U.S. patent application number 15/639620 was filed with the patent office on 2019-01-03 for multi-compartment cigarette package.
The applicant listed for this patent is Maui Kahawaiolaa, Paulette Sandra Soon. Invention is credited to Maui Kahawaiolaa, Paulette Sandra Soon.
Application Number | 20190002187 15/639620 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64735214 |
Filed Date | 2019-01-03 |
![](/patent/app/20190002187/US20190002187A1-20190103-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20190002187/US20190002187A1-20190103-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20190002187/US20190002187A1-20190103-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20190002187/US20190002187A1-20190103-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20190002187/US20190002187A1-20190103-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20190002187/US20190002187A1-20190103-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20190002187/US20190002187A1-20190103-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20190002187/US20190002187A1-20190103-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20190002187/US20190002187A1-20190103-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20190002187/US20190002187A1-20190103-D00009.png)
![](/patent/app/20190002187/US20190002187A1-20190103-D00010.png)
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20190002187 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kahawaiolaa; Maui ; et
al. |
January 3, 2019 |
Multi-Compartment Cigarette Package
Abstract
An improved cigarette package is provided. The cigarette package
first includes a container which serves as a housing for two or
more compartments, each compartment holding a plurality of
cigarettes. The package also includes a lid which is hingedly
connected to the container at an upper end. Opening and closing the
lid provides selective access and closure to the container. The
inner compartments each include a compartment tab that allows for
opening and re-sealing of the respective inner compartments. Thus,
a dual-compartment cigarette package is provided wherein the
compartments may be independently opened and re-sealed. The
configuration allows for selective opening of a single compartment
while preserving the factory seal on the unopened compartment so
that freshness and aromatic oils of the cigarettes within the
package are preserved, even after opening of the package and
compartments.
Inventors: |
Kahawaiolaa; Maui; (Bangkok,
TH) ; Soon; Paulette Sandra; (Honolulu, HI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kahawaiolaa; Maui
Soon; Paulette Sandra |
Bangkok
Honolulu |
HI |
TH
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
64735214 |
Appl. No.: |
15/639620 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 19/22 20130101;
B65D 5/6608 20130101; B65D 75/14 20130101; B65D 5/56 20130101; B65D
5/02 20130101; B65D 77/02 20130101; B65B 43/10 20130101; A24F 15/20
20130101; B65D 5/62 20130101; B65D 85/1081 20130101; B65D 85/1045
20130101; B65D 75/5844 20130101; B65B 7/26 20130101; B65D 5/48024
20130101; B65D 2575/586 20130101; B65D 5/662 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/10 20060101
B65D085/10; B65B 19/22 20060101 B65B019/22; B65B 43/10 20060101
B65B043/10; B65B 7/26 20060101 B65B007/26; B65D 5/02 20060101
B65D005/02; B65D 5/56 20060101 B65D005/56; B65D 5/62 20060101
B65D005/62; B65D 5/66 20060101 B65D005/66; B65D 5/49 20060101
B65D005/49; B65D 77/02 20060101 B65D077/02; B65D 75/58 20060101
B65D075/58; B65D 75/14 20060101 B65D075/14; A24F 15/20 20060101
A24F015/20 |
Claims
1. A cigarette package, comprising: an outer container configured
to closely hold two or more cigarette inserts, wherein each insert
comprises: a moisture-resistant lining forming a compartment
configured to closely hold a plurality of cigarettes in parallel
alignment, wherein each compartment comprises: an exterior surface
having a top face, a bottom face, a front face, a back face, an
upper portion and a lower portion; and a compartment tab configured
to be peeled away from at least the upper surface of the
compartment into an unsealed position, enabling access of
cigarettes within the associated compartment, and configured to be
re-sealed after the associated compartment is opened; a lid
pivotally connected to the container proximate an upper end to
provide selective access to the compartments and the cigarettes
therein, the lid being movable between open and closed positions;
and a sleeve configured to wrap around the two or more cigarette
inserts and to hold the cigarette inserts in adjacent relation
within the outer container.
2. The cigarette package of claim 1, wherein: the outer container
comprises a front surface forming an upper shoulder, wherein a
distal end of the lid lands on the shoulder when the lid is pivoted
to its closed position; the sleeve comprises a front surface that
serves as a recessed portion of the container, wherein the recessed
portion extends above the shoulder and receives an under-surface of
the lid when the lid is pivoted to its closed position; and each
compartment tab has a proximal end integral to the
moisture-resistant lining of an associated compartment, and a
distal end that moves between the unsealed and re-sealed
positions.
3. The cigarette package of claim 2, further comprising a substrate
coupled to each compartment of the at least two cigarette inserts,
the substrate comprising: a distal end, a proximal end, lateral
boundaries and an under-surface, wherein: the proximal end is
secured to the respective back surfaces of the compartments; the
distal end is configured to pivot from a sealed position wherein
the distal end adhesively lands on the front surfaces of the
respective compartments above the sleeve, and an unsealed position;
and the under-surface is adhesively secured to the compartment tabs
such that moving the distal end of a substrate to its unsealed
position causes a corresponding compartment tab to at least
partially move to its unsealed position as well.
4. The cigarette package of claim 3, wherein: the two or more
cigarette inserts represent two cigarette inserts such that first
and second compartments are provided for the cigarette package; the
substrate further comprises a first substrate tab associated with
the first compartment and a second cigarette tab associated with
the second compartment, wherein each of the first and second
substrate tabs is disposed above the first and second compartment
tabs, respectively, and adhesively coupled thereto; the first and
second compartment tabs are each defined laterally by opposing
lateral edges and distally by its distal end, enabling the
substrate tabs to be independently peeled from the respective first
and second compartments; and the substrate tabs are configured such
that pulling of the distal end of the substrate adjacent one
substrate tab results in the selective opening of the one substrate
tab and simultaneous opening of the respective compartment tab
coupled thereto to reversibly open a portion of the respective
compartment for access to cigarettes.
5. The cigarette package of claim 4, wherein: each substrate tab
extends beyond the lateral and distal edges of the respective
compartment tab to form a perimeter of adhesive material that is
exposed around the under-surface of each substrate tab; and the
perimeter of adhesive material lands upon the exterior surface of
the respective compartment to form a temporary seal when the
substrate tab and compartment tab are closed.
6. The cigarette package of claim 5, wherein each substrate tab and
corresponding compartment tab extend from a portion of the back
face of the compartment and continue along the top face of the
compartments to a portion of the front face of the compartment.
7. The cigarette package of claim 4, wherein each substrate tab
further comprises a flap that extends beyond the distal end of the
substrate that is configured to allow for easier grasping and
pulling of each substrate tab.
8. The cigarette package of claim 4, wherein the compartments, the
compartment tabs, the substrate, the substrate tabs, or
combinations thereof are fabricated from blanks of moisture- and
aroma oil-insulating material.
9. The cigarette package of claim 4, wherein the compartments, the
compartment tabs, the substrate, the substrate tabs, or
combinations thereof comprise a metallic material, cellulosic
material, plastic material, or combinations thereof.
10. The cigarette package of claim 9, wherein the compartments, the
compartment tabs, the substrate, the substrate tabs, or
combinations thereof comprise aluminum, tin, nickel, or
combinations thereof.
11. The cigarette package of claim 1, further comprising: an
exterior layer of water-resistant foil residing around the outer
container.
