U.S. patent application number 15/552141 was filed with the patent office on 2018-02-01 for slide-open packet of smoke articles.
The applicant listed for this patent is G.D. S.P.A.. Invention is credited to Luca Federici, Giuseppe Marchitto, Luca PARADISO.
Application Number | 20180029784 15/552141 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53002708 |
Filed Date | 2018-02-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180029784 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PARADISO; Luca ; et
al. |
February 1, 2018 |
Slide-open Packet of Smoke Articles
Abstract
A packet of smoke articles having an inner container, which
slides with respect to an outer container between a closed
configuration, and an open configuration, wherein the inner
container is partly extracted from the outer container. A locking
device locks, in a deactivatable manner, sliding of the inner
container in the closed configuration, with a locking edge that
protrudes inwards from a wall of the outer container and an
engagement portion protrudes outwards from a wall of the inner
container.
Inventors: |
PARADISO; Luca; (Corciano
(Perugia), IT) ; Marchitto; Giuseppe; (Lugo
(Ravenna), IT) ; Federici; Luca; (Bologna,
IT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
G.D. S.P.A. |
Bologna |
|
IT |
|
|
Family ID: |
53002708 |
Appl. No.: |
15/552141 |
Filed: |
February 18, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
February 18, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2016/050868 |
371 Date: |
August 18, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/6688 20130101;
B65D 85/1054 20130101; B65D 5/38 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/10 20060101
B65D085/10; B65D 5/66 20060101 B65D005/66 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 19, 2015 |
IT |
BO2015A000082 |
Claims
1. A packet of smoke articles comprising: an inner container, which
houses a group of smoke articles; an outer container, the interior
of the outer container slidably houses the inner container so as to
enable the inner container to slide with respect to the outer
container between a closed configuration, wherein the inner
container is inserted inside the outer container, and an open
configuration, wherein the inner container is partly extracted from
the outer container; and at least one locking device which
comprises a locking element and an engagement portion and locks, in
a deactivatable manner by an external action of a user, sliding of
the inner container with respect to the outer container when the
inner container is in the closed configuration; the locking element
protrudes inwards from a wall integral with the outer container and
has a locking edge; and the engagement portion protrudes outwards
from a wall integral with the inner container and has a first
engagement edge which faces, in the closed configuration of the
inner container, the locking edge of the locking element, and
engages the locking edge during the packet opening movement, and a
second engagement edge which faces, in the open configuration of
the inner container, the locking edge) of the locking element, and
engages the locking edge during the packet closing movement.
2. The packet of smoke articles according to claim 1, wherein the
engagement portion includes two overlapping engagement panels which
form a raised portion on an inner lateral wall of the inner
container.
3. The packet of smoke articles according to claim 2, wherein: the
two engagement panels are connected along a folding line and are
glued to each other, and the first engagement edge is formed by the
folding line and the second engagement edge is formed by the two
free edges, opposite the folding line, of the engagement
panels.
4. The packet of smoke articles according to claim 2, wherein: the
two engagement panels include a first engagement panel and a second
engagement panel obtained on an external lateral wall of the inner
container; and the second engagement panel is folded 180.degree.
onto an outer surface of the first engagement panel and is glued to
the outer surface of the first engagement panel.
5. The packet of smoke articles according to claim 1, wherein: the
locking element includes a locking tab hinged to an inner lateral
wall of the outer container; the locking tab is folded
substantially 180.degree. onto an internal surface of the inner
lateral wall when the inner container is in the closed
configuration and is substantially aligned with the inner lateral
wall when the inner container is in the open configuration.
6. The packet of smoke articles according to claim 1, wherein: the
locking device includes two abutting portions for abutting on the
locking edge; the two abutting portions are positioned on opposite
sides of the engagement portion and are part of an inner lateral
wall of the inner container; and the two abutting portions include
a first abutting portion bounded below by the first engagement edge
of the engagement portion, and a second abutting portion, bounded
above by the second engagement edge of the engagement portion.
7. The packet of smoke articles according to claim 1, wherein the
locking element and the engagement portion are configured in such a
manner that the interaction between the locking edge and the first
engagement edge and the interaction between the locking edge and
the second engagement edge produces a sound.
8. The packet of smoke articles according to claim 1, wherein the
locking element is concealed by the outer container in the closed
configuration and in the open configuration of the inner
container.
9. The packet of smoke articles according to claim 1, further
comprising: two locking devices; wherein the locking devices are
arranged on opposite sides of the packet with respect to a median
plane of the packet.
10. The packet of smoke articles according to claim 1, further
comprising: a lid, which is hinged to the outer container along a
hinge to close an open top end of the outer container; wherein the
packet comprises at least one slot which is integral with a rear
wall of the inner container and the lid comprises at least one
engaging tab projecting inside the packet; in the closed
configuration of the inner container the at least one engaging tab
is disengaged from the at least one slot and in the open
configuration of the inner container the at least one engaging tab
is engaged with the at least one slot to lock, in a deactivatable
manner by an external action of a user, the inner container in the
open configuration; and the interaction between the at least one
slot and the at least one tab produces a sound when the open
configuration of the inner container is reached.
11. The packet of smoke articles according to claim 1, wherein the
engagement portion includes two overlapping engagement panels which
form a raised portion on a rear wall of the inner container.
12. The packet of smoke articles according to claim 11, wherein:
the two engagement panels are connected along a folding line and
are glued together; and the second engagement edge is formed by the
folding line and the first engagement edge is formed by the two
free edges, opposite the folding line, of the engagement
panels.
13. The packet of smoke articles according to claim 11, further
comprising: a lid, which is hinged to the outer container along a
hinge to close an open top end of the outer container; the lid
includes a top wall and a stiffener panel folded 180.degree. onto
the top wall on the side of the internal surface of the lid; the
stiffener wall has an extension wall including a first panel, glued
to the rear wall of the inner container, and a second panel folded
180.degree. onto the first panel and glued to the first panel; the
two engagement panels being a first engagement panel consisting of
the first panel of the extension wall, and a second engagement
panel consisting of the second panel of the extension wall.
14. The packet of smoke articles according to claim 1, wherein: the
locking element includes at least one locking tab hinged to a top
edge of a stiffener panel of a rear wall of the outer container
glued to an internal surface of the rear wall of the outer
container; the locking tab is folded substantially 180.degree. onto
an internal surface of the stiffener panel of the rear wall of the
outer container when the inner container is in the closed
configuration, and the locking tab is substantially aligned with
the stiffener panel of the rear wall of the outer container when
the inner container is in the open configuration.
