Package of boxes for consumable articles provided with a closing tab

Abstract

A package (1) of consumable articles (3) comprising: a plurality of consumable articles (3) or boxes (30) containing consumable articles (3), arranged neatly one behind the other in at least one row extending along a longitudinal extension (L) of the package (1); a parallelepiped container (2) that houses within it the plurality of consumable articles (3) or boxes (30) and that comprises an extraction opening (6) formed through at least one lateral wall (5) of the container (2) and a closing tab (7) that is movable between a closed position and an open position. The extraction opening (6) has a first dimension (X1; Y1; Z1) measured parallel to the at least one lateral wall (5) in which it is recessed that is smaller than a respective second dimension (X2; Y2; Z2) of at least one consumable article (3) or at least one box (30) housed in the container (2), measured similarly to the first dimension (X1; Y1; Z1), so as to retain the consumable article (3) or box (30) in the package (1) itself.

Description

[0001] “PACKAGE OF BOXES FOR CONSUMABLE ARTICLES PROVIDED WITH A

[0002] CLOSING TAB”

[0003] Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0004] This Patent Application claims priority from Italian Patent Application No. 102024000015154 filed on July 1 , 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0005] Technical Field

[0006] This invention relates to a package of boxes for consumable articles provided with a closing tab. In addition, this invention relates to a package of consumable articles provided with a closing tab.

[0007] This invention finds advantageous application (without any loss of generality thereby) in packages containing boxes of consumable articles arranged neatly within the package, such as for example snus boxes (also known as cans and which may have any shape such as, for example an essentially parallelepipedal or cylindrical shape or may have a polygonal cross section, such as a hexagonal or pentagonal or elliptical one) or packs for cigarettes or smoking articles, or boxes containing foodstuffs (such as sweets, candies, chocolates or biscuits).

[0008] The term “smoking articles" means cigarettes as well as, without any loss of generality, other types of articles (like cigars, cigarillos, electronic cigarettes or ecigs, ancillary products such as filters, refills for ecigs, and other tobacco-based products or tobacco alternatives or substitutes).

[0009] This invention has advantageous, but not exclusive, application in a package for consumable articles arranged neatly within the package such as, for example, capsules for brewing products or food items such as chocolates, sweets or biscuits. Brewing products typically contained within capsules, without any loss of generality thereby, come in powder, granules, solid pieces, leaves or a combination thereof. Typically, brewing products comprise (non-exhaustive list) coffee, barley, chocolate, milk powder and tea.

[0010] In addition, this invention is also advantageously applied to consumable articles comprising small bottles or flasks. Prior Art

[0011] At present, there are known packages for boxes of consumable articles (or consumables) in which the boxes (or articles) are arranged in bulk within it. This leads to unintentional mutual damage of the boxes (or articles) due to the shocks to which they are subjected. In fact, as the boxes (or articles) do not occupy a predefined position within the package, they are subjected to movements during handling of the package that cause the boxes (or articles) to collide with each other. Furthermore, boxes (or articles) arranged in bulk inside the packaging occupy the space in a sub-optimal manner; in other words, they take up more space than they would if they were arranged neatly. In addition, the removal of a box (or article) from the package is more complex as the boxes (or articles) may be jammed together.

[0012] To remedy this, there are known packages within which the boxes (or articles) are arranged in a neat manner and with a certain positioning in the package itself, as for example described by FR1376614A or US6234943B1 . Packages of this type are typically elongated in shape and have an end that can be opened so as to define an extraction opening through which the boxes (or articles) can be removed. In other words, in these packages, when the package is first opened, the user tears the end of the package to define the extraction opening, to expose and remove the boxes (or articles) contained therein.

[0013] However, known packages have the disadvantage that once opened, and in particular if they are arranged vertically (that is, with an orientation such that the boxes or articles slide independently due to gravity towards the extraction opening), the products unintentionally and uncontrollably (under the action of gravity) come out of the extraction opening.

[0014] Description of the Invention

[0015] The purpose of this invention is to provide a package for consumable articles or boxes of consumable articles provided with a closing tab, which is free of the drawbacks described above and, at the same time, is easy and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0016] In accordance with this invention, a package for consumable articles provided with a closing tab, according to what is claimed in the appended claims, is provided. In accordance with this invention a package of boxes for consumable articles provided with a hinged closing tab, as claimed in the appended claims, is also provided.

[0017] The claims describe preferred embodiments of this invention forming an integral part of the present specification.

