Multi compartment package for smoking and/or tobacco related articles and method

Abstract

 The invention relates to a package for smoking articles and/or tobacco related article and a method. The package comprises at least a first compartment and a second compartment which are separate from each other and which are configured such that only one of the compartments is accessible at the time.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a package for smoking and/or tobacco related articles comprising at least a first compartment and a second compartment and a method for manufacturing a package.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Tobacco related articles, preferably smoking articles like cigarettes or cigarillos, are often contained in disposable packages having a substantially cuboid or parallelepiped shape. A widespread type of a cigarette package is the hinged lid package. However, a variety of different packages for tobacco related articles is known, ranging from soft packs to classical cigarette or cigar boxes. Packages for tobacco related articles which depart from the classical hinged lid design are becoming more and more popular, for example, packages having a plurality of containers, boxes or compartments.

SUMMARY

[0003] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved multi compartment package for smoking articles and/or tobacco related articles that is still simple but provides improved properties of opening and closing the package with respect to known packages.

[0004] In an aspect of the invention a package for smoking articles and/or tobacco related articles is provided. The package comprises at least two separate compartments being configured such that the content of only one of the compartments is accessible at the time. This aspect of the invention allows separating the content of the package, so that the content of the different compartments can be consumed separately and independently. The compartments may contain the same or different types of products. The smoking article and/or tobacco related article is advantageously an elongate article, as for example a cigarette. However, the tobacco related article can also be chewing tobacco or snus or another article of this type. Furthermore, the smoking article can also be an electronic cigarette.

[0005] In an embodiment of the invention, the package comprises respective lids (for example a first lid and second lid, i.e. for each compartment one lid) for opening and closing the two compartments.

[0006] The package can further be configured such that the first and the second lid communicate with each other in manner that opening one lid closes the other lid. The communicating lids are configured such that a first compartment of the at least two compartments is closed while a second of the at least two compartments is opened for accessing the articles contained in the package and vice versa. In other words, there is a mechanism that provides the respective other lid (and thereby the respective other compartment) is automatically closed when one lid is opened. This aspect prevents that the article unintentionally falls out of the respective other compartment while one compartment is opened.

[0007] In an embodiment of the invention, the first compartment and the second compartment can each have about half the volume of the package. In other words, the package can be divided in two compartments of substantially equal size.

[0008] The package can further be configured to be opened from at least two opposite sides of the package. For example, the two lids can be arranged on opposite lateral sides of the package. The package may then for example be opened using only the fingers of one hand. The palm of the hand may be placed over the lid which is not to be opened while the fingers of the same hand grasp around the package and open the other lid. The second, free hand, can then be used to comfortably remove the article from the package.

[0009] The package can have a parallelepiped shape. It can have a front wall, a rear wall, a first lateral wall, a second lateral wall, a bottom wall and a top wall. The front wall and the rear wall can be parallel to each other, as well as the top wall and the bottom wall. At least when the package is entirely closed, the lateral walls can also be parallel to each other. In this advantageous embodiment, the front and the rear wall are larger than the lateral walls. The front and the rear wall are then also greater than the bottom wall and the top wall.

[0010] The position of one or more lids can advantageously be on the lateral side or lateral sides of the package. This configuration is also referred to as side lid.

[0011] Advantageously, the package can comprise a first lid for opening and closing the first compartment and a second lid for opening and closing the second compartment. In this embodiment, the first lid comprises the first lateral wall and the second lid comprises the second lateral wall. In other words, the lids are at least partially formed by the lateral walls.

[0012] The first lid can be coupled by a hinge to the front wall (or rear wall) of the package. Likewise, the second lid can be coupled by a hinge to the rear wall (or front wall) of the package.

[0013] In an aspect of the invention, the first lid and the second lid open in opposite directions. For example, the first lid can be swiveled clockwise around the hinge for opening the first compartment and the second lid can be swiveled counterclockwise around the hinge for opening the second compartment or vice versa. This aspect of the invention provides that the compartments are advantageously opened towards different sides of the package. However, in other embodiments, both lids may rotate around their hinges in the same direction and compartments may open towards the same side of the package.

[0014] In order to communicate with each other, the first lid and the second lid may also be coupled by at least one yarn or filament or strand.

[0015] The first lid and the second lid may advantageously be coupled by a separating member, i.e. a member or element that also serves to provide at least some kind of separation between the first compartment and the second compartment. If, for example a yarn, filament or strand is used, it might be coupled to the inner side ("inner" referring to the inner space of the package) of the first lid and to the inner side of the second lid. If yarns/filaments/or strands are used, they can also provide some kind of separation between the compartments of the package.

