Rigid package of smoking articles

Abstract

Rigid package (1) of smoking articles comprising: a group (2) of articles; a wrapping (3) which wraps the group (2) of smoking articles; a container (4) which contains the wrapping (3) and has an opening (45) from which the wrapping (3) protrudes; a lid (5) which is hinged to the container (4) and is movable to open and close the opening (45) of the container (4); a stiffening element (6) which is arranged inside the wrapping (3) and has a front wall (60) arranged between a front wall (30) of the wrapping (3) and a front face (20) of the group (2) of articles; a pair of side walls (61) arranged between side walls (32) of the wrapping (3) and lateral faces (22) of the group (2) of articles, respectively. The group (2) of smoking articles has a width (L2) and / or thickness (W2) smaller than the width (l1) and / or thickness (W1) of the wrapping (3). The stiffening element (6) has a pair of connecting walls (62) each connected to the front wall (60) at a first weakening line (7) and to the side wall (61) at a second weakening line (8). At least one between the first weakening line (7) and the second weakening line (8) has at least one curved portion (7a, 8a).

Description

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This Patent Application claims priority from Italian Patent Application No. 102022000004307 filed on March 8, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a rigid package of smoking articles. In particular, the present invention relates to a rigid package of smoking articles which comprises a group of smoking articles contained in a wrapping and in which the volume occupied by the group of smoking articles is smaller than the containment volume of the wrapping.

[0003] The present invention finds advantageous application to a package of cigarettes, to which the following description will make explicit reference without thereby losing generality.

[0004] In this text, in fact, reference will be made generally to the specific example of "cigarettes" rather than to the more generic expression "smoking articles," without however losing generality regarding other types of articles (such as cigars, small cigars or cigarillos, electronic type or ecigs, auxiliary products such as filters, refills for ecigs and other products based on tobacco or alternative components or substitutes for tobacco).Prior Art

[0005] Rigid packages of cigarettes with hinged lids are the most popular packages of cigarettes on the market.

[0006] A rigid package of cigarettes with a hinged lid comprises: a group of smoking articles; a wrapping that wraps the group of smoking articles; a container that contains the wrapping and has an opening from which the wrapping protrudes; a lid that is hinged to the container and is movable to open and close the opening of the container.

[0007] Some of said packages comprise a collar, which is folded into a "U" shape and is attached (glued) inside the container to partially protrude from the opening of the container and engage a corresponding inner surface of the lid when the latter is in the closed position. The collar has precisely the function of ensuring an optimal closure of the lid on the container.

[0008] Another type of rigid package does not have the aforementioned collar and to ensure an optimal closure of the lid a stiffening element is provided, which is arranged in the wrapping so as to partially wrap the group of cigarettes. In that case, the wrapping containing the group of cigarettes must occupy the entire volume of the container otherwise the stiffening element will not be able to engage the lid in the closing position; consequently, an optimal closure of the package will not be obtained.

[0009] The most commonly available cigarettes on the market have a diameter of 8 mm. The blank for obtaining the container and the lid and the sheet for obtaining the wrapping are sized to package 10 or 20 cigarettes of said diameter.

[0010] In case is needed to package a group of cigarettes with a diameter different from the standard one (for example slightly smaller) or in a smaller number than the traditional groups of 10 or 20 cigarettes, it is necessary to replace the blank for obtaining the container and the lid and the sheet for obtaining the wrapping even if the difference is a few mm. In fact, if the wrapping did not occupy the entire volume of the container, the lid would tend to move away from the closed position, leaving the package always partially open.

[0011] Patent application US2017107047A1 describes a method for producing packages of cigarettes in which at least one size of a group of cigarettes does not correspond to the respective size of the inner space of the package and the small size of the group of cigarettes is compensated by the presence of a filler element.

[0012] Patent US7954635B2 describes a wrapping which encloses a group of cigarettes coupled to a "U"-shaped stiffening element, it is defined by a transparent plastic wrapping sheet folded directly around the group of cigarettes and in direct contact with the group of cigarettes, and is stabilized by heat sealing.Description of the Invention

[0013] The object of the present invention is to provide a rigid package of cigarettes of the type provided with a stiffening element which can be adapted in a simple and inexpensive manner to the packaging of cigarettes having a different gauge than the standard one.

[0014] In other words, it is an object of the present invention to provide a rigid package of cigarettes in which it is possible to package a group of cigarettes which does not entirely occupy the volume of the container but without requiring a change in the dimensions of the container and the lid.

[0015] According to the present invention a rigid package of smoking articles is provided as claimed in the appended claims.

[0016] The claims describe preferred embodiments of the present invention forming an integral part of the present description.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] The present invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate a non-limiting embodiment thereof, wherein: Figure 1 is a front perspective view in closed configuration of a rigid package of smoking articles according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a front perspective view in open configuration of the package of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a top plan view of the package of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the group of smoking articles contained in the package of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a front perspective view of the wrapping contained in the package of Figure 1; Figures 6 and 7 are a front view and a front perspective view of the stiffening element of the package of Figure 1, respectively; Figure 8 is a sectional view, along the section VIII-VIII, of the stiffening element of Figure 6; Figure 9 is a plan view of the blank for obtaining the stiffening element of Figure 6; Figures 10 and 11 are a front view and a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stiffening element of Figure 6, respectively; Figure 12 is a sectional view, along the section X-X, of the stiffening element of Figure 10; Figure 13 is a plan view of the blank for obtaining the stiffening element of Figure 10; Figures 14 and 15 are a front view and a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stiffening element of Figure 6 and of Figure 10, respectively; Figure 16 is a sectional view, along the section XIV-XIV, of the stiffening element of Figure 14; Figure 17 is a plan view of the blank for obtaining the stiffening element of Figure 14. Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

[0018] Figures 1 and 2 denote, as a whole, a package 1 of smoking articles object of the present invention.

[0019] As already mentioned, in the following reference will be generally made to the specific example of "cigarettes" rather than to the more generic expression "smoking articles," without however losing generality regarding other types of articles (such as cigars, small cigars or cigarillos, electronic type or ecigs, auxiliary products such as filters, refills for ecigs and other products based on tobacco or alternative components or substitutes for tobacco).

