Containers having a box and sleeve equipped with a locking mechanism

Abstract

A container (1) for consumer goods comprises an outer sleeve (20) and an inner box (10) disposed within the outer sleeve (20), the container being configured to slide within the outer sleeve (20) between a first position in which the interior of the inner box (10) is inaccessible to a user and a second position in which the interior of the inner box (10) is accessible to a user. The container (1) has a locking mechanism for preventing the inner box (10) from sliding from the first position to the second position when the inner box (10) is within the outer sleeve (20) in the first position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container for consumer goods. The container according to the present invention has a specific use as a container for an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article.

Background Art

[0002] It is well known to package consumer goods in a container formed from a folded laminated blank. As an example, elongated smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars are typically sold in a rigid box-shaped container such as a three-dimensional cup-shaped hinged lid container having a lid connected to the box about a hinge line extending across the box portion and the rear wall of the container. In use, the lid pivots about the hinge line to open the pack and provide access to the consumer goods held within the box.

[0003] It is also known to package consumer goods in a container including an outer shell or sleeve and an inner slide or box within which the consumer goods are housed and which is slidable within the outer shell. To remove the consumer goods from such a container, the user slides the inner slide from its initial position within the outer shell to an open position where the open end of the inner slide or the slide projects outwardly from the outer shell to partially expose the slide. Such containers may also be referred to as slide-and-shell containers.

[0004] It is desirable to ensure that the inner slide or inner box remains enclosed within the outer shell until the user is ready to access the consumer goods. For example, it may be desirable to ensure that the lid remains in the closed position when the container is being transported. This can help prevent the consumer goods from accidentally falling out of the container. This can help maintain one or more characteristics of the consumer goods, such as its freshness.

[0005] It is desirable to provide novel and improved containers for consumer goods that are configured to reduce the risk of the container lid accidentally moving from the closed position to the open position. Furthermore, it is desirable to provide one or more layered blanks and methods for forming such improved containers that are easy to manufacture and cost-effective. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0006] The present invention provides a container for consumer goods. The container comprises an outer sleeve including an outer sleeve front wall, an outer sleeve rear wall, opposing first and second outer sleeve side walls, and a first open end, and an inner box disposed within the outer sleeve. The inner box is configured to slide relative to the outer sleeve between a first position in which a user cannot access the interior of the inner box and a second position in which a user can access the interior of the inner box. The sliding of the inner box from the first position to the second position involves at least a portion of the inner box passing over the first open end of the outer sleeve. The inner box includes an inner box upper wall, an inner box bottom wall, an inner box front wall, an inner box rear wall, opposing first and second inner box side walls, and first and second inner box side flaps, each inner box side flap configured to rest on a portion of the outer surface of its respective inner box side wall. When the inner box is in the first position within the outer sleeve, the edges of each inner box side flap are configured to engage with corresponding engaging elements on the inner surface of the respective outer sleeve sidewalls to form a locking mechanism that prevents the inner box from sliding from the first position to the second position.

[0007] In some preferred embodiments, the inner box further includes a box portion and a lid portion hinged to the box portion along a hinge line. The box portion may have an interior configured to contain one or more consumer goods. The lid portion may be configured to cover the access opening of the box portion of the inner box.

[0008] The lid portion may include the upper wall of the lid portion, the front wall of the lid portion, the rear wall of the lid portion, and opposing first and second side walls of the lid portion. The box portion may include the front wall of the box portion, the upper wall of the box portion, and opposing first and second side walls of the box portion. The upper wall of the inner box, the bottom wall of the inner box, the front wall of the inner box, the rear wall of the inner box, and opposing first and second side walls of the inner box may be defined by the corresponding walls of the box portion and the lid portion.

[0009] In some embodiments, each of the first and second inner box side flaps is subordinate to the edge of the box portion connecting its respective box portion side wall to the box portion bottom wall. In other embodiments, each of the first and second inner box side flaps is subordinate to the edge of the lid portion connecting its respective lid portion side wall to the lid portion top wall. These two sets of embodiments may offer many advantages, including those described in more detail in the following two paragraphs.

[0010] For example, as described above in some embodiments, each of the first and second inner box side flaps may be configured to rest on a portion of the outer surface of the respective lid portion side wall. That is, the first inner box side flap may rest on a portion of the outer surface of the first lid portion side wall, and the second inner box side flap may rest on a portion of the outer surface of the second lid portion side wall. In such embodiments, each of the first and second inner box side flaps may be subordinate to the edge of the lid portion that connects its respective lid portion side wall to the upper wall of the lid portion. This may offer one or more advantages from a manufacturing standpoint. For example, in such an arrangement, the lid portion may be formed from a single layered blank, and the first and second inner box side flaps may be formed from the same single layered blank. In particular, the first and second inner box side flaps may be formed from portions of a layered blank that are typically used to form reinforcing flaps for the lid portion. However, instead of being folded to be located inside the lid portion, the reinforcing flaps may also be left unfolded so that they are located outside the lid portion and thus provide first and second inner box side flaps. Thus, the first and second inner box side flaps may be provided as part of the inner box without substantially modifying one or both of the components and processes used to form the inner box.

[0011] Alternatively, or additionally, as described above, in some embodiments, each of the first and second inner box side flaps may be configured to rest on a portion of the outer surface of the respective box portion side wall. That is, the first inner box side flap may rest on a portion of the outer surface of the first box portion side wall, and the second inner box side flap may rest on a portion of the outer surface of the second box portion side wall. In such embodiments, each of the first and second inner box side flaps may be subordinate to the edge of the box portion connecting its respective box portion side wall to the box portion bottom wall. This may offer one or more advantages from a manufacturing standpoint. For example, in such an arrangement, the box portion may be formed from a single layered blank, and the first and second inner box side flaps may be formed from the same single layered blank. In particular, the first and second inner box side flaps may be formed from portions of a layered blank typically used to form reinforcing flaps for the box portion. However, instead of being folded to be located inside the box portion, the reinforcing flaps may remain unfolded so that they are located outside the box portion and thus provide first and second inner box side flaps. Thus, the first and second inner box side flaps may be provided as part of the inner box without substantially modifying one or both of the components and processes used to form the inner box.Accordingly, the Disclosure also provides a container for consumer goods comprising an outer sleeve including an outer sleeve front wall, an outer sleeve rear wall, opposing first and second outer sleeve side walls, and a first open end; and an inner box including a box portion including a box portion bottom wall, a box portion front wall, a box portion rear wall, and opposing first and second box portion side walls, and a lid portion hinged to the box portion along a hinge line, wherein the lid portion includes a lid portion upper wall, a lid portion front wall, a lid portion rear wall, and opposing first and second lid portion side walls, and the inner box is located within the outer sleeve and configured to slide relative to the outer sleeve between a first position in which a user cannot access the interior of the inner box and a second position in which a user can access the interior of the inner box. The sliding of the inner box from the first position to the second position involves at least a portion of the inner box passing over the first open end of the outer sleeve. The inner box further includes first and second inner box side flaps, each inner box side flap configured to rest on a portion of the outer surface of the respective box portion side wall or lid portion side wall. When the inner box is in the first position within the outer sleeve, the edges of each inner box side flap are configured to engage with corresponding engaging elements on the inner surface of the respective outer sleeve side wall to form a locking mechanism to prevent the inner box from sliding from the first position to the second position. Each of the first and second inner box side flaps is subordinate to the edge of the box portion connecting its respective box portion side wall to the box portion bottom wall, or each of the first and second inner box side flaps is subordinate to the edge of the lid portion connecting its respective lid portion side wall to the lid portion top wall.

