Smoking article storage box

Abstract

To provide a smoking article storage box which provides good protection for smoking articles and enables a user to easily take out the smoking articles from the box.SOLUTION: There is provided a smoking article storage box 1 including: an outer container 10 having a base portion 12 and a lid portion 14; a first storage layer element 20 located lower within the base portion; and at least one higher element 30, 40 removably positioned at a higher position within the base portion. The first storage layer element has a first contact edge 24 on one side and a second contact edge 26 on an opposite side of the first storage layer element, and the first contact edge and the second contact edge form a support element for at least one higher element in the storage box 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a smoking article storage box, which is particularly suitable for storing electronic cigarettes and accessories thereof, such as disposable cartridges, charging cables, liquid tanks or user manuals. [Background technology]

[0002] Smoking articles, particularly fragile items such as e-cigarettes, are typically brought to market packaged in small boxes or containers to protect the items during transport.

[0003] More expensive goods such as electronic cigarettes are packaged in display boxes that, on the one hand, protect the electronic cigarette during transportation by separating the individual parts from each other to prevent friction, and, on the other hand, provide the user with easy access to remove the electronic cigarette and its accessories. However, some display boxes for electronic cigarettes have the drawback that the electronic cigarette cannot be easily or conveniently removed from the display box. This drawback is due to the need to hold the electronic cigarette tightly in the box for the purpose of protecting it due to the transportation function.

[0004] There is therefore a challenge to provide a smoking article storage box which, on the one hand, provides good protection for the smoking articles and, on the other hand, allows the user to conveniently remove the smoking articles from the box. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The above-mentioned problems are solved by the smoking article storage box described in claim 1. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above-mentioned problem is particularly solved by a smoking article storage box comprising an outer container including a base portion and a lid portion, a first storage layer element arranged at a lower position within the base portion, and at least one higher element removably arranged at a higher position within the base portion, the first storage layer element comprising a first contact edge on one side and a second contact edge on an opposite side of the first storage layer element, the first contact edge and the second contact edge forming a support element for the at least one higher element in the storage box.

[0007] The contact edges of the first storage layer element on the opposite sides of the first storage layer element allow the two layers in the box to contact each other without friction or contact in the central area between the two layers. This prevents damage to the smoking articles or accessories held in the first storage layer element. In particular, no additional spacer is required to hold at least one higher element at this higher position in the box. The first storage layer element thus combines the function of holding the product and the function of holding the higher element above the first storage layer element and above the product. In this way, a smoking article storage box with a two or more layer structure is provided that is very cost-effective and easy to manufacture. Preferably, the contact edges form a dedicated vertical support for the higher element in the box and are therefore the highest area of ​​the first storage layer element in the storage box.

[0008] In addition, since contact edges for supporting the higher elements are arranged on both sides of the first storage layer element, it is possible to freely design the space between those contact edges, particularly so that the user can easily grasp and remove smoking articles or accessories.

[0009] Preferably, the first storage layer element includes an upper surface having a concave shape. The concave shape of the upper surface allows for easy grasping and removal of smoking articles or accessories from the first storage layer element. This allows the smoking article or accessory to protrude from the first storage layer element, while the concave shape allows contact edges to be provided on opposing sides of the first storage layer element for supporting the higher elements.

[0010] Preferably, the first containment layer element provides a space above the upper surface and between the first and second contact edges, which space can be partially occupied by a smoking article or accessory and can be used to provide a clearance for gripping the smoking article or accessory from its side.

[0011] Preferably, the higher element is a second storage layer element. Thus, like the first storage layer element, the higher element can be used to hold smoking articles or accessories and present smoking articles or accessories to a user. The multi-level arrangement of the smoking article storage box allows for aesthetically pleasing and ergonomically optimized storage and presentation of smoking articles or accessories. For example, the second storage layer element can hold and present only an e-cigarette, which allows the void space around the e-cigarette to be fully utilized for easy removal.