12. The cigarette package of claim 1, wherein the outer container
is fabricated primarily from a rigid cellulosic material or a
synthetic material and has a rectangular cross-section.
13. A cigarette package comprising: an outer container configured
to hold a plurality of cigarettes, the outer container having an
exterior surface and a recessed portion inwardly indented from the
exterior surface, the recess portion having a top edge and a first
contour; a lid pivotally connected to the outer container at an
upper back end of the outer container, the lid being movable
between an open position and a closed position; at least two
moisture-proof compartments positioned within the outer container,
the compartments each having a front surface that extends above the
top edge and first contour of the recessed portion to expose a
peripheral margin portion of an exterior surface of each
compartment; the at least two compartments each comprising a
compartment tab that is integral with each compartment, each
compartment tab having a distal end and lateral boundaries; a
substrate coupled to and residing along a top face of the at least
two compartments, wherein the under-surface of the substrate is
coated in an adhesive material; the substrate further comprising at
least two substrate tabs that are integral with the substrate, are
generally concentric with the compartment tabs and are adhesively
coupled to the compartment tabs; each of the at least two substrate
tabs extending beyond the distal end and lateral boundaries of its
respective compartment tab and onto the exterior surface of the
respective compartment, the adhesive substrate being configured to
contact the peripheral margin portion and the top face of the
respective compartment to provide a moisture-proof seal when the
substrate tabs and compartment tabs are in a closed position; each
substrate tab being configured to allow for selective opening and
re-sealing of its respective compartment. a sleeve configured to
wrap around the two or more cigarette inserts and to hold the
cigarette inserts in adjacent relation within the outer
container.
14. The cigarette package of claim 13, further comprising: a sleeve
configured to wrap around the at least two moisture-proof
compartments configured to hold the compartments in adjacent
relation within the outer container, wherein the sleeve is
adhesively secured within the outer compartment; wherein: the at
least two compartments represent first and second compartments, and
the at least two compartment tabs represent first and second
compartment tabs integral to the first and second compartments,
respectively; the at least two substrate tabs represent first and
second substrate tabs; the outer container comprises a front
surface forming an upper shoulder, wherein a distal end of the lid
lands on the shoulder when the lid is pivoted to its closed
position; the sleeve comprises a front surface that serves as the
recessed portion of the outer container, wherein the recessed
portion extends above the shoulder and receives an under-surface of
the lid when the lid is pivoted to its closed position; the lateral
boundaries of the compartment tabs comprise perforations; each of
the first and second substrate tabs is disposed above the first and
second compartment tabs, respectively, and adhesively coupled
thereto; and the substrate tabs are configured such that pulling of
the distal end of the substrate adjacent one substrate tab results
in the selective opening of the one substrate tab and simultaneous
opening of the respective compartment tab coupled thereto to
reversibly open a portion of the respective compartment for access
to cigarettes.
15. The cigarette package of claim 14, wherein: the compartments,
the compartment tabs, the substrate and the substrate tabs are
fabricated from blanks of moisture- and aroma oil-insulating
material; and the outer container is fabricated primarily from a
rigid cellulosic material or a synthetic material and has a
rectangular cross-section.
16. A cigarette package comprising: an outer container configured
to hold a plurality of cigarettes, the outer container having a top
edge; a lid pivotally connected to the outer container at an upper
back end of the outer container, the lid being movable between an
open position and a closed position; at least two moisture-proof
compartments positioned within the outer container, said
compartments each having a front surface extending past the top
edge of the outer container to expose a peripheral margin portion
of an exterior surface of each compartment, said compartments each
having a notch to allow access to a grouping of cigarettes within
each compartment; each compartment further comprising a compartment
tab, wherein the number of tabs is equal to the number of
compartments; each tab being configured to conform with the notch
of each compartment; and an adhesive substrate residing on the
compartments and extending to the peripheral portion of the
compartment, the adhesive substrate being configured to contact the
compartment at a location upon the compartment between the outer
container top edge and the notch of the compartment wherein the
adhesive substrate is thereby configured to allow for selective
opening of a single tab to expose the notch of single compartment
while allowing the other compartments to remain sealed; the
adhesive substrate being further configured to allow for resealing
of the compartment to prevent evaporation of aromatic oils and
preserve freshness of cigarettes in a previously opened compartment
when the container is in a closed position.
17. A method of opening and resealing a cigarette package
comprising: providing a package of cigarettes, the package
comprising: an outer container, the container configured to closely
hold a plurality of cigarettes; a lid pivotally connected to the
container proximate an upper end to provide selective access to the
cigarettes, the lid being movable between open and closed
positions; a first lining forming a first compartment and second
lining forming a second compartment; the first and second
compartments residing within the outer container; the first and
second compartments each having an exterior surface with a top
face, bottom face, front face, back face, upper portion, and lower
portion; the first and second compartments further comprising a
first compartment tab and a second compartment tab, respectively,
that are configured to allow for resealing of each compartment
after each compartment is opened; a substrate with an adhesive
material along an under-surface that comprises a distal end; the
substrate further comprising a first substrate tab and a second
substrate tab that are disposed above the first and second
compartment tabs, respectively, and coupled thereto; opening the
lid; opening a substrate tab, which then causes the respective
internal compartment tab coupled thereto to be opened, exposing
cigarettes that are enclosed within the opened compartment; moving
the substrate and coupled internal compartment tab from an open to
a closed position to seal the opened inner compartment; and moving
the lid from an open position to a closed position to complete
closure of the cigarette package.
18. A method for assembling a cigarette package comprising:
providing at least two blanks of material to serve as at least two
inner linings of moisture-resistant or moisture-proof material;
providing at least two groupings of cigarettes; folding a first
inner lining around a first grouping of cigarettes to form one of
at least two inner compartments; folding a second inner lining
around a second grouping of cigarettes to form another of the at
least two inner compartments; each of the at least two inner
compartments comprising a top face, back face, and a front face;
each of the at least two inner compartments further comprising a
compartment tab that is defined by opposing lateral edges and a
distal edge; providing a blank of material to serve as a substrate;
the substrate comprising an under-surface with an adhesive material
placed along the under-surface; and the substrate further
comprising at least two substrate tabs; adhering the under-surface
of the substrate to a top face of each of the at least two inner
compartments such that the at least two substrate tabs are
generally collinear with the compartment tabs of the at least two
compartments and coupled thereto; the at least two substrate tabs
and the compartment tabs coupled thereto being configured to allow
for the selective opening and resealing of each inner compartment;
providing a blank of material to serve as a container that
comprises a lid portion; folding the blank of material to serve as
a container around the at least two inner compartments to form an
outer container configured to closely hold the at least two
groupings of cigarettes after assembly; and folding the lid portion
of the bank of material to serve as a container to create a hinged
lid.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: providing a blank
of material to serve as a sleeve; folding the blank of material
that serves as the sleeve around the at least two compartments, the
sleeve being configured to hold the at least two inner compartments
together and anchor the at least two inner compartments to the
container, wherein the sleeve comprises a recessed portion that
forms a shoulder on which the lid lands when the lid is pivoted to
its closed position.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein: the substrate tabs are
slightly larger than the compartment tabs and extend beyond the
lateral and distal edges of the compartment tabs to form a
perimeter of adhesive material that is exposed around an
under-surface of the tabs; and pressing along the perimeter of
adhesive material causes the compartment to be sealed after
opening.
