Container with tray

Abstract

A container 10 for consumer goods is provided. The container comprises a box portion 20 and a lid portion 40 that together define a compartment for receiving the consumer goods, and a tray 60 disposed within the compartment. The tray 60 is configured to support at least a portion of the consumer goods 14. The tray 60 includes a first portion 62 that resides within the box portion 20 and a second portion 64 that resides above the box portion 20. The lid portion 40 is movable relative to the box portion 20 between a closed position in which the tray 60 is covered and an open position in which the tray 60 is not covered. The second portion 64 of the tray 60 extends into the lid portion 40 and engages an inner surface of the lid portion 40 when the lid portion 40 is in the closed position to help retain the lid portion 40 in the closed position. The container 10 further comprises a retention mechanism 80 between the first portion 62 of the tray 60 and the box portion 20. The retention mechanism 80 is configured to resist movement of the tray 60 relative to the box portion 20 in response to the lid portion 40 moving from the closed position to the open position.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a container for a consumer product. A container according to the invention has particular application as a container for one or more components of an aerosol generating device or system. [Background technology]

[0002] It is generally known that an aerosol generating system can comprise a number of components. Handheld, electrically operated smoking systems often include a battery pack and a rechargeable aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device can include a heating portion, control electronics, and a rechargeable battery, and can be configured to house an aerosol generating article. When combined with the aerosol generating article, the rechargeable aerosol generating device is configured to generate an inhalable aerosol.

[0003] It is also known to package consumer goods in a rigid box-shaped container having a box for containing the consumer goods and a lid covering an upper portion of the box, the lid being movable relative to the box to open the container and allow a consumer to gain access to the consumer goods contained within the box. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In some known containers, consumer goods may be present on or in a tray that is disposed within a box. The tray is immediately visible to the consumer when the container is opened. In some cases, further components such as accessories and utilities may be disposed below the tray and therefore not immediately visible to the consumer.

[0005] It is generally desirable to hold the lid of a container in a closed position until access to the contents of the container is desired. For example, the container may include one or more of magnets, adhesives, and fasteners such as hook-and-loop fasteners that help hold the lid in a closed position. However, such arrangements may add cost and complexity to the container design. Furthermore, such arrangements may reduce the functionality or usefulness of other aspects of the container.

[0006] It would therefore be desirable to provide a container of the type described above that has an improved solution for retaining the lid in a closed position without suffering from one or more of the drawbacks discussed above. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 shows a box portion and a lid portion forming a container according to an embodiment of the invention, with the lid portion in a closed position. [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates a container according to an embodiment of the invention with the lid portion in a partially open position. [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates a container according to an embodiment of the invention with the lid portion in an open position. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates a container according to an embodiment of the invention with the lid portion in an open position and the tray partially removed from the box portion. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 illustrates a container according to an embodiment of the present invention with the lid portion in an open position and the tray completely removed from the box portion. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a container according to an embodiment of the present invention with the lid portion in an open position and the tray partially removed from the box portion. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 illustrates a retention mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 shows a retention mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] The present disclosure relates to a container for consumer goods. The container may include a box portion and a lid portion. The box portion and the lid portion together may define a compartment for storing the consumer goods. The container may further include a tray disposed within the compartment. The tray may be configured to support at least a portion of the consumer goods. The tray may include a first portion that resides within the box portion and a second portion that resides above the box portion. The lid portion may be movable relative to the box portion between a closed position in which the tray is covered and an open position in which the tray is uncovered. The second portion of the tray may extend into the lid portion when the lid is in the closed position. The tray may engage an inner surface of the portion to help retain the lid portion in the closed position. The container may further include a retention mechanism between the first portion of the tray and the box portion. The retention mechanism may be configured to resist movement of the tray relative to the box portion in response to the lid portion moving from the closed position to the open position.

[0009] According to the present invention, a container for consumer goods is provided, the container comprising a box portion and a lid portion which together define a compartment for containing the consumer goods, and a tray arranged within the compartment and configured to support at least a portion of the consumer goods, the tray including a first portion present within the box portion and a second portion present above the box portion, the lid portion being movable relative to the box portion between a closed position in which the tray is covered and an open position in which the tray is not covered, the second portion of the tray extending into the lid portion when the lid portion is in the closed position and engaging an inner surface of the lid portion to serve to hold the lid portion in the closed position, the container further comprising a retention mechanism between the first portion of the tray and the box portion, the retention mechanism being configured to resist movement of the tray relative to the box portion in response to movement of the lid portion from the closed position to the open position.