[0012] Preferably, the second storage layer element comprises a first contact edge on one side and a second contact edge on an opposite side of the second storage layer element, the first contact edge and the second contact edge forming a support element for the second storage layer element. Such opposing contact edges of the second storage layer element provide a defined contact location for the second storage layer element, which further prevents friction or damage of the second storage layer element against the smoking article or accessory located underneath.

[0013] Preferably, the first and second contact edges are linear in shape and provide horizontal support elements, which on the one hand provide a secure support for the second storage layer element at the top of the first storage layer element in the box, and on the other hand leave a maximum free space between the storage layers without the need for additional spacers to separate the storage layers.

[0014] Preferably, the first and second contact edges are located adjacent to inner surfaces of opposing side walls of the base portion such that the first and second storage layer elements are positioned within the base portion with little or no play, thereby preventing undesired movement of the first and second storage layer elements within the storage box.

[0015] Preferably, the second storage layer element comprises an upper surface having a convex shape and / or a lower surface having a concave shape, such a concave shape advantageously also providing a gap for gripping the smoking article or accessory from its side.

[0016] Preferably, the second storage layer element includes a gripping hole for facilitating removal of the second storage layer element from the base portion. The gripping hole allows a user to insert at least one finger to easily grip the second storage layer element to remove it from the base portion of the storage box. Preferably, the gripping hole is located below a smoking article or accessory held by the second storage layer element such that the gripping hole is visible only when the smoking article or accessory is removed from the second storage layer element. This improves the appearance of the storage box containing the smoking article or accessory.

[0017] Preferably, each of the first and second storage layer elements includes at least one recess for holding an item. The recess holds a smoking article or accessory at least partially positioned within or on the first and second storage layer elements. Preferably, the recess is shaped to fit the contour or outer shape of the smoking article or accessory it holds. Thus, the smoking article or accessory is positioned and held in a defined position within the storage box.

[0018] Preferably, the first and second storage layer elements have a generally rectangular footprint that fits inside the base portion. Thus, the first and second storage layer elements substantially cover the entire inside of the base portion, preferably the floor, such that the elements below each layer element are hidden from view. Furthermore, the first and second storage layer elements are substantially prevented from moving within the storage bin, thereby preventing damage to items held by the first and second storage layer elements.

[0019] Preferably, the smoking article storage box further comprises a flat or cuboid-shaped intermediate layer element as a further higher element. Preferably, the intermediate layer element is positioned between the first storage layer element and the second storage layer element. Preferably, the intermediate layer element comprises an openable hollow interior space. Such space can be used to store further flat items, such as accessories, user manuals, data storage media, etc.

[0020] Preferably, the intermediate layer element includes at least one gripping tab arranged to underlie a gripping hole of the second storage layer element such that the gripping tab can protrude through the gripping hole and be grasped by a user to remove both the intermediate layer element together with the second storage layer element.

[0021] Preferably, the lid is a cover lid. Preferably, the cover lid has a height equal to or greater than the height of the base portion, so that the smoking article container in the closed state looks like a rectangular cube.

[0022] Preferably, the lid is hinged to the base portion. In another embodiment, the lid may also be a hinged lid, preferably with the base and lid portions together forming a unitary outer container.

