Hinge-lid container for consumer goods and method of forming the same - Patents.com

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hinge-lid container (10) for consumer goods, the container (10) defining an inner surface and an outer surface. The hinge-lid container (10) comprises a box (14) for containing consumer goods. The hinge-lid container (10) also comprises a lid (16) hinged to the box along a hinge (17) and movable about the hinge (17) between a closed position and an operative position. The hinge (17) includes a line of weakness (27) realized on the outer surface, the line of weakness (27) having a width between 0.1 millimeters and 1 millimeter. The hinge-lid container (10) also comprises a conductive trace (50) provided on the outer surface, the line of weakness (27) passing through and interrupting the conductive trace (50). The conductive traces (50) form a closed circuit when the lid (16) is in the operating position, and the conductive traces (50) form an open circuit when the lid (16) is in the closed position.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hinge-lid container for consumer goods. The present invention also relates to a method of forming the hinge-lid container. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known that sensors or electronic components can be added to containers for consumer goods, such as containers of aerosol-forming goods. These sensors or components can be, for example, light sources, sound sources, heating sources, communication elements, humidity sensors, temperature sensors, etc. These sensors or components need to be activated only at certain moments of the use of the container. For example, light sources or sound sources need to be activated only when the container is opened to remove the consumer goods contained therein. Furthermore, the sensors and components may need to be connected to an energy source. In known containers, meeting the above requirements may require complex semiconductors printed on the container, or solutions in special formats. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] It would be desirable to provide a container for a consumer item that has a sensor or electrical or electronic component that is easily energized.It would be desirable to provide a container for a consumer item that can be easily manufactured using existing high speed techniques and equipment with minimal modifications. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to one aspect, the invention relates to a hinged lid container for consumer goods, the container defining an inner surface and an outer surface. The hinged lid container preferably comprises a box for containing the consumer goods. The hinged lid container preferably comprises a lid hinged to the box along a hinge and movable about the hinge between a closed position and an operative position. The hinge preferably comprises a line of weakness realised on the outer surface. The line of weakness preferably has a width between 0.1 millimetres and 1 millimetre. The hinged lid container preferably comprises a conductive trace provided on the outer surface, the line of weakness passing through and interrupting the conductive trace. Preferably, the conductive trace forms a closed circuit when the lid is in the operative position and the conductive trace forms an open circuit when the lid is in the closed position.

[0005] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a hinged lid container for consumer goods, the container defining an inner surface and an outer surface. The hinged lid container comprises a box for containing the consumer goods. The hinged lid container also comprises a lid hinged to the box along a hinge and movable about the hinge between a closed position and an operative position. The hinge includes a line of weakness realized on the outer surface, the line of weakness having a width between 0.1 millimeters and 1 millimeter. The hinged lid container also comprises a conductive trace provided on the outer surface, the line of weakness passing through and interrupting the conductive trace. The conductive trace forms a closed circuit when the lid is in the operative position, and the conductive trace forms an open circuit when the lid is in the closed position. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective view of a container according to the present invention in a closed position with some elements removed. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a simplified perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 in an operating position with some elements removed. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 or 2 with further details in the closed position. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a first cross-sectional view of a portion of the container in the position of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a second cross-sectional view of a portion of the container in the position of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a side view of the container of FIGS. 1 to 3 in different positions. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a side view of the container of FIGS. 1 to 3 in a different position. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a side view of the container of FIGS. 1 to 3 in a different position. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the method steps for producing the container of FIGS. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the method steps for producing the container of FIGS. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the method steps for producing the container of FIGS. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the method steps for producing the container of FIGS. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the method steps for producing the container of FIGS. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] The hinged lid container comprises a box and a lid. The box preferably has a box front wall, a box rear wall, a box side wall, and a box base wall. The lid preferably has a lid front wall, a lid rear wall, a lid side wall, and a lid top wall. The lid is movable from a closed position to an operating position and vice versa. The lid being in the closed position means that the rear wall of the lid and the rear wall of the box are coplanar. Thus, in the closed position, the lid rear wall and the box rear wall form an angle between them equal to 180 degrees. Furthermore, when the lid is in the closed position, the conductive traces form an open circuit.

[0008] The container defines an inner surface positioned towards the article and an outer surface facing away from the article. The lid also defines an inner surface and an outer surface, the outer surface of the lid being the portion of the container's outer surface that belongs to the lid. The box also defines an inner surface and an outer surface, the outer surface of the box being the portion of the container's outer surface that belongs to the box.

[0009] The lid is hinged to the box along a hinge, which defines a hinge line that extends across the rear wall of the container. The lid can therefore rotate about the hinge line. By the lid in the operating position, it is meant that the lid rear wall and the box rear wall are not coplanar, but form a given angle between them that is different from 180 degrees. Furthermore, when the lid is in the operating position, the conductive trace forms a closed circuit. To reach the operating position, the lid rotates about the hinge by a given angle from a closed position, in which the conductive trace forms an open circuit. Thus, by "operating positions" it is meant a number of positions in which the lid has rotated about the hinge by a given angle. In each of the number of operating positions, there is an angle between the box rear wall and the lid rear wall that is different from 180 degrees. Preferably, in the operating position, the angle formed between the lid rear wall and the box rear wall is smaller than 165 degrees. Preferably, the angle formed between the lid rear wall and the box rear wall in the operative position is less than 150 degrees. Preferably, the angle formed between the lid rear wall and the box rear wall is less than 135 degrees. Preferably, the angle formed between the lid rear wall and the box rear wall for putting the lid in the operative position is comprised between 0 degrees and 165 degrees. When the angle is equal to 0 degrees, the lid rear wall and the box rear wall face each other and the outer surface of the lid rear wall contacts the outer surface of the box rear wall.

[0010] The first operating angle may be defined as the widest angle formed between the lid rear wall and the box rear wall at which the conductive circuit forms a closed circuit. The first operating angle is preferably equal to 165 degrees, more preferably equal to 150 degrees, and even more preferably equal to 135 degrees.

[0011] The lid may also define an "open position" in which a user may access items contained within the container. Starting from a closed position in which the lid rear wall and the box rear wall are coplanar, the first operational position is preferably reached at a first operational angle by rotating the lid about the hinge line. Continuing to rotate the lid reaches the open position at a second angle between the lid rear wall and the box rear wall, the second angle being less than the first operational angle.

