U.S. patent application number 12/309268 was filed with the patent office on 2009-11-26 for rigid packet with a hinged lid.
This patent application is currently assigned to G.D S.p.A.. Invention is credited to Ivanoe Bertuzzi, Andrea Biondi, Alessandro Minarelli, Roberto Polloni.
Application Number | 20090288966 12/309268 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38650008 |
Filed Date | 2009-11-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090288966 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Minarelli; Alessandro ; et
al. |
November 26, 2009 |
Rigid packet with a hinged lid
Abstract
A rigid hinge-lid packet (1) of prismatic shape, appearing
substantially-triangular in section, comprises a container (10)
surmounted by a lid (12), attached to the container (10) by way of
a hinge (19) and pivotable between a position in which the packet
is open and a position in which the packet is closed. The lid (12)
of the packet (1) is retained in the closed position by locking
elements (27) fashioned as a tongue (29), associated with one of
the container (10) or lid (12), and a notch (30) formed in the
other one of the container (10) or lid (12), insertable positively
one into the other.
Inventors: |
Minarelli; Alessandro;
(Bazzano (Bologna), IT) ; Bertuzzi; Ivanoe;
(Casalecchio Di Reno (Bologna), IT) ; Polloni;
Roberto; (Modigliana (Forli'Cesena), IT) ; Biondi;
Andrea; (Bologna, IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHUTTLEWORTH & INGERSOLL, P.L.C.
115 3RD STREET SE, SUITE 500, P.O. BOX 2107
CEDAR RAPIDS
IA
52406
US
|
Assignee: |
G.D S.p.A.
Bologna
IT
|
Family ID: |
38650008 |
Appl. No.: |
12/309268 |
Filed: |
July 9, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
July 9, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2007/001888 |
371 Date: |
January 13, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/268 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 85/1048 20200501;
B65D 85/10564 20200501; B65D 85/10484 20200501; B65D 5/6608
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/268 |
International
Class: |
B65D 5/66 20060101
B65D005/66; B65D 85/10 20060101 B65D085/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 13, 2006 |
IT |
BO2006A000535 |
Claims
1) A rigid packet with a hinged lid, comprising a container (10),
also a lid (12) attached pivotably to the container (10) along a
hinge (19) and pivotable thus between a position in which the
container is open and a position in which the container is closed,
the closed packet appearing prismatic in shape and substantially
triangular in section, characterized in that it comprises locking
means (27) by which the lid (12) is retained in the closed
position.
2) A packet as in claim 1, wherein the locking means (27) are
positioned to coincide with an area, remote from the hinge (19),
along which two side faces of the prism are joined.
3) A packet as in claim 2, wherein the locking means (27) are
positioned on a front corner edge (26), establishing the area along
which two side faces of the prism are joined.
4) A packet as in claim 3, wherein locking means (27) comprise an
engagement member or tongue (28) operating between the container
(10) and the lid (12).
5) A packet as in claim 4, wherein the engagement member (28)
comprises a shaped portion (29) of the front corner edge (26)
associated with the container (10), extending toward the lid (12)
and insertable in a recess (30) afforded by the lid (12).
6) A packet as in claim 4, wherein the engagement member (28)
comprises a shaped portion (29) of the front corner edge (26)
associated with the lid (12), extending toward the container (10)
and insertable in a recess (30) afforded by the container (10).
7) A packet as in claim 6, wherein the shaped portion (29) presents
an outline substantially matched to the internal contour of the
recess (30).
8) A packet as in claim 7, wherein the shaped portion (29) presents
an outline substantially of dovetail appearance.
9) A packet as in claim 3, further comprising a frame (22)
associated internally with the container (10), serving to engage
and retain the lid (12) when the selfsame lid is in the closed
position.
10) A packet as in claim 9, wherein locking means (27) comprise an
engagement member (28) operating between the frame (22) and the lid
(12).
