Container with box and sleeve with tamper-evident mechanism

Abstract

A container (1) includes an outer sleeve (10) and an inner slide (12) within the outer sleeve. The sleeve cover of the outer sleeve includes a first panel (155) that is detachably suspended from the outer sleeve (10) along a first line of weakness (A) and a second panel (156) that is detachably suspended from the first panel (155) along a second line of weakness (B) and is permanently affixed to an inner surface of the outer sleeve (10). Upon separation of the first panel (155) from the outer sleeve (10) and the second panel (156), a first outer sleeve opening (300) is revealed at a top end of the outer sleeve (10). Further, the inner slide (12) becomes movable within the outer sleeve (10) between a fully inserted position and a protruding position in which the inner slide (12) extends at least partially outside of the outer sleeve (10) through the first outer sleeve opening (300). A top edge of the inner slide front wall (252) engages a corresponding bottom edge of the second panel (156) to prevent the inner slide (12) from being removed from the outer sleeve (10) through the first outer sleeve opening (300).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a novel container, which has particular application as a container for consumer articles, such as elongate aerosol-generating articles and components of aerosol-generating articles. BACKGROUND

[0002] It is known to package consumer articles in containers formed from folded laminar blanks. For example, elongate smoking articles, such as cigarettes and cigars, are often sold in rigid box-shaped containers, such as hinged-lid containers having a box portion and a three-dimensional cup-shaped hinged lid connected to the box about a hinge line extending across a rear wall of the container. In use, the lid is pivoted about the hinge line to open the package and so to gain access to the consumer articles held in the box.

[0003] It is also known to package consumer articles in containers comprising an outer shell or sleeve and an inner slide or tray in which the consumer articles are contained and which is slidable within the outer shell. To remove a consumer article from such a 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 outwardly from the outer shell so as to partially expose an open end or side of the inner slide. Such containers can be referred to as slide-and-shell containers. SUMMARY

[0004] It is generally desirable to improve the ease of use of reclosable containers. It is also desirable to be able to equip reclosable containers for consumer articles with tamper-evident means which allow a consumer to check whether the contents have previously been accessed.

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a container for consumer goods. The container can include an outer sleeve including an outer sleeve front wall, an outer sleeve back wall, opposing first and second outer sleeve side walls. Further, the container can include an inner slide mounted within the outer sleeve including an inner slide bottom wall, an inner slide front wall, and an inner slide back wall. The container can also include a sleeve cover including a sleeve cover first panel and a sleeve cover second panel. The sleeve cover first panel can be removably suspended from the outer sleeve along a first line of weakness and extend between the outer sleeve back wall and the outer sleeve front wall. The sleeve cover second panel can be removably suspended from the sleeve cover first panel along a second line of weakness and permanently affixed to an inner surface of the outer sleeve. Upon separation of the sleeve cover first panel from the outer sleeve and the sleeve cover second panel along the first and second lines of weakness, a first outer sleeve opening can be revealed at a top end of the outer sleeve. Additionally, the inner slide can become movable within the outer sleeve between a fully inserted position in which the inner slide rests entirely within the outer sleeve and a protruding position in which the inner slide extends at least partially outside of the outer sleeve through the first outer sleeve opening. A top edge of the inner slide front wall can be configured to engage a corresponding bottom edge of the sleeve cover second panel to prevent the inner slide from being removed from the outer sleeve through the first outer sleeve opening.

[0006] According to the present invention, there is provided a container for consumer goods, the container comprising: an outer sleeve including an outer sleeve front wall, an outer sleeve back wall, opposing first and second outer sleeve side walls; an inner slide mounted within the outer sleeve, the inner slide including an inner slide bottom wall, an inner slide front wall, and an inner slide back wall, and a sleeve cover including a sleeve cover first panel and a sleeve cover second panel, the sleeve cover first panel being removably suspended from the outer sleeve along a first line of weakness and extending between the outer sleeve back wall and the outer sleeve front wall, the sleeve cover second panel being removably suspended from the sleeve cover first panel along a second line of weakness and permanently affixed to an inner surface of the outer sleeve, such that upon separation of the first panel from the outer sleeve and the second panel along the first and second lines of weakness: a first outer sleeve opening is revealed at a top end of the outer sleeve; and the inner slide becomes movable within the outer sleeve between a fully inserted position in which the inner slide rests entirely within the outer sleeve and a protruding position in which the inner slide extends at least partially outside of the outer sleeve through the outer sleeve opening; wherein a top edge of the inner slide front wall is configured to engage a corresponding bottom edge of the sleeve cover second panel to prevent the inner slide from being removed from the outer sleeve through the outer sleeve first opening.

[0007] As used herein, the terms "front," "back," "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," and "side" refer to the relative positions of parts of the container according to the present application and its components when the container according to the present application is in an upright position. These terms are used when describing the container according to the present application regardless of the orientation of the container being described. The front wall of the container is the wall of the outer sleeve to which the second panel of the tamper-evident closure is permanently attached, such as by permanent adhesive.

[0008] The term "line of weakness" is used in this specification to refer to a line on a sheet of material, such as paper or cardboard, along which the material is weakened, such as by removing some of the material along the line (e.g. by scoring) or by folding or creasing the sheet of material along the line. This facilitates tearing or breaking the sheet of material along the desired line.

[0009] In some embodiments, the line of weakness can also be provided as a line of perforations or slits or cuts. For example, the line of weakness can be provided as a separation line having slits or cuts arranged at predetermined intervals and separated by connectors, such that separating the portions of the container depending from each other along the separation line requires breaking a relatively small number (e.g. 2 to 10) of the connectors.

[0010] As briefly described above, the present application relates to a slider and sleeve container. The outer sleeve includes an outer sleeve front wall, an outer sleeve back wall, opposite first and second outer sleeve side walls. An inner slider is mounted within the outer sleeve and includes an inner slider bottom wall, an inner slider front wall, and an inner slider back wall.

[0011] In contrast to prior slider and sleeve containers, the container according to the present application includes a sleeve closure including a sleeve closure first panel and a sleeve closure second panel, wherein the sleeve closure first panel - which extends between the outer sleeve back wall and the outer sleeve front wall - is detachably depending from the outer sleeve along a first line of weakness. In turn, the sleeve closure second panel is detachably depending from the first panel along a second line of weakness, and the sleeve closure second panel is permanently attached to an inner surface of the outer sleeve. When the sleeve closure first panel is separated from the outer sleeve and the sleeve closure second panel along the first and second lines of weakness, respectively, a first outer sleeve opening is revealed at a top end of the outer sleeve. Further, as a result of the sleeve closure first panel being separated from the outer sleeve and the sleeve closure second panel, the inner slider becomes movable within the outer sleeve between a fully inserted position in which the inner slider rests entirely within the outer sleeve and a protruding position in which the inner slider extends at least partially outside of the outer sleeve through the outer sleeve opening. Additionally, a top edge of the inner slider front wall is configured to engage a corresponding bottom edge of the sleeve closure second panel to prevent the inner slider from being removed from the outer sleeve through the first outer sleeve opening.

