Container with expandable spacer for used and unused consumer goods

Abstract

The container may include a box, a lid, at least a first stack of consumer goods and a second stack of consumer goods, and an expandable spacer. The expandable spacer includes at least one spacer line of weakness. The at least one spacer line of weakness is provided on a spacer bottom wall. The expandable spacer has an initial size defined by an initial distance between a first side wall and a second side wall of the expandable spacer to accommodate a predetermined number of consumer goods. The spacer line of weakness is configured to rupture the first side wall and the second side wall of the expandable spacer to further space them apart when more than the predetermined number of consumer goods are inserted between the expandable spacer walls. Methods of using the disclosed containers are also disclosed.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] SUMMARY The present disclosure relates to containers that can hold both used and unused consumer goods, particularly rod-shaped consumer goods. [Background technology]

[0002] Disposal of used consumables is a well-known problem in the tobacco industry and contributes to littering problems worldwide. After consuming an aerosol-generating article, such as a cigarette, it can be difficult for a user to find a convenient place to dispose of the used article. For example, the user may not be located near an ashtray or an appropriate trash can. Thus, in some situations, the user may find it difficult to properly dispose of the used article. This problem can be exacerbated when the aerosol-generating article is heated without being burned during use. For example, many aerosol-generating systems are known in which the aerosol-generating article, which may be cigarette-like in size and shape, is electrically heated rather than burned. In such systems, the article may be approximately the same size both before and after use. Therefore, disposal of such articles can be more difficult for users compared to traditional cigarettes, in which essentially only the filter remains after use.

[0003] It is therefore desirable to provide a convenient way for users to manage the disposal of used aerosol-generating articles. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to an aspect of the present invention, a container for consumer goods, particularly rod-shaped consumer goods, is provided. The container may include a box, a lid, at least a first bundle of consumer goods and a second bundle of consumer goods, and an expandable spacer. The box is for containing the consumer goods and includes a front box wall, a rear box wall, a bottom box wall, and two opposing side walls. The top surface of the box is at least partially open to provide an access opening for accessing the consumer goods. The lid is pivotally connected to the rear box wall along a hinge line. The lid is movable along 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 expandable spacer includes a first side wall, an opposing second side wall, a bottom wall positioned between the first and second side walls, and at least one spacer line of weakness provided on the spacer bottom wall. The expandable spacer has an initial size defined by an initial distance between the first and second side walls of the expandable spacer to accommodate a predetermined number of consumer goods. The expandable spacer is positioned within the box between the first bundle of consumer goods and the second bundle of consumer goods. A first side wall of the expandable spacer may be adjacent to the first bundle of consumer goods and a second side wall of the expandable spacer may be adjacent to the second bundle of consumer goods. The spacer line of weakness is configured to break the first and second side walls of the expandable spacer to further space them apart when more than a predetermined number of consumer goods are inserted between the expandable spacer walls.

[0005] Aspects of the present invention may also include a method of using a consumer goods container. The method includes obtaining a consumer goods container. The container may include a box, a lid, at least a first bundle of consumer goods and a second bundle of consumer goods, and an expandable spacer. The box is for containing consumer goods and includes a front box wall, a rear box wall, a bottom box wall, and two opposing side walls. The top surface of the box is at least partially open to provide an access opening for accessing the consumer goods. The lid is pivotally connected to the rear box wall along a hinge line. The lid is movable along 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 expandable spacer includes a first side wall, an opposing second side wall, a bottom wall positioned between the first and second side walls, and at least one spacer line of weakness provided on the bottom wall. The expandable spacer has an initial size defined by an initial distance between the first and second side walls of the expandable spacer to accommodate a predetermined number of consumer goods. The expandable spacer is positioned within the box between the first bundle of consumer goods and the second bundle of consumer goods. A first side wall of the expandable spacer may be adjacent to the first bundle of consumer goods, and a second side wall of the expandable spacer may be adjacent to the second bundle of consumer goods. As more than a predetermined number of consumer goods are inserted into the expandable spacer, the spacer line of weakness is configured to rupture to further space the first and second side walls of the expandable spacer. A next step in the method described herein may include removing a first portion of the inner liner covering the first bundle of consumer goods by rupturing at least a portion of the first and second inner liner lines of weakness. A next step may include removing the first consumer good from the first bundle of consumer goods. The consumer good may be used before the first consumer good is placed in the expandable spacer.