[0012] The hinge-lid container may preferably be formed from a blank including a plurality of panels. To assemble the hinge-lid container, the blank is folded such that the panels of the blank can form the walls of the container. The manner in which the blank is folded depends on the desired geometric shape of the container. One portion of the blank, called the lid portion, is preferably folded to form a lid. Another portion of the blank, called the box portion, is preferably folded to form a box. For example, typically the container has the form of a parallelepiped. The blank is preferably folded such that when the lid is in the closed position the container defines a completely closed interior volume. Within the interior volume, consumer goods are preferably stored.

[0013] The container further comprises a hinge. The hinge defines a hinge line. The lid moves from an open position to a closed position and vice versa about the hinge line. When the lid is in the closed position, there is no rotation of the lid about the hinge line. The lid may rotate about the hinge line until an outer surface of the lid rear wall contacts an outer surface of the box rear wall.

[0014] According to the present invention, the hinge line comprises a line of weakness. More preferably, the line of weakness comprises a resection line or a score line. The line of weakness may be the same length as the hinge line. Preferably, the entire hinge line is made in the form of a line of weakness. In some embodiments of the present invention, the line of weakness may cover a portion of the hinge line, especially at the location where the conductive trace crosses the hinge line, so that the line of weakness passes through and interrupts the conductive trace. Thus, the line of weakness may be shorter than the hinge line. For example, the hinge line may comprise a first portion comprising the resection line and a second portion comprising the score line.

[0015] Preferably, the line of weakness comprises a straight line. Preferably, the line of weakness is parallel to the box base wall. Preferably, the line of weakness is parallel to the lid top wall.

[0016] The line of weakness is formed on the outer surface of the container. Preferably, the line of weakness is formed on the rear wall of the container. The line of weakness may involve removing material from specific locations within a portion of the rear wall of the container that defines the hinge line of the container.

[0017] For example, the line of weakness may be produced by precisely removing material from the rear wall of the container with a linear ablation tool (e.g., a laser or cutter). The line of weakness is preferably an ablation line. The ablation is preferably performed by a laser. Lasers are particularly preferred ablation tools because they are non-invasive and can be digitally programmed for improved and versatile designs. In particular, the use of a laser as the ablation tool can allow for a wide variety of ablation profiles and configurations with minimal adjustments required for the laser tool. Repeated passes of the ablation tool over a given portion of the rear wall remove a greater percentage of material and therefore result in a reduced residual thickness. In this way, the manufacturing process can be simplified. Laser ablation can be performed with any suitable instrument, preferably a 1000 watt CO laser commercially available from DIAMOND. 2 This can be obtained using a laser, for example an E-1000.

[0018] Preferably, a single line of weakness is formed, however, two or more lines of weakness may be formed at a given distance from each other along the same hinge line.

[0019] The line of weakness is preferably formed as a substantially V-shaped groove in the container. That is, the line of weakness has a substantially V-shaped cross-sectional profile in the rear wall when the lid is in the closed position. The V-shape is visible in a cross-section of the rear wall of the container that is substantially perpendicular to the outer surface of the rear wall. The cross-sectional profile of the resection line can be determined using an optical profile generated by a 2D non-contact surface profilometer, such as a MicroSpy(RTM) profile (commercially available from Fries Research&Technology GmbH, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany).

[0020] Furthermore, the width of the frailty line is 0.1 mm to 1 mm. More preferably, the width of the frailty line is at least 0.15 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the width of the frailty line may be less than 0.5 mm. More preferably, the width of the frailty line is less than 0.3 mm. In some preferred embodiments, the width of the frailty line is 0.1 mm to about 0.3 mm.

[0021] The line of weakness defines a first edge and a second edge, one in front of the other, on the outer surface of the container. The width of the line of weakness is measured as the distance between the first edge and the second edge on the outer surface of the container. The width of the line of weakness is measured when the lid is in the closed position. In this position, the width of the line of weakness is maximum. This is the position at which the width of the line of weakness is measured. The width of the line of weakness can be determined using a 2D and 3D non-contact surface profilometer, such as MicroSpy(RTM)Profile (commercially available from Fries Research&Technology GmbH, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany). Preferably, several distances between the first edge and the second edge are measured over the length of the line of weakness. The measurements are evenly spread over the length of one line of weakness, and an arithmetic average is calculated. The width of the line of weakness is therefore the arithmetic average of several distances measured along the length of the line of weakness. Between the first edge and the second edge, the line of weakness defines a channel where material has been removed from the rear wall of the container.

[0022] The width of the line of weakness is preferably measured as the line of weakness is formed on the blank, prior to folding the blank to form the container.

[0023] As the lid moves from the closed position to the operative position, rotation of the lid about the hinge gradually closes the line of weakness. Due to the rotation of the lid, the width of the line of weakness continuously decreases until the first edge contacts the second edge. The contact between the first edge and the second edge can occur at a smaller angle at the first operative angle than at the first operative angle.

[0024] The line of weakness preferably has a minimum remaining thickness of less than about 40 percent of the thickness of the rear wall of the container.The line of weakness preferably has a minimum remaining thickness of less than about 40 percent of the thickness of the blank from which the container is formed.The line of weakness preferably has a minimum remaining thickness of at least about 20 percent of the thickness of the rear wall (or blank) of the container.

[0025] The residual thickness of the weak line can be determined using 2D and 3D non-contact surface profilometers such as MicroSpy(RTM)Profile (commercially available from Fries Research&Technology GmbH, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany). It is preferred to measure the minimum residual thickness at several points along the length of the weak line, with the measurement points being evenly distributed along the length of one weak line, and the arithmetic mean being calculated. Even more preferred is to perform five measurements evenly distributed along the length of the weak line, and then calculate the arithmetic mean, to obtain the "minimum residual thickness" according to the present invention.

[0026] For example, if the length of the line of weakness is 80 millimeters, the residual thickness is measured at both ends of the line of weakness, and three additional points are spaced 20 millimeters, 40 millimeters, and 60 millimeters from one end of the line of weakness, respectively.

[0027] Additionally, conductive traces are formed on the rear wall of the container. The conductive traces are preferably formed on the lid rear wall and on the box rear wall. The conductive traces preferably define a shaped circuit as required. The conductive traces are formed on an outer surface of the container. A single conductive trace or two or more conductive traces may be formed.

