PACKAGING ASSEMBLY AND PACKAGING BLANK THEREFOR

Abstract

 This invention provides a packaging assembly (1) for articles to be packaged, and especially for consumer articles, such as cigarette packs or the like, the packaging assembly (1) comprising: a container (2) assembled from a blank, especially a substantially flat blank (A, D), the container (2) comprising a first compartment (3) for receiving and accommodating one or more articles to be packaged and a second compartment (4) for separately housing an electronic device; and a cover or lid (5) provided on the container (1) and movable between an open position (X) for permitting access to the first compartment (3) and a closed position to prevent access to the first compartment (3); wherein the container (2) and/or the cover (5) includes output means (6) printed thereon for connection with the electronic device for generating visible and/or audible output. The present invention also provides a packaging blank (A, D) for such a packaging assembly (1).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging assembly for articles to be packaged, especially consumer articles, such as cigarettes or the like, or other consumables, as well as to a packaging blank for such a packaging assembly and to a package of articles comprising such a packaging assembly.

[0002] The packaging assembly of the invention is especially suited to the packaging of packs of smoking articles, such as cigarette packs or the like, and typically takes the form of a carton, container, or box, preferably made of card or stiffened paper, although other materials may also be contemplated. Importantly, however, it will be noted that the packaging assembly of the invention is not limited to this specific packaging application, but may be suited to, and employed for packaging a range of other articles, especially consumer articles.

[0003] Conventionally, for consumers wishing to purchase a number of cigarette packs at once, the cigarette packs are grouped (e.g. in groups of 10) and packaged in a carton or box. For the benefit of the consumer, the outer surfaces of the carton or box may be printed with information, such as branding, marketing material, user information and/or instructions for opening the package. In view of the continuing efforts to improve the consumer experience, the present invention is directed to the task of providing a new and improved packaging assembly concept, and more particularly, one that is suited to packs of smoking articles, such as cigarettes or the like. The packaging concept should desirably be convenient and user-friendly and provide a new and improved way for presenting or communicating information to a consumer or user.

[0004] In accordance with the invention, a packaging assembly having the features as recited in claim 1 is provided. In addition, the invention provides a packaging blank having the features as recited in claim 12 or claim 14. A number of preferred or advantageous features of the invention are recited in the dependent claims.

[0005] According to one aspect, therefore, the invention provides a packaging assembly for articles to be packaged, especially consumer articles, such as cigarette packs or the like, or other consumables, the packaging assembly comprising:

a container assembled from a blank, especially a substantially flat blank, the container comprising a first compartment for receiving and accommodating one or more articles to be packaged and a second compartment for separately housing an electronic device; and

a cover provided on the container and movable between an open position to permit access to the first compartment and a closed position to prevent access to the first compartment;

wherein the container and/or the cover includes output means printed thereon for connection with the electronic device for generating a visible and/or an audible output.

[0006] In particular, the printed output means is configured for electrical connection with the electronic device such that the electronic device may cooperate with the output means for generating the visible and/or audible output. The printed output means is thus able to be electrically activated to generate the predetermined output and may also be selectively activated to generate that output under predetermined or specific circumstances. In this way, the packaging assembly of the invention is able to provide a new and enhanced communication interface for a consumer. That is, the container and/or the cover of the packaging assembly includes printed output means which is configured and arranged for connection with the electronic device for generating a predetermined visible output, e.g. by illumination, and/or an audible output.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the electronic device comprises a power source and/or a signal processor for electrical connection with the printed output means. Further, the electronic device is desirably arranged or provided in the second compartment.

[0008] As an electronic device comprising a power source and/or a signal processor does not require much space, the second compartment may be small compared to the size of the first compartment. For example, the size of the second compartment may be less than one fifth, preferably less than one tenth, and possibly less than one twentieth of the size (e.g. volume) of the first compartment. Furthermore, the second compartment is preferably configured to enclose the electronic device so that the electronic device is both substantially hidden and protected from contact with the one or more articles to be accommodated in the first compartment.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the printed output means includes at least one lighting element and/or at least one acoustic transducer element. In this regard, each said lighting element preferably comprises electro-luminescent ink and is preferably printed on a material of the container and/or the cover of the packaging assembly. For example, the printed output means may be printed on an external or internal surface of the container and/or on an external surface or an internal surface of the cover. The output means is preferably connected to the electronic device and/or to an input means by means of a printed electrical connector.

