U.S. patent application number 10/429000 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-04 for cigarette package having at least one reclosable lid.
Invention is credited to Barnes, Vernon Brent, Fagg, Barry Smith, Gross, Eric Lee, Keller, David Franklin, Powell, Mark Stuart, Thomas, Timothy Frederick.
Application Number | 20040217023 10/429000 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33310522 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040217023 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fagg, Barry Smith ; et
al. |
November 4, 2004 |
Cigarette package having at least one reclosable lid
Abstract
A cigarette package comprises a main body having a front
recessed portion and a rear recessed portion opposite the front
recessed portion. A first reclosable lid covers the front recessed
portion and a second reclosable lid covers the second recessed
portion. A plurality of cigarettes may be positioned in the front
and rear recessed portions.
Inventors: |
Fagg, Barry Smith;
(Winston-Salem, NC) ; Thomas, Timothy Frederick;
(High Point, NC) ; Barnes, Vernon Brent; (Advance,
NC) ; Keller, David Franklin; (Advance, NC) ;
Gross, Eric Lee; (Kernersville, NC) ; Powell, Mark
Stuart; (Winston-Salem, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
J. Jason Link
Kilpatrick Stockton LLP
1001 West Fourth St.
Winston-Salem
NC
27101
US
|
Family ID: |
33310522 |
Appl. No.: |
10/429000 |
Filed: |
May 2, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/242 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 25/04 20130101;
B65D 43/00 20130101; B65D 85/1009 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/242 |
International
Class: |
B65D 085/10; B65D
085/12 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A cigarette package, comprising: a main body comprising a front
recessed portion and a rear recessed portion opposite the front
recessed portion; a first reclosable lid; and a second reclosable
lid, wherein the first reclosable lid covers the front recessed
portion, when in a closed position, to form a first enclosure and
wherein the second reclosable lid covers the rear recessed portion,
when in a closed position, to form a second enclosure.
2. The cigarette package of claim 1, wherein the main body
comprises a first side wall and the first reclosable lid is secured
to the first side wall.
3. The cigarette package of claim of claim 2, wherein the first
reclosable lid is hingedly secured to the first side wall.
4. The cigarette package of claim 2, wherein the first reclosable
lid is secured to the first side wall by a strip of tape.
5. The cigarette package of claim 2, wherein the second reclosable
lid is secured to the first side wall.
6. The cigarette package of claim 5, wherein the first reclosable
lid is hingedly secured to the first side wall and wherein the
second reclosable lid is hingedly secured to the first side
wall.
7. The cigarette package of claim 6, wherein the first reclosable
lid and the second reclosable lid are secured to the first side
wall by a strip of tape.
8. The cigarette package of claim 2, wherein the main body further
comprises a second side wall opposite the first side wall and the
second reclosable lid is secured to the second side wall.
9. The cigarette package of claim 8, wherein the first reclosable
lid is hingedly secured to the first side wall and wherein the
second reclosable lid is hingedly secured to the second side
wall.
10. The cigarette package of claim 9, wherein the first reclosable
lid is secured to the first side wall by a first strip of tape and
the second reclosable lid is secured to the second side wall by a
second strip of tape
11. The cigarette package of claim 1, wherein the main body is
constructed from plastic
12. The cigarette package of claim 11, wherein the main body is
constructed from polypropylene.
13. The cigarette package of claim 11, wherein the reclosable lids
are constructed from metal.
14. The cigarette package of claim 13, wherein the main body
comprises a first side wall and wherein the first reclosable lid
and the second reclosable lid are secured to the first side
wall.
15. The cigarette package of claim 14, wherein the first reclosable
lid and the second reclosable lid are secured to the first side
wall by a strip of tape.
16. The cigarette package of claim 13, wherein the main body
comprises a first side wall and a second side wall opposite the
first side wall, wherein the first reclosable lid is secured to the
first side wall by a first strip of tape, and wherein and the
second reclosable lid is secured to the second side wall by a
second strip of tape.
17. The cigarette package of claim 1, wherein the main body is
constructed from metal.
18. The cigarette package of claim 17, wherein the reclosable lids
are constructed from plastic.
19. The cigarette package of claim 18, wherein the reclosable lids
are constructed from polypropylene.
20. The cigarette package of claim 1, wherein the cigarette package
is constructed from metal.
21. The cigarette package of claim 20, wherein the main body
comprises a first side wall and wherein the first reclosable lid
and the second reclosable lid are hingedly secured to the first
side wall.
22. The cigarette package of claim 20, wherein the main body
comprises a first side wall and a second side wall opposite the
first side wall, wherein the first reclosable lid is hingedly
secured to the first side wall, and wherein and the second
reclosable lid is secured to the second side wall.
23. The cigarette package of claim 1, wherein the cigarette package
is constructed from plastic.
24. The cigarette package of claim 23, wherein the cigarette
package is constructed from polypropylene.
25. The cigarette package of claim 23, wherein the main body
comprises a first side wall and wherein the first reclosable lid
and the second reclosable lid are hingedly secured to the first
side wall.
26. The cigarette package of claim 23, wherein the main body
comprises a first side wall and a second side wall opposite the
first side wall, wherein the first reclosable lid is hingedly
secured to the first side wall, and wherein and the second
reclosable lid is secured to the second side wall.
27. The cigarette package of claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of parallel ridges positioned on the front and rear
recessed portions.
28. The cigarette package of claim 27, wherein each recessed
portion further comprises two side walls parallel to the plurality
of ridges and wherein the plurality of ridges are spaced
equidistantly between the side walls.
29. The cigarette package of claim 28, wherein the distances
between the plurality of ridges are at least equal to the diameter
of a cigarette.
30. The cigarette package of claim 28, further comprising a
plurality of cigarettes.
31. The cigarette package of claim 30, wherein the plurality of
cigarettes are positioned between the ridges and the side walls,
each cigarette being positioned between a side wall and a ridge or
between two of the plurality of ridges.
32. The cigarette package of claim 31, wherein ten cigarettes are
positioned in the first enclosure and ten cigarettes are positioned
in the second enclosure.
33. The cigarette package of claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of cigarettes.
34. The cigarette package of claim 33, wherein ten cigarettes are
positioned in the first recessed portion and ten cigarettes are
positioned in the second recessed portion.
35. The cigarette package of claim 34, further comprising a first
lidding material positioned over the first recessed portion and a
second lidding material positioned over the second recessed
portion.
36. The cigarette package of claim 35, wherein each of the lidding
materials comprises at least one metallic layer.
37. The cigarette package of claim 1, further comprising a first
lidding material positioned over the first recessed portion and a
second lidding material positioned over the second recessed
portion.
38. The cigarette package of claim 37, wherein each of the lidding
materials comprises at least one metallic layer.
39. The cigarette package of claim 37, wherein each lidding
materials is sealed to an upper landing of the main body.
40. The cigarette package of claim 1, wherein each of the
reclosable lids comprises a top face and a bottom face.
41. The cigarette package of claim 40, further comprising a first
label positioned on the top face of the first reclosable lid.
42. The cigarette package of claim 41, further comprising a second
label positioned on the top face of the second reclosable lid.
43. The cigarette package of claim 41, further comprising a second
label positioned on the bottom face of the first reclosable
lid.
44. The cigarette package of claim 43, further comprising a third
label position on the top face of the second reclosable lid and a
fourth label positioned on the bottom face of the second reclosable
lid.
45. A cigarette package, comprising: a main body comprising a front
recessed portion and a rear recessed portion opposite the front
recessed portion; a first reclosable lid; a second reclosable lid;
a first lidding material positioned over the front recessed
portion; a second lidding material positioned over the rear
recessed portion; and a plurality of cigarettes in the front
recessed portion and the rear recessed portion, wherein the first
reclosable lid covers the front recessed portion and the first
lidding material when in a closed position, and wherein the second
reclosable lid covers the rear recessed portion and the second
lidding material, when in a closed position.
46. A cigarette package, comprising: a main body comprising a
cavity; a tray positioned in the cavity; and a reclosable lid;
wherein the reclosable lid covers the cavity, when in a closed
position, to form an enclosure surrounding the tray.
47. The cigarette package of claim 46, wherein the main body
comprises at least one wall and the reclosable lid is secured to
the at least one wall.
48. The cigarette package of claim of claim 47, wherein the
reclosable lid is hingedly secured to the at least one wall.