[0028] The conductive traces are preferably formed by a technique for producing printed electronics. The technique selected preferably uses a common printing device suitable for defining the pattern on the container. The pattern produced by the conductive traces printed on the container depends on the desired type of circuit to be formed. Possible techniques for forming the conductive traces on the container are, for example, screen printing, flexographic printing, gravure printing, offset printing, and inkjet printing. In any of these printing techniques, an electrically functional electronic or optical ink is deposited on the outer surface of the container. In this way, the conductive traces can be formed.

[0029] For example, the conductive traces are formed by moving a print head with a mechanical stop / start shutter relative to the reservoir.

[0030] The formation of the conductive traces is preferably performed on the blank prior to folding the blank to form the container.

[0031] The conductive trace is interrupted by a line of weakness. The line of weakness passes through the conductive trace and divides the conductive trace into two portions. A first portion of the conductive trace is preferably located on the outer surface of the lid rear wall and a second portion of the conductive trace is preferably located on the outer surface of the box rear wall. When the lid is in the closed position, the width of the line of weakness is at its maximum and, due to the interruption, no current can flow between the first portion of the conductive trace and the second portion of the conductive trace. The circuit formed by the conductive trace is open. Thus, when the lid is in the closed position, the lid rear wall and the box rear wall are substantially coplanar and no current flow can circulate in the conductive trace due to the interruption caused by the line of weakness.

[0032] However, when the lid moves from the closed position to the operating position, the first and second portions of the conductive trace separated by the line of weakness come into contact. Rotation of the lid about the hinge line compresses the line of weakness, causing the first edge of the line of weakness and the second edge of the line of weakness to be in a configuration where the two edges are in contact with each other. The width of the line of weakness becomes substantially equal to zero. In the operating position of the lid, there is contact between the first portion of the conductive trace separated by the line of weakness and the second portion of the conductive trace, and the conductive trace creates a closed circuit such that a current can flow.

[0033] The width of the line of weakness is selected to allow reliable contact between the first portion of the conductive trace and the second portion of the conductive trace when the lid is moved from the closed position to the operating position and vice versa. The action of rotating the lid can be compared to the action of a "switch." When the lid is in the closed position, the circuit is open. When the lid is rotated, the switch is turned on and the circuit is closed.

[0034] The electrical continuity between the first portion of the conductive trace and the second portion of the conductive trace when the lid is in the operating position is also enhanced by the manner in which the deposition of the conductive material is preferably performed on the rear wall of the container. In the deposition, the material forming the conductive trace overhangs the first and second edges of the line of weakness, "reducing" the distance and increasing the contact surface, so that better contact between the first portion and the second port is possible. When the conductive trace is formed, the material forming the conductive trace may "spill out" inside the V-shaped groove defined by the line of weakness. Limited flow of the material forming the conductive trace from the first and second edges of the line of weakness into the V-shaped groove may occur, for example, when the conductive line is deposited. Thus, the conductive trace extends into the groove to a length of about 1 micrometer or 2 micrometers from the first edge and from the second edge, respectively. Those portions of the material forming the conductive trace that extend beyond the edges of the groove defined by the line of weakness increase the contact surface area between the first portion of the conductive trace and the second portion of the conductive trace when the lid is in the operative position, thus ensuring better contact between the two portions of the conductive trace.

[0035] Thus, the container according to the invention allows a circuit to be opened or closed simply by rotating the lid relative to the box: rotation of the lid about the hinge moves the circuit formed by the conductive traces in a very simple and reliable manner from an open configuration, when the lid is closed, to a closed configuration, when the lid is in the operative position.

[0036] Furthermore, the circuit can be used for multiple purposes based on the same operating principles.

[0037] The containers of the present invention can be made with only minor modifications to standard processes used to make containers known in the industry, thus requiring only minor additional costs in modification of blanks and machinery already in use.

[0038] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of forming a hinged lid container for a consumer article. The method includes providing a container blank defining an exterior surface and an interior surface, the container blank preferably including a box portion for forming a box and a lid portion for forming a lid. The method preferably includes forming a line of weakness on the exterior surface having a width between 0.1 millimeters and 1 millimeter, the line of weakness forming a hinge for the lid such that the lid is movable on the box from a closed position to an operative position. The method preferably includes providing a conductive trace on the exterior surface, including providing a conductive trace across the line of weakness. The method preferably includes folding the blank to form the hinged lid container, the conductive trace forming a closed circuit when the lid is in the operative position and the conductive trace forming an open circuit when the lid is in the closed position.

[0039] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of forming a hinged lid container for a consumer item. The method includes providing a container blank defining an exterior surface and an interior surface, the container blank including a box portion for forming a box and a lid portion for forming a lid. The method also includes forming a line of weakness on the exterior surface having a width between 0.1 millimeters and 1 millimeter, the line of weakness forming a hinge for the lid such that the lid is movable on the box from a closed position to an operative position. The method also includes providing a conductive trace on the exterior surface, including providing a conductive trace across the line of weakness. The method also includes folding the blank to form the hinged lid container, the conductive trace forming a closed circuit when the lid is in the operative position and the conductive trace forming an open circuit when the lid is in the closed position.

[0040] Many of the advantages of this method have already been outlined in describing the container of the present invention and will not be repeated here.

[0041] According to the invention, the line of weakness is realized on a blank, called a container blank, preferably before folding the blank. Preferably, the line of weakness is formed first and then the conductive trace is provided. After the line of weakness and the conductive trace have been formed, the blank is preferably folded to form the container. The conductive trace is preferably formed after the line of weakness is formed, since in this way the excess of material forming the conductive trace tips over the edge of the line of weakness. This "tipping over" can be realized during the printing process when depositing material on the line of weakness. The tipping over excess of material forming the conductive trace forms the leading edge of the conductive trace and the trailing edge of the conductive trace, respectively, in the first portion of the conductive trace and the second portion of the conductive trace. In this way, a reliable contact between the first portion of the conductive trace and the second portion of the conductive trace can be obtained. The first portion ends at the leading edge and the second portion starts at the trailing edge.

[0042] Additionally, the width of the lines of weakness are selected such that the material forming the conductive traces does not penetrate, or only partially penetrates, the lines of weakness, thus, when the lid is in the closed position, the circuit formed by the conductive traces is open.

[0043] The container is preferably at least partially formed by folding a blank. The blank is preferably a laminar blank. The blank is preferably a conventional blank used in the manufacture of containers for consumer goods, such as a standard blank for making hinged lid cigarette packs. No special materials are required by the present invention, and the starting materials are standard materials in the art.

