Hinged-lid pack and method of manufacturing a hinged-lid pack
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2024709490
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-02-22
- Filing Date
- 2024-02-21
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-31
AI Technical Summary
Existing hinged-lid packs for delivery systems lack a clear indication of whether the lid has been previously opened, which can lead to tampering concerns and user confusion.
Incorporating a line of weakness, such as a tear tape or tab, in the side walls that breaks when the lid is first opened, providing a visible or tactile indication when the lid is subsequently closed, and optionally using a permanent adhesive to fix the tab to both the lid and base portions for enhanced visibility.
The solution ensures tamper evidence by clearly indicating if the lid has been previously opened, enhancing security and user awareness, while also providing audial or resistive feedback for the first opening event.
Smart Images

Figure GB2024050474_29082024_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] HINGED-LID PACK AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A HINGED-LID PACK
[0002] Technical Field
[0003] The present invention relates to a hinged-lid pack for delivery systems and a method of manufacturing a hinged-lid pack for delivery systems.
[0004] Background
[0005] Smoking articles, such as cigarettes, are sold in packages. Known packages often comprise an outer carton made from cardboard which has a base and a hinged lid. The base typically receives a tobacco industry product and the lid is rotatable relative to the base between open and closed positions.
[0006] Summary
[0007] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a hinged-lid pack for delivery systems, the hinged-lid pack comprising a base and a lid rotatable relative to each other about a hinge line formed in a rear wall of the pack between open and closed positions, the lid and the base meeting in a closed position at a line of juncture that extends from each end of the hinge line in respective side walls and across a front wall of the pack, the line of juncture separating each side wall into a lid portion and a base portion, wherein only at least one side wall comprises a line of weakness configured to be broken to allow the lid to be rotated about the hinge line into an open position for the first time to provide an indication that the lid has previously been rotated into an open position when the lid is subsequently closed. The line of weakness may be in alignment with the line of juncture when the lid is in the closed position.
[0008] The line of weakness may comprise a tear tape formed in the at least one side wall. The tear tap may comprise a tab to enable tearing of the tear tape.
[0009] Only each side wall may comprise a line of weakness.
[0010] The at least one side wall may comprise a tab.
[0011] Each side wall may comprise a tab. The tab maybe fixed to an inside surface of the base portion and lid portion, said line of weakness may be formed in the tab such that the tab breaks when the lid is rotated about the hinge line into an open position for the first time to provide an indication that the lid has previously been rotated into an open position when the lid is subsequently closed.
[0012] A portion of the tab may be fixed to the inside surface of the base portion and another portion of the tab may be fixed to the inside surface of the lid portion.
[0013] The tab may be fixed to the inside surface of the base portion and lid portion via a permanent adhesive.
[0014] The line of weakness in the tab may be spaced from the line of juncture such that a part of the tab protrudes from the base portion or lid portion when the lid is in the open position.
[0015] The part of the tab protruding from the base portion or lid portion may be provided with indicia.
[0016] The line of weakness may be configured to provide audial or resistive feedback when the lid is rotated about the hinge into an open position for the first time.
[0017] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of manufacturing a hinged-lid pack for delivery systems, the method comprising: providing a base and a lid rotatable relative to each other about a hinge line formed in a rear wall of the pack between open and closed positions, the lid and the base meeting in a closed position at a line of juncture that extends from each end of the hinge line in respective side walls and across a front wall of the pack, the line of juncture separating each side wall into a lid portion and a base portion; and forming a line of weakness in at least one side wall between the lid portion and the base portion that breaks to allow the lid to be rotated about the hinge line into an open position for the first time to provide an indication that the lid has previously been rotated into an open position when the lid is subsequently closed. The step of forming the line of weakness may comprise aligning the line of weakness with the line of juncture when the lid is in a closed position.
[0018] The line of weakness may comprise a tear tape formed in the at least one side wall.
[0019] The tear tap may comprise a tab to enable tearing of the tear tape.
[0020] The method may comprise forming a line of weakness only in each side wall. The method may comprise providing the at least one side wall with a tab.
[0021] The method may comprise providing each side wall with a tab.
[0022] The method may comprise fixing the tab to an inside surface of the base portion and lid portion. The step of forming the line of weakness may comprise forming the line of weakness in the tab such that the tab breaks when the lid is rotated about the hinge line into an open position for the first time to provide an indication that the lid has previously been rotated into an open position when the lid is subsequently closed. The step of fixing the tab to an inside surface of the base portion and lid portion may comprise fixing a portion of the tab to the inside surface of the base portion and fixing another portion of the tab to the inside surface of the lid portion.