15. The packet of smoke articles according to claim 1, wherein: the
locking element includes two locking tabs hinged to opposite sides
of a top edge of a stiffener panel of a rear wall of the outer
container glued to an internal surface of the rear wall of the
outer container; the locking tabs are folded substantially
180.degree. onto an internal surface of the stiffener panel of the
rear wall of the outer container when the inner container is in the
closed configuration, and the locking tabs are substantially
aligned with the stiffener panel of the rear wall of the outer
container when the inner container is in the open
configuration.
16. The packet of smoke articles according to claim 1, wherein: the
locking device includes two abutting portions for abutting on the
locking edge; the two abutting portions are respective portions of
the rear wall of the inner container and have a first abutting
portion, bounded below by the first engagement edge of the
engagement portion when the inner container is in the closed
configuration, and a second abutting portion, bounded above by the
second engagement edge of the engagement portion when the inner
container is in the open configuration.
17. The packet of smoke articles according to claim 12, wherein:
the locking element and the engagement portion are configured in
such a manner that the interaction between the locking edge and the
first engagement edge and the interaction between the locking edge
and the second engagement edge produces a sound.
18. The packet of smoke articles according to claim 12, wherein the
locking element is concealed by the outer container in the closed
configuration and in the open configuration of the inner
container.
19. The packet of smoke articles according to claim 13, further
comprising: at least one slot integral with a rear wall of the
inner container; wherein the lid includes at least one engaging tab
protruding towards the inside of the packet; in the closed
configuration of the inner container, the at least one engaging tab
is disengaged from the at least one slot; in the open configuration
of the inner container, the at least one engaging tab is engaged in
the at least one slot to lock the inner container in a
deactivatable manner by an external action of a user; and the
interaction between the at least one slot and the at least one tab
produces a sound when the open configuration of the inner container
is reached.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a slide-open packet of
smoke articles, i.e. with sliding opening.
[0002] In the description that follows reference will be made, for
the sake of brevity, to a slide-open packet of cigarettes without
the present invention thereby losing general validity.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] Rigid hinged lid packets of cigarettes are currently the
packets of cigarettes of the most widespread type on the market
because they are simple to make, are easy and practical to use and
provide good mechanical protection to the cigarettes they
contain.
[0004] In addition to the aforementioned rigid hinged-lid packets
of cigarettes, rigid slide-open, i.e. with sliding opening, packets
of cigarettes have been proposed, comprising two containers,
inserted one inside the other in a partly separable manner.
[0005] In other words, a rigid slide-open packet of cigarettes
comprises an inner container which is suitable for receiving a
group of cigarettes wrapped in a sheet of metallised wrapping paper
and is housed inside an outer container so as to be able to slide
with respect to the outer container between a closed configuration,
in which the inner container is inserted inside the outer
container, and an open configuration in which the inner container
is partly outside the outer container. The sliding of the inner
container with respect to the outer container can be determined by
a translation between the two containers or by a rotation between
the two containers about a hinge which connects the two
containers.
[0006] Some embodiments of rigid packets of cigarettes that are
slidable by translation have been disclosed in FR2499947A1, U.S.
Pat. No. 4,534,463A1, U.S. Pat. No. 5,080,227A1 and IT1169163B. An
embodiment of a rigid packet of cigarettes that is slidable by
rotation is disclosed in WO2006021581.
[0007] A drawback that has been observed in rigid slide-open
packets of cigarettes is that in some situations, typically when a
packet of cigarettes is inside a relatively wide bag or pocket,
undesired opening of the packet of cigarettes can occur, i.e.
sliding of the inner container outside the outer container, with a
consequent exit from the inner container of cigarettes and/or
tobacco powder.
[0008] In rigid packets of cigarette that are slidable by rotation
it has been proposed to create a certain interference between the
inner container and the outer container when the inner container is
in the closed configuration, in such a manner that in order to take
the inner container to the open configuration it is necessary to
deform slightly the upper corner of the inner container by applying
an opening force that is sufficiently high to be able to determine
this deformation. In this manner, the inner container remains in
the closed configuration until a relatively high opening force is
applied; nevertheless, it has been noted that the deformation to
which the upper corner of the inner container is subjected at each
opening locally ruins the cardboard constituting the inner
container and causes an undesired compression of the cigarettes
contained in the inner container (in particular the two cigarettes
arranged in contact with the upper corner are "dented").
[0009] Another embodiment of a rigid slide-open packet of
cigarettes has been disclosed in EP2716564A1. EP2716564A1 discloses
a rigid packet of cigarettes of the type sliding by horizontal
translation or by rotation and the corresponding blank. The packet
requires the use of both hands to be opened. Also, the packet
disclosed there comprises an outer container and an inner box body
sliding transversely with respect to the outer container: the outer
container comprises an open vertical side and has a partial opening
on the side opposite the open vertical side; the packet has a first
snap closure provided with locking elements that limit sliding of
the inner body; the locking elements are part of the inner box body
and protrude from the inner box body into a space between the inner
box body and the outer container; a second snap closure limits a
possible separation of the inner box body from the outer container
and is made by locking elements that protrude from the inner box
body that interact with elements that protrude from the outer
container. The opening locking and closing locking mechanisms
disclosed in document EP2716564A1 are effective but bulky because
they involve the use of double folded wings of significant size
that cooperate with slots that are also significantly large:
locking mechanisms of this type adapt poorly to vertical sliding
rigid packets (in particular packets that can be opened with just
one hand, by acting on a push window) in which the amount of
sliding is contained within a few millimetres and up to a maximum
of a centimetre.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The aim of the present invention is to provide a slide-open
packet of smoke articles which is free from the drawbacks disclosed
above and is in particular easy and cheap to make. According to the
present invention, a slide-open packet of smoke articles is
provided, as claimed in the appended claims and according to one or
more of the following embodiments.
