A PACKAGE FOR SMOKING ARTICLES

Abstract

 A package for smoking articles is provided which comprises an outer packet part, an inner packet part and a lid part. The inner packet part is slidably mounted in the outer packet part such that the inner packet part may move relative to the outer packet part through an opening in the outer packet part between a first position in which the inner packet part is contained within the outer packet part and a second position in which at least part of the inner packet part is outside of the outer packet part. The lid part is hingeably connected to the outer packet part such that the lid part may move relative to the outer packet part between a closed position in which the lid part lid retains the inner packet part inside the outer packet part and an open position in which the lid part does not retain the inner packet part inside the outer packet part. A blank or set of blanks for forming the package is also provided, together with a method for forming the package from the blank or set of blanks.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a package for smoking articles.

Background of the invention

[0002] Box-shaped packages having a hinged lid for storing smoking articles, such as cigarettes, are well known in the art and numerous different examples have been proposed in the past. These are often folded from cardboard blanks to form a cardboard pack having a hinged lid which may be opened to allow access to the contents and closed again to protect the contents during transport, such as when in the pocket of a user's garment, for example. In such designs, a cardboard pack is typically provided with a hinged lid integrally formed at an upper end. The cigarettes are disposed longitudinally such that a user may remove the cigarettes by their ends when the lid is open.

[0003] Alternative box-shaped packages have been proposed which do not have a hinged lid and instead make use of slide or swing opening mechanisms. Such packages have an inner packet part which holds the cigarettes and which is disposed within an outer packet part. In a closed position, an opening of the inner packet part is covered by the outer packet part, while the inner packet part is movable relative to the outer packet part to an open position in order to allow access to the cigarettes stored within. In a slide arrangement, the inner packet part moves relative to the outer packet part with a linear motion, while in a swing arrangement the inner packet part moves relative to the outer packet part with motion comprising at least some rotation.

Summary of the invention

[0004] Packaging for smoking articles, such as cigarettes, must meet a range of challenging requirements. In particular, not only should the packaging be cheap and capable of mass production, but it should also be sufficiently robust and secure so as to keep the smoking articles safely contained in the packaging to prevent their accidental loss or spillage, as well as to maintain their freshness. It is desirable to improve the ergonomic and practical design of such packaging. For example, where such a package comprises an inner packet part which is movable relative to an outer packet part to an open position which allows access to the cigarettes stored in, it would be desirable to provide some control over the relative movement of the inner packet part and the outer packet part to avoid unwanted opening of the packaging and possible loss of the tobacco products.

[0005] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a package for smoking articles, the package comprising an outer packet part; an inner packet part; and a lid part; wherein the inner packet part is slidably mounted in the outer packet part such that the inner packet part may move relative to the outer packet part through an opening in the outer packet part between a first position in which the inner packet part is contained, preferably entirely, within the outer packet part and a second position in which at least part of the inner packet part is outside of the outer packet part; and the lid part is hingeably connected to the outer packet part such that the lid part may move relative to the outer packet part between a closed position in which the lid part lid retains the inner packet part inside the outer packet part and an open position in which the lid part does not retain the inner packet part inside the outer packet part.

[0006] The present invention provides a package which has an initial opening configuration which is familiar to consumers whilst providing an additional inner component to increase pack strength and control access to the package's contents.

[0007] The opening in the outer packet part may be in a side face of the outer packet part. Further, the outer packet part may comprise a cut-away portion for allowing the inner packet part to be manually actuated.

[0008] In some embodiments of the invention, the outer packet part and the inner packet part each comprise a respective opening for allowing a smoking article to be removed from the inner packet while the inner packet part is in the first position, wherein the respective openings are, at least partly, in alignment when the inner packet part is in the first position and the lid part is arranged such that when the lid part is in the closed position, the lid part prevents removal of a smoking article through the respective openings.

[0009] In one embodiment, the cut-away portion for allowing the inner packet part to be manually actuated and the opening for allowing removal of a smoking article in the outer packet part may be combined in one same cut-away portion, preferably extending from a side of the opening in the outer packet part for sliding the inner packet part between the first and second positions.

[0010] The inner packet part may comprise an opening at or towards a top end of the inner packet part for allowing removal of a smoking article from the inner packet part. In some embodiments of the invention, the lid part is connected to a main panel of the outer packet part.

[0011] In some embodiments of the invention, the lid part comprises a main panel having a length covering at least 20% of the full length of the package in the closed position, preferably at least 30%, still preferably at least 40%.

[0012] In some embodiments of the invention, the lid part is attached to and/or extends from a main panel of the outer packet part.

[0013] The lid part may at least partly overlie both the outer packet part and the inner packet part when the lid part is in the closed position.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a set of blanks for forming the package according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0015] The set of blanks comprises: a blank for assembly into an outer packet part of the package; a blank for assembly into an inner packet part of the package; a blank for assembly into a lid part of the package; each blank comprising: a respective plurality of panels; a respective plurality of construction tabs; and a respective plurality of fold lines; wherein for each blank: each panel is connected by a fold line to at least one of the other panels and/or to at least one of the construction tabs; each construction tab is connected by a fold line to one of the panels; wherein the construction tabs are arranged such that upon assembly of each blank into the corresponding outer part, inner part or lid part of the package each construction tab is folded substantially perpendicularly about its fold line to the panel to which it is connected and attached flat to another construction tab such that each panel of the blank is positioned substantially perpendicularly to the at least one other panel to which it is connected by a fold line.

[0016] In some embodiments of the set of blanks according to the invention, the blank for assembly into a lid part of the package comprises a connecting means to attach the lid part to the outer part of the package.

[0017] In one embodiment of the set of blanks according to the invention, the connecting means to attach the lid part to the outer part of the package is a connecting panel or strip connected along a fold line to another panel of the blank for assembly into the lid part of the package.

[0018] In another embodiment of the set of blanks, the blank for assembly into a lid part forms a portion of the blank for assembly into the outer packet part and the connecting means to attach the lid part to the outer part of the package is a crease line between one of the panels of the blank for assembly into a lid part of the package and one of the panels of the blank for assembly into the outer part of the package.

[0019] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of forming a package according to the first aspect from a blank or set of blanks according to the second aspect, the method comprising: forming an outer packet part by folding each of the panels and construction tabs of the blank for assembly into the outer part of the package about the fold lines and attaching each construction tab to another of the construction tabs to fix the respective positions of the panels substantially perpendicular to one another; forming an inner packet part by folding each of the panels and construction tabs of the blank for assembly into the inner part of the package about the fold lines and attaching each construction tab to another of the construction tab to fix the respective positions of the panels substantially perpendicular to one another; forming a lid part by folding each of the panels and construction tabs of the blank for assembly into the lid part of the package about the fold lines and attaching each construction tab to another of the construction tab to fix the respective positions of the panels substantially perpendicular to one another; slidably mounting the inner packet part in the outer packet part; and connecting the lid part to the outer packet part with a hingeable connection such that the lid part may move relative to the outer packet part between a closed position in which the lid part retains the inner packet part inside the outer packet part and an open position in which the lid part does not retain the inner packet part inside the outer packet part.

