by providing an inner spacer element that comprises at least a panel, or a portion of a panel, which, in the assembled container, is spaced apart from a wall of the container. This advantageously enables consumer articles that occupy less space than the full volume of the container to be held in place more securely within the box portion. Movement of the consumer articles within the container can therefore be minimised during storage to prevent damage to the consumer articles. Elongate consumer articles, such as smoking articles, may advantageously be held in an upright position and in substantial alignment with each other in order to facilitate access and removal of the consumer articles from the container.

[0020] For the purposes of the invention, the "holding" compartment refers to a compartment defined on the opposite side of the middle spacer section from the first wall, which is used to hold the consumer articles. The space defined between the middle spacer section and the first wall may define an "additional" compartment, which may be used to hold additional consumer goods, as described below.

[0021] In certain embodiments of the invention, as described below, the construction of the inner spacer element can be adapted such that it is capable of exerting a retaining force on the consumer articles within the box portion, to further improve the retention of the position of the consumer articles.

[0022] According to the invention, the end panels of the inner spacer element are both affixed to the inner surface of the container by adhesive provided on the same side of the inner spacer element. Further, the inner spacer element is constructed such that the length of the middle spacer section, as defined above, corresponds to the distance between the first and second spacer hinges lines when measured along the inner surfaces of the container walls. These relative dimensions mean that when the container is opened out into a flat state, with all panels of the container in the same plane, the inner spacer element overlies the remainder of the container with the middle spacer section substantially parallel to the first wall. This arrangement enables the laminar blank forming the inner spacer element to be fixed in place on the laminar blank or blanks forming the remainder of the container whilst in a flat state, such that the inner spacer element is integrated into the laminar blank for forming the main body of the container prior to assembly. This is easy because the same side of the inner spacer element is affixed to the laminar blank at both ends. Accordingly, there needs to be no 180-degree pre-fold in the inner spacer element. Further, because both inner spacer element and laminar blank lie flat against each other, the overall volume occupied by the blank arrangement is conveniently minimised.

[0023] The resultant combination of blanks can then advantageously be assembled in a conventional process without the need for modifications to the method and apparatus to incorporate the inner spacer element. Containers according to the invention can therefore be manufactured in a simple and efficient process.

[0024] In certain embodiments of the invention, the middle spacer section may directly overlie the first wall of the container when the container is in the flat state described above. In alternative embodiments, the middle spacer section may be parallel to the first wall but spaced apart from the first wall, for example by one or more additional panels.

[0025] Containers according to the invention are particularly suitable for holding a group or bundle of consumer articles that is smaller than the internal volume of the container, for example, having a smaller depth. Containers according to the invention are also suitable for use in retaining consumer articles in place when one or more have been removed from an initial group or bundle, irrespective of whether the initial group occupies substantially all or only some of the internal volume of the container.

[0026] The inner spacer element can advantageously be incorporated into a wide variety of container designs and sizes, without the need for significant modification to the overall construction of the container. Furthermore, the position of the inner spacer element can readily be adjusted so that the container can be adapted to hold different numbers or sizes of consumer articles, without changing the overall dimensions of the container.

[0027] In the containers of the present invention, the inner spacer element is mounted within the box portion with the top panel affixed to the inner surface of at least a portion of the first wall of the container and the bottom panel affixed to at least a portion of the second wall of the container. The "first wall" and the "second wall" refer to walls of the whole container, including the box portion and any additional portions such as a lid portion. Each wall of the container may be formed of a single wall panel, or two or more connected wall panels. The portion or panel of the first and second walls to which the first and second end spacer panels are affixed, respectively, may or may not form a part of the box portion of the container, depending upon the construction of the container. For example, where the container further comprises a lid portion as described below, the first end spacer panel may be affixed to a panel of the first wall defining the lid portion, or a panel of the first wall defining the box portion.

[0028] The first wall and the second wall of the container are substantially perpendicular to each other in the assembled container and are connected along the first container edge. The first and second walls therefore make an angle of about 90 degrees to each other along the first container edge.

[0029] Preferably, the first wall is a vertical wall of the container, for example, the back wall, front wall or a side wall. The second wall may also be a vertical wall which is provided at 90 degrees to the first wall, wherein the first container edge is a vertical edge of the container. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, the first wall is the back wall, the second wall is a side wall and the first container edge is a vertical back edge. Alternatively, the second wall may be a horizontal wall, for example, the bottom wall, wherein the first container edge is a horizontal edge of the container. For example, in the preferred embodiment of the invention described below, the first wall is the back wall, the second wall is the bottom wall and the first container edge is the bottom back edge.

[0030] In the containers of the present invention, the first end spacer panel is connected to the middle spacer section along the first spacer hinge line, which extends across the first wall of the container, at a first distance (x) from the first container edge. The first end spacer panel is affixed to the inner surface of the first wall by suitable means, such as an adhesive. All of the first end spacer panel may be affixed to the first wall, or just a portion of the first end spacer panel may be affixed.

[0031] The second end spacer panel is connected to the middle spacer section along the second spacer hinge line, which extends across the second wall of the container, at a second distance (y) from the first container edge. The second end spacer panel is affixed to the inner surface of the second wall by suitable means such as an adhesive. The position of the second spacer hinge line relative to the first container edge will determine the offset between at least a part of the middle spacer section and the first wall and therefore the dimensions of at least a part of the holding compartment. The position of the second spacer hinge line can therefore be readily adjusted to adapt the size of the holding compartment depending on the size of the group or bundle of consumer articles to be housed in the holding compartment.

[0032] Preferably, the second distance (y) between the second spacer hinge line and the first container edge corresponds to between about 5 percent and about 50 percent of the distance between the first edge of the container and the opposite edge of the second wall of the container. For example, where the first edge is the bottom back edge, as in the embodiment described above, the second distance (y) preferably corresponds to between about 5 percent and about 50 percent of the distance between the bottom back edge and the bottom front edge, which also corresponds to the internal depth of the container.

[0033] The second end spacer panel may project from the second spacer hinge line away from the first wall of the container and therefore form all or a part of a wall of the holding compartment. Alternatively, the second end spacer panel may project from the second spacer hinge line towards the first wall of the container and therefore not form part of the holding compartment.

[0034] The middle spacer section of the inner spacer element extends between the first end spacer panel and the second end spacer panel and is connected to each of the first and second end spacer panels along a respective hinge line, as described above. The middle spacer section may be formed of a single panel, or two or more connected panels. The inner spacer element is mounted with the middle spacer section offset from the first wall of the container so that the inner spacer element sits between the first wall and the opposite wall of the container. When the consumer articles are in place within the box portion, the middle spacer section sits between the consumer articles and the first wall of the container. The middle spacer section therefore acts to retain the consumer articles in position within the holding compartment.

[0035] Depending upon the size of the group of consumer articles within the box portion, the middle spacer section may or may not contact the group of consumer articles in the holding compartment. Preferably, at least a part of the middle spacer section is in direct or indirect contact with the group of consumer articles, to minimise the movement of the consumer articles within the container during storage.

[0036] Preferably, at least a portion of the middle spacer section is substantially parallel to the first wall of the container. This may advantageously increase the level of contact between the middle spacer section and the group or bundle of consumer articles within the holding compartment so that the consumer articles are more effectively retained in position.

[0037] The middle spacer section preferably comprises two middle spacer panels connected along an additional spacer hinge line extending across the middle spacer section, at a third distance (z) from the first spacer hinge line. A first middle spacer panel is provided between the first end spacer panel and the additional spacer hinge line and a second middle spacer panel is provided between the second end spacer panel and the additional spacer hinge line. The two middle spacer panels are pivotable relative to each other about the additional spacer hinge line such that the middle spacer section folds in the assembled container to define the holding compartment. The provision of the additional hinge line may advantageously enable the middle spacer section to adopt a configuration which increases the level of contact between the middle spacer section and the consumer articles in the holding compartment by enabling a greater proportion of the middle spacer section to lie parallel to the first wall.

[0038] Preferably, the additional spacer hinge line is substantially parallel to the first spacer hinge line.

[0039] The folding of the middle spacer section about the additional hinge line will advantageously occur during the assembly of the container, as the second wall is folded relative to the first wall. The middle spacer section will therefore automatically adopt the desired configuration during the assembly process.