[0010] As used herein, "side," "top," "bottom," "front," "rear," and other terms used to describe the relative positions of components of a container according to the invention refer to the container in an upright position with the access opening at the top. When describing a container according to the invention, these terms are used regardless of the orientation of the container being described. The "bottom" of a container means the side of the container opposite the "top" of the container.

[0011] As used herein, the term "height" means the dimension extending between the top and bottom. As used herein, the term "width" means the dimension extending between the two sides. As used herein, the term "depth" means the dimension extending between the front and back. Height, width, and depth are mutually perpendicular.

[0012] The term "wall" refers more generally to a surface of a container, and a wall may be formed from a single panel or flap, or a wall may be formed from two or more abutting or overlapping panels or flaps.

[0013] As used herein, the term "depending" is used to describe a physical connection between two elements of a container according to the present invention. More specifically, the term "depending" is used to indicate that there is a material continuity between two elements, such as two walls or panels of a container or blank. This includes both cases where a wall or panel is directly dependent on an adjacent wall or panel, as well as cases where an intermediate wall or panel effectively connects the two walls or panels.

[0014] As an example, a side wall or panel may depend directly from an adjacent front wall or panel. In such cases, the wall or panel typically depends from the adjacent wall along a fold line. Alternatively, the side wall or panel may depend indirectly from the front wall or panel, particularly in containers with rounded or chamfered edges. In such cases, the wall or panel with the rounded or chamfered edge connects the side wall or panel to the front wall or panel. In the case of a chamfered edge, both the side wall or panel and the front wall or panel may depend from the wall or panel with the chamfered edge that connects them along the respective fold lines.

[0015] As used herein, the term "hinge line" means a line about which a lid may pivot to open a container. A hinge line may be, for example, a crease or score line. The hinge line about which the lid connects to the box may coincide with an edge of the container, or the hinge line may extend across the wall of the container at a location spaced from the edge.

[0016] 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 good) 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 package has an inner surface that faces toward the inside of the package and consumer good and an outer surface that faces away from the consumer good.

[0017] The term "debossed" herein means a portion of a container wall that is pressed, carved, molded, or stamped such that the wall thickness at the debossed portion is less than the wall thickness at the non-debossed portion. For example, the debossed portion of the wall may be formed by applying pressure to the wall with a tool. The material of the wall is compressed such that there is no embossed portion of the wall opposite the debossed portion.

[0018] The container may be a hinged lid container having a lid portion hingedly attached to the box portion at a hinge line extending along a rear wall of the box portion, the lid portion being movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the lid portion and the box portion define a compartment for receiving the consumer goods. A tray for supporting at least a portion of the consumer goods is received within the compartment.

[0019] The container of the present invention provides an improved container for containing consumer goods. In contrast to existing containers, in the container according to the present invention, the tray has a first part that resides within the box part and a second part that resides within the lid part when the lid part is in the closed position. The second part of the tray is configured to engage with an inner surface of the lid part to help hold the lid part in the closed position. However, such engagement between the tray and the lid part may pose a risk that the tray will be lifted together with the lid when the lid is moved to the open position. Therefore, the inventors have realized that in such a situation, it is advantageous to provide a retention mechanism between the first part of the tray and the box part. This retention mechanism advantageously opposes movement of the tray relative to the box part in response to the lid part moving from the closed position to the open position. This advantageously prevents the first part of the tray from being detached from the box part as the lid part moves to the open position due to the engagement between the second part of the tray and the lid part. This further prevents the tray from sticking to the lid part due to the engagement between the tray and the lid part. These effects and advantages may be particularly applicable to embodiments in which the tray is removable from the container when the lid portion is in the open position, e.g., when the retention mechanism is disengaged. Removing the tray from the container when the lid portion is in the open position may advantageously allow a user to access the space in the compartment below the tray.

[0020] For example, when a user wishes to open the container by moving the lid portion from a closed position to an open position, the engagement between the second portion of the tray and the lid portion may cause the tray to also be subjected to an opening force applied by the user. However, the retention mechanism may act to counter such forces, such that the tray is disengaged from the lid portion as the user moves the lid portion. Thus, the retention mechanism may help to hold the tray in position relative to the box portion as the lid portion moves from the closed position to the open position.