[0020] In one embodiment of the method of the invention where the blank for assembly into a lid part forms a portion of the blank for assembly into the outer packet part and the connecting means to attach the lid part to the outer part of the package is a crease line between one of the panels of the blank for assembly into a lid part of the package and one of the panels of the blank for assembly into the outer part of the package, forming the hingeable connection between the lid part and the outer packet part comprises creasing the crease line.

[0021] In one embodiment the step of forming the inner packet part is carried out before the step of forming the outer packet part and lid part.

Brief description of the drawings

[0022] Examples of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1a schematically illustrates an exemplary package in a "closed" configuration according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 1b schematically illustrates the exemplary package illustrated in figure 1a in an "open" configuration.

Figure 1c schematically illustrates the exemplary package illustrated in figures 1a and 1b in an "open and extended" configuration.

Figure 2a schematically illustrates an exemplary outer packet part blank which may be folded to form an exemplary outer packet part of the package according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2b schematically illustrates an assembled outer packet part which may be formed by folding the outer packet part blank illustrated in figure 2a.

Figure 3a schematically illustrates an exemplary inner packet part blank which may be folded to form an exemplary inner packet part of the package according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3b schematically illustrates an assembled inner packet part which may be formed by folding the inner packet part blank illustrated in figure 3a.

Figure 4a schematically illustrates an exemplary lid part blank which may be folded to form an exemplary lid part of the package according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4b schematically illustrates a front view of an assembled lid part which may be formed by folding the lid part blank illustrated in figure 4a

Figure 4c schematically illustrates a rear view of the assembled lid part which may be formed by folding the lid part blank illustrated in figure 4a.

Figure 5a schematically illustrates an exemplary combined outer packet part and lid part blank which may be folded to form an exemplary outer packet part and lid part of the package according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5b schematically illustrates a front view of an assembled combined outer packet part and lid part which may be formed by folding the combined outer packet part and lid part blank illustrated in figure 5a.

Figure 5c schematically illustrates a rear view of the assembled combined outer packet part and lid part which may be formed by folding the combined outer packet part and lid part blank illustrated in figure 5a.

Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

[0023] In the description that follows and in the figures, certain embodiments of the invention are described. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiments that are described and that some embodiments may not include all of the features that are described below. It will be evident, however, that various modifications and changes may be made herein without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0024] Figures 1a, 1b and 1c schematically illustrate an exemplary package 100 (which may also be referred to as a pack, container, box or a carton) in various configurations or stages of use. The package 100 comprises an outer packet part 110 (which may also be referred to as the outer packet), an inner packet part 120 (which may also be referred to as the inner packet) and a lid part 130 (which may also be referred to as the lid). In use, the inner packet part 120 of the package 100 may contain (or store) smoking articles, such as cigarettes. The inner packet part 120 is slidably mounted in the outer packet part 110, meaning that the inner packet part 120 may be moved, with a sliding motion, relative to the outer packet part 110. As an example, the inner packet part 120 may be mounted on a slide mechanism within the outer packet part 110. Alternatively, however, the inner packet part 120 may simply rest within the outer packet part 110 such that the inner packet part 120 may slide with respect to the outer packet part 110 as soon as enough force is applied to overcome any friction between the two parts. The lid part 130 is hingeably connected to the outer packet part 110, such that the lid part 130 may move relative to the outer packet part 110 by rotating about a hinging mechanism. As an example, the hinging mechanism may be a hinge about which the lid part 130 may rotate. Alternatively, however, the hinging mechanism may be formed from a fold (or a crease or a score) in a sheet of material, such as cardboard, which allows the material on one side of the fold to rotate about the line of the fold with respect to the material on the other side of the fold with relative ease. Through the relative motions of the lid part 130 and the inner packet part 120 with respect to the outer packet part 110, the configuration of package 100 may transition between several different configurations, as discussed in more detail further below.

[0025] In a first configuration, as illustrated by figure 1a, the package 100 is in a "closed" configuration. In this "closed" configuration, the inner packet part 120 is contained within the outer packet part 110. This position of the inner packet part 120 relative to the outer packet part 110 may be referred to as a first (or retracted) position of the inner packet part 120. Also in this "closed" configuration, the lid part 130 is in a closed position. In this closed position, the lid part 130 serves to retain the inner packet part 120 inside the outer packet part 110. This means that lid part 130 prevents the inner packet part 120 from moving to a position where any part of the inner packet part 120 is outside of the outer packet part 110. This could be achieved, for example, by having at least part of the lid part 130 obstructing the path through which the inner packet part 120 must travel in order to move into a position in which at least part of the inner packet part 120 is outside of the outer packet part 110. This could of course be achieved in other ways. For example, interlocking members, such as a pin and a hole, could be present on the lid part 130 and the inner packet part 120. In such an arrangement, when the lid part 130 is in the closed position, the interlocking members on the lid part 130 may engage with the interlocking members of the inner packet part 120 to restrict the movement of the inner packet part 120. For example, the lid part 130 may comprise pins which interlock with corresponding holes in the inner packet part 120 when the inner packet part 120 is in the first position and the lid part 130 is in the closed position, thereby preventing movement of the inner packet part 120.

[0026] The package 100 may be manipulated so that it transitions from this first "closed" configuration, as illustrated by figure 1a, to a second configuration, as illustrated by figure 1 b by hingeably rotating the lid part 130 causing it to move relative to the outer packet part 110.

[0027] In the second configuration, as illustrated by Figure 1 b, the package 100 is in an "open" configuration. In this "open" configuration, the inner packet part 120 is entirely contained within the outer packet part 110, as per the first configuration. However, in this "open" configuration, the lid part 130 is in an open position and allows access to the content of the package 100. In this open position, the lid part 130 does not serve to retain the inner packet part 120 inside the outer packet part 110. This means that lid part 130 does not prevent the inner packet part 120 from moving to a position where any part of the inner packet part 120 is outside of the outer packet part 110. Therefore, in this "open" configuration, the inner packet part 120 is free to slidably move relative to the outer packet part 110. For example, if the lid part 130 is arranged to obstruct the path through which the inner packet part 120 must travel in order to move into a position in which at least part of the inner packet part 120 is outside of the outer packet part 110, then this could be achieved by arranging the lid part 130 so that it does not obstruct this path when it is in the open position. Alternatively, however, if interlocking members were used to retain the inner packet part 120 when the lid part 130 is in the closed position, for example, then when the lid part 130 is in the open position, the interlocking members are not engaged (i.e. they are disengaged), meaning that the inner packet part 120 is not restricted from moving by the interlocking members. For example, if the lid part 130 comprises pins which interlock with holes in the inner packet part 120 when the lid part 130 is in the closed positions, said pins may be clear of the holes in the inner packet part 120 when the lid part 130 is in the open position, and therefore are no longer interlocked (or engaged) with said holes.

