Smoking article storage box

Abstract

The present invention relates to a smoking article storage box (1), which comprises: an outer container (10), which has a base part (12) and a flap part (14); a first storage layer element (20), which is arranged at a lower level in the base part (12); and at least one higher level element (30, 40), which is removably arranged at a higher level in the base part (12); wherein the first storage layer element (20) comprises a first contact edge (24) at one side and a second contact edge (26) at the opposite side of the first storage layer element, and wherein the first contact edge and the second contact edge (24, 26) form a support element for the at least one higher level element (30, 40) in the storage box (1).

Description

1. Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a smoking article storage box, which is particularly suitable for storing electronic cigarettes and their accessories, such as disposable cigarette cartridges, charging cables, liquid storage boxes or user manuals. 2. Background technology

[0002] Fragile items such as smoking articles, especially electronic cigarettes, are usually packed in small boxes or containers and placed on the market in order to protect the items during transportation.

[0003] More expensive items such as e-cigarettes are packaged in display boxes that protect the e-cigarettes during transport by separating loose parts from each other to prevent friction and provide users with an easy way to remove the e-cigarettes and their accessories. However, some display boxes for e-cigarettes have the disadvantage that the e-cigarettes cannot be easily or conveniently removed from the display boxes. This is because for the transport function, it is necessary to securely hold the e-cigarettes in the box to protect them.

[0004] Therefore, there exists a problem of providing a smoking article storage box which on the one hand provides good protection for the smoking articles and on the other hand allows the user to conveniently remove the smoking articles from the box. 3. Summary of the invention

[0005] The smoking article storage box according to embodiments of the present invention solves the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] The above-mentioned problem is particularly solved by a smoking article storage box, which comprises: an outer container having a base part and a flap part; a first storage layer element, which is arranged at a lower level in the base part; at least one higher level element, which is removably arranged at a higher level in the base part; wherein the first storage layer element comprises a first contact edge at one side and a second contact edge at the opposite side of the first storage layer element, and wherein the first contact edge and the second contact edge form a support element for the at least one higher level element in the storage box.

[0007] The contact edge of the first storage layer element is arranged at the opposite side of the first storage layer element, so that the two layers in the box contact each other without producing any friction or contact in the central area between the two layers. This prevents damage to the smoking article or accessory held in the first storage layer element. In particular, it is not necessary to hold the additional spacer of at least one higher level element in the box at this higher level. Therefore, the first storage layer element combines the function of holding the product and holding the higher level element above the first storage layer element and above the product. In this way, a smoking article storage box of two or more layers of high cost but efficient manufacturing is provided. Preferably, the contact edge forms the special vertical support of the higher level element in the box and therefore serves as the highest area of ​​the first storage layer element in the storage box.

[0008] Furthermore, since the contact edges supporting the higher level element are arranged at opposite sides of the first storage layer element, the space between these contact edges can be freely designed, in particular so that the user can easily grasp or remove smoking articles or accessories.

[0009] Preferably, the first storage layer element comprises an upper surface having a concave shape. The concave shape of the upper surface enables a smoking article or accessory to protrude from the first storage layer element so that it can be easily grasped or removed from the first storage layer element. On the other hand, such a concave shape enables a contact edge for supporting a higher level element to be arranged at the opposite side of the first storage layer element.

[0010] Preferably, the first storage layer element provides a space above the upper surface and between the first contact edge and the second contact edge. This space can be partially occupied by a smoking article or accessory and further used to provide clearance to grip a smoking article or accessory from its side.

[0011] Preferably, the higher level element is a second storage layer element. Therefore, a higher level element, such as a first storage layer element, can be used to hold and display smoking articles or accessories to a user. The multi-level arrangement of the smoking article storage box allows for aesthetically pleasing, economically optimized storage and display of smoking articles or accessories. For example, the second storage layer element can hold and specifically display an electronic cigarette, which allows the space around the electronic cigarette to be minimized to easily remove the electronic cigarette.

