[0001] The invention relates to a packet for smoke articles, particularly cigarettes, and
a card blank, from which it is possible to make the packet mentioned above.
[0002] Traditional cigarette packets have a rectangular parallelpipedon shape that extends
along a longitudinal axis, and comprise a containing body and a closing body hinged
to the containing body through a hinge.
[0003] The containing body comprises a front wall, a rear wall, two side walls and a base
wall, whilst the closing body comprises a front face, a rear face, two side faces
and an upper face, the aforesaid hinge being positioned between the rear wall of the
container and the rear face of the closing body.
[0004] The aforesaid packets are appreciated by smokers because of the stiffness of the
packets, which avoid damage to the cigarettes even when the packet is subject to blows
or kept in a pocket or a bag of a consumer.
[0005] Packets of the type disclosed above are made from a stiff card blank.
[0006] The blank has pre-weakened folded lines and is folded along these folded lines to
form the packet.
[0007] Recently, a trend has emerged to customise traditional hinged closing-body packets
to induce smokers to prefer packets having a certain aesthetic appearance rather than
other packets having a more traditional appearance. The manufacturers of cigarettes
thus feel the need to change the aesthetic appearance of the packet to make the packet
more particular and more attractive for the consumer.
[0008] For this reason, packets have been made in which the front face of the closing body
has a length, measured along the longitudinal axis, which is greater or the same as
that of the front wall of the containing body.
[0009] In such packets, consequently, the side faces of the closing body have a length measured
along the longitudinal axis, which is greater than that of the side faces of lids
of traditional type.
[0011] In particular,
DE-A-2334190 discloses a packed for comprising a containing body for containing smoke articles
and a closing body connected to the containing body by means of a hinge disposed on
one edge on the top of the containing body. The closing body includes a front face
and a pair of side faces that are opposite one another and extend from opposite sides
of the front face. Whilst the side faces are constituted by simple walls of cardboard,
the front face comprises both an outer wall and an inner wall glued one to another
to increase the stiffness of the same front face.
[0012] The
EP-A-0764594 discloses a rigid packet with a hinged lid for cigarettes, wherein the packet is
defined by a cup-shaped container and by a cup-shaped lid hinged to an open top end
of the container so as to rotate between an open and closed position respectively
opening and closing the container; the packet has a front wall, and two lateral walls
connected to the front wall by two connecting walls having a curved cross section
with a radius of curvature equal to about 1.5 times the radius of curvature of a normal
cigarette.
[0013] A drawback of such packets is that the side faces of the closing body tend to flex
outwards, i.e. they are not maintained flat, this causing problems in opening and
closing the closing body and a displeasing aesthetic effect.
[0014] This flexure of the side faces is due to the reaction of the card to the simple foldings
to which it is subjected.
[0015] In particular, the greater extent of the side faces entails that also the folded
lines by which the latter are obtained are widely spaced apart, this distance causing
a pronounced flexure of the card even in the event of a modest reaction of the material.
[0016] Document
EP-A-1.654.170 discloses a container, particularly intended to contain products for smokers, or
food, confectionary or cosmetic products, and a foldable blank for forming the container
itself, wherein said container comprises a containing body and a closing body connected
to said containing body, said closing body includes a front face and a pair of side
faces that are opposite one another and extend from opposite sides of said front face,
wherein said side faces each comprise a fixing portion that is fixed to an inner surface
of said front face. Thus, a strengthening structure with a gap is formed on the side
of the packet. An object of the invention is to improve packets for smoke articles,
particularly for cigarettes, and the corresponding card blanks that can be used for
obtaining such packets.
[0017] A further object is to provide packets for smoke articles, particularly for cigarettes,
provided with a closing body that is tougher than known packets.
[0018] Another further object is to obtain a stiff packet for smoke articles comprising
a closing body provided with stiffer side faces than known side faces.
[0019] Another object is to provide packets for smoke articles, particularly for cigarettes,
that have a wide surface that is available for communications to the consumer, advertising
messages and the like.
[0020] Still another object is to provide packets for smoke articles, particularly for cigarettes,
that have a pleasing aesthetic appearance.
[0021] In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a packet for smoke articles,
particularly cigarettes, as disclosed in independent claim 1.
[0022] Owing to the invention, it is possible to provide a packet for smoke articles provided
with a closing body that is tougher than known packets.
[0023] In fact, said fixing portions fixed, in particular glued, to said inner surface of
said front face contrast, and substantially eliminate, the tendency of said side faces
to flex outwards, maintaining the side faces substantially rectilinear.
[0024] Further, as said side faces are formed, at least partially, by said inner wall and
by said outer wall, they are stiffer, thus improving both the aesthetic appeal of
the packet and the manageability of the closing body.
[0025] Also, as said side faces are stiffer than the side faces of known packets, it is
possible to increase, compared with known packets, the extent of said front face compared
with a front wall of said containing body, this enabling a surface to be increased
that is available for communications to the consumer such as advertising messages
and the like.
[0026] In particular, such messages can be preprinted onto said fixing portions, that, in
an embodiment of the invention, can substantially extend for the entire width of said
inner surface. A card blank, which does not form a part of the invention in any of
the embodiments of the packet but which is merely suitable for being formed into such
packet, is also disclosed. The card blank enables the packet according to the first
aspect of the invention to be produced easily also on traditional machines inasmuch
as this blank has an outer outline that is similar to that of traditional blanks.
[0027] The invention can be better understood and implemented with reference to the attached
drawings that illustrate some embodiments thereof by way of non-limiting example,
in which:
Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a first example of a packet for smoke articles
according to the invention in an open configuration;
Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the packet in Figure 1 in a closed configuration;
Figure 3 is a side view of the packet in Figure 1 in the open configuration;
Figure 4 is an enlarged detail of a cross section of a closing body of the packet
in Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a version of the detail in Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a further version of the detail in Figure 4;
Figure 7 is a plan view of a card blank for obtaining the packet of Figure 1, which
blacnk does not form a part of the claimed invention.
Figure 8 is a plan view of an inner frame for obtaining an inner enclosure of the
packet in Figure 1, which inner frame can be used with the packet according to the
invention.
Figure 9 is a view like that in Figure 1 of a first version of the packet in Figure
1;
Figure 10 is an enlarged detail of Figure 9;
Figure 11 is a plan view of a card blank for obtaining the packet of Figure 9, which
card blank does not form a part of the claimed invention.
Figure 12 is a view like that in Figure 1 of a second version of the packet in Figure
1;
Figure 13 is a view like that in Figure 2 of the packet in Figure 12;
Figure 14 is a view like that in Figure 3 of a third version of the packet in Figure
1;
Figure 15 is a plan view of a card blank for obtaining the packet of Figure 12,which
blank does not form a part of the claimed invention.
Figure 16 is a view like that in Figure 1 of the packet in Figure 14;
Figure 17 is a plan view of a card blank for obtaining the packet of Figure 14, which
blank does not form a part of the claimed invention.
Figure 18 is a view like that in Figure 1 of a fourth version of the packet in Figure
1;
Figure 19 is a view like that in Figure 3 of the packet in Figure 18;
Figure 19bis is a side view of the packet in Figure 18 in a closed configuration;
Figure 20 is a view like that in Figure 3 of a fifth version of the packet in Figure
1;
Figure 21 is a view like that in Figure 1 of a second example of a packet according
to the invention;
Figure 22 is a view like that in Figure 2 of the packet in Figure 21;
Figure 23 is an enlarged detail of a cross section of a closing body of the packet
in Figure 21;
Figure 24 is a version of the detail in Figure 23;
Figure 25 is a further version of the detail in Figure 23;
Figures 26-28 are perspective views of an inner enclosure of the packet in Figure
21;
Figure 29 is a view like that in Figure 7 of a card blank for obtaining the packet
in Figure 21, which blank does not form a part of the claimed invention.
Figure 30 is a view like that in Figure 8 of an inner frame for obtaining the inner
enclosure of Figures 26-28;
Figure 31 is a view like that in Figure 2 of a third example of a packet according
to the invention;
Figure 32 is a side view of the packet in Figure 31 in a closed configuration;
Figure 33 is a view like that in Figure 1 of the packet in Figure 31;
Figure 34 is a cross section of a main body included in the packet in Figure 31;
Figure 35 is a first cross section of the packet in Figure 31;
Figure 36 is an enlarged detail of Figure 35;
Figure 37 is a second cross section of the packet in Figure 31;
Figure 38 is an enlarged detail of Figure 37;
Figure 39 is a view like that in Figure 7 of a card blank for obtaining the packet
in Figure 31, which blank does not form a part of the claimed invention.
Figure 40 is a view like that in Figure 8 of an inner frame for an inner enclosure
of the packet in Figure 31;
Figure 41 is a view like that in Figure 1 of a fourth example of a packet that does
not form part of the invention;
Figure 42 is a view like that in Figure 3 of the packet in Figure 41;
Figures 43 to 45 are further perspective views of the packet in Figure 41;
Figure 46 is a side view of the packet in Figure 41 in a closed configuration;
Figure 47 is a view like that in Figure 7 of a card blank for obtaining the packet
in Figure 41;
Figure 48 is a view like that in Figure 8 of an inner frame for an inner enclosure
of the packet in Figure 41.
Figures 1 to 3 shows a first packet 101 according to the invention.
[0028] The first packet 101 is arranged for housing smoke articles, particularly cigarettes,
which are not shown.
[0029] The first packet 101, which is of stiff type, has a substantially rectangular parallelepipedon
shape and extends along a first longitudinal axis Z1.
[0030] The first packet 101, for example made of stiff card, is suitable for housing an
orderly group of cigarettes wrapped in an internal wrap 102 and comprises a containing
body 103, which can house the cigarettes, and a closing body 104, or lid, which can
be opened or closed to enable a smoker to access the cigarettes.
[0031] In particular, the closing body 104 is movable between an open position (Figures
1 and 3) and a closed position (Figure 2) rotating around a hinge 105.
[0032] The containing body 103 comprises a base wall 107 and an upper wall 190 opposite
the base wall 107 (Figure 3).
[0033] In particular, the upper wall 190 has an extent, measured on a plane that is perpendicular
to the first axis Z1, that is less than the base wall 107.
[0034] The base wall 107 and the upper wall 190 are connected by a rear wall 109.
[0035] In other words, the base wall 107 and the upper wall 190 extend from opposite sides
of the rear wall 109.
[0036] From the base wall 107 a front wall 108 extends, opposite the rear wall 109, the
rear wall 109 having an extent, measured on a plane parallel to the first axis Z1
that is greater than the front wall 108 (Figure 3).
[0037] Between the front wall 108 and the rear wall 109 there are interposed two side walls
110, each of which has a reduced extent with respect to the front wall 108 and to
the rear wall 109.
[0038] Each side wall 110 comprises a reduced portion 111, having a substantially trapezoidal
shape, and an extended portion 112, also having a substantially trapezoidal shape,
the reduced portion 111 having a length, measured on a plane parallel to the first
axis Z1, that is less than the length of the extended portion 112.
[0039] In particular, the reduced portion 111 extends from the front face 108, whilst the
extended portion 112 extends from the rear wall 109, the reduced portion 111 being
fixed, in particular glued, above the extended portion 112. In other words, Ia reduced
portion 111 partially covers the extended portion 112.
[0040] The reduced portions 111 are connected to the front wall 108 by curved portions 113,
in particular rounded portions. In an embodiment of the invention, which is not shown,
instead of the curved portions 113 flat bevels are provided. The closing body 104
comprises an upper face 114 that, in the closed position, is opposite the base wall
107, between the upper face 114 and the upper wall 190 there being defined the aforesaid
hinge 105.