Example 1
[0011] Packet of smoke articles comprising:
an inner container, which houses a group of smoke articles; an
outer container, the interior of the outer container slidably
houses the inner container so as to enable the inner container to
slide with respect to the outer container between a closed
configuration, wherein the inner container is inserted inside the
outer container, and an open configuration, wherein the inner
container is partly extracted from the outer container; and at
least one locking device which comprises a locking element and an
engagement portion and locks, in a deactivatable manner by an
external action of a user, sliding of the inner container with
respect to the outer container when the inner container is in the
closed configuration, in which: the locking element protrudes
inwards from a wall integral with the outer container and has a
locking edge; and the engagement portion protrudes outwards from a
wall integral with the inner container and has a first engagement
edge which faces, in the closed configuration of the inner
container, the locking edge of the locking element, and engages the
locking edge during the opening movement of the packet, and a
second engagement edge which faces, in the open configuration of
the inner container, the locking edge of the locking element, and
engages the locking edge during the packet closing movement.
Example 2
[0012] Packet of smoke articles according to example 1, wherein the
engagement portion comprises two overlapping engagement panels
which form a raised portion with respect to an inner lateral wall
of the inner container.
Example 3
[0013] Packet of smoke articles according to example 2, wherein the
two engagement panels are connected along a folding line and are
glued to each other, wherein the first engagement edge is formed by
the folding line and the second engagement edge is formed by the
two free edges, opposite the folding line, of the engagement
panels.
Example 4
[0014] Packet of smoke articles according to example 2, or 3,
wherein the two engagement panels comprise a first engagement panel
and a second engagement panel obtained on an external lateral wall
of the inner container, wherein the second engagement panel is
folded 180.degree. onto an outer surface of the first engagement
panel and is glued to the outer surface of the first engagement
panel.
Example 5
[0015] Packet of smoke articles according to any preceding example,
wherein the locking element comprises a locking tab hinged to an
inner lateral wall of the outer container, wherein the locking tab
is folded by substantially 180.degree. onto an internal surface of
the inner lateral wall when the inner container is in the closed
configuration and is substantially aligned with the inner lateral
wall when the inner container is in the open configuration.
Example 6
[0016] Packet of smoke articles according to any preceding example,
wherein the locking device comprises two abutting portions for
abutting on the locking edge, wherein the two abutting portions are
positioned on opposite sides of the engagement portion and are part
of an inner lateral wall of the inner container, wherein the two
abutting portions comprise a first abutting portion, bounded below
by the first engagement edge of the engagement portion, and a
second abutting portion, bounded above by the second engagement
edge of the engagement portion.
Example 7
[0017] Packet of smoke articles according to any preceding example,
wherein the locking element and the engagement portion are
configured in such a manner that the interaction between the
locking edge and the first engagement edge, and/or the interaction
between the locking edge and the second engagement edge), produces
a sound.
Example 8
[0018] Packet of smoke articles according to any preceding example,
wherein the locking element is concealed by the outer container in
the closed configuration and in the open configuration of the inner
container.
Example 9
[0019] Packet of smoke articles according to any preceding example,
and comprising two locking devices, wherein the locking devices are
arranged on opposite sides of the packet with respect to a median
plane of the packet.
Example 10
[0020] Packet of smoke articles according to any preceding example,
and comprising a lid, which is hinged to the outer container along
a hinge to close an open top end of the outer container; wherein
the packet comprises at least one slot which is integral with a
rear wall of the inner container and the lid comprises at least one
engaging tab projecting inside the packet, wherein in the closed
configuration of the inner container the at least one engaging tab
is disengaged from the at least one slot and in the open
configuration of the inner container the at least one engaging tab
is engaged with the at least one slot to lock, in a deactivatable
manner by an external action of a user, the inner container in the
open configuration, and wherein the interaction between the at
least one slot and the at least one tab produces a sound when the
open configuration of the inner container is reached.
Example 11
[0021] Packet of smoke articles according to example 10, wherein in
the open configuration of the inner container a free edge of the at
least one engaging tab is received in the at least one slot and
abuts on a top edge of the slot.
Example 12
[0022] Packet of smoke articles according to example 10, or 11,
wherein the lid comprises a top wall and a stiffener panel folded
180.degree. onto the top wall on the side of the internal surface
of the lid.
Example 13
[0023] Packet of smoke articles according to example 12, wherein
the at least one slot is obtained on an extension wall of the
stiffener panel of the top wall of the lid.
Example 14
[0024] Packet of smoke articles according to example 13, wherein
the extension wall of the stiffener panel of the top wall of the
lid comprises a first panel, glued to the rear wall of the inner
container, and a second panel folded 180.degree. onto the first
panel and glued to the first panel, wherein the at least one slot
is obtained on the second panel and the first panel acts as a
bottom wall for the at least one slot.
Example 15
[0025] Packet of smoke articles according to any one of examples 10
to 14, wherein the at least one engaging tab is hinged with respect
to a top wall of the lid along a hinge line, wherein the hinge line
of the at least one engaging tab is positioned near the hinge of
the lid and extends substantially parallel to the hinge of the
lid.
Example 16
[0026] Packet of smoke articles according to any one of examples 12
to 15, wherein the at least one engaging tab is hinged to and
obtained on the stiffener panel of the top wall of the lid.
Example 17
[0027] Packet of smoke articles according to any one of examples 10
to 16, wherein two slots are provided that are integral with a rear
wall of the inner container and wherein the lid comprises two
engaging tabs projecting inside the packet, wherein in the closed
configuration of the inner container each engaging tab is
disengaged from the respective slot and in the open configuration
of the inner container each engaging tab is engaged with the
respective slot to lock, in a deactivatable manner by an external
action of a user, the inner container in the open configuration,
and wherein the interaction between each slot and the respective
tab produces a sound when the open configuration of the inner
container is reached.
Example 18
[0028] Packet of smoke articles according to example 17, wherein
the two slots are positioned near respective longitudinal edges of
the rear wall of the inner container, and wherein the two engaging
tabs are hinged on opposite sides of a top wall of the lid along
respective hinge lines that are aligned to one another.
Example 19
[0029] Packet of smoke articles according to any one of examples 10
to 18, and comprising a connecting tab, which connects the lid to
the inner container to control automatically the rotation of the
lid by sliding of the inner container with respect to the outer
container.
Example 20
[0030] Packet of smoke articles according to any preceding example,
wherein the outer container comprises at least one through window
that leaves exposed an underlying part of the inner container to
allow a user to slide the inner container with respect to the outer
container.