[0040] The third distance (z) between the additional spacer hinge line and the first spacer hinge line may be varied in order to adjust the offset between at least a part of the middle spacer section and the first wall of the container. This distance can therefore be adjusted in order to adapt the dimensions of at least a part of the holding compartment depending on the size of the group or bundle of consumer articles to be housed in the holding compartment. According to the invention, the overall dimensions of the middle spacer section (in particular the length of the middle spacer section) are retained, as described above, irrespective of the position of the additional spacer hinge line in order to maintain the manufacturing benefits described above.

[0041] In certain embodiments, the third distance (z) between the additional spacer hinge line and the first spacer hinge line substantially corresponds to the second distance (y) between the second spacer hinge line and the first container edge. The first middle spacer panel defined between the first spacer hinge line and the additional spacer hinge line is therefore substantially parallel to the second wall of the container and will typically extend from the first spacer hinge line in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the first wall of the container. In such embodiments, the middle spacer panels of the middle spacer section form an angle of approximately 90 degrees to each other. The second middle spacer panel between the second spacer hinge line and the additional spacer hinge line may therefore be substantially parallel to the first wall of the container. Preferably, the second middle spacer panel is aligned in a substantially vertical direction. This may advantageously maximise contact of the middle spacer section with the group of consumer articles in the holding compartment, for example, where the group of consumer articles is a parallelepipedal bundle of smoking articles.

[0042] In such embodiments of the invention in which the second middle spacer panel is substantially vertical, the first middle spacer panel will project in a substantially horizontal direction. The first middle spacer panel may therefore provide an additional surface within the container on which additional consumer articles may be supported, at a different level to the consumer articles within the holding compartment. The height of this additional surface may be adjusted depending upon the position of the first spacer hinge line along the first wall.

[0043] In alternative embodiments, the third distance (z) between the additional spacer hinge line and the first spacer hinge line may be greater than the second distance (y) between the second spacer hinge line and the first container edge. In this case, the angle between the middle spacer panels of the middle spacer section will be greater than 90 degrees and the second middle spacer panel will slant towards the group of consumer articles in the holding compartment. The second middle panel is therefore capable of exerting a retaining force on the group of consumer articles within the holding compartment, which will further help to retain the consumer articles in position within the container. The configuration of the middle spacer section may advantageously adjust depending upon the space occupied by the consumer articles within the holding compartment, such that the contact between the second middle spacer panel and the bundle can be retained as consumer articles are progressively removed from the container.

[0044] In further alternative embodiments, the distance (z) between the additional spacer hinge line and the first spacer hinge line may be less than the second distance (y) between the second spacer hinge line and the first container edge. In this case, the second middle spacer panel will slant away from the group of consumer articles within the holding compartment.

[0045] Containers according to the invention may incorporate two or more inner spacer elements mounted within the box portion, wherein each inner spacer element has the form described above. For example, a first inner spacer element may be provided between a first side wall and the back wall and a second inner spacer element may be provided between a second, opposite side wall and the back wall. With such an arrangement, the holding compartment may be defined between the middle spacer sections of the respective spacer elements. In certain embodiments, the inner spacer elements may be arranged with at least one of the middle spacer sections at an angle to the corresponding side wall to provide a holding compartment having a non-rectangular transverse cross section, for example, a trapezoidal, triangular or chevron shaped cross section.

[0046] Containers according to the invention may consist of the box portion only, wherein the box portion is provided with an access opening to remove the consumer articles and optionally a suitable flap or cover to close the access opening between uses. Alternatively, containers according to the invention may comprise an additional component. For example, containers according to the invention may be in the form of a slide and shell container wherein the box portion forms the inner slide and is surrounded by an outer shell. Alternatively or in addition, a lid portion may be incorporated into the container to close an access opening in the box portion.

[0047] Where containers according to the invention consist of the box portion only, the first wall is preferably a vertical wall of the box portion, such as a box side wall, box back wall or box front wall. The second wall may also be a vertical wall, or may be a horizontal wall, such as the box bottom wall.

[0048] Preferably, containers according to the invention further comprise a lid portion connected to the box portion along a lid hinge line extending across a back wall of the container and pivotable about the lid hinge line between a closed position and an open position. Preferably, the inner spacer element is mounted such that the first end spacer panel is affixed to the inner surface of the lid back wall with the first spacer hinge line proximate to the lid hinge line. The first wall of the container therefore corresponds to the back wall of the container, with the first end spacer panel being affixed to the panel of the back wall defining the lid back wall. Preferably, the second wall of the container corresponds to the bottom wall of the box portion of the container.

[0049] The term "proximate" is used to indicate that the first spacer hinge line is positioned such that it substantially coincides with the lid hinge line, or is immediately adjacent to the lid hinge line such that the inner spacer element does not significantly obstruct or limit the movement of the lid portion into the open position. The position of the first spacer hinge line proximate the lid hinge line means that the middle spacer section will move to a minimal extent as the lid portion is opened. Preferably, the first spacer hinge line substantially overlies the lid hinge line when the lid portion is in the closed position.

[0050] The fixture of the inner spacer element to the inside of the lid portion may advantageously increase the structural strength of the container, in particular, the lid portion of the container. The stability of the lid portion during its movement between the open and closed positions is also improved through the fixture of the inner spacer element to the inside of the lid portion.

[0051] The extension of the inner spacer element into the lid portion of the container may additionally reduce the visual impact of the inner spacer element when the lid portion is open, since the inner spacer element is effectively integrated into the lid portion and will cover the space formed between the middle spacer section and the back wall of the container. The first end spacer panel and at least a portion of the middle spacer section will, however, typically be visible to the consumer in the open position. These parts of the inner spacer element therefore provide additional inner surfaces within the container on which information or graphics can be presented to the consumer, which will be revealed upon opening of the container.

[0052] All of the first end spacer panel may be affixed to the lid back wall, or just a portion of the first end spacer panel may be affixed. The first end spacer panel may extend all or part way up the lid back wall from the first spacer hinge line. In certain embodiments, the first end spacer panel may further extend over the inner surface of at least a part of the lid top wall or over the inner surface of the lid top wall and at least a part of the lid front wall, in order to provide further structural reinforcement to the lid portion. Depending upon the position of the first end spacer panel and the first spacer hinge line, the movement of the lid portion between the open and closed positions may bring about the movement of at least a part of the inner spacer element.

[0053] Containers according to the invention may incorporate an inner spacer element that has a width such that the inner spacer element extends across substantially the full distance between two opposed walls of the container. For example, the inner spacer element may extend substantially the full internal width of the container, between the opposed side walls or substantially the full internal depth of the container, between the front and back walls. Alternatively, containers according to the invention may incorporate an inner spacer element that has a smaller width such that the inner spacer element extends across only part way between two opposed walls of the container. This may be desirable, for example, in order to reduce the width of the holding compartment relative to the internal width of the container.

[0054] In certain embodiments, the inner spacer element may comprise opposed side spacer panels extending from the side edges of the middle spacer section. These side spacer panels may lie against the inner surfaces of two opposed container walls, where the inner spacer element extends across the full width or depth of the container. Alternatively, the side spacer panels may be offset from the container walls to define a holding compartment having both a reduced width and depth compared to the internal width and depth of the container. This enables the container to more effectively retain the position of a group of consumer articles having a smaller width and depth than the container.

[0055] As described above, the inner spacer element divides the space within the box portion to define a holding compartment having a reduced volume compared to the overall internal volume of the container. Preferably, the holding compartment has at least a reduced depth compared to the overall internal depth of the container. Preferably, the depth of the holding compartment is between about 50 percent and about 95 percent of the overall internal depth of the container. Alternatively or in addition, the holding compartment preferably has a reduced width compared to the overall internal width of the container. For example, the width of the holding compartment may be between about 50 percent and about 95 percent of the overall internal width of the container.

[0056] The dimensions of the holding compartment may be adjusted through the placement of the inner spacer element and in particular, the positioning of the respective hinge lines between the middle spacer section and the first and second end spacer panels. The container can therefore be readily adapted to provide a suitable size holding compartment to accommodate a group of consumer articles that is smaller than the internal space within the box portion.