[0023] The step of fixing the tab to an inside surface of the base portion and lid portion may comprise fixing the tab via a permanent adhesive.
[0024] The step of forming the line of weakness in the tab may comprise spacing the line of weakness from the line of juncture such that a part of the tab protrudes from the base portion or lid portion when the lid is in the open position.
[0025] The method may comprising providing the part of the tab protruding from the base portion or lid portion with indicia.
[0026] The method may comprise configuring the line of weakness to provide audial or resistive feedback when the lid is rotated about the hinge into an open position for the first time. Brief Description of the Drawings
[0027] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an isometric view of a hinged-lid pack according to an embodiment of the invention with the lid in the closed position;
[0028] Figure 2 is an isometric view of the hinged-lid pack shown in Figure 1 with the lid in the open position;
[0029] Figure 3 is an isometric view of a hinged-lid pack according to another embodiment of the invention with the lid in the closed position;
[0030] Figure 4 is an isometric view of the hinged-lid pack shown in Figure 3 with the lid in the open position;
[0031] Figure 5 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the hinged-lid pack shown in Figure 3 with the lid in the open position; and Figure 6 is a flow diagram of method steps of a method of manufacturing a hinged-lid pack according to embodiments of the invention.
[0032] Detailed Description
[0033] As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, and includes: combustible aerosol provision systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own or for make-your-own cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable material); non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosol-generating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials; and aerosol-free delivery systems that deliver the at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine. According to the present disclosure, a “combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.
[0034] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo and a cigar.
[0035] According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.
[0036] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.
[0037] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.
[0038] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosolgenerating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.
[0039] Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non- combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non- combustible aerosol provision device. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a noncombustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.
[0040] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent.
[0041] In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol-modifying agent.
[0042] In some embodiments, the delivery system is an aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.
[0043] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material that is not intended to be aerosolised. As appropriate, either material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.
[0044] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance.
[0045] The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.
[0046] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.
[0047] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.
[0048] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like. Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint maybe chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Mentha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.
[0049] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel. In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour.
[0050] As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang- ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They maybe imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and / or peppermint.
[0051] In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and / or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.
[0052] In some embodiments, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucalyptol, WS-3. Figure 1 illustrates a hinged-lid pack 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The pack 1 comprises a base 2 and a lid 3 hingedly connected to the base 2 along a hinge line (not shown) formed in a rear wall of the pack 1 in order to allow the pack to be opened and closed. When the lid 3 is in a closed position, the lid 3 meets the base 2 at a line of juncture 4 that extends from each end of the hinge line in respective side walls 5 of the pack 1 and across a front wall of the pack 1. The line of juncture 4 separates each side wall 5 into a lid portion 6 and a base portion 7. Figure 2 illustrates the pack 1 shown in Figure 1 with the lid in the open position. It will be appreciated that the base 2 forms a delivery system receiving space in which delivery systems 8 (shown in Figure 2) such as smoking articles or other tobacco industry products are received and stored. The delivery systems 8 are accessible when the lid 3 is in an open position, and the delivery systems 8 are retained in the delivery system receiving space when the lid 3 is in a closed position. Typically, the delivery systems 8 are wrapped in a bundle 9 (shown in Figure 2). Only at least one side wall 5 comprises a line of weakness 10 between the lid portion 6 and the base portion 7. In some embodiments, only each side wall 5 of the pack 1 comprises a line of weakness 10. It is to be understood that the term “only at least one side wall” or “only each side wall” means that the line of weakness 10 is only present in either one of the side walls 5 or both side walls 5. In other words, there is no line of weakness across the front wall of the pack between the lid and the base. The line of weakness 10 is configured to be broken to allow the lid 3 to be rotated about the hinge line into an open position for the first time. Thus, the line of weakness 10 provides an indication that the lid 3 has previously been rotated into an open position when the lid
[0053] 3 is subsequently closed. In other words, the line of weakness 10 acts as a tamper evidence feature. In some embodiments, the line of weakness 10 is configured to provide audial or resistive feedback when the lid 3 is rotated about the hinge line into an open position for the first time. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the line of weakness 10 is in alignment with the line of juncture 4 when the lid 3 is in a closed position.
[0054] In some embodiments, the line of weakness 10 comprises a tear tape formed in the at least one side wall 5 of the pack 1. It is to be appreciated that the tear tape may comprise a tab to enable tearing of the tear tape. When the line of weakness 10 comprises a tear tape, a consumer is unable to open the pack 1 until the tear tape is removed. Once removed, the consumer is able to rotate the lid 3 into an open position. Additionally, once removed from the pack 1, it is clear to a consumer that the pack 1 has been previously opened as the tear tape leaves a gap between the lid portion 6 and base portion 7 of the side wall 5. Alternatively, the line of weakness 10 may be formed from perforations in the material of the pack 1.