[0028] The package 100 may be manipulated so that it transitions from this second "open" configuration, as illustrated by figure 1b, back to the first "closed" configuration, as illustrated by figure 1a, by hingeably rotating the lid part 110 causing it to move relative to the outer packet part 110 back to the closed position. Alternatively, the package 100 may be manipulated so that it transitions from this second "open" configuration, as illustrated by figure 1b, to a third configuration, as illustrated by figure 1c, by slidably moving the inner packet part 120 to cause it to move relative to the outer packet part 110.

[0029] In the third configuration, as illustrated by Figure 1c, the package 100 is in an "open and extended" configuration. In this "open and extended" configuration, at least part of the inner packet part 120 is outside of the outer packet part 110. Furthermore, in this "open and extended" configuration, the lid part 130 is in the open position, as per the second configuration. However, in this "open and extended" configuration, the inner packet part 120 is no longer entirely contained within the outer packet part 110 (i.e. the inner packet part 120 is no longer in the first position). Instead, at least part of the inner packet part 120 is outside of the outer packet part 110. This position of the inner packet part 120 relative to the outer packet part 110 may be referred to as a second (or extended) position of the inner packet part 120. When the inner packet part 120 is in this second position, it may act to prevent the lid part 130 from closing. For example, the inner packet part 120 may obstruct the path through which a part of the lid part 130 must travel in order for the lid part 130 to reach the closed position. Alternatively, for example, if interlocking members are present to retain the inner packet part 120 when the lid part 130 is in the closed position (and the inner packet part 120 is in the first position), those same interlocking members may act to prevent closure of the lid part 130 to the closed position by interacting with other features of the package when the inner packet part 120 is in the second position. Returning to the earlier example of the lid part 130 comprising pins which may interlock with holes in the inner packet part 120, when the inner packet part 120 is in the second position, said pins may no longer align with said holes, thereby preventing the lid part 130 from moving into the closed position.

[0030] The package 100 may be manipulated so that it transitions from this third "open and extended" configuration, as illustrated by figure 1c, back to the first "open" configuration, as illustrated by figure 1b, by slidably moving the inner packet part 120 to cause the inner packet part 120 to move relative to the outer packet part 110 back to the first position.

[0031] The three configurations of the package 100 that have been described above are intended to convey the different functioning of the package in the different configurations that it may be arranged in. It will, be appreciated that there may be numerous different "open" configurations which the package may be placed in, the functioning of the package in each such "open" configuration performing the same as described above, differing only in minor variations in the positions of the lid part 130 and the inner package part 120 with respect to the outer package part 110. Similarly, there may be numerous different "closed" or "open and extended" configurations which the package may be placed in. Again, the functioning of the packaging in each such different "closed" or "open and extended" configuration performing the same as described above, but differing only in minor variations in the positions of the lid part 130 and the inner package part 120 with respect to the outer package part 110.

[0032] Figures 2a, 3a, 4a and 5a schematically illustrate exemplary blanks 200, 300, 400 and 500 which may be used to make the outer part 110, the inner part 120 and the lid part 130 of the package 100. Figures 2a, 3a, 4a show blanks for constructing parts110, 120 , 130 as represented in Figures 2b, 3b and 4b, 4c respectively in a first embodiment of a package 100 according to the present invention. Figure 5a represents a blank for simultaneously constructing the outer packet part 110 and the lid part 130 of the package 100 in a second embodiment of the package 100 of the invention, as represented in figures 5b and 5c. Generally, each of these blanks 200, 300, 400 and 500 comprises a plurality of panels, a plurality of construction tabs and a plurality of fold lines. Each of the blanks is cut from a relatively soft or pliable material such as cardboard and is assembled by folding and attaching the panels and construction tabs, as described in more detail below.

[0033] In general, each of the panels and construction tabs in the blanks is connected to at least one other panel and/or construction tab in the blank along a fold line or a crease line. When the blanks 200, 300, 400, 500 are folded along each of the plurality of fold lines to form parts 110, 120, 130 of the package 100, each of said construction tabs will be aligned with (or superimposed on) the inner side face of at least one of the other panels or construction tabs to which the construction tab may be attached. It will be understood that the reference to the inner side face of a panel or a construction tab refers to the side of the panel or construction tab which is directed towards the inside of the package 100 once the package 100 has been formed from the assembled blanks 200, 300, 400 or 500. The blanks may further comprise counter flaps (or panels or tabs) for strengthening one of the panels of the parts built from a corresponding blank in an area localised about the counter flap, or to provide retaining means for limiting movements of the parts with respect to each other when assembled in the package 100. In particular, counter flaps may be used to limit the movement of the inner packet part 120 with respect to the outer packet part 110. The counter flaps are connected to edges of the panels of the blanks along respective crease lines such that they can be folded over against the inner side face of the panel to which they are connected.

[0034] Each of the outer part 110, the inner part 120 and the lid part 130 is assembled from at least one of the blanks 200, 300, 400 and 500 by folding panels, construction tabs and counter flaps about their respective fold lines, and attaching the construction tabs to one or more of the panels and/or the construction tabs with which they align. Where the blanks further comprise counter flaps, these are folded over and optionally attached to the inner side face of the panel to which they are connected. The following discussion provides examples of ways in which the various parts of the package 100 may be made from the blanks 200, 300, 400 and 500. It will, however, be appreciated that, in general, any of the blanks discussed below may be modified so as to change the dimensions, or geometry of the package 100. Similarly, the precise configuration and arrangement of fold lines, cut lines, construction tabs and/or counter flaps on each of the blanks may be altered.

[0035] In a first embodiment, the package 100 may be formed from individual outer part 110, inner part 120 and lid part 130 shown in figures 2b, 3b, and 4b, 4c and respectively constructed by folding blanks 200, 300 and 400 shown in figures 2a, 3a and 4a.