[0018] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] This invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings that illustrate some non-limiting embodiments thereof, in which:

[0020] - Figure 1 is a front perspective view in a closed configuration of the package made in accordance with one possible embodiment of this invention;

[0021] - Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the package in Figure 1 in the closed configuration;

[0022] - Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the package in Figure 1 in an open configuration;

[0023] - Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of the package in Figure 1 in the open configuration;

[0024] - Figures 5-7 schematically show possible boxes that can be housed in the packaging in Figure 1 ; and

[0025] - Figures 8-15 are plan views of possible embodiments of the blank for making the packaging in Figure 1 .

[0026] Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

[0027] In Figures 1 -4, the reference number 1 denotes, as a whole, either a package of consumable articles 3 or boxes 30 (containing, in turn, a plurality of consumable articles 3).

[0028] The package 1 comprises a rigid container 2 (that is, made of cardboard or rigid card).

[0029] According to one possible embodiment, the rigid container 2 is configured to house a plurality of boxes 30 arranged neatly one behind the other in at least one row. In other words, the container 2 is configured to accommodate the plurality of boxes 30 arranged neatly in a row (or more than one row) extending along a longitudinal extension of the package 1 (indicated by L in the attached figures). The boxes 30 contain a plurality of consumable articles 3 that may be arranged neatly within the boxes 30 or arranged in bulk, that is arranged in a jumbled manner and without order. In the following discussion, the term “boxes” means, for example (non-exhaustive list): cigarette packs (Figure 7) or boxes containing snus (also known as cans) with a parallelepiped or cylindrical shape (as, for example, illustrated in Figures 5 and 6).

[0030] Figures 5-7 illustrate possible (non-limiting) embodiments of boxes 30 housed in the container 2. In particular, the guidelines illustrated in Figures 5-7 are purely schematic and non-limiting. In other words, the boxes 30 or articles 3 may have a relative orientation to the reference system that differs from the one illustrated in Figures 5-7.

[0031] The box 30 or article 3 in Figure 5 has an essentially parallelepiped rectangular shape oriented according to a predominantly vertical direction of extension, and comprises a lower wall 31 , an upper wall 32 (parallel and opposite the lower wall 31 ), four lateral walls 33 in parallel and opposite pairs. Between the lateral walls 33, four longitudinal edges, particularly rounded ones, are defined; between the upper 31 , lower 32 and lateral walls 33, four transverse edges are defined. The wall proportions shown in Figure 5 are purely schematic and non-limiting.

[0032] The box 30 or article 3 in Figure 6 has an essentially cylindrical shape oriented according to a predominantly vertical direction of extension, and comprises a lower wall 31 and an upper wall 32, which are parallel and opposite to each other, and a circumferential wall 36. The wall proportions shown in Figure 6 are purely schematic and non-limiting.

[0033] The box 30 in Figure 7 is, in particular, a cigarette pack and has an essentially parallelepiped rectangular shape oriented in a predominantly vertical direction of extension. The package comprises a lower wall 31 , an upper wall 32 (parallel and opposite the lower wall 31 ), two lateral walls 33, which are parallel and opposite to each other, a front wall 34 and a rear wall 35, which are parallel and opposite to each other. Between the front 34, rear 35, and lateral 33 walls, four longitudinal edges are defined, while between the front 34, rear 35, and lateral 33 walls and the lower walls 31 , four transverse edges are defined.

[0034] According to a possible, alternative embodiment, the rigid container 2 is configured to accommodate a plurality of consumable articles 3 arranged neatly one behind the other in a row (or more than one row) extending along a longitudinal extension of the package 1 (indicated by L in the attached figures). In the following discussion, the term “consumable article” means, for example (non-exhaustive list): brewing product capsules (containing the brewing product that is in powder, granules, solid pieces, leaves or a combination thereof and typically comprising coffee, barley, chocolate, milk powder and tea), confectionery (such as chocolates, sweets or biscuits), smoking articles (which comprise, snus, cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, electronic cigarettes or ecigs, ancillary products such as filters, refills for ecigs and other tobacco products or tobacco alternatives or substitutes) or small bottles or flasks (not shown and typically containing a powder, granule, liquid or gel product).

[0035] The container 2 is parallelepipedal (with a prevailing direction of extension illustrated horizontally in Figures 1 -4) and houses either the plurality of consumable articles 3 or the plurality of boxes 30, as previously described. The container 2 has two bottom walls 4 that are parallel and opposed to each other and arranged orthogonally to the longitudinal extension L of the package 1 and four lateral walls 5 that are arranged parallel to the longitudinal extension L of the package 1 and are in parallel and opposite pairs. Between the lateral walls 5 of the container 2, four longitudinal edges are defined, while between the lateral walls 5 and each bottom wall 4, four transverse edges are respectively defined.