[0021] The engagement between the lid portion and the second portion of the tray may occur between an inner surface of the front wall of the lid portion and the front wall of the tray. A retention mechanism may be formed between an inner surface of the front wall of the box portion and the front wall of the tray.

[0022] Engagement between the lid portion and the tray preferably occurs at the front of the container. Retention of the tray within the box portion preferably occurs at the front of the container. At the rear of the container there is preferably substantially no engagement between the lid portion and the tray.

[0023] The tray is preferably removable from the container when the lid portion is in the open position. A user may be able to disengage the retention mechanism when the lid portion is in the open position. Once the retention mechanism is disengaged, the tray may be removed from the container. The retention mechanism may be the only means used to secure the tray to the box portion.

[0024] Providing a tray that does not have an engagement or retention mechanism on the back of the container allows a user to more easily remove the tray from the box portion to access the space within the container below the tray. For example, a user may be able to remove the tray from the box portion to access one or more consumer goods contained within the container space below the tray. Alternatively, a user may need to access the space within the container below the tray to access a consumer good.

[0025] The lid portion and the tray may engage by friction. Such engagement may be preferred over other forms of engagement for holding the lid in a closed position, such as one or more of magnets, adhesives, and fasteners, as such other forms of engagement may add cost and / or complexity to the container design. Furthermore, such other forms of engagement may reduce the functionality or usefulness of other aspects of the container. Thus, preferred embodiments of the present invention may provide a more cost-effective, simpler, and more functional solution than existing containers.

[0026] Furthermore, the container according to the present invention may also provide the user with an improved opening experience. Because the tray supporting the consumer goods is not fully received within the box portion of the container according to the present invention, the consumer may be able to more easily access the consumer goods supported by the tray. When the container contains multiple consumer goods, the more important or more valuable items may be displayed on the tray, and further consumer goods such as utilities and accessories may be contained below the tray. Thus, in the container according to the present invention, the arrangement of the consumer goods within the container may be more attractive to the consumer.

[0027] A container according to the present invention comprises a box portion, a lid portion, and a tray.

[0028] The container, box portion, lid portion, and tray may be formed from any suitable material, including, but not limited to, cardboard, paperboard, plastic, metal, or combinations thereof.

[0029] Containers according to the invention may be in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with perpendicular longitudinal edges and perpendicular transverse edges, or alternatively, the container may be in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with one or more longitudinal rounded edges, transverse rounded edges, longitudinal chamfered edges, or transverse chamfered edges, or combinations thereof.

[0030] The exterior surface of containers according to the present invention may be printed, embossed, debossed, or otherwise decorated with manufacturer or brand logos, trademarks, slogans, as well as other consumer information or other indicia.

[0031] The container may be configured to house one or more aerosol generating devices, aerosol generating articles, accessories, and consumables such as utilities. The consumables may be housed in separate compartments within the container.

[0032] The lid portion and the box portion may be formed from a single blank of layered material, or alternatively, the lid portion and the box portion may be formed from separate blanks of layered material.

[0033] The box portion may include a box portion front wall, a box portion rear wall, first and second opposing box side walls, and a box portion bottom wall. The box portion may have an opening at a top end of the box portion. The box portion opening may be defined by upper edges of the box portion front wall, the box portion rear wall, and the box portion first and second opposing side walls. The box portion defines an interior space that forms a portion of the compartment of the container. The tray may be positioned within the compartment such that a first portion of the tray resides below the box portion opening and a second portion of the tray resides above the box portion opening.

[0034] The lid portion may include a lid portion front wall, a lid portion rear wall, first and second lid portion opposing side walls, and a lid portion top wall. The lid portion may have an opening at a lower end of the lid portion. The lid portion opening may be defined by lower edges of the lid portion front wall, the lid portion rear wall, and the first and second lid portion side walls. The lid portion may define an interior space that forms a portion of the compartment of the container. The lid portion may be connected to the box portion by a hinge line that extends across the rear wall of the box portion. The tray may be positioned within the compartment such that a first portion of the tray resides below the lid portion opening and a second portion of the tray resides above the lid portion opening when the lid portion is in the closed position.

[0035] The inner surface of the lid portion top wall may include a recessed portion for receiving a consumer good. The inner surface of the lid portion top wall may include a plurality of recessed portions for receiving multiple consumer goods. One or more recessed portions of the inner surface of the lid portion top wall may be configured to conform to a shape of the consumer good. This may help to support the consumer good and limit movement of the consumer good within the container.

