Container for consumer goods with corner opening

Abstract

A container (1) for consumer goods comprises an access opening (6) for allowing access to the interior of the container and a hinge line (8). The first wall (50) of the container comprises: a first panel (51) having a line of weakness (56); and a second panel (52) overlying the first panel (51). The first portion of the first panel (51) is separable from the second portion of the first panel (51) along a line of weakness (56) to form a lid (4) of the container (1). The lid (4) comprises at least a first portion of a first panel (51) and is configured to pivot about a hinge line (8) between a closed position, in which the lid covers the access opening (6), and an open position, in which the access opening (6) is exposed. The second panel (52) overlies the second portion of the first panel (51) and partially overlies the first portion of the first panel (51).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container for a consumer product. 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 products in a container formed from one or more folded laminated blanks. For example, slender smoking articles that burn to form smoke and smoking articles intended to be heated but not burned 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 around a hinge line extending across the rear wall of the container. In use, the lid pivots about the hinge line to open the package and thus gain access to the consumer product held within the box.

[0003] The bundle of smoking articles housed in the box portion is typically wrapped in a lining of metallized paper, metal foil, or other flexible sheet material. The packaged bundle may be referred to as an inner bundle or inner package.

[0004] Although it is generally desirable to securely enclose a consumer product within a container and protect and preserve the consumer product, it is also important that the user can ultimately easily access the consumer product when using the container. Thus, it is desirable to ensure that the features of the container can contribute to easy access to the consumer product contained therein. It is also generally desirable to minimize the amount of material used to form the container, as this can have one or both of environmental and cost benefits. It is also generally desirable that the user be able to repeatedly open and close the container in a reliable manner. Thus, there is a desire to provide a novel container having improved features that can contribute to improved protection and preservation, easy access, and reduction of material, among others. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a container for a consumer product such as an aerosol-generating article. The container may include an access opening. The access opening may be used to allow access to the interior of the container. The container may include a hinge line. The container may include a first wall. The first wall of the container may include a first panel. The first panel may have a score line. The first wall of the container may include a second panel. The second panel may overlie the first panel. A first portion of the first panel may be separable from a second portion of the first panel along the score line to form a lid of the container. The lid may include at least the first portion of the first panel. The lid may be configured to pivot about the hinge line between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position, the lid covers the access opening, and in the open position, the access opening is exposed. The second panel may overlie the second portion of the first panel. The second panel may partially overlie the first portion of the first panel.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container for a consumer product, the container comprising: an access opening for allowing access to the interior of the container; and a hinge line; wherein a first wall of the container comprises: a first panel having a weakened line; and a second panel overlying the first panel, wherein a first portion of the first panel is separable from a second portion of the first panel along the weakened line to form a lid of the container, the lid comprising at least the first portion of the first panel and configured to pivot about the hinge line between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position, the lid covers the access opening, in the open position, the access opening is exposed, and wherein the second panel overlies the second portion of the first panel and partially overlies the first portion of the first panel.

[0007] The arrangement of the first aspect of the present invention provides several advantages. For example, by arranging the lid of the container to be formed by separating a weakened line on a panel forming the wall of the container, a visual indication can be provided to the user of the container that the container has not been opened before the user receives the container. That is, if the user sees that the weakened line in the first panel has not been broken, the user knows that the container has not been opened. However, in the case of such an arrangement, subsequent re-closing of the container involves returning the first portion of the first panel towards the second portion of the second panel. In such an arrangement, it is generally desirable to bring the first portion of the first panel close to and ideally adjacent to the second portion of the first panel so that a better closure can be achieved. However, during normal use and handling of the container, any alignment between the first portion and the second portion of the first panel may be adversely affected. In addition, movement of the lid about the hinge line during normal use and handling of the container can cause the lid to have a certain degree of bias and be unable to move back to its original position occupied when the first portion and the second portion of the first panel are joined by the weakened line. This can prevent or resist full re-closure of the lid and may result in an undesirably large gap between the first portion and the second portion of the first panel when the lid is moved to its closed position.

[0008] However, this disadvantage can be avoided or otherwise mitigated by arranging the first wall to also be formed by a second panel that overlies a second part of the first panel and partially overlies a first part of the first panel. For example, when the lid is moved back to the closed position, a portion of the first part of the first panel can slide under the second panel. Thus, the second panel can help guide the first part of the first panel and thus the lid back to the closed position. This guiding function can also help ensure that the first part and the second part of the first panel remain better aligned during reclosing of the container. Additionally, the second panel can also help hold the first part of the first panel and thus the lid in the closed position. This can be achieved, for example, by frictional engagement of the second panel with a portion of the first part of the first panel. Further, by arranging the second panel to only partially cover the first part of the first panel, the first part of the first panel can still be easily grasped by a user of the container, such as when they wish to move the lid between the closed and open positions. In the case where a panel forms a wall that overlies another panel, the overlying panel is positioned between the underlying panel and the corresponding outer surface of the portion of the wall formed by said panel.

[0009] The first wall can consist only of the first panel and the second panel. The first panel can consist only of a first part and a second part.

[0010] The container can include one or more of a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and two side walls. The first wall can be a side wall of the container.