[0057] By dividing the space within the box portion, the inner spacer element further defines an additional compartment between the middle spacer section and the first wall. The additional compartment may optionally be used to house additional consumer articles. Access to the consumer articles within the additional compartment may be provided by a cut out or opening in the middle spacer section, or in the first wall. Alternatively or in addition, the first wall may be provided with a transparent window which enables the inside of the additional compartment and any consumer articles contained within the additional compartment to be viewed from the outside of the container.

[0058] In embodiments of the invention in which the inner spacer element is affixed to the back wall and a side wall of the container, the inner spacer element may advantageously divide the box portion into one or more adjacent compartments, both of which are accessible from the top end of the box portion. In such embodiments, the two compartments may both extend the full height of the box portion and may therefore be used to house the same type or size of consumer articles. Where the inner spacer element of such a container is provided with one or more side spacer panels, as described above, the side spacer panel provided at the top end of the middle spacer section may advantageously be provided to cover the opening of the compartments at the top end.

[0059] Containers according to the invention preferably further comprise an inner frame mounted within the box portion. The inner frame may extend above the top edges of the box portion at the opening of the box portion.

[0060] Preferably, containers according to the invention further comprise a group of consumer articles housed within the holding compartment. Particularly preferably, the group of consumer articles is a wrapped bundle of smoking articles. Preferably, the wrapped bundle of smoking articles has a depth that is smaller than the internal depth of the container. For example, the wrapped bundle preferably has a depth that is between about 50 percent and about 95 percent of the internal depth of the container. The depth of the holding compartment may be adapted as described below depending on the depth of the wrapped bundle to be housed within the box portion.

[0061] Containers of the present invention may be formed from blanks of any suitable materials including, but not limited to, cardboard, paperboard, plastic, metal, or combinations thereof. Where the container is formed of cardboard, preferably, the cardboard has a weight of between about 100 grams per square metre and about 350 grams per square metre.

[0062] Preferably, where the container includes a lid portion, the box portion and lid portion are formed of a single laminar blank. The inner spacer element is preferably formed from a separate laminar blank. The inner spacer element is preferably integrated with the laminar blank or blanks for forming the main body of the container prior to assembly of the container, as described below.

[0063] Containers according to the invention may be in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, with right-angled longitudinal and right-angled transverse edges. Alternatively, the container may comprise one or more rounded longitudinal edges, rounded transverse edges, bevelled longitudinal edges or bevelled transverse edges, or combinations thereof. For example, the container according to the invention may comprise, without limitation:

• One or two longitudinal rounded or bevelled edges on the front wall, and/or one or two longitudinal rounded or bevelled edges on the back wall.
• One or two transverse rounded or bevelled edges on the front wall, and/or one or two transverse rounded or bevelled edges on the back wall.
• One longitudinal rounded edge and one longitudinal bevelled edge on the front wall, and/or one transverse rounded edge and one transverse bevelled edge on the back wall.
• One or two transverse rounded or bevelled edges on the front wall and one or two longitudinal rounded or bevelled edges on the front wall.
• Two longitudinal rounded or bevelled edges on a first side wall or two transverse rounded or bevelled edges on the second side wall.

[0064] Where the container comprises one or more rounded edges and is made from one or more laminar blanks, preferably the blanks comprise three, four, five, six or seven scoring lines or creasing lines to form each rounded edge in the assembled container. The scoring lines or creasing lines may be either on the inside of the container or on the outside of the container. Preferably, the scoring lines or creasing lines are spaced from each other by between about 0.3 mm and 4 mm.

[0065] Preferably, the spacing of the creasing lines or scoring lines is a function of the thickness of the laminar blanks. Preferably, the spacing between the creasing lines or scoring lines is between about 0.5 and about 4 times larger than the thickness of the laminar blanks.

[0066] Where the container comprises one or more bevelled edge, preferably the bevelled edge has a width of between about 1 mm and about 10 mm, preferably between about 2 and about 6 mm. Alternatively, the container may comprise a double bevel formed by three parallel creasing or scoring lines that are spaced such that two distinct bevels are formed on the edge of the container.

[0067] Where the container comprises a bevelled edge and is made from one or more laminar blanks, the bevel may be formed by two parallel creasing lines or scoring lines in the laminar blank. The creasing lines or scoring lines may be arranged symmetrically to the edge between a first wall and a second wall. Alternatively, the creasing lines or scoring lines may be arranged asymmetrically to the edge between the first wall and the second wall, such that the bevel reaches further into the first wall of the container than into the second wall of the container.

[0068] Alternatively, the container may have a non-rectangular transversal cross section, for example polygonal such as triangular or hexagonal, semi-oval or semi-circular.

[0069] Containers according to the invention preferably house a plurality of longitudinal consumer articles having a longitudinal axis extending perpendicularly to the bottom wall, such that one end of the consumer articles is supported on the bottom wall and the opposed end protrudes through the access opening.

[0070] Containers according to the invention find particular application as packs for elongate smoking articles such as, for example, cigarettes, cigars or cigarillos. Preferably, the box portion of containers according to the invention houses a bundle of elongate smoking articles. Preferably, the bundle of smoking articles is wrapped in an inner liner, which must be at least partially removed before the smoking articles can be accessed.

[0071] It will be appreciated that through appropriate choices of the dimensions thereof, the holding compartment of containers according to the invention may be designed for different numbers of conventional size, king size, super-king size, slim or super-slim cigarettes. Alternatively, other consumer articles may be housed inside the container.

[0072] Through an appropriate choice of the dimensions thereof, containers according to the invention may be designed to hold different total numbers of smoking articles, or different arrangements of smoking articles. For example, through an appropriate choice of the dimensions thereof, the holding compartment of containers according to the invention may be designed to hold a total of between ten and thirty smoking articles.

[0073] The smoking articles may be arranged in different collations, depending on the total number of smoking articles. For example, the smoking articles may be arranged in a single row of six, seven, eight, nine or ten. Alternatively, the smoking articles may be arranged in two or more rows. The two or more rows may contain the same number of smoking articles. For example, the smoking articles may be arranged in: two rows of five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten; three rows of five or seven; or four rows of four, five or six. Alternatively, the two or more rows may include at least two rows containing different number of smoking articles to each other. For example, the smoking articles may be arranged in: a row of five and a row of six (5-6); a row of six and a row of seven (6-7); a row of seven and a row of eight (7-8); a middle row of five and two outer rows of six (6-5-6); a middle row of five and two outer rows of seven (7-5-7); a middle row of six and two outer rows of five (5-6-5); a middle row of six and two outer rows of seven (7-6-7); a middle row of seven and two outer rows of six (6-7-6); a middle row of nine and two outer rows of eight (8-9-8); or a middle row of six with one outer row of five and one outer row of seven (5-6-7).

[0074] Containers according to the present invention may hold smoking articles of the same type or brand, or of different types or brands. In addition, both filterless smoking articles and smoking articles with various filter tips may be contained, as well as smoking articles of differing length (for example, between about 40 mm and about 180 mm), diameter (for example, between about 4 mm and about 9 mm). In addition, the smoking articles may differ in strength of taste, resistance to draw and total particulate matter delivery.

[0075] The length, width and depth of containers according to the invention may be such that the resultant overall dimensions of the container are similar to the dimensions of a typical disposable hinge-lid pack of twenty cigarettes.

[0076] Preferably, containers according to the invention have a height of between about 60 mm and about 150 mm, more preferably a height of between about 70 mm and about 125 mm, wherein the height is measured from the bottom wall to the top wall of the container.

[0077] Preferably, containers according to the invention have a width of between about 12 mm and about 150 mm, more preferably a width of between about 70 mm and about 125 mm, wherein the width is measured from one side wall to the other side wall of the container.

[0078] Preferably, containers according to the invention have a depth of between about 6 mm and about 150 mm, more preferably a depth of between about 12 mm and about 25 mm wherein the depth is measured from the front wall to the back wall of the container.

[0079] Preferably, the ratio of the height of the container to the depth of the container is in between about 0.3 to 1 and about 10 to 1, more preferably between about 2 to 1 and about 8 to 1, most preferably between about 3 to 1 and 5 to 1.