[0036] The lid portion is preferably connected to the box portion by a hinge line. The hinge line may allow the lid portion to move between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the lid portion may cover the opening of the box portion. In the open position, the opening of the box portion may not be covered by the lid portion.

[0037] If a single layered blank is used to form both the box portion and the lid portion, the hinge lines may be formed within said single layered blank.

[0038] The hinge line may be formed by one or more laminar blanks connecting the box portion to the lid portion. The one or more laminar blanks in which the hinge line is formed may be adhered to the box portion rear wall and the lid portion rear wall.

[0039] The one or more laminar blanks along which the hinge line is formed may include an outer laminar blank adhered to an outer surface of the box portion rear wall and an outer surface of the lid portion rear wall, the outer laminar blank may help hide any gaps that may occur between the box portion rear wall and the lid portion rear wall.

[0040] The one or more laminar blanks along which the hinge line is formed may include an inner laminar blank adhered to an inner surface of the box portion rear wall and an inner surface of the lid portion rear wall, the inner laminar blank may help hide any gaps that may occur between the box portion rear wall and the lid portion rear wall.

[0041] The hinge line may extend across only a portion of the box portion rear wall, or alternatively, the hinge line may extend across the entire length of the box portion rear wall.

[0042] A tray is disposed within the compartment of the container and configured to support at least a portion of the consumer goods, the tray including a first portion residing within the box portion and a second portion residing within the lid portion.

[0043] The second portion of the tray may have a height of between 4 and 10 millimeters, more preferably between 5 and 9 millimeters, and even more preferably between 6 and 9 millimeters.

[0044] The tray may be substantially cuboid in shape. In such an embodiment, the height of the second portion of the tray may be constant. Alternatively, the tray may have a height that is not constant across the cross section of the tray in the direction of the tray depth. The second portion of the tray may have a maximum height adjacent the tray front wall.

[0045] The tray may have a cross section along the depth of the tray that is trapezoidal in shape.

[0046] The tray may include a recessed portion for receiving the consumables.

[0047] There may be one or more trays disposed within the compartments of the container, each tray having a first portion residing within the box portion and a second portion residing within the lid portion, each tray may be configured to support at least a portion of the consumer goods.

[0048] In a container according to the invention, the second portion of the tray engages the lid portion when the lid is in the closed position and serves to hold the lid portion in the closed position, preferably the second portion of the tray engaging an inner surface of the lid portion.

[0049] The lid portion may be configured to engage with the first tray by friction. The friction between the lid portion and the tray may occur between a first tray front wall and a lid portion front wall. The friction between the second portion of the tray and the lid portion may be such that inadvertent opening of the lid portion during normal use or transportation of the container is avoided. The friction between the second portion of the tray and the lid portion may not be so great that a user needs to apply excessive force to overcome the friction. For example, the required opening force may preferably not exceed 13 Newtons. Thus, a user may be able to move the lid portion to the open position by overcoming the friction.

[0050] Friction between the tray and the lid portion may be caused by an interference fit between the tray and the lid portion. Preferably, the depth of the tray may be 0.1 to 0.5 mm greater than the internal depth of the lid portion, more preferably, the depth of the tray is 0.2 to 0.4 mm greater than the internal depth of the lid portion, and even more preferably, the depth of the tray is 0.25 to 0.35 mm greater than the internal depth of the lid portion.

[0051] A container according to the present invention includes a retention mechanism between the first portion of the tray and the box portion, the retention mechanism being configured to resist movement of the tray relative to the box portion in response to the lid portion moving from the closed position to the open position, the retention mechanism being capable of acting as an anchor to retain the first portion of the tray within the box portion when the lid portion moves to the open position.

[0052] The retention feature may include a protrusion on the tray front wall. The retention feature protrusion may extend from a bottom edge of the tray front wall. The protrusion may be a folded edge of the tray front wall. The protrusion may be an edge of a panel affixed to the bottom surface of the tray. The protrusion may be an embossed portion of the tray front wall.

[0053] The retention feature may include a corresponding engagement edge on the box portion. The engagement edge of the retention feature may be on an inner surface of the box portion front wall. The inner surface of the box portion front wall may be defined by a first box portion front wall panel and a second box portion front wall panel. The first box portion front wall panel may extend over only a portion of the inner surface of the box portion front wall. The engagement edge may be an edge of the first box portion front wall panel. The engagement edge may be a bottom edge of the first box portion front wall panel.