[0011] The first wall can have an outer surface. The outer surface of the first wall can be defined by the second panel and the first part of the first panel. The outer surface of the first wall can consist of the outer surface of the second panel and the outer surface of the first part of the first panel.

[0012] The first wall can have a width. The first wall can have a height. The first wall can have a depth. The score line on the first wall can extend across the entire width of the first wall. The score line on the first wall can extend only across a portion of the width of the first wall.

[0013] The first wall can further include a cut line that partially demarcates the first part of the first panel from the second part of the first panel. In such an embodiment, the first part of the first panel can be demarcated from the second part of the first panel by a combination of the score line and the cut line. The cut line can be aligned with the score line. That is, the endpoints of the cut line can be positioned adjacent to the endpoints of the score line. Thus, the cut line can easily initiate separation of the first panel along the score line.

[0014] The score line can include one or more of a perforation line, a score line, and an ablation line.

[0015] The second panel may have an upper edge. The upper edge may define an upper boundary of a portion of the second panel that partially overlies a first portion of the first panel. The upper edge of the second panel may include a curved portion. The upper edge of the second panel may include a convex portion. The curved or convex portion of the upper edge of the second panel may be positioned toward the center of the upper edge. The upper edge of the second panel may be curved. The upper edge of the second panel may be convex. The curved portion of the upper edge of the second panel may advantageously allow the lid to be held in place by the second panel while still allowing the first portion of the first panel to be easily grasped by a user of the container, such as when the user desires to move the lid between a closed position and an open position. The central positioning of the curved or convex portion of the upper edge of the second panel may enable a user to more easily grasp the edge of the lid and provide for easier opening of the container, and also ensure smooth closing by reducing the likelihood that the upper edge of the second panel may interfere with the lid.

[0016] The second panel of the first wall may overlie at least about 30% of the surface area of the second portion of the first panel. The second panel of the first wall may overlie at least about 50% of the surface area of the second portion of the first panel. The second panel of the first wall may overlie at least about 70% of the surface area of the second portion of the first panel. The second panel of the first wall may overlie at least about 80% of the surface area of the second portion of the first panel. The second panel of the first wall may overlie at least about 90% of the surface area of the second portion of the first panel. The second panel may overlie all of the second portion of the first panel. Embodiments in which the second panel of the first wall overlies most of the surface of the second portion of the first panel are advantageous because they produce a more easily manipulable blank and thereby simplify and increase the manufacturing speed of the container.

[0017] The second panel may be attached to the second portion of the first panel, for example, by an adhesive. Thus, the container may also include an adhesive that attaches the second panel to the second portion of the first panel.

[0018] The second panel may not be attached to the first portion of the first panel. For example, the inner surface of a portion of the second panel that overlies the first portion of the first panel may be free of adhesive.

[0019] The second panel of the first wall may overlie at least about 2% of the surface area of the first portion of the first panel. The second panel of the first wall may overlie at least about 5% of the surface area of the first portion of the first panel. The second panel of the first wall may overlie at least about 10% of the surface area of the first portion of the first panel. The second panel of the first wall may overlie at least about 15% of the surface area of the first portion of the first panel.

[0020] The second panel of the first wall may overlie no more than about 50% of the surface area of the first part of the first panel. The second panel of the first wall may overlie no more than about 40% of the surface area of the first part of the first panel. The second panel of the first wall may overlie no more than about 30% of the surface area of the first part of the first panel. The second panel of the first wall may overlie no more than about 20% of the surface area of the first part of the first panel. Embodiments where the second panel of the first wall overlies no more than 50%, 40%, 30%, or 20% of the surface of the first part of the first panel are advantageous because the user's ability to grasp the lid of the container to move the lid to the open position is unimpeded.

[0021] The hinge line may be provided on the rear wall of the container. The hinge line may extend across the rear wall of the container. The lid may be a cup-shaped lid. The lid may include a lid top wall. The lid top wall may form the top wall of the container. The lid may include a lid front wall. The lid front wall may form a part of the front wall of the container. The lid may include a lid rear wall. The lid rear wall may form a part of the rear wall of the container.

[0022] The lid may include a first lid side wall and a second lid side wall. The first part of the first panel of the first wall may form the first lid side wall or the second lid side wall. That is, the first wall of the container may be a side wall of the container. In such an embodiment, the other side wall of the container may also include the features of the first wall of the first aspect of the present invention. That is, each side wall of the container may include the corresponding first panel arrangement and second panel arrangement as described above with respect to the first aspect of the present invention. Each side wall may also contain any combination of the optional features listed above with respect to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0023] The hinge line may be provided on the top wall of the container. The hinge line may extend across the top wall of the container. The lid may include at least a part of the top wall of the container.

[0024] As will be apparent from the subsequent discussion of other aspects of the present invention, the lid may be a corner-opening lid. That is, when the lid is moved between its closed position and its open position, only one corner of the container may move. A container having a corner-opening lid may be advantageous because it provides a smaller opening than a conventional rear-opening or side-opening container and may therefore not require frame reinforcement (e.g., in the form of an internal frame). The features of such a corner-opening lid may lie in the hinge line, which is provided on the top wall of the container and extends at an angle with respect to the first wall of the container. The hinge line may extend between a corner of the top wall and the first wall of the container and a midpoint along an edge of the container opposite the corner. In embodiments where the lid is a corner-opening lid, the guiding function of the second panel may be particularly advantageous. In particular, the second panel may help ensure correct and secure closure of the lid. The second panel may press against the lid when the lid is in the closed position to hold the lid in place.

