U.S. patent application number 14/208715 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-04 for packages.
This patent application is currently assigned to British American Tobacco (Investments) LTD. The applicant listed for this patent is British American Tobacco (Investments) LTD. Invention is credited to Andrew Jonathan Bray, Alan Douglas Tearle.
Application Number | 20140246344 14/208715 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34259787 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140246344 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bray; Andrew Jonathan ; et
al. |
September 4, 2014 |
Packages
Abstract
A package comprises first and second pack-containing sections.
The pack-containing sections are connected by straps. A pack can be
received in each pack-containing section.
Inventors: |
Bray; Andrew Jonathan;
(Southampton, GB) ; Tearle; Alan Douglas;
(Southampton, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
British American Tobacco (Investments) LTD |
London |
|
GB |
|
|
Assignee: |
British American Tobacco
(Investments) LTD
London
GB
|
Family ID: |
34259787 |
Appl. No.: |
14/208715 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13788457 |
Mar 7, 2013 |
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14208715 |
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13106341 |
May 12, 2011 |
8413805 |
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13788457 |
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11795742 |
Jan 9, 2009 |
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PCT/GB2006/000245 |
Jan 25, 2006 |
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13106341 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/257 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 71/02 20130101;
B65D 5/009 20130101; B65D 5/427 20130101; B31B 2105/00 20170801;
B65D 21/0201 20130101; B65D 85/1063 20130101; B65D 85/00 20130101;
A24F 15/00 20130101; A24F 15/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/257 |
International
Class: |
A24F 15/12 20060101
A24F015/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 27, 2005 |
GB |
0501733.0 |
Claims
1. A package comprising first and second separate packs P1,P2 each
capable of containing smoking articles and a pack connecting
structure formed from a single sheet of material having a first
elongate section in which there is an elongate hole defined in part
by a first strap S2,S3 and having major edges which are spaced
apart and a second section forming a second strap S1 and being
aligned with the hole and extending from a minor edge of the first
section, the second section having a maximum width substantially
equal or less than the minimum width of the hole and a length
greater than the length of the hole, a free minor edge of the
second section being threaded through the hole and being attached
to the free minor edge of the first section so that the connecting
structure forms first and second pack-containing sections, wherein
said first pack P1 is received in said first pack-containing
section and the second pack P2 is received in the second
pack-containing section.
2. A package according to claim 1, wherein the first elongate
section comprises first wall R1, second wall R2 and strap sections
C2,C3; A2,A3, and the first strap comprises a first band B2 and a
second band B3, the first band B2 being connected to the first wall
R1 by strap section C2 and to second wall R2 by strap section A2,
the second band B3 being connected to the first wall R1 by strap
section C3 and to second wall R2 by strap section A3, to define
said elongate hole enclosed by said first and second bands B2, B3
and said first and second walls R1, R2.
3. A package according to claim 2, wherein the second strap S1
comprises a third band B1 and strap sections C1, A1, the first pack
containing section being defined by second wall R2, strap sections
C1, A2, A3 and first, second and third bands B1, B2, B3, and the
second pack containing section is defined by the first wall R1,
strap sections C2, C3, A1, and first, second and third bands
B1,B2,B3.
4. A package according to claim 3, wherein third band B3 comprises
a joining tab J adjacent to strap section C1, said joining tab
being attached to second wall R2.
5. A package according to claim 3, wherein each of the first and
second packs P1, P2 comprises an inner shell I and an outer shell O
that cooperate to contain smoking articles.
6. A package according to claim 5, wherein the inner shell I
comprises a rear wall 10, and top and bottom flaps 16,18 hinged to
the rear wall 10, and tongues 20,22 hinged to the flaps 16,18 that
pivot to enable access to smoking articles within each of the first
and second packs P1,P2.
7. A package according to claim 6, wherein the outer shell O is a
tube of rectangular cross-section having front and rear major faces
2,4 and minor side faces 6,8.
8. A package according to claim 6, wherein the second band B2 traps
the tongue of the first pack P1 in a first position and the second
band B2 traps the tonge of the second pack P2 in a second
position.
9. A package according to claim 5, wherein the inner shell I is
slideable relative to the outer shell to gain access to smoking
articles in each of the first and second packs.
10. A package according to claim 1, wherein each of the first and
second packs are formed in one part.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to packages. Illustrative
embodiments of the invention relate to packages for smoking
articles e.g. cigarettes or other elongate objects, but the
invention is not limited to packages for elongate objects or
packages for smoking articles
[0002] It is known to connect two (or more) cigarette packets or to
provide a package having two connected packs. See for example U.S.
Pat. No. 1,906,742 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,344,008 both of which
disclose a package comprising two packs connected together. When
opened, the two packs can be fanned out.
[0003] Other examples are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,867,949,
1850410, 2,046,484, and International Design DM1018057. All of
those examples have two (or more) packs hinged together.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,615,765 (Roericht) discloses a container
comprising two half shells. The two half shells together form the
body and lid of a closed container, for example a case for
spectacles. The shells may be semi-circular or of other shape
including triangular, rectangular or parallelogram-shaped. Each
shell has first and second edges. First, second and third straps
arranged side by side join the shells. The straps extend around the
outsides of the shells. Assume the first and second straps are on
the outside of the first shell and the third strap is on the
outside of the second shell. The first and second straps each have
first and second edges joined to the first edge of the first shell
and the second edge of the second shell respectively. The third
strap has a first edge joined to the second edge of the first shell
and a second edge joined to the first edge of the second shell. The
shells are linked by the straps, so that either one shell can roll
over the outside of the other.
[0005] The present invention seeks to provide a novel package
comprising two or more packs, each independently able to contain
items, the packs being connected in an interesting way.
