[0001] The invention relates to a packet for smoke articles, particularly cigarettes.
[0002] International patent application
WO2007/065514 discloses a packet for smoke articles consisting of an internal part arranged for
receiving the smoke articles and of an internal part arranged for slidably housing
the internal part.
[0003] The external part comprises an open upper face through which the internal part can
exit and a front wall, perpendicular to the upper face, in which a circular opening
is obtained.
[0004] The packet disclosed in
WO2007/065514 further comprises a lid attached to the internal part.
[0005] In use, in order to access the smoke articles, it is necessary to retain the packet
with one hand, inserting the thumb into the opening and acting on a front wall of
the internal part facing the opening so as to push the internal part away from a base
wall of the external part.
[0006] More precisely, in order to do so, a consumer has to press the front wall of the
internal part with sufficient force to make the internal part slide in relation to
the external part, which can easily damage the smoke articles received in the internal
part, until, in the most serious cases, they are made unusable.
[0007] Further, the aforesaid packet is particularly difficult to open because of the low
friction coefficient between the thumb of the consumer and the front wall of the internal
part.
[0008] This is due to the fact that, for aesthetic reasons, the front wall of the internal
part is made of gloss card, which has a low friction coefficient, both in the event
of possible dirt and/or sweat on the thumb of the consumer.
[0009] Another drawback of the packet disclosed in
WO2007/065514 is that from the aforesaid opening tobacco residues can exit, the residues flowing
into a pocket or a bag of a consumer.
[0010] GB 205 750 upon which the preamble of claim 1 is based discloses a cigarette package having
an internal and an outer enclosure with elastic means there between.
[0011] An object of the invention is to improve the packets for smoke articles, particularly
for cigarettes, and the blanks and inner frames that can be used to obtain the packets.
[0012] A further object is to make a packet for smoke articles that enables the aforesaid
drawbacks to be overcome.
[0013] In a first aspect of the invention a packet is provided for smoke articles as defined
in claim 1.
[0014] The packet according to the invention enables, via the elastic means, the internal
enclosure to exit from the outer enclosure, without the need to press the internal
enclosure with force.
[0015] This enables damage to the smoke articles to be avoided in a packet opening step
and enables the packet opening step to be simplified.
[0016] The invention can be better understood and implemented with reference to the attached
drawings that illustrate an embodiment thereof by way of non-limiting example in which:
Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an outer enclosure included in a packet for
smoke articles according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a bottom view of the enclosure in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of the enclosure in Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a front perspective view of the packet for smoke articles according to
the invention in a closed configuration;
Figure 5 is a front perspective view of the packet in Figure 4, in a configuration
in which an internal enclosure of the packet is partially extracted from the outer
enclosure;
Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of the packet in the configuration in Figure 5;
Figures 7 to 9 are cross sections of the packet in Figure 4, devoid of a internal
wrap, illustrating an opening step of the packet;
Figure 10 is an enlarged detail of Figure 7;
Figure 11 is an enlarged detail of Figure 9;
Figures 12 to 14 are perspective views of the internal enclosure in a partially folded
configuration;
Figures 15 to 18 are views of the internal enclosure in a folded configuration;
Figure 19 is a plan view of a blank for obtaining the outer enclosure in Figure 1;
Figure 20 is a plan view of a inner frame for obtaining the internal enclosure;
Figure 21 is a section along plane XXI-XXI of Figure 20. With reference to Figures
1 to 3 there is shown an outer enclosure 102 of a packet 101 (Figures 4 to 6) of stiff
type, for smoke articles, particularly cigarettes, according to the invention.
[0017] The outer enclosure 102 is of the box type, having, for example, a parallelepipedon
shape.
[0018] The outer enclosure 102 comprises a base wall 103, from which a front wall 104 and
a rear wall 105 extend opposite the front wall 104.
[0019] The front wall 104 comprises an end 141 folded towards the inside of the outer enclosure
102 (Figures 10 and 11).
[0020] In particular, the end 141 is fixed to an internal surface of the front wall 104
and acts as an arrest, as will be explained better below, for the internal enclosure
116.
[0021] The rear wall 105 comprises a further end 142 folded towards the inside of the outer
enclosure 102 (Figures 10 and 11).
[0022] In particular, the further end 142 is fixed to a further internal surface of the
rear wall 105.
[0023] Between the front wall 104 and the rear wall 105 a first side wall 106 and a second
side wall 110 are interposed, each of which has a reduced extension compared with
the front wall 104 and the rear wall 105.
[0024] The outer enclosure 102 further comprises an opening 107 opposite the base wall 103.
[0025] In particular, the opening 107 has a substantially rectangular shape, and is bounded
by a first upper edge 111 of the front wall 104, by a second upper edge 112 of the
rear wall 105, substantially parallel to the first upper edge 111, by a third upper
edge 113 of the first side wall 106, which is substantially perpendicular to the first
upper edge 111, and by a fourth upper edge 114 of the second side wall 110, which
is substantially parallel to the third upper edge 113.
[0026] Also, the outer enclosure 102 comprises a first through opening 108 and a second
through opening 109 obtained respectively on the first side wall 106 and on the second
side wall 110.
[0027] The first through opening 108 and the second through opening 110 are mutually opposite.
[0028] Also, the first through opening 108 and the second through opening 109 substantially
have the shape of isosceles triangles with rounded vertices, these triangles having
smaller bases 115 nearer the opening 107 and which are substantially parallel respectively
to the third upper edge 113 and to the fourth upper edge 114.
[0029] The packet 101 further comprises an internal enclosure 116 or inner frame, shown
in detail in Figures 12 to 17, arranged for being slidably received in the outer enclosure
102.
[0030] The internal enclosure 116 comprises a containing body 117, for containing the smoke
articles, and a closing body including a lid 118 that can be open or closed to enable
a consumer to access the smoke articles. In particular, the lid 118 is movable between
an open position (Figure 9) and a closed position (Figures 7 and 8) rotating around
a hinge 119, shown for example in Figure 6.