[0080] Preferably, the ratio of the width of the container to the depth of the container is in between about 0.3 to 1 and about 10 to 1, more preferably between about 2 to 1 and about 8 to 1, most preferably between about 2 to 1 and 3 to 1.

[0081] The interior surfaces or exterior surfaces of containers or both interior and exterior surfaces of containers according to the invention may be printed, embossed, debossed or otherwise embellished with manufacturer or brand logos, trade marks, slogans and other consumer information and indicia.

[0082] The consumer articles within the containers according to the invention may be individually wrapped, or wrapped altogether in a single wrapper, or wrapped in multiple groups of consumer articles, for example, two, three or four groups of consumer articles, wrapped in respective wrappers. Typically, the wrapper is removed before the consumer articles can be accessed.

[0083] Once filled, containers according to the invention may be shrink wrapped or otherwise over wrapped with a transparent polymeric film of, for example, high or low density polyethylene, polypropylene, oriented polypropylene, polyvinylidene chloride, cellulose film, or combinations thereof in a conventional manner. Where containers according to the invention are over wrapped, the over wrapper may include one or more tear tapes. In addition, the over wrapper may be printed with images, consumer information or other data.

[0084] Where the container comprises smoking articles, the container may further comprise waste-compartments (for example for ash or butts) or other consumer articles, for example matches, lighters, extinguishing means, breath-fresheners or electronics. The other consumer articles may be attached to the outside of the container, contained within the container along with the smoking articles, in the additional compartment of the container or combinations thereof.

[0085] As described above, the main body of containers according to the invention, including the box portion and optional lid portion, is preferably formed from a single laminar blank and the inner spacer element is formed from a single laminar blank that can be integrated with the laminar blank for the main body of the container whilst the laminar blanks are in a flat state.

[0086] According to the present invention there is further provided a planar arrangement of laminar blanks for forming the container of any preceding claim, the arrangement comprising: a first laminar blank having a box-defining portion and comprising one or more first wall panels to define the first wall of the container, one or more second wall panels to define the second wall of the container, and a line of weakness between the one or more first wall panels and the one or more second wall panels to define the first container edge between the first wall and the second wall of the container; and a spacer laminar blank. In the planar arrangement, the spacer laminar blank is overlying the first laminar blank and comprises a first end spacer panel affixed to a first wall panel of the first laminar blank by means of adhesive provided on a first side of the inner spacer element; a middle spacer section extending from the first end spacer panel and lying substantially parallel to the first wall panels of the first laminar blank; and a second end spacer panel extending from the middle spacer section and affixed to a second wall panel of the first laminar blank by means of adhesive provided on the first side of the inner spacer element. The middle spacer section is connected to the first end spacer panel along a first spacer hinge line extending across the first wall panel of the first laminar blank and to the second end spacer panel along a second spacer hinge line extending across a second wall panel of the second laminar blank.

[0087] Preferably, the middle spacer section further comprises an additional spacer hinge line between the first spacer hinge line and the second spacer hinge line to define two middle spacer panels.

[0088] As described above in relation to the container according to the invention, the end panels of the inner spacer element are both affixed to the first laminar blank by adhesive provided on the same side of the inner spacer element. Further, the length of the middle spacer section in a flat state is adapted such that the spacer laminar blank can be affixed to the first laminar blank with both laminar blanks in a flat state. The middle spacer section is preferably directly overlying the first laminar blank but additional material may optionally be provided between the middle spacer section and the first laminar blank such that the middle spacer section overlies but is not in direct contact with the first laminar blank.

[0089] The planar arrangement of laminar blanks according to the invention can advantageously be assembled into a container using conventional assembly apparatus and techniques with minimal or no modification required. The first laminar blank may be folded in a conventional manner, in the same sequence as would be used if the spacer laminar blank were not present. As the first laminar blank is folded to assemble the box portion of the container, the spacer laminar blank will automatically fold about the first and second spacer hinge lines to adopt a configuration which defines the holding compartment of the container.

[0090] To facilitate folding of the planar arrangement of laminar blanks to assemble to the container, the first laminar blank is preferably provided with reduced width dust flaps at the bottom end of the box-defining portion. Where the dust flaps extend from the bottom edges of the box side walls, the reduced width of the dust flaps ensures that the provision of the inner spacer element does not interfere with the folding and gluing of the dust flaps but enables the dust flaps to be folded on one side or the other of the middle spacer section.

[0091] In certain embodiments, the second end spacer panel may have a reduced width relative to the box bottom wall in order to provide space on either side of the second end spacer panel to accommodate the dust flaps. This may be achieved by providing a second end spacer panel having a smaller width than the middle spacer section, or by providing a middle spacer section that narrows towards the second end spacer panel, or both.

[0092] According to the invention there is further provided a method of assembling a container according to the invention as described above, the method comprising the steps of: providing a first laminar blank as defined above; providing a spacer laminar blank as defined above; placing the spacer laminar blank over the first laminar blank such that the middle spacer section is substantially parallel to the one or more first wall panels, the first spacer hinge line overlies a first wall panel and the second spacer hinge line overlies a second wall panel; affixing the first end spacer panel to a first wall panel; affixing the second end spacer panel to a second wall panel; and assembling the arrangement of the first laminar blank and spacer laminar blank around a wrapped bundle of consumer goods having a volume that is smaller than the internal volume of the assembled container.

[0093] The first and second end spacer panels may be affixed to the first laminar blank using a suitable adhesive. As described above, the spacer laminar blank is integrated with the first laminar blank whilst the laminar blanks are both still flat and unfolded. The step of assembling the arrangement of the first laminar blank and the spacer laminar blank may advantageously be carried out on conventional apparatus, using a similar or identical folding sequence to that used to assemble a container from a single laminar blank, without the integrated inner spacer element.

[0094] The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a container according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a side cross-sectional views of the container of Figure 1 with the lid portion in the closed position; and

Figure 3 shows a planar arrangement of laminar blanks for forming the container of Figures 1 and 2. In Figure 3, bold lines indicate cut edges and dashed lines indicate fold lines.

[0095] The container 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is rectangular parallelepipedal in shape, when assembled, and comprises a box portion 12, a lid portion 14 connected to the box portion 12 and an inner spacer element 16 mounted within the box portion 12. The box portion 12 contains a wrapped bundle of cigarettes 18 which has a smaller depth than the internal depth of the box portion 12.

[0096] The box portion 12 comprises a box front wall 20, a box back wall 22, a box bottom wall 24, and opposed box side walls 26. The top side of the box portion is open to provide an access opening through which the cigarettes 18 can be removed when the lid portion 14 is in an open position. An inner sleeve 28 (not shown in Figure 2) is mounted inside the box portion 12 and extends above the top edges of the box portion 12.

[0097] The lid portion 14 comprises a lid front wall 30, a lid back wall 32, a lid top wall 34 and opposed lid side walls 36. The lid portion 14 is connected to the box portion 12 along a hinge line 38 extending across the back wall of the container and is pivotable about the hinge line 38 between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, shown in Figure 2, the lid portion 14 covers the access opening and the walls of the lid portion 14 form extensions of the corresponding walls of the box portion 12. In the open position, the lid portion 14 projects backwardly from the box portion 12 and the access opening at the top end of the box portion 12 is fully uncovered.

[0098] The inner spacer element 16 comprises a first end spacer panel 40, a middle spacer section 42 connected to the first end spacer panel 40 along a first spacer hinge line 41 and a second end spacer panel 44 connected to the middle spacer section 42 along a second spacer hinge line 43. The middle spacer section 42 includes an additional spacer hinge line 46 extending across the panel and dividing the section 42 into two panels which are pivotable relative to each other about the additional spacer hinge line 46. The first spacer hinge line 41 and the additional spacer hinge line 46 are substantially parallel to each other and separated by a distance z.

[0099] In the assembled container shown in Figures 2 and 3, the inner spacer element 16 is mounted within the box portion 12 with the first end spacer panel 40 affixed to the inner surface of the lid back wall 32 and the second end spacer panel 44 affixed to the box bottom wall 24. Both the first end spacer panel 40 and the second end spacer panel 44 are affixed to the inner surface of the container by adhesive provided on a same side of the inner spacer element 16. The back wall of the container comprising the box back wall 22 and the lid back wall 32 therefore corresponds to the "first wall", the bottom wall of the container corresponds to the "second wall" and the bottom back edge corresponds to the "first container edge".

