U.S. patent application number 12/284106 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-18 for tobacco product packaging for use therewith.
Invention is credited to Robert G. Dickie, Jack Morgan.
Application Number | 20100065449 12/284106 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42006264 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100065449 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Morgan; Jack ; et
al. |
March 18, 2010 |
Tobacco product packaging for use therewith
Abstract
A tobacco product container comprises an outer sleeve, a holder
slidable within the outer sleeve and having a first cavity and a
second cavity, the first cavity and the second cavity each having a
bottom wall and a first end wall, and wherein the first wall
extends intermediate the first and second cavities.
Inventors: |
Morgan; Jack; (Toronto,
CA) ; Dickie; Robert G.; (King City, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SAND & SEBOLT
AEGIS TOWER, SUITE 1100, 4940 MUNSON STREET, NW
CANTON
OH
44718-3615
US
|
Family ID: |
42006264 |
Appl. No.: |
12/284106 |
Filed: |
September 18, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/268 ;
206/256; 206/273; 206/274 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/48034 20130101;
B65D 5/38 20130101; B65D 85/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/268 ;
206/256; 206/273; 206/274 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/10 20060101
B65D085/10 |
Claims
1. A tobacco product container comprising: an outer sleeve; a
holder slidable within the outer sleeve and having a first cavity
and a second cavity; the first cavity and the second cavity each
having a bottom wall and a first end wall; and, wherein the first
wall extends intermediate the first and second cavities.
2. The tobacco product container as defined in claim 1 further
comprising a second end wall extending upwardly from each cavity
opposite the first end wall.
3. The tobacco product container as defined in claim 2 in which the
second end wall is carried by one of the holder and the outer
sleeve.
4. The tobacco product container as defined in claim 3 further
comprising a pair of sidewalls extending intermediate the first and
second end walls and in which the first and second end walls, the
sidewalls, and the bottom walls define each cavity
respectively.
5. The tobacco product container as defined in claim 2 in which the
first and second cavities are equal in size.
6. The tobacco product container as defined in claim 2 in which
each cavity is in the range of from 35 millimeters to 55
millimeters in length.
7. The tobacco product container of claim 6 further comprising a
plurality of cigarettes adapted to fit within the first or second
cavity.
8. The tobacco product container of claim 7 in which the plurality
of cigarettes each have a length in the range of from 35
millimeters to 55 millimeters in length.
9. The tobacco product container of claim 8 in which there are 20
cigarettes in each of the first and second cavities.
10. The tobacco product container of claim 1 wherein the holder is
formed from a single piece.
11. The tobacco product container of claim 2 wherein each of the
second end walls pivots to provide access to one of the
cavities.
12. The tobacco product container as defined in claim 11 in which
the outer sleeve further comprises a rectangular body having a
first end and a second end, and in which each of the first and
second ends define an access opening, and in which the body defines
an interior space whereby each access opening provides
accessibility to the interior space.
13. The tobacco product container as defined in claim 12 in which
the first and second ends are opposed, and in which the access
opening of the first end allows access to the first cavity of the
holder, and the access opening of the second end allows access to
the second cavity of the holder.
14. The tobacco product container as defined in claim 13 in which
one second end wall extends over the access opening of the first
end, and one second end wall extends over the access opening of the
second end.
15. The tobacco product container as defined in claim 14 in which
the second end walls are carried by the holder.
16. The tobacco product container defined in claim 14 in which the
second end walls are carried by the outer sleeve.
17. The tobacco product container of claim 1 wherein the outer
sleeve and the holder are composed of paperboard.
18. The tobacco product container of claim 1 wherein the first end
wall is a second piece secured to the holder.
19. The tobacco product container of claim 1 wherein the first end
wall is secured to the holder with an adhesive.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The invention relates generally to consumer product
containers. More particularly, the invention relates to tobacco or
cigarette containers. Specifically, the invention relates to
tobacco or cigarette containers with multiple openings to allow the
consumer to access twice as many cigarettes.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] Smoking tobacco dates back to at least Native Americans of
North and South America and maybe even further. Tobacco can be
inhaled in a variety of forms, including cigars, pipe, or
cigarettes. The pre-formed cigarette has become the most popular
form of tobacco due to its mild taste and ready-to-consume
packaging. In particular, with roll-your-own cigarettes and pipe
smoking, the consumer must pack loose tobacco in a pipe or rolling
papers. This then requires the consumer to carry a package of
rolling papers or a pipe, as well as a container of loose tobacco.
Thus the roll-your-own cigarettes and pipe are unpopular forms of
tobacco use because they are more time consuming to prepare and
cumbersome processes.