[0036] The container 2 also has an extraction opening 6 for articles 3 or boxes 30 and a closing tab 7.

[0037] The extraction opening 6 is formed through at least one lateral wall 5. The extraction opening 6 is configured to allow the user to extract a single article 3 or a single box 30 from the package 1. Alternatively, the extraction opening 6 is configured to extract two articles 3 or two boxes 30 side-by-side and from two different rows.

[0038] The extraction opening 6 has at least two dimensions between X1 , Y1 and Z1 , measured respectively along the directions X, Y and Z, which are orthogonal to each other. In particular, in the embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the extraction opening 6 has only two dimensions, namely X1 and Z1 , while the dimension along the direction Y is zero.

[0039] The extraction opening 6 preferably has a dimension X1 and / or Y1 such that one consumable article 3 or one box 30 can be taken out at a time.

[0040] Alternatively, the extraction opening 6 has a dimension X1 and / or Y1 such that two consumable articles 3 or two boxes 30 can be taken out at a time.

[0041] The articles 3 or boxes 30 have three dimensions X2, Y2 and Z2, measured respectively along their respective directions X, Y and Z, which are orthogonal to each other.

[0042] The dimensions X1 and X2 are measured parallel to the direction X, the dimensions Y1 and Y2 are measured parallel to the direction Y and the dimensions Z1 and Z2 are measured parallel to the direction Z. In which, the direction X is parallel to the longitudinal extension L; whereas, the directions Y and Z are both transverse, in particular orthogonal, to the longitudinal extension L.

[0043] The closing tab 7 is movable between a closed position in which the closing tab

[0044] 7 covers the extraction opening 6 preventing the extraction of the boxes 30 or consumable articles 3 from the extraction opening 6 and an open position in which the closing tab 7 is offset from the extraction opening 6 allowing the extraction of the boxes 30 from the extraction opening 6.

[0045] In accordance with a first embodiment, the closing tab 7 is hinged along a hinge

[0046] 8 to rotate between an open position in which the closing tab 7 is offset from the extraction opening 6 allowing the extraction of consumable articles 3 or boxes 30 from the extraction opening 6 and a closed position in which the closing tab 7 covers the extraction opening 6 preventing the extraction of the consumable articles 3 or boxes 30 from the extraction opening 6.

[0047] In accordance with a different embodiment, the closing tab 7 is hinged along a hinge 8 to rotate between the closed and open position and is then detachable from the rest of the container 2.

[0048] The boxes 30 are preferably housed in the container 2 in such a way that at least one wall is exposed at the extraction opening 6 from a choice of: a lower wall 31 , an upper wall 32, a lateral wall 33, a front wall 34, a rear wall 35 or a circumferential wall 36.

[0049] The extraction opening 6 has one of the dimensions (which may be the dimension X1 or Y1 or Z1 ) measured parallel to the at least one lateral wall 5 in which it is formed, which is smaller than a respective dimension (which may be the dimension X2 or Y2 or Z2, measured similarly to the dimension A1 ) of at least one article 3 or at least one box 30 housed in the container 2 itself, so as to retain the article 3 or box 30 in the package 1 .

[0050] In other words, the dimension X1 is smaller than the dimension X2 or the dimension Y1 is smaller than the dimension Y2 or the dimension Z1 is smaller than the dimension Z2, thus preventing the at least one article 3 or the at least one box 30 from escaping uncontrolled, that is without the removal action by the user. Therefore, in order to remove the at least one consumable article 3 or the at least one box 30 from the extraction opening 6, since the latter is smaller than the article 3 or the box 30, the user must first pull the article 3 or the box 30 by deforming it locally (in particular the material at the opening 6) and then rotate it. In other words, the user performs a rototranslation of the box 30 or article 3 around an axis parallel to the direction Y. In particular, in rototranslation, the translation may occur downstream, upstream or at least partially simultaneously with the rotation of the box 30 or article 3. In this way, either the article 3 or box 30 can be removed without damaging the package 1 .