[0100] The first spacer hinge line 41 overlies the hinge line 38 connecting the box portion 12 and the lid portion 14 and is positioned at a distance x above the bottom edge of the box back wall 22.

[0101] The upper portion of the middle spacer section 42, above the additional spacer hinge line 46, projects in a forwards direction from the first spacer hinge line 41, at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the box back wall 22. The lower portion of the middle spacer section 42 extends from the additional spacer hinge line 46 in a downwards direction, at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the upper portion. The lower portion of the middle spacer section 42 is substantially vertical and parallel to the box back wall 22.

[0102] The second end spacer panel 44 extends in a forwards direction from the lower portion of the middle spacer section 42 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The second spacer hinge line 43 is spaced apart from the bottom edge of the box back wall 22 by a distance y. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the distance y is approximately equal to the distance z, which results in the substantially vertical configuration of the lower portion of the middle spacer section 42. In alternative embodiments, these distances may be different to each other, as described above.

[0103] In the container shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sum of the distances x and y substantially corresponds to the distance between the first spacer hinge line 41 and the second spacer hinge line 43 when the middle spacer section 42 is in a flat state. This allows the laminar blank forming the inner spacer element 16 to be integrated with the laminar blank forming the box portion 12 and the lid portion 14 prior to assembly of the container, as described in more detail below.

[0104] The arrangement of the spacer hinge lines, as described above, provides an offset between the lower panel of the middle spacer section 42 and the box back wall 22. The inner spacer element 16 therefore divides the internal space within the box portion 12 into a holding compartment 48 and a back compartment 50. The wrapped bundle of smoking articles 18 is supported on the second end spacer panel 44, in the holding compartment 48.

[0105] The lower panel of the middle spacer section 42 is offset from the box back wall 22 by a distance corresponding to approximately one third of the internal depth of the container 10. The depth of the holding compartment 48 is therefore approximately twice the depth of the back compartment 50. As shown in Figure 2, the lower panel of the middle spacer section 42 abuts the back of the wrapped bundle of smoking articles 18 so that the bundle is retained in position within the container 10, despite having a depth that is significantly smaller than the internal depth of the container.

[0106] The lid portion 14 may be moved into an open position by pivoting it backwards relative to the box portion 12, about the hinge line 38. The position of the inner spacer element 16 is substantially unchanged by the movement of the lid portion 14 between the open and closed positions.

[0107] The box portion 12 and lid portion 14 of the container 10 are formed together from a first laminar blank 110 and the inner spacer element 16 is formed from a separate, spacer laminar blank 116. The laminar blanks 110, 116 are shown in Figure 3, with the spacer laminar blank 116 (shaded, for the purposes of clarity) overlying the first laminar blank 110. In this arrangement of the laminar blanks 110, 116, the first end spacer panel 40 of the spacer laminar blank 116 is affixed to the lid back wall panel 132 of the first laminar blank 110 and the second end spacer panel 44 of the spacer laminar blank 116 is affixed to the bottom wall panel 124 of the first laminar blank 110. Both the first end spacer panel 40 and the second end spacer panel 44 are affixed to the laminar blank 110 by adhesive provided on a same side of the spacer laminar blank 116. The first spacer hinge line 41 overlies the hinge line 38 between the lid back wall panel 132 and the box back wall panel 122. The second spacer hinge line 43 extends across the spacer laminar blank 116 at a distance y from the bottom edge of the box back wall panel 122.

[0108] As can be seen from Figure 3, the length of the spacer laminar blank 116 in the flat state corresponds to the combined length of the lid back wall panel 132, the box back wall panel 122 and the box bottom wall panel 124. The "length" is measured in the longitudinal direction of the arrangement of laminar blanks (from left to right in Figure 3). This enables the spacer laminar blank 116 to remain flat whilst being affixed to the first laminar blank.

[0109] As shown in Figure 3, the first laminar blank includes a pair of dust flaps 160 extending from the bottom edge of each box side wall panel 126 and having a reduced width that corresponds to the depth of the holding compartment 48. In the assembled container, the dust flaps 160 are therefore folded over the second end spacer panel 44, in front of the middle spacer section 42.

[0110] The container 10 may be assembled from the planar arrangement of laminar blanks 110, 116 shown in Figure 3 using a conventional folding sequence, which may be carried out using conventional apparatus and techniques as would be known to the skilled person.

Claims

1. A container (10) for consumer articles (18), the container comprising:

a box portion (12) for housing the consumer articles (18); and

an inner spacer element (16) mounted within the box portion (12), wherein the inner spacer element (16) has a first side and a second, opposite side, and comprises:

a first end spacer panel (40) affixed to the inner surface of a first wall (22,32) of the container by means of adhesive provided on the first side of the inner spacer element (16);

a second end spacer panel (44) affixed to the inner surface of a second wall (24) of the container by means of adhesive provided on the same first side of the inner spacer element (16), wherein the second wall (24) is substantially perpendicular to the first wall (22,32) and wherein the container comprises a first container edge between the first wall (22,32) and the second wall (24); and

a middle spacer section (42) formed of one or more middle spacer sections, wherein the middle spacer section (42) extends between the first end spacer panel (40) and the second end spacer panel (44) and comprises at least a portion which is spaced apart from the first wall (22,32) of the container to define a holding compartment (48) for consumer articles (18) within the box portion (12), the holding compartment (48) having a volume smaller than the internal volume of the box portion (12),

wherein the middle spacer section (42) is connected to the first end spacer panel (40) along a first spacer hinge line (41) extending across the first wall (22,32) of the container and connected to the second end spacer panel (44) along a second spacer hinge line (43) extending across the second wall (24) of the container at a distance from the first container edge, and

wherein the distance between the first spacer hinge line (41) and the second spacer hinge line (43) along the middle spacer section (42) substantially corresponds to the sum of a first distance (x) between the first spacer hinge line (41) and the first container edge and a second distance (y) between the second spacer hinge line (43) and the first container edge.

2. A container (10) according to claim 1 wherein the middle spacer section (42) comprises two middle spacer panels connected along an additional spacer hinge line (46) extending across the middle spacer section (42) at a third distance (z) from the first spacer hinge line (41).

3. A container (10) according to claim 2 wherein the third distance (z) between the first spacer hinge line (41) and the additional spacer hinge line (46) substantially corresponds to the second distance (y) between the second spacer hinge line (43) and the first container edge.

4. A container (10) according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the second distance (y) between the second spacer hinge line (43) and the first edge of the container corresponds to between 5 percent and 50 percent of the distance between the first edge of the container and the opposite edge of the second wall (24) of the container.

5. A container (10) according to any preceding claim wherein at least a portion of the middle spacer section (42) extends substantially parallel to the first wall (22,32) of the container.

6. A container (10) according to any preceding claim further comprising a lid portion (14) connected to the box portion (12) along a lid hinge line (38) extending across a back wall (22,32) of the container and pivotable about the lid hinge line (38) between a closed position and an open position, wherein the first end spacer panel (40) is affixed to the inner surface of the lid back wall (32) and wherein the first spacer hinge line (41) is proximate the lid hinge line (38).

7. A container (10) according to claim 6 wherein the first spacer hinge line (41) substantially overlies the lid hinge line (38) when the lid portion (14) is in the closed position.

8. A container (10) according to any preceding claim wherein the width of the inner spacer element (16) is such that the inner spacer element (16) extends substantially the full distance between two opposed walls of the container.

9. A container (10) according to any of claims 1 to 7 wherein the inner spacer element (16) further comprises opposed side spacer panels extending from the middle spacer section (42) and wherein the width of the inner spacer element (16) is such that the inner spacer element (16) extends only part way between two opposed walls of the container.

10. A container (10) according to any preceding claim wherein the middle spacer section (42) comprises a cut out to provide access to an additional compartment (50) defined within the box portion between the first wall (22,32) and the middle spacer section (42).

11. A container (10) according to any preceding claim further comprising an inner frame (28) mounted in the box portion (12).