49. The cigarette package of claim 47, wherein the first reclosable
lid is secured to the at least one wall by a strip of tape.
50. The cigarette package of claim 46, wherein the main body is
constructed from plastic.
51. The cigarette package of claim 50, wherein the main body is
constructed from polypropylene.
52. The cigarette package of claim 50, wherein the reclosable lid
is constructed from metal.
53. The cigarette package of claim 46, wherein the main body is
constructed from metal.
54. The cigarette package of claim 53, wherein the reclosable lid
is constructed from metal.
55. The cigarette package of claim 46, wherein the tray comprises a
plurality of tray sections.
59. The cigarette package of claim 55, wherein each tray section is
able to receive a plurality of cigarettes.
60. The cigarette package of claim 55, wherein the tray comprises
at least four tray sections.
61. The cigarette package of claim 60, wherein each tray section is
able to receive at least four cigarettes.
62. The cigarette package of claim 55, further comprising a
plurality of cigarettes positioned in the plurality of tray
sections.
63. The cigarette package of claim 62, wherein the cigarette
package comprises twenty cigarettes.
64. The cigarette package of claim 63, wherein the cigarettes
comprise at least two different types of cigarettes.
65. The cigarette package of claim 64, wherein the at least two
different types of cigarettes comprise at least two different
cigarettes having different flavors.
66. The cigarette package of claim 63, wherein the tray comprises
five tray sections with four cigarettes positioned in each tray
section.
67. The cigarette package of claim 63, wherein the tray comprises
four tray sections with five cigarettes positioned in each tray
section.
68. The cigarette package of claim 46, further comprising a lidding
material sealed to the tray.
69. The cigarette package of claim 68, wherein the lidding material
comprises at least one metallic layer.
70. The cigarette package of claim 46, wherein the lidding material
is sealed to an upper landing of the main body.
71. The cigarette package of claim 46, wherein the reclosable lid
comprises a top face and a bottom face.
72. The cigarette package of claim 71, further comprising a first
label positioned on the top face of the reclosable lid.
73. The cigarette package of claim 72, further comprising a second
label positioned on the bottom face of the reclosable lid.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the packaging of smoking
articles, such as cigarettes, and in particular, to a cigarette
package having at least one reclosable lid.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Smoking articles, such as cigarettes, conventionally have
been sold in packages. Typically, each package contains about
twenty or about twenty-five cigarettes.
[0003] One type of popular cigarette package is the so-called "hard
pack," "crush proof box" or "hinged lid package." Such a package
has a generally cuboid-type shape, is manufactured from resilient
paperboard, and includes an outer wrap of transparent polypropylene
film. Hinged lid cigarette packages conventionally are made from
two paperboard blanks. One blank forms the body and lid of the
package. The second blank forms an insert or inner frame which is
assembled to the inside of the front and side walls of the package.
The inner frame projects above the front and side walls of the
package body, and provides a seal between the lid and body when the
package is closed. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,734 to
Allen et al. Other types of designs of blanks for hinged lid
cigarette packages can be of the type described in U.S. Pat. No.
3,874,581 to Fox et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,944,066 to Niepmann, and
U.S. Pat. No. 5,139,140 to Burrows et al.
[0004] Cigarettes also can be packaged in a container having the
form of a so-called "soft pack." See, for example, U.S. Pat. No.
3,695,422 to Tripodi and U.S. Pat. No. 4,717,017 to Sprinke, Jr.,
et al. Cigarettes are removed from a soft package by tearing away a
portion of the top of the package, in order that cigarettes can be
easily accessed from the top of the package.
[0005] The majority of cigarettes sold in the United States are
packaged in either "soft pack" or "hard pack" configurations. As
product differentiation becomes more important, it would be
desirable to have new cigarette packages that improve the physical
structure, provide visual differentiation, and provide tactile
differentiation from conventional cigarette packages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides cigarette packages that are
distinct from conventional cigarette packages and provide improved
physical characteristics. Cigarette packages of the present
invention may generally be parallelepipeds with rectangular or
square faces. Cigarette packages of the present invention are
generally rigid and "crush proof."
[0007] An embodiment of a cigarette package of the present
invention comprises a main body comprising a front recessed portion
and a rear recessed portion opposite the front recessed portion, a
first reclosable lid, and a second reclosable lid. The front and
rear recessed portions act as cavities for storing cigarettes. In
some embodiments, the front and rear recessed portions may each be
divided into multiple cavities for holding cigarettes. The first
reclosable lid covers the front recessed portion when in a closed
position to form a first enclosure, and the second reclosable lid
covers the rear recessed portion when in a closed position to form
a second enclosure. The main body may comprise a top wall, a bottom
wall, and two side walls. In one embodiment, the first reclosable
lid and the second reclosable lid are secured to the same wall. For
example, the reclosable lids may be secured to a first side wall.
In another embodiment, the first reclosable lid and the second
reclosable lid may be secured to different walls. For example, the
first reclosable lid may be secured to a first side wall and the
second reclosable lid may be secured to a second side wall.
[0008] The reclosable lids, in one embodiment, are hingedly secured
to the main body. In other embodiments, the reclosable lids may be
secured to the main body using at least one strip of adhesive
(e.g., tape). In a further embodiment, the main body may be
constructed from plastic and the lids may be constructed from
metal. In one embodiment, the lids are secured to the same wall by
a single strip of tape. In another embodiment, the lids are secured
to different walls by two strips of tape, wherein separate strips
of tape secure each lid to each side wall.
[0009] In another embodiment, the main body and the lids are
constructed from plastic. In this embodiment, the main body and the
lids may be made from a mold, such that the lids are secured to the
main body by plastic "living" hinges ("living" hinge meaning that
the hinge is molded with the main body and the lid. In one
embodiment, the plastic lids are hinged on the same wall. In
another embodiment, the plastic lids are hinged on different
walls.
[0010] The cigarette package, in one embodiment, may comprise a
plurality of cigarettes. In a further embodiment, ten cigarettes
may be positioned in the first enclosure and ten cigarettes may be
positioned in the second enclosure.
[0011] In some embodiments, the cigarette package may also comprise
lidding materials positioned over the recessed portions, the
lidding materials being used to seal the recessed portions. For
example, a first lidding material may be positioned over the first
recessed portion and a second lidding material may be positioned
over the second recessed portion. Each lidding material may
comprise a plurality of layers of materials laminated together. For
example, each lidding material may comprise at least one metallic
layer. The lidding materials may be sealed to an upper landing of
the recessed portions. The lidding materials may be sealed to the
upper landing of a main body perimeter wall on a cigarette package
using convection heating, induction sealing, adhesives, and other
techniques.
[0012] The recessed portions may comprise a plurality of ridges.
Each recessed portion may comprise two side walls parallel to the
plurality of ridges, and the plurality of ridges may be spaced
equidistantly between the side walls. When the cigarette package
includes cigarettes, the ridges assist in positioning the
cigarettes. In this embodiment, the distances between each pair of
ridges may be at least equal to the diameter of a cigarette.
Further, the distance between a side wall of the recessed portion
and a first ridge may likewise be at least equal to the diameter of
a cigarette. In an embodiment where the cigarette packages comprise
a plurality of cigarettes, the plurality of cigarettes may be
positioned between the ridges and the side walls, each cigarette
being positioned between a side wall and a ridge or between two of
the plurality of ridges.
[0013] Each of the reclosable lids may comprise a top face and a
bottom face. In one embodiment, a variety of information related to
the product may be provided on either or both of the faces.
Examples of information that may be provided on the lids include
product name, brand name, manufacturer name, manufacturer address,
trademarks, logos, designs, product description, etc. In one
embodiment, such information may be printed or embossed on labels,
which may be attached to either face of the lids. In one
embodiment, the labels may be adhesively secured to the lids. In
other embodiments, the information may be printed or embossed on
other materials, such as metal plates, metallized plastic, etc.
These materials may also be adhesively or otherwise secured to the
lids. Such information or designs may be printed or embossed
directly on the lids themselves rather than utilizing labels or
other materials.
[0014] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a
cigarette package comprising a main body comprising a cavity, a
tray positioned in the cavity, and a reclosable lid. The reclosable
lid covers the cavity, when in a closed position, to form an
enclosure surrounding the tray. The reclosable lid may be secured
to a wall of the main body. The reclosable lid may be hingedly
secured to the wall or may be secured to the wall by a strip of
tape. The main body and the reclosable lid may be constructed from
plastic or metal. In some embodiments, the main body and the
reclosable lid are constructed from the same material, while in
other embodiments; the main body and the reclosable lid are
constructed from different materials.