[0031] In particular, the internal enclosure 116 houses an internal wrap 120, shown in Figure
5 and Figures 15 to 18, comprising a group of smoke articles wrapped in tinfoil or
metal foil. The internal wrap 120 is of known type and does not have substantial differences
compared with the internal wraps used in normal packets of cigarettes.
[0032] The aforesaid containing body 117 of the internal enclosure 116 comprises a main
wall 121.
[0033] The main wall 121 include an abutting portion 124, having, for example, a "U"-shaped
profile, projecting downwards.
[0034] In other words, the abutting portion 124 extends from the main wall 121 on the opposite
side of the lid 118.
[0035] The function of the abutting portion 124 will be explained better below.
[0036] A first lesser wall 122 and a second lesser wall 123 are connected to the main wall
130 to contain the internal wrap 120 laterally.
[0037] The internal enclosure 116 further comprises first elastic protruding elements 127,
and second elastic protruding elements 128, respectively obtained in the, and projecting
outside the first lesser wall 122 and second lesser wall 123. The first elastic protruding
elements 127 and the second protruding elements 128 have an arrow-tip shape, protrude
towards the outside of the internal enclosure 116, and are arranged for engaging in
a releasable manner respectively with a first edge zone 129 (Figure 4) of the lesser
base 115 of the first through opening 108 and with a second edge zone 130 (Figure
6) of the lesser base 115 of the second through opening 109.
[0038] The first elastic protruding elements 127, the second protruding means 128, the first
through opening 108 and the second through opening 109 act as coupling means for the
packet 101, i.e. enable the internal enclosure 116 to be coupled in a releasable manner
with the outer enclosure 102. In particular, the first elastic protruding elements
127 and the second protruding elements 128 are movable between an everted configuration
A (Figure 7) in which they are positioned substantially at respectively the first
through opening 108 and the second through opening 109 and project towards the outside
of respectively the first lesser wall 122 and the second lesser wall 123, so as to
abut on respective active edges 131, 132, of respectively the first edge zone 129
and the second edge zone 130 and cooperate with the latter to maintain the internal
enclosure 116 anchored on the outer enclosure 102 in a closed configuration of the
packet 101, and a pressed configuration P (Figures 8 and 9) in which they are substantially
coplanar respectively with the first lesser wall 122 and the second lesser wall 123
and are respectively disengaged from the first edge zone 129 and from the second edge
zone 130 to enable the internal enclosure 116 to slide inside the outer enclosure
102.
[0039] It should be noted how a sliding step of the internal enclosure 116 in the outer
enclosure 102, the first elastic protruding elements 127 and the second protruding
elements 128 are maintained in the pressed configuration P respectively by a first
internal surface of the first side wall 106 and by a second internal surface of the
second side wall 110 that act as pressing means.
[0040] The aforesaid first and second protruding elements 127, 128 each comprise respectively
a fin 133 and a further fin 134, that are separated and mutually facing in the pressed
configuration P, the fin 133 and the further fin 134 each, for example, having the
shape of a rectangular triangle.
[0041] On the other hand, in the everted configuration A, the fin 133 and the further fin
134 are folded outside the internal enclosure 116 at the side of greater length thereof.
[0042] The internal enclosure 116 further comprises through slots 135 obtained in the first
lesser wall 122 and in the second lesser wall 123 and positioned above the first elastic
protruding elements 127 and the second protruding elements 128.
[0043] In particular, the through slots 135 have the shape of a triangle with the vertices
rounded, respective contour parts of these through slots 135 being defined respectively
by the active edges 131, 132 of the first elastic protruding elements 127 and of the
second protruding elements 128.
[0044] The function of the through slots 135 is to promote the movement of the first elastic
protruding elements 127 and of the second protruding means 128 between the everted
configuration A and the pressed configuration P.
[0045] In fact, if instead of these through slots 135 there were only a cut made in the
first lesser wall 122 and in the second lesser wall 123 to define the aforesaid active
edges 131, 132, the first elastic protruding elements 127 and/or the second protruding
elements 128 might remained anchored, through friction, on a lower cutting portion
facing the second protruding elements 128.
[0046] From the first lesser wall 122 and from the second lesser wall 123 there extend respectively
a first secondary wall 125 and a second secondary wall 126.
[0047] The first secondary wall 125 and the second secondary wall 126 are folded in front
of the internal wrap 120 to contain the latter frontally.
[0048] The first secondary wall 125 and the second secondary wall 126 respectively comprise
a first elastic end portion 138, and a second end portion 140, projecting towards
the outside of the internal enclosure 116.
[0049] In particular, the first end portion 138 and the second end portion 140 comprise
respectively a first upper abutting edge 144 and a second upper abutting edge 145
arranged for abutting, in an extracted configuration E of the internal enclosure 116
(Figures 8 and 9), an abutting edge 143 of the end 141 of the front wall 104 for preventing
the internal enclosure 116 exiting the outer enclosure 102 completely whilst the packet
101 is being used.
[0050] More precisely, the abutting edge 143 acts as an arrest for the internal enclosure
116.
[0051] In this manner, the first end portion 138, the second end portion 140, and the end
141 act as arresting means for the internal enclosure 116.
[0052] The containing body 117 of the internal enclosure 116 further comprises a bottom
wall 146.
[0053] The bottom wall 146 is connected to the main wall 121 and is substantially perpendicular
to the aforesaid abutting portion 124.
[0054] In particular, the bottom wall 146 is folded below, to contain below, the internal
wrap 120.
[0055] Also, with the packet 101 assembled, the bottom wall 146 faces the base wall 103
of the outer enclosure 102.
[0056] The containing body 117 of the internal enclosure 116 further comprises two lower
flaps 147 extending respectively from the first lesser wall 122 and from the second
lesser wall 123. The lower flaps 147 are folded above the, and glued to the, bottom
wall 146, to reinforce the latter.
