Container for consumer goods formed of a single laminar blank

Abstract

 A container for consumer goods comprises a first housing (102) having an opening, and a second housing (300) comprising a lid (314) pivotable about a hinge line extending across a wall (308) of the container between a closed position and an open position. One of the first housing (102) and the second housing (300) is mounted within the other housing so that the lid (314) of the second housing coincides with the opening of the first housing (102) whereby in the open position of the lid (304) the interior of the second housing (300) is accessible through the opening of the first housing (102). The first housing and the second housing are integrally formed from a single laminar blank (102,300). There is also provided a single laminar blank for forming the aforementioned container.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a novel container for consumer goods. The present invention also relates to single laminar blanks used to manufacture containers for consumer goods. The container finds particular application as a container for elongate smoking articles, such as cigarettes.

[0002] It is known to package elongate smoking articles and other consumer goods in containers comprising a housing and a lid. The lid is generally positioned at the top of the housing and hinged along the back wall of the container.

[0003] It would be desirable to provide a novel container. It would be particularly desirable if such a container could be assembled and filled efficiently using conventional methods and apparatus. It would also be desirable if the container shows an improved protection of the consumer goods over known containers.

[0004] According to the invention there is provided a container for consumer goods comprising a first housing wherein the first housing has an opening, the container further comprising a second housing wherein the second housing compres a top wall and a lid, pivotable about a hinge line extending across a back wall of the container, between a closed position and an open position. The lid is adapted to at least partially overlap the top wall when the lid is in the closed position. One of the first housing and the second housing is mounted within the other housing so that the top wall and the lid of the second housing coincide with the opening of the first housing whereby in the open position of the lid the interior of the second housing is accessible through the opening of the first housing. The first housing and the second housing are integrally formed from a single laminar blank. One of the first and the second housing is located within the other housing. For example, the first housing may be located inside the second housing. Alternatively, the second housing may be located inside the first housing.

[0005] By providing a container formed from a single laminar blank that has a top wall and a lid adapted to partially overlap the top wall, advantageously the consumer goods within the container may be provided with excellent protection, for example against mechanical influences. In addition, the container may be manufactured easily.

[0006] The first and second housings may each comprise a front wall, a back wall, a bottom wall, a top wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. Preferably, at least one of the first housing and second housing comprises a top wall and a bottom wall.

[0007] The terms "front", "back", "upper, "lower", "side", "top", "bottom", "left", "right" 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 with the opening through which the consumer goods are removed at the top end and the hinge in the back.

[0008] The term "longitudinal" refers to a direction from bottom to top or vice versa. The term "transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0009] The container is preferably a rectangular parallelepiped comprising two wider walls spaced apart by two narrower walls.

[0010] For the avoidance of doubt, the first housing may be an inner housing, or it may be an outer housing. Similarly, the second housing may be an inner housing, or it may be an outer housing.

[0011] The term "hinge line" refers to a line about which the lid may be pivoted in order to open the container. A hinge line may be, for example, a fold line or a score line in the panel forming the back wall of the container.

[0012] Preferably, the lid is formed at a corner of the second housing. Corner connotes that the hinge line is formed on the back wall of the second housing, such that the lid forms a corner of the rectangular parallelepiped shaped container when viewed from the side. The back wall of the second housing may be defined as a narrower wall, or a wider wall, of the rectangular parallelepiped shaped container. Preferably, the back wall of the second housing is defined as being one of the narrower walls, more preferably a longitudinal narrower wall.

[0013] By providing the lid at a corner of the second housing, advantageously, only a small portion of the opening in the first housing is exposed when the lid is in the open position. This may be convenient for the removal of elongate articles, such as smoking articles.

[0014] In a first aspect of the present invention the first housing is an inner housing and the second housing is an outer housing.

[0015] In the first aspect of a container according to the invention, the inner housing is mounted within the outer housing, such that, in the open position, the lid projects through the opening in the outer housing. Such an arrangement provides the advantage of allowing containers according to the present invention to be manufactured from a single laminar blank, and thus manufacturing costs may be reduced. The opening in the outer housing may be in the top wall or in one of the side walls.