[0044] More preferably, the lid and body are formed by folding the same blank. The blank preferably has a body portion and a lid portion connected to one another. When these portions are folded, a container having a lid and a box is formed. Folding of a blank in a hinged lid container is preferably known in the art. In some preferred embodiments, the blank forms at least a portion of a container comprising a box portion having a box front wall, a box rear wall, and box side walls extending between the box front wall and the box rear wall. In additional or alternative embodiments, the blank preferably forms at least a portion of a container comprising a lid portion having a lid front wall, a lid rear wall, and lid side walls extending between the lid front wall and the lid rear wall.

[0045] The thickness of the blank is preferably comprised between 200 micrometers and 400 micrometers. More preferably, the thickness of the blank is comprised between 260 micrometers and 340 micrometers. More preferably, the thickness of the blank is comprised between 280 micrometers and 320 micrometers. The thickness of the blank can be measured according to ISO 534:201 1.

[0046] The blank is preferably a cellulose fiber-based blank. The blank is preferably formed from cardboard or paperboard. The cellulose fiber-based material is preferably of plant origin, more preferably of wood origin. The blank may contain at least 50 weight percent, preferably at least 60 weight percent, even more preferably at least 70 weight percent cellulose fibers, based on the total fiber content of the blank. The blank is preferably formed from wood fiber cardboard or paperboard. Alternatively, the cellulose fiber-based material may also contain other fibers, such as polymeric fibers. The blank may be coated or uncoated, and is preferably coated on both sides.

[0047] The container may optionally include an outer wrapper, which is preferably a transparent polymeric film such as, for example, high or low density polyethylene, polypropylene, oriented polypropylene, polyvinylidene chloride, cellulose film, or combinations thereof, and which is applied in a conventional manner. The outer wrapper may include a tear tape. Additionally, the outer wrapper may be printed with images, consumer information, or other data.

[0048] The blanks preferably have a basis weight of about 100 grams per square meter to about 350 grams per square meter. In some preferred embodiments, the blanks have a basis weight of about 160 grams per square meter to about 240 grams per square meter. These ranges represent average values, and the basis weight of the blanks may vary between batches, for example, by plus or minus 10 percent, preferably plus or minus 5 percent.

[0049] The container comprises a rear wall having a thickness, the line of weakness being formed in the rear wall, and the line of weakness preferably having a depth comprised between 30 percent and 80 percent of the thickness of the rear wall. The depth of the line of weakness preferably comprises between 40 percent and 70 percent of the thickness of the rear wall of the container. The rear wall includes a lid rear wall and a box rear wall. The lid rear wall and the box rear wall are substantially coplanar when the lid is in a closed position. Furthermore, the thickness of the rear wall is substantially the thickness of the blank. If the line of weakness is too deep, the hinge line may become weak and break during use. If the line of weakness is too shallow, tension still present when the board is bent around the line of weakness may prevent proper closure of the circuit.

[0050] The container preferably comprises an energy source. The container preferably comprises an electrical load. The electrical load preferably comprises a light source. The electrical load preferably comprises a sensor. The electrical load preferably comprises an antenna. The electrical load preferably comprises a heating element. The electrical load preferably comprises an acoustic emitter. Preferably, the conductive trace connects the energy source to the electrical load when forming a closed circuit. The container preferably comprises two or more electrical loads. The container preferably comprises two or more energy sources. The power source included in the container is preferably a battery. The battery may be a printed battery, for example as realized according to US2688649 or EP1485960. The energy source may be rechargeable or non-rechargeable. The power source may comprise a solar panel. The energy source may comprise a charging capacitor. The energy source may be located inside the container. Thus, the energy source may use a portion of the volume present inside the container, for example with a consumer item. The energy source may be located outside the container, for example connected to an outer surface of the container. The energy source may be formed using the same techniques used to form the conductive trace. For example, the energy source may be printed on an outer surface of the container. The energy source is preferably used to energize an electrical load. The electrical load and the energy source are connected via conductive traces. The conductive traces preferably form a circuit connecting the energy source to the electrical load.

[0051] For example, the energy source may be located on the box portion of the container and the electrical load may be located on the lid portion of the container, or vice versa.

[0052] The electrical load may be located inside the container. Thus, the electrical load may use a portion of the volume present inside the container, for example with the consumer goods. The electrical load may be located outside the container, for example connected to the outer surface of the container. The electrical load may be formed using the same techniques used to form conductive traces. For example, the electrical load may be printed on the outer surface of the container.

[0053] The electrical load may be, for example, a light source such that the light source emits electromagnetic radiation when the lid moves from the closed position to the operating position. The light source may include an LED.

[0054] The electrical load may be, for example, a sensor such that the sensor senses a predetermined parameter in the environment of the container as the lid moves from the closed position to the operating position. The sensor may include a temperature sensor. The sensor may include a humidity sensor.

[0055] The electrical load may be, for example, an antenna. Thus, when the lid moves from the closed position to the operating position, the antenna may transmit a signal to an external receiver. The receiver is preferably external to the container. The signal may be in response to a parameter measured by a sensor. The signal may be in response to a condition of the container. The antenna may include a microstrip antenna or a printed antenna.

[0056] The electrical load may be, for example, a heating element, so that as the lid moves from the closed position to the operating position, the heating element begins to generate heat. Heating the container may be useful in low temperature environments.

[0057] The electrical load may be, for example, an acoustic emitter. Thus, the acoustic emitter may emit a sound when the lid moves from the closed position to the operating position. The emitter may be initially activated as a result of a trigger signal and only after activation, a sound is emitted when the lid is opened. The number of consumer articles used in a given period of time may be counted.

[0058] The conductive traces preferably have a basis weight comprised between 1 gram / m2 and 50 gram / m2. The conductive traces preferably have a basis weight comprised between 1 gram / m2 and 20 gram / m2. The conductive traces preferably have a width comprised between 0.1 millimeters and 25 millimeters.

[0059] The conductive traces preferably have a width comprised between 0.3 millimeters and 5 millimeters. The width and basis weight of the conductive traces are measured when the conductive traces are dry. For example, when the conductive traces are printed, the ink deposited on the exterior surface of the container is initially wet. The above measurements are taken when the ink is dry. The width of the conductive traces is measured using the same method used to measure the width of the weak line.