[0057] The aforesaid main wall 121 of the containing body 117 is connected to the lid 118
by the hinge 119.
[0058] The lid 118 comprises a upper face 148, that, in the closed position, is opposite
the base wall 103 and a lower face 151 opposite the upper face 148.
[0059] A front face 149 and a rear face 152 that are opposite one another are connected
to the upper face 148, the lower face 151 being fixed to the rear face 152.
[0060] Between the front face 149 and the rear face 152 two side faces 150 are interposed,
having, for example, a trapezium shape.
[0061] The upper face 148, the lower face 151, the front face 149, the rear face 152 and
the two side faces 150, define a gap 205 inside the lid 118.
[0062] In this manner, the lid 118 has a substantially box structure.
[0063] When the packet 101 is in the closed position shown in Figures 4 and 7, the upper
face 148 is contiguous, and substantially coplanar, with the first upper edge 111,
with the second upper edge 112, with the third upper edge 113 and with the fourth
upper edge 114.
[0064] Similarly, the side faces 150 are contiguous, and substantially coplanar, respectively
with the first lesser wall 122 and with the second lesser wall 123.
[0065] Further, in the closed position the front face 149 of the lid 118 faces the folded
end 141 of the front wall 104.
[0066] Also, in the closed position, an edge 153 of the front face 149 abuts on upper edge
portions 154 of the first secondary wall 125 and of the second secondary wall 126.
[0067] The packet 101 further comprises a flat spring 155 or leaf spring to push the internal
enclosure 116 away from the base wall 103 of the outer enclosure 102.
[0068] More precisely, the flat spring 155 is arranged for partially drawing out, through
the opening 107, the internal enclosure 116 from the outer enclosure 102, to enable
the consumer to access the smoke articles, as will be explained better below. The
flat spring 155 is made of biodegradable plastics, for example maize-based biodegradable
plastics.
[0069] The flat spring 155 is folded so as to be substantially "C"-shaped in an operating
configuration.
[0070] In particular, the flat spring 155 is movable between a compact configuration R (Figure
7) when the packet 101 is closed, and an extended configuration S (Figures 8 and 9)
when the packet 101 is open.
[0071] The flat spring 155 extends and acts substantially along the entire length of the
bottom wall 146 of the internal enclosure 116.
[0072] More precisely, The flat spring 155 is interposed and acts between the base wall
103 and the bottom wall 146.
[0073] In particular, the flat spring 146 is positioned in a further gap 158 bounded above
by the bottom wall 146, below by the base wall 103, frontally by the front wall 104,
rearly by the rear wall 105 and laterally by the first side wall 106 and by the second
side wall 110.
[0074] The flat spring 155 comprises a first end 156, extending along the width of the packet
101, engaging a first corner 159 defined between the base wall 103 and the rear wall
105. The flat spring 155 further comprises a second end 157, extending along the width
of the packet 101, engaging a second corner 160 defined between the bottom wall 146
and the abutting portion 124.
[0075] The operation of the packet 101 is disclosed below with particular reference to Figures
7 to 9.
[0076] The consumer can retain the packet 101 with a hand and act, or press with the thumb
and forefinger of the same hand both on the first elastic protruding elements 127
and on the second protruding elements 128 to move the elastic protruding elements
127 and the second protruding elements 128 from the everted configuration A to the
pressed configuration P in which, as said, they are respectively disengaged from the
first through opening 108 and from the second through opening 1090.
[0077] This enables the flat spring 155 to move from the compact configuration R to the
extended configuration S and slide the internal enclosure 116 in the outer enclosure
102 (Figure 8). More precisely, the flat spring 155 pushes the internal enclosure
116 away from the base wall 103 until the lid 118 is made accessible to the consumer.
[0078] Subsequently, the consumer can rotate the lid 118 to the open position (Figure 9)
and access the smoke articles.
[0079] After removing one or more smoke articles, the consumer can position, with the thumb
of the hand with which he holds the packet 101, the lid 118 in the closed position.
Subsequently, the consumer can push the internal enclosure 116 inside the outer enclosure
102, by acting on the lid 118 in contrast to the flat spring 155, until the first
elastic protruding elements 127 and the second protruding elements 128 are positioned
in the everted configuration A, in which, as already mentioned, they cooperate respectively
with the first through opening 108 and with the second through opening 109 to keep
the packet 101 closed.
[0080] It should be noted how the packet 101 enables, via the spring 155, the internal enclosure
116 to exit the outer enclosure 102, without the need to press the internal enclosure
116 with force.
[0081] This enables damage to the smoke articles to be avoided in a packet 101 opening step
and enables a packet 101 opening step to be simplified.
[0082] Further, it should be noted how the presence of the first elastic protruding elements
127 and of the second protruding elements 128 enables accidental opening of the packet
101 to be avoided.
[0083] In fact, as said above, in order to open the packet 101 it is necessary to act both
on the first elastic protruding elements 127 and on the second protruding elements
128.
[0084] In other words, if owing to an accidental shock the first elastic protruding elements
127 or the second protruding elements 128 were pressed this would not be sufficient
to open the packet 101, inasmuch as the non-pressed first elastic protruding elements
127 or second protruding elements 128 would remain in the everted configuration A
preventing the opening of the packet 101.
[0085] It should be further noted how the box structure of the lid 118 makes the lid 118
stiffer and more resistant.
[0086] Also, it should be noted how the aforesaid box structure makes it more difficult
and even prevents tobacco from exiting the packet 101, falling into a pocket or a
bag of the consumer.
[0087] In fact, with the packet 101 closed, the front face 149 faces the folded end 141
of the front wall 104 (Figure 10) thus promoting sealing of the packet 101.
[0088] It should also be noted how the flat spring 155, by extending and acting substantially
along the entire width of the bottom wall 146, enables a uniform thrust to be obtained
acting on the bottom wall 146 of the internal enclosure 116, which enables any jamming
of the internal enclosure 116 in the outer enclosure 102 to be avoided.