[0010] In a particularly preferred embodiment, therefore, the packaging assembly further includes input means electrically connected with or comprised in the electronic device for activating the output means. In this regard, the input means is typically designed for interaction with a user to activate the output means. The input means preferably comprises at least one of: a light sensor, a motion sensor, a touch sensor, a microphone and/or a switch. Thus, the input means may, for example, be configured or arranged to activate the output means on movement of the cover, and preferably upon movement of the cover by a user from the closed position to the open position and/or vice versa. Alternatively, or in addition, the input means may include a touch sensor or a switch printed on the container and/or on the cover for activating the output means upon contact by the user. Thus, the printed output means may be configured to interact with the consumer or user of the packaging assembly depending upon a given input or action by the user.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the container comprises a front panel, a base panel, a rear panel, and side panels which extend between the front and rear panels to delimit an internal space of the container that is accessible through a top opening opposite the base panel. The internal space of the container is divided into the first and second compartments by at least one internal panel which extends between the front and rear panels or between the side panels. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the at least one internal panel is in hinged connection with one of the front panel, the rear panel or the side panels and includes two internal panels connected to one another along a fold line, wherein at least one of said two internal panels has an area substantially equal to a transverse or longitudinal cross-section of the internal space in the container. In this way, the at least one internal panel is configured to form a wall or partition which extends across and divides the internal space of the container into the two compartments.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, an opening is formed or provided in one of the panels that delimits the second compartment of the packaging assembly, and especially in one of the internal panels. The input means may desirably extend through or be accessible through that opening. Accordingly, in the event that the input means comprises a sensor, such as a light sensor, a motion sensor, or a microphone, the opening in the panel may facilitate the user effecting an interaction with the input means.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cover of the packaging assembly is configured to cover the internal space of the container, and particularly the top opening to that internal space, in the closed position. Thus, the cover may operate to cover both the first compartment and the second compartment in the closed position. Preferably, the cover of the packaging assembly is pivotally movable between the open position and the closed position. The cover may, for example, be configured as a lid and may be attached to the container of the packaging assembly via a hinge connection. In this regard, the hinge connection is preferably formed by a line of weakness or a fold line in the packaging material.

[0014] In one particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the container and the cover of the packaging assembly are assembled from a single foldable blank, especially a substantially flat blank, preferably of a cardboard or plastic material.

[0015] In an alternative preferred embodiment, however, the container and the cover may be separately assembled from individual foldable blanks, preferably of cardboard or plastic material, and the cover is provided on or attached to the container after the folding or erection thereof.

[0016] According to another aspect, the invention provides a packaging blank, especially a substantially flat blank, for a packaging assembly in which the container and the cover are assembled from a single foldable blank. In this aspect, the packaging blank therefore comprises a container forming section and a lid forming section. The lid forming section includes a cover panel connected to the container forming section along a lid fold line and a closure tab connected to the cover panel along a tab fold line. The container forming section includes at least a front panel, a base panel, and a rear panel arranged in series and extending from the lid fold line, wherein the front panel, the base panel and rear panel are interconnected via fold lines that are substantially parallel to the lid fold line. The container forming section further comprises side panels at opposite ends of one of the front panel, the base panel and rear panel, each side panel being connected thereto along a respective fold line. The container forming section further includes an internal panel section which extends from, and is connected to, one of the side panels via a partition fold line, wherein the internal panel section comprises at least one internal panel, and preferably two internal panels connected to each other along a second partition fold line, for dividing an internal space of the container into the first and second compartments upon folding the blank to form the packaging assembly.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the packaging blank according to this aspect further comprises one or more holding tabs which extend(s) either from the side panels themselves, or from opposite ends of those two of the front, base and rear panels from which the side panels do not extend. The holding tabs are configured for interconnecting the side panels with either or both of those two of the front, base and rear panels from which the side panels do not extend. During assembly of the packaging blank, the holding tabs are typically attached to those adjacent panels, preferably on an inner surface thereof, e.g. via an adhesive.