[0025] The second panel may not overlie a section of the first part of the first panel adjacent to the tip of the lid.

[0026] The present disclosure also relates to a container for a consumer product such as an aerosol-generating article. The container may include a front wall. The container may include a rear wall. The container may include a top wall. The container may include a bottom wall. The container may include a first side wall and a second side wall. Each side wall may extend between the front wall and the rear wall.

[0027] The container may include an access opening. The access opening may be used to allow access to the interior of the container. The container may include a hinge line. The hinge line may extend across the top wall. The hinge line may divide the top wall into a first part of the top wall and a second part of the top wall. A first part of the front wall and a first part of the first side wall may each be separable from the remainder of their respective walls to form a lid of the container. The lid may also include the first part of the top wall. The lid may be configured to pivot about the hinge line between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position, the lid covers the access opening, and in the open position, the access opening is exposed. The top wall may include a first panel. The first panel may include the hinge line. The top wall may include a second panel overlying the first panel. The second panel may have a lateral edge coinciding with the hinge line.

[0028] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container for a consumer product, the container comprising: a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a first side wall and a second side wall, each side wall extending between the front wall and the rear wall; an access opening for allowing access to the interior of the container; and a hinge line extending across the top wall at an angle with respect to the plane of the front wall and dividing the top wall into a first part of the top wall and a second part of the top wall; wherein a first part of the front wall and a first part of the first side wall are each separable from the remainder of their respective walls to form a lid of the container, the lid further comprising the first part of the top wall and being configured to pivot about the hinge line between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position, the lid covers the access opening, and in the open position, the access opening is exposed, and wherein the top wall comprises: a first panel including the hinge line, and a second panel overlying the first panel, the second panel having a lateral edge coinciding with the hinge line.

[0029] The arrangement of the second aspect of the present invention provides several advantages. In particular, by arranging the top wall to include a first panel and a second panel, and by arranging the lateral edge of the second panel to coincide with the hinge line of the first panel, various aspects of opening the container can be improved. For example, by overlying a portion of the first panel, the second panel is capable of inhibiting the movement of the said portion of the first panel when a user chooses to move the lid from the closed position. This can help to better direct the opening force to the hinge line and thus help to ensure that the container opens in a consistent and reliable manner. Additionally, by arranging the lateral edge of the second panel to coincide with the hinge line of the first panel, the opening force can be even better directed to the hinge line. Further, the presence of the lateral edge and the hinge line can provide a clear visual indication to the user as to how the container should be opened. This can help to improve the likelihood that the user opens the container as intended. Moreover, by providing at least two panels for forming the top wall of the container, the strength of the top wall of the container can be enhanced.

[0030] It should be understood that the features described with respect to the second aspect of the present invention can be combined with the features described with respect to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0031] The second part of the top wall can consist only of the second panel and a portion of the first panel. The second part of the top wall can include the second panel, a portion of the first panel, and one or more additional panels.

[0032] The first part of the top wall can consist only of the first panel. The first part of the top wall can include a first portion of the first panel and one or more additional panels. The shape of the first part of the top wall can be substantially triangular. The shape of the perimeter of the outer surface of the first part of the top wall can be substantially triangular.

[0033] The second panel of the top wall can be attached to the first panel of the top wall, for example, by an adhesive. Thus, the container can also include an adhesive for attaching the second panel of the top wall to the first panel of the top wall.

[0034] The second panel of the top wall can be connected to a panel forming one of the front wall, the rear wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall of the container by a fold line. The wall of the container to which the second panel of the top wall is connected by the fold line can be the main wall of the container.

[0035] At least 50% of the outer surface area of the second part of the top wall can be defined by the second panel. At least 80% of the outer surface area of the second part of the top wall can be defined by the second panel. Substantially all of the outer surface area of the second part of the top wall can be defined by the second panel.

[0036] At least 50% of the outer surface area of the first part of the top wall can be defined by the first panel. At least 80% of the outer surface area of the first part of the top wall can be defined by the first panel. Substantially all of the outer surface area of the first part of the top wall can be defined by the first panel.

[0037] At least 50% of the outer surface area of the top wall may be defined by the second part of the top wall. At least 60% of the outer surface area of the top wall may be defined by the second part of the top wall. Preferably, no more than 90% of the outer surface area of the top wall is defined by the second part of the top wall. Preferably, no more than 80% of the outer surface area of the top wall is defined by the second part of the top wall.

[0038] The hinge line may extend across the top wall from the front wall to the rear wall. The hinge line may extend at an angle relative to the plane of the first side wall. The hinge line may extend at an angle of at least 30 degrees relative to the plane of the first side wall. The hinge line may extend at an angle of at least 40 degrees relative to the plane of the first side wall. The hinge line may extend at an angle of at least 45 degrees relative to the plane of the first side wall. The hinge line may extend from a first corner of the top wall to an edge of the first side wall of the container.