[0016] In a second aspect of the present invention the first housing is an outer housing and the second housing is an inner housing.

[0017] In the second aspect of a container according to the invention, the first housing is mounted within the second housing, such that, in the closed position, the lid covers the opening in the first housing and in the open position the opening is uncovered.

[0018] In the second aspect of a container according to the invention, the container preferably further comprises retention means for retaining the lid in the closed position. The retention means preferably comprises a protrusion extending from a front wall of the first housing, and a corresponding cut out portion within the lid. The protrusion is adapted to engage the cut out within the lid to retain the lid in the closed position. Upon closing the lid, a sound will typically be generated as the protrusion passes through the cut out portion. As the protrusion drops into the cut out portion, it springs against a wall of the lid. The sound will typically be heard as an audible 'click' or snapping noise. Advantageously, providing the retention means may provide a more securely closed container. In addition an audible indication to the consumer is provided, indicating that the container has been closed properly.

[0019] As described above, in the first and second aspect of a container according to the invention, the top of the container is formed from at least one top panel that extends from at least one wall, preferably a side wall, of the second housing. More preferably, the top of the container is formed from two such top panels, so that, advantageously, there may be provided improved protection of the contents of the container.

[0020] Similarly, in the first and second aspect of a container according to the invention, the bottom of the container may be formed from at least one bottom panel that extends from at least one wall, preferably a side wall, of the first housing. More preferably, the bottom of the container is formed from two such bottom panels. The two bottom panels may both extend from the first housing, or the second housing. Alternatively, one bottom panel extends from the first housing, and the other bottom panel extends from the second housing. Alternatively, the bottom of the container may be formed from at least one bottom panel that extends from at least one wall, preferably a side wall, of the second housing.

[0021] In the first and second aspect of a container according to the invention, preferably, at least one wall, preferably the top wall, of the lid is formed of an inner panel and an outer panel, where one of the outer panel and the inner panel is adapted to extend beyond the other respective inner panel and outer panel at a free edge of the lid. The outer and inner panels are formed by cuts in the respective top panels of the second housing. By providing an extended panel, the container may more securely contain the consumer goods. Since the extended panel is adapted to overlap the panels forming the top of the container, the consumer goods will not be exposed when the lid is in the closed position.

[0022] In one embodiment of the first or second aspect of a container according to the invention, preferably a first top panel of the second housing extending from a side panel of the second housing is cut such that a narrow top panel for the container is formed, and a wide top panel for the lid is formed. A second top panel of the second housing extending from the other side panel of the second housing is preferably cut such that a wide top panel for the container is formed, and a narrow top panel for the lid is formed. In this way, when assembled, the wide top panel of the lid overlaps the wide top panel of the container. The relative dimensions of the lid top panel and the container top panel may be varied such that a greater or lesser amount of the opening within the first housing is revealed when the lid is opened. Preferably, the top wall covers less than 0.5 times the top of the container, more preferably less than 0.3 times the top of the container. Advantageously, the relative dimensions of the lid top panel and the container top panel may be such that the amount of opening revealed when the lid is open allows a single consumer good, such as an elongate smoking article, to be easily removed.

[0023] In the first or second aspect of a container according to the invention, in order to ease opening of the lid, guide elements are preferably provided within the second housing. The guide elements extend from one or more walls of the lid. Preferably, a guide element extends from each side wall of the lid. Preferably, the guide elements are elongate. The length of the guide elements is preferably between about 1.2 times and about 3 times the distance from the hinge line to the top of the container, preferably between 1.8 times and 2.2 times.

[0024] As the lid is moved between the closed position and open position, the guide elements are adapted to move against one or more guide edges provided by one or more cut outs within the second housing. As such, the guide elements may allow the lid to be opened and closed more easily. Each of the one or more cut outs is preferably in the shape of a quarter-circle. The one or more cut outs in the second housing are preferably adapted to prevent movement of the lid beyond the open position. Advantageously, providing the container with guide elements may provide the container with a higher quality feel. The one or more cut outs provided within the second housing are preferably within the side walls.

