Container with an outer sleeve and an inner sliding member having a locking mechanism

Abstract

A container (1) for consumer goods, comprising: an outer sleeve (20) and an inner slide (50) disposed within the outer sleeve (20), the inner slide (50) at least partially surrounding an interior space for accommodating consumer goods. The inner slide (50) is slidable relative to the outer sleeve (20) between a first position, in which the user cannot access the interior space of the inner slide (50), and a second position, in which the user can access the interior space of the inner slide (50). When the inner slide (50) is in the first position within the outer sleeve (20), an edge of an inner slide engagement flap (59) is configured to engage with a corresponding engagement element (31) on a wall of the outer sleeve to form a locking mechanism to prevent the inner slide (50) from sliding from the first position to the second position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container for consumer goods.The container according to the present invention has particular application as a container for an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article. Background Art

[0002] It is known to package consumer goods in containers comprising an outer shell or sleeve and an inner slide that holds the consumer goods and is slidable within the outer shell. To remove the consumer goods from the container, a user slides the inner slide from an initial position within the outer shell to an open position in which the inner slide protrudes outward from the outer shell, partially exposing an open end or side of the inner slide. Such containers may be referred to as slide-and-shell containers. Summary of the Invention

[0003] It may be desirable to ensure that the inner slide remains enclosed within the outer shell until a user desires access to the consumer goods. For example, it may be desirable to ensure that the inner slide remains in a closed position while the container is being transported. Ensuring closure may help prevent the consumer goods from accidentally falling out of the container. Preventing accidental opening of the container may help maintain one or more characteristics of the consumer goods, such as their freshness.

[0004] It is desirable to provide a novel and improved container for consumer goods that is configured to reduce the risk of an inner slide accidentally moving from a closed position to an open position. In addition, it is desirable to provide one or more laminar blanks for forming such an improved container that are simple to manufacture and cost-effective.

[0005] According to the present disclosure, a container for consumer goods is provided. The container includes an outer sleeve. The outer sleeve includes an outer sleeve top wall, an outer sleeve bottom wall, an outer sleeve rear wall, a first outer sleeve side wall and an opposite second outer sleeve side wall, and a first end including an opening. The first end of the outer sleeve is defined by a front edge of each of the outer sleeve top wall, the outer sleeve bottom wall, the outer sleeve rear wall, and the first outer sleeve side wall and the opposite second outer sleeve side wall. The container includes an inner slide disposed within the outer sleeve. The inner slide at least partially encloses an interior space for accommodating consumer goods. The inner slide is slidable relative to the outer sleeve between a first position and a second position, wherein the inner space of the inner slide is inaccessible to a user in the first position and accessible to a user in the second position. Sliding the inner slide from the first position to the second position involves at least a portion of the inner slide passing through the opening of the first end of the outer sleeve. The inner slide further includes an inner slide engagement flap. When the inner slide is in the first position in the outer sleeve, the edges of the inner slide engagement flaps are configured to engage corresponding engagement elements on the outer sleeve wall to form a locking mechanism for preventing the inner slide from sliding from the first position to the second position.

[0006] The inner slide may include an inner slide front wall having an inner surface. The inner slide front wall may have a shape and size substantially the same as the shape and size of the first end of the outer sleeve. The inner slide front wall may have a shape and size substantially the same as the shape and size of the first end of the outer sleeve.

[0007] When the inner slide is in the first position within the outer sleeve, a portion of the inner surface of the inner slide's front wall can overlie the front edge of each of the outer sleeve top wall, the outer sleeve bottom wall, and the first outer sleeve side wall and the opposing second outer sleeve side wall. In other words, when the inner slide is in the first position within the outer sleeve, a portion of the inner surface of the inner slide's front wall can overlie the front edge of each of the outer sleeve top wall, the outer sleeve bottom wall, and the first outer sleeve side wall and the opposing second outer sleeve side wall. By overlying or covering the front edges of these outer sleeve walls, the inner slide's front wall prevents these edges from being visible to a user when viewing the container from the front of the container.

[0008] In some embodiments, the container is configured such that when the inner slide is in the first position within the outer sleeve, the front edge of each of the outer sleeve top wall, the outer sleeve bottom wall, and the first outer sleeve side wall and the opposing second outer sleeve side wall abuts a portion of the inner surface of the inner slide front wall. This can further help minimize any visible gap between the outer sleeve wall and the inner slide front wall. The portion of the inner surface of the inner slide front wall can be referred to as the peripheral portion.

[0009] The inner slide engagement flap and the corresponding engagement element form at least a portion of a locking mechanism for the container. By providing the container with such a locking mechanism, the container can be maintained in a locked state, in which the interior of the inner slide is inaccessible. This means that the container can be locked when not in use. Therefore, the locking mechanism can help reduce the risk of accidental opening of the container. This can help prevent consumer goods from accidentally falling out of the container. This can also help protect one or more characteristics of the consumer goods, such as their freshness.

[0010] By providing a container according to the present invention, at least a portion of the locking mechanism can be concealed in the exterior appearance of the container. This can mean that the locking mechanism is less visible. This can help reduce the risk of accidental unlocking of the container. More specifically, because the inner slide engagement flap is configured to engage with an engagement element on the inner surface of the outer sleeve wall, the inner slide engagement flap can overlie the outer sleeve wall and thus be at least partially concealed.

[0011] This can also help to make the majority of the outer surface of the container substantially uninterrupted and flush. This can be advantageous for one or both of the shipping and manufacturing of the container. This can also be advantageous when printing a continuous outer surface of the container.

[0012] Choosing to use this type of locking mechanism in containers having an inner slide that is slidable relative to an outer sleeve can be particularly advantageous in reducing the risk of accidental opening of the container. This is because the action required to release the locking mechanism may be different from the sliding action required to move the inner slide relative to the outer sleeve. For example, a pressing action may be required to release the locking mechanism, while a sliding action may be required to move the inner slide relative to the outer sleeve. The need for such different and distinct actions may make the container even less likely to be accidentally opened.

[0013] When the inner slide front wall is arranged to have the shape and size that are substantially the same as the shape and size of the first end of the outer sleeve, specifically when the shape and size of the inner slide front wall is not greater than the shape and size of the first end of the outer sleeve, other advantages can be produced.For example, in such embodiments, when the inner slide is in the first position, the inner slide front wall may not have an obvious part extending beyond the periphery of the first end of the outer sleeve.Thus, the inner slide front wall does not have any obvious pull tab or part that the user can grasp.This can improve the inner slide front wall and looks as if it is the outer sleeve wall, and specifically the visual effect of the outer sleeve front wall.This can have the advantage of simplifying the container outward appearance.This can also advantageously reduce the possibility that the container opens accidentally, because when the inner slide is in the first position, it makes the inner slide unlikely to be accidentally pulled away from the outer sleeve.