[0012] Thus, in the container according to the present application, the removable first panel of the sleeve cap provides a tamper-evident feature. This is desirable because it can quickly alert the consumer to the fact that the contents of the container can have been previously accessed.

[0013] Additionally, the container of the present application can include a locking mechanism that advantageously helps control the movement of the inner slide within the outer sleeve during use. This is desirable because it enables easy and reliable access to the contents of the inner sleeve. As will be described below, in some preferred embodiments, other components of the container can also be configured to cooperate in order to more thoroughly control and guide the movement of the inner slide within the outer sleeve in order to further enhance the ease of use of the container.

[0014] In some embodiments, the outer sleeve further comprises one or more locking panels affixed to an inner surface of at least one of the outer sleeve front wall, the outer sleeve back wall, and the outer sleeve side walls, wherein a top edge of the one or more locking panels is configured to engage a corresponding edge of the inner slide bottom wall when the inner slide is in the fully inserted position to prevent the inner slide from being removed from the outer sleeve through the second outer sleeve opening at the bottom end of the outer sleeve. By providing a second locking mechanism at the bottom of the container, the linear movement of the slide within the sleeve is advantageously limited at both ends. This further facilitates the use of the container and desirably prevents the inner slide from being pushed too far and removed from the outer sleeve.

[0015] In preferred embodiments, the inner slide further comprises a slide cap comprising a top panel depending from the inner slide back wall along a top edge of the inner slide back wall, the slide cap top panel being pivotable about the top edge of the inner slide back wall between a slide cap closed position and a slide cap open position to reveal the contents of the inner slide.

[0016] The provision of an inner slide cap advantageously provides a further degree of protection for the consumer product within the inner slide. In practice, when the container is first opened, the consumer not only needs to remove the first panel of the sleeve cap from the outer sleeve, but also needs to move the slide cap top panel from its closed position to its open position.

[0017] Furthermore, this enables the container to be re-sealed between uses. Once the first panel of the sleeve cap has been removed from the outer sleeve upon the first access to the contents of the inner slide, the consumer can advantageously rely on the slide cap top panel to ensure that the remaining consumer product is kept within the inner slide between successive accesses.

[0018] More preferably, the top panel of the slider cover is configured to engage with the second panel of the sleeve cover when the inner slider is in the fully inserted slider position, thereby securing the slider cover in the slider cover closed position. This is advantageous because it ensures that the remaining consumer product is securely held within the inner slider during successive accesses.

[0019] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the top panel of the sliding cover includes a locking tab configured to engage with a cutout formed in the bottom edge of the second panel of the sleeve cover. This provides a secure and reliable engagement between the bottom edges of the sliding cover panel and the second panel. Therefore, between successive approaches, any remaining consumer product is held within the inner sliding member in a particularly stable and secure manner.

[0020] Additionally, the cooperation between the locking tab on the top panel of the sliding cover and the cutout in the bottom edge of the second panel of the sleeve cover produces a click-like sound. Advantageously, this provides the user with an auditory cues confirming that the container has been closed before use.

[0021] In some embodiments, when the inner slider is in the fully inserted slider position and the slider cover panel is engaged with the second panel, a recess is defined within the housing above the slider cover panel.

[0022] In some embodiments, a first panel of the sleeve cap is detachably suspended from the rear wall of the outer sleeve along the first weak line, and the sleeve cap further includes a weak line extending at least partially across the first panel between the rear wall of the outer sleeve and the second panel of the sleeve cap to define a pull tab at one end of the first panel, facilitating separation of the first panel of the sleeve cap from the outer sleeve and the second panel of the sleeve cap along a first separation line and a second separation line, respectively. Providing such a tab is advantageous because the pull tab primarily functions as a handle when the container is first opened. This helps the consumer grasp the first panel of the sleeve cap when it is necessary to disconnect the connection between the first panel of the sleeve cap and the outer sleeve and the second panel of the sleeve cap. Additionally, since the pull tab is defined at one end of the first panel of the sleeve cap, it guides the consumer to apply the required tearing force in the most advantageous direction, which facilitates the opening operation and reduces the likelihood of breakage.

[0023] Preferably, the inner slider includes a weak line extending across the rear wall of the inner slider and dividing the rear wall into a bottom panel extending below the weak line and a top panel extending above the weak line. When the inner slider is in the protruding position, the top panel is configured to pivot along the weak line above the top edge of the outer sleeve's rear wall to facilitate access to the contents of the inner sleeve. The advantage of providing such a weak line is that the top panel can pivot rearward when the inner slider is in the protruding position, making it easier for the consumer to retrieve the product from the top of the container.

[0024] This may be particularly advantageous for embodiments described in more detail below, wherein an inner package containing a consumer product is received within an inner slide, and wherein the inner package includes a tear strip extending 360 degrees around the inner package at a position toward the top of the inner package. By pivoting the rear wall of the inner slide along a weak line above the top edge of the rear wall of the outer sleeve, the user can better and substantially unobstructed access to the portion of the tear strip extending across the rear wall of the inner package, which facilitates opening the inner package.

[0025] As briefly discussed above, the container according to the invention is used as a container for consumer products and can be particularly used to hold aerosol-generating articles, as will be described in more detail below. Preferably, the container comprises a group of consumer products enclosed in an inner package, the inner package being received within and secured to an inner slide member such that the inner package moves integrally with the inner slide member as the inner slide member moves between a fully inserted slide member position and a protruding slide member position. This is advantageous because the consumer can easily and directly control the position of the inner package within the container by moving the slide member between the fully inserted and protruding positions.

[0026] For example, the inner packaging can be secured to the surface of the inner slider by providing a permanent adhesive between the outer surface of the inner packaging and the surface of the inner slider. In some embodiments, a single point of permanent adhesive may be sufficient to achieve this purpose.

[0027] Preferably, the inner packaging is sealed. This helps maintain the properties of the consumer product within the container. Furthermore, its combination with the provision of a sleeve cap provides the consumer with a clear indication of whether the consumer product within the container has previously been approached. As used herein, the term "sealed" is used to indicate that the inner packaging has been formed by wrapping a set of consumer products around a typically rectangular blank made of air-impermeable packaging material, and that a seal has been formed between the overlapping edge portions of the blank. Preferably, finned seals are formed on each longitudinal side of the inner packaging.

[0028] At the top of the inner packaging, an access opening is typically provided to allow access to and retrieval of the consumer product. In “sealed” inner packaging, the opening becomes accessible only upon the first opening of the packaging. For example, where the access opening is formed as a cut in the blank forming the inner packaging, the inner packaging further includes a resealable label that hermetically seals the access opening. The advantage of providing such a label is that the inner packaging can not only be resealed, but is substantially resealed between subsequent accesses to the contents of the inner packaging. Typically, such a label may include a tab through which the user can conveniently manipulate the label to move it between a corresponding closed and open position, as will be described in more detail below. Alternatively, in “sealed packaging,” the access opening can only be predefined, for example, by providing a weak line in the inner packaging; however, the access opening is only effectively accessible when the continuity of the blank material is interrupted along the weak line upon the user's first opening of the inner packaging.

