Packaging with two hermetically-isolated compartments

Abstract

A packaging (1) for rod-shaped consumable articles, the packaging comprising first and second casing portions (11, 12) and an internal divider portion (45), wherein: each of the first and second casing portions comprises a recessed tray with an outwardly-extending perimetral flange (211, 212); the internal divider portion comprises a sheet of material with an outwardly-extending perimetral flange (245); wherein the internal divider portion is disposed between the first and second casing portions with the perimetral flange of the internal divider portion sandwiched between the perimetral flanges of the first and second casing portions; such that the packaging defines a first storage volume between the internal divider portion and the first casing portion, and a second storage volume between the internal divider portion and the second casing portion, the first and second storage volumes being hermetically isolated from each other by the internal divider portion; wherein at least one of the first and second casing portions is provided with a hinge portion (32) extending across the recessed tray, such that a first part of the respective casing portion can be moved relative to a second part of the respective casing portion about the hinge portion, thereby to permit access to the first or second storage volume.

Description

[0001] PACKAGING WITH TWO HERMETICALLY-ISOLATED COMPARTMENTS

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a packaging for rod-shaped consumable articles, and to a method of packaging rod-shaped consumable articles.

[0003] Packaging for rod-shaped consumable articles, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars and heat-not-burn aerosol-generating consumable articles, is often based on a substantially cuboid box comprising several complex parts made of different types of materials. Examples of such materials include polymeric laminated materials, polymeric metallised laminated materials, and multiple layers of paper-based materials. These materials can be expensive, and it can be complex to manufacture packaging from these materials, with a higher complexity and industrial footprint in final product manufacturing.

[0004] Packaging for rod-shaped consumable articles is designed to convey product information and also to protect the consumable articles within the packaging from physical damage due to bending or crushing. The packaging should also provide a barrier against damage due to exposure to ambient air and changes in product moisture levels.

[0005] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a known packaging 100 for rod-shaped consumable articles. The packaging 100 comprises a paperboard box 110 that is provided with a polymeric film overwrap (for example, biaxially-oriented polypropylene - BOPP). Within the paperboard box 110 is an inner liner 116, which acts to hold a bundle of consumables. The inner liner 116 may be formed of a metalized paper, providing a barrier layer to prevent oxygen ingress and changes in consumable moisture levels. A hinged lid 117 is provided integral to the paperboard box 110. The polymeric film overwrap is provided so as to help keep the consumable articles fresh before the packaging 100 is opened for the first time.

[0006] Overall, existing packaging of rod-shaped consumable articles is a result of decades of continuity of luxury and colorful paper packaging, not matching current consumer expectations, social and environmental trends, or sustainability requirements.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a packaging for rodshaped consumable articles, the packaging comprising first and second casing portions and an internal divider portion, wherein: each of the first and second casing portions comprises a recessed tray with an outwardly- extending perimetral flange; the internal divider portion comprises a sheet of material with an outwardly-extending perimetral flange; wherein the internal divider portion is disposed between the first and second casing portions with the perimetral flange of the internal divider portion sandwiched between the perimetral flanges of the first and second casing portions; such that the packaging defines a first storage volume between the internal divider portion and the first casing portion, and a second storage volume between the internal divider portion and the second casing portion, the first and second storage volumes being hermetically isolated from each other by the internal divider portion.

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention provide a structural packaging comprising first and second independent storage volumes for rod-shaped consumable articles. The first and second storage volumes are substantially hermetically isolated from each other when the packaging is closed. It is possible to open the first storage volume while leaving the second storage volume hermetically sealed. In this way, consumable articles in the second storage volume will be kept as fresh as possible while consumable articles are taken from the first storage volume. When the first storage volume has been emptied of consumable articles, a user may then open the second storage volume in order to access consumable articles stored in the second storage volume.

[0009] When fully assembled, the interior of the packaging defines two separate storage volumes, holding two separate groups of rod-shaped articles.

[0010] The packaging may enable a logical sequential consumption of the rod-shaped articles stored in the packaging. The packaging provides two hermetically-isolated storage volumes. The second storage volume may be kept in a factory-sealed configuration while the contents of the first storage volume are consumed. This can help to maintain freshness of the contents of the second storage volume even when the first storage volume has been opened.

[0011] One of the storage volumes may be used as a receptacle for used rod-shaped consumables while fresh rod-shaped consumables are stored in the other storage volume.

[0012] One edge of the first casing portion may be joined to a corresponding edge of the second casing portion along a fold line. The first and second casing portions may thus be folded together about the fold line so as to sandwich the internal divider portion between the first and second casing portions.

[0013] The recessed tray of each casing portion may be formed by an embossing or moulding process.

[0014] At least one of the first and second casing portions may be provided with a hinge portion extending across the recessed tray, such that a first part of the respective casing portion can be moved relative to a second part of the respective casing portion about the hinge portion, thereby to permit access to the first or second storage volume.

[0015] In embodiments where one edge of the first casing portion is joined to a corresponding edge of the second casing portion along a fold line, the hinge portion or the hinge portions may be substantially parallel to the fold line.

[0016] The hinge portion may be disposed such that a surface area of the recessed tray in the first part of the respective casing portion is between 25 percent and 100 percent of a surface area of the recessed tray in the second part of the respective casing portion, preferably between 50 percent and 100 percent, more preferably between 75 percent and 100 percent.

[0017] In this way, it is possible to gain access to the first storage volume by moving the first part of the first casing portion about the hinge portion of the first casing portion. It is also possible to gain access to the second storage volume by moving the first part of the second casing portion about the hinge portion of the second casing portion. By leaving the second parts of the respective first and second casing portions connected to each other and to the internal divider portion, it is possible to avoid unwanted spillage of consumable articles from the packaging, because the consumable articles will still be held along part of their lengths between the respective second parts of the first and second casing portions and the internal divider portion, even when the respective first parts of the first or second casing portions are moved to an open position about the hinge portion so as to allow access to the consumable articles within the storage volumes.