[0041] To the upper face 114 a front face 115 is connected having a length, measured on
a plane parallel to the first axis Z1, that is greater than the length of the front
wall 108. The front face 115 comprises an end portion 118, having, for example, a
substantially triangular shape folded by 180° and fixed, in particular glued, to an
inner surface 119 of the front face 115, the end portion 118 reinforcing the front
face 115.
[0042] From the front face 115 two side faces 116 extend.
[0043] The side faces 116 comprise respective widened portions 153 having, for example,
a substantially triangular shape and being adjacent to the upper face 114.
[0044] The side faces 116 further comprises respective elongated, for example rounded, portions
154, interposed between and connecting the front face 115 and the widened portions
153. Each of the side faces 116 further comprises a fixing portion 120 connected to
the respective elongated portion 154 on the side opposite the respective widened portion
153 and fixed, in particular glued, to the inner surface 119.
[0045] The fixing portions 120, having for example an irregular pentagon shape, comprise
respective first edges 121 and second edges 122 connected to the first edges 121,
the first edges 121 and the second edges 122 extending, in a closed configuration
of the first packet 101, respectively substantially parallel and transversely to the
first axis Z1. In particular, the first edges 121 are alongside one another, whilst
the second edges 122, defining a "V", are alongside third edges 123 of the end wall
118.
[0046] In this manner, the fixing portions 120 extend substantially along the entire width
of the closing body 104.
[0047] Also, the fixing portions 120 comprise respective further second edges 122' opposite
the second edges 122.
[0048] The further second edges 122', which are rectilinear, are contiguous to an inner
surface of the upper face 114.
[0049] In this manner, the fixing portions 120 extend substantially along the entire length
of the front face 115.
[0050] In an embodiment of the invention, which is not shown, the further second edges 122'
are curvilinear and form, when alongside, a profile like gull wings.
[0051] In this embodiment, further, the further second edges 122' can be positioned at a
certain distance from the inner surface of the upper face 114.
[0052] Each of the side faces 116 comprises a stiffening portion 124 (Figure 4).
[0053] The stiffening portions 124 are interposed between the respective elongated portions
154 and the respective fixing portions 120.
[0054] Further, the stiffening portions 124 have a length, measured on a plane parallel
to the first axis Z1 in a closed configuration of the first packet 101, that is less
than the length of the elongated portions 154.
[0055] In an embodiment of the invention, which is not shown, the stiffening portions 124
have substantially the same length, measured on a plane parallel to the first axis
Z1 in a closed configuration of the first packet 101, of the elongated portions 154.
[0056] As said above, the stiffening portions 124 connect the elongated portions 154 to
the fixing portions 120, the elongated portions 154 and the stiffening portions 124
bound respective longitudinal gaps 126 extending, in a closed configuration of the
first packet 101, substantially parallel to the first axis Z1 (Figure 4).
[0057] This entails that each of the side faces 116 is formed, at least partially, from
one elongated portion 154 which is outer, and from one stiffening portion 124 which
is inner.
[0058] On the end portion 118 and on the fixing portions 120 printed zones can be provided,
which are shown by a broken line, comprising, for example, writing, drawings or other
information intended for the smoker.
[0059] In an embodiment of the first packet 101, shown in Figure 5, the elongated portions
154 are flat and are tilted by an angle α of approximately 135° with respect to the
front face 115.
[0060] In this version, the gaps 126 are bounded by the stiffening portions 124, by the
elongated portions 154 and by the inner surface 119.
[0061] In a further version of the first packet 101, shown in Figure 6, the elongated portions
154 are flat and are tilted by an angle a. of approximately 90° with respect to the
front face 115.
[0062] Also in this version, the gaps 126 are bounded by the stiffening portions 124, by
the elongated portions 154 and by the inner surface 119.
[0063] The first packet 101 further comprises a closing wing 191 connected to the front
face 115 and protruding in relation to, and positioned substantially in a central
zone of, a lower edge 129 of the front face 115.
[0064] The function of the closing wing 191 will be clarified below. When the first packet
101 is in the closed position shown in Figure 2, the front face 115 of the closing
body 104 is contiguous with and substantially coplanar to the front wall 108 of the
containing body 103. Similarly, the side faces 116 are contiguous with the respective
side walls 110.
[0065] The first packet 101 further comprises an inner enclosure 106 positioned inside the
containing body 103 and shown partially in Figure 1.
[0066] The inner enclosure 106 houses, as said, a composition of cigarettes wrapped by the
internal wrap 102, the internal wrap 102 including a sheet of tinfoil or metal foil.
[0067] The internal wrap 102 is of known type and does not have substantial differences
compared with the internal wraps used in normal packets of cigarettes.
[0068] The inner enclosure 106 comprises a main wall 130 on which printed zones can be provided
shown with a broken line, that comprise, for example, writing, drawings or other information
intended for the smoker.
[0069] The main wall 130 is bounded by a U-shaped upper outline 131. Two lesser walls 132
are connected to the main wall 130, from each of which a secondary wall extends that
is not shown.
[0070] The lesser walls 132 laterally contain the internal wrap 102, whilst the secondary
walls are folded behind the internal wrap 102, so as to be adjacent to one another.
[0071] The inner enclosure 106 further comprises two flat bevels 133, tilted, for example,
by approximately 135° with respect to the main wall 130, that connect the main wall
130 to the lesser walls 132.
[0072] Between the main wall 130 of the inner enclosure 106 and the front wall 108 of the
containing body 103 there is defined a housing pocket 192 arranged for receiving and
retaining, in the closed configuration of the first packet 101, the closing wing 191.
[0073] In particular, the housing pocket 192 is obtained between an intermediate portion
of the front wall 108 and a corresponding intermediate portion of the main wall 130
facing the front wall 108.
[0074] In use, the closing wing 191 and the housing pocket 192 cooperate to maintain the
first packet 101 closed.
[0075] The inner enclosure 106 further comprises a lower flap that is not shown that is
connected to the main wall 130 and bound by a perimeter that is complementary to the
upper outline 131.
[0076] The lower flap is folded below the internal wrap 102.
[0077] The inner enclosure 106 is arranged inside the containing body 103 and is attached
to the containing body 103 at the rear wall 109.
[0078] In particular, to an inner surface of the rear wall 109 one or more points of glue
can be applied by means of which the rear wall 109 adheres to both the aforesaid secondary
walls. This enables the inner enclosure 106 to be maintained closed around the internal
wrap 102.
[0079] The first packet 101 can be used as a normal packet of cigarettes.
[0080] The smoker can thus open the first packet 101 by rotating the closing body 104 around
the hinge 105 and removing the cigarette as occurs in traditional packets.
[0081] It should be noted that when the first packet 101 is open, the zones printed on the
fixing portions 120, on the end portion 118 and on the main wall 130 are visible to
the smoker, who can thus read the writing and look at the pictures contained within
the printed zones.
[0082] This enables the first packet 101 to be customised and the space available for communications
to the consumer to be increased.
[0083] In fact, the communications for the consumer and possible advertising messages can
be printed not only, as occurs in traditional packets, on the outer surface of the
containing body 103 and of the closing body 104, but also in the printed zones provided
inside the first packet 101.
[0084] After removing the cigarette, to close the first packet 101, the smoker has to rotate
the closing body 104 around the hinge 105 and move the closing body 104 for a small
stroke parallel to the first axis Z1 away from the front wall 108 of the containing
body 103 so as to facilitate the insertion of the closing wing 191 into the housing
pocket 192.
[0085] The containing body 103 and the closing body 104 are formed by folding a flat blank
135, for example made of card, extending along a first longitudinal symmetry axis
X1.
[0086] The blank 135, shown in Figure 7, comprises a first portion 136, intended for forming
the containing body 103 and a second portion 137, intended for forming the closing
body 104.
[0087] The first portion 136 and the second portion 137 are joined together along an intended
folded line 138, intended for giving rise, in the first packet 101, to the hinge 105.
[0088] The intended folded line 138 may comprise a crease or be formed of a plurality of
cuts separated by joining points. The blank 135 comprises a first main panel 139 which
is intended for forming the rear wall 109 of the containing body 103.
[0089] A first transverse panel 140 and a second transverse panel 141 are arranged at opposite
ends of the first main panel 139, such that the first transverse panel 140, the first
main panel 139 and the second transverse panel 141 are arranged in sequence along
the first symmetry axis X1.
[0090] The first transverse panel 140 and the second transverse panel 141 are intended for
forming respectively the base wall 107 and the upper wall 190 of the containing body
103. To the first transverse panel 140 a third transverse panel 142 is connected,
which is intended for forming the front wall 108 of the containing body 103, whilst
to the second transverse panel 141 a further second transverse panel 193 is connected
that will form the upper face 114 of the closing body 104.
[0091] Between the further second transverse panel 193 and the second transverse panel 141
the aforesaid intended folded line 138 is obtained.
[0092] To the further second transverse panel 193 a second main panel 143 is connected that
will form the front face 115 of the closing body 104. The second main panel 143 is
in turn connected to a stiffening element 144 arranged for being folded by 180° so
as to reinforce a front portion of the closing body 104 and intended for forming the
end portion 118 of the closing body 104.
[0093] The third transverse panel 142, the first transverse panel 140, the first main panel
139, the second transverse panel 141, the further second transverse panel 193, the
second main panel 143 and the stiffening element 144 are joined along respective transverse
creases 145, arranged transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the first symmetry
axis X1. The blank 135 further comprises a C-shaped cut 194, rotated by 90°, intended
for forming, once the blank 135 has been folded the closing wing 191.
[0094] In particular, the cut 194 is obtained near an intermediate zone of the transverse
crease 145 that separates the stiffening element 144 from the second main panel 143.
[0095] The blank 135 further comprises a pair of intermediate panels 180 arranged on the
sides of the second main panel 143 and intended for forming the curved elongated portions
154 of the
closing body 104.
[0096] The intermediate panels 180 comprise first incision lines 151.
[0097] The first incision lines 151, which are substantially parallel to the first symmetry
axis X1, are arranged adjacent to one another and are arranged to promote folding
of the intermediate panels 180.
[0098] In an alternative, which is not shown, the intermediate panels 180 are devoid of
the first incision lines 151 and between the intermediate panels 180 and the second
main panel 143 longitudinal creases are provided. The blank 135 further comprises
a pair of first inner panels 146 arranged on the sides of the intermediate panels
180 and intended for forming the stiffening portions 124 of the closing body 104.
[0099] Between the intermediate panels 180 and the first inner panels 146 first longitudinal
creases 150 are provided, extending substantially parallel to the first symmetry axis
X1.
[0100] The blank 135 further comprises a pair of first outer panels 149 arranged on the
sides of the first inner panels 146 and separated from the latter by second longitudinal
creases 152, extending substantially parallel to the first symmetry axis X1, the first
outer panels 149 being intended for forming the fixing portions 120.
[0101] In this manner, the first inner panels 146 are bounded by the first and by the second
longitudinal creases 150, 152.
[0102] The blank 135 further comprises a pair of second internal panels 147 interposed between
the intermediate panels 180, the first inner panels 146 and the first outer panels
149, the second internal panels 147 being intended for forming the widened portions
153 of the closing body 104.
[0103] Each second inner panel 147 is separated from the corresponding first inner panel
146 and from the first outer panel 149 by a tilted cut 148.
[0104] On the sides of the aforesaid further second transverse panel 193 first wings 155
project that are arranged for being folded inside the further second transverse panel
193 and being glued to the second internal panels 147 so as to stiffen the widened
portions 153.