[0023] In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention are disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a smoking article storage box. [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic perspective view of the smoking article storage box of FIG. 1. [Figure 3a] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a first storage layer element. [Figure 3b] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a second storage layer element. [Figure 4A] 4A-4D are top, side, and front views of the first storage layer element of FIG. 3. [Figure 4B] 4A-4D are top, side, and front views of the first storage layer element of FIG. 3. [Figure 4C] 4A-4D are top, side, and front views of the first storage layer element of FIG. 3. [Figure 5A] 1A-1D are top, side, front and schematic perspective views of a preferred embodiment of a second storage layer element. [Figure 5B] 1A-1D are top, side, front and schematic perspective views of a preferred embodiment of a second storage layer element. [Figure 5C] 1A-1D are top, side, front and schematic perspective views of a preferred embodiment of a second storage layer element. [Figure 5D] 1A-1D are top, side, front and schematic perspective views of a preferred embodiment of a second storage layer element. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic front view of a smoking article. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a top view of a blank for an embodiment of an interlayer element. [Figure 8] 11 is a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of a smoking article storage box, showing a base portion and a first storage layer. FIG. [Figure 9] 13 is a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of a smoking article storage box, showing a base portion and a second storage layer. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] In the following, preferred embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the figures.

[0026] 1 and 2 show an embodiment of a smoking article storage box 1. The storage box 1 of this embodiment includes an outer container 10, a first storage layer element 20 arranged at a lowest position in the outer container 10, an intermediate layer element 40 arranged at a higher position in the outer container 10, preferably directly above the first storage layer element 20, and a second storage layer element 30 arranged at a highest position in the outer container 10, preferably directly above the intermediate layer element 40. Thus, the storage box 1 preferably provides three different height positions for storing smoking articles 5 (see FIG. 6) or accessories at different heights within the storage box 1.

[0027] In another embodiment (not shown), the second storage layer element 30 can be located directly above the first storage layer element 40. In such an embodiment, the intermediate layer element 40 can be omitted or can be located at the highest position within the outer container 10, preferably directly above the second storage layer element 30. In this embodiment, the storage box 1 provides two different height positions for storing smoking articles 5 or accessories.

[0028] The outer container 10 includes a base portion 12 and a lid portion 14. The lid portion can be a slip-on lid 14 or a hinged lid (not shown). The base portion 12 and the lid portion 14 preferably have a rectangular cuboid shape and are preferably made of a rigid cardboard material. The outer container can have a length of 10-15 cm, a height Hl of 3-6 cm, and a width of 5-8 cm. With such a size, the smoking article storage box 1 can hold an e-cigarette together with all accessories and a user manual.

[0029] The height Hl of the lid portion 14 is preferably equal to or slightly greater than the height Hb of the base portion 12. Thus, the base portion 12 fits completely into the lid portion 14.

[0030] Figures 3 and 4 show an embodiment of the first storage layer element 20 in different views. The first storage layer element 20 comprises a recess or cavity 22 for holding an item, preferably a smoking article 5 or an accessory. The first storage layer element 20 is preferably made of a material layer having a curved shape. The material layer of the first storage layer element 20 preferably has a thickness of about 0.1 to 3.0 mm, depending on the material used. The first storage layer element 20 can be made by deep drawing of a plastic material layer, can be injection molded or can be 3D printed. Also, alternatively, the first storage layer element 20 can be made from a curved paper fiber material (e.g. a molded or bent paper material).

[0031] The first storage layer element 20 includes a first contact edge 24 on one side and a second contact edge 26 on the opposite side of the first storage layer element 20. These preferably straight horizontally disposed contact edges 24, 26 form a support element for at least one higher element 30 and 40. The contact edges 24, 26 are further located adjacent to or against the inner surfaces of the opposing side walls 16, 17 of the base portion 12 to prevent undesired movement of the first storage layer element 20. The first storage layer element 20 preferably has a rectangular footprint, as shown in FIG. 4A, that fits into the base portion 12. Thus, the inner bottom of the base portion 12 is not visible to the user.

