CONTAINER FOR CONSUMER GOODS HAVING CORNER OPENINGS - Patent application

Abstract

A container (1) for consumer goods is provided, comprising an access opening (6) and a hinge line (8) for providing access to the interior of the container. The first wall (50) of the container comprises a first panel (51) having a line of weakness (56) and a second panel (52) overlying the first panel (51). A first portion of the first panel (51) is separable from the second portion of the first panel (51) along the line of weakness (56) to form a lid (4) for the container (1). The lid (4) comprises at least a first portion of the first panel (51) and is configured to pivot about the hinge line (8) between a closed position in which the lid covers the access opening (6) and an open position in which the access opening (6) is exposed. The second panel (52) overlies the second portion of the first panel (51) and partially overlies the first portion of the first panel (51).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CONTAINER FOR CONSUMER GOODS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a container for consumer goods. Containers according to the invention have particular application as containers for aerosol-generating articles or components of aerosol-generating articles. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known to package consumer goods in containers formed from one or more folded, layered blanks. As one example, elongated smoking articles that are combusted to produce smoke and smoking articles that are intended to be heated, but not burned, are often sold in rigid box-shaped containers, such as hinge-lid containers having a box portion and a three-dimensional, cup-shaped hinged lid connected to the box portion about a hinge line that extends across the rear wall of the container. In use, the lid is pivoted about the hinge line to open the pack, thereby gaining access to the consumer goods held within the box.

[0003] The bundle of smoking articles contained within the box portion is typically wrapped within an inner liner of metallized paper, metal foil, or other flexible sheet material, and the wrapped bundle may be referred to as an inner bundle or inner package.

[0004] While it is generally desirable to securely enclose a consumer good within a container to protect and preserve the consumer good, it is also important that the consumer good ultimately be easily accessible when a user comes to use the container. Thus, it is desirable to ensure that the features of the container can contribute to ease of access to the consumer good contained therein. There is also a general desire to minimize the amount of material used to form the container, which can have one or both of environmental and cost benefits. It is also generally desirable for users to be able to repeatedly open and close the container in a reliable manner. As a result, it would be desirable to provide new containers with improvements that can contribute to one or more of improved protection and preservation, ease of access, and material reduction. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a container for a consumer product, such as an aerosol-generating article. The container may include an access opening. The access opening may be for allowing access to the interior of the container. The container may include a hinge line. The container may include a first wall. The first wall of the container may include a first panel. The first panel may have a line of weakness. The first wall of the container may include a second panel. The second panel may overlie the first panel. A first portion of the first panel may be separable from a second portion of the first panel along the line of weakness to form a lid for the container. The lid may include at least a first portion of the first panel. The lid may be configured to pivot about the hinge line between a closed position in which the lid covers the access opening and an open position in which the access opening is exposed. The second panel may overlie the second portion of the first panel. The second panel may overlie a portion of the first portion of the first panel.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container for consumer goods, the container comprising an access opening to allow access to an interior of the container and a hinge line, a first wall of the container comprising a first panel having a line of weakness and a second panel overlying the first panel, a first portion of the first panel being separable from the second portion of the first panel along the line of weakness to form a lid for the container, the lid comprising at least a first portion of the first panel and configured to pivot about the hinge line between a closed position in which the lid covers the access opening and an open position in which the access opening is exposed, and the second panel overlies the second portion of the first panel and partially overlies the first portion of the first panel.

[0007] The arrangement of the first aspect of the present invention offers several advantages. For example, by arranging the lid of the container to be formed by separating the line of weakness on the panels forming the container wall, a user of the container can be provided with a visual indication that the container has not been opened prior to the user receiving the container. That is, if the user notices that the line of weakness in the first panel has not been broken, the user knows that the container has not yet been opened. However, with such an arrangement, subsequent reclosure of the container involves moving the first portion of the first panel back toward the second portion of the second panel. With such an arrangement, it is generally desirable to have the first portion of the first panel close to, ideally abutting, the second portion of the first panel to achieve better closure. However, during normal use and handling of the container, any alignment between the first portion of the first panel and the second portion of the first panel can be detrimental. Furthermore, movement of the lid about the hinge line during normal use and handling of the container can result in the lid having some bias to move back to the original position occupied by the lid when the first and second portions of the first panel are joined by the line of weakness. This can act to prevent or resist full re-closure of the lid, and can result in an undesirably large gap between the first and second portions of the first panel when the lid is moved to its closed position.

[0008] However, by arranging the first wall such that it also overlies the second portion of the first panel and is formed by the second panel partially overlying the first portion of the first panel, such drawbacks can be avoided or otherwise mitigated. For example, when the lid is moved back to the closed position, a portion of the first portion of the first panel may slide under the second panel. Thus, the second panel can help guide the first portion of the first panel, and therefore the lid, back to the closed position. This guidance function can also help ensure that the first and second portions of the first panel remain better aligned during reclosure of the container. Furthermore, the second panel can also help hold the first portion of the first panel, and therefore the lid, in the closed position. This can be achieved, for example, by frictional engagement between the second panel and a portion of the first portion of the first panel. Furthermore, by arranging the second panel so that it only partially covers the first portion of the first panel, the first portion of the first panel can be easily grasped by a user of the container, for example, when moving the lid between the closed and open positions. When a wall is formed by a panel overlying another panel, the overlying panel is positioned between the underlying panel and the corresponding exterior surface of the portion of the wall formed by said panels.