[0054] The engagement edge of the retention feature may form part of a slot in the container.The engagement edge may form a top edge of the slot in the container.

[0055] The container may further include a second tray. In such an embodiment, the tray including a first portion that resides within the box portion and a second portion that resides above the box portion may be referred to as the first tray. The second tray may be received within a compartment below the first tray. When the engagement edge of the retention feature forms part of a slot in the container, the top wall of the second tray may define a lower edge of the slot in the container.

[0056] The slot in the container may be further defined by a debossed portion of the inner surface of the box portion front wall. The debossed portion of the inner surface of the box portion front wall may be formed by applying pressure to the inner surface of the box portion front wall with a tool.

[0057] Features described with respect to one example or embodiment may also be applicable to other examples and embodiments.

[0058] Below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples, any one or more of the features of which may be combined with any one or more features of the other examples, embodiments, or aspects described herein.

[0059] Example 1. 1. A container for consumer goods, the container comprising: a box portion and a lid portion which together define a compartment for containing the consumer goods; and a tray disposed within the compartment and configured to support at least a portion of the consumer goods, the tray including a first portion which resides within the box portion and a second portion which resides above the box portion, the lid portion being movable relative to the box portion between a closed position in which the tray is covered and an open position in which the tray is not covered, the second portion of the tray extending into the lid portion when the lid portion is in the closed position and engaging an inner surface of the lid portion to help hold the lid portion in the closed position, the container further comprising a retention mechanism between the first portion of the tray and the box portion, the retention mechanism being configured to resist movement of the tray relative to the box portion in response to the lid portion moving from the closed position to the open position. Example 2. 2. The container according to example 1, wherein the first portion of the tray is removable from the box portion when the lid portion is in the open position. Example 3. A container according to example 2, wherein the lid portion is connected to the box portion by a hinge line extending across a rear wall of the box portion. Example 4. A container according to any of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the lid portion engages with the tray by friction. Example 5. A container according to example 4, wherein friction occurs between the tray front wall and the lid portion front wall. Example 6. A container according to any of Examples 1-5, wherein the retention feature includes a protrusion on the tray front wall and a corresponding engagement lip on the box portion. Example 7. A container according to example 6, wherein the protrusion extends from the lower edge of the tray front wall. Example 8. 8. The container according to example 6 or 7, wherein the box portion includes a box portion front wall, the corresponding engagement edge being on an inner surface of the box portion front wall. Example 9. 9. A container according to example 8, wherein an inner surface of the box portion front wall is defined by a first box portion front wall panel and a second box portion front wall panel. Example 10. 10. A container according to example 9, wherein the first box portion front wall panel extends across only a portion of the inner surface of the box portion front wall. Example 11. 10. A container according to example 9, wherein the engaging edge is an edge of the first box portion front wall panel. Example 12. A container according to any of Examples 6-11, wherein the engagement edge of the retention feature forms part of a slot in the container. Example 13. The container according to any of Examples 1-12, wherein the container further comprises an additional consumer good received within the space in the compartment below the tray. Example 14. The container according to example 12, wherein the slot is defined by a debossed portion of the inner surface of the box portion front wall. Example 15. A container according to example 14, wherein the debossed portion of the inner surface of the box portion front wall is formed by applying pressure to the inner surface of the box portion front wall with a tool. Example 16. A container according to any of Examples 1 to 15, wherein the second portion of the tray has a height of 4 to 10 millimeters. Example 17. A container according to any of Examples 1 to 16, wherein the second portion of the tray has a height of 5 to 9 millimeters. Example 18. A container according to any of Examples 1 to 17, wherein the second portion of the tray has a height of 6 to 8 millimeters. Example 19. A container according to any of Examples 1-18, wherein the tray includes a recessed portion for receiving a consumer good. Example 20. A container according to any of Examples 1-19, wherein the inner surface of the lid portion upper wall includes a corresponding recessed portion for receiving a consumer good. Example 21. A container according to example 3, wherein the depth of the tray is 0.1 to 0.5 millimeters greater than the interior depth of the lid portion, forming an interference fit between the lid portion and the tray. Example 22. 22. The container according to embodiment 21, wherein the depth of the tray is 0.2 to 0.4 millimeters greater than the internal depth of the lid portion. Example 23. 23. The container of embodiment 22, wherein the depth of the tray is 0.25 to 0.35 millimeters greater than the internal depth of the lid portion. Example 24. The container according to any of Examples 1-23, wherein the box portion further comprises a box portion rear wall, a box portion bottom wall, and first and second opposing box portion side walls. Example 25. A container according to any of Examples 1-24, wherein the lid portion includes a lid portion rear wall and first and second opposing lid portion side walls. Example 26. The container according to any of Examples 1-25, wherein the tray further comprises a tray front wall, a tray rear wall, and first and second opposing inner tray side walls. Example 27. A container according to any of Examples 1-26, wherein the lid portion and the box portion are formed from separate layered blanks. Example 28. A container according to any of Examples 1-26, wherein the lid portion and the box portion may be formed from a single layered blank. Example 28. The container according to example 28, wherein the hinge line may be formed within a single layered blank. Example 30. A container according to any of Examples 3-27, wherein the hinge line is formed by one or more laminar blanks connecting the box portion to the lid portion. Example 31. 31. A container according to example 30, wherein one or more laminar blanks along which a hinge line is formed are adhered to the rear wall of the box portion and the rear wall of the lid portion. Example 32. 32. A container according to example 31, wherein the one or more laminar blanks along which the hinge line is formed include an outer laminar blank adhered to the outer surface of the rear wall of the box portion and the outer surface of the rear wall of the lid portion. Example 33. 33. A container according to example 32, wherein the one or more laminar blanks along which the hinge line is formed include an inner laminar blank adhered to the inner surface of the rear wall of the box portion and the inner surface of the rear wall of the lid portion. Example 34. A container according to any of Examples 3-33, wherein the hinge line extends across only a portion of the rear wall of the box portion. Example 35. A container according to any of Examples 3-33, wherein the hinge line extends across the entire length of the rear wall of the box portion. Example 36. A container according to any of Examples 1-35, wherein the second portion of the tray has a height that is constant along the depth of the tray. Example 37. A container according to example 36, wherein the tray is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. Example 38. A container according to any of Examples 1-35, wherein the second portion of the tray has a non-constant height along the depth of the tray. Example 39. The container according to example 38, wherein the second portion of the tray has a maximum height adjacent the front wall of the tray. Example 40. The container according to any of Examples 1-39, wherein one or more additional trays are disposed within the compartment of the container. Example 41. 41. The container according to example 40, wherein the one or more additional trays have a first portion that resides within the box portion and a second portion that resides within the lid portion. Example 42. 42. The container according to example 41, wherein one or more additional trays are configured to support at least some of the consumer goods. Example 43. The container according to any of Examples 6-42, wherein the protrusion is a folded edge of the front wall of the tray. Example 44. The container according to any of Examples 6 to 42, wherein the protrusion is an edge of a panel attached to the bottom surface of the tray.