[0006] Containers and methods configured in the above manner may provide containers and methods of using containers that provide consumers with an easy solution for storing used consumer goods, particularly all of the consumer goods provided in the container, until the container and all of its contents can be properly and reliably disposed of. Even more advantageously, the containers are not substantially larger than existing containers. Furthermore, the containers described herein are easy to use and may contain both used and unused consumer goods, storing the used and unused consumer goods separately from each other. The containers described herein facilitate inserting a first used consumer good into the container without trapping the inner liner. In some particularly disclosed containers, the expandable spacer may advantageously include an odor absorbent that may reduce the transfer of odors or tastes from the used consumer good to the unused consumer good.

[0007] The box includes a front wall, a rear wall, a bottom wall, and two opposing side walls, and the top surface of the box is at least partially open to provide an access opening for accessing the consumer goods contained therein. The front wall of the box may include a notch. The notch may alert the consumer that the container has a feature for containing used items. The notch may provide the consumer with an alternative method of placing the used item into the expandable spacer instead of having to insert it vertically into the top opening of the container. The notch may have a length along the top periphery of the box that is the same as the initial distance between the first and second side walls of the expandable spacer.

[0008] The lid includes a lid top wall, a lid rear wall, a lid front wall, and two opposing lid side walls. The lid is pivotally connected to the box rear wall along a hinge or hinge line. The lid is movable along the hinge between a closed position in which the lid covers the access opening in the box and an open position in which the access opening in the box is exposed. The lid side walls, lid front wall, and lid rear wall can be aligned in the same plane as the box side walls, box side wall, and box rear wall, respectively, when the lid is in the closed position.

[0009] The container, including the box and lid, may be formed from any suitable material, including, but not limited to, cardboard, plastic, metal, or combinations thereof. The cardboard may have a weight of about 100 grams per square meter to about 350 grams per square meter. The box and lid are preferably formed from a single layer blank.

[0010] Containers according to the present invention may be rectangular in shape, with perpendicular longitudinal edges and perpendicular transverse edges. Alternatively, the container may include one or more longitudinal rounded edges, transverse rounded edges, longitudinal chamfered edges, or transverse chamfered edges, or combinations thereof. When the container includes one or more rounded edges, the blanks forming the container (box and lid) preferably include three, four, five, six, or seven score lines or score lines to form each rounded edge in the assembled container. The score lines or score lines may be located on either the interior or exterior of the container. The score lines or score lines are preferably spaced from each other by about 0.3 mm to about 4 mm.

[0011] The container is sized to accommodate at least two bundles of consumer goods - a first bundle of consumer goods and a second bundle of consumer goods. The first bundle of consumer goods is positioned adjacent to a first wall of the box and the second bundle of consumer goods is positioned adjacent to a second wall of the box. The consumer goods are preferably elongated consumer goods, such as rod-shaped consumer goods. Rod-shaped consumer goods may be described by their diameter. Containers according to the present invention find particular use as containers for aerosol-generating articles or components of aerosol-generating articles. Prior to its first opening, the filled container may be wrapped in an outer wrapper.

[0012] The number of consumer goods in each bundle contained in a container according to the present invention can vary. In certain embodiments, a bundle of consumer goods may include a single row of consumer goods, while in some embodiments, a bundle may include two or more rows of consumer goods. In certain embodiments, each bundle of consumer goods may include at least two rows of five consumer goods, or at least two rows of ten consumer goods.

[0013] The containers described herein may also include an inner liner. The inner liner functions to wrap at least the first bundle of consumer goods and the second bundle of consumer goods. The inner liner may also function to wrap the expandable spacer. The inner liner includes a first inner liner line of weakness that is substantially vertical from the bottom of the box to the top of the box. In particular, the first inner liner line of weakness may be positioned along or between either the first side wall or the second side wall of the expandable spacer when the inner liner and the expandable spacer are positioned within the box. The inner liner also includes a second inner liner line of weakness that may extend parallel to a plane from one side wall of the box to the other side wall of the box. In particular, the second inner liner line of weakness may be positioned near, or preferably adjacent to, the bottom wall of the box when the inner liner is positioned inside the box to wrap the first bundle of consumer goods and the second bundle of consumer goods. In some embodiments, the second inner liner line of weakness can traverse from one side wall of the box to a second side wall of the box. At least a portion of the first inner liner line of weakness and the second inner liner line of weakness can be broken in conjunction with removing a portion of the inner liner covering the first bundle of consumer goods or the second bundle of consumer goods. In particular, the first portion of the inner liner covering the first bundle of consumer goods can be removed by breaking at least a portion of the first inner liner line of weakness and the second inner liner line of weakness.