[0014] When the inner slide is in the first position, when the part of the inner surface of the inner slide front wall is arranged to cover the leading edge of each in the outer sleeve top wall, the outer sleeve bottom wall and the first outer sleeve sidewall and the relative second outer sleeve sidewall, other advantages can be produced.For example, for this type of embodiment, which part of the container may not be formed by the outer sleeve, and which part of the container is formed by the clear visual indication of the inner slide. This is because between the wall of the inner slide front wall and the outer sleeve, an obvious gap may not be seen. On the contrary, the inner slide front wall can simply look as if it is the outer sleeve wall, and is specifically the outer sleeve front wall. This can have the advantage of simplifying the container outward appearance. This can also advantageously reduce the possibility of the container accidentally opening, because when the inner slide is in the first position, it makes the inner slide difficult to be accidentally pulled away from the outer sleeve. This arrangement contrasts with the container wherein the whole inner slide is arranged fully on the outer sleeve.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the inner slide front wall can be barrel-shaped basically.Therefore, the inner slide front wall can have a basically straight top edge, a basically straight bottom edge and a first side curved edge and a second side curved edge that protrude outwards, and each side curved edge extends from the endpoint of the basically straight top edge to the endpoint of the basically straight bottom edge.When the container is formed by folded cardboard or paperboard layered blanks, and when the sidewall of the outer sleeve is the main wall of the outer sleeve, this arrangement may be particularly advantageous. This is because in such an arrangement, the natural material properties of the layered blanks can cause a slight bending effect in the main sidewall of the outer sleeve. This may cause the first end of the outer sleeve to have a slighter barrel-shaped, rather than a perfect quadrilateral.Therefore, in such embodiments, using the barrel-shaped inner slide front wall can help ensure that the size and shape of the inner slide front wall are more closely equal to the size and shape of the first end of the outer sleeve.

[0016] As mentioned above, the inner slide front wall can have the shape and size that are substantially the same as the shape and size of the first end of the outer sleeve.As mentioned above, this can advantageously reduce the possibility that the container opens accidentally, because when the inner slide is in the first position, it makes the inner slide unlikely to be accidentally pulled away from the outer sleeve.Should be recognized that this type of mentioning of the shape and size of the first end of the outer sleeve relates to the outer sleeve when it is not affected by any external force.This can be called the static state of the outer sleeve.Therefore, when the outer sleeve is in its static state, the container may be more difficult to open.

[0017] In the embodiment of the present invention, outer sleeve is provided with the sidewall of outer sleeve, and the sidewall of inner slide member front wall is provided with the sidewall of outer sleeve.Yet, if the sidewall of outer sleeve is pressed by the user, then they can be inwardly deflected, and therefore reduce the shape and size of the first end of outer sleeve.When doing so, the side edge of inner slide member front wall may become more exposed, and provides gripping point to hold and pull with gripping for the user.Therefore, for the ease of opening container, the user can select to at first press on the sidewall of outer sleeve, and then pull the side edge of inner slide member front wall.This is particularly relevant and understandable in the embodiment that inner slide member front wall is barrel-shaped basically.This is because the first side curved edge and the second side curved edge of inner slide member front wall to outward protrusion will be exposed by the pressing action of the user on outer sleeve sidewall especially.When outer sleeve sidewall was pressed by the user, container can be described as being in compressed state.

[0018] It may be particularly advantageous to arrange the following so that: the inner slider front wall has a shape and size that is substantially the same as the shape and size of the first end of the outer sleeve; and when the inner slider is in the first position, a portion of the inner surface of the inner slider front wall covers the front edge of each of the outer sleeve top wall, the outer sleeve bottom wall, and the first outer sleeve side wall and the opposing second outer sleeve side wall. This combination can enhance the visual effect that the inner slider front wall appears to be the outer sleeve wall, and in particular the outer sleeve front wall.

[0019] When used with a container having the above-described locking mechanism, such an arrangement can also have an enhanced visual effect. Specifically, when the inner slide is in the first position, the locking mechanism can hold the inner surface of the inner slide front wall close to the front edge of each of the outer sleeve top wall, the outer sleeve bottom wall, and the first outer sleeve side wall and the opposing second outer sleeve side wall. This can help minimize any visible gap between the inner slide front wall and the outer sleeve. This can further enhance the visual effect of the inner slide front wall appearing to be the outer sleeve wall, and specifically the outer sleeve front wall.

[0020] The first end of the outer sleeve is defined by the outer sleeve top wall, the outer sleeve bottom wall, and the front edge of each of the first outer sleeve side wall and the opposing second outer sleeve side wall. Therefore, the outer sleeve top wall, the outer sleeve bottom wall, and the front edge of each of the first outer sleeve side wall and the opposing second outer sleeve side wall can collectively define a periphery of the first end of the outer sleeve.

[0021] In some embodiments, the opening at the first end of the outer sleeve extends across the entire first end of the outer sleeve. That is, the opening at the first end of the outer sleeve can be defined by the outer sleeve top wall, the outer sleeve bottom wall, and the front edge of each of the first outer sleeve side wall and the opposing second outer sleeve side wall. In such embodiments, the perimeter of the first end of the outer sleeve can be the same as the perimeter of the opening.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first end of the outer sleeve further includes an outer sleeve front panel, which extends from the front edge of at least two of the outer sleeve top wall, the outer sleeve bottom wall, and the first outer sleeve side wall and the opposite second outer sleeve side wall. In such embodiments, the outer sleeve front panel also forms a part of the first end of the outer sleeve together with the opening. In such embodiments, the opening can be at least partially defined by the edge of the outer sleeve front panel. In such embodiments, the periphery of the first end of the outer sleeve will be different from the periphery of the opening.

[0023] The edge of the inner slide engaging flap configured to engage with a corresponding engaging element on the outer sleeve wall is preferably a free edge of the inner slide engaging flap.The free edge of a flap is an edge that does not directly connect the flap to an object from which the flap depends.

[0024] The free edge of the inner slide engagement flap is preferably the leading edge of the inner slide engagement flap. That is, the free edge of the inner slide engagement flap that is configured to engage with the corresponding engagement element on the outer sleeve wall is preferably positioned opposite the edge of the inner slide engagement flap that connects the inner slide engagement flap to the rest of the inner slide.

[0025] The inner slide is configured to slide relative to the outer sleeve. Thus, the outer sleeve can have an interior configured to receive the inner slide. In other words, the outer sleeve can define a three-dimensional space in which the inner slide can be located. The outer sleeve can include a second end positioned opposite the first end of the outer sleeve. The second end of the outer sleeve can include an outer sleeve rear wall. Thus, the outer sleeve can have: a first end having an opening and a second end including the outer sleeve rear wall, wherein the outer sleeve top wall, the outer sleeve bottom wall, and a first outer sleeve side wall and an opposing second outer sleeve side wall extend between the first end of the outer sleeve and the rear wall of the outer sleeve.

[0026] The inner slide can be moved between a first position and a second position relative to the outer sleeve. In the first position, the user cannot approach the inner space of the inner slide. In the second position, the user can approach the inner space of the inner slide.

[0027] The first position may be considered a closed position. The second position may be considered an open position. When the inner slide is in the second position, the interior of the inner slide is directly accessible to a user.

[0028] The movement of the inner slide from the first position to the second position involves at least a portion of the inner slide passing through the opening in the first end of the outer sleeve. Specifically, as the inner slide moves from the first position to the second position, at least a portion of the inner slide is configured to slide through the opening in the first end of the outer sleeve and, thereby, at least partially move out of the outer sleeve. This can help improve access to any consumer goods held by the inner slide when the inner slide is in the second position.