11) A packet as in claim 10, wherein the engagement member (28)
comprises a shaped portion (29) of the front corner edge (26)
associated with the frame (22), extending toward the lid (12) and
insertable in a recess (30) afforded by the container (10).
12) A packet as in claim 10, wherein the engagement member (28)
comprises a shaped portion (29) of the front corner edge (26)
associated with an internal insert (31) of the lid (12), extending
toward the frame (22) and insertable in a recess (30) afforded by
the frame (22).
13) A packet as in claim 12, wherein the shaped portion (29)
presents an outline substantially matched to the internal contour
of the recess (30).
14) A packet as in claim 13, wherein the shaped portion (29)
presents an outline substantially of dovetail appearance.
15) A packet as in claim 6, fashioned from a flat diecut blank (32)
of wrapping material appearing substantially rectangular in outline
and presenting: three precreased fold areas (33) disposed mutually
parallel and delimiting two panels (34) coinciding with the front
(18) of the packet, one panel (35) coinciding with the back (17) of
the packet, and one connecting panel (36); a transverse Vee cut
(37) intersecting the three precreased fold areas (33) and
coinciding with the open top end (11) of the container (10), by
which the front wall (14) of the container (10) on the one hand is
separated from the front wall (16) of the lid (12) on the other,
two crease lines (39) extending one from each end of the Vee cut
(37), disposed transversely to the precreased areas (33) and
functioning as a hinge (19) for the lid (12); two substantially
triangular wings (40, 41) joined along one side to the blank (37)
by way of relative crease lines (42) and coinciding respectively
with the top (8) and the bottom (9) of the packet (1).
16) A packet as in claim 15, wherein the blank (32) further
comprises flaps (43) extending from opposite ends of the panels
(34) providing the front walls (14, 16) of the container (10) and
the lid (12), such as can be associated with the wings (40, 41) to
make up the top (8) and the bottom (9) of the packet (1).
17) A packet as in claim 15, wherein the Vee cut (37) presents a
substantially looped portion (44) generating the shaped portion
(29) and the respective recess (30), extending across a central
precreased fold area (33) that coincides with the front corner edge
(26) of the packet.
18) A packet as in claim 16, wherein the frame (22) is fashioned
from a flat leaf (45) of wrapping material substantially
rectangular in outline and comprising three mutually parallel
precreased fold areas (46) positioned to delimit two panels (47)
providing a breast piece (24) of the frame (22), the panels (47)
being secured to the inside surface presented by the two panels
(34) of the blank (32) providing the front (18) of the packet, in
such a way that the frame (22) will project partially from the
container (10).
19) A packet as in claim 18, wherein a central precreased area (46)
of the leaf (45), coinciding with the front corner edge (26) of the
packet, is occupied by a transverse Vee cut (52) delimiting the
panels (47) of the frame (22) on the one hand and the insert (31)
of the lid (12) on the other.
20) A packet as in claim 19, wherein the insert (31) is attached
permanently to the lid (12) and detached from the frame (22).
21) A packet as in claim 19, wherein the Vee cut (52) presents a
substantially looped portion (53) extending across the central
precreased area (46) coinciding with the front corner edge (26) of
the packet, by which the shaped portion (29) and the respective
recess (30) are generated.
22) A packet as in claim 21, wherein the flat leaf (45) presents
two appendages (51), each associated with a respective panel (47)
making up the breast piece (24) of the frame (22), and attachable
to the flaps (43) making up the bottom (9) of the packet (1).
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a rigid packet with a
hinged lid. In particular, the present invention finds application
to notable advantage in the manufacture of cigarette packets, the
field to which reference is made explicitly in the following
specification, albeit with no limitation implied.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In general, rigid packets of hinge-lid type are
parallelepiped in appearance, comprising a container such as will
hold a group of cigarettes enveloped in a respective inner wrapper,
surmounted by a lid. The lid is hinged to an open top end of the
container, pivotable thus between a position in which the container
is open, and a position in which the container is closed.
