U.S. patent application number 16/096889 was filed with the patent office on 2020-07-09 for packaging.
The applicant listed for this patent is NICOVENTURES HOLDINGS LIMITED. Invention is credited to Andy DRAY, Aaron McKenzie.
Application Number | 20200214341 16/096889 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56234194 |
Filed Date | 2020-07-09 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200214341 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McKenzie; Aaron ; et
al. |
July 9, 2020 |
PACKAGING
Abstract
Packaging comprises a sleeve and a re-configurable container
comprising first and second boxes which are hinged together and are
pivotable between a folded-together configuration in which a first
main panel of the first box faces a first main panel of the second
box and the container is insertable into and removable from the
sleeve and an unfolded configuration in which the first main panels
of the first and second boxes do not face one another. The first
main panel of the first box has an aperture which provides access
to a first compartment. The second box has a first edge panel for
providing access to a second compartment. The arrangement is such
that, when the container is inserted in the sleeve, the sleeve
covers the first edge panel of the second box, and, when the
container is removed from the sleeve, the first edge panel of the
second box provides access to the second compartment.
Inventors: |
McKenzie; Aaron; (London,
GB) ; DRAY; Andy; (London, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NICOVENTURES HOLDINGS LIMITED |
London |
|
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
56234194 |
Appl. No.: |
16/096889 |
Filed: |
April 28, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
April 28, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2017/051202 |
371 Date: |
October 26, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/0085 20130101;
B65D 2581/05 20130101; B65D 2585/86 20130101; A24F 15/01 20200101;
B65D 5/5028 20130101; B65D 5/38 20130101; B65D 77/042 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A24F 15/01 20060101
A24F015/01; B65D 5/00 20060101 B65D005/00; B65D 5/38 20060101
B65D005/38; B65D 5/50 20060101 B65D005/50 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 29, 2016 |
GB |
1607580.6 |
Claims
1. Packaging comprising: a sleeve; and a re-configurable container
comprising a first box and a second box which are hinged together
and are pivotable between (i) a folded-together configuration in
which a first main panel of the first box faces a first main panel
of the second box and the container is insertable into and
removable from the sleeve and (ii) an unfolded configuration in
which the first main panel of the first box and the first main
panel of the second box do not face one another; wherein the first
main panel of the first box has an aperture which provides access
to a first compartment; the second box has a first edge panel for
providing access to a second compartment; and the arrangement is
such that, when the container is inserted in the sleeve, the sleeve
covers the first edge panel of the second box, and, when the
container is removed from the sleeve, the first edge panel of the
second box provides access to the second compartment.
2. The packaging according to claim 1, wherein: the first box and
the second box each comprise the respective first main panel, a
second main panel opposed to the first main panel, a first edge
panel, a second edge panel, a third edge panel and a fourth edge
panel; and a hinge panel connects the second main panel of the
first box with the second main panel of the second box.
3. The packaging according to claim 1, wherein: a tray is
positioned inside the first compartment of the first box and has a
well which is positioned underneath the aperture of the first main
panel of the first box.
4. The packaging according to claim 3, wherein: the tray is
sandwiched between the first main panel and the second main panel
of the first box and the tray has sides which abut against the
first edge panel, the second edge panel, the third edge panel and
the fourth edge panel of the first box.
5. The packaging according to claim 3, wherein: the tray has a
platform surface which abuts against the first main panel of the
first box; and the platform surface comprises an outer annulus
which extends around the well of the tray.
6. The packaging according to claim 5, wherein: the aperture of the
first main panel of the first box is wider than the well of the
tray, such that an inner annular strip of the outer annulus of the
platform surface is visible through the aperture of the first main
panel of the first box.
7. The packaging according to claim 1, wherein: the first edge
panel of the second box is a closeable flap.
8. The packaging according to claim 1, wherein: the container is
formed from a single blank.
9. The packaging according to claim 1, wherein: a vaping device is
stored in the first compartment.