[0105] In particular, between the first wings 155 and the further second transverse panel
193 third longitudinal creases 156 are provided extending substantially parallel to
the first symmetry axis X1.
[0106] The blank 135 further comprises a pair of second external panels 157 arranged on
the sides of the first main panel 139 and separated from the latter by fourth longitudinal
creases 158 extending substantially parallel to the first symmetry axis X1.
[0107] In particular, the second external panels 157 are intended for forming the extended
portions 112 of the side walls 110 of the containing body 103.
[0108] To ends of the second external panels 157 second wings 159 are connected that are
arranged for being folded inside the second external panels 157 and for being glued
to the first transverse panel 140 so as to stiffen the base wall 107.
[0109] Further second wings 195 are connected to the second external panels 157 on opposite
sides with respect to the second wings 159.
[0110] The further second wings 195 are arranged for being folded inside the second external
panels 157 and for being glued to the second transverse panel 141 so as to stiffen
the upper wall 190.
[0111] On the sides of the third transverse panel 142 third wings 160 project arranged for
being folded inside the third transverse panel 142 and being glued to the second external
panels 157 so as to form the reduced portions 111 of the side walls 110 of the containing
body 103.
[0112] In particular, between the third wings 160 and the third transverse panel 142 there
are provided connecting panels 181 intended for forming the curved portions 113.
[0113] The connecting panels 181 comprise second incision lines 161. The second incision
lines 161, which are substantially parallel to the first symmetry axis X1, are arranged
adjacent to one another and are arranged to promote folding of the connecting panels
181.
[0114] In an alternative, which is not shown, the connecting panels 181 are devoid of the
second incision lines 161 and are bound by pairs of longitudinal creases.
[0115] After receiving an adhesive substance, the blank 135 is folded according to the traditional
sequence of folding operations as the blank 135 does not have additional panels compared
with traditional blanks. Therefore the blank 135 can be processed in a common machine
for producing stiff packets of cigarettes.
[0116] Figure 8 shows an inner frame 163 that can be used to form the inner enclosure 106.
[0117] The inner frame 163 can be made of card, possibly coupled with a metal sheet such
as aluminium.
[0118] The inner frame 163 can be formed on a packaging machine from a reel, which is cut
with a knife having a "U" profile corresponding to an upper transverse profile 164
and to a lower transverse profile 165 of the inner frame 163.
[0119] On the inner frame 163 two inner weakening lines 166, two outer weakening lines 167
and two intermediate weakening lines 168 are further obtained by suitable incisors,
the outer weakening lines 167 being arranged outside the inner weakening lines 166.
[0120] A transverse weakening line 169, arranged transversely to the inner, intermediate
and outer weakening lines 166, 168 and 167, is lastly obtained in a lower region of
the inner frame 163.
[0121] Between the inner weakening lines 166 and the transverse weakening line 169 there
is defined a primary panel 170 arranged for forming the main wall 130 in the inner
enclosure 106.
[0122] On the sides of the primary panel 170 there are arranged two side panels 171, each
of which is interposed between an inner weakening line 166 and an intermediate weakening
line 168. Each side panel 171 is intended for forming a bevel 133 of the inner enclosure
106.
[0123] On the sides of the side panels 171 two intermediate panels 172 are arranged, each
of which is interposed between an intermediate weakening line 168 and an external
weakening line 167.
[0124] Each intermediate panel 172 is intended for forming a lesser wall 132 of the inner
enclosure 106.
[0125] Lastly, outside the intermediate panels 172 two peripheral panels 173 are provided,
each of which is joined to a corresponding intermediate panel 172 along an external
weakening line 167.
[0126] The peripheral panels 173 are folded inside the internal wrap 102 to form the secondary
walls.
[0127] In this manner, the inner frame 163, after being folded, surrounds the inner enclosure
106 on four sides.
[0128] Between the transverse weakening line 169 and the lower transverse profile 165 there
is defined an end panel 174, which is suitable for being folded below the internal
wrap 102 to obtain the lower flap.
[0129] During packaging, the inner frame 163 is folded around the internal wrap 102 and
made adherent thereto by glue points positioned in a similar manner to what occurs
in traditional inner frames.
[0130] The inner frame 163 can be folded around the internal wrap 102 by using a folding
unit that is similar to that used for traditional inner frames.
[0131] The containing body 103 and the closing body 104 are then constructed by folding
the blank 135 around the inner enclosure 106.
[0132] From what has been set out above, it is clear that the first packet 101 can be made
by using packaging machines that do not differ substantially from existing machines.
[0133] With reference to Figures 9 and 10, with 101a a packet for smoke articles according
to a first version of the first packet 101 is indicated.
[0134] The components of the packet 101a that are similar to the components of the first
packet 101 are indicated by the same reference numbers of the first packet 101 and
are not disclosed here for the sake of brevity.
[0135] In particular, the packet 101a comprises, instead of the closing wing 191, a pair
of closing wings 128.
[0136] Each closing wing 128 is included in a stiffening portion 124 and protrudes with
respect to the lower edge 129 of the front face 115.
[0137] The packet 101a further comprises, instead of the housing pocket 192, a pair of pockets
134, each arranged for receiving, in the closed configuration of the packet 101a,
a corresponding closing wing 128.
[0138] In particular, each pocket 134 is defined between a bevel 133 and a curved portion
113.
[0139] In use, the closing wings 128 and the pockets 134 cooperate to maintain the packet
101a closed.
[0140] After removing the cigarette, to close the packet 101a, the smoker has to rotate
the closing body 104 around the hinge 105 and move the closing body 104 for a small
stroke parallel to the first axis Z1 away from the front wall 108 of the containing
body 103 so as to facilitate insertion of the closing wings 128 into the pockets 134.
[0141] In Figure 11 with 135a there is indicated a flat blank made of card intended for
forming the packet 101a.
[0142] The components of the blank 135a that are similar to the components of the blank
135 are indicated by the same reference numbers of the blank 135 and are not disclosed
here for the sake of brevity.
[0143] The blank 135a, unlike the blank 135, is devoid of the cut 194 and instead has protruding
elements 162, for example having rounded profile, intended for forming the closing
wings 128.
[0144] In particular, each protruding element 162 is included in and is positioned at an
end of a respective first inner panel 146.
[0145] With reference to Figures 12 and 13, with 101b there is indicated a packet for smoke
articles according to a second version of the first packet 101.
[0146] The components of the packet 101b that are similar to the components of the first
packet 101 are indicated by the same reference numbers of the first packet 101. and
are not disclosed here for the sake of brevity.
[0147] In particular, in the packet 101b, devoid of the upper wall 190, the hinge 105 is
positioned between the upper face 114 and the rear wall 109.
[0148] In Figure 15, with 135b there is indicated a flat blank made of card intended for
forming the packet 101b.
[0149] The components of the blank 135b that are similar to the components of the blank
135 are indicated by the same reference numbers of the blank 135 and are not disclosed
here for the sake of brevity.
[0150] The blank 135b unlike the blank 135, is devoid of the further second wings 195.
[0151] Further, in the blank 135b, devoid of the further second transverse panel 193, the
second transverse panel 141 is interposed between the first main panel 139 and the
second main panel 143 and is intended for forming the upper face 114 of the closing
body 104.
[0152] With reference to Figures 14 and 16, with 101c there is indicated a packet for smoke
articles according to a third version of the first packet 101.
[0153] The components of the packet 101c that are similar to the components of the first
packet 101 are indicated by the same reference numbers of the first packet 101 and
are not disclosed here for the sake of brevity.
[0154] In particular, in the packet 101c, devoid of the upper wall 190, the hinge 105 is
positioned between the upper face 114 and the rear wall 109.
[0155] Further, the packet 101c comprises, instead of the closing wing 191, a pair of closing
wings 128.
[0156] Each closing wing 128 is included in a stiffening portion 124 and protrudes with
respect to the lower edge 129 of the front face 115.
[0157] The packet 101c further comprises, instead of the housing pocket 192, the pair of
pockets 134, each arranged for receiving, in the closed configuration of the packet
101c, a corresponding closing wing 128.
[0158] In particular, each pocket 134 is defined between a bevel 133 and a curved portion
113.
[0159] In use, the closing wings 128 and the pockets 134 cooperate to maintain the packet
101c closed.
[0160] After removing the cigarette, to close the packet 101c, the smoker has to rotate
the closing body 104 around the hinge 105 and move the closing body 104 for a small
stroke parallel to the first axis Z1 away from the front wall 108 of the containing
body 103 so as to facilitate insertion of the closing wings 128 into the pockets 134.
[0161] In Figure 17 with 135c there is indicated a flat blank made of card intended for
forming the packet 101c.
[0162] The components of the blank 135c that are similar to the components of the blank
135 are indicated by the same reference numbers of the blank 135 and are not disclosed
here for the sake of brevity.
[0163] The blank 135c unlike the blank 135, is devoid of the further second wings 195.
[0164] Further, in the blank 135b, devoid of the further second transverse panel 193, the
second transverse panel 141 is interposed between the first main panel 139 and the
second main panel 143 and is intended for forming the upper face 114 of the closing
body 104.
[0165] Also, the blank 135c unlike the blank 135, is devoid of the cut 194 and instead has
the protruding elements 162, for example having a rounded profile, intended for forming
the closing wings 128.
[0166] In particular, each protruding element 162 is included in and is positioned at an
end of a respective first inner panel 146.
[0167] With reference to Figures 18 to 19b, with 101d there is indicated a packet for smoke
articles according to a fourth version of the first packet 101.
[0168] In particular, the packet 101d is of the round-corner type. The components of the
packet 101d that are similar to the components of the first packet 101 are indicated
by the same reference numbers of the first packet 101 and are not disclosed here for
the sake of brevity.
[0169] In particular, in the packet 101d, devoid of the upper wall 190, the hinge 105 is
defined between a rear face 115' of the closing body 104 opposite the front face 115
and the rear wall 109 of the containing body 103.
[0170] Further, the packet 101d comprises, instead of the closing wing 191, a pair of closing
wings 128.
[0171] Each closing wing 128 is included in a stiffening portion 124 and protrudes with
respect to the lower edge 129 of the front face 115.
[0172] The packet 101d further comprises, instead of the housing pocket 192, the pair of
pockets 134, each arranged for receiving, in the closed configuration of the packet
101d, a corresponding closing wing 128.
[0173] In particular, each pocket 134 is defined between a bevel 133 and a curved portion
113.
[0174] Also, the fixing portions 120 of the packet 101d comprise respective further second
edges 122' opposite the second edges 122.
[0175] The further second edges 122', which are curved, form, when alongside, a profile
like gull wings and are positioned at a certain distance from the inner surface of
the upper face 114.
[0176] In an embodiment of the packet 101d which is not shown, the further second edges
122' are rectilinear and contiguous with the inner surface of the upper face 114.
[0177] In use, the closing wings 128 and the pockets 134 cooperate to maintain the packet
101d closed.
[0178] After removing the cigarette, to close the packet 101d, the smoker has to rotate
the closing body 104 around the hinge 105 and move the closing body 104 for a small
stroke parallel to the first axis Z1 away from the front wall 108 of the containing
body 103 so as to facilitate insertion of the closing wings 128 into the pockets 134.
[0179] With reference to Figure 20, with lOle there is indicated a packet for smoke articles
according to a fifth version of the first packet 101.
[0180] In particular, the packet lOle is of the round-corner type. The components of the
packet lOle that are similar to the components of the first packet 101 are indicated
by the same reference numbers of the first packet 101 and are not disclosed here for
the sake of brevity.