[0060] The conductive traces preferably comprise a conductive ink. More preferably, the conductive ink comprises one or more of conductive carbon, carbon nanotubes, graphene, silver, copper, indium tin oxide, conductive polymers. A conductive ink is an ink that results in a printed object that conducts electricity. Conductive inks are relatively economical and work very well on materials such as cardboard, plastic, or any flexible material. Conductive inks make it possible to create electrical circuits even on flexible materials.

[0061] The container comprises a back wall and a top wall, and the conductive traces are preferably printed on the back wall or on both the back and top walls. An electrical circuit is formed partly on the lid and partly on the box, such that the cut lines can act as a "switch" when the lid alternates between the operating and closed positions.

[0062] The line of weakness preferably has a length greater than 0.1 millimeters. The length of the line of weakness is greater than the width of the conductive traces, since the conductive traces must be completely interrupted. The maximum length of the line of weakness is substantially equal to the length of the hinge, which is the width of the container.

[0063] The leading edge of the conductive trace and the trailing edge of the conductive trace on the first portion of the conductive trace and the second portion of the conductive trace, respectively, define a gap, the width of the gap being preferably smaller than the width of the line of weakness. The line of weakness is preferably formed first in the blank. The conductive trace is then formed on the blank on which the line of weakness is created. The conductive trace is also formed on top of the line of weakness. Due to the dimension of the width of the line of weakness, the material forming the conductive trace does not penetrate the line of weakness and remains on the outer surface of the container. However, the material forming the conductive trace extends from the first edge to the second edge of the line of weakness slightly beyond the first and second edges of the line of weakness, thus forming the leading edge of the conductive trace and the trailing edge of the conductive trace on the first portion of the conductive trace and the second portion of the conductive trace, respectively. The space between the leading edge of the material forming the conductive trace on one side of the line of weakness and the trailing edge of the conductive trace on the other side of the line of weakness is called the "gap". The width of this gap is smaller than the width of the line of weakness. The width of the gap is equal to the distance between the first and second portions of the conductive trace, and thus the gap is narrower than the width of the line of weakness.

[0064] Preferably, the step of forming the lines of weakness comprises ablating the outer surface of the container. More preferably, the step of ablating the outer surface of the container comprises ablating the outer surface with a laser beam. The blanks of the present invention may be advantageously manufactured by precisely removing material from the blank with a linear ablation tool (e.g., a laser or cutter). Lasers are particularly preferred ablation tools because they are non-invasive and can be digitally programmed for improved and versatile designs.

[0065] The method preferably includes the step of energizing the load when a closed circuit is formed. The conductive traces form the circuit and the lid preferably has the function of a "switch": when in the operating position the lid closes the circuit and when in the closed position the lid opens the circuit. The circuit is preferably used to bring an electric current to the load, which may be any electric load. Examples of electric loads are given above. The electric load and the conductive traces are preferably formed using the same technique. The electric load is preferably printed on the outer surface of the container.

[0066] The method of the present invention preferably includes the step of turning on a light source when the closed circuit is formed. The method of the present invention preferably includes the step of emitting a sound when the closed circuit is formed. The method of the present invention preferably includes the step of emitting a communication signal when the closed circuit is formed. The method of the present invention preferably includes the step of heating the container when the closed circuit is formed. The method of the present invention preferably includes the step of sensing a parameter when the closed circuit is formed. The method may preferably include two of the steps of turning on a light source when the closed circuit is formed, emitting a sound when the closed circuit is formed, emitting a communication signal when the closed circuit is formed, heating the container when the closed circuit is formed, and sensing a parameter when the closed circuit is formed. The method preferably includes three of the above steps. The method preferably includes all of the above steps.

[0067] The method preferably includes the step of providing an energy source to the container. The energy source and the conductive traces are preferably formed using the same technique. The electrical load and the conductive traces are preferably formed using the same technique. The energy source is preferably printed on an outer surface of the container.

[0068] Preferably, the step of forming a closed circuit from the conductive traces when the lid is in the operative position includes forming an angle between the lid rear wall and the box rear wall that is less than 165 degrees. The rear wall of the container is formed by the lid rear wall and the box rear wall. When the lid is in the closed configuration, the lid rear wall and the box rear wall are substantially coplanar and the angle formed between the plane defined by the box rear wall and the plane defined by the lid rear wall is substantially equal to 180 degrees. When the lid rotates about the hinge, this angle decreases because the plane defined by the lid rear wall is inclined relative to the plane defined by the box rear wall. When the lid is in the fully open configuration, the box rear wall faces the lid rear wall and the aforementioned angle is substantially equal to 0 degrees. Thus, the lid rear wall and the box rear wall can form any angle between 0 degrees and 180 degrees. When the angle is less than 165 degrees, the first and second portions of the conductive traces are in contact and the circuit is closed. Preferably, the angle is less than 150 degrees.

[0069] The "thickness" of a blank is the thickness of the blank after it is manufactured but before any cut or score lines are formed in the blank, i.e., the thickness of the blank is the thickness in any area of ​​the blank that does not contain lines of weakness or score lines.

[0070] As used herein, the term "residual thickness" refers to the minimum distance measured between two opposing surfaces of a layered blank or a wall of a container formed from the blank. In practice, the distance at a given location is measured along a direction that is locally perpendicular to the opposing surfaces. The residual thickness of a line of weakness may vary across the width of the line of weakness (e.g., V-shaped, U-shaped grooves).

[0071] The term "minimum residual thickness" as used herein refers to the minimum value of the "residual thickness" measured at a given location on the line of weakness.

[0072] The term "cellulosic fiber-based blank" as used herein refers to a blank that contains at least 50 percent by weight cellulose fibers, based on the total fiber content of the blank. The cellulosic or wood fiber-based blanks of the present invention may include other types of fibers, such as polymeric fibers.

[0073] The container realised by the invention has particular application as a container for elongated aerosol-generating articles (such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos or other aerosol generators) that rely on heating, e.g., by electrical or carbon heat sources, rather than on burning tobacco. Naturally, by appropriate selection of its dimensions, the container according to the invention may be designed for a different number of conventional, king size, super king size, slim or super slim aerosol-generating articles. Alternatively, other consumer articles may be accommodated inside the container.

[0074] A container formed according to the present invention may be rectangular in shape, with rectangular longitudinal edges and rectangular transverse edges. Alternatively, the container may include one or more longitudinal rounded edges, transverse rounded edges, longitudinal chamfered edges, or transverse chamfered edges, or combinations thereof. Alternatively, the container may have a non-rectangular transverse cross-section, for example, polygonal (such as triangular or hexagonal), semi-elliptical, or semi-circular.