10. The packaging according to claim 9, wherein: a tray is
positioned inside the first compartment of the first box and has a
well which is positioned underneath the aperture of the first main
panel of the first box; and the vaping device is nested in the well
of the tray.
11. The packaging according to claim 1, further comprising: an
insert which is insertable into and removable from the second
compartment via the first edge panel of the second box; wherein the
second box has a second main panel opposed to its first main panel
and a second edge panel opposed to its first edge panel; the insert
comprises a third box with a third compartment defined between a
first main panel opposing a second main panel and a first edge
panel opposing a second edge panel; the first main panel of the
third compartment extends beyond at least one of the first edge
panel or the second edge panel of the third compartment to provide
at least one of a first bracing projection or a second bracing
projection; and the arrangement is such that, when the insert is in
the second compartment, the first main panel and the second main
panel of the third compartment are co-planar with and abut against
the first main panel and the second main panel of the second box
and the at least one bracing projection holds the third compartment
at a position in the second compartment spaced away from the at
least one of the first edge panel or the second edge panel of the
second box.
12. The packaging according to claim 11, wherein: the first main
panel of the third compartment includes the first bracing
projection and the second bracing projection; and the arrangement
is such that, when the insert is in the second compartment, the
first bracing projection and the second bracing projection hold the
third compartment at a central position in the second compartment
between the first edge panel of the second box and the second edge
panel of the second box.
13. The packaging according to claim 11, wherein: the third box has
a third edge panel and a fourth edge panel extending in the
direction of insertion of the insert into the second compartment;
the third edge panel of the third box is a flap for providing
access to the third compartment; and the arrangement is such that,
when the insert is in the second compartment, an edge panel of the
second box covers the third edge panel of the third box, and, when
the insert is removed from the second compartment, the third edge
panel of the third box provides access to the third
compartment.
14. The packaging according to claim 13, wherein: the insert
includes a divider which divides the third compartment of the third
box into a first sub-compartment and a second sub-compartment; the
divider extends in a direction transverse to the direction of
insertion of the insert into the second compartment; and the third
edge panel of the third box provides access to both the first
sub-compartment and the second sub-compartment.
15. The packaging according to claim 11, wherein: the third box has
a third edge panel and a fourth edge panel extending in the
direction of insertion of the insert into the second compartment;
the third edge panel of the third box is a flap for providing
access to the third compartment; the fourth edge panel of the third
box is a flap for providing access to the third compartment; and
the arrangement is such that, when the insert is in the second
compartment, edge panels of the second box cover the third edge
panel and the fourth edge panel of the third box, and, when the
insert is removed from the second compartment, the third edge panel
and the fourth edge panel of the third box provide access to the
third compartment.
16. The packaging according to claim 15, wherein: the insert
includes a divider which divides the third compartment of the third
box into a first sub-compartment and a second sub-compartment; the
divider extends in the direction of insertion of the insert into
the second compartment; the third edge panel of the third box
provides access to the first sub-compartment; and the fourth edge
panel of the third box provides access to the second
sub-compartment.
17. The packaging according to claim 11, wherein: the insert is
formed from a single blank.
18. The packaging according to claim 11, wherein: the third
compartment contains one or more of a charger for a vaping device,
an e-liquid bottle for resupplying a vaping device with e-liquid,
and an instruction booklet for a vaping device.
19. A blank for forming the container of claim 1.
20. A blank for forming the insert of claim 11.
21. A method of forming a container for packaging, comprising:
providing a blank for a container; and folding the blank to form
the container of claim 1.
22. A method of forming an insert for packaging, comprising:
providing a blank for an insert; and folding the blank to form the
insert of claim 11.
