Hinge Lid Package

Abstract

The present invention pertains to hinge lid packages, for example cigarette packages, with features that reduce the force required to open and close the package, keep the lid tightly closed when not in use and/or improve the luxurious feel of the package during opening and closing, in comparison to similar packages that do not include these features.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention pertains to the field of hinge lid packages and to blanks for making such packages. In particular, the present invention pertains to a hinge lid package with good opening and closing capabilities.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In the past, considerable effort has been invested in producing cigarette packages that are lightweight, easy to open and close and which are aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

[0003] Conventional hinge lid cigarette packages are well known in the art and are usually produced from a either a single blank or two blanks as outlined in U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,600, U.S. Pat. No. 5,586,648 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,553,773 and constructed of paperboard substrate which may be coated with a fluidized mixture of finely particulated minerals and binders resulting in a smooth luxurious appearance.

[0004] There are several problems that occur with extended use of prior art hinge lid cigarette packages. Such problems include damage to the paper-board material as a result of repeated openings and closings of the package lid and "smiling" which is defined in the art as a "popping open" or slight separation of the lid away from a fully closed position. Smiling is generally observed as soon as the outer wrapping is removed from the package and will increase following the initial opening of the package. The degree to which smiling occurs usually increases with extended use of the package.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,600 attempts to solve the problem of "smiling" by providing a container comprising a round-corner body and lid wherein the lid is hingedly attached to the body along a curved perimeter. However, although the curved hinge lid reduces the occurrence of "smiling" the package becomes difficult to open and close due to the curvature of the lid perimeter.

[0006] Similarly, others, for example as described in German patent DE 39 26 621 A1, have attempted to overcome this problem by increasing the pivot point height of the hinge to above the intersection point of the rear lid panel and rear box panel. However, as with U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,600, the force required to open and close the lid of such a cigarette package as disclosed in DE 39 26 621 A1 is much greater than for other types of prior art cigarette packages. This results in damage to the cigarette package itself, for example ripping and tearing, as well as damage to the contents (cigarettes) housed within the package.

[0007] Another problem associated with prior art cigarette packages is that they can be difficult to open, and excessive force is often required to open the package lid either because there is internal interference, or the lid distorts sideways from its closing position when opened. Further, prior art cigarette package lids routinely "hang-up" or become snagged by interfering or catching on the inner frame or collar when being opened.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 3,874,581 discloses inclined slits that are provided at the ends of the hinge line to facilitate easier opening of the lid. Attempts have been made to facilitate hinge lid cigarette packages that are easier to open and which remain completely closed when not in use.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,553,773 discloses a blank having collar side tabs angled off to an oblique edge which, when assembled, are intended to ensure easy opening and closing of the lid. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,586,648 discloses a package made from a blank with collar side tabs designed with special contours such that recesses are formed that result in inner side webs with less height, in an attempt to simplify the extraction of the cigarettes and reduce interference between the collar and lid when opening the cigarette package.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,586,648 discloses the use of material webs formed by punching perforations in corresponding regions between the front wall of the main blank and the inner lid of the collar or inner frame blank. Although these material webs retain the lid in a tightly closed position, once these webs are broken upon the initial opening of the hinge lid of the package it becomes difficult to properly close the lid. In order to close the hinge lid a user must ensure that each web tab properly aligns with its corresponding web cavity before closing the lid. Not only is this a difficult and arduous task, but if used incorrectly this configuration prevents proper full closure of the lid onto the box part or main frame of the cigarette package.

[0011] GB 2 151 212 discloses that an inclination of the side and front edges of the blank facilitates closure of the packet by the effective removal of the front upper corners of the collar which would otherwise engage the reinforcing panel during closure. In addition to this type of package it is also known to employ an inner frame that is tapered, in that it grows larger as you move toward the top of the pack as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,392,905. However, the ever-widening shoulder of this type of package although functional, is not aesthetically appealing which is a major consideration in the field of tobacco packaging.

[0012] There remains a need, therefore for cigarette packages having improved opening and closing capabilities that require reduced force to open and which prevent "smiling" of the package during use. In addition, these packages must remain tightly closed when stored as well as maintain a luxurious feel and an aesthetically appealing appearance throughout the lifetime of the product.

[0013] This background information is provided for the purpose of making known information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide a hinge lid package, for example a cigarette package, that requires less force to open and close than conventional hinge lid packages while preventing the occurrence of package "smiling". In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hinge lid package with an improved opening and closing mechanism comprising a cam assembly as illustrated in FIG. 4 which facilitates a reduction in the force required to open and close the lid of the hinge lid cigarette package.

[0015] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a package having a hinge lid assembly, a cam resting in the interior portion of the lid, and a set of latching tabs comprising an unconventionally modified profile that provides a smooth and progressive frictional engagement with the cam assembly within the lid of the main package frame and that co-operate to provide a cigarette package having a lid with improved opening and closing properties.

[0016] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hinge lid package comprising a cam resting in the interior portion of the lid, and a set of latching tabs comprising a modified profile that provides a smooth and progressive frictional engagement with the cam assembly within the lid of the main package frame and a modified raised hinge lid pivot point that co-operate to provide a cigarette package having a lid with improved opening and closing properties.

[0017] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a hinge lid package having a cam assembly frictionally engageable with an modified latching tab profile, a modified inner frame profile and a raised hinge lid pivot point that provides a hinge lid cigarette package that requires significantly less force to open and close, decreases the occurrences of package "smiling" and has a luxurious feel and elegant appearance.

[0018] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a package comprising: (a) a box part having a pair of opposed front and rear panels, a pair of opposed side panels and a bottom panel; (b) a lid having a pair of opposed front and rear panels, a pair of opposed side panels and a top panel, said lid being pivotally moveable between an open and a closed position about a hinge connection defined by a pivot axis along a fold between the rear panels of said lid and box part and being substantially parallel to said top and bottom panels; (c) an inner frame closely received in and having a portion projecting upwardly from said box part, said inner frame having a front panel and a pair of opposed side panels each connected to an opposite end of the front panel along a fold line substantially parallel to said side panels, said projecting portion being closely received by said lid when in the closed position; (d) a pair of latching tabs, each latching tab extending outwardly from one of said fold lines of said inner frame and having a forward facing surface and a rearward facing surface; and (e) a pair of cam panels, each cam panel being secured to the inside of each lid side panel and having a forward facing edge in closely spaced relation to the inside of said front panel, or a corresponding ridge formed between each of the side panels and said front panel, and defining a latching tab retaining zone therebetween, whereby when said lid is moved from said open position to said closed position, said latching tabs are closely received and wedged within said corresponding latching tab retaining zones.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0019] The invention is illustrated in particular by reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a prior art hinge lid cigarette package.

[0021] FIG. 2A is a plan view of a blank for a prior art hinge lid cigarette package and FIG. 2B is a plan view of a standard inner frame in an unfolded configuration.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a hinge lid cigarette package comprising a lid side panel having a non-engaging curved profile.

[0023] FIG. 4A is a perspective view a hinge lid cigarette package according to one embodiment of the present invention comprising a cam panel. FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of the cam panel.

[0024] FIG. 5 depicts a cross-sectional view of the lid of the package depicted in FIG. 4, which is in a fully closed configuration. The enlarged view depicts the position of a latching tab and its corresponding cam panel in relation to the lid and inner frame of the fully closed package.

[0025] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a cam panel according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which the region between the dashed lines is the wedging zone and the inclination angle is shown.

[0026] FIG. 7 illustrates the relative positions of a cam panel, having a non-functional inclination angle of greater than 45.degree., a latching tab and the lid inside front panel when the lid is in a partially closed position.

[0027] FIG. 8 illustrates the relative positions of a cam panel, having a non-functional inclination angle of greater than 45.degree., a latching tab and the lid inside front panel when the lid is in a fully closed position.

[0028] FIG. 9 illustrates the relative positions of a cam panel, having a non-functional inclination angle of less than 15.degree., a latching tab and the lid inside front panel when the lid is in a partially closed position.

[0029] FIG. 10 illustrates the relative positions of a cam panel, having a non-functional inclination angle of less than 15.degree., a latching tab and the lid inside front panel when the lid is in a fully closed position.

[0030] FIG. 11 illustrates the relative positions of a cam panel, having a functional inclination angle of approximately 33.8.degree., a latching tab and the lid inside front panel when the lid is in a partially closed position.

[0031] FIG. 12 illustrates the relative positions of a cam panel, having a functional inclination angle of approximately 33.8.degree., a latching tab and the lid inside front panel when the lid is in a fully closed position.

[0032] FIG. 13 illustrates the relative positions of a cam panel, having a functional inclination angle, a latching tab and the lid inside front panel when the lid is in a partially closed position. The dashed lines represent the zero interference latching tab trajectories of a damaged, or not fully deployed latching tab and an undamaged, fully deployed latching tab. Also shown in FIG. 13 is the position of the wedging zone with respect to the upper and lower limits of the assembly play.

[0033] FIG. 14A is a perspective view a hinge lid cigarette package according to one embodiment of the present invention comprising a cam panel with a recessed cavity. FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of the cam panel.

[0034] FIG. 15 illustrates an inner frame comprising a modified latching tab according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a latching tab according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a latching tab according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIGS. 18A and 18B depict latching tabs having a non-functional contact angle and a functional contact angle, respectively.

[0038] FIG. 19A is a front view of a fully closed package comprising a modified latching tab according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19B is an enlarged view of the latching tab showing its position relative to the cam panel and lid side panel of the package.

[0039] FIG. 20A shows a modified inner frame according to one embodiment of the present invention in the folded configuration maintained within box part 10. FIG. 20B depicts the same inner frame in its unfolded configuration. The dashed lines represent the shape of a standard inner frame.

[0040] FIG. 21 shows a modified inner frame according to one embodiment of the present invention in the its unfolded configuration. The dashed lines represent the shape of a standard inner frame.

[0041] FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of the bevelled front corners of a modified inner frame according to one embodiment of the present invention. The dashed lines depict examples of different front corner profiles that can be incorporated into the modified inner frame of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 23 is a perspective rear view of a hinge lid cigarette package according to one embodiment of the present invention having a raised lid pivot axis position.

[0043] FIG. 24 is a side view of a package having a raised pivot axis and a modified inner frame according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the package is in a partially closed position.

[0044] FIG. 25 is a side view of a package having a raised pivot axis and a standard inner frame, wherein the package is in a partially closed position.

[0045] FIG. 26 is a side view of a package having a standard pivot axis position and a modified inner frame according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the package is in a partially closed position.

[0046] FIG. 27 is a side view of a standard package having a standard pivot axis position and a standard inner frame, wherein the package is in a partially closed position.