[0012] Preferably, the second storage layer element comprises a first contact edge at one side and a second contact edge at the opposite side of the second storage layer element, wherein the first contact edge and the second contact edge form a support element for the second storage layer element. Such opposite contact edges of the second storage layer element provide a defined contact position of the second storage layer element. This further prevents any friction or damage of the second storage layer element to the smoking article or accessories located below.

[0013] Preferably, the first contact edge and the second contact edge are linear in shape and provide a horizontal support element. Such a linear support element of the first storage layer element and the second storage layer element provides a firm support for the second storage layer element above the first storage layer element in the box on the one hand, and provides a maximum free space between the storage layers on the other hand, without the need for additional spacers for separating these storage layers.

[0014] Preferably, the first contact edge and the second contact edge are positioned close to the inner surface of the opposite side wall of the base portion. Therefore, the first storage layer element and the second storage layer element are positioned in the base portion with only little or no play, which prevents the first storage layer element and the second storage layer element from undesirable movement in the storage box.

[0015] Preferably, the second storage layer element comprises an upper surface having a convex shape and / or comprises a lower surface having a concave shape.Such a concave shape also advantageously provides a space for gripping a smoking article or accessory from its side.

[0016] Preferably, the second storage layer element comprises a gripping hole to facilitate the removal of the second storage layer element from the base portion. The gripping hole allows a user to insert at least one finger to easily grip the second storage layer element and thereby remove it from the base portion of the storage box. Preferably, the gripping hole is arranged under the smoking article or accessory held by the second storage layer element so that the gripping hole is only visible when the smoking article or accessory is removed from the second storage layer element. This improves the appearance of the storage box containing the smoking article or accessory.

[0017] Preferably, each of the first storage layer element and the second storage layer element comprises at least one recess for holding an object. The recess at least partially positions and holds a smoking article or an accessory in or on the first storage layer element and the second storage layer element. Preferably, the shape of the recess is determined to be adapted to the contour or outer shape of the smoking article or accessory it holds. Therefore, the smoking article or accessory is placed and held in a defined position in the storage box.

[0018] Preferably, the first storage layer element and the second storage layer element have a substantially rectangular footprint that fits within the interior of the base portion. Thus, the first storage layer element and the second storage layer element substantially completely cover the interior of the base portion, preferably the bottom plate, so that the elements below the corresponding layer elements are hidden from view. Further, the first storage layer element and the second storage layer element are substantially prevented from moving within the storage box, which prevents damage to objects held by the first storage layer element and the second storage layer element.

[0019] Preferably, the smoking article storage box further comprises a flat or cubic intermediate layer element as another higher level element. Preferably, the intermediate layer element is positioned between the first storage layer element and the second storage layer element. Preferably, the intermediate layer element comprises a hollow inner space that can be opened. This space can be used to store other flat objects, such as accessories, user manuals, data carriers, etc.

[0020] Preferably, the middle layer element comprises at least one gripping tab, which is arranged below the gripping hole of the second storage layer element. Thus, the gripping tab can protrude through the gripping hole and can be gripped by a user to remove both the middle layer element and the second storage layer element.

[0021] Preferably, the flap is a sliding flap. Preferably, the height of the sliding flap is equal to or greater than the height of the base portion. Therefore, the smoking article storage box in a closed state looks like a rectangular cube.

[0022] Preferably, the flap is hinged to the base portion. In another embodiment, the flap may also be a hinged flap, such that the base portion and the flap portion preferably form an integral outer container together. 4. Description of the drawings

[0023] In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention are disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 : A cross-sectional side view of a preferred embodiment of a smoking article storage box;

[0025] Figure 2 : Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a smoking article storage box;

[0026] Figure 3a : A schematic perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a first storage layer element;

[0027] Figure 3b : A schematic perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the second storage layer element;

[0028] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C : Figure 3a a top view, a side view and a front view of a first storage layer element;

[0029] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D : A top view, a side view, a front view and a schematic perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the second storage layer element;

[0030] Figure 6 a schematic front view of a smoking article;