[0029] The outer sleeve and inner slide can be configured so that when the inner slide is in the first position, the inner slide is basically all surrounded by the outer sleeve. Specifically, the outer sleeve and inner slide can be configured so that when the inner slide is in the first position, except the inner slide front wall, the inner slide is all surrounded by the outer sleeve. The inner slide front wall is changed to be positioned at the outer sleeve outside, and covers the front edge of each in the outer sleeve top wall, the outer sleeve bottom wall and the first outer sleeve sidewall and the relative second outer sleeve sidewall. This can help minimize the amount of the surface area of the inner slide that can be approached by the user when the inner slide is in the first position. This can help minimize the accidental opening of the container.

[0030] The outer sleeve may have an inner height. The inner height of the outer sleeve may be measured as the distance between the inner surface of the outer sleeve top wall and the inner surface of the outer sleeve bottom wall.

[0031] The inner slide may include an inner slide bottom wall. The inner slide may include a first inner slide side wall and an opposing second inner slide side wall. The inner slide may include an inner slide rear wall. The inner slide may include an inner slide top wall. The inner slide top wall may include an opening. The opening may allow access to an interior space of the inner slide.

[0032] The inner slide may comprise a receptacle portion.The receptacle portion may at least partially enclose an interior space of the inner slide for accommodating consumer goods.

[0033] The receiving portion may be at least partially defined by the inner slide bottom wall and the first and second inner slide side walls. The receiving portion may be further defined by the inner slide front wall. The receiving portion may be further defined by the inner slide rear wall. The inner slide may include a receiving portion top wall, and the receiving portion may be further defined by the receiving portion top wall. The receiving portion may be disposed between the inner slide front wall and the inner slide rear wall. The receiving portion top wall may include an opening. The opening may provide access to the interior space of the receiving portion.

[0034] Each of the first inner slide sidewall and the second inner slide sidewall can have a height within the receiving portion of the inner slide that is less than the interior height of the outer sleeve. In other words, the receiving portion can have a height less than the interior height of the outer sleeve. This can help improve access to the receiving portion and any consumer products contained therein when the inner slide is in the second position.

[0035] The interior slide may comprise a first alignment portion. The first alignment portion may have a height substantially the same as the interior height of the outer sleeve. This may mean that when the interior slide was in the outer sleeve, the part of the first alignment portion was always arranged to be close to the inner surface of the outer sleeve top wall and the inner surface of the outer sleeve bottom wall. Therefore, the first alignment portion may be configured to prevent or minimize the interior slide from moving in the outer sleeve in the direction between the outer sleeve top wall and the outer sleeve bottom wall. When the interior slide engagement tab is configured to the outer surface of the overlying interior slide bottom wall, and the engagement element is arranged on the inner surface of the outer sleeve bottom wall, this may be particularly advantageous. This is because in such an embodiment, the first alignment portion may act to ensure that when the interior slide was in the first position, the interior slide engagement tab was positioned close to the engagement element. This may contribute to improving the reliability of the engagement between the engagement element of the interior slide engagement tab and the outer sleeve.

[0036] The first alignment portion may be formed by one or more of the inner slide rear wall and the first inner slide side wall and the second inner slide side wall. In some embodiments, the first alignment portion is formed by the inner slide rear wall and the rear portion of each of the first inner slide side wall and the second inner slide side wall. Therefore, the inner slide rear wall can have a height substantially the same as the interior height of the outer sleeve. Alternatively or additionally, the rear portion of each of the first inner slide side wall and the second inner slide side wall can have a height substantially the same as the interior height of the outer sleeve.

[0037] The first alignment portion can also be formed by a top panel that spans the top edges of the inner slide rear wall and the rear portions of the first and second inner slide side walls. The top panel of the first alignment portion can help improve contact between the first alignment portion and the inner surface of the outer sleeve top wall. The top panel of the first alignment portion can help prevent or minimize pivoting of the inner slide relative to the outer sleeve, particularly when the inner slide is in the second position.

[0038] In the case where the inner slide comprises a housing portion and a first alignment portion, the first alignment portion may be arranged between the outer sleeve rear wall and the housing portion. Therefore, the first alignment portion may be arranged towards the rear of the inner slide or at the rear of the inner slide.

[0039] Where the inner slide comprises a receiver portion and a first alignment portion, the first alignment portion may comprise a tower-like structure.The tower-like structure may extend above the receiver portion.

[0040] The interior slide may comprise a second alignment portion. The second alignment portion may have a height substantially the same as the internal height of the outer sleeve. This may mean that when the interior slide was in the outer sleeve, the part of the second alignment portion was always arranged to be close to the inner surface of the outer sleeve top wall and the inner surface of the outer sleeve bottom wall. Therefore, the second alignment portion may be configured to prevent or minimize the interior slide from moving in the outer sleeve in the direction between the outer sleeve top wall and the outer sleeve bottom wall. When the interior slide engagement tab is configured to the outer surface of the overlying interior slide bottom wall, and the engagement element is arranged on the inner surface of the outer sleeve bottom wall, this may be particularly advantageous. This is because in such an embodiment, the second alignment portion may act to ensure that when the interior slide was in the first position, the interior slide engagement tab was positioned close to the engagement element. This may contribute to improving the reliability of the engagement between the engagement element of the interior slide engagement tab and the outer sleeve.

[0041] The second alignment portion can be formed by one or both of the first inner slide sidewall and the second inner slide sidewall. In some embodiments, the second alignment portion is formed by a front portion of each of the first inner slide sidewall and the second inner slide sidewall. Thus, the front portion of each of the first inner slide sidewall and the second inner slide sidewall can have a height substantially the same as the interior height of the outer sleeve.

[0042] In the case where the inner slide comprises a receiving portion and a second alignment portion, the second alignment portion may be provided between the inner slide front wall and the receiving portion. Thus, the second alignment portion may be provided towards or at the front of the inner slide.

[0043] The inner slide front wall may be secured to the front edge of each of the first inner slide side wall and the second inner slide side wall. This may be achieved by one or more adhesives. Alternatively, this may be achieved by integrally forming the inner slide front wall with each of the first inner slide side wall and the second inner slide side wall.

[0044] The front edge of each of the first inner slide side wall and the second inner slide side wall may have a height that is at least 50% of the height of the inner slide front wall, more preferably at least 60% of the height of the inner slide front wall. This can help minimize bending of the inner slide front wall during use. This can ensure that the package recloses properly. This can advantageously help ensure that the inner slide front wall can maintain its size and shape, and therefore maintain its desired visual appearance during use of the container.

[0045] As mentioned above, the inner slide may include an inner slide rear wall, a first inner slide side wall and a relative second inner slide side wall, and an inner slide bottom wall. In this type of structural arrangement of the inner slide, preferably, outer sleeve and inner slide are configured so that when the inner slide is in the first position, the inner slide rear wall, the inner slide bottom wall and the first inner slide side wall and the relative second inner slide side wall completely overlie the outer sleeve rear wall, the outer sleeve bottom wall and the first outer sleeve side wall and the relative second outer sleeve side wall of its corresponding inner slide. In this type of embodiment, when the inner slide is in the first position, the inner slide rear wall, the inner slide bottom wall and the first inner slide side wall and the relative second inner slide side wall will not be visible to the user. This can help reduce the risk of accidentally opening the container. This can also help increase the amount of the uninterrupted surface area that can be used for one or more places in the top, bottom and first and second sides of the container to be communicated with the user when the inner slide is in the first position.