[0015] The tray may comprise a plurality of tray sections, each
tray section being adapted to receive a plurality of cigarettes. In
one embodiment, the cigarette package may comprise at least four
tray sections. A larger or smaller number of tray sections may be
used depending on the intended use for the package. In one
embodiment, the tray comprises five tray sections, each tray
section being adapted to receive four cigarettes. In some
embodiments, the tray sections may hold different types of
cigarettes, which may include different flavors of cigarettes.
[0016] In a further embodiment, a cigarette package of the present
invention comprises a plurality of cigarettes. In one embodiment,
the cigarette package comprises twenty cigarettes arranged in the
tray sections of the tray.
[0017] In another embodiment, a lidding material may be sealed to
the tray. The lidding material may comprise at least one metallic
layer. In another embodiment, the lidding material may be sealed to
an upper landing of the main body.
[0018] Product information may be provided on the surfaces of the
cigarette package. For example, the reclosable lid, in one
embodiment, includes a top face and a bottom face upon which
product information may be provided by printing, applying labels,
embossing, stamping, and other techniques.
[0019] It is a feature and advantage of embodiments of the present
invention to provide cigarette packages that are distinct from
conventional "soft packs" or "hard packs."
[0020] It is another feature and advantage of embodiments of the
present invention to provide cigarette packages that are
recognizable.
[0021] It is a further feature and advantage of embodiments of the
present invention to provide cigarette packages that have improved
physical properties over conventional cigarette packages.
[0022] A still further feature and advantage of embodiments of the
present invention is the provision of cigarette packages that
provide at least two separate compartments for storing
cigarettes.
[0023] Another feature and advantage of embodiments of the present
invention is to provide cigarette packages that are rigid and
protect the cigarettes.
[0024] A further feature and advantage of embodiments of the
present invention is to provide a cigarette package that allows
differently flavored cigarettes to be sold in the same package.
[0025] It is a still further feature and advantage of embodiments
of the present invention to provide cigarette packages that may be
opened from at least two different sides.
[0026] Another feature and advantage of embodiments of cigarette
packages of the present invention is that the cigarette packages
provide more area than conventional cigarette packages for product
information to be displayed.
[0027] A further feature and advantage of embodiments of the
present invention is to provide cigarette packages that protect
cigarettes from flavor loss and from moisture loss.
[0028] Another feature and advantage of the embodiments of the
present invention is to provide cigarette packages that seal and
protect the cigarettes.
[0029] Cigarette packages of the present invention are described in
greater detail in the accompanying drawings and in the detailed
description of the invention which follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cigarette
package of the present invention with the reclosable lids open.
[0031] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention with the reclosable lids
open.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a top elevational view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention with the reclosable lids
open.
[0033] FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention with the reclosable lids
open.
[0034] FIG. 5 is a first side elevational view of an embodiment of
a cigarette package of the present invention with the reclosable
lids open.
[0035] FIG. 6 is a second side elevational view of an embodiment of
a cigarette package of the present invention with the reclosable
lids open.
[0036] FIG. 7 is a top elevational view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention with the reclosable lids
closed.
[0037] FIG. 8 is a bottom elevational view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention with the reclosable lids
closed.
[0038] FIG. 9 is a first end elevational view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention with the reclosable lids
closed.
[0039] FIG. 10 is a second end elevational view of an embodiment of
a cigarette package of the present invention with the reclosable
lids closed.
[0040] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an embodiment
of a lidding material useful in the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention with the reclosable lids
closed.
[0044] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention.
[0045] FIG. 16 is another perspective view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention.
[0046] FIG. 17 is a top elevational view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention with the reclosable lids
open.
[0048] FIG. 19 is another perspective view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention with the reclosable lids
open.
[0049] FIG. 20 is a top elevational view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention with the reclosable lids
open.
[0050] FIG. 21 is an end elevational view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention with the reclosable lids
open.
[0051] FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention with the reclosable lids
open.
[0052] FIG. 23 is an end elevational view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention with the reclosable lids
closed.
[0053] FIG. 24 is another end elevational view of an embodiment of
a cigarette package of the present invention with the reclosable
lids closed.
[0054] FIG. 25 is a top elevational view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention with the reclosable lids
closed.
[0055] FIG. 26 is a bottom elevational view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention with the reclosable lids
closed.
[0056] FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention with the reclosable lids
closed.
[0057] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention with the reclosable lids
closed.
[0058] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention with the reclosable lids
open.
[0059] FIG. 30 is a top elevational view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention with the reclosable lids
open.
[0060] FIG. 31 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention with the reclosable lids
open.
[0061] FIG. 32 is an end elevational view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention with the reclosable lids
closed.
[0062] FIG. 33 is another end elevational view of an embodiment of
a cigarette package of the present invention with the reclosable
lids closed.
[0063] FIG. 34 is a top elevational view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention with the reclosable lids
closed.
[0064] FIG. 35 is a bottom elevational view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention with the reclosable lids
closed.
[0065] FIG. 36 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention with the reclosable lids
closed.
[0066] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention having one reclosable
lid with the reclosable lid being open.
[0067] FIG. 38 is a top elevational view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention with the reclosable lid
open.
[0068] FIG. 39 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention with the reclosable lid
open.
[0069] FIG. 40 is a front elevational view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention with the reclosable lid
open.
[0070] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention having one reclosable
lid with the reclosable lid being closed.
[0071] FIG. 42 is a perspective view illustrating the various
components of one embodiment of a cigarette package of the present
invention
[0072] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention.
[0073] FIG. 44 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a
cigarette package of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0074] The present invention relates to packages for smoking
articles, such as cigarettes. The present invention advantageously
provides cigarette packages that have a stronger physical
structure, provide visual differentiation, and provide tactile
differentiation from conventional cigarette packages. Cigarette
packages of the present invention are generally rigid and "crush
proof."
[0075] As illustrated in the Figures, embodiments of cigarette
packages of the present invention advantageously provide at least
two compartments for cigarettes. Although two compartments are
shown, other embodiments may include only one compartment or more
than two compartments. The use of multiple compartments can be used
to advantageously provide a cigarette package containing different
types of cigarettes. For example, a two compartment cigarette
package of the present invention may be used to provide two
different "flavored" cigarettes (e.g., menthol and citrus), such
that the flavored cigarettes are kept in separate compartments.
[0076] Referring now to the Figures, FIGS. 1-10 illustrate one
embodiment of a cigarette package of the present invention having
two lids. FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are perspective views of the cigarette
package with each of the reclosable lids open. FIG. 3 is a top
elevational view, FIG. 4 is an end elevational view, and FIGS. 5
and 6 are side elevational views of this embodiment with reclosable
lids open. FIG. 7 is a top elevational view, FIG. 8 is a bottom
elevational view, and FIGS. 9 and 10 are end elevational views of
this embodiment of a cigarette package with the reclosable lids
closed. Many of the elements and features of the cigarette package
shown in FIGS. 1-10 and discussed below are also shown in the other
embodiments illustrated in other Figures. These elements and
features are not always labeled and discussed separately with the
other Figures, although the below discussion related to FIGS. 1-10
is equally applicable to the unlabeled elements and features shown
in the other Figures.
[0077] The embodiment of a cigarette package 5 shown in FIGS. 1-10
comprises a main body 10 and two reclosable lids 15,20. The main
body 10 comprises a top wall 25, a bottom wall 30 opposite the top
wall 25, a first side wall 35, and a second side wall 40 opposite
the first side wall 35. An interior wall 45 is positioned between
the top wall 25, the bottom wall 30, and the side walls 35,40. The
top wall 25, bottom wall 30, side walls 35,40, and interior wall 45
define a front recessed portion 50 and a rear recessed portion 55.
The recessed portions act as cavities for storing cigarettes and
may be of a predetermined size and shape, depending on the number
and size of the cigarettes to be stored therein.