[0031] Figure 7: A top view of a blank of an embodiment of an intermediate layer element;

[0032] Figure 8 a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a smoking article storage box showing the base portion and the first storage layer; and

[0033] Fig. 9 A schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a smoking article storage box showing a base portion and a second storage layer. 5. Specific implementation methods

[0034] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An embodiment of a smoking article storage box 1 is shown. The storage box 1 of this embodiment comprises an outer container 10, a first storage layer element 20, an intermediate layer element 40, and a second storage layer element 30, wherein the first storage layer element is arranged at the lowest level in the outer container 10, the intermediate layer element is arranged at a higher level in the outer container 10, preferably arranged directly above the first storage layer element 20, and the second storage layer element is arranged at the highest level in the outer container 10, preferably arranged directly above the intermediate layer element 40. Therefore, the storage box 1 preferably provides storage spaces for storing smoking articles 5 (see FIG. 5 ) at different heights in the storage box 1. Figure 6 ) or three different levels of attachment.

[0036] In another embodiment (not shown), the second storage layer element 30 may be arranged directly above the first storage layer element 40. In this embodiment, the intermediate layer element 40 may be omitted or may be arranged at the highest level within the outer container 10, preferably directly above the second storage layer element 30. In this embodiment, the storage box 1 provides two different levels for storing smoking articles 5 or accessories.

[0037] The outer container 10 comprises a base portion 12 and a flap portion 14. The flap portion may be a sliding flap 14 or a hinged flap (not shown). The base portion 12 and the flap portion 14 preferably have a rectangular cubic shape and are preferably made of a hard cardboard material. The length of the outer container may be 10-15 cm, the height H1 may be 3-6 cm high, and the width may be 5-8 cm. With this size, the smoking article storage box 1 may hold an electronic cigarette and all accessories and a user manual.

[0038] The height H1 of the flip part 14 is preferably equal to or slightly greater than the height Hb of the base part 12. Therefore, the base part 12 is completely fitted in the flip part 14.

[0039] Figure 3a and Figure 4A-4C Embodiments of the first storage layer element 20 are shown in different views. The first storage layer element 20 includes a recess or cavity 22 for holding an object, preferably a smoking article 5 or an accessory. The first storage layer element 20 is preferably composed of a material layer with a curved shape. Depending on the material used, the material layer of the first storage layer element 20 has a thickness preferably of about 0.1mm to 3.0mm. The first storage layer element 20 can be made by deep drawing a plastic material layer, which can be injection molded or 3D printed. Alternatively, the first storage layer element 20 can be made of a curved paper fiber material (e.g., molded or curved paper material).

[0040] The first storage layer element 20 comprises a first contact edge 24 at one side of the first storage layer element 20 and a second contact edge 26 at the opposite side of the first storage layer element. These contact edges 24, 26, preferably of linear shape and arranged horizontally, form a support element for at least one higher level element 30 and 40. The contact edges 24, 26 are further positioned close to or adjacent to the inner surface of the opposite side walls 16, 17 of the base portion 12 to prevent undesired movement of the first storage layer element 20. The first storage layer element 20 preferably has ... 20. Figure 4A The rectangular footprint shown in FIG. 1 fits into the base portion 12. Therefore, the inner bottom of the base portion 12 is not visible to the user.

[0041] The first storage layer element 20 further comprises an upper surface 21 having a concave shape. The upper surface 21 preferably surrounds the recess 22 and forms a visible surface. The concave shape of the upper surface 21 facilitates, on the one hand, the removal of objects held by the recess 22 and, on the other hand, positions the contact edges 24, 26 as the highest level elements of the first storage layer element 20. Thus, as Figure 4B , the first storage layer element 20 provides a space 25 above the concave upper surface 21 and between the first contact edge 24 and the second contact edge 26, as indicated by the auxiliary line 2 between the contact edges 24, 26. The height Hs of the space 25 depends on the curvature of the concave upper surface 21 and measures about 4-10 mm. Preferably, the height Hs of the space 25 measures about 30%-50% of the total height Hf of the first storage layer element 20. This has the advantage of providing enough space 25 for the user to grip the smoking article 5 or accessories, while achieving torsional stability of the first storage layer element 20 due to its side having sufficient height.