[0047] FIG. 28 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a hinge lid cigarette package according to the present invention, which comprises cam panels, modified latching tabs and a standard inner frame.

[0048] FIG. 29 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a hinge lid cigarette package of the present invention, which comprises cam panels, modified latching tabs and a modified inner frame.

[0049] FIG. 30 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a hinge lid cigarette package of the present invention, which comprises cam panels, modified latching tabs, a modified inner frame and a raised pivot axis.

[0050] FIG. 31 depicts a blank for manufacture of the box part of the package depicted in FIG. 30.

[0051] FIGS. 32A and 32B illustrate a standard "drop test" procedure used to measure the amount of "smiling" (the opening gap) between the lid and the main body of various hinge lid cigarette packages. FIG. 32A demonstrates the first step of the "drop test" wherein the test package is dropped from a height of 100 mm. FIG. 32B shows how the opening gap is measured using a ruler.

[0052] FIG. 33(A-C) illustrate the series of steps used to measure the force required to open (opening force) using a standard "PCA score bend tester". FIG. 33A illustrates the first step of placing the cigarette package on holder and attaching the lid clamp to the lid of the cigarette package. FIG. 33B illustrates the second step of attaching the lid clamp chain to the "PCA score bend tester". FIG. 33C illustrates the final step of activating of the "PCA score bend tester" and measuring the force required to open the lid as recorded on the scale.

[0053] FIG. 34 is a graphical representation of the results of a "drop test" showing the degree of "smiling" versus the number of times the test packages were opened. This graph includes results obtained from a control (commercial hinge lid cigarette packages) and from various improved hinge lid cigarette packages of the present invention.

[0054] FIG. 35 is a graphical representation of the results of a test to determine the degree of opening force required to open a control package and three improved hinge lid cigarette packages according to specific embodiments of the present invention.

[0055] FIG. 36 depicts various latching tab and inner frame configurations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0056] The numbers in bold face type serve to identify the component parts that are described and referred to in relation to the drawings depicting various embodiments of the invention. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

[0057] The present invention provides a hinge lid cigarette package that requires less force to open and close than conventional hinge lid cigarette packages and significantly reduces the occurrence of package "smiling".

[0058] The hinge lid package (hereinafter referred to as "package") of the instant invention comprises some of the features of a standard flip top cigarette package, for example those found in the package of U.S. Pat. No. 5,392,905. With reference to FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, which depict a conventional hinge lid cigarette package and the blanks used to form such a package, the features of a standard flip top cigarette package include a main frame or box part 10, and a lid 20. A cigarette group can be wrapped in an inner wrap of paper, tin-foil, or the like, and thus forms a cigarette bundle 11, an example of the intended contents of the package. Box part 10 comprises a box front panel 30, a box rear panel 32 (FIG. 2A), and a box bottom panel 34 (FIG. 2A). The sides of box part 10 (only one side shown in FIG. 1) are formed from mutually overlapping side frame panels 40 and 44 (FIG. 2A), which can be connected to one another by adhesive bonding. The side frame panels 40 and 44 can partially or fully overlap one another when the box sides are formed.

[0059] Analogous to the box part 10, the lid 20 comprises a lid front panel 50, a lid rear panel 52 (FIG. 2A), and a lid top panel 60. The lid sides (only one of the lid sides is shown in FIG. 1) are formed from mutually overlapping lid side frame panels 70 and 72 (FIG. 2A), which can be adhesively bonded to one another. Lid side frame panels 70 and 72 can partially or fully overlap one another when the lid sides are formed. Lid 20 additionally comprises lid inside front panel 54, which is folded under lid front panel 50 and can be adhesively attached to front lid panel 50 to add strength to the lid 20, and lid frame panels 74, which are folded under and secured to the lid top panel 60.

[0060] Box part 10 and lid 20 are pivotally connected to one another along a fold line at which box rear panel 32 meets lid rear panel 52. The fold line forms pivot axis 102, one end of which is identified by the arrow in FIG. 1, about which lid 20 pivots upon opening and closing of the package. With reference to FIG. 2A, short inclined slits 106, may be provided at the ends of pivot axis 102, to facilitate opening of lid 20 by allowing flexibility of lid 20 and to compensate for interference during opening and closing.

[0061] A further constituent part of most conventional flip top cigarette packages is inner frame 80, or collar, which comprises inner frame front wall 90, having top front corners 92, and inner frame side walls 100 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 1) each having a top edge 104. When assembled into the package, inner frame 80 is seated within box part 10 such that a lower region of inner frame 80 is fixed on the inner side of box front panel 30 and/or box side panels 44, optionally by adhesive bonding. The region of inner frame 80, that projects above box part 10, is surrounded by lid 20 when the package is in the closed position. Inner frame front panel 90, on the one hand, and inner frame side walls 100, on the other hand, are folded about perforation lines 130 (FIG. 2B). The inner frame 80 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2B additionally comprises two latching tabs 140 extending outwardly from along a portion of each of perforation lines 130. When the package is in the closed position, latching tabs 140 frictionally engage the inner side of lid side frame panels 70 and 72.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 2B, latching tabs 140 can be integrally formed from inner frame 80 as a result of cuts made in the inner frame blank. In this case each latching tab edge is defined by a cut line in inner frame side walls 100 that intersects perforation lines 130 at upper intersection points 142 and lower intersection points 144. Alternatively, latching tabs 140 are secured to inner frame 80, for example, using an appropriate adhesive.

[0063] In the closed configuration, box part 10 and lid 20 abut one another at the box front top edge 36 and box side edges 38 (only one side edge shown in FIG. 1) of box part 10 and lid bottom edge 56 and lid side edges 58 (only one side edge shown in FIG. 1) of lid 20. Side edges 38 of box part 10 may be inclined to slope towards box front panel 30. In this case, lid side edges 58 are correspondingly sloped to form a diagonal running from pivot axis 102 to lid bottom edge 56 of lid front panel 50.

[0064] Box part 10 and lid 20 of the conventional cigarette package depicted in FIG. 1 are formed from a single blank. Further, the package that includes inner frame 80 can be made from one blank plus an inner frame or, alternatively, from a single blank, which incorporates the inner frame and the box blank, as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 3,874,581. Package blank 110 depicted in FIG. 2A is used to form box part 10 and lid 20 whereas inner frame blank 120 depicted in FIG. 2B is used to form inner frame 80.

[0065] The package of the present invention contains the features of the conventional cigarette package described above and it additionally contains features that are not found in conventional cigarette packages. The additional features maximise the degree to which a package according to the present invention remains closed when not in use and, at the same time, minimise the force required to open the package to obtain one or more units contained within the package.

[0066] The additional features that act individually or collectively to achieve these desired results include: latching tabs projecting outwardly from the inner frame; cam panels in place of inside lid side frame panels 72 of the conventional package, each having a cam shape that engages a corresponding latching tab during the closing of the lid to maintain the package in the closed position; a modified inner frame profile; and a raised lid pivot axis or hinge.

Cam Panel

[0067] FIG. 3 depicts a configuration of a lid side panel 170 having a non-engaging curved profile 180. The radius and position of curved profile 180 were selected to ensure that there was no interference with latching tab 140 during the opening and closing action of lid 20. Although, this configuration minimised the damage of latching tab 140 and the propensity for lid 20 to "hang-up" during the opening action of lid 20, it has been found that this configuration does not exhibit an improvement in the degree of "smiling" in comparison to analogous packages comprising standard inside lid side panels 72.

[0068] It has now been found that, in place of the non-engaging curved profile, a lid side panel modified to include an angled camming portion to engage latching tab 140, which latching tab acts as a cam follower, both minimises damage to latching tab 140 and the propensity for lid 20 to "hang-up" during the opening action of lid 20. In addition, packages comprising such a cam panel exhibit an improvement in the degree of "smiling" observed in comparison to analogous packages comprising standard inside lid side panels 72.

[0069] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a package that includes two cam panels in the interior of the lid for engaging two corresponding latching tabs on the inner frame. Said cam panels provide a smooth and progressive lid locking action. The cam panel profile can vary in shape, as described herein, and functions to engage the corresponding latching tab to provide smooth opening and closing action of the lid while minimising the force required to open the lid, occurrences of smiling, and unintentional opening of the package lid.

[0070] As depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B, according to one embodiment the improved package of the present invention comprises cam panels 150 having a profile adapted to engage the latching tabs 140 on the inner frame 80.

[0071] During package closing, cam panels 150 act to guide, progressively engage and, ultimately, wedge the latching tabs 140 at the wedging zones of cam panels 150. FIG. 5A is a cross-section view through lid 20 of a package comprising cam panel 150. As depicted in the detail shown in FIG. 5B, when the package is closed each cam panel 150 acts to wedge the corresponding latching tab 140 between the camming edge 160 of the cam panel 150 and ridge 78 formed by crease line 76 defining the corner formed by lid front panel 50 and lid side panel 70. In particular, latching tab 140 is wedged such that the rear face of the latching tab is in direct contact with the forward facing camming edge 160 of a cam panel 150 and the front face of the latching tab is in direct contact with ridge 78. This wedging action maintains the package in the closed position until an external force is applied to open the lid 20. The region defined by ridge 78 and camming edge 160 can be referred to as a latch retaining zone.

[0072] In an alternative embodiment there is no ridge 78 at the corner formed by lid front panel 50 and lid side panel 70, for example, if crease line 76 is replaced by a score line. In this embodiment, the latching tab retaining zone is defined by the inside face of lid front panel 50 and camming edge 160.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, six specific segments define the profile of the camming edge 160 of cam panel 150. These segments are identified by profile points A, B, C, D, E, F and G in FIGS. 4B and 6. The dashed line identified by the arrow in FIG. 4B represents the trajectory of an undamaged, fully deployed latching tab, in relation to the cam panel, during opening and closing of the package. The trajectory shown in FIG. 4B, which represents a theoretical zero interference line, defines the path that would be taken by the latching tab during opening and closing of the package, if there was no interference between the latching tab and the cam panel and ridge 78 or the inside face of lid front panel 50 of lid 20.

[0074] As used herein in relation to latching tabs, "deployed" refers to the operable position of the latching tab. When initially formed by the packer the latching tab may not be fully deployed, but rather in an inoperable position wherein the tab is not outwardly projecting from the inner frame. During use, operation of cam panel 150 acts to move an undeployed latching tab into an operable, deployed state.

[0075] The cam panel of the present invention has an angled profile defined by a first linear segment along the axis defined by points A and B and a second linear segment along the axis defined by points F and G. In order to act effectively, it has been found that the angle between the first and second linear segment (hereinafter the "inclination angle"), as shown in FIG. 6, should be greater than about 15.degree. and less than about 45.degree..