[0009] The first wall may consist of only the first panel and the second panel. The first panel may consist of only the first portion and the second portion.

[0010] The container may comprise one or more of a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and two side walls. The first wall may be a side wall of the container.

[0011] The first wall may have an exterior surface. The exterior surface of the first wall may be defined by the second panel and the first portion of the first panel. The exterior surface of the first wall may consist of the exterior surface of the second panel and the exterior surface of the first portion of the first panel.

[0012] The first wall may have a width. The first wall may have a height. The first wall may have a depth. The line of weakness on the first wall may extend across the entire width of the first wall. The line of weakness on the first wall may extend across only a portion of the width of the first wall.

[0013] The first wall may further include a cut line partially separating the first portion of the first panel from the second portion of the first panel. In such embodiments, the first portion of the first panel may be separated from the second portion of the first panel by a combination of the line of weakness and the cut line. The cut line may be aligned with the line of weakness; i.e., an endpoint of the cut line may be positioned adjacent to the endpoint of the line of weakness. Thus, the cut line may facilitate initiation of separation of the first panel along the line of weakness.

[0014] The line of weakness may include one or more of a perforation line, a score line, and an excision line.

[0015] The second panel may have an upper edge. The upper edge may define an upper boundary of a portion of the second panel that partially overlies the first portion of the first panel. The upper edge of the second panel may include a curved portion. The upper edge of the second panel may include a convex portion. The curved or convex portion of the upper edge of the second panel may be located toward the center of the upper edge. The upper edge of the second panel may be curved. The upper edge of the second panel may be convex. The curved portion of the upper edge of the second panel may advantageously allow the lid to be held in place by the second panel, while allowing the first portion of the first panel to be easily grasped by a user of the container, for example, when moving the lid between a closed position and an open position. The central location of the curved or convex portion of the upper edge of the second panel may allow a user to more easily grasp the edge of the lid, providing easier opening of the container, while ensuring a smooth closure by reducing the likelihood of the upper edge of the second panel interfering with the lid.

[0016] The second panel of the first wall may cover at least about 30 percent of the surface area of ​​the second portion of the first panel. The second panel of the first wall may cover at least about 50 percent of the surface area of ​​the second portion of the first panel. The second panel of the first wall may cover at least about 70 percent of the surface area of ​​the second portion of the first panel. The second panel of the first wall may cover at least about 80 percent of the surface area of ​​the second portion of the first panel. The second panel of the first wall may cover at least about 90 percent of the surface area of ​​the second portion of the first panel. The second panel may overlie the entire second portion of the first panel. Embodiments in which the second panel of the first wall overlies a majority of the surface of the second portion of the first panel are advantageous in that they result in a blank that is easier to manipulate, thereby simplifying and increasing the speed of container production.

[0017] The second panel may be attached to the second portion of the first panel, for example, by an adhesive. Thus, the container may further comprise adhesive that attaches the second panel to the second portion of the first panel.

[0018] The second panel may not be affixed to the first portion of the first panel, for example, the inner surface of the portion of the second panel that overlies the first portion of the first panel may be free of adhesive.

[0019] The second panel of the first wall may cover at least about 2 percent of the surface area of ​​the first portion of the first panel. The second panel of the first wall may cover at least about 5 percent of the surface area of ​​the first portion of the first panel. The second panel of the first wall may cover at least about 10 percent of the surface area of ​​the first portion of the first panel. The second panel of the first wall may cover at least about 15 percent of the surface area of ​​the first portion of the first panel.

[0020] The second panel of the first wall may cover about 50 percent or less of the surface area of ​​the first portion of the first panel. The second panel of the first wall may cover about 40 percent or less of the surface area of ​​the first portion of the first panel. The second panel of the first wall may cover about 30 percent or less of the surface area of ​​the first portion of the first panel. The second panel of the first wall may cover about 20 percent or less of the surface area of ​​the first portion of the first panel. Embodiments in which the second panel of the first wall covers 50, 40, 30, or 20 percent or less of the surface of the first portion of the first panel are advantageous in that a user's ability to grasp the lid of the container to move the lid to the open position is not hindered.

[0021] The hinge line may be provided on the rear wall of the container. The hinge line may extend across the rear wall of the container. The lid may be a cup-shaped lid. The lid may comprise a lid top wall. The lid top wall may form a top wall of the container. The lid may comprise a lid front wall. The lid front wall may form part of the front wall of the container. The lid may comprise a lid rear wall. The lid rear wall may form part of the rear wall of the container.

[0022] The lid may comprise first and second lid sidewalls. A first portion of the first panel of the first wall may form the first lid sidewall or the second lid sidewall. That is, the first wall of the container may be a sidewall of the container. In such embodiments, the other sidewall of the container may also comprise the first wall features of the first aspect of the invention. That is, each sidewall of the container may include the respective first and second panel arrangements described above with respect to the first aspect of the invention. Each sidewall may also contain any combination of the optional features described above with respect to the first aspect of the invention.

[0023] The hinge line may be provided on the top wall of the container. The hinge line may extend across the top wall of the container. The lid may comprise at least a portion of the top wall of the container.