[0089] Also, it should be noted how the flat spring 155 is particularly cheap.
[0090] It should further be noted how the flat spring 155, being made of biodegradable plastics,
is easily disposable in nature.
[0091] In an embodiment of the invention that is not shown, instead of the first through
opening 108 and of the second through opening 109 there is provided a single through
opening obtained in the first side wall 106, or in the second side wall 110, or in
the front wall 104, or in the rear wall 105. Naturally, in this embodiment there is
provided a single element that protrudes structurally and is functionally similar
to the first elastic protruding elements 127 and to the second protruding elements
128.
[0092] In a further embodiment of the invention that is not shown, the first through opening
108 and the second through opening 109 are made on contiguous sides of the packet
101.
[0093] For example, they can be made on the first side wall 106 and on the front wall 104,
or on the front wall 104 and on the second side wall 110, or on the second side wall
110 and on the rear wall 105, or on the rear wall 105 and on the first side wall 106.
[0094] Naturally, in this embodiment, also the first elastic protruding elements 127 and
the second protruding elements 128 are made on contiguous sides of the internal enclosure
116.
[0095] In another embodiment of the invention that is not shown, the first through opening
108 and the second through opening 109 (or possibly the only through opening provided)
may have any shape, for example elongated, circular, rectangular, polygonal, etc..
[0096] In another further embodiment of the invention that is not shown, the first through
opening 108 and the second through opening 109 are positioned at different heights.
[0097] In another embodiment of the invention that is not shown, the abutting portion 124
has a profile of any shape, for example triangular, curved, polygonal, etc..
[0098] In a further embodiment of the invention that is not shown, the first elastic protruding
elements 127 and/or the second protruding elements 128 may have any shape, for example
rectangular.
[0099] In another embodiment of the invention that is not shown, the first elastic protruding
elements 127 and the second protruding elements 128 comprise a single wing having
any shape, for example triangular, or rectangular, or curved, etc..
[0100] In a further embodiment of the invention that is not shown, the through slots 135
can have any shape, for example, rectangular or semicircular.
[0101] In another embodiment of the invention that is not shown, the flat spring 155 is
made of metal.
[0102] In another further embodiment of the invention that is not shown, instead of the
flat spring 155 it is possible to use any type of elastic means, for example a helical
spring. Also, it should be noted how in attached Figures only a packet with a parallelepipedon
shape is shown, having rectangular longitudinal corners. The packet according to the
invention may nevertheless also comprise one or more smoothed longitudinal or transverse
corners or one or more rounded longitudinal or transverse corners. In particular,
the packet according to the invention may have the shape of an octagonal packet or
of a so-called round-corner packet.
[0103] The aforesaid outer enclosure 102 is formed by folding a blank 161 of the type shown
in Figure 19, made, for example, of card.
[0104] The blank 161 extends along a first longitudinal axis Z1, which can be an axis of
symmetry.
[0105] The blank 161 comprises a first central panel 162 intended for forming, in the outer
enclosure 102, the front wall 104. The blank 161 comprises a second central panel
163 intended for forming, in the outer enclosure 102, the rear wall 105. The blank
161 further comprises a transverse panel 164 intended for forming the base wall 103
of the outer enclosure 102.
[0106] In particular, the transverse panel 164 is interposed between, and connected to the
first central panel 162 and second central panel 163.
[0107] In this manner, the second central panel 163, the transverse panel 163 and the first
central panel 162 are arranged in sequence along the first longitudinal axis Z1.
[0108] The first central panel 162 is further connected, on an opposite side of the transverse
panel 164, to a first end fold 165 arranged for being folded by 180° and for being
glued to the first central panel 162 to stiffen a peripheral zone of the front wall
104 and form the end 141 of the front wall 104.
[0109] The second central panel 163 is further connected, on an opposite side of the transverse
panel 164, to a second end fold 166 arranged for being folded by 180° and for being
glued to the second central panel 163 to stiffen a further peripheral zone of the
rear wall 105 and form the further end 142 of the rear wall 105.
[0110] The second end fold 166, the second central panel 163, the transverse panel 164,
the first central panel 162 and the first end fold 165 are arranged in sequence along
the first longitudinal axis Z1.
[0111] The blank 161 further comprises first transverse creases 167, arranged transversely,
in particular perpendicularly, to the first longitudinal axis Z1, to connect together
the second end fold 166, the second central panel 163, the transverse panel 164, the
first central panel 162 and the first end fold 165.
[0112] The blank 161 further comprises a pair of first outer panels 168, arranged on the
two sides of the first central panel 162 in a region defined between the first end
fold 165 and the transverse panel 164.
[0113] In particular, the first outer panels 168 are intended to form the first side wall
106 and the second side wall 110 of the outer enclosure 102.
[0114] On the sides of the second central panel 163 two second outer panels 169 are arranged.
[0115] When the blank 161 is folded to form the outer enclosure 102, the second outer panels
169 are fixed to respective internal walls of the first outer panels 168, so as to
reinforce the first side wall 106 and the second side wall 110.
[0116] The first outer panels 168 and the second outer panels 169 are connected respectively
to the first central panel 162 and to the second central panel 163 along first longitudinal
creases 170, that are substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis Z1.
[0117] The first outer panels 168 and the second outer panels 169 each comprise respectively
a first opening 171 and a second opening 172, having substantially a triangular shape
with rounded vertices.
[0118] Each first opening 171 is arranged for cooperating with a corresponding second opening
172 for forming, in the packet 101, respectively the first through opening 108 and
the second through opening 109.
[0119] Also, the second outer panels 169 each comprise a respective recess 173, having substantially
the shape of a rounded "V" extending transversely, in particular perpendicularly,
with respect to the first longitudinal axis Z1, the vertex of the "V" facing the first
longitudinal axis Z1.