[0032] The first storage layer element 20 further comprises an upper surface 21 having a concave shape. The upper surface 21 preferably surrounds the recess 22 and forms a visible surface. The concave shape of the upper surface 21 is, on the one hand, , facilitating removal of the article held by the recess 22, while positioning the contact edges 24, 26 as the highest element of the first storage layer element 20. Thus, as shown in the side view of FIG. 4B, the first storage layer element 20 provides a space 25 above the concave upper surface 21 and between the first contact edge 24 and the second contact edge 26, as represented by the auxiliary line 2 between the contact edges 24, 26. The height Hs of the space 25 is determined by the curvature of the concave upper surface 21 and is about 4-10 mm. Preferably, the height Hs of the space 25 is about 30%-50% of the total height Hf of the first storage layer element 20. This height Hs has the advantage that the user is provided with sufficient space 25 to grip the smoking article 5 or accessory, and at the same time, the torsional stability of the first storage layer element is achieved since the sides of the first storage layer element 20 have sufficient height.

[0033] The first storage layer element 20 has a bottom contact surface 23 that contacts the inner bottom of the base portion 12. Thus, the first storage layer element 20 can be removably positioned within the storage box 1. The first storage layer element 20 can be fixedly attached (e.g., by adhesive or a mechanical connecting element) to the inner bottom of the base portion 12 such that the first storage layer element 20 cannot be removed from the base portion 12. In other embodiments, the first storage layer element 20 is not adhered to the base portion 12.

[0034] 5A-5D show an embodiment of the second storage layer element 30 in different views. The second storage layer element 30 is arranged higher than the first storage layer element 20 in the storage box 1 and thus forms a higher element. The second storage layer element 30 preferably comprises a recess 32 for holding an item, preferably a smoking article 5 or an accessory. Like the first storage layer element 20, the second storage layer element 30 preferably consists of a material layer that is three-dimensionally shaped. The material layer of the second storage layer element 30 preferably has a thickness of about 0.1-3.0 mm, depending on the material used. The second storage layer element 30 can be made by deep drawing of a plastic material layer, can be injection molded or can be 3D printed. Alternatively, the second storage layer element 30 can be made from a paper fiber material (e.g. a molded or curved paper material).

[0035] The first storage layer element 30 includes a first contact edge 34 on one side and a second contact edge 36 on the opposite side of the second storage layer element 30. These preferably straight-shaped, horizontally disposed contact edges 34, 36 support the second storage layer element 30. Thereby, the contact edges 34, 36 of the second storage layer element 30 can rest directly on the contact edges 24, 26 of the first storage layer element 20 (not shown) or, as in the embodiment of FIG. 1, on the intermediate layer element 40. The contact edges 34, 36 further lie adjacent to or against the inner surfaces of the opposing side walls 16, 17 of the base portion 12 to prevent undesired movement of the second storage layer element 30.

[0036] Second storage layer element 30 preferably has a rectangular footprint, as shown in Figure 6A, that fits within base portion 12. Elements below second storage layer element 30 are thus substantially covered and not visible to the user.

[0037] The second storage layer element 30 further comprises an upper surface 31 having a curved or convex shape. The upper surface 31 preferably surrounds the recess 32 and forms a visible surface. The concave shape of the upper surface 31, on the one hand, facilitates removal of the item held by the recess 32, and, on the other hand, positions the contact edges 34, 36 as the lowest element of the second storage layer element 30. Thus, as shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 1, the second storage layer element 30 rests securely by the contact edges 34, 36 on the underlying element 40 or 20.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 1, the bottom surface of the recess 32 may be located at the same height as the contact edges 34, 36. The second storage layer element 30 is therefore additionally resting by at least the contact edges 34, 36 on an intermediate layer element 40, which preferably has a flat upper surface 41 (see Fig. 7). , may also rest on a bottom surface 37 of the recess 32. In another embodiment (not shown), the bottom surface of the recess 32 may be positioned higher than the contact edges 34, 36 such that the second storage layer element 30 rests only on the contact edges 34, 36.

[0039] Additionally, the second storage layer element 30 further includes a lower surface 33 having a concave shape. The concave shape of the lower surface provides a space 35 (see FIG. 1 ) below the space typically available for items located on the first storage layer element 20. This concave shape of the lower surface has the advantage that a larger space is formed intermediate the first storage layer element 20 and the second storage layer element 30, which is particularly advantageous when the intermediate layer 40 is not present.