12. A container (10) according to any preceding claim further comprising a group of consumer articles (18) housed within the holding compartment (48) of the box portion (12), wherein at least a portion of the middle spacer section (42) abuts the consumer articles (18).

13. A container (10) according to claim 12 wherein a wrapped bundle of smoking articles (18) is housed within the holding compartment (48) of the box portion (12).

14. A planar arrangement of laminar blanks (110,116) for forming the container (10) of any preceding claim, the arrangement comprising:

a first laminar blank (110) having a box-defining portion, the first laminar blank comprising:

one or more first wall panels (122,132) to define the first wall (22,32) of the container;

one or more second wall panels (124) to define the second wall (24) of the container; and

a line of weakness between the one or more first wall panels (122,132) and the one or more second wall panels (124) to define the first container edge between the first wall (22,32) and the second wall (24) of the container; and

a spacer laminar blank (116) overlying the first laminar blank (110) and comprising

a first end spacer panel (40) affixed to a first wall panel (132) of the first laminar blank (110) by means of adhesive provided on a first side of the inner spacer element (16);

a middle spacer section (42) extending from the first end spacer panel (40) and lying substantially parallel to the one or more first wall panels (122,132) of the first laminar blank (110); and

a second end spacer panel (44) extending from the middle spacer section (42) and affixed to a second wall panel (124) of the first laminar blank (110) by means of adhesive provided on the first side of the inner spacer element (16), wherein the middle spacer section (42) is connected to the first end spacer panel (40) along a first spacer hinge line (41) extending across the first wall panel (132) of the first laminar blank (110) and to the second end spacer panel (44) along a second spacer hinge line (43) extending across the second wall panel (124) of the first laminar blank (110).

15. A method of assembling a container (10) according to any of claims 1 to 13, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a first laminar blank (110) having a box-defining portion and comprising one or more first wall panels (122,132) to define the first wall (22,32) of the container, one or more second wall panels (124) to define the second wall (24) of the container and a line of weakness between the one or more first wall panels and the one or more second wall panels to define the first container edge between the first wall (22,32) and the second wall (24) of the container;

providing a spacer laminar blank (116) comprising a first end spacer panel (40), a middle spacer section (42) extending from the first end spacer panel (40) and a second end spacer panel (44) extending from the middle spacer section (42), wherein the middle spacer section (42) is connected to the first end spacer panel (40) along a first spacer hinge line (41) and to the second end spacer panel (42) along a second spacer hinge line (43);

placing the spacer laminar blank (116) over the first laminar blank (110) such that the middle spacer section (42) is substantially parallel to the one or more first wall panels (122,132), the first spacer hinge line (41) overlies a first wall panel (132) and the second spacer hinge line (43) overlies a second wall panel (124);

affixing the first end spacer panel (40) to a first wall panel (132) by means of adhesive provided on a first side of the inner spacer element (16);

affixing the second end spacer panel (44) to a second wall panel (124) by means of adhesive provided on the same first side of the inner spacer element (16);

assembling the arrangement of the first laminar blank (110) and spacer laminar blank (116) around a wrapped bundle of consumer goods (18) having a volume that is smaller than the internal volume of the container.

Ansprüche

1. Behälter (10) für Konsumartikel (18), wobei der Behälter aufweist:

einen Schachtelteil (12) zum Aufnehmen der Konsumartikel (18); und

ein inneres Abstandselement (16), das innerhalb des Schachtelteils (12) angebracht ist, wobei das innere Abstandselement (16) eine erste Seite und eine zweite gegenüberliegende Seite aufweist und aufweist:

eine erste Endabstandhalterplatte (40), die an der Innenfläche einer ersten Wand (22, 32) des Behälters mittels Klebstoff befestigt ist, der auf der ersten Seite des inneren Abstandselements (16) vorgesehen ist;

eine zweite Endabstandhalterplatte (44), die an der Innenfläche einer zweiten Wand (24) des Behälters mittels Klebstoff befestigt ist, der auf der gleichen ersten Seite des inneren Abstandselements (16) vorgesehen ist, wobei die zweite Wand (24) zur ersten Wand (22, 32) im Wesentlichen senkrecht ist, und wobei der Behälter eine erste Behälterkante zwischen der ersten Wand (22, 32) und der zweiten Wand (24) aufweist; und

einen mittleren Abstandselementabschnitt (42), der aus einem oder mehreren mittleren Abstandselementabschnitten gebildet ist, wobei sich der mittlere Abstandselementabschnitt (42) zwischen der ersten Endabstandhalterplatte (40) und der zweiten Endabstandhalterplatte (44) erstreckt und mindestens einen Teil aufweist, der von der ersten Wand (22, 32) des Behälters beabstandet ist, um eine Aufnahmekammer (48) für Konsumartikel (18) innerhalb des Schachtelteils (12) zu definieren, wobei die Aufnahmekammer (48) ein Volumen von kleiner als das Innenvolumen des Schachtelteils (12) aufweist,

wobei der mittlere Abstandselementabschnitt (42) mit der ersten Endabstandhalterplatte (40) entlang einer ersten Abstandselementscharnierlinie (41), die sich über die erste Wand (22, 32) des Behälters erstreckt, verbunden ist und mit der zweiten Endabstandhalterplatte (44) entlang einer zweiten Abstandselementscharnierlinie (43), die sich über die zweite Wand (24) des Behälters in einem Abstand von der ersten Behälterkante erstreckt, verbunden ist, und

wobei der Abstand zwischen der ersten Abstandselementscharnierlinie (41) und der zweiten Abstandselementscharnierlinie (43) entlang dem mittleren Abstandselementabschnitt (42) im Wesentlichen der Summe eines ersten Abstandes (x) zwischen der ersten Abstandselementscharnierlinie (41) und der ersten Behälterkante und eines zweiten Abstandes (y) zwischen der zweiten Abstandselementscharnierlinie (43) und der ersten Behälterkante entspricht.

2. Behälter (10) nach Anspruch 1, wobei der mittlere Abstandselementabschnitt (42) zwei mittlere Abstandhalterplatten aufweist, die entlang einer zusätzlichen Abstandselementscharnierlinie (46), die sich über den mittleren Abstandselementabschnitt (42) in einem dritten Abstand (z) von der ersten Abstandselementscharnierlinie (41) erstreckt, verbunden sind.

3. Behälter (10) nach Anspruch 2, wobei der dritte Abstand (z) zwischen der ersten Abstandselementscharnierlinie (41) und der zusätzlichen Abstandselementscharnierlinie (46) im Wesentlichen dem zweiten Abstand (y) zwischen der zweiten Abstandselementscharnierlinie (43) und der ersten Behälterkante entspricht.

4. Behälter (10) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wobei der zweite Abstand (y) zwischen der zweiten Abstandselementscharnierlinie (43) und der ersten Kante des Behälters zwischen 5 Prozent und 50 Prozent des Abstandes zwischen der ersten Kante des Behälters und der entgegengesetzten Kante der zweiten Wand (24) des Behälters entspricht.

5. Behälter (10) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei sich mindestens ein Teil des mittleren Abstandselementabschnitts (42) im Wesentlichen parallel zur ersten Wand (22, 32) des Behälters erstreckt.

6. Behälter (10) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, weiter aufweisend einen Deckelteil (14), der mit dem Schachtelteil (12) entlang einer Deckelscharnierlinie (38) verbunden ist, die sich über eine Rückwand (22, 32) des Behälters erstreckt und um die Deckelscharnierlinie (38) zwischen einer geschlossenen Stellung und einer geöffneten Stellung schwenkbar ist, wobei die erste Endabstandhalterplatte (40) an der Innenfläche der Deckelrückwand (32) befestigt ist, und wobei sich die erste Abstandselementscharnierlinie (41) nahe der Deckelscharnierlinie (38) befindet.

7. Behälter (10) nach Anspruch 6, wobei die erste Abstandselementscharnierlinie (41) im Wesentlichen über der Deckelscharnierlinie (38) liegt, wenn sich der Deckelteil (14) in der geschlossenen Stellung befindet.

8. Behälter (10) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Breite des inneren Abstandselements (16) derart ist, dass sich das innere Abstandselement (16) im Wesentlichen über den vollen Abstand zwischen zwei gegenüberliegenden Wänden des Behälters erstreckt.