[0014] The inner liner may be formed from any suitable material, including, but not limited to, paper, polymeric material, metal foil, other materials, or combinations thereof.

[0015] The container described herein also includes an expandable spacer. The expandable spacer includes a first side wall, an opposing second side wall, and a bottom wall. The bottom wall of the expandable spacer includes a first edge adjacent to the first side wall and an opposing second edge adjacent to the second side wall. The bottom wall is positioned between the first side wall and the second side wall. The expandable spacer may also include side flaps. Each of the first side wall and the second side wall may have two side flaps, respectively. The side flaps may be formed by fold lines on the peripheries of the first side wall and the second side wall, respectively. The side flaps may function to provide additional structural integrity to the expandable spacer both before and after the spacer line of weakness is broken. The side flaps may also function to more easily allow the two side walls to slide within the box after the spacer line of weakness is broken.

[0016] The expandable spacer is adapted so that the distance between the side walls of the spacer can be expanded. This is possible by breaking the bottom wall from at least one of the side walls. The expandable spacer can be described as having an initial size that can be defined in part by the initial distance between the first side wall and the second side wall. The initial distance between the two side walls can be at least as large as the width of the consumer goods contained in the container. The initial size of the expandable spacer can accommodate a predetermined number of consumer goods. Preferably, the initial distance between the two side walls is at least as large as the diameter of the rod-shaped items contained in the container. Preferably, the initial size of the expandable spacer can accommodate at least two consumer goods, or the predetermined number of consumer goods is two.

[0017] The expandable spacer is positioned within the box between the first bundle of consumer goods and the second bundle of consumer goods. A first side wall of the expandable spacer may be adjacent to the first bundle of consumer goods. A second side wall of the expandable spacer may be adjacent to the second bundle of consumer goods. The expandable spacer is not coupled to any portion of the box, but is only at least partially contained within the box. The expandable spacer is also initially contained within the inner liner.

[0018] The expandable spacer includes at least one spacer line of weakness. The at least one spacer line of weakness may be positioned on the spacer bottom wall. In some preferred embodiments, the at least one spacer line of weakness may be positioned along a first edge of the bottom wall or along a second edge of the bottom wall. The at least one spacer line of weakness is configured to break so that the first and second side walls of the expandable spacer are further apart when more than a predetermined number of consumer goods are inserted into the expandable spacer. The expandable spacer expands toward either bundle from which the consumer goods were removed to account for the additional number of inserted items. For example, if the predetermined amount is two, inserting a third consumer good into the expandable spacer will cause the expandable spacer to expand toward either bundle from which the third consumer good was removed. In particular, if the third consumer good is removed from the first bundle, used, and placed within the expandable spacer, the expandable spacer will expand toward the first bundle. If consumer goods are removed from both bundles, the expandable spacer may expand toward either bundle.

[0019] After all of the first bundle of consumer goods have been used and placed within the expandable spacer, the first wall of the expandable spacer may be near the first side wall of the box by placing the consumer goods within the expandable spacer (assuming all of the consumer goods have been removed from the first bundle). Removal of a portion of the inner liner covering the first bundle of consumer goods exposes the first bundle of consumer goods to a user for use, allowing the first side wall of the expandable spacer to more easily move toward the first side wall of the box as additional consumer goods of the first bundle are placed in the space between the first side wall of the expandable spacer and the first side wall of the box. Upon opening the second bundle of consumer goods, the second portion of the inner liner may be removed by breaking a second portion of the second inner liner line of weakness. Removal of the portion of the inner liner covering the second bundle of consumer goods allows the second side wall of the expandable spacer to move more easily toward the second side wall of the box when the second bundle of consumer goods is exposed to the user for use and additional consumer goods of the second bundle are placed in the space between the second side wall of the expandable spacer and the second side wall of the box.

[0020] The expandable spacer may be formed from any suitable material, including, but not limited to, cardboard, plastic, metal, or combinations thereof. The cardboard may have a weight of about 100 grams per square meter to about 350 grams per square meter. The expandable spacer is preferably formed from a single layer blank.