Example 21
[0031] Packet of smoke articles according to example 20, wherein
the through window of the outer container is obtained on a front
wall of the outer container, or on a bottom wall of the outer
container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] The present invention will now be disclosed with reference
to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some exemplary and
non-limiting embodiments thereof, in which:
[0033] FIG. 1 is a front lateral perspective view and in a closed
configuration of a slide-open packet of cigarettes made in
accordance with to the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 2 is a front lateral perspective view and in an open
configuration of the packet of cigarettes of FIG. 1;
[0035] FIG. 3 is a rear lateral perspective view of the packet of
cigarettes of FIG. 1 in a closed configuration;
[0036] FIGS. 4 to 6 are cross sections of the packet of cigarettes
of FIG. 1 in different configurations of the inner container with
respect to the outer container;
[0037] FIGS. 7 to 9 are enlarged details of FIGS. 4 to 6;
[0038] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the packet of
cigarettes of FIG. 1 in a closed configuration and devoid of
certain elements to better show others;
[0039] FIG. 11 is a front lateral perspective view of the packet of
cigarettes of FIG. 1 in an open configuration and devoid of certain
elements to better show others;
[0040] FIG. 12 is a view of a blank used to make an outer container
of the packet of cigarettes of FIG. 1;
[0041] FIG. 13 is a view of a blank used to make a stiffener panel
of the outer container of the packet of cigarettes of FIG. 1;
[0042] FIG. 14 is a view of a blank used to make an inner container
of the packet of cigarettes of FIG. 1;
[0043] FIG. 15 is a front lateral perspective view and in a closed
configuration of a version of the packet of cigarettes of FIG.
1;
[0044] FIG. 16 is a front lateral perspective view and in an open
configuration of the packet of cigarettes of FIG. 15;
[0045] FIG. 17 is a rear lateral perspective view of the packet of
cigarettes of FIG. 15 in a closed configuration;
[0046] FIGS. 18 to 20 are cross sections of the packet of
cigarettes of FIG. 15 in different configurations of the inner
container with respect to the outer container;
[0047] FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of the packet of
cigarettes of FIG. 15 in a closed configuration and devoid of
certain elements to better show others;
[0048] FIG. 22 is an enlarged detail of FIG. 21;
[0049] FIG. 23 is a rear lateral perspective view of the packet of
cigarettes of FIG. 15 in an open configuration and devoid of
certain elements to better show others;
[0050] FIG. 24 is a view of a blank used to make an outer container
of the packet of cigarettes of FIG. 15; and
[0051] FIG. 25 is a view of a blank used to make an inner container
of the packet of cigarettes of FIG. 15.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0052] In this description, similar elements in common to the
illustrated embodiments are shown with the same reference
numbers.
[0053] In FIGS. 1 to 3, reference number 1 denotes a slide-open
packet of cigarettes in its entirety, i.e. with sliding opening by
translation (linear movement), which extends along a prevalent
extension longitudinal axis A.
[0054] In particular, the packet 1 of cigarettes has a "vertical"
type sliding opening, i.e. opening occurs parallel to the prevalent
extension longitudinal axis A of the packet 1.
[0055] The packet 1 of cigarettes illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3
comprises a wrapped group 2 of cigarettes (schematically shown in
FIG. 2), i.e. a group of cigarettes wrapped in a sheet of
metallised wrapping paper.
[0056] The packet 1 of cigarettes further comprises an inner
container 3 (FIG. 2) of rigid type, inside which the wrapped group
2 is directly placed, and an outer container 4 of rigid type, which
slidingly houses the inner container 3 to allow the inner container
3 to slide with respect to the outer container 4 with a translation
movement between a closed configuration (illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3,
4 and 10), wherein the inner container 3 is completely inserted
inside the outer container 4, and an open configuration
(illustrated in FIGS. 2, 6 and 11), wherein the inner container 3
is partly outside the outer container 4 so as to make possible
access to the wrapped group of cigarettes 2 to extract the
cigarettes. According to what has been illustrated in FIG. 2 and in
FIGS. 4 to 6, the inner container 3 is of parallelpiped shape, is
cup-shaped and has an open top end 5.
[0057] The inner container 3 further has a bottom wall 6 opposite
the open top end 5, a front wall 7 and a rear wall 8 that are
parallel and opposite one another, and a first lateral wall 9A and
a second lateral wall 9B that are parallel to one another and
interposed between the walls 7 and 8.
[0058] Between the walls 7 and 8 and the walls 9A and 9B four
longitudinal edges are defined whereas between the walls 7, 8, 9A,
9B and the bottom wall 6 four transversal edges are defined.
[0059] In the embodiment illustrated in the attached Figures, all
the longitudinal edges are rectilinear; according to alternative
embodiments, which are not illustrated, some longitudinal edges
could be bevelled or rounded.
[0060] Also the outer container 4 (illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6) is
cup-shaped, and has a bottom wall 10 opposite an open top end 11, a
front wall 12 and a rear wall 13 that are parallel and opposite to
one another, and a first lateral wall 14A and a second lateral wall
14B that are parallel to one another and interposed between the
walls 12 and 13. Between the walls 12 and 13 and the lateral walls
14A and 14B four longitudinal edges are defined whereas between the
walls 12, 13, 14A, 14B and the bottom wall 10 four transversal
edges are defined.
[0061] In the embodiment illustrated in the attached Figures, all
the longitudinal edges are rectilinear; according to alternative
embodiments, which are not illustrated, some longitudinal edges
could be bevelled or rounded.
[0062] According to what is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and in 4 to
6, the front wall 12 of the outer container 4 has a through window
15 through which the underlying front wall 7 of the container 3
facing the front wall 12 of the outer container 4 is accessible to
allow applying a push to the inner container 3 in order to move the
inner container 3 between the closed configuration and the open
configuration. In other words, through the through window 15 a user
can apply a push to the inner container 3 in order to make the
inner container 3 to slide with respect to the outer container 4
between the closed configuration and the open configuration.
[0063] According to one embodiment that is not illustrated, the
through window 15 is obtained on the bottom wall 10 of the outer
container 4.
[0064] The outer container 4 further comprises a lid 16, which is
hinged to the outer container 4 along a hinge 17 to close the open
end 11 of the outer container 4 (FIGS. 1 to 6, 10 and 11).
[0065] The lid 16 comprises a top wall 18 and a stiffener panel 19
folded 180.degree. onto the top wall 18 of the lid 16 on the side
of the internal surface of the lid 16, i.e. towards the inside of
the packet 1. In particular, the stiffener panel 19 is glued to the
internal surface of the top wall 18 of the lid 16 (FIG. 11).