[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a package comprising: first and second packs each capable
of containing items, each pack having a first face bound by a first
edge and a second edge, the second edge being parallel to the first
edge; and means, connecting the first and second packs, which means
comprising first and second straps which are attachable to the
first and second packs; wherein, in a first position of the packs
the first face of the first and second packs face each other with
the first edges of the first and second pack adjacent to each other
and the second edges of the first and second pack adjacent each
other, the first and second straps extending across the first face
and being hinged about the first and second edges, wherein the
first strap is hinged about the first edge of the first pack and
hinged about the second edge of the second pack and the second
strap is hinged about the second edge of the first pack and hinged
about the first edge of the second pack, whereby the first and
second packs are movable, one relative to the other between at
least the first position, a second position in which the second
pack is rotated relative to the first pack about the first edge and
a third position in which the second pack is rotated relative to
the first pack about the second edge.
[0007] The said first face and the first and second edges upstand
from the base.
[0008] The packs may be rigid or may be soft cup packs.
[0009] In an embodiment of the invention, each pack has a
rectangular base, and is made up of first and second major faces
and first and second side faces. The first edge of each pack is at
the intersection of the first major face with the first side face
and the second edge is at the intersection of the first major face
with the second side face.
[0010] The straps may be of any suitable flexible material. The
straps are elongate and of any suitable width and length. Any
number of straps greater than or equal to two may be used. In the
examples described herein three straps are used.
[0011] Thus the two packs are connected in a Jacobs Ladder
arrangement. This provides an interesting arrangement of packs. The
straps each have two faces which can be seen in different positions
of the two packs. The faces of a strap may have indicia and/or
graphics thereon. At least one strap may have indicia and/or
graphics on both faces.
[0012] The packs may initially be empty or may contain items.
[0013] Another aspect of the invention provides a blank comprising
a single sheet of material, having at least a first region
providing a first strap and a second region providing a second
strap, the regions being adjoined by a line operable to separate
the first region from the second region, the line having a first,
second and third section thereon, the second section being a
weakened section such that the first and second regions are
separable, and the first and second sections being cut portions
extending from respective ends of the weakened section to the edge
of the sheet.
[0014] The sheet may be rectangular having major and minor edges,
the said line and regions being parallel to the major edges of the
sheet and the first cut extends from a minor edge and the second
cut extends to another minor edge. Alternatively, the sheet may be
arranged where the line and the regions are parallel to the minor
edges of the sheet. The blank may be of plastic, paper or card. The
plastic may be cellophane, polypropylene or other suitable
plastic.
[0015] A further aspect of the invention comprises a blank
comprising a single sheet of material having a first elongate
section in which there is an elongate hole having major edges which
are spaced apart and a second section aligned with the hole and
extending from a minor edge of the first section, the second
section having a maximum width substantially equal or less than the
minimum width of the hole and a length greater than the length of
the hole such that a free minor edge of the second section is
threadable through the hole and capable of attaching to the free
minor edge of the first section.
[0016] Yet another aspect of the invention comprises a package
comprising two packs joined together in a Jacobs Ladder
arrangement. In an example, each packet is individually wrapped in
plastics wrapping. In another example, the two packs share one
hinged lid.
[0017] Another aspect of the invention provides a method of making
a package comprising:
[0018] providing a first pack and a second pack;
[0019] placing at least first and second straps between the first
and second packs; and
[0020] fixing the straps to the packs to join the packs in a Jacobs
Ladder arrangement.
[0021] In an embodiment of the method, the first and second straps
are placed on the first pack and the second pack is then placed on
the first and second straps.
[0022] The fixing step may comprise fixing at least one of the
straps to the first pack before the second pack is placed
thereon.
[0023] The straps may be integral parts of a unitary blank.
Alternatively, the straps may be separate ab initio.
[0024] The method may further comprise providing a hinged lid which
closes both of the packs. For a better understanding of the present
invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect,
reference will now be made by way of example to the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0025] FIGS. 1A, B and C are top (or bottom) plan views of examples
of first to fourth packages according to the invention:
[0026] FIG. 2A is a plan view of a blank useful in the packages of
FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 2B is the blank of FIG. 2A folded as in use;
[0028] FIG. 2C shows the folded blank of FIG. 2B related to two
packs;
[0029] FIG. 2D shows a modification of the blank of FIG. 2A;
[0030] FIG. 2E shows the blank of FIG. 2D folded as in use;
[0031] FIG. 3A is a plan view of another blank useful in the
packages of FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 3B shows the blank of FIG. 3A folded as in use;
[0033] FIGS. 4A and B illustrate one method of making a package in
accordance with the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fifth, partially open,
package according to the invention;
[0035] FIG. 6A is a plan view of the fifth package open in one
configuration;
[0036] FIG. 6B is a plan view of the fifth package open in another
configuration;
[0037] FIG. 7 is a rear view of the fifth package partially
open;
[0038] FIGS. 8A to C are plan views of blanks useful in the fifth
package of FIGS. 5 to 7;
[0039] FIGS. 9A to C are views of the blanks of FIG. 8 folded as in
use in the fifth package;
[0040] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a partially open sixth
package;
[0041] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the sixth package open in one
configuration;
[0042] FIG. 12 is a plan view of the sixth package open in another
configuration;
[0043] FIG. 13 is a rear view of the sixth package partially
open;
[0044] FIG. 14 is a plan view of a blank useful in the sixth
package;
[0045] FIGS. 15A to C are plan views of other blanks useful in the
sixth package;
[0046] FIGS. 16A to D are views of the blanks of FIGS. 14 and 15
partially folded for use in the sixth package;
[0047] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a seventh package;
[0048] FIG. 18 is a plan view of the seventh package open in one
configuration;
[0049] FIG. 19 is a plan view of the seventh package open in
another configuration;
[0050] FIG. 20 is a rear view of the seventh package partially
open;
[0051] FIG. 21 is a plan view of a blank useful in the seventh
package;
[0052] FIG. 22 is a view of the blank of FIG. 21 folded as in use
in the seventh package;
[0053] FIGS. 23A to 23D illustrate the blanks used to form a first
variant of an eighth package;
[0054] FIGS. 24A to 24E illustrate the blanks used to form a second
variant of an eighth package;
[0055] FIGS. 25A to 25C illustrate the blanks used to form a third
variant of a eighth package;
[0056] FIGS. 26A to 26D illustrate the blanks used to form a fourth
variant of an eighth package.