23. A method of forming packaging, comprising: providing a blank
for a sleeve; providing a blank for a container; providing a blank
for an insert; and folding the blanks to form the sleeve, the
container, and the insert, wherein the container comprises: a first
box and a second box which are hinged together and are pivotable
between (i) a folded-together configuration in which a first main
panel of the first box faces a first main panel of the second box
and the container is insertable into and removable from the sleeve
and (ii) an unfolded configuration in which the first main panel of
the first box and the first main panel of the second box do not
face one another, wherein the first main panel of the first box has
an aperture which provides access to a first compartment, the
second box has a first edge panel for providing access to a second
compartment, and the arrangement is such that, when the container
is inserted in the sleeve, the sleeve covers the first edge panel
of the second box, and, when the container is removed from the
sleeve, the first edge panel of the second box provides access to
the second compartment; and wherein the insert is insertable into
and removable from the second compartment via the first edge panel
of the second box, and the second box has a second main panel
opposed to its first main panel and a second edge panel opposed to
its first edge panel, and wherein the insert comprises: a third box
with a third compartment defined between a first main panel
opposing a second main panel and a first edge panel opposing a
second edge panel, the first main panel of the third compartment
extends beyond at least one of the first edge panel or the second
edge panel of the third compartment to provide at least one of a
first bracing projection or a second bracing projection, and the
arrangement is such that, when the insert is in the second
compartment, the first main panel and the second main panel of the
third compartment are co-planar with and abut against the first
main panel and the second main panel of the second box and the at
least one bracing projection holds the third compartment at a
position in the second compartment spaced away from the at least
one of the first edge panel or the second edge panel of the second
box.
24. (canceled)
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] The present application is a National Phase entry of PCT
Application No. PCT/GB2017/051202, filed Apr. 28, 2017, which
claims priority from GB Patent Application No. 1607580.6, filed
Apr. 29, 2016, each of which is hereby fully incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to packaging.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Packaging may be used to protect a product prior to use by a
user and to contain ancillary items related to the product that
will be needed by the user when using the product.
[0004] For example, when the product is a vaping device, the
packaging may contain the vaping device and ancillary items such as
a charger for the vaping device and an instruction booklet for the
vaping device.
SUMMARY
[0005] According to some embodiments described herein, there is
provided packaging comprising: a sleeve; and a re-configurable
container comprising first and second boxes which are hinged
together and are pivotable between (i) a folded-together
configuration in which a first main panel of the first box faces a
first main panel of the second box and the container is insertable
into and removable from the sleeve and (ii) an unfolded
configuration in which the first main panels of the first and
second boxes do not face one another; wherein the first main panel
of the first box has an aperture which provides access to a first
compartment; the second box has a first edge panel for providing
access to a second compartment; and the arrangement is such that,
when the container is inserted in the sleeve, the sleeve covers the
first edge panel of the second box, and, when the container is
removed from the sleeve, the first edge panel of the second box
provides access to the second compartment.
[0006] The packaging may provide an attractive and secure way of
storing a product and ancillary items. By looking at the packaging,
the user may understand that the container may be removed from the
sleeve, in the same way that it is intuitive to a reader of a book
that a book may be removed from its slipcase prior to reading the
book.
[0007] When the container has been removed from the sleeve, the
user may understand, from looking at the container, that the
container may be folded open, in the same way that is it intuitive
to the reader of the book that, having removed the book from its
slipcase, the book may now be opened so that it may be read.
[0008] A product such as a vaping device may be stored in the first
compartment, and ancillary items may be stored in the second
compartment. When the container has been folded open, the vaping
device may be removed from the first compartment through the
aperture of the first compartment. Also, the second compartment is
accessible, because the first edge panel of the second box is no
longer covered by the sleeve, and the ancillary items may be
removed from the second compartment via the first edge panel of the
second box so that the ancillary items are available to support the
use of the vaping device.
[0009] In contrast, when the container is in its folded-together
configuration and is stored in the sleeve, the first compartment
and the second compartment are not accessible. The aperture in the
first main panel of the first box which would otherwise give access
to the first compartment is covered by the first main panel of the
second box. The second compartment is not accessible because the
sleeve is covering the first edge panel of the second box. Thus,
whatever is stored in the first and second compartments is securely
stored as it cannot fall out of the first and second
compartments.