[0039] The present disclosure also relates to a container for a consumer product such as an aerosol-generating article. The container may include a front wall. The container may include a rear wall. The container may include a top wall. The container may include a bottom wall. The container may include a first side wall and a second side wall. Each side wall may extend between the front wall and the rear wall.

[0040] The container may include an access opening. The access opening may be used to allow access to the interior of the container. The container may include a hinge line. The hinge line may extend across the top wall. The hinge line may divide the top wall into a first part of the top wall and a second part of the top wall. A first part of the front wall and a first part of the first side wall may each be separable from the remainder of their respective walls to form a lid of the container. The lid may also include the first part of the top wall. The lid may be configured to pivot about the hinge line between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position, the lid covers the access opening, and in the open position, the access opening is exposed. The first part of the top wall may include at least two overlapping panels. The first part of the first side wall may include at least two overlapping panels.

[0041] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container for a consumer product, the container comprising: a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a first side wall and a second side wall, each side wall extending between the front wall and the rear wall; an access opening for allowing access to the interior of the container; and a hinge line extending across the top wall and dividing the top wall into a first part of the top wall and a second part of the top wall; wherein a first part of the front wall and a first part of the first side wall are each separable from the remainder of their respective walls to form a lid of the container, the lid further includes the first part of the top wall, and is configured to pivot about the hinge line between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position, the lid covers the access opening, and in the open position, the access opening is exposed, and wherein the first part of the top wall and the first part of the first side wall each include at least two overlapping panels.

[0042] The arrangement of the third aspect of the present invention provides several advantages. In particular, arranging the first part of the top wall and the first part of the first side wall to each include at least two overlapping panels can advantageously contribute to strengthening the lid of the container. This is particularly beneficial when the lid is formed by three walls or parts of walls of the third aspect. Additionally, in such an arrangement, it is possible to form the other walls of the container from a single panel, and thus contribute to suppressing one or both of the cost of producing the container and the environmental impact of producing the container. In the case where the lid is formed in the manner stated in the third aspect, additional strengthening of the other walls of the container may be less important. Thus, the strengthening of the container can be concentrated on the areas of the container that are most likely to benefit from such strengthening.

[0043] The first part of the top wall may include at least three overlapping panels. The first part of the top wall may consist of three overlapping panels. The three panels for this wall part can provide the desired strength without overusing materials.

[0044] The first part of the first side wall may consist of two overlapping panels. The two panels for this wall part can provide the desired strength without overusing materials.

[0045] The first part of the front wall may consist of a single panel. The single panel for this wall part can provide the desired strength without overusing materials.

[0046] The panels of the first part of the top wall may be connected to the panels of the first part of the first side wall by folding lines. The panels of the first part of the top wall may be directly connected to the panels of the first part of the first side wall by folding lines. This can help to further strengthen the lid without overusing materials.

[0047] It should be understood that the features described with respect to the third aspect of the present invention can be combined with the features described with respect to one or both of the first and second aspects of the present invention.

[0048] The walls of the container of the present invention can be formed from a single laminated blank. That is, the container can be configured such that all the walls of the container are formed from a single laminated blank. The laminated blank may include multiple folding lines connecting multiple panels, and the panels are folded around the folding lines to form the walls of the container.

[0049] The laminated blank forming the walls of the container may have a total surface area not exceeding 1.5 times the total surface area of the outer surfaces of the container walls. The surface area of the laminated blank refers to the surface area of one side of the laminated blank when the blank is in a flat unfolded state.

[0050] The front wall, rear wall, top wall, bottom wall, and first and second side walls of the container may collectively be referred to as a housing that encloses a space for a consumer product. The housing may provide a sealed enclosure. The housing may be provided with a protective barrier. The protective barrier may be a coating or layer of the laminated blank forming the housing. The protective barrier may be a moisture barrier or a heat-sealable layer or both. The housing may be formed primarily of a cellulose-based material, and the protective barrier may be a polymer layer having both sealing and moisture barrier properties. The technical disclosure regarding the possible composition of the polymer layer in WO2022012961 is incorporated herein by reference. The heat-sealable layer may be a heat-sealable polymer layer. The protective barrier may be provided on the inner surface of the housing. The protective barrier may cover a weakened line in the container. The protective barrier may provide additional protection for the consumer product contained in the container as it may provide a better barrier between the exterior and the interior of the container.

[0051] For the purposes of the present invention, a moisture barrier layer is a layer having a water vapor or moisture transmission rate (VWTR) of equal to or less than 60 grams / (square meter·24 hours) at 38 degrees Celsius and 90% relative humidity when measured in accordance with ISO 2528:1995 or ASTM F3299. Preferably, the moisture barrier layer of the container of the present invention has a VWTR of less than 20 grams / (square meter·24 hours) or even preferably 10 grams / (square meter·24 hours) at 38 degrees Celsius and 90% relative humidity.

[0052] The weakened line may be a first weakened line, and the first side wall of the container may include a second weakened line. The first portion of the first side wall may be separable from the second portion of the first side wall along the second weakened line. Separation of the first portion of the first panel of the front wall from the second portion of the first panel and the first portion of the side wall from the second portion of the side wall along the weakened line may form a lid of the container.