Description
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0001] Not applicable.
THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
STATEMENT OF RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0003] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] This section is intended to introduce various aspects of the
art, which may be associated with exemplary embodiments of the
present disclosure. This discussion is believed to assist in
providing a framework to facilitate a better understanding of
particular aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it
should be understood that this section should be read in this
light, and not necessarily as admissions of prior art.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0005] This invention relates generally to the field of cigarette
boxes, particularly those of the hinged-lid type. More
specifically, the invention relates to cigarette boxes having
improved structure for preserving freshness of the contents
therein. The invention further relates to a dual-compartment
cigarette box wherein each compartment is independently
re-sealable.
GENERAL DISCUSSION OF TECHNOLOGY
[0006] Cigarette packs are marketed in different embodiments. The
conventional structure of a cigarette package includes a small box,
which may be either a so-called soft box or a hard box. Such boxes
form a housing for a plurality of cigarettes, such as 20
cigarettes, and may be fabricated from either a cellulosic material
or a synthetic material such as plastic.
[0007] Cigarettes have a shelf life. A box of cigarettes is
generally good for a period of about one year from the date of
manufacture. After that one year, cigarettes will become stale and
lose flavor. This is because the individual cigarettes become dry
and brittle due to the evaporation of aromatic oils.
[0008] Cigarettes may be vacuum sealed in freezer storage to extend
freshness, but this is quite uncommon. Some stores and individuals
use humidors that control humidity to preserve moisture and
freshness of tobacco. This is somewhat common for cigars, but these
generally are not used for off-the-shelf cigarettes. Further,
humidors do not help tobacco packages while they are in
transit.
[0009] Many cigarettes are not consumed until after extended
periods of storage, transportation, and retail presentation. In
some cases, particularly where cross-country or international
transportation is involved, a package of cigarettes may not be
consumed for many weeks or even months after manufacture and
packaging. To help maintain freshness, cigarette boxes are
typically enshrouded by an outer layer of plastic foil. Such an
outer wrapping keeps air and moisture out of the interior of the
box, at least until it is opened.
[0010] Cigarette boxes frequently also include an inner lining. The
inner lining may be fabricated from tin or other metal material.
Thus, a multi-layer structure is provided to help maintain
freshness of the tobacco products therein. Unfortunately, once the
package is opened the seal offered by the inner lining is lost and
the cluster of cigarettes is exposed to ambient conditions. This
accelerates the drying of the cigarettes and the loss of aromatic
oils.
[0011] Several patents have issued in the field of cigarette
packaging. One such example is U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,872 issued in
1995. This patent is entitled "Rigid Hinged-Lid Packet for Tobacco
Products, Particularly Cigarettes." The '872 patent discloses a
cigarette package with two hinged lids, one at an end opposite the
other, such that the appearance of the package resembles two
standard cigarette packages coplanar with one another but joined
together by the bottom edges. The user opens one hinged lid to
consume the cigarettes in one container; then the user flips the
package and opens the second hinged lid to consume the remaining
cigarettes in a second container.
[0012] In the cigarette package design for the '872 patent, the
individual packets may be integral with one another or may comprise
two separate containers joined at the respective bottom ends of
each container. However, the '872 patent is not concerned with
increasing the shelf life of the tobacco contents, nor does the
patent disclose a mechanism for resealing one of the containers
after it has been opened.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,201,413 entitled "Dual Cigarette Carton With
Separable or Divisible Label Containing Universal Product Code"
offers a similar concept. In the '413 patent, a dual cigarette
carton is formed from two substantially identical single cigarette
cartons. This is essentially two separate cartons connected
together for tax-stamping and price coding purposes, wherein the
cartons may be easily separated after sale.
[0014] A next packaging example is found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,223,895
entitled "Two-Pack Kit for Packaging Make-Your-Own Cigarettes." The
'895 patent offers a container with two packages to allow for the
assembly of one's own cigarettes. A first package contains tobacco
elements while a second package contains non-tobacco elements for
construction of individual cigarettes. As can be seen, the '895
patent presents a clever idea but it is does not directed to a
re-sealable cigarette package nor is it concerned with offering
multiple, independently re-sealable compartments for existing
cigarettes to increase the shelf life.
[0015] Another patent in the technical field is U.S. Pat. No.
4,664,310 entitled "Blank for Parallelepipedal Boxes or Box
Elements." The '310 patent offers a "blank" for forming a box for
holding cigarettes. The box is constructed with a removal strip in
such a manner that parallel tear lines extend through three
connected wall sections of the blank. The '310 patent is not
directed towards increasing shelf life of the tobacco contents.
[0016] Additional cigarette packages are in existence that combine
cigarette groupings to form a bundle. An example is U.S. Pat. No.
4,928,817 entitled "Packaging For a Plurality of Small Packs,
Especially Cigarette Packs." However, the inventors are unaware of
any package that provides inner compartments that are capable of
being independently resealed once opened.
[0017] A need exists for an improved, multi-compartment cigarette
package that extends the shelf life for cigarettes or other smoke
tobacco products. A need further exists for a cigarette package
that allows for selective opening and resealing of only a portion
of the cigarettes. Such a package would not only preserve the
freshness of some of the cigarettes in an unopened portion of the
package, but also prevent cigarettes in an opened portion from
drying out after the factory seal is broken.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] An improved cigarette package is provided. In one
embodiment, the cigarette package first comprises an outer
container. The outer container serves as a housing and is
configured to closely hold a plurality of cigarettes. The outer
container is fabricated primarily from a rigid cellulosic material
(a so-called "hard" package) or from a pliable synthetic material
(a so-called "soft" package). In either instance, the container
preferably has a rectangular cross-section.
[0019] The outer container includes a lid pivotally connected to
the container proximate an upper end. The lid provides selective
access to the cigarettes and is movable between open and closed
positions. A single lid is provided for multiple compartments.
[0020] The package also includes a first lining and a second
lining. The first lining forms a first compartment while the second
lining forms a second compartment. The first and second
compartments reside within the same outer container.
[0021] The first and second compartments each have an exterior
surface with a top face, a bottom face, a front face, a back face,
an upper portion and a lower portion. The first and second
compartments further include a first compartment tab and a second
compartment tab, respectively. The first and second compartment
tabs are configured to allow for resealing of each compartment
independently after each compartment has been opened. Embodiments
comprising more than two compartments and associated compartment
tabs are also envisioned in this disclosure.
[0022] The package further includes a substrate. The substrate is
coupled to the first and second compartments. The substrate has a
proximal end, a distal end and lateral boundaries. The substrate
preferably has an adhesive material in the form of a coating along
an under-surface. The adhesive material allows the substrate to be
coupled to the compartments.
[0023] The substrate preferably includes a first substrate tab and
a second substrate tab, wherein the tabs are integral with the
substrate. The first and second substrate tabs may be disposed
above the first and second compartment tabs, respectively, and
coupled thereto. Because each substrate tab is coupled to a
respective compartment tab, opening of a substrate tab results in a
simultaneous opening of the respective compartment tab coupled
thereto. It is noted that more than two substrate tabs may be
provided, corresponding with the number of compartments.