[0076] FIG. 7 illustrates a cam panel 152 having a camming edge 162 comprising an inclination angle of 45.degree., which is beyond the maximum effective angle, in a partially closed lid 20 of a cigarette package. FIG. 8 depicts the same package, in which lid 20 is in the fully closed position. In particular, FIGS. 7 and 8 depict cam panel 152, which has an inclination angle that is too large, or abrupt, to allow the latching tab to function as a cam follower along the cam profile. The dashed lines in FIGS. 7 and 8 represent the trajectory of an undamaged, fully deployed latching tab and, again, define the path that would be taken by the latching tab during opening and closing of the package if there were no interference between the latching tab and the cam panel and ridge 78 or the inside face of lid front panel 50. The use of an inclination angle of 45.degree. or greater does not generally result in a cam panel that facilitates a balance between an improved ease of opening of the package with minimal damage to the latching tabs and a reduced occurrence of smiling.

[0077] At an inclination angle of greater than about 45.degree., it was found that the latching tab will not properly engage the cam panel during the closing action of lid 20 and will not act as a cam follower. Instead, the latching tab will override the cam panel, by moving along the inside facing surface of the cam panel. This results in damage of the latching tab, for example, by delamination in the case of a latching tab constructed from paperboard. As depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8, when the inclination angle is at 45.degree. the latching tab is not able to engage the cam panel effectively and moves along the inside facing surface of the cam panel rather than along the cam profile edge.

[0078] FIG. 9 illustrates a cam panel having a cam panel 154 having a camming edge 164 comprising an inclination angle of 15.degree., which is beyond the minimum effective angle, in a partially closed lid 20 of a cigarette package. FIG. 10 depicts the same package as in FIG. 9, in which lid 20 is in the fully closed position. The dashed lines in FIGS. 9 and 10 represent the trajectory of an undamaged, fully deployed latching tab and, again, define the path that would be taken by the latching tab during opening and closing of the package if there were no interference between the latching tab and the cam panel and front inside panel 54. The use of an inclination angle of 15.degree. or less does not generally result in a cam panel that facilitates a balance between an improved ease of opening of the package with minimal damage to the latching tabs and a reduced occurrence of smiling.

[0079] An inclination angle of 15.degree. or less generally was found to result in a cam panel that does not exert sufficient pressure on the latching tab during opening and closing of lid 20 to increase the friction between latching tab 140 and the inside face of lid front panel 50 and to wedge latching tab 140 between the ridge 78 or the inside face of lid front panel 50.

[0080] Generally an inclination angle of greater than 15.degree. and less than 45.degree., or more preferably between 20.degree. and 40.degree., has been found to be suitable. FIGS. 11 and 12 depict cam panel 150 according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which the inclination angle is at or near 33.8.degree.. FIG. 11 illustrates the relative positions of cam panel 150, latching tab 140 and ridge 78 of the package when it is in a partially closed position. FIG. 12 illustrates the relative positions of cam panel 150, latching tab 140 and lid inside front panel 54 of the package when it is in a fully closed position. The dashed lines in FIGS. 11 and 12 represent the trajectory 167 of an undamaged, fully deployed latching tab and, again, define the path that would be taken by the latching tab during opening and closing of the package if there were no interference between the latching tab and the cam panel and front inside panel 54.

[0081] As demonstrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 cam panel 150 having an inclination angle of 33.8.degree. is effective in frictionally engaging and wedging the corresponding latching tab. This observation has been made using computer drawings and using packages prepared with a transparent window in place of lid side panel 70, which permits the observation of the actual latching tab trajectory during opening and closing of lid 20. The actual positions of latching tab 140 in a partially closed package and a fully closed package are depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12, respectively.

[0082] In selecting the dimensions of the cam panel it is important to consider the situation in which the latching tab is damaged or is not fully deployed. In order to ensure that the latching tab will be able to engage the cam panel, the position of the cam panel is determined on the basis of the theoretical zero interference trajectory 167 of a damaged or not fully deployed latching tab. FIG. 13 illustrates trajectory 167 of an undamaged, fully deployed latching tab in comparison to trajectory 168 of a damaged or not fully deployed latching tab. Each trajectory, again, defines the path taken by the respective latching tab during opening and closing of the package when there is no interference between the latching tab and the cam panel and ridge 78 or the inside face of lid front panel 50.

[0083] Profile point A of a cam panel according to the present invention is located inside the latching tab trajectory 168 defined for a latching tab that is not fully deployed or is damaged. Cam profile segments AB and BC clear the inner frame latching tab during the opening and closing action of the lid and minimise damage of the latching tab and the propensity for lid 20 to "hang-up" or snag during the opening action of lid 20. In addition, during the closing action, the cam profile segment BC is positioned and angled to straighten the inner frame latching tab if it is damaged or not fully cut and/or properly deployed, for example, by the cigarette packer during packaging.

[0084] During closing action, the cam profile segment CD progressively lifts the inner frame latching tab and progressively creates friction and interference with cam panel edge 160 and ridge 78 or the inside face of lid front panel 50. In response, the latching tab partially bends toward ridge 78 or the inside face of lid front panel 50 (See, for example, FIG. 13). Thus, segment CD comprising a latching tab lifting zone. Segment CD also comprises a zone at which the maximum interference with the latching tab occurs.

[0085] Segment CD is defined by an arc extending from point C to point D. The radius of the arc extending from point C to point D is determined, in part, by the limitations of the equipment used to manufacture and cut the blanks used to make the package. The smaller the radius, the larger the wedging zone (i.e., segment DE), however, a small radius is also more difficult to tool. In designing a cam panel according to the present invention, the radius of the arc defined by points C and D is selected by taking into consideration (i) the need to maximise the size of the wedging zone; (ii) the limits of the equipment used to manufacture and cut the blanks; and (iii) the material used to manufacture the cam panels and the latching tabs. The type of material is an important consideration since the amount of damage (e.g., delamination) caused to the latching tabs and cam panels during use will vary depending on the thickness and rigidity of the material.

[0086] Cam profile segment CD is also positioned to compensate for the lower limit of the inner frame 80 vertical position play. When the package is assembled by a packer, the inner frame is incorporated within box part 10 as described above. The position of the inner frame 80 relative to box front top edge 36 of box front panel 30 can vary within an upper and lower design limit. This variation is referred to as the vertical position play of the inner frame. The lower limit of the inner frame 80 vertical position play is the lowest position of inner frame 80 relative to box front top edge 36 of box front panel 30 that can be tolerated. Segment CD must be positioned such that it properly interferes with the latching tab, even when the inner frame is at the lowest allowable position.

[0087] As described in more detail below, the latching tabs are an integral part of, or are secured to, the inner frame. Thus, the vertical position of the latching tabs relative to box front top edges 36 is dependent on the position of the inner frame within box part 10. The existing variation in the design, available settings and speed of the packing machinery used to assemble a package according to the present invention determines the magnitude of the vertical position play of the inner frame and, consequently, the latching tabs. It is important to evaluate the amount of vertical position play (e.g., by observation, measurement of packages produced at different packer speeds, etc.) in order to properly position cam profile segment CD to ensure that it is able to interfere with the latching tab when the inner frame is at the lowest position within the observed or measured vertical position play.

[0088] Cam profile segment DE is referred to as the "wedging zone" and wedges the latching tab between camming edge 160 and ridge 78, or the inside face of lid front panel 50, when lid 20 is in a closed position, thereby minimising the occurrence of "smiling". The wedging zone can comprise a straight edge or a curved edge. In the case of a cam profile segment DE that is curved outwardly, the maximum distance of the edge of the curve from the straight line between point D and point E is approximately equivalent to the three times the thickness of the material used in the construction of the latching tab. In the case of a cam profile segment DE that is curved inwardly, the maximum distance of the edge of the curve from the straight line between point D and point E is approximately equivalent to the thickness of the material used in the construction of the latching tab. As would be readily appreciated by a worker skilled in the art, the actual dimensions of the inward or outward curve in relation to the straight line between point D and point E is partially dependent on the rigidity of the material used to construct the latching tabs. This is especially important in the case of an inwardly curved segment DE.

[0089] An inwardly curved segment DE can be designed to create a recessed cavity that engages the latching tab upon closing of the lid. An outwardly curved segment DE can be used in order to increase the degree of wedging of the latching tab that the cam panel is capable of in comparison to that of a straight segment DE.

[0090] As illustrated in FIG. 13, cam profile segment DE also compensates for the upper limit of the inner frame 80 vertical position play that may occur during assembly of the package and, thereby, maintains the wedging effect on the latching tab irrespective of the exact position of the inner frame in relation to box front top edge 36 of box front panel 30. The upper limit of the wedging zone defined by segment DE corresponds to the maximum height, in relation to box front top edge 36 of box front panel 30, that the uppermost portion of the latching tab reaches when the lid is closed. Similarly, the lower limit of the wedging zone defined by segment DE corresponds to the minimum height, in relation to the upper edge 36 of the front panel 30, that the latching tab reaches when the lid is in the closed position.

[0091] Finally, cam profile segments EF and FG abut and, consequently, support the inside of lid front panel 50 or ridge 78, thereby facilitating vertical alignment of lid front panel 50 and box front panel 30. These cam profile segments provide support to the front of lid 20 and thereby maintain the configuration of the lid 20 such that when the package is closed lid 20 will be flush with box part 10. Segments EF and FG do not taper away from or toward lid front panel 50, but rather are positioned such that they form a straight edge approximately parallel to the inside surface of lid front panel 50. In accordance with a specific embodiment of the invention, segments EF and FG define a straight edge spaced from the inside face of lid front panel 50 or ridge 78 a distance that is within 1/4 to 1/2 of the thickness of the material used to manufacture the lid.

[0092] Prior to its first use the package is typically assembled by a packer in such a way that the latching tabs are located between the cam panel edge 160 and ridge 78 or the inside face of lid front panel 50. The profile of the cam panels 150 creates the desired level of friction and interference with the latching tabs to maintain the package in a closed position. It should be understood that varying levels of friction can be created by varying the configuration, angles and/or profile of the cam panels within the limits defined above.

[0093] During package opening, the latching tabs act as cam followers and will follow the segments of the cam profile on cam panel edges 160 from segment DE to AB. During package closing, the latching tabs again act as cam followers and will follow the segments of the cam profile on the cam panel edges 160 from segment AB to DE.

[0094] FIG. 14A depicts a package according to a further embodiment of the present invention, in which the cam panels 190 (only one shown in FIG. 14A) are each designed to include a recessed cavity that specifically engages the corresponding improved latching tab 210 (described further below). As depicted in the detail shown in FIG. 14B, the cam panel 190 has a camming edge 200 that comprises all six segments, AB, BC, CD, DE, EF and FG. In this case, however, segments DE and EF are designed to specifically engage improved latching tab 210. During closing of lid 20, the rear face of improved latching tab 210 progressively interferes with camming edge 200 until lid 20 reaches its fully closed position, at which point segment DE is in direct contact with the rear face of improved latching tab 210.