[0053] The cut line may be a first cut line, and the first side wall of the container may include a second cut line that partially defines the first portion of the first side wall from the second portion of the first side wall. In such an embodiment, the first portion of the first side wall may be defined from the second portion of the first side wall by a combination of the second weakened line and the second cut line. The second cut line may be aligned with the second weakened line. That is, the endpoints of the second cut line may be positioned adjacent to the endpoints of the second weakened line. Accordingly, the second cut line may facilitate initiation of separation of the first side wall along the second weakened line. The second cut line may have an arched or curved profile. The second cut line may extend at a first angle relative to the plane of the front wall near the tip of the lid and at a second angle relative to the plane of the lid near the second weakened line. The first angle may be steeper than the second angle.

[0054] As an alternative to the first and second cutting lines, the first and second weakening lines may completely define the first part of the first wall of the container from the second part of the first wall of the container and the first part of the first side wall from the second part of the first side wall, respectively. The first and second weakening lines may be joined at the edge of the container. A third weakening line may join the midpoint along the first weakening line with the midpoint along the second weakening line. The third weakening line may divide the lid into a lid tip portion and a lid main portion. The third weakening line may advantageously be broken by the user, and the lid tip portion is folded inwards to provide easier access to the lid main portion. Such an arrangement may be particularly advantageous because the container is better sealed to prevent moisture or other contaminants from entering than if the container was provided with cutting lines before the weakening lines are broken.

[0055] The surface of the lid may be textured or painted to form a gripping portion of the lid. The gripping portion may enable the user to more easily grip the lid to open the container.

[0056] The container may include an indicator for identifying the lid. The indicator may assist the user in more easily identifying the lid of the container. This may be particularly advantageous in embodiments of the present invention where the lid is not a conventional front-opening hinge lid or side-opening hinge lid.

[0057] The tip of the lid may be painted. The painted lid may help strengthen the tip of the lid to maintain its rigidity over time and reduce the likelihood of damage to the tip through use of the container.

[0058] The container may include a consumer product. The consumer product may be an aerosol-generating article.

[0059] The terms “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “rear” and other terms used herein to describe the relative positions of the components of the container according to the present invention refer to the situation where the container is in an upright position and the lid is located at the top. These terms are used when describing the container according to the present invention regardless of the orientation of the container being described. The “bottom” of the container refers to the end of the container opposite the “top” of the container.

[0060] The term “height” is used herein to refer to the dimension of the extension between the top and bottom of the container. The term “width” is used herein to refer to the dimension extending between the two sides of the container. The term “depth” is used herein to refer to the dimension extending between the front and rear of the container. The height, width and depth are orthogonal to each other.

[0061] The term "weakening line" is used herein to describe a portion of the surface of a container (or a blank for forming a container), where the structural strength of the material used to form the container (or blank) is weakened by any suitable technique, such as bending, folding or tearing along the weakening line. The weakening line can be straight, curved, segmented or continuous or a combination thereof. A weakening line can be produced by the removal of material, the displacement of material, the compression of material, such as locally reducing the force holding the material together by breaking the fibers in a fibrous material, and combinations of all of the above. For example, a weakening line can be formed as a score line, a crease line, an ablation line or a perforation line.

[0062] The term "score line" is used to describe a line formed by partially cutting into the blank material. A score line can be formed by removing material from the blank, that is, by forming a groove or slot in the blank. Alternatively, a score line can be formed without removing any material from the blank. This typically involves partial lateral displacement and compression of the material.

[0063] The term "crease line" generally refers to a line formed by displacing a portion of the material substantially perpendicular to the plane of the blank, which causes a groove or slot to be formed in the blank. This displacement may involve compression and is typically achieved by means of a compression tool such as a roller. Alternatively or additionally, the material in the crease line can be displaced so as to at least partially protrude from the opposite side of the blank. Generally, no material is removed when forming a crease line.

[0064] Alternatively, the term "ablation line" is used to describe a line formed by removing material from the surface of the blank to a predetermined depth by means of ablation, such as by means of a laser beam or a blade.

[0065] The term "perforation line" describes a line or sequence of discrete holes or slots formed in a blank. These holes can be formed by pushing an object through the blank, which can cause material to be removed from the blank, for example, by stamping. Alternatively, holes can be produced without effectively removing material, and the object is used to push the material outwards from the center of the hole.

[0066] The term "hinge line" refers to a line about which two elements can pivot relative to each other. A hinge line can be, for example, a fold line, a crease line or a score line on the wall or panel of a container or between two walls of a container.

[0067] When referring to a corner opening lid, the term "tip" refers to the point on the lid that is in line with the corner of the corner opening lid in the height direction. The tip can coincide with the edge of the container.

[0068] The term "convex" refers to a portion of an edge that curves or rounds outwards. The convex portion of a panel or wall can have a greater width, height or length in the central portion of the panel or wall.