[0120] Such recesses 173, which are substantially symmetrical to the first longitudinal
axis Z1, are arranged for enabling, in an assembling step of the packet 101, a pushing
element to insert the flat spring 155 between the base wall 103 and the bottom wall
146.
[0121] To the ends of the second outer panels 169 first wings 174 are further connected
that are arranged for being folded inside the second outer panels 169 and being glued
to the transverse panel 164 so as to stiffen the base wall 103. Figure 20 shows an
inner frame 175 that can be used to form the internal enclosure 116.
[0122] In particular, the inner frame 175 extends along a second longitudinal axis Z2, which
can be an axis of symmetry.
[0123] The inner frame 175 can be made of card, possibly coupled with a sheet of metal,
such as aluminium.
[0124] The inner frame 175 comprises an intended folded line 176, intended for giving rise,
in the packet 101, to the hinge 119. The intended folded line 176 may comprise a crease
or be formed by a plurality of cuts separated by joining dots.
[0125] On the inner frame 175 two internal weakening lines 178 and two external weakening
lines 179 are further obtained by suitable incisors.
[0126] The external weakening lines 179 and the internal weakening lines 178 extend substantially
parallelly to the second longitudinal axis Z2.
[0127] The external weakening lines 179 are arranged outside the internal weakening lines
178. A first transverse weakening line 180, arranged transversely to the internal
and external weakening lines 178 and 179, is further obtained in a lower region of
the inner frame 175.
[0128] In particular, the first transverse weakening line 180 comprises a shaped cut 185
arranged for defining a contour of the abutting portion 124.
[0129] Also, a second transverse weakening line 181, a third transverse weakening line 182,
a fourth transverse weakening line 183 and a fifth transverse weakening line 184,
arranged transversely to the internal and external weakening lines 178 and 179, are
obtained in an upper region of the inner frame 175.
[0130] In particular, the second transverse weakening line 181, the third transverse weakening
line 182, the fourth transverse weakening line 183 and the fifth transverse weakening
line 184 are arranged in sequence along the second longitudinal axis Z2.
[0131] Between the intended folded line 176, the internal weakening lines 178 and the first
transverse weakening line 180 there is defined a main panel 177 of the inner frame
175, the main panel 177 being intended for forming, in the internal enclosure 116,
the main wall 121.
[0132] On the sides of the main panel 177 there are arranged two side panels 186, each of
which is interposed between an internal weakening line 178 and an external weakening
line 179. The side panels 186 are intended to form the first lesser wall 122 and the
second lesser wall 123 of the internal enclosure 116.
[0133] The inner frame 175 further comprises two pairs of oblique creases 187 made in the
side panels 186.
[0134] The oblique creases 187 are transverse to the second longitudinal axis Z2, each pair
cooperating for forming a "V"-shaped profile
[0135] In particular, these profiles are specular with respect to the second longitudinal
axis Z2.
[0136] Also, the inner frame 175 comprises, in each of the side panels 186, a first element
188 and a second element 189 that are separated from one another and have been previously
suitably folded outwards the inner frame 175 around respective oblique creases 187,
the first element 188 and the second element 189 being intended to form the fin 133
and the further fin 134.
[0137] Further, the inner frame 175 comprises a pair of further shaped cuts 190, having,
for example, a triangular shape with rounded vertices, each obtained, for example
by cutting or punching, in a side panel 186 above the first elements 188 and the second
elements 189, the shaped cuts 190 being intended to form the through slots 135.
[0138] Also, outside the side panels 186 there are provided two peripheral panels 191, each
of which is joined to a corresponding side panel 186 along an external weakening line
179. The peripheral panels 191 are folded in front of the internal wrap 120 to form
respectively the first secondary wall 125 and the second secondary wall 126.
[0139] In this manner, the inner frame 175, after being folded, surrounds the internal wrap
120 on four sides.
[0140] The inner frame 175 further comprises longitudinal creases 192 extending substantially
parallelly to the second longitudinal axis Z2.
[0141] The longitudinal creases 192 are obtained in the peripheral panels 191 and are arranged
outside the external weakening lines 179.
[0142] Also, the inner frame 175 comprises, in each of the peripheral panels 191, an element
193 that have been previously suitably folded outwards the inner frame 175 around
the respective longitudinal crease 192 to form the first end portion 138 and the second
end portion 140. Between the first transverse weakening line 180 and a lower transverse
profile 194 of the inner frame 175 there is defined a first end panel 195, suitable
for being folded below the internal wrap 120 for obtaining the bottom wall 146.
[0143] To ends of the side panels 186 there are further connected, by the first transverse
weakening line 180, second wings 174 arranged for forming the lower flaps 147.
[0144] In particular, the second wings 174 are arranged for being folded inside the side
panels 186 and being glued inside the end panel 195 so as to stiffen the bottom wall
146.
[0145] The inner frame 175 further comprises a first transverse panel 197 connected to the
main panel 177 by the intended folded line 176, the first transverse panel 197 being
intended for forming the rear face 152 of the lid 118.
[0146] In particular, the first transverse panel 197 is bounded below by the folding line
176, above by the third transverse weakening line 182, and laterally by the internal
weakening lines 178.
[0147] The inner frame 175 further comprises third wings 198, substantially having the form
of a trapezium, that are arranged at the sides of the first transverse panel 197 and
connected to the first transverse panel 197 by the internal weakening lines 178.
[0148] The third wings 198 are arranged for strengthening, when the inner frame 175 is folded
to form the internal enclosure 116, the-side faces 150 of the lid 118.
[0149] Each third wing 198 is separated from the corresponding side panel 186 by a tilted
cut 199.
[0150] Also, the inner frame 175 comprises a second transverse panel 200 intended for forming,
when the inner frame 175 is folded to form the internal enclosure 116, the upper face
148 of the lid 118.
[0151] In particular, the second transverse panel 200 is bounded below by the second transverse
weakening line 181 and above by the third transverse weakening line 182.