[0016] Advantageously, the package comprises a separating member (for example an intermediate or separating wall) between the two compartments (between the first and the second compartment). The separating member may be configured to substantially separate the at least two compartments from each other.

[0017] The separating member can be fixed by one side to the first lid and by an opposite side to the second lid. More specifically, the separating member can be attached with one side to an inner side of the first lid and with another opposite side to an inner side of the second lid.

[0018] The separating member can be extendible to a maximum defined by the distance between the inner side of either the first or the second lid being open and the inner side of the respective other first or second lid being closed. According to the above aspects of the invention, the separating member (or separating wall) serves as a means for at least partially separating the two compartments, but also to provide the communication between the lids such that only one compartment can be opened at the time.

[0019] The separating member can be configured to be extendible such that only one lid can be opened at the time. The separating member may then have two general states: a first state and a second state. In the first state, the separating member basically extends from one lid to the other (and also just optionally substantially from close to the bottom wall to close the top wall). This means that the separating member may divide the inner space of the package into the at least two compartments. In a second state, the separating member is extended to allow one lid to be opened (i.e. the lid is swiveled around the hinge for opening the package). However, the separating member cannot be extended further. As soon as the respective other lid is opened, the previously opened lid is closed. The separating member is configured to pull the open lid back if the other lid on the opposite side of the package is opened.

[0020] The separating member can be at least partially folded in order to be extendible, in particular folded in a concertina-like manner. This provides flexibility. The folding can also have a resilient effect.

[0021] The separating member can be arranged substantially parallel to the front and/or rear wall of the package.

[0022] The separating member can comprise at least two elements which are displaced with respect to each other if either the first or the second lid is opened. This is an advantageous configuration for realizing the extendibility of the separating member.

[0023] The separating member between the two compartments can comprise a first (for example sheet-like) element and a second (for example sheet-like) element. Both elements can be made of a sheet-like blank.

[0024] The first element can be a sheet of e.g. paper or of cardboard or of plastic. Likewise, the second element can be a sheet of e.g. paper or cardboard or plastic.

[0025] The first element and the second element can have two longitudinal edges and two lateral edges. The blank out of which the first element and the second element are made can be rectangular. However, various derivation and alternatives for the exact shape of the two elements are possible.

[0026] The first element can at least partially be attached by at least a part of its longitudinal side to the inner side of the first lid. The second element can then also at least partially be attached by at least a part of its longitudinal side to the inner side of the second lid. The respective longitudinal sides may at least partially be attached to the lateral sides of the package which form part of the lids (as the lateral sides of the package are part of the respective side lids).

[0027] In an embodiment of the invention, the at least two elements of the separating member can be displaced. The displacement can be caused be opening one of the lids. The relative displacement or movement of the lids with respect to each other can occur along cuts in the elements.

[0028] The at least two elements can at least partially overlap. This aspect provides the possibility that the separating member is extended without creating a gap in the separating member. The overlap can be just sufficient to allow one of the lids to be opened, or it can be greater.

[0029] At least one cut in a first element of the separating member can be longer than at least one cut in a second element of the separating member.

[0030] The maximum extendibility of the separating member can then be defined by the length of cuts in the elements.

[0031] In an embodiment, the first element may have two cuts (or cuttings or incisions) starting from the longitudinal side inwardly (but not entirely through the element) thereby providing a first tongue-like portion (flap), a second tongue-like portion

[0032] (flap) and a third tongue-like portion (flap). In one embodiment the cuts may start directly at the longitudinal edge of the element. In another embodiment the cuts may start inside the element with a distance to the longitudinal edge. The second tongue-like portion is arranged between the first and the second tongue-like portion. The cuts can be parallel or they can be inclined. However, the two cuts may advantageously not intersect. Likewise, the second element can have two cuts starting from a longitudinal side inwardly thereby providing a first tongue-like portion, a second tongue-like portion and a third tongue-like portion. The second tongue-like portion is arranged between the first and the third tongue-like portion. In one embodiment the cuts may start directly at the longitudinal edge of the second element. In another embodiment the cuts may only start inside the second element with a distance to the longitudinal edge. The cuts can be parallel or they can be inclined. Also for the second element, the two cuts do not intersect. Neither one of the cuts entirely divides the element into parts.

