Smoking Package Extension Flap for Stable Inclined Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tobacco-related article packages, such as cigarette cartons, are not designed to remain open securely, making it difficult to offer contents in an appealing manner without manually placing items in an open box, as they either collapse or require removal of the entire carton.

Innovation Solution

A package carton with an extension flap that can be swiveled to an inclined position using a hinge mechanism, allowing the package to stand securely open, supported by the flap, enabling easy access to the contents while maintaining an appealing presentation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional package cartons are used, then the package can be closed and transported, but it cannot remain open securely for displaying contents

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to remain open for displayVSAvoidstructural stability when open
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The package structure is segmented into a body portion and a separate extension flap that can be swiveled independently. This segmentation allows the extension flap to function as a separate support element that enables the package to remain open stably without compromising the integrity of the main package structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The extension flap is configured to swivel about a hinge axis, transitioning from a flat closed position to an extended three-dimensional position that protrudes from the package body. This dimensional change creates a stable support geometry that allows the package to stand open at an angle, solving the problem of maintaining open position stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the package is opened completely, then contents can be accessed, but the package cannot be kept in an appealing semi-open position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to maintain semi-open positionVSAvoidconvenience of offering contents
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The extension flap is designed with hinge connectivity that allows dynamic adjustment between closed and open positions. The flap can be swiveled to various angles and will remain stable in intermediate positions, enabling the package to adapt to different display needs while maintaining ease of access to contents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The extension flap's hinge mechanism provides self-supporting capability, allowing the package to maintain its semi-open position without requiring external support structures or manual intervention. The geometry of the extended flap creates inherent structural stability that keeps the package open automatically once positioned.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If articles are removed from the package, then they can be offered to guests, but the package structure is destroyed or requires complete reopening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of offering articlesVSAvoidintegrity of package structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the extension flap functionality from the main package body, the invention allows the package structure to remain intact while enabling easy access to contents. The extension flap acts as a independent access mechanism that does not compromise the structural integrity of the package body when articles are removed or added.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2942311B1Package for smoking and/or tobacco related articles
Publication Date: 2017.07.05 REEMTSMA CIGARETTENFABRIKEN GMBH
  • EP2942311B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2942311B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2942311B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a package or package carton for smoking articles and/or tobacco related articles, the package comprising a body 2 having at least a bottom wall 3, a top wall 4, a rear wall 5, a front wall 8 and two side walls 6,7, the package further comprising an extension flap 9 coupled to the package 1 and configured to be swiveled around a first hinge 10 between a first position and a second position with respect to the body of the package wherein the extension flap is further configured to support the package in the second position of the extension flap such that the body of the package stand securely and in an inclined position with respect to a (horizontal) plane on which the package rests.