[0075] Typically, the outer dimensions of the container are from about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm larger than the dimensions of the bundle or bundles of aerosol-generating articles contained within the container.

[0076] Containers according to the invention preferably have a height of about 60 mm to about 150 mm, more preferably a height of about 70 mm to about 125 mm, where the height is measured from the top wall to the bottom wall of the container. Containers according to the invention preferably have a width of about 12 mm to about 150 mm, more preferably a width of about 70 mm to about 125 mm, where the width is measured from one side wall of the container to the other side wall.

[0077] The depth of the container according to the present invention is preferably between about 6 millimeters and about 150 millimeters, and more preferably between about 12 millimeters and about 25 millimeters, the depth being measured from the front wall to the rear wall of the container (including the hinge between the box and the lid).

[0078] The ratio of the container height to the container depth is preferably about 0.3:1 to about 10:1, more preferably about 2:1 to about 8:1, and most preferably about 3:1 to 5:1.

[0079] The ratio of the container's depth to its width is preferably about 0.3:1 to about 10:1, more preferably about 2:1 to about 8:1, and most preferably about 2:1 to 3:1.

[0080] Where the container contains an aerosol-generating article, the container may further comprise a compartment for waste (e.g., for ashes or cigarette butts), or other consumer items (e.g., matches, lighters, fire extinguishing means, breath freshener or electronic components, etc.) The other consumer items may be attached to the outside of the container, may be contained within the container along with the aerosol-generating article in a separate compartment of the container, or a combination thereof.

[0081] The term "inner surface" is used throughout this specification to refer to a surface of an assembled container component that faces toward the interior of the container (e.g., toward the consumer goods) when the container is in a closed position. The term "outer surface" is used throughout this specification to refer to a surface of a container component that faces toward the exterior of the container. For example, the front wall of a container has an inner surface that faces toward the inside of the container and consumer goods, and an outer surface that faces away from the consumer goods. It is noteworthy that the inner or outer surface does not necessarily correspond to a certain side of the blank used to assemble the container. Depending on how the blank is folded around the consumer goods, the area on the same side of the blank may face either the inside or the outside of the container.

[0082] As used herein, the terms "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," and "side" refer to the relative locations of portions of a container according to the present invention and its components when the container is in an upright position and the access opening of the container is at the top of the container. When describing a container according to the present invention, these terms are used regardless of the orientation of the container being described. The rear wall of an outer hinged lid housing is the wall that contains the hinge line.

[0083] When describing a container according to the present invention, the term "longitudinal" means a direction from bottom to top, or vice versa, while the term "transverse" means a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. For example, the "longitudinal axis of the container" is the axis that runs from bottom to top, or vice versa.

[0084] The term "width" is used to describe the dimension of an element, such as a panel of a blank, or a wall of a container, measured in the cross direction.

[0085] The term "panel" is used throughout this specification to refer to a portion of a blank that is used to form a wall of an erected container. A panel may be dependent on one or more other panels along one or more fold lines.

[0086] In the assembled container, a "wall" may be formed of one or several overlapping panels. If there are several overlapping panels, these may be attached to one another, for example by adhesive. Furthermore, a wall may be formed of two or more adjacent or overlapping panels.

[0087] The term "thickness" as used herein refers to the smallest distance measured between two opposing surfaces of a sheet blank or a layer of a sheet blank. In practice, the distance at a given location is measured along a direction locally perpendicular to the opposing surfaces. The "thickness" of a layer is generally substantially constant throughout the layer (flat cross section). However, there may be local variations if parts of the sheet blank are, for example, embossed, debossed, weakened, etc.

[0088] The term "hinge line" refers to a line about which a lid may pivot to open a hinged-lid housing. A hinge line is a line of weakness. A hinge line may be, for example, a crease or score line in a panel forming the rear wall of the container.

[0089] The term "line of weakness" is used herein to describe a portion of the surface of a container or package (or blank forming the container or package) where the structural strength of the material from which the container or package (or blank) is formed is weakened by any suitable technique, for example, by bending, folding, or tearing along the line of weakness. For example, the line of weakness may be formed as a score line, a score line, a cut line, or a perforation line. A line of weakness can be created by removing material, by displacing material, by compressing material, by locally reducing the forces holding the material together (for example, by breaking fibers in a fibrous material), and by combinations of all of the above. A line of weakness may be straight, curved, piecemeal, or continuous, or a combination thereof. In many instances, the line of weakness is used to aid in the positioning of the folds in the blank. A line of weakness may also be used to strengthen the material in a direction perpendicular to the line of weakness, for example, by compression. Additionally, the line of weakness can be used for decorative applications.

[0090] The term "removal line", as used herein, refers to a line along the inner surface of an end portion where material has been removed (e.g., by a laser beam or cutter). Thus, the remaining thickness of the removal line is less than the thickness of the layered blank. The removal line is preferably provided as a groove in the blank. This may be formed using a linear removal tool such as a laser or cutter. When "removed" line includes the removal of material, it also includes score lines.

[0091] The term "scoreline" is used to describe a line formed by cutting partially into the material of the blank. The scoreline may also be formed by removing material from the blank (in which case the scoreline forms a groove or valley in the blank).

[0092] The term "perforation line" is used to describe a line or array of individual holes or slots in a blank. The holes may be formed by pushing an object through the blank. This may result in material being removed from the blank, for example by punching. Alternatively, the holes may be created without removing material, but instead simply using an object to push material outward from the center of the hole. As another alternative, the holes may be formed by a laser beam.

[0093] The term "crease" is used to describe any line in a blank about which the blank folds. A crease may be defined by a line of weakness to assist in the folding action. Alternatively, a fold may be formed without the presence of a line of weakness, depending, for example, on the pliability characteristics of the blank material and other materials.