[0036] Figure 2a schematically illustrates an exemplary outer packet part blank 200 which may be folded to form an outer packet part 110 of the package 100. Blank 200 comprises a front outer packet panel 202, a rear outer packet panel 204 and a side outer packet panel 206 (collectively referred to as the panels or walls of the outer packet part 110). Blank 200 also comprises a plurality of construction tabs, namely, a front top outer packet construction tab 208, a rear top outer packet construction tab 212, a front bottom outer packet construction tab 210 and a rear bottom outer packet construction tab 216. To stabilize and reinforce the outer packet part upon assembly thereof through folding and attachment of the panels and construction tabs, the blank 200 preferably further comprises a side top outer packet reinforcing tab 214 and a side bottom outer packet reinforcing tab 218. These two reinforcing tabs 214, 218 allow the ends of panel 206 to be bridged to the construction tabs 208 and 216 respectively upon assembly of the blank 200, thereby forming stabilizing square angles between panels 202, 204 and 206. Blank 200 further comprises a plurality of counter flaps, namely, a rear outer packet counter flap 220, a front upper outer packet counter flap 222 and a front lower outer packet counter flap 224.

[0037] To assemble the outer packet part blank 200 to form the outer packet part 110, the blank is folded along the fold lines (as marked by dashed lines in figure 2a). To start with, the rear outer packet counter flap 220 is folded over the inner side face of the rear outer packet panel 204 and the front outer packet counter flaps 222 and 224 are folded over the inner side face of the front outer packet panel 202. Then the top rear outer packet construction tab 212 reinforcing tab 214 are folded and fastened, for example by gluing, to the inner side face of the front top outer packet construction tab 208. Likewise, the bottom rear outer packet construction tab 216 and reinforcing tab 218 are folded and fastened to the inner side face of the front bottom outer packet construction tab 210.

[0038] The outer packet counter flaps 220, 222 and 224 may or may not be fastened to the inner side faces of the front and rear outer packet panels 202, 204. Preferably, only the front upper counter flap 222 is fastened to the inner side face of the front outer packet panel 202 while the rear outer packet counter flap 220 and the front lower outer packet counter panel 224 are simply folded over inner side faces of the rear and front panels respectively. While all outer packet counter flaps 220, 222, 224 serve to provide additional rigidity to front and rear outer packet panels 202, 204 at the free edges thereof, i.e. edges opposite the connections of these panels to the side outer packet panel 206. Outer packet counter flaps 220, 222, 224 further form stopping means for the inner packet part 120 when it is slid into the outer packet part 110 as will be described herein after, in particular in the position shown in figure 1c. However, the outer packet part blank 200 need not necessarily include any such counter flaps.

[0039] Figure 2b schematically illustrates the assembled outer packet part 110 which may be formed from the outer packet part blank 200. The outer packet part 110 comprises an opening 250 through which at least part of the inner packet part 120 may move when inserted in the outer pack 110. This opening 250 may be in a side panel of the outer packet part 110, as illustrated in figure 2b. For example, in figure 2b, the side panel of the outer packet part 110 that would have been opposite the side outer packet panel 206 on the outer packet part blank 200 has been removed (or left out), such that the absence of this side panel forms the opening 250 through which at least part of the inner packet part 120 may move.

[0040] The outer packet part 110 may also comprise a cut-away portion which allows the inner packet part 120 to be manually actuated. In other words, the cut-away portion allows the sliding movement of the inner packet part 110 with respect to the outer packet part 110 to be effected by manual force. The cut-away portion may allow the inner packet part 120 to be grasped so that the inner packet part can be pulled. This can be achieved by a cut-away portion in any of the panels which have an edge located near the opening 250. In the outer packet part 110 illustrated in figure 2b, for example, the cut-away portion 260 may be made in the front outer packet panel 202, on the edge nearest to the opening 250. Alternative or additional cut-away portions could also be made in the rear outer packet panel 204, top or bottom outer packet construction tabs 212, 208, 216, 210 on the respective edges nearest to the opening 250. The cut-away portion may be located in a position whereby it will be entirely, or at least partially, covered by the lid part 130 when the lid part 130 is in a closed position. In the outer packet part 110 illustrated in figure 2b, for example, the cut-away portion 260 may be made towards the top of the front outer packet panel 202.

[0041] Alternatively, or additionally, the cut-away portion of the outer packet part 110 may allow the inner packet part 120 to be pushed. This can be achieved, for example, by a cutaway portion in the side outer packet panel 206.

[0042] It will be appreciated that it is not necessary for the inner packet part 120 to be manually actuated in order to cause the inner packet part 120 to slidably move with respect to the outer packet part 110 and that other actuating means may be employed instead. As an example, the inner packet part 120 could be biased (e.g. by a spring) such that it slidably moves once a resistance to the movement of the inner packet part is removed (such as the obstruction in the path of the inner packet part 120 caused by the lid part 130 when in the closed position). As further examples, the inner packet part 120 could be actuated by the action of gravity or by a mechanism which is linked to the action of opening of the lid part 130.

[0043] The outer packet part 110 may comprise an opening 270 which allows a product to be removed from the inner packet part 120 while the inner packet part 120 is in the first position. This is achieved by arranging the opening 270 such that it is, at least partly, in alignment with an opening 330 in the inner packet part 120 when the inner packet part 120 is in the first position, thereby allowing access to the inner packet part 120 and removal of a product therefrom. The opening 270 is arranged such that when the lid part 130 is in the closed position, the lid part 130 prevents removal of a product through the opening 270. As an example, the lid part 130 may overlie, or otherwise restrict, the opening 270 when the lid part 130 is in the closed position, such that removal of a product through the opening 270 is not possible. However, when the lid part 130 is not in the closed position (for example, when the lid part 130 is in the open position) the lid part 130 may not overlie, or otherwise restrict, the opening 270, such that removal of a product through the opening 270 is possible.

[0044] The same opening 270 which allows a product to be removed from the inner packet part 120 may also serve to allow the inner packet part 120 to be manually actuated in order to cause the inner packet part 120 to move with respect to the outer packet part 110. These functions may therefore be both fulfilled by the same single opening (although, of course, may also be fulfilled by different openings).

[0045] Figure 3a schematically illustrates an exemplary inner packet part blank 300 which may be folded to form an inner packet part 120 of the package 100. The exemplary outer packet part blank 300 comprises a front inner packet panel 302 (or wall), a rear (or back) inner packet panel 304, a rear trailing side inner packet construction tab 306 and a bottom inner packet panel 310 (collectively referred to as the panels or walls of the inner packet part 120). Additionally, the inner packet part blank 300 comprises a plurality of construction tabs, including a rear leading side inner packet construction tab 312, a front top inner packet construction tab 308, a rear top inner packet construction tab 314, a bottom trailing side inner packet reinforcing tab 316, a front trailing side inner packet construction tab 318, a front leading side inner packet construction tab 320, and a bottom leading side inner packet reinforcing tab 322.