[0029] In some embodiments, the inner packaging includes a tear strip to facilitate opening the inner packaging and retrieving the consumer product from it. This ensures easy and controlled initial opening of the inner packaging and helps retain a predetermined portion of the inner packaging after the container has been initially opened. The retained portion of the inner packaging advantageously protects the consumer product.

[0030] In some embodiments, the inner packaging is resealable and includes an access opening for retrieving a consumer product from the inner packaging, and a resealable adhesive label extending over the access opening and movable between a closed position and an open position, in which the resealable adhesive label blocks the access opening, and in the open position, the resealable adhesive label is at least partially lifted from the surface of the inner packaging to expose the access opening.

[0031] This is intended to make the inner packaging resealable so that the original characteristics of the consumer product inside can be preserved for a longer period of time.

[0032] In some embodiments, one or more weak lines (e.g., cutting lines) may be formed on the inner packaging to define the access opening. For example, a weak line extending over the front wall or top wall of the inner packaging, or both, may at least partially define a portion of the inner packaging that can move between a corresponding closed position and an open position. When the portion of the inner packaging defined by the weak line is lifted, the access opening is revealed.

[0033] In some preferred embodiments, a permanent connection is established between the weakly defined portion of the inner packaging and the resealable adhesive label. This can be achieved by providing a permanent adhesive between a region of the inner surface of the resealable adhesive label and the lower portion of the inner packaging defined by the weakly defined line. Advantageously, movement of the resealable adhesive label between its closed and open positions causes said portion of the inner packaging to move integrally with the resealable adhesive label between its respective closed and open positions. Thus, when the user lifts the resealable adhesive label to its open position, the lower portion of the inner packaging defined by the weakly defined line is also lifted and brought closer to the opening for exposure, allowing for the retrieval of the consumer product.

[0034] In some preferred embodiments, the inner slide further includes a protective panel that hangs from the top panel of the inner slide cover along a fold line defining the front edge of the top panel of the inner slide cover. The protective panel is pivotable about the fold line between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the protective panel is substantially parallel to the front wall of the outer sleeve. In practice, when the inner package is received within the inner slide, the protective panel may rest against the front wall of the inner package in the closed position. To move to the open position, the protective panel tilts forward and upward to expose the interior of the inner slide. In practice, when the inner package is received within the inner slide, to reach the open position, the protective panel may be moved away from the front wall of the inner package to expose an access opening in the inner package.

[0035] Therefore, protective panels contribute to the overall structural strength of the container, especially the inner sliding parts. Furthermore, protective panels essentially conceal the contents of the inner packaging during use and help prevent access to the contents.

[0036] In these embodiments that provide a resealable adhesive label extending above the access opening, to access the consumer product inside the container, the user needs to lift the inner slider containing the packaging to protrude from the outer sleeve, causing the protective panel to move into its open position and subsequently peel the resealable adhesive label from the label closed position to the label open position. Thus, the protective panel provides an additional level of security. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the resealable adhesive label is permanently attached to the inner surface of the protective panel such that movement of the protective panel between the protective panel closed and protective panel open positions causes the resealable adhesive label to move between the label closed and label open positions to expose the access opening.

[0037] This is desirable because the permanent connection established between the resealable adhesive label and the protective panel simplifies the user's opening and closing of the inner packaging. The user can move the resealable adhesive label between a closed position and an open position by moving the protective panel between these positions. Generally, the protective panel can have a large surface area and be made of a thicker, more rigid material, which facilitates user handling.

[0038] Furthermore, since the movement of the resealable adhesive label is indirectly controlled via the movement of the protective panel, and the protective panel is constrained by its geometry and structure to move in a precisely predetermined manner, in these embodiments, it is advantageous to achieve a particularly smooth and controlled peeling of the resealable adhesive label from the inner packaging. This is desirable because it helps maintain the integrity and stability of the opening / closing mechanism. Additionally, since the user does not directly handle the resealable adhesive label, it is easier to prevent the label from accidentally sticking to itself or other parts of the container during use.

[0039] To establish such a structural and functional connection between the protective panel and the resealable adhesive label, a permanent adhesive can be provided, for example, between an area on the outer surface of the resealable adhesive label and a corresponding area on the inner surface of the protective panel. Preferably, the inner packaging includes an inner frame arranged within the inner packaging to hold the group of consumer products in a defined sorting pattern. Providing such an inner frame increases the structural strength of the container and provides further protection for the consumer products within the inner packaging. Furthermore, providing such an inner frame helps the inner packaging maintain its original shape even after many of the consumer products initially contained in the inner packaging have been removed from the container. This has the benefit of facilitating smooth and reliable movement of the inner slider and the inner packaging between a fully inserted position and a protruding position.

[0040] Generally, the size of the various components of the container according to the invention will depend on the size and quantity of the consumer goods intended to be held inside the container.

[0041] The difference between the height of the outer sleeve and the height of the inner packaging can be at least 5 mm. In some preferred embodiments, the difference is at least 8 mm. More preferably, the difference is at least 10 mm. Not wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors have observed that in containers where the difference between the height of the outer sleeve and the height of the inner packaging falls within such a range, it is easier to ensure that the inner slider and the outer sleeve cooperate as described above, thereby effectively preventing the inner slider from sliding entirely out of the outer sleeve.

[0042] Preferably, the height of the front wall of the inner slider is less than or equal to 50% of the height of the inner packaging. More preferably, the height of the front wall of the inner slider is less than or equal to 45% of the height of the inner packaging. Even more preferably, the height of the front wall of the inner slider is less than or equal to 40% of the height of the inner packaging.

[0043] Preferably, the height of the front wall of the inner slider is at least 20% of the height of the inner packaging. More preferably, the height of the front wall of the inner slider is at least 25% of the height of the inner packaging. Even more preferably, the height of the front wall of the inner slider is at least 30% of the height of the inner packaging.

[0044] In some embodiments, the height of the front wall of the inner slider is 20% to 50% of the height of the inner packaging, preferably 25% to 50% of the height of the inner packaging, and more preferably 30% to 50% of the height of the inner packaging.

[0045] In other embodiments, the height of the front wall of the inner sliding member is 20% to 45% of the height of the inner packaging, preferably 25% to 45% of the height of the inner packaging, and more preferably 30% to 45% of the height of the inner packaging.

[0046] In another embodiment, the height of the front wall of the inner sliding member is 20% to 40% of the height of the inner packaging, preferably 25% to 40% of the height of the inner packaging, and more preferably 30% to 40% of the height of the inner packaging.

[0047] In some particularly preferred embodiments, the height of the front wall of the inner slider is 30% to 35% of the height of the inner packaging, for example, 33% of the height of the inner packaging.

[0048] To avoid being bound by theory, it should be understood that the ratio between the height of the front wall of the inner slider and the height of the inner packaging essentially affects the effective length of movement of the inner slider within the outer sleeve between the fully inserted and protruding positions. By adjusting the ratio between the height of the front wall of the inner slider and the height of the inner packaging within the aforementioned range, it can be ensured that, in the protruding position, the consumer has particularly easy access to the goods held within the inner packaging. Simultaneously, it ensures that the inner packaging is securely secured within the inner slider during successive openings of the container.