[0060] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0061] Figures 1-5 show a container 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The solid walls of the container are shown as transparent in these figures so that details within the container 10 can be seen. The container 10 comprises a box portion 20, a lid portion 40 connected to the box portion 20 by a hinge line 50, and a tray 60 received within the container 10 configured to support at least some of the consumer goods 14. Further consumer goods 17 are received in a space 18 below the tray 60.

[0062] FIG. 1 shows a container 10 according to an embodiment of the invention with a lid portion 40 in a closed position.

[0063] Box portion 20 includes a box portion bottom wall 21, a box portion front wall 22, a box portion rear wall 23, a first box portion sidewall 24, a second box portion sidewall 25 (not shown), and a top end 30 that includes an opening 31. As best seen in Figure 6, opening 31 in box portion 20 is bounded by a top end of box portion front wall 32, a top end of box portion rear wall 33, a top end of first box portion sidewall 34, and a top end of second box portion sidewall 35.

[0064] The lid portion 40 is connected to the box portion 20 by a hinge line 50 that extends across the box portion rear wall 23. The lid portion 40 includes a lid portion top wall 41, a lid portion front wall 42, a lid portion rear wall 43, a first lid portion side wall 44, and a second lid portion side wall 45 (not shown). The lid portion 40 is movable relative to the box portion 20 between a closed position in which the lid portion covers the opening of the box portion and an open position in which the opening 31 of the box portion 20 is not covered. The lid portion 40 is shown in the closed position in FIG. 1. The lid portion 40 can pivot about the hinge line 50 on the box portion rear wall 23 between the closed and open positions. The lid portion 40 is considered to be in a fully open position when the lid portion top wall 41 is perpendicular to the opening 31 of the top end 30 of the box portion 20. The lid portion 40 can be pivoted 180 degrees to an open position in which the lid portion rear wall 43 and the box portion rear wall 23 are substantially parallel. Figures 1-3 show the lid portion 40 in various stages of unpacking, with the lid portion between the closed position of Figure 1 and the fully open position of Figure 3.