[0181] In particular, in the packet lOle, devoid of the upper wall 190, the hinge 105 is
defined between a rear face 115' of the closing body 104 opposite the front face 115
e Ia rear wall 109 of the containing body 103.
[0182] Figures 21 and 22 show a second example of a second packet 201 for smoke articles,
in particular cigarettes, according to the invention.
[0183] The second packet 201, which is also of stiff type, has a substantially rectangular
parallelpipedon shape and extends along a second longitudinal axis Z2.
[0184] In particular, the second packet 201 is of the round-corner type.
[0185] The second packet 201, for example made of stiff card, is suitable for housing an
ordered group of cigarettes wound in an internal wrap 202 and comprises a containing
body 203, which can house the cigarettes, and a closing body 204, or lid, which can
be opened or closed to enable a smoker to access the cigarettes.
[0186] In particular, the closing body 204 is movable between an open position (Figure 21)
and a closed position (Figure 22) rotating around a hinge 205, shown in Figure 21.
[0187] The containing body 203 comprises a base wall which is not shown, from which a rear
wall, which is not shown, extends. From opposite sides of the rear wall two side walls
210 extend.
[0188] The side walls 210 have a substantially trapezoidal shape and have an extent that
is reduced with respect to the rear wall.
[0189] In particular, the side walls 210 are connected to the rear wall by curved, in particular
rounded, portions 213.
[0190] In an embodiment of the invention, which is not shown, instead of the curved portions
213 flat bevels are provided.
[0191] From the rear wall, on the side opposite the base wall, an upper wall 299 extends,
having for example a shaped profile.
[0192] In particular, in a closed configuration of the second packet
201, the base wall is opposite the upper wall 299.
[0193] The closing body 204 comprises an upper face 214 that, in the closed position, is
opposite the base wall and faces the upper wall 299.
[0194] To the upper face 214 a front face 215, is connected that has a length, in a closed
configuration of the second packet 201, measured on a plane parallel to the second
axis Z2, that is substantially the same as that of the rear wall.
[0195] In particular, in the closed configuration of the second packet 201, the front face
215 is opposite the rear wall, the front face 215 having a length, measured on a plane
parallel to the second axis Z2, substantially equal to a length of the rear wall.
[0196] Between the front face 215 and the base wall the aforesaid hinge 205 is defined.
[0197] From the front face 215 two side faces 216 extend.
[0198] The side faces 216 comprise respective widened portions 253 having, for example,
a substantially triangular shape and being adjacent to the upper face 214.
[0199] The side faces 216 further comprises respective elongated portions 254, for example
rounded, interposed between and connecting the front face 215 and the widened portions
253.
[0200] Each of the side faces 216 further comprises a fixing portion 220 connected to the
respective elongated portion 254 on the side opposite the respective widened portion
253 and fixed, in particular glued, to an inner surface 219 of the front face 215.
[0201] The fixing portions 220 extend substantially for the entire length of the front face
215.
[0202] Also, the fixing portions 220, having, for example, a rectangular trapezium shape,
comprise respective first edges 221 extending, in the closed configuration of the
second packet 201, substantially parallel to the second axis Z2.
[0203] In particular, the first edges 221 are alongside one another, this entailing the
fixing portions 220 extending substantially for the entire length of the closing body
204. Each of the side faces 216 comprises a stiffening portion 224 (Figure 23).
[0204] The stiffening portions 224 are interposed between the respective elongated portions
254 and the respective fixing portions 220.
[0205] Further, the stiffening portions 224 have a length, measured on a plane parallel
to the second axis Z2, that is less than the length of the elongated portions 254.
[0206] In an embodiment of the invention, which is not shown, the stiffening portions 224
have substantially the same length, measured on a plane parallel to the second axis
Z2, as the elongated portions 254.
[0207] As said above, the stiffening portions 224 connect the elongated portions 254 to
the fixing portions 220, the elongated portions 254 and the stiffening portions 224
bounding respective longitudinal gaps 226, extending, in the closed configuration
of the second packet 201, substantially- parallel to the second axis Z2.
[0208] This entails each of the side faces 216 being formed, at least partially, by an elongated
portion 254, positioned externally, and by a stiffening portion 224, positioned internally.
[0209] On the fixing portions 220 printed zones can be provided, which are shown by a broken
line, that comprise for example, writing, drawings or other information intended for
the smoker.
[0210] In an embodiment of the second packet 201, shown in Figure 24, the elongated portions
254 are flat and are tilted by an angle α by approximately 135° with respect to the
front face 215.
[0211] In this version, the gaps 226 are bounded by the stiffening portions 224, by the
elongated portions 254 and by the inner surface 219.
[0212] In a further version of the second packet 201, shown in Figure 25, the elongated
portions 254 are flat and are tilted by an angle α by approximately 90° with respect
to the front face 215.
[0213] Also in this version, the gaps 226 are bounded by the stiffening portions 224, by
the elongated portions 254 and by the inner surface 219.
[0214] When the second packet 201 is in the closed configuration shown in Figure 22, the
upper face 214 of the closing body 204 is flush with the rear wall of the containing
body 203, whilst the side faces 216 are contiguous with the respective side walls
210.
[0215] The second packet 201 further comprises an inner enclosure 206 positioned inside
the containing body 203 and shown in detail in Figures 26 to 28.
[0216] The inner enclosure 206 houses, as said, a composition of cigarettes wrapped by the
internal wrap 202 comprising a sheet of tinfoil or metal foil. The internal wrap 202
is of known type and does not have substantial differences from the internal wraps
used in normal packets of cigarettes.
[0217] The inner enclosure 206 comprises a main wall 230 on which printed zones can be provided
that are shown by a broken line (Figure 21), comprising, for example, writing, drawings
or other information intended for the smoker.
[0218] The main wall 230 is bounded by a U-shaped upper outline 231. To the main wall 230
two lesser walls 232 are connected, from each of which there extends a secondary wall
298.
[0219] The lesser walls 232 laterally contain the internal wrap 202, whilst the secondary
walls 298 are folded behind the internal wrap 202.
[0220] The inner enclosure 206 further comprises two flat bevels 233, for example tilted
by approximately 135° with respect to the main wall 230, connecting the main wall
230 to the lesser walls 232.
[0221] From the bevels 233, near the upper outline 231, two closing wings 297 project outwards
that are suitable for engaging with the closing body 204 to maintain this closing
body 204 in the closed position.
[0222] The inner enclosure 206 further comprises a lower flap 296 connected to the main
wall 230 and bounded by a perimeter that is complementary to the upper outline 231.
The lower flap 296 is folded below the internal wrap 202.
[0223] The inner enclosure 206 further comprises a pair of upper flaps 295, each of them
being connected to a respective lesser wall 232.
[0224] In particular, the upper flaps 295 are folded above the internal wrap 202 so as to
contain the latter above.
[0225] The inner enclosure 206 is arranged inside the containing body 203 and is attached
to the containing body 203 at the side walls 210.
[0226] In particular, to the inner surface of the side walls 210 one or more glue points
can be applied by means of which the side walls 210 adhere to a corresponding lesser
wall 232.
[0227] This enables the inner enclosure 206 to be maintained closed around the internal
wrap 202.
[0228] Also the second packet 201 can be used as a normal packet of cigarettes.
[0229] The smoker can thus open the second packet 201 by rotating the closing body 204 around
the hinge 205 and removing the cigarette as occurs in traditional packets.
[0230] It should be noted that when the second packet 201 is open the zones printed on the
fixing portions 220 and on the main wall 230 are visible to the smoker, who can thus
read the writing and look at the pictures contained in the printed zones.
[0231] This enables the second packet 201 to be customised and the space available for communications
to the consumer to be increased.
[0232] In fact, the communications for the consumer and possible advertising messages can
now be printed not only on the outer surface of the containing body 203 and of the
closing body 204, but also in the printed zones provided inside the second packet
201.
[0233] After removing the cigarette, to close the second packet 201, the smoker has to rotate
the closing body 204 around the hinge 205 until the closing body 204 engages the closing
wings 297.
[0234] The containing body 203 and the closing body 204 are formed by folding a flat blank
235, for example made of card, extending along a second longitudinal symmetry axis
X2.
[0235] The blank 235, shown in Figure 29, comprises a first portion 236, intended for forming
the containing body 203 and a second portion 237, intended for forming the closing
body 204.
[0236] The first portion 236 and the second portion 237 are joined together along an intended
folded line 238, intended for giving rise, in the second packet 201, the hinge 205.
[0237] The intended folded line 238 may comprise a crease or be formed of a plurality of
cuts separated by joining points. The blank 235 comprises a first main panel 239 which
is intended for forming the rear wall of the containing body 203.
[0238] A first transverse panel 240 and a second transverse panel 241 are arranged at opposite
ends of the first main panel 239, such that the first transverse panel 240, the first
main panel 239 and the second transverse panel 241 are arranged in sequence along
the second symmetry axis X2.
[0239] The first transverse panel 240 is intended for forming the base wall of the containing
body 203, whilst the second transverse panel 241 is intended for forming the upper
wall 299 of the containing body 203.
[0240] To the first transverse panel 240 a second main panel 243 is connected that will
form the front face 215 of the closing body 204, between the first transverse panel
240 and the second main panel 243 there being provided the aforesaid intended folded
line 238.
[0241] To the second main panel 243 a third transverse panel 242 is connected, which is
intended for forming the upper face 214 of the closing body 204.
[0242] The third transverse panel 242 is in turn connected to a reinforcing wing 244, arranged
for being folded by 180° so as to reinforce a portion of the closing body 204 intended
for forming the upper face 214.
[0243] The reinforcing wing 244, the third transverse panel 242, the second main panel 243,
the first transverse panel 240, the first main panel 239 and the second transverse
panel 241 are joined along respective transverse creases 245, arranged transversely,
in particular perpendicularly, to the second symmetry axis X2.
[0244] The blank 235 further comprises a pair of intermediate panels 280 arranged on the
sides of the second main panel 243 and intended for forming the elongated portions
254, curved, of the closing body 204.
[0245] The intermediate panels 280 comprise first incision lines 251.
[0246] The first incision lines 251, which are substantially parallel to the second symmetry
axis X2, are arranged adjacent to one another and are arranged to promote folding
of the intermediate panels 280. In and embodiment of the invention, which is not shown,
the intermediate panels 280 are devoid of the first incision lines 251 and between
the intermediate panels 280 and the second main panel 243 longitudinal creases are
provided.
[0247] The blank 235 further comprises a pair of first inner panels 246 arranged on the
sides of the intermediate panels 280 and intended for forming the stiffening portions
224 of the closing body 204.
[0248] Between the first inner panels 246 and the intermediate panels 280 first longitudinal
creases 250 are provided, extending substantially parallel to second symmetry axis
X2.
[0249] The blank 235 further comprises a pair of first outer panels 249 arranged on the
sides of the first inner panels 246 and separated from the latter by second longitudinal
creases 252 extending substantially parallel to second symmetry axis X2, the first
outer panels 249 being intended for forming the fixing portions 220.
[0250] In this manner, the first inner panels 246 are bounded by the first and by the second
longitudinal creases 250, 252.
[0251] The blank 235 further comprises a pair of second internal panels 247 interposed between
the intermediate panels 280, the first inner panels 246 and the first outer panels
249, the second internal panels 247 being intended for forming the widened portions
253 of the closing body 204.
[0252] Each second inner panel 247 is separated from the corresponding first inner panel
246 and from the first outer panel 249 by a tilted cut 248.