[0005] The pre-formed cigarette generally includes a tightly rolled
smoking paper with tobacco throughout the length of the paper. At
one end, a filter is installed and secured to the paper with an
adhesive. The other opposing end is left open and arranged to allow
the consumer to light the cigarette for smoking. The traditional
cigarette is approximately 90 to 100 mm (3.5 to 4 inches) in length
with the filter attached. Further, a cigarette pack traditionally
holds 20 cigarettes, each located within the pack with the filter
end facing upwards towards the pack opening.
[0006] Two types of cigarette packs predominate. The first is the
"flip top box", aptly named for the way the box opens. The flip top
box is generally rectangular and has a sealed bottom end and a
rotatable door at the opposing end. The rotatable door is
integrated into the box and receives the name "flip top" because
the top end of the box flips open to expose the filters of the
cigarettes. The second type of cigarette pack is the "slider box"
which includes an outer sleeve and a cigarette holder. The
cigarette holder is stored within the outer sleeve to protect the
cigarettes from damage and can be slid in either direction to
expose the cigarettes.
[0007] The health concerns of smoking have steadily increased as
the medical profession better understands the effects tobacco
consumption has on the body. A recent legislative push has been to
reduce passive or involuntary smoking, or inhalation of cigarette
smoke by someone who is not smoking, in public places. To this end,
laws in some of Canada and the United States, prohibits smoking in
public places as well as within 20 feet of an entrance to any
public place. Accordingly, smokers are required to go outside, at
least 20 feet from any entrance in order to smoke in some
communities. In very hot or cold environments, walking outside and
20 feet from any entrance to smoke means that the smoker may smoke
less than a full cigarette since the smoker is extremely hot or
cold.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention broadly comprises a tobacco product
container including an outer sleeve, a holder slidable within the
outer sleeve and having a first cavity and a second cavity, the
first cavity and the second cavity each having a bottom wall and a
first end wall, and wherein the first wall extends intermediate the
first and second cavities. A second end wall is carried by one of
the holder and the outer sleeve. A pair of sidewalls extending
intermediate the first and second end walls and in which the first
and second end walls, the sidewalls, and the bottom walls define
each cavity, respectively. Further, the first and second cavities
are equal in size and there are 20 cigarettes in each of the first
and second cavities. Each of the second end walls pivots to provide
access to one of the cavities.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrative of
the best modes in which Applicants have contemplated applying the
principles of the invention, are set forth in the following
description and are shown in the drawings.
[0010] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred
embodiment tobacco product container;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment
tobacco product holder with cigarettes;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment
tobacco product holder partially located within an outer
sleeve;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment
tobacco product container taken generally about line 4-4 in FIG.
3;
[0014] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of another preferred
embodiment tobacco product with the holder separated from the
housing;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment
tobacco product holder with cigarettes;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment
tobacco product with the holder and cigarettes located within the
housing;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another preferred
embodiment tobacco product container taken generally about line 8-8
in FIG. 7;
[0018] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred
embodiment tobacco product holder; and,
[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment
tobacco product holder with the central end wall adhesively secured
to the holder.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing
numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or
functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. While
the present invention is described with respect to what is
presently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is to be
understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the
disclosed aspects.
[0021] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although
any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those
described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the
invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now
described.
[0022] The tobacco product container of the present invention is
indicated generally at 10, as is particularly shown in FIGS. 1
through 10. As particularly shown in FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment
container 10 includes a holder 12 and an outer sleeve 14.
[0023] Holder 12 is preferably composed of a single piece of
paperboard and includes a first bottom wall 16 and a second bottom
wall 18. A first end wall 20 is connected to first bottom wall 16
and extends generally perpendicular from the first end wall, while
a second end wall 22 extends generally perpendicular from second
bottom wall 18. In an alternative embodiment first end wall 20 and
second end wall 22 are combined into a single piece, whereby a
first side of the end wall is directed towards and parallel to
first bottom wall 16 and a second side of the end wall is directed
towards and parallel to second bottom wall 18. Holder 12 has a
length L and a width W approximately equal to a traditional pack of
cigarettes. First end wall 20 and second end wall 22 preferably
connect at a top seam 23. In the alternative embodiment, the
combined end wall may be secured to the first and second bottom
walls with an adhesive, locking tab, or other suitable connection
arrangement as seen in FIGS. 9 and 10.
[0024] In accordance with one of the main features of the present
invention, first end wall 20 and second end wall 22 extend from the
first and second bottoms walls to divide holder 12 into a first
cavity 24 and a second cavity 26. First cavity 24 is further
defined by a side wall 28 and a side wall 30 extending generally
perpendicularly from first bottom wall 16. Side walls 28 and 30 may
be spaced apart from first end wall 20 and are separated by a third
end wall 32 which is pivotally secured to first bottom wall 16.