[0095] Cam panels 150 and 190 can be used with any latching tab and are not limited to use with latching tabs 140 and 210 described herein.

Improved Latching Tab

[0096] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a package that includes a pair of cam panels and a corresponding pair improved latching tabs. The improved latching tabs can vary in shape, as described herein, but always function in combination with the corresponding cam panels to provide smooth opening and closing action of the lid while minimising the force required to open the lid, occurrences of smiling, and unintentional opening of the package lid.

[0097] As indicated above, standard cigarette packages often include a pair of latching tabs 140, each extending outwardly from along a portion of each of the perforation lines 130 of inner frame 80. Latching tabs 140 frictionally engage the inside of lid side frame panels 70 and/or 72, and thereby contribute to the force required to open and close lid 20. Latching tabs 140 are formed from an integral portion of the inner frame 80 and have a front face 216 and a rear face 217.

[0098] It has now been found that an improved latching tab comprising an inlet ramp, a bearing area and an exit ramp can be formed from an integral portion of inner frame 80. As with the latching tabs 140 found in standard cigarette packages, the improved latching tabs 210 depicted in FIG. 15 are formed from cuts made in the inner frame blank. The cuts are configured so that when inner frame side walls 100 are folded about perforation lines 130 the outwardly extending latching tabs 210 are formed.

[0099] Latching tab 210 consists of three segments, which define the profile of the latching tab edge 211. These segments are identified by profile points X, Y, Z and Q as depicted in FIG. 16.

[0100] The uppermost portion of latching tab edge 211 comprises an exit ramp defined by points Z and Y. Segment ZY is inclined to slope down and away from top front corner 92 of inner frame 80. Latching tab 210 further comprises a bearing area along latching tab edge 211 at segment YX and an inlet ramp at segment XQ, which are depicted in more detail in FIG. 16.

[0101] Inlet and exit ramps XQ and ZY, respectively, and radius W of the arc defining the bearing area YX combine to improve the functionality and operation of lid 20 by reducing the force required to open the package, decreasing the tendency of package to open spontaneously when a user does not require access to the contents of the package and at the same time preserving the aesthetic appearance of the cigarette package. It would be readily appreciated, however, by a worker skilled in the art that the geometry of X and Z, can be modified in order to properly balance the force required to open the lid 20 with that required to maintain the lid 20 in a closed position when the package is not in use.

[0102] With reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, inlet ramp XQ of latching tab 210 provides the required level of rigidity and flexibility to permit latching tab 210 to flex and thereby permit rear face 217 to act as a cam follower over a cam panel, for example, cam panel 150 or 190, without damaging the material from which latching tab 210 is constructed (e.g., paperboard). For simplicity, the following description will refer only to cam panel 150, having cam panel edge 160. The configuration of inlet ramp XQ allows lid 20 to progressively disengage upon opening of the package.

[0103] Exit ramp ZY also influences the required level of rigidity and flexibility to permit latching tab 210 to flex and thereby permit rear face 217 to act as a cam follower over cam panel 150 without damaging latching tab 210. Exit ramp ZY is defined by a straight line, an arc or a combination of a straight line and an arc. When all or a portion of exit ramp ZY consists of an arc, the arc is an extension of the arc defining bearing area YX. Further, with reference to FIG. 16, when all or a portion of exit ramp ZY is defined by a straight line the uppermost point of latching tab 210 is at Z'. The configuration of the exit ramp ZY allows latching tab 210 to progressively disengage lid 20 upon opening and engage lid 20 upon closing of the package.

[0104] Bearing area YX is the portion of latching tab edge 211 that bears the greatest pressure from frictional engagement of latching tab 210 and the inside of the lid side panel 70. With reference to FIG. 17, latching tab 210 comprises front bearing area 218, which is the region of front face 216 adjacent to bearing area YX, and rear bearing area 219, which is the region of rear face 217 adjacent to bearing area YX. Front bearing area 218 bears the greatest pressure from ridge 78, while rear bearing area 219 bears the greatest pressure from camming edge 160. Bearing area YZ concentrates the friction and interference forces between latching tab edge 211 and side panel 70, and is positioned as high as possible on inner frame 80 in order to maximise the working range associated with the lid opening action. The outermost point S of latching tab 210 is positioned such that it is above segment CD of the corresponding cam panel 150 when lid 20 is in the closed position.

[0105] The initial contact point between latching tab 210 and lid 20, is the point at which the bottom edge of lid side panel 70 first comes into contact with latching tab 210 during closing of the package. Lid side panel 70 is flush with box side panel 40 when the bottom edge of lid side panel 70 is in contact with latching tab 210 at the initial contact point.

[0106] In one embodiment of the present invention, all or a portion of exit ramp ZY is defined by an arc that extends to also define bearing area YX and the initial contact point is on the arc. In this case, the radius of the arc determines the latching tab contact surface angle T at the lid side edge 58 upon closing of the package. In particular, the contact surface angle T is the angle between lid side panel 70 and the tangent at the initial contact point between latching tab 210 and lid side edge 58.

[0107] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, all or a portion of exit ramp ZY is defined by a straight line and the initial contact point is on a straight portion of exit ramp ZY. In this case, the latching tab contact surface angle T is the angle between the lid side panel 70 and the straight line defining the straight portion of exit ramp ZY.

[0108] Irrespective of the configuration of exit ramp ZY it has been found that latching tab contact surface angle T must be less than about 60.degree. in order to avoid "hang-up" during opening of lid 20. It has also been found that latching tab contact surface angle T must be less than about 50.degree. in order to provide smooth operation of lid 20 during opening and closing. Latching tab 210 having an angle T of less than about 50.degree., is able to smoothly engage cam panel 150 as a cam follower during opening and closing of lid 20.

[0109] The interference level between latching tab 210 and the inside of side panel 70 is one parameter that contributes to the lid holding force and can be adjusted by adjusting the geometry of the latching tab.

[0110] As noted above, one embodiment of the present invention provides latching tab 210 having an exit ramp ZY comprising at least portion defined by a straight line. Angle V is the angle between this straight line and a line parallel to box front top edge 36 (not shown in FIG. 16). It has now been found that angle V can be varied by increasing or decreasing distance P between the outermost point S of bearing area YX and a straight line defined by perforation line 130, essentially to form a latching tab 210 that extends outwardly to a lesser or greater amount from perforation line 130. The force required to close the package is directly proportional to contact surface angle T. The minimum distance P has now been found to be approximately equivalent to the thickness of the material used to manufacture cam panel 210. The maximum distance P is the distance at which latching tab 210 is significantly bent toward inner frame side panel 100 when lid 20 is in the closed position. As would be appreciated by a worker skilled in the art, this maximum distance P is influenced by the overall dimensions of the package and by the strength and rigidity of the material used to manufacture latching tab 210.

[0111] It has also been found that the material used to form the inner frame limits the tolerable geometry of latching tabs 210, which are formed from an integral portion of the inner frame. For example, in the case where the inner frame is formed from paperboard, the paperboard foldability and thickness, as well as the delaminating resistance will have an effect on the limits of tolerable geometry of latching tabs 210.

[0112] FIGS. 18A and 18B depict latching tabs 212 and 214, having a non-functional angle T and a functional angle T, respectively. Each latching tab has the same radius W, which is the radius of the arc defining bearing area YX. The difference between the two latching tabs in FIGS. 18A and 18B, is the distance P between the outermost point S of bearing area YX and perforation line 130. Latching tab 212 in FIG. 18A has an increased distance between bearing area YX and perforation line 130 in comparison to that of latching tab 214 in FIG. 18B. As a result, angle T of latching tab 212 is greater than that of latching tab 214. In fact, angle T of latching tab 214 is beyond the maximum tolerable angle. As depicted in FIG. 18A, as a result of the large angle T lid side panel 70 hits latching tab 212 during closing of lid 20 such that side panel 70 does not effectively slide along exit ramp ZY. This, in turn, causes damage of latching tab 212.

[0113] In contrast, latching tab 214 has a preferred angle T that allows lid side panel 70 to slide along exit ramp ZY during closing of lid 20, such that latching tab 214 is then able to frictionally engage cam panel 150. It has been found that angle T should be less than about 60.degree., or more preferably less than about 50.degree., in order for the latching tab to smoothly engage cam panel 150 as a cam follower during opening and closing of lid 20. Similarly, when the distance P between the outermost point S of bearing area YX is maintained and radius W is varied, the force required to open and close the package will be altered.

[0114] The following table summarises the effects of altering various components of the latching tab geometry:

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Elements of Latching Tab Effect on latching tab operation Impact on Latching Tab Resistance cam panel Latching tab component Alteration to damage wedging zone flexibility Exit Ramp ZY: Arc only Radius W decrease decrease increase increase increase increase decrease decrease Exit Ramp ZY: Straight portion plus curved portion adjacent bearing area YX Radius W decrease decrease increase increase increase increase decrease decrease Angle V decrease decrease increase increase increase increase decrease decrease Inlet Ramp XQ: Straight portion only Distance from decrease decrease none increase Q to radius W Inlet Ramp XQ: Straight portion plus curved portion at bottom of latching tab Distance from increase increase not as decrease radius of effective as curved portion cam follower to radius W decrease decrease minimal increase increase

[0115] The components of latching tab 210 act in combination, therefore, it is possible to optimise the latching tab configuration depending on the material used to construct the inner frame, the application of the package and the configuration of the lid and cam panel of the package.

[0116] As described above, latching tab 210 acts as a cam follower during opening of lid 20 from box part 10, and will follow the cam profile segments on the cam panel edge 160 of the cam panel 150 from segment EF through to segment AB. Upon closing, latching tab 210 reverses its course following the cam profile of cam panel 150, from segment AB to segment EF. Cam profile segment DE creates the required level of friction and engagement between rear bearing area 219 of latching tab 210 and camming edge 160 and between front bearing area 218 and ridge 78, or the inside face of lid front panel 50, to maintain the package in a closed configuration until application of an external force.

[0117] During engagement with the cam panel, the outermost portion of bearing area YX of latching tab 210 is in contact with the inner surface of side panel 70. As depicted in FIGS. 19A and 19B, latching tab 210 slightly deforms side panel 70 causing it to bend outwardly as the latching tab moves along the camming edge of the cam panel.

Improved Inner Frame Profile

[0118] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a cigarette package that includes an improved inner frame profile, which has been modified in order to reduce the interference between the lid inside front panel 54 and the top edge 92 of the inner frame.