[0057] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a ninth example of a
package, wherein each pack forming the package has a hinged lid;
and
[0058] FIG. 28A to 28C illustrate a package arrangement in which
each pack is of triangular cross-section.
[0059] Overview
[0060] The first package comprises two packs P1 and P2. In this
example the packs are closed boxes each containing cigarettes. The
two packs are joined in a "Jacobs ladder" arrangement which allows
each pack to rotate about the other as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C.
Thus referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, assuming pack P1 is stationary,
starting at the position shown in FIG. 1A, in which the faces F1
and F1' of the two packs face one another, pack P2 is able to
rotate about edge E2 of pack P1 in an anticlockwise direction. As
shown in FIG. 1C, pack P2 is also able to rotate in a clockwise
direction about edge E1 of pack P1. In one example either one of
the two packs can move relative to other from the position shown in
FIG. 1A through 180.degree. to be side by side with the faces F1
and F1' facing in the same direction. In another example either one
of the two packs can move relative to other from the position shown
in FIG. 1A through 360.degree. to be side by side with the faces F1
and F1' facing in opposite directions: i.e. as shown in FIG. 1A but
with P2 to the left of P1. These and other examples will be
described in more detail in the following description.
FIRST EXAMPLE
[0061] Referring to FIG. 1A, in a first example, the two packs P1
and P2 are joined by at least two straps S1 and S2. The following
discussion initially assumes there are two straps. Pack P1 is of
rectangular cross section having a base, a front face F1, a rear
face F2 and side faces F3 and F4 upstanding from the base. Faces F1
and F3 have an edge E1 in common; faces F1 and F4 have an edge E2
in common; faces F2 and F3 have an edge E3 in common; and Faces F2
and F4 have an edge E4 in common. Pack P2 is identical its faces
and edges being identified by the same references as pack P1 but
with a suffix. The edges E1 to E4 and E1' to E4' upstand from the
bases of the packs. Strap S1 is: fixed to P1 at face F3 and extends
freely around edge E1, between and across the faces F1 and F1' to
edge E2' of pack P2 and around edge E2' of P2 and is fixed at face
F4' of pack P2. Strap S2 is fixed to P1 at face F4 and extends
freely around edge E2, between and across the faces F1 and F1' to
edge E1' of pack P2 and around edge E1' of pack P2 and is fixed at
face F3' of pack P2.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 1B, this allows pack P2 to rotate about
edge E2 of pack P1 in an anticlockwise direction. In the position
shown in FIG. 1A, the straps S1 and S2 extend in diagonally
opposite directions between the two packs, the straps crossing
centrally between the two packs. As pack P2 rotates anti-clockwise
about edge E2, the crossing point moves towards E2. The rotation
ceases when faces F4 and F4' face one another. As shown in FIG. 1C,
the pack P2 can rotate in similar manner about edge E1 in a
clockwise direction until faces F3 and F3' contact each other.
[0063] A minimum of two straps are needed. However, three straps
may be provided, with strap S1 in between the other two straps S2
and S3, as is shown in further examples described hereinafter.
[0064] The straps may be of any thin flexible material. If only two
straps are used, then the material used is stiff transversely of
the long direction of the straps. More than three straps may be
provided.
[0065] As will be described below, the straps have two sides and at
least the parts B1 and B2 of the straps are visible in different
positions of the straps and can be used for indicia and/or
graphics
BLANK AND SECOND EXAMPLE
[0066] FIGS. 2A and B show a blank of material which may be used to
join two packs P1 and P2 using three straps S1 to S3 in a Jacobs
ladder arrangement in a second example of the invention. FIG. 2A
shows the blank before use. FIG. 2B shows the blank folded into the
configuration of its use. The blank is generally rectangular. Strap
S1 is, in this example, between straps S2 and S3, and in this
example is wider than each of the other two straps. Strap S1
comprises flaps A1 and C1 which in use are fixed to face F3 of pack
P1 and face F4' of pack P2 respectively, and band B1 which extends
from face F3 freely across faces F1 and F1' to face F4'. Strap S2
comprises flaps C2 and A2 which in use are fixed to face F4 of pack
P1 and face F3' of pack P2 respectively, and band B2 which extends
from face F4, freely between the faces F1 and F1', to face F3'.
Similarly, strap S3 comprises flaps C3 and A3 which in use are
fixed to face F4 of pack P1 and face F3' of pack P2 respectively,
and band B3 which extends from face F4, freely across faces F1 and
F1', to face F3'. Flaps A1 and A2 are separated by a cut X1. Flaps
A1 and A3 are separated by a cut X2. Similarly, flap C1 is
separated from C2 and C3 by cuts X3 and X4. Band B1 is joined in
the blank to bands B2 and B3 by perforated tear lines T1 and T2.
The flaps A1 to A3 and C1 to C3 are joined to the bands B1 to B3.
In some examples such as those of card or paper the flaps are
joined to the bands by fold lines L1 and L2. In other examples,
such as those of film, there are no fold lines.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 2C, in use the blank is fixed in one piece
to the two packs P1 and P2 with the flaps A1 to A3 and C1 to C3
adhered (e.g. glued or heat sealed) to the edges of the packs as
described above. It will be appreciated that if FIG. 1 is regarded
as a top view FIG. 2C is a bottom view (or vice versa).
[0068] To open the package, the user rotates the packs one relative
to the other. That breaks the perforations along the tear lines T1
and T2.
THIRD EXAMPLE AND BLANK
[0069] As shown in FIG. 1 by the dashed lines, and in FIGS. 2D and
2E, the flaps A1 to A3 and C1 to C3 may be lengthened as indicated
by A1' to A3' and C1' to C3' to extend freely across faces F3, F4,
F3' and F4' and be fixed to faces F2 and F2'. That allows either
one of the two packs to rotate through 360.degree. relative to the
other. In another version, the flaps A1 to A3 and C1 to C3 are
fixed to the sides of the packs as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B and the
extensions A1' to A3' and C1' to C3' are glued.