Third end wall 32 also has first tab 34 extending generally
perpendicular and towards first cavity 24 from the end of third end
wall 32 which is distal first bottom wall 16. Accordingly, first
cavity 24 is formed by the inner surfaces of first bottom wall 16,
first end wall 20, side walls 28 and 30, third end wall 32, and tab
34. Although side walls 28 and 30 are shown and described as being
spaced apart from first end wall 20 in a preferred embodiment, it
is within the spirit and scope of the present invention as claimed
for side walls 28 and 30 to extend the entire length of cavity
24.
[0025] Opposite first cavity 24 and first bottom wall 16 is second
cavity 26 and second bottom wall 18. Second cavity 26 is
structurally similar to first cavity 24 and includes a side wall 36
extending generally perpendicularly from second bottom wall 18 and
a side wall 38 extending generally perpendicularly from second
bottom wall 18. Side walls 36 and 38 also are preferably spaced
apart from second end wall 22, but may abut second end wall 22 if
desired. Pivotally secured to second bottom wall 18 at the end
distal second end wall 22 is a fourth end wall 40. At the upper
part of fourth end wall 40, a tab 42 is secured and directed inward
towards cavity 26. Fourth end wall 40 also functions to separate
side walls 36 and 38. Thus, second cavity 26 is formed by the inner
surfaces of second bottom wall 18, second end wall 22, side walls
36 and 38, fourth end wall 40, and tab 42.
[0026] Outer sleeve 14 includes an access opening 44 and an access
opening 46 on opposing ends. Access openings 44 and 46 are formed
by walls 48, 50, 52, and 54, each having the same length. In a
preferred embodiment, outer sleeve 14 is generally rectangular in
shape, however any suitable shape may be used so long as outer
sleeve 14 is complementarily shaped to receive holder 12. Further,
outer sleeve 14 must be slightly larger and longer than holder 12
to allow the holder to slide within the outer sleeve as well as
seal first cavity 24 and second cavity 26. Outer sleeve 14 is
preferably composed of a single piece of paperboard which is formed
and secured with a layer of adhesive at the point where the free
ends are joined (not shown).
[0027] Averting to FIG. 2, holder 12 is shown with a plurality of
cigarettes 56 located within first cavity 24 and second cavity 26.
Cigarettes 56 are generally shorter in length than traditional
cigarettes and preferably approximately 35-55 millimeters in
length. Accordingly, first cavity 24 and second cavity 26 are
slightly longer than cigarettes 56 so that the cigarettes are
completely contained within their respective cavity. While the
present invention is described with reference to cigarettes, any
similarly situated tobacco product can be used, including but not
limited to, cigars, cigarillos, and hand rolled cigarettes.
[0028] Having described the structure of the preferred embodiment,
a preferred method of operation will be described in detail and
should be read in light of FIGS. 1 though 4. The first and second
cavities are interposed by end walls 20 and 22 to provide two
distinctly separate cavities for storing cigarettes 56. First
cavity 24 and second cavity 26 are supplied with cigarettes 56
disposed such that the filter, if applicable, of each cigarette is
directed towards third end wall 32 or fourth end wall 40. In
particular, the filters of cigarettes within first cavity 24 are
directed towards third end wall 32, while the filters of cigarettes
within second cavity 26 are directed towards fourth end wall
40.
[0029] When holder 12 is located completely within outer sleeve 14,
only third end wall 32 and fourth end wall 40 of holder 12 are
visible. To remove a cigarette, the user presses either third end
wall 32 or fourth end wall 40 to expose cigarettes 56.
Specifically, in order to expose cigarettes located in first cavity
24, the purchaser will push fourth end wall 40 so that first cavity
24 extends beyond access opening 46 and tab 34 and third end wall
32 can be pivoted downward and away from the cigarettes. In a
similar fashion, in order to expose cigarettes located in second
cavity 26, the purchaser will push third end wall 32 so that second
cavity 26 extends beyond access opening 44 and tab 42 and fourth
end wall 40 can be pivoted downward and away from the cigarettes.
To close the tobacco product container, the user simply pivots the
appropriate end wall back to the original position and pushes the
opposite end wall, be it third end wall 32 or fourth end wall 40
until both first cavity 24 and second cavity 26 are completely
surrounded by outer sleeve 14.
[0030] Having now described the structure and operation of the
first embodiment, only those portions of the remaining embodiment
which are different from the first embodiment are described in
detail. Likewise, similar numerals refer to similar parts
throughout the various embodiments.
[0031] In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention
shown specifically in FIGS. 5 through 10, a tobacco product
container 60 includes a holder 62 and a housing 64.