[0046] When the inner slide includes an inner slide bottom wall, the inner slide engagement tab can be configured to overlie the inner slide bottom wall. The inner slide engagement tab can extend from the rear of the inner slide toward the front of the inner slide and overlie at least a portion of the outer surface of the inner slide bottom wall. This can advantageously mean that the locking mechanism only engages when the rear of the inner slide has reached the rear of the outer sleeve. This helps ensure efficient use of storage space. When the inner slide is in the first position, the inner slide rear wall can be arranged adjacent to the outer sleeve rear wall.

[0047] In the following description of the present invention, the terms "side," "top," "bottom," "front," "back," and other terms are used to describe the relative positions of components of a container according to the present invention. The "bottom" of a container refers to the side of the container opposite the "top" of the container. The "front" of a container refers to the side of the container opposite the "back" of the container.

[0048] The term "height" is used herein to refer to the dimension extending between the top and the bottom.

[0049] The term "panel" is used herein to refer to a portion of a container formed from a single continuous portion of material. A panel may depend from one or more other panels.

[0050] The term "wall" refers more generally to a facet of a container, and a wall may be formed from a single panel or flap, or a wall may be formed from two or more abutting or overlapping panels or flaps.

[0051] The term "overhang" is used herein to describe the physical connection between two elements of a container according to the present invention. More specifically, the term "overhang" is used to indicate that there is material continuity between two elements, such as two walls or panels of a container or blank. This includes both situations where a wall or panel depends directly from an adjacent wall or panel, and situations where an intermediate wall or panel effectively connects the two walls or panels.

[0052] For example, a side wall or panel can be directly overhung from an adjacent front wall or panel. In this case, the wall or panel is typically overhung from the adjacent wall along a fold line. Alternatively, in particular in containers with curved or beveled edges, the side wall or panel can be overhung from the front wall or panel indirectly. In this case, the curved or beveled edge wall or panel connects the side wall or panel to the front wall or panel. In the case of beveled edges, both the side wall or panel and the front wall or panel can be overhung from the connected beveled edge wall or panel along their respective fold lines. This also applies to optional components of the container according to the invention, for example to reinforcement members provided in the form of an internal frame.

[0053] Throughout this specification, the term "inner surface" is used to refer to the surface of a component of a container that faces the interior of the container (e.g., facing the consumer goods) when the assembled container is in a closed position. Throughout this specification, the term "outer surface" is used to refer to the surface of a component of a container that faces the exterior of the container. For example, the front wall of a package has an inner surface that faces the interior of the package and the consumer goods, and an outer surface that faces away from the consumer goods. It should be noted that the inside surface or the outside surface is not necessarily equivalent to a side of the blank used in the process of assembling the container. Depending on how the blank is folded around the consumer goods, the area on the same side of the blank may face the inside of the container or the outside of the container.

[0054] The term "fold line" is used to describe any line of a blank about which the blank folds. A fold line may be defined by a line of weakness to assist in the folding action. Alternatively, a fold may be formed without a line of weakness, depending on, for example, the flexibility and other material properties of the blank.

[0055] When the locking mechanism of the container is engaged, the inner slide is prevented from sliding relative to the outer sleeve from the first position to the second position. Disengagement of the locking mechanism allows the inner slide to slide relative to the outer sleeve from the first position to the second position. Thus, the container can be configured such that disengagement of the inner slide engagement tabs from their corresponding engagement elements on the outer sleeve wall allows the inner slide to slide relative to the outer sleeve from the first position to the second position.

[0056] The wall of the outer sleeve having the engagement element may be provided with a release element for enabling the edge of the inner slide engagement flap to be disengaged from the engagement element. The release element may be configured to enable the locking mechanism to transition from a locked state to an unlocked state in response to pressure applied by a user to the container. Specifically, the release element is configured to enable a user to interact with the locking mechanism to cause the locking mechanism to transition to the unlocked state. Preferably, when the inner slide is in the first position, the release element of the outer sleeve overlies at least a portion of the inner slide engagement flap.

[0057] In some embodiments, the release element can include a notch in the wall of the outer sleeve having an engagement element. When the inner slide is in the first position, the notch can be positioned adjacent to a portion of the inner slide engagement flap. In such embodiments, the notch can allow a user to directly access the inner slide engagement flap and disengage the inner slide engagement flap from the corresponding engagement element on the outer sleeve wall. Specifically, the user can insert their finger through the notch and push the inner slide engagement flap away from the engagement element on the inner surface of the outer sleeve sidewall to unlock the locking mechanism.

[0058] In certain embodiments, the release element comprises a release tab, which is formed by at least one cutting line in the outer sleeve wall with an engagement element. For example, the outer sleeve wall may comprise a cutting portion, which defines at least a portion of the periphery of the release tab in the wall. The cutting portion may be a U-shaped cutting portion. The cutting portion may be an arcuate cutting portion. The release tab may be deflected relative to the remainder of its outer sleeve wall. This may allow the release tab to move independently of its outer sleeve wall in response to the pressure from the user. When the inner slide was in the first position, the release tab may be positioned adjacent to a portion of the inner slide engagement tab corresponding thereto. Therefore, in use, the user may press the release tab so that force is translated to the inner slide engagement tab so that the inner slide engagement tab is disengaged from the engagement element of the outer sleeve wall.

[0059] By providing a release element in the form of a release tab, the means for unlocking the locking mechanism can be incorporated into the container with minimal visual impact on the container. Consequently, the means for unlocking the container may not be readily visible. This may help reduce the risk of accidental opening of the container.

[0060] As mentioned above, the inner surface of the outer sleeve wall comprises an engaging element, which is used to engage with the edge of each inner slide side flap when the inner slide is in the first position in the outer sleeve. The engaging element provides a barrier for engaging with the inner slide engagement flap. Specifically, the barrier can provide an engaging edge, which is configured to abut the edge of the inner slide engagement flap when the inner slide is in the first position in the outer sleeve. The engaging element can be formed integrally with its corresponding outer sleeve wall. For example, the outer sleeve wall can be manufactured to have a raised portion, which has an increased thickness, so that the engaging element is provided on the inner surface of the outer sleeve wall. Alternatively, the engaging element may comprise an element attached to the inner surface of the outer sleeve wall. This element may comprise a material strip extending across the inner surface of the outer sleeve wall.

[0061] The engaging element may be formed by a panel fixed to a portion of the inner surface of the outer sleeve wall.The panel may be connected to its corresponding outer sleeve wall by a fold line and folded approximately 180 degrees relative to its corresponding outer sleeve wall about the fold line.

[0062] The wall of the outer sleeve having the engagement element may be the outer sleeve bottom wall.