[0025] At least one of the one or more guide edges preferably comprises means for retaining the lid in the closed position. The means for retaining the lid in the closed position preferably comprises a ridge extending from the guide edge adjacent the guide element when the lid is in the closed position. When the consumer opens the container the guide element is forced over the respective ridge and then continues to move against the guide edge. By providing such a ridge the container, advantageously, may be more securely closed.

[0026] In addition, each of the one or more guide edges preferably comprises means for retaining the lid in the open position. The means for retaining the lid in the open position preferably comprises a ridge extending from the guide edge adjacent the guide element when the lid is in the open position. When the consumer opens the container the guide element is forced over the respective ridge as the lid approaches the open position, and thus the lid is held in the open position. When the consumer closes the container the guide element is forced back over the respective ridge and then continues to move against the guide edge. By providing such a ridge the lid may be held in the open position without the requirement of the consumer to hold it open. Advantageously, this may allow the consumer to open, and access the consumer goods with one hand. Preferably, there is such a ridge for each guide element, both for the open and for the closed position.

[0027] In the first or second aspect of a container according to the invention, preferably, the second housing further comprises one or more protection flaps. Preferably, the protection flaps are positioned between the contents of the container and the guide elements so that the movement of the guide elements during opening and closing of the lid does not damage the contents. Preferably, the protection flaps are folded towards the interior of the second housing and are positioned under the one or more cut outs in the inner second housing. The one or more protection flaps may extend from an edge of a wall, such as the side walls, of the second housing and may be folded about that edge towards the interior of the second housing. Alternatively the one or more protection flaps are defined by one or more cut outs in a wall of the second housing and are folded about a hinge line extending across that wall. Preferably, the hinge lines are transverse to the container. Alternatively, the hinge lines are longitudinal to the container. Advantageously, the protection flaps are integral to the single laminar blank. By providing protection flaps the contents of the container may be protected from damage as the guide elements rotate about the hinge line when the lid is opened and closed.

[0028] In the first or second aspect of a container according to the invention, the first housing may comprise one or more cut outs extending from the opening. The one or more cut outs are adapted to allow the lid to be accessed when it is in the closed position. The cut outs enable the lid to be more easily opened since the consumer can hold the lid through the cut outs. The cut outs may be in the form of an angled notch. Preferably, the angled notch extends from the side walls of the container in a direction from the bottom of the container to the top of the container. In addition, the cut out in particular on the side wall of the first housing is adapted to expose the hinge line of the lid enabling the lid to be opened.

[0029] In the first or second aspect, preferably, the first housing and the second housing are connected along a longitudinal edge of a panel of the second housing and a panel of the first housing. More preferably, the first and second housing are connected along a longitudinal edge of a side panel of the first housing, or a side panel of the second housing. Alternatively, the first housing and the second housing are connected along a transverse edge of a bottom panel of the first housing.

[0030] The container may be formed from any suitable materials including, but not limited to, cardboard, paperboard, plastic, metal, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the first housing and the second housing are each formed from one or more folded laminar cardboard blanks and preferably, the cardboard has a weight of between about 100 grams per square metre and about 350 grams per square metre.

[0031] As described above, 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] Preferably, the spacing of the creasing lines or scoring lines is a function of the thickness of the laminar blank. 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 blank.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] Alternatively, the container may have a non-rectangular transversal cross section, for example polygonal such as triangular or hexagonal, semi-oval or semi-circular.

[0037] Containers according to the invention find particular application as packs for elongate smoking articles such as, for example, cigarettes, cigars or cigarillos. It will be appreciated that through appropriate choices of the dimensions thereof, 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 goods may be housed inside the container.

[0038] 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, containers according to the invention may be designed to hold a total of between ten and thirty smoking articles.

[0039] 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).

[0040] 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. Preferably, the dimensions of the container are adapted to the length of the smoking articles, and the collation of the smoking articles. Typically, the outer dimensions of the container are between about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm larger than the dimensions of the bundle or bundles of smoking articles housed inside the container.

[0041] The length, width and depth of containers according to the invention may be such that, in the closed lid position, the resultant overall dimensions of the container are similar to the dimensions of a typical disposable hinge-lid pack of twenty cigarettes.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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 (comprising the hinge between box and lid).