[0003] The container is furnished with an internal stiffening frame
that functions as a connecting element between the selfsame
container and the lid.
[0004] The prior art also embraces cigarette packets of prismatic
geometry appearing substantially triangular in section, with sharp
or rounded corner edges, of which the hinge that allows the
pivoting movement of the lid is located on the side of the packet
opposite to a front corner edge. Both the container and the lid of
such triangular packets present a front and a back, and respective
end faces constituting the bottom and the top of the packet.
[0005] Such packets of triangular section are furnished likewise
with an internal stiffening frame, associated with and projecting
partially from the container, which serves to retain the lid more
readily in the closed position when the packet is not in use.
[0006] One drawback encountered with packets of this type, that is
to say prismatic and of triangular section, is that after being
opened a relatively limited number of times in order to take out
the cigarettes, the lid tends not to reassume its correct closed
position in contact with the edges of the container,
notwithstanding the presence of the stiffening frame.
[0007] The resulting partly-open condition of the packet impacts
negatively on the preservation of the cigarettes thereafter, for
example in terms of aroma and correct moisture content of the
tobacco.
[0008] Moreover, the failure of the lid to close securely on the
container results in a distinct structural fragility of the packet
overall. When the lid remains open, in effect, the front corner
edge will deform easily if pressure is placed on the top extremity
of the corner edge, where this same edge meets the frame.
[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a packet
that will be unaffected by the drawbacks described above.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The stated object is realized according to the present
invention in a rigid packet with a hinged lid, of which the
characteristics are as recited in one or more of the appended
claims.
[0011] The invention will now be described in detail, by way of
example, with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0012] FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 illustrate four possible of a packet in
accordance with the present invention, viewed schematically in
perspective and shown in an open configuration;
[0013] FIGS. 1a and 2a are front elevation views of the packets in
FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively, shown in a closed configuration;
[0014] FIGS. 3a and 4a are front elevation views of the packets in
FIGS. 3 and 4, respectively, shown in a closed configuration and
with certain parts cut away better to reveal others;
[0015] FIG. 5 shows the packet of FIG. 3, viewed in a side
elevation and with certain parts cut away better to reveal
others;
[0016] FIGS. 6, 6a, 7, 8, 8a and 9 are plan views of diecut blanks
from which to manufacture the packets of FIGS. 1 to 4.
[0017] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, numeral 1 denotes a rigid
packet with a hinged lid, in its entirety, containing a group 2 of
cigarettes 3 enveloped in a respective inner wrapper 4 (FIG. 5)
fashioned generally from metal foil paper.
[0018] The packet 1 appears as a prism of substantially triangular
section, aligned on a longitudinal axis A, of which the
substantially rectangular side faces are denoted 5, 6 and 7, and
the end faces, denoted 8 and 9, coincide respectively with the top
and bottom of the packet 1.
[0019] The packet 1 comprises a container 10 with an open top end,
denoted 11, also a lid 12, attached pivotably to the container 10
along a relative hinge 19 extending transversely to the
longitudinal axis A and rotatable thus between a closed position,
and an open position in which the top end 11 is exposed.
[0020] A first face 5 of the prism coincides with a rear wall 13 of
the container 10 and a rear wall 15 of the lid 12, combining to
provide the back of the packet 1, which is denoted 17. The two rear
walls 13 and 15 are divided one from the other by the hinge 19.
[0021] Similarly, the remaining side faces 6 and 7 of the prism
coincide with a front wall 14 of the container 10 and with a front
wall 16 of the lid 12, respectively, which combine to provide the
front of the packet 1, denoted 18.
[0022] The aforementioned open top end 11 of the container 10 is
delimited by a top edge 20 disposed obliquely to the axis A of the
prism and presenting an outline substantially of Vee shape, which
engages in contact with a corresponding edge 21 of the lid 12 when
the selfsame lid 12 is in the closed position.