[0049] Preferably, the height of the front wall of the inner slider is less than 40% of the height of the sleeve. More preferably, the height of the front wall of the inner slider is less than 35% of the height of the sleeve. Even more preferably, the height of the front wall of the inner slider is less than 30% of the height of the sleeve.

[0050] Preferably, the height of the front wall of the inner slider is at least 15% of the height of the sleeve. More preferably, the height of the front wall of the inner slider is at least 20% of the height of the sleeve. Even more preferably, the height of the front wall of the inner slider is at least 25% of the height of the sleeve.

[0051] In some embodiments, the height of the front wall of the inner slider is 15% to 40% of the height of the sleeve, preferably 20% to 40% of the height of the sleeve, and more preferably 25% to 35% of the height of the sleeve. In other embodiments, the height of the front wall of the inner slider is 15% to 35% of the height of the sleeve, preferably 20% to 40% of the height of the sleeve, and more preferably 25% to 35% of the height of the sleeve. In yet another embodiment, the height of the front wall of the inner slider is 15% to 30% of the height of the sleeve, preferably 20% to 30% of the height of the sleeve, and more preferably 25% to 30% of the height of the sleeve.

[0052] In embodiments where the outer sleeve includes one or more locking panels attached to the inner surface of at least one of the outer sleeve front wall, outer sleeve rear wall, and outer sleeve side wall, as described above, the one or more locking panels preferably include a front locking panel attached to the inner surface of the outer sleeve front wall. Further, the height of the inner slider front wall is less than 55% of the distance between the bottom edge of the second panel and the top edge of the front locking panel. More preferably, the height of the inner slider front wall is less than 50% of the distance between the bottom edge of the second panel and the top edge of the front locking panel. Even more preferably, the height of the inner slider front wall is less than 45% of the distance between the bottom edge of the second panel and the top edge of the front locking panel.

[0053] Preferably, the height of the front wall of the inner slider is at least 25% of the distance between the bottom edge of the second panel and the top edge of the front locking panel. More preferably, the height of the front wall of the inner slider is at least 30% of the distance between the bottom edge of the second panel and the top edge of the front locking panel. Even more preferably, the height of the front wall of the inner slider is at least 35% of the distance between the bottom edge of the second panel and the top edge of the front locking panel.

[0054] In some embodiments, the height of the front wall of the inner slider is 25% to 55% of the distance between the bottom edge of the second panel and the top edge of the front locking panel, more preferably 30% to 55% of the distance between the bottom edge of the second panel and the top edge of the front locking panel, and even more preferably 35% to 55% of the distance between the bottom edge of the second panel and the top edge of the front locking panel. In other embodiments, the height of the front wall of the inner slider is 25% to 50% of the distance between the bottom edge of the second panel and the top edge of the front locking panel, more preferably 30% to 50% of the distance between the bottom edge of the second panel and the top edge of the front locking panel, and even more preferably 35% to 50% of the distance between the bottom edge of the second panel and the top edge of the front locking panel. In another embodiment, the height of the front wall of the inner slider is 25% to 45% of the distance between the bottom edge of the second panel and the top edge of the front locking panel, more preferably 30% to 45% of the distance between the bottom edge of the second panel and the top edge of the front locking panel, and even more preferably 35% to 45% of the distance between the bottom edge of the second panel and the top edge of the front locking panel.

[0055] In such embodiments where a locking mechanism is provided (which defines the effective length of movement of the inner slider between a fully inserted position and a protruding position), particularly stable and reliable opening and closing of the container can be provided by adjusting the ratio between the height of the front wall of the inner slider and the effective distance between such locking mechanisms.

[0056] Preferably, the inner slider further includes opposing first and second inner slider sidewalls. This advantageously increases the structural strength of the inner slider and the entire container. Furthermore, it provides improved protection for the consumer product within the inner sleeve and can further help stabilize the consumer product in a defined sequencing pattern.

[0057] The container according to the invention is preferably formed from one or more folded layered blanks. The one or more layered blanks can be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials, including but not limited to cardboard, paperboard, plastic, metal, or combinations thereof. Different parts of the container can be formed from the same material or different materials. Each of the one or more layered blanks can be a layered cardboard blank weighing between about 100 g / m² and about 350 g / m². In a preferred embodiment, the blank has a thickness of about 100 micrometers to about 500 micrometers, preferably about 200 micrometers to about 350 micrometers.

[0058] Preferably, the container is a cuboid, comprising two wider walls (front and rear) separated by two narrower sidewalls. The container according to the invention can be cuboid in shape, having right-angled longitudinal edges and right-angled transverse edges. The container may include one or more circular longitudinal edges, circular transverse edges, sloping longitudinal edges or sloping transverse edges, or combinations thereof.

[0059] As described above, the container may include multiple consumer products received within an inner sliding member. The consumer products may be aerosol-generating articles. Aerosol-generating articles may be filtered cigarettes or other smoking articles, wherein the aerosol-generating matrix includes tobacco material that is burned to form smoke. Aerosol-generating articles may be articles in which tobacco material is heated rather than burned to form an aerosol. Aerosol-generating articles may be articles in which tobacco material, tobacco extracts, or other nicotine sources generate a nicotine-containing aerosol without combustion and, in some cases, without heating (e.g., through a chemical reaction).

[0060] The aerosol-generating article can be provided within the container in the form of a bundle wrapped in an inner packaging material formed of metal foil or metallized paper. The inner packaging material can be a laminate of metallized polyethylene film, along with a lining material. The lining material can be supercalendered cellophane. Additionally, the inner packaging material can have a printable top coating. The inner packaging has an access opening through which the aerosol-generating article can be removed when the container lid is in the corresponding open position.

[0061] By appropriately selecting the size, the container according to the invention can be designed to hold different total numbers of aerosol-generating articles, or aerosol-generating articles in different arrangements. For example, by appropriately selecting the size, the container according to the invention can be designed to hold a total of ten to thirty aerosol-generating articles, such as smoking articles. Depending on the total number, the aerosol-generating articles can be arranged in different ways.

[0062] The invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0063] Example 1. A container for a consumer product, the container comprising: an outer sleeve including a front wall, a rear wall, and opposing first and second side walls; and an inner sliding member mounted within the outer sleeve, the inner sliding member including a bottom wall, a front wall, and a rear wall; a sleeve cap including a first panel and a second panel, the first panel being detachably suspended from the outer sleeve along a first weak line and extending between the rear and front walls of the outer sleeve, the second panel being detachably suspended from the first panel along a second weak line and permanently attached to an inner surface of the outer sleeve, such that when the outer sleeve is in use, the inner sliding member can be positioned to accommodate the inner surface of the outer sleeve. When the first panel of the sleeve cap separates from the outer sleeve and the second panel of the sleeve cap along the first weak line and the second weak line: the opening of the first outer sleeve is exposed at the top of the outer sleeve; and the inner slider becomes movable within the outer sleeve between a fully inserted position and a protruding position, in the fully inserted position, the inner slider resting completely within the outer sleeve, and in the protruding position, the inner slider extending at least partially outside the outer sleeve through the opening of the outer sleeve; wherein the top edge of the front wall of the inner slider is configured to engage with the corresponding bottom edge of the second panel of the sleeve cap to prevent the inner slider from being removed from the outer sleeve through the opening of the outer sleeve.