FOURTH EXAMPLE AND BLANK
[0070] As shown in FIGS. 3A and B, and in FIG. 1B at least one of
the extensions C1' to C3' may extend over face F2' of pack P2. In
some versions, the flaps A1, A2 and A3 are adhered to the sides
F4', F4, and F4 respectively of the packs P2 and P1, the extensions
C1', C2' and C3' are glued. In other versions the extensions C1',
C2' and C3' are adhered to the faces F2', F2 and F2 respectively,
the flaps C1, C2 and C3 being not adhered to the sides F4', F4 and
F4. Any one or more of the extensions C1', C2' and C3' may carry
indicia and/or graphics on one or both sides thereof.
[0071] The extensions C1', C2' and C3' could be free.
[0072] Variants of the First to Fourth Examples.
[0073] The packs P1 and P2 may be wrapped in plastics wrapping, for
example cellophane, polypropylene or other suitable material. The
blank of FIG. 2 or 3 may also be of such plastics material fixed to
the plastics wrapping of the packs.
[0074] The packs may be of card as is conventional in the art and
the blank of FIG. 2 or 3 may be of card or paper fixed to the card
packs. The resulting combined package may be wrapped in plastics
wrapping. Instead of being integral parts of a blank, the straps
may be separate ab initio.
[0075] Method of Making a Package--FIGS. 4A and 4B
[0076] A package as described above with reference to FIGS. 1, 2A,
2B and 2C may be made in the following way.
[0077] Packs P1 are supplied by a suitable conveyor to a station at
which the joining blank JL is applied ST1 to each pack P1. In this
example the blanks JL are cut from a reel of material. In another
example the blanks JL are pre-cut and stored in a magazine. They
are fed from the magazine and applied to the packs. The
perforations and cuts may be pre-formed in the reel of material or
formed at the station from plain material. In this example the
blank JL is adhered to the leading edge of a pack by adhering the
flaps C3 and C2 of the outer straps S3 and S2 to the pack P1. The
blank JL is then cut to length ST2. The first packs P1 with blanks
JL adhered thereto are conveyed to a station at which second packs
P2 are placed ST3 onto the blanks JL. In FIG. 4A the second packs
P2 are fed onto the first packs P1 from one side ST3 of the
conveyor. In FIG. 4B the second packs P2 are placed ST3' onto the
first packs P1 from above ST4'. In the following steps ST4 (or
ST4') to ST8, the blank JL is adhered to the first P1 and second
packs P2 to connect them in a Jacobs Ladder arrangement.
[0078] In step ST4 and ST4' the two packs P1 and P2 with the blank
JL between them are indexed together, i.e. transported and
accurately aligned.
[0079] In the example illustrated in steps ST5 and ST6 the two
packs P1 and P2 move vertically down through guides, or via a
rotary mechanism, which fold the flaps C1, A2 and A3 upwards and in
step ST7 heater bars adhere the flaps C1, A2 and A3 to the packs.
In step ST8 the packs move vertically upwards through guides which
fold the remaining flap A1 down and in step ST9 flap A1 is adhered
to the package by a heater bar.
[0080] Alternatively, the steps ST5 to ST9 may be combined wherein
the vertical movement causes flaps A1, A2, A3 and C1 to fold
simultaneously in the desired direction and to be adhered to the
package by the heater bar.
FIFTH EXAMPLE
FIGS. 5 to 9
[0081] Referring to FIGS. 5, 8B, 8C and 9A and 9C, two packs P1 and
P2 each comprise an inner shell I (FIGS. 8C and 9C) and an outer
shell O (FIGS. 8B and 9A). The outer shell is a tube of rectangular
cross section having front and rear major faces 2 and 4 and minor
side faces 6 and 8. The inner shell comprises a rear wall 10, side
flaps 12 and 14, top and bottom flaps 16 and 18 hinged to the rear
wall 10, and tongues 20 and 22 hinged to the flaps 16 and 18. The
inner shell co-operates with the outer to contain cigarettes. In
the example shown, each pack P1, P2 contains one row of cigarettes,
but other versions may contain more than one row. Other forms of
pack P1 and P2 as known in the art can be used. For example each
pack P1 and P2 may be a one part pack.
[0082] The two packs P1 and P2 are connected in a Jacobs Ladder
arrangement by the structure shown in FIG. 9B in assembled form and
in FIG. 8A in the form of a blank. The structure comprises walls R1
and R2 between which extend straps S2 and S3. Straps S2 and S3 are
spaced apart, being separated by a predetermined distance D. The
straps S2 and S3 comprise bands B2 and B3 connected to wall R1 by
sections C2 and C3 and connected to wall R2 by sections A2 and A3.
The walls R1 and. R2 and the straps S2 and S3 define a rectangular
hole of width D. A strap S1 extends from the centre of the side of
wall R1 remote from the hole. Strap 51 has a width equal to or less
than D. Strap 51 comprises a band B1 connected to wall R1 by
section A1. A joining tab J is connected to band B1 by section C1
Band B1 passes through the hole between straps S2 and S3, and
joining tab J is glued to the margin of face R2 remote from the
hole to form a "Figure-of-8" structure as shown in FIG. 9B. The
structure has two pack-containing sections: one defined by wall R2,
strap sections C1, A2 and A3 and bands B1, B2 and B3; the other by
wall R1, strap sections C2, C3, A1, and bands B1, B2 and B3. Each
pack containing section contains a pack as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7.
FIGS. 5 and 7 show the assembled packs as viewed in the direction
of the arrow labelled "(FIG. 5A), (FIG. 7)" in FIG. 9B. FIGS. 6A
and 6B show the packs P1 and P2 in different positions. It will be
seen in FIGS. 6A and 6B that the strap S2' traps the tongue of the
left hand pack P1 in FIGS. 6A and P2 in FIG. 6B. Access is provided
to the right hand pack; the left-hand pack can be accessed by
rotating it around the other pack to put it on the right hand side.
Of course the packs may be arranged so the left hand pack gives
access to the cigarettes.
[0083] In a variant which uses "slide and shell" packs the straps
do not need to trap the flaps because the slide allows for the
inner part to be "slid" from within the outer shell in order to
gain access to the cigarettes.