[0046] To assemble the inner packet part blank 300 to form an inner packet part 120, the shape of the blank (as marked by solid lines in figure 3a) is cut out of a suitable material and folded (or creased) along the fold lines (as marked by dashed lines in figure 3a). The plurality of construction tabs are each attached to the back of a respective panel of the outer packet part blank 300 to which they align. Specifically, the rear top inner packet construction tab 314 may be attached to the back of the front top inner packet construction tab 308, the bottom trailing side inner packet reinforcing tab 316 may be attached to the back of the rear trailing side inner packet construction tab 306, the front trailing side inner packet construction tab 318 may be attached to the back of the rear trailing side inner packet construction tab 306, the front leading side inner packet construction tab 320 may be attached to the back of the rear leading side inner packet construction tab 312, and the bottom leading side inner packet reinforcing tab 322 may be attached to the back of the rear leading side inner packet construction tab 312.

[0047] It will be appreciated that, as for the exemplary outer packet part blank 200 discussed above, reinforcement tabs (not shown) may also be present on the inner packet part blank 300 to provide additional rigidity to the structure of the assembled inner packet part 120

[0048] The exemplary inner packet part blank 300 may also comprise limiting flaps 324. These limiting flaps 324 are designed to interact with the outer packet part 110 to prevent the over-extension of the assembled inner packet part 120 when it is slidably moved with respect to the outer packet part 110. These limiting flaps 324 therefore prevent, or at least provide some resistance to, the user opening the inner packet part 120 beyond a certain point so that the inner packet part 120 cannot be completely removed from the outer packet part 110, at least not without overcoming the resistance provided by these limiting flaps 324. In other words, as the inner packet slides from the first position to the second (extended) position, the limiting flaps 324 on the inner packet part 120 will hook over the counter flaps 220, 222, 224 on the outer packet part 110, preventing the further movement in that direction of the inner packet part 120 relative to the outer packet part 110. However, it will be appreciated that other limiting mechanisms may be used instead to prevent, or at least provide some resistance to, the user opening the inner packet part 120 beyond a certain point. For example, a limiting mechanism may be formed by cut away portions in the inner packet part 120 which correspond to and interact with restricting tabs on the inside of the outer packet part 110, or alternatively may be formed from additional material on the side of the inner packet part 120 which is prevented from moving beyond a certain point by additional material (or a stop) on the inside of the outer packet part 110.

[0049] Figure 3b schematically illustrates an assembled inner packet part 120 which may be formed by folding the blank 300 illustrated in figure 3a. In the assembled form of the inner packet part 120, the front inner packet panel 302 opposes the rear inner packet panel 304 and shares a respective edge with each of the front top inner packet construction tab 308, the rear leading side inner packet construction tab 312, the rear trailing side inner packet construction tab 306 and the bottom inner packet panel 310, the rear inner packet panel 304 opposes the front inner packet panel 302 and shares a respective edge with each of the front top inner packet construction tab 308, the rear leading side inner packet construction tab 312, the rear trailing side inner packet construction tab 306 and the bottom inner packet panel 310, the rear trailing side inner packet construction tab 306 opposes the rear leading side inner packet construction tab 312 and shares a respective edge with each of the front top inner packet construction tab 308, the front inner packet panel 302, the bottom inner packet panel 310 and the rear inner packet panel 304, the rear leading side inner packet construction tab 312 opposes the rear trailing side inner packet construction tab 306 and shares a respective edge with each of the front inner packet panel 302, the bottom inner packet panel 310 and the rear inner packet panel 304, the front top inner packet construction tab 308, the front top inner packet construction tab 308 opposes the bottom inner packet panel 310 and shares a respective edge with each of the front inner packet panel 302, the rear trailing side inner packet construction tab 306 and the rear inner packet panel 304, and the bottom inner packet panel 310 opposes the front top inner packet construction tab 308 and shares a respective edge with each of the front inner packet panel 302, the rear trailing side inner packet construction tab 306, the rear inner packet panel 304 and the rear leading side inner packet construction tab 312.

[0050] The assembled exemplary inner packet part 130 comprises an opening through which a smoking article may be removed (although, as discussed above, the inner packet part 130 need not comprise such an opening). This opening in the exemplary inner packet part 130 is formed from a plurality of cut-away portions, including a cut-away portion 360 in the front inner packet panel 302, a cut-away portion 350 in the front top inner packet construction tab 308 and a cut-away portion 370 in the rear leading side inner packet construction tab 312. Whilst these have been referred to as cut-away portions, it will be appreciated, that they may be formed without an active step of cutting away a portion of any of the panels and may instead be formed by appropriately shaping the panels on the blank. Furthermore, although an exemplary opening is shown being made up from cut-away portions in multiple panels of the inner packet part 120, this need not be the case, such an opening may be formed in a single panel of the inner packet part 120. Indeed, the opening need not coincide with the edge of one of the panels of the inner packet part 120 and may instead be more centrally located within the panel. Additionally, it will be appreciated that the opening may be formed from cut-away portions in different panel(s) of the inner packet part 120 from those illustrated in figure 3b

[0051] Figure 4a schematically illustrates an exemplary lid part blank 400 which may be folded to form a lid part 130 of the package 100. The exemplary lid part blank 400 comprises a front lid panel 402 (or wall), a rear (or back) lid panel 404, a top lid panel 408 and a lid attachment panel 424 (collectively referred to as the panels or walls of the lid part 130). The exemplary lid part blank 400 also comprises a front leading side lid construction tab 406, a front trailing side lid construction tab 410, a rear leading side lid construction tab 412, a rear trailing side lid construction tab 414, a leading side top lid reinforcing tab 416, a trailing side top lid reinforcing tab 418 and a front panel lid counter tab 420.

[0052] To assemble the lid part blank 400 to form a lid part 130, the blank is folded along each of the fold lines. Each of the construction tabs and counter panels (where present) may be attached to the inner side face of a respective panel of the lid part blank 400 with which they align. Specifically, the rear leading side lid construction tab 412 may be attached to the back of the front leading side lid construction tab 406, the rear trailing side lid construction tab 414 may be attached to the back of the front trailing side lid construction tab 410, the leading side top lid reinforcing tab 416 and the trailing side top lid reinforcing tab 418 may be attached to the back of the top lid panel 408 and the front panel lid counter tab 420 may be folded over and attached, preferably by gluing, to the inner side face of the front lid panel 402. A crease line 426 between the lid attachment panel 424 and the rear lid panel 404 is creased, such that the crease line 426 serves as a hinge about which the rear panel 404 (and the other panels which are fixed relative to the rear lid panel 404) can rotate relative to the lid attachment panel 424. The lid attachment panel 424 may therefore be attached to the front or back of a face of the outer packet part 110 in order to create a hingeable connection between the outer packet part 110 and the lid part 130. Preferably, the lid attachment panel 424 may be attached to one of the main (or larger) panels of the outer packet part 110, such as the rear outer packet panel 204. Of course, it will be appreciated that the exemplary lid part blank 400 could be adapted such that the lid attachment panel 424 is connected by a crease line 426 to the top lid panel 408, such that the lid part 130 does not comprise a rear lid panel 404 (such an adaption could, for example, be derived by making the necessary changes to the combined outer packet part and lid part blank 500 discussed below to remove the panels and tabs relating to the outer packet part). Alternatively, the lid part 130 might not comprise a lid attachment panel 424, in which case, the lid part 130 might be hingeably connected to the outer packet part 110 via different means. For example, a separate hinge part comprising a creased piece of material could be attached to a panel of the outer packet part 120 and a panel of the lid part 130, thereby hingeably connecting the two parts.