[0066] The lid 16 further includes an extension wall 20 of the
stiffener panel 19 of the top wall 18 (FIG. 11). The extension wall
20 of the stiffener panel 19 comprises a first panel 21, glued to
the rear wall 8 of the inner container 3, and a second panel 22
folded 180.degree. onto the first panel 21 and glued to the first
panel 21.
[0067] Also, the lid 16 is provided with a pair of engaging tabs 23
(illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6, 10 and 11) projecting inside the
packet 1, the function of which will be disclosed below.
[0068] The engaging tabs 23 have a substantially trapezoidal shape
and are hinged with respect to the top wall 18 of the lid 16. In
particular, the two engaging tabs 23 are obtained on, and hinged
along respective hinge lines to, the stiffener panel 19 of the top
wall 18 of the lid 16. The engaging tabs 23 are positioned at
opposite ends of the stiffener panel 19 and the hinge lines,
aligned to one another, extend substantially parallel to the hinge
17 of the lid 16.
[0069] Also, starting from the respective hinge lines, the engaging
tabs 23 extend at an angle with respect to the stiffener panel 19
towards the inside of the packet 1 (FIG. 4).
[0070] In this manner, during rotation of the lid 16, the engaging
tabs 23 projects towards the inside of the packet 1 in order to
interact each with a respective slot 24, which is integral with the
rear wall 8 of the inner container 3.
[0071] The two slots 24 are positioned near respective longitudinal
edges of the rear wall 8 of the inner container 3 and extend
transversally to the prevalent extension axis A of the packet 1. In
particular, the two slots 24 have a substantially rectangular
shape, extend towards the inside of the packet 1 of cigarettes, and
each comprises a top edge 25 arranged for interacting with a
respective free edge 26 of a respective tab 23.
[0072] Each slot 24 is obtained on the first panel 21 and on the
second panel 22 of the extension wall 20, the rear wall 8 of the
inner container 3 acting as a bottom wall for the slots 24. Also,
each slot 24 forms a depression at the rear wall 8 of the inner
container 3, this depression having a depth that is the same as the
sum of the thicknesses of the first panel 21 and of the second
panel 22.
[0073] When the inner container 3 is in the closed configuration,
illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 10, the engaging tabs 23 do not interact
with the respective slots 24. In particular, in the closed
configuration of the inner container 3 the engaging tabs 23 are
disengaged from the slots 24 and lie in a rest position at an angle
towards the inside of the packet 1.
[0074] By moving the inner container 3 from the closed
configuration to the open configuration (FIGS. 4 to 6), the
engaging tabs 23 take a substantially vertical position (FIG. 5),
i.e. they are substantially aligned with the stiffener panel 19,
until interacting, through the free edges 26, with a top edge of
the second panel 22, producing a slight sound (FIG. 6).
[0075] In the open configuration of the inner container 3,
illustrated in FIG. 6, the engaging tabs 23 are engaged in the
respective slots 24, i.e. they are positioned inside the
depressions formed by the slots 24. In other words, in the open
configuration of the inner container 3 the free edges 26 of the
engaging tabs 23 are received in the respective slots 24 and each
abuts on a respective top edge 25 of the slots. In this manner, the
inner container 3 is locked, in a deactivatable manner by an
external action of a user, in the open configuration. In fact, in
use, it is sufficient to exert a downward push on the inner
container 3 to unlock the inner container 3 from the open
configuration. During movement of the inner container 3, the
interaction between the free edges 26 of the engaging tabs 23 with
the respective top edges 25 of the slots 24 produces a sound when
the open configuration of the inner container 3 is reached.
[0076] Similarly, when the inner container 3 is moved from the open
configuration to the closed configuration, the engaging tabs 23
exit from the depressions formed by the slots 24 and interact,
through the free edges 26, with the respective top edges 25 of the
slots 24 to produce a further sound. This further sound can be the
same as or different from the sound produced during opening of the
packet 1.
[0077] The packet 1 further comprises a connecting tab 28, which
connects the lid 16 to the inner container 3 to drive automatically
the rotation of the lid 16 by sliding of the inner container 3 with
respect to the outer container 4 (FIGS. 4 to 6).
[0078] In other words, the mechanical constrain that the connecting
tab 28 makes between the lid 16 and the inner container 3 allows
controlling the rotation of the lid 16 automatically, i.e. without
the user needing to touch the lid 16, by means of the sliding of
the inner container 3 with respect to the outer container 4. In
this way, the user must only apply the push needed to make the
inner container 3 to slide with respect to the outer container 4
without the need to touch the lid 16.
[0079] The connecting tab 28 consists of a third panel 29 of the
extension wall 20 of the stiffener panel 19 of the top wall 18 of
the lid 16.
[0080] The third panel 29, having a substantially isosceles
trapezoid shape, comprises one end (minor base) hinged to the
stiffener panel 19 of the top wall 18 of the lid 16 and another end
(major base) hinged to a top edge of the first panel 21.
[0081] According to another embodiment that is not illustrated,
only one engaging tab and one slot are provided that interact with
one another to produce a sound when the open configuration of the
inner container is reached and to lock, in a deactivatable manner
by an external action of a user, the inner container in the open
configuration.
[0082] The packet 1 of cigarettes further comprises a locking
device 30 (illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 11), to lock, in a
deactivatable manner by an external action of a user, the sliding
of the inner container 3 with respect to the outer container 4 when
the inner container 3 is in the closed configuration. In other
words, the locking device 30 maintains the inner container 3 in the
closed configuration to lock, i.e. to prevent, reciprocal sliding
between the two containers 3 and 4; this locking of reciprocal
sliding between the two containers 3 and 4 exerted by the locking
device 30 is deactivatable by an outer action of the user when the
latter wishes to open the packet 1 of cigarettes, i.e. when the
user wishes to slide the inner container 3 with respect to the
outer container 4 to move the inner container 3 in the open
configuration.
[0083] The locking device 30 comprises a locking element 31, which
protrudes inwards from the outer container 4 and comprises a
locking edge 32, and an engagement portion 33, which protrudes
outwards from the inner container 3 and has a first engagement edge
34 which faces, in the closed configuration of the inner container
3, the locking edge 32 of the locking element 31, and engages the
locking edge 32 during the opening movement of the packet 1 of
cigarettes, and a second engagement edge 35 which faces, in the
open configuration of the inner container 3, the locking edge 32 of
the locking element 31, and engages the locking edge 32 during the
closing movement of the packet 1 of cigarettes.