[0069] The term "heat-sealable layer" is used herein to refer to a layer that can be welded by conventional indirect heating methods, which generate sufficient heat on at least one film contact surface to conduct to an adjacent film contact surface and form an adhesive interface between the surfaces without loss of film integrity. The adhesive interface between adjacent layers preferably has sufficient physical strength to withstand the packaging process and subsequent handling. Heat-sealable layers can be designed to meet different intended use conditions, and various heat-sealable layer formulations are known in the art and can be used in the present invention.

[0070] Features described with respect to one example or embodiment may also apply to other examples and embodiments.

[0071] The following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example or embodiment described herein.

[0072] EX.1 A container for a consumer product, the container comprising:

[0073] An access opening for allowing access to the interior of the container; and

[0074] A hinge line;

[0075] Wherein a first wall of the container comprises: a first panel having a score line; and a second panel overlying the first panel,

[0076] Wherein a first portion of the first panel is separable from a second portion of the first panel along the score line to form a lid of the container, the lid comprising at least the first portion of the first panel and configured to pivot about the hinge line between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position, the lid covers the access opening, and in the open position, the access opening is exposed, and

[0077] Wherein the second panel overlies the second portion of the first panel and partially overlies the first portion of the first panel.

[0078] EX.2 The container for a consumer product according to EX.1, wherein the first wall consists only of the first panel and the second panel.

[0079] EX.3 The container for a consumer product according to EX.1 or EX.2, wherein the first panel consists only of the first portion and the second portion.

[0080] EX.4 The container for a consumer product according to any one of the preceding EXs, wherein an outer surface of the first wall is defined by the second panel and the first portion of the first panel.

[0081] EX.5 A container for consumer goods according to any of the preceding EXs, wherein the weakened line on the first wall extends only across a part of the width of the first wall.

[0082] EX.6 A container for consumer goods according to any of the preceding EXs, wherein the first wall further includes a cut line that partially defines a first portion of the first panel from a second portion of the first panel.

[0083] EX.7 A container for consumer goods according to EX.6, wherein the first portion of the first panel is defined from the second portion of the first panel by a combination of the weakened line and the cut line.

[0084] EX.8 A container for consumer goods according to any of the preceding EXs, wherein the upper edge of the second panel includes a curved portion.

[0085] EX.9 A container for consumer goods according to EX.8, wherein the curved portion of the upper edge of the second panel is a convex portion.

[0086] EX.10 A container for consumer goods according to EX.9, wherein the convex portion of the upper edge of the second panel is positioned towards the center of the upper edge.

[0087] EX.11 A container for consumer goods according to any of the preceding EXs, wherein the second panel of the first wall overlies at least about 30% of the surface area of the second portion of the first panel.

[0088] EX.12 A container for consumer goods according to EX.11, wherein the second panel of the first wall overlies the entire surface area of the second portion of the first panel.

[0089] EX.13 A container for consumer goods according to any of the preceding EXs, further comprising an adhesive that attaches the second panel to the second portion of the first panel.

[0090] EX.14 A container for consumer goods according to any of the preceding EXs, wherein the second panel of the first wall overlies between about 10% and about 40% of the surface area of the first portion of the first panel, and preferably between about 5% and about 30% of the surface area of the first portion of the first panel.

[0091] EX.15 A container for consumer goods according to any of the preceding EXs, wherein the hinge line extends across the rear wall of the container.

[0092] EX.16 A container for consumer goods according to any of the foregoing EXs, wherein the hinge line extends across the top wall of the container at an angle of at least 30 degrees, preferably at an angle of at least 40 degrees, and most preferably at an angle of at least 45 degrees with respect to the plane of the first wall.

[0093] EX.17 A container for consumer goods according to EX.16, wherein the hinge line divides the top wall of the container into a first top wall portion and a second top wall portion; and wherein the lid further includes the first top wall portion.

[0094] EX.18 A container for consumer goods according to EX.17, wherein the top wall of the container includes: a first panel including the hinge line; and a second panel overlying the first panel, the second panel having a lateral edge coinciding with the hinge line.

[0095] EX.19 A container for consumer goods according to EX.18, wherein the first top wall portion and the first portion of the first side wall each include at least two overlapping panels.

[0096] EX.20 A container for consumer goods according to any one of EX.17 to EX.19, wherein the first top wall portion may include at least three overlapping panels.

[0097] EX.21 A container for consumer goods according to any one of EX.16 to EX.20, wherein the lid includes a tip at its lower end, and wherein the second panel does not overlie a section of the first portion of the first panel adjacent to the tip of the lid.

[0098] EX.22 A container for consumer goods according to any of the foregoing EXs, wherein the container includes a protective barrier.

[0099] EX.23 A container for consumer goods according to EX.22, wherein the protective barrier is provided on the inner surface of the container.

[0100] EX.24 A container for consumer goods according to EX.22 or EX.23, wherein the protective barrier is a heat-sealable layer.

[0101] EX.25 A container for consumer goods according to any of the foregoing EXs, wherein the surface of the lid is textured or painted to form a gripping portion.

[0102] EX.26 A container for consumer goods according to any of the foregoing EXs, wherein the container further includes an indicator for identifying the lid.

[0103] EX.27 A container for consumer goods according to any of the foregoing EXs, wherein the tip of the lid is painted.