[0084] In this fifth example the blanks of FIGS. 8A to C are all of
board known in the art. The blanks may be of any other suitable
material, e.g. plastics material. In one version, the outer shells
of the packs P1 and P2 are glued to the Jacobs Ladder structure. In
another version, the packs are free to slide within the
structure.
[0085] Whilst the blank of FIG. 8A is generally rectangular and has
a rectangular strap S1 of width D1 which passes through the
corresponding rectangular hole of width D, blanks 8C need not be
rectangular. Strap S1 may have a periphery of any shape. The hole
may have a periphery of any shape. The maximum width of the strap
must be equal to or less than the minimum width of the hole to
enable the strap S1 to pass through the hole. The strap S1 and hole
need not be centred on the axis of the blank.
SIXTH EXAMPLE
FIGS. 10 to 16
[0086] The sixth example is a package which comprises two packs P1
and P2 connected in a Jacobs Ladder arrangement, the two packs
sharing one hinged lid.
[0087] As shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, two packs P1 and P2 are
connected together by a blank as shown in, and described with
reference to, for example, FIG. 2. A lid L hingedly connected to
one P1 of the packs closes the top of both packs P1 and P2.
[0088] FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 show blanks which are used to construct
the package. FIG. 15A is a plan view of the joining blank JL used
to join the two packs together. Joining blank JL is identical to
that described with reference to FIG. 2. The blanks of FIGS. 14 to
16 are a modification of the blanks described in WO 2004/080844A1,
the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0089] Pack P1 comprises two parts: part P11 shown in FIG. 14; and
part P12 shown in FIG. 15B. Pack P2 comprises two parts: part P21
shown in FIG. 14; and part P22 shown in FIG. 15C. FIGS. 15B and C
show the position the joining blank JL takes with respect to the
blanks P12 and P22 which form parts of the packs P1 and P2.
[0090] Parts P11 and P21 are parts of a unitary blank BL which also
includes the lid L. Part 21 comprises a main face F2' and side
faces F3' and F4'. Part P21 is joined to part P11 by integral flaps
78 and 80. The flaps 78 and 80 are joined by a tear line T3.
[0091] Part P11 comprises a main face F2 and side faces F3 and
F4.
[0092] Part P11 is joined to the lid L via a fold line 82 which has
additional weakening as indicated by 82'. The form of the lid is
known; see for example WO 2004/080844 A1
[0093] The lid L comprises a rear wall 84, inner side walls 74 and
76, top wall 68, and front wall 62. Flap 60 is reinforcement for
the front wall and flaps 70 and 72 connect the side walls 74 and 76
to the top wall. The lid further comprises outer side walls 64 and
66 which are reinforced by the inner side walls 74 and 76. Fold
lines between the flaps and walls are indicated by dash lines in
FIG. 14.
[0094] Part P12 is an inner part having an outer face 30 which
corresponds to face F1. Outer face 30 is connected by a bottom wall
36 to an inner rear wall 38. Face 30 has side flaps 32 and 34. Rear
wall 38 has side flaps 40 and 42.
[0095] Part P22 is another inner part having a face 44 which
corresponds to face F1' and a rear wall 56. The rear wall 56 is
connected to the face 44 by a bottom wall 50. The wall 56 has side
flaps 52 and 54. The face 44 has side flaps 46 and 48.
[0096] Referring to FIGS. 15C and 16B, the inner part P22 is
assembled by folding the side flaps 46, 48, 52 and 54 at right
angles to the face 44 and wall 56 along the fold lines indicated by
dash lines in FIG. 15C. The face 44 and wall 56 are folded at right
angles to the bottom wall 50 along the fold lines indicated in FIG.
15C. The side flaps 46 and 52 are glued to each other. The side
flaps 48 and 54 are glued to each other. The resulting box is shown
in FIG. 16B.
[0097] Referring to FIGS. 15B and 16D, the inner part P12 is
assembled by folding the side flaps 32, 34, 40 and 42 at right
angles to the face 30 and wall 38 along the fold lines indicated by
dash lines in FIG. 15B. The face 30 and wall 38 are folded at right
angles to the bottom wall 36 along the fold lines indicated in FIG.
15B. The side flaps 40 and 34 are glued to each other. The side
flaps 32 and 42 are glued to each other. The resulting box is shown
in FIG. 16D.
[0098] The joining blank JL is positioned as shown in FIGS. 15B and
C relative to the faces F1 and F1' on the inner parts P12 and P22.
Flaps A2 and A3 of the joining blank are fixed to side flap 32 of
the inner part P12. Flap C1 of the joining blank is fixed to side
flap 34 of the inner part P12. Flaps C2 and C3 of the joining blank
are fixed to side flap 48 of the inner part P22. Flap A1 of the
joining blank JL is fixed to side flap 46 of the inner part P22.
Then, the rear inner wall of part P22 is fixed on face F2' of the
blank BL (FIG. 14) with the bottom wall 50 on bottom wall section
78. The side flaps F3' and F4' of the blank BL are glued to the
side flaps of the inner part P22. The rear inner wall 38 of part
P12 is fixed on face F2 of the blank BL with the bottom wall 36 on
bottom wall section 80. The side flaps F3 and F4 of the blank BL
are glued to the side flaps 32 and 34 of the inner part P12 The
faces 44 and 30 of the inner parts P22 and P12 respectively form
the faces F1 and F1' of the packet.
[0099] Alternatively, the joining blank JL may be connected
directly to the side flaps F3, F3', F4 and F4' of the main blank
BL. The inner parts P12 and P22 when assembled may slide between
the faces F2 and the joining blank JL and face F2' and the joining
blank JL respectively. The inner parts P12 and P22 will come to
rest against the bottom panels 80 and 78 respectively. In this
arrangement, gluing inner parts P12 and P22 directly to the main
blank BL and/or joining blank JL is not necessary.