[0020] The package 1 of cigarettes comprises a group 2 of cigarettes which has a front face 20, a rear face 21 and two lateral faces 22 (Figure 4). Furthermore, the group 2 of cigarettes comprises a lower face 23 and an upper face 24.

[0021] In other words, the group 2 of cigarettes has a substantially parallelepiped shape. The group 2 of cigarettes has a longitudinal extension axis that is parallel to the extension axis of the package 1.

[0022] The package 1 of cigarettes comprises a wrapping 3 which wraps the group 2 of cigarettes and that has a front wall 30, a rear wall 31 and two side walls 32 (Figure 5). The wrapping 3 also comprises a bottom wall 33 and an upper wall 34.

[0023] The wrapping 3 has a substantially parallelepiped shape. The wrapping 3 has a longitudinal extension axis which is parallel to the extension axis of the group 2 of cigarettes.

[0024] According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the wrapping 3 is formed starting from a sheet of heat-sealable material. The sheet of heat-sealable material can be a sheet comprising at least one layer of plastic material or made on the inside of a plastic material or made of a compostable and / or biodegradable material.

[0025] The wrapping 3 is obtained by wrapping and sealing a sheet of heat-sealable material around a group 2 of cigarettes. In said embodiment, the wrapping 3 comprises an extraction opening for extracting the cigarettes from the wrapping 3. Furthermore, in said embodiment, the package 1 comprises a closure label 9 which is removably fixed (that is, which is detachable and fixable to the wrapping 3 several times) to the wrapping 3 to open and close the extraction opening of the wrapping 3.

[0026] According to alternative embodiments, the wrapping 3 can be made starting from a sheet of material, for example paper, wrapped around the group 2 of cigarettes. In that case, the wrapping 3 can comprise a tearable portion which is torn by the smoker upon the first opening of the package 1 to access the group 2 of cigarettes.

[0027] The package 1 comprises a container 4 which contains the wrapping 3 (and therefore the group 2 of cigarettes) and has an opening 45 from which the wrapping 3 protrudes and a lid 5 which is hinged to the container 4 and is movable to open and close the opening 45 of the container 4.

[0028] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-3, the container comprises a front wall 40, a rear wall 41 opposite and parallel to the front wall 40, a pair of side walls 42 orthogonal to the front wall 40 and to the rear wall 41, two pairs of connecting walls 43 which connect the side walls 42 to the front wall 40 and to the rear wall 41, respectively.

[0029] Furthermore, the container 4 comprises a bottom wall 44 which is opposite the opening 45.

[0030] The connecting walls 43 are arranged inclined relative to the front wall 40, the rear wall 41 and the side walls 42.

[0031] With further reference to Figures 1-3, the lid 5 comprises a front wall 50 (coplanar with the front wall 40 of the container 4), a rear wall 51 (coplanar with the rear wall 41 of the container 4) opposite and parallel to the front wall 50, a pair of side walls 52 (coplanar to the side walls 42 of the container 4) orthogonal to the front wall 50 and to the rear wall 51 and two pairs of connecting walls 53 (coplanar to the connecting walls 43 of the container 4) which connect the side walls 52 to the front wall 50 and to the rear wall 51, respectively.

[0032] The lid 5 also comprises an upper wall 54 and an opening 55 which is opposite the upper wall 54.

[0033] When the lid 5 is in the closed position (Figure 1), the upper wall 54 of the lid 5 is opposite and parallel to the bottom wall 44 of the container 4.

[0034] The lid 5 is hinged to the container 4 at a hinge line which connects the rear wall 51 of the lid 5 to the rear wall 41 of the container 4.

[0035] The container 4 and the lid 5 are obtained starting from a blank of wrapping material. Said blank is preferably made of cardboard or paperboard.

[0036] According to an embodiment not illustrated, the container 4 and the lid 5 could be devoid of the connecting walls 43, 53. In said case the container 4 and the lid 5 would have a rectangular cross section, with right or possibly rounded corners.

[0037] According to a further embodiment not illustrated, the container 4 and the lid 5 could provide only one of the two pairs of connecting walls 43, 53. In other words, according to a first embodiment they could comprise the pair of connecting walls 43, 53 which connect the side walls 42, 52 to the front wall 40, 50 and be devoid of the pair of connecting walls 43, 53 which connect the side walls 42, 52 to the rear wall 41, 51. According to a second embodiment they could comprise the pair of connecting walls 43, 53 which connect the side walls 42, 52 to the rear wall 41, 51 and be devoid of the pair of connecting walls 43, 53 which connect the side walls 42, 52 to the front wall 40, 50.

[0038] With reference to the package 1 object of the present invention, the group 2 of cigarettes has a width L2 and / or a thickness W2 smaller than the width L1 and / or the thickness W1 of the wrapping 3.

[0039] By "width" L1 of the wrapping 3 it is meant the length measured parallel to the front wall 30 of the wrapping 3 in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal extension of the wrapping 3. By "thickness" W1 of the wrapping 3 it is meant the length measured parallel to the side wall 32 of the wrapping 3 in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal extension of the wrapping 3.

[0040] By "width" L2 of the group 2 of cigarettes it is meant the length measured parallel to the front face 20 of the group 2 of cigarettes in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal extension of the group 2 of cigarettes. By "thickness" W2 of the group 2 of cigarettes it is meant the length measured parallel to the lateral face 22 of the group 2 of cigarettes in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal extension of the group 2 of cigarettes.

[0041] The package 1 comprises a stiffening element 6.

[0042] The stiffening element 6 is arranged inside the wrapping 3 (and at least partially wraps the group 2 of cigarettes). Furthermore, the stiffening element 6 is not visible from the outside of the wrapping 3, not even when the closure label 9, if any, is opened.

[0043] The stiffening element 6 comprises: a front wall 60 arranged between the front wall 30 of the wrapping 3 and the front face 20 of the group 2 of cigarettes; a pair of side walls 61 arranged between the side walls 32 of the wrapping 3 and the lateral faces 22 of the group 2 of cigarettes, respectively.

[0044] Furthermore, the stiffening element 6 comprises a pair of connecting walls 62 each connected to the front wall 60 at a first weakening line 7 and to the side wall 61 at a second weakening line 8.

[0045] At least one between the first weakening line 7 and the second weakening line 8 has at least one curved portion 7a, 8a.