[0021] The expandable spacer may be made of a material that is odor-absorbent. For example, the expandable spacer may contain activated carbon or may be made of activated carbon-containing paper. In particular, the expandable spacer may be made of a material that contains at least 40% by weight of activated carbon. Such activated carbon-containing paper has a weight of about 190 g / m 2 and a thickness of about 500 micrometers (μm).

[0022] The container may also include an optional inner frame disposed within the box. Advantageously, an inner frame having a front wall adjacent to the front wall of the box increases the structural strength of the container. The inner frame may also be wrapped around the inside of the inner liner. Alternatively, the inner frame may be disposed outside the inner liner. The front wall of the inner frame may also include a notch, the size and location of which correspond to the notch provided in the front wall of the box. Such an inner frame and notch on the box may provide consumers with an alternative method of placing used items into an expandable spacer instead of having to insert them vertically into the top opening of the container.

[0023] 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 and other consumer information and indicia.

[0024] The carton may contain multiple containers, as described herein. In addition to containing aerosol-generating articles, such as alkaloid-containing consumer articles, the containers may further contain other consumer goods, such as matches, lighters, fire extinguishers, breath fresheners, or electronic devices. The other consumer goods may be attached to the outside of the container, may be contained within the container in a separate compartment along with the aerosol-generating article, or a combination thereof.

[0025] Also specifically disclosed herein are methods of using consumer goods containers. Such methods include obtaining the consumer goods containers described herein. A first step of the method includes removing at least a portion of the inner liner to reveal the consumer goods in a first batch. This step includes breaking at least a portion of the first inner liner line of weakness and the second inner liner line of weakness. This portion of the inner liner may then be completely removed from the box. Removing this portion of the inner liner exposes the consumer goods in the first batch.

[0026] After exposing the first bundle of consumables, the user may then remove at least one consumable from the first bundle. The at least one consumable may then be used. Note that certain consumables referred to herein may not be completely consumed by use.

[0027] The used consumer goods are then placed within the expandable spacer, and because the placement of the first consumer goods does not rupture the lines of weakness of the expandable spacer, the expandable spacer does not change from its initial size, which was designed to hold a predetermined number of consumer goods.

[0028] A further optional step in the disclosed method may include removing an additional consumer good from the first bundle of consumer goods. The additional consumer good may be used. Placing a cumulative number of consumer goods in the expandable spacer that exceeds the predetermined number of consumer goods may cause the line of weakness of the expandable spacer to break, further spacing the first and second side walls of the expandable spacer, thereby allowing the expandable spacer to expand. In some preferred embodiments, the predetermined number of consumer goods is two, and placing a third consumer good in the expandable spacer causes the line of weakness of the expandable spacer to break, urging the first side wall of the expandable spacer toward the first bundle of consumer goods, creating space for the third consumer good therein. Removing the additional consumer good from the first bundle of consumer goods and placing it in the expandable spacer urges the first side wall of the expandable spacer further toward the first side wall of the box, creating space for the additional consumer good within the expandable spacer. These steps may optionally be continued until all of the consumer goods in the first bundle have been removed from the first bundle. Once all of the consumer goods from the first bundle have been placed into the expandable spacer, the first side wall of the expandable spacer is finally urged toward the first side wall of the box to create space within the expandable spacer for all of the consumer goods in the first bundle.

[0029] A further optional step of the disclosed method may include removing a portion of the inner liner covering the second bundle of consumer goods by breaking a second portion of the second line of weakness in the inner liner. This step may function to expose the second bundle of consumer goods. Removing a consumer good from the second bundle of consumer goods and placing it in the expandable spacer urges the second side wall of the expandable spacer toward the second side wall of the box, creating space for the additional consumer good within the expandable spacer. Removing an additional consumer good from the second bundle of consumer goods and placing it in the expandable spacer urges the second side wall of the expandable spacer toward the second side wall of the box, creating space for the additional consumer good within the expandable spacer. These steps may optionally be continued until all of the consumer goods in the second bundle have been removed from the second bundle. Once all of the consumer goods from the second bundle have been placed into the expandable spacer, the second side wall of the expandable spacer is finally urged close to the second side wall of the box to create space within the expandable spacer for all of the consumer goods of the second bundle.