[0084] The locking element 31 comprises two locking tabs 36, having
a substantially isosceles trapezoid shape, hinged on opposite side
of a top edge of a stiffener panel 37 of the rear wall 13 of the
outer container 4, which stiffener panel 37 has an outer surface
glued to an inner surface of the rear wall 13 of the outer
container 4.
[0085] More precisely, the locking tabs 36 are positioned at
opposite ends of the stiffener panel 37 of the rear wall 13 of the
outer container 4 and have respective hinge lines that are aligned
to one another and extend substantially parallel to the hinge 17 of
the lid 16.
[0086] In use, the locking tabs 36 are folded substantially
180.degree. onto an internal surface of the stiffener panel 37 of
the rear wall 13 of the outer container 4 when the inner container
3 is in the closed configuration (FIGS. 4, 7 and 10) and are
substantially aligned with the stiffener panel 37 of the rear wall
13 of the outer container 4 when the inner container 3 is in the
open configuration (FIGS. 6, 9 and 11).
[0087] Also, between the two locking tabs 36, the top edge of the
stiffener panel 37 defines a portion 38, having a substantially
isosceles trapezoid shape, having a height, measured parallel to
the prevalent extension longitudinal axis A starting from the hinge
lines of the locking tabs 36, that is much greater than the height
of the locking tabs 36.
[0088] The aforesaid engagement portion 33 comprises a first
engagement panel 21 consisting of the first panel of the extension
wall 20 of the lid 16, and a second engagement panel 22 consisting
of the second panel of the extension wall 20 of the lid 16.
[0089] In this manner, the engagement portion 33 is defined by two
overlapping engagement panels 21, 22 that form a raised portion
with respect to the rear wall 8 of the inner container 3.
[0090] In particular, the first engagement panel 21 and the second
engagement panel 22, which are glued together, are connected along
a folding line 39, which defines the second engagement edge 35 of
the engagement portion 33, whereas the first engagement edge 34 of
the engagement portion 33 is formed by the two free edges, opposite
the folding line 39, of the first and second engagement panel 21,
22.
[0091] More precisely, these free edges define a bottom edge 40 of
the slots 24, opposite the top edge 25 (FIG. 10). It should be
noted that the first engagement edge 34 and the second engagement
edge 35 are substantially parallel to one another.
[0092] The locking device 30 further comprises two abutting
portions 41, 42 for abutting on the locking edge 32.
[0093] The two abutting portions 41, 42 are formed by respective
portions of the rear wall 8 of the inner container 3 and comprise a
first abutting portion 41, bounded below by the first engagement
edge 34 of the engagement portion 33 when the inner container 3 is
in the closed configuration, and a second abutting portion 42,
bounded above by the second engagement edge 35 of the engagement
portion 33 when the inner container 3 is in the open
configuration.
[0094] When the inner container 3 is in the closed configuration
(FIGS. 4 and 7), the locking edges 32 of the locking tabs 36 face
the first engagement edge 34 of the engagement portion 33.
[0095] Further, in the closed configuration of the inner container
3, the locking tabs 36 are folded substantially 180.degree. onto
the internal surface of the stiffener panel 37 of the rear wall 13
of the outer container 4, are received in, and engage, the
respective slots 24 and are at an angle towards the inside of the
packet 1 of cigarettes. In the closed configuration, owing to the
spring back of the cardboard that forms the locking tabs 36, the
respective locking edges 32 of the locking tabs 36 abut on the
first abutting portion 41 of the rear wall 8 of the inner container
3.
[0096] By moving the inner container 3 from the closed
configuration to the open configuration (FIGS. 4, 5, 7 and 8), the
locking tabs 36 abut with the respective locking edges 32 on the
first engagement edge 34, formed, as previously described, by the
two free edges, opposite the folding line 39, of the first and
second engagement panel 21, 22, i.e. by the lower edge 40 of the
slots 24. In this manner, the inner container 3 is locked, in a
deactivatable manner by an external action of a user, in the closed
configuration. In use, by exerting on the inner container 3 a
sufficiently high opening force, it is possible to unlock the inner
container 3 from the closed configuration. In fact, applying a
sufficiently high opening force through the through window 15 makes
the first engagement edge 34 rotate the locking edges 32 of the
locking tabs 36 around the respective hinge lines until the locking
tabs 36 take a substantially vertical position (FIGS. 5 and 8) in
which they are interposed between an external surface of the second
engagement panel 22 and an internal surface of the rear wall 13 of
the outer container 4 and are substantially aligned with the
stiffener panel 37 of the rear wall 13 of the outer container
4.
[0097] By continuing to move the inner container 3 from the closed
configuration to the open configuration, the respective locking
edges 32 of the locking tabs 36 abut on and slide (owing to the
spring back that tilts the locking tabs 36 towards the inside of
the packet 1 of cigarettes) along the external surface of the
second engagement panel 22 until they interact with the second
engagement edge 35 formed by the folding line 39.
[0098] In the open configuration of the inner container 3,
illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 9, the locking edges 32 of the locking
tabs 36 face the second engagement edge 35 of the engagement
portion 33. In the open configuration of the inner container 3, the
locking tabs 36 are substantially aligned with the stiffener panel
37 of the rear wall 13 of the outer container 4 and are tilted
towards the inside of the packet 1 of cigarettes. In the open
configuration, owing to the spring back of the cardboard that forms
the locking tabs 36, the respective locking edges 32 of the locking
tabs 36 abut on the second abutting portion 42 of the rear wall 8
of the inner container 3.
[0099] By moving the inner container 3 from the open configuration
to the closed configuration, the locking edges 32 of the locking
tabs 36 abut on the second engagement edge 35, this generating a
slight force that opposes the closure of the packet 1 of
cigarettes. Applying a sufficiently high closing force through the
through window 15 makes the second engagement edge 35 rotate the
locking edges 32 of the locking tabs 36 around the respective hinge
lines until the locking tabs 36 are folded substantially
180.degree. onto the internal surface of the stiffener panel 37 of
the rear wall 13 of the outer container 4.
[0100] By continuing the movement from the open configuration to
the closed configuration of the inner container 3, the locking tabs
36 are substantially folded 180.degree. onto the internal surface
of the stiffener panel 37 of the rear wall 13 of the outer
container 4 and are interposed between the internal surface of the
stiffener panel 37 and the external surface of the second
engagement panel 22.