[0045] 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

[0046] 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.

[0047] Preferably, the ratio of the height of the lid back wall to the height of the box back wall of the outer sleeve is between about 0 to 1 (lid located at the top edge of the container) to about 1 to 1, more preferably, between about 1 to 5 and about 1 to 10, most preferably, between about 1 to 6 to about 1 to 8.

[0048] Preferably, the ratio of the height of the lid front wall of the outer sleeve to the height of the box front wall of the outer sleeve is between about 1 to 0 (lid covering the entire front wall) to about 1 to 10, more preferably, between about 1 to 1 and about 1 to 5, most preferably, between about 1 to 2 and about 1 to 3.

[0049] Where the container comprises smoking articles, the container may further comprise waste-compartments (for example for ash or butts) or other consumer goods, for example matches, lighters, extinguishing means, breath-fresheners or electronics. The other consumer goods may be attached to the outside of the container, contained within the container along with the smoking articles, in a separate compartment of the container or combinations thereof.

[0050] The 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.

[0051] Where the container according to the present invention contains a bundle of cigarettes or other elongate smoking articles, the smoking articles are preferably wrapped in an inner liner of, for example, metal foil or metallised paper.

[0052] 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 a tear tapes. In addition, the over wrapper may be printed with images, consumer information or other data.

[0053] The present invention also provides a laminar blank for forming a container according to the invention as described above. The laminar blank comprises a first portion for forming the first housing, and the first portion includes one or more cut outs for forming the opening in the first housing. The laminar blank further comprises a second portion for forming the second housing. The second portion includes one or more cuts and a hinge line extending across a first panel of the second portion to define the lid of the second housing. The first portion and the second portion are connected to each other along an edge of a second side panel of the second portion.

[0054] The containers of the present invention are adapted to be assembled from the single laminar blank using conventional assembly methods and apparatus, as described in more detail below. For example, the containers can be automatically assembled on a Bergami® type machine, of the type used to assemble packs of smoking articles.

[0055] According to the present invention there is also provided a method for assembling a container according to the invention from a single laminar blank, as described below.

[0056] The laminar blank is first partially assembled by folding it along the longitudinal fold lines and gluing the first and second housings at their respective side walls, so as to form an open ended sleeve with the inner housing within the outer housing. The resultant open ended sleeve can advantageously be flattened at this stage for efficient storage or transport.

[0057] Where the laminar blank includes flaps for protecting the content of the container from damage by the lid, the first step of the assembly method is to fold the flaps along their respective transverse fold lines, and glue the flaps to the respective front and back walls of the inner housing.

[0058] In the same or a separate process to the partial assembly described above, the consumer goods are then inserted into the inner housing through one of the open ends. Preferably, the consumer goods are inserted in to the bottom of the container. As the filled pack progresses through an automatic packing machine, the bottom panels of are folded inward towards the consumer goods, preferably by approximately 90 degrees. Glue is applied to the outer surface of the inner bottom panel.

[0059] Following the application of the glue, the outer bottom panel is folded inwards towards the inner bottom panel so that the outer bottom panel is adhered to the inner bottom panel.

[0060] During assembly of the container, the panels of the blank forming the top walls of the first housing and second housing, where present, are automatically folded inwards and glued in the conventional manner. At this stage the lid is also folded and glued.

[0061] The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective front view of a container according to the invention, with the lid in a closed position;

Figure 2 shows a perspective front view of a container according to the invention, with the lid in an opened position;

Figure 3 shows an example of a single laminar blank for forming a container according to the invention;

Figure 4 shows a further example of a single laminar blank for forming a container according to the invention with a secure closure;

Figure 5 shows a further example of a single laminar blank for forming a container according to the invention with guide elements;

Figure 6 shows a further example of a single laminar blank for forming a container according to the invention with an alternative guide elements; and

Figures 7 show an example of the folding sequence to manufacture a container according to the invention from a single laminar blank.

[0062] The container 100 shown in Figure 1 is a rectangular parallelepiped and comprises an outer housing 102 and an inner housing (not shown) mounted within the outer housing 102. A bundle of smoking articles (not shown) is housed in the inner housing of the container 100.