[0024] The first and second compartment tabs may each be defined
laterally by opposing lateral edges and distally by a distal edge.
Each substrate tab may be configured to extend beyond the lateral
and distal edges of the respective compartment tab to form a
perimeter of adhesive material that is exposed around an
under-surface of each compartment tab. The perimeter of adhesive
material lands upon the exterior surface of the respective
compartment to form a temporary seal when the substrate tab and
compartment tab are together moved to a closed position.
[0025] In one embodiment, each substrate tab and corresponding
compartment tab extend from a portion of the back face of the
compartment. In the closed position, the substrate tab and
corresponding compartment tab continue along the top face of the
compartment to a portion of the front face of the compartment. Each
substrate tab may further comprise a flap that extends beyond the
distal end of the substrate. The flap is configured to allow for
easier grasping and pulling of each associated substrate tab.
[0026] The compartments, the compartment tabs, the substrate, the
substrate tabs, or combinations thereof are preferably fabricated
from blanks of moisture- and aroma oil-insulating material.
Examples of such a material include a metallic material such as
tin, aluminum or nickel, or a plastic material. A wax-coated
cellulosic material may also be employed.
[0027] The cigarette package further includes a sleeve. The sleeve
is configured to wrap around the first and second compartments so
as to securely hold the compartments together within the outer
container. The sleeve also may serve to anchor the first and second
compartments to the interior of the container, such as through an
adhesive which prevents the compartments from sliding out of the
container, particularly while the compartments are being
opened.
[0028] The sleeve is preferably fabricated from a thin cardboard
material. The sleeve includes a front surface that serves as a
recessed portion of the container. The recessed portion forms a
shoulder on which the lid lands when the lid is pivoted to its
closed position.
[0029] The cigarette package may be provided with an exterior layer
of water-resistant foil residing around the outer container. The
foil is removed, or at least torn away, by the purchaser before
opening the lid.
[0030] An alternate cigarette package is also provided herein. In
this embodiment, the cigarette package again comprises an outer
container configured to hold a plurality of cigarettes. The outer
container has an exterior surface and a recessed portion along the
exterior surface. The recessed portion may be inwardly indented
from the outer container exterior surface and be provided with a
top edge having a contour.
[0031] The package may further include a lid pivotally connected to
the outer container at an upper back end of the outer container. In
operation, the lid is movable between an open position and a closed
position. The lid has a distal end having a profile that matches
the contour of the recessed portion.
[0032] At least two moisture-proof compartments are provided within
the container. Each compartment offers a front surface that extends
above the recessed portion. This serves to expose a peripheral
margin portion of an exterior surface of each compartment.
[0033] Each compartment further includes a compartment tab. Each
compartment tab is integral with its associated compartment. Each
compartment tab is provided with a distal end and lateral
boundaries.
[0034] A substrate is coupled to and resides along a top face of
each of the compartments. The under-surface of the substrate is
coated with an adhesive material that secures the substrate to the
inner compartments. The substrate comprises substrate tabs that are
integral with the substrate. The substrate tabs are generally
concentric with the compartment tabs and are coupled to the
compartment tabs via the adhesive material on the under-surface of
the substrate.
[0035] Each of the at least two substrate tabs extends beyond the
distal end of its respective compartment tab. In the closed
position, the substrate tabs each extend onto the exterior surface
of the respective compartment. Thus, when the compartment tabs are
moved to the closed position, each adhesive substrate tab contacts
the peripheral margin portion and the top face of the respective
compartments to provide a moisture-proof seal. Under this
configuration, each substrate tab allows for selective opening and
resealing of its respective compartment.
[0036] Still another cigarette package is provided herein. In this
embodiment, an outer container is provided that holds a plurality
of cigarettes and has a top edge. A lid is also included and is
pivotally connected to the outer container at an upper back end of
the outer container. The lid is movable between an open position
and a closed position.
[0037] At least two moisture-proof compartments are positioned
within the outer container. The compartments each have a front
surface extending past the top edge of the outer container to
expose a peripheral margin portion of an exterior surface of each
compartment. Each compartment also includes a notch to allow access
to cigarettes that are enclosed within the each compartment. Each
compartment further includes a compartment tab, wherein the number
of compartment tabs is equal to the number of compartments. Each
tab is configured to conform with the notch of each
compartment.
[0038] An adhesive substrate is also included that resides on the
inner compartments and extends to the peripheral portion of the
compartments. The adhesive substrate is configured to contact the
compartment at a location upon the compartment between the outer
container top edge and the notch of the compartment. Being so
disposed, the adhesive substrate is configured to allow for
selective opening of a single tab to expose the notch of a single
compartment. Such a configuration allows the other compartment(s)
to remain sealed. The adhesive substrate is additionally configured
to allow for resealing of the individual compartments. Such
resealing prevents evaporation of aromatic oils and preserves
freshness of cigarettes in an opened compartment when the
respective compartments are in their closed position.
[0039] A method of opening and resealing a cigarette package is
also provided herein. The method first includes providing a package
of cigarettes. The packaging is designed in accordance with the
package described above, in its various embodiments.
[0040] The method also includes opening the lid, followed by
opening a substrate tab. Opening of the substrate tab causes the
associated compartment tab to be opened, which exposes cigarettes
enclosed within one of the compartments. A consumer may then remove
a cigarette from the container. The substrate and coupled internal
compartment tab may then be moved from an open position to a closed
position, and the selected compartment is sealed. Finally, the lid
may be moved from an open position to a closed position to complete
closure of the cigarette package.
[0041] A method for assembling a cigarette package is also provided
herein. The method first includes providing at least two blanks of
material to serve as at least two inner linings of
moisture-resistant or moisture-proof material. Preferably, the
blanks of material that serve as the at least two inner linings are
fabricated from a moisture-proof material, such as aluminum, tin,
nickel or combinations thereof.
[0042] Each of the at least two inner linings is folded to form a
compartment. The compartment is dimensioned to hold a parallel
grouping of cigarettes. In this manner, at least two inner
compartments of the cigarette package are formed. Each of the at
least two inner compartments has a top face, a back face, and a
front face. Each of the inner compartments also includes a
compartment tab. Each compartment tab is defined by opposing
lateral edges and a distal edge configured to cover a compartment
opening.
[0043] The method further includes providing a blank of material to
serve as a substrate. The substrate may be referred to as a
"sticker." The substrate comprises a planar body having a proximal
end, a distal end and an under-surface. The substrate is designed
to increase the shelf life of the cigarettes when the cigarettes
are placed inside the compartments of the cigarette package. In one
embodiment, the substrate is comprised of aluminum, tin, nickel, or
combinations thereof. Alternatively, the substrate may be
fabricated from a wax-coated cellulosic material.
[0044] An adhesive material is placed along the under-surface of
the substrate. The adhesive material allows the substrate to be
selectively folded onto a front surface or an upper surface of the
compartments, and releasably attached thereto. To aid in releasing
the substrate from the compartments, the substrate optionally
includes at least two substrate tabs. The tabs do not have the
adhesive material, allowing the tabs to serve as flaps for
gripping.
[0045] The method additionally includes adhering the under-surface
of the substrate to a top face of each of the at least two inner
compartments. The top face may be along an upper surface of the
compartments, or a front surface near the top. The at least two
substrate tabs are generally collinear with the compartment tabs of
the at least two compartments. The substrate tabs are, therefore,
coupled to the inner compartment tabs. When so disposed, the at
least two substrate tabs and the compartment tabs that are coupled
thereto are configured to allow for the selective opening and
resealing of each inner compartment, independently.