[0024] As will become apparent from the subsequent discussion of further aspects of the present invention, the lid may be a corner-opening lid. That is, only one corner of the container may be moved when the lid is moved between its closed position and its open position. Containers with corner-opening lids may be advantageous in that they provide a smaller opening than conventional rear- or side-opening containers; therefore, frame reinforcement, for example, in the form of an inner frame, may not be required. Such corner-opening lids may be characterized by a hinge line provided on the top wall of the container and extending at an angle relative to the first wall of the container. The hinge line may extend between a corner of the top wall and the first wall of the container and a midpoint along the edge of the container opposite the corner. The guiding function of the second panel may be particularly advantageous in embodiments in which the lid is a corner-opening lid. In particular, the second panel may help ensure correct and secure closure of the lid. The second panel may press against the lid when in the closed position to hold the lid in place.

[0025] The second panel may not overlie a section of the first portion of the first panel adjacent the leading edge of the lid.

[0026] The present disclosure also relates to a container for a consumer product, such as an aerosol-generating article. The container may include a front wall. The container may include a rear wall. The container may include a top wall. The container may include a bottom wall. The container may include a first side wall and a second side wall. Each side wall may extend between the front wall and the rear wall.

[0027] The container may include an access opening. The access opening may be for allowing access to the interior of the container. The container may include a hinge line. The hinge line may extend across the top wall. The hinge line may divide the top wall into a first top wall portion and a second top wall portion. The first portion of the front wall and the first portion of the first side wall may each be separable from the remainder of their respective walls to form a lid for the container. The lid may further include a first top wall portion. The lid may be configured to pivot about the hinge line between a closed position in which the lid covers the access opening and an open position in which the access opening is exposed. The top wall may include a first panel. The first panel may include a hinge line. The top wall may include a second panel overlying the first panel. The second panel may have a transverse edge that coincides with the hinge line.

[0028] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container for consumer goods comprising a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and first and second side walls each extending between the front and rear walls, an access opening to allow access to the interior of the container, and a hinge line extending across the top wall at an angle to the plane of the front wall and dividing the top wall into a first top wall portion and a second top wall portion, the first portion of the front wall and the first portion of the first side wall each being separable from the remainder of their respective walls to form a lid for the container, the lid further comprising the first top wall portion and configured to pivot about the hinge line between a closed position in which the lid covers the access opening and an open position in which the access opening is exposed, the top wall comprising a first panel comprising the hinge line and a second panel overlying the first panel, the second panel having a transverse edge coinciding with the hinge line.

[0029] The arrangement of the second aspect of the present invention offers several advantages. In particular, by arranging the top wall to comprise first and second panels and by arranging the transverse edge of the second panel to coincide with the hinge line of the first panel, the manner in which the container is opened can be improved. For example, by overlying a portion of the first panel, the second panel can prevent movement of that portion of the first panel if the user chooses to move the lid from the closed position. This can help to better direct the opening force toward the hinge line and therefore help ensure that the container opens in a consistent and reliable manner. Furthermore, by arranging the transverse edge of the second panel to coincide with the hinge line of the first panel, the opening force can be even better directed toward the hinge line. Furthermore, the presence of the transverse edge and hinge line can provide a clear visual indication to the user as to how the container should be opened. This can help improve the likelihood that the user will open the container as intended. Furthermore, by providing at least two panels to form the top wall of the container, the strength of the top wall of the container can be enhanced.

[0030] It will be appreciated that features described in relation to the second aspect of the invention may be combined with features described in relation to the first aspect of the invention.

[0031] The second portion of the upper wall may consist of only the second panel and a portion of the first panel. The second portion of the upper wall may comprise the second panel, a portion of the first panel, and one or more additional panels.

[0032] The first portion of the upper wall may consist solely of the first panel. The first portion of the upper wall may include a first portion of the first panel and one or more additional panels. The first portion of the upper wall may be substantially triangular in shape. The perimeter of the outer surface of the first portion of the upper wall may be substantially triangular in shape.

[0033] The second panel of the top wall may be attached to the first panel of the top wall, for example, by an adhesive. Thus, the container may further include adhesive that attaches the second panel of the top wall to the first panel of the top wall.

[0034] The second panel of the top wall may be connected by a fold line to a panel forming one of the front wall, rear wall, first side wall and second side wall of the container. The wall of the container to which the second panel of the top wall is connected by the fold line may be a main wall of the container.

[0035] At least 50 percent of the exterior surface area of ​​the second portion of the upper wall may be defined by the second panel. At least 80 percent of the exterior surface area of ​​the second portion of the upper wall may be defined by the second panel. Substantially the entire exterior surface area of ​​the second portion of the upper wall may be defined by the second panel.

[0036] At least 50 percent of the exterior surface area of ​​the first portion of the upper wall may be defined by the first panel. At least 80 percent of the exterior surface area of ​​the first portion of the upper wall may be defined by the first panel. Substantially the entire exterior surface area of ​​the first portion of the upper wall may be defined by the first panel.

[0037] At least 50 percent of the outer surface area of ​​the upper wall may be defined by the second portion of the upper wall. At least 60 percent of the outer surface area of ​​the upper wall may be defined by the second portion of the upper wall. Preferably, not more than 90 percent of the outer surface area of ​​the upper wall is defined by the second portion of the upper wall. Preferably, not more than 80 percent of the outer surface area of ​​the upper wall is defined by the second portion of the upper wall.