[0018] Parts of the perimetral flange of the first or second casing portion extending from the first part of the respective casing portion may be adhered to the perimetral flange of the internal divider portion by a resealable adhesive. This may allow the first parts of the respective casing portions to be resealed to the perimetral flange of the internal divider portion when the first parts of the respective casing portions are moved back to a closed position after the storage volume has been accessed. In this way, the respective storage volumes can be hermetically sealed again after being opened for access.

[0019] Parts of the perimetral flange of the first or second casing portion extending from the second part of the respective casing portion may be adhered to the perimetral flange of the internal divider portion by a permanent adhesive. Use of a permanent adhesive may help to avoid unwanted separation of the respective second parts of the first and second casing portions from each other and from the perimetral flange of the internal divider portion.

[0020] The hinge portion may be provided with an inner frame strip bonded to the second part of the respective casing portion. The inner frame strip may provide structural rigidity to the respective casing portion at the hinge portion. The inner frame strip may project from the second part of the respective casing portion when the first part of the respective casing portion is moved about the hinge line.

[0021] The inner frame strip may have first and second end portions that are bonded to opposing parts of the perimetral flange of the respective casing portion.

[0022] The sheet of material of the internal dividing portion may be formed with parallel corrugations each sized and shaped to receive a rod-shaped article. In this way, each of the first and second storage volumes may be formed with a plurality of parallel cavities, each cavity configured to receive a single rod-shaped consumable article. This can help to keep the rod- shaped consumable articles attractively arranged in the first and second storage volumes. This can help to keep the rod-shaped consumable articles arranged in the first and second storage volumes in a manner that allows for easy withdrawal of the rod-shaped consumable articles from the cavities.

[0023] In some embodiments, the parallel corrugations are sized and shaped such that a first plurality of rod-shaped articles may be contained within the first storage volume, and a second plurality of rod-shaped articles may be contained within the second storage volume, each adjacent pair of the first plurality of rod-shaped articles in the first storage volume being interposed with one of the second plurality of rod-shaped articles in the second storage volume, and each adjacent pair of the second plurality of rod-shaped articles in the second storage volume being interposed with one of the first plurality of rod-shaped articles in the first storage volume. This may enable the packaging to be made thinner than embodiments using a non-corrugated internal divider portion.

[0024] In some embodiments, the parallel corrugations are sized and shaped such that the first and second pluralities of rod-shaped articles may be arranged substantially coplanar with each other. In this way, a very thin packaging, not significantly thicker than the diameter of a single rod-shaped consumable article, may be obtained, while maintaining the advantage of hermetically-isolated first and second storage volumes.

[0025] The sheet of material of the internal divider portion may be made of a material that is substantially impermeable to air or moisture. The first and second casing portions may be made of a material that is substantially impermeable to air or moisture. This can help to keep unused rod-shaped consumable articles in the first or second storage volumes fresh when the packaging is closed. In addition, when used rod-shaped consumable articles are returned to the first or second storage volumes, this can help to contain odours within the packaging.

[0026] The sheet of material of the internal divider portion may be made of paper or paperboard. The first and second casing portions may be made of paper or paperboard. This may be desirable in order to reduce the amount of plastic waste and to make the packaging more easily recyclable.

[0027] The first and second casing portions and the internal divider portion may be made of paper or paperboard, and the first and second storage volumes may be independently hermetically sealed from external atmosphere before the packaging is first opened. The first and second volumes may be independently hermetically sealed from external atmosphere before the packaging is first opened even without an external polymer film wrapper. In this way, a more environmentally responsible packaging with no external polymer film wrapper is made possible.

[0028] The perimetral flanges of the first and second casing portions may be provided with mutually non-overlapping tab portions at one edge of the packaging, each tab portion configured as a pull tab to facilitate opening of the packaging. In embodiments where one edge of the first casing portion is joined to a corresponding edge of the second casing portion along a fold line, the tab portions are preferably provided at edges of the first and second casing portions opposed to the edges joined at the fold line.

[0029] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of packaging rod-shaped consumable articles, comprising the steps of: providing first and second casing portions each comprising a recessed tray with an outwardly-extending perimetral flange; providing an internal divider portion comprising a sheet of material with an outwardly- extending perimetral flange; placing a first plurality of rod-shaped consumable articles in the recessed tray of the first casing portion; arranging the internal divider portion over the first plurality of rod-shaped consumable articles in the recessed tray of the first casing portion such that the outwardly-extending perimetral flange of the internal divider portion contacts the outwardly-extending perimetral flange of the first casing portion; placing a second plurality of rod-shaped consumable articles on an exposed surface of the internal divider portion; arranging the second casing portion over the second plurality of rod-shaped consumable articles so that the second plurality of rod-shaped consumable articles is received in the recessed tray of the second casing portion, and such that the outwardly-extending perimetral flange of the second casing portion contacts the outwardly-extending perimetral flange of the internal divider portion; and bonding the respective outwardly-extending perimetral flanges together so as to form a hermetically-sealed package.

[0030] One edge of the first casing portion may be joined to a corresponding edge of the second casing portion along a fold line, and the second casing portion may be arranged over the second plurality of rod-shaped consumable articles by pivoting the second casing portion about the fold line. The first and second casing portions may thus be folded together about the fold line so as to sandwich the internal divider portion between the first and second casing portions.

[0031] The recessed tray of each casing portion may be formed by an embossing or moulding process.

[0032] At least one of the first and second casing portions may be provided with a hinge portion extending across the recessed tray, such that a first part of the respective casing portion can be moved relative to a second part of the respective casing portion about the hinge portion.

[0033] The hinge portion may be disposed such that a surface area of the recessed tray in the first part of the respective casing portion is between 25 percent and 100 percent of a surface area of the recessed tray in the second part of the respective casing portion, preferably between 50 percent and 100 percent, more preferably between 75 percent and 100 percent.

[0034] In this way, it is possible to gain access to the inside of the first casing portion by moving the first part of the first casing portion about the hinge portion of the first casing portion. It is also possible to gain access to the inside of the second casing portion by moving the first part of the second casing portion about the hinge portion of the second casing portion. By leaving the second parts of the respective first and second casing portions connected to each other and to the internal divider portion, it is possible to avoid unwanted spillage of consumable articles from the packaging, because the consumable articles will still be held along part of their lengths between the respective second parts of the first and second casing portions and the internal divider portion, even when the respective first parts of the first or second casing portions are moved to an open position about the hinge portion so as to allow access to the consumable articles within the casing portions.