[0018] According to a further aspect, the invention provides a packaging blank, especially a substantially flat blank, for a container of a packaging assembly in which the cover is assembled separately and subsequently provided on or attached to the container. In this aspect, the packaging blank comprises: at least first and second main panels arranged serially and alternately with first and second side panels, each side panel connected along a respective longitudinal edge of the first and second main panels via a longitudinal fold line. One of the main panels or one of the side panels includes an attachment flap connected thereto via a longitudinal fold line along a longitudinal edge thereof not connected to the other side panel or the other main panel. The packaging blank further comprises a base panel which is connected along a fold line to a base end of the first main panel, a base closing tab extending from the base panel opposite the first main panel. The packaging blank further comprises an internal panel section which extends from a base end of the second main panel and is connected thereto along a fold line. The internal panel section comprises at least one internal panel, and preferably two or more internal panels connected to each other along a fold line, for dividing an internal space of the container into first and second compartments upon folding the blank to form the packaging assembly.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the packaging blank according to this aspect further comprises one or more closing tabs connected along a respective fold line at a base end of each of the side panels, wherein each closing tab is configured for supporting closure of the base panel and/or for interconnecting the respective side panel with the base panel. During assembly of the packaging blank, the closing tabs may optionally be attached to adjacent panels, preferably on an inner surface thereof, e.g. via an adhesive.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, one or more of the panels of the packaging blank of the invention include(s) output means printed thereon for electrical connection with a power source for generating visible and/or audible output. As noted above, the printed output means may include at least one lighting element and/or at least one acoustic transducer element. In this regard, each said lighting element preferably comprises electro-luminescent ink. The packaging blank preferably also includes one or more printed electrical connector for connecting the printed output means to the power source and/or to an input means.

[0021] For a more complete understanding of the invention and the advantages thereof, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference characters designate like parts and in which:

Fig. 1

is a plan view of a packaging blank for a packaging assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2

is a plan view of a packaging blank for a packaging assembly according to another preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3

is a perspective view of a packaging assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the invention formed from the packaging blank of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4

is a plan view of a packaging blank for a container of a packaging assembly according to a further embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 5

is a plan view of a packaging blank for a cover of a packaging assembly according to the embodiment of the invention in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6

is a perspective view of a container formed from the packaging blank of Fig. 4 for the further packaging assembly embodiment;

Fig. 7

is a perspective view of a cover formed from the blank of Fig. 5 for the further embodiment of a packaging assembly; and

Fig. 8

is a perspective view of a packaging assembly according to the further embodiment of the invention formed from the packaging blanks of Fig. 4 und Fig. 5.

[0022] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate particular embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention and many of the attendant advantages of the invention will be readily appreciated as they become better understood with reference to the following detailed description.

[0023] It will be appreciated that common and well understood elements that may be useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are not necessarily depicted in order to facilitate a more abstracted view of the embodiments. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily illustrated to scale relative to each other. It will further be appreciated that certain actions and/or steps in an embodiment of a method may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrences while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used in the present specification have the ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study, except where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

[0024] With reference firstly to Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 of the drawings, a packaging blank A and a packaging assembly 1 for articles to be packaged, especially packs of cigarettes, which is formed from that packaging blank A according to a preferred embodiment are illustrated. As can be seen in Fig. 3, the packaging assembly 1 comprises a container 2 having a first compartment 3 for receiving and accommodating the one or more articles to be packaged (not shown) and a second smaller compartment 4 for separately housing an electronic device. Further, the packaging assembly 1 comprises a cover or lid 5 which is provided on the container 2 and is movable between an open position X shown in Fig. 3 for access to the first compartment 3 and a closed position (not shown) to prevent access to the first compartment 3. In this embodiment, the container 2 and the cover 5 of the packaging assembly 1 are assembled from the same packaging blank A, which is a substantially flat blank, desirably formed of card, and is foldable along fold lines L to form the packaging assembly 1. In this regard, as seen in Fig. 1, the blank A comprises a container forming section A1 and a cover or lid forming section A2.