[0042] The first storage layer element 20 has a bottom contact surface 23 that contacts the inner bottom of the base portion 12. Therefore, the first storage layer element 20 can be removably positioned inside the storage box 1. The first storage layer element 20 can be fixedly attached to the inner bottom of the base portion 12 (e.g., by an adhesive or a mechanical connection element) so that it cannot be removed from the base portion 12. In other embodiments, the first storage layer element 20 is not glued to the base portion 12, and

[0043] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D The embodiment of the second storage layer element 30 is shown in different views. The second storage layer element 30 forms a higher level element because it is arranged at a higher level than the first storage layer element 20 in the storage box 1. The second storage layer element 30 preferably includes a recess 32 for holding an object, preferably a smoking article 5 or an accessory. Like the first storage layer element 20, the second storage layer element 30 is preferably composed of a material layer of a three-dimensional shape. Depending on the material used, the material layer of the second storage layer element 30 has a thickness of preferably about 0.1mm to 3.0mm. The second storage layer element 30 can be made by deep drawing a plastic material layer, which can be injection molded or 3D printed. Alternatively, the second storage layer element 30 can be made of a paper fiber material (e.g., molded or curved paper material).

[0044] The first storage layer element 20 comprises a first contact edge 34 at one side of the second storage layer element 30 and a second contact edge 36 at the opposite side of the second storage layer element. Preferably, these linearly shaped, horizontally arranged contact edges 34, 36 support the second storage layer element 30. Thus, the contact edges 34, 36 of the second storage layer element 30 may rest directly on the contact edges 24, 26 (not shown) of the first storage layer element 20, or may rest on the intermediate layer element 40, such as Figure 1 In an embodiment of the present invention, the contact edges 34 , 36 are positioned further close to or adjacent to the inner surfaces of the opposite side walls 16 , 17 of the base portion 12 to prevent undesired movement of the second storage layer element 30 .

[0045] The second storage layer element 30 preferably has Figure 5A The rectangular footprint shown in FIG. 1 fits into the base portion 12. Thus, the elements beneath the second storage layer element 30 are substantially covered and not visible to the user.

[0046] The second storage layer element 30 further comprises an upper surface 31 having a curved or convex shape. The upper surface 31 preferably surrounds the recess 32 and forms a visible surface. The concave shape of the upper surface 31 facilitates the removal of objects held by the recess 32 on the one hand, and positions the contact edges 34, 36 as the lowest level elements of the second storage layer element 30 on the other hand. Thus, as in Figure 1 As shown in the cross-sectional view of , the second storage layer element 30 rests securely on the underlying element 40 or 20 via the contact edges 34 , 36 .

[0047] like Figure 1 , the bottom side of the recess 32 can be arranged at the same level as the contact edges 34, 36. Thus, the second storage layer element 30 can additionally rest on the intermediate layer element 40 at least via the contact edges 34, 36, but also via the bottom side 37 of the recess 32, which preferably has a flat upper surface 41 (see Figure 7 In another embodiment (not shown), the bottom side of the recess 32 may be arranged at a higher level than the contact edges 34 , 36 , so that the second storage layer element 30 rests only on the contact edges 34 , 36 .

[0048] Further, the second storage layer element 30 further includes a lower surface 33 having a concave shape. The concave shape of the lower surface provides a space 35 therebelow (see Figure 1 ), the space as a whole can be used for objects positioned on the first storage layer element 20. This has the advantage of forming a larger space between the first storage layer 20 and the second storage layer 30, which is particularly advantageous in the absence of an intermediate layer 40.