[0053] Figures 4b and 4c respectively schematically illustrate a front view and a rear view of an assembled lid part which may be formed by folding the blank illustrated in figure 4a. In its assembled form, the front lid panel 402 shares a respective edge with each of the front leading side lid construction tab 406, the top lid panel 408 and the front trailing side lid construction tab 410, the rear lid panel 404 shares a respective edge with each of the front leading side lid construction tab 406, the top lid panel 408, the front trailing side lid construction tab 410 and the lid attachment panel 424, the front leading side lid construction tab 406 shares a respective edge with each of the front lid panel 402, the rear lid panel 404 and the top lid panel 408, the top lid panel 408 shares a respective edge with each of the front lid panel 402, the rear lid panel 404, the front leading side lid construction tab 406 and the front trailing side lid construction tab 410, the front trailing side lid construction tab 410 shares a respective edge with each of the front lid panel 402, the rear lid panel 404 and the top lid panel 408, the lid attachment panel 424 only shares an edge with the rear lid panel 404. In the lid part's assembled form, the front lid panel 402, the rear lid panel 404, the front leading side lid construction tab 406, the top lid panel 408 and the front trailing side lid construction tab 410 are fixed relative to one another and are able to rotate with respect to the lid attachment panel 424 about the crease line 426.

[0054] Figure 5a schematically illustrates an exemplary combined outer packet part and lid part blank 500 which may be folded to form a combined exemplary outer packet part 110 and lid part 130 in a second embodiment of the package 100 of the invention.

[0055] The blank 500 comprises a first group of panels, construction tabs and counter flaps to form the outer packet part 110 of the package 100. Said first group comprises a front outer packet panel 202, a rear outer packet panel 204 and a side outer packet panel 206. These panels correspond to similar panels on the blank 200 for independently forming the outer packet part 110 as illustrated in figure 2a.

[0056] The plurality of construction tabs of the blank 500 which combine to form the outer packet part 110 comprises a front top outer packet construction tab 208, a front bottom outer packet construction tab 210, a rear bottom outer packet construction tab 216, a side bottom outer packet reinforcing tab 218 and a rear top outer packet closing tab 502 (which may be considered equivalent to a construction tab except that the rear top outer packet closing tab 502 aligns with and may be fixed to a face of one of the panels when the packet is assembled, rather than to another one of the construction tabs). It will be noted that whilst the rear bottom outer packet construction tab 216 and the side bottom outer packet reinforcing tab 218 correspond with similar construction tabs on the blank 200 for independently forming the outer packet part 110 as illustrated in figure 2a, the rear top outer packet construction tab 212 and the side top outer packet construction tab 214 of the blank 200 illustrated in figure 2a have been replaced with the rear top outer packet closing tab 502 in the combined blank 500. The rear top outer packet closing tab 502 in the combined blank 500 serves the same purpose as the rear top outer packet construction tab 212 and the side top outer packet construction tab 214 of the blank 200 illustrated in figure 2a, namely to fix the position of the front top outer packet construction tab 208 of the outer packet part 110 relative to the rear outer packet panel 204 and the side outer packet panel 206 of the outer packet part 110. Therefore, the blank 200 illustrated in figure 2a could be adapted to make use of a rear top outer packet closing tab 502 instead of the rear top outer packet construction tab 212 and the side top outer packet construction tab 214. It will further be appreciated that whilst the inclusion of the rear top outer packet closing tab 502 and the construction tab 208 in the blank 500 is preferable (since they aid in retaining the inner packet part 120 in the outer packet part 110 whilst the lid part 130 is in an open position), these features are optional and the blank 500 may be constructed without rear top outer packet closing tab 502 and the construction tab 208.

[0057] The plurality of reinforcement tabs of the combined outer packet part and lid part blank 500 which combine to form the outer packet part 110 comprises rear outer packet counter flap 220, front upper outer packet counter flap 222 and front lower outer packet counter flap 224. Again, these reinforcement tabs correspond to similar reinforcement tabs of the blank 200 for independently forming the outer packet part 110 as illustrated in figure 2a.

[0058] The plurality of panels of the combined outer packet part and lid part blank 500 which combine to form the lid part 130 comprises a front lid panel 402, a front leading side lid construction tab 406 and a front trailing side lid construction tab 410. These panels correspond to similar panels on the blank 400 for independently forming the lid part 130 as illustrated in figure 2a. However, unlike the blank illustrated in figure 2a, the lid part 130 of the exemplary combined blank 500 does not comprise a rear lid panel 404, instead the hingeable connection between the outer packet part 110 and the lid part 130 is formed with the top lid panel 408 (although of course it will be appreciated that it is possible to modify the combined blank 500 such that the lid part 130 that it forms does comprise a rear lid panel 404 like that formed by the individual lid part blank 400 illustrated in figure 4a).

[0059] The plurality of construction tabs of the combined blank 500 which combine to form the lid part 130 comprises a leading side top lid reinforcing tab 416 and a trailing side top lid reinforcing tab 418. These construction tabs correspond to similar construction tabs on the blank 400 for independently forming the lid part 130 as illustrated in figure 4a. However, the combined blank 500 does not include the rear leading side lid construction tab 412 or the rear trailing side lid construction tab 414, which are present on the blank 400 for independently forming the lid part 130 illustrated in figure 4a.

[0060] The plurality of reinforcement tabs of the combined outer packet part and lid part blank 500 which combine to form the outer packet part 110 comprises a front panel lid counter tab 420. This counter tab corresponds to the similar counter tab on the blank 400 for independently forming the lid part 130 as illustrated in figure 4a.