[0064] Example 2. According to the container of Example 1, wherein the outer sleeve further includes one or more locking panels attached to the inner surface of at least one of the front wall, the rear wall, and the side wall of the outer sleeve, wherein the top edge of the one or more locking panels is configured to engage with a corresponding edge of the bottom wall of the inner slide when the inner slide is in the fully inserted position to prevent the inner slide from being removed from the outer sleeve through a second outer sleeve opening at the bottom end of the outer sleeve.

[0065] Example 3. A container according to Example 1 or 2, wherein the inner slider further includes a slider cover, the slider cover including an inner slider cover top panel that hangs from the rear wall of the inner slider along the top edge of the rear wall of the inner slider, the inner slider cover top panel being pivotable about the top edge of the rear wall of the inner slider between a slider cover closed position and a slider cover open position to expose an inner slider opening.

[0066] Example 4. According to the container of Example 3, wherein the top panel of the inner sliding member cover is configured to engage with the second panel of the sleeve cover when the inner sliding member is in the fully inserted sliding member position, so as to secure the sliding member cover in the sliding member cover closed position.

[0067] Example 5. The container according to Example 4, wherein the sliding cover panel includes a locking tab configured to engage with a cutout formed in the bottom edge of the sleeve cover second panel.

[0068] Example 6. A container according to Example 4 or 5, wherein when the inner slider is in the fully inserted slider position and the inner slider cover top panel is engaged with the second panel, a recess is defined in the housing above the inner slider cover top panel.

[0069] Example 7. A container according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein a first panel of the sleeve cap is detachably suspended from the rear wall of the outer sleeve along the first weak line, and the sleeve cap further includes a weak line extending at least partially across the first panel between the rear wall of the outer sleeve and the second panel to define a pull tab at one end of the first panel so as to allow the first panel to separate from the outer sleeve and the second panel along the first weak line and the second weak line.

[0070] Example 8. A container according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the inner slider includes a weak line extending across the rear wall of the inner slider and dividing the rear wall of the inner slider into a bottom panel of the rear wall extending below the weak line and a top panel of the rear wall extending above the weak line, wherein when the inner slider is in the protruding position, the top panel of the rear wall of the inner slider is configured to pivot along the weak line above the top edge of the rear wall of the outer sleeve to facilitate access to the contents of the inner sleeve.

[0071] Example 9. A container according to any of the foregoing examples, the container further comprising a set of consumer products contained in an inner package, the inner package being received within and secured to the inner slide such that, when the inner slide moves between the fully inserted slide position and the protruding slide position, the inner package and the inner slide move integrally.

[0072] Example 10. The container according to Example 9, wherein the inner packaging is sealed.

[0073] Example 11. A container according to Example 9 or 10, wherein the inner packaging includes a tear strip to facilitate opening the inner packaging and retrieving the consumer product from the inner packaging.

[0074] Example 12. A container according to Example 9, wherein the inner packaging is resealable and includes an access opening for retrieving the consumer product from the inner packaging, and a resealable adhesive label extending over the access opening and movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the resealable adhesive label blocks the access opening, and in the open position the resealable adhesive label is at least partially lifted from the surface of the inner packaging to expose the access opening.

[0075] Example 13. A container according to any one of Examples 3 to 12, wherein the inner sliding cover further includes a protective panel that hangs from the top panel of the inner sliding cover along a fold line defining the front edge of the top panel of the inner sliding cover, the protective panel being pivotable about the fold line between a closed position and an open position, in which the protective panel is substantially parallel to the front wall of the outer sleeve, and in the open position, the protective panel is tilted forward and upward to expose the interior of the inner sliding member.

[0076] Example 14. According to the container of Example 13 as subordinate to Example 12, wherein the resealable adhesive label is permanently attached to the inner surface of the protective panel such that movement of the protective panel between the closed position and the open position causes the resealable adhesive label to move between the corresponding closed and open positions to reveal an approach opening.

[0077] Example 15. A container according to any one of Examples 9 to 14, wherein the inner packaging includes an inner frame arranged within the inner packaging to hold the group of consumer products in a defined sorting pattern.

[0078] Example 16. A container according to any one of Examples 9 to 15, wherein the difference between the height of the outer sleeve and the height of the inner packaging is at least 10 mm.

[0079] Example 17. A container according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the inner slider further includes opposing first inner slider sidewalls and second inner slider sidewalls. Attached Figure Description

[0080] In the following description, the invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0081] Figure 1 Two layered blanks for forming a container according to a first embodiment of the invention are shown;

[0082] Figures 2 and 3 Figure 4Perspective views of the container according to the invention at different times during the removal of the first panel of the outer sleeve cover from the rest of the outer sleeve;

[0083] Figure 5 Show Figure 1 A perspective view of the container according to the first embodiment, wherein the front wall of the outer sleeve is removed and the inner slider is in the fully inserted position;

[0084] Figure 6 Show Figure 5 Another perspective view of the container, in which the front wall of the outer sleeve is removed, and the inner slider is in a protruding position;

[0085] Figure 7 A layered blank is shown for forming an inner sliding member according to a second embodiment of a container according to the invention;

[0086] Figure 8 Show Figure 7 A perspective view of the container according to the second embodiment, wherein the front wall of the outer sleeve is removed, and the inner slider is in the fully inserted position; and

[0087] Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 The diagram shows the different times during which the protective panel of the inner sleeve pivots between the respective closed and open positions. Figure 7 An additional perspective view of the container, in which the front wall of the outer sleeve is removed, and the inner slider is in a protruding position. Detailed Implementation

[0088] Figure 1 Two layered blanks, namely a first layered blank 100 and a second layered blank 200, are shown for forming the container 1 according to the invention. The layered blanks can be used to form the containers shown in Figures 2 to 200. Figure 6 Container 1 is shown in the image.

[0089] The first layered blank 100 is configured to form the outer sleeve 10 of the container 1.

[0090] The first layered blank 100 includes a front wall panel 151 of the outer sleeve, a rear wall panel 152 of the outer sleeve, a first side wall panel of the outer sleeve, and a second side wall panel 153 and 154 of the outer sleeve.

[0091] Furthermore, the first layered blank 100 includes a first sleeve cover panel 155 and a second sleeve cover panel 156. The first sleeve cover panel 155 hangs from the rear wall panel 152 of the outer sleeve along weak line A. The second sleeve cover panel 156 hangs from the first sleeve cover panel 155 along weak line B. Therefore, the first sleeve cover panel 155 can be removed from both the rear wall panel 152 of the outer sleeve and the second sleeve cover panel 156.