[0152] Further, the inner frame 175 comprises a third transverse panel 201 intended for
forming, when the inner frame 175 is folded to form the internal enclosure 116, the
front face 149 of the lid 118.
[0153] In particular, the third transverse panel 201 is bounded below by the third transverse
weakening line 182 and above by the fourth transverse weakening line 183.
[0154] The inner frame 175 further comprises fourth wings 202, substantially having the
form of a trapezium, that are arranged at the sides of the third transverse panel
201 and connected to the third transverse panel 201 by the internal weakening lines
178.
[0155] The fourth wings 202 are intended for forming, when the inner frame 175 is folded
to form the internal enclosure 116, the side faces 150 of the lid 118.
[0156] In particular, the fourth wings 202 are arranged for being fixed, in particular glued,
to respective external surfaces of the third wings 198.
[0157] Further, the inner frame 175 comprises a fourth transverse panel 203 intended for
forming, when the inner frame 175 is folded to form the internal enclosure 116, the
lower face 151 of the lid 118.
[0158] In particular, the fourth transverse panel 203 is bounded below by the fourth transverse
weakening line 183 and above by the fifth transverse weakening line 184.
[0159] The fourth transverse panel 203 is further connected, by the fifth transverse weakening
line 184, to an end fold 204 arranged for being glued, when the inner frame 175 is
folded to form the internal enclosure 116, to an internal surface of the first transverse
panel 197.
[0160] During packaging, the inner frame 175 is folded around the internal wrap 120 and
is made adherent thereto by glue points positioned in a similar manner to what occurs
in traditional inner frames.
[0161] The inner frame 175 can be folded around the internal wrap 120 using a folding unit
that is similar to that used for the traditional inner frames. The outer enclosure
102 is then constructed by folding the blank 161 around the internal enclosure 116.
[0162] More precisely, the transverse panel 164, to which the first wings 174 were previously
fixed, the second central panel 163, to which the second end fold 166 was previously
fixed, and the second outer panels 169 are initially folded around the internal enclosure
116.
[0163] Subsequently, the flat spring 155 is inserted between the transverse panel 164 and
the end panel 195 by the aforesaid pushing element suitably inserted into the partially
assembled packet 101 through the recesses 173.
[0164] Subsequently, after the pushing element has been removed, the first central panel
162, to which the first end fold 165 has been previously fixed, and the first outer
panels 168 which are fixed, for example by glue points, each on a corresponding second
outer panel 169, are folded around the internal enclosure 116.
[0165] In this manner, with the packet 101 assembled, the recesses 173 are not visible,
as they are covered by the first outer panels 168.
[0166] From what has been disclosed above it is clear that the packet 101 can be made using
packaging machines that do not substantially differ from existing machines.
[0167] Versions and/or additions to what has been disclosed above and/or to what is shown
in the attached drawings are also possible.
1. Packet for smoke articles comprising an internal enclosure (116) for containing said
smoke articles, an outer enclosure (102) for slidably receiving said internal enclosure
(116), said outer enclosure (102) comprising an opening (107) through which said internal
enclosure (116) can exit, and elastic means (155), interposed between a base wall
(103) of said outer enclosure (102) opposite said opening (107) and a bottom wall
(146) of said internal enclosure (116) facing said base wall (103), for pushing said
internal enclosure (116) away from said base wall (103), characterised in that there is provided coupling means (108, 109, 127, 128) obtained in wall means (104,
105, 106, 110, 121, 122, 123) of said packet (101) for coupling said internal enclosure
(116) with said outer enclosure (102) in a releasable manner.
2. Packet according to claim 1, wherein said elastic means (155) extends and acts along
a prevalent portion of said bottom wall (146).
3. Packet according to claim 1, or 2, wherein said elastic means (155) extends and acts
along substantially the entire width of said bottom wall (146).
4. Packet according to any preceding claim, wherein said elastic means comprises spring
means (155).
5. Packet according to any preceding claim, wherein said elastic means comprises a flat
spring (155).
6. Packet according to claim 5, wherein said flat spring (155) is made of biodegradable
plastics or metal.
7. Packet according to any preceding claim, wherein said coupling means (108, 109, 127,
128) is obtained in a wall (104, 105, 106, 110, 121, 122, 123) of said wall means.
8. Packet according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said coupling means (108, 109,
127, 128) is obtained in a pair of opposite walls (104, 105; 106, 110; 122, 123) of
said wall means (104, 105, 106, 110, 121, 122, 123).
9. Packet according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said coupling means (108, 109,
127, 128) is obtained in a pair of consecutive walls (104, 106; 104, 110; 105, 106;
105, 110; 121, 122; 121, 123) of said wall means.
10. Packet according to any preceding claim, wherein said coupling means (108, 109, 127,
128) comprises through opening means (108, 109) obtained in said outer enclosure (102).
11. Packet according to claim 10, wherein said coupling means (108, 109, 127, 128) comprises
elastic projecting means (127, 128) obtained in, and projecting outwards, said internal
enclosure (116), and arranged for engaging in a releasable manner with said through
opening means (108, 109).
12. Packet according to claim 11, wherein said elastic projecting means (127, 128) is
movable between an everted configuration (A) in which said elastic projecting means
(127, 128) engages with said through opening means (108, 109) for maintaining, in
a closed configuration of said packet (101), said internal enclosure (116) anchored
on said outer enclosure (102), and a pressed configuration (P) in which said elastic
projecting means (127, 128) is disengaged from said through opening means (108, 109)
to enable said internal enclosure (116) to slide inside said outer enclosure (102).
13. Packet according to any preceding claim, wherein said internal enclosure (116) comprises
a containing body (117) arranged for housing said smoke articles and a closing body
(118) hinged on said containing body (117).
14. Packet according to claim 13, wherein said closing body comprises a lid (118) having
a box structure.
15. Packet according to claim 14, wherein said lid (118) comprises a front face (149)
arranged, in a closed configuration of said packet (101), to face, and cooperate with,
a portion of wall (141) of said outer enclosure (102) to prevent small parts of said
smoke articles, in particular tobacco residues, from exiting said packet (101).