[0253] From the sides of the third transverse panel 242 first wings 255 project that are
arranged for being folded inside the third transverse panel 242 and being glued to
the second internal panels 247 so as to stiffen the widened portions 253.
[0254] In particular, between the first wings 255 and the third transverse panel 242 third
longitudinal creases 256 are provided extending substantially parallel to second symmetry
axis X2.
[0255] The blank 235 further comprises a pair of second external panels 257, arranged on
the sides of the first main panel 239.
[0256] In particular, between the second external panels 257 and the first main panel 239
there are provided connecting panels 281 intended for forming the curved portions
213.
[0257] In particular, the connecting panels 281 comprise second incision lines 261.
[0258] The second incision lines 261, which are substantially-parallel to second symmetry
axis X2, are arranged adjacent to one another and are arranged to promote folding
of the connecting panels 281.
[0259] In an alternative, which is not shown, the connecting panels 281 are devoid of the
second incision lines 261 and are bounded by pairs of longitudinal creases. To ends
of the second external panels 257 second wings 259 are connected that are arranged
for being folded inside the second external panels 257 and for being glued to the
first transverse panel 240 so as to stiffen the base wall.
[0260] After receiving an adhesive substance, the blank 235 is folded according to the traditional
sequence of folding operations, as this blank does not have additional panels compared
with the traditional blanks. The blank 235 can thus be processed in a common machine
for producing stiff packets of cigarettes.
[0261] Figure 30 shows an inner frame 263 that can be used to form the inner enclosure 206.
[0262] The inner frame 263 can be made of card, possibly coupled with a metal sheet such
as aluminium.
[0263] The inner frame 263 can be formed directly on a packaging machine from a reel, which
is cut by a knife having a shaped "U" profile corresponding to an upper transverse
profile 264 and to a lower transverse profile 265 of the inner frame 263. On the inner
frame 263 are further obtained, by suitable incisors, two inner weakening lines 266,
two outer weakening lines 267 and two intermediate weakening lines 268, the outer
weakening lines 267 being arranged outside the inner weakening lines 266.
[0264] A transverse weakening line 269, arranged transversely to the inner, intermediate
and outer weakening lines 266, 268 and 267, is further obtained in a lower region
of the inner frame 263.
[0265] Another transverse weakening line 290 arranged transversely to the inner, intermediate
and outer weakening lines 266, 268 and 267, is lastly obtained in an upper region
of the inner frame 263.
[0266] Between the inner weakening lines 266 and the transverse weakening line 269 there
is defined a primary panel 270, arranged for forming in the inner enclosure 206, the
main wall 230.
[0267] On the sides of the primary panel 270 there are arranged two side panels 271, each
of which is interposed between an inner weakening line 266 and an intermediate weakening
line 268. Each side panel 271 is intended for forming a bevel 233 of the inner enclosure
206.
[0268] On the sides of the side panels 271 two intermediate panels 272 are arranged, each
of which is interposed between an intermediate weakening line 268 and an external
weakening line 267.
[0269] Each intermediate panel 272 is intended for forming a lesser wall 232 of the inner
enclosure 206.
[0270] Further, outside the intermediate panels 272 there are provided two peripheral panels
273, each of which is joined to corresponding intermediate panel 272 along an external
weakening line 267.
[0271] The peripheral panels 273 are folded inside the internal wrap 202 to form the secondary
walls 298.
[0272] In this manner, the inner frame 263, after being folded, surrounds the inner enclosure
206 on four sides.
[0273] Between the transverse weakening line 269 and the lower transverse profile 265 there
is defined an end panel 274, which is suitable for being folded below the internal
wrap 202 for obtaining the lower flap 296.
[0274] Also, between the other transverse weakening line 290 and the upper transverse profile
264 there are defined other end panels 289, which are suitable for being folded above
the internal wrap 202 for obtaining the upper flaps 295.
[0275] Lastly, on the inner frame 263 two further C-shaped cuts 288 are obtained, intended
for forming the closing wings 297. During packaging, the inner frame 263 is folded
around the internal wrap 202 and made adherent thereto by glue points positioned in
a similar manner to what occurs in traditional inner frames.
[0276] The inner frame 263 can be folded around the internal wrap 202 by using a folding
unit that is similar to that used for traditional inner frames.
[0277] The containing body 203 and the closing body 204 are then constructed by folding
by folding the blank 235 around the inner enclosure 206.
[0278] From what has been set out above, it is clear that also the second packet 201 can
be made by using packaging machines that do not differ substantially from existing
machines.
[0279] Figures 31 to 38 show a third example of a third packet 301 for smoke articles, in
particular cigarettes, according to the invention.
[0280] The third packet 301, which is also of stiff type, has a substantially rectangular
parallelpipedon shape and extends along a third longitudinal axis Z3.
[0281] The third packet 301, for example made of stiff card, is suitable for housing an
ordered group of cigarettes wound in an internal wrap 302 and comprises a containing
body 303, which can house the cigarettes, and a closing body 304 which can be opened
or closed to enable a smoker to access the cigarettes.
[0282] The containing body 303 comprises a base wall 307, having for example a shaped profile,
from which a rear wall 309 extends.
[0283] From opposite sides of the rear wall 309 two side walls 310 extend.
[0284] The side walls 310 have a substantially trapezoidal shape and have an extent that
is reduced with respect to the rear wall 309.
[0285] From the rear wall 309 on an opposite side of the base wall 307, an upper wall 399
extends, having for example a shaped profile.
[0286] In particular, in a closed configuration of the third packet 301, the base wall 307
is opposite the upper wall 399.
[0287] The closing body 304 comprises a main body 392, slidably connected, as will be better
disclosed below, to the containing body 303, and a lid 396.
[0288] In particular, the main body 392, cooperating with the containing body 303 for containing
the smoke articles, is connected to the lid 396 by a hinge 305, the lid 396 being
movable between an open position (Figure 33) and a closed position (Figure 31) by
rotating around the hinge 305.
[0289] The lid 396 comprises an upper face 314 which, in the closed position, is opposite
the base wall 307 and faces the upper wall 399.
[0290] To the upper face 314 a front face 315 is connected that has a length, in a closed
configuration of the third packet 301, measured on a plane that is parallel to the
third axis Z3, which is less than that of the rear wall 309.
[0291] In particular, in the closed configuration of the third packet 301, the front face
315 is opposite the rear wall 309.
[0292] From the front face 315 two side faces 316 extend.
[0293] The side faces 316 comprise respective widened portions 353 that have, for example,
a substantially trapezoidal shape and are adjacent to the upper face 314.
[0294] The side faces 316 further comprise respective elongated, for example rounded, portions
354, interposed between and connecting the front face 315 and the widened portions
353. The main body 392 comprises a further front face 387 opposite the rear wall 309.
[0295] Between the further front face 387 and the front face 315 the hinge 305 is defined.
[0296] From opposite sides of the further front face 387 two further side faces 389 extend,
the front face 387 and the further side faces 389 defining a lower profile 388 complementary
to that of the base wall 307.
[0297] The aforesaid further side faces 389 each have a reduced extent with respect to the
front face 387.
[0298] In particular, each of the further side faces 389 comprises a respective further
elongated portion 386.
[0299] Each further elongated portion 386 comprises a first part 385, for example rounded,
connected to the further front face 387, and a second part 384, for example substantially
flat, connected to a respective first part 385.
[0300] Each of the further side faces 389 further comprises a fixing portion 320 (Figure
34) connected to a respective further elongated portion 386 and fixed, in particular
glued, to an inner surface 319 of the further front face 387.
[0301] The fixing portions 320 extend substantially for the entire length of the further
front face 387.
[0302] The fixing portions 320, having for example a rectangular shape, comprise respective
first edges 321 extending, in the closed configuration of the third packet 301, substantially
parallel to the third axis Z3.
[0303] In particular, the first edges 321 are adjacent to one another, this entailing the
fixing portions 320 extending substantially for the entire length of the closing body
304.
[0304] Each of the further side faces 389 comprises a stiffening portion 324 (Figure 34).
[0305] The stiffening portions 324 are interposed between the respective further elongated
portions 386 and the respective fixing portions 320.
[0306] In particular, the stiffening portions 324 are interposed between the respective
second parts 384 and the respective fixing portions 320.
[0307] Further, the stiffening portions 324 have a length, measured on a plane that is parallel
to the third axis Z3, substantially equal to the length of the further elongated portions
386.
[0308] As said above, the stiffening portions 324 connect the further elongated portions
386 to the fixing portions 320, the further elongated portions 386 and the stiffening
portions 324 bounding respective longitudinal gaps 326, extending, in the closed configuration
of the third packet 301, substantially parallel to the third axis Z3.
[0309] This entails each of the further side faces 389 being formed, at least partially,
by a further elongated portion 386, positioned externally, and by a stiffening portion
324, positioned internally.
[0310] On the fixing portions 320 printed zones can be provided, which are not shown, comprising,
for example, writing, drawings or other information intended for the smoker.
[0311] In a version of the third packet 301, which is not shown, the further elongated portions
386 are flat and are tilted by approximately 135° with respect to the further front
face 387.
[0312] In this version, the gaps 326 are bounded by the stiffening portions 324, by the
further elongated portions 386 and by the inner surface 319.
[0313] In a further version of the third packet 301, which is not shown, the further elongated
portions 386 are flat and are tilted by approximately 90° with respect to the further
front face 387.
[0314] Also in this version, the gaps 326 are bounded by the stiffening portions 324, by
the further elongated portions 386 and by the inner surface 319.
[0315] When the third packet 301 is in the closed configuration shown in Figures 31 and
32, the upper face 314 of the lid 396 is flush with the rear wall 309 of the containing
body 303, whilst the side faces 316 and the further side faces 389 are contiguous,
and substantially coplanar, with the respective side walls 310.
[0316] In particular, the side faces 316 and the further side faces 389 are adjacent.
[0317] Further, in the closed configuration of the third packet 301 the lower profile 388
is contiguous, and substantially coplanar, with the profile of the base wall 307.
[0318] The third packet 301 further comprises an inner enclosure 306 positioned inside the
containing body 303.
[0319] The inner enclosure 306 houses, as said, a composition of cigarettes wrapped by the
internal wrap 302 comprising a sheet of tinfoil or metal foil. The internal wrap 302
is of known type and does not have substantial differences from the internal wraps
used in normal packets of cigarettes.
[0320] The inner enclosure 306 comprises a main wall 330 on which printed zones can be provided,
which are not shown, comprising, for example, writing, drawings or other information
intended for the smoker.
[0321] The main wall 330 is bounded by an upper outline 331 having a "U" shape.
[0322] To the main wall 330 two lesser walls 332 are connected, from each of which there
extends a secondary wall, which is not shown.
[0323] The lesser walls 332 laterally contain the internal wrap 302, whilst the secondary
walls are folded behind the internal wrap 302.
[0324] The inner enclosure 306 further comprises two flat bevels 333, tilted with respect
to the main wall 330 and connecting the main wall 330 to the lesser walls 332.
[0325] From outer corners 380 of the bevels 333, near the upper outline 331, two closing
wings 397 project outwards that are suitable for engaging with notches 399' included
in the lid 396 to maintain the lid 396 in the closed position.
[0326] The inner enclosure 306 further comprises further wings 382 (Figures 35 and 36) positioned
lower than the closing wings 397 and projecting outwardly from inner corners 379 of
the bevels 333, the inner corners 379 being nearer the third axis Z3 than the outer
corners 380.
[0327] In particular, there are provided two pairs of further wings 382, these pairs being
positioned at a certain distance above one another along the third axis Z3.