[0010] In some embodiments, the first and second boxes each
comprise the first main panel, a second main panel opposed to the
first main panel, and first to fourth edge panels. A hinge panel
may connect the second main panels of the first and second
boxes.
[0011] Because the hinge panel extends between the second main
panels of the first and second boxes, it may have a width which is
generally at least the sum of the depth dimension of the first box
and the depth dimension of the second box, in order to permit the
container to adopt the folded-together configuration in which the
first box is folded against the second box. Because of this width
of the hinge panel, the hinge panel serves to space the first box
apart from the second box when the container is in the unfolded
configuration. For example, the unfolded first and second boxes may
be laid flat on a surface, and the hinge panel will space apart the
first and second boxes by the width of the hinge panel, and this
helps to make a visual distinction (a gap) between the two boxes
whilst still maintaining a neat and tidy relative positioning of
each box relative to the other box by means of the guidance (the
positional framework) provided by the hinge panel. Advantage may be
taken of the surface of the hinge panel which is exposed to view
when the container is in the unfolded configuration by, for
example, printing information on that surface such as instructions
to remove the product from the first compartment and the ancillary
items from the second compartment.
[0012] In some embodiments, a tray is positioned inside the first
compartment of the first box. The tray may have a well which is
positioned underneath the aperture of the first main panel of the
first box.
[0013] The well may be formed to fit around a particular product
which it is desired to store in the first compartment. By producing
a range of trays with differently-shaped wells, a range of
different products may be stored in the first compartment depending
on which particular style of tray is selected to be used in the
first compartment. The aperture of the first main panel of the
first box may be made wider than the widest well of the range of
trays, and thus it would not be necessary to alter the aperture
when switching between using different ones of the range of
trays.
[0014] In some embodiments, the tray is sandwiched between the
first and second main panels of the first box. The tray may have
sides which abut against the first to fourth edge panels of the
first box.
[0015] In this way, the tray may be held in position internally of
the first box without, for example, needing to be glued or fastened
to an internal surface of the first compartment. Thus, the
fabrication of the packaging may be simplified.
[0016] In some embodiments, the tray has a platform surface which
abuts against the first main panel of the first box. The platform
surface may comprise an outer annulus which extends around the well
of the tray. The platform surface may also include one or more
dividers which project into the well. These divider(s) may be used
to partition the well into a plurality of zones for receiving a
plurality of products in the well instead of just one product.
[0017] The plurality of products may be, for example, components of
a vaping device which, when removed from the well, may be assembled
together.
[0018] The outer annulus of the platform surface may provide at
least 10%, or at least 15%, or at least 20% of the area of the
upper face of the tray.
[0019] In some embodiments, the aperture of the first main panel of
the first box is wider than the well of the tray. An inner annular
strip of the outer annulus of the platform surface may be visible
through the aperture of the first main panel of the first box. The
inner annular strip may have a width of from 2 mm to 10 mm, for
example from 2 mm to 7 mm, or for example from 2 mm to 5 mm. The
inner annular strip serves to space the aperture of the first main
panel of the first box away from the well so that the user of the
packaging is less likely to snag his or her fingers or thumb on the
material of the first main panel when removing a product from the
well or when returning a product into the well.
[0020] In some embodiments, the first edge panel of the second box
is a closeable flap. In other embodiments, the first edge panel of
the second box incorporates a line of weakness, such as a line of
perforations, which may be ruptured in order to open the first edge
panel and thereby provide access into the second compartment of the
second box.
[0021] In some embodiments, the container is formed from a single
blank.
[0022] In some embodiments, a vaping device is stored in the first
compartment. The vaping device may be nested in the well of the
tray. The shape of the well of the tray may match the shape of the
vaping device around at least 50% of the periphery of the well, for
example around at least 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% of the periphery of
the well. The higher the percentage, the better the grip of the
well on the vaping device.