[0100] The lid L is formed by folding inner side walls 74 and 76
together with the flaps 70 and 72 to right angles to the rear wall
84 about the fold lines at the sides of the rear wall. Flaps 70 and
72 are folded inwardly at right angles to the inner rear walls 74
and 76. Reinforcement flap 60 is folded onto the inside of the
front wall 62 and fixed to it. Top wall 68 is folded about the fold
line between it and the rear wall 84 onto the flaps 70 and 72 and
in this example fixed to the flaps 70 and 72. In other example the
flaps 70 and 72 are free. Front wall 62 is folded down to be at
right angles to the top wall. Outer side walls 64 and 66 are folded
and fixed to the inner side walls 74 and 76.
[0101] Referring to FIG. 10, the assembled, but un-opened package
has the packs P1 and P2 joined by the bottom wall sections 78 and
80 with the tear line T3 intact. Furthermore the strap S1 is joined
to the straps S2 and S3 with the tear lines T1 and T2 intact. The
package is opened by opening the lid L and rotating the pack P2
relative to pack P1 separating the bottom wall sections 78 and 80
along the tear line T3 and separating the strap S1 from strap S2
and S3 along the tear lines T1 and T2.
[0102] Referring to FIG. 16A, in another version of the example,
the part P21 is initially separate from the part P11; i.e. the
blank BL is replaced by two blanks being in effect separated along
the tear line T3.
[0103] In yet another version, the tear line T3 remains intact
during construction and is slit by machine, i.e. the line T3 is cut
"online". The pack delivered to the consumer has separate parts P11
and P21.
[0104] The joining blank is of such a size and is so positioned
that the lid L can be opened without damaging the straps of the
joining blank.
[0105] Method of Making the Package of FIGS. 10 to 16
[0106] The sixth example may be made as follows. The two packs P1
and P2 may be connected in the Jacobs Ladder arrangement as
described with reference to FIG. 4. The blank of FIG. 14 is folded
around the joined packs P1 and P2.
SEVENTH EXAMPLE AND BLANKS
FIGS. 17 to 22
[0107] The seventh example and its blanks are a variant of the
fifth example of FIGS. 4 to 9. The seventh example differs from the
fifth example mainly in that it is intended to connect two
conventional hinged lid packs P1 and P2 which may be wrapped in
plastics wrapping.
[0108] The two packs P1 and P2 are connected in a Jacobs Ladder
arrangement by the structure shown in FIG. 22 in assembled form and
in FIG. 21 in the form of a blank. The structure comprises walls R1
and R2 between which extend straps S2 and S3. Straps S2 and S3 are
spaced apart being separated by a predetermined distance D. The
straps S2 and S3 comprise bands B2 and B3 connected to wall R1 by
sections C2 and C3 and connected to wall R2 by sections A2 and A3.
The walls R1 and R2 and the straps S2 and S3 define a rectangular
hole of width D. A strap S1 extends from the centre of the side of
wall R1 remote from the hole. Strap S 1 has a width equal to or
less than D. Strap S1 comprises a band B1 connected to wall R1 by
section A1. A joining tab J is connected to band B1 by section C1.
Band B1 passes through the hole between straps S2 and S3, and
joining tab J is glued to the margin of face R2 remote from the
hole to form a "Figure-of-8" structure as shown in FIG. 22. The
structure has two pack-containing sections: one defined by wall R2,
strap sections C1, A2 and A3 and band B1 of strap S1; the other by
wall R1, strap sections C2, C3, A1, and bands B2 and B3. Each pack
containing section contains a known hinged lid pack FIGS. 18 and 19
show the packs P1 and P2 in different positions. As indicated by G1
and G2 which identify the sides of the straps, graphics and/or
indicia may be provided on both sides of one or more of the straps.
Also, as indicated by G3, G4, G5 and G6 areas of the first faces of
the packs are available for indicia and/or graphics.
[0109] As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the structure for containing
the packs optionally comprises two bottom walls BB comprising
bottom walls sections BB1 and BB 1' connected to those side edges
of the walls R1 and R2 which in use are the bottom edges of the
combined packs. The bottom wall sections have apertures FH for
allowing the user to push, using his or her finger, a pack P1 or P2
out of the section of the Figure-of-8 containing it. Tabs BB2 and
BB2' are connected to the bottom walls BB 1 and BB1'. The tabs are
folded upwardly into the Figure-of-8 sections to hold the bottom
walls in place.
[0110] Preferably the straps are so sized and positioned that the
lids of the packs can be opened without damaging the straps.
EIGHTH EXAMPLE
FIGS. 23A to 23D, FIGS. 24A to 24E, FIGS. 25A to 25C and FIGS. 26A
to 26D
[0111] The blanks illustrated in FIGS. 23 to 26 may be used to make
variants of the package provided by the sixth example. The sixth
and eighth examples comprise two packs P1 and P2 connected in a
Jacobs Ladder arrangement; the two packs share one hinged lid
L.
[0112] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 13 the two packs P1 and P2 are
connected together with the lid section L being provided on the
rear most face of the assembled pack. The arrangement is common to
all the variants providing the eighth example. The differences
between the variants of the eighth example is the number of and
arrangement of the blanks forming the assembled package.
[0113] The first variant of the eighth example is shown in FIGS.
23A to 23D. FIG. 23A illustrates a blank P111 which provides an
outer casing to the assembled pack and also provides the lid
portion L. The blank in FIG. 23A varies from that of the sixth
example by removal of the part of the outer casing provided by
blank BL that covers the inner part P22 when the pack is
assembled.
[0114] In the first variant of the eighth example the blanks P12,
P22 and the joining blank JL are combined in an identical manner to
that of the sixth example as described above.
[0115] Referring to the sixth example, FIG. 23B, FIG. 23C and FIG.
23D correspond with FIGS. 15B, 15C and 15A respectively. Therefore,
referring to FIGS. 15C and 16B, the inner part P22 is assembled by
folding the side flaps 46, 48, 52 and 54 at right angles to the
face 44 and wall 56 along the fold lines indicated by dash lines in
FIG. 15C. The face 44 and wall 56 are folded at right angles to the
bottom wall 50 along the fold lines indicated in FIG. 15C. The side
flaps 46 and 52 are glued to each other. The side flaps 48 and 54
are glued to each other. The resulting box is shown in FIG.
16B.