[0046] The aforementioned shape of the stiffening element 6 provides for both holding the group 2 of cigarettes and ensuring the interference of the wrapping 3 with the container 4 and the lid 5.

[0047] In other words, the aforementioned shape of the stiffening element 6 allows at the same time to: hold the group 2 of cigarettes inside the wrapping 3 even though the group 2 of cigarettes is narrower and / or less thick than the wrapping 3 (this takes place at the transversal sections of the wrapping 3 in which a curvature of the first weakening line 7 and of the second weakening line 8 is performed - this aspect will be better described in the following); create interference between the wrapping 3 and the container 4 and the lid 5 thus ensuring complete closure of the lid 5 on the container 4 (this takes place at the transversal sections of the wrapping 3 in which there is no, or in any case reduced, curvature of the first weakening line 7 and of the second weakening line 8 - this aspect will be better described in the following).

[0048] It should be noted that the term "weakening line" means a crease and / or cut and / or partial cut line along which the bending and deformation of the material is facilitated.

[0049] According to Figures 6-9, a first preferred embodiment of the stiffening element 6 is described in the following.

[0050] With reference to Figures 6 and 7, each first weakening line 7 has a curved portion 7a and each second weakening line 8 is straight.

[0051] The curved portion 7a of each first weakening line 7 is concave relative to the respective connecting wall 62. In other words, each connecting wall 62 defines a concavity which extends towards the front wall 60.

[0052] In said embodiment, in which the curved portion 7a of each first weakening line 7 is comprised between two straight portions 7b.

[0053] With said embodiment of the stiffening element 6, holding of the group 2 of cigarettes at the central area of the wrapping 3 is ensured and at the same time the transversal sections of the wrapping 3 next to the respective upper wall and of the respective bottom will be such as to create an interference with the container 4 and the lid 5.

[0054] In fact, with particular reference to Figure 8, in said embodiment the front wall 60 is concave (that is, curved away from the group 2 of cigarettes) and the connecting walls 62 are convex (that is, curved towards the group 2 of cigarettes): they ensure holding of the group 2 of cigarettes in the central area of the wrapping 3.

[0055] Furthermore, the greater the radius of curvature of the curved portion 7a of each first weakening line 7, the smaller the width L2 and / or the thickness W2 of the group 2 of cigarettes can be with respect to the width L1 and / or the thickness W1 of the wrapping 3.

[0056] With further reference to Figures 6 and 7, the stiffening element 6 comprises a bottom wall 63 which is arranged between a lower face 23 of the group 2 of cigarettes and a bottom wall 33 of the wrapping 3.

[0057] Furthermore, the stiffening element 6 can comprise a pair of fins 64 each extending from a side wall 61 of the stiffening element 6 and which are arranged between an upper face 24 of the group 2 of cigarettes and an upper wall 34 of the wrapping 3.

[0058] Said pair of fins 64 acts as a support for the closure label 9, repeatedly facilitating the closure on the wrapping 3.

[0059] The stiffening element 6 is formed starting from the folding of a blank made of cardboard or paperboard.

[0060] With reference to Figure 9, the blank 6' is illustrated, from the folding of which the stiffening element 6 of Figure 6 is obtained.

[0061] The blank 6' comprises a first panel 60' designed to form the front wall 60 of the stiffening element 6, a pair of second panels 62' which extend from opposite sides of the first panel 60' and which are designed to define the connecting walls 62 of the stiffening element 6, a pair of third panels 61' which extend from opposite sides of the second panels 62' and which are designed to define the side walls 61 of the stiffening element 6.

[0062] The second panels 62' are separated from the first panel 60' at the respective first weakening line 7. The second panels 62' are separated from the respective third panels 61' at the respective second weakening line 8.

[0063] Furthermore, the blank 6' comprises a fourth panel 63' which extends from the first panel 60' and which is designed to define the bottom wall 63 of the stiffening element 6. The fourth panel 63' is separated from the first panel 60' at a folding line.

[0064] Finally, the blank 6' comprises the pair of fins 64 which extend from the third panels 61' and which are connected to the same at respective folding lines, respectively.

[0065] With reference to Figures 10-13, a second preferred embodiment of the stiffening element 6, alternative to that of Figures 6-9, is described in the following.

[0066] With reference to Figures 10 and 11, each first weakening line 7 is straight and each second weakening line 8 has a curved portion 8a.

[0067] The curved portion 8a of each second weakening line 8 is concave relative to the respective connecting wall 62. In other words, each connecting wall 62 defines a concavity which extends towards the respective side wall 61.

[0068] In said embodiment, the curved portion 8a of each second weakening line 8 is comprised between two straight portions 8b.

[0069] Similarly, to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6-9, also said embodiment of the stiffening element 6 ensures holding of the group 2 of cigarettes at the central area of the wrapping 3 and at the same time the transversal sections of the wrapping 3 near the respective upper wall and the respective lower wall will be such as to create an interference with the container 4 and the lid 5.

[0070] In fact, with particular reference to Figure 12, in said embodiment the front wall 60 is concave (that is, curved away from the group 2 of cigarettes) and the connecting walls 62 are convex (that is, curved towards the group 2 of cigarettes): they ensure holding of the group 2 of cigarettes in the central area of the wrapping 3.

[0071] Furthermore, the greater the radius of curvature of the curved portion 8a of each second weakening line 8, the smaller the width L2 and / or the thickness W2 of the group 2 of cigarettes can be with respect to the width L1 and / or the thickness W1 of the wrapping 3.

[0072] With further reference to Figure 11, the stiffening element 6 comprises a bottom wall 63 which is arranged between a lower face 23 of the group 2 of cigarettes and a bottom wall 33 of the wrapping 3.

[0073] Furthermore, the stiffening element 6 can comprise a pair of fins 64 each extending from a side wall 61 of the stiffening element 6 and which are arranged between an upper face 24 of the group 2 of cigarettes and an upper wall 34 of the wrapping 3.

[0074] Said pair of fins 64 acts as a support for the closure label 9, repeatedly facilitating the closure on the wrapping 3.

[0075] The stiffening element 6 is formed starting from the folding of a blank made of cardboard or paperboard.

[0076] With reference to Figure 13, the blank 6' is illustrated, from the bending of which the stiffening element 6 of Figure 10 is obtained.