[0035] Parts of the perimetral flange of the first or second casing portion extending from the first part of the respective casing portion may be adhered to the perimetral flange of the internal divider portion by a resealable adhesive. This may allow the first parts of the respective casing portions to be resealed to the perimetral flange of the internal divider portion when the first parts of the respective casing portions are moved back to a closed position after the inside of the casing portion has been accessed. In this way, the respective casing portions can be hermetically sealed again after being opened for access.

[0036] The resealable adhesive may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The resealable adhesive may be selected from: styrene-ethylene / butylene-styrene (SEBS), styrene-ethylene / propylene (SEP), and styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS). The resealable adhesive may have a viscosity of 100 to 1000 millipascal seconds, preferably 150 to 600 millipascal seconds.

[0037] Parts of the perimetral flange of the first or second casing portion extending from the second part of the respective casing portion may be adhered to the perimetral flange of the internal divider portion by a permanent adhesive. Use of a permanent adhesive may help to avoid unwanted separation of the respective second parts of the first and second casing portions from each other and from the perimetral flange of the internal divider portion.

[0038] The permanent adhesive may be selected from: polyvinyl acetate (PVA), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), amorphous poly alpha olefin (APAO), and poly amides (PA). The permanent adhesive may have a viscosity of 250 to 1500 millipascal seconds, preferably 400 to 1000 millipascal seconds.

[0039] The hinge portion may be provided with an inner frame strip bonded to the second part of the respective casing portion. The inner frame strip may provide structural rigidity to the respective casing portion at the hinge portion. The inner frame strip may project from the second part of the respective casing portion when the first part of the respective casing portion is moved about the hinge line. The inner frame strip may have first and second end portions that are bonded to opposing parts of the perimetral flange of the respective casing portion.

[0040] The sheet of material of the internal dividing portion may be formed with parallel corrugations each sized and shaped to receive a rod-shaped article. When the internal dividing portion is arranged over the first plurality of rod-shaped consumable articles in the recessed tray of the first casing portion, the first plurality of rod-shaped consumable articles will be received by the parallel corrugations on a lower surface of the internal dividing portion. An upper surface of the internal dividing portion, also having parallel corrugations, then provides the exposed surface on which the second plurality of rod-shaped consumable articles are placed. The parallel corrugations can help to keep the second plurality of rod-shaped consumable articles in position while the second casing portion is arranged over the second plurality of rod-shaped consumable articles.

[0041] The parallel corrugations may be sized and shaped such that each adjacent pair of the first plurality of rod-shaped articles in the recessed tray of the first casing portion is interposed with one of the second plurality of rod-shaped articles in the recessed tray of the second casing portion, and such that each adjacent pair of the second plurality of rod-shaped articles in the recessed tray of the second casing portion is interposed with one of the first plurality of rod-shaped articles in the recessed tray of the first casing portion, when the package is hermetically sealed. This may enable the packaging to be made thinner than embodiments using a non-corrugated internal divider portion.

[0042] The parallel corrugations are sized and shaped such that the first and second pluralities of rod-shaped articles are arranged substantially coplanar with each other. In this way, a very thin packaging, not significantly thicker than the diameter of a single rod-shaped consumable article, may be obtained, while maintaining the advantage of hermetically-isolated first and second storage volumes.

[0043] The sheet of material of the internal divider portion may be made of a material that is substantially impermeable to air or moisture. The first and second casing portions may be made of a material that is substantially impermeable to air or moisture. This can help to keep unused rod-shaped consumable articles fresh when the packaging is closed. In addition, when used rodshaped consumable articles are returned to the packaging, this can help to contain odours within the packaging.

[0044] The sheet of material of the internal divider portion may be made of paper or paperboard. The first and second casing portions may be made of paper or paperboard. This may be desirable in order to reduce the amount of plastic waste and to make the packaging more easily recyclable. The perimetral flanges of the first and second casing portions may be provided with mutually non-overlapping tab portions at one edge of the packaging, each tab portion configured as a pull tab to facilitate opening of the packaging. In embodiments where one edge of the first casing portion is joined to a corresponding edge of the second casing portion along a fold line, the tab portions are preferably provided at edges of the first and second casing portions opposed to the edges joined at the fold line.

[0045] Embodiments of the invention may provide a pulp-based structured pack, in a folded design to create two separate storage volumes, as a sealed pouch pack with an internal sealed contoured paper separator, to keep flexibility, and to create independent hermetically sealed storage volumes. The storage volumes may have unitary cavities into which single rod-shaped consumable articles are disposed, linearly separate from each other, in two twin-sided separate arrangements within the same longitudinal axis. The pack may comprise a thin packaging where the outer layer comprises two pulp-based, for example paper or paperboard, casing portions provided with recessed trays by way of an embossing or moulding process. The first and second casing portions may be formed from a single sheet of paper or paperboard and folded together about a fold line. When fully assembled, the interior of the packaging defines two independent storage volumes, hermetically isolated from each other, holding two separate groups of consumable articles. The packaging may enable a logical sequential consumption of the consumables inside the packaging. By providing two independent storage volumes, one can be maintained in a factory-sealed condition while the other is opened to allow consumption of the consumable articles. Optionally, the provision of resealable adhesive on parts of the perimetral flanges allows the casing portions to be closed and the storage volumes resealed after first opening.

[0046] In the context of the present disclosure, the term “hermetically sealed” is intended to mean sealed in a substantially airtight manner.

[0047] In the context of the present disclosure, the term “hinge portion” is intended to mean a part of a casing portion that allows a first part of the casing portion to pivot relative to a second part of the casing portion about a line across the casing portion.

[0048] In the context of the present disclosure, the term “paper” is intended to mean a material manufactured in thin sheets from the pulp of wood or other fibrous substances, having a weight of no more than 250 grammes per square metre.

[0049] In the context of the present disclosure, the term “paperboard” is intended to mean a material manufactured in thin sheets (although thicker than paper) from the pulp of wood or other fibrous substances, having a weight of no less than 250 grammes per square metre.