[0025] Referring further to Fig. 1, the lid forming section A2 of the blank A comprises a cover panel CP, which is connected to the container forming section A1 along a lid fold line L1, and a closure tab CT, which is connected along a tab fold line L2 to the cover panel CP. The container forming section A1 of the blank A comprises a front panel F, a base panel B, and a rear panel R arranged in series and extending from the lid fold line L1. The front panel F, the base panel B, and the rear panel R are interconnected via fold lines L3, L4 that are substantially parallel to the lid fold line L1. The container forming section A1 further includes two side panels S, each being respectively arranged at an opposite end of the base panel B and connected thereto along a respective fold line L5, L6. Upon assembly of the container forming section A1 of the packaging blank A, the front panel F, the base panel B, the rear panel R, and the side panels S together form the container 2 of the packaging assembly 1. In this regard, hinged or foldable holding tabs T1, T2, T3, T4 extend from opposite ends of the front panel F and the rear panel R. These holding tabs T1, T2, T3, T4 are configured to be adhered or bonded to an inner surface of the side panels S, as seen in Fig. 3, to interconnect the side panels S with the front and rear panels F, R and thereby give the container 2 stability.

[0026] The container forming section A1 of the blank A further includes an internal panel section IPS which extends from and is connected to one of the side panels S via a partition fold line LP. The internal panel section IPS comprises at least one internal panel IP, and preferably two internal panels IP₁, IP₂ connected to each other along a second partition fold line LP2, for dividing an internal space C of the container 2 into the first compartment 3 and the second compartment 4 upon folding the blank A to form the packaging assembly 1. In this regard, the larger, second internal panel IP₂ has a size or planar area which substantially corresponds to a transverse cross-section of the internal space C of the container 2 such that it completely divides the interior of the container. The second internal panel IP₂ also includes a fixing tab TP in hinged connection therewith along a third partition fold line LP3. This fixing tab TP is configured to be adhered or bonded to an inner surface of the base panel B to fix and hold the internal panels IP in position and thus create a robust partition of the container 2 into the first and second compartments 3, 4. The smaller, first internal panel IP₁ forms a top panel of the second compartment 4 and includes an aperture or hole H, which provides access or communication into the second compartment 4, as will be described shortly below.

[0027] Referring again to drawing Fig. 3, the container 2 of the packaging assembly 1 can be seen to comprise the front panel F, base panel B, rear panel R, and the side panels S extending between the front and rear panels F, R, which together delimit an internal space or cavity C that is accessible through a top opening O opposite the base panel B. The internal space C of the container 2 is divided into the first and second compartments 3, 4 by the internal panels IP₁, IP₂ which extend between the front and rear panels F, R. The packaging assembly 1 is shown in Fig. 3 with the cover or lid 5 in the open position X providing access to the first compartment 3 through a top opening O of the container 2 opposite the base panel B.

[0028] The inner surface of the cover panel CP forming the lid or cover 5 includes output means 6 printed thereon in electro-luminescent ink to provide lighting elements 7 in the form of a smiley face and lettering "A B C...". These lighting elements 7 are in electrical connection with the electronic device (not shown) arranged in the second compartment 4 via printed electrical connectors 7'. The electronic device comprises at least a power source and optionally also a signal processor for controlling operation of the output means 6 to generate a visible (e.g. illuminated) output via the lighting elements 7. To this end, the packaging assembly 1 includes input means 8 electrically connected with, and/or comprised in, the electronic device for activating the output means 6. In this embodiment, the input means 8 comprises a sensor, such as a light sensor or a touch sensor, which is configured and arranged to activate the output means 6 upon movement of the cover 5 from the closed position to the open position X shown in Fig. 3. In the case of a light sensor, simply opening the cover or lid 5 may permit light falling on the sensor 8 through the hole H to activate the lighting elements 7. In the case of a touch sensor, a user may touch or contact the sensor 8 on the internal panel IP₁ (e.g. with a finger) to activate the output means 6.

[0029] With reference now to Fig. 2 of the drawings, an alternative embodiment of a flat packaging blank A is shown, from which both the container 2 and the cover 5 of the packaging assembly 1 can be assembled. Again the packaging blank A is desirably formed of card and is foldable along fold lines L to form the packaging assembly 1. As such, this packaging blank A again comprises a container forming section A1 and a cover forming section or lid forming section A2, as is the case in Fig. 1. Indeed, the drawing reference signs of Fig. 1 are repeated here to identify corresponding or like parts in Fig. 2 and the description of this embodiment will simply focus on the parts which differ from the first embodiment.