[0092] The first panel 155 of the sleeve cap includes a weak line C extending across the first panel 155 between the rear wall panel 152 of the outer sleeve and the second panel 156 of the sleeve cap, to define a pull tab 155A at one end of the first panel 155. Furthermore, a cutout 156A is formed in the second panel 156 on the side opposite to the first panel 155. Therefore, two tabs 156B are defined in the second panel 156 on the side opposite to the cutout 156A.

[0093] The first layered blank 100 also includes a panel 157 that hangs along a fold line from the front wall panel 151 of the outer sleeve for forming the outer sleeve side folds. When the outer sleeve 10 is formed by folding the first layered blank 100, the outer sleeve side folds 157 are bonded together with a permanent adhesive (in... Figure 1 (As indicated by the crosshairs in the attached diagram) Attached to the first outer sleeve wall panel 153.

[0094] In addition, the first layered blank 100 also includes panels 158, 159, 160, and 161 for forming the outer sleeve locking panel. When the outer sleeve 10 is formed by folding the first layered blank 100, panels 158, 159, 160, and 161 are folded 180 degrees and respectively secured with a permanent adhesive (in... Figure 1 (As indicated by the crosshairs in the attached diagram) Attached to panels 151, 152, 153, and 154.

[0095] The second layered blank 200 is configured to form the inner sliding member 12 of the container 1.

[0096] The second layered blank 200 includes an inner sliding member bottom wall panel 251, an inner sliding member front wall panel 252, an inner sliding member rear wall panel 253, and an inner sliding member cover panel 254.

[0097] The second layered blank 200 further includes inner sliding member side wall panels 255, 256 suspended from the inner sliding member rear wall panel 253 along corresponding fold lines, and dustproof folding plates 257, 258 suspended from the inner sliding member side wall panels 255, 256 along corresponding fold lines.

[0098] The inner slider rear wall panel 253 includes a weak line D that extends across the inner slider rear wall panel 253 and divides the inner slider rear wall panel into a slider rear wall bottom panel 253B extending below the weak line D and a slider rear wall top panel 253T extending above the weak line D.

[0099] The inner sliding member cover panel 254 includes a locking tab 254A on the side opposite to the inner sliding member rear wall panel 253.

[0100] Additionally, the second layered blank 200 includes side panels 259 and 260, which hang along corresponding fold lines from the inner slider front wall panel 252 to form inner slider side folds. When the inner slider 12 is formed by folding the second layered blank 200, the inner slider side folds 259 and 260 are bonded together with a permanent adhesive (in... Figure 1 (As indicated by the crosshairs in the attached drawings) Attached to the inner sliding member sidewall panels 255, 256.

[0101] To assemble the container 1 according to the invention, a group of consumer products (e.g., a bundle of aerosol-generating articles arranged in a predetermined order) is partially surrounded by a reinforced inner frame and enclosed within a flexible liner to form an inner package. For example, the liner can be sealed by a seal formed as a finned seal. A tear strip is applied to the inside of the flexible liner to facilitate opening.

[0102] The layered blank 200 used to form the inner sliding member wraps and folds around the package thus formed. The layered blank 100 used to form the outer sleeve wraps and folds around the inner sliding member containing the package. Because the second panel 156 of the outer sleeve cover is attached to the front wall panel 151 of the outer sleeve, the consumer product cannot be approached at the top of the container 1 until the container is first opened, as will be described below.

[0103] As briefly mentioned above, in Figure 2 to Figure 6 The text is a jumbled mess of characters and symbols, making it impossible to translate accurately. It appears to be a corrupted or incomplete sentence or a fragment of a longer text. Figure 1 The container 1 is formed from layered blanks 100 and 200. More detailed examples are shown in Figures 2 and 3. Figure 4 The figure shows, and will be described below with reference to, the removal of the first panel of the outer sleeve cover from the rest of the outer sleeve upon first opening of container 1. Furthermore, reference will be made below to... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The description describes the relative movement and cooperation of the inner slider 12 within the outer sleeve 10 after the first panel of the outer sleeve cover is removed from the rest of the outer sleeve.

[0104] Figure 2 to Figure 4The container 1 according to the invention is depicted in sequence at the moment of its first opening. For this purpose, the consumer can remove the first panel 155 of the outer sleeve cover from the rest of the outer sleeve 10. More specifically, the first panel 155 is removed from the rear wall 152 of the outer sleeve along weak line A and from the second panel 156 of the outer sleeve cover along weak line B. An end pull tab 155A is provided to facilitate this operation, by which the consumer can pull the first panel 155 from the rest of the outer sleeve. Removal of the first panel 155 of the outer sleeve cover from the rest of the outer sleeve 10 exposes a first opening 300 at the top of the outer sleeve 10. Since this is a necessary step for accessing the contents of the inner sleeve, the first panel 155 of the outer sleeve cover effectively functions as an anti-tamper feature.

[0105] Figure 5 and Figure 6 Shown by Figure 1 The outer sleeve 10 and inner slider 12 are formed from layered blanks. For convenience, the front wall of the outer sleeve 10 has been removed to show how the inner slider 12 is fully inserted inside the outer sleeve 10. Figure 5 ) and prominent position ( Figure 6 The movement between the inner slider 12 and the outer sleeve 10, and how certain components of the inner slider 12 and the outer sleeve 10 cooperate in each position.

[0106] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the inner slider 12 is installed inside the outer sleeve 10. The inner package 400 is received inside the inner slider 12.

[0107] With the removal of the first panel of the outer sleeve cover, the first outer sleeve opening 300 is now exposed at the top of the outer sleeve 10. Therefore, the inner slider 12 can be fully inserted within the outer sleeve 10. Figure 5 ) and prominent position ( Figure 6 The inner slider 12 moves between the two positions. In the fully inserted position, the inner slider 12 rests completely inside the outer sleeve 10. In the protruding position, the inner slider 12 extends partially outside the outer sleeve 10 through the first outer sleeve opening 300.

[0108] like Figure 5 As illustrated in the example, in the fully inserted position, the top edges of the outer sleeve locking panels 158, 159, 160, 161 are configured to engage with the corresponding bottom edge of the inner slider 12. This prevents the inner slider 12 from being removed from the outer sleeve 10 through the second outer sleeve opening at the bottom end of the outer sleeve 10. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the edge of the bottom wall 251 of the inner slider 12 cooperates with the top edge of the outer sleeve locking panels 158, 159, 160, 161.

[0109] Furthermore, in the fully inserted position, the inner sliding cover panel 254 is configured to engage with the second panel 156 of the outer sleeve 10. This advantageously secures the inner sliding cover panel 254 in the sliding cover closed position. Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, the locking tab 254A of the sliding cover panel engages with the cutout 156A formed in the bottom edge of the second panel 156 of the outer sleeve 10.

[0110] like Figure 5 As can be seen, when the inner slider 12 is in the fully inserted slider position and the slider cover panel 254 is engaged with the second panel 156, a recess is defined above the slider cover panel 254 within the outer sleeve 10.