[0328] The further wings 382 are suitable for engaging with longitudinal passages 378 (Figure
36) obtained between the stiffening portions 324 and the fixing portions 320, the
longitudinal passages 378 extending substantially parallel to the third axis Z3.
[0329] In other words, in use, the further wings 382 are retained inside, and slide longitudinally
in, the longitudinal passages 378.
[0330] In this manner, it is possible to slidable connect the containing body 304 to the
containing body 303.
[0331] The inner enclosure 306 further comprises a lower flap, which is not shown, connected
to the main wall 330 and bounded by a perimeter that is complementary to the upper
outline 331.
[0332] The lower flap is folded below the internal wrap 302.
[0333] The inner enclosure 306 further comprises a pair of upper flaps, which are not shown,
each of which being connected to a respective lesser wall 332.
[0334] In particular, the upper flaps are folded above the internal wrap 302 so as to contain
the latter above.
[0335] The inner enclosure 306 is arranged inside the containing body 303 and is attached
to the containing body 303 at the rear wall 309 and/or at the side walls 310.
[0336] In particular, to the inner surface of the rear wall 309 and/or to the inner surfaces
of the side walls 310 one or more glue points can be applied by means of which the
rear wall 309 and/or the side walls 310 adhere respectively to a corresponding secondary
wall and to a lesser wall 332.
[0337] This enables the inner enclosure 306 around the internal wrap 302 to be maintained
closed.
[0338] Also the third packet 301 can be used as a normal packet of cigarettes.
[0339] The smoker can thus open the third packet 301 by rotating the lid 396 around the
hinge 305 and removing the cigarette as occurs in traditional packets.
[0340] After removing the cigarette, to close the third packet 301, the smoker has to rotate
the lid 396 around the hinge 305 until the lid 396 engages with the closing wings
397. Alternatively, the smoker can, as previously mentioned, slide the closing body
304 with respect to the containing body 303 retaining with one hand the containing
body 303 and with the other hand grasping the closing body 304, applying to the latter
a cutting force that tends to make the closing body 304 slide with respect to the
containing body 303. In this manner, the closing body 304 is slid with respect to
the containing body 303, the closing body 304 remaining attached to the inner enclosure
306 through the further wings 382 engaging in the respective longitudinal passages
378.
[0341] The user can thus slide the closing body 304 to which the lid 396 is fixed, with
respect to the containing body 303. When this occurs, the lid 396 is spaced away from
the rear wall 309 of the containing body 303.
[0342] In particular, the closing body 304 can be slide with respect to the containing body
303 until the pair of further wings 382 positioned lowest abuts on first end zones
of the longitudinal passages 378 that are nearer the base wall 307 of the containing
body 303, such first end zones acting as stops, or end buffers, for such a pair of
further wings 382.
[0343] After sliding, at least partially, the closing body 304 with respect to the containing
body 303 so as to rotate the lid 396 around the hinge 305, the user can access the
cigarettes. After removing one or more cigarettes, the user can again slide the closing
body 304 with respect to the containing body 303 until the pair of further wings 382
that is positioned highest abuts on second end zones of the longitudinal passages
378, opposite the first end zones, such second end zones also acting as stops, or
end buffers, for such pair of further wings 382.
[0344] Subsequently the user can close the lid 396, which is maintained closed by the closing
wings 397 cooperating with the notches included in the lid 396, so that the third
packet 301 again takes on the shape of a traditional stiff packet. It should be noted
how the containing body 303 and the closing body 304 are separated along, and are
slidable in, a longitudinal plane of the third packet 301 containing the third axis
Z3.
[0345] It should be further noted that when the third packet 301 is open the zones printed
on the fixing portions 320 and on the main wall 330 are visible to the smoker, who
can thus read the writing and look at the pictures contained in the printed zones.
[0346] This enables the third packet 301 to be customised and the space available for communications
to the consumer to be increased.
[0347] In fact, the communications for the consumer and possible advertising messages can
now be printed not only on the outer surface of the containing body 303 and of the
closing body 304, but also in the printed zones provided inside the third packet 301.
[0348] The containing body 303 and the closing body 304 are formed by folding a flat blank
335, for example made of card, extending along a third longitudinal symmetry axis
X3.
[0349] The blank 335, shown in Figure 39, comprises a first portion 336, intended for forming
the containing body 303, and a second portion 337, intended for forming the closing
body 304.
[0350] The first portion 336 and the second portion 337 are joined together along an intended
cutting line 317, along which the blank 335 is successively cut to separate the containing
body 303 and the closing body 304.
[0351] The blank 335 further comprises a first main panel 339, the first main panel 339
being intended for forming the rear wall 309 of the containing body 303.
[0352] A first transverse panel 340 and a second transverse panel 341 are arranged at opposite
ends of the first main panel 339, such that the first transverse panel 340, the first
main panel 339 and the second transverse panel 341 are arranged in sequence along
the third symmetry axis X3.
[0353] The first transverse panel 340 is intended for forming the base wall 307 of the containing
body 303, whilst the second transverse panel 341 is intended for forming the upper
wall 399 of the containing body 303.
[0354] To the first transverse panel 340 a second main panel 343 is connected that will
form the further front face 387 of the closing body 304, between the first transverse
panel 340 and the second main panel 343 there being provided the aforesaid intended
cutting line 317.
[0355] To the second main panel 343 a third transverse panel 342 is connected, which is
intended for forming the upper face 314 of the lid 396, between the second main panel
343 and the third transverse panel 342 there being interposed a fourth transverse
panel 377 which is intended for forming the front face 315 of the lid 396.
[0356] The third transverse panel 342 is in turn connected to a reinforcing wing 344, arranged
for being folded by 180° so as to reinforce a portion of the lid 396 intended for
forming the upper face 314.
[0357] The second main panel 343 and the fourth transverse panel 377 are joined together
along an intended folded line 338, intended for giving rise, in the third packet 301,
to the hinge 305.
[0358] The intended folded line 338 may comprise a crease or be formed of a plurality of
cuts separated by joining points. The reinforcing wing 344 and the third transverse
panel 342, the third transverse panel 342 and the fourth transverse panel 377, the
first transverse panel 340 and the first main panel 339, the first main panel 339
and the second transverse panel 341 are joined along respective transverse creases
345, arranged transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the third symmetry axis
X3. The blank 335 further comprises a pair of intermediate panels 380 arranged on
the sides of the second main panel 343 and intended for forming the further elongated
portions 386 of the main body 392.
[0359] The intermediate panels 380 comprise first incision lines 351.
[0360] The first incision lines 351, which are substantially parallel to the third symmetry
axis X3, are positioned adjacent to one another and are arranged for promoting folding
of the intermediate panels 380 to form the first parts 385.
[0361] In an embodiment of the invention, which is not shown, the intermediate panels 380
are devoid of the first incision lines 351 and between the intermediate panels 380
and the second main panel 343 longitudinal creases are provided.
[0362] The blank 335 further comprises a pair of first inner panels 346 arranged on the
sides of the intermediate panels 380 and intended for forming the stiffening portions
324 of the closing body 304.
[0363] Between the first inner panels 346 and the intermediate panels 380 first longitudinal
creases 350 are provided, extending substantially parallel to the third symmetry axis
X3.
[0364] The blank 335 further comprises a pair of first outer panels 349 arranged on the
sides of the first inner panels 346 and separated from the latter by second longitudinal
creases 352 extending substantially parallel to the third symmetry axis X3, the first
outer panels 349 being intended for forming the fixing portions 320.
[0365] In this manner, the first inner panels 346 are bounded by the first and by the second
longitudinal creases 350, 352.
[0366] The blank 345 further comprises substantially rectilinear cuts 376 obtained in the
second longitudinal creases 352 and intended for forming the longitudinal passages
378.
[0367] On the sides of the fourth transverse panel 377 panels 347 project that are intended
for forming the widened portions 353 of the lid 396.
[0368] In particular, between the panels 347 and the fourth transverse panel 377 further
intermediate panels 393 are provided.
[0369] The further intermediate panels 393 comprise further first incision lines 391.
[0370] The further first incision lines 391, which are substantially parallel to the third
symmetry axis X3 are positioned adjacent to one another and are arranged for promoting
the folding of the further intermediate panels 393 to form the elongated parts 354
of the side faces 316.
[0371] From the sides of the third transverse panel 342 first wings 355 project that are
arranged for being folded inside the third transverse panel 342 and being glued to
the panels 347 so as to stiffen the widened portions 353.
[0372] In particular, between the first wings 355 and the third transverse panel 342 there
are provided third longitudinal creases 356 extending substantially parallel to the
third symmetry axis X3.
[0373] Also, in the first wings 355 there are obtained slots 375 having the shape of a triangle
with the vertices rounded that are intended for forming the aforesaid notches 399'.
[0374] The blank 335 further comprises a pair of second external panels 357, arranged on
the sides of the first main panel 339.
[0375] To ends of the second external panels 357 second wings 359 are connected that are
arranged for being folded inside the second external panels 357 and for being glued
to the first transverse panel 340 so as to stiffen the base wall 307. After receiving
an adhesive substance, the blank 335 is folded inside the traditional sequence of
folding operations, as this blank does not have additional panels compared with the
traditional blanks. Thus the blank 335 can be processed in a common machine for producing
stiff packets of cigarettes.
[0376] Figure 40 shows an inner frame 363 that can be used to form the inner enclosure 306.
[0377] The inner frame 363 can be made of card, possibly coupled with a metal sheet such
as aluminium.
[0378] The inner frame 363 can be formed directly on a packaging machine from a reel, which
is cut with a knife having a shaped profile corresponding to an upper transverse profile
364 and to a lower transverse profile 365 of the inner frame 363.
[0379] On the inner frame 363 there are further obtained, by suitable incisors, two inner
weakening lines 366, two outer weakening lines 367 and two intermediate weakening
lines 368, the outer weakening lines 367 being arranged outside the inner weakening
lines 366.
[0380] A transverse weakening line 369, arranged transversely to the inner, intermediate
and outer weakening lines 366, 368 and 367, is further obtained in a lower region
of the inner frame 363.
[0381] Another transverse weakening line 390 arranged transversely to the inner, intermediate
and outer weakening lines 366, 368 and 367, is lastly obtained in an upper region
of the inner frame 363.
[0382] Between the inner weakening lines 366 and the transverse weakening line 369 there
is defined a primary panel 370, arranged for forming the main wall 330 in the inner
enclosure 306.
[0383] On the sides of the primary panel 370 there are arranged two side panels 371, each
of which is interposed between an inner weakening line 366 and an intermediate weakening
line 368.
[0384] Each side panel 371 is intended for forming a bevel 333 of the inner enclosure 306.
[0385] On the sides of the side panels 371 there are arranged two intermediate panels 372,
each of which is interposed between an intermediate weakening line 368 and an external
weakening line 367.
[0386] Each intermediate panel 372 is intended for forming a lesser wall 332 of the inner
enclosure 306.
[0387] Further, outside the intermediate panels 372 there are provided two peripheral panels
373, each of which is joined to a corresponding intermediate panel 372 along an external
weakening line 367.
[0388] The peripheral panels 373 are folded behind the internal wrap 302 to form the secondary
walls.
[0389] In this manner, the inner frame 363, after being folded, surrounds the inner enclosure
306 on four sides.
[0390] Between the transverse weakening line 369 and the lower transverse profile 365 there
is defined an end panel 374, which is suitable for being folded below the internal
wrap 302 to obtain the lower flap.
[0391] Also, between the transverse weakening line 390 and the upper transverse profile
364 there are defined other end panels 389, which are suitable for being folded above
the internal wrap 302 to obtain the upper flaps.