[0030] In particular, it will be noted that the container forming section A1 of the blank A in Fig. 2 again includes a front panel F, a base panel B, a rear panel R, and two side panels S which together form the container 2 of the packaging assembly 1. In this embodiment, however, the two side panels S extend in a different orientation and are respectively arranged at opposite ends of the front panel F and connected thereto along respective fold lines L5, L6. Furthermore, instead of extending from opposite ends of the front panel F and the rear panel R, the foldable holding tabs T1, T2, T3, T4 in this embodiment extend from each of the side panels S and are configured to be adhered or bonded to an inner surface of the base panel B and rear panel R to interconnect the side panels S with therewith and thereby provide the container 2 with stability. The internal panel section IPS in the embodiment of Fig. 2 has a different orientation consistent with the different orientation of the side panels S but is otherwise substantially the same as in the embodiment of Fig. 1.

[0031] Accordingly, when the flat packaging blank A of Fig. 2 is assembled, the resultant packaging assembly 1 has substantially the same configuration as shown in Fig. 3, with the only appreciable difference being the location of the holding tabs T3, T4.

[0032] With reference to Fig. 4 of the drawings, a flat packaging blank D for a container 2 of a packaging assembly 1 according to a further embodiment is illustrated, and specifically for an embodiment in which the cover 5 is assembled separately and subsequently provided on or attached to the container 2. The packaging blank D comprises first and second main panels corresponding to a front panel F and a rear panel R, which are arranged serially and alternately with a first side panel S₁ and a second side panel S₂. In this regard, the side panels S₁, S₂ are respectively connected to the front and rear panels F, R via substantially parallel longitudinal fold lines L1, L2, L3 along respective longitudinal edges of the front and rear panels F, R. The front panel F includes an attachment tab AT connected thereto via a longitudinal fold line L4 along a longitudinal edge thereof not connected to the first side panel S₁. Further, the packaging blank D comprises a base panel B connected along a fold line L5 to a base end of the front panel F, wherein the base panel B has a base closing tab BT extending therefrom opposite the front panel F along a fold line L6. Upon assembling packaging blank D, the front panel F, rear panel R, base panel B, and the side panels S₁, S₂ combine to form the container 2 enclosing an internal space C. To this end, closing tabs T5, T6 are connected at a base end of each of the side panels S₁, S₂ along fold lines L7, L8 configured for supporting and/or holding the base panel B (e.g. optionally by adhesive bonding) at or adjacent an inner surface thereof.

[0033] The packaging blank D can be seen in Fig. 4 to further comprise an internal panel section IPS that extends from a base end of the rear panel R and is connected thereto along a fold line L9. As described above with respect to the embodiments of Figs. 1 to 3, the internal panel section IPS of the blank D in this embodiment is configured to divide an internal space of the container 2 into a first compartment 3 for receiving or accommodating one or more articles to be packaged and a second compartment 4 for housing an electronic device upon folding the blank D to form the packaging assembly 1. The internal panel section IPS comprises a plurality of internal panels IP₁, IP₂, IP₃, IP₄ connected to each other along respective partition fold lines LP, LP2, LP3 for dividing the internal space C of the container 2 into the first and second compartments 3, 4 upon folding the blank D to form the packaging assembly 1. Both the internal panel IP₃ of the internal panel section IPS and the front panel F can be seen to each include an aperture or hole H₁, H₂, respectively, which align with each other upon erection or assembly of the blank D into the container 2 and through which an input means 8 (e.g. sensor) for activating the output means 6 of the packaging assembly 1 may extend or may be accessible.

[0034] When the blank D illustrated in Fig. 4 is erected or assembled, the container 2 that is thereby formed is shown in Fig. 6. In this regard, the container 2 has a generally rectangular configuration defining an internal space C which is divided into a first compartment 3 for receiving the articles to be packaged 3 through a top opening O and accommodating those articles therein, and a second compartment 4 which is for housing an electronic device (not shown). The hole H₂ through the front panel F into the second compartment 4 can be clearly seen.