[0046] Preferably, the substrate tabs are slightly larger than the
compartment tabs and extend beyond the lateral and distal edges of
the compartment tabs. In this way, a perimeter of adhesive material
is exposed around an under-surface of the tabs such that pressing
along the perimeter of the substrate tabs causes the adhesive
material to bond to the compartments, generating a reversible seal
after a compartment has been opened.
[0047] The method also includes providing a blank of material to
serve as a container. The blank forms the perimeter for the inner
linings. The method then includes folding the blank of material
that serves as the container around the at least two inner
compartments to form a rectangular housing for a plurality of
cigarettes.
[0048] The method still further includes folding the blank of
material that serves as the container to create a hinged lid. The
hinged lid may be releasably sealed to an outer front surface of
the container. In one aspect, the housing is fabricated from a
compliant synthetic material such as a plastic material. In another
aspect, the housing is fabricated from a rigid cellulosic
material.
[0049] The method may additionally include providing a blank of
material to serve as a sleeve. In such an embodiment, the blank of
material that serves as the sleeve is folded around the at least
two compartments. The sleeve is configured to hold the at least two
inner compartments together and anchor the at least two inner
compartments within the container. In these embodiments, the sleeve
may comprise a recessed portion that forms a shoulder on which the
lid lands when the lid is pivoted to its closed position.
[0050] Optionally, the method further comprises providing a
water-resistant material, and wrapping the container with the
water-resistant material to provide a moisture barrier.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0051] So that the present inventions can be better understood,
certain drawings, charts, graphs and/or flow charts are appended
hereto. It is to be noted, however, that the drawings illustrate
only selected exemplary embodiments of the inventions and are
therefore not to be considered limiting of scope, for the
inventions may admit to other equally effective embodiments and
applications.
[0052] FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views showing a known
cigarette package design.
[0053] FIGS. 2A through 2H present a series of views of a cigarette
package in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0054] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the cigarette package of
the present invention. The lid is shown in a closed position.
[0055] FIG. 2B is a front plan view of the cigarette package of
FIG. 2A.
[0056] FIG. 2C is a back plan view of the cigarette package of FIG.
2A.
[0057] FIGS. 2D and 2E are left and right side plan views,
respectively, of the cigarette package of FIG. 2A.
[0058] FIG. 2F is another perspective view of the cigarette package
of FIG. 2A. In this view, the hinged lid is being moved from its
closed position to an open position, revealing a substrate with two
tabs covering two inner compartments within the container.
[0059] FIG. 2G is still another perspective view of the cigarette
package of FIG. 2A. In FIG. 2G, the hinged lid is in its fully open
position. A first tab is peeled away to reveal cigarettes within a
first compartment. An adjacent second tab and corresponding second
compartment remain sealed.
[0060] FIG. 2H is still another perspective view of the cigarette
package of FIG. 2A. Here, certain internal components of the
package are shown in exploded-apart relation. The substrate and
inner compartment tabs are in a raised position, revealing two
inner compartments. The cigarettes have been removed from the inner
compartments for illustrative purposes.
[0061] FIG. 3 is an engineering plan view of a "blank" of material
used to create an outer container for the package of FIG. 2A, in
one embodiment.
[0062] FIGS. 4A through 4D are engineering views of blank materials
used in forming the interior compartments of the cigarette package
of FIG. 2A.
[0063] FIG. 4A is an engineering plan view showing a blank of
material used to create one of the at least two inner compartments,
or inner linings, for the package of FIG. 2A, in one embodiment. A
sealing tab is shown there along.
[0064] FIG. 4B is an end view of ten cigarettes arranged in three
rows in preparation for being wrapped in the inner compartment of
FIG. 4A.
[0065] FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the arranged cigarettes of
FIG. 4B being placed along the interior surface of the compartment
of FIG. 4A, to be wrapped therein.
[0066] FIG. 4D is a perspective view showing the exterior surface
of the compartment of FIG. 4A after being folded and wrapped around
the cigarettes of FIG. 4B.
[0067] FIGS. 5A through 5C are engineering views of blank materials
used in forming a sleeve for use in the cigarette package of FIG.
2A.
[0068] FIG. 5A is a plan view showing a blank of material used to
create the sleeve in a flat, unfolded state.
[0069] FIG. 5B is a perspective view showing the interior surface
of a blank of material used to create the sleeve of FIG. 5A in a
partially folded state.
[0070] FIG. 5C is another perspective view showing the blank of
material used to create the sleeve of FIG. 5A, in a partially
folded state. Here, the blank of material has been reversed
relative to the view of FIG. 5B.
[0071] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of two inner compartments of
FIG. 4D aligned for wrapping by the partially folded sleeve of FIG.
5B.
[0072] FIG. 6B is a plan view showing a blank of material used to
create a substrate.
[0073] FIG. 6C is a perspective view of two inner compartments of
FIG. 4D being wrapped by the sleeve of FIG. 5B. The substrate of
FIG. 6B is shown being placed along back faces of the two inner
compartments, indicated by arrows.
[0074] FIG. 6D is a front perspective view of the two inner
compartments of FIG. 6C after being wrapped by the sleeve. The
substrate is shown in an unfolded state, extending up from the back
faces of the two inner compartments.
[0075] FIG. 6E is a rear perspective view of FIG. 6D. The substrate
attached to the back faces of the two inner compartments is more
clearly seen. Perforations running along the length of the
substrate are also visible.
[0076] FIG. 6F is front perspective view of a portion of the
cigarette package of FIG. 2A. The two inner compartments of FIG. 4D
are shown wrapped in the sleeve of FIG. 5B. The substrate is folded
across the top faces of the inner compartments and extends along a
peripheral portion of the front faces of the inner
compartments.
[0077] FIG. 6G is a rear perspective view of the components of the
cigarette package of FIG. 6F. The substrate is shown adhered to the
back faces of the inner compartments and then folded across the top
faces of the inner compartments.
[0078] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view showing the components of
the cigarette package of FIG. 6F being positioned along the
interior surface of the unfolded outer container of FIG. 3, in
preparation for being enclosed therein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS
Definitions
[0079] As used herein, the term "blank" refers to a substrate that
is folded along designated lines to form a three-dimensional
object.
Description of Selected Specific Embodiments
[0080] The inventions are described herein in connection with
certain specific embodiments. However, to the extent that the
following detailed description is specific to a particular
embodiment or a particular use, such is intended to be illustrative
only and is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the
inventions or claims.
[0081] FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views showing a design for a
known cigarette package 100. The cigarette package 100 defines a
container 110 for holding a plurality of cigarettes 150. In FIG.
1A, a few of the cigarettes 150 are shown extending from the
container 110 for illustrative purposes.
[0082] The container 110 has a lower end 112 and an upper end 114.
A lid 115 is hingedly connected to the container 110 at the upper
end 114. A hinge line is shown at 116. It is understood that the
hinge line extends along a back surface (seen best in FIG. 2C).
[0083] The lid 115 is movable from an open position wherein a
cigarette 150 may be accessed, to a closed position wherein the lid
115 seats on a shoulder 118. It is observed that while closing the
lid 115 may limit contact of the cigarettes 150 with the air, it
does not provide a moisture barrier or an air tight seal.