[0012] These inner box side flaps and corresponding engagement arrangements form at least part of a locking mechanism for the container. By providing the container with such a locking mechanism, the container can be kept locked, preventing access to the inside of the inner box. This means that the container can be locked when not in use. Therefore, the locking mechanism can help reduce the risk of accidental opening of the container. This can help prevent consumer goods from accidentally falling out of the container. This can help preserve one or more properties of the consumer goods, such as their freshness.

[0013] By providing a container according to the present invention, at least a portion of the locking mechanism can be concealed from the exterior of the container. This may mean that the locking mechanism is not readily visible. This may help reduce the risk of the container being accidentally disengaged. More specifically, each inner box side flap is configured to engage with an engaging element on the inner surface of the respective outer sleeve side wall, so that the inner box side flap is located beneath its respective outer sleeve side wall and therefore at least partially concealed.

[0014] Locking elements that have minimal or no visual impact on the container's appearance can offer many advantages. For example, having minimal or no visual impact on the container's appearance can help prevent particles from entering the container by minimizing or avoiding cracks or gaps on the container's outer surface. Furthermore, having minimal or no visual impact on the container's appearance can help ensure that the container's outer surface is substantially smooth. This can be advantageous for either or both the transport and manufacture of the container. This can also be advantageous when printing on the container's outer surface.

[0015] The choice to use such a locking mechanism in a container having an inner box that is slidable relative to an outer sleeve can be particularly advantageous in reducing the risk of accidental opening of the container. This is because the action required to release the locking mechanism may be different from the sliding action required to move the inner box relative to the outer sleeve. For example, a pushing action may be required to release the locking mechanism, while a sliding action may be required to move the inner box relative to the outer sleeve. The requirement of these different and distinct actions can further reduce the likelihood of the container being accidentally opened.

[0016] The risk of accidental opening of the container can be further reduced by providing a locking mechanism that includes flaps positioned on each side wall of the inner box. This is because the positioning of the inner box side flaps requires simultaneous interaction between both sides of the container. Therefore, disengaging the locking mechanism may require pressing forces from two opposing sides of the container. Such dual opposing pressing forces are unlikely to occur during normal handling and transport of the container.

[0017] The locking mechanism of the present invention may be particularly advantageous in embodiments where the width of the container is greater than the height of the container. Preferably, the width of the container is greater than the height of the container. For example, the aspect ratio of the container is preferably such that the width of the container is greater than 120% of the height of the container, more preferably such that the width of the container is greater than 130% of the height of the container, and most preferably such that the width of the container is greater than 140%. Preferably, the aspect ratio of the container is preferably such that the width of the container is less than 300% of the height of the container, more preferably such that the width of the container is less than 250% of the height of the container, and most preferably such that the width of the container is less than 220% of the height of the container. For example, the width of the container is preferably greater than 75 mm, more preferably greater than 80 mm, and most preferably greater than 85 mm or 90 mm. Preferably, the width of the container is less than 200 mm, and more preferably less than 150 mm. This is because, in such embodiments, the user is less likely to hold both sides of the container at once with one hand. Therefore, it is unlikely that a user will apply pressure to both sides of the container simultaneously during normal handling. This, combined with the sliding motion required to move the inner box from the first to the second position relative to the outer sleeve, reduces the likelihood of the container being accidentally opened.

[0018] The edges of each inner box side flap, configured to engage with corresponding engagement elements on the respective outer sleeve sidewalls, are preferably free edges of the inner box side flap. The free edges of the flap are such that the flap does not directly connect to the article to which the flap belongs.

[0019] The free edge of the inner box side flap is preferably the leading edge of the inner box side flap. That is, the free edge of each inner box side flap, which is configured to engage with the corresponding engaging element on the side wall of the respective outer sleeve, is preferably located on the opposite side of the edge of the inner box side flap that connects the inner box side flap to the rest of the inner box.

[0020] The inner box is configured to slide relative to the outer sleeve. Therefore, the outer sleeve may have an interior configured to receive the inner box. The outer sleeve may include a second end located opposite the first open end of the outer sleeve. The second end of the outer sleeve may include the bottom wall of the outer sleeve. Therefore, the outer sleeve may include a first open end and a second end including the bottom wall of the outer sleeve, with the front wall of the outer sleeve, the rear wall of the outer sleeve, and the opposing first and second side walls of the outer sleeve extending between the first open end of the outer sleeve and the bottom wall of the outer sleeve.

[0021] The inner box is movable relative to the outer sleeve between a first position in which the user cannot access the interior of the inner box and a second position in which the user can access the interior of the inner box. The first position may be considered a closed position. The second position may be considered an open position. When the inner box is in the second position, the interior of the inner box may be directly accessible to the user. That is, the user may not need to do anything further to the container in order to be able to access the consumer goods held inside the inner box. Alternatively, in some embodiments, when the inner box is in the second position, the user may need to move the lid of the inner box in order to access the consumer goods held inside the inner box. For example, the inner box may include a box portion and a lid portion attached to the box portion, the lid portion being configured to cover the access opening of the box portion of the inner box. The lid portion may be movable relative to the box portion between a closed position in which the lid portion covers the access opening of the box portion and an open position in which any consumer goods held inside the box portion can be accessed through the access opening of the box portion. The lid portion may be hinged to the box portion and configured to pivot between the open and closed positions.

[0022] The container may be configured such that the lid portion of the inner box cannot move between the open and closed positions when the inner box is in the first position. For example, when the inner box is in the first position, one or more walls of the outer sleeve may prevent the lid portion of the inner box from moving between the open and closed positions. The walls of the outer sleeve may act to hold the lid portion of the inner box in the closed position when the inner box is in the first position.

[0023] The movement of the inner box from the first position to the second position allows at least a portion of the inner box to pass through the open end of the outer sleeve. In particular, at least a portion of the inner box is slidable through the open end of the outer sleeve and is therefore configured to move at least partially away from the outer sleeve as the inner box moves from the first position to the second position. This may help improve the ease of access to the consumer goods held within the inner box when the inner box is in the second position.

[0024] The outer sleeve and inner box may be configured such that, when the inner box is in its first position, a large portion or all of the inner box is enclosed by the outer sleeve. This can help minimize the amount of surface area of ​​the inner box that a user can access when the inner box is in its first position.

[0025] The outer sleeve and inner box are preferably configured such that, when the inner box is in the first position, at least one of the inner box's front wall and rear wall is completely below its corresponding outer sleeve front wall and rear wall. In such embodiments, when the inner box is in the first position, at least one of the inner box's front wall and rear wall is not visible to the user. This may help limit the amount of surface area of ​​the inner box that the user can grasp in order to slide the inner box from the first position to the second position. This may help reduce the risk of the container being opened accidentally. This may also help increase the amount of uninterrupted surface area available for communication with the user at either the front or rear of the container, or both, when the inner box is in the first position.