[0035] Referring to Fig. 5 of the drawings, a flat packaging blank E for a cover 5 of the container 2 formed with the flat blank D of Fig. 4 is illustrated. Thus, the packaging blank E of Fig. 5 is assembled separately and the cover 5 is then provided on or attached to the container 2 to complete the packaging assembly 1. The packaging blank E, when assembled, forms a cover 5 which is configured to receive and to substantially surround the container 2 in the manner of a sleeve or sheath. In this regard, the cover blank E comprises first and second main panels corresponding to a front cover panel FC and a rear cover panel RC, which are arranged serially and alternately with a base cover panel BC and a top cover panel TC.

[0036] The base cover panel BC and a top cover panel TC are respectively connected to the front and rear cover panels FC, RC via substantially parallel transverse fold lines L1, L2, L3 along respective transverse edges of those front and rear cover panels FC, RC. The rear cover panel RC has an attachment tab AT connected thereto via a transverse fold line L4 along a transverse edge thereof not connected to the base cover panel BC. Further, the packaging blank E includes a side cover panel SC connected along a longitudinal edge of the front cover panel FC via a fold line L5, wherein the side cover panel SC has a side closing tab ST extending therefrom opposite the front cover panel FC along a fold line L6. Further, closing tabs or flaps T5, T6 are connected to the base cover panel BC and the top cover panel TC along fold lines L7, L8 for supporting and/or holding the side cover panel SC adjacent an inner surface thereof (e.g. optionally by adhesive bonding). Support flaps SF in hinged connection via fold lines LF along a longitudinal edge of the front cover panel FC and the rear cover panel RC are folded inwardly through 180° to lie against and to be bonded to an inner surface of the respective front and rear cover panels FC, RC for reinforcing same. Thus, upon assembling the packaging blank E, the front cover panel FC, rear cover panel RC, base cover panel BC, top cover panel TC, and side cover panel SC combine to form a cover 5 for covering the container 2 in the manner of a sleeve or sheath. Finally, the base cover panel BC includes an attachment flap AF, which is in hinged connection via a fold line L9. In this regard, the flap AF is cut free from the front and rear cover panels FC, RC along the respective fold lines L1, L2 up to the fold line L9. This flap AF is then employed for fixed attachment (e.g. via an adhesive) of the cover 5 to the base panel B of the container 2 assembled from the blank D of Fig. 4. The hinge connection via fold line L9 of the flap AF in the base cover panel BC then forms a hinge for pivotally opening or removing the cover 5 from the container 2 to access the first compartment 3 in the packaging assembly 1 of this embodiment, as can be seen in Fig. 8.

[0037] With reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the cover 5 that is formed upon assembly of the flat blank E in Fig. 5 is shown, both alone in Fig. 7 and in combination with the container 2 of Fig. 6 to form the packaging assembly 1 according to the further embodiment. As is apparent from the drawings, the front cover panel FC of the cover 5 comprises an aperture or hole H₃ positioned to align with the apertures or holes H₁, H₂ in the container 2 through which input means 8 (e.g. switch or sensor) extends or is accessible when the cover 5 is closed over the container 2. Thus, when the cover 5 is pivoted or tilted about the hinge connection formed by the fold line L9 in the base cover panel BC and the attachment flap AF fixed or attached (e.g. via adhesive) to the base panel B of the container 2, the input means 8 (e.g. a switch or a light sensor) may be actuated as it is hidden from sight through aperture H₃ as the container 2 rotates about the hinge connection. Such actuation can allow or provide for an activation or deactivation of the printed output means 6 provided on the surface of the cover 5 and/or container 2.

[0038] Although specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations exist. It should be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Generally, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein.

[0039] In this document, the terms "comprise", "comprising", "include", "including", "contain", "containing", "have", "having", and any variations thereof, are intended to be understood in an inclusive (i.e. non-exclusive) sense, such that the process, method, device, apparatus or system described herein is not limited to those features or parts or elements or steps recited but may include other elements, features, parts or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the terms "a" and "an" used herein are intended to be understood as meaning one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise. Moreover, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on or to establish a certain ranking of importance of their objects.