[0033] The second tongue-like portions of the first and/or second element may be shorter than the first and/or third tongue-like portions of the first and/or second element. In this configuration, a cut-out in the first and/or second element can be provided.

[0034] The cuts are advantageously configured to allow the two elements to be nested with each other. In other words, the separating member is configured in a manner that the tongue-like portions of the two elements interdigitate with each other. The cuts are advantageously configured such that the first element can be stuck into the second element along the cuts such that the second tongue-like portion of the first element lies on an opposite surface of the second element than the first and the third tongue-like portion of the first element. The two elements together form the separation wall. The length of the cuts provides that the separation wall cannot be extended beyond a certain point which provides that only one lid can be opened at the time while the other lid is automatically closed. Furthermore, the cuts and the way of nesting or interdigitating the two elements provides that the separating member can be compressed which is required for closing both lids.

[0035] In an aspect of the invention, at least some of the cuts have a length that is greater than half the width of the package. If all the cuts are equal to or smaller than half the width of the package, none of the lids can be opened.

[0036] In other words, the elements of the separating member can be moved with respect to each other until a maximum value that is given by the distance between the inner wall of a closed lid and the inner wall of an open lid.

[0037] In an aspect of the invention, the cuts in the first element can be longer than the cuts in the second element or vice versa.

[0038] The second or middle tongue-like portion of either of the elements of the separating member can be configured to support easy grabbing of the tobacco like products. For example, the second tongue-like portion of the second element can be bent or be at least partially rolled in or it can be curved in order to move or push the article contained in the first compartment towards the open first lid. Likewise, the second tongue-like portion of the first element can be bent or be at least partially rolled in or curved in order to move or push the article towards the open second lid.

[0039] The first lid and/or the second lid can comprise side tabs. The side tabs can be substantially parallel to the bottom and top wall of the package. The side tabs can be coupled to the lateral walls, i.e. they can be perpendicular to the later wall. They side tabs can serve to keep the article in the lid. The lid alone or together with the tongue-like portions of the elements of the separating member can serve as receptacle for the article.

[0040] In an embodiment, only the first tongue-like portion or the third tongue-like portion of the first element can be coupled to the inner side of the first lid. Furthermore, only the first tongue-like portion or the third tongue-like portion of the second element can be coupled to the inner side of the second lid.

[0041] Either the first tongue-like portion or the third tongue like portion can be configured to lift the article at least partially. For example, one side of a cigarette may be elevated or lifted to bring the cigarette in an appealing position to be taken. The first tongue-like portion or the third tongue-like portion can be resilient and/or flexible and/or may have a spring-like function for pushing or lifting one side of the cigarette towards the consumer.

[0042] In one aspect of the invention the cigarette moves or rolls into the lid when the lid is opened. The lid may then be configured like a receptacle for the article, in particular the cigarette. In this aspect, the lid has a double function. It serves to open and close the package (the first or second compartment of the package) and it serves as a receptacle for the cigarette. The cigarette is then removed out of the lid rather than the package itself.

[0043] In an embodiment, the lid may have cut-outs on the top and/or bottom side of the package. In other words, if the lid has side tabs, these tabs may at least partially be removed. This can provide easy access to the article (for example cigarette). The article can then be removed sideward from the lid through the cut-outs.

[0044] The first element and/or the second element can have an indention or depression configured to serve as receptacle for a single cigarette. The indention or depression can in particular be provided within the lid, i.e. in the area where the element is within the lid.

[0045] The invention also provides to a blank configured to be used to form the package according to the aspects and embodiments of the invention.

[0046] The invention further provides a method of manufacturing the package according to the aspects and embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0047] Further aspects and characteristics of the invention ensue from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein

FIG.1 is a simplified perspective view on the package according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a simplified perspective view on the package shown in FIG. 1 with one open lid;

FIG. 3 is a simplified transparent perspective view of the package shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a simplified transparent perspective view of the package shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5A and 5B are simplified top views on the elements of a separation wall according to aspects of the invention;

FIG. 6A and 6B show the elements of FIG. 5A and 5B a folded state,

FIG. 7A and 7B show the elements of FIG. 6A and 6B in the position in which they are used as separating member;

FIGs 8 and 9 show illustrative cross-sectional views of the package in a closed state;

FIGs 10 and 11 show illustrative cross-sectional views of the package in a state in which one lid is open, and

FIGs 12 to 14 show simplified perspective views on a package and details of a package according to embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT

[0048] FIG.1 is a simplified perspective view on the package 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0049] The package 1 has a parallelepiped shape. It has a front wall 2, a rear wall 3, a first lateral wall 4, a second lateral wall 5, a bottom wall 6 and a top wall 7. The front wall 2 and the rear wall 3 are parallel to each other, as well as the top wall 7 and the bottom wall 6. When the package is entirely closed, the lateral walls 4, 5 are also parallel to each other. The front wall 2 and the rear wall 3 are larger than the lateral walls 4, 5. The front wall 2 and the rear wall 3 are also larger than the bottom wall 6 and the top wall 7. The lateral walls 4, 5 can be larger than the bottom wall 6 and the top wall 7. The front wall 2 and the rear wall 3 have the same size. The two lateral walls 4, 5 also have the same size and the bottom wall 6 and the top wall 7 have the same size, too.

[0050] The package 1 has a width W1, a length L1 and a thickness D1. In this embodiment, L1 can be greater than W1 and W1 can be greater than D1.

[0051] The package 1 comprises two separate compartments 8, 9 which are indicated by dashed lines. The compartments 8, 9 are configured such that the content of only one of the compartments 8 or 9 is accessible at the time. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0052] In this embodiment, the package 1 comprises respective lids 10, 11 (for example a first lid 10 and a second lid 11, i.e. for each compartment one lid 10, 11) for opening and closing the two compartments 8, 9, respectively.

[0053] The package 1 is further configured to close the first compartment 8 while the second compartment 9 is opened for accessing the article contained in the second compartment 9 and vice versa.

[0054] There is a mechanism that provides that the respective other lid 10, 11 (and thereby the respective other compartment 8, 9) is automatically closed when one lid 10, 11 is opened.

[0055] The first compartment 8 and the second compartment 9 each have about half the volume of the package 1. In other words, the package 1 is divided into two compartments 8, 9 of substantially equal size. However, different volumes of the two compartments are also possible.

[0056] The package is configured to be opened from two opposite lateral sides of the package 1. The two lids 10, 11 (side lids) are arranged on opposite sides of the package 1.

[0057] There is a first lid 10 for opening and closing the first compartment 8 and a second lid 11 for opening and closing the second compartment 9. The first lid 10 comprises the first lateral wall 4 and the second lid 11 comprises the second lateral wall 5.

[0058] The first lid 10 is coupled by a hinge 12 to the front wall of the package 1. Likewise, the second lid 11 is coupled by a hinge 13 to the rear wall of the package.

[0059] The first lid 10 and the second lid 11 open in opposite directions. The first lid can be swiveled clockwise around the hinge 12 for opening the first compartment 8 and the second lid 11 can be swiveled counterclockwise around the hinge 13 for opening the second compartment 9.

[0060] The package 1 comprises a separating member 14 (here an intermediate wall or separating wall) between the two compartments 8, 9 (indicated by dashed lines).

[0061] The separating member 14 (is fixed with one side to the inner side of the first lid 10 and with an opposite side to the inner wall of the second lid 11.

[0062] The separating member 14 is arranged substantially parallel to the front 2 and the rear wall 3 inside the package 1.

[0063] The separating member is configured to be extendible, but only to a maximum, such that only one lid 10 or 11 can be opened at the time. The separating member 14 has two general states: a first state (closed package) and a second state (one lid open). In the first state, the separating member basically extends from one lid to the other (and optionally also substantially from the bottom wall to the top wall). The separating member divides the inner space of the package into the two compartments 8, 9. In a second state, the inner separating member 14 it is extended to allow one lid 10, 11 to be opened, i.e. swiveled around the hinge 12, 13 for opening the package 1. However, the separating member 14 cannot be extended further in this direction. As soon as the respective other lid 10, 11 is opened, the previously opened lid 10, 11 is closed. The separating member 14 is configured to pull the open lid 10, 11 back, if the other lid 10, 11 on the opposite side of the package 1 is opened.