[0030] An optional method may include placing all of the consumables from the first bundle and the second bundle within an expandable spacer.

[0031] According to various aspects of the present invention, a method for sustainable and secure disposal of used consumer goods is provided. Preferably, a method for sustainable and secure disposal of used consumer goods is provided that does not require a second or even a substantially larger container to contain the used consumer goods. Furthermore, the container and method do not require the consumer to utilize any structure external to the box itself. The expandable spacer can be made to minimize or even prevent perceived negative effects, such as the transfer of odors or tastes from the used consumer goods to the unused consumer goods.

[0032] Also, as used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" encompass plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0033] The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may offer certain advantages, under particular circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. Moreover, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the present disclosure, including the claims.

[0034] As used herein, "provide" in the context of providing a device or system means to manufacture the device or system, purchase the device or system, or otherwise obtain the device or system.

[0035] Any directions referred to herein, such as "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "upper," "lower," and other directions or orientations, are described herein for clarity and brevity, but are not intended to limit the actual device or system. The devices and systems described herein may be used in numerous directions and orientations. References to first and second (and the like) are intended for clarity purposes only and have no implied or additional meaning.

[0036] The term "adjacent" refers to a location relative to another object. The terms "near" or "near to" are used to describe a location relative to another object that is further away than "adjacent."

[0037] The term "hinge line" or "hinge" refers to a line about which two elements can pivot relative to one another. A hinge line may be, for example, a crease, perforation line, or horizontal score in a wall or panel of a container or between two walls of a container.

[0038] The term "wall" means 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.

[0039] The term "line of weakness" is used to describe a line formed by partially scoring the material of a blank. A line of weakness may be formed by removing material from the blank (in which case the line of weakness forms a groove or valley in the blank). Alternatively, a line of weakness may be formed without removing any material from the blank, which typically involves partial lateral displacement and compression of the material, caused by a non-zero thickness knife penetrating the material. The depth of the line of weakness will be less than the thickness of the blank.

[0040] The term "score line" is used to describe a line formed by displacing a portion of material perpendicular to the plane of the blank, forming a groove or valley in the blank. The displacement may involve compression, typically involving the use of 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, no material is removed when the score line is formed.

[0041] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, the following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of any other example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0042] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0043] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a container. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the inner liner. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an expandable spacer blank. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of an expandable spacer. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of an expandable spacer and an inner liner containing two bundles of consumer goods. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a container with a portion of the inner liner in the process of being removed. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective partial cutaway view of the container showing the first side wall of the expandable spacer adjacent the first side wall of the box. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective partial cutaway view of the container showing the second portion of the inner liner in the process of being removed. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective partial cutaway view of the container showing the second side wall of the expandable spacer adjacent the second side wall of the box. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a container including an optional notch in the box. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] 1 shows a container 10 in a partially open position. The container 10 comprises a box 20 and a lid 30.

[0045] Box 20 includes a box rear wall 22 that extends between a box first side wall 27 and a box second side wall 28. A box bottom wall 23 is perpendicular to and extends between box first side wall 27 and box second side wall 28. Box first side wall 27 and box second side wall 28 are perpendicular to box front wall 24, which is located opposite box rear wall 22.

[0046] The lid 30 includes a lid top wall 36 that extends between the lid front wall 34 and the lid rear wall 32 and between a lid first side wall 37 and a lid second side wall 38. The lid first side wall 37 and the lid second side wall 38 are perpendicular to the lid top wall 36 and extend between the lid front wall 34 and the lid rear wall 32.

[0047] The lid rear wall 32 extends from a hinge line 40 along the top edge of the box rear wall 22. The lid 30 is movable about the hinge line 40 between a closed position and an open position. The hinge line 40 extends between the box first side wall 27 and the box second side wall 28.

[0048] Box 20 is arranged and configured to receive a consumer good. The consumer good may have a longitudinal length that is generally perpendicular to hinge line 40. The consumer good is an elongated item, such as an aerosol-generating article, with a longitudinal length or longitudinal axis that is generally perpendicular to hinge line 40. The consumer good may be removed through an access opening defined in an upper side of box 20.