[0119] As depicted in FIGS. 20A and B, in addition to the features of inner frame 80 used in standard cigarette packages, inner frame 220 of the present invention further includes bevelled front corners 230, inclined downward from the upper horizontal portion 232, on each inner frame side panel 234. FIG. 20A shows inner frame 220 in the folded configuration maintained within box part 10. FIG. 20B depicts inner frame 220 in its unfolded configuration.

[0120] The incorporation of bevelled front corners 230 reduces the interference between inner frame 220 and lid front panel 54, in comparison to the same package including a standard inner frame 80, during opening and closing of the package. In addition, the configuration of bevelled front corners 230 maintains inner frame top edge 232 close to the inside of lid frame panels 74, thereby minimising the extent to which the lid side panels 70 "hang-up" or snag behind side panels 234 of the inner frame 220.

[0121] FIG. 21 depicts inner frame 220 in its unfolded configuration. The dashed lines represent the geometry of the front corners of a standard inner frame. The bevelled front corners of inner frame 220 are lower in height in relation to inner frame top edge 232 than the analogous height of the front corners of a standard inner frame. As a result, interference of front corners 230 with lid inside front panel 54 is reduced during opening and closing of lid 20 in comparison to the interference observed in a package comprising a standard inner frame, for example, inner frame 80. It has now been found that the maximum distance between front corners 230 and the inner surface of lid frame panels 74, as measured when lid 20 is in the fully closed position, is equivalent to approximately 35% of the height of lid front panel 50. Distances greater than 35% of the height of lid front panel 50 result in a reduction in the interference between the latching tabs and corresponding cam panels. This is, in part, due to the fact that the height of the latching tabs must be lowered when the distance between front corners 230 and lid frame panels 74 is increased. As indicated previously, however, the latching tab should be positioned as high as possible in order to maximise the wedging action.

[0122] A specific embodiment of the present invention provides a packages comprising standard box part 10 and lid 20 having the dimensions commonly used in cigarette packages, wherein the maximum reduction of the height of top corners 230 is approximately 4.25 mm from the existing standard of 0.75 mm from the top edge 232 of the inner frame 80.

[0123] The shape and degree of downward incline of bevelled front corners 230 can vary widely. The dashed lines in FIG. 22 depict examples of different front corner profiles that can be incorporated into the improved inner frame of the present invention.

[0124] The position of top edge 232 of inner frame 220 should be at or near the top of the lid 20 such that it is close to the inside surface of lid frame panels 74. However, the position of top edge 232 relative to lid frame panels 74 is partially dependent upon the thickness of the package, the length of the extension panel 54 and the location of the lid pivot axis 102 in relation to the top of package. A friction fit must exist between lid 20 and top edge 232 of inner frame 220 that is sufficiently loose to permit lid 20 to slip past inner frame 220 and, when present, to facilitate engagement of the cam panels with the corresponding latching tabs.

[0125] A plurality of inner frames 220 can be produced from one continuous strip of material, such as paperboard. In order to make the production economical and reduce material waste, it is desirable to make the top and bottom profiles of the inner frame of the same shape. In this way, one inner frame in its unfolded configuration will nest into another. This is depicted in the top and bottom profiles of inner frame 220 depicted in FIGS. 20B and 21.

Raised Lid Pivot Point

[0126] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a package that includes a pivot axis that is raised in comparison to the pivot axis used in conventional cigarette packages. As in standard packages raised pivot axis 240 is defined by a fold line between box rear panel 32 and lid rear panel 52, which extends from one side of the package to the other side in order to pivotally connect box part 10 to lid 20.

[0127] As depicted in FIG. 23 the cigarette package of the present invention can additionally comprise an elevated or raised lid pivot axis 240, which is raised toward the top of the package in comparison to the position of the lid pivot axis 102 of a standard package. Raising pivot axis 240 decreases the resistance required to open lid 20 and the friction between the lid 20 and box part 10, having inner frame 80, in comparison to a conventional hinge. With the decreased resistance, lid 20 is more easily moved to its opened position. Raised pivot axis 240, thereby substantially reduces the force required to open the package. The use of raised pivot axis 240 in combination with the additional features of a cam panel, an improved latching tab and an improved inner frame further reduces the force required to open and close the cigarette package of the present invention.

[0128] The use of raised pivot axis 240 in a standard cigarette package would result in the occurrence of increased smiling. In accordance with the present invention, however, raised pivot axis 240 can be incorporated into the package without causing an increase in the occurrence of smiling.

[0129] The pivot axis 240 can be raised closer to the top of lid 20 by an amount that is just enough to change the trajectory of lid 20 during opening and closing of the package and, thereby, reduce the interference between the lid inside front panel 54 and bevelled front corners 230. A minimum distance must be maintained between pivot axis 240 and the top of the package, to allow the user to securely grasp lid 20. The portion of lid 20 defined by pivot axis 240 and the top of the lid can be referred to as a "gripping zone" since this portion of the lid is gripped by the user during opening of the package. In packages having the dimensions commonly used in cigarette packages, the minimum distance from pivot axis 240 to the top of the package has been found to be approximately 10.5 mm. At this minimum distance reduction of force required to open and close the package is maximised while maintaining a comfortable gripping zone on lid 20. The term "comfortable gripping zone" as used herein refers to a gripping zone that is sufficiently large to permit the user to comfortably grip the lid during opening of the package.

[0130] As would be readily apparent to the skilled worker, the minimum distance between the pivot axis and the top of lid 20 can vary depending on the overall dimensions of the package and the nature of the material used to construct the package. For example, the exterior surface of the package can be selected to have a rough texture, which would improve the ability of the user to grip lid 20 during opening and closing. This, in turn, could permit a smaller minimum distance between pivot axis 240 and the top of the package to be functional and still provide a comfortable gripping zone.

[0131] In a related embodiment of the present invention, the elevated or raised lid pivot axis 240 and the modified profile of the inner frame 220 together contribute to reduce the interference between the lid inside front panel 54 and front corners 230 and/or with cigarette bundle 11 within the package.

[0132] FIG. 24 depicts package 300, according to one embodiment of the present invention, which has overall dimensions that are equivalent to those of a standard cigarette package and comprises an improved inner frame. Package 300 also has a raised pivot axis. In FIG. 24, lid 20 is shown in a fully closed position using solid lines and in a partially open position using dashed lines. By drawing package 300 in this manner it was determined that the amount of interference between bevelled front corners 230 and lid inside front panel 54 was significantly less than that observed for package 302, which is depicted in FIG. 25. Package 302 has overall dimensions that are equivalent to those of a standard cigarette package and comprises a standard inner frame and a raised pivot axis. In FIG. 25, lid 20 is shown in a fully closed position using solid lines and in a partially open position using dashed lines. Clearly, this demonstrates the reduced interference that is caused by lowering the height of the front corners of the inner frame. "Interference," as used herein, refers to the length of the portion of lid inside front panel 54 that contacts the inner frame front corners during opening and closing of the package.

[0133] This advantage is further demonstrated in FIG. 26, which depicts a package 304, that has overall dimensions that are equivalent to those of a standard cigarette package and comprises an improved inner frame and a standard pivot axis. In FIG. 26, lid 20 is shown in a fully closed position using solid lines and in a partially open position using dashed lines. By drawing package 304 in this manner it was determined that the amount of interference between bevelled front corners 230 and lid inside front panel 54 is significantly less than that observed in standard package 306. Package 306 which has overall dimensions that are equivalent to those of a standard cigarette package. Package 306 comprises a standard inner frame and a standard pivot axis. In FIG. 27, lid 20 is shown in a fully closed position using solid lines and in a partially open position using dashed lines. This demonstrates that the lowered height of the front corners of the inner frame compensates for part of the increase in interference caused by the increased distance between the lid pivot axis and the top of package 304.

[0134] To further demonstrate the findings noted above, interferences were calculated between inner frame front corners and lid inside panel 54, using a Computer Aided Design drawing program, in packages having the overall dimensions of a standard hinge lid 25--100 mm--Slims cigarette package except for varying pivot axis heights and varying heights of the inner frame front corners. The results are summarised in the following table:

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Calculated Interference Values Changing the inner frame Change the pivot axis profile to lower the front height (Inner frame front corners (Lid hinge fixed at corners fixed at 4.57 mm 11.5 mm from top of package, as from lid inside panel 54, as per standard package*) per standard package*) Distance Interference Interference between inner between inner between inner frame front frame front Pivot axis frame front corners and lid corners and lid distance from corners and lid inside front inside front top of package inside front panel 54 panel 54 (mm) (mm) panel 54 (mm) *4.57 1.40 8.5 0.54 5.1 1.22 9.5 0.78 5.62 1.05 10.5 1.07 6.12 0.91 *11.5 1.40 6.62 0.77 12.5 1.77

[0135] The four improvements described above operate individually or in combination to provide a package wherein the degree to which the package remains closed when not in use is maximised, while the force required to open the package is minimised. During opening of conventional packages there is almost no force required initially such that the maximum force required to open the package occurs when the package is partially open. The fact that almost no initial force is required causes the "smiling" to occur. In contrast, the package of the present invention comprises a pair of cam panels that interact with a corresponding pair of latching tabs and thereby increase the initial force required to open the package. This effect is more pronounced when, as depicted in FIG. 28, the package additionally comprises a pair of improved latching tabs 210.

[0136] As depicted in FIGS. 29 and 30, a specific embodiment of the present invention provides a package 320 comprising two cam panels 150 (only one shown), a modified inner frame 220 and improved latching tabs 210 (only one shown). The package depicted in FIG. 30 additionally comprises raised pivot axis 240. These features contribute to the elimination or minimisation of "hang-ups", or snags, of the inner frame 220 on lid 20 upon opening. In addition, the combined effect of all four improvements significantly reduces the maximum force required to open lid 20. The force required to open the package is relatively constant throughout the opening action rather than having a steep increase followed by a sharp decrease as found in conventional packages. The combination of all four improvements also provides a positive locking force to maintain the package in its closed position until the application of an external force.

[0137] Package 320 depicted in FIG. 30 can be formed from an inner frame and a blank 330 as shown in FIG. 31. Alternatively, it can be formed from a single frame that incorporates the features of the inner frame, the box part and the lid.

Design Protocol

[0138] The present invention further provides a method of designing a package having improved opening and closing capabilities in comparison to conventional packages. The steps of this method are outlined below and are not necessarily performed in the order in which they are listed.

[0139] Once the overall package dimensions are selected, for example, based on the dimensions required to accommodate the desired contents of the package, the position of the pivot axis can be determined. The pivot axis is positioned at the highest possible location while maintaining an acceptable gripping zone for the user.