[0064] FIG. 2 is a simplified perspective view on the package shown in FIG. 1 having the first lid 10 open and the second lid 11 closed. The separating member 14 extends outside the package towards the first lid 10 as it is fixed to the first lid 10. The article, here cigarettes 15, are arranged in two rows, one row per compartment 8 and 9. The cigarettes 15 extend parallel to the lateral sides 4, 5 and therefore also in parallel to the lids 10, 11. Once the package is opened on either side by opening a lid 10, 11, the article, i.e. in this case the cigarettes 15, of the respective compartment 8, 9 begin rolling towards the opening lid. In the shown situation, the first lid 10 is opened and the two first cigarettes 15-1, 15-2 appear already outside the package on top of the separating member 14. The separating member 14 prevents the cigarettes 15 from the lower second compartment 9 to leave the package 1. The first cigarette 15-1 can then be picked out of the open first lid 10. The first lid 10 can be configured as a receptacle in which the first cigarette 15-1 rests until it is removed from the package. Due to the rotation of the first lid 10 around the hinge 12, the separating member 14 is pulled down. This supports the movement of the first cigarette 15-1 into the lid 10 where it is held. If the first cigarette 15-1 is not removed from the first lid 10, the first lid 10 can be swiveled back into the closed position thereby automatically pushing the first cigarette 15-1 and the other following cigarettes 15-2 etc. back into the first compartment 8.

[0065] For opening the second lid 11, the package would - not necessarily but practically - turned around (upside down with respect to FIG. 2). If the second lid 11 is opened, the cigarettes 15 of the second compartment 9 appear in the open lid 11. The same principles, as explained with respect the first lid 10, equally apply to the second lid 11 and the second compartment 9.

[0066] In an embodiment of the invention, the first lid 10 and/or the second lid 11 may be configured to cover only the first compartment 8 and/or the second compartment 9 respectively. In this regard, one or both of the lids 10, 11 may be smaller than the height D1 of the package. For example, one or both of the lids 10, 11 may only have the height D1 of the package. The first hinge 12 for the first lid would then be arranged somewhere in the middle of the lateral wall 4. Likewise, the second hinge 13 may be arranged in the middle of the second later wall 5. In this embodiment, only the corresponding compartment is opened by the respective lid (for example half lid) while the other compartment remains closed by a fixed part of the lateral walls 4,5.

[0067] The separating member 14 is dimensioned such that it pulls on the first lid 10, when the second lid 11 is opened, so that the first lid 10 is closed while the second lid 11 is opened. Likewise, the second lid 11 is closed when the first lid 10 is opened again. However, each of the lids 10 or 11 can be closed independently. The separating member 14 is then compressed until it substantially spans the initial width W1 of the package 1 not including any edges, plies or tucks for connecting the separating member to the lids.

[0068] FIG. 3 shows a perspective transparent view of the package 1 shown in FIG. 1. In this view the arrangement of the cigarettes 15 (only two cigarettes have reference signs) inside the two compartments 8, 9 becomes apparent. The cigarettes 15 are arranged in two rows. One row of cigarettes is arranged in the first compartment 8 and a second row of cigarettes 15 is arranged in the second compartment 9. Both lids 10, 11 are closed.

[0069] FIG. 4 shows a perspective transparent view of the package 1 shown in FIG. 2. As the first lid 10 is open, the cigarettes have rolled or moved outside the first compartment in order to be grabbed by a consumer. When the first lid 10 is closed again, the remaining cigarettes 15 are pushed pack into the first compartment 8. The second compartment 9 and in particular the cigarettes 15 in the second compartment is not affected by accessing the cigarettes of the first compartment 8 through the first lid 10.

[0070] FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B show simplified top views on the elements 16, 17 of a separation wall 14 according to aspects of the invention. The separating member 14 may be composed of two elements 16, 17 in order to allow it to extend and be compressed as previously described. However, other configurations of the separating member 14 may be used to provide the respective properties. There is a first element 16 and a second element 17. The elements 16, 17 can be sheets of cardboard, paper, plastic etc. In the shown configuration, the elements 16, 17 are merely simplified illustrations of the blanks that will be composed to form the separating member. In this stage, they are both substantially flat.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 5A, the first element has a first cut 18 and a second cut 19. The cuts 18, 19 extend from one (here the right) longitudinal edge 20 of the first element inside the first element 16. It is apparent that the cuts (or cutting lines) do not start at the right longitudinal edge but only inside the element 16 with a certain distance from the longitudinal edge 20. The element 16 has a total width W2 in the direction of the width (W1 in FIG. 1) of the package 1. However, the element 16 has folding lines F1, F2, F4, F5 and F6 for folding the longitudinal sides of the element 16. The effective remaining width of the first element 16 is therefore only W2*. This effective width W2* is the width that remains for storing the cigarettes 15.