[0026] Preferably, a portion of the inner box is located outside the outer sleeve when the inner box is in its first position. More preferably, when the inner box is in its first position, approximately 5 percent to 20 percent of the outer surface area of ​​the inner box is located outside the outer sleeve. This is advantageous because, when the inner box is in its first position, a large portion of the inner box is covered by the outer sleeve and cannot be touched by the user, while a portion of the inner box can still be grasped by the user. This can provide a balance between locking the inner box in place when access to any consumer goods inside the inner box is intended, and assisting the user in sliding the inner box away from the outer sleeve.

[0027] The open end of the outer sleeve may be angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the outer sleeve. More specifically, the length of the front wall of the outer sleeve may be shorter than the length of the rear wall of the outer sleeve. Thus, each outer sleeve side wall may have a different length at the point where the outer sleeve side wall is connected to the rear wall of the outer sleeve as compared to the point where the outer sleeve side wall is connected to the front wall of the outer sleeve. This may define an inclined edge for each side wall at the open end of the outer sleeve, and the inclined edges of each outer sleeve side wall are inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the outer sleeve. Such an arrangement advantageously serves to ensure that a portion of the inner box can be gripped by the user without requiring the inner box to have a non-conventional shape when the inner box is in the first position. In particular, in such an embodiment, the inner box may have a cuboid shape. This may be preferable from a manufacturing perspective. This may also be desirable from a storage perspective.

[0028] In the following description of the present invention, the terms "side", "top", "bottom", "front", "rear" and other terms used to describe the relative positions of the components of the container according to the present invention refer to a container in an upright position having an access opening at the top. These terms are used when describing the container according to the present invention regardless of the orientation of the container being described. The "bottom" of the container means the side of the container opposite the "top" of the container.

[0029] As used herein, the term "height" means the dimension extending between the top and the bottom. As used herein, the term "width" means the dimension extending between two sides. As used herein, the term "depth" means the dimension extending between the front and the rear. The height, width, and depth are perpendicular to each other.

[0030] As used herein, the term "panel" means a portion of the container formed from a single continuous portion of material. A panel may be subordinate to one or more other panels.

[0031] The term "wall" more generally means the surface of a container, and the wall may be formed from a single panel or flap, or the wall may be formed from two or more abutting or overlapping panels or flaps.

[0032] As used herein, the term "dependent" is used to describe a physical connection between two elements of a container according to the present invention. More specifically, the term "dependent" is used to indicate that there is a continuity of material between two elements, such as two walls or panels of a container or blank. This includes both cases where a wall or panel is directly dependent on an adjacent wall or panel, and cases where an intervening wall or panel effectively connects two walls or panels.

[0033] As an example, a side wall or side panel may be directly dependent on an adjacent front wall or front panel. In such cases, the wall or panel typically depends along a fold line from the adjacent wall. Alternatively, particularly in a container having a rounded or chamfered edge, a side wall or side panel may be indirectly dependent on a front wall or front panel. In such cases, a wall or panel having a rounded or chamfered edge connects the side wall or side panel and the front wall or front panel. In the case of a chamfered edge, both the side wall or side panel and the front wall or front panel may depend on a wall or panel having a chamfered edge end that connects along their respective fold lines. This also applies to any component of the container according to the present invention (e.g., a reinforcing member provided in the form of an inner frame).

[0034] As used herein, the term "hinge line" means a line about which a lid can pivot to open a container. The hinge line may be, for example, a fold line or a score line. The hinge line about which a lid is connected to a box may coincide with the edge of the container, or the hinge line may extend across the wall of the container at a position spaced from the edge.

[0035] Throughout this specification, the term “inner surface” is used to refer to the surface of an assembled container component that faces inward (e.g., toward the consumer goods) when the container is in a closed position. Throughout this specification, the term “outer surface” is used to refer to the surface of a container component that faces outward from the container. For example, the front wall of a package has an inner surface that faces inward toward the package and the consumer goods, and an outer surface that faces away from the consumer goods. It should be noted that an inner or outer surface does not necessarily correspond to a particular side of the blank used to assemble the container. Depending on how the blank is folded around the consumer goods, areas on the same side of the blank may face inward or outward toward the container.

[0036] The term "fold" is used to describe any line in a blank along which it is folded. The fold may be defined by a weak line to assist the folding action. Alternatively, depending on the flexibility characteristics of the blank material and other materials, the fold may be formed without the presence of a weak line.

[0037] When the container's locking mechanism is engaged, the inner box is prevented from sliding from a first position to a second position relative to the outer sleeve. Disengaging the locking mechanism allows the inner box to slide from the first position to the second position relative to the outer sleeve. Thus, the container may be configured such that disengaging each inner box side flap from its corresponding engaging element allows the inner box to slide from the first position to the second position relative to the outer sleeve.

[0038] Each outer sleeve sidewall may be provided with a release element to allow the edge of each inner box side flap to be disengaged from the corresponding engaging element of each outer sleeve sidewall. The release element may be configured to allow the locking mechanism to transition from a locked state to a disengaged state in response to pressure applied to the container by the user. In particular, the release element is configured to allow the user to interact with the locking mechanism to transition it to a disengaged state. When the inner box is in the first position, each release element of the outer sleeve is preferably located on at least a portion of its corresponding inner box side flap.

[0039] In some embodiments, each release element may include a cutout in the outer sleeve sidewall. The cutout may be positioned adjacent to a portion of the corresponding inner box side flap when the inner box is in a first position. In such embodiments, the cutout allows the user to directly access the inner box side flap and disengage it from the corresponding engaging element on the inner surface of the outer sleeve sidewall. In particular, the user may disengage the locking mechanism by inserting their finger through the cutout and pushing the inner box side flap away from the engaging element on the inner surface of the outer sleeve sidewall.

[0040] In some embodiments, the release element includes a release tab formed by at least one cutting line in the outer sleeve sidewall. For example, each outer sleeve sidewall may include a cut that defines at least a portion of the wall around the release tab. The cut may be U-shaped. The cut may be arched. The release tab may be deflectable relative to the rest of its outer sleeve sidewall. This allows the release tab to move independently of its outer sleeve sidewall in response to pressure from the user. The release tab may be positioned adjacent to a portion of its corresponding inner box side flap when the inner box is in a first position. Thus, during use, the user can push the release tab to translate the force onto the corresponding inner box side flap, disengaging the inner box side flap from the engaging element on the inner surface of each outer sleeve sidewall.

[0041] By providing a release element in the form of a release tab, a means for disengaging the locking mechanism can be incorporated into the container with minimal visual impact on the container. Therefore, the means for disengaging the container may not be obviously visually apparent. This can thus help reduce the risk of accidental opening of the container.

[0042] The inner surface of each outer sleeve sidewall includes an engaging element for engaging with the edge of each inner box side flap when the inner box is in a first position on the outer sleeve. The engaging element provides a barrier for engaging with the corresponding inner box side flap. In particular, the barrier may provide an engaging edge configured to abut against the edge of its corresponding inner box side flap. The engaging element may be formed integrally with its corresponding outer sleeve sidewall. For example, each outer sleeve sidewall may be manufactured with a raised portion having increased thickness to provide an engaging element on the inner surface of each outer sleeve sidewall. Alternatively, the engaging element may include an element attached to the inner surface of the outer sleeve sidewall. The element may include a strip of material extending across the inner surface of the outer sleeve sidewall.