16. Packet according to any preceding claim, and comprising stopping means (138, 140,
141) for preventing said internal enclosure (116) from exiting completely from said
outer enclosure (102).
17. Packet according to claim 16, wherein said stopping means (138, 140, 143) comprises
at least an end portion (138, 140) projecting outwards of a secondary wall (125, 126)
of said internal enclosure (116).
18. Packet according to claim 17, as claim 16 is appended to claim 15, wherein said stopping
means (138, 140, 141) comprises an abutting edge (143) of said portion of wall (141)
arranged for abutting on said at least an end portion (138, 140).
19. Packet according to any preceding claim, wherein said internal enclosure (116) comprises
an abutting portion (124) projecting towards said base wall (103) and arranged for
acting as an abutment for said elastic means (155).
1. Schachtel für Tabakwaren, die eine interne Umfassung (116) zum Aufnehmen der Tabakwaren,
eine äußere Umfassung (102) zum verschiebbaren Aufnehmen der internen Umfassung (116)
aufweist, wobei die äußere Umfassung (102) eine Öffnung (107) aufweist, durch welche
die interne Umfassung (116) heraustreten kann, und elastischen Mittel (155), die zwischen
einer Grundwand (103) der äußeren Umfassung (102) gegenüber der Öffnung (107) und
einem Boden (146) der internen Umfassung (116) angeordnet sind, der der Grundwand
(103) gegenüberliegt, zum Drücken der internen Umfassung (116) weg von der Grundwand
(103), dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass Verbindungsmittel (108, 109, 127, 128) vorgesehen sind, die in Wandmitteln (104,
105, 106, 110, 121, 122, 123) der Schachtel (101) zum Verbinden der internen Umfassung
(116) mit der äußeren Umfassung (102) in einer lösbaren Weise erzielt sind.
2. Schachtel nach Anspruch 1, wobei sich die elastischen Mittel (155) entlang eines vorwiegenden
Teils des Bodens (146) erstrecken und wirken.
3. Schachtel nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei sich die elastischen Mittel (155) im Wesentlichen
entlang der gesamten Weite des Bodens (146) erstrecken und wirken.
4. Schachtel nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, wobei die elastischen Mittel Federungsmittel
(155) umfassen.
5. Schachtel nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, wobei die elastischen Mittel eine Flachfeder
(155) umfassen.
6. Schachtel nach Anspruch 5, wobei die Flachfeder (155) aus biologisch abbaubaren Kunststoff
oder Metall hergestellt ist.
7. Schachtel nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, wobei die Verbindungsmittel (108, 109,
127, 128) in einer Wand (104, 105, 106, 110, 121, 122, 123) der Wandmittel erzielt
sind.
8. Schachtel nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, wobei die Verbindungsmittel (108, 109,
127, 128) in einem Paar von einander gegenüberliegenden Wänden (104, 105; 106, 110;
122, 123) der Wandnittel (104, 105, 106, 110, 121, 122, 123) erzielt sind.
9. Schachtel nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, wobei die Verbindungsmittel (108, 109,
127, 128) in einem Paar von aufeinanderfolgenden Wänden (104, 106; 104, 110; 105,
106; 105, 110; 121, 122; 121, 123) der Wandmittel erzielt sind.
10. Schachtel nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, wobei die Verbindungsmittel (108, 109,
127, 128) Durchgangslochmittel (108, 109) umfassen, die in der äußeren Umfassung (102)
erzielt sind.
11. Schachtel nach Anspruch 10, wobei die Verbindungsmittel (108, 109, 127, 128) elastische
Vorsprungsmittel (127, 128) aufweisen, die in der internen Umfassung (116) erzielt
sind und nach außen vorragen und zum Eingreifen in lösbarer weise in das Durchgangslochmittel
(108, 109) angeordnet sind.
12. Schachtel nach Anspruch 11, wobei die elastischen Vorsprungsmittel (127, 128) zwischen
einer umgewendeten Konfiguration (A), bei der die elastischen Vorsprungsmittel (127,
128) in das Durchgangslochmittel (108, 109) eingreift, um in einer geschlossenen Konfiguration
der Schachtel (101) die interne Umfassung (116) in der äußerten Unfassung (102) verankert
zu halten, und einer gedrückten Konfiguration (P), bei der die elastischen Vorsprungsmittel
(127, 128) vom Durchgangslochmittel (108, 109) entkoppelt sind, um zu ermöglichen,
dass sich die interne Umfassung (116) innerhalb der äußeren Umfassung (102) verschieben
kann.
13. Schachtel nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, wobei die interne Umfassung (116) einen
Aufnahmekörper (117) aufweist, der zum Aufnehmen der Tabakwaren ausgelegt ist, und
einen Schließkörper (118), der gelenkig mit dem Aufnahmekörper (117) erbunden ist.
14. Schachtel nach Anspruch 13, wobei der Schließkörper einen Deckel (118) aufweist, der
eine Schachtelstruktur besitzt.
15. Schachtel nach Anspruch 14, wobei der Deckel (118) eine Vorderfläche (149) aufweist,
die in einer geschlossenen Konfiguration der Schachtel (101) einem Bereich der Wand
(141) der äußeren Umfassung (102) gegenüberliegt und mit emselben zusamnenwirkt, um
kleire Teile der Tabakwaren, insbesondere Tabakreste, daran zu hindern, aus der Schachtel
(101) auszutreten.
16. Schachtel nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, die Stoppmittel (138, 140, 141) aufweist
zum Verhindern, dass die interne Umfassung (116) vollständig aus der äußeren Umfassung
(102) heraustritt.
17. Schachtel nach Anspruch 16, wobei die Stoppmittel (133, 140, 143) mindestens einen
Endbereich (138, 140) aufweisen, der von einer sekundären Wand (125, 126) der internen
Umfassung (116) nach außen ragt.