[0065] 1-5, hinge line 50 is formed by a two laminar blank connecting box portion 20 to lid portion 40. The two laminar blanks from which hinge line 50 is formed are bonded to box portion rear wall 23 and lid portion rear wall 43.

[0066] An outer laminar blank 52 in which hinge line 50 is formed is adhered to the outer surface of box portion rear wall 23 and the outer surface of lid portion rear wall 43 .

[0067] An inner laminar blank 54 in which hinge line 50 is formed is adhered to the inner surface of box portion rear wall 23 and to the inner surface of lid portion rear wall 43 .

[0068] The box portion bottom wall 21 defines a bottom wall of the container 10. The lid portion top wall 41 defines a top wall of the container 10. The box portion front wall 22 and the lid portion front wall 42 together define a front wall of the container 10. The box portion rear wall 23 and the lid portion rear wall 43 together define a rear wall of the container 10. The first box portion sidewall 24 and the second box portion sidewall 25, and the first lid portion sidewall 44 and the second lid portion sidewall 45 together define first and second side walls of the container 10.

[0069] The front wall, rear wall, first and second side walls, top wall and bottom wall of the container 10 define a compartment for storing consumer goods 14 within the box portion 20 and the lid portion 40. When the lid portion 40 is in an open position, a consumer may have access to the consumer goods 14 stored within the compartment.

[0070] The container 10 further comprises a tray 60 configured to support at least a portion of the consumer goods 14 disposed within the compartment of the container 10. The tray 60 includes a recessed portion 61 configured to receive at least a portion of the consumer goods 14. The tray 60 includes a tray front wall 65, a tray rear wall 66, a first tray side wall 67, and a second tray second side wall 68 (not shown). The compartment of the container 10 for the consumer goods is configured to receive the tray 60. The tray 60 is positioned within the compartment such that a first portion of the tray 62 resides below the opening 31 of the box portion 20 and a second portion of the tray 64 resides above the opening 31 of the box portion 20. When the lid portion 40 of the container 10 is in the closed position, the second portion 64 of the tray is received within the lid portion 40.

[0071] The second portion of the tray 64 frictionally engages the lid portion 40 to help retain the lid portion 40 in the closed position. The engagement between the second portion of the tray 64 and the lid portion 40 occurs between the tray front wall 65 and the inner surface of the lid portion front wall 42.

[0072] The container 10 includes a retention mechanism (not shown in Figures 1-6) between a first portion of the tray 62 and the box portion 20 to resist movement of the tray 60 relative to the box portion 20 in response to movement of the lid portion 40 from the closed position to the open position. The retention mechanism is located adjacent a front wall of the box portion. The retention mechanism will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 7 and 8.

[0073] The retention mechanism is separable to allow the tray 60 to be removable from the container 10 through the box portion opening 31 when the lid portion 40 is in the open position.

[0074] A second tray 16 supporting further consumer goods 17 is received within a compartment in the space 18 below the tray.

[0075] 4 shows a container 10 according to an embodiment of the invention with the lid portion 40 in an open position and the tray 60 partially removed from the box portion 20. The container 10 is shown with the rear of the tray 60 elevated. In this position, the retention mechanism 80 is disengaged, allowing the tray 60 to be removed from the box portion 20.

[0076] 5 shows a container 10 according to an embodiment of the invention with the lid portion 40 in an open position and the tray 60 completely removed from the box portion 20. When the tray 60 is removed from the box portion 20, the space 18 below the tray 60 provides access to additional consumer goods 14 contained within the container 10.

[0077] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a container 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention with the lid portion 40 in an open position and the tray 60 partially removed from the box portion 20. Figure 6 shows the lid portion 40 in a fully open position with the tray 60 in substantially the same position as in Figure 4. Although consumables are not shown in this view, a recessed portion 61 in the tray 60 for supporting at least some of the consumables 14 is shown. A corresponding recess 46 is shown in the lid portion 40 for receiving the consumables 14 supported by the tray 60.