[0043] The engaging element may be formed from a panel fixed to a portion of the inner surface of its corresponding outer sleeve sidewall. The panel may be connected to its corresponding outer sleeve sidewall by a fold and may be folded approximately 180 degrees around the fold relative to its corresponding outer sleeve sidewall.

[0044] The container may further include a retaining mechanism to prevent the inner box from sliding beyond a second position. The retaining mechanism may prevent the inner box from separating from the outer sleeve. The retaining mechanism may prevent the inner box from being completely removed from the outer sleeve.

[0045] The retaining mechanism can, advantageously, provide the user with an indication that the inner box has reached a second position. More specifically, when the retaining mechanism engages to prevent the inner box from sliding beyond the second position, the user may be provided with a tactile indication that the inner box has reached the second position. This can indicate to the user that the inner box is in a position where the consumer goods can be accessed.

[0046] In some embodiments, the retaining mechanism includes an extendable member that connects the inner box wall to the outer sleeve wall. The extendable member is configured to change between a retracted state when the inner box is in a first position and an extended state when the inner box is in a second position. The extendable member may be provided in the form of a folded panel strip, with the first end panel of the strip fixed to a portion of the outer sleeve and the opposing second end panel of the strip fixed to a portion of the inner box. For example, the first end panel of the strip may be fixed to an inner surface of the outer sleeve wall, such as the bottom wall of the outer sleeve. The second end panel may be fixed to an outer surface of the inner box wall, such as the bottom wall or the top wall of the inner box. Thus, the extendable member may be bellows-like when changing between the retracted and extended configurations.

[0047] The retaining mechanism may include a flap on the outer sleeve. The flap on the outer sleeve may be configured to engage with a corresponding retaining edge on the inner box to prevent the inner box from sliding beyond a second position. In particular, the flap may be configured to engage with the edge of the inner box when the inner box is in the second position to prevent the inner box from sliding beyond the second position.

[0048] A flap on the outer sleeve may be dependent on one edge of the outer sleeve wall. A flap on the outer sleeve may be dependent on the edge of the front wall of the outer sleeve. A flap on the outer sleeve may be dependent on an edge of the outer sleeve located at the open end of the outer sleeve. A flap on the outer sleeve may be dependent on a fold on the outer sleeve, which forms one edge of the outer sleeve wall. A flap on the outer sleeve may extend into the interior of the outer sleeve. For example, the flap may extend into the interior of the outer sleeve. The flap may be biased away from the wall to which it is dependent. The flap may have a contoured tip edge, for example, a rounded tip edge. This may facilitate engagement between the flap and the corresponding edge on the inner box.

[0049] In some embodiments, the flap on the outer sleeve is dependent on a fold that forms the edge of the front wall of the outer sleeve, the edge is positioned close to the opening of the outer sleeve, and the flap extends into the interior of the outer sleeve, away from the front wall of the outer sleeve.

[0050] A flap possessing one or more of the above-mentioned features can offer many advantages. For example, a flap may be easier to manufacture, especially if it is dependent on one of the existing walls of the outer sleeve. By arranging the flap to be dependent on a fold on the outer sleeve, the flap can generally be biased toward engagement with an edge on the inner box. This is particularly applicable when the flap extends into the interior of the outer sleeve and protrudes away from the wall to which it is dependent.

[0051] The retaining edge of the inner box may be formed by a cutting line on one of the inner box walls. The retaining edge of the inner box may be formed by a cutting line on the rear wall of the inner box. The cutting line may have an arched shape. For example, in some embodiments, the edge is formed from a cutting line on the rear or front wall of the inner box. As an example, in some embodiments, the edge is formed from an arched cutting line on the rear wall of the inner box.

[0052] The inner box may include a box portion and a lid portion connected to the box portion by a hinge wire. In such embodiments, the edge on the inner box configured to engage with a flap on the outer sleeve may be formed by the edge of the lid portion of the inner box. In such embodiments, the lid portion may engage with the flap when the inner box is in a second position and be held in a fixed position relative to the outer sleeve. However, advantageously, in such a position, the box portion of the inner box may pivot about the hinge wire to allow access to the interior of the inner box and any consumer goods contained therein. Thus, in such embodiments, the user can slide the inner box to a second position and then pivot the box portion relative to the lid portion and the outer sleeve to gain access to the interior of the inner box.

[0053] The inner box portion may include a front wall of the box portion, an upper wall of the box portion, and opposing first and second side walls of the box portion. The box portion may have an interior configured to accommodate one or more consumer goods.

[0054] The lid portion of the inner box may include a front lid wall, a rear lid wall, an upper lid wall, and opposing first and second lid side walls. These walls together may provide a lid portion having a three-dimensional cup-shaped lid.

[0055] When the lid portion is in the closed position, the front wall of the lid portion, the rear wall of the lid portion, and the side walls of the lid portion may each abut against the corresponding wall of the box portion of the inner box. When the lid portion is in the closed position, the front wall of the lid portion, the rear wall of the lid portion, and the side walls of the lid portion may each lie coplanar with the corresponding wall of the box portion of the inner box.

[0056] The retaining edge of the inner box lid portion, configured to engage with the flap on the outer sleeve, may be the lower edge of the front wall of the lid portion.

[0057] The flap of the outer sleeve may extend below the front wall of the lid portion when the inner box is in the second position. In such embodiments, the upper wall of the lid portion may include a slot through which the leading edge of the outer sleeve flap extends when the inner box is in the second position. This can advantageously provide a point of engagement between the flap of the outer sleeve and the lid portion of the inner box. In particular, this can help ensure that the flap of the outer sleeve can engage with the lid portion of the inner box in a reliable and consistent manner. In addition, the engagement can also help reduce or avoid any relative movement between the lid portion of the inner box and the outer sleeve when the inner box is in the second position. The slot may be provided close to the edge of the lid portion connecting the upper wall and the front wall of the lid portion. Such a position can be advantageous because it can help ensure that the flap of the outer sleeve is coplanar with the inner surface of the front wall of the lid portion when the inner box is in the second position. This can help minimize the risk of the outer sleeve flap interfering with the rest of the inner box or any consumer goods containers within it.

[0058] As described above, the inner box may include a box portion comprising a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and opposing first and second side walls, and a lid portion hinged to the box portion by a hinge line, comprising a top wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and opposing first and second side walls. In such embodiments, the container may be configured such that one or both of the hinge line and the lower edge of the front wall of the lid portion lie below the corresponding front wall and rear wall of the outer sleeve when the inner box is in the first position. Such arrangement may advantageously mean that the lid portion of the inner box is prevented from pivoting relative to the box portion of the inner box when the inner box is in the first position. This may mean that the user is prevented from accessing the consumer goods held inside the inner box when the inner box is in the first position. In these embodiments, the container may be further configured such that one or both of the hinge line and the lower edge of the front wall of the lid portion are positioned outside the outer sleeve when the inner box is in the second position. Such arrangement may advantageously mean that when the inner box is in the second position, the lid portion of the inner box can pivot relative to the box portion of the inner box. This may allow the user to access any consumer goods held within the inner box when the inner box is in the second position.