[0049] 2 shows the inner liner 50 before it is placed within the container. This particular inner liner 50 is made from a single material. The inner liner 50 includes a first inner liner line of weakness 51 and a second inner liner ring of weakness 52. The first inner liner line of weakness 51 and the second inner liner ring of weakness 52 define a first portion 56 and a second portion 57 of the inner liner. The inner liner 50 may also optionally include a first fold line 53, a second fold line 54, and a third fold line 55. The first fold line 53, the second fold line 54, and the third fold line 55 may be used to facilitate folding the inner liner 50 so that it better covers the bundle of first and second consumer goods when the bundle of first and second consumer goods is rolled up within the container.

[0050] FIG. 3 shows a blank for an expandable spacer 60. The expandable spacer 60 includes a first side wall 61 and a second side wall 63 connected by a bottom portion 65. Adjacent to the bottom edges of the first side wall 61 and the second side wall 63 are a first line of weakness 66 and a bottom fold line 64, respectively. Each of the first side wall 61 and the second side wall 63 may also optionally include a first side flap 67 and a second side flap 68 formed by folding the first side wall 61 and the second side wall 63 along the first and second fold lines, respectively. FIG. 4 shows the expandable spacer 60 after it has been at least partially formed by folding the first side wall 61 and the second side wall 63 toward each other along the first line of weakness 66 and the bottom fold line 64. In this view, the first and second side flaps 67, 68 of the first and second side walls 61, 63 have not yet been folded toward the bottom portion 65 of the expandable spacer 60.

[0051] 5 shows a first bundle 71 of consumer goods, a second bundle 72 of consumer goods, and an expandable spacer 60 within an inner liner 50. A first line of weakness 51 of the inner liner 50 may be seen positioned along a first side wall 61 of the expandable spacer 60. A second line of weakness 52 of the inner liner 50 may be seen positioned along the bottom of the first bundle 71 and the second bundle 72 of consumer goods, which may abut the peripheries of the front wall 24 and the bottom wall 23 of the box 20 when inserted into the container 10. This view of the inner liner shows an optional first fold line 53, which allows a portion of the inner liner 50 to fold over the first bundle 71 and the second bundle 72 of consumer goods. A second fold line 54 is adjacent the rear bottom of the first and second bundles of consumer goods.

[0052] 6 shows the first portion 56 of the inner liner 50 within the container after a portion of the first portion 56 of the inner liner 50 has been peeled away for removal. As can be seen in this figure, a portion of the first line of weakness 51 has already broken.

[0053] 7 shows a partial cutaway view of the container after a particular number of consumer goods, in this case ten consumer goods, have been placed into the expandable spacer 60 and the first wall 61 of the expandable spacer 60 has been urged toward the first side wall 27 of the box 20. As can be seen in this view, the second side wall 63 of the expandable spacer 60 has not yet moved. Also noted is that the expandable spacer has an expanded size to hold ten consumer goods, the total amount contained in the first bundle of consumer goods 71.

[0054] FIG. 8 shows the second portion of the inner liner 57 within the container after a portion of the second portion of the inner liner 57 has been peeled away for eventual removal from the second bundle of consumer goods 72 .

[0055] FIG. 9 shows a partial cutaway view of the container after a certain additional number of consumer goods, in this case 10 consumer goods from the second bundle of consumer goods, have been placed into the expandable spacer 60 and the second wall 63 of the expandable spacer 60 has been urged against the second side wall 28 of the box 20.

[0056] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a container including a box front wall 24 that includes an optional notch 29 cut out of the front wall 24 to assist in placing the consumer item into the expandable spacer.

[0057] For purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like should be understood in all instances to be modified by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 2%. Within this context, the number A may be considered to include values ​​that are within the typical standard error for measurement of the property that the number A modifies. In some cases, such as when used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate by the percentages recited above, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein.

Claims

1. A container for consumer goods, A box for housing consumer goods, comprising a front wall, a rear wall, a bottom wall, and two opposing side walls, wherein the top surface of the box is at least partially open to provide an access opening for accessing the consumer goods. A lid pivotably connected to the rear wall of the box along a hinge, the lid being movable along the hinge between a closed position covering the access opening and an open position exposing the access opening. At least a bundle of the first consumer goods and a bundle of the second consumer goods, An expandable spacer comprising a first side wall, an opposing second side wall, a spacer bottom wall positioned between the first side wall and the second side wall, and at least one spacer weakness line provided on the spacer bottom wall, the expandable spacer having an initial size defined by the initial distance between the first side wall and the second side wall of the expandable spacer in order to accommodate a predetermined number of consumer goods, A container wherein the expandable spacer is positioned within the box between the first bundle of consumer goods and the second bundle of consumer goods, the first side wall of the expandable spacer is adjacent to the first bundle of consumer goods, the second side wall of the expandable spacer is adjacent to the second bundle of consumer goods, and the spacer weak line is configured such that when a predetermined number of consumer goods are inserted between the expandable spacer walls, the first and second side walls of the expandable spacer break through a further gap.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the spacer weak line is positioned along a first edge of the spacer bottom wall adjacent to either the first or second side wall of the expandable spacer.