[0023] In some embodiments, the packaging further comprises: an
insert which is insertable into and removable from the second
compartment via the first edge panel of the second box; wherein the
second box has a second main panel opposed to its first main panel
and a second edge panel opposed to its first edge panel; the insert
comprises a third box with a third compartment defined between
opposed first and second main panels and opposed first and second
edge panels; the first main panel of the third compartment extends
beyond the first and/or second edge panels of the third compartment
to provide first and/or second bracing projections; and the
arrangement is such that, when the insert is in the second
compartment, the first and second main panels of the third
compartment are co-planar with and abut against the first and
second main panels of the second box and the bracing projection(s)
hold the third compartment at a position in the second compartment
spaced away from the first and/or second edge panels of the second
box.
[0024] Ancillary items may be indirectly stored in the second
compartment by being stored in the third compartment of the insert,
and by the insert being inserted into the second compartment. The
volume needed by the ancillary items may be less than the volume of
the second compartment. The volume of the third compartment is less
than the volume of the second compartment and may be matched to the
volume required by the ancillary items. The bracing projection(s)
hold the third compartment in position in the second compartment to
stop the insert sliding up and down internally inside the second
compartment, whilst at the same time the third compartment, being
matched in size/volume to the size/volume required by the ancillary
items, reduces the movement that may be experienced by the
ancillary items in response to shaking of the packaging.
[0025] When the insert is being inserted into the second
compartment, the insert is stabilized and guided as it is inserted
because the first and second main panels of the third compartment
of the insert are co-planar with and abut against the first and
second main panels of the second box.
[0026] In some embodiments, the first main panel of the third
compartment includes the first and second bracing projections; and
the arrangement is such that, when the insert is in the second
compartment, the first and second bracing projections hold the
third compartment at a central position in the second compartment
between the first and second edge panels of the second box.
[0027] Each of the first and second bracing projections may project
from the third compartment by a distance which is at least 5% or at
least 10% or at least 15% or at least 20% of the length of the
second compartment in the direction of insertion of the insert into
the second compartment.
[0028] In some embodiments, the third box has third and fourth edge
panels extending in the direction of insertion of the insert into
the second compartment; the third edge panel of the third box is a
flap for providing access to the third compartment; and the
arrangement is such that, when the insert is in the second
compartment, an edge panel of the second box covers the third edge
panel of the third box, and, when the insert is removed from the
second compartment, the third edge panel of the third box provides
access to the third compartment.
[0029] When the insert is in the second compartment of the second
box, the third compartment is not accessible. The third edge panel
of the third box which would otherwise give access to the third
compartment is covered by the overlying edge panel of the second
box. Thus, whatever is stored in the third compartment is securely
stored as it cannot fall out of the third compartment. The contents
of the third compartment may be accessed and removed by first of
all removing the insert from the second compartment, and then
opening the flap which is the third edge panel of the third
box.
[0030] The arrangement may be such that, when the insert is in the
second compartment, the third edge panel of the third box is
co-planar with and abuts against the overlying edge panel of the
second box.
[0031] In some embodiments, the insert includes a divider which
divides the third compartment of the third box into first and
second sub-compartments; the divider extends in a direction
transverse to the direction of insertion of the insert into the
second compartment; and the third edge panel of the third box
provides access to both of the first and second
sub-compartments.
[0032] In some embodiments, the third box has third and fourth edge
panels extending in the direction of insertion of the insert into
the second compartment; the third edge panel of the third box is a
flap for providing access to the third compartment; the fourth edge
panel of the third box is a flap for providing access to the third
compartment; and the arrangement is such that, when the insert is
in the second compartment, edge panels of the second box cover the
third and fourth edge panels of the third box, and, when the insert
is removed from the second compartment, the third and fourth edge
panels of the third box provide access to the third
compartment.
[0033] When the insert is in the second compartment of the second
box, the third compartment is not accessible. The third and fourth
edge panels of the third box which would otherwise give access to
the third compartment are covered by the overlying edge panels of
the second box. Thus, whatever is stored in the third compartment
is securely stored as it cannot fall out of the third compartment.