[0111] like Figure 6 As shown, in the protruding position, the top edge of the inner slider front wall 252 is configured to engage with the corresponding bottom edge of the outer sleeve cover's second panel 156 to prevent the inner slider 12 from being removed from the outer sleeve 10 through the first outer sleeve opening. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the bottom edge of the side tab 156B cooperates with the top edge of the inner slider front wall 252.

[0112] When the inner slider 12 is in the protruding position, the inner slider cover panel 254 can pivot to expose the contents of the inner slider. Therefore, the consumer product inside the inner slider is accessible. To increase usability, the top panel 253T of the rear wall of the slider can pivot further about the weak line D to expose the rear portion of the top part of the consumer product inside the slider. This facilitates the extraction of the consumer product.

[0113] Figure 7 A variation 500 of a second layered blank for forming the inner sliding member of a container according to the invention is shown. The layered blank 500 can be used with... Figure 1 The first layered blank 100 is used together to form as shown in Figure 2 to Figure 6 The second embodiment of the container 1000 shown.

[0114] The second layered blank 500 is configured to form the inner sliding member 120 of the container 1000.

[0115] The second layer of billet 500 is Figure 1 The second layered billet 200 is a modified version, and will be discussed below only in relation to its... Figure 1 The differences of the second layer of blank 200 are described. Figure 7 In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals have been used to identify the components of the second layered blank 500, and these reference numerals have been used in the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 The corresponding elements used to identify the second layered blank 200 in the attached drawings.

[0116] Figure 7 The second layer of billet 500 and Figure 1 The second layered blank 200 differs in that it further includes an inner sliding member protective panel 302, which hangs from the inner sliding member cover panel 254 along a corresponding fold line 304 on the same side as the locking tab 254A. In fact, the locking tab 254A is formed by a cut line extending through the inner sliding member protective panel 302. Therefore, as will be described in more detail below, when the inner sliding member protective panel 302 pivots about the fold line 304 between corresponding closed and open positions, the locking tab 254A does not move with the inner sliding member protective panel 302.

[0117] As from the following Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 As will become apparent from the description of the accompanying drawings, the second layered preform 500 is particularly suitable for use with a resealable inner package 400 comprising an access opening 402 and a resealable adhesive label 404, the resealable adhesive label covering the access opening 402 and extending beyond the outer periphery of the access opening 402, wherein the resealable adhesive label is at least partially releasably attached to the inner package 400 by a resealable adhesive disposed on a first region of the inner surface of the resealable adhesive label 404, the first region extending at least around the outer periphery of the access opening 402 of the inner package 400. The resealable adhesive label 404 can thus move between a closed position and an open position, in which the resealable adhesive label 404 extends over and blocks the access opening 402, and in the open position, the resealable adhesive label 404 is partially lifted from the outer surface of the inner packaging 400 to expose the access opening, thereby enabling access to the consumer product inside the inner packaging.

[0118] exist Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the access opening 402 is defined by one or more weak lines (such as, for example, cutting lines) in the inner packaging 400, which define a portion 406 of the inner packaging 400 that is also movable between a respective closed position and an open position. In one such embodiment, a resealable adhesive label 404 is attached to the portion 406 of the inner packaging 400 by a permanent adhesive disposed on a second region on the inner surface of the resealable adhesive label 404, the second region extending within the outer periphery of the portion 406, such that the portion 406 moves integrally with the resealable adhesive label 404 to expose or block the access opening 402.

[0119] When container 1000 is assembled and inner packaging 400, which houses a set of consumer products, is received within inner sliding member 120, protective panel 302 rests against the front wall of inner packaging 400. This enhances protection for the consumer products within the inner packaging and strengthens the structural strength and rigidity of the container, facilitating its storage and transport. Furthermore, as will become apparent from the remainder of the description of this second embodiment, the protective panel provides an additional layer of protection over the opening / closing mechanism of inner packaging 400 and the entire container 1000.

[0120] Figure 8 and Figure 9 Shown by Figure 1 The first layer of billet and Figure 7 The second layer of blank forms the outer sleeve 10 and the inner slider 120. For convenience, the front wall of the outer sleeve 10 has been removed to show how the inner slider 120 is fully inserted inside the outer sleeve 10. Figure 8 ) and prominent position ( Figure 9 The movement between the inner slider 120 and the outer sleeve 10, and how certain components of the inner slider 120 and the outer sleeve 10 cooperate in each position.

[0121] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the inner slider 120 is installed inside the outer sleeve 10. The inner package 400 is received inside the inner slider 120. Due to the removal of the first panel of the outer sleeve cover, the first outer sleeve opening 300 is now exposed at the top of the outer sleeve 10. Therefore, the inner slider 120 can be fully inserted inside the outer sleeve 10. Figure 8 ) and prominent position ( Figure 9 The inner slider 120 moves between the two positions. In the fully inserted position, the inner slider 120 rests completely inside the outer sleeve 10. In the protruding position, the inner slider 120 extends partially outside the outer sleeve 10 through the first outer sleeve opening 300.

[0122] like Figure 8As illustrated in the example, in the fully inserted position, the top edges of the outer sleeve locking panels 158, 159, 160, 161 are configured to engage with the corresponding bottom edge of the inner slider 120. This prevents the inner slider 120 from being removed from the outer sleeve 10 through the second outer sleeve opening at the bottom end of the outer sleeve 10. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the edge of the bottom wall 251 of the inner slider 120 cooperates with the top edge of the outer sleeve locking panels 158, 159, 160, 161.

[0123] In addition, Figure 8 In the fully inserted position shown, the inner sliding cover panel 254 is configured to engage with the second panel 156 of the outer sleeve 10. This advantageously secures the inner sliding cover panel 254 in the sliding cover closed position. Figure 8 As shown, the locking tab 254A of the sliding cover panel engages with the cutout 156A formed in the bottom edge of the second panel 156 of the outer sleeve 10.

[0124] like Figure 9 As shown, in the protruding position, the top edge of the inner slider front wall 252 is configured to engage with the corresponding bottom edge of the outer sleeve cover's second panel 156 to prevent the inner slider 120 from being removed from the outer sleeve 10 through the first outer sleeve opening. Specifically, as... Figure 9 As shown, the bottom edge of the side protrusion 156B cooperates with the top edge of the front wall 252 of the inner slider.

[0125] When the inner slider 120 is in the protruding position, the protective panel 302 can pivot about the fold line 304 and be lifted from the front of the inner packaging 400. Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, since the protective panel 302 hangs from the inner sliding cover panel 254, when the protective panel 302 is lifted from the front of the inner packaging 400, the inner sliding cover panel 254 will also pivot to expose the contents of the inner sliding member. Figure 5 and Figure 6 Similar to the first embodiment, to increase ease of use, the top panel 253T of the rear wall of the slider can be further pivoted around the weak line D to further facilitate the extraction of the consumer product.