[0038] The hinge line may extend across the top wall from the front wall to the rear wall. The hinge line may extend at an angle relative to the plane of the first side wall. The hinge line may extend at an angle of at least 30 degrees relative to the plane of the first side wall. The hinge line may extend at an angle of at least 40 degrees relative to the plane of the first side wall. The hinge line may extend at an angle of at least 45 degrees relative to the plane of the first side wall. The hinge line may extend from a first corner of the top wall to an edge of the first side wall of the container.

[0039] The present disclosure also relates to a container for a consumer product, such as an aerosol-generating article. The container may include a front wall. The container may include a rear wall. The container may include a top wall. The container may include a bottom wall. The container may include a first side wall and a second side wall. Each side wall may extend between the front wall and the rear wall.

[0040] The container may include an access opening. The access opening may be for allowing access to the interior of the container. The container may include a hinge line. The hinge line may extend across the top wall. The hinge line may divide the top wall into a first top wall portion and a second top wall portion. The first front wall portion and the first side wall portion may each be separable from the remainder of their respective walls to form a lid for the container. The lid may further include a first top wall portion. The lid may be configured to pivot about the hinge line between a closed position in which the lid covers the access opening and an open position in which the access opening is exposed. The first top wall portion may include at least two overlapping panels. The first side wall portion may include at least two overlapping panels.

[0041] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container for consumer goods comprising a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and first and second side walls each extending between the front and rear walls, an access opening to allow access to an interior of the container, and a hinge line extending across the top wall and dividing the top wall into a first top wall portion and a second top wall portion, wherein the first portion of the front wall and the first portion of the first side wall are each separable from the remainder of their respective walls to form a lid for the container, the lid further comprising the first portion of the top wall and configured to pivot about the hinge line between a closed position in which the lid covers the access opening and an open position in which the access opening is exposed, and the first portion of the top wall and the first portion of the first side wall each comprising at least two overlapping panels.

[0042] The arrangement of the third aspect of the present invention offers several advantages. In particular, arranging the first portion of the top wall and the first portion of the first side wall to each comprise at least two overlapping panels can advantageously serve to strengthen the lid of the container. This is particularly beneficial when the lid is formed from three walls or wall portions of the third aspect. Furthermore, such an arrangement allows the other walls of the container to be formed from only a single panel, thus helping to reduce one or both of the cost and environmental impact of manufacturing the container. When the lid is formed in the manner recited in the third aspect, additional strengthening of the other walls of the container may be less important. Thus, strengthening of the container can be concentrated in areas of the container most likely to benefit from such strengthening.

[0043] The first portion of the upper wall may comprise at least three overlapping panels. The first portion of the upper wall may consist of three overlapping panels. Three panels for this wall portion may provide desirable strength without excessive use of material.

[0044] The first portion of the first side wall may be comprised of two overlapping panels. Two panels for this wall portion may provide desirable strength without excessive use of material.

[0045] The first portion of the front wall may be comprised of a single panel. A single panel for this wall portion may provide the desired strength without excessive use of material.

[0046] The panels of the first portion of the top wall may be connected to the panels of the first portion of the first side wall by a fold line. The panels of the first portion of the top wall may be connected directly to the panels of the first portion of the first side wall by a fold line. This may help to further strengthen the lid without excessive use of material.

[0047] It will be appreciated that features described in relation to the third aspect of the invention may be combined with features described in relation to one or both of the first and second aspects of the invention.

[0048] The walls of the containers of the present invention may be formed from a single laminar blank. That is, the container may be constructed such that all walls of the container are formed from a single laminar blank. The laminar blank may include multiple fold lines connecting multiple panels, and the panels are folded about the fold lines to form the walls of the container.

[0049] The laminar blanks forming the walls of the container may have a total surface area that is not greater than 1.5 times the total surface area of ​​the exterior surfaces of the walls of the container. The surface area of ​​the laminar blanks refers to the surface area of ​​one side of the laminar blanks when the blanks are in a flat, unfolded state.

[0050] The front wall, rear wall, top wall, bottom wall, and first and second side walls of the container may be collectively referred to as a housing that encloses a space for the consumer goods. The housing may provide a sealed enclosure. The housing may be provided with a protective barrier. The protective barrier may be a coating or layer of the layered blank that forms the housing. The protective barrier may be a moisture barrier or a heat-sealable layer, or both. The housing may be primarily formed from a cellulosic material, and the protective barrier may be a polymer layer having both sealing and moisture barrier properties. The technical disclosure of WO2022012961 regarding possible compositions of the polymer layer is attached hereto. The heat-sealable layer may be a heat-sealable polymer layer. The protective barrier may be provided on the inner surface of the housing. The protective barrier may cover lines of weakness within the container. The protective barrier may provide a better barrier between the outside and inside of the container, thereby providing additional protection for the consumer goods contained within the container.