[0104] Ex. 28 A container for a consumer product according to any of the foregoing EXs, wherein the container further comprises a deformable portion disposed adjacent to a tip of the lid, the deformable portion being configured to deflect inwardly to create a overhang between the tip of the lid and the deformable portion.

[0105] Ex. 29 A container for a consumer product according to Ex. 28, wherein the deformable portion comprises a triangular portion of a first sidewall of the container and a triangular portion of a front wall of the container.

[0106] Ex. 29 A container for a consumer product according to Ex. 28 or Ex. 29, wherein the tip of the lid and the deformable portion are separable along a weakening line. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0107] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0108] Figure 1 A side isometric view of a container according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the lid is in a closed position.

[0109] Figure 2 A side isometric view of a container according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the lid is in a slightly open position.

[0110] Figure 3 A side isometric view of a container according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the lid is in a fully open position.

[0111] Figure 4 A front isometric view of a container according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the lid is in a closed position.

[0112] Figure 5 A side isometric view of a container according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein a second panel extends away from the front wall of the container.

[0113] Figure 6 A side isometric view of a container according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the second panel is flush with the front wall of the container.

[0114] Figure 7 A plan view of a blank for forming a container according to an embodiment of the present invention in a fully expanded configuration is shown.

[0115] Figure 8 A plan view of a portion of a blank for forming a container according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein a plurality of panels forming a first portion of a first sidewall and a first portion of a top wall are folded.

[0116] Figure 9 A plan view of a portion of a blank for forming a container according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which a plurality of panels forming a first portion of a first side wall and a first portion of a top wall are folded.

[0117] Figure 10 A plan view of a portion of a blank for forming a container according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which a plurality of panels forming a first portion of a first side wall and a first portion of a top wall are folded.

[0118] Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of a container along line A-A according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Description

[0119] Certain embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which show some but not all of the features. In fact, the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same components or parts.

[0120] Figures 1 to 3 An isometric view of a side of a container 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The container 1 is shown in its fully assembled state. The container has a front wall 10, a rear wall 20, a top wall 30, a bottom wall 40, a first side wall 50, and a second side wall 60. Only the top wall 30, the rear wall 20, and the first side wall 50 can be seen in the Figures 1 to 3 view. The container has a cartridge 2 for receiving a consumer product, and a lid 4 that is movable between a closed position as shown in Figure 1 and an open position as shown in Figure 3 . Figure 2 An intermediate position of the partially opened lid 4 is shown. The lid 4 is of the corner-opening type, in other words, when the lid 4 moves between its closed position and its open position, only one corner of the container 1 moves. When the lid 4 is in the open position, the consumer product received in the cartridge 2 can be accessed through an opening 6 in the container 1. The top wall 30 is formed by a first top wall panel 31 and a second top wall panel 32. The first top wall panel 31 is divided into a first portion 34 of the top wall and a second portion 38 of the top wall. When the second top wall panel 32 overlies the second portion 38 of the top wall, only the first portion 34 of the top wall can be seen in the Figures 1 to 3 view. The lid 4 is pivotable about a hinge line 8 between its closed position and its open position, and the hinge line diagonally extends across the first top wall panel 31 of the container. The hinge line also defines the first portion 34 of the top wall and the second portion 38 of the top wall. In use, when the lid 5 moves from the closed position to the open position, the lateral edge 33 of the second panel 32 acts as a guide for the lid 5, which helps the lid 5 pivot about the hinge line 8.

[0121] The first side wall 50 of the container is formed by a first side wall first panel 51 and a first side wall second panel 52. The first side wall first panel is divided into a first side wall first part 53 and a first side wall second part 58. When the first side wall second panel overlies the first side wall second part 58, only the first side wall first part 53 can be seen in the Figures 1 to 3 view. In this example, the first side wall second panel 52 has an upper edge 57 that is convex. As can be seen in Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the first top wall part 34 and the first side wall first part 53 form two sides of the lid.

[0122] Figure 4 An isometric front view of a container 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, where the lid 4 is in the closed position. For the sake of brevity, the features of the container 1 described above with respect to Figures 1 to 3 will not be repeated. Figure 4 The front wall 10 of a container having a first front wall part 12 and a second front wall part 14 is shown. As can be seen in this figure, the container 1 has a pre-cut lid edge 5 that extends partially across the front wall 10 of the container 1. As shown in Figure 4 , the pre-cut lid edge 5 follows a curved path on the front wall 10 of the container 1. The pre-cut lid edge 5 is connected to the edge of the hinge line 8 by a front wall weakening line 16, which must be broken by the user to open the lid 4 for the first time.

[0123] Figure 5 and Figure 6 show isometric side views of a container 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 6 , the first side wall second panel 52 is shown as partially transparent to show the underlying part of the first side wall. This partial transparency of the first side wall second panel 52 is for illustrative purposes only and does not reflect the features of this exemplary embodiment of the container 1. As shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the pre-cut lid edge extends partially across the first side wall first panel 51. The pre-cut edge 5 is connected to the edge of the hinge line 8 by a first side wall weakening line 56. These figures also show that the first side wall second panel 52 is movable between a first position where it overlies the first side wall first panel 52 as shown in Figure 6 and a second position where it extends away from the container 1 as shown in Figure 5 . When the first side wall second panel 52 is in the first position and the lid 4 is in the closed position, the convex shape of the upper edge 57 of the second panel 52 causes it to overlap with the pre-cut lid edge 5 and the first side wall weakening line 56 to substantially hide them from view.