[0049] The second storage layer element 30 is removably connected to the external container 10. Therefore, the second storage layer element 30 can be completely removed from the storage box 1 so as to provide access to the elements below the second storage layer element 30. In order to facilitate the removal of the second storage layer element 30, the second storage layer element may include a gripping hole 38. The gripping hole 38 is preferably arranged in the bottom wall of the recess 32 so that the gripping hole is not visible when the smoking article or accessory is arranged in the recess 32. Therefore, the gripping hole 38 preferably has a smaller size than the smoking article 5 (such as an electronic cigarette 5) or accessory placed in the recess 32. Preferably, the diameter of the gripping hole is about 15 mm, which is suitable for accommodating the user's fingers. The gripping hole 38 can also be sized and positioned to allow access to the gripping tab 46 below the intermediate storage layer element 40 (see Figure 7 ).

[0050] Figure 6 An electronic cigarette 5 is shown as an embodiment of a smoking article 5. The electronic cigarette 5 can be stored by the second storage layer element 30. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5DIn the embodiment of the present invention, the recess or cavity 32 is adapted to the outer shape of the smoking article 5. Therefore, the smoking article 5 is held by the second storage layer element 30 with only little play.

[0051] Figure 7 A blank of an intermediate layer element 40 is shown. The intermediate layer element 40 may be a further higher level element and is preferably arranged between the first storage layer element 20 and the second storage layer element 30. However, the intermediate layer element 40 may also be arranged above the second storage layer element 30.

[0052] The intermediate layer element 40 has a shape corresponding to the inner shape of the base portion 12 of the storage box 1. Typically, this shape corresponds to a rectangular, flat and hollow cube, which provides an openable space inside. This space can be used to store additional flat objects, such as accessories, user manuals, data carriers, etc. Figure 7 , the intermediate layer element 40 can be formed by folding a flat cardboard blank along the fold lines shown in dashed lines. The intermediate layer element 40 includes a top wall 41, a side wall 45, and bottom walls 42, 43 and 44. The bottom walls 42, 43 and 44 of the intermediate layer element 40 are preferably only folded from the blank but not glued together. Therefore, the intermediate layer element 40 can be completely opened through the bottom walls 42, 43 and 44 to provide access to the internal objects. The bottom wall 48 includes a cutout 48, and the bottom wall 43 includes a tab 47, which can be inserted into the cutout 48 for holding the intermediate layer element 40 together in a folded and closed cubic state.

[0053] Preferably, the intermediate layer element 40 further comprises at least one gripping tab 46. Figure 7 In the embodiment of the present invention, the middle layer element 40 includes two gripping tabs 46. The gripping tabs 46 are preferably folded to the top so that they protrude from the upper surface of the top wall 41 and can be gripped by the user. Preferably, the gripping tabs 46 are cut out from the top wall 41 to be arranged below the gripping holes 38 of the second storage layer element 30. Therefore, the gripping tabs 46 can protrude through the gripping holes 38 and can be gripped by the user to easily remove both the middle layer element 40 and the second storage layer element 30 resting on the middle layer element.

[0054] Therefore, the smoking article storage box 1 provides good support and protection for the smoking articles and accessories held therein during transportation, and further provides the user with a high-quality unpacking experience and economically optimized and convenient access to the smoking articles and accessories. Further, due to the double-layer or multi-layer design, the overall space consumption of the smoking article storage box 1 is minimized. Optionally, the middle layer element 40 can be a booklet, such as a user manual. The user manual can be provided with a grip tab 46 or a grip hole similar to the grip hole 38.

[0055] Figure 8 Another embodiment of a smoking article storage box 1 is shown, which has a base portion 12 and a first storage layer element 20, which is similar to the base portion 12 of the previous embodiment. The first storage layer element 20 is similar to the first storage layer element 20 of the previous embodiment, but includes two recesses or cavities 22 for holding smoking articles 5 or accessories.

[0056] Fig. 9 Another embodiment of a smoking article storage box 1 is shown having a base portion 12 similar to the base portion 12 of the previous embodiment and a second storage layer 30. The second storage layer element 30 is similar to the second storage layer element 30 of the previous embodiment, but includes a recess or cavity 32 for holding smoking articles 5 of different shapes.