[0072] The cuts 18, 19 have a length L2, L3 that is less than the effective width W2* of the first element 16. The length L2 of the first cut 18 is equal to or greater than half the effective width (W2*/2) of the first element 16 (L2 > W2*/2). The length L3 of the second cut 19 is equal to or greater than half the effective width (W2*/2) of the first element 16 (L3 ≥ W2/2). The length L2 of the first cut 18 can be equal to the length L3 of the second cut 19. Although the cuts 18, 19 are shown parallel to each other and parallel to the lateral edges 21 of the first element 16, they can be inclined with respect to each other and with respect to the lateral edges 21 by any angle. In an advantageous embodiment they are, however, parallel to each other and parallel to the lateral edges 21. The first element 16 has a rectangular shape and length of L6 that is at least a little bit smaller than the length L1 of the package (cf. FIG. 1).

[0073] The two cuts 18, 19 divide one side of the first element 16 into three tongue-like portions 26, 27, 28. There is a first tongue-like portions 26, a second tongue-like portion 27 and a third tongue-like portion 28. The second tongue-like portion 27 is located between the first and the second tongue-like portions 26, 28.

[0074] The second tongue-like portion 27 is shorter than the first tongue like portion 26 and the third tongue-like portion 28. Accordingly, there is cut-out 35 within the element 16.

[0075] The folding line F3 serves to bend down the second tongue-like portion 27 when the first element 16 and the second element 17 are coupled to each other. This will be explained below.

[0076] The second element 17 is shown in FIG. 5B. The second element 17 is basically configured similar to the first element 16. The second element also has a first cut 22 and a second cut 23. The cuts 22, 23 extend from one (here the left) longitudinal edge 24 of the second element inside the second element 17. It is apparent that the cuts (or cutting lines) do not directly start at the left longitudinal edge 24 but only inside the element 17 with a certain distance from the longitudinal edge 24. The element 17 has a total width W3 in the direction of the width (W1 in FIG. 1) of the package 1. However, the element 17 has folding lines F7, F8, F10, F11 and F12 for folding the longitudinal sides of the element 16. The effective remaining width of the first element 17 is therefore only W3*. This effective width W3* is the width that remains for storing the cigarettes 15.

[0077] The cuts 22, 23 have a length L4, L5 that is less than the effective width W3* of the second element 17. The length L4 of the first cut 22 is equal to or greater than half the width (W3*/2) of the second element 17 (L4 ≥ W3*/2). The length L5 of the second cut 23 is equal to or greater than half the width (W3*/2) of the second element 17 (L5 ≥ W3*/2). The length L4 of the first cut 22 can be equal to the length L5 of the second cut 23. Although the cuts 22, 23 are shown parallel to each other and parallel to the lateral edges 25 of the second element 17, they can be inclined with respect to each other and with respect to the lateral edges 25 by any angle. In an advantageous embodiment they are, however, parallel to each other and parallel to the lateral edges 25. The first element 16 has a rectangular shape and length of L7 that is at least a little bit smaller than the length L1 of the package (see FIG. 1). The length L7 of the second element 17 can be equal to the length L6 of the first element 16. The width W3* of the second element 17 can be equal to the length W2 of the first element 16.

[0078] The two cuts 22, 23 divide one side of the second element 17 into three tongue-like portions 29, 30, 31. There is a first tongue-like portions 29, a second tongue-like portion 30 and a third tongue-like portion 31. The second tongue-like portion 29 is located between the first and the second tongue-like portions 29, 31.

[0079] The second tongue-like portion 30 is shorter than the first tongue like portion 29 and the third tongue-like portion 31. Accordingly, there is cut-out 36 within the element 17.

[0080] The folding line F9 serves to bend down the second tongue-like portion 29 when the first element 16 and the second element 17 are coupled to each other. This will be explained below.

[0081] FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B show the two elements 16 and 17 shown in FIG. 5A and 5B in a folded state. The longitudinal sides of the elements are now folded along the respective folding lines F1, F2, F4, F5, F6 (of element 16) as well as F7, F8, F10, F11 and F12 (of element 17). The first element 16 has a flap 38 that closes the cut-out 35 along the longitudinal edge 20. This flap 38 can be coupled to the inner side of the fist lid 10. On the respective opposite side of the first element 16 (close to the left longitudinal edge 32 of the first element 16), the element 16 is folded around folding lines F4, F5 and F6, such that a protrusion 40 is generated. This protrusion 40 serves to push the cigarettes 15 towards the first lid 10, when the first lid 10 is opened.