[0063] The wall of the outer sleeve with the engaging element can be formed by a first panel and a second panel covering the first panel. In some embodiments, the wall is the outer sleeve bottom wall. The first panel can define the inner surface of the wall. The second panel can define the outer surface of the wall. Therefore, the engaging element can be positioned on the first panel, and more specifically, on the inner surface of the first panel. The engaging element can be in the form of a panel having an edge configured to engage the engaging flap of the adjacent inner slide. The panel can be referred to as a engaging panel. The edge can be provided by the outer edge of the engaging panel. Alternatively, the edge can be provided by a cutout in the engaging panel.

[0064] Where the container includes a release tab, the release tab may be formed on the second panel. In some embodiments, the first panel includes a cutout that allows the release tab to contact the engagement flap of the inner slide when the inner slide is in the first position.

[0065] The container may further include a retaining mechanism for preventing the inner slide from completely sliding out of the opening in the first end of the outer sleeve. The retaining mechanism may help prevent the inner slide from separating from the outer sleeve. The retaining mechanism may prevent the inner slide from being completely removed from the outer sleeve. The retaining mechanism may prevent the inner slide from sliding beyond the second position.

[0066] The retaining mechanism can advantageously provide an indication to the user that the inner slide has reached the second position. More specifically, when the retaining mechanism engages to prevent further sliding of the inner slide, a tactile indication can be provided to the user that the inner slide has reached the second position. This can provide the user with an indication that the inner slide is in a position where they can access the consumer goods.

[0067] In some embodiments, the retaining mechanism includes an extendable member that connects a portion of the inner slide to a portion of the outer sleeve. The extendable member is configured to change between a retracted state when the inner slide is in a first position and an extended state when the inner slide is in a second position. The extendable member can be provided in the form of a folding panel strip, wherein a first end panel of the strip is fixed to a portion of the outer sleeve, and a second opposite end panel of the strip is fixed to a portion of the inner slide. For example, the first end panel of the strip can be fixed to the inner surface of the outer sleeve wall, such as the outer sleeve bottom wall. The second end panel can be fixed to the outer surface of the inner slide wall, such as the inner slide rear wall. Therefore, when the extendable member changes between its retracted configuration and extended configuration, the extendable member can be similar to a concertina.

[0068] In some embodiments, the retaining mechanism includes a retaining element. The retaining element may be disposed on the inner surface of the outer sleeve wall. The retaining element may be disposed on the inner surface of the outer sleeve wall that includes the engagement element. The retaining element may include a retaining edge. When the inner slide is in the second position, the retaining edge may provide a barrier for engaging with a portion of the inner slide. More specifically, when the inner slide reaches the second position, the retaining edge at the inner surface of the outer sleeve wall may engage with a portion of the inner slide to prevent the inner slide from completely sliding out of the opening in the first end of the outer sleeve.

[0069] In some embodiments, the retaining element is configured to engage the inner slide engagement flap to prevent the inner slide from sliding completely out of the opening of the first end of the outer sleeve.

[0070] In some embodiments, the inner slide further includes an inner slide retention flap. In such embodiments, the retaining element is configured to engage the inner slide retention flap to prevent the inner slide from completely sliding out of the opening at the first end of the outer sleeve. The inner slide retention flap may depend from the inner slide rear wall. The inner slide retention flap may be configured to overlie one of the first inner slide sidewall and the second inner slide sidewall when the inner slide is in the outer sleeve, and more specifically, when the inner slide is in the first position.

[0071] The retaining element can be formed integrally with its corresponding outer sleeve wall. For example, the outer sleeve wall can be manufactured to have an elevated portion having an increased thickness to provide a retaining edge of the retaining element on the inner surface of the outer sleeve wall. Alternatively or additionally, the retaining element can be attached to the inner surface of the outer sleeve wall. The retaining element can include a material strip extending across a portion of the inner surface of the outer sleeve wall. The material can be in the form of a panel that is fixed to a portion of the inner surface of the outer sleeve wall.

[0072] In some embodiments, the retaining element is formed by a panel connected to the outer sleeve wall by a fold line. The panel may be referred to as a retaining panel. The retaining panel can be folded approximately 180 degrees relative to its corresponding outer sleeve wall about the fold line. The fold line can be located at the first end of the outer sleeve.

[0073] In some embodiments, the retention panel depends from a fold line of an edge forming one of the first outer sleeve sidewall and the second outer sleeve sidewall, the edge being disposed proximate to the first end of the outer sleeve opening. In such embodiments, the container may include two retention panels, each of which depends from a fold line of an edge forming one of the first outer sleeve sidewall and the second outer sleeve sidewall, respectively. In such embodiments, each retention panel of the outer sleeve may be configured to engage with a corresponding inner slide retention flap when the inner slide reaches the second position to prevent the inner slide from sliding completely out of the opening at the first end of the outer sleeve.

[0074] The retaining panel can be folded about 180 degrees around the fold line, and be positioned in the inboard of its outer sleeve wall.In certain embodiments, retaining panel can be towards the inside of the outer sleeve and therefore protrude towards the inner slide.When not being provided with adhesive between retaining panel and the outer sleeve wall for keeping the panel flush and fixed to the inner surface of the outer sleeve wall, this is particularly relevant.When retaining panel by the material with natural elasticity such as cardboard or cardboard, this also may be particularly relevant.In such embodiment, during interior slide slides to second position from first position, the tab of interior slide can slide in the gap between retaining panel and the outer sleeve wall, to prevent interior slide from sliding out the opening in the first end of outer sleeve fully.The tab of interior slide can be that interior slide keeps tab or interior slide engages tab.

[0075] A retaining element having one or more of the above features may provide a number of advantages. For example, the retaining element may be easily manufactured, particularly if the retaining element is cantilevered from one of the existing walls of the outer sleeve.

[0076] In one or more containers of the present disclosure described above, the inner slide is disposed within the outer sleeve. Thus, such containers are supplied to the user in a fully assembled state with the inner slide disposed within the outer sleeve. However, the present disclosure also contemplates an arrangement in which the inner slide is initially supplied separately from the outer sleeve and the user inserts the inner slide into the interior of the outer sleeve to form a fully assembled container.

[0077] According to the present disclosure, a kit of parts is provided that includes an outer sleeve and an inner slide configured to be received in the outer sleeve to form a container of the present disclosure. The kit of parts may include one or more instructions. The instructions may include instructions on how to insert the inner slide into the outer sleeve to form a fully assembled container. From a manufacturing perspective, providing the container in kit-of-parts form may be advantageous because it means that the step of inserting the inner slide into the outer sleeve can be performed by the user.

[0078] The present disclosure also relates to one or more layered blanks for forming at least one of the outer sleeve and inner slide of the container described above. Thus, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a first layered blank for forming the outer sleeve is provided. A second layered blank for forming the inner slide may also be provided. The outer sleeve may be formed from a single layered blank. The inner slide may be formed from a separate, single layered blank.

[0079] As mentioned above, container according to the present invention is preferably formed by one or more folded laminar blanks.One or more laminar blanks can be formed by any suitable material or combination of materials, and said material includes but is not limited to cardboard, paperboard, plastics, metal or its combination.The different parts of container can be formed by the same material or different materials.Each in the one or more laminar blanks can be a laminar cardboard blank weighing between about 100 grams per square meter and about 350 grams per square meter.In a preferred embodiment, the blank has from about 100 microns to about 500 microns, preferably from about 200 microns to about 350 microns thickness.