[0023] The packet 1 further comprises a stiffening frame 22
projecting in part beyond the edge 20 of the open top end 11
afforded by the container 10, of which two faces 23 occupy
substantially the same planes as the front faces 6 and 7 of the
packet 1 and function as the breast piece 24 of the frame 22.
[0024] The frame 22 is secured to the inside surface of the front
wall 14 of the container 10, so as to function as a connecting
element between the container 10 and the lid 12 when in the closed
position.
[0025] The three side faces 5, 6 and 7 are joined one to another
along respective corner edges 25 which in the example of the
drawings appear rounded, but which might equally well be sharp or
bevelled, as will be explained more fully in due course.
[0026] Numeral 26 denotes the rounded front corner edge on the side
opposite from the back 17 and the hinge 19, along which the side
faces 6 and 7 making up the front 18 of the packet 1 are
joined.
[0027] The packet 1 further comprises means 27, located on the
front corner edge 26, by which the lid 12 is locked in the closed
position. In particular, and in accordance with a first embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 1, 1a, 2 and 2a, such locking means 27
comprise an engagement member 28 operating between the container 10
and the lid 12.
[0028] Referring to the solution of FIGS. 1 and 1a, in particular,
the engagement member 28 consists of a shaped portion 29 or tongue
presented by the front corner edge 26, integral with the container
10 and extending toward the lid 12.
[0029] More exactly, the aforementioned portion 29 projects from
the top edge 20 of the container 10, in alignment with the front
corner edge 26, and presents a substantially dovetail outline with
respective rounded corners 29a.
[0030] The shaped portion 29, or tongue, is insertable into a
recess or notch 30 afforded by the edge 21 of the lid 12, and
presents an outline shaped to match that of the recess 30, so that
the one can engage positively with the other.
[0031] When the lid 12 is in the closed position, the
aforementioned corners 29a are retained by corresponding undercut
parts 30a of the recess 30. Accordingly, the shaped portion 29
remains locked in the recess 30, thereby ensuring that the lid 12
remains stably in position on the container 10.
[0032] Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2a, the shaped
portion 29 can be incorporated into the lid 12 and extend toward
the container 10.
[0033] In this instance, the recess 30 will be afforded by the edge
20 of the container 10, and fashioned in such a way as to
accommodate the shaped portion 29 when inserted.
[0034] A further possible embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3, 3a, 4,
4a and 5 comprises locking means 27 with an engagement member 28
that operates between the frame 22, and an insert 31 associated
with the lid 12.
[0035] In particular, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 3a and 5, the
engagement member 28 is provided by a shaped portion 29 integral
with the frame 22 and extending toward the lid 12.
[0036] The portion 29 is again insertable into a respective recess
30, in this instance afforded by the insert 31 on the inside of the
lid 12.
[0037] More exactly, it will be seen that the insert 31 is
positioned on the inside surface presented by the front wall 16 of
the lid 12, and the recess 30 is positioned along the front corner
edge 26, at a point between the edge 21 of the lid 12 and the end
face 8 coinciding with the top of the packet 1.
[0038] It will be seen also that the shaped portion 29 is
positioned at a vertex of a substantially Vee shaped edge 22a of
the frame 22, located internally of the lid 12 when occupying the
closed position.
[0039] Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 4a, the shaped
portion 29 could be afforded by the aforementioned insert 31 and
insertable into an recess 30 incorporated into the edge 22a of the
frame 22.
[0040] Likewise in this instance, the engagement member 28 remains
inside the lid 12 when the lid occupies the closed position.
[0041] Moreover, in accordance with a further embodiment not shown
in the accompanying drawings, the locking means 27 might consist
for example in a tab projecting outside the dimensional compass of
the packet and insertable through slot afforded by the packet. By
way of example, a tab associated with the edge 22a of the frame 22
and projecting transversely from the packet could be inserted
through a slot afforded by the lid 12.
[0042] Alternatively, the locking means could include two
projections associated with the insert 31 of the lid and
interacting with through slots arranged mutually parallel and
afforded by the frame 22, on opposite sides of the front corner
edge 26.