[0061] To assemble the combined outer packet part and lid part blank 500, the shape of the blank is cut out of a suitable material, each of the plurality of internal cut lines 520 is cut, each of the plurality of fold lines is folded and the crease line 510 is creased. Next, each of the plurality of construction tabs may be attached to the back of each of the panels with which it aligns. Specifically, the rear bottom outer packet construction tab 216 may be attached to the back of the front bottom outer packet construction tab 210, the side bottom outer packet reinforcing tab 218 may be attached to the back of the front bottom outer packet construction tab 210 and the rear top outer packet closing tab 502 may be attached to the back of the rear outer packet panel 204, thereby forming the outer packet part 110. Meanwhile, the leading side top lid reinforcing tab 416 and the trailing side top lid reinforcing tab 418 may be attached to the back of the top lid panel 408, thereby forming the lid part 130. Where the combined outer packet part and lid part blank 500 comprises reinforcement tabs, each of the plurality of reinforcement tabs of the combined outer packet part and lid part blank 500 may be folded back and attached to the back of the panel to which they are connected. Specifically, the rear outer packet counter flap 220 may be attached to the back of rear outer packet panel 204, the front upper outer packet counter flap 222 and the front lower outer packet reinforcement tab 224 may be attached to the back of the front outer packet panel 202 and the front panel lid counter tab 420 may be attached to the back of the front lid panel 402.

[0062] Figures 5b and 5c respectively schematically illustrate a front view and a rear view of an assembled combined outer packet part and lid part which may be formed by folding the combined outer packet part and lid part blank 500 illustrated in figure 5a. The assembled combined outer packet part and lid part 500 comprises a lid part 130 which is hingeably connected to the outer packet part 110 by a crease 510. Such a combined blank 500 and method of manufacture may be more efficient, since two parts of the package 100 are assembled from the same blank and there is no requirement to attach the lid part 130 to the outer packet part 110 as a subsequent step in order to form a hingeable connection between the two parts. Preferably, the crease line is placed between the panel of the lid part 130 and a main panel of the outer packet part 110, such as rear outer packet panel 204 (i.e such that the lid part 130 may be considered to extend from the rear outer packet panel 204 of the outer packet part 110).

[0063] It will be appreciated that the main difference between the blanks and package parts illustrated in figures 5a, 5b and 5c and those illustrated in the preceding figures is that the outer packet part and lid part of the package are combined on the blank 500 such that they may be assembled into a connected outer packet part 110 and lid part 130 without having to carry out a separate step of hingeably attaching the outer packet part 110 and lid part 130. Therefore, the various other features and considerations discussed above in relation to the blanks and package parts illustrated in the preceding figures may be applied equally to the blanks and package parts illustrated in figures 5a, 5b and 5c. For example, various openings may also be formed in the blanks and package parts illustrated in figures 5a, 5b and 5c to allow for removal of smoking articles or manual actuation of an inner packet part.

[0064] To form a complete package, having formed an outer packet part 110, an inner packet part 120 and a lid part 130 as described above in relation to any of the figures 2-5, the completed package may be formed by slidably mounting the inner packet part 120 in the outer packet part 110 and hingeably connecting the lid part 130 to the outer packet part 110. The hingeable connection between the lid part 130 and the outer packet part 110 may simply be formed by creasing a crease line 510 between the two parts (e.g. where the two parts are formed from a combined blank 500 such as that illustrated in figure 5a). However, the hingeable connection between the lid part 130 and the outer packet part 110 may require attaching a hinging means to one or more of the panels of the outer packet part 110 and/or the lid part 130, as discussed above.

[0065] The front lid panel 402 of the lid part 130 of the package 100 may be arranged such that it has a length which covers at least 20% of the length of the package 100 (in a longitudinal direction) in the package's assembled form. More preferably, the length of the front lid panel 402 of the lid part 130 may be such that it covers at least 30% of the length of the package 100. Yet more preferably still, the length of the front lid panel 402 of the lid part 130 may be such that it covers at least 40% if the length of the package 100. These ratios between the length of the front lid panel 402 of the lid part 130 and the length of the package 100 provide a lid part 130 which is more secure when it is in the closed position (i.e. it is less likely to accidentally open) and provide the user greater control and leverage when opening the lid part 130.

[0066] Preferably, when the lid part 130 is in the closed position, the lid part 130 at least partly overlies both the outer packet part 110 and the inner packet part 120 when the lid part is in the closed position. The lid part 130 overlying both the outer packet part 110 and the inner packet part 120 results in packages which have a more secure closed configuration.

[0067] In use, the inner packet part 120 of the package 100 may store smoking articles, such as cigarettes. A user may receive the package 100 with the smoking articles already placed in the package or alternatively may take a package 100 and insert their own smoking articles into the package 100 for storage. Typically, in either case, the user will start with the package 100 in the first "closed" configuration.

[0068] In the first "closed" configuration, the positioning of the inner packet part 120 of the package 100 within the outer packet part 110 and/or the positioning of the lid part 130 in the closed position prevents the user from accessing the inner packet part 120 of the package 100 to either remove (or retrieve or extract) a smoking article therefrom or to place (or store or insert) a smoking article therein. In this first "closed" configuration any smoking articles that are stored in the package 100 are held securely and will not be accidentally lost or spilt by the user even if they drop the package or place the package 100 in an environment where it will be subject to occasional forces, such as being loosely stored in a bag.

[0069] In order to access a smoking article from the package (or, indeed, to insert a smoking article therein), the user first transforms the package 100 from the first "closed" configuration into the second "open" configuration by rotating the lid part 130 relative to the outer packet part 110.

[0070] In the second "open" configuration the inner packet part 120 is free to move from the first "retracted" position into the second "extended" position where at least part of the inner packet part 120 is outside of the outer packet part 110. The user may be able to access the inner packet part 120 to retrieve or insert a smoking article whilst the package 100 is in the second "open" configuration if the outer packet part 110 comprises an opening 270 which allows the user to access the inner packet part 120, as discussed above. This is advantageous for the user as they are able to access the inner packet part 120 to retrieve or store a smoking article more quickly without having to fully open the package to the third "open and extended" configuration. However, where the package 100 does not comprise such an opening, whilst the inner packet part 120 is free to slidably move, the smoking are still securely contained. This means that even if the user were to suddenly spasm or jerk while they were at this stage of opening the package 100 (i.e. with the package being transitioned from the first "closed" configuration to the second "open" configuration or with the package being in the second "open" configuration), or alternatively were to be subjected to a jolt whilst opening the package, no smoking articles would be spilt or lost from the package 100. Even where the outer packet part 110 comprises an opening 270 which allows access to the inner packet part 120 whilst in the second "open" configuration, such an opening may be more restrictive (e.g. smaller) to the extraction of smoking articles than with the package 100 in the third "open and extended" configuration. This means that if the user were to jerk or be jolted whilst at this stage of opening the package, the resultant potential for spilling or losing smoking articles from the package 100 is still greatly reduced.