[0077] The blank 6' comprises a first panel 60' designed to form the front wall 60 of the stiffening element 6, a pair of second panels 62' which extend from opposite sides of the first panel 60' and which are designed to define the connecting walls 62 of the stiffening element 6, a pair of third panels 61' which extend from opposite sides of the second panels 62' and which are designed to define the side walls 61 of the stiffening element 6.

[0078] The second panels 62' are separated from the first panel 60' at the respective first weakening line 7. The second panels 62' are separated from the respective third panels 61' at the respective second weakening line 8.

[0079] Furthermore, the blank 6' comprises a fourth panel 63' which extends from the first panel 60' and which is designed to define the bottom wall 63 of the stiffening element 6. The fourth panel 63' is separated from the first panel 60' at a folding line.

[0080] Finally, the blank 6' comprises the pair of fins 64 which extend from the third panels 61' and which are connected to the same at respective folding lines, respectively.

[0081] With reference to Figures 14-17, a third preferred embodiment of the stiffening element 6, alternative to that of Figures 6-9 and Figures 10-13, is described in the following.

[0082] With reference to Figures 14 and 15, each first weakening line 7 has a curved portion 7a and each second weakening line 8 has a curved portion 8a.

[0083] The curved portion 7a of each first weakening line 7 and the curved portion 8a of each second weakening line 8 is convex relative to the respective connecting wall 62. In other words, the front wall 60 and each side wall 61 define a concavity which extends towards the respective connecting wall 62.

[0084] In said embodiment, each first weakening line 7 and each second weakening line 8 is formed exclusively by the respective curved portion 7a, 7b.

[0085] Similarly, to the previously described embodiments, also said embodiment of the stiffening element 6 ensures holding of the group 2 of cigarettes at the central area of the wrapping 3 and at the same time the transversal sections of the wrapping 3 near the respective upper wall and the respective lower wall will be such as to create an interference with the container 4 and the lid 5.

[0086] In fact, with particular reference to Figure 16, in said embodiment the front wall 60 is convex (that is, curved towards the group 2 of cigarettes), the side walls 61 are convex (that is, curved towards the group 2 of cigarettes) and the connecting walls 62 are concave (that is, curved away from the group 2 of cigarettes): the front wall 60 and the side walls 61 ensure the holding of the group 2 of cigarettes at the central area of the wrapping 3.

[0087] Furthermore, the greater the radius of curvature of the curved portion 7a, 8a of each first weakening line 7 and of each second weakening line 8, the smaller the width L2 and / or the thickness W2 of the group 2 of cigarettes can be with respect to to the width L1 and / or the thickness W1 of the wrapping 3.

[0088] With further reference to Figure 15, the stiffening element 6 comprises a bottom wall 63 which is arranged between a lower face 23 of the group 2 of cigarettes and a bottom wall 33 of the wrapping 3.

[0089] Furthermore, the stiffening element 6 can comprise a pair of fins 64 each extending from a side wall 61 of the stiffening element 6 and which are arranged between an upper face 24 of the group 2 of cigarettes and an upper wall 34 of the wrapping 3.

[0090] Said pair of fins 64 acts as a support for the closure label 9, repeatedly facilitating the closure on the wrapping 3.

[0091] The stiffening element 6 is formed starting from the folding of a blank made of cardboard or paperboard.

[0092] With reference to Figure 17, the blank 6' is illustrated, from the bending of which the stiffening element 6 of Figure 14 is obtained.

[0093] The blank 6' comprises a first panel 60' designed to form the front wall 60 of the stiffening element 6, a pair of second panels 62' which extend from opposite sides of the first panel 60' and which are designed to define the connecting walls 62 of the stiffening element 6, a pair of third panels 61' which extend from opposite sides of the second panels 62' and which are designed to define the side walls 61 of the stiffening element 6.

[0094] The second panels 62' are separated from the first panel 60' at the respective first weakening line 7. The second panels 62' are separated from the respective third panels 61' at the respective second weakening line 8.

[0095] Furthermore, the blank 6' comprises a fourth panel 63' which extends from the first panel 60' and which is designed to define the bottom wall 63 of the stiffening element 6. The fourth panel 63' is separated from the first panel 60' at a folding line.

[0096] Finally, the blank 6' comprises the pair of fins 64 which extend from the third panels 61' and which are connected to the same at respective folding lines, respectively.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0018]Figures 1 and 2 denote, as a whole, a package 1 of smoking articles object of the present invention.

[0019]As already mentioned, in the following reference will be generally made to the specific example of "cigarettes" rather than to the more generic expression "smoking articles," without however losing generality regarding other types of articles (such as cigars, small cigars or cigarillos, electronic type or ecigs, auxiliary products such as filters, refills for ecigs and other products based on tobacco or alternative components or substitutes for tobacco).

[0020]The package 1 of cigarettes comprises a group 2 of cigarettes which has a front face 20, a rear face 21 and two lateral faces 22 (Figure 4). Furthermore, the group 2 of cigarettes comprises a lower face 23 and an upper face 24.

[0021]In other words, the group 2 of cigarettes has a substantially parallelepiped shape. The group 2 of cigarettes has a longitudinal extension axis that is parallel to the extension axis of th...

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This Patent Application claims priority from Italian Patent Application No. 102022000004307 filed on March 8, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a rigid package of smoking articles. In particular, the present invention relates to a rigid package of smoking articles which comprises a group of smoking articles contained in a wrapping and in which the volume occupied by the group of smoking articles is smaller than the containment volume of the wrapping.

[0003] The present invention finds advantageous application to a package of cigarettes, to which the following description will make explicit reference without thereby losing generality.

[0004] In this text, in fact, reference will be made generally to the specific example of "cigarettes" rather than to the more generic expression "smoking articles," without however losing generality regarding other types of articles (such as cigars, small cigars or cigarillos, electronic type or ecigs, auxiliary products such as filters, refills for ecigs and other products based on tobacco or alternative components or substitutes for tobacco).Prior Art

[0005] Rigid packages of cigarettes with hinged lids are the most popular packages of cigarettes on the market.

[0006] A rigid package of cigarettes with a hinged lid comprises: a group of smoking articles; a wrapping that wraps the group of smoking articles; a container that contains the wrapping and has an opening from which the wrapping protrudes; a lid that is hinged to the container and is movable to open and close the opening of the container.