[0140] The acceptable interference level between the inner frame and the lid is determined and the inner frame is modified such that the interference does not go beyond the acceptable interference level. As indicated previously, the term "interference" is used herein to refer to the length of the portion of lid inside front panel 54 that contacts the inner frame front corners during opening and closing of the package. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the acceptable interference is less than 10% of the package depth. More particularly, the acceptable interference can be less than 8% of the package depth or, even more particularly, approximately 2.5% of the package depth. It should be recognized that some degree of interference should be maintained since it is useful for guiding the lid to the correct position during closing to allow the camming action between the cam panels and latching tabs.

[0141] The inner frame is modified by lowering the top front corners to reduce the interference between the inner frame top front corners and the lid inside front panel to an acceptable level. Although the inner frame is modified by lowering the top front corners, the inner frame position must be maintained as high as possible within the box part of the package.

[0142] The profile of the edge of the latching tab is selected based on required interference between the cam panel and the latching tab. When the package includes a modified latching tab as described herein, the latching tab is designed by first locating the outermost point S as close as possible to the package top panel. The latching tab protrusion, or distance between the perforation lines on the inner frame and the outermost point S, is selected such that the latching tab will engage the cam panel and will interfere with the lid side panel with minimal bending and damage.

[0143] The cam panel profile is designed by first determining the latching tab zero interference trajectory for both the damaged (or not fully deployed) and undamaged (and fully deployed) latching tab. Cam profile point A is positioned inside the damaged latching tab trajectory. The cam inclination angle is adjusted in relation with the desired wedging zone and the required latching tab flexibility based on the material used to manufacture the latching tab. The location and size of the required wedging zone is determined in order to compensate for inner frame vertical position play. The radius of cam segment CD is selected in order to minimise damage (e.g. delamination) of the cam panel and the latching tab and to optimise the wedging zone. Finally, cam segments EF and FG are positioned to support the lid inside front panel.

[0144] Example 4 demonstrates the use of the above method to design a package according to the present invention.

Manufacture

[0145] The cigarette package of the present invention is constructed of a paperboard substrate or any other material which is known or used in the manufacture of cigarette packages. For example, the box part blank and the inner frame can be manufactured from 10 to 14 points (a point is used to specify paperboard caliper; 1 point=1 thousandth of an inch) clay coated board, which can be printed and laminated with foil, such as 7 micron foil, or 0.35 mm thick lined/coated manila backed board having a weight of 215-230 g/m.sup.2. In the case of a package formed from a single blank that include the inner frame, it may be necessary to use thinner material to allow for the additional folding required.

[0146] The blank used to manufacture the lid and box parts, with or without the inner frame, can by made from a substance such as, but not limited to, 0.006-0.009 mm gold foil laminated-white lined hard rolled manila back board having a thickness of 0.33-0.39 mm and a weight of 220-248 g/m.sup.2; 0.27-0.30 mm coated solid bleached sulfate board having a weight of 220-248 g/m.sup.2; polycoated board; direct/indirect metallized board (e.g. 250 micorn, 235 g/m.sup.2 Tako Hilioboard). These materials can be laminated or not, depending on the application of the package.

[0147] In an alternative embodiment, the package according to the present invention can be manufactured from a plastic, or combination of plastics, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or the like.

[0148] The package of the present invention can be constructed from a blank plus an inner frame, or a single blank, using standard techniques in the art. For example, in the case of a cigarette package of the present invention, which is formed from a blank plus an inner frame, the method of construction comprises the following steps: (i) grouping the cigarettes to be stored in the package into the desired formation (e.g. a first row of 8, plus a row of 9, followed by a second row of 8); (ii) embossing, if necessary, and cutting the required length of material from a foil or a paper roll; (iii) wrapping the cigarette group from step (i) in the cut foil or paper from step (ii) to form a cigarette bundle; (iv) cutting the inner frame; (v) folding the inner frame into the suitable configuration for assembly within the box part; (vi) providing a printed and precreased blank for the box part; (vii) assembling the box part with the inner frame; (viii) forming the package around the cigarette bundle by the use of a series of folding and adhering steps; and (ix) compressing and heating the package until adhesive used in step (viii) is cured. Suitable adhesives for use in construction of the package of the present invention are well known to workers skilled in the art. For example, a polyvinyl acetate (PVA) adhesive, such as, but not limited to, IPACOLL.TM. LP2931, can be used in the construction of the package.

[0149] The hinge lid package of the present invention can be assembled manually or by an automated method using a packer machine. An example of a packer that is suitable for assembly of packages according to the present invention is the Hinge Lid Packer 350 S from Focke & Co. A packer can be used to assemble cigarette packages according to the method outlined above.

[0150] To gain a better understanding of the invention described herein, the following examples are set forth. It should be understood that these examples are for illustrative purposes only. Therefore, they should not limit the scope of this invention in any way.

EXAMPLES

Example 1

Package "Smiling"

[0151] The following test was designed in order to test the occurrences of package "smiling". Measurements of the degree of smiling were completed on cigarette packages according to the present invention, including packages comprising: (i) a cam panel only; (ii) a cam panel and improved latching tab only; and (iii) a cam panel, improved latching tab, improved inner frame and a raised pivot axis. Conventional cigarette packages currently on the market, which did not contain any of the four improvements described herein, served as controls.

[0152] Each package was dropped from an elevation of 10 cm six times, and the degree of smiling measured with a ruler. In each case the package was dropped so that it would land with its back panel 32 facing downwards. The gap or opening between the bottom edge 56 of the lid front panel 50 and the top edge 36 of the box front panel 30 was considered to be the smile, as illustrated in FIG. 32B. Following the initial drop and after each subsequent drop the lid 50 was opened and closed 5 times by hand. Accordingly, at the end of the test each package had been opened and closed 25 times to simulate a user opening and closing the package to obtain cigarettes.

[0153] As expected the degree of smiling increases with the number of openings for conventional packages as illustrated in FIG. 34. The results of this study are also provided in Table 3.

[0154] Surprisingly, packages having either all four improvements or the cam panel and improved latching tab combination only, exhibited no significant difference between the degree of smiling that occurred after the first 5 openings compared to that following 25 openings (FIG. 34 and Tables 4 and 5). The reduction of package smiling in relation to the control samples was 29% for packages comprising only the cam panel, 92% for packages with the cam cut panel and improved latching tab design and 74% for packages with the combination of all four improvements. Further, the degree of smiling was highest for conventional packages at 0.71 mm (Table 3), followed by 0.54 mm for packages with the cam cut profile only (Table 4), 0.06 mm for packages with the cam panel and improved latching tab design (Table 5) and 0.20 mm for the packages having all four improvements (Table 6).

Example 2

Required Package Opening Force

[0155] The following test was used to determine the degree of opening force required to open a cigarette package. Again, measurements of the degree of force required to open a package were completed on cigarette packages according to the present invention, including packages comprising: (i) a cam panel only; (ii) a cam panel and improved latching tab only; and (iii) a cam panel, improved latching tab, improved inner frame and a raised pivot axis. Conventional cigarette packages currently on the market, which did not contain any of the four improvements described herein, served as controls. The force required to open a package was measured a total of six times for each package using a conventional Packaging corporation of America (PCA) score bend tester as illustrated in FIG. 33(A-C).

[0156] Briefly, packages were placed in a holder so that box part 10 was immobile, and lid 20 was clamped either on one side (as in most tests) or in the middle (FIG. 33A). The lid clamp chain was then attached to the PCA score bend tester (FIG. 33B). The score bend tester was activated and the force required to open the package was recorded (FIG. 33C). Following the initial force test and after each subsequent force measurement each package was opened four times by hand. The test was performed a total of five times so that, at the end of the experiment, each package studied was opened and closed 25 times to simulate a user opening and closing the package to obtain cigarettes.

[0157] The observed force required to open the packages was measured in grams, which can be converted to Newton meters (Nm) using standard calculations. The average forces for the first opening of the package samples as illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 35 and Tables 3 to 6 are: 275 g for control packages, 173 g for the cam cut profile design alone, 198 g for the cam cut profile and new latching tab design and 149 g for the combined four improvements. As expected and illustrated in FIG. 35, following the initial one or two openings, the required force to open a package reduces and stabilises for all types of packages measured. However, the high standard deviation of 112 g for the control sample force measurements (Table 3) confirms the unpredictability of the existing latching tab operation. Hang-ups were observed on 4 of the 10 control samples, causing a high degree of variability in opening force for conventional packages. Comparatively, the degree of variability in initial and subsequent opening forces for all designs disclosed in the instant invention were significantly less, as shown in Tables 4 to 6 than that observed for the controls confirming the higher stability of the newly designed cigarette packages.

Example 3

Latching Tab Configurations

[0158] The following inner frame and package blank new profiles were tested in different combinations on a Focke 350S high-speed hinge lid packer:

Controls:

[0159] a standard inner frame profile (STD)

[0160] a standard box part blank (STD)

Test Materials:

[0161] (As depicted in FIG. 36) [0162] Inner frame "A" with front top corners cut-off and a latching tab profile "A" [0163] Inner frame "B" with front top corners cut-off and a latching tab profile "B" [0164] Inner frame "C" with front top corners cut-off and a latching tab profile "C" [0165] Inner frame "D" with front top corners cut-off and a latching tab profile "D" [0166] Inner frame "E" with front top corners cut-off and a latching tab profile "E" [0167] Package blank 1, having raised pivot axis, standard inner frame, standard latching tab, no cam panel [0168] Package blank 2, having raised pivot axis, standard inner frame, standard latching tab, lid inside panel have a non-engaging curved profile.

[0169] The results, which are summarised in Table 7, demonstrate that the standard inner frame combined with the standard box part blank did not produce packages having consistent opening properties, in fact the packages were sometimes easy and sometimes difficult to open. The same inconsistencies were observed with respect to package smiling; sometimes there was no smiling and sometimes there was severe smiling. Therefore, this combination gave unpredictable results.

[0170] All packages made using package blank 2, having the non-engaging curved profile and any latching tab configuration, were easy to open and exhibited no wedging of the latching tabs.

[0171] The packages made using the latching tab profile "E" demonstrated the least smiling.

Example 4

Design of Hinge Lid 25--100 mm--Slims Package

[0172] The overall proportions of the package were as follows:

Package width=65% of package height (what is the package height? 100 mm?) Package depth=21% of package height Package depth/width ratio=0.32 Lid junction line with package box part at 25% of package height.

Pivot Axis

[0173] The lid pivot axis was raised to 10.5 mm from the top of the package, or 51% of lid top panel depth.

Inner Frame

[0174] The acceptable interference level between the inner frame top front corners and the lid inside front panel was determined to be 0.525 mm, or 2.5% of lid top panel depth. Therefore, the distance of the inner frame top front corners to the lid inside top panel (in closed position) was set at 6.57 mm, or 25% of lid front panel height. The distance of inner frame top edge to lid inside top panel was 2 mm, or 7.7% of lid front panel height.