[0084] FIGS. 2A through 211 present a series of views of a
cigarette package 200 in accordance with the present invention, in
one embodiment. The cigarette package 200 is a dual compartment
package, meaning that groups of cigarettes 150 are held within
separately sealable compartments 300A, 300B.
[0085] First, FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the cigarette
package 200. An outer container 210 having a rectangular profile is
first shown. The container 210 has a lower end 212 and an upper end
214. A lid 215 is disposed at the upper end 214. The lid 215 is
pivotally connected to the container 210 through an integral hinge
line 216. (best seen in FIGS. 2C and 2D) Preferably, the lid 215 is
integrally connected to the container 210 as shown in the blank of
FIG. 3.
[0086] The lid may further include a lid flap 220. The lid flap 220
extends beyond a lower end 219 of a front portion 215B (as seen in
FIG. 2B) of the lid 215. The lid flap 220 is configured to
facilitate opening of the container lid 215 by the consumer.
[0087] FIGS. 2B and 2C are front and back plan views of the
cigarette package 200 of FIG. 2A, respectively. In FIG. 2B, a front
panel 210B of the container 210 is seen; while in FIG. 2C a back
portion 210C of the container 210 is shown. The front panel 210B
includes a recessed portion (seen at 520 in FIG. 2F) that
accommodates the lid 215 when the lid 215 is in its closed
position. Stated another way, an inner surface 217 of the lid lands
on the recessed portion 520 when the lid 215 is closed.
[0088] It is also noted that a front portion 215B of the lid 215 is
seen in FIG. 2B, while a back portion 215C of the lid 215 is
visible in FIG. 2C. The hinge line 216 is also shown in FIG. 2C, in
dashed lines.
[0089] FIGS. 2D and 2E provide left and right side plan views of
the cigarette package 200 of FIG. 2A, respectively. In these views,
the lid 215 remains in its closed position.
[0090] Additional details of the package 200 are presented in FIGS.
2F and 2G. FIGS. 2F and 2G provide additional perspective views of
the cigarette package 200 of FIG. 2A. In the view of FIG. 2F, the
hinged lid 215 is being moved from its closed position to an open
position. Arrow "O" is provided, indicating a direction of movement
for pivoting the lid 215 to its open position. In FIG. 2G, the
hinged lid 215 is in its fully open position.
[0091] Referring to FIGS. 2F and 2G together, it is first noted
that the outer container 210 includes a shoulder 218. The shoulder
218 defines the upper end 214 of the material forming the container
210 along a front surface 210B. Above the shoulder 218 is the
recessed portion 520. The recessed portion 520 has a front profile
that is generally rectangular or trapezoidal in shape, and is
formed from a sleeve 500 that is wrapped around at least two inner
compartments 300A, 300B.
[0092] The sleeve 500 is slidably received within the outer
container 210 during fabrication. The recessed portion 520 is a
front face of the sleeve 500, and serves as something of a landing
surface for the lid 215 when the lid 215 is pivoted back from its
open position (seen in FIGS. 2F and 2G) to its closed position
(seen in FIG. 2A).
[0093] In FIGS. 2F and 2G, as the pivoting lid 215 is being moved
from its closed position to its open position, a 400 substrate is
revealed. The illustrative substrate 400 includes a pair of
integral substrate tabs 440A, 440B. Also revealed in FIGS. 2F and
2G is a pair of inner compartments 300A, 300B. The inner
compartments 300A, 300B are housed within the outer container 210,
and are separately sealed. It is seen that the substrate tabs 440A,
44B cover a top face and a portion of the front face of the inner
compartments 300A, 300B as part of the seal.
[0094] An adhesive material is provided along the substrate 400.
Specifically, the adhesive material is coated along an
under-surface of the substrate 400. This serves to releasably
couple the substrate 400 to the inner compartments 300A, 300B along
the top and, optionally, front faces.
[0095] In FIG. 2G, a first substrate tab 440A is open, having been
peeled away from the first inner compartment 300A. It can be seen
that a first inner compartment tab 340A is coupled to the
under-surface of the first substrate tab 440A. When the first
substrate tab 440A is peeled off of the first inner compartment
300A, the first inner compartment tab 340A moves with it.
Cigarettes 150 may then be accessed within the first compartment
300A. Stated another way, the seal of the first inner compartment
300A is broken, and cigarettes 150 wrapped within the first inner
compartment 300A are available for consumption.
[0096] Of interest, the substrate tab 440A is slightly larger than
the first inner compartment tab 340A, providing a perimeter. As
discussed above and in more detail below, this perimeter of exposed
substrate may be coated in an adhesive material to allow for
releasable resealing of the inner compartment 300A after a
cigarette is removed for consumption. Meanwhile, in the view of
FIG. 2G, an adjacent second tab 440B and corresponding second
compartment 400B remain sealed, and cigarettes residing in the
second inner compartment 400B are not visible. In this way, a
consumer may selectively break the seal provided by the compartment
tab 340A on only a portion of the cigarettes 150 within a single
package 200, allowing the consumer to delay exposing the remaining
portion of cigarettes 150 (under substrate tab 340B and compartment
tab 440B) to ambient conditions until a first portion of cigarettes
150 within the package 200 is consumed.
[0097] Also visible in FIG. 2G, wherein the lid 215 and the first
substrate and compartment tabs (440A and 340A, respectively) are
open, is a front portion 325A of the first inner compartment 300A.
The front face 325A includes a front notch, or upper contour 345.
The contour 345 is generally rectangular or trapezoidal in shape.
The front portion 325A is part of a larger inner compartment (seen
more fully at 300 in the perspective view of FIG. 4D) that defines
a lining of moisture proof or moisture-resistant material.
[0098] As shown in FIGS. 2F and 2G, when aligned side-by-side, the
inner compartments 300A, 300B have an exterior surface that
includes a peripheral margin portion 326. The peripheral margin
portion 326 is exposed above the recessed portion 520. When all
tabs 340A, 340B, 440A, 440B are in a closed position, the substrate
400 extends over the peripheral margin portion 326. The substrate
400 further covers top faces of the inner compartments 300A, 300B,
which reside along a substantial portion of an inner surface 227 of
the container 210. When the lid is moved to its closed position, an
under-surface 217 of the lid 215 will land on and cover the
recessed portion 520.
[0099] As noted above, and as seen in FIG. 2G, the under-surface of
the substrate tab 440A is slightly larger and extends beyond the
peripheral and distal edges of the compartment tab 340A. This
allows a perimeter of adhesive material to be formed around the
under-surface of the compartment tab 340A. Being so disposed, the
perimeter of adhesive material allows a consumer to reversibly
re-seal a selected inner compartment 300A or 300B after removing a
cigarette for consumption. This is done by refolding the coupled
substrate 440A and compartment 340A tabs to a closed position (as
shown in FIG. 2F). Optionally, the perimeter of adhesive material
is lightly pressed to form the releasable temporary seal. In this
way, freshness of the cigarettes 150 may be preserved when the tabs
340A, 440A are returned to a closed position, even after the
factory seal of an outer foil and an internal compartment 300A is
broken.