[0007] Some of said packages comprise a collar, which is folded into a "U" shape and is attached (glued) inside the container to partially protrude from the opening of the container and engage a corresponding inner surface of the lid when the latter is in the closed position. The collar has precisely the function of ensuring an optimal closure of the lid on the container.

[0008] Another type of rigid package does not have the aforementioned collar and to ensure an optimal closure of the lid a stiffening element is provided, which is arranged in the wrapping so as to partially wrap the group of cigarettes. In that case, the wrapping containing the group of cigarettes must occupy the entire volume of the container otherwise the stiffening element will not be able to engage the lid in the closing position; consequently, an optimal closure of the package will not be obtained.

[0009] The most commonly available cigarettes on the market have a diameter of 8 mm. The blank for obtaining the container and the lid and the sheet for obtaining the wrapping are sized to package 10 or 20 cigarettes of said diameter.

[0010] In case is needed to package a group of cigarettes with a diameter different from the standard one (for example slightly smaller) or in a smaller number than the traditional groups of 10 or 20 cigarettes, it is necessary to replace the blank for obtaining the container and the lid and the sheet for obtaining the wrapping even if the difference is a few mm. In fact, if the wrapping did not occupy the entire volume of the container, the lid would tend to move away from the closed position, leaving the package always partially open.

[0011] Patent application US2017107047A1 describes a method for producing packages of cigarettes in which at least one size of a group of cigarettes does not correspond to the respective size of the inner space of the package and the small size of the group of cigarettes is compensated by the presence of a filler element.

[0012] Patent US7954635B2 describes a wrapping which encloses a group of cigarettes coupled to a "U"-shaped stiffening element, it is defined by a transparent plastic wrapping sheet folded directly around the group of cigarettes and in direct contact with the group of cigarettes, and is stabilized by heat sealing.Description of the Invention

[0013] The object of the present invention is to provide a rigid package of cigarettes of the type provided with a stiffening element which can be adapted in a simple and inexpensive manner to the packaging of cigarettes having a different gauge than the standard one.

[0014] In other words, it is an object of the present invention to provide a rigid package of cigarettes in which it is possible to package a group of cigarettes which does not entirely occupy the volume of the container but without requiring a change in the dimensions of the container and the lid.

[0015] According to the present invention a rigid package of smoking articles is provided as claimed in the appended claims.

[0016] The claims describe preferred embodiments of the present invention forming an integral part of the present description.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] The present invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate a non-limiting embodiment thereof, wherein: Figure 1 is a front perspective view in closed configuration of a rigid package of smoking articles according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a front perspective view in open configuration of the package of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a top plan view of the package of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the group of smoking articles contained in the package of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a front perspective view of the wrapping contained in the package of Figure 1; Figures 6 and 7 are a front view and a front perspective view of the stiffening element of the package of Figure 1, respectively; Figure 8 is a sectional view, along the section VIII-VIII, of the stiffening element of Figure 6; Figure 9 is a plan view of the blank for obtaining the stiffening element of Figure 6; Figures 10 and 11 are a front view and a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stiffening element of Figure 6, respectively; Figure 12 is a sectional view, along the section X-X, of the stiffening element of Figure 10; Figure 13 is a plan view of the blank for obtaining the stiffening element of Figure 10; Figures 14 and 15 are a front view and a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stiffening element of Figure 6 and of Figure 10, respectively; Figure 16 is a sectional view, along the section XIV-XIV, of the stiffening element of Figure 14; Figure 17 is a plan view of the blank for obtaining the stiffening element of Figure 14. Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

[0018] Figures 1 and 2 denote, as a whole, a package 1 of smoking articles object of the present invention.

[0019] As already mentioned, in the following reference will be generally made to the specific example of "cigarettes" rather than to the more generic expression "smoking articles," without however losing generality regarding other types of articles (such as cigars, small cigars or cigarillos, electronic type or ecigs, auxiliary products such as filters, refills for ecigs and other products based on tobacco or alternative components or substitutes for tobacco).

[0020] The package 1 of cigarettes comprises a group 2 of cigarettes which has a front face 20, a rear face 21 and two lateral faces 22 (Figure 4). Furthermore, the group 2 of cigarettes comprises a lower face 23 and an upper face 24.

[0021] In other words, the group 2 of cigarettes has a substantially parallelepiped shape. The group 2 of cigarettes has a longitudinal extension axis that is parallel to the extension axis of the package 1.

[0022] The package 1 of cigarettes comprises a wrapping 3 which wraps the group 2 of cigarettes and that has a front wall 30, a rear wall 31 and two side walls 32 (Figure 5). The wrapping 3 also comprises a bottom wall 33 and an upper wall 34.

[0023] The wrapping 3 has a substantially parallelepiped shape. The wrapping 3 has a longitudinal extension axis which is parallel to the extension axis of the group 2 of cigarettes.

[0024] According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the wrapping 3 is formed starting from a sheet of heat-sealable material. The sheet of heat-sealable material can be a sheet comprising at least one layer of plastic material or made on the inside of a plastic material or made of a compostable and / or biodegradable material.

[0025] The wrapping 3 is obtained by wrapping and sealing a sheet of heat-sealable material around a group 2 of cigarettes. In said embodiment, the wrapping 3 comprises an extraction opening for extracting the cigarettes from the wrapping 3. Furthermore, in said embodiment, the package 1 comprises a closure label 9 which is removably fixed (that is, which is detachable and fixable to the wrapping 3 several times) to the wrapping 3 to open and close the extraction opening of the wrapping 3.

[0026] According to alternative embodiments, the wrapping 3 can be made starting from a sheet of material, for example paper, wrapped around the group 2 of cigarettes. In that case, the wrapping 3 can comprise a tearable portion which is torn by the smoker upon the first opening of the package 1 to access the group 2 of cigarettes.

[0027] The package 1 comprises a container 4 which contains the wrapping 3 (and therefore the group 2 of cigarettes) and has an opening 45 from which the wrapping 3 protrudes and a lid 5 which is hinged to the container 4 and is movable to open and close the opening 45 of the container 4.