9. Behälter (10) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, wobei das innere Abstandselement (16) weiter gegenüberliegende Seitenabstandhalterplatten aufweist, die sich von dem mittleren Abstandselementabschnitt (42) erstrecken, und wobei die Breite des inneren Abstandselements (16) derart ist, dass sich das innere Abstandselement (16) nur teilweise zwischen zwei gegenüberliegenden Wänden des Behälters erstreckt.

10. Behälter (10) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei der mittlere Abstandselementabschnitt (42) eine Aussparung aufweist, um Zugriff auf eine zusätzliche Kammer (50), die innerhalb des Schachtelteils zwischen der ersten Wand (22, 32) und dem mittleren Abstandselementabschnitt (42) definiert ist, bereitzustellen.

11. Behälter (10) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, weiter aufweisend einen Innenrahmen (28), der in dem Schachtelteil (12) angebracht ist.

12. Behälter (10) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, weiter aufweisend eine Gruppe von Konsumartikeln (18), die innerhalb der Aufnahmekammer (48) des Schachtelteils (12) aufgenommen sind, wobei mindestens ein Teil des mittleren Abstandselementabschnitts (42) an dem Konsumartikel (18) anliegt.

13. Behälter (10) nach Anspruch 12, wobei ein umhülltes Bündel von Raucherartikeln (18) innerhalb der Aufnahmekammer (48) des Schachtelteils (12) aufgenommen ist.

14. Ebene Anordnung von flächigen Rohlingen (110, 116) zum Bilden des Behälters (10) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Anordnung aufweist:

einen ersten flächigen Rohling (110) mit einem eine Schachtel definierenden Teil, wobei der erste flächige Rohling aufweist:

eine oder mehrere erste Wandplatten (122, 132), um die erste Wand (22, 32) des Behälters zu definieren;

eine oder mehrere zweite Wandplatten (124), um die zweite Wand (24) des Behälters zu definieren; und

eine Schwächelinie zwischen der einen oder den mehreren ersten Wandplatten (122, 132) und der einen oder den mehreren zweiten Wandplatten (124), um die erste Behälterkante zwischen der ersten Wand (22, 32) und der zweiten Wand (24) des Behälters zu definieren; und

einen flächigen Abstandselementrohling (116), der über dem ersten flächigen Rohling (110) liegt und aufweist

eine erste Endabstandhalterplatte (40), die an einer ersten Wandplatte (132) des ersten flächigen Rohlings (110) mittels Klebstoff befestigt ist, der auf einer ersten Seite des inneren Abstandselements (16) vorgesehen ist;

einen mittleren Abstandselementabschnitt (42), der sich von der ersten Endabstandhalterplatte (40) erstreckt und im Wesentlichen parallel zu der einen oder den mehreren ersten Wandplatten (122, 132) des ersten flächigen Rohlings (110) liegt; und

eine zweite Endabstandhalterplatte (44), die sich von dem mittleren Abstandselementabschnitt (42) erstreckt und an einer zweiten Wandplatte (124) des ersten flächigen Rohlings (110) mittels Klebstoff befestigt ist, der auf der ersten Seite des inneren Abstandselements (16) vorgesehen ist, wobei der mittlere Abstandselementabschnitt (42) mit der ersten Endabstandhalterplatte (40) entlang einer ersten Abstandselementscharnierlinie (41), die sich über die erste Wandplatte (132) des ersten flächigen Rohlings (110) erstreckt und mit der zweiten Endabstandhalterplatte (44) entlang einer zweiten Abstandselementscharnierlinie (43), die sich über die zweite Wandplatte (124) des ersten flächigen Rohlings (110) erstreckt, verbunden ist.

15. Verfahren zum Zusammenfügen eines Behälters (10) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 13, wobei das Verfahren die Schritte aufweist:

Bereitstellen eines ersten flächigen Rohlings (110) mit einem eine Schachtel definierenden Teil, der eine oder mehrere erste Wandplatten (122, 132) aufweist, um die erste Wand (22, 32) des Behälters zu definieren, eine oder mehrere zweite Wandplatten (124), um die zweite Wand (24) des Behälters zu definieren, und eine Schwächelinie zwischen der einen oder den mehreren ersten Wandplatten und der einen oder den mehreren zweiten Wandplatten, um die erste Behälterkante zwischen der ersten Wand (22, 32) und der zweiten Wand (24) des Behälters zu definieren;

Bereitstellen eines flächigen Abstandselementrohlings (116), der eine erste Endabstandhalterplatte (40), einen mittleren Abstandselementabschnitt (42), der sich von der ersten Endabstandhalterplatte (40) erstreckt, und eine zweite Endabstandhalterplatte (44), die sich von dem mittleren Abstandselementabschnitt (42) erstreckt, aufweist, wobei der mittlere Abstandselementabschnitt (42) mit der ersten Endabstandhalterplatte (40) entlang einer ersten Abstandselementscharnierlinie (41) und mit der zweiten Endabstandhalterplatte (42) entlang einer zweiten Abstandselementscharnierlinie (43) verbunden ist;

Anordnen des flächigen Abstandselementrohlings (116) über dem ersten flächigen Rohling (110), sodass der mittlere Abstandselementabschnitt (42) im Wesentlichen parallel zu der einen oder den mehreren ersten Wandplatten (122, 132) ist, die erste Abstandselementscharnierlinie (41) über einer ersten Wandplatte (132) liegt und die zweite Abstandselementscharnierlinie (43) über einer zweiten Wandplatte (124) liegt;

Befestigen der ersten Endabstandhalterplatte (40) an einer ersten Wandplatte (132) mittels Klebstoff, der auf einer ersten Seite des inneren Abstandselements (16) vorgesehen ist;

Befestigen der zweiten Endabstandhalterplatte (44) an einer zweiten Wandplatte (124) mittels Klebstoff, der auf der gleichen ersten Seite des inneren Abstandselements (16) vorgesehen ist;

Zusammenfügen der Anordnung des ersten flächigen Rohlings (110) und des flächigen Abstandselementrohlings (116) um ein umhülltes Bündel von Konsumgütern (18) herum, das ein Volumen aufweist, das kleiner ist als das Innenvolumen des Behälters.

Revendications

1. Récipient (10) pour des articles de consommation (18), le récipient comprenant :

une partie étui (12) pour loger des articles de consommation (18) ; et

un élément d'espacement interne (16) monté à l'intérieur de la partie étui (12), dans lequel l'élément d'espacement interne (16) a un premier côté et un deuxième côté opposé, et comprend :

une première extrémité d'espacement d'extrémité (40) apposée sur la surface intérieure d'une première paroi (22,32) du récipient aux moyens d'adhésif fourni sur le premier côté de l'élément d'espacement interne (16) ;

une deuxième extrémité d'espacement d'extrémité (44) apposée sur la surface intérieure d'une deuxième paroi (24) du récipient aux moyens d'adhésif fourni sur le même premier côté de l'élément d'espacement interne (16), dans laquelle la deuxième paroi (24) est substantiellement perpendiculaire à la première paroi (22,32) et dans lequel le récipient comprend un premier bord du récipient entre la première paroi (22,32) et la deuxième paroi (24) ; et

une section d'espacement centrale (42) formée d'une ou de plusieurs sections d'espacement centrales, dans lequel la section d'espacement centrale (42) s'étend entre la première extrémité d'espacement d'extrémité (40) et la deuxième extrémité d'espacement d'extrémité (44) et comprend au moins une partie qui est espacée de la première paroi (22,32) du récipient pour définir un compartiment de maintien (48) pour des articles de consommation (18) au sein de la partie étui (12), le compartiment de maintien (48) ayant un volume plus petit que le volume interne de la partie étui (12),

dans lequel la section d'espacement centrale (42) est raccordée au première extrémité d'espacement d'extrémité (40) le long d'un premier axe de charnière d'espacement (41) s'étendant à travers la première paroi (22,32) du récipient et raccordé au deuxième extrémité d'espacement d'extrémité (44) le long d'un deuxième axe de charnière d'espacement (43) s'étendant à travers la deuxième paroi (24) du récipient à une distance du premier bord du récipient, et

dans lequel la distance entre le premier axe de charnière d'espacement (41) et le deuxième axe de charnière d'espacement (43) le long de la section d'espacement centrale (42) correspond substantiellement à la somme d'une première distance (x) entre le premier axe de charnière d'espacement (41) et la première extrémité du récipient et une deuxième distance (y) entre le deuxième axe de charnière d'espacement (43) et le premier bord du récipient.