[0101] When the closed configuration of the inner container 3 is
reached, the locking tabs 36 return to the initial position.
[0102] It should be noted that the interaction between the first
engagement edge 34 and the locking edges 32 and/or the interaction
between the second engagement edge 35 and the locking edges 32
produces a slight sound that is audible from the user.
[0103] Also, it should be noted that the locking tabs 36 are hidden
by the outer container 4 in the closed configuration and in the
open configuration of the inner container 3.
[0104] According to another embodiment that is not illustrated, the
locking element comprises only one locking tab hinged to the top
edge of the stiffener panel of the rear wall of the outer
container. According to this embodiment, the locking tab is folded
substantially 180.degree. onto the internal surface of the
stiffener panel of the rear wall of the outer container when the
inner container is in the closed configuration and is substantially
aligned with the stiffener panel of the rear wall of the outer
container when the inner container is in the open
configuration.
[0105] The outer container 4 is made by folding a blank 43,
illustrated in FIG. 12. The blank 43 consists of cardboard or thin
cardboard, i.e. of rigid wrapping material that has to be
previously weakened at the folding lines. According to what has
been illustrated in FIG. 12, the blank 43 comprises a plurality of
elements that have been labelled, where possible, with accented
reference numbers that are the same as the reference numbers that
distinguish the corresponding elements of the outer container
4.
[0106] Similarly, the stiffener panel 37 of the rear wall 13 of the
outer container 4 is made from a blank 44, illustrated in FIG. 13.
The blank 44 consists of cardboard or thin card, i.e. of rigid
wrapping material that has to be previously weakened at the folding
lines. According to what has been illustrated in FIG. 13, the blank
44 comprises a plurality of elements that have been labelled, where
possible, with accented reference numbers that are the same as the
reference numbers that distinguish the corresponding elements of
the stiffener panel 37.
[0107] Also the inner container 3 is made by folding a blank 45,
illustrated in FIG. 14. The blank 45 consists of cardboard or thin
cardboard, i.e. of rigid wrapping material that has to be
previously weakened at the folding lines. According to what has
been illustrated in FIG. 14, the blank 45 comprises a plurality of
elements that have been labelled, where possible, with accented
reference numbers that are the same as the reference numbers that
distinguish the corresponding elements of the inner container
3.
[0108] With reference to FIGS. 15 to 23 a different embodiment is
shown of the packet 1 of cigarettes according to the invention.
[0109] In the packet 1 of cigarettes illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 23,
the engagement portion 33, having a substantially rectangular
shape, is defined by two overlapping engagement panels 51, 52
(FIGS. 22 and 23) that form a raised portion with respect to an
inner lateral wall 9a of the inner container 3 (FIG. 23).
[0110] In particular, in this embodiment, the first engagement
panel 51 and the second engagement panel 52, which are glued
together, are connected along a folding line 39, which defines the
first engagement edge 34 of the engagement portion 33, whereas the
second engagement edge 35 of the engagement portion 33 is formed by
the two free edges, opposite the folding line 39, of the first and
second engagement panel 51, 52.
[0111] According to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 23,
the first engagement edge 34 and the second engagement edge 35 are
parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the
hinge 17 of the lid 16.
[0112] In this embodiment, the first engagement panel 51 and the
second engagement panel 52 are obtained on an outer lateral wall
9aa of the inner container 3, which is intended to be glued to the
inner lateral wall 9a of the inner container 3 to form the lateral
wall 9A.
[0113] In particular, the first engagement panel 51 consists of a
first portion 51' (FIG. 25), having a substantially rectangular
shape, of the outer lateral wall 9aa of the inner container 3
nearer the open top end 5 of the inner container 3, whereas the
second engagement panel 52 consists of a second portion 52' (FIG.
25) of the outer lateral wall 9aa of the inner container 3, which
has an identical shape to that of the first portion 51' and is
adjacent to the latter.
[0114] More precisely, the second portion 52' is folded 180.degree.
onto an external surface of the first portion 51' along the folding
line 39 and is glued to the external surface of the first portion
51'.
[0115] In the packet 1 of cigarettes illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 23,
the locking element 31 comprises a locking tab 36 hinged to an
inner lateral wall 14A' of the outer container 4. In particular,
the locking tab 36 is defined by a cutting line 46, which is
substantially "L"-shaped and made on an inner lateral wall 14a of
the outer container 4, and is folded substantially 180.degree. onto
an internal surface of the inner lateral wall 14a when the inner
container 3 is in the closed configuration and is substantially
aligned with the inner lateral wall 14a when the inner container 3
is in the open configuration.
[0116] Also in the packet 1 of cigarettes illustrated in FIGS. 15
to 23 the locking device 30 comprises two abutting portions 41, 42
for abutting on the engagement edge 32.
[0117] In this embodiment, the two abutting portions 41, 42 are
positioned on opposite sides of the engagement portion 33, are
respective portions of the inner lateral wall 9a of the inner
container 3, and comprise a first abutting portion 41 and a second
abutting portion 42.
[0118] In particular, the first abutting portion 41 is bounded
above by an edge of the open top end 5 of the inner container 3 and
below by the first engagement edge 34 of the engagement portion 33
(i.e. by the folding line 39), whereas the second engagement
portion 42 is defined by a slot 47 obtained on the outer side wall
9aa of the inner container 3.
[0119] The slot 47 is bounded above by a top edge consisting of the
free edge of the first engagement panel 51, below by a bottom edge
48 parallel to the free edge of the first engagement panel 51, and
has a bottom wall formed by a portion of the inner lateral wall 9a
facing the slot 47.
[0120] Also, in the packet 1 of cigarettes illustrated in FIGS. 15
to 23, each slot 24 is obtained on the second panel 22 of the
extension wall 20, the first panel 21 acting as a bottom wall for
the slots 24. Also, in this embodiment, each slot 24 forms a
depression at the rear wall 8 of the inner container 3, this
depression having a depth that is equal to the thickness of the
second panel 22.
[0121] When the inner container 3 is in the closed configuration
(FIGS. 18, 21 and 22), the locking edge 32 of the locking tab 36
faces the first engagement edge 34 of the engagement portion 33,
i.e. towards the folding line 39.
[0122] Further, in the closed configuration of the inner container
3, the locking tab 36 is folded substantially 180.degree. onto the
inner surface of the inner lateral wall 14a of the outer container
4 and is at an angle towards the inside of the packet 1 of
cigarettes. In the closed configuration, owing to the spring back
of the cardboard that forms the locking tabs 36, the locking edge
32 of the locking tab 36 abuts on the first abutting portion 41
obtained on the inner lateral wall 9a of the inner container 3.