[0078] The reclosable lids 15,20 are secured to the main body 10.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-10, a first reclosable lid 15 is
secured to the first side wall 35 by a first hinge 60. The second
reclosable lid 20 is secured to the second side wall 40 by a second
hinge 65. The hinges 60,65 allow the reclosable lids 15,20 to move
between a closed position and an open position. In FIGS. 1-6, the
reclosable lids 15,20 are shown in an open position. In FIGS. 7-10,
the reclosable lids 15,20 are shown in a closed position. When the
reclosable lids 15,20 are in a closed position, the first lid 15
and the front recessed portion 50 form a first compartment, and the
second lid 20 and the rear recessed portion 55 form a second
compartment. As will be discussed below, smoking articles, such as
cigarettes, may be positioned in the compartments.
[0079] While the reclosable lids 15,20 are hingedly secured to the
main body 10 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-10, the reclosable
lids may be secured to the main body using other techniques. The
selection of an appropriate mechanism for securing a lid to a main
body may depend on a number of factors including cost, the
material(s) from which the lid and main body are constructed,
durability, and other factors. For example, if the main body and
the reclosable lid(s) are to be molded from plastic, the hinge(s)
may be part of the mold, such that the lid(s), main body, and hinge
may be formed as a single piece. The lid may also be hingedly
secured to the main body in a number of other ways, such as by
hooks, pins, rods, "piano" hinges, spring loaded hinges, crimping,
molding, and others. In other embodiments, the reclosable lids may
be secured to the main body using at least one strip of adhesive
(e.g., tape).
[0080] The lids 15,20 may be held in place by any number of closure
means known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6, each lid 15,20 has a top face 70,75,
a bottom face 80,85, and a perimeter wall 90,95. The perimeter
walls 90,95 extend around the perimeters of the lids 15,20 and are
generally perpendicular to the top and bottom faces.
[0081] The top wall 25, bottom wall 30, and side walls 35,40 of the
main body 10 are adapted to receive the perimeter walls 90,95 of
the lids 15,20. In the embodiment shown, these walls are notched to
receive the perimeter walls 90,95. The notches are each defined by
a ledge 100,105 and a main body perimeter wall 110,115. The widths
of the ledges 100,105 correspond generally to the thicknesses of
the perimeter walls 90,95 on the lids 15,20. The heights of the
main body perimeter walls 110,115 correspond generally to the
heights of the perimeter walls 90,95 on the lids 15,20. The main
body perimeter walls each have upper landings 112,117 to which
lidding materials may be sealed.
[0082] When the lids 15,20 are closed, the main body perimeter
walls 110,115 fit inside the lid perimeter walls 90,95. FIGS. 7-10
illustrate the appearance of this embodiment of the cigarette
package 5 when the lids 15,20 are in the closed position.
[0083] In the embodiment shown, the lids 15,20 are held in the
closed position by a plurality of protrusions 120 on the exterior
surfaces of the main body perimeter walls 90,95 and by
corresponding indentions 125 on the interior surfaces of the lid
perimeter walls 90,95. When a lid is closed, the protrusions 120
slide into the indentions 125 and hold the lid in the closed
position. In other embodiments, other mechanisms known to those of
ordinary skill in the art may be used to hold the lids in a closed
position.
[0084] Gripping means may be provided to assist with opening the
lids 15,20. In the embodiment shown, the gripping means are
illustrated as finger catches 130,135 on the lids 15,20. For
example, on the first lid perimeter wall 90, the perimeter wall 90
bends outwardly for a short distance (best illustrated in the top
view of FIG. 3) to form the first lid finger catch 130. The finger
catches 130,135 are designed such that a user can place a finger or
thumb under a finger catch and pull one of the lids open. In
pulling a lid away from the main body, the protrusions on the
exterior surface of a main body perimeter wall slide out of the
indentions on the lid to allow the lid to open. To further assist
in opening the lids, finger indentations 140,145 are provided on
the side walls 35,40 of the main body 10 to assist a user in
gripping the finger catches 130,135 to open the lids 15,20.
[0085] In other embodiments, a plurality of finger catches and
finger indentations may be provided to assist in opening the lids.
For example, finger catches may be provided on opposing sides of a
lid perimeter wall. A user could open the lid by placing a thumb on
one finger catch and a finger on the other finger catch and pulling
the lid away from the main body.
[0086] As noted earlier, packages of the present invention are
designed to contain cigarettes. Embodiments of the present
invention may further comprise means for positioning the cigarettes
in the recessed portions. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-10, a
plurality of ridges 150 is provided in the recessed portions to
hold cigarettes in position. Referring to the ridges 150 in the
front recessed portion 50 as shown in FIG. 1, the ridges 150 are
parallel to two opposing side walls 155,160 in the recessed portion
50. The opposing sides walls 155,160 of the recessed portion 50 as
shown are the interior surfaces of the main body's side walls
35,40. The ridges 150 as shown are vertical protrusions generally
perpendicular to the surface of the interior wall 45.
[0087] Each of the ridges 150 is separated by a distance D, as
shown in FIG. 3. Further, the first and last ridges in the recessed
portion are the same distance (D) from the opposing side walls
155,160 of the recessed portion. As shown, the distances between
each adjacent pair of ridges and the distances between the first
and last ridges and the side walls are equal. In one embodiment,
this distance (D) is at least equal to the diameter of a cigarette.
In other embodiments, the distances between the ridges may not be
equal.
[0088] In other embodiments, an insert or tray may be designed to
fit inside the recessed portion and hold cigarettes. For example,
an insert may include a plurality of concave ridges designed to
conform to the circular cross-sections of cigarettes. The insert
may be glued inside the recessed portion or, alternatively, may be
removable.
[0089] Cigarette packages of the present invention may further
comprise a plurality of cigarettes. While cigarettes may have any
number of dimensions, typical cigarettes are filtered cigarettes
having a total length between about eighty and about one hundred
five millimeters (80-105 mm). In one embodiment, cigarettes used in
the present invention have lengths between about eighty-three and
about eighty-five millimeters (83-85 mm). In a further embodiment,
cigarettes used in a cigarette package of the present invention may
have a length of about eighty-four millimeters (84 mm), with a
tobacco rod length of about fifty-seven millimeters (57 mm) and a
filter element length of about twenty-seven millimeters (27 mm). In
other embodiments, cigarettes used in embodiments of the present
invention have lengths between about ninety-eight (98 mm) and about
one hundred one millimeters (101 mm). Typical circumferences of
cigarettes are between about twenty-one millimeters (21 mm) to
about twenty-seven millimeters (27 mm). The dimensions of cigarette
packages of the present invention may be selected based on the
number of cigarettes and the dimensions of the cigarettes that they
are to carry. Thus, cigarette packages of the present invention may
be designed to hold any number of different cigarette sizes.
[0090] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of
a cigarette package shown in FIGS. 1-10 further comprising a
plurality of cigarettes 165. In the embodiment shown, the front
recessed portion 50 is designed to hold ten cigarettes and is shown
holding ten cigarettes 165. Although not visible in FIG. 11, the
rear recessed portion 55 is also designed to hold ten cigarettes
and, thus, may also contain ten cigarettes. In other embodiments,
the recessed portions may be designed to hold larger or smaller
portions.
[0091] Cigarette packages, in further embodiments, may also
comprise at least one partition in the recessed portions to further
group the cigarettes within the recessed portion. For example, one
embodiment may comprise a partition dividing the recessed portion
into two equally sized sections. For example, each recessed portion
may comprise two sections with five cigarettes positioned in each
section. The cigarettes in the different sections may be the same
type of cigarette or, in other embodiments, may be different types
of cigarettes (e.g., the sections may contain different flavor
cigarettes; one section may contain regular cigarettes and the
other section may contain light cigarettes; etc.).
[0092] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
cigarette package 200 of the present invention. The cigarette
package 200 shown in FIG. 12 comprises the same features as the
cigarette package 5 described in FIGS. 1-10. The cigarette package
200 comprises a main body 205 and two reclosable lids 210,215. The
cigarette package 200 also comprises a front recessed portion and a
rear recessed portion (not visible in FIG. 12). The cigarette
package further comprises a first lidding material 220 positioned
over the front recessed portion. A second lidding material may be
similarly positioned over the rear recessed portion. Further, any
of the embodiments of cigarette packages shown in the other Figures
may similarly be provided with a lidding material to protect any
cigarettes contained therein.
[0093] Among other functions, the lidding material 220 protects the
contents of the cigarette package from moisture loss and from
flavor loss, and may extend the shelf life of the contents of the
cigarette package. For example, the cigarette package 200 may
comprise a plurality of cigarettes in the recessed portions. Prior
to purchase by a consumer, the two lidding materials are sealed
over the recessed portions to protect the cigarettes from moisture.