[0078] FIG. 7 shows a retention feature 780 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The retention feature includes a protrusion 781 on the tray front wall 765 and a corresponding engagement edge 782 on the box portion front wall 722. The protrusion 781 extends from a lower edge of the tray front wall 765. The corresponding engagement edge 782 is on the inner surface of the box portion front wall 722. The inner surface of the box portion front wall 722 is defined by a first box portion front wall panel 783 and a second box portion front wall panel 784. The first box portion front wall panel 783 extends over only a portion of the inner surface of the box portion front wall 722. The corresponding engagement edge 782 on the inner surface of the box portion front wall 722 is an edge of the first box portion front wall panel 783. The engagement edge 782 of the retention feature 780 forms a portion of a slot 785 in the container. The engagement edge 782 forms an upper edge 786 of the slot 785. A second tray 716 supporting additional consumer items 717 is received in the compartment below the tray 760. The upper surface of the second tray 716 forms a lower edge 787 of the slot 785.

[0079] The retention mechanism 780 is shown in an engaged configuration in which a protrusion 781 on the tray front wall 765 is received in a slot 785 to resist movement of the tray 760 relative to the box portion 720 in response to the lid portion moving from the closed position to the open position.

[0080] 8 shows a retention mechanism 880 according to a second embodiment of the invention. A panel 888 is affixed to the bottom of the tray 860 such that a portion of the panel protrudes away from the tray 860 to form a protrusion 881 of the tray 860. The protrusion 881 extends from a lower edge of the tray front wall 865. A corresponding engagement edge 882 is on the inner surface of the box portion front wall 822. The engagement edge 882 of the retention mechanism 880 forms part of a slot 885 on the inner surface of the box portion front wall 822. The slot 885 on the inner surface of the box portion front wall 822 is defined by a embossed portion of the box portion front wall 822. The engagement edge 882 forms the upper surface of the slot 885. A second tray 816 supporting further consumer goods 817 is received in the compartment below the tray 860.

[0081] The retention mechanism 880 is shown in an engaged configuration in which a protrusion 881 on the tray front wall 865 is received within a slot 885 to resist movement of the tray 860 relative to the box portion 820 in response to the lid portion moving from the closed position to the open position.

Claims

**Claim 1** A container for consumer goods, said container comprising: a box portion and a lid portion that together define compartments for containing consumer goods; a tray disposed within said compartments and configured to support at least some of the consumer goods, said tray including a first portion that is within said box portion and a second portion that is above said box portion; said lid portion being movable relative to said box portion between a closed position in which said tray is covered and an open position in which said tray is uncovered; said second portion of said tray extending into said lid portion and engaging an inner surface of said lid portion to assist in holding said lid portion in said closed position when said lid portion is in said closed position; said container further comprising a retaining mechanism between said first portion of said tray and said box portion, said retaining mechanism being configured to oppose movement of said tray relative to said box portion in response to movement of said lid portion from said closed position to said open position. **Claim 2** The container according to claim 1, wherein said first portion of said tray is removable from said box portion when said lid portion is in said open position. **Claim 3** The container according to claim 2, wherein said lid portion is connected to said box portion by a hinge line extending across a rear wall of said box portion. **Claim 4** The container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said lid portion engages said tray by friction. **Claim 5** The container according to claim 4, wherein said friction occurs between a front wall of the tray and a front wall of the lid portion. **Claim 6** The container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said retaining mechanism includes a protrusion on a front wall of the tray and a corresponding engaging edge on said box portion. **Claim 7** The container according to claim 6, wherein said protrusion extends from a lower edge of the front wall of the tray. **Claim 8** The container according to claim 6, wherein said box portion includes a front wall of the box portion and said corresponding engaging edge is on an inner surface of the front wall of the box portion. **Claim 9** The container according to claim 8, wherein said inner surface of the front wall of the box portion is defined by a first panel of the front wall of the box portion and a second panel of the front wall of the box portion. **Claim 10** The container according to claim 9, wherein the first box portion front wall panel extends only over a part of the inner surface of the box portion front wall. **Claim 11** The container according to claim 9, wherein the engaging edge is an edge of the first box portion front wall panel. **Claim 12** The container according to claim 6, wherein the engaging edge of the holding mechanism forms a part of a slot in the container. **Claim 13** The container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising additional consumer goods received in a space within a compartment below the tray. **Claim 14** The container according to claim 12, wherein the slot is defined by a dimpled portion of the inner surface of the box portion front wall. **Claim 15** The container according to claim 3, wherein the depth of the tray is 0.1 to 0.5 millimeters greater than the inner depth of the lid portion, forming an interference fit between the lid portion and the tray.