List of Reference Signs

[0040] 

1

packaging assembly

2

container

3

first compartment

4

second compartment

5

cover or lid

6

output means

7

lighting element

7'

electrical connector

8

input means or sensor

A

packaging blank

D

packaging blank

E

packaging blank

A1

container forming section

A2

lid forming section or cover forming section

F

front panel

B

base panel

R

rear panel

S

side panel

S₁

first side panel

S₂

second side panel

C

internal space or cavity

O

top opening

CP

cover panel

CT

closure tab

L1

fold line

L2

fold line

L3

fold line

L4

fold line

L5

fold line

L6

fold line

L7

fold line

L8

fold line

L9

fold line

LP

partition fold line

LP2

second partition fold line

LP3

third partition fold line

LF

fold line

AT

attachment tab

T1

holding tab

T2

holding tab

T3

holding tab

T4

holding tab

T5

closing tab

T6

closing tab

TP

fixing tab

IPS

internal panel forming section

IP

internal panel

IP₁

first internal panel

IP₂

second internal panel

IP₃

third internal panel

IP₄

fourth internal panel

H

aperture or hole

X

open position

FC

front cover panel

RC

rear cover panel

BC

base cover panel

TC

top cover panel

SC

side cover panel

ST

side closing tab

SF

support flap

AF

attachment flap

Claims

1. A packaging assembly (1) for articles to be packaged, especially consumer articles, such as packs of cigarettes or the like, or other consumables, the packaging assembly (1) comprising:

a container (2) assembled from a blank, especially a substantially flat blank (A, D), wherein the container (2) comprises a first compartment (3) for receiving and accommodating one or more articles to be packaged and a second compartment (4) for housing an electronic device; and

a cover (5) provided on the container (1) and movable between an open position (X) to permit access to the first compartment (3) and a closed position to prevent access to the first compartment (3);

wherein the container (2) and/or the cover (5) includes output means (6) printed thereon for connection with the electronic device for generating visible and/or audible output.

2. A packaging assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device comprises a power source and/or a signal processor for electrical connection with the printed output means (6), wherein the electronic device is preferably provided in the second compartment (4).

3. A packaging assembly (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising input means (8) electrically connected with or comprised in the electronic device for activating the output means (6), wherein the input means (8) preferably comprises at least one of: a light sensor, a motion sensor, a touch sensor, a microphone and a switch.

4. A packaging assembly (1) according to claim 3, wherein the input means (8) is configured and arranged to activate the output means (6) on movement of the cover (5), preferably upon movement of the cover (5) from the closed position to the open position (X) and/or vice versa; and/or wherein the input means (8) comprises a touch sensor or switch printed on the container (2) and/or on the cover (5) for activating the output means (6).

5. A packaging assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the printed output means (6) comprises at least one lighting element (7) and/or acoustic transducer element, each lighting element (7) preferably including electro-luminescent ink;
wherein each lighting element (7) is preferably printed on material of the container (2) and/or of the cover (5), on an external surface and/or an internal surface thereof, and is connected to the electronic device and/or to the input means (8) by means of a printed electrical connector (7').

6. A packaging assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the container (2) comprises a front panel (F), a base panel (B), a rear panel (R), and side panels (S) extending between the front and rear panels (F, R) to delimit an internal space (C) that is accessible through a top opening (O) opposite the base panel (B), wherein the internal space (C) is divided into the first and second compartments (3, 4) by at least one internal panel (IP) which extends between the front and rear panels (F, R) or between the side panels (S).

7. A packaging assembly (1) according to claim 6, wherein the at least one internal panel (IP) is in hinged connection with one of the front panel (F), the rear panel (R), or the side panels (S), and includes two internal panels (IP₁, IP₂) connected to one another along a fold line, wherein at least one of said two internal panels (IP₁, IP₂) preferably has an area substantially equal to a transverse or longitudinal cross-section of the internal space (C) in the container (2).

8. A packaging assembly (1) according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the input means (8) is provided on one of the panels (F, B, R, S, IP) that forms or delimits the second compartment (4) or, alternatively, extends through or is accessible through an aperture (H) in one of the panels (F, B, R, S, IP) that forms or delimits the second compartment (4), preferably one of the internal panels (IP₁, IP₂).