The contents of the third compartment may be accessed and removed
by first of all removing the insert from the second compartment,
and then opening one or both of the flaps which are the third and
fourth edge panels of the third box.
[0034] The arrangement may be such that, when the insert is in the
second compartment, the third and fourth edge panels of the third
box are co-planar with and abut against the overlying edge panels
of the second box.
[0035] In some embodiments, the insert includes a divider which
divides the third compartment of the third box into first and
second sub-compartments; the divider extends in the direction of
insertion of the insert into the second compartment; the third edge
panel of the third box provides access to the first
sub-compartment; and the fourth edge panel of the third box
provides access to the second sub-compartment.
[0036] In some embodiments, when the packaging includes the sleeve,
the container and the insert, the arrangement is such that, in
order to gain access to the contents of the third compartment, the
container may be removed laterally from the sleeve, the insert may
be removed longitudinally from the second compartment of the
container, and the contents may be removed laterally from the third
compartment of the insert.
[0037] In some embodiments, the insert is formed from a single
blank.
[0038] In some embodiments, the third compartment contains one or
more of a charger for a vaping device, an e-liquid bottle for
resupplying a vaping device with e-liquid, and an instruction
booklet for a vaping device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way
of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0040] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of how packaging in
accordance with a first embodiment may be opened up, in sequence,
by removing the folded-up container sideways out of the sleeve, by
unfolding the container, by opening a top flap on the container, by
removing the insert up out of the opened top flap of the container,
by opening the side flaps of the insert, and by removing ancillary
items out via the side flaps of the insert.
[0041] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sleeve of a second
embodiment of the packaging.
[0042] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the second
embodiment, wherein the container has been removed from the sleeve
and unfolded, and the insert has been removed from the
container.
[0043] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the unfolded container of
the second embodiment.
[0044] FIGS. 5A to 5F are respectively top, left side, front, right
side, bottom and rear views of the unfolded container of the second
embodiment.
[0045] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the blank used to form the
container of the second embodiment.
[0046] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the insert of the second
embodiment with its two side flaps open.
[0047] FIGS. 8A to 8F are respectively bottom, right side, front,
left side, top and rear views of the insert of the second
embodiment with its two side flaps open.
[0048] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the blank used to form the insert
of the second embodiment.
[0049] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the blank used to form the sleeve
of the second embodiment.
[0050] FIGS. 11A and 11B are respectively a plan view and a
sectional view on the line A-A of the tray of the second
embodiment.
[0051] FIG. 12 shows the container and insert in exploded
perspective view of a third embodiment of the packaging (but with
the sleeve not being shown).
[0052] FIG. 13 shows the container and insert in exploded
perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the packaging (but with
the sleeve not being shown).
[0053] FIG. 14 shows the container and insert in exploded
perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the packaging (but with
the sleeve not being shown).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0054] The first embodiment of the packaging shown in FIG. 1 of the
drawings comprises a sleeve 1, a container 2 and an insert 3.
Initially, the insert 3 is housed in the container 2, and the
container 2 is housed in the sleeve 1.
[0055] The container 2 may be removed from the sleeve 1 by sliding
the container 2 out laterally (arrow A1) relative to the
longitudinal axis of the sleeve 1 (the generally vertical axis in
FIG. 1). As shown, the container 2 may then be opened up (like
opening a book) by folding apart first and second boxes 21, 22 of
the container 2 which are connected by a hinge panel 23. A product
in the form of a vaping device 4 is stored in the first box 21 and
may be lifted out of the first box 21. The insert 3 is stored in
the second box 22 and may be removed by sliding the insert up out
of the second box 22 in the longitudinal direction (arrow A2) of
the container 2. When the insert 3 has been fully removed from the
second box 22, various ancillary items of the vaping device 4 (in
the form of a charger 51, an instruction booklet 52, and an
e-liquid bottle 53) may be removed laterally (arrow A3 and in the
opposite direction) relative to the longitudinal axis of the insert
3 out of the sides of the insert 3. Thus, the movement of the
ancillary items in the overall process is "lateral" (arrow A1),
"longitudinal" (arrow A2) and then "lateral" (arrow A3) again, and
this assists with keeping the ancillary items securely stored prior
to use, as will be explained in more detail below.