[0051] According to a possible, alternative embodiment, the extraction opening 6 has two dimensions (for example, a pair of the dimensions X1 ; Y1 ; Z1 ) measured parallel to the at least one lateral wall 5 in which it is formed that are smaller than two respective dimensions of at least one consumable article 3 or at least one box 30 housed in the container 2 (for example, a pair of the dimensions X2; Y2; Z2) measured similarly to the two respective dimensions of the extraction opening 6, so as to retain the at least one consumable article 3 or the at least one box 30 in the package 1 . In other words, the dimension X1 is smaller than the dimension X2 and / or the dimension Y1 is smaller than the dimension Y2 and / or the dimension Z1 is smaller than the dimension Z2. In this case too, in order to remove the consumable article 3 or the box 30 from the extraction opening 6, since the latter is smaller than the at least one article 3 or the at least one box 30, the user must first pull the article 3 or box 30 by deforming it locally (in particular the material at the opening 6) and then rotate it. In other words, the user performs a rototranslation of the box 30 or article 3 around an axis parallel to the direction Y. In particular, in rototranslation, the translation may occur downstream, upstream or at least partially simultaneously with the rotation of the box 30 or article 3. In this way, either the article 3 or the box 30 can be removed without damaging the container 2. Advantageously, the ratio between the at least one respective dimension X1 or Y1 or Z1 and the at least one respective dimension X2 or Y2 or Z2 is between 90% and 99.5%, in particular between 95 and 99.5%, more preferably between 97% and 99.5%. In other words, at least one of the ratios between: X1 / X2 or Y1 / Y2 or Z1 / Z2 is between 90% and 99.5%, in particular between 95% and 99.5%, more preferably between 97% and 99.5%.

[0052] The extraction opening 6 is arranged at a distance, measured parallel to the longitudinal extension L, which is non-zero from at least one of the bottom walls 4 and is formed through at least one lateral wall 5. In other words, the extraction opening 6 is spaced from at least one of the bottom walls 4.

[0053] In the embodiments illustrated, the extraction opening 6 is formed adjacent to a bottom wall 4 (therefore, the distance to the bottom wall 4 is zero). According to an alternative embodiment, not illustrated, the extraction opening 6 is arranged at a non-zero distance (that is, spaced) from both bottom walls 4.

[0054] The closing tab 7 is hinged along a hinge 8 to rotate between an open position (illustrated in Figures 3 and 4), in which the closing tab 7 is offset from the extraction opening 6 allowing the extraction of consumable articles 3 or boxes 30, and a closed position (illustrated in Figures 1 and 2), in which the closing tab 7 covers the extraction opening 6 preventing the extraction of consumable articles 3 or boxes 30. The closing tab 7 is therefore formed directly in the at least one lateral wall 5. In other words, the closing tab 7 is not a separate and distinct element applied to the container 2.

[0055] Advantageously, according to the embodiment illustrated, the extraction opening 6 extends through two lateral walls 5 adjacent and perpendicular to each other. In particular, the extraction opening 6 extends only through two and only two lateral walls 5 that are adjacent and perpendicular to each other. Therefore, as illustrated in the attached figures, in this case the closing tab 7 comprises (in particular, consists of) two panels 9 and 10. In the closed position of the closing tab 7, the two panels 9 and 10 are essentially orthogonal to each other. In other words, in the closed position, the closing tab 7 has an "L" shape. While in the open position of the closing tab 7, the two panels 9 and 10 can assume a different reciprocal position, that is they are transverse (in particular, they can still be orthogonal) to each other. This different positioning of the panels 9 and 10 is due to the springback caused by the deformation of the rigid folded material. According to a possible embodiment not illustrated, the extraction opening 6 can extend through a single lateral wall 5. In this case, the closing tab 7 only has the panel 10.

[0056] Advantageously, but without imposing limitations, the extraction opening 6 has a recess 20 (optional; shown as a dotted line in Figure 3) that is configured to facilitate the extraction of the box 30 or article 3 from the opening 6. The recess 20 is made at the extraction opening 6. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the recess 20 is formed at a lateral wall 5 that is adjacent to the wall 5 in which the extraction opening 6 is formed, adjoining the extraction opening itself (that is, forming a single opening with it). Alternatively, the recess 20 is formed at the same lateral wall 5 in which the extraction opening 6 is formed, adjoining the extraction opening itself (that is, forming a single opening with it). In the closed position, the panel 9 of the closing tab 7 covers the recess 20.

[0057] As illustrated in the attached figures, two opposing lateral walls 5 have a different dimension than the other two opposing lateral walls 5 and are orthogonal to them. The package 1 therefore has a rectangular cross section (orthogonal to the direction Z).