[0040] The second storage layer element 30 is removably connected to the outer container 10. Thus, the second storage layer element 30 can be completely removed from the storage box 1 to provide access to the elements below the second storage layer element 30. To facilitate removal of the second storage layer element 30, the second storage layer element 30 may include a gripping hole 38. The gripping hole 38 is preferably located in the bottom wall of the recess 32 so that it is not visible when a smoking article or accessory is placed in the recess 32. Thus, the gripping hole 38 preferably has a small dimension smaller than the smoking article 5 (e.g., e-cigarette 5) or accessory placed in the recess 32. Preferably, the gripping hole has a diameter of about 15 mm, suitable for receiving a user's finger. The gripping hole 38 can also be sized and positioned to allow access to a gripping tab 46 (see FIG. 7) of the underlying intermediate storage layer element 40.

[0041] Fig. 6 shows an electronic cigarette 5 as an embodiment of a smoking article 5. The electronic cigarette 5 can be stored by a second storage layer element 30. In the embodiment of Figs. 5A-5D, the recess or cavity 32 is adapted to the outer shape of the smoking article 5. Thus, the smoking article 5 is held by the second storage layer element 30 with very little play.

[0042] 7 shows a blank of an intermediate layer element 40. The intermediate layer element 40 can be a further higher element and is preferably arranged between the first storage layer element 20 and the second storage layer element 30. However, the intermediate layer element 40 can also be arranged above the second storage layer element 30.

[0043] The intermediate layer element 40 has a shape corresponding to the inner shape of the base portion 12 of the storage box 1. In general, this shape corresponds to a flat and hollow rectangular cube providing an openable space inside. Such space can be used to store further flat items, such as accessories, user manuals, data storage media, etc. As shown in FIG. 7, the intermediate layer element 40 can be formed by folding a flat cardboard blank along fold lines, shown in dashed lines. The intermediate layer element 40 comprises a top wall 41, a side wall 45, and a bottom wall 42, 43, and 44. The bottom walls 42, 43, and 44 of the intermediate layer element 40 are preferably simply folded from a blank and are not glued to each other. Therefore, the intermediate layer element 40 can be fully opened by the bottom walls 42, 43, and 44 to provide access to the items inside. The bottom wall 48 includes a notch 48 and the bottom wall 43 includes a tab 47 that can be inserted into the notch 48 to hold the interlayer element 40 in a generally folded, closed configuration.

[0044] Preferably, the intermediate layer element 40 further includes at least one gripping tab 46. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the intermediate layer element 40 includes two gripping tabs 46. The gripping tabs 46 are preferably folded over toward the top side such that the gripping tabs 46 protrude from an upper surface of the top wall 41 to allow a user to grip the gripping tabs 46. Preferably, the gripping tabs 46 are cut out of the top wall 41 such that they are positioned below the gripping holes 38 of the second storage layer element 30. Thus, the gripping tabs 46 can protrude from the gripping holes 38 and can be easily grasped by a user when the intermediate layer element 40 is placed on the intermediate layer element 40. 1 and 2. The storage layer 30 may be grasped by the user for easy removal together with the second storage layer element 30.

[0045] Thus, the single box of smoking articles provides good support and protection for the smoking articles and accessories held therein during transportation, and also provides a quality unpacking experience for the user and ergonomically optimized and convenient access to the smoking articles and accessories. Furthermore, due to the two-layer or multi-layer design, the overall space consumption of the single box of smoking articles is minimized. Optionally, the intermediate layer element 40 can be a booklet, such as a user manual. The user manual can be provided with grip tabs 46 or grip holes similar to grip holes 38.