[0050] In the context of the present disclosure, the term “perimetral flange” is intended to mean a flange that extends around at least part of a perimeter of a component. Preferably, a perimetral flange is substantially planar. An “outwardly-extending perimetral flange” is a perimetral flange that is located around an outer edge or edges of a component.

[0051] In the context of the present disclosure, the term “permanent adhesive” is intended to mean an adhesive that, when applied to one or other or both of two facing surfaces, enables the facing surfaces to be adhered to each other in a permanent relationship such that the facing surfaces cannot be separated from each other without tearing or damaging the facing surfaces.

[0052] In the context of the present disclosure, the term “resealable adhesive” is intended to mean an adhesive that, when applied to one or other or both of two facing surfaces, enables the facing surfaces to be separated from each other and resealed to each other many times.

[0053] The invention is defined in the claims. However, below there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0054] Example Ex1 : A packaging for rod-shaped consumable articles, the packaging comprising first and second casing portions and an internal divider portion, wherein: each of the first and second casing portions comprises a recessed tray with an outwardly- extending perimetral flange; the internal divider portion comprises a sheet of material with an outwardly-extending perimetral flange; wherein the internal divider portion is disposed between the first and second casing portions with the perimetral flange of the internal divider portion sandwiched between the perimetral flanges of the first and second casing portions; such that the packaging defines a first storage volume between the internal divider portion and the first casing portion, and a second storage volume between the internal divider portion and the second casing portion, the first and second storage volumes being hermetically isolated from each other by the internal divider portion.

[0055] Example Ex2: The packaging of Example Ex1 , wherein one edge of the first casing portion is joined to a corresponding edge of the second casing portion along a fold line.

[0056] Example Ex3: The packaging of Example Ex1 or Ex2, wherein at least one of the first and second casing portions is provided with a hinge portion extending across the recessed tray, such that a first part of the respective casing portion can be moved relative to a second part of the respective casing portion about the hinge portion, thereby to permit access to the first or second storage volume.

[0057] Example Ex4: The packaging of Example Ex3, wherein the hinge portion is disposed such that a surface area of the recessed tray in the first part of the respective casing portion is between 25 percent and 100 percent of a surface area of the recessed tray in the second part of the respective casing portion, preferably between 50 percent and 100 percent, more preferably between 75 percent and 100 percent.

[0058] Example Ex5: The packaging of Example Ex3 or Ex4, wherein parts of the perimetral flange of the first or second casing portion extending from the first part of the respective casing portion are adhered to the perimetral flange of the internal divider portion by a resealable adhesive.

[0059] Example Ex6: The packaging of any one of Examples Ex3 to Ex5, wherein parts of the perimetral flange of the first or second casing portion extending from the second part of the respective casing portion are adhered to the perimetral flange of the internal divider portion by a permanent adhesive.

[0060] Example Ex7: The packaging of any one of Examples Ex3 to Ex6, wherein the hinge portion is provided with an inner frame strip bonded to the second part of the respective casing portion.

[0061] Example Ex8: The packaging of Example Ex7, wherein the inner frame strip has first and second end portions that are bonded to opposing parts of the perimetral flange of the respective casing portion.

[0062] Example Ex9: The packaging of any preceding Example, wherein the sheet of material of the internal dividing portion is formed with parallel corrugations each sized and shaped to receive a rod-shaped article.

[0063] Example Ex10: The packaging of Example Ex9, wherein the parallel corrugations are sized and shaped such that a first plurality of rod-shaped articles may be contained within the first storage volume, and a second plurality of rod-shaped articles may be contained within the second storage volume, each adjacent pair of the first plurality of rod-shaped articles in the first storage volume being interposed with one of the second plurality of rod-shaped articles in the second storage volume, and each adjacent pair of the second plurality of rod-shaped articles in the second storage volume being interposed with one of the first plurality of rod-shaped articles in the first storage volume.

[0064] Example Ex11 : The packaging of Example Ex10, wherein the parallel corrugations are sized and shaped such that the first and second pluralities of rod-shaped articles may be arranged substantially coplanar with each other.

[0065] Example Ex12: The packaging of any preceding Example, wherein the sheet of material of the internal divider portion is made of a material that is substantially impermeable to air or moisture.

[0066] Example Ex13: The packaging of any preceding Example, wherein the first and second casing portions are made of a material that is substantially impermeable to air or moisture.

[0067] Example Ex14: The packaging of any preceding Example, wherein the sheet of material of the internal divider portion is made of paperboard. Example Ex15: The packaging of any preceding Example, wherein the first and second casing portions are made of paperboard.

[0068] Example Ex16: The packaging of any preceding Example, wherein the first and second casing portions and the internal divider portion are made of paperboard, and wherein the first and second storage volumes are independently hermetically sealed from external atmosphere before the packaging is first opened.

[0069] Example Ex17: The packaging of Example Ex16, wherein the first and second volumes are independently hermetically sealed from external atmosphere before the packaging is first opened even without an external polymer film wrapper.

[0070] Example Ex18: The packaging of any preceding Example, wherein the perimetral flanges of the first and second casing portions are provided with mutually non-overlapping tab portions at one edge of the packaging, each tab portion configured as a pull tab to facilitate opening of the packaging.

[0071] Example Ex19: A method of packaging rod-shaped consumable articles, comprising the steps of: providing first and second casing portions each comprising a recessed tray with an outwardly-extending perimetral flange; providing an internal divider portion comprising a sheet of material with an outwardly- extending perimetral flange; placing a first plurality of rod-shaped consumable articles in the recessed tray of the first casing portion; arranging the internal divider portion over the first plurality of rod-shaped consumable articles in the recessed tray of the first casing portion such that the outwardly-extending perimetral flange of the internal divider portion contacts the outwardly-extending perimetral flange of the first casing portion; placing a second plurality of rod-shaped consumable articles on an exposed surface of the internal divider portion; arranging the second casing portion over the second plurality of rod-shaped consumable articles so that the second plurality of rod-shaped consumable articles is received in the recessed tray of the second casing portion, and such that the outwardly-extending perimetral flange of the second casing portion contacts the outwardly-extending perimetral flange of the internal divider portion; and bonding the respective outwardly-extending perimetral flanges together so as to form a hermetically-sealed package.