As shown in FIG. 12, the first lidding material 220 is sealed to
the upper landing 222 of the first main body perimeter wall 225.
The second lidding material may similarly be sealed to the upper
landing of the second main body perimeter wall. In further
embodiments, the lidding materials may be convection sealed or
induction sealed to the upper landings of the perimeter walls.
[0094] When purchased, a consumer may open one of the reclosable
lids, remove the lidding material, and retrieve a cigarette. Some
consumers may completely remove the lidding material upon initial
opening of the cigarette package. Other consumers may peel back the
lidding material to remove a cigarette and then return the lidding
material to its original position although it will not be fully
sealed again. Whether a consumer completely removes the lidding
material is a matter of personal preference.
[0095] The lidding material 220 shown in FIG. 12 further comprises
a pull tab 230. The pull tab 230 assists a consumer in peeling back
and/or removing the lidding material 220. Other mechanisms known to
those of ordinary skill in the art may also be used to assist in
peeling lidding material.
[0096] Lidding materials useful in the present invention may
advantageously maintain desired flavor and moisture levels of
cigarettes within the recessed portions and may be removed as a
single piece (i.e., without tearing, ripping, or shredding).
Lidding materials useful in embodiments of the present invention
may be laminates that comprise several layers.
[0097] A lamination process generally involves the bonding together
of two or more materials to form a multi-ply structure. Most
laminations used in the flexible packaging industry require
applications of a bonding agent to join various materials together.
These agents may be glues, adhesives, hot melts, thermoplastic
waxes, or extruded plastics. The five basic types of laminates are
wet, dry, thermoplastic, pressure, and extrusion. Lidding materials
useful in embodiments of the present invention typically have an
overall thickness prior to heat sealing between about four mils
(0.004 inches) and about twenty mils (0.020 mils). In further
embodiments, lidding materials useful in embodiments of the present
invention have thicknesses prior to heat sealing between about four
and about eight mils (between about 0.004 and about 0.008 inches).
A number of laminates could be provided for use in embodiments of
the present invention using materials and manufacturing techniques
similar to those described below.
[0098] In selecting materials useful in forming a laminate, a
number of factors can be considered, including the desired
integrity and lack of tearability of the lidding material (e.g.,
ability to be removed from a cigarette package of the present
invention without tearing), desired tactility, embossing needed,
printability, desired protection from moisture loss, and flavor
loss.
[0099] In one embodiment, a lidding material useful in the present
invention may comprise a metallic foil layer, a paper layer, a
metallized polyester layer, and a sealant film layer. The layers
may be adhered together using a variety of bonding agents. An
exemplary lidding material may comprise, from top to bottom (the
top layer referring to the layer that faces the lid of the
cigarette package and the bottom layer referring to the layer that
faces the recessed portion), an overcoat material, a metallic foil
layer, a bonding agent, a paper layer, a bonding agent, a
metallized polyester layer, a bonding agent, and a sealant film
layer. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,684 to Carespodi,
which is incorporated herein by reference, for a description of
film components, bonding agents, adhesive components and
formulations, and other materials useful in forming lidding
materials useful in the present invention; see also U.S. Pat. No.
4,784,885 to Carespodi, which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0100] Among other functions, the metallic foil layer provides a
substrate that is embossable and that can give a desired look and
feel. In addition to improving the aesthetics of the lidding
material, the foil can also provide stiffness and rigidity. One
example of a metallic foil layer useful in a lidding material is
aluminum foil. In embodiments using aluminum foil as a metallic
film layer, the thickness of the aluminum foil may be between about
0.7 mils and about 2 mils (i.e., 0.0007 inches and about 0.002
inches). In a further embodiment using aluminum foil, the thickness
of the aluminum foil may be one mil (0.001 inch). In other
embodiments, a metallized polyester film may be used instead of a
metallic foil for this layer.
[0101] The lidding material may comprise an overcoat layer.
Overcoat layers of laminated lidding materials of the present
invention can be optional in certain circumstances, but it is
preferred that those overcoat layers are employed when constructing
laminates of the present invention. The overcoat material can vary.
Various overcoat materials have been used commercially for coating
materials of the type that are the subject of the present
invention. Thus, virtually any overcoat material or formulation can
be employed in virtually the same manner that is traditional, and
as such, the selection, formulation, use and specifications will be
apparent to one skilled in the art of designing and manufacturing
laminates for use as lidding materials for sealing containers. An
overcoat is a covering or finish applied to a substrate to protect
or enhance the properties of that substrate. In an embodiment of
the present invention utilizing a metallic foil layer, the overcoat
layer is applied to the metallic foil layer to protect the metallic
foil layer from oxidation. In embodiments of lidding materials
comprising aluminum foil layers, an overcoat layer may be a
water-based lacquer. One example of a water-based lacquer useful in
coating an aluminum foil layer is formulation 1243 FDA,
commercially available from Coatings and Adhesives Company. Various
other overcoat lacquers or primers could be used.
[0102] Among other functions, paper layers useful in the present
invention provide a desirable feel or "hand" to the lidding
material and aid in keeping the lidding material flat. For example,
the paper may provide a desirable stiffness or rigidity to the
lidding material. Various types and weights of paper could be used
to provide these properties. One example of a paper layer useful in
the present invention is 25 pound bleached Kraft paper commercially
available from Stora Enso.
[0103] The paper layer may be laminated to the metallic foil layer
using a bonding agent, such as an adhesive polymer. One example of
an adhesive polymer useful in the present invention is ethylene
acrylic acid, although a variety of other bonding agents could be
used. An example of a suitable ethylene acrylic acid is NUCREL.RTM.
ARX3748, available from E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.
[0104] Lidding materials useful in the present invention may also
comprise a metallized film layer. One example of a suitable
metallized film layer is a metallized polyester. See, for example,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,427,235 to Powell et al., which is incorporated
herein by reference, for a description of a suitable thermoplastic
films, film components, and metallized oriented films. Metallized
polyesters are conventionally formed by vacuum depositing metal on
one side of a polyester film. Among other functions, the metallized
polyester layer provides a barrier of protection in the way of
moisture and flavor loss prevention and also helps ensure full
panel removal of the lidding material. One example of a suitable
metallized polyester is a 48 gauge polyester metallized with
aluminum. Suitable polyesters can be obtained from Mitsubishi
Polyester Film and can be vacuum metallized by Vacumet Corporation.
Various other gauges and suppliers of polyester as well as
metallizers can provide metallized polyesters with similar
characteristics.
[0105] In embodiments of lidding material using a paper layer and a
metallized polyester layer, another bonding agent may be used to
laminate the layers together. In one embodiment, the bonding agent
is a wet-bond adhesive. An example of a useful wet-bond adhesive is
formulation BR-4736, commercially available from Basic Adhesives
Company. Various other bonding agents known to those of ordinary
skill in the art could also be used.
[0106] The lidding material may also comprise a heat sealant film.
Among other functions, the sealant film, when heat is applied,
seals the lidding material to the main body of the cigarette
package (e.g., to the upper landing of the main body perimeter
wall). One example of a heat sealant film useful in the present
invention is a 1.5 mil heat seal film from New England Extrusion,
Inc. Various other heat seal films or sealing methods could also be
used to obtain the desired sealing characteristics.
[0107] Another bonding agent may be used to laminate the metallized
polyester layer and the sealant film layer. Examples of suitable
bonding agents include urethane adhesives. One particularly useful
urethane adhesive is a two-part urethane dry-bond adhesive. An
example of such an adhesive is commercially available from Henkel
Adhesives as Tycel 7970/7297. Various other bonding agents known to
those of ordinary skill in the art could also be used to bond these
two layers together.
[0108] The lidding material may be assembled using techniques known
to those of ordinary skill in the art. Methods, materials and
equipment suitable for manufacturing lidding materials are set
forth by Weiss in Coating and Laminating Machines, Converting
Technology Company (1977); Miller in Converting for Flexible
Packaging, (1994); and Rolando in Flexible Packaging--Adhesives,
Coatings and Processes (Rapra Review Report 122) (2000). Lamination
methods, materials, equipment also are possessed by the RJR
Packaging Division of R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Alcan
Flexible Packaging, Pechiney, and Alcoa Flexible Packaging.