[0046] Figure 8 shows a further embodiment of a smoking article storage box 1 having a base portion 12 similar to the base portion 12 of the previous embodiment, and a first storage layer element 20. The first storage layer element 20 is similar to the first storage layer element 20 of the previous embodiment, but includes two recesses or cavities 22 for holding smoking articles 5 or accessories.

[0047] 9 shows a further embodiment of a smoking article storage box 1 having a base portion 12 similar to the base portion 12 of the previous embodiment, and a second storage layer element 30. The second storage layer element 30 is similar to the second storage layer element 30 of the previous embodiment, but includes recesses or cavities 32 for holding smoking articles 5 of different shapes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 1. Smoking article storage box 5. Smoking articles / electronic cigarettes 2 Auxiliary lines 10 Outer container 12 Base part 14 Lid part 16 side wall 17 Side wall 20 First storage layer element 21 Top side 22 Recesses / Cavities 23 Bottom Contact Edge 24 First contact edge 25 Space 26 Second contact edge 30 Second storage layer element 31 Top side 32 Recesses / Cavities 33 Bottom surface 34 First contact edge 35 Space 36 Second contact edge 37 Bottom of the recess 38 Gripping hole 40 Intermediate layer elements 41 Top Wall 45 Side wall 42, 43, 44 Bottom wall 46 Grip tab 47 Tabs 48 Cutout

Claims

1. A smoking article storage box (1), a. an outer container (10) having a base portion (12) and a lid portion (14); b. a first storage layer element (20) located lower within said base portion (12); c. at least one elevated element (30, 40) removably positioned at a higher position within said base portion (12); Including, d. the first storage layer element (20) comprises a first contact edge (24) on one side and a second contact edge (26) on an opposite side of the first storage layer element (20), and the first contact edge (24) and the second contact edge (26) form a support element for the at least one higher element (30, 40) in the storage box (1); A smoking article storage box (1).

2. The smoking article storage box according to claim 1, wherein the first storage layer element (20) includes an upper surface (21) having a concave shape.

3. 3. The smoking article storage box of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first storage layer element (20) provides a space (25) above the top surface (21) and between the first contact edge (24) and the second contact edge (26).

4. The smoking article storage box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the higher element (30) is a second storage layer element (30).

5. 5. The smoking article storage box of claim 4, wherein the second storage layer element (30) comprises a first contact edge (34) on one side and a second contact edge (36) on an opposite side of the second storage layer element (30), the first contact edge (34) and the second contact edge (36) forming a support element for the second storage layer element (30).

6. A box according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first contact edge (24, 34) and the second contact edge (26, 36) are straight and provide a horizontal support element.

7. The smoking article storage box according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first contact edge (24) and the second contact edge (26) are located adjacent to inner surfaces of opposing side walls (16, 17) of the base portion (12).

8. 5. The smoking article storage box according to claim 4, wherein the second storage layer element (30) comprises an upper surface (31) having a convex shape and / or comprises a lower surface (33) having a concave shape.

9. The smoking article storage box according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the second storage layer element (30) includes a gripping hole (38) for facilitating removal of the second storage layer element (30) from the base portion (12).

10. The smoking article storage box according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein each of the first storage layer element (20) and the second storage layer element (30) includes at least one recess (22, 32) for holding an item.

11. 11. The first storage layer element (20) and the second storage layer element (30) have a generally rectangular footprint fitted inside the base portion (12). A smoking article storage box as described above.

12. A smoking article storage box according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a flat or cuboid intermediate layer element (40) as a further higher element (40).

13. The smoking article storage box according to claim 12, wherein the intermediate layer element (40) is positioned between the first storage layer element (20) and the second storage layer element (40).

14. A box according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the intermediate layer element (40) comprises an openable hollow interior space.

15. The smoking article storage box according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the lid (14) is a cover lid (14).

16. 16. The smoking article storage box according to claim 15, wherein the cover (14) has a height (Hl) equal to or greater than a height (Hb) of the base portion (12).

17. A box according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid is hinged to the base portion (12).

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