[0059] In such embodiments, each of the first and second inner box side flaps may be configured to rest on a portion of the outer surface of the respective lid portion side wall. That is, the first inner box side flap may rest on a portion of the outer surface of the first lid portion side wall, and the second inner box side flap may rest on a portion of the outer surface of the second lid portion side wall. In such embodiments, each of the first and second inner box side flaps may be subordinate to the edge of the lid portion that connects its respective lid portion side wall to the upper wall of the lid portion. This may offer one or more advantages from a manufacturing standpoint. For example, in such an arrangement, the lid portion may be formed from a single layered blank, and the first and second inner box side flaps may be formed from the same single layered blank. In particular, the first and second inner box side flaps may be formed from portions of a layered blank that are typically used to form reinforcing flaps for the lid portion. However, instead of being folded to be located inside the lid portion, the reinforcing flaps may also be left unfolded so that they are located outside the lid portion and thus provide first and second inner box side flaps. Thus, the first and second inner box side flaps may be provided as part of the inner box without substantially modifying one or both of the components and processes used to form the inner box.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, each of the first and second inner box side flaps may be configured to rest on a portion of the outer surface of the respective box portion side wall. That is, the first inner box side flap may rest on a portion of the outer surface of the first box portion side wall, and the second inner box side flap may rest on a portion of the outer surface of the second box portion side wall. In such embodiments, each of the first and second inner box side flaps may be subordinate to the edge of the box portion connecting its respective box portion side wall to the box portion bottom wall. This may offer one or more advantages from a manufacturing standpoint. For example, in such an arrangement, the box portion may be formed from a single layered blank, and the first and second inner box side flaps may be formed from the same single layered blank. In particular, the first and second inner box side flaps may be formed from portions of a layered blank typically used to form reinforcing flaps for the box portion. However, instead of being folded to be located inside the box portion, the reinforcing flaps may remain unfolded so that they are located outside the box portion and thus provide first and second inner box side flaps. Thus, the first and second inner box side flaps may be provided as part of the inner box without substantially modifying one or both of the components and processes used to form the inner box.

[0061] In the container or multiple containers of the present disclosure described above, the inner box is placed inside the outer sleeve. Thus, such containers can be said to be supplied to the user in a fully assembled state with the inner box placed inside the outer sleeve. However, the disclosure also intends for an arrangement in which the inner box is initially supplied separately from the outer sleeve, and the user inserts the inner box into the outer sleeve to form a fully assembled container.

[0062] The present disclosure provides a kit of parts that forms a container of the present disclosure, comprising an outer sleeve and an inner box configured to be received within the outer sleeve. The kit of parts may include one or more instructions on how to insert the inner box into the outer sleeve to form a fully assembled container. Providing the container in the form of a kit of parts may be advantageous from a manufacturing standpoint, as this means that the user can perform the step of inserting the inner box into the outer sleeve.

[0063] This disclosure also relates to one or more layered blanks for forming the outer sleeve and inner box of the container described above. Accordingly, this disclosure provides a first layered blank for forming the outer sleeve and a second layered blank for forming the inner box. The outer sleeve may be formed from a single layered blank, and the inner box may be formed from a separate single layered blank.

[0064] As described above, the container according to the present invention is preferably formed from one or more folded layered blanks. The one or more layered blanks may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials, including but not limited to cardboard, paper, plastic, metal, or a combination thereof. Different components of the container may be formed from the same material or from different materials. Each of the one or more layered blanks may be a layered cardboard blank having a weight of about 100 grams / square meter to about 350 grams / square meter. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the blank is about 100 micrometers to about 500 micrometers, preferably about 200 micrometers to about 350 micrometers.

[0065] The container is preferably a rectangular parallelepiped, comprising two wide walls (front and rear) separated by a gap between two narrow side walls. The container according to the present invention may also be a rectangular parallelepiped having a right-angled edge in the longitudinal direction and a right-angled edge in the transverse direction. The container may include one or more rounded edges in the longitudinal direction, rounded edges in the transverse direction, chamfered edges in the longitudinal direction, or chamfered edges in the transverse direction, or a combination thereof.

[0066] A container may contain multiple consumer goods. Consumer goods may be aerosol-generating articles. An aerosol-generating article may be a filtered cigarette or other smoking article containing tobacco material in which an aerosol-generating substrate burns to form smoke. An aerosol-generating article may be an article in which tobacco material is heated rather than burned to form an aerosol. An aerosol-generating article may be an article in which nicotine-containing aerosol is generated from tobacco material, tobacco extract, or other nicotine-distributing sources, for example, by a chemical reaction, without the use of combustion and, in some cases, without the use of heating.

[0067] The aerosol-generating articles may be provided in a container in the form of a bundle wrapped in an inner package formed of metal foil or metallized paper. The inner package material may be formed as a laminate of metallized polyethylene film and liner material. The liner material may be super-finished glassine paper. In addition, the inner package material may be provided with a printable topcoat. The inner package has an access opening through which the aerosol-generating articles can be removed when the container lid is in its open position.

[0068] By appropriately selecting the dimensions, the container according to the present invention may be designed to hold a different total number of aerosol-generating articles or a different arrangement of aerosol-generating articles. For example, by appropriately selecting the dimensions, the container according to the present invention may be designed to hold a total of 10 to 30 aerosol-generating articles. The aerosol-generating articles may be arranged in different arrangements depending on the total number.

[0069] Herein, the present invention will be further explained with reference to the attached drawings, although this is purely illustrative. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0070] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a plurality of layered blanks for forming a container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A shows an outer sleeve and an inner box for forming a container according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B shows a container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figures 3A to 3C show cross-sectional views of locking mechanisms in different configurations of a container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a plurality of layered blanks for forming a container according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A shows an outer sleeve and an inner box for forming a container according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B shows a container according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0071] Figure 1 shows two layered blanks for forming the container 1 according to the present invention, namely, a first layered blank 100 and a second layered blank 200. Using the layered blanks, the container 1 shown in Figure 2B can be formed.

[0072] The first layered blank 100 is configured to form the inner box 10 of the container 1. The inner box 10 includes a lid portion 50 and a box portion 60.

[0073] In the layered blank 100, dashed lines indicate folds and solid lines indicate cutting lines. The first layered blank 100 includes a lid portion front wall panel 151, a first lid portion outer wall panel 152, a second lid portion outer wall panel 153, a lid portion upper wall panel 154, a lid portion rear wall panel 155, a lid portion front lower panel 156, and a first lid portion inner wall panel 157 and a second lid portion inner wall panel 158. Together these panels form the lid portion of the lid portion 50 of the container 1. The lid portion upper wall panel 154 includes a slot 180 for receiving the flap 21 of the outer sleeve 20, as will be described in more detail below.