[0080] Preferably, the container is a rectangular parallelepiped, comprising two wider walls (top and bottom) separated by two narrower sidewalls. The container according to the present invention can be in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, having right-angled longitudinal edges and right-angled transverse edges. The container can include one or more circular longitudinal edges, circular transverse edges, inclined longitudinal edges or inclined transverse edges, or a combination thereof. The shape of the container can be defined by the shape of the outer sleeve.

[0081] The container may include a plurality of consumer goods. The consumer goods may be aerosol-generating articles. The aerosol-generating articles may be filter cigarettes or other smoking articles in which the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a tobacco material that is burned to form a smoke. The aerosol-generating articles may be articles in which tobacco material is heated rather than burned to form an aerosol. The aerosol-generating articles may be articles in which tobacco material, tobacco extract or other nicotine source generates a nicotine-containing aerosol (e.g., by a chemical reaction) without the need for combustion and, in some cases, without the need for heating.

[0082] The aerosol-generating article may be provided within the container in the form of a bundle wrapped in an inner packaging formed of metal foil or metallized paper. The inner packaging material may be formed as a laminate of metallized polyethylene film and a liner material. The liner material may be supercalendered cellophane. Additionally, the inner packaging material may be provided with a top coating that is receptive to printing. The inner packaging has an access opening through which the aerosol-generating article can be removed when the inner slide is in the second position.

[0083] By appropriate selection of dimensions, containers according to the present invention can be designed to accommodate different total numbers of aerosol-generating articles, or different arrangements of aerosol-generating articles. For example, by appropriate selection of dimensions, containers according to the present invention can be designed to accommodate a total number of between ten and thirty aerosol-generating articles. Depending on the total number, the aerosol-generating articles can be arranged in different arrangements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0084] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0085] Figure 1 There is shown an outer sleeve and an inner slide for forming a container according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0086] Figure 2 A container according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown with the inner slide in a second position;

[0087] Figure 3 A container according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown with the inner slide in a first position;

[0088] Figure 4 Shows a front perspective view of the outer sleeve of a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0089] Figure 5 shows a bottom perspective view of the outer sleeve of a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0090] Figure 6 、 7 and 8 show cross-sectional views of a locking mechanism in different configurations for a container according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0091] Figure 9 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a container according to a first embodiment of the present invention with the inner slide in a first position; and

[0092] Figure 10 A plurality of layered blanks for forming a container according to a first embodiment of the invention are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0093] Figure 1There is shown an outer sleeve 20 and an inner slide 50 for forming a container 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0094] The outer sleeve 20 includes an outer sleeve top wall 11, an outer sleeve bottom wall 12, an outer sleeve rear wall 13, a first outer sleeve side wall (not shown), a second outer sleeve side wall 15, and a first end including an opening 16. The opening 16 extends across the entire first end of the outer sleeve 20. Figure 4 As best seen, opening 16 is defined by front edge 111 of outer sleeve top wall 11, front edge 121 of outer sleeve bottom wall 12, front edge 141 of first outer sleeve side wall 14, and front edge 151 of second outer sleeve side wall 15. Because opening 16 extends across the entire first end of outer sleeve 20, the first end of outer sleeve 20 is also defined by these front edges 111, 121, 141, 151.

[0095] Walls 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 of outer sleeve 20 define an enclosure within outer sleeve 20 for receiving inner slide 50. Inner slide 50 includes inner slide bottom wall 52, first inner slide side wall 54, second inner slide side wall 55, inner slide rear wall 53 and inner slide front wall 56.

[0096] The inner slide 50 includes a receiving portion 63 that partially encloses the interior space of the inner slide 50 for accommodating consumer goods. The receiving portion 63 is defined by the inner slide bottom wall 52, the first inner slide side wall 54 and the second inner slide side wall 55, and the receiving portion top wall 64. The receiving portion 63 is disposed between the inner slide front wall 56 and the inner slide rear wall 53. The receiving portion 63 has a height that is less than the interior height of the outer sleeve 20. The receiving portion top wall 64 includes an opening 65 that allows access to the interior space of the receiving portion 63.

[0097] The inner slide 50 further includes a first alignment portion 61, which comprises a tower-like structure. The first alignment portion 61 is defined by: the inner slide rear wall 53; the rear portion of the inner slide bottom wall 52; the rear portions of the first inner slide side walls 54 and the second inner slide side walls 55; the inner slide top wall 51; and the first alignment portion front wall 58. The first alignment portion 61 has a height substantially the same as the interior height of the outer sleeve 20. This means that when the inner slide 50 is within the outer sleeve 20, portions of the first alignment portion 61 are always positioned proximate to the inner surfaces of the outer sleeve top wall 11 and the inner surfaces of the outer sleeve bottom wall 12.

[0098] The inner slide 50 also includes a second alignment portion 62 having a height substantially the same as the interior height of the outer sleeve 20. The second alignment portion 62 is defined by the front portions of the first inner slide side wall 54 and the second inner slide side wall 55. In these portions, the inner slide side walls 54, 55 extend upward from the height of the receiving portion 63 to a position corresponding to the interior height of the outer sleeve 20.

[0099] The inner slide 50 further includes an inner slide engagement flap 59, which is suspended from the rear edge of the inner slide bottom wall 52. When the inner slide 50 is disposed in the outer sleeve 20, the inner slide engagement flap 59 is configured to fold under the inner slide 50 and overlie the outer surface of the inner slide bottom wall 52. The inner slide 50 also includes a first retention flap 81 and a second retention flap 82, each of which is respectively suspended from the rear edge of a corresponding one of the first inner slide side wall 54 and the second inner slide side wall 55. When the inner slide 50 is disposed in the outer sleeve 20, each of the first retention flap 81 and the second retention flap 82 is configured to overlie the outer surface of its corresponding inner slide side wall 54, 55. The outer sleeve 20 also includes a first retention panel 21 and a second retention panel 22, each of which is suspended from the front edge 141, 151 of a corresponding one of the first outer sleeve side wall 14 and the second outer sleeve side wall 15. As shown from Figure 4 As best seen, each of the first and second retention panels 21, 22 is folded around a corresponding front edge 141, 151 of the outer sleeve 20 and projects toward the interior of the outer sleeve 20. As will be described in more detail below, these flaps and panels of the inner slide 50 and outer sleeve 20 cooperate to form a locking mechanism and retention mechanism for the container 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The container 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention is shown with the inner slide 50 in the second position and the first position, respectively. Figure 2 In the second position, the inner slide 50 is in the second position, in which the receiving portion 63 is disposed outside the outer sleeve 20. In this position, any consumer goods held in the receiving portion 63 are accessible to the user through the opening 65 in the receiving portion. When the user no longer wants to access the consumer goods, the user can slide the inner slide 50 relative to the outer sleeve 20 so that the receiving portion 63 moves into the outer sleeve 20. The inner slide 50 can continue to move until it reaches the opening 65. Figure 3 The first position shown in .