[0109] Lidding materials useful in the present invention, including
the embodiments described above, may be assembled using known
techniques. In one embodiment, a metallized polyester layer may be
laminated to a sealant film layer using a urethane adhesive, and
the metallized polyester layer may be laminated to a paper layer
using a wet-bond adhesive. The laminated paper layer/metallized
polyester layer/sealant film layer may then be collected on a roll.
This roll may be supplied to another apparatus where a metallic
foil layer is laminated to the paper layer using a polymer adhesive
and the metallic foil layer may be coated with a water-based
lacquer. The lidding material may then be collected on a roll.
[0110] Depending on the width of the roll of lidding material, the
lidding material may be slit into more narrow rolls for further
processing. For example, the rolls of lidding material may be cut
into smaller, narrower rolls having a length between about three
inches (3 inches) to about twelve inches (12 inches). The rolls are
then shipped to a die cutter. The die cutter will emboss and cut
the lidding materials into sections of desirable shape and size.
The lidding material may be embossed with logos or designs using
techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The
embossed rolls of lidding material are then cut into sections of
desirable size using techniques known to those of ordinary skill in
the art. For example, the die cutting machine may cut the lidding
material to a size that could be sealed over a recessed portion of
a cigarette package of the present invention. The die cutting
machine may also cut the lidding material to provide a pull tab to
assist in removing the lidding material from a cigarette package of
the present invention. A lidding material may be placed on an upper
landing of a main body perimeter wall and heat sealed to cover the
recessed portion. The lidding material may be heat sealed by
applying heat (e.g., 400-420.degree. F. for 0.5-1 second) to the
lidding material, which seals lidding material to the upper landing
of the perimeter wall of the main body of a cigarette package.
[0111] FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an embodiment
of a lidding material 250 useful in the present invention. The
lidding material 250 comprises a plurality of layers. In the
embodiment shown, the lidding material comprises from top to bottom
(the top layer referring to the layer that would face the lid of
the cigarette package and the bottom layer referring to the layer
that would face the recessed portion containing cigarettes), an
overcoat material 255, a metallic foil layer 260, a bonding agent
265, a paper layer 270, a bonding agent 275, a metallized polyester
280, a bonding agent 285, and a sealant film 290.
[0112] The following components may be used to form the lidding
material shown in FIG. 13. In one non-limiting example, overcoat
material 255 is lacquer. The metallic foil layer 260 is one mil
(0.001 inches) thick layer of aluminum foil. The bonding agent 265
is ethylene acrylic acid and is five mils (0.005 inches) thick. The
paper layer 270 is 25 pound bleached Kraft paper. The bonding agent
275 is a wet-bond adhesive, and is 0.15 mils (0.00015 inches)
thick. The metallized polyester 280 is 48 gauge polyester
metallized with aluminum. The adhesive 285 is a urethane adhesive,
such as a two-part urethane dry-bond adhesive. The sealant film 290
is a heat seal film and is 1.5 mils (0.0015 inches) thick. In the
above example, the total thickness of the lidding material is
between about four mils (0.004 inches) and about eight mils (0.008
inches).
[0113] After the lidding material, such as the one described with
regard to FIG. 13, is cut to a desired size, it may be positioned
over a recessed portion of a cigarette package and sealed to the
cigarette package using techniques known to those of ordinary skill
in the art. In general and with reference to FIG. 12, a lidding
material 220 of desirable size is placed on the upper landing 222
of the first main body perimeter wall 225 of a cigarette package
200. Heat may then be applied to the lidding material 220 to heat
seal it to the upper landing 222. In one embodiment, the lidding
material 220 is heated at 410-420.degree. Fahrenheit for 0.5 to 1.0
seconds. The source of heat, in one embodiment, only contacts the
lidding material 220 at the locations where the lidding material is
in contact with the upper landing 222. The lidding material 220
cools quickly and is sealed to the upper landing 222 of the
perimeter wall 225. The pull tab 230 is then folded back to a
position similar to the one illustrated in FIG. 12.
[0114] In other embodiment, the lidding material may be induction
sealed to the upper landing of the cigarette package. The manner of
producing sealed cigarette packages of the present invention will
be readily apparent to one skilled in the art of induction sealed
container production. See, for example, U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/228,773, filed Aug. 27, 2002, which is incorporated
herein by reference, for additional information related to
induction sealing and to lidding materials.
[0115] As illustrated in FIG. 14, cigarette packages of the present
invention advantageously provide a number of surfaces for product
information. The cigarette package 300 shown in FIG. 14 comprises
the same general features as the cigarette package shown in FIGS.
1-12. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the cigarette package
300, which includes two reclosable lids 305,310 secured to a main
body 315, further comprises a plurality of labels 320,325 affixed
to the reclosable lids 305,310. Each reclosable lid includes a top
face and a bottom face. Only the top face 330 of the first lid 305
and the bottom face 335 of the second lid 310 are visible in FIG.
14. The corresponding bottom face and top face of each lid are
opposite the faces 330,335 shown.
[0116] A first label 320 is affixed to the top face 330 of the
first lid 305, and a second label 325 is affixed to the bottom face
335 of the second lid 310. Although not shown, a third label may be
affixed to the bottom face of the first lid 305, and a fourth label
may be affixed to the top face of the second lid 310. In some
embodiments, labels are only affixed to the top faces of the
reclosable lids and no labels are affixed to the bottom faces of
the lids.
[0117] A wide variety of product information can be printed on the
labels including, for example, product name, brand name,
manufacturer name, manufacturer address, trademarks, logos, product
description, etc. This information can be printed on the labels,
and the labels can be affixed to the faces of the lids using
techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0118] In some embodiments, each label has a different appearance
and contains different product information. In other embodiments,
the labels on the top faces of the reclosable lids are different
from the labels on the bottom faces.
[0119] As will be discussed in more detail below, reclosable lids
can be constructed from plastic or from metal. In embodiments
utilizing plastic lids, the product information is preferably
printed on labels and the labels are affixed to the lids. However,
in other embodiments, the product information may be preprinted
directly on the plastic lids. In embodiments utilizing metal lids,
the product information can be preprinted on the metal lids prior
to assembly into a cigarette package. Product information can be
printed directly on the metal lids using techniques known to those
of ordinary skill in the art. Labels can also be affixed to the
metal lids. Product information can also be embossed on metal lids
using techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The
metal lids can be embossed to also provide texture to the lids.
[0120] In addition to the top and bottom faces of the cigarette
package, additional information can be provided on other surfaces
of the cigarette package. This information may be preprinted on the
surface itself or may be printed on a label which is affixed to the
surface. For example, the Surgeon General's Warning may be printed
on a side wall of the main body (e.g., side wall 40 in FIG. 9).
[0121] In other embodiments, cigarette packages of the present
invention may be overwrapped with an outer wrapping material using
techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The outer
wrapping material may be cellophane, polypropylene film, the
metallized material described in European application Publication
No. 454,003, the overwrapping materials described in U.S. Pat. No.
4,807,745 to Langley, et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 4,947,994 to
Newsome, or other known materials. The overwrapping material for
each cigarette package preferably includes a tear tape, which is
provided using known techniques. The tear tape can be positioned so
as to circumscribe the package in a number of locations on the
cigarette package in order to facilitate removal of the
overwrapping material by a consumer.
[0122] In other embodiments of the present invention, cigarette
packages may also comprise a loose sheet of printed information,
which is sometimes referred to as a "chit." Chits may be placed in
the recessed portions of the main body. For example, if a lidding
material is sealed to the main body, a chit may be placed between
the lidding material and the reclosable lid, such that a consumer
sees the chit upon opening the reclosable lid. Because the chit is
typically loose within the cigarette package (i.e., not affixed to
the lidding material, the main body, or the reclosable lid), a
consumer may easily discard the chit. Examples of information that
may be printed on chits include product name, brand name,
manufacturer name, manufacturer address, trademarks, logos, product
description, etc.
[0123] FIGS. 15-17 illustrate another embodiment of a cigarette
package 350 of the present invention. In these figures, the
cigarette package 350 comprises a main body 355, a first reclosable
lid 360 secured to a first side wall 365 of the main body 355, a
second reclosable lid 370 secured to a second side wall 375 of the
main body 355, a front recessed portion 380, and a rear recessed
portion 385. The cigarette package 350 further comprises a
plurality of ridges 390 for positioning the cigarettes in the
recessed portion. The plurality of ridges 390 shown in FIGS. 15-17
are similar to the plurality of ridges 150 shown in FIGS. 1-10,
except that the plurality of ridges 390 shown in FIGS. 15-17 are
perpendicular to two opposing side walls 395,400 in the front
recessed portion 380.