[0082] Likewise, the second element 17 has a flap 37 that closes the cut-out 36 along the longitudinal edge 24. This flap 37 can be coupled to the inner side of the second lid 11. On the respective opposite side of the second element 17 (close to the left longitudinal edge 33 of the second element 17), the element 17 is folded around folding lines F10, F11 and F12, such that a protrusion 39 is generated. This protrusion 39 serves to push the cigarettes 15 towards the second lid 11, when the second lid 11 is opened.

[0083] FIG. 7A and 7B show the elements 16, 17 of the separation wall 14 in the position in which they are used as separating member 14 inside the package 1. FIG. 7B shows the arrangement of FIG. 7A upside down. The two elements 16, 17 shown in Fig. 6A and 6B are stuck into each other through the cut-outs 35, 36 and along their respective cuts 18, 19 and 22, 23, such that the tongue-like portions of the two elements 16, 17 interdigitate. The second tongue-like portion 30 of the second element 17 is above the first element 16. The second tongue-like portion 27 of the first element 16 is then beneath the second element 17. The first and third tongue-like portions 29, 31 of the second element 17 are beneath the first element 16. They extend over the left longitudinal edge 32 (the longitudinal edge opposite to the edge 20 having the cuts 18, 19) of the first element 16. The first and third tongue-like portions 26, 28 of the first element 16 are above the second element 17. They extend over the right longitudinal edge 33 (the longitudinal edge opposite to the edge 24 having the cuts 22, 23) of the second element 17.

[0084] In a slightly different embodiment, the middle part of the flaps 37, 38 can be omitted such that the cut-outs 35, 36 extend until the longitudinal edges 20, 24 respectively. Accordingly, only the first and third tongue-like portions of the elements 16, 17 remain. Either both or only one of the first and third tongue-like portions 29, 31 of the second element 17 can be attached to the inner side of the second lid 11 (inner side of lateral wall 5) of the package 1. Either both or only one of the first and third tongue-like portions 26, 28 of the first element 26 can then be attached to the inner side of the first lid 10 (inner side of lateral wall 4) of the package 1.

[0085] Independently of the exact coupling of the elements to the lids, the separating member 14, composed of the two elements 16, 17, is generally suspended in middle of the package 1 and divides the package 1 into the two compartments 8, 9.

[0086] In anther embodiment (not shown), the second tongue-like portion 30 of the second element 17 can be bent upward or curved or rolled in, in order to extend with its longitudinal edge from the first element 16. This can support the forward movement of the articles (rolling of the cigarettes) towards the open lid. The second tongue-like portion 27 of the first element 16 can have the same shape.

[0087] The two elements 16, 17 are displaced with respect to each other along the cuts 18, 19, 22, 23, respectively) when one of the lids 10, 11 is opened. The displacement of the elements is reversed when the open lid is closed while the other lid also remains closed. The limited length of the cuts 18, 19, 22, 23 only allows for a limited relative movement of the two elements 16, 17 when one of the lids 10, 11 is opened. This limitation provides that only one lid 10 or 11 can be opened at the time. If one lid 10 or 11 is already open and the consumer tries to open the respective other lid, the already opened lid is pulled back and closed.

[0088] FIGs 8 to 11 show some cross-sectional views of the package 1.

[0089] FIG. 8 shows the closed state and a cross-section along plane A. Flaps 38 and 37 are coupled to the respective lids 10 and 11. The protrusions 39 and 40 extend behind the last cigarette 15 of each compartment. The elements 16 and 17 together provide the separating member 14 which separates the package 1 into the two compartments 8 and 9.

[0090] FIG. 9 shows the cross section along plane B in the middle of the package 1. This view shows the arrangement of the second tongue-like portions 27 and 30 of the elements 16 and 17. It becomes apparent that the second tongue-like portion 30 of the second element 17 is arranged above the second tongue-like portion 27 of the first element.

[0091] FIG. 10 is another cross-sectional view along plane A in a state in which the first lid 10 of the package 1 is opened. The first cigarette 15-1 has moved outside the compartment and resides on the first tongue-like portion 26 of the first element 16 ready to be moved out of the package. In fact, the first cigarette 15-1 resides on the first tongue-like portion 26 and the third tongue-like portion 28. The consumer can grab the cigarette 15-1 at either end of the cigarette or in the middle where the cut-out 35 allows the consumer's fingers to grasp around the cigarette.

[0092] FIG. 11 shows the cross-sectional view along plane B in the open state of the first lid 10 of the package 1. The support of cigarette 15-1 is not visible as the cross-section plane B goes through cut-out 35. However, the second tongue-like portions 27 and 30 have now been pushed towards each other along the cuts 18, 19, 22, 23 (not shown) until their limit. If the second lid 11 was opened in this situation, the first lid 10 would be closed automatically.