[0072] Example Ex20: The method of Example Ex19, wherein one edge of the first casing portion is joined to a corresponding edge of the second casing portion along a fold line, and wherein the second casing portion is arranged over the second plurality of rod-shaped consumable articles by pivoting the second casing portion about the fold line.

[0073] Example Ex21 : The method of Example Ex19 or Ex20, wherein at least one of the first and second casing portions is provided with a hinge portion extending across the recessed tray, such that a first part of the respective casing portion can be moved relative to a second part of the respective casing portion about the hinge portion.

[0074] Example Ex22: The method of Example Ex21 , wherein the hinge portion is disposed such that a surface area of the recessed tray in the first part of the respective casing portion is between 25 percent and 100 percent of a surface area of the recessed tray in the second part of the respective casing portion, preferably between 50 percent and 100 percent, more preferably between 75 percent and 100 percent.

[0075] Example Ex23: The method of Example Ex21 or Ex22, wherein parts of the perimetral flange of the first or second casing portion extending from the first part of the respective casing portion are adhered to the perimetral flange of the internal divider portion by a resealable adhesive.

[0076] Example Ex24: The method of any one of Examples Ex21 to Ex23, wherein parts of the perimetral flange of the first or second casing portion extending from the second part of the respective casing portion are adhered to the perimetral flange of the internal divider portion by a permanent adhesive.

[0077] Example Ex25: The method of any one of Examples Ex21 to Ex24, wherein the hinge portion is provided with an inner frame strip bonded to the second part of the respective casing portion.

[0078] Example Ex26: The method of Example Ex25, wherein the inner frame strip has first and second end portions that are bonded to opposing parts of the perimetral flange of the respective casing portion.

[0079] Example Ex27: The method of any preceding Example, wherein the sheet of material of the internal dividing portion is formed with parallel corrugations each sized and shaped to receive a rod-shaped article.

[0080] Example Ex28: The method of Example Ex27, wherein the parallel corrugations are sized and shaped such that each adjacent pair of the first plurality of rod-shaped articles in the recessed tray of the first casing portion is interposed with one of the second plurality of rod-shaped articles in the recessed tray of the second casing portion, and each adjacent pair of the second plurality of rod-shaped articles in the recessed tray of the second casing portion is interposed with one of the first plurality of rod-shaped articles in the recessed tray of the first casing portion, when the package is hermetically sealed. Example Ex29: The method of Example Ex28, wherein the parallel corrugations are sized and shaped such that the first and second pluralities of rod-shaped articles are arranged substantially coplanar with each other.

[0081] Example Ex30: The method of any one of Examples Ex19 to Ex29, wherein the sheet of material of the internal divider portion is made of a material that is substantially impermeable to air or moisture.

[0082] Example Ex31 : The method of any one of Examples Ex19 to Ex30, wherein the first and second casing portions are made of a material that is substantially impermeable to air or moisture.

[0083] Example Ex32: The method of any one of Examples Ex19 to Ex31 , wherein the sheet of material of the internal divider portion is made of paperboard.

[0084] Example Ex33: The method of any one of Examples Ex19 to Ex32, wherein the first and second casing portions are made of paperboard.

[0085] Example Ex34: The method of any one of Examples Ex19 to Ex33, wherein the perimetral flanges of the first and second casing portions are provided with mutually non-overlapping tab portions at one edge of the packaging, each tab portion configured as a pull tab to facilitate opening of the packaging.

[0086] Examples will now be further described with reference to the figures in which:

[0087] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a known packaging for rod-shaped consumable articles;

[0088] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a packaging of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0089] Figure 3 shows a cross-section along line X-X’ of the packaging of Figure 2 when empty;

[0090] Figure 4 shows a cross-section along line X-X’ of the packaging of Figure 2 containing rodshaped consumable articles;

[0091] Figure 5 shows the cross-section of Figure 4 with the rod-shaped consumable articles identified by letter labels;

[0092] Figure 6 shows a plan view of a packaging of an embodiment of the present invention in a closed configuration;

[0093] Figure 7 shows a side view of the packaging of Figure 6, also in the closed configuration;

[0094] Figure 8 shows a side view of the packaging of Figure 6 with a part of one of the casing portions moved to an open position about a hinge portion;

[0095] Figures 9 to 11 show perspective views of the packaging of Figure 6 showing how the part of the casing portion is moved to an open position about the hinge portion to permit access to a storage volume;

[0096] Figure 12 shows first and second casing portions of an embodiment of the present invention joined along a fold file, prior to assembly of the packaging; Figure 13 shows the application of inner frame strips to the first and second casing portions of Figure 12;

[0097] Figure 14 shows the inner frame strips in position in the first and second casing portions of Figure 12;

[0098] Figure 15 shows a first plurality of rod-shaped consumable articles being placed in a recessed tray of the first casing portion of Figure 14;

[0099] Figure 16 shows the first plurality of rod-shaped consumable articles in position in the recessed tray of the first casing portion of Figure 14;

[0100] Figure 17 shows a corrugated internal divider portion being arranged over the first plurality of rod-shaped consumable articles in the recessed tray of the casing portion of Figure 16;

[0101] Figure 18 shows the corrugated internal divider portion in position over the first plurality of rod-shaped consumable articles in the recessed tray of the casing portion of Figure 16;

[0102] Figure 19 shows a second plurality of rod-shaped consumable articles being placed in the corrugations of an exposed surface of the internal divider portion of Figure 18;

[0103] Figure 20 shows the second plurality of rod-shaped consumable articles in position in the corrugations of the exposed surface of the internal divider portion of Figure 18;

[0104] Figures 21 to 23 show the second casing portion of Figure 20 being folded over the first casing portion to form a packaging;

[0105] Figures 24 and 25 shows the packaging of Figure 23 being opened to permit access to rodshaped consumable articles in one of the storage volumes;

[0106] Figure 26 shows a plan view of the packaging of Figure 23 in a closed configuration;

[0107] Figure 27 shows a side view of the packaging of Figure 26, also in the closed configuration;

[0108] Figure 28 shows a side view of the packaging of Figure 26 with a part of one of the casing portions moved to an open position about a hinge portion;

[0109] Figure 29 shows a rod-shaped consumable article being withdrawn from the packaging of Figure 28; and

[0110] Figure 30 shows orthographic projection views of the packaging of Figure 26 with various dimensions labelled with identifying letters.