3. The container according to claim 1, wherein the front wall of the box includes a notch that aligns with the initial position of the expandable spacer of the box.

4. The container according to claim 3, wherein the size of the notch is such that at least one consumer good can be positioned within an expandable spacer through the notch.

5. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an inner liner, wherein the expandable spacer and the bundle of the first consumer goods and the bundle of the second consumer goods are wound inside the inner liner.

6. The container according to claim 5, wherein the inner liner includes a first inner liner weak line positioned along either the first or second side wall of the expandable spacer, and a second inner liner weak line positioned adjacent to the bottom wall of the box.

7. The container according to claim 6, wherein at least a portion of the first inner liner weak line and the second inner liner weak line is configured to break when the first portion of the inner liner covering the first bundle of consumer goods is removed.

8. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the expandable spacer includes activated carbon.

9. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the expandable spacer is for storing used consumer goods.

10. The container according to claim 9, wherein the first side wall of the expandable spacer is configured to move toward the bundle of first consumer goods when the consumer goods of the first bundle of consumer goods are inserted into the expandable spacer.

11. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first side wall includes first and second side flaps, and the second side wall includes first and second opposing side flaps.

12. The objective is to obtain a container for consumer goods, wherein the container is A box for housing consumer goods, comprising a front wall, a rear wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall opposite the first side wall, wherein the top surface of the box is at least partially open to provide an access opening for accessing the consumer goods. A lid pivotably connected to the rear wall of the box along a hinge, the lid being movable along the hinge between a closed position covering the access opening and an open position exposing the access opening. At least a bundle of the first consumer goods and a bundle of the second consumer goods, An expandable spacer comprising a first side wall, an opposing second side wall, a spacer bottom wall positioned between the first and second side walls, and at least one spacer weakness line positioned on the spacer bottom wall, wherein the expandable spacer has an initial size defined by the initial distance between the first and second side walls of the expandable spacer in order to accommodate a predetermined number of consumer goods, and An inner liner for winding the first bundle of consumer goods and the second bundle of consumer goods, including an inner liner comprising a first inner liner weakness line positioned along either the first or second side wall of the expandable spacer, and a second inner liner weakness line positioned adjacent to the bottom wall of the box, The expandable spacer is positioned within the box and within the inner liner between the first bundle of consumer goods and the second bundle of consumer goods, the first side wall of the expandable spacer is adjacent to the first bundle of consumer goods, the second side wall of the expandable spacer is adjacent to the second bundle of consumer goods, and as more than a predetermined number of consumer goods are inserted, the spacer weak line is configured to break so that the first and second side walls of the expandable spacer break through a gap. To obtain a container for the aforementioned consumer goods, Removing the first portion of the inner liner covering the first bundle of consumer goods by breaking at least a portion of the first inner liner weak line and the second inner liner weak line, Removing the first consumer good from the bundle of the first consumer good, Using the aforementioned first consumer good to produce a used first consumer good, A method comprising placing the used first consumer good inside the expandable spacer.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising removing all of the consumer goods from the first bundle of consumer goods, and using all of the consumer goods from the first bundle of consumer goods to settle all of the used consumer goods from the first bundle of consumer goods into the expandable spacer, wherein as all of the used consumer goods from the first bundle of consumer goods are settled into the expandable spacer, the first side wall of the expandable spacer is positioned near the first box side wall.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising removing the second portion of the inner liner covering the second bundle of consumer goods by breaking the remaining portion of the second inner liner weak line.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: removing a second consumer good from the bundle of second consumer goods; using the second consumer goods to create a used second consumer good; and placing the used second consumer good in the expandable spacer, thereby moving the second side wall of the expandable spacer toward the second box side wall.

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