[0032] Holder 62 includes a first bottom wall 66 and a second
bottom wall 68. Holder 62 has a length L and a width W
approximately equal to a traditional pack of cigarettes. A central
end wall 70 is disposed across the width of holder 62 and at the
middle of length L. In a preferred embodiment, central end wall 70
includes a first end wall 72 and a second end wall 74 proximate one
another. The first end wall extends generally perpendicular from
first bottom wall 66, while the second end wall extends generally
perpendicular from second bottom wall 68.
[0033] In accordance with another main feature of the present
invention, housing 64 includes a body 76 with a cavity 86 defined
by an inner surface of walls 78, 80, 82, and 84. At one end of
housing 64 is an access opening 88 and at the opposite end of
housing 64 is an access opening 90. Access openings 88 and 90 are
preferably slash cut to provide the purchaser easy access to all of
the cigarettes with minimal effort. For example, the slash cut
design allows removal of the front cigarettes when the container is
initially opened, which would otherwise be difficult due to the
tight packing of cigarettes within the cavity.
[0034] Access opening 88 is enclosed by a first lid 92. First lid
92 is pivotally connected to wall 84 and encloses one end of cavity
86 when first lid 92 is rotated to the closed position. First lid
92 includes side walls 94, 96, 98, and 100, as well as a top wall
102. In particular, first lid 92 is pivotally connected to wall 84
at side wall 98, while top wall 102 is connected to each of side
walls 94, 96, 98, and 100. Side walls 94, 96, and 100 each also
have an inner portion which slidingly engages with sealing walls
104, 106, and 108 respectively. In this arrangement, the sliding
engagement of the inner portions with the sealing walls
frictionally engages the side walls and the first lid to prevent
the first lid from accidentally opening, as well as keeping the
cigarettes fresh.
[0035] A second lid 110 is located on the end of housing 64 that is
opposite both first lid 92 and access opening 88. Second lid 110
functions identical to first lid 92. In a preferred embodiment,
second lid 110 is also pivotally connected to wall 84 and slidingly
engages with sealing walls 112, 114, and 116 similar to sliding
walls 104, 106, and 108 as previously detailed. In an alternative
embodiment, first lid 92 or second lid 110 may be pivotally
connected to wall 78, wall 80, or wall 82 to provide a lid which
rotates in a different direction.
[0036] Averting to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, holder 62 is shown with
cigarettes 118 resting on first bottom wall 66 and second bottom
wall 68 and separated by central end wall 70. Further, when holder
62 is located within housing 64, central end wall 70 functions as a
divider, creating a first cavity 120 and a second cavity 122. Since
central wall 70 effectively separates the tobacco product container
into multiple cavities which can only be opened from their own
respective lid (first lid 92 or second lid 110), the present
invention provides two tobacco product containers in the size of a
traditional cigarette pack. Similar to the first preferred
embodiment, first cavity 120 and second cavity 122 are supplied
with cigarettes 118 disposed such that the filter, if applicable,
of each cigarette is directed towards first lid 92 or second lid
110. In particular, the filters of cigarettes within first cavity
120 are directed towards first lid 92, while the filters of
cigarettes within second cavity 122 are directed towards second lid
110.
[0037] Averting to FIG. 9, holder 62 is shown separated from
central end wall 70. While in FIG. 10, central end wall 70 is seen
secured to holder 62 with an adhesive 71 on both sides of central
end wall 70. Adhesive is either placed on holder 62 and the central
end wall is located on the holder, or adhesive is placed on central
end wall 70 and the central end wall is located on holder 62. Thus,
the central end wall 70 and the two cavities are at least partially
formed by two pieces, the central end wall and holder 62.
[0038] The length and width of both embodiments are generally equal
to a traditional cigarette pack. Therefore the purchaser will be
familiar with the size and shape, but will receive twice as many
cigarettes which are approximately half the length of a traditional
cigarette. Thus, traditional vending machines and sales displays
may be used without modification. Due to the smaller size, the
consumer will inhale less nicotine and tar. Further, the shorter
length will allow the consumer to quickly smoke a cigarette outside
without wasting the unused portion due to being excessively hot or
cold.
[0039] Accordingly, the tobacco product container is an effective,
safe, inexpensive, and efficient device that achieves all the
enumerated objectives of the invention, provides for eliminating
difficulties encountered with prior art devices, systems, and
methods, and solves problems and obtains new results in the
art.
[0040] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clearness, and understanding; but no unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of
the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes
and are intended to be broadly construed.
[0041] Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention
is by way of example, and the scope of the invention is not limited
to the exact details shown or described.
[0042] Having now described the features, discoveries, and
principles of the invention, the manner in which the tobacco
product container is constructed and used, the characteristics of
the construction, and the advantageous new and useful results
obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements,
arrangement, parts, and combinations are set forth in the appended
claims.
* * * * *