18. Schachtel nach Anspruch 17, wie Anspruch 16 an Anspruch 15 angefügt, wobei die Stcppmittel
(138, 140, 141) eine anstoßende Kante (193) des Bereichs der Wand (141) aufweisen,
die zum Anstoßen an mindestens einen Endbereich (138, 140) angeordnet ist.
19. Schachtel nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, wobei die interne Umfassung (116) einen
anstoßenden Bereich umfasst, der in Richtung der Grundwand (103) ragt und zum Anstoßen
der elastischen Mittel (155) vorgesehen ist.
1. Paquet d'articles à fumer comprenant une enveloppe interne (116) pour contenir lesdits
articles à fumer, une enveloppe externe (102) pour recevoir à coulisse ladite enveloppe
interne (116), ladite enveloppe externe (102) comprenant une ouverture (107) à travers
laquelle ladite enveloppe interne (116) peut sortir, et des moyens élastiques (155),
interposés entre une paroi de base (103) de ladite enveloppe externe (102) à l'opposé
de ladite ouverture (107) et une paroi inférieure (146) de ladite enveloppe interne
(116) faisant face à ladite paroi de base (103), pour éloigner ladite enveloppe interne
(116) de ladite base (103), caractérisé en ce qu'il est prévu des moyens de raccordement (108,109,127,128) obtenus dans des moyens
de paroi (104,105,106,110,121,122,123) dudit paquet (101) pour raccorder ladite enveloppe
interne (116) avec ladite enveloppe (102) d'une manière amovible.
2. Paquet selon la revendication 1, dans lequel lesdits moyens élastiques (155) s'étendent
et agissent le long d'une partie prédominante de ladite paroi inférieure (146).
3. Paquet selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel lesdits moyens élastiques (155)
s'étendent et agissent substantiellement sur toute la largeur de ladite paroi inférieure
(146).
4. Paquet selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel lesdits
moyens élastiques comprennent des moyens formant ressort (155).
5. Paquet selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel lesdits
moyens élastiques comprennent un ressort plat (155).
6. Paquet selon la revendication 5, dans lequel ledit ressort plat (155) est fait de
plastique biodégradable ou de métal.
7. Paquet selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel lesdits
moyens de raccordement (108,109,127,128) sont obtenus dans une paroi (104,105,106,121,122,123)
desdits moyens formant paroi.
8. Paquet selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, dans lequel lesdits moyens
de raccordement (108,109,127,128) sont obtenus dans une paire de parois opposées (104,105
; 106,110 ;122,123) desdits moyens formant paroi (104,105,106,110,121,122,123).
9. Paquet selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, dans lequel lesdits moyens
de raccordement (108, 109,127,128) sont obtenus dans une paire de parois consécutives
(104,106 ;104,110 ;105,106 ;105,110 ;121,122 ; 121,123) desdits moyens formant paroi.
10. Paquet selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel lesdits
moyens de raccordement (108,109,127,128) comprennent des moyens formant ouverture
traversante (108,109) obtenus dans ladite enveloppe externe (102).
11. Paquet selon la revendication 10, dans lequel lesdits moyens de raccordement (108,109,127,128)
comprennent des moyen élastiques faisant saillie (127,128) obtenus dans, et faisant
saillie à l'extérieur de, ladite enveloppe interne (116) et agencés pour venir en
prise d'une manière amovible avec lesdits moyens formant ouverture traversante (108,109).
12. Paquet selon la revendication 11, dans lequel lesdits moyens élastiques faisant saillie
(127, 128) sont déplaçables entre une configuration renversée (A) dans laquelle lesdits
moyens élastiques faisant saillie (127,128) sont en prise avec ladite ouverture traversante
(108,109) pour maintenir, dans une configuation fermée dudit paquet (101), ladite
enveloppe interne (116) ancrée dans ladite enveloppe externe (102), et une configuration
pressée (P) dans laquelle lesdits moyens élastiques faisant saillie (127,128) sont
dégagés desdits moyens formant ouverture traversante (108,109) pour permettre à ladite
enveloppe interne (116) de glisser à l'intérieur de ladite enveloppe externe (102).
13. Paquet selon l'une quelconque des rêvendications précédentes, dans lequel ladite enveloppe
interne (116) comprend un corps formant contenant (117) agencé pour loger lesdits
articles à fumer et un organe de fermeture (118) articulé sur ledit corps formant
contenant (117).
14. Paquet selon la revendication 13, dans laquel ledit organe de fermeture comprend un
couvercle (118) ayant une structure de boîte.
15. Paquet selon la revendication 14, dans lequel ledit couvercle (119) comprend une face
frontale (149) agencée, dans une configuration fermée dudit paquet (101), pour faire
face à et coopérer avec une partie de paroi (141) de ladite enveloppe externe (102)
pour empêcher de petites parties desdits articles à fumer, en particulier des résidus
de tabac, de sortir dudit paquet (101).
16. Paquet selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, et comprenant des moyens
d'arrêt (138,140,141) pour empêcher ladite enveloppe interne (116) de sortir complètement
de ladite enveloppe externe (102).
17. Paquet selon la revendication 16, dans lequel lesdits moyens d'arrêt (138,140,143)
comprennent au moins une partie d'extrémités (138,140) faisant saillie vers l'extérieur
d'une paroi secondaire (125,126) de ladite enveloppe interne (116).
18. Paquet selon la revendication 17, lorsque la revendication 16 se rattache à la revendication
15, dans lequel lesdits moyens d'arrêt (138,140,141) comprennent un bord formant butée
(143) de ladite partie de paroi (141) agencé pour venir en butée contre ladite au
moins une partie d'extrémité (138,140).
19. Paquet selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ladite enveloppe
interne (116) comprend une partie formant butée (124) faisant saillie vers ladite
paroi de base (103) et agencée pour agir comme une butée pour lesdits moyens élastiques
(155).