9. A packaging assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cover (5) is pivotally movable between the open position (X) and the closed position, wherein the cover (5) is preferably configured as a lid and attached to the container (2) via a hinge connection, preferably formed by a line of weakness or a fold line (L1) in the packaging material.

10. A packaging assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the container (2) and the cover (5) are assembled from a single foldable blank (A), especially a substantially flat blank, preferably of a cardboard or plastic material.

11. A packaging assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cover (5) is assembled from an individual foldable blank (E), preferably of cardboard or plastic material, and is provided on or attached to the container (2) after folding thereof.

12. A packaging blank (A) for a packaging assembly (1) according to claim 10, the packaging blank (A) comprising:

a container forming section (A1); and

a lid forming section (A2);

wherein the lid forming section (A2) comprises a cover panel (CP) connected to the container forming section (A1) along a lid fold line (L1) and a closure tab (CT) connected to the cover panel (CP) along a closure tab fold line (L2); and

wherein the container forming section (A1) comprises at least a front panel (F), a base panel (B), and a rear panel (R) arranged in series and extending from the lid fold line (L1), wherein the front panel (F), the base panel (B), and the rear panel (R) are interconnected via fold lines (L3, L4) that are substantially parallel to the lid fold line (L1); the container forming section (A1) further comprising side panels (S) at opposite ends of one of the front panel (F), the base panel (B), and rear panel (R) connected along respective fold lines (L5, L6);

wherein the container forming section (A1) includes an internal panel section (IPS) which extends from and is connected to one of the side panels (S) via a partition fold line (LP), said internal panel section (IPS) comprising at least one internal panel (IP), and preferably two internal panels (IP₁, IP₂) connected to each other along a second partition fold line (LP2), for dividing an internal space (C) of the container (2) into a first compartment (3) and a second compartment (4) upon folding the blank (A) to form the packaging assembly (1);

wherein one or more of the panels (F, B, R, S, CP) of the blank include(s) output means (6) printed thereon for electrical connection with a power source for generating visible and/or audible output.

13. A packaging blank (A) according to claim 12, further comprising one or more holding tabs (T1, T2, T3, T4) which extend from the side panels (S) themselves, and/or from opposite ends of those two of the front, base and rear panels (F, B, R) from which the side panels (S) do not extend, wherein the holding tabs (T1, T2, T3, T4) are configured for interconnecting the side panels (S) with either or both of those two of the front, base and rear panels (F, B, R) from which the side panels (S) do not extend.

14. A packaging blank (D) for a container (2) of a packaging assembly (1) according to claim 11, the packaging blank (D) comprising:

at least first and second main panels (F, R) arranged in series and alternately with first and second side panels (S₁, S₂), each of the side panels (S₁, S₂) being connected along a respective longitudinal edge of the first and second main panels (F, R) via substantially parallel longitudinal fold lines (L1, L2, L3),

a base panel (B) connected along a fold line (L5) to a base end of the first main panel (F), a base closing tab (BT) extending from the base panel (B) opposite the first main panel (F), and

an internal panel section (IPS) which extends from a base end of the second main panel (R) and is connected thereto along a fold line (L9), said internal panel section (IPS) comprising at least one internal panel (IP), and preferably two or more internal panels (IP₁,IP₂) connected to each other along one or more fold lines (LP, LP2, LP3), to divide an internal space (C) of the container (2) into first and second compartments (3, 4) upon folding the blank (D) to form the packaging assembly (1),

wherein one or more of the panels (F, B, R, S) of the blank include(s) output means (6) printed thereon for electrical connection with a power source for generating visible and/or audible output.

15. A packaging blank (D) according to claim 14, wherein one of the first and second main panels (F, R) or one of the first and second side panels (S₁, S₂) includes an attachment tab (AT) connected thereto via a longitudinal fold line (L4) along a longitudinal edge thereof not connected to the other side panel or the other main panel; and/or
wherein the packaging blank (D) further comprises one or more closing tabs (T5, T6) connected along fold lines (L7, L8) at a base end of each of the side panels (S₁, S₂) configured for supporting closure of the base panel (B).

Drawing