[0392] Further, on the inner frame 363, in particular along the intermediate weakening line
368 near the upper transverse profile 364, two further C-shaped cuts 388 are obtained
that are intended for forming the closing wings 397.
[0393] Lastly, on the inner frame 363, in particular along the inner weakening line 366
near the upper transverse profile 364, four further C-shaped cut 394 are obtained,
intended for forming the further wings 382.
[0394] During packaging, the inner frame 363 is folded around the internal wrap 302 and
made adherent thereto by glue points positioned in a similar manner to what occurs
in traditional inner frames.
[0395] Figures 41 to 46 show a fourth example of a fourth packet 401 for smoke articles,
in particular cigarettes, that does not form part of the invention.
[0396] The fourth packet 401, which is also of stiff type, has a substantially rectangular
parallelpipedon shape and extends along a fourth longitudinal axis Z4.
[0397] In particular, the fourth packet 401 is of the type of bevelled edges.
[0398] The fourth packet 401, for example made of stiff card, is suitable for housing an
ordered group of cigarettes wound in an internal wrap 402 and comprises a containing
body 403, which can house the cigarettes, and a closing body 404 which can be opened
or closed to enable a smoker to access the cigarettes.
[0399] The containing body 403 comprises a base wall 407 from which extend a rear wall 409
and a front wall 408, opposite the rear wall 409, the rear wall 409 having an extent
measured on a plane parallel to the fourth axis Z4, which is greater than the front
wall 408 (Figure 44).
[0400] Between the front wall 408 and the rear wall 409 two side walls 410 are interposed,
each of which has a reduced extent with respect to the front wall 408 and to the rear
wall 409.
[0401] The side walls 410 have a substantially irregular hexagonal shape, and are connected
to the rear wall 409 by flat portions 413, or bevels, tilted with respect to the rear
wall 409 for example by substantially 135°.
[0402] In particular, the side walls 410, the flat portions 413 and the rear wall 409 are
bounded above by an upper U-shaped edge 409'.
[0403] In an embodiment, which is not shown, instead of the flat portions 413 there are
provided curved portions .
[0404] The closing body 404 comprises a main body 492, connected, as will be better disclosed
below, to the containing body 403, and a lid 496.
[0405] In particular, the main body 492, cooperating with the containing body 403 for containing
the smoke articles, is connected to the lid 496 by a hinge 405, the lid 496 being
movable between an open position (Figures 41 to 44) and a closed position (Figures
45 and 46) by rotating around the hinge 405.
[0406] Further, the main body 492 is connected to the front wall 408 by a further hinge
405', the main body 492 being movable between an open position (Figures 41 to 44)
and a closed position (Figures 45 and 46) by rotating around the further hinge 405'.
[0407] In particular, the hinge 405 and the further hinge 405' are substantially parallel
and coplanar.
[0408] The lid 496 comprises an upper face 414 that, in the closed position, is opposite
the base wall 407.
[0409] A rear face 415' is connected to the upper face 414, the rear face 415' has a length,
in a closed configuration of the fourth packet 401, measured on a plane parallel to
the fourth axis Z4, which is less than that of the rear wall 409.
[0410] In particular, in the closed configuration of the fourth packet 401, the rear face
415' is contiguous with the rear wall 409.
[0411] From the rear face 415' two side faces 416 extend.
[0412] The side faces 416 comprise respective widened portions 453 having, for example,
a substantially trapezoidal shape, and being adjacent to the upper face 414.
[0413] The side faces 416 further comprise respective elongated portions 454 or bevels,
for example flat, interposed between and connecting the rear face 415' and the widened
portions 453.
[0414] The lid 496 further comprises a front face 415 opposite the rear wall 415' and connecting
the side faces 416.
[0415] The main body 492 comprises a further front face 487 opposite, in a closed configuration
of the fourth packet 401, the rear wall 409.
[0416] Between the further front face 487 and the front face 415 the hinge 405 is defined,
whilst between the further front face 487 and the front wall 408 the further hinge
405' is defined.
[0417] From opposite sides of the further front face 487 two further side faces 489 extend
that have, for example, a substantially isosceles trapezium shape.
[0418] In particular, the further side faces 489 define a lateral profile 488' that is complementary
to that of an upper portion of the side walls 410.
[0419] The aforesaid further side faces 489 each have a reduced extent with respect to the
further front face 487.
[0420] In particular, each of the further side faces 489 comprises a respective further
elongated portion 486.
[0421] The further elongated portions 486 are flat and are tilted by approximately 90° with
respect to the further front face 487.
[0422] Each of the further side faces 489 further comprises a fixing portion 420 (Figure
41) connected to a respective further elongated portion 486 and fixed, in particular
glued, to an inner surface 419 of the further front face 487.
[0423] In an embodiment, which is not shown, the fixing portions 420 extend substantially
for the entire length of the further front face 487.
[0424] The fixing portions 420, having for example trapezoidal shape, comprise respective
first edges 421 extending, in the closed configuration of the fourth packet 401, substantially
parallel to the fourth axis Z4.
[0425] In particular, the first edges 421 are spaced away from one another, so as to leave
free intermediate portions of the inner surface 419.
[0426] In an embodiment, which is not shown, the first edges 421 are adjacent to one another,
this entailing the fixing portions 420 extending substantially for the entire width
of the closing body 404.
[0427] Each of the further side faces 489 comprises a stiffening portion 424 (Figure 41),
having, for example, trapezoidal shape.
[0428] The stiffening portions 424 are interposed between the respective further elongated
portions 486 and the respective fixing portions 420.
[0429] Further, the stiffening portions 424 have a length, measured on a plane parallel
to the fourth axis Z4, that is less than the length of the further elongated portions
486. As said above, the stiffening portions 424 connect the further elongated portions
486 to the fixing portions 420, the further elongated portions 486, the stiffening
portions 424 and the inner surface 419 of the further front face 487 bounding respective
longitudinal gaps 426, extending, in the closed configuration of the fourth packet
401, substantially parallel to the fourth axis Z4.
[0430] This entails each of the further side faces 489 being formed, at least partially,
by a further elongated portion 486, positioned externally, and by a stiffening portion
424, positioned internally.
[0431] On the fixing portions 420 printed zones can be provided, shown by a broken line,
comprising, for example, writing, drawings or other information intended for the smoker.
[0432] In a version of the fourth packet 401, which is not shown, the further elongated
portions 486 are curved.
[0433] Also in this version, the gaps 426 are bounded by the stiffening portions 424, by
the further elongated portions 486 and by the inner surface 419.
[0434] In a further version of the fourth packet 401, which is not shown, the further elongated
portions 486 are flat and are tilted by approximately 135° with respect to the further
front face 487.
[0435] Also in this version, the gaps 426 are bounded by the stiffening portions 424, by
the further elongated portions 486 and by the inner surface 419.
[0436] When the fourth packet 401 is in the closed configuration shown in Figures 45 and
46, the rear face 415' of the lid 496 is flush with the rear wall 409 of the containing
body 403.
[0437] In particular, a lower edge 429 of the lid 496, complementary to the upper edge 409'
of the containing body 403, is flush with the upper edge 409'.
[0438] Further, when the fourth packet 401 is in the closed configuration, the side faces
416 and the further side faces 489 are contiguous, and substantially coplanar, with
the respective side walls 410, the side profile 488' being flush with a further side
profile 410' of an upper portion of the side walls 410.
[0439] In particular, the side faces 416 and the further side faces 489 are adjacent.
[0440] The fourth packet 401 further comprises an inner enclosure 406 positioned inside
the containing body 403.
[0441] The inner enclosure 406 houses, as said, a composition of cigarettes wrapped by the
internal wrap 402, the internal wrap 402 comprising a sheet of tinfoil or metal foil.
[0442] The internal wrap 402 is of known type and does not have substantial differences
from the internal wraps used in normal packets of cigarettes.
[0443] The inner enclosure 406 comprises a main wall 430 bounded by an upper outline 431
having, for example, a pointed "U" shape.
[0444] In an embodiment, which is not shown, the main wall 430 comprises a printed zone,
shown by a broken line, comprising, for example, writing, drawings or other information
intended for the smoker.
[0445] To the main wall 430 two lesser walls 432 are connected, from each of which there
extends a secondary wall 498, each secondary wall 498 comprising a printed zone, shown
by a broken line, comprising, for example, writing, drawings or other information
intended for the smoker.
[0446] The lesser walls 432 laterally contain the internal wrap 402, whilst the secondary
walls 498, opposite the main wall 430, are folded behind the internal wrap 402.
[0447] In particular, the secondary walls 498 comprise respective further first edges 421'
extending, in the closed configuration of the inner enclosure 406, substantially parallel
to the fourth axis Z4, the further first edges 421' being adjacent to one another.
[0448] In an embodiment, which is not shown, the further first edges 421' are spaced away
from one another, so as to leave free intermediate portions of the internal wrap 402.
[0449] Further, the secondary walls 498 define a further upper outline 431' having, for
example, a pointed "U" shape, similarly to the upper outline 431.
[0450] The inner enclosure 406 further comprises two flat bevels 433, for example tilted
by approximately 135° with respect to the main wall 430, connecting the main wall
430 to the lesser walls 432.
[0451] From the bevels 433, near the upper outline 431, two closing wings 497 project outwards,
suitable for engaging with the lid 496 to maintain the fourth packet 401 in the closed
configuration.
[0452] The inner enclosure 406 further comprises two further flat bevels 433', for example
tilted by approximately 135° with respect to the secondary walls 498, each connecting
a lesser wall 432 to a secondary wall 498.
[0453] The inner enclosure 406 further comprises a lower flap, which is not shown, connected
to the main wall 430 and bounded by a perimeter that is complementary to the upper
outline 431.
[0454] The lower flap is folded below the internal wrap 402.
[0455] The inner enclosure 406 further comprises a pair of further lower flaps, which are
not shown, each of each of which being connected to a respective secondary wall 498_.
[0456] In particular, the further lower flaps, similarly to the aforesaid lower flap, are
folded below the internal wrap 402 so as to contain the latter below.
[0457] The inner enclosure 406 is arranged inside the containing body 403 and is attached
to the containing body 403 at the side walls 410 and/or at the rear wall 409.
[0458] In particular, to the inner surface of the rear wall 409 and/or to the inner surfaces
of the side walls 410 one or more glue points can be applied by means of which the
rear wall 409 adheres to the main wall 430 and/or the side walls 410 adhere to a corresponding
lesser wall 432.
[0459] This enables the inner enclosure 406 to be maintained closed around the internal
wrap 402.
[0460] Also the fourth packet 401 can be used as a normal packet of cigarettes.
[0461] The smoker can thus open the fourth packet 401 by rotating the lid 496 around the
hinge 405 and removing the cigarette as occurs in traditional packets.
[0462] After removing the cigarette, to close the fourth packet 401, the smoker has to rotate
the lid 496 around the hinge 405 until the lid 496 engages with the closing wings
497.
[0463] Alternatively, the smoker can open the fourth packet 401 by rotating the lid 496
around the hinge 405 and by rotating the main body 492 around the further hinge 405'
and remove the cigarette.
[0464] After removing the cigarette, to close the fourth packet 401, the smoker has to rotate
the main body 492 around the further hinge 405' and the lid 496 around the hinge 405
until the lid 496 engages with the closing wings 497.
[0465] It should be noted that when the fourth packet 401 is open as disclosed above the
zones printed on the fixing portions 420 and on the secondary walls 498 are visible
to the smoker, who can thus read the writing and look at the pictures contained in
the printed zones.