Latching Tab

[0175] The modified latching tab was selected and the distance from outermost point S to lid inside top panel was set at 13.7 mm, or 53% of lid front panel height. The latching tab protrusion P was set at 1 mm, which was equivalent to 3.3 times the thickness of the board used to manufacture the cam panel.

Cam Panel

[0176] The latching tab zero interference trajectories were determined and the cam profile point A was set at a distance of 0.5 mm, or 1.9% of lid front panel height, from the zero interference trajectory of the damaged latching tab. The cam inclination angle was set at 33.8.degree. to allow for the flexibility of the latching tab material.

[0177] The wedging zone of the cam panel was designed to have the following dimensions:

length=3 mm (11.5% of lid front panel height) distance from point E to lid inside front panel=10.4 mm (40% of lid front panel height) radius of segment CD=2 mm (7.7% of lid front panel height)

[0178] Finally, cam panel segments EF and FG were positioned to support the lid inside front panel by using a distance of 10.4 mm (40% of lid front panel height) between point E and point G.

[0179] All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this Specification are indicative of the level of skill of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains and are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent applications was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0180] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Control Samples Opening 0 Force-g 5 10 15 20 25 Sample (N-m) Smiling Force Smiling Force Smiling Force Smiling Force Smiling Force Smiling 1 230 0.2 290 0.6 140 0.2 140 0.5 140 0.5 140 0.6 (0.179) 2 570 0.0 230 0.5 110 0.8 100 0.3 125 0.6 130 0.5 (0.443) 3 230 0.5 200 0.7 145 0.7 145 0.1 150 1.0 150 0.9 (0.179) 4 290 0.3 100 0.0 100 0.5 100 0.1 100 0.1 100 0.0 (0.226) 5 300 0.3 100 1.0 100 1.3 200 1.3 100 1.8 901 1.8 (0.233) 6 310 0.1 100 0.9 130 0.1 100 0.4 100 0.2 100 0.5 (0.241) 7 200 0.1 210 0.6 150 0.4 150 0.8 150 1.1 150 1.2 (0.156) 8 200 0.1 310 0.1 150 0.5 110 0.6 155 0.8 130 0.3 (0.156) 9 210 0.4 210 1.1 150 1.0 155 1.1 155 1.7 155 1.0 (0.163) 10 210 0.0 155 0.3 155 0.0 155 0.3 160 0.1 160 0.4 (0.163) Average 275 0.19 191 0.58 133 0.54 136 0.54 134 0.78 131 0.71 (0.214) STDEV 112 0.16 76 0.37 22 0.40 33 0.40 25 0.61 25 0.51 (0.087)

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Standard Package + Cam Panels Opening 0 5 10 15 20 25 Sample Force Smiling Force Smiling Force Smiling Force Smiling Force Smiling Force Smiling 1 175 0.2 140 0.5 130 0.2 130 0.4 130 0.5 120 0.5 2 0.5 115 0.5 115 0.5 105 0.6 115 0.2 130 0.5 3 180 0.6 145 0.2 145 0.2 130 0.1 130 0.1 120 0.1 4 160 0.2 130 0.5 120 0.6 120 0.8 120 0.8 120 0.8 5 180 0.0 150 0.3 150 0.3 135 0.8 140 0.5 140 0.5 6 180 0.5 150 0.2 130 0.9 130 0.1 130 0.9 140 0.8 7 160 0.1 140 0.3 120 0.2 120 0.5 120 0.3 120 0.0 8 160 0.6 140 0.5 120 0.7 120 0.5 120 0.1 120 0.7 9 180 0.5 160 1.0 160 1.0 160 0.5 140 0.8 140 0.8 10 180 0.2 160 0.8 160 0.9 140 0.8 140 0.8 140 0.7 Average 173 0.34 143 0.47 135 0.55 129 0.50 129 0.49 129 0.54 STDEV 10 0.23 14 0.27 17 0.32 15 0.25 9 0.31 10 0.29

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Package with Cam Panels and Improved Latching Tabs Opening 0 5 10 15 20 25 Sample Force Smiling Force Smiling Force Smiling Force Smiling Force Smiling Force Smiling 1 210 0 140 0.1 140 0.2 140 0.1 120 0.4 140 0.1 2 220 0 160 0.1 160 0.1 165 0 165 0 165 0.1 3 180 0 165 0.1 165 0.1 145 0.1 145 0 150 0 4 185 0 145 0 145 0 145 0 145 0 125 0 5 190 0 170 0 150 0 150 0.1 150 0 150 0 6 200 0 150 0 125 0 125 0.1 125 0 130 0 7 205 0 155 0 150 0 150 0 130 0 135 0 8 205 0 170 0.1 170 0 170 0.1 170 0 155 0 9 205 0 155 0.1 155 0.1 155 0.1 155 0 140 0.1 10 175 0 135 0 140 0 140 0 140 0 140 0 Average 198 0.00 155 0.05 150 0.05 149 0.06 145 0.04 143 0.03 STDEV 14 0.00 12 0.05 13 0.07 13 0.05 16 0.13 12 0.05

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Package with Cam Panels, Improved Latching Tabs, Improved Inner Frame and Raised Pivot Axis Opening 0 5 10 15 20 25 Sample Force Smiling Force Smiling Force Smiling Force Smiling Force Smiling Force Smiling 1 160 0 110 0 110 0 110 0.1 110 0 110 0.1 2 160 0 130 0 130 0 110 0 110 0 110 0 3 130 0 110 0 110 0 110 0.1 80 0.1 110 0.1 4 160 0 110 0.1 110 0 110 0 110 0 110 0 5 160 0 160 0 160 0 135 0.1 135 0.1 135 0.1 6 160 0.4 160 0.4 110 0.2 110 0.4 105 0.2 100 0.2 7 165 0 135 0 120 0 120 0 120 0.1 120 0.1 8 135 0.4 115 0.6 115 0.6 115 0.6 110 0.8 105 0.6 9 120 0.3 120 0.3 110 0.2 105 0.2 100 0.2 105 0.3 10 135 0 120 0.1 110 0.1 115 0.3 110 0.5 105 0.3 Average 149 0.11 127 0.15 119 0.11 114 0.18 109 0.20 111 0.18 STDEV 17 0.18 19 0.21 16 0.19 8 0.20 14 0.26 10 0.18

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Comparison of Latching Tab and Inner Frame Configurations (Using 14 point board) Test Materials Combination Smiling Smiling after Smiling after Package Machine before 1.sup.st opening 2.sup.nd to 25.sup.th 1.sup.st opening 25.sup.th opening Blank Inner Frame Speed opening (mm) behaviour opening (mm) (mm) 2 D .ltoreq.100 ppm 1-1.5 no difficulty no difficulty 2.5 2.5-3 2 D .ltoreq.100 ppm 0.-0.5 no difficulty no difficulty 0-0.5 1.5 1 STD .ltoreq.100 ppm 1-2 difficult moderate 1-2 1-2 ear anchorage difficulty ear anchorage 1 A .ltoreq.100 ppm 2 no difficulty no difficulty 1-2 1-2 slight anchorage slight anchorage 1 B .ltoreq.100 ppm 0.5-1 some difficulty no difficulty 1-1.5 2 ear anchorage 1 C .ltoreq.100 ppm 0-1 some difficulty no difficulty 0-1.5 1.5 ear anchorage slight anchorage 1 D .ltoreq.100 ppm 1-1.5 some difficulty no difficulty 1.5-2 2-2.5 ear anchorage slight anchorage 1 E .ltoreq.100 ppm 0-1 some difficulty no difficulty 0.5 1-1.5 ear anchorage slight anchorage 2 STD .ltoreq.100 ppm 1.5 no difficulty no difficulty 1.5 1.5-2 no anchorage no anchorage 2 A .ltoreq.100 ppm 1-1.5 no difficulty no difficulty 2-3 3 2 B .ltoreq.100 ppm 1-2 no difficulty no difficulty 2-3 3 2 C .ltoreq.100 ppm 1 no difficulty no difficulty 1 1-2

TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Comparison of Latching Tab and Inner Frame Configurations (Using 12 point board) Test Materials Combination Smiling Smiling after Smiling after Package Machine before 1.sup.st opening 2.sup.nd to 25.sup.th 1.sup.st opening 25.sup.th opening Blank Inner Frame Speed opening (mm) behaviour opening (mm) (mm) 2 A .ltoreq.100 ppm 1-2 no difficulty no difficulty 0-2 1.5-2.5 2 B .ltoreq.100 ppm 2-2.5 no difficulty no difficulty 2-4 3-4 2 C .ltoreq.100 ppm 1-2 no difficulty no difficulty 2-3 3-4.5 2 D .ltoreq.100 ppm 2 no difficulty no difficulty 2.5-3.5 3-3.5 2 E .ltoreq.100 ppm 0.5-1.5 no difficulty no difficulty 0-1.5 1-2 2 (with film) E .ltoreq.100 ppm 0-1.5 no difficulty no difficulty 0-0.5 0.5-1.5 STD A .ltoreq.100 ppm 1 some difficulty some difficulty 1 2-2.5 ear anchorage ear anchorage STD B .ltoreq.100 ppm 1-2 no difficulty no difficulty 1-2 2-2.5 light anchorage light anchorage STD C .ltoreq.100 ppm 1-1.5 no difficulty no difficulty 1-2 2 STD D .ltoreq.100 ppm 1.5 no difficulty no difficulty 1.5-2 2 very slight very slight anchorage anchorage STD E .ltoreq.100 ppm 0-1 some difficulty slight difficulty 0-1 0.5-1.5 ear anchorage STD STD 200-300 ppm none difficult, ear often difficult, none none anchorage, still ear mostly one ear anchorage STD STD .ltoreq.100 ppm 1-2 often difficult almost no .gtoreq.2 .gtoreq.2 (50%) difficulty one ear anchorage 1 STD .ltoreq.100 ppm 1-1.5 difficult often difficult 2-3 3 ear anchorage ear anchorage 1 A .ltoreq.100 ppm 1-2 difficult slight ear 2-2.5 2-3 ear anchorage anchorage 1 B .ltoreq.100 ppm 1-2 slight difficulty slight difficulty 2-3 2.5-3.5 ear anchorage ear anchorage 1 C .ltoreq.100 ppm 1-2 slight difficulty no difficulty 2-3 2.5-3.5 ear anchorage slight ear anchorage 1 D .ltoreq.100 ppm 1-2 slight difficulty no difficulty 2-3 3-4 ear anchorage very light ear anchorage 1 E .ltoreq.100 ppm 1-1.5 some difficulty no difficulty 0-1.5 1-2.5 one ear slight ear anchorage anchorage 2 STD .ltoreq.100 ppm 1-2 very slight no difficulty 1-2 1-2.5 difficulty, interference with inner frame 2 (with film) STD .ltoreq.100 ppm 1-2 no difficulty no difficulty 1.5 1.5

Claims

1. A package comprising: a box part having a pair of opposed front and rear panels, a pair of opposed side panels and a bottom panel; a lid having a pair of opposed front and rear panels, a pair of opposed side panels and a top panel, said lid being pivotally moveable between an open and a closed position about a hinge connection defined by a pivot axis along a fold between the rear panels of said lid and box part and being substantially parallel to said top and bottom panels; an inner frame closely received in and having a portion projecting upwardly from said box part, said inner frame having a front panel and a pair of opposed side panels each connected to an opposite end of the front panel along a fold line substantially parallel to said side panels, said projecting portion being closely received by said lid when in the closed position; a pair of latching tabs, each latching tab extending outwardly from one of said fold lines of said inner frame and having a forward facing surface and a rearward facing surface; and a pair of cam panels, each cam panel being secured to the inside of each lid side panel and having a forward facing edge in closely spaced relation to the inside of said front panel, or a corresponding ridge formed between each of the side panels and said front panel, and defining a latching tab retaining zone therebetween, the forward facing edge of said cam panel comprising a lower latching tab lifting zone and an upper wedging zone, said lower latching tab lifting zone being adapted to engage the rearward facing surface of said latching tab when said lid is moved from said open position toward said closed position and said upper wedging zone being configured to engage and the rearward facing surface of secure said latching tab within said latching tab retaining zone when said lid is in said closed position.