[0094] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of any other example, embodiment, or aspect described herein. EXAMPLES

[0095] Example 1: 1. A hinged lid container for consumer goods, the container defining an interior surface and an exterior surface; a box for containing consumer goods; a lid hinged to the box along a hinge and movable about the hinge between a closed position and an operative position; the hinge includes a line of weakness realized on an outer surface, the line of weakness having a width of 0.1 millimeter to 1 millimeter; a conductive trace provided on the outer surface, the line of weakness passing through and interrupting the conductive trace; A hinged lid container, wherein the conductive traces form a closed circuit when the lid is in an operative position and the conductive traces form an open circuit when the lid is in a closed position. Example 2: 2. A container according to example 1, wherein the container is at least partially formed by folding a blank. Example 3: A container according to example 2, in which the lid and the body are formed by folding the same blank. Example 4: The container according to example 2 or example 3, wherein the blank has a thickness comprised between 200 micrometers and 400 micrometers. Example 5: A container according to any of Examples 2-4, wherein the blank comprises a cellulose fiber-based blank. Example 6: A container according to one or more of Examples 1-5, comprising a rear wall having a thickness, a line of weakness formed within the rear wall, and the line of weakness having a depth of 20 percent to 80 percent of the rear wall. Example 7: Energy sources and loads: light source, sensor, antenna, A heating element, and an acoustic emitter; 7. The container according to one or more of Examples 1-6, wherein the conductive traces connect the energy source to the electrical load when they form a closed circuit. Example 8: The container according to one or more of Examples 1-7, wherein the conductive trace has a basis weight comprised between 1 gram / square meter and 50 grams / square meter. Example 9: The container according to one or more of Examples 1-8, wherein the conductive trace has a width comprised between 0.1 millimeters and 25 millimeters. Example 10: A container according to one or more of Examples 1-9, comprising a back wall and a top wall, the conductive traces being printed on the back wall or on both the back wall and the top wall. Example 11: The container according to one or more of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the line of weakness has a length greater than 0.1 millimeters. Example 12: The container according to one or more of Examples 1-11, wherein the conductive trace interrupted by the line of weakness defines a gap by a leading edge of the conductive trace and a trailing edge of the conductive trace. Example 13: A container according to example 12, wherein the width of the gap is less than the width of the line of weakness. Example 14: 1. A method of forming a hinge-lid container for a consumer article, the method comprising the steps of: providing a container blank defining an exterior surface and an interior surface, the blank including a box portion for forming a box and a lid portion for forming a lid; forming a line of weakness on the outer surface having a width between 0.1 millimeters and 1 millimeter, the line of weakness forming a hinge for the lid such that the lid can be moved from a closed position to an operative position on the box; providing a conductive trace on an exterior surface, the conductive trace including providing a conductive trace across the line of weakness; and folding the blank to form a hinged-lid container, the conductive traces forming a closed circuit when the lid is in an operative position and the conductive traces forming an open circuit when the lid is in a closed position. Example 15: The step of forming a line of weakness includes: The method according to example 14, further comprising removing the outer surface. Example 16: The step of removing the outer surface comprises: The method according to example 15, comprising ablating the outer surface with a laser beam. Example 17: The method according to any of Examples 14 to 16, comprising energizing the load when forming the closed circuit. Example 18: The following steps: turning on the light source when the closed circuit is formed; a step of emitting a sound when a closed circuit is formed; emitting a communication signal when the closed circuit is formed; heating the container when forming the closed circuit; and and sensing a parameter when forming the closed circuit. Example 19: The method according to one or more of Examples 14-18, comprising providing an energy source to the container. Example 20: forming a closed circuit from the conductive traces when the lid is in the operating position; The method according to one or more of examples 14-20, including forming an angle of less than 165 degrees between the lid rear wall and the body box rear wall.

[0096] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the figures.

[0097] 1-3 show a container 10 according to the present invention.

[0098] The container 10 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and includes a box 14 and a lid 16. The box further includes a hinge 17 allowing the lid to rotate about it. The container 10 defines a rear wall 21, a front wall, a left side wall, a right side wall, a bottom wall 25, and a top wall 26.

[0099] Box 14 includes a box front wall 31, a box rear wall 32, a box base wall (corresponding to container bottom wall 25), a box left side wall 33, and a box right side wall 34. Lid 16 includes a lid front wall 41, a lid rear wall 42, a lid top wall (corresponding to container top wall 26), a lid left side wall 43, and a lid right side wall 44. Lid rear wall 42 and box rear wall 32 form rear wall 21 of container 10. In the position of Figures 1 and 3, lid 16 covers the access opening of container 10, and the walls of lid 16 form extensions of the corresponding walls of box 14.

[0100] Additionally, container 10 defines an interior volume (not shown) for housing, for example, a collection of aerosol-generating articles (not shown in the drawings). When package 10 is closed, lid 16 and box 18 define tear line 19, which is a line of separation between the lid and box portions. Tearing line 19 is a geometric continuation of hinge line 17. Tearing line 19 is formed on the left side wall, the right side wall, and the front wall.

[0101] The container 10 is formed from a sheet blank 100, shown in Figure 9. The sheet blank 100 includes a cellulosic layer that includes a cellulosic material. The blank 100 has a thickness 101 (shown in Figures 4 and 5), which preferably corresponds to the thickness of the rear wall 21 of the container 10.

[0102] The container 10 is formed by appropriately folding the sheet blank 100. The resulting container 10 may then be rolled with an outer wrapper to form a final product (not shown) that also contains a consumer product (not shown) as an aerosol-generating article.

[0103] With reference to Figures 1 to 8, the hinge line 17 includes a line of weakness 27 realized in the rear wall 21. The line of weakness 27 is part of the hinge line. The line of weakness 27 is preferably a resection line. The line of weakness 27 is preferably a straight line. The rear wall 21 in which the line of weakness 27 is formed is designed to have a minimum remaining thickness 102 (visible in Figure 4) of 15 percent to about 40 percent of the thickness 101 of the blank 100, and a width 103 of the line of weakness equal to 0.1 millimeter to 1 millimeter. The width 103 of the line of weakness 27 is measured when the container 10 is closed, i.e. when the lid is in the closed position as in Figures 1, 3, 4 and 6.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 4, the lines of weakness 27 define grooves 28 .

[0105] The lid 16 is hinged about a hinge line 17 that extends across the rear wall 21 of the container 10 and is pivotable between a closed position (e.g., as shown in Figures 1 and 3) and an operative position (e.g., as shown in Figure 2). In moving from the closed position of Figures 1 and 3 to the operative position of Figure 2, the lid 16 rotates about the hinge line 17, and therefore about a line of weakness 27.

[0106] In the closed configuration, the lid rear wall 42 and the box rear wall 32 are coplanar, as shown in Figure 6. This means that an angle 61 equal to 180 degrees is formed between the lid rear wall 42 and the box rear wall 32, as shown in the side view of Figure 6.