[0123] By moving the inner container 3 from the closed
configuration to the open configuration (FIGS. 18, 19, 21 and 22),
the locking tab 36 abuts with the locking edge 32 on the first
engagement edge 34, formed, as previously disclosed, by the folding
line 39. In this manner, the inner container 3 is locked, in a
deactivatable manner by an external action of a user, in the closed
configuration. In use, by exerting on the inner container 3 a
sufficiently high opening force, it is possible to unlock the inner
container 3 from the closed configuration. In fact, applying a
sufficiently high opening force through the through window 15 makes
the first engagement edge 34 rotate the locking edge 32 of the
locking tab 36 around the respective hinge line until the locking
tab 36 takes substantially a vertical position in which it is
interposed between an external surface of the second engagement
panel 52 and an internal surface of an outer lateral wall 14aa of
the outer container 4 and is substantially aligned with the inner
lateral wall 14a of the outer container 4.
[0124] By continuing the movement of the inner container 3 from the
closed configuration to the open configuration, the locking edge 32
of the locking tab 36 abuts on and slides (owing to the spring back
that tilts the locking tabs 36 towards the inside of the packet 1
of cigarettes) along the external surface of the second engagement
panel 52 until it interacts with the second engagement edge 35
formed, as previously described, by the two free edges, opposite
the folding line 39, of the first and second engagement panel 51,
52.
[0125] In the open configuration of the inner container 3,
illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 23, the locking edge 32 of the locking
tab 36 faces the second engagement edge 35 of the engagement
portion 33 and is at a certain distance from the latter. In the
open configuration of the inner container 3, the locking tab 36 is
substantially aligned with the inner lateral wall 14a of the outer
container 4 and is at an angle towards the inside of the packet 1
of cigarettes. In the open configuration, owing to the spring back
of the cardboard that forms the locking tab 36, the locking edge 32
of the locking tab 36 abuts on an external surface of the outer
lateral wall 9aa of the inner container 3.
[0126] By moving the inner container 3 from the open configuration
to the closed configuration, the locking edge 32 of the locking tab
36 abuts in sequence on the external surface of the outer lateral
wall 9aa of the inner container 3, and the second abutting portion
42, until it engages with the second engagement edge 35, this
generating a slight force that opposes the closure of the packet 1
of cigarettes. Applying a sufficiently high closure force through
the through window 15, makes the second engagement edge 35 rotate
the locking edge 32 of the locking tab 36 around the respective
hinge line until the locking tab 36 is folded substantially
180.degree. onto the internal surface of the inner lateral wall 14a
of the outer container 4.
[0127] By continuing the movement from the open configuration to
the closed configuration of the inner container 3, the locking tab
36 is folded substantially 180.degree. onto the internal surface of
the inner lateral wall 14a of the outer container 4 and is
interposed between the inner surface of the inner lateral wall 14a
of the outer container 4 and the external surface of the second
engagement panel 52.
[0128] When the closed configuration of the inner container 3 is
reached, the locking tab 36 returns to the initial position.
[0129] It should be noted that the interaction between the first
engagement edge 34 and the locking edge 32 and/or the interaction
between the second engagement edge 35 and the locking edge 32
produces a slight sound that is audible from the user.
[0130] Also, it should be noted that the locking tab 36 is hidden
by the outer container 4, in particular by the outer lateral wall
14aa, in the closed configuration and in the open configuration of
the inner container 3.
[0131] According to another embodiment that is not illustrated, the
packet 1 of cigarettes illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 23 comprises two
locking devices arranged on opposite sides of the packet 1 of
cigarettes with respect to a median plane of the packet 1.
[0132] The outer container 4 of the packet 1 of cigarettes
illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 23 is made by folding a blank 49,
illustrated in FIG. 24. The blank 49 consists of cardboard or thin
cardboard, i.e. of rigid wrapping material that has to be
previously weakened at the folding lines. According to what has
been illustrated in FIG. 24, the blank 49 comprises a plurality of
elements that have been labelled, where possible, with accented
reference numbers that are the same as the reference numbers that
distinguish the corresponding elements of the outer container
4.
[0133] Similarly, the inner container 3 of the packet 1 of
cigarettes illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 23 is made by folding a blank
50, illustrated in FIG. 25. The blank 50 consists of cardboard or
thin cardboard, i.e. of rigid wrapping material that has to be
previously weakened at the folding lines. According to what has
been illustrated in FIG. 25, the blank 50 comprises a plurality of
elements that have been labelled, where possible, with accented
reference numbers that are the same as the reference numbers that
distinguish the corresponding elements of the inner container
3.
[0134] The packets 1 of cigarettes disclosed above have several
advantages, as they are easy and cheap to make and have a locking
device 30 that locks, in a deactivatable manner by an external
action of the user, sliding of the inner container 3 with respect
to the outer container 4 when the inner container 3 is in the
closed configuration. In this manner undesired opening of the
packet 1 of cigarettes is avoided.
[0135] Further, these packets 1 of cigarettes provide the user with
a clear indication of the correct opening/closing of the packet 1
of cigarettes. This is owing to the fact that these packets 1 of
cigarettes produce a sound both when the open configuration and the
closed configuration of the inner container 3 is reached.
[0136] Also, the packets 1 of cigarettes disclosed above have a
locking device 30 that is particularly effective and reliable over
time. This is owing to the fact that the engagement portion 33 has
a greater thickness, in particular double, with respect to the
thickness of the locking element 31.
[0137] Further, the packets 1 of cigarettes according to the
invention make extracting the cigarettes easier. This is owing to
the fact that it is possible to lock the inner container 3 in the
open configuration.
[0138] Also, the packets 1 of cigarettes disclosed above are
particularly aesthetically pleasing. This is because the locking
element 31 is concealed by the outer container 4 both in the closed
configuration and in the open configuration of the inner container
3.
[0139] Following the numerous advantages presented by the packets 1
of cigarettes disclosed above, the shape of the packets 1 of
cigarettes can be repeated entirely also to make a carton of
cigarette packets, which carton is substantially the same as the
packets 1 of cigarettes disclosed above with the sole exception of
containing a group of cigarette packets instead of a group of
cigarette.
* * * * *