[0028] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-3, the container comprises a front wall 40, a rear wall 41 opposite and parallel to the front wall 40, a pair of side walls 42 orthogonal to the front wall 40 and to the rear wall 41, two pairs of connecting walls 43 which connect the side walls 42 to the front wall 40 and to the rear wall 41, respectively.

[0029] Furthermore, the container 4 comprises a bottom wall 44 which is opposite the opening 45.

[0030] The connecting walls 43 are arranged inclined relative to the front wall 40, the rear wall 41 and the side walls 42.

[0031] With further reference to Figures 1-3, the lid 5 comprises a front wall 50 (coplanar with the front wall 40 of the container 4), a rear wall 51 (coplanar with the rear wall 41 of the container 4) opposite and parallel to the front wall 50, a pair of side walls 52 (coplanar to the side walls 42 of the container 4) orthogonal to the front wall 50 and to the rear wall 51 and two pairs of connecting walls 53 (coplanar to the connecting walls 43 of the container 4) which connect the side walls 52 to the front wall 50 and to the rear wall 51, respectively.

[0032] The lid 5 also comprises an upper wall 54 and an opening 55 which is opposite the upper wall 54.

[0033] When the lid 5 is in the closed position (Figure 1), the upper wall 54 of the lid 5 is opposite and parallel to the bottom wall 44 of the container 4.

[0034] The lid 5 is hinged to the container 4 at a hinge line which connects the rear wall 51 of the lid 5 to the rear wall 41 of the container 4.

[0035] The container 4 and the lid 5 are obtained starting from a blank of wrapping material. Said blank is preferably made of cardboard or paperboard.

[0036] According to an embodiment not illustrated, the container 4 and the lid 5 could be devoid of the connecting walls 43, 53. In said case the container 4 and the lid 5 would have a rectangular cross section, with right or possibly rounded corners.

[0037] According to a further embodiment not illustrated, the container 4 and the lid 5 could provide only one of the two pairs of connecting walls 43, 53. In other words, according to a first embodiment they could comprise the pair of connecting walls 43, 53 which connect the side walls 42, 52 to the front wall 40, 50 and be devoid of the pair of connecting walls 43, 53 which connect the side walls 42, 52 to the rear wall 41, 51. According to a second embodiment they could comprise the pair of connecting walls 43, 53 which connect the side walls 42, 52 to the rear wall 41, 51 and be devoid of the pair of connecting walls 43, 53 which connect the side walls 42, 52 to the front wall 40, 50.

[0038] With reference to the package 1 object of the present invention, the group 2 of cigarettes has a width L2 and / or a thickness W2 smaller than the width L1 and / or the thickness W1 of the wrapping 3.

[0039] By "width" L1 of the wrapping 3 it is meant the length measured parallel to the front wall 30 of the wrapping 3 in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal extension of the wrapping 3. By "thickness" W1 of the wrapping 3 it is meant the length measured parallel to the side wall 32 of the wrapping 3 in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal extension of the wrapping 3.

[0040] By "width" L2 of the group 2 of cigarettes it is meant the length measured parallel to the front face 20 of the group 2 of cigarettes in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal extension of the group 2 of cigarettes. By "thickness" W2 of the group 2 of cigarettes it is meant the length measured parallel to the lateral face 22 of the group 2 of cigarettes in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal extension of the group 2 of cigarettes.

[0041] The package 1 comprises a stiffening element 6.

[0042] The stiffening element 6 is arranged inside the wrapping 3 (and at least partially wraps the group 2 of cigarettes). Furthermore, the stiffening element 6 is not visible from the outside of the wrapping 3, not even when the closure label 9, if any, is opened.

[0043] The stiffening element 6 comprises: a front wall 60 arranged between the front wall 30 of the wrapping 3 and the front face 20 of the group 2 of cigarettes; a pair of side walls 61 arranged between the side walls 32 of the wrapping 3 and the lateral faces 22 of the group 2 of cigarettes, respectively.

[0044] Furthermore, the stiffening element 6 comprises a pair of connecting walls 62 each connected to the front wall 60 at a first weakening line 7 and to the side wall 61 at a second weakening line 8.

[0045] At least one between the first weakening line 7 and the second weakening line 8 has at least one curved portion 7a, 8a.

[0046] The aforementioned shape of the stiffening element 6 provides for both holding the group 2 of cigarettes and ensuring the interference of the wrapping 3 with the container 4 and the lid 5.

[0047] In other words, the aforementioned shape of the stiffening element 6 allows at the same time to: hold the group 2 of cigarettes inside the wrapping 3 even though the group 2 of cigarettes is narrower and / or less thick than the wrapping 3 (this takes place at the transversal sections of the wrapping 3 in which a curvature of the first weakening line 7 and of the second weakening line 8 is performed - this aspect will be better described in the following); create interference between the wrapping 3 and the container 4 and the lid 5 thus ensuring complete closure of the lid 5 on the container 4 (this takes place at the transversal sections of the wrapping 3 in which there is no, or in any case reduced, curvature of the first weakening line 7 and of the second weakening line 8 - this aspect will be better described in the following).

[0048] It should be noted that the term "weakening line" means a crease and / or cut and / or partial cut line along which the bending and deformation of the material is facilitated.

[0049] According to Figures 6-9, a first preferred embodiment of the stiffening element 6 is described in the following.

[0050] With reference to Figures 6 and 7, each first weakening line 7 has a curved portion 7a and each second weakening line 8 is straight.

[0051] The curved portion 7a of each first weakening line 7 is concave relative to the respective connecting wall 62. In other words, each connecting wall 62 defines a concavity which extends towards the front wall 60.

[0052] In said embodiment, in which the curved portion 7a of each first weakening line 7 is comprised between two straight portions 7b.

[0053] With said embodiment of the stiffening element 6, holding of the group 2 of cigarettes at the central area of the wrapping 3 is ensured and at the same time the transversal sections of the wrapping 3 next to the respective upper wall and of the respective bottom will be such as to create an interference with the container 4 and the lid 5.

[0054] In fact, with particular reference to Figure 8, in said embodiment the front wall 60 is concave (that is, curved away from the group 2 of cigarettes) and the connecting walls 62 are convex (that is, curved towards the group 2 of cigarettes): they ensure holding of the group 2 of cigarettes in the central area of the wrapping 3.