[0074] The lid portion also includes panels 159a and 159b for forming a first inner box side flap 59a and a second inner box side flap 59b, respectively. In conventional layered blank designs, panels 159a and 159b are connected to panels 157 and 158, respectively, by folds to form reinforcing flaps for the lid portion 50. However, in the first layered blank of Figure 1, panels 159a and 159b are separated from panels 157 and 158 by their respective internal cutting lines. This means that during the manufacturing process for forming the lid portion 50, when panels 152 and 153 are folded against the lid portion front wall panel 151, panels 159a and 159b are not directly subjected to the folding process. This means that when the lid portion 50 is formed, the panels 159a and 159b can be located outside the lid portion 50, for example, as shown in Figure 2A, to form the first inner box side flap 59a and the second inner box side flap 59b.

[0075] The first layered blank 100 further includes a front wall panel 161 for the box portion, an outer wall panel 162 for the first box portion and an outer wall panel 163 for the second box portion, a bottom wall panel 164 for the box portion, a rear wall panel 165 for the box portion, an inner wall panel 167 for the first box portion and an inner wall panel 168 for the second box portion, and a reinforcing flap 169a for the first box portion and a reinforcing flap 169b for the second box portion. Together these panels form the box portion 60 of the container 1.

[0076] The second layered blank 200 includes an outer sleeve front wall panel 215, a first outer sleeve side wall panel 212 and a second outer sleeve side wall panel 213, an outer sleeve bottom wall panel 214, an outer sleeve rear wall panel 211, an outer sleeve rear wall lower panel 216, a first outer sleeve fixing panel 217 and a second outer sleeve fixing panel 218, and a first outer sleeve reinforcing flap panel 219a and a second outer sleeve reinforcing flap panel 219b. Together, these panels form the outer sleeve 20 of the container 1.

[0077] The first outer sleeve fixing panel 217 and the second outer sleeve fixing panel 218 are provided to fix the outer sleeve rear wall panel 211 to the outer sleeve front wall panel 215 via the outer sleeve side wall panels 212 and 213. In particular, when the outer sleeve 20 is assembled, the first outer sleeve fixing panel 217 and the second outer sleeve fixing panel 218 are each attached to the inner surface of the outer sleeve rear wall panel 211, for example, by adhesive.

[0078] The second layered blank further includes an outer sleeve flap panel 221 that is subordinate to the outer sleeve front wall panel 215. When the outer sleeve 20 is assembled, the outer sleeve flap panel 221 forms a flap 21 on the outer sleeve 20. The flap 21 is subordinate to a fold that forms the edge of the outer sleeve front wall 15, and the edge is positioned at the open end 25 of the outer sleeve 20. The flap 21 extends into the interior of the outer sleeve 20 and projects away from the outer sleeve front wall 15. This is best seen in Figure 2A.

[0079] As will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 2A and 2B, the flap 21 on the outer sleeve 20 defines a retaining mechanism to prevent the inner box 10 from sliding beyond its set position.

[0080] The second layered blank 200 further includes the first outer sleeve engagement panel 231a and the second outer sleeve engagement panel 231b. These panels 231a and 231b are subordinate to the first outer sleeve sidewall panel 212 and the second outer sleeve sidewall panel 213, respectively. When the outer sleeve 20 is assembled by folding the second layered blank 200, the first outer sleeve engagement panel 231a and the second outer sleeve engagement panel 231b are folded relative to the first outer sleeve sidewall panel 212 and the second outer sleeve sidewall panel 213, around the respective folds 232a and 232b of the second layered blank 200. The first outer sleeve engagement panel 231a and the second outer sleeve engagement panel 231b are then attached to the inner surfaces of the outer sleeve sidewalls 12 and 13 to form engagement elements 31a and 31b on the inner surfaces of each outer sleeve sidewall 12 and 13. Each engaging element 31a, 31b defines engaging edges 33a, 33b for engaging with the respective inner box side flaps 59a, 59b.

[0081] The second layered blank 200 further includes portions 270a, 270b in each of the first outer sleeve sidewall panels 212 and the second outer sleeve sidewall panels 213 for defining release tabs 70a, 70b in each of the outer sleeve sidewalls 12, 13. Each of these portions is partially separated in each of the first outer sleeve sidewall panels 212 and the second outer sleeve sidewall panels 213 by their respective arched cutting lines 271a, 271b. Each release tab 70a, 70b is configured to facilitate the release of the locking mechanism in the container, as will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 3A-3C.

[0082] Figure 2A shows the outer sleeve 20 and inner box 10 formed from the layered blank of Figure 1. The outer sleeve includes an outer sleeve front wall 15, an outer sleeve rear wall 11, an outer sleeve bottom wall, a first outer sleeve side wall, a second outer sleeve side wall 13, and an open end 25 at the end of the outer sleeve 20 opposite the outer sleeve bottom wall. The first outer sleeve side wall is provided with a first release tab, and the second outer sleeve side wall 13 is provided with a second release tab 70b. The outer sleeve flap 21 is subordinate to the edge of the outer sleeve front wall 15 and is located at the open end 25 of the outer sleeve 20. The outer sleeve flap 21 extends into the interior of the outer sleeve 20, away from the outer sleeve front wall 15.

[0083] The inner box includes a lid portion 50 and a box portion 60 connected together by a hinge wire 90. The lid portion 50 includes a lid portion upper wall, a lid portion front wall, a lid portion rear wall 55, a first lid portion side wall, and an opposing second lid portion side wall 53. The box portion 60 includes a box portion bottom wall 64, a box portion front wall, a box portion rear wall 65, a first box portion side wall, and an opposing second box portion side wall 63.

[0084] The inner box further includes a first inner box side flap 59a and a second inner box side flap 59b, each configured to rest on a portion of the side wall of the respective lid portion.

[0085] The inner box 10 and outer sleeve 20 are shown in their disassembled state in Figure 2A. That is, the inner box 10 is separated from the outer sleeve 20. To assemble the inner box 10 and outer sleeve 20 into container 1 in Figure 2B, the inner box 10 is passed through the open end 25 of the outer sleeve 20 and inserted into the interior of the outer sleeve 20. This insertion causes the outer sleeve flap 21 to be deflected toward the outer sleeve front wall 15 so that the outer sleeve flap 21 is coplanar with the inner surface of the outer sleeve front wall 15.

[0086] When the inner box 10 is fully inserted into the outer sleeve 20, it is in the first position shown in Figure 2B. In this position, the leading edges of each inner box side flap 59a, 59b engage with the leading edges 33a, 33b of the first outer sleeve engagement panel 231a and the second outer sleeve engagement panel 231b, respectively. The first outer sleeve engagement panel 231a and the second outer sleeve engagement panel 231b are fixed to the inner surfaces of the first outer sleeve sidewall 12 and the second outer sleeve sidewall 13, respectively. These engagements act to prevent the inner box 10 from sliding relative to the outer sleeve 20. Thus, the inner box 10 is held in place within the outer sleeve 20 by these engagements. Thus, a locking mechanism is formed by the inner box 10 and the outer sleeve 20. The locking mechanism acts to lock the inner box 10 into the outer sleeve 20 when it is in the position shown in Figure 2B. This may be the configuration in which the container 1 is sold to the user.

[0087] To release container 1 and thus gain access to the consumer goods, the user must first press the release tabs 70a and 70b on the outer sleeve sidewalls 12 and 13. This will be explained in more detail below with reference to Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C.