[0126] like Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown in the accompanying drawings, in this particular embodiment, a resealable adhesive label 404 is permanently attached to the inner surface of the protective panel 302 by a permanent adhesive, the permanent adhesive being disposed on a first area of ​​the outer surface of the resealable adhesive label 404. Therefore, as... Figure 10 and Figure 11As illustrated in the accompanying drawings, when the protective panel 302 pivots about the fold line 304, the movement of the protective panel 302 (schematically indicated by the curved arrow) also automatically lifts the resealable adhesive label 404 and portion 406 of the inner packaging 400 to expose the access opening 402 and make it possible to retrieve the consumer product from the inner packaging 400.

[0127] Therefore, refer to Figures 7 to 11 The accompanying drawings illustrate a container 1000 according to a second embodiment that provides a particularly smooth opening and closing mechanism for the user. Access to the consumer product within the inner packaging 400 is achieved by combining the linear movement of the inner slider 120 within the outer sleeve 10 with the gradual peeling of a resealable adhesive label 404, indirectly obtained by lifting the protective panel 302, from the inner packaging 400. This is advantageous because the user can easily manipulate the larger and generally thicker element of the container—the protective panel 302—rather than directly pulling the resealable adhesive label. This helps prevent wear and tearing of the resealable adhesive label.

[0128] At the same time, providing such a resealable adhesive label makes the inner packaging 400 substantially resealable. This is particularly advantageous when the inner packaging 400 is manufactured by forming finned seals along the sides of the inner packaging, as this allows the inner packaging 400 to be sealed with particular precision so that the properties of the consumer product are maintained particularly well during storage and transportation.

[0129] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all figures representing quantities, quantities, percentages, etc., shall be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Thus, in this document, the number A is understood to be ±10% of A. In this document, the number A may be considered to include a value within the general standard error of the measurement of the property modified by the number A. In some cases, as used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate from the percentages listed above, provided that the amount of deviation from A does not significantly affect the fundamental and novel features of the claimed invention. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically listed herein.

Claims

1. A container for consumer goods, the container comprising: an outer sleeve comprising an outer sleeve front wall, an outer sleeve back wall, opposing first and second outer sleeve side walls; and an inner slide mounted within the outer sleeve, the inner slide comprising an inner slide bottom wall, an inner slide front wall, and an inner slide back wall, a sleeve cover comprising a sleeve cover first panel and a sleeve cover second panel, the sleeve cover first panel being removably suspended from the outer sleeve along a first line of weakness and extending between the outer sleeve back wall and the outer sleeve front wall, the sleeve cover second panel being removably suspended from the sleeve cover first panel along a second line of weakness and permanently affixed to an inner surface of the outer sleeve such that upon separation of the sleeve cover first panel from the outer sleeve and the sleeve cover second panel along the first and second lines of weakness: a first outer sleeve opening is revealed at a top end of the outer sleeve; and the inner slide becomes movable within the outer sleeve between a fully inserted position in which the inner slide is fully resting within the outer sleeve and a protruding position in which the inner slide extends at least partially outside of the outer sleeve through the outer sleeve opening; wherein a top edge of the inner slide front wall is configured to engage a corresponding bottom edge of the sleeve cover second panel to prevent the inner slide from being removed from the outer sleeve through the first outer sleeve opening.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein, the outer sleeve further comprises one or more locking panels affixed to an inner surface of at least one of the outer sleeve front wall, the outer sleeve back wall, and the outer sleeve side walls, wherein a top edge of the one or more locking panels is configured to engage a corresponding edge of the inner slide bottom wall when the inner slide is in the fully inserted position to prevent the inner slide from being removed from the outer sleeve through a second outer sleeve opening at a bottom end of the outer sleeve.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein, the inner slide further comprises a slide cover comprising an inner slide cover top panel suspended from the inner slide back wall along a top edge of the inner slide back wall, the inner slide cover top panel being pivotable about the top edge of the inner slide back wall between a slide cover closed position and a slide cover open position to reveal an inner slide opening.

4. The container of claim 3, wherein, the inner slide cover top panel is configured to engage the sleeve cover second panel when the inner slide is in a fully inserted slide position to secure the slide cover in the slide cover closed position.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein, the slide cover top panel comprises a locking tab configured to engage a cutout formed in the bottom edge of the sleeve cover second panel.

6. The container of claim 4 or 5, wherein, a recess is defined within the outer sleeve above the inner slide cover top panel when the inner slide is in the fully inserted slide position and the inner slide cover top panel is engaged with the sleeve cover second panel.

7. The container of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The sleeve cover first panel is removably suspended from the outer sleeve back wall along the first line of weakness, and the sleeve cover further includes a third line of weakness extending across the sleeve cover first panel between the outer sleeve back wall and the sleeve cover second panel to define a pull tab at one end of the sleeve cover first panel to facilitate separation of the sleeve cover first panel from the outer sleeve and the sleeve cover second panel along the first and second lines of weakness.

8. The container of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The inner slide includes a fourth line of weakness extending across the inner slide back wall and dividing the inner slide back wall into a slide back wall bottom panel extending below the fourth line of weakness and a slide back wall top panel extending above the fourth line of weakness, wherein the inner slide back wall top panel is configured to pivot along the fourth line of weakness over a top edge of the outer sleeve back wall when the inner slide is in the protruding position to facilitate access to the contents of the inner slide.

9. The container of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a set of consumer products wrapped in an inner package, the inner package being received within and secured to the inner slide such that the inner package moves in unison with the inner slide as the inner slide moves between the fully inserted slide position and the protruding slide position.

10. The container of claim 9, wherein, The inner package includes a tear strip to facilitate opening of the inner package and extraction of the consumer products from the inner package.

11. The container of claim 9, wherein, The inner package is resealable and includes an access opening for extracting the consumer products from the inner package, and a resealable adhesive label extending over the access opening and movable between a closed position in which the resealable adhesive label occludes the access opening and an open position in which the resealable adhesive label is at least partially lifted from a surface of the inner package to reveal the access opening.

12. The container of any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein, The inner slide cover further includes a protective panel suspended from the inner slide cover top panel along a fold line defining a front edge of the inner slide cover top panel, the protective panel being pivotable about the fold line between a protective panel closed position in which the protective panel is substantially parallel to the outer sleeve front wall and a protective panel open position in which the protective panel is tilted forwardly and upwardly to reveal an interior of the inner slide.

13. The container of claim 12, further comprising a set of consumer products wrapped in an inner package, the inner package being received within and secured to the inner slide such that the inner package moves in unison with the inner slide as the inner slide moves between the fully inserted slide position and the protruding slide position, wherein, The inner package is resealable and comprises an access opening for extracting the consumer goods from the inner package, and a resealable adhesive label extending over the access opening and movable between a closed position in which the resealable adhesive label plugs the access opening, and an open position in which the resealable adhesive label is at least partially lifted from the surface of the inner package to reveal the access opening, wherein the resealable adhesive label is permanently affixed to the inner surface of the protective panel, such that movement of the protective panel between the protective panel closed position and the protective panel open position moves the resealable adhesive label between the corresponding closed position and open position to reveal the access opening.

14. The container of claim 9, wherein, The inner package comprises an inner frame arranged within the inner package to hold the set of consumer goods in a defined order pattern.

15. The container of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The inner slide further comprises opposing first and second inner slide side walls.

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