[0055] Furthermore, the greater the radius of curvature of the curved portion 7a of each first weakening line 7, the smaller the width L2 and / or the thickness W2 of the group 2 of cigarettes can be with respect to the width L1 and / or the thickness W1 of the wrapping 3.

[0056] With further reference to Figures 6 and 7, the stiffening element 6 comprises a bottom wall 63 which is arranged between a lower face 23 of the group 2 of cigarettes and a bottom wall 33 of the wrapping 3.

[0057] Furthermore, the stiffening element 6 can comprise a pair of fins 64 each extending from a side wall 61 of the stiffening element 6 and which are arranged between an upper face 24 of the group 2 of cigarettes and an upper wall 34 of the wrapping 3.

[0058] Said pair of fins 64 acts as a support for the closure label 9, repeatedly facilitating the closure on the wrapping 3.

[0059] The stiffening element 6 is formed starting from the folding of a blank made of cardboard or paperboard.

[0060] With reference to Figure 9, the blank 6' is illustrated, from the folding of which the stiffening element 6 of Figure 6 is obtained.

[0061] The blank 6' comprises a first panel 60' designed to form the front wall 60 of the stiffening element 6, a pair of second panels 62' which extend from opposite sides of the first panel 60' and which are designed to define the connecting walls 62 of the stiffening element 6, a pair of third panels 61' which extend from opposite sides of the second panels 62' and which are designed to define the side walls 61 of the stiffening element 6.

[0062] The second panels 62' are separated from the first panel 60' at the respective first weakening line 7. The second panels 62' are separated from the respective third panels 61' at the respective second weakening line 8.

[0063] Furthermore, the blank 6' comprises a fourth panel 63' which extends from the first panel 60' and which is designed to define the bottom wall 63 of the stiffening element 6. The fourth panel 63' is separated from the first panel 60' at a folding line.

[0064] Finally, the blank 6' comprises the pair of fins 64 which extend from the third panels 61' and which are connected to the same at respective folding lines, respectively.

[0065] With reference to Figures 10-13, a second preferred embodiment of the stiffening element 6, alternative to that of Figures 6-9, is described in the following.

[0066] With reference to Figures 10 and 11, each first weakening line 7 is straight and each second weakening line 8 has a curved portion 8a.

[0067] The curved portion 8a of each second weakening line 8 is concave relative to the respective connecting wall 62. In other words, each connecting wall 62 defines a concavity which extends towards the respective side wall 61.

[0068] In said embodiment, the curved portion 8a of each second weakening line 8 is comprised between two straight portions 8b.

[0069] Similarly, to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6-9, also said embodiment of the stiffening element 6 ensures holding of the group 2 of cigarettes at the central area of the wrapping 3 and at the same time the transversal sections of the wrapping 3 near the respective upper wall and the respective lower wall will be such as to create an interference with the container 4 and the lid 5.

[0070] In fact, with particular reference to Figure 12, in said embodiment the front wall 60 is concave (that is, curved away from the group 2 of cigarettes) and the connecting walls 62 are convex (that is, curved towards the group 2 of cigarettes): they ensure holding of the group 2 of cigarettes in the central area of the wrapping 3.

[0071] Furthermore, the greater the radius of curvature of the curved portion 8a of each second weakening line 8, the smaller the width L2 and / or the thickness W2 of the group 2 of cigarettes can be with respect to the width L1 and / or the thickness W1 of the wrapping 3.

[0072] With further reference to Figure 11, the stiffening element 6 comprises a bottom wall 63 which is arranged between a lower face 23 of the group 2 of cigarettes and a bottom wall 33 of the wrapping 3.

[0073] Furthermore, the stiffening element 6 can comprise a pair of fins 64 each extending from a side wall 61 of the stiffening element 6 and which are arranged between an upper face 24 of the group 2 of cigarettes and an upper wall 34 of the wrapping 3.

[0074] Said pair of fins 64 acts as a support for the closure label 9, repeatedly facilitating the closure on the wrapping 3.

[0075] The stiffening element 6 is formed starting from the folding of a blank made of cardboard or paperboard.

[0076] With reference to Figure 13, the blank 6' is illustrated, from the bending of which the stiffening element 6 of Figure 10 is obtained.

[0077] The blank 6' comprises a first panel 60' designed to form the front wall 60 of the stiffening element 6, a pair of second panels 62' which extend from opposite sides of the first panel 60' and which are designed to define the connecting walls 62 of the stiffening element 6, a pair of third panels 61' which extend from opposite sides of the second panels 62' and which are designed to define the side walls 61 of the stiffening element 6.

[0078] The second panels 62' are separated from the first panel 60' at the respective first weakening line 7. The second panels 62' are separated from the respective third panels 61' at the respective second weakening line 8.

[0079] Furthermore, the blank 6' comprises a fourth panel 63' which extends from the first panel 60' and which is designed to define the bottom wall 63 of the stiffening element 6. The fourth panel 63' is separated from the first panel 60' at a folding line.

[0080] Finally, the blank 6' comprises the pair of fins 64 which extend from the third panels 61' and which are connected to the same at respective folding lines, respectively.

[0081] With reference to Figures 14-17, a third preferred embodiment of the stiffening element 6, alternative to that of Figures 6-9 and Figures 10-13, is described in the following.

[0082] With reference to Figures 14 and 15, each first weakening line 7 has a curved portion 7a and each second weakening line 8 has a curved portion 8a.

[0083] The curved portion 7a of each first weakening line 7 and the curved portion 8a of each second weakening line 8 is convex relative to the respective connecting wall 62. In other words, the front wall 60 and each side wall 61 define a concavity which extends towards the respective connecting wall 62.

[0084] In said embodiment, each first weakening line 7 and each second weakening line 8 is formed exclusively by the respective curved portion 7a, 7b.

[0085] Similarly, to the previously described embodiments, also said embodiment of the stiffening element 6 ensures holding of the group 2 of cigarettes at the central area of the wrapping 3 and at the same time the transversal sections of the wrapping 3 near the respective upper wall and the respective lower wall will be such as to create an interference with the container 4 and the lid 5.

[0086] In fact, with particular reference to Figure 16, in said embodiment the front wall 60 is convex (that is, curved towards the group 2 of cigarettes), the side walls 61 are convex (that is, curved towards the group 2 of cigarettes) and the connecting walls 62 are concave (that is, curved away from the group 2 of cigarettes): the front wall 60 and the side walls 61 ensure the holding of the group 2 of cigarettes at the central area of the wrapping 3.