[0107] When the container 10 is in the operative position as in Figures 2 and 5, the width of the line of weakness 27 is substantially equal to zero.

[0108] In addition to the line of weakness 27, conductive traces 50 are formed on the rear wall 21 of the container 10. As shown in Figure 3, the conductive traces 50 form a circuit that includes an energy source 51, such as a battery, and an electrical load 52. As shown in Figure 3, the electrical circuit formed by the conductive traces 50 is interrupted by the line of weakness 27. The line of weakness separates the electrical circuit into a portion 55 that is realized on the lid 16 and a portion 56 that is realized on the box 14. The line of weakness 27 breaks the circuit at two points.

[0109] Thus, when lid 16 is in the closed position of Figures 1, 3, 4 and 6, line of weakness 27 interrupts any possible current flow in circuit 50. This is clearly seen in the enlarged view of Figure 4, where two portions 55, 56 of the circuit are shown separated from each other by line of weakness 27.

[0110] Now, when the lid 16 is rotated, an angle 62 different from the 180 degree angle is formed between the lid rear wall 42 and the box rear wall 32, as shown in Figure 7. When this angle is equal to the first operating angle, the lid 16 is said to be in the operating position as in Figures 2, 5 and 7, and the two portions 55, 56 of the conductive trace 50 that form a circuit are in contact (see particularly Figure 5), completing the circuit 50, and the load 52 may be energized by the energy source 51.

[0111] Portion 55 defines a leading edge 57 of conductive trace 50, and portion 56 defines a trailing edge 58 of the conductive trace. The trailing and leading edges 57, 58 are the portions of conductive trace 50 that overhang groove 28 and extend partially into the same groove 28.

[0112] In the closed position of FIG. 4, the two parts 55, 56 of the circuit 50, particularly at the leading and trailing edges 57, 58, form a gap 104 having a width 105 that is less than the width 103 of the line of weakness.

[0113] As the lid 16 rotates, the lines of weakness 27 are compressed, decreasing the dimension of width 103. Furthermore, the distance 105 between the two portions 55, 56 of the conductive trace 50 is less than the width 103, as shown in FIG. 5 with the lid 16 in the operative position. The leading edge 57 and the trailing edge 58 contact each other to close the gap 104. The contact between the first portion 55 and the second portion 56 of the circuit is increased due to the presence of the leading edge 57 and the trailing edge 58.

[0114] 8, the lid 16 can be further rotated about the line of weakness to reach an open position, allowing a user to access items contained within the container 10. In this open position, an angle 63 is formed between the lid rear wall 42 and the box rear wall 32. Angle 63 is preferably less than the first operating angle 62.

[0115] In the following, with reference to Figures 9 to 13, a method of forming the container 10 will be described in detail. A blank 100 is provided. The blank 100 is known in the art and is made, for example, of cardboard (see Figure 9). Also, a laser 65 is provided. The laser 65 emits a laser beam 66 on the blank 100. The laser beam 66 moves over the blank 100 to form a cut line 27 having the appropriate dimensions and depth (see Figure 10). Then, a print head 67 is provided. The print head 67 prints a conductive trace 50 on the blank. The shape of the conductive trace 50 is such that a circuit is formed (see Figures 11 and 12). The conductive trace 50 is also printed on the cut line 27. The ink forming the conductive trace 50 may partially spill into the groove 28 (see Figure 4). However, the groove 28 when the blank is flat and not folded interrupts the circuit 50.

[0116] After the circuit has been printed and preferably an energy source 51 and a load 52 are also provided (see also FIG. 12), the blank 100 is appropriately folded as known in the art to form the container of FIG. 3 (see partial folding in FIG. 13).

Claims

1. A hinged container for a consumer article, said container defining an inner surface and an outer surface, a box for containing said consumer article, a lid hinged to said box along a hinge and movable between a closed position and an operating position about said hinge, said hinge including a weakened line realized on said outer surface, said weakened line having a width of 0.1 millimeter to 1 millimeter, a conductive trace provided on said outer surface, said weakened line passing through and interrupting said conductive trace, and said conductive trace forming a closed circuit when said lid is in said operating position and said conductive trace forming an open circuit when said lid is in said closed position, a hinged container.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein said container is at least partially formed by folding a blank.

3. The container according to claim 2, wherein said lid and body are formed by folding one blank.

4. The container according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said blank has a thickness consisting of 200 micrometers to 400 micrometers.

5. The container according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said blank includes a cellulose fiber-based blank.

6. The container according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a rear wall having a thickness, said weakened line being formed within said rear wall, said weakened line having a minimum remaining thickness of less than 40 percent of the thickness of said rear wall of said container.

7. An energy source and one or more of the following loads, a light source, a sensor, an antenna, a heating element, and an acoustic emitter, wherein said conductive trace connects said energy source to said electrical load when forming a closed circuit, the container according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said conductive trace has a basis weight consisting of 1 gram per square meter to 50 grams per square meter.

9. The container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said conductive trace has a width consisting of 0.1 millimeter to 25 millimeters.

10. The container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conductive trace interrupted by said weakened line defines a gap by a leading edge portion and a trailing edge portion of said conductive trace, and the width of said gap is smaller than the width of said weakened line.

11. A method of forming a hinged lid container for a consumer article, the method comprising: providing a container blank defining an outer surface and an inner surface, the container blank including a box portion for forming a box and a lid portion for forming a lid; forming a weakened line having a width of from 0.1 millimeter to 1 millimeter on the outer surface, the weakened line forming a hinge for the lid such that the lid is movable from a closed position to an operating position on the box; providing an electrically conductive trace on the outer surface, including providing the electrically conductive trace across the weakened line; folding the blank to form the hinged lid container, the electrically conductive trace forming a closed circuit when the lid is in the operating position and the electrically conductive trace forming an open circuit when the lid is in the closed position.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of forming a weakened line on the outer surface includes excising the outer surface.

13. The step of excising the outer surface includes: excising the outer surface by a laser. The method of claim 12.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, including energizing a load when forming the closed circuit.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, including providing an energy source to the container.

16. The lid includes a lid rear wall, the box includes a box rear wall, and the step of forming a closed circuit from the electrically conductive trace when the lid is in the operating position includes: forming an angle of less than 165 degrees between the lid rear wall and the box rear wall. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13.

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