[0111] Figure 2 shows an isometric view of a packaging 1 with a longitudinal axis Y-Y’ and a transverse axis X-X’. A first outer casing portion 11 with an outwardly-extending perimetral flange 211 is visible in Figure 2. The perimetral flange 211 at least partially surrounds a recessed tray 221.

[0112] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view along line X-X’ of Figure 2, showing an empty packaging 1. Figure 3 shows the relationship between the first outer casing portion 11 and a second outer casing portion 12. The perimetral flange 211 of the first outer casing portion 11 is in registration with a corresponding perimetral flange 212 of the second outer casing portion 12. A contoured internal divider portion 45 having parallel corrugations and also having an outwardly- extending perimetral flange 245, is disposed between the first and second outer casing portions 11 , 12 with the perimetral flange 245 of the internal divider portion 45 sandwiched between the perimetral flanges 211 , 212 of the first and second outer casing portions 11 , 12 as shown to the left of Figure 3. Each of the outer casing portions 11 , 12 comprises a recessed tray 221 , 222. The contoured internal divider portion 45 extends between the recessed trays 221 , 222 so as to define first and second hermetically isolated storage volumes 300, 301.

[0113] Figure 4 shows the packaging 1 of Figure 3, but instead of being empty, the storage volumes 300, 301 are shown filled with rod-shaped consumable articles 50. The rod-shaped consumable articles 50 fit in the parallel corrugations on opposed surfaces of the internal divider portion 45. The consumable articles 50 in the first storage volume 300 are interposed by the consumable articles 50 in the second storage volume 301. This is shown explicitly in Figure 5, where the consumable articles 50 labelled B, C, D and E are in the first storage volume 300, and the consumable articles 50 labelled F, G, H and I are in the second storage volume 301.

[0114] By interposing the consumable articles 50 in this manner, it is possible to make the packaging relatively thin while still maintaining two separate storage volumes 300, 301.

[0115] The first and second outer casing portions 11 , 12 and the internal divider portion 45 are all made of pulp-based paper or paperboard. The internal divider portion 45 separates the first and second storage volumes 300, 301 from each other and can serve as a moisture barrier. The internal divider portion 45 may also act as a physical barrier to odours or other gaseous transmissions. For example, used consumable articles stored in one storage volume 300 will not contaminate fresh consumable articles stored in the other storage volume 301. In addition, the corrugated internal divider portion 45 can help to prevent or reduce movement of the consumable articles 50 within the storage volumes 300, 301 , even when the packaging 1 is not completely full. This can help to prevent damage to the consumable articles 50 due to be shaken around inside the packaging 1 while being carried in a user’s pocket or handbag.

[0116] Figures 6 and 7 show a packaging 1 with first and second outer casing portions 11 , 12, each having a perimetral outer flange 211 , 212. The outer casing portions 11 , 12 are joined to each other at their respective lower edges along a fold line 15. The perimetral outer flanges 211 , 212 are adhered to each other so as to sandwich the perimetral outer flange 245 of the internal divider portion 45 (not shown in Figures 6 and 7). The packaging 1 contains consumable articles 50 as shown in dashed lines in Figure 7. The perimetral flanges 211 , 212 of the first and second casing portions 11 , 12 are provided with mutually non-overlapping tab portions 20, 21 at a top edge of the packaging 1 . The tab portions 20, 21 are configured as pull tabs to facilitate opening of the packaging 1 . The first casing portion 11 is provided with a hinge portion 32 extending across the recessed tray 221 , such that a first part 30 of the first casing portion 11 can be moved relative to a second part 60 of the first casing portion 11 about the hinge portion 32, thereby to permit access to the first storage volume, as shown in Figure 8. This allows a consumable article 50 to be withdrawn from the first storage volume. A similar hinge portion arrangement is provided on the second casing portion 12, permitting access to the second storage volume. The hinge portion 32 in this embodiment is generally parallel to the fold line 15 at the bottom edge of the packaging 1 . The parts of the perimetral flange extending from the first part 30 of the first casing portion 11 are provided with a resealable adhesive so as to allow the perimetral flange of the first part 30 of the first casing portion 11 to be peeled away from the perimetral flange 245 of the internal divider portion and the perimetral flange 212 of the second outer casing portion 12 for opening, and subsequently resealed for closing. A similar arrangement is provided for the second casing portion 12 on the other side of the packaging 1. The parts of the perimetral flange extending from the second part 60 of the first casing portion 11 are provided with a permanent adhesive so as to provide a secure bond between the perimetral flange of the second part 60 of the first casing portion 11 , the perimetral flange 245 of the internal divider portion and the perimetral flange 212 of the second outer casing portion 12 in a lower part of the packaging 1 between the hinge portion 32 and the fold line 15.

[0117] Figures 9 to 11 show an alternative view of the packaging 1 of Figures 6 to 8, showing how the first part 30 of the first casing portion 11 can be folded back about the hinge portion 32 to permit access to the first storage volume. It will be understood that the second casing portion 12 can be folded back in a similar manner so as to permit access to the second storage volume. The tab portions 20, 21 facilitate selective folding back of one or other of the first and second casing portions 11 , 12 as required by the user. The respective tab portion 20, 21 can be pinched between the finger and thumb of one hand, while the other hand holds the body of the packaging 1 , thus facilitating selective folding back and opening.