[0124] Cigarette packages of the present invention may be
constructed from a number of materials. Examples of suitable
materials for constructing cigarette packages include metal (e.g.,
tin, steel, aluminum, etc.) and plastic (e.g., high density
polypropylene, polyethylene, and other molded plastic materials).
The use of such materials may result in a cigarette package that is
generally rigid and "crush proof." In some embodiments, the
cigarette package may be constructed from a single material. For
example, in embodiments where the cigarette package is constructed
from plastic, the cigarette package may be molded as a single piece
using techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The
embodiments of cigarette packages shown in FIGS. 1-12 and 15-17 may
be constructed from plastic. In embodiments where the cigarette
package is constructed from metal, metal sheets may be stamped and
formed to provide a main body and lids. The lids may be secured to
the main body using hinges.
[0125] In other embodiments, cigarette packages of the present
invention are constructed from both metal (e.g., tin, steel,
aluminum, etc.) and plastic (e.g., high density polypropylene,
polyethylene, and other molded plastic materials). For example, in
one embodiment, the reclosable lids may be constructed from metal
and the main body may be constructed from plastic.
[0126] FIGS. 18-28 illustrate another embodiment of a cigarette
package 400 of the present invention. The cigarette package
comprises a main body 405, a first reclosable lid 410, and a second
reclosable lid 415. The first reclosable lid 410 covers a front
recessed portion 420 when in a closed position (see FIG. 25) to
form a first enclosure, and the second reclosable lid 415 covers
the rear recessed portion 425 when in a closed position (see FIG.
26) to form a second enclosure. The reclosable lids 410,415 in the
embodiment shown are connected to the same side wall 430 of the
main body 405.
[0127] In this embodiment, the main body 405 is constructed from
plastic and the removable lids 410,415 are constructed from metal.
In embodiments where a lidding material is positioned over a
recessed portion to protect a plurality of cigarettes, the main
body is preferably constructed from plastic as the lidding material
generally forms a better seal with a plastic main body than with a
metal body. This is not to say that lidding materials can not be
used to protect the contents of main bodies that are constructed
from metal.
[0128] One issue that may arise when the lids and the main body are
constructed from different materials is that the materials may
expand or shrink at different levels due to differing coefficients
of thermal expansion. For example, metal generally expands and
shrinks more due to temperature variations than plastic. Thus, in
high temperature situations, the metal may expand such that the lid
does not fasten securely to the main body when a user tries to
close the package. Similarly, in temperatures below freezing, the
metal may contract such that the lid may not fit around the
perimeter wall of the main body in order for a consumer to close
the lid.
[0129] To account for these differences in thermal expansion,
cigarette packages of the present invention may comprise spring
tabs 435 on the interior of the perimeter walls of the lids. The
main body perimeter walls may similarly comprise recesses 437 for
receiving the spring tabs 435. When a lid is closed, its spring
tabs slide into the corresponding recesses and the lid is secured
to the main body. When the lid is expanded due to temperature, the
spring tabs 435 are advantageously still able to slide into the
recesses 437 and secure the lid to the main body. The spring tabs
advantageously allow the lids to be secured to the main body in a
variety of temperatures and other weather conditions. The spring
tabs may be constructed from the same material as the lids.
[0130] Cigarette packages of the present invention may further
comprise other mechanical devices designed to assist in latching
the lids to the main body when temperatures vary, particularly when
the lids are constructed from metal and the main body is
constructed from plastic or vice versa.
[0131] Because the reclosable lids 410,415 are constructed from
metal and the main body 405 is constructed from plastic in FIGS.
18-28, the cigarette package may not be constructed as a single
structure (i.e., can not be molded as a single piece of plastic).
Thus, the lids 410,415 must be attached or secured to the main body
405. A number of exogenous connection means, such as tape-like
materials, may be used to connect a lid to the main body. Such
connection means are preferably adherent to the materials used to
construct the main body and the lids, are resilient to the movement
associated with the of opening and closing of the lids, and are
durable (e.g., can withstand the repeated opening and closing of
the lids).
[0132] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 18-28, the reclosable lids
410,415 are secured to the main body 405 by a strip of tape 440. As
discussed above with regard to FIGS. 1-6, each lid 410,415 may
comprise a perimeter wall 445,450. The main body 405 also comprises
a perimeter wall 455,460 on each side, such that when the lids
410,415 are closed, the main body perimeter walls 455,460 fit
inside the lid perimeter walls 445,450. As shown in FIG. 23, the
strip of tape 440 is affixed to at least a portion of the perimeter
walls 445,450 of both lids 410,415 and to the side wall 430 of the
main body 405. The strip of tape 440 secures the lids 410,415 to
the main body 405 and acts as a hinge when the lids 410,415 are
opened or closed by a user. Suitable tapes for use in embodiments
of the present invention are commercially available and may be
selected as a matter of design choice. The selection of tape for
use in an embodiment of the present invention is dependent upon
factors such as the ability to adhere to the main body and the lid,
resilience to repeated movement, durability, and other factors, and
the selection of a suitable tape will be readily apparent to one of
skill in the art.
[0133] FIGS. 29-36 illustrate another embodiment of a cigarette
package 500 of the present invention in which the reclosable lids
are secured to the main body by tape. In the embodiment shown, the
main body 505 comprises two side walls 510,515, and the reclosable
lids 520,525 are secured to different side walls 510,515 by
separate strips of tape 530,535. The strips of tape 530,535 are
affixed to the perimeter walls 540,545 of the lids 520,525 and to
the side walls 510,515 as illustrated in FIGS. 32 and 33. The
strips of tape 530,535 secure the lids 410,415 to the main body 405
and act as a hinge when the lids 410,415 are opened or closed by a
user.
[0134] While previous embodiments of the present invention
illustrate a cigarette package having two reclosable lids, other
embodiments of the present invention relate to a cigarette package
having one lid. FIGS. 37 to 44 illustrate such embodiments. FIG. 37
is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cigarette package 600
of the present invention having one reclosable lid 605 with the
reclosable lid 605 being open. FIGS. 38-40 are top, side, and
elevational views, respectively of the cigarette package 600 with
the reclosable lid 605 being open. FIG. 41 is a perspective view of
the cigarette package 600 with the reclosable lid 605 being
closed.
[0135] The cigarette package 600 also comprises a main body 610
comprising a cavity (a cavity 705 is illustrated in FIG. 42) and a
tray 615 positioned in the cavity. When in a closed position, the
reclosable lid 605 covers the cavity to form an enclosure
surrounding the tray 615. The main body 610 comprises a top wall
620, a bottom wall 622, and two side walls 624,626. The interior
surfaces of the top wall 620, bottom wall 622, and two side walls
624,626 form the cavity. The cavity may be of a predetermined size
and shape depending on the size of the tray to be held, the number
and size of the cigarettes to be stored therein, and other
factors.
[0136] The reclosable lid 605 may be secured to one of the walls in
the same manner as discussed above in connection with FIGS. 1-10.
In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 37-41, the reclosable lid 605 is
secured to the second side wall 626 by a hinge 640. The hinge 640
allows the reclosable lid 605 to move between a closed position and
an open position.
[0137] While the reclosable lid 605 is hingedly secured to the main
body 610 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 37-41, the reclosable lid
may be secured to the main body using other techniques. The
selection of an appropriate mechanism for securing a lid to a main
body may depend on a number of factors including cost, the
material(s) from which the lid and main body are constructed,
durability, and other factors. For example, if the main body and
the reclosable lid are to be molded from plastic, the hinge may be
part of the mold, such that the lid(s), main body, and hinge may be
formed from as a single piece of plastic. The lid may also be
hingedly secured to the main body in a number of other ways, such
as by hooks, pins, rods, "piano" hinges, spring loaded hinges,
crimping, molding, and others. In other embodiments, the reclosable
lid may be secured to the main body using at least one strip of
adhesive (e.g., tape) as illustrated in FIGS. 18-28.
[0138] This embodiment of a cigarette package of the present
invention may be constructed from a number of materials like the
other embodiments described above. Examples of suitable materials
for constructing cigarette packages include metal (e.g., tin,
steel, aluminum, etc.) and plastic (e.g., high density
polypropylene, polyethylene, and other molded plastic materials).