[0100] FIG. 2H is still another perspective view of the cigarette
package 200 of FIG. 2A. Here, certain inner components of the
package 200 are shown in exploded-apart relation. In addition, the
cigarettes 150 are removed for clarity. In FIG. 2H, two inner
compartments 300A, 300B can be seen extending out from the
container 210. The inner compartments 300A, 300B form two
independent moisture-proof or moisture-resistant barriers for
storing groupings of cigarettes within a single package 200.
[0101] It is understood that the cigarette package 200 may enclose
more than two inner compartments. In one aspect, three separately
sealable, or four separately sealable, inner compartments are
employed. In any event, the sleeve 500 is wrapped around the two
inner compartments 300A, 300B to secure them together.
[0102] The inner compartment tabs 340A, 340B are both shown in an
open position, revealing a notch in the top face of the
compartments 300A, 300B. This exposes interior chambers 380A, 380B
of each compartment 300A, 300B. Also in FIG. 2H, the substrate 400
is shown exploded away from the inner compartments 300A, 300B. The
substrate tabs 440A, 440B are seen extending vertically from a
proximal end 455 of the substrate 400. A medial portion 430 of the
substrate 400 is shown extending horizontally from the proximal end
455 of the substrate 400, and then folded downward toward a distal
end 435 to define a medial front portion 432 of the substrate 400.
The medial front portion 432 of the substrate 430 remains coupled
to the top faces and a front portion 325A, 325B of the two inner
compartment chambers 380A, 380B regardless of whether the substrate
tabs 440A, 440B are open (as shown in FIG. 211) or closed (as shown
in FIG. 2F).
[0103] Also visible in FIG. 2H is the proximal end 455 of the
substrate 400. The proximal end 455 is shown exploded away from an
upper part of the back faces of the two inner compartments (shown
at 355 in FIG. 6E). For illustrative purposes, the lid 215 in FIG.
2H is shown separated from the container 210 at the hinge 216. It
is noted that the lid 215 is integral with the blank of material
forming the container, as more clearly shown in FIG. 3.
[0104] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a blank of material 310 used to
create the container 210 for the package 200 of FIG. 2A, in one
embodiment. The blank of material 310 offers front 210B and back
210C panels for the container 210. The blank of material 310 also
includes opposing side panels. The lid 215 is shown integral to the
container 210, and is defined as the portion of the blank 310
disposed above the hinge 216. The lid flap 220 is also visible as
an integral part of the lid 215. Dashed lines show where the blank
of material 310 is to be creased during manufacture.
[0105] FIG. 4A is a plan view of a blank of material 410 used to
create one of the at least two inner compartments 300, or linings,
in one embodiment. Dashed lines again show where the blank of
material 410 is to be creased during manufacture of the inner
compartment 300. Opposing ends 320, 330 are folded over each other
to form a base. The blank of material 410 also includes opposing
side panels, a front face 325, a top face 360, and a back face
327.
[0106] The compartment tab 340 can be seen extending from a small
portion of the back face 327, continuing through a portion of the
top face 360, and ultimately terminating at the upper contour 345
of the front face 325. The majority of the compartment tab 340
resides along the top face 360 of the compartment 300. The
compartment tab 340 parallel sides 342.
[0107] The inner compartment 300 is preferably fabricated from a
material that is moisture proof. For example, the material may
comprise aluminum, tin, nickel, or combinations thereof.
Alternatively, the material may comprise any substance known in the
art to be moisture proof and capable of being folded into a lining,
such as wax-coated heavy paper. Each of the inner compartments 300
helps to maintain the aromatic oils and moisture of the cigarettes
150 within the container 210, even after the package 200 has been
opened by the consumer.
[0108] The compartment tab 340, in essence, is an extension of the
inner compartment 300. The tab 340 is also fabricated from a
moisture-proof material such as aluminum, tin, nickel, or
combinations thereof.
[0109] FIG. 4B is an end view of a grouping of ten loose cigarettes
that are arranged in three rows in preparation for being wrapped in
one of the at least two inner compartments 300.
[0110] FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the grouping of cigarettes
150 of FIG. 4B being placed along the interior surface of the
compartment 300 to be wrapped therein. Once folded, glue 700 may be
applied at the locations 700 noted in FIG. 4C to secure the
compartment 300 in the folded state.
[0111] FIG. 4D shows a perspective view of the inner compartment
300 that is folded around a grouping of cigarettes (not shown). In
this way, the compartment 300 forms a moisture-proof or
moisture-resistant barrier that preserves the freshness of the
grouping of cigarettes enclosed therein. It is noted that the
compartment tab 340 is in its sealed state. Parallel sides 342 and
front notch 345 are perforated.
[0112] FIG. 5A is a plan view of a blank of material 510 used to
create the sleeve 500 that will be wrapped around the at least two
inner compartments 300A, 300B. The blank of material 510 also forms
the recessed portion 520 of the container 210 (as shown in FIGS. 2F
and 2G). Dashed lines again show where the blank of material 510 is
to be creased during manufacture.
[0113] FIGS. 5B and 5C are perspective views showing the blank of
material 510 used to create the sleeve 500 in a partially folded
state. As shown, the sleeve 500 includes two walls 530A, 530B. The
walls 530A, 530B are coupled together to form an inner wall 530 by
folding the two walls 530A and 530B in the direction of the arrows
"F". FIG. 5C shows exemplary glue locations 700 on the face of one
wall 530B that will receive the face of the other wall 530A. Thus,
when folded together, the two walls 530A, 530B may be irreversibly
coupled to form a single inner wall 530 placed between adjacent
compartments 300A, 300B.
[0114] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of two inner compartments
300A, 300B of FIG. 4D aligned for wrapping by the partially folded
sleeve 500 of FIG. 5B. The compartments 300A, 300B are moved in the
direction of the arrows "5" to join the sleeve 500. Exemplary glue
locations 700 are shown on the interior surface of what will become
the back portion 527 of the sleeve 500. Thus, in this embodiment,
the compartments 300A, 300B are being coupled to the sleeve
500.
[0115] FIG. 6B is a plan view of a blank of material 610 used to
create the substrate 400. Dashed lines show where the blank of
material 610 is to be creased during manufacture of the package
200. The under-surface of the substrate 400 may be coated with an
adhesive material to allow for coupling with the compartments 300A,
300B after being folded (as shown in FIGS. 6F and 6G).
[0116] As shown in the blank of material 610 of FIG. 6B, the
substrate 400 has a proximal end 455 that preferably resides along
and is coupled to the upper portion of the back faces of the inner
compartments (shown at 355A/355B in FIG. 6E). The proximal end 455
of the substrate 400 has a contour that matches the contour of the
upper end of the back face 527 of the sleeve 500 when folded (as
shown in FIGS. 6E and 6G). The contour may comprise an elongated
U-shaped design. The elongated U-shaped design is so configured to
promote easy opening and closing of the lid 215.
[0117] The blank of material 610 further includes substrate tabs
440A, 440B. The tabs 440A, 440B are separated by a medial portion
430. Both the medial portion 430 and the substrate tabs 440A, 440B
have front faces (432A and 432B, respectively), which form a front
face of the substrate 425 when folded and placed along the
compartments 300A, 300B. Each substrate tab 440A, 440B is laterally
defined by the lateral boundaries of the substrate 400 and medially
defined by perforations 437A, 437B extending across a portion of
the substrate 400 between the respective substrate tabs 440A, 440B
and the medial portion 430. The substrate 400 is distally defined
by a distal end 435 of the substrate 400.