[0118] Figure 12 shows a paper or paperboard blank 10 configured as a starting point for assembly of a packaging 1 of an embodiment of the invention. The paper or paperboard blank 10 comprises first and second casing portions 11 , 12 joined together at one edge along a fold line 15. The first casing portion 11 has a recessed tray 221 and an outwardly-extending perimetral flange 211. The recessed tray 221 may be formed by an embossing or moulding process. Similarly, the second casing portion 12 has a recessed tray 222 and an outwardly-extending perimetral flange 212. Tab portions 20, 21 are provided on the perimetral flanges 211 , 212 as previously described. A hinge portion 32 is formed across the first casing portion 11 generally parallel to the fold line 15. The hinge portion 32 divides the first casing portion 11 into a first part 30 and a second part 60. The second part 60 is adjacent to the fold line 15, while the first part extends towards a top edge of the first casing portion 11. Similarly, a hinge portion 33 is formed across the second casing portion 12 generally parallel to the fold line 15. The hinge portion 33 divides the second casing portion 12 into a first part 130 and a second part 160. The second part 160 is adjacent to the fold line 15, while the first part extends towards a top edge of the second casing portion 12. The hinge portions 32, 33 allow the first part 30, 130 of each respective casing portion 11 , 12 to be folded back relative to the second part 60, 160 of the casing portion 11 , 12. The hinge portions 32, 33 may be configured as fold lines across the recessed trays 221 , 222. In order to allow folding movement, cuts may need to be provided in the sidewalls of the recessed trays 221 , 222 and in the perimetral flanges 211 , 212 at appropriate positions at either end of the hinge portions 32, 33.

[0119] Figures 13 and 14 show a subsequent step in the assembly of the packaging 1 , in which paper or paperboard inner frame strips 40 are attached to the insides of the first and second casing portions 11 , 12 along the hinge portions 32, 33. The inner frame strips 40 provide additional structural rigidity to the packaging 1 . The inner frame strips 40 are glued to the insides of the second parts 60, 160 of the casing portions 11 , 12, but are not glued to the insides of the first parts 30, 130 of the casing portions 11 , 12. In this way, the first parts 30, 130 can be folded back relative to the second parts 60, 160 without deforming the inner frame strips 40. The parts of the inner frame strips 40 that cover the edges of the first parts 30, 130 will, when the first parts 30, 130 are folded back, project from the edges of the second parts 60, 160.

[0120] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, a first plurality of rod-shaped consumable articles 50 is then placed in the recessed tray 222 of the second casing portion 12 in a mutually parallel arrangement, substantially orthogonal to the line of the hinge portion 33 and the inner frame strip 40. In the embodiment shown, the rod-shaped consumable articles 50 are spaced from each other by a predetermined distance.

[0121] Figures 17 and 18 show the placement of an internal divider portion 45 over the first plurality of rod-shaped consumable articles 50 in the recessed tray 222 of the second casing portion 12. The internal divider portion 45 of the illustrated embodiment comprises a sheet of material 145 with an outwardly-extending perimetral flange 245. The sheet of material 145 is formed with parallel corrugations each sized and shaped to receive a rod-shaped consumable article 50. It will be noted that the sheet of material 145 is shaped and configured so as to be contiguous with the perimetral flange 245. This may be achieved by providing segment-shaped end walls 345 at the ends of corrugations that extend above or below a plane of the perimetral flange 245. It is important that the internal divider portion 45 provides a hermetic seal between the recessed trays 221 , 222 when the packaging 1 is assembled, and this means that there must not be any air gaps between the sheet of material 145 and the perimetral flange 245. While a corrugated configuration of the sheet of material 145 is preferred, since this helps to hold the rod-shaped consumable articles 50 securely within the packaging 1 and allows for a thinner overall packaging 1 , some embodiments may have a flat, non-corrugated sheet of material 145. The internal divider portion 45 is placed over the second casing portion 12 so as to contain the first plurality of rodshaped consumable articles 50 in the recessed tray 222. The perimetral flange 245 of the internal divider portion 45 is placed in registration with the perimetral flange 212 of the second casing portion 12 and adhered thereto. A releasable adhesive is used to adhere the perimetral flange 212 of the first part 130 of the second casing portion 12 to the corresponding parts of the perimetral flange 245 of the internal divider portion 45. A permanent adhesive is used to adhere the perimetral flange of the second part 160 of the second casing portion 12 to the corresponding parts of the perimetral flange 245 of the internal divider portion 45.

[0122] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, a second plurality of rod-shaped consumable articles 50 is then placed in the exposed corrugations of the sheet of material 145 of the internal divider portion 45. The second plurality of rod-shaped consumable articles 50 is hermetically separated from the first plurality of rod-shaped consumable articles 50 by the sheet of material 145. The first and second pluralities of rod-shaped consumable articles 50 are in an interdigitated arrangement.

[0123] Figures 21 to 23 shows a final assembly step, in which the first casing portion 11 is folded over the second casing portion 12 around the fold line 15. The perimetral flange 211 of the first casing portion 11 comes into registration with the perimetral flange 245 of the internal divider portion 45 and the perimetral flange 212 of the second casing portion 12. The perimetral flange 211 of the first casing portion 11 is adhered to the perimetral flange 245 of the internal divider portion 45. A releasable adhesive is used to adhere the perimetral flange 211 of the first part 30 of the first casing portion 11 to the corresponding parts of the perimetral flange 245 of the internal divider portion 45. A permanent adhesive is used to adhere the perimetral flange of the second part 60 of the first casing portion 11 to the corresponding parts of the perimetral flange 245 of the internal divider portion 45.

[0124] In this way, and as shown in Figures 24 and 25, there is formed a packaging 1 with two independent hermetically isolated storage volumes 300, 301 (see Figures 3 to 5) for rod-shaped consumable articles 50. The first part 30 of the first casing portion 11 can be folded back about the hinge portion 32 to permit access to the first storage volume 300. It will be understood that the second casing portion 12 can be folded back in a similar manner so as to permit access to the second storage volume 301. The tab portions 20, 21 facilitate selective folding back of one or other of the first and second casing portions 11 , 12 as required by the user. The respective tab portion 20, 21 can be pinched between the finger and thumb of one hand, while the other hand holds the body of the packaging 1 , thus facilitating selective folding back and opening. The first parts 30, 130 of the respective first and second casing portions 11 , 12 can be closed and resealed by way of the resealable adhesive provided on the perimetral flange of the first parts 30, 130 and the corresponding parts of the perimetral flange 245 of the internal divider portion 45. The second parts 60, 160 of the respective first and second casing portions 11 , 12 are securely adhered to the corresponding parts of the perimetral flange 245 of the internal divider portion 45, and optionally to each other, by way of a permanent adhesive, which helps to provide structural stability of the packaging 1 as a whole. As best seen in Figure 25, the inner frame strip 40 extends from the second parts 60, 160 of the respective first and second casing portions 11 , 12 when the first part 30, 130 is folded back, providing an attractive frame at the opening to the respective storage volume 300, 301 as well as providing structural reinforcement in both the open and closed configurations.