[0051] For purposes of this invention, a moisture barrier layer is a layer having a water vapor or moisture transmission rate (VWTR) of 60 grams per square meter per 24 hours or less at 38 degrees Celsius and 90 percent relative humidity as determined by ISO 2528:1995 or ASTM F3299. Preferably, the moisture barrier layer of the container of the present invention has a WVTR of less than 20 grams per square meter per 24 hours, and more preferably less than 10 grams per square meter per 24 hours, at 38 degrees Celsius and 90 percent relative humidity.

[0052] The line of weakness may be a first line of weakness, and the first sidewall of the container may include a second line of weakness. A first portion of the first sidewall may be separable from a second portion of the first sidewall along the second line of weakness. Separating the first portion of the first panel of the front wall from the second portion of the first panel and separating the first portion of the sidewall from the second portion of the sidewall along the line of weakness may form a lid for the container.

[0053] The cut line may be a first cut line, and the first sidewall of the container may include a second cut line partially separating a first portion of the first sidewall and a second portion of the first sidewall. In such an embodiment, the first portion of the first sidewall may be separated from the second portion of the first sidewall by a combination of the second line of weakness and the second cut line. The second cut line may be aligned with the second line of weakness. That is, an end point of the second cut line may be positioned adjacent to an end point of the second line of weakness. Thus, the second cut line may facilitate initiation of separation of the first sidewall along the second line of weakness. The second cut line may have an arched or curved profile. The second cut line may extend at a first angle relative to the plane of the front wall adjacent the leading edge of the lid and at a second angle relative to the plane of the lid adjacent the second line of weakness. The first angle may be steeper than the second angle.

[0054] As an alternative to the first and second tear lines, the first and second lines of weakness may completely separate the first portion of the first wall of the container from the second portion of the first wall of the container and the first portion of the first side wall from the second portion of the first side wall, respectively. The first and second lines of weakness may be joined at an edge of the container. A third line of weakness may join a midpoint along the first line of weakness with a midpoint along the second line of weakness. The third line of weakness may separate the lid into a lid leading portion and a lid main portion. The third line of weakness may advantageously be broken by a user, causing the lid leading portion to fold inward, providing easier access to the lid main portion. Such an arrangement may be particularly advantageous in that the container is better sealed against ingress of moisture or other contaminants than if tear lines were provided on the container prior to breaking the lines of weakness.

[0055] The surface of the lid may be textured or varnished to form a gripping portion of the lid that may allow a user to more easily grip the lid to open the container.

[0056] The container may include an indicator to identify the lid. The indicator may help a user to more easily identify the lid of the container. This may be particularly advantageous in embodiments of the invention where the lid is not a traditional front or side opening hinged lid.

[0057] The tip of the lid may be varnished, which may help strengthen the tip of the lid, keeping it stiff over time and reducing the possibility of damage to the tip through use of the container.

[0058] The container may comprise a consumer product, which may be an aerosol-generating article.

[0059] The terms "top," "bottom," "front," "rear," and other terms used herein to indicate the relative positions of components of a container of the present invention refer to the container in an upright position with the lid on top. When describing a container of the present invention, these terms are used regardless of the orientation of the container being described. The "bottom" of a container means the end of the container opposite the "top" of the container.

[0060] The term "height" is used herein to refer to the dimension extending between the top and bottom of a container. The term "width" is used herein to refer to the dimension extending between the two sides of a container. The term "depth" is used herein to refer to the dimension extending between the front and back of a container. Height, width, and depth are mutually perpendicular.

[0061] The term "line of weakness" is used herein to refer to a portion of the surface of a container (or a blank forming the container) where the structural strength of the material forming the container (or blank) has been weakened by any suitable technique, for example, by bending, folding, or tearing along the line of weakness. The line of weakness may be straight, curved, segmented, or continuous, or a combination thereof. A line of weakness may be created by removing material, by displacing material, by compressing material, by locally reducing the forces holding the material together (e.g., by breaking fibers in a fibrous material), and by combinations of all of the above. For example, a line of weakness may be formed as a score line, a score line, an excision line, or a perforation line.

[0062] The term "score line" is used to refer to a line formed by partially cutting into the material of a blank. A score line may be formed by removing material from the blank, i.e., by forming a groove or valley in the blank. Alternatively, a score line may be formed without removing any material from the blank. This will typically involve partial lateral displacement and compression of the material.

[0063] The term "score line" typically refers to a line formed by displacing a portion of material substantially perpendicular to the plane of the blank, which results in the formation of a groove or valley in the blank. The displacement may involve compression, which is typically achieved by a compression tool such as a roller. Alternatively, or additionally, the material in the score line may be displaced so that it at least partially protrudes from the opposite side of the blank. Generally, when a score line is formed, no material is removed.

[0064] The term "ablation line" is used instead to refer to a line formed by ablating material away from the surface of a blank to a predetermined depth (such as by a laser beam or blade).

[0065] The term "perforation line" refers to a line or array of individual holes or slots formed in a blank. The holes may be formed by forcing an object through the blank, such that material is removed from the blank, for example, by punching. Alternatively, the holes may be created without actually removing material, and an object is used to force material outward from the center of the holes.

[0066] The term "hinge line" refers to a line about which two elements can be pivoted relative to one another. A hinge line may be, for example, a crease, score line, or a line in a wall or panel of a container, or between two walls of a container.

[0067] The term "leading edge," when referring to a corner opening lid, refers to the point on the lid that is vertically aligned with the corner of the corner opening lid. The leading edge may also coincide with the edge of the container.