[0043] With reference to FIGS. 6, 6a, 7, 8, 8a and 9, the packet 1
is fashioned from a flat diecut blank 32 of essentially rectangular
outline presenting three mutually parallel precreased fold areas 33
delimiting two panels 34 that make up the front 18 of the packet 1,
a panel 35 coinciding with the back 17 of the packet 1, and a
further connecting panel 36 that will be breasted ultimately in
contact with the inside surface of the back panel 35.
[0044] The blank 32 also presents a transverse Vee cut 37
intersecting the three precreased fold areas 33 and, more exactly,
composed of two angled legs 38 converging on the central precreased
area 38 that coincides with the front corner edge 26. The Vee cut
37 divides the front wall 14 of the container 10, on the one hand,
from the front wall 16 of the lid 12 on the other.
[0045] The two ends of the Vee cut 37 are joined to two respective
crease lines 39 extending transversely across the two corresponding
panels 35 and 36 and functioning as the hinge 19 of the lid 12.
[0046] The panel 35 coinciding with the back 17 of the packet 1 is
associated with a top wing 40 and a bottom wing 41, each joined to
the selfsame panel 35 along a respective crease line 42. The two
wings 40 and 41 coincide respectively with the top end face 8 or
top and with the bottom end face 9 or bottom of the packet 1.
[0047] Each panel 34 coinciding with the front 18 of the packet 1
presents two flaps 43, extending from opposite ends of the selfsame
panel 34. The flaps 34 of each panel 34 will be secured to the
inside surfaces of the corresponding wings 40 and 41, thereby
making up the aforementioned top and bottom of the erected packet
1.
[0048] The blank 32 illustrated in FIG. 6 is used to fashion a
packet as in FIGS. 1 and 1a.
[0049] It will be seen that the aforementioned transverse Vee cut
37 presents a substantially looped portion 44 at the convergence of
the two angled legs 38, incorporating the shaped portion 29 and the
relative recess 30. To advantage, the looped portion 44 extends
transversely across the central precreased fold area 33, with the
result that the shaped portion 29 and the relative recess 30 will
coincide with the front corner edge 26 of the packet 1.
[0050] Still referring to the example of FIG. 6, the looped portion
44 is positioned with the convex outline directed toward the part
of the blank 32 providing the front wall 16 of the lid 12. Thus,
the shaped portion 29 is associated with the part of the blank that
provides the container 10, whilst the recess 30 is associated with
the part of the blank 32 providing the lid 12.
[0051] The blank 32 illustrated in FIG. 7 is used to fashion a
packet as in FIGS. 2 and 2a.
[0052] In this instance, the looped portion 44 is positioned with
the convex outline directed toward the part of the blank 32
providing the front wall 14 of the container 10. Accordingly, the
shaped portion 29 is associated with the part of the blank that
provides the lid 12, whilst the recess 30 is associated with the
part of the blank providing the container 10.
[0053] In the examples of FIGS. 1, 1a, 2 and 2a, the stiffening
frame 22 is obtained from a flat leaf 45 of wrapping material as
illustrated in FIG. 6a.
[0054] The leaf 45 is of substantially rectangular outline and
comprises three mutually parallel precreased fold areas 46
delimiting two panels 47 that make up the breast piece 24 of the
frame 22. The precreased areas 46 are positioned and proportioned
to coincide with the three precreased areas 33 of the packet blank
32.
[0055] In the finished packet 1, the two panels 47 will be secured
to the inside surfaces of the panels 34 making up the front wall 14
of the container 10.
[0056] In addition, the two lateral precreased areas 46 provide two
end walls 48 of the frame 22, which will be secured to the inside
surface presented by the rear wall 13 of the container 10,
coinciding with the back 17 of the packet 1.
[0057] The leaf 45 of material also presents a top edge 49 of Vee
outline disposed parallel to the top edge 20 of the container 10,
and a bottom edge 50 affording two appendages 51, each associated
with a respective panel 47 making up the breast piece 24 of the
frame 22.