[0125] Figure 26 shows an alternative front elevation view of the packaging 1 of Figures 23 to 25, and Figures 27 to 29 show side elevations views illustrating how the first part 30 can be folded back about the hinge portion 32 so as to give access to the first storage volume 300 and to allow a rod-shaped consumable article 50 to be withdrawn from the first storage volume 300. The inner frame strip 40 is shown with a top edge 41 , which is exposed when the packaging 1 is opened, and a bottom edge 42.

[0126] Figure 30 shows orthographic projection views of an exemplary packaging with various dimensions labelled with identifying letters.

[0127] While not intended to be limiting, a currently preferred embodiment may have the following dimensions:

[0128] Table 1 :

[0129] The blank 10 may be made of pulp-based paper or paperboard. The internal divider portion 45 may be made of pulp-based paper or paperboard. The blank 10 may comprise moulded paper pulp-based parts. The internal divider portion 45 may comprise moulded paper pulp-based parts. The inner frame strips 40 may be made of paper or paperboard. The inner frame strips 40 may be made of paper pulp-based parts.

[0130] For the purpose of the present description and of the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. In this context, therefore, a number A is understood as A ± 5% of A. Within this context, a number A may be considered to include numerical values that are within general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages enumerated above provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . A packaging for rod-shaped consumable articles, the packaging comprising first and second casing portions and an internal divider portion, wherein: each of the first and second casing portions comprises a recessed tray with an outwardly- extending perimetral flange; the internal divider portion comprises a sheet of material with an outwardly-extending perimetral flange; wherein the internal divider portion is disposed between the first and second casing portions with the perimetral flange of the internal divider portion sandwiched between the perimetral flanges of the first and second casing portions; such that the packaging defines a first storage volume between the internal divider portion and the first casing portion, and a second storage volume between the internal divider portion and the second casing portion, the first and second storage volumes being hermetically isolated from each other by the internal divider portion; wherein at least one of the first and second casing portions is provided with a hinge portion extending across the recessed tray, such that a first part of the respective casing portion can be moved relative to a second part of the respective casing portion about the hinge portion, thereby to permit access to the first or second storage volume.

2. The packaging of claim 1 , wherein one edge of the first casing portion is joined to a corresponding edge of the second casing portion along a fold line.

3. The packaging of claim 1 or 2, wherein the hinge portion is disposed such that a surface area of the recessed tray in the first part of the respective casing portion is between 25 percent and 100 percent of a surface area of the recessed tray in the second part of the respective casing portion, preferably between 50 percent and 100 percent, more preferably between 75 percent and 100 percent.

4. The packaging of any preceding claim, wherein parts of the perimetral flange of the first or second casing portion extending from the first part of the respective casing portion are adhered to the perimetral flange of the internal divider portion by a resealable adhesive.

5. The packaging of any preceding claim, wherein parts of the perimetral flange of the first or second casing portion extending from the second part of the respective casing portion are adhered to the perimetral flange of the internal divider portion by a permanent adhesive.

6. The packaging of any preceding claim, wherein the hinge portion is provided with an inner frame strip bonded to the second part of the respective casing portion.

7. The packaging of claim 6, wherein the inner frame strip has first and second end portions that are bonded to opposing parts of the perimetral flange of the respective casing portion.

8. The packaging of any preceding claim, wherein the sheet of material of the internal dividing portion is formed with parallel corrugations each sized and shaped to receive a rod-shaped article.

9. The packaging of claim 8, wherein the parallel corrugations are sized and shaped such that a first plurality of rod-shaped articles may be contained within the first storage volume, and a second plurality of rod-shaped articles may be contained within the second storage volume, each adjacent pair of the first plurality of rod-shaped articles in the first storage volume being interposed with one of the second plurality of rod-shaped articles in the second storage volume, and each adjacent pair of the second plurality of rod-shaped articles in the second storage volume being interposed with one of the first plurality of rod-shaped articles in the first storage volume.

10. The packaging of claim 9, wherein the parallel corrugations are sized and shaped such that the first and second pluralities of rod-shaped articles may be arranged substantially coplanar with each other.11 . The packaging of any preceding claim, wherein the sheet of material of the internal divider portion is made of paperboard.

12. The packaging of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second casing portions are made of paperboard.

13. The packaging of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second casing portions and the internal divider portion are made of paperboard, and wherein the first and second storage volumes are independently hermetically sealed from external atmosphere before the packaging is first opened.

14. The packaging of any preceding claim, wherein the perimetral flanges of the first and second casing portions are provided with mutually non-overlapping tab portions at one edge of the packaging, each tab portion configured as a pull tab to facilitate opening of the packaging.

15. A method of packaging rod-shaped consumable articles, comprising the steps of: providing first and second casing portions each comprising a recessed tray with an outwardly-extending perimetral flange; providing an internal divider portion comprising a sheet of material with an outwardly- extending perimetral flange; placing a first plurality of rod-shaped consumable articles in the recessed tray of the first casing portion; arranging the internal divider portion over the first plurality of rod-shaped consumable articles in the recessed tray of the first casing portion such that the outwardly-extending perimetral flange of the internal divider portion contacts the outwardly-extending perimetral flange of the first casing portion; placing a second plurality of rod-shaped consumable articles on an exposed surface of the internal divider portion; arranging the second casing portion over the second plurality of rod-shaped consumable articles so that the second plurality of rod-shaped consumable articles is received in the recessed tray of the second casing portion, and such that the outwardly-extending perimetral flange of the second casing portion contacts the outwardly-extending perimetral flange of the internal divider portion; and bonding the respective outwardly-extending perimetral flanges together so as to form a hermetically-sealed package.

Images