[0057] Reference numerals list:

[0058] 1 Smoking product storage box

[0059] 5 Smoking products / electronic cigarettes

[0060] 2 Auxiliary lines

[0061] 10 external container

[0062] 12 Base part

[0063] 14 Flip cover

[0064] 16 Sidewall

[0065] 17 Sidewall

[0066] 20 First storage layer element

[0067] 21 Upper surface

[0068] 22 recess / cavity

[0069] 23 Bottom contact surface

[0070] 24 First contact edge

[0071] 25 Space

[0072] 26 Second contact edge

[0073] 30 Second storage layer element

[0074] 31 Upper surface

[0075] 32 recess / cavity

[0076] 33 Lower surface

[0077] 34 First contact edge

[0078] 35 Space

[0079] 36 Second contact edge

[0080] 37 Bottom side of concave part

[0081] 38 grip holes

[0082] 40 Intermediate layer components

[0083] 41 Top wall

[0084] 45 Sidewall

[0085] 42, 43, 44 bottom wall

[0086] 46 Grip tab

[0087] 47 Tab

[0088] 48 incision

Claims

1. A smoking article storage box (1), comprising a. an outer container (10) having a base portion (12) and a flip-top portion (14); b. a first storage layer element (20) arranged at a lower level within the base portion (12); and c. at least one higher level element (30, 40) removably arranged at a higher level within the base portion (12); wherein, d. the first storage layer element (20) comprises a first contact edge (24) at one side and a second contact edge (26) at an opposite side of the first storage layer element, and wherein the first contact edge and the second contact edge (24, 26) form a support element for the at least one higher level element (30, 40) within the storage box (1), Wherein, the first contact edge and the second contact edge (24, 26) are positioned adjacent to the inner surfaces of the opposing side walls (16, 17) of the base portion (12).

2. The smoking article storage box according to claim 1, wherein: The first storage layer element (20) comprises an upper surface (21) having a concave shape.

3. The smoking article storage box according to claim 2, wherein: The first storage layer element (20) provides a space (25) above the upper surface (21) and between the first contact edge and the second contact edge (24, 26).

4. The smoking article storage box according to claim 1, wherein: The higher level element (30) is a second storage layer element (30).

5. The smoking article storage box according to claim 4, wherein: The second storage layer element (30) comprises a first contact edge (34) at one side and a second contact edge (36) at the opposite side of the second storage layer element, wherein the first contact edge and the second contact edge (34, 36) form a support element for the second storage layer element (30).

6. A smoking article storage box according to claim 5, wherein: The first and second contact edges (24, 26, 34, 36) are linear in shape and provide horizontal support elements.

7. The smoking article storage box according to claim 4, wherein: The second storage layer element (30) comprises an upper surface (31) having a convex shape and / or comprises a lower surface (33) having a concave shape.

8. The smoking article storage box according to claim 4, wherein: The second storage layer element (30) includes a gripping aperture (38) to facilitate removal of the second storage layer element (30) from the base portion (12).

9. A smoking article storage box according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein Each of the first storage layer element and the second storage layer element (20, 30) comprises at least one recess (22, 32) for holding an object.

10. A smoking article storage box according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein The first storage layer element (20) and the second storage layer element (30) have a generally rectangular footprint that fits within the interior of the base portion (12).

11. A smoking article storage box according to claim 4, further comprising a flat or cubic intermediate layer element (40) as another higher level element (40).

12. A smoking article storage box according to claim 11, wherein: The intermediate layer element (40) is positioned between the first storage layer element (20) and the second storage layer element (30).

13. A smoking article storage box according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein: The intermediate layer element (40) includes a hollow interior space that can be opened.

14. The smoking article storage box of claim 1, wherein: The flap part (14) is a sliding flap (14).

15. A smoking article storage box according to claim 14, wherein: The height (H1) of the sliding flap (14) is equal to or greater than the height (Hb) of the base portion (12).

16. The smoking article storage box of claim 1, wherein: The flap portion is hinged to the base portion (12).

Images