[0124] Figure 7A plan view of a blank 100 for forming a container 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention in a fully expanded configuration is shown. Figure 7 The inner surface of the blank 100 is shown, in other words, when the blank 100 is folded into its fully assembled configuration, the portion of the blank depicted in Figure 7 substantially forms the interior of the container 1. This view shows a single panel forming the front wall 10, the rear wall 20, and the second side wall 60. Also shown are multiple panels that overlap to form the top wall 30, the bottom wall 40, and the first side wall 50. In this view, the thick lines indicate the cuts to form the final container of this embodiment. Figure 7 Two overlapping panels forming the first part 34 of the top wall and three overlapping panels forming the first part 53 of the first side wall are shown. In particular, this view shows the outer panel 35, the intermediate panel 36, and the inner panel 37 of the first part of the top wall that are folded adjacent to each other when the container 1 is formed from the blank 100.

[0125] Figure 8 、 Figure 9 and Figure 10 A plan view of a portion 200 of a blank 100 for forming a container 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, where the multiple panels forming the first part 53 of the first side wall and the first part 34 of the top wall are folded. To obtain the Figure 8 configuration, the panels 55 and 37 have been folded so that they are adjacent to the panels 54 and 36 respectively. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The panels 36 and 37 are shown being folded towards the panel 55 so that they are substantially perpendicular to the panel 55, as shown in Figure 10 . Figure 10 The first panel 31 of the top wall is also shown being folded towards the front wall 10.

[0126] Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the container 1 along line A - A according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. This view shows the overlap of different layers forming the top wall 30 and the first side wall 50 of the container 1. More specifically, the second panel 32 of the top wall is shown overlapping the first panel 31 of the top wall. The first part 34 of the top wall is formed by the overlap of the outer panel 35, the intermediate panel 36, and the inner panel 37 of the first part of the top wall. Figure 11 The second panel 52 of the first side wall overlapping the first panel of the first side wall is also shown. The first part of the first side wall is formed by the overlap of the outer panel 54 and the inner panel 55 of the first part of the first side wall.

Claims

1. A container for a consumer product, the container comprising: An access opening for allowing access to the interior of the container; And A hinge line; Wherein a first wall of the container comprises: a first panel having a weakened line; And a second panel overlying the first panel, Wherein a first part of the first panel is separable from a second part of the first panel along the weakened line to form a lid of the container, the lid comprising at least the first part of the first panel and configured to pivot about the hinge line between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position, the lid covers the access opening, in the open position, the access opening is exposed, and Wherein the second panel overlies the second part of the first panel and partially overlies the first part of the first panel.

2. The container for a consumer product according to claim 1, wherein the first wall consists only of the first panel and the second panel.

3. The container for a consumer product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an outer surface of the first wall is defined by the second panel and the first part of the first panel.

4. The container for a consumer product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weakened line on the first wall extends only across a part of the width of the first wall.

5. The container for a consumer product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first wall further comprises a cut line that partially demarcates the first part of the first panel from the second part of the first panel.

6. The container for a consumer product according to claim 5, wherein the first part of the first panel is demarcated from the second part of the first panel by a combination of the weakened line and the cut line.

7. The container for a consumer product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an upper edge of the second panel comprises a curved portion.

8. The container for a consumer product according to claim 7, wherein the curved portion of the upper edge of the second panel is a convex portion.

9. The container for a consumer product according to claim 8, wherein the convex portion of the upper edge of the second panel is positioned towards the center of the upper edge.

10. The container for a consumer product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second panel of the first wall overlies between about 10% and about 40% of the surface area of the first part of the first panel, and preferably overlies between about 5% and about 30% of the surface area of the first part of the first panel.

11. The container for a consumer product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hinge line extends across the top wall of the container at an angle of at least 30 degrees, preferably at an angle of at least 40 degrees, most preferably at an angle of at least 45 degrees with respect to the plane of the first wall.

12. The container for a consumer product according to claim 11, wherein the hinge line divides the top wall of the container into a first top wall portion and a second top wall portion; wherein the lid further includes the first top wall portion; and wherein the top wall of the container includes: A first panel including the hinge line; And a second panel overlying the first panel, the second panel having a lateral edge that coincides with the hinge line.

13. A container for a consumer product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container comprises a protective barrier on an inner surface of the container.

14. The container for a consumer product according to claim 13, wherein the protective barrier is a moisture barrier layer that has a water vapor or moisture transmission rate (VWTR) of equal to or less than 60 grams / (square meter·24 hours) at 38 degrees Celsius and 90% relative humidity when measured according to ISO 2528:1995 or ASTM F3299.

15. The container for a consumer product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a surface of the lid is textured or painted to form a gripping portion.

16. The container for a consumer product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weakened line comprises one or more of a perforation line, a score line, and an ablation line.

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