[0088] Figures 3A to 3C show partial cross-sectional views of the locking mechanism for a container according to the present invention. The figures show the locking mechanism in various configurations.

[0089] The locking mechanism includes a first inner box side flap 59a and a first engaging element 31a. The first engaging element 31a is formed by a first outer sleeve engaging panel 231a fixed to the inner surface of the first outer sleeve side wall 12. The first outer sleeve side wall 12 includes an internal cutting line 71a defining a release tab 70a in the first outer sleeve side wall 12. The release tab 70a is positioned so as to be above the first inner box side flap 59a when the inner box is in the first position, as shown in Figure 3A. The first inner box side flap 59a is subordinate to the lid portion 50 of the inner box 10 and is above a portion of the first lid portion side wall 52 of the inner box 10.

[0090] The first engaging element 31a has an engaging edge 33a that engages with the leading edge of the first inner box side flap 59a when the container is in the first position, as shown in Figure 3A, to prevent the inner box 10 from sliding toward and from the open end of the outer sleeve 20.

[0091] In Figure 3A, the locking mechanism is in the locked state. To release the locking mechanism, the user presses the release tab 70a, deflecting it inward relative to the outer sleeve 20. The release tab 70a then contacts the first inner box side flap 59a of the inner box 10, pushing the first inner box side flap 59a away from the first engaging element 31a of the outer sleeve 20. This releases the leading edge of the first inner box side flap 59a from the barrier generated by the first engaging element 31a, as shown in Figure 3B.

[0092] Therefore, Figure 3B shows the locking mechanism in a disengaged state, with the inner box 10 still in a first position relative to the outer sleeve 20. However, because the locking mechanism is disengaged, the inner box 10 can move linearly relative to the outer sleeve 20 toward a second position where any consumer goods held within the inner box 10 can be accessed by the user. As a result, after pressing the release tab 70a to disengage the locking mechanism, the user can slide the inner box 10 relative to the outer sleeve 20 to gain access to the consumer goods. This sliding movement is illustrated by the change in the position of the components of the inner box 10 relative to the components of the outer sleeve 20 between Figures 3B and 3C. In particular, the first lid portion sidewall 52, the first box portion sidewall 67, and the first inner box side flap 59a are all moved upward in Figure 3C compared to their positions in Figure 3B. Therefore, Figure 3C shows the locking mechanism in a disengaged state, with the inner box 10 in a second position.

[0093] When the user has finished accessing the consumer goods, the user may slide the inner box 10 back into the interior of the outer sleeve 20. This returns the first inner box side flap 59a to the position corresponding to the position shown in Figure 3B. However, since the user no longer presses the release tab 70a, the first inner box side flap 59a of the inner box 10 returns to the position shown in Figure 3A and can engage with the first engaging element 31a. This returns the locking mechanism to the locked state shown in Figure 3A. In this situation, the first inner box side flap 59a may automatically return to the position shown in Figure 3A due to the biasing force generated by the fold between the first inner box side flap 59a and the panel 154 forming the upper wall of the lid portion.

[0094] The locking mechanism has been described above with reference to the first inner box side flap 59a and the first engaging element 31a shown in Figures 3A-3C, but naturally, the locking mechanism of container 1 also includes corresponding arrangements on the opposing sides of container 1. In particular, the locking mechanism also involves arrangements corresponding to the second inner box side wall and the second outer sleeve side wall. Therefore, in order to unlock the container as described above, the user needs to press the two release tabs 70a, 70b (i.e., the release tabs on each side wall of the outer sleeve 10) simultaneously.

[0095] As described above, the outer sleeve 20 includes a flap 21 that helps form a retaining mechanism to prevent the inner box 10 from sliding beyond a set position. In particular, the flap 21 is configured to engage with the lid portion 50 of the inner box 10 to prevent the inner box 10 from sliding beyond a second position when the inner box 10 is in a second position. In the arrangements of Figures 2A and 2B, this is achieved by the flap 21 sliding into the lid portion 50 as the inner box 10 moves from a first position to a second position. In particular, as the inner box 10 moves from a first position to a second position, the flap 21 catches the lower edge of the front wall 51 of the lid portion and slides inside the lid portion 50. The flap 21 may remain generally coplanar with the inner surface of the front wall 51 of the lid portion. When the inner box 10 reaches the second position, the rounded portion of the leading edge of the flap 21 protrudes through the slot 180 in the upper wall 54 of the lid portion. However, the flap 21 and slot 180 are shaped and sized such that a portion of the leading edge of the flap 21 protrudes through the slot 180 and engages with the upper wall 54 of the lid portion. This engagement prevents the inner box 10 from sliding further beyond the second position.

[0096] Figure 4 shows a third layered blank 300 and a fourth layered blank 400 for forming a container according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The third layered blank 300 is for forming an inner box 30, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, and is similar to the first layered blank 100 of the first embodiment of the present invention. The fourth layered blank 400 is for forming an outer sleeve 40, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, and is similar to the second layered blank 200 of the first embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the container 2 and layered blanks 300 and 400 of the second embodiment are structurally and functionally identical to the container 1 and layered blanks 100 and 200 of the first embodiment, except for the following points which will be discussed below.

[0097] The third layered blank 300 differs from the first layered blank 100 in the following respects. Firstly, the third layered blank 300 does not include a slot in its lid portion upper wall 154. Instead, the third layered blank 300 has an arched internal cutting line 380 in its box portion rear wall panel 365. Secondly, the internal cutting line is arranged differently in the third layered blank 300, such that it includes the first lid portion reinforcing flap 359a and the second lid portion reinforcing flap 359b, and the first inner box side flap 369a and the second inner box side flap 369b. This arrangement means that the first inner box side flap 369a and the second inner box side flap 369b of the inner box 30 are subordinate to the box portion bottom wall 64 of the inner box 30, instead of the lid portion upper wall 54 of the inner box 30. This is best seen in Figure 5A, where the inner box 30 is shown in a transparent form for enhanced clarity.

[0098] The fourth layered blank 400 differs from the second layered blank 200 in the following respects. Firstly, the lower rear wall panel 416 of the outer sleeve of the fourth layered blank 400 has a different shape compared to the lower rear wall panel 216 of the outer sleeve of the second layered blank 200. Secondly, the outer sleeve flap panel 421 is shorter and does not have a rounded central portion on its leading edge.

[0099] Figure 5A shows the outer sleeve 40 and inner box 30 in a disassembled state according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The arrangement in Figure 5A differs from the arrangement in Figure 2A in that the inner box 30 has a different orientation relative to the outer sleeve 40. In particular, in Figure 5A, the inner box 30 is arranged such that when the inner box 30 is inserted into the outer sleeve 40, the front wall 51 of the lid portion and the front wall 61 of the box portion of the inner box 30 are below the rear wall 11 of the outer sleeve. Similarly, the inner box 30 is arranged such that when the inner box 30 is inserted into the outer sleeve 40, the rear wall 55 of the lid portion and the rear wall 65 of the box portion of the inner box 30 are below the front wall 15 of the outer sleeve.