[0101] exist Figure 3 In the first position, the user cannot access the interior space of the receiving portion 63. Figure 3In the first position, the outer peripheral portion of the inner surface of the inner slide front wall 56 covers and abuts the front edge 111, 121, 141, 151 of each of the outer sleeve top wall 11, the outer sleeve bottom wall 12, and the first outer sleeve side wall 14 and the opposing second outer sleeve side wall 15. In addition, the inner slide front wall 56 has a shape and size that is substantially the same as the shape and size of the first end of the outer sleeve 20. This is Figure 3 and Figure 9 Thus, when the inner slide 50 is in the first position, there is a visual effect that the inner slide front wall 56 looks like the outer sleeve wall.

[0102] Figures 6 to 8 A partial cross-sectional view of a locking mechanism for a container according to the present invention is shown.The figures depict the locking mechanism in various configurations.

[0103] The locking mechanism includes an inner slide engagement flap 59 and an outer sleeve engagement element 31. The outer sleeve engagement element 31 is formed by an outer sleeve engagement panel 231 that is fixed to the inner surface of the outer sleeve bottom wall 12. The outer sleeve bottom wall 12 includes an internal cut line 71 that defines a release tab 70 in the outer sleeve bottom wall 12. Figure 6 As shown, when the inner slide is in the first position, the release tab 70 is positioned to overlie the inner slide engagement flap 59. The inner slide engagement flap 59 depends from the rear edge of the inner slide bottom wall 52. When the inner slide 50 is in the outer sleeve 10, the inner slide engagement flap 59 overlies a portion of the outer surface of the inner slide bottom wall 52. When the inner slide 50 is in the outer sleeve 10, the inner slide engagement flap 59 is positioned between the inner slide bottom wall 52 and the outer sleeve bottom wall 12.

[0104] like Figure 6 As shown, the outer sleeve engagement element 31 has an engagement edge 33 that engages the leading edge of the inner slide engagement flap 59 to prevent the inner box 50 from sliding toward and out of the opening 16 in the first end of the outer sleeve 20 when the container is in the first position.

[0105] exist Figure 6 In the embodiment, the locking mechanism is in the locked state. To unlock the locking mechanism, the user presses the release tab 70 so that it deflects inwardly relative to the outer sleeve 20. The release tab 70 then contacts the inner slide engagement tab 59 of the inner slide 50 and pushes the inner slide engagement tab 59 away from the engagement element 31 of the outer sleeve 20. Figure 7 This causes the leading edge of the inner slide engagement flap 59 to disengage from the barrier created by the outer sleeve engagement element 31 as shown.

[0106] therefore, Figure 7The locking mechanism is shown in an unlocked state, wherein the inner slide 50 is still in the first position relative to the outer sleeve 20. However, because the locking mechanism is now unlocked, the inner slide 50 can now move linearly relative to the outer sleeve 20 and towards the second position, in which any consumer goods held in the inner slide 50 can be accessed by the user. Thus, after pressing the release tab 70 and unlocking the locking mechanism, the user can slide the inner slide 50 relative to the outer sleeve 20 to access the consumer goods. Figure 7 and 8 The sliding movement is described by the position change of the inner slide 50 component relative to the outer sleeve 20 component. Specifically, the inner slide bottom wall 52 and the inner slide engagement flap 59 have been Figure 8 In contrast to them Figure 7 Therefore, Figure 8 The locking mechanism is shown in an unlocked state, with the inner slide 50 in the second position.

[0107] When the user has finished accessing the consumer product, the user can slide the inner slide 50 back into the interior of the outer sleeve 20. This restores the inner slide engagement flap 59 to the position corresponding to the outer sleeve 20. Figure 7 However, since the user is no longer pressing the release tab 70, the engagement flap 59 of the inner slide 50 can be moved back to Figure 6 The locking mechanism is restored to the position shown in FIG. Figure 6 In such a situation, the inner slide engagement flap 59 can automatically return to its locked position due to the biasing force generated by the fold line between the inner slide engagement flap 59 and the panel 152 forming the inner slide bottom wall 52. Figure 6 The location shown in .

[0108] As described above, the outer sleeve 20 includes the first retention panel 21 and the second retention panel 22, which help form a retention mechanism for preventing the inner slide 50 from sliding beyond the second position. Specifically, each of the first retention panel 21 and the second retention panel 22 is configured to engage with a corresponding one of the first retention flap 81 and the second retention flap 82 of the inner slide 50 when the inner slide 50 is in the second position to prevent the inner slide 50 from sliding beyond the second position.

[0109] Specifically, as the inner slide 50 moves to the second position, the first retention panel 21 of the outer sleeve 20 moves into the space between the first retention flap 81 of the inner slide 50 and the outer surface of the first inner slide sidewall 54. Similarly, the first retention flap 81 of the inner slide 50 moves into the space between the first retention panel 21 of the outer sleeve 20 and the inner surface of the first outer sleeve sidewall 14. This interlocking arrangement prevents the inner slide 50 from sliding further beyond the second position. A similar arrangement occurs on the other side of the container 1 with respect to the second retention panel 22 of the outer sleeve 20 and the second retention flap 82 of the inner slide 50.

[0110] Figure 10 Two laminar blanks are shown for forming a container 1 according to the present invention, namely a first laminar blank 100 and a second laminar blank 200. Figure 3 and 4 As shown, the laminar blank can be used to form a container 1. In the laminar blanks 100, 200, the dotted lines represent fold lines and the solid lines represent cut lines.

[0111] The first laminar blank 100 is configured to form the outer sleeve 20. The first laminar blank 100 includes an outer sleeve top wall panel 211, an outer sleeve bottom wall panel 212, a first outer sleeve rear wall panel 213, a second outer sleeve rear wall panel 217, a first outer sleeve side wall panel 214, and a second outer sleeve side wall panel 215. Together, these panels form the walls of the outer sleeve 20.

[0112] The first laminar blank 100 further includes an outer sleeve top wall reinforcement panel 227 configured to abut against the inner surface of the outer sleeve top wall panel 211; a first outer sleeve side wall reinforcement panel 223 configured to abut against the inner surface of the first outer sleeve side wall panel 214; and a second outer sleeve side wall reinforcement panel 224 configured to abut against the inner surface of the second outer sleeve side wall panel 215. The reinforcement panels 227, 223, 224 can help provide additional structural rigidity at the first end of the outer sleeve 20. The reinforcement panels 227, 223, 224 can help improve the appearance of the front edges 111, 121, 141, 151 at the first end of the outer sleeve 20.

[0113] The first laminar blank 100 further includes a first outer sleeve joining panel 218 configured to join the outer sleeve top wall panel 211 to the second outer sleeve back wall panel 217, a second outer sleeve joining panel 219 configured to join the outer sleeve bottom wall panel 212 to the second outer sleeve back wall panel 217, and a third outer sleeve joining panel 228 configured to join the outer sleeve bottom wall panel 212 to the second outer sleeve side wall panel 215. Joining can be achieved by contacting each of the joining panels 218, 219, 228 with an adhesive.

[0114] The first laminar blank 100 further includes a first retaining panel 21 (221) and a second retaining panel 22 (222), each of which depends from a corresponding one of the first outer sleeve side wall panel 214 and the second outer sleeve side wall panel 215. A U-shaped cut line 271 is provided in the outer sleeve bottom wall panel 212 to define a release tab 270. The first laminar blank 100 further includes an outer sleeve engagement panel 231 depending from the outer sleeve bottom wall panel 212. When the container is assembled, the outer sleeve engagement panel 231 is fixed to the inner surface of the outer sleeve bottom wall 12 (212). The outer sleeve engagement element 31 is formed.