[0063] The inner housing comprises a box (not shown) and a lid 104 connected to the box along a hinge line (not shown) extending substantially horizontally across a back wall of the inner housing at a small distance from the top of the inner housing.

[0064] Figure 2 shows the container 100 with the lid 104 in an opened position. In this example, the smoking articles are shown wrapped in an inner liner 200 of, for example, metal foil or metallised paper.

[0065] As shown in Figure 3, the inner housing 300 has a side wall 302, a side wall 304, a front wall 306, a back wall 308, a bottom side tab 310, a top side tab 312, and a lid 314. The top side 316 of the inner box is open adjacent the back wall 308, to provide an opening through which the smoking articles within the inner housing 300 can be accessed when the lid 314 is opened.

[0066] The lid 18 comprises a side wall 318, a side wall 320, a back wall 322 and a top wall 324. The lid is adapted to hinge about hinge line 325. When the lid 314 is closed, the free edges of the side walls 318, 320 of the lid 314 abut the upper free edges of the walls of the inner box along a line of abutment. In the closed position of the lid 314, the walls of the lid 314 therefore form extensions of the corresponding walls of the inner box and the opening in the inner housing 300 is covered by the lid 314. The extended length of the top wall 324 as compared to the top panel 326 (distance X greater than Y), enables the top wall 324 of the lid to overlap the top side 316 when the lid is in the closed position.

[0067] The outer housing 102 comprises a side wall 330, a side wall 332, a back wall 334, a front wall 336, and a bottom wall 338. The top end of the outer housing 102 is open. The bottom wall 338 of the outer housing 102 is formed of an inner bottom panel 338 and an outer bottom panel 339, in conjunction with the tabs 310 and 340.

[0068] The container 100 described above may be formed from the laminar blank 342 shown in Figure 3. As can be seen, the inner housing portion 300 of the laminar blank is connected to the outer housing portion 102 at the longitudinal edge defined by the front wall 306 of the inner housing and the side wall 330 of the outer housing.

[0069] As can be seen from Figure 1, when the container 100 is assembled, the opening in the top of the inner housing coincides with the lid, such that the contents of the container can be accessed upon opening the lid.

[0070] Alternative examples of container 100 will now be described in detail with reference to Figures 4, 5 and 6.

[0071] Figure 4 shows an alternative laminar blank in which like reference numerals refer to like parts. The laminar blank 400 is similar to the laminar blank shown in Figure 3, except for the lid 402. The lid 402 comprises a cut-out 404 which is adapted to engage with the protrusion 406 such that the lid is secured in the closed position until a force is applied to the lid to open it.

[0072] Figure 5 shows a further alternative laminar blank 500, and is similar to the laminar blank 342 shown in Figure 3. As can be seen, the lid 502 further comprises guide elements 504 and 505. Furthermore, the inner housing 300 comprises cut-outs 506 and 507 in the side walls of the inner housing. The cut-outs 506 and 507 are adapted to receive the guide elements 504 and 505 when the lid 502 is being opened or closed. The flaps 508 and 509 are cut in to the respective sidewalls of the inner housing. When folded 180 degrees along the transverse, horizontal, top edge, the flaps 508 and 509 are adapted to prevent the guide elements 504 and 505 from abutting the contents of the container. In effect, the flaps 508 and 509, and the outer walls 332 and 334 of the container form a sandwich within which the guide elements 504 and 505 are located.

[0073] The guide elements provide additional friction between the lid and the walls of the inner housing such that the lid is less likely to open without external force being applied. In addition, the guide elements help guide and locate the lid into the opening formed in the outer housing.

[0074] Figure 6 shows an alternative laminar blank 600, and is similar to the laminar blank shown in Figure 5. However, the flaps 602, 603 are of equal shape and dimensions to the side walls of the outer housing 102. As described above, the flaps are adapted, when folded 180 degrees along the transverse, horizontal, top edge, to prevent the guide elements 504 from abutting the contents of the container.