[0116] The joining blank JL is positioned as indicated in FIGS. 15B
and 15C relative to the face 30 (F1) and 44 (F1') on the inner
parts P12 and P22 (FIGS. 23B and 23C). Referring to FIGS. 15B and
16D, the inner part P12 is assembled by folding the side flaps 32,
34, 40 and 42 at right angles to the face 30 and wall 38 along the
fold lines indicated by dash lines in FIG. 15B. The face 30 and
wall 38 are folded at right angles to the bottom wall 36 along the
fold lines indicated in FIG. 15B. The side flaps 40 and 34 are
glued to each other. The side flaps 32 and 42 are glued to each
other. The resulting box is shown in FIG. 16D.
[0117] The inner part assembly, which comprises the inner parts P12
and P22 joined together by the joining blank JL are then attached
to the blank P111 providing an outer casing and the lid L. The face
38 that provides the rear wall of the inner part 12 is glued to the
rear face F2 of the casing blank P111.
[0118] In the first variant of the eighth example the face 56 of
inner part P22 provides the external face of the closed package and
panels 36 and 50 of inner parts P12 and P22 respectively provide
the external bottom panels of the closed package.
[0119] The lid L is formed in exactly the same was as described
with reference to the sixth example. Flaps A2 and A3 of the joining
blank are fixed to side flap 32 of the inner part P12. Flap C1 of
the joining blank is fixed to side flap 34 of the inner part P12.
Flaps C2 and C3 of the joining blank are fixed to side flap 48 of
the inner part P22. Flap A1 of the joining blank JL is fixed to
side flap 46 of the inner part P22.
[0120] The lid L is formed by folding inner side walls 74 and 76
together with the flaps 70 and 72 to right angles to the rear wall
84 about the fold lines at the sides of the rear wall. Flaps 70 and
72 are folded inwardly at right angles to the inner rear walls 74
and 76. Reinforcement flap 60 is folded onto the inside of the
front wall 62 and fixed to it. Top wall 68 is folded about the fold
line between it and the rear wall 84 onto the flaps 70 and 72 and
in this example fixed to the flaps 70 and 72. In another example
the flaps 70 and 72 are free. Front wall 62 is folded down to be at
right angles to the top wall. Outer side walls 64 and 66 are folded
and fixed to the inner side walls 74 and 76.
[0121] A second variant of the eighth example is formed by folding
and combining the blanks illustrated in FIGS. 24A to 24E.
[0122] The difference between the first and second variant is that
the inner part 22 is divided into two parts P22' and RI. The inner
part 22' has been modified such that the reinforcing inner insert
RI is attached to the inside of face 56 that forms the interior
wall of the assembled inner pack P22 such that an overlapping
section is provided at CE, which overlapping section provides a
closing edge CE against which the lid abuts on closing. The two
parts forming the assembled inner part P22 (P22' and RI) provide a
reinforced section such that the pack maintains its form when empty
and also assists in keeping the lid closed in use.
[0123] Other than adjoining the reinforcement inner part RI to the
inner part P22' to provide an inner part which has identical form
of P22 (FIGS. 23A to D) the package of the second variant is formed
in exactly the same way as the first variant. Inner parts P12, P22
and joining blank JL are combined, wherein panels F2 of part P111
and 56 of part P22' form the exterior faces F2 and F2' respectively
of the assembled pack. The lid L is formed by folding the blank in
the same manner as described above and with reference to FIG. 14.
Like reference numerals have been applied.
[0124] The third variant of the eighth example dispenses with the
outer casing section P111 or main blank BL as referred to above.
The third variant, is formed of three blanks as illustrated in
FIGS. 25A, 25B and 25C.
[0125] Referring to FIG. 25A, the lid portion L is formed as an
extension of the inner part blank P12. The lid L is hingedly
attached to the top edge of panel 38 of the inner part P12.
[0126] Referring to the description of the first variant of the
eighth example above, the inner parts P12, P22 and the joining
blank IL are combined in exactly the same way. In the third
variant, the faces 38 (F2) and 56 (F2') of the inner part P12 and
P22 respectively provide the external faces F2 and F2' of the
assembled pack. Panels 36 and 50 of the inner parts P12 and P22
respectively form the external bottom faces of the assembled
pack.
[0127] The lid portion L is formed in exactly the same was as
described above. Like reference numerals have been applied to FIG.
25A as in FIG. 14, FIG. 23A and FIG. 24A.
[0128] The fourth variant of the eighth example is formed by
folding and combining the blanks illustrated in FIGS. 26A to 26D.
In this example the blank forming inner part P22 has been divided
into two parts P22' and RI. The reinforcement insert RI is adhered
to the inside surface of the panel 56 such that an overlap is
provided. The overlap defines a closing edge CE against which the
leading closing edge of the lid abuts when closing the pack.
[0129] The package according to the fourth variant of the eighth
example is formed by first combining inner part P22' and
reinforcement inner RI to form inner part P22 and joining parts
P22, P12' and the joining blank IL. As in the third variant, panels
38 and 56 form the exterior faces of the assembled closed pack.
[0130] The lid is formed identically to the method described above
in respect of the sixth example and the first, second and third
variants of the eighth example.
NINTH EXAMPLE
FIG. 27
[0131] FIG. 27 illustrates a variant of the seventh example
utilising the joining blank JL of the sixth and eighth example.
[0132] In the ninth example two separate hinged lid packs HP1 and
HP2 are combined. The two packs may be conventional hinged lid
packs (example seven) or they may be adapted such that the combined
dimensions of the two packs HP1 and HP2 correspond with those of a
single conventional hinged lid pack.
[0133] The orientation of the packs as shown in FIG. 27 is where
the closing edge CE of the packs HP1 and HP2 are on faces F1 and
F1' such that the package is extended to access the contents of
both packs.
[0134] Referring to FIGS. 15C and 16B the packs HP1 and HP2 are
comparable with inner parts P12 and P22. The joining blank JL is
attached to each of the hinged lid packs HP1 and HP2 in the same
manner as illustrated in FIGS. 15C and 16B. The side flaps C2 and
C3 and A1 are attached to the side panels of hinged lid pack HP2
(see FIG. 27) and the side flaps A2 and A3 and C1 are attached to
the corresponding side panels of hinged lid pack HP 1.