[0115] The second laminar blank 200 includes a pair of panels 256, 290 for forming the inner slide front wall 56, a pair of panels 253, 257 for forming the inner slide rear wall 53, a pair of panels 254, 291 for forming the first inner slide side wall 54, and a pair of panels 255, 292 for forming the second inner slide side wall 55. In each pair, there is an outer panel 256, 253, 254, 255 that overlaps with a corresponding inner panel 290, 257, 291, 292 to form the walls of the assembled inner slide 50.

[0116] The outer panel 256 of the inner slide front wall 56 is substantially barrel-shaped. Furthermore, the outer panel 256 has a larger footprint than its corresponding inner panel 290. Thus, when the second laminar blank 200 is folded to form the inner slide 50, the shape and size of the inner slide front wall 56 is defined by the shape and size of its outer panel 256. Furthermore, in the assembled inner slide 50, the outer panel 256 of the inner slide front wall 56 extends beyond the inner panel 290 of the inner slide front wall 56 such that the perimeter of the inner slide front wall 56 is defined by the outer panel 256. Additionally, as shown in FIG. Figure 9 As shown, when the inner slide 50 is in the first position, a peripheral portion of the inner surface of the inner slide front wall 56 covers and abuts the front edges 141, 151 of each of the first outer sleeve side wall 14 and the opposing second outer sleeve side wall 15. Specifically, this inner surface of the inner slide front wall 56 is provided by the outer panel 256. The inner panel 290 of the inner slide front wall 56 is positioned within the outer sleeve and between the first outer sleeve side wall 14 and the opposing second outer sleeve side wall 15. Therefore, when the inner slide 50 is in the first position, there is a visual effect that the inner slide front wall 56 looks like an outer sleeve wall.

[0117] The second laminar blank 200 also includes an inner slide bottom wall panel 252 and an inner slide engagement flap 259 depending from the rear edge of the inner slide bottom wall panel 252. Other panels in the second laminar blank 200 include a receiver portion top wall panel 264, an inner slide top wall panel 251, and a first alignment portion front wall panel 258.

[0118] The second laminar blank 20 further includes a first inner slide joining panel 293 configured to join the first aligned partial front wall panel 258 to the inner panel 292 of the first inner slide side wall 54, a second inner slide joining panel 294 configured to join the first aligned partial front wall panel 258 to the inner panel 291 of the second inner slide side wall 55, and a third inner slide joining panel 295 configured to join the container portion top wall panel 264 to the inner panel 292 of the first inner slide side wall 54. Joining can be achieved by adhesive contacting each of the joining panels 293, 294, 295.

[0119] Each inner panel 291, 292 of the inner slide side wall 54, 55 is provided with a u-shaped inner cut line 283, 284 for forming a retaining flap 81, 82 (281, 282) from each panel 291, 292. Figure 1 As shown, when the inner slide 50 is assembled, each retention flap 81 , 82 (281 , 281 ) extends away from its corresponding inner slide side wall 54, 55.

Claims

1. A container for consumer goods, comprising: an outer sleeve comprising an outer sleeve top wall, an outer sleeve bottom wall, an outer sleeve rear wall, a first outer sleeve side wall and an opposing second outer sleeve side wall, and a first end comprising an opening, the first end being defined by respective front edges of the outer sleeve top wall, the outer sleeve bottom wall and the first outer sleeve side wall and the opposing second outer sleeve side wall; as well as an inner slide disposed within the outer sleeve, the inner slide at least partially enclosing an interior space for accommodating consumer goods; wherein the inner slide is capable of sliding relative to the outer sleeve between a first position and a second position; In the first position, the interior space of the inner slide is inaccessible to a user; and In the second position, the interior space of the inner slide is accessible to a user, wherein sliding of the inner slide from the first position to the second position involves at least a portion of the inner slide passing through the opening in the first end of the outer sleeve, wherein the inner slide further comprises an inner slide engagement flap, wherein when the inner slide is in the first position in the outer sleeve, the edge of the inner slide engagement flap is configured to engage with a corresponding engagement element on the outer sleeve wall to form a locking mechanism to prevent the inner slide from sliding from the first position to the second position, wherein the inner slide comprises an inner slide front wall formed by a panel having the same shape and size as the first end of the outer sleeve, and Wherein, when the inner slide is in the first position in the outer sleeve, a portion of the inner surface of the panel of the front wall of the inner slide covers the front edge of each of the outer sleeve top wall, the outer sleeve bottom wall, and the first outer sleeve side wall and the opposite second outer sleeve side wall.

2. The container of claim 1 wherein the inner slide front wall is substantially barrel-shaped.

3. A container according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the opening of the first end of the outer sleeve extends across the entire first end of the outer sleeve.

4. The container of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the inner slide comprises a receptacle portion at least partially surrounding the interior space for accommodating consumer goods, the receptacle portion being at least partially defined by an inner slide bottom wall and first and second inner slide side walls of the inner slide, and wherein each of the first inner slide sidewall and the second inner slide sidewall has a height in the receiving portion of the inner slide that is less than an interior height of the outer sleeve.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein the inner slide comprises a first alignment portion formed by an inner slide rear wall and one or more of the first inner slide side wall and the second inner slide side wall, and Wherein the first alignment portion has a height substantially the same as an interior height of the outer sleeve.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein the first alignment portion is disposed between the outer sleeve rear wall and the receptacle portion.

7. A container according to claim 4, wherein the inner slide front wall is fixed to the front edge of each of the first inner slide side wall and the second inner slide side wall, and wherein the front edge of each of the first inner slide side wall and the second inner slide side wall can have a certain height, which is at least 50% of the height of the inner slide front wall.

8. The container of claim 1, wherein the container further comprises a retaining mechanism for preventing the inner slide from sliding completely out of the opening in the first end of the outer sleeve.

9. The container of claim 8, wherein the outer sleeve includes a retention panel connected to the outer sleeve wall by a fold line, and wherein the retention panel forms part of the retention mechanism.

10. The container of claim 9, wherein the inner slide further comprises an inner slide retention flap, the inner slide retention flap forming part of the retention mechanism, and Wherein during the sliding of the inner slide from the first position to the second position, the inner slide retention flap is configured to engage with the retention panel of the outer sleeve to prevent the inner slide from sliding completely out of the opening in the first end of the outer sleeve.

11. The container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the engagement element of the outer sleeve is provided on the inner surface of the bottom wall of the outer sleeve.

12. The container of claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer sleeve bottom wall is formed by a first panel and a second panel overlying the first panel, and wherein the outer sleeve engagement element is defined by the second panel of the outer sleeve bottom wall.

13. The container of claim 1, wherein the wall of the outer sleeve having the engagement element is further provided with a release element for enabling the edge of the inner slide engagement flap to be disengaged from the engagement element.

14. The container of claim 13, wherein the release element comprises a release tab formed by at least one cut line on the wall of the outer sleeve having the engagement element.

15. A container according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein when the inner slide is in the first position in the outer sleeve, the release element overlies at least a portion of the inner slide engagement flap.

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