[0075] A container 100 may be assembled from any of the blanks 342, 400, 500, 600 in the manner described above. An example of the assembly process for the blank 600 shown in Figure 6 is shown in Figure 7. Firstly, the flaps 602 are folded along their transverse, horizontal, edges and adhered to the inner housing side walls 302, 304. The flaps are folded in such a way as to ensure that they will be adjacent the contents of the container. The back wall 308 of the inner housing is then folded along a longitudinal, vertical, edge A-A defined by the back wall 308 and the side wall 304 of the inner housing. The blank is then folded along a longitudinal, vertical, edge B-B defined by the front wall 310 of the inner housing and the side wall 330 of the outer housing. The back wall of the outer housing is then adhered to the back wall of the inner housing. The blank is then folded along a longitudinal, vertical, edge C-C defined by the back wall 334 of the outer housing and the side wall 332 of the outer housing. The front wall of the outer housing is then adhered to the front wall of the inner housing.

[0076] The wrapped bundle of smoking articles is then inserted through one of the open ends of the partially assembled container. The panels 338, 339 forming the bottom wall 338 of the container 100 are then folded closed. Adhesive is used to secure the panels together. Suitable machinery for the assembly of the container may be for example the machines provide by Bergami, Bologna, Italy. Similarly, the top panels 316 are then folded closed, and adhesive is used to secure the panels together. Finally, the lid is folded and the panels secured together using adhesive.

[0077] In all figures, the dashed lines represent "fold" lines, and the solid lines represent "cut" lines.

Claims

1. A container for consumer goods comprising:

a first housing comprising an opening; and

a second housing comprising:

a top wall; and

a lid pivotable, about a hinge line extending across a back wall of the container, between a closed position and an open position, wherein the lid is adapted to at least partially overlap the top wall when the lid is in the closed position; and

wherein one of the first housing and the second housing is mounted within the other housing so that the top wall and the lid of the second housing coincide with the opening of the first housing whereby in the open position of the lid the interior of the second housing is accessible through the opening of the first housing, and

wherein the first housing and the second housing are integrally formed from a single laminar blank.

2. A container according to claim 1 wherein the second housing is mounted within the first housing and wherein in the open position the lid projects through the opening in the first housing.

3. A container according to claim 1 wherein the first housing is mounted within the second housing, wherein in the closed position the lid covers the opening in the first housing and wherein in the open position the opening is uncovered.

4. A container according to claim 2 wherein the lid of the second housing comprises one or more guide elements extending from one or more walls of the lid, and wherein the second housing comprises one or more cut outs comprising a guide edge against which the one or more guide elements move as the lid is moved between the closed position and the open position.

5. A container according to claim 4 wherein the one or more cut outs in the second housing prevent movement of the lid beyond the open position.

6. A container according to claim 4 or 5 wherein the second housing further comprises one or more protection flaps folded towards the interior of the second housing and positioned under the one or more cut outs in the second housing.

7. A container according to claim 6 wherein each of the one or more protection flaps extends from an edge of a wall of the second housing and is folded about that edge towards the interior of the second housing.

8. A container according to claim 6 wherein each of the one or more protection flaps is defined by one or more cuts in a wall of the second housing and is folded about a hinge line extending across that wall.

9. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the lid is formed at a corner of the second housing.

10. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the first housing comprises one or more cut outs extending from the opening.

11. A container according to any preceding claim further comprising retention means for retaining the lid in the closed position.

12. A container according to any preceding claim wherein at least one wall of the lid is formed of an inner panel and an outer panel, wherein the outer panel extends beyond the inner panel at a free edge of the lid.

13. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the first housing and the second housing are connected along an edge of a side wall of the second housing.

14. A container according to any preceding claim comprising a plurality of smoking articles within the first and second housings.

15. A laminar blank for forming a container according to any preceding claim, the blank comprising:

a first portion for forming the first housing, wherein the first portion includes one or more cut outs for forming the opening in the first housing; and

a second portion for forming the second housing, wherein the second portion includes one or more cuts and a hinge line extending across a first panel of the second portion to define the lid of the second housing,

wherein the first portion and the second portion are connected to each other along an edge of a second side panel of the second portion.

Drawing