[0058] According to a possible alternative, which is not illustrated, the four lateral walls 5 have the same dimensions (that is, spatial dimensions) to each other and, therefore, the package 1 has a square cross section.

[0059] According to another possible, alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the package 1 has more than four lateral walls 5 and, therefore, in this case the package 1 has a polygonal cross section.

[0060] Advantageously (but without imposing limitations), as illustrated in the attached figures, the hinge 8 of the closing tab 7 is arranged at a defined edge between two adjacent lateral walls 5. According to a possible alternative (not illustrated), the hinge 8 of the closing tab 7 is placed at a distance from the defined edge between two adjacent lateral walls 5. In other words, in the latter case, the hinge 8 is placed at a portion of one of the lateral walls 5 other than its edge.

[0061] Advantageously (but without imposing limitations), the closing tab 7 is delimited by at least one pre-weakening line 11 (comprising, for example, incisions, notches or punctures) that can be tom, along which the tab 7 can be separated from the remaining portion of the at least one lateral wall 5 through which it is formed. In detail, when first opening the package, the user tears the at least one pre-weakening line 11 to separate the closing tab 7 from the remaining portion of the lateral wall 5. In particular, in Figures 1 and 2, the pre-weakening line 11 has been illustrated with dashed lines, as the package 1 has not yet been opened and, therefore, the pre-weakening lines 11 have not yet been tom. In Figures 4 and 5, on the other hand, the edges defined by the pre-weakening lines 11 have been illustrated with different lines than in Figures 1 and 2 (in particular continuous ones), as in these figures, the package 1 has been opened and the lines 11 have been torn.

[0062] Advantageously (but without imposing limitations), the closing tab 7 is delimited by at least one tearable pre-weakening line 11 that is parallel to the bottom walls 4 and originates at one end of the hinge 8.

[0063] According to one possible embodiment, there are two tearable pre-weakening lines 11 , parallel to each other and originating at opposite ends of the hinge 8.

[0064] According to one possible embodiment not illustrated, the closing tab 7 is delimited by the two tearable pre-weakening lines 11 and a dividing line (comprising, for example, a cutting line) that is perpendicular to the two tearable pre-weakening lines 11 and connects the two tearable pre-weakening lines 11. Therefore, the dividing line is arranged parallel to and spaced apart from the hinge 8. Alternatively, the dividing line is arranged transversely to and spaced apart from the hinge 8. The dividing line can potentially be shaped in such a way that it defines a gripping flap of the closing tab 7.

[0065] Advantageously (but without imposing limitations), according to an alternative not illustrated, the pre-weakening lines 11 comprise at least one portion where the two pre-weakening lines 11 are not parallel to each other.

[0066] According to one possible, non-limiting embodiment, the extraction opening 6 may have at least one portion of a (non-exhaustive list) square, rectangular, semicircular or trapezoidal shape.

[0067] Advantageously, but without imposing limitations, the package 1 comprises locking means 13 configured to hold the closing tab 7 in the closed position.

[0068] In the embodiment illustrated, the locking means comprise at least one point or area of glue arranged between an inner surface of the closing tab 7 (in particular, the panel 9 of the tab 7) and the inner panel 5’. The glue can be strong or repositionable glue (that is, a weak glue). The repositionable glue does not dry out and allows the closing tab 7 to be placed several times in a closed position of the extraction opening 6. In particular, the repositionable glue can be applied to the panel 9 of the closing tab 7 and / or the inner panel 5’.

[0069] According to an alternative embodiment not illustrated, the locking means comprise at least one seat formed in the lateral wall 5 and a claw that is formed on an inner surface of the closing tab 7 (particularly in the panel 9) and is configured to engage the seat when the tab 7 is in the closed position. In particular, the claw is configured to engage the seat by interference when the closing tab 7 is in the closed position so as to hold it in that position.

[0070] In use, the first time the package 1 is opened, the user grasps the closing tab 7 (in particular, lifts the closing tab 7 at the panel 9) and tears one or two lateral walls 5 (depending on the extent of the pre-weakening lines 11 ) to create the extraction opening 6 in order to remove the consumable article 3 or the box 30. In particular, when taking out the article 3 or box 30, the user first pulls the article 3 or box 30 by deforming it locally (in particular the material at the opening 6) and then rotates the consumable article 3 or box 30 so that it comes out without damaging the container 2 itself. In other words, the user performs a rototranslation of the box 30 or article 3 around an axis parallel to the direction Y. In particular, in rototranslation, the translation may occur downstream, upstream or at least partially simultaneously with the rotation of the box 30 or article 3. Once the article 3 or box 30 has been removed, the user repositions the closing tab 7 in the closed position. The closing tab 7 is held in that position by the locking means 13 (if present) or alternatively can be locked by inserting it between the wall 5 and the article 3 or the box 30.