[0118] The substrate 400 further comprises substrate flaps 445A,
445B. The substrate flaps 445A, 445B are collinear with the
respective substrate tabs 440A, 440B. As shown, substrate flaps
445A, 445B extend beyond the distal end 435 of the substrate 400
and are configured to facilitate easy opening of the substrate tabs
440A, 440B by the consumer.
[0119] The substrate 400 and substrate tabs 440 are designed,
fabricated, and configured to extend the life of the cigarettes 150
within the package 200. It is believed that the life of the
cigarettes 150, calculated from when the consumer first opens the
package, may be extended by up to 20%, or even up to 40%. It is
also believed that the shelf life of the cigarettes 150 before the
package 200 is opened is also extended.
[0120] FIG. 6C is a perspective view of two inner compartments
300A, 300B being wrapped by the sleeve 500. Here, the inner wall
530 of the sleeve 500 is folded into position between the two
compartments 300A, 300B as the sleeve 500 and compartments 300A,
300B are coupled together. At the same time, the substrate 400 is
shown being placed along an upper portion of the back faces (355 in
FIG. 6E) of the inner compartments 300A, 300B in the direction of
the arrows 9.
[0121] FIG. 6D is a front perspective view of the two inner
compartments 300A, 300B after being wrapped by the sleeve 500. The
inner wall 530 of the sleeve 500 can be partially seen disposed
between the two compartments 300A, 300B. The recessed portion 520
of the sleeve 500 is shown covering a portion of the front faces
325 of the inner compartments 300A, 300B. The substrate 400 is
shown in an unfolded state being placed onto an upper portion of
the back faces 355A, 355B of the inner compartments 300A, 300B.
[0122] FIG. 6E is a rear perspective view of FIG. 6D. The unfolded
substrate 400 can be more clearly seen as it is placed along the
upper portion 355A, 355B of the back faces 327A, 327B of the
compartments 300A, 300B. The complimentary contours of the proximal
end 455 of the substrate 400 and the upper end of the back face 527
of the sleeve 500 are shown relative to one another. In the present
embodiment, the contours are of an elongated U-shaped design.
[0123] FIG. 6F is front perspective view of an insert 600. The
insert 600 is comprised of two (or more) inner compartments 300A,
300B wrapped in the sleeve 500. The substrate 400 is shown folded
across the top faces 360A, 360B of the inner compartments 300A,
300B and extending along a portion of the front faces 325A, 325B of
the inner compartments 300A, 300B to define the peripheral margin
portion 326. As shown in the exemplary embodiment, the peripheral
margin portion 326 extends to the top of the recessed portion 520
of the sleeve 500.
[0124] The medial portion 430 of the substrate 400 is shown
extending across the gap between the top faces 360A, 360B of the
compartments 300A, 300B. In this way, the inner wall 530 of the
sleeve 500, which was visible before folding of the substrate 400,
is now covered.
[0125] Also in FIG. 6F, the substrate flaps 445A, 445B are shown
extending out from the substrate tabs 440A, 440B. Note that the
substrate 400 is closed over the compartment tabs 340A, 340B. The
insert 600 is to be enclosed within the container 210 to form the
complete cigarette package 200 (shown in FIG. 7, and discussed in
more detail below).
[0126] FIG. 6G is a rear perspective view of the insert 600. In
this embodiment, the substrate 400 is again shown folded across the
top faces 360A, 360B of the inner compartments 300A, 300B. The
substrate 400 extends along a portion of the back faces 355A, 355B
of the inner compartments 300A, 300B. The contours of the proximal
end 455 of the substrate 400 and the upper end of the back face 527
of the sleeve 500, which are complimentary to one another, are
shown once again. The contours are in the form of an elongated
U-shaped design and configured to allow for efficient opening and
closing of the lid 215.
[0127] Of interest, the location of the inner wall 530 of the
sleeve 500 can be seen as a gap between the two compartments 300A,
300B. The medial portion 430 of the substrate 400 is shown
extending across the gap between the top faces 360A, 360B of the
compartments 300A, 300B, to cover a portion of the inner wall 530
of the sleeve 500.
[0128] Finally, FIG. 7 is a front perspective view showing the
insert 600 of FIGS. 6F and 6G being positioned along the interior
surface of the unfolded container 210 in preparation for being
enclosed therein. The insert 600 is placed along the back wall 210C
of the container 210, and the container 210 and lid 215, are folded
around the insert 600. Exemplary glue locations 700 are shown as
darkened areas along the interior surface of the container 210 and
lid 215. Dashed lines show where the container 210 and lid 215 are
to be creased during manufacture. In this way, the insert 600 is
irreversibly coupled to the container 210 and enclosed therein to
form the complete cigarette package 200 as shown in FIGS.
2A-211.
[0129] As discussed above and as shown in FIG. 2G, the
under-surface of the substrate tab 440A is slightly larger and
extends beyond the peripheral and distal edges of the compartment
tab 340A. Since the under-surface of the substrate 400 is covered
in adhesive material, a perimeter of adhesive material is formed
around the under-surface of the compartment tab 340A. Being so
disposed, the perimeter of adhesive material allows a consumer to
reversibly re-seal an inner compartment 300A after removing a
cigarette for consumption. To provide a temporary seal after
removal of a cigarette 150 from the package 200, the open substrate
tab 440A and coupled compartment tab 340A are folded in the
direction of arrow "C" until the tabs are in a closed position (as
shown in FIG. 2F). In the closed position of FIGS. 2F and 6F, the
substrate tab 440A is received along a portion of the top face 360A
and front face 325A of the compartment 300A. The substrate tab 440A
is then pressed such that the perimeter of adhesive material
exposed on the under-surface of the substrate tab (440A in FIG. 2G)
becomes coupled to the inner compartment 300A, which forms the
temporary seal. Following resealing of the inner compartment 300A,
the lid 215 may be moved in the direction of the arrow "C" to rest
on the shoulder 218 of the container 210. In this way, freshness of
the cigarettes may be preserved when the tabs 340A, 440A and lid
215 are moved to a closed position, even after the factory seal of
an internal compartment 300A, 300B is broken.
[0130] To break either the factory or temporary seal, the lid 215
is first opened by moving the lid flap 220 in the direction of the
arrow "O", as shown in FIG. 2F. Next, the substrate flap 445A may
be grasped and pulled in the direction of the arrow "O", which
breaks the perforation 437A along the medial edge of the substrate
tab 440A and causes the substrate tab 440A to peel upward. As the
substrate tab 440A is pulled upward, the inner compartment tab 340A
coupled thereto is likewise pulled in an upward direction, which
breaks the seal and exposes the cigarettes 150 enclosed within the
compartment 300A (as shown in FIG. 2G). After selection of a
cigarette 150, the package 200 may be re-sealed and closed multiple
times as described above due to the adhesive.
[0131] As can be seen, an improved cigarette package is provided
herein. The cigarette package operates to extend the life of a
conventional package of cigarettes by at least 20% to 40%. While it
will be apparent that the inventions herein described are well
calculated to achieve the benefits and advantages set forth above,
it will be appreciated that the inventions are susceptible to
modification, variation, and change without departing from the
spirit thereof.
* * * * *