Variants
Straps
[0135] In the examples described above, the straps are initially
provided connected together in a unitary blank. The straps may be
separate ab initio.
[0136] At least two straps are needed. As described above three
straps are used. Any number of two or more straps can be used.
Indicia and Graphics
[0137] Indicia and/or graphics may be provided on any of the
outside walls of the package and on any face or wall of the packs
in a package. In addition or alternatively, indicia and/or graphics
may be provided on the straps. Indicia and/or graphics may be
provided on both sides of at least one of the straps.
Contents
[0138] Packages in accordance with the invention may be used to
contain objects other than smoking articles. The packets may be
used for generally elongate cylindrical objects for example pencils
and crayons. The packets may be used to store other objects which
are not generally elongate and/or cylindrical.
[0139] The system of combining packs of cigarettes as described
herein may also be applied to combining cartons of cigarettes; a
carton being the package that contains packs of cigarettes. A
carton is usually arranged with two rows of five packs of
cigarettes and provides a package having a parallelepiped shape
similar to a cigarette pack. The strap system for combining
cigarette packs may be applied to combining two or more cartons
together. The application of the strap system to the cartons would
be particularly desirable for packaging cigarette packs, which
utilise the strap system, because the packaging of the carton would
be indicative of the packs it contains.
[0140] Smoking articles include cigarettes, cigars, and cigarillos
amongst other such articles.
Shape of Packs and Edges
[0141] The packages and packs contained therein described by way of
example above are generally rectangular with four faces upstanding
from a rectangular base. A pack may have two major faces upstanding
from a base, the two faces meeting at two edges. In the examples
given above the edges are formed by faces at right angles. That is
not essential to the invention: the packs and packages may have
edges at least between the side walls and the front and rear walls
which are rounded, bevelled, or elliptical, or other edge shapes
including those known in the art.
[0142] The cross-sectional shape of the base of the pack containing
for example cigarettes may be a shape other than rectangular, for
example other quadrilateral shapes such as a square.
[0143] Two square packs may be combined with the strap system
described above to provide a package having a rectangular base
comprised of two squares arranged side-by side.
[0144] Alternatively, a three sided polygon may be applicable, that
is to say a triangle. A triangular shaped base provides a suitable
container for holding objects such as cigarettes. An example of a
triangular shaped-base is illustrated in FIGS. 28A, 28B and
28C.
[0145] Referring to FIG. 28A, the triangular based packs P1 and P2
are illustrated simply in cross section. The packs are combined
utilising the strap system described above. In the orientation
illustrated the first face F1 and F1' of the first and second packs
P1 and P2 respectively face each other such that the combined
arrangement forms a package having a square base.
[0146] The strap system is applied to the packs by fixing one end
of the first strap S1 to the side face SF1, extending the strap
around the first edge E1 that adjoins the first side face SF1 to
the first face F1, extending across the faces F1 and F1' that are
facing each other and around the second edge E2' of the second pack
P2 and fixing the strap to the second side face SF2' of the second
pack P2. The second strap is arranged by fixing one end to the
first side face SF1' of the second pack P2, passing the strap
around edge E1' across the first faces F1 and F1' and around the
second edge E2 of the first pack P1 and affixing the strap to the
second side face SF2 of the first pack.
[0147] By operating the packs about the strap system as illustrated
in FIG. 28A, the arrangement of the packs P1 and P2 is changeable
from the package having a square cross section, comprised of two
triangles, to a package having a triangular cross section (FIG.
28B).
[0148] A further example of applying the strap system to triangular
shaped packs P1 and P2 is illustrated in FIG. 28C. The two packs
are arranged to form a package having a square cross section. In
this example, in the first position the first strap S1 is fixed at
the second side face SF2 that adjoins the third edge E3 of the
first pack P1. The first strap Slextends across the first side face
SF1 of the first pack P1, around the first edge E1 of the first
pack P1 and across the first face F1 and F1' of both packs around
the second edge E2' of the second pack P2 and is fixed at the
second side face SF2' of the second pack P2. The second strap S2 is
fixed at the second side face SF2' of the second pack P2 and
extends around the third edge E3' of the second pack P2, across the
first side face SF1' of the second pack P2, around the first edge
E1' of the second pack P2, across the first faces F1, F1' of both
the first and second packs and around the second edge E2 of the
first pack P1. The end of the second strap S2 is then fixed at the
second side face SF2 of the first pack. The arrangement of the
straps provides for the first strap S1 being hinged about the first
edge E1' of the second pack P2 and the first E1 and third edges E3
of the first pack P1. The second strap S2 is hinged about the
second edge E2 of the first pack P1 and the first E1' and third
edges E3' of the second pack P2. The first and second packs P1, P2
are movable relative to each other from the first position to the
position illustrated in FIG. 28B, wherein the second pack P2 is
rotated relative to the first pack P1 about the second edge E2, or
alternatively the packs are able to reach the same position by
rotating the first pack P1 relative to the second pack P2 about the
first edge E1 and the third edge E3. Soft cup packs
[0149] Such packs have a base from which upstand faces and edges.
The edges tend to be rounded. The faces and edges are not rigid.
The Jacobs ladder arrangement may be applied to soft cup packs.
Some examples of such packs have a tear tape around or near the top
of the pack. The straps of the Jacobs Ladder arrangement are
arranged relative to the openings of the packs so that the packs
may be opened without damaging or breaking the straps.
[0150] Tobacco Pouches
[0151] Tobacco pouches are generally formed of two laminated sheets
heat-sealed about their periphery with one edge open into which
contents are placed.
[0152] The strap system as described and illustrated herein, in
particular the use of the joining blank JL as illustrated in FIGS.
15C, 23D, 24E, 25C and 26D, could be utilised to combine two or
more tobacco pouches.
[0153] More than Two Packs
[0154] The principle of the invention may be applied to connecting
more than two packs. For example three packs may be connected.
* * * * *