[0093] FIGs 12, 13 and 14 show further embodiments of details of the package 1.

[0094] FIG. 12 shows an embodiment in which the side tab 34 (or side wall of the lid) is at least partially removed. There is a recess or opening in the side tab of the lid 10 of a specific size that allows a cigarette to be grabbed.

[0095] In FIG. 13 only the first tongue-like portion 26 of the first element 16 is coupled to the first lid 10. The third tongue-like portion 28 remains loose and is curved in order to raise one side of the cigarette 15. The third tongue-like portion 28 can be resilient, flexible and/or spring-like for pushing or lifting one side of the cigarette.

[0096] FIG. 14 shows an extension tab 41 which is attached to one or both side tabs 34 of the lid 10. This can provide more hold for the cigarette 15-1.

[0097] All the configurations and embodiments described with respect to one of the lids or compartments can equally be applied to the respective other lid, or compartment.

[0098] Although the invention has been described hereinabove with reference to specific embodiments, it is not limited to these embodiments and no doubt further alternatives will occur to the skilled person that lie within the scope of the invention as claimed.

List of reference signs

[0099] 

1:

package

2:

front wall

3:

rear wall

4:

first lateral wall

5:

second lateral wall

6:

bottom wall

7:

top wall

8:

first compartment

9:

second compartment

10:

first lid

11:

second lid

12:

first hinge

13:

second hinge

14:

separating member

15:

cigarettes

16:

first element of separating member

17:

second element of separating member

18:

first cut of first element

19:

second cut of first element

20:

right longitudinal edge of the first element

21:

lateral edges of the first element

22:

first cut of second element

23:

second cut of second element

24:

left longitudinal edge of second element

25:

lateral edges of second element

26:

first tongue like portion of first element

27:

second tongue like portion of first element

28:

third tongue like portion of first element

29:

first tongue like portion of second element

30:

second tongue like portion of second element

31:

third tongue like portion of second element

32:

left longitudinal edge of first element

33:

right longitudinal edge of second element

34:

side tabs of lid

35:

cut-out of first element

36:

cut-out of second element

37:

connecting flap of second element

38:

connecting flap of first element

39:

protrusion of second element

40:

protrusion of first element

41:

extension tab

W1:

width of package

L1:

length of package

D1:

thickness of package

W2:

total width of first element / W2* effective width

L2:

length of first cut of first element

L3:

length of second cut of first element

W3:

total width of second element / W3* effective width

L4:

length of first cut of second element

L5:

length of second cut of second element

L6:

length of first element

L7:

length of second element

F1 to F12:

folding lines of first and second element

Claims

1. A package for smoking articles and/or tobacco related articles, the package comprising at least a first compartment and a second compartment which are configured such that only one of the compartments is accessible at the time, wherein the package further comprises at least a first lid for opening and closing the first compartment and a second lid for opening and closing the second compartment such that the package can be opened from at least two opposite sides.

2. The package according to claim 1, wherein the first lid and the second lid are coupled to communicate with each other such that the first compartment is closed with the first lid when the second compartment is opened with the second lid and vice versa.

3. The package according to anyone of the previous claims, further comprising a separating member, in particular a separating wall, between the first and the second compartment.

4. The package according to claim 3, wherein the separating member is attached with one side to an inner side of the first lid and with another opposite side to an inner side of the second lid.

5. The package according to claim 4, wherein the separating member is extendible to a maximum defined by the distance between the inner side of either the first or the second lid being open and the inner side of the respective other first or second lid being closed.

6. The package according to claim 5, wherein the separating member is at least partially folded in order to be extendible, in particular folded in a concertina-like manner.

7. The package according to claim 3 to 6, wherein the separating member comprises at least two elements which are displaced with respect to each other if either the first or the second lid is opened.

8. The package according to claim 7, wherein the at least two elements are displaced with respect to each other along cuts in the elements.

9. The package according to claim 8, wherein at least one cut in a first element of the separating member is longer than at least one cut in a second element of the separating member.

10. The package according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein the first lid is coupled by a hinge to the front wall and the second lid is coupled by a hinge to a rear wall of the package.

11. A blank configured to be used to form the package according to claims 1 to 11 at least partially.

12. A method of manufacturing the package according to anyone of claims 1 to 11.

Drawing