[0055] Figure 3 illustrates a hinged-lid pack according to another embodiment of the invention. Here, the at least one side wall 5 comprises a tab 11. The tab 11 is fixed to an inside surface of the lid portion 6 and base portion 7 of the at least one side wall 5. In other embodiments, each of the side walls 5 comprises a tab 11. Figure 4 shows the pack 1 of Figure 3 with the lid 3 in the open position. As seen, the line of weakness 10 is formed in the tab 11. When the lid 3 is rotated into an open position for the first time, the tab 11 breaks along the line of weakness 10 and provides an indication that the lid 3 has previously been rotated into an open position when the lid 3 is subsequently closed. A portion 12 of the tab 11 is fixed to the inside surface of the base portion 7. Another portion 13 of the tab 11 is fixed to the inside surface of the lid portion 6. The portions 12, 13 of the tab 11 may be fixed to the lid portion 6 and base portion 7 by any suitable means. Preferably, the tab 11 is fixed to an inside surface of the lid portion 6 and base portion 7 via a permanent adhesive. It is to be appreciated that the tab 11 is fixed to the lid portion 6 and base portion 7 such that when the lid 3 is rotated about the hinge line for the first time, the portions 12, 13 of the tab 11 remain attached to the inside surface of the lid portion 6 and base portion 7 and therefore the tab 11 breaks along the line of weakness 10.
[0056] As seen in Figure 4, the line of weakness 10 in the tab 11 is spaced from the line of juncture 4. Therefore, when the lid 3 is in the open position, a part 14 of the tab 11 protrudes from the base portion 7. In an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 5, the line of weakness 10 is spaced from the line of juncture 4 such that a part 14 of the tab 11 protrudes from the lid portion 6 when the lid 3 is in the open position. In some embodiments, the part 14 of the tab 11 which protrudes from the lid portion 6 or base portion 7 when the lid 3 is in the open position is provided with indicia. The indicia may communicate information to a consumer, such as a message stating that the pack 1 has been previously opened.
[0057] Furthermore, it is to be appreciated that as an alternative, the tab 11 may be fixed to an outside surface of the at least one side wall 5. In an embodiment such as this, it is more obvious to a consumer that the pack 1 has been previously opened as the broken tab is external to the pack 1 and thus visible to a consumer.
[0058] Figure 6 illustrates a flow chart showing method steps of a method of manufacturing a hinged-lid pack according to embodiments of the invention. The method comprises a first step Si of providing a base and a lid rotatable relative to each other about a hinge line formed in a rear wall of the pack between open and closed positions. The lid and the base meeting in a closed position at a line of juncture that extends from each end of the hinge line in respective side walls and separates each side wall into a lid portion and a base portion. The method comprises a second step S2 of forming a line of weakness in at least 1 side wall between the lid portion and the base portion that breaks to allow the lid to be rotated about the hinge line into an open position for the first time to provide an indication that the lid has previously been rotated into an open position when the lid is subsequently closed. The second step S2 of forming the line of weakness may comprise aligning the line of weakness with the line of juncture when the lid is in the closed position. As described above, the line of weakness may comprise a tear tape formed in the at least one side wall. The tear tape may comprise a tab to enable tearing of the tear tape.
[0059] In some embodiments, the method further comprises a third step S3 of providing at least one side wall with a tab, or alternatively, providing each side wall with a tab. Additionally, the method may further comprise a fourth step S4 of fixing the tab to an inside surface of the base portion and the lid portion. In this case, the second step S2 of forming the line of weakness may comprise forming the line of weakness in the tab such that the tab breaks when the lid is rotated about the hinge line into an open position for the first time to provide an indication that the lid has previously been rotated into an open position when the lid is subsequently closed. Furthermore, the fourth step S4 of fixing the tab to an inside surface of the base portion and lid portion may comprise fixing a portion of the tab to the inside surface of the base portion and fixing another portion of the tab to the inside surface of the lid portion. Moreover, this fourth step S4 may also comprise fixing the tab via a permanent adhesive.
[0060] In some embodiments, the second step S2 of forming the line of weakness comprises spacing the line of weakness from the line of juncture such that a part of the tab protrudes from the base portion or lid portion when the lid is in the open position. The method may comprise a fifth step S5 of providing the part of the tab protruding from the base portion or lid portion with indicia.
[0061] Finally, the method may comprise a sixth step S6 of configuring the line of weakness to provide audial or resistive feedback when the lid is rotated about the hinge into an open position for the first time. The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.