[0068] The term "convex" refers to a portion of an edge that is curved or rounded outward. A convex portion of a panel or wall may have a greater width, height, or length in the center portion of the panel or wall.

[0069] The term "heat-sealable layer" is used herein to refer to a layer that can be fusion-bonded by conventional indirect heating means that generates sufficient heat on at least one film-contacting surface to conduct to an adjacent film-contacting surface and form an adhesive interface between the surfaces without compromising the integrity of the film. The adhesive interface between adjacent layers preferably has sufficient physical strength to withstand the packaging process and subsequent handling. The heat-sealable layer can be designed to meet different conditions of intended use, and various heat-sealable layer formulations are known in the art and can be employed in the present invention.

[0070] Features described with respect to one example or one embodiment may also be applicable to other examples and embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0071] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a side isometric view of a container according to one embodiment of the present invention with the lid in a closed position. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a side isometric view of a container according to one embodiment of the present invention with the lid in a slightly open position. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a side isometric view of a container according to one embodiment of the present invention with the lid in a fully open position. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a front isometric view of a container according to one embodiment of the present invention with the lid in a closed position. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a side isometric view of a container according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a second panel extends away from the front wall of the container. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a side isometric view of a container according to one embodiment of the present invention, where the second panel is flush with the front wall of the container. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a plan view of a blank for forming a container in a fully unfolded configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a plan view of a portion of a blank for forming a container according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which a plurality of panels form a first portion of a first side wall and a first portion of a top wall that are folded over. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a plan view of a portion of a blank for forming a container according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which a plurality of panels form a first portion of a first side wall and a first portion of a top wall that are folded over. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a plan view of a portion of a blank for forming a container according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which a plurality of panels form a first portion of a first side wall and a first portion of a top wall that are folded over. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of a container according to one embodiment of the present invention along line AA. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0072] 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 another example or embodiment described herein.

[0073] Example 1 A container for consumer goods, comprising: an access opening for providing access to the interior of the container; a hinge line; the first wall of the container comprises a first panel having a line of weakness and a second panel overlying the first panel; a first portion of the first panel separable from a second portion of the first panel along a line of weakness to form a lid for the container, the lid comprising at least the first portion of the first panel and configured to pivot about a hinge line between a closed position in which the lid covers the access opening and an open position in which the access opening is exposed; The second panel overlies a second portion of the first panel and partially overlies a first portion of the first panel.

[0074] Example 2. 10. The container for consumer goods of Example 1, wherein the first wall consists only of the first panel and the second panel.

[0075] Example 3 3. The container for consumer goods of Example 1 or 2, wherein the first panel consists of only the first portion and the second portion.

[0076] Example 4. 4. The container for consumer goods of any of Examples 1-3, wherein the exterior surface of the first wall is defined by the second panel and the first portion of the first panel.

[0077] Example 5. A container for consumer goods according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the line of weakness on the first wall extends across only a portion of the width of the first wall.

[0078] Example 6 6. The container for consumer goods of any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the first wall further comprises a cut line partially separating a first portion of the first panel from a second portion of the first panel.

[0079] Example 7 7. The container for consumer goods of example 6, wherein the first portion of the first panel is separated from the second portion of the first panel by a combination of a line of weakness and a cut line.

[0080] Example 8 The container for consumer goods of any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the upper edge of the second panel includes a curved portion.

[0081] Example 9. 9. The container for consumer goods of Example 8, wherein the curved portion of the upper edge of the second panel is a convex portion.

[0082] Example 10. 10. The container for consumer goods of Example 9, wherein the convex portion of the upper edge of the second panel is located toward the center of the upper edge.

[0083] Example 11 11. The container for consumer goods of any of Examples 1-10, wherein the second panel of the first wall covers at least about 30 percent of the surface area of ​​the second portion of the first panel.

[0084] Example 12 12. The container for consumer goods of example 11, wherein the second panel of the first wall overlies an entire surface area of ​​the second portion of the first panel.

[0085] Example 13 13. The container for consumer goods of any of Examples 1-12, further comprising an adhesive that attaches the second panel to the second portion of the first panel.

[0086] Example 14. 14. A container for consumer goods according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the second panel of the first wall covers from about 10 percent to about 40 percent of the surface area of ​​the first portion of the first panel, preferably from about 5 percent to about 30 percent of the surface area of ​​the first portion of the first panel.

[0087] Example 15. 15. A container for consumer goods according to any one of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the hinge line extends across the rear wall of the container.

[0088] Example 16. 16. A container for consumer goods according to any of Examples 1 to 15, wherein the hinge line extends across the top wall of the container at an angle of at least 30 degrees relative to the plane of the first wall, preferably at an angle of at least 40 degrees from the plane of the first wall, and most preferably at an angle of at least 45 degrees from the plane of the first wall.

[0089] Example 17. 17. The container for consumer goods of Example 16, wherein the hinge line divides the top wall of the container into a first top wall portion and a second top wall portion, and the lid further comprises the first top wall portion.

[0090] Example 18. 18. A container for consumer goods as described in Example 17, wherein the upper wall of the container comprises a first panel having a hinge line and a second panel overlying the first panel, the second panel having a transverse edge coincident with the hinge line.