[0071] Where the outer packet part 110 comprises an opening 270 which allows access to the inner packet part 120 whilst in the second "open" configuration, the user may simply retrieve (or insert) a smoking article from (or into) the inner packet part 120 without further manipulation of the package 100. The user may then proceed to manipulate the package 100 into the first "closed" configuration, by rotating the lid part back to the "closed" position so that the smoking articles are once again securely held by the package 100.

[0072] However, even where the outer packet part 110 comprises such an opening 270, the user may instead desire to manipulate the package 100 from the second "open" configuration to the third "open and extended" configuration as this may improve the user's access to the inner packet part 120, making it easier for him to extract a smoking article (particularly, for example, where the package 100 is only holding a few smoking articles which are trapped in the recess of the package 100). Of course, where no such opening 270 is present in inner packet part 120, the user must proceed to manipulate the package 100 from the second "open" configuration to the third "open and extended" configuration in order to access the inner packet part 120 and insert or retrieve a smoking article therefrom. The user manipulates the package 100 from the second "open" configuration to the third "open and extended" configuration by slidably moving the inner packet part 120 from the first "retracted" position to the second "extended" position.

[0073] In the third "open and extended" configuration, the user is able to access the inner packet part 120 in order to retrieve (or insert) a smoking article therefrom. Then, having retrieved a smoking article from the inner packet part 120, the user may return the package 100 to the first "closed" configuration for safe storage of the smoking articles by: (a) manipulating the package from the third "open and extended" configuration to the second "open" configuration by sliding the inner packet part 120 from the second "extended" position back to the first "retracted" position where it fully contained within the outer packet part 110, and then (b) manipulating the package from the second "open" configuration to the first "closed" configuration by rotating the lid part 130 with respect to the outer packet part 110.

[0074] It will be appreciated that the user may perform other additional actions whilst using the package 100. As examples, the lid part 130 may have a locking mechanism which requires undoing before the lid part 130 may be rotated when in the first "open" configuration, or the inner packet part 120 may include a seal which needs to be undone before accessing the smoking articles whilst in the third "open and extended" configuration.

[0075] The above description relates to particular examples of the invention, however it will be appreciated that other implementations are possible. In particular, the skilled person may modify or alter the particular geometry and arrangement of the particular features of the packaging. Particularly, the respective positions and sizes of the construction tabs and reinforcement tabs elements on the inner and outer packet parts can easily be modified or inverted by the skilled person without affecting the functional behaviour of the packaging of the invention. Other variations and modifications will also be apparent to the skilled person.

Claims

1. A package (100) for smoking articles, the package comprising:

an outer packet part (110);

an inner packet part (120); and

a lid part (130);

wherein:

the inner packet part is slidably mounted in the outer packet part such that the inner packet part may move relative to the outer packet part through an opening in the outer packet part between a first position in which the inner packet part is contained within the outer packet part and a second position in which at least part of the inner packet part is outside of the outer packet part; and

the lid part is hingeably connected to the outer packet part such that the lid part may move relative to the outer packet part between a closed position in which the lid part retains the inner packet part inside the outer packet part and an open position in which the lid part does not retain the inner packet part inside the outer packet part.

2. A package according to claim 1, wherein the opening in the outer packet part is in a side face of the outer packet part.

3. A package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer packet part comprises a cut-away portion for allowing the inner packet part to be manually actuated.

4. A package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer packet part and the inner packet part each comprise a respective opening for allowing a smoking article to be removed from the inner packet while the inner packet part is in the first position, wherein the respective openings are, at least partly, in alignment when the inner packet part is in the first position and the lid part is arranged such that when the lid part is in the closed position, the lid part prevents removal of a smoking article through the respective openings.

5. A package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner packet part comprises an opening at or towards a top end of the inner packet part for allowing removal of a smoking article from the inner packet part.

6. A package according to either one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the lid part comprises a main panel having a length covering at least 20% of the full length of the package in the closed position, preferably at least 30%, still preferably at least 40%.

7. A package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid part is attached to and/or extends from a main panel of the outer packet part.

8. A package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid part at least partly overlies both the outer packet part and the inner packet part when the lid part is in the closed position.

9. A set of blanks for forming the package according to any one of claim 1 to 8, wherein the set of blanks comprises:

a blank for assembly into an outer packet part of the package;

a blank for assembly into an inner packet part of the package;

a blank for assembly into a lid part of the package;

each blank comprising:

a respective plurality of panels;

a respective plurality of construction tabs; and

a respective plurality of fold lines;

wherein for each blank:

each panel is connected by a fold line to at least one of the other panels and/or to at least one of the construction tabs;

each construction tab is connected by a fold line to one of the panels;
wherein the construction tabs are arranged such that upon assembly of each blank into the corresponding outer part, inner part or lid part of the package each construction tab is folded substantially perpendicularly about its fold line to the panel to which it is connected and attached flat to another construction tab such that each panel of the blank is positioned substantially perpendicularly to the at least one other panel to which it is connected by a fold line.

10. The set of blanks according to claim 9, wherein the blank for assembly into a lid part of the package comprises a connecting means to attach the lid part to the outer part of the package.

11. The set of blanks according to claim 10, wherein the connecting means to attach the lid part to the outer part of the package is a connecting panel or strip connected along a fold line to another panel of the blank for assembly into the lid part of the package.

12. The set of blanks according to claim 10, wherein the blank for assembly into a lid part forms a portion of the blank for assembly into the outer packet part and the connecting means to attach the lid part to the outer part of the package is crease line between one of the panels of the blank for assembly into a lid part of the package and one of the panels of the blank for assembly into the outer part of the package.

13. A method of forming a package (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 from a set of blanks according to any one of claims 9 to 12, the method comprising:

forming an outer packet part (110) by folding each of the panels and construction tabs of the blank for assembly into the outer part of the package about the fold lines and attaching each construction tab to another of the construction tab to fix the respective positions of the panels substantially perpendicular to one another;

forming an inner packet part (120) by folding each of the panels and construction tabs of the blank for assembly into the inner part of the package about the fold lines and attaching each construction tab to another of the construction tab to fix the respective positions of the panels substantially perpendicular to one another;

forming a lid part (130) by folding each of the panels and construction tabs of the blank for assembly into the lid part of the package about the fold lines and attaching each construction tab to another of the construction tab to fix the respective positions of the panels substantially perpendicular to one another;

slidably mounting the inner packet part in the outer packet part; and

connecting the lid part to the outer packet part with a hingeable connection such that the lid part may move relative to the outer packet part between a closed position in which the lid part retains the inner packet part inside the outer packet part and an open position in which the lid part does not retain the inner packet part inside the outer packet part.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the set of blanks is according to claim 12 and the hingeable connection between the lid part and the outer packet part comprises creasing the crease line.

15. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the step of forming the inner packet part is carried out before the step of forming the outer packet part and lid part.

Drawing