2. Récipient (10) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la section d'espacement centrale (42) comprend deux panneaux d'espacement centraux raccordés le long d'un axe de charnière d'espacement supplémentaire (46) s'étendant à travers la section d'espacement centrale (42) au niveau d'une troisième distance (z) du premier axe de charnière d'espacement (41).

3. Récipient (10) selon la revendication 2, dans lequel la troisième distance (z) entre le premier axe de charnière d'espacement (41) et l'axe de charnière d'espacement supplémentaire (46) correspond substantiellement à la deuxième distance (y) entre le deuxième axe de charnière d'espacement (43) et le premier bord du récipient.

4. Récipient (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, dans lequel la deuxième distance (y) entre le deuxième axe de charnière d'espacement (43) et la première extrémité du récipient correspond à entre 5 pour cent et 50 pour cent de la distance entre le premier bord du récipient et l'extrémité opposée de la deuxième paroi (24) du récipient.

5. Récipient (10) selon l'une quelconque revendication précédente, dans lequel au moins une partie de la section d'espacement centrale (42) s'étend substantiellement de manière parallèle à la première paroi (22,32) du récipient.

6. Récipient (10) selon l'une quelconque revendication précédente, comprenant en outre une partie de couvercle (14) raccordé à la partie étui (12) le long d'un axe de charnière du couvercle (38) s'étendant à travers une paroi arrière (22,32) du récipient et pivotable autour de l'axe de charnière du couvercle (38) entre une position fermée et une position ouverte, dans lequel la première extrémité d'espacement d'extrémité (40) est apposé sur la surface intérieure de la paroi arrière du couvercle (32) et dans lequel le premier axe de charnière d'espacement (41) se trouve à proximité de l'axe de charnière du couvercle (38).

7. Récipient (10) selon la revendication 6, dans lequel le premier axe de charnière d'espacement (41) recouvre substantiellement l'axe de charnière du couvercle (38) lorsque la partie de couvercle (14) se trouve en position fermée.

8. Récipient (10) selon l'une quelconque revendication précédente, dans lequel la largeur de l'élément d'espacement interne (16) est de telle sorte que l'élément d'espacement interne (16) s'étend substantiellement sur la distance entière entre deux parois opposées du récipient.

9. Récipient (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, dans lequel l'élément d'espacement interne (16) comprend en outre des panneaux opposés d'espacement de côté s'étendant depuis la section d'espacement centrale (42) et dans lequel la largeur de l'élément d'espacement interne (16) est de telle sorte que l'élément d'espacement interne (16) s'étend seulement en partie entre deux parois opposées du récipient.

10. Récipient (10) selon l'une quelconque revendication précédente, dans lequel la section d'espacement centrale (42) comprend une découpure pour fournir l'accès à un compartiment supplémentaire (50) défini au sein de la partie étui entre la première paroi (22,32) et la section d'espacement centrale (42).

11. Récipient (10) selon l'une quelconque revendication précédente, comprenant en outre un cadre intérieur (28) monté dans la partie étui (12).

12. Récipient (10) selon l'une quelconque revendication précédente, comprenant en outre un groupe d'articles de consommation (18) abrités dans le compartiment de maintien (48) de la partie étui (12), dans lequel au moins une partie de la section d'espacement centrale (42) bute contre les articles de consommation (18).

13. Récipient (10) selon la revendication 12, dans lequel un récipient enveloppé d'articles à fumer (18) est abrité dans le compartiment de maintien (48) de la partie étui (12) .

14. Agencement plan de flans stratifiés (110,116) pour la formation du récipient (10) selon l'une quelconque revendication précédente, l'agencement comprenant :
un premier flan stratifié (110) ayant une partie définissant une boîte, le premier flan stratifié comprenant :

un ou plusieurs panneaux de la première paroi (122,132) pour définir la première paroi (22,32) du récipient ;

un ou plusieurs panneaux de la deuxième paroi (124) pour définir la deuxième paroi (24) du récipient ; et une ligne de faiblesse entre l'un ou plusieurs panneaux de la première paroi (122,132) et l'un ou plusieurs panneaux de la deuxième paroi (124) pour définir le premier bord du récipient entre la première paroi (22,32) et la deuxième paroi (24) du récipient ; et

un flan stratifié d'espacement (116) recouvrant le premier flan stratifié (110) et comprenant une première extrémité d'espacement d'extrémité (40) apposé sur un panneau de la première paroi (132) du premier flan stratifié (110) aux moyens d'adhésif fourni sur un premier côté de l'élément d'espacement interne (16) ;

une section d'espacement centrale (42) s'étendant de la première extrémité d'espacement d'extrémité (40) et se trouvant substantiellement parallèle à l'un ou plusieurs panneaux de la première paroi (122,132) du premier flan stratifié (110) ; et

une deuxième extrémité d'espacement d'extrémité (44) s'étendant depuis la section d'espacement centrale (42) et apposé sur un panneau de la deuxième paroi (124) du premier flan stratifié (110) aux moyens d'adhésif fourni sur le premier côté de l'élément d'espacement interne (16), dans lequel la section d'espacement centrale (42) est raccordée au première extrémité d'espacement d'extrémité (40) le long d'un premier axe de charnière d'espacement (41) s'étendant à travers la panneau de la première paroi (132) du premier flan stratifié (110) et au deuxième extrémité d'espacement d'extrémité (44) le long d'un deuxième axe de charnière d'espacement (43) s'étendant à travers la panneau de la deuxième paroi (124) du premier flan stratifié (110).

15. Procédé pour l'assemblage d'un récipient (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 13, le procédé comprenant les étapes de :

la fourniture d'un premier flan stratifié (110) ayant une partie définissant une boîte et comprenant un ou plusieurs panneaux de la première paroi (122,132) pour définir la première paroi (22,32) du récipient, un ou plusieurs panneaux de la deuxième paroi (124) pour définir la deuxième paroi (24) du récipient et une ligne de faiblesse entre l'un ou plusieurs panneaux de la première paroi et l'un ou plusieurs panneaux de la deuxième paroi pour définir le premier bord du récipient entre la première paroi (22,32) et la deuxième paroi (24) du récipient ;

la fourniture d'un flan stratifié d'espacement (116) comprenant une première extrémité d'espacement d'extrémité (40), une section d'espacement centrale (42)s'étendant du première extrémité d'espacement d'extrémité (40) et une deuxième extrémité d'espacement d'extrémité (44) s'étendant depuis la section d'espacement centrale (42), dans lequel la section d'espacement centrale (42) est raccordée au première extrémité d'espacement d'extrémité (40) le long d'un premier axe de charnière d'espacement (41) et au deuxième extrémité d'espacement d'extrémité (42) le long d'un deuxième axe de charnière d'espacement (43) ;

le placement du flan stratifié d'espacement (116) sur le premier flan stratifié (110) de sorte que la section d'espacement centrale (42) est substantiellement parallèle à l'un ou plusieurs panneaux de la première paroi (122,132), le premier axe de charnière d'espacement (41) recouvre un panneau de la première paroi (132) et le deuxième axe de charnière d'espacement (43) recouvre un panneau de la deuxième paroi (124) ;

l'apposition de la première extrémité d'espacement d'extrémité (40) à un panneau de la première paroi (132) aux moyens d'adhésif fourni sur un premier côté de l'élément d'espacement interne (16) ;

l'apposition de la deuxième extrémité d'espacement d'extrémité (44) à un panneau de la deuxième paroi (124) aux moyens d'adhésif fourni sur le même premier côté de l'élément d'espacement interne (16);

l'assemblage de l'agencement du premier flan stratifié (110) et du flan stratifié d'espacement (116) autour d'un récipient enveloppé de biens de consommation (18) ayant un volume qui est plus petit que le volume interne du récipient.

Drawing