[0091] Example 19. 19. The container for consumer goods of Example 18, wherein the first portion of the top wall and the first portion of the first side wall each comprise at least two overlapping panels.

[0092] Example 20. 20. The container for consumer goods of any one of Examples 17-19, wherein the first portion of the top wall can comprise at least three overlapping panels.

[0093] Example 21. A container for consumer goods described in any one of Examples 16 to 20, wherein the lid has a tip at its lower end and the second panel does not overlie a section of the first portion of the first panel adjacent to the tip of the lid.

[0094] Example 22. 22. A container for a consumer product according to any one of Examples 1 to 21, wherein the container comprises a protective barrier.

[0095] Example 23. 23. A container for a consumer product as described in Example 22, wherein a protective barrier is provided on an interior surface of the container.

[0096] Example 24. 24. A container for consumer goods according to any one of Examples 22 to 23, wherein the protective barrier is a heat-sealable layer.

[0097] Example 25. 25. A container for consumer goods according to any one of Examples 1 to 24, wherein the surface of the lid is textured or varnished to form a gripping portion.

[0098] Example 26. A container for consumer goods according to any one of Examples 1 to 25, wherein the container further comprises an indicator for identifying the lid.

[0099] Example 27. A container for consumer goods according to any one of Examples 1 to 26, wherein the tip of the lid is varnished.

[0100] Example 28. A container for consumer goods described in any of Examples 1 to 27, wherein the container further comprises a deformable portion positioned adjacent to the leading edge of the lid, the deformable portion configured to deflect inward to form a protrusion between the leading edge of the lid and the deformable portion.

[0101] Example 29. 29. A container for a consumer product as described in example 28, wherein the deformable portion comprises a triangular portion of a first side wall of the container and a triangular portion of a front wall of the container.

[0102] Example 30. 30. A container for consumer goods according to any one of Examples 28 to 29, wherein the leading edge of the lid is separable from the deformable portion along the line of weakness.

[0103] Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which show some, but not all, features. Indeed, the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Wherever possible, like reference numerals will be used to refer to like components or parts.

[0104] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0105] 1-3 show side isometric views of a container 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Container 1 is shown in its fully assembled state. The container has a front wall 10, a rear wall 20, a top wall 30, a bottom wall 40, a first side wall 50, and a second side wall 60. Only the top wall 30, the rear wall 20, and the first side wall 50 are visible in FIGS. 1-3. The container has a box 2 for receiving consumer goods and a lid 4 movable between a closed position shown in FIG. 1 and an open position shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 2 shows an intermediate position of the lid 4, partially open. The lid 4 is of the corner opening type; in other words, when the lid 4 is moved between its closed position and its open position, only one corner of the container 1 is moved. When the lid 4 is in the open position, consumer goods stored in the box 2 can be accessed through an access opening 6 of the container 1. The top wall 30 is formed by a first top wall panel 31 and a second top wall panel 32. The first top wall panel 31 is divided into a first top wall portion 34 and a second top wall portion 38. Only the first top wall portion 34 is visible in FIGS. 1-3 because the second top wall panel 32 overlies the second top wall portion 38. The lid 4 is pivotable between its closed and open positions about a hinge line 8 that extends diagonally across the first top wall panel 31 of the container. The hinge line also separates the first top wall portion 34 and the second top wall portion 38. In use, the transverse edge 33 of the second panel 32 acts as a guide for the lid 5 to assist it in pivoting about the hinge line 8 when the lid 5 is moved from the closed to the open position.

[0106] The container's first side wall 50 is formed by a first side wall first panel 51 and a first side wall second panel 52. The first side wall first panel is divided into a first side wall first portion 53 and a first side wall second portion 58. Only the first side wall first portion 53 is visible in FIGS. 1-3 because the first side wall second panel is above the first side wall second portion 58. In this embodiment, the first side wall second panel 52 has a convex upper edge 57. As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the top wall first portion 34 and the first side wall first portion 53 form two of the lid's sides.

[0107] FIG. 4 shows a front isometric view of a container 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention with the lid 4 in a closed position. For brevity, features of the container 1 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-3 will not be repeated. FIG. 4 shows the front wall 10 of the container having a front wall first portion 12 and a front wall second portion 14. As can be seen in this view, the container 1 has a pre-cut lid edge 5 that extends partially across the front wall 10 of the container 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the pre-cut lid edge 5 follows a curved path on the front wall 10 of the container 1. The pre-cut lid edge 5 is joined to the edge of the hinge line 8 by a front wall line of weakness 16, which must be broken by a user to initially open the lid 4.

[0108] 5 and 6 show side isometric views of a container 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6, the second panel 52 of the first side wall is shown as being partially transparent to show the underlying portion of the first side wall. This partial transparency of the second panel 52 of the first side wall is for illustrative purposes only and does not reflect a feature of this exemplary embodiment of the container 1. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the pre-cut lid edge extends partially across the first panel 51 of the first side wall. The pre-cut edge 5 is joined to the edge of the hinge line 8 by a first side wall line of weakness 56. These figures also show that the second panel 52 of the first side wall is movable between a first position above the first panel 52 of the first side wall, as shown in FIG. 6, and a second position extending away from the container 1, as shown in FIG. 5. When the second panel 52 of the first side wall is in the first position and the lid 4 is in the closed position, the convex shape of the upper edge 57 of the second panel 52 is shaped to overlap the pre-cut lid edge 5 and the line of weakness 56 of the first side wall, substantially hiding them from view.