[0071] The package 1 is made by folding a single blank 12 (of which different embodiments are illustrated in Figures 8-15) made of cardboard or rigid card and having an essentially elongated rectangular shape. In all of the embodiments illustrated, the blank 12 is folded in such a way that one of the lateral walls 5 is made from two overlapping panels. In particular, as illustrated in Figure 3, and as will be described in detail below, one lateral wall 5 (in which the extraction opening 6 is at least partially formed) consists of two parallel and overlapping panels 5’ and 5”. The panel 5” is arranged externally and a portion of it defines the panel 9 of the closing tab 7. In other words, the outer panel 5” has the extraction opening 6. The inner panel 5’, on the other hand, serves as a stop for the closing tab 7 when in the closed position. Each of the blanks 12 comprises two transverse (pre-weakened) folding lines 14 and a plurality of longitudinal (pre-weakened) folding lines 15. The longitudinal folding lines 15 define, between the two transverse folding lines 14, four panels 5’ (that is, in Figures 8-15 in succession from the top: a first panel 5’, a second panel 5’, a third panel 5’ and a fourth panel 5’) constituting the lateral walls 5 of the container 2 and a panel 5” that is connected to the preceding panel 5’ (that is, to the third panel 5’) along the longitudinal folding line 15, constitutes part of one of the lateral walls 5, and is overlapping with and glued to (at least partially), in particular by means of permanent glue, the panel 5’ (in particular to the first panel 5’) to constitute precisely one of the lateral walls 5 of the container 2. The first panel 5 is provided with the recess 20 (if present). The panel 5” is preferably not connected by permanent glue at the closing tab 7.

[0072] Advantageously, as illustrated in Figures 8, 9, 12 and 14, the first panel 5’ and the panel 5” have the same size (measured both parallel and orthogonally to the longitudinal extension L of the container 2).

[0073] According to a possible alternative, illustrated in Figures 10, 11 , 13 and 15, the first panel 5’ and the panel 5” have two different sizes. In particular, the first panel 5’ (that is, the one constituting the inner panel 5’ described above) has a dimension measured orthogonally to the longitudinal extension L of the container 2 that is greater than the respective dimension (measured equally) of the panel 5” (that is, the one constituting the outer panel 5” described above).

[0074] Each blank 12 also comprises a first pair of fins 4’, which are arranged on opposite sides of the first panel 5’, are connected to the first panel 5’ along the two transverse folding lines 14, and form part of the bottom wall 4 of the container 2 and the second pair of fins 4’, which are arranged on opposite sides of the third panel 5’, are connected to the third panel 5’ along the two transverse folding lines 14, and form part of the bottom walls 4 of the container 2. Preferably, but not necessarily, the two pairs of fins 4’ are of such a size that when bent 90° along the transverse folding line 14 they do not overlap. According to a possible alternative embodiment, the two pairs of fins 4’ are of such a size that when bent 90° along the transverse folding line 14 they at least partially overlap.

[0075] The blank 12 further comprises a pair of fins 4”, which are arranged on opposite sides of the second panel 5’, are connected to the second panel 5’ along the two transverse folding lines 14, and form part of the bottom walls 4 of the container 2 and are overlapping with and glued to, in particular by means of permanent glue, the corresponding fins 4’ to form the respective bottom wall 4.

[0076] The blank 12 in Figures 9, 11 , 14 and 15 also have a pair of fins 4"', which are arranged on opposite sides of the fourth panel 5’, are connected to the fourth panel 5’ along the two transverse folding lines 14, and form part of the bottom walls 4 of the container 2 and are overlapping with and glued to, in particular by means of permanent glue, the corresponding fins 4” to form the respective bottom wall 4. The blanks in Figures 8, 10, 12 and 13 do not have the fins 4”’.

[0077] According to an alternative embodiment, the fins 4” and 4”’ are reversed, that is the pair of fins 4” are arranged on opposite sides of the fourth panel 5’, are connected to the fourth panel 5’ along the two transverse folding lines 14, and constitute part of the bottom walls 4 of the container 2; while, the pair of fins 4”’ are arranged on opposite sides of the second panel 5’, are connected to the second panel 5’ along the two transverse folding lines 14, and constitute part of the bottom walls 4 of the container 2 and are overlapping with and glued to, in particular by means of permanent glue, to the corresponding fins 4” to constitute the respective bottom wall 4.