2. The package according to claim 1, wherein the forward facing edge of said cam panel comprises a maximum interference zone between said lower latching tab lifting zone and said upper wedging zone, said maximum interference zone adapted to engage the rearward facing surface of said latching tab when said lid is moved from said closed position to said open position.

3. The package according to claim 1, wherein said upper wedging zone is defined by a portion tapering toward said front panel to less than the thickness of said latching tab and said lower latching tab lifting zone is defined by a substantially linear, or linear, portion sloping downwardly and inwardly from said upper wedging zone.

4. The package according to claim 1, wherein each of said latching tabs is integrally formed from said inner frame and comprises a latching tab edge defined by a cut line in said side panel that intersects said fold line at upper and lower intersection points.

5. The package according to claim 4, wherein said latching tab edge comprises an exit ramp portion sloping outwardly and downwardly from said upper intersection point.

6. The package according to claim 5, wherein said latching tab edge comprises an inlet ramp portion sloping outwardly and upwardly from said lower intersection point.

7. The package according to claim 6, wherein said latching tab edge comprises a bearing area between said exit ramp portion and inlet ramp portion adapted to be frictionally engaged by the inside of said lid side panel.

8. The package according to claim 7, wherein a portion of the rearward facing surface of the latching tab adjacent the bearing area is adapted to engage the forward facing edge of said cam panel, and wherein a portion of the forward facing surface of the latching tab adjacent the bearing area is adapted to engage one of the inside of said front panel, and the ridge formed between one of the side panels and the front panel.

9. The package according to claim 7, wherein said bearing area is positioned at a point approximately midway between said upper and lower intersection points.

10. The package according to claim 7, wherein said front, rear and side panels of said box part each have a top edge, which together define a top edge of said box part, and each said inner frame side panel has an upper edge that intersects said fold line connecting said front panel to said side panel at a forward corner, and wherein each said latching tab is positioned such that each bearing area is located above the midway point between said forward corner and said top edge of said box part.

11. The package according to claim 1, wherein each said inner frame side panel has an upper edge, said upper edge being beveled downwardly to intersect said fold line connecting said front panel to said side panel at a forward corner.

12. The package according to claim 10, wherein said package has an interference between said lid front panel and said forward corners of less than about 8% of the depth of said package.

13. The package according to claim 12, wherein said interference is about 2.5% of the depth of said package.

14. The package according to claim 12, wherein said pivot axis between the rear panels of said lid and box part is more than about 8 mm below said top panel of said lid.

15. The package according to claim 14, wherein said pivot axis is about 10.5 mm below said top panel of said lid.

16. A package comprising: a box part having a pair of opposed front and rear panels, a pair of opposed side panels and a bottom panel; a lid having a pair of opposed front and rear panels, a pair of opposed side panels and a top panel, said lid being pivotally moveable between an open and a closed position about a hinge connection defined by a pivot axis along a fold between the rear panels of said lid and box part and being substantially parallel to said top and bottom panels; an inner frame closely received in and having a portion projecting upwardly from said box part, said inner frame having a front panel and a pair of opposed side panels each connected to an opposite end of the front panel along a fold line substantially parallel to said side panels, said projecting portion being closely received by said lid when in the closed position; a pair of latching tabs integrally formed from said inner frame, each latching tab extending outwardly from one of said fold lines and being formed from side panel material, each said latching tab comprising a latching tab edge defined by a cut line in said side panel which intersects said fold line at upper and lower intersection points, said latching tab edge comprising an exit ramp portion sloping outwardly and downwardly from said upper intersection point, an inlet ramp portion sloping outwardly and upwardly from said lower intersection point and a bearing area between said exit ramp portion and inlet ramp portion adapted to be frictionally engaged by the inside of said lid side panel; a pair of cam panels, each cam panel being secured to the inside of each lid side panel and having a forward facing edge in closely spaced relation to the inside of said front panel, or a corresponding ridge formed between each of the side panels and said front panel, and defining a latching tab retaining zone therebetween, whereby when said lid is moved from said open position to said closed position, said latching tabs are closely received and wedged in corresponding latching tab retaining zones.

17. A package comprising: a box part having a pair of opposed front and rear panels, a pair of opposed side panels and a bottom panel; a lid having a pair of opposed front and rear panels, a pair of opposed side panels and a top panel, said lid being pivotally movable between an open and a closed position about a hinge connection defined by a pivot axis along a fold between the rear panels of said lid and box part and being substantially parallel to said top and bottom panels; an inner frame closely received in and having a portion projecting upwardly from said box part, said inner frame having a front panel and a pair of opposed side panels each connected to an opposite end of the front panel along a fold line substantially parallel to said side panels, said projecting portion being closely received by said lid when in the closed position; a pair of latching tabs integrally formed from said inner frame, each latching tab extending outwardly from one of said fold lines and being formed from side panel material, each said latching tab comprising a latching tab edge defined by a cut line in said side panel which intersects said fold line at upper and lower intersection points, said latching tab edge comprising an exit ramp portion sloping outwardly and downwardly from said upper intersection point, an inlet ramp portion sloping outwardly and upwardly from said lower intersection point and a bearing area between said exit ramp portion and inlet ramp portion adapted to be frictionally engaged by the inside of said lid side panel; a pair of cam panels, each cam panel being secured to the inside of each lid side panel and having a forward facing edge in closely spaced relation to the inside of said front panel, or a corresponding ridge formed between each of the side panels and said front panel, and defining a latching tab retaining zone therebetween, whereby when said lid is moved from said open position to said closed position, said latching tabs are closely received and wedged in corresponding latching tab retaining zones, wherein each said inner frame side panel has an upper edge, said upper edge being beveled downwardly to intersect said fold line connecting said front panel to said side panel at a forward corner and wherein said package has an interference between said lid front panel and said forward corners of less than about 8% of the depth of said package.

18. The package according to claim 17, wherein said interference is about 2.5%.

19. The package according to claim 17, wherein the lid and the box part are formed from a first blank and the inner frame is formed from a second blank.

20. The package according to claim 17, wherein the lid, the box part and the inner frame are formed from a single blank.

21. A method of optimizing opening and closing capabilities of the package comprising: a box part having a pair of opposed front and rear panels, a pair of opposed side panels and a bottom panel; a lid having a pair of opposed front and rear panels, a pair of opposed side panels and a top panel, said lid being pivotally moveable between an open and a closed position about a hinge connection defined by a pivot axis along a fold between the rear panels of said lid and box part and being substantially parallel to said top and bottom panels; an inner frame closely received in and having a portion projecting upwardly from said box part, said inner frame having a front panel and a pair of opposed side panels each connected to an opposite end of the front panel along a fold line substantially parallel to said side panels, said projecting portion being closely received by said lid when in the closed position; a pair of latching tabs, each latching tab extending outwardly from one of said fold lines of said inner frame and having a forward facing surface and a rearward facing surface; and a pair of cam panels, each cam panel being secured to the inside of each lid side panel and having a forward facing edge in closely spaced relation to the inside of said front panel, or a corresponding ridge formed between each of the side panels and said front panel, and defining a latching tab retaining zone therebetween, the forward facing edge of said cam panel comprising a lower latching tab lifting zone and an upper wedging zone, said lower latching tab lifting zone being adapted to engage the rearward facing surface of said latching tab when said lid is moved from said open position toward said closed position and said upper wedging zone being configured to engage and the rearward facing surface of secure said latching tab within said latching tab retaining zone when said lid is in said closed position; said method comprising: selecting overall package dimensions; minimizing the distance between said pivot axis and said top panel of said lid while maintaining a comfortable gripping zone on the lid rear panel; selecting a distance between the forward corners of the inner frame from the top edge of said box part based on a pre-selected interference percentage; determining a zero interference trajectory for both a damaged and an undamaged or fully deployed latching tab; configuring the latching tabs by positioning the outermost point of each latching tab as close as possible to the lid top panel and selecting the distance between the outermost point of each latching tab and a line defined by the corresponding fold lines, to allow the latching tabs to engage the corresponding cam panels without bending when the package is in the closed position; and configuring the cam panels by: (i) positioning the lowermost point of each of said cam panels inside the zero interference trajectory for the damaged latching tab; (ii) selecting a cam inclination angle between 15.degree. and 45.degree.; (iii) positioning the height of the upper wedging zone of said cam panels to correspond with the position of the latching tab when the lid is in the closed position; and (iv) modifying the profile of the cam panel forward facing edge to form a latching tab retaining zone that is sufficiently narrow to retain the latching tab between the forward facing edge of the cam panel and the inside of the front panel, or the ridge formed between each of the side panels and the front panel when the lid is in the closed position.

22. The package according to claim 11, wherein said package has an interference between said lid front panel and said forward corners of less than about 8% of the depth of said package.

23. The package according to claim 1, wherein the lid and the box part are formed from a first blank and the inner frame is formed from a second blank.

24. The package according to claim 16, wherein the lid and the box part are formed from a first blank and the inner frame is formed from a second blank.

25. The package according to claim 1, wherein the lid, the box part and the inner frame are formed from a single blank.

26. The package according to claim 16, wherein the lid, the box part and the inner frame are formed from a single blank.