[0109] FIG. 7 shows a plan view of a blank 100 for forming a container 1 in a fully unfolded configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows the interior surface of the blank 100; in other words, the portion of the blank shown in FIG. 7 substantially forms the interior of the container 1 when the blank 100 is folded into its fully assembled configuration. This view shows a single panel that forms the front wall 10, the rear wall 20, and the second side wall 60. Also shown are multiple panels that overlap to form the top wall 30, the bottom wall 40, and the first side wall 50. In this view, bold lines indicate the cut lines for forming the final container of this embodiment. FIG. 7 shows two overlapping panels that form the first portion 34 of the top wall and three overlapping panels that form the first portion 53 of the first side wall. In particular, this figure shows an outer panel 35 of the first portion of the top wall, a central panel 36 of the first portion of the top wall, and an inner panel 37 of the first portion of the top wall, which are folded to abut against each other when the container 1 is formed from the blank 100.

[0110] Figures 8, 9, and 10 show a plan view of a portion 200 of a blank 100 for forming a container 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, with multiple panels folded to form first side wall first portion 53 and first top wall portion 34. To reach the configuration of Figure 8, panels 55 and 37 are folded adjacent to panels 54 and 36, respectively. Figures 9 and 10 show panels 36 and 37 folded toward panel 55 at substantially right angles to panel 55, as shown in Figure 10. Figure 10 also shows first panel 31 of the top wall folded toward first side wall 53.

[0111] FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of a container 1 along line AA according to one embodiment of the present invention. This view illustrates the overlap of different layers forming the top wall 30 of the container 1 and the first side wall 50 of the container 1. More specifically, the top wall second panel 32 is shown overlapping the top wall first panel 31. The top wall first portion 34 is formed by the overlap of the top wall first portion outer panel 35, the top wall first portion central panel 36, and the top wall first portion inner panel 37. FIG. 11 also illustrates the first side wall second panel 52 overlapping the first panel of the first side wall. The first side wall first portion is formed by the overlap of the first side wall first portion outer panel 54 and the first side wall first portion inner panel 55.

Claims

1. A container for consumer goods, comprising: an access opening for providing access to the interior of the container; a hinge line; the first wall of the container comprises a first panel having a line of weakness and a second panel overlying the first panel; a first portion of the first panel is separable from a second portion of the first panel along the line of weakness to form a lid for the container, the lid comprising at least the first portion of the first panel and configured to pivot about the hinge line between a closed position in which the lid covers the access opening and an open position in which the access opening is exposed; The container, wherein the second panel overlies the second portion of the first panel and partially overlies the first portion of the first panel.

2. 10. The container for consumer goods of claim 1, wherein the first wall consists solely of the first panel and the second panel.

3. 3. A container for consumer goods according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the first wall is defined by the second panel and the first portion of the first panel.

4. A container for consumer goods according to any preceding claim, wherein the line of weakness on the first wall extends across only a portion of the width of the first wall.

5. 5. The container for consumer goods of claim 1, wherein the first wall further comprises a cut line partially separating the first portion of the first panel from the second portion of the first panel.

6. 6. The container for consumer goods of claim 5, wherein the first portion of the first panel is separated from the second portion of the first panel by a combination of the line of weakness and the cut line.

7. 7. A container for consumer goods according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the upper edge of the second panel comprises a curved portion.

8. 8. The container for consumer goods of claim 7, wherein the curved portion of the upper edge of the second panel is a convex portion.

9. 9. The container for consumer goods of claim 8, wherein the convex portion of the upper edge of the second panel is located toward a center of the upper edge.

10. 10. A container for consumer goods according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second panel of the first wall covers from about 10 percent to about 40 percent of the surface area of ​​the first portion of the first panel, preferably from about 5 percent to about 30 percent of the surface area of ​​the first portion of the first panel.

11. 11. A container for consumer goods according to any preceding claim, wherein the hinge line extends across the top wall of the container at an angle of at least 30 degrees to the plane of the first wall, preferably at an angle of at least 40 degrees from the plane of the first wall, and most preferably at an angle of at least 45 degrees from the plane of the first wall.

12. 12. The container for consumer goods of claim 11, wherein the hinge line divides the top wall of the container into a first top wall portion and a second top wall portion, the lid further comprising the first top wall portion, and the top wall of the container comprises a first panel comprising the hinge line and a second panel overlying the first panel, the second panel having a transverse edge coincident with the hinge line.

13. A container for consumer goods according to any preceding claim, wherein the container comprises a protective barrier on an inner surface of the container.

14. 14. The container for consumer goods of claim 13, wherein the protective barrier is a moisture barrier layer having a water vapor or moisture transmission rate (VWTR) of 60 grams per square meter per 24 hours or less at 38 degrees Celsius and 90 percent relative humidity as determined by ISO 2528:1995 or ASTM F3299.

15. A container for consumer goods according to any preceding claim, wherein the surface of the lid is textured or varnished to form a gripping portion.

16. A container for consumer goods according to any preceding claim, wherein the line of weakness comprises one or more of a perforation line, a score line and a cut line.

Images