[0078] Advantageously, the pre-weakening lines 11 and, optionally, the dividing line too, which delimit the portion constituting the closing tab 7, are present at least at the panel 5” (in particular, at the fourth and the panel 5”).

[0079] Advantageously, if the container 2 has the locking means 13, they will be present at least at the first panel 5’. In particular, if the locking means 13 comprise repositionable glue, the latter will be applied to the first panel 5’ in the area facing the closing tab 7, in particular at one of its free ends, when the closing tab 7 is in the closed position. Whereas, if the locking means 13 comprise a claw and its respective seat, then the blank 12 has the seat formed at the first panel 5’ and the claw formed at the fourth panel 5’.

[0080] In the embodiments illustrated in the attached figures, the longitudinal and transverse edges are straight; alternatively, the longitudinal and / or transverse edges could be rounded or chamfered.

[0081] The embodiments described herein may be combined with one another without departing from the scope of protection of this invention.

[0082] Numerous advantages are achieved with the package 1 described above. Primarily, the package 1 as described above has the advantage of preventing the articles 3 or boxes 30 from unintentionally coming out of the extraction opening 6. In other words, due to the interference created between the article 3 or box 30 facing the opening 6 and the opening 6 itself, the article 3 or box 30 is prevented from independently passing through the extraction opening 6 (with any orientation of the package 1 ). In order to remove the article 3 or box 30, the user sticks their fingers into the opening 6 and rototranslates the article 3 or box 30 to remove it from the package 1 .

[0083] The package additionally has the advantage that the recess 20 (if present) facilitates the removal of the boxes 30 or articles 3.

[0084] The package 1 also has the advantage, in a special embodiment, of being re- closable, as the closing tab 7 can be placed several times between the closed and open position. In other words, the locking means 13 (if present) allow the closing tab 7 to be held in the closed position, thus preventing it from being inadvertently opened with a consequent unwanted release of consumable articles 3 or boxes 30.

[0085] Therefore, the package 1 has better storage and preservation of consumable articles 3 or boxes 30. In particular, the package 1 avoids unintentional bumping and thus denting between several articles 3 or between several adjacent boxes 30. The package 1 also has the advantage that, since it has an elongated parallelepiped shape, since the extraction opening 6 is formed in the lateral wall 5 near one of the two bottom walls 4, and since the consumable articles 3 or boxes 30 are arranged neatly in a row, at least one of the lateral walls 5 serves as a sliding surface for the articles 3 or boxes 30. In other words, the consumable articles 3 or boxes 30 to be arranged at the extraction opening 6 can roll and / or slide against at least one lateral wall 5, which guides them precisely to the extraction opening 6.

[0086] The package 1 also exhibits strong (structural) stability, even if it has already been opened for the first time. In other words, the package 1 retains its original shape even if it has already been opened for the first time. In particular, the inner panel 5’, in addition to acting as a reinforcing and supporting element of the package 1 , helps to limit the size of the extraction opening 6 and also acts as a barrier for the article 3 or box 30 facing the extraction opening 6. In addition, the inner panel 5’ also makes a stop for the closing tab 7, which in the closed position is placed against it.

[0087] The package 1 described so far is additionally suitable for use as a display for articles 3 or boxes 30. In this case, the longitudinal extension L is preferably arranged vertically.