[0087] Furthermore, the greater the radius of curvature of the curved portion 7a, 8a of each first weakening line 7 and of each second weakening line 8, the smaller the width L2 and / or the thickness W2 of the group 2 of cigarettes can be with respect to to the width L1 and / or the thickness W1 of the wrapping 3.

[0088] With further reference to Figure 15, the stiffening element 6 comprises a bottom wall 63 which is arranged between a lower face 23 of the group 2 of cigarettes and a bottom wall 33 of the wrapping 3.

[0089] Furthermore, the stiffening element 6 can comprise a pair of fins 64 each extending from a side wall 61 of the stiffening element 6 and which are arranged between an upper face 24 of the group 2 of cigarettes and an upper wall 34 of the wrapping 3.

[0090] Said pair of fins 64 acts as a support for the closure label 9, repeatedly facilitating the closure on the wrapping 3.

[0091] The stiffening element 6 is formed starting from the folding of a blank made of cardboard or paperboard.

[0092] With reference to Figure 17, the blank 6' is illustrated, from the bending of which the stiffening element 6 of Figure 14 is obtained.

[0093] The blank 6' comprises a first panel 60' designed to form the front wall 60 of the stiffening element 6, a pair of second panels 62' which extend from opposite sides of the first panel 60' and which are designed to define the connecting walls 62 of the stiffening element 6, a pair of third panels 61' which extend from opposite sides of the second panels 62' and which are designed to define the side walls 61 of the stiffening element 6.

[0094] The second panels 62' are separated from the first panel 60' at the respective first weakening line 7. The second panels 62' are separated from the respective third panels 61' at the respective second weakening line 8.

[0095] Furthermore, the blank 6' comprises a fourth panel 63' which extends from the first panel 60' and which is designed to define the bottom wall 63 of the stiffening element 6. The fourth panel 63' is separated from the first panel 60' at a folding line.

[0096] Finally, the blank 6' comprises the pair of fins 64 which extend from the third panels 61' and which are connected to the same at respective folding lines, respectively.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0018]Figures 1 and 2 denote, as a whole, a package 1 of smoking articles object of the present invention.

[0019]As already mentioned, in the following reference will be generally made to the specific example of "cigarettes" rather than to the more generic expression "smoking articles," without however losing generality regarding other types of articles (such as cigars, small cigars or cigarillos, electronic type or ecigs, auxiliary products such as filters, refills for ecigs and other products based on tobacco or alternative components or substitutes for tobacco).

[0020]The package 1 of cigarettes comprises a group 2 of cigarettes which has a front face 20, a rear face 21 and two lateral faces 22 (Figure 4). Furthermore, the group 2 of cigarettes comprises a lower face 23 and an upper face 24.

[0021]In other words, the group 2 of cigarettes has a substantially parallelepiped shape. The group 2 of cigarettes has a longitudinal extension axis that is parallel to the extension axis of th...

Claims

1. A rigid (1) package of smoking articles, comprising: a group (2) of smoking articles having a front face (20), a rear face (21) and two lateral faces (22); a wrapping (3) which wraps the group (2) of smoking articles and which has a front wall (30), a rear wall (31) and two side walls (32); a container (4) which contains the wrapping (3) and has an opening (45) from which the wrapping (3) protrudes; a lid (5) which is hinged to the container (4) and is movable to open and close the opening (45) of the container (4); a stiffening element (6) which is arranged inside the wrapping (3) and which comprises: a front wall (60) arranged between the front wall (30) of the wrapping (3) and the front face (20) of the group (2) of smoking articles; a pair of side walls (61) arranged between the side walls (32) of the wrapping (3) and the lateral faces (22) of the group (2) of smoking articles, respectively; the package (1) being characterized in that: the group (2) of smoking articles has a width (L2) and / or a thickness (W2) smaller than the width (l1) and / or thickness (W1) of the wrapping (3); the stiffening element (6) comprises a pair of connecting walls (62) each connected to the front wall (60) at a first weakening line (7) and to the side wall (61) at a second weakening line (8); at least one of the first weakening line (7) and the second weakening line (8) has at least one curved portion (7a, 8a).

2. The package (1) according to claim 1, wherein each first weakening line (7) is straight and each second weakening line (8) has the at least one curved portion (8a).

3. The package (1) according to claim 1, wherein each first weakening line (7) has the at least one curved portion (7a) and each second weakening line (8) is straight.

4. The package (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the at least one curved portion (7a) of each first weakening line (7) or the at least one curved portion (8a) of each second weakening line (8) is concave with respect to the respective connecting wall (62).

5. The package (1) according to claim 1, wherein each first weakening line (7) and each second weakening line (8) has at least one curved portion (7a, 8a).

6. The package (1) according to claim 5, wherein the at least one curved portion (7a) of each first weakening line (7) and the at least one curved portion (8a) of each second weakening line (8) is convex with respect to the respective connecting wall (62).

7. The package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first weakening line (7) and / or the second weakening line (8) has the at least one curved portion (7a, 8a) comprised between two straight portions (7b, 8b).

8. The package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stiffening element (6) comprises a bottom wall (63) which is arranged between a lower face (23) of the group (2) of smoking articles and a bottom wall (33) of the wrapping (3).

9. The package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stiffening element (6) comprises a pair of fins (64) each extending from a sidewall (61) of the stiffening element (6) and which are arranged between an upper face (24) of the group (2) of smoking articles and an upper wall (34) of the wrapping (3).

10. The package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (4) and the lid (5) each comprise: a front wall (40, 50); a rear wall (41, 51) opposite and parallel to the front wall (40, 50); a pair of side walls (42, 52) perpendicular to the front wall (40, 50) and to the rear wall (41, 51); two pairs of connecting walls (43, 53) which connect the side walls (42, 52) to the front wall (40, 50) and to the rear wall (41, 51).

11. The package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wrapping (3) is formed starting from a sheet of heat-sealable material and comprises an extraction opening for extracting the smoking articles from the wrapping (3); and wherein the package (1) comprises a closing label (9) which is fixed to the wrapping (3) in a removable manner to open and close the extraction opening of the wrapping (3).

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