[0058] The two appendages 51 will be associated each with a
respective flap 43 and incorporated thus structurally into the
bottom of the packet 1.
[0059] In this instance the leaf 45 of material extends the full
length of the container 10, establishing a frame 22 that projects
partially from the selfsame container 10 and is anchored to the
bottom of the packet 1.
[0060] The blank 32 illustrated in FIG. 8 is used to fashion a
packet as in FIGS. 3, 3a, 4, 4a and 5.
[0061] In this embodiment, the locking means 27 are incorporated
into the breast piece 24, and accordingly, the transverse Vee cut
37 is formed without the aforementioned looped portion 44.
[0062] The leaf 45 illustrated in FIG. 9 is used to fashion a
packet as in FIGS. 3, 3a and 5.
[0063] In particular, the leaf 45 presents a transverse Vee cut 52
occupying only the central precreased area 46 of the three, which
coincides with the front corner edge 26. The cut 52 delimits the
panels 47 of the frame 22 on the one hand, terminating uppermost at
the top edge 49, and the aforementioned insert 31 of the lid 12 on
the other.
[0064] More exactly, the cut 52 establishes a break line along
which the insert 31 associated internally with the lid 12 is caused
to detach from the frame 22 when the packet 1 is opened for the
first time.
[0065] The Vee cut 52 also presents a looped portion 53, similar to
the looped portion 44 of the blank 32, which incorporates the
shaped portion 29 and the recess 30.
[0066] In the example of FIG. 9, the looped portion 53 delimits a
shaped portion 29 associated with the top edge 49 of the frame 22
and a recess 30 afforded by the insert 31.
[0067] FIG. 8a illustrates the leaf 45 of material used to fashion
the packet 1 of FIGS. 4 and 4a, in which the looped portion 53
delimits a shaped portion 29 associated with the insert 31 of the
lid and a recess 30 afforded by the top edge 49 of the frame
22.
[0068] The packet 1 described and illustrated has important
advantages.
[0069] Firstly, the locking means 27 ensure a firm closure of the
lid 12 on the container 10. Consequently, the lid will remain
securely in the closed position, even when the packet 1 is
subjected to sudden movements, so that the cigarettes are prevented
from escaping.
[0070] It will be seen also that the leaf 45, formed into the frame
22, gives increased strength to the container 10. As mentioned
above, in effect, the frame 22 extends along the axis X of the
container 10 for its full length.
[0071] Furthermore, the steps of securing the frame 22 to the
packet 1 are made advantageously simpler. With the addition of the
appendages 51, in effect, which are offered to the flaps 43, the
frame 22 can be positioned more accurately relative to the packet
1.
[0072] Finally, it will be appreciated that the longitudinal corner
edges, as mentioned previously, can be bevelled or sharp, or
alternatively (adopting the geometry of the cigarette packet
disclosed in patent application EP-A1-0764595, of which the content
is incorporated here by reference in its entirety to provide a full
description), the transverse corner edges can be non-rectilinear,
and rounded or bevelled; similarly, certain of the longitudinal
corner edges and certain of the transverse corner edges might be
non-rectilinear, resulting in a packet that presents both
longitudinal corner edges and transverse corner edges appearing
non-rectilinear and rounded or bevelled. In particular, with the
appropriate medications and adjustments needed for a triangular
design, the packet 1 might present the features of packets as
disclosed in WO-A1-2005/007537 and WO-A1-03/080473, of which the
content is incorporated here by reference in its entirety to
provide a full description. In other embodiments neither described
nor illustrated herein, the packet 1 might present the features of
a cigarette packet as disclosed in patent application EP-A1-1066206
(of which the content is incorporated here by reference in its
entirety to provide a full description); in this instance, the side
walls would be convexly profiled, presenting a flat central portion
flanked by two precreased and contoured lateral bands.
* * * * *