[0088] LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS IN THE FIGURES

[0089] 1 package

[0090] 2 container

[0091] 3 consumable article

[0092] 4 bottom wall

[0093] 5 lateral wall

[0094] 6 extraction opening

[0095] 7 closing tab

[0096] 8 hinge

[0097] 9 panel

[0098] 10 panel

[0099] 11 pre-weakened line

[0100] 12 blank

[0101] 14 transverse folding lines

[0102] 15 longitudinal folding lines

[0103] 20 recess

[0104] 30 box

[0105] X1 dimension

[0106] Y1 dimension Z1 dimension

[0107] X2 dimension

[0108] Y2 dimension

[0109] Z2 dimension L longitudinal extension

[0110] 4’ panel

[0111] 4” panel

[0112] 4”’ panel

[0113] 5' panel 5" panel

Claims

C L A I M S1. A package (1 ) of boxes for consumable articles (3) comprising: a plurality of boxes (30) of consumable articles (3) arranged neatly one behind the other in at least one row extending along a longitudinal extension (L) of the package (1 ); a parallelepiped container (2) that houses within it the plurality of boxes (30) of consumable articles (3) and has two bottom walls (4) that are parallel and opposed to each other and arranged orthogonally to the longitudinal extension (L) of the package (1 ) and four lateral walls (5) that are arranged parallel to the longitudinal extension (L) of the package (1 ) and are in pairs parallel and opposed to each other; wherein the container (2) comprises an extraction opening (6) of the boxes (30) of articles (3) formed through at least one lateral wall (5) and a closing tab (7) that is movable between a closed position in which the closing tab (7) covers the extraction opening (6) preventing the extraction of the boxes (30) of consumable articles (3) from the extraction opening (6) and an open position in which the closing tab (7) is offset from the extraction opening (6) allowing the extraction of the boxes (30) from the extraction opening (6); the package (1 ) is characterized by the fact that the extraction opening (6) has a first dimension (X1 ; Y1 ; Z1 ) measured parallel to the at least one lateral wall (5) in which it is recessed that is smaller than a respective second dimension (X2; Y2; Z2) of at least one box (30) housed in the container (2), measured analogously to the first dimension (X1 ; Y1 ; Z1 ), so as to retain the box (30) in the package (1 ) itself.

2. The package (1 ) of consumable articles (3) comprising: a plurality of consumable articles (3) arranged neatly one behind the other in a row extending along a longitudinal extension (L) of the package (1 ); a parallelepiped container (2) housing within it the plurality of consumable articles (3) and having two bottom walls (4) that are parallel and opposed to each other and arranged orthogonally to the longitudinal extension (L) of the package (1 ) and four lateral walls (5) that are arranged parallel to the longitudinal extension (L) of the package (1 ) and are in pairs parallel and opposed to each other;wherein the container (2) comprises an extraction opening (6) of the articles (3) formed through at least one lateral wall (5) and a closing tab (7) that is movable between a closed position in which the closing tab (7) covers the extraction opening (6) preventing the extraction of the consumable articles (3) from the extraction opening (6) and an open position in which the closing tab (7) is offset from the extraction opening (6) allowing the extraction of the consumable articles(3) from the extraction opening (6); the package (1 ) is characterized by the fact that the extraction opening (6) has a first dimension (X1 ; Y1 ; Z1 ) measured parallel to the at least one lateral wall (5) in which it is recessed that is smaller than a respective second dimension (X2; Y2; Z2) of at least one consumable article (3) housed in the container (2), measured analogously to the first dimension (X1 ; Y1 ; Z1 ), so as to retain the consumable article in the package (1 ) itself.

3. The package (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the extraction opening (6) has two first dimensions (X1 , Y1 ; X1 , Z1 ; Y1 , Z1 ) measured parallel to the at least one lateral wall (5) in which it is formed that are smaller than two respective second dimensions (X2, Y2; X2, Z2; Y2, Z2) of at least one box or at least one consumable article (3) housed in the container (2), measured analogously to the two first dimensions (X1 , Y1 ; X1 , Z1 ; Y1 , Z1 ), so as to retain the article (3) or box (30) in the package (1 ) itself.

4. The package (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of the at least one first dimension (X1 ; Y1 , Z1 ) to the respective at least one second dimension (X2, Y2, Z2) is between 90% and 99.5%, particularly between 95 and 99.5%, more preferably between 97% and 99.5%.

5. The package (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the extraction opening (6) is configured to allow the extraction of: a single article (3) or a single box (30) from the container (2); or two articles (3) or two boxes (30) side by side and from two different rows.

6. The package (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the extraction opening (6) is arranged at a distance, measured parallel to the longitudinal extension (L), that is non-zero from at least one of the bottom walls(4).

7. The package (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the extraction opening (6) extends through at least two lateral walls (5) adjacent to each other and perpendicular to each other; and in the closed position, the closing tab (7) has an "L" shape.

8. The package (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hinge (8) of the closing tab (7) is arranged: at a defined edge between two adjacent lateral walls (5); or spaced from an edge defined between two adjacent lateral walls (5).

9. The package (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closing tab (7) is bordered by at least two tearable pre-weakening lines (11 ), along which it is separable from the remaining portion of the at least one lateral wall (5).

10. The package (1 ) according to claim 9, wherein the closing tab (7) is also bounded by a cutting line arranged transversely, in particular orthogonally, to the two pre-weakening lines (11 ) which are parallel and spaced apart from each other.

11. The package (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the package (1 ) comprises locking means (15) configured to retain the closing tab (7) in the closed position.

Images