Claims
Claims1. A hinged-lid pack for delivery systems, the hinged-lid pack comprising a base and a lid rotatable relative to each other about a hinge line formed in a rear wall of the pack between open and closed positions, the lid and the base meeting in a closed position at a line of juncture that extends from each end of the hinge line in respective side walls and across a front wall of the pack, the line of juncture separating each side wall into a lid portion and a base portion, wherein only at least one side wall comprises a line of weakness configured to be broken to allow lid to be rotated about the hinge line into an open position for the first time to provide an indication that the lid has previously been rotated into an open position when the lid is subsequently closed.
2. A hinged-lid pack according to claim 1, wherein the line of weakness is in alignment with the line of juncture when the lid is in a closed position.
3. A hinged-lid pack according to claim 2, wherein the line of weakness comprises a tear tape formed in the at least one side wall.
4. A hinged-lid pack according to claim 3, wherein the tear tape comprises a tab to enable tearing of the tear tape.
5. A hinged-lid pack according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein only each side wall comprises a line of weakness.
6. A hinged-lid pack according to claim 1, wherein the at least one side wall comprises a tab.
7. A hinged-lid pack according to claim 6, wherein each side wall comprises a tab.
8. A hinged-lid pack according to claims 6 or 7, wherein the tab is fixed to an inside surface of the base portion and lid portion, said line of weakness being formed in the tab such that the tab breaks when the lid is rotated about the hinge line into an open position for the first time to provide an indication that the lid has previously been rotated into an open position when the lid is subsequently closed.
9. A hinged-lid pack according to claim 8, wherein a portion of the tab is fixed to the inside surface of the base portion and another portion of the tab is fixed to the inside surface of the lid portion. io. A hinged-lid pack according to claims 8 or 9, wherein the tab is fixed to the inside surface of the base portion and lid portion via a permanent adhesive.
11. A hinged-lid pack according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the line of weakness in the tab is spaced from the line of juncture such that a part of the tab protrudes from the base portion or lid portion when the lid is in the open position.
12. A hinged-lid pack according to claim 11, wherein the part of the tab protruding from the base portion or lid portion is provided with indicia.
13. A hinged-lid pack according to any preceding claim, wherein the line of weakness is configured to provide audial or resistive feedback when the lid is rotated about the hinge into an open position for the first time.
14. A method of manufacturing a hinged-lid pack for delivery systems, the method comprising: providing a base and a lid rotatable relative to each other about a hinge line formed in a rear wall of the pack between open and closed positions, the lid and the base meeting in a closed position at a line of juncture that extends from each end of the hinge line in respective side walls and across a front wall of the pack, the line of juncture separating each side wall into a lid portion and a base portion; and forming a line of weakness only in at least one side wall between the lid portion and the base portion that breaks to allow the lid to be rotated about the hinge line into an open position for the first time to provide an indication that the lid has previously been rotated into an open position when the lid is subsequently closed.
15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the step of forming the line of weakness comprises aligning the line of weakness with the line of juncture when the lid is in a closed position.
16. A method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the line of weakness comprises a tear tape formed in the at least one side wall.17- A method according to claim 16, wherein the tear tape comprises a tab to enable tearing of the tear tape.
18. A method according to any of claims 14 to 17, wherein the method comprises forming a line of weakness only in each side wall of the pack.
19. A method according to claim 14, comprising providing the at least one side wall with a tab.
20. A method according to claim 19, comprising providing each side wall with a tab.
21. A method according to claims 19 or 20, comprising fixing the tab to an inside surface of the base portion and lid portion, and wherein the step of forming the line of weakness comprises forming the line of weakness in the tab such that the tab breaks when the lid is rotated about the hinge line into an open position for the first time to provide an indication that the lid has previously been rotated into an open position when the lid is subsequently closed.
22. A method according to claim 21, wherein the step of fixing the tab to an inside surface of the base portion and lid portion comprises fixing a portion of the tab to the inside surface of the base portion and fixing another portion of the tab to the inside surface of the lid portion.
23. A method according to claims 21 or 22, wherein the step of fixing the tab to an inside surface of the base portion and lid portion comprises fixing the tab via a permanent adhesive.
24. A method according to claims 21 to 23, wherein the step of forming the line of weakness in the tab comprises spacing the line of weakness from the line of juncture such that a part of the tab protrudes from the base portion or lid portion when the lid is in the open position.
25. A method according to claim 24, comprising providing the part of the tab protruding from the base portion or lid portion with indicia.
26. A method according to any of claims 14 to 25, comprising configuring the line of weakness to provide audial or resistive feedback when the lid is rotated about the hinge into an open position for the first time.