[0466] This enables the fourth packet 401 to be customised and the space available for communications
to the consumer to be increased.
[0467] In fact, the communications for the consumer and possible advertising messages can
now be printed not only on the outer surface of the containing body 403 and of the
closing body 404, but also in the printed zones provided inside the fourth packet
401.
[0468] The containing body 403 and the closing body 404 are formed by folding a flat blank
435, for example made of card, extending along a fourth longitudinal symmetry axis
X4.
[0469] The blank 435, shown in Figure 47, comprises a first portion 436, intended for forming
the containing body 403 and a second portion 437, intended for forming the closing
body 404.
[0470] The first portion 436 and the second portion 437 are joined together along an intended
folded line 438', intended for giving rise, in the fourth packet 401, to the further
hinge 405'.
[0471] The intended folded line 438' may comprise a crease or be formed of a plurality of
cuts separated by joining points. The blank 435 further comprises a first main panel
439, the first main panel 439 being intended for forming the rear wall 409 of the
containing body 403.
[0472] At an end of the first main panel 439 there is arranged a first transverse panel
440, a second transverse panel 441 being connected to the latter, such that the second
transverse panel 441, the first transverse panel 440 and the first main panel 439
are arranged in sequence along the fourth symmetry axis X4.
[0473] The first transverse panel 440 is intended to form the base wall 407 of the containing
body 403, whilst the second transverse panel 441 is intended to form the front wall
408 of the containing body 403.
[0474] To the second transverse panel 441 there is connected a second main panel 443 that
will form the further front face 487 of the closing body 404, between the second transverse
panel 441 and the second main panel 443 the aforesaid intended folded line 438' being
provided.
[0475] To the second main panel 443 a third transverse panel 442 is connected, which is
intended for forming the upper face 414 of the lid 496, between the second main panel
443 and the third transverse panel 442 there being interposed a fourth transverse
panel 477 which is intended for forming the front face 415 of the lid 496.
[0476] Between the second main panel 443 and the fourth transverse panel 477 there is provided
a further intended folded line 438 intended for giving rise, in the fourth packet
401, to the hinge 405.
[0477] The further intended folded line 438 may comprise a crease or be formed of a plurality
of cuts separated by joining points. To the third transverse panel 442 a fifth transverse
panel 477' is connected.
[0478] The fifth transverse panel 477', which is intended for forming the rear face 415'
of the lid 496, is in turn connected to a reinforcing wing 444, arranged for being
folded by 180° so as to reinforce a portion of the lid 496 intended for forming the
rear face 415'.
[0479] The reinforcing wing 444 and the fifth transverse panel 477', the fifth transverse
panel 477' e the third transverse panel 442, the third transverse panel 442 and the
fourth transverse panel 477, the first transverse panel 440 and the second transverse
panel 441, the first main panel 339 and the first transverse panel 440, are joined
along respective transverse creases 445, arranged transversely, in particular perpendicularly,
to the fourth symmetry axis X4.
[0480] The blank 435 further comprises a pair of intermediate panels 480 arranged on the
sides of the second main panel 443 e intended for forming the further elongated portions
486 of the main body 492.
[0481] In an embodiment, which is not shown, the intermediate panels 480 comprise incision
lines which are substantially parallel to the fourth symmetry axis X4, that are positioned
adjacent to one another and are arranged for promoting the folding of the intermediate
panels 480.
[0482] The blank 435 further comprises a pair of first inner panels 446 arranged on the
sides of the intermediate panels 480 and intended for forming the stiffening portions
424 of the closing body 404.
[0483] Between the first inner panels 446 and the intermediate panels 480 there are provided
first longitudinal creases 450, whilst between the intermediate panels 480 and the
second main panel 443 there are provided further first longitudinal creases 450',
the first longitudinal creases 450 and the further first longitudinal creases 450'
extending substantially parallel to the fourth symmetry axis X4.
[0484] The blank 435 further comprises a pair of first outer panels 449 arranged on the
sides of the first inner panels 446 and separated from the latter by second longitudinal
creases 452 extending substantially parallel to the fourth symmetry axis X4, the first
outer panels 449 being intended for forming the fixing portions 420.
[0485] In this manner, the first inner panels 446 are bounded by the first and by the second
longitudinal creases 450, 452. On the sides of the fifth transverse panel 477' panels
447 project that are intended for forming the widened portions 453 of the lid 496.
[0486] In particular, between the panels 447 and the fifth transverse panel 477' there are
provided further intermediate panels 493 intended for forming the elongated parts
454 of the side faces 416, between the fifth transverse panel 477' and the further
intermediate panels 493 and between the latter and the panels 447 there being provided
further second longitudinal creases 452' extending substantially parallel to the fourth
symmetry axis X4.
[0487] In an embodiment, which is not shown, the further intermediate panels 493 comprise
further first incision lines which are substantially parallel to fourth symmetry axis
X4, are positioned adjacent to on another and arranged for promoting the folding of
the further intermediate panels 493.
[0488] On the sides of the fourth transverse panel 477 first wings 455 project that are
arranged for being folded inside the fourth transverse panel 477 and being glued to
the panels 447 so as to stiffen the widened portions 453.
[0489] In particular, between the first wings 455 and the fourth transverse panel 442 there
are provided third longitudinal creases 456 extending substantially parallel to the
fourth symmetry axis X4.
[0490] To the first wings 455 further first wings 455' are connected that are arranged for
being folded inside the first wings 455 so as to stiffen the upper face 414. The blank
435 further comprises a pair of second external panels 457, arranged on the sides
of the first main panel 439 and intended for forming the side walls 410 of the containing
body 403.
[0491] In particular, between the second external panels 457 and the first main panel 439
there are provided connecting panels 481 intended for forming the flat portions 413,
between the first main panel 439 and the connecting panels 481 and between the latter
and the second external panels 457 there being provided pairs of fourth longitudinal
creases 456' extending substantially parallel to the fourth symmetry axis X4.
[0492] In an embodiment, which is not shown, the connecting panels 481 comprises second
incision lines which are substantially parallel al fourth symmetry axis X4, positioned
adjacent to one another and arranged for promoting the folding of the connecting panels
481.
[0493] The blank 435 further comprises a pair of third outer panels 457', positioned on
the sides of the second transverse panel 441 and arranged for being folded inside
the second transverse panel 441 and being glued to the second external panels 457
so as to stiffen the side walls 410.
[0494] To ends of the third outer panels 457' second wings 459 are connected that are arranged
for being folded inside the third outer panels 457' and for being glued to the first
transverse panel 440 so as to stiffen the base wall 407.
[0495] After receiving an adhesive substance, the blank 435 is folded inside the traditional
sequence of folding operations, as this blank does not have additional panels compared
with traditional blanks. The blank 435 can thus be processed in a common machine for
producing stiff packets of cigarettes.
[0496] Figure 48 shows an inner frame 463 that can be used to form the inner enclosure 406.
[0497] The inner frame 463 can be made of card, possibly coupled with a metal sheet such
as aluminium.
[0498] The inner frame 463 can be formed directly on a packaging machine from a reel that
is cut with a knife having a shaped profile corresponding to an upper transverse profile
464 and to a lower transverse profile 465 of the inner frame 463.
[0499] On the inner frame 463 there are further obtained, by suitable incisors, two inner
weakening lines 466, two outer weakening lines 467, two intermediate weakening lines
468 and two further intermediate weakening lines 468'.
[0500] In particular, the intermediate weakening lines 468 are interposed between the inner
weakening lines 466 and the further intermediate weakening lines 468', whilst the
latter are interposed between the intermediate weakening lines 468 and the outer weakening
lines 467, the outer weakening lines 467 being arranged outside the inner weakening
lines 466.
[0501] A transverse weakening line 469, arranged transversely to the inner, intermediate
and outer weakening lines 466, 468, 468' and 467, is further obtained in a lower region
of the inner frame 463.
[0502] Another transverse weakening line 490 arranged transversely to the inner, intermediate
and outer weakening lines 466, 468, 468' and 467, is lastly obtained in the lower
region of the inner frame 463.
[0503] Between the inner weakening lines 466 and the transverse weakening line 469 there
is defined a primary panel 470, arranged for forming the main wall 430 in the inner
enclosure 406.
[0504] On the sides of the primary panel 470 there are arranged two side panels 471, each
of which is interposed between an inner weakening line 466 and an intermediate weakening
line 468.
[0505] Each side panel 471 is intended for forming a bevel 433 of the inner enclosure 406.
[0506] On the sides of the side panels 471 there are arranged two intermediate panels 472,
each of which is interposed between an intermediate weakening line 468 and a further
intermediate weakening line 468'.
[0507] Each intermediate panel 472 is intended for forming a lesser wall 432 of the inner
enclosure 406.
[0508] Further, outside the intermediate panels 472 there are provided two further side
panels 471', each of which is interposed between a further intermediate weakening
line 468' and an external weakening line 467.
[0509] Each further side panel 471' is intended for forming a further bevel 433' of the
inner enclosure 406.
[0510] Also, on the sides of the further side panels 471' there are provided two peripheral
panels 473, each of which is joined to corresponding further side panel 468' along
an external weakening line 467.
[0511] The peripheral panels 473 are folded behind the internal wrap 402 to form the secondary
walls 498.
[0512] In this manner, the inner frame 463, after being folded, surrounds the inner enclosure
406 on four sides.
[0513] Between the transverse weakening line 469 and the lower transverse profile 465 there
is defined an end panel 474, which is suitable for being folded below the internal
wrap 402 to obtain the lower flap.
[0514] Also, between the other transverse weakening line 490 and the lower transverse profile
465 there are defined other end panels 489, which are suitable for being folded below
the internal wrap 402 to obtain the further lower flaps.
[0515] Lastly, on the inner frame 463 two further C-shaped cuts 488 are obtained that are
intended for forming the closing wings 497.
[0516] During packaging, the inner frame 463 is folded around the internal wrap 402 and
made adherent thereto by glue points positioned in a similar manner to what occurs
in traditional inner frames.
[0517] The inner frame 463 can be folded around the internal wrap 402 by using a folding
unit that is similar to that used for traditional inner frames.
[0518] The containing body 403 and the closing body 404 are then constructed by folding
the blank 435 around the inner enclosure 406.
[0519] From what has been disclosed above it is clear that also the fourth packet 401 can
be made by using packaging machines that do not differ substantially from existing
machines.
[0520] It should be noted how the packets 101, 101a-e, 201, 301 and 401 according to the
present disclosure enable a closing body 104, 204, 304 and 404 that is stronger than
that of the known packets.
[0521] In fact, the fixing portions 120, 220, 320 and 420 fixed, in particular glued, to
the inner surface 119, 219, 319 and 419 of the front face 115, 215, 315 and 415 contrast
and substantially cancel the tendency of the side faces 116, 216, 389 and 489 to flex
outwards, maintaining the side faces 116, 216, 389 and 489 substantially rectilinear.
[0522] Further, as the side faces 116, 216, 389 and 489 are stiffer both the aesthetic appearance
of the packets 101, 101a-e, 201, 301 and 401 and the ease of handling of the closing
body 104, 204, 304 and 404 is improved.
[0523] Also, as the side faces 116, 216, 389 and 489 are stiffer than the side faces of
the known packets, it is possible to increase the extent of the front face 115, 215,
315 and 415 compared with known packets, thus enabling a surface to be increased that
is available for communications to the consumer such as advertising messages and the
like.
[0524] In particular, such messages can be preprinted on the fixing portions 120, 220, 320
and 420, on the end portion 118 and on the main walls 130, 230, 330 and on the secondary
walls 498.