In some embodiments, the cigarette package may be constructed from
a single material. For example, in embodiments where the cigarette
package is constructed from plastic, the cigarette package may be
molded as a single piece using techniques known to those of
ordinary skill in the art. In embodiments where the cigarette
package is constructed from metal, metal sheets may be stamped and
formed to provide a main body and a lid. The lid may be secured to
the main body using a hinge.
[0139] In other embodiments, cigarette packages of the present
invention are constructed from both metal (e.g., tin, steel,
aluminum, etc.) and plastic (e.g., high density polypropylene,
polyethylene, etc.). For example, in one embodiment, the reclosable
lid may be constructed from metal and the main body may be
constructed from plastic. In such an embodiment, the reclosable lid
may be secured to the main body using at least one strip of
adhesive (e.g., a strip of tape).
[0140] When closed, the lid 605 may be held in place by any number
of closure means known to those of ordinary skill in the art,
including the closure means described above in connection with
other embodiments of the present invention.
[0141] The reclosable lid 605 in the embodiment shown comprises a
top face 645 and a bottom face 647. As discussed above, a label or
plurality of labels may be affixed to these faces 645,647 to
provide product information. In embodiments utilizing a plastic
lid, the product information may be printed on labels and the
labels may be affixed to the lid. However, in other embodiments,
the product information may be preprinted directly on the plastic
lid. In embodiments utilizing a metal lid, the product information
can be preprinted on the metal lid prior to assembly into a
cigarette package. Product information can be printed directly on
the metal lid using techniques known to those of ordinary skill in
the art. Labels can also be affixed to the metal lid. Product
information can also be embossed on a metal lid using techniques
known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The metal lid can also
be embossed to provide texture to the lids.
[0142] In some embodiments, each label has a different appearance
and contains different product information. In other embodiments,
the labels on the top face of the reclosable lid is different from
the label on the bottom face.
[0143] The walls 620,622,624,626 of the main body include an upper
landing 628. The tray 615, in some embodiments, rests upon the
upper landing 628. In further embodiments, the tray 615 may be
adhesively secured to the upper landing 628 and/or to the walls
forming the cavity. The tray may also be adhesively secured to the
bottom of the cavity. In other embodiments, the tray may slide into
the cavity without resting on the upper landing. In such
embodiments, the tray may be adhesively secured to any of the walls
forming the cavity. The tray may also slide and "snap" into the
cavity. For example, rather than utilizing an upper landing, the
tops of the walls of the main body may be rolled down using known
techniques, such that the tray can slide past them and snap into
place.
[0144] The tray 615 may be constructed from plastic or other
suitable materials, including molded plastics and thermoformable
plastics. The tray is preferably constructed from a material that
can withstand temperatures associated with heat sealing. As
discussed below, a lidding material may be heat sealed to the tray.
The tray should be able to withstand the heat sealing without
deforming or suffering other structural damage.
[0145] The tray 615 may be divided into a plurality of tray
sections. The tray sections may be adapted to receive a single
cigarette or a plurality of cigarettes. In the embodiment shown,
the tray 615 comprises five tray sections 630, with each tray
section 630 being adapted to receive four cigarettes. In another
embodiment, a tray may comprise four tray sections, with each tray
section being adapted to receive five cigarettes. Trays useful in
the present invention may comprise a number of tray sections, with
each tray section adapted to receive a predetermined number of
cigarettes.
[0146] The tray sections 630 are separated by tray section walls
635, which prevent cigarettes in different tray sections 630 from
contacting each other. The use of multiple tray sections can be
used to advantageously provide a cigarette package containing
different types of cigarettes. For example, a cigarette package of
the present invention utilizing a tray having a plurality of tray
sections may be used to provide a plurality of different "flavored"
cigarettes (e.g., menthol and citrus), such that the flavored
cigarettes are kept in separate tray sections.
[0147] A cigarette package of the present invention may further
comprise a plurality of cigarettes positioned in the plurality of
tray sections. In one embodiment, a cigarette package of the
present invention having a reclosable lid may comprise twenty
cigarettes.
[0148] FIGS. 42-44 illustrate various embodiments of a cigarette
package comprising a single lid and comprising cigarettes. FIG. 42
is a perspective view illustrating the various components of one
embodiment of a cigarette package of the present invention. FIG. 42
shows a main body 700 comprising a cavity 705, a reclosable lid
710, a tray 715 adapted to be positioned in the cavity 705, a
plurality of cigarettes 720, and a lidding material 725. The tray
715 is divided into five tray sections 730, each tray section 730
being adapted to receive four cigarettes 720. The lidding material
725 may be sealed to the tray 715 prior to positioning the tray 715
in the cavity 705.
[0149] The cigarettes 720 are grouped into five sets of four
cigarettes 720 to be placed in the five tray sections 730. Each set
of cigarettes may be provided with a cigarette removal assistance
device. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 42, the cigarette removal
assistance devices are removal tabs 735. When four cigarettes 720
are in a tray section 730, the cigarettes 720 may be difficult to
remove, and the removal tabs 735 assist a consumer in removing a
cigarette 720 from a tray section 730. A consumer may grasp a
removal tab 735 and lift up. When lifting the removal tab 735, one
end of the set of cigarettes 720 is lifted (the filter end in the
embodiment shown), and the consumer is able to grab a cigarette
720. The removable tabs 735 may be constructed from paperboard
using known techniques. Other cigarette removal assistance devices
may be used instead of removal tabs.
[0150] FIG. 43 illustrates the embodiment of a cigarette package
shown in FIG. 42 with the tray 715 positioned in the cavity 705 of
the main body 700. The sets of cigarettes 720 with removal tabs 735
are positioned in the tray sections 730. One of the removal tabs
735 is raised to illustrate how a consumer might grasp the removal
tab 735 in order to remove a cigarette 720.
[0151] FIG. 44 illustrates the same embodiment shown in FIGS. 42
and 43 with the lidding material 725 positioned over the cavity 705
and sealed to the tray 715. The lidding material may be sealed to
the tray prior to positioning the tray in the cavity of the main
body. In one embodiment, the lidding material may be sealed to an
upper landing of a perimeter wall of the tray 715 and to upper
landings of the tray section walls. The lidding material 725 is
provided with a pull tab 740 to facilitate removal of the lidding
material. Lidding materials such as the ones described above may be
used in this embodiment. The lidding material 725 may alternately
be sealed to the main body or to an upper landing of the main
body's walls as described above.
[0152] In embodiments where a lidding material is sealed to a tray
having multiple tray sections and multiple tray section walls
(e.g., as shown in the FIGS.), the lidding material may be
perforated or scored on the portion that overlaps the tray section
walls to allow a consumer to open the lidding material over a
single tray section and to maintain the seal over the other tray
sections. Each section of lidding material corresponding to a tray
section, in one embodiment, may be provided with a pull tab.
[0153] Cigarette packages of the present invention, in one
embodiment, may have a variety of dimensions. In one non-limiting
example, the cigarette packages may have a length of three and
three-quarters inches (3.75"), a width of three and one-half inches
(3.5") and a depth of seven-eighths of an inch (7/8"). The
preceding dimensions provide one example of dimensions for a
cigarette packages. The dimensions of cigarette packages of the
present invention may be selected based on the number of cigarettes
and the dimensions of the cigarettes that they are to carry. The
dimensions of the cigarette package may also be selected based on
aesthetic reasons.
[0154] While the cigarette packages described and illustrated above
are generally parallelepipeds, other embodiments of cigarette
packages of the present invention may have different shapes. For
example, other embodiments may be round, elliptical, triangular,
pyramidal, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.
[0155] In further embodiments, cigarette packages of the present
invention may be inserted in a paperboard sleeve and wrapped in a
polypropylene film to be sold to consumers. In some embodiments,
the paperboard may be provided with a window to allow a consumer to
view the contents.
[0156] With respect to the descriptions set forth above, optimum
dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention (to
include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and
manner of operation, assembly and use) are deemed readily apparent
and obvious to those skilled in the art, and all equivalent
relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in
the specification are intended to be encompassed herein.
[0157] The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the
principles of the invention. Since numerous modifications and
changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the
foregoing is not intended to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and all suitable
modifications and equivalents falling within the scope of the
appended claims are deemed within the present inventive
concept.
[0158] The features of the present invention, together with the
other objects of the invention, and along with the various features
of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with
particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this
disclosure.
* * * * *