[0100] As shown in Figure 5B, when the inner box 30 is positioned within the outer sleeve 40 in the first position, the bottom wall 64 of the inner box 30 is below the bottom wall of the outer sleeve 40. Furthermore, a portion of the lid portion 50 of the inner box 30 extends through the open end 25 of the outer sleeve 40 and is located outside the open end 25. The remaining portion of the lid portion 50 of the inner box 30 is located within the outer sleeve 40. In this position, the hinge line 90 of the inner box 30 is below the front wall 15 of the outer sleeve, and the lower edge of the front wall 51 of the lid portion is below the rear wall 11 of the outer sleeve. This arrangement prevents the lid portion 50 of the inner box 30 from pivoting relative to the box portion 60 of the inner box 30 when the inner box 30 is in the first position in Figure 5B.

[0101] In the second embodiment shown in Figures 5A and 5B, when the inner box 30 moves to its second position, the entire lid portion 50 of the inner box moves through the open end 25 and is positioned outside the outer sleeve 40. This allows the lid portion 50 to pivot around its hinge line 90, and allows access to the interior of the inner box 30. In particular, in the second position, the hinge line 90 of the inner box 30 is positioned beyond the upper edge of the front wall 15 of the outer sleeve. Furthermore, the lower edge of the front wall 51 of the lid portion is positioned beyond the upper edge of the rear wall 11 of the outer sleeve. This allows the lid portion 30 to pivot around the hinge line 90 without being obstructed by the outer sleeve 40.

[0102] The container 2 of the second embodiment includes a retaining mechanism provided by an arched cut line 380 in the rear wall 65 of the box portion of the inner box 30 and an outer sleeve flap 42. In particular, when the inner box 30 moves to a second position, the outer sleeve flap 42 engages with the edge of the rear wall 65 of the box portion created by the arched cut line 380, preventing the inner box 30 from sliding beyond the second position. This prevents the inner box from separating from the outer sleeve 40. This functions in a manner similar to the arrangement of the slot 180 and the outer sleeve flap 21 in the first embodiment.

Claims

1. A container for consumer goods, wherein the container is An outer sleeve including an outer sleeve front wall, an outer sleeve rear wall, opposing first and second outer sleeve side walls, an outer sleeve upper wall, and a first open end, A box portion comprising a box portion including a bottom wall of the box portion, a front wall of the box portion, a rear wall of the box portion, and opposing first and second side walls of the box portion, and an inner box comprising a lid portion hinged to the box portion along a hinge line, including a lid portion including an upper wall of the lid portion, a front wall of the lid portion, a rear wall of the lid portion, and opposing first and second side walls of the lid portion, The inner box is placed inside the outer sleeve, A first position in which the user cannot access the inside of the inner box, It is configured to be slidable relative to the outer sleeve between a second position in which the user can access the inside of the inner box, The sliding of the inner box from the first position to the second position involves at least a portion of the inner box passing through the outer sleeve opening. The inner box further includes first and second inner box side flaps, each inner box side flap is configured to rest on a portion of the outer surface of the side wall of the respective box portion. When the inner box is inside the outer sleeve in the first position, the edges of each inner box side flap are configured to engage with corresponding engaging elements on the inner surface of the respective outer sleeve sidewalls to form a locking mechanism that prevents the inner box from sliding from the first position to the second position. Each of the first and second inner box side flaps is subordinate to the edge of the box portion that connects its respective side wall to the bottom wall of the box portion. The front wall of the outer sleeve, the rear wall of the outer sleeve, the opposing first and second side walls of the outer sleeve, and the upper wall of the outer sleeve all define the periphery of the outer sleeve. A container in which, when the inner box is inside the outer sleeve in the first position, at least a portion of the lid portion side wall extends outward beyond the periphery of the outer sleeve.

2. A container for consumer goods, wherein the container is An outer sleeve including an outer sleeve front wall, an outer sleeve rear wall, opposing first and second outer sleeve side walls, an outer sleeve upper wall, and a first open end, A box portion comprising a box portion including a bottom wall of the box portion, a front wall of the box portion, a rear wall of the box portion, and opposing first and second side walls of the box portion, and an inner box comprising a lid portion hinged to the box portion along a hinge line, including a lid portion including an upper wall of the lid portion, a front wall of the lid portion, a rear wall of the lid portion, and opposing first and second side walls of the lid portion, The inner box is placed inside the outer sleeve, A first position in which the user cannot access the inside of the inner box, It is configured to be slidable relative to the outer sleeve between a second position in which the user can access the inside of the inner box, The sliding of the inner box from the first position to the second position involves at least a portion of the inner box passing through the outer sleeve opening. The inner box further includes first and second inner box side flaps, each inner box side flap being configured to rest on a portion of the outer surface of the respective lid portion side wall. When the inner box is inside the outer sleeve in the first position, the edges of each inner box side flap are configured to engage with corresponding engaging elements on the inner surface of the respective outer sleeve sidewalls to form a locking mechanism that prevents the inner box from sliding from the first position to the second position. A container in which each of the first and second inner box side flaps is subordinate to the edge of the lid portion, connecting its respective lid portion side wall to the lid portion upper wall.

3. The front wall of the outer sleeve, the rear wall of the outer sleeve, the opposing first and second side walls of the outer sleeve, and the upper wall of the outer sleeve all define the periphery of the outer sleeve. The container according to claim 2, wherein when the inner box is located within the outer sleeve in the first position, at least a portion of the side wall of the box portion extends outward beyond the periphery of the outer sleeve.

4. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each outer sleeve sidewall is provided with a release element that allows the edge of each inner box side flap to be disengaged from the corresponding engaging element of each outer sleeve sidewall.

5. The container according to claim 4, wherein the release element includes a release tab formed by at least one cutting line on the outer sleeve sidewall.

6. The container according to claim 4 or 5, wherein when the inner box is inside the outer sleeve in the first position, the release elements of each outer sleeve side wall are located on at least a portion of the corresponding inner box side flap.

7. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the inner box can be slidable from the first position to the second position relative to the outer sleeve by disengaging the locking mechanism.

8. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a holding mechanism for preventing the inner box from sliding beyond the second position.

9. The container according to claim 8, wherein the retaining mechanism includes an extendable member that connects the wall of the inner box to the wall of the outer sleeve, and the extendable member is configured to change between a retracted state when the inner box is in the first position and an extended state when the inner box is in the second position.

10. The container according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the retaining mechanism includes a flap on the outer sleeve configured to engage with a corresponding retaining edge on the inner box to prevent the inner box from sliding beyond the second position.

11. The container according to claim 10, wherein the retaining edge on the inner box is formed by a cutting line within the rear wall or front wall of the inner box.

12. The container according to claim 11, wherein the inner box and the outer sleeve are configured such that, when the inner box is in the first position, at least one of the front wall of the inner box and the rear wall of the inner box is completely below the corresponding front wall and rear wall of the outer sleeve.

13. The container according to claim 10, wherein the inner box includes a box portion and a lid portion connected to the box portion by a hinge wire, and the retaining edge on the inner box is formed by the edge of the lid portion of the inner box.

14. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein one or both of the hinge line and the lower edge of the front wall of the lid portion are configured to be below the corresponding one of the front wall and the rear wall of the outer sleeve when the inner box is in the first position.

Images