[0056] Reference is now made to the second embodiment of the
packaging shown in FIGS. 2 to 11B. The second embodiment is similar
to the first embodiment. The sleeve 1 of the second embodiment is
shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 10 and has first and second side panels 11,
12 and top and bottom panels 13, 14. The sleeve 1 is formed from a
single blank (see FIG. 10) and the bottom panel 14 is of double
thickness as it is formed from overlapping panels 14A, 14B of the
blank which are stuck together by means of an adhesive patch 15
which is shown in FIG. 10. The assembled sleeve 1 has the form of a
tube (with two open ends) but alternatively the blank used to form
the sleeve 1 could be adapted to close one of the ends so that the
sleeve resembles the slipcase of a book.
[0057] The sleeve 1 is provide with cut-outs 16, 17 in vertical
edges of the first and second side panels 11, 12 in order to assist
the user in gripping the container 2 when extracting the container
2 from the sleeve 1.
[0058] The sleeve 1 has the shape of a rectangular box because it
is designed to receive the container 2 which is also rectangular,
and the container 2 nests within the sleeve 1 as a close fit.
[0059] The container 2 will now be discussed in more detail with
reference primarily to FIGS. 3 to 6. The container 2 is formed from
a single blank (shown in FIG. 6) and the first box 21 of the
container 2 has first and second main panels 211, 212 which form
front and rear faces of the first box 21 when the container 2 has
been folded open. The first box 21 also has first and second edge
panels 213, 214 which form top and bottom faces of the first box
21, and third and fourth edge panels 215, 216 which form left and
right faces of the first box 21.
[0060] The top and bottom ends of the third edge panel 215 include
extensions 215A, 215B respectively, and the top and bottom ends of
the fourth edge panel 216 include extensions 216A, 216B
respectively.
[0061] The first edge panel 213 has an extension 213A which
includes a notch 213B at one end, and the second edge panel 214 has
an extension 214A which includes a notch 214B at one end. These
notches 213B, 214B cooperate with tabs 216C of the fourth edge
panel 216 in order to maintain the first box 21 closed after the
blank of FIG. 6 has been folded up to form the container 2. The
fourth edge panel 216 has an extension 216D which includes the tabs
216C at its ends.
[0062] When the first box 21 is formed, the four extensions 215A,
215B, 216A, 216B tuck inside the first box 21 underneath the first
and second edge panels 213, 214 and are not visible.
[0063] The first main panel 211 includes a central aperture 217
which has a shape which is generally the same as, but slightly
larger than, the outline of the vaping device 4. The aperture 217
provides access to a first compartment 218 of the first box 21. The
first compartment 218 is occupied by a tray 6 which is designed to
accommodate the vaping device 4.
[0064] The tray 6 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 11A and 11B. The
tray 6 may be a molded tray, such as a tray molded from plastics
material or from rigid foam. It has first to fourth side panels 61,
62, 63, 64 and a bottom panel 65 and a top panel 66 which provides
an upper, platform surface 67.
[0065] The upper platform surface 67 forms an outer annulus around
a central well 68 and, when the tray 6 is in the first compartment
218 of the first box 21, the well 68 is aligned underneath the
aperture 217 of the first box 21. The well 68 has generally the
same shape as the aperture 217 but has a slightly smaller area than
the aperture 217 such that an annular strip 671 of the platform
surface 67 is visible through the aperture 217 (see FIG. 4). The
well 68 conforms to the shape of the vaping device 4 so as to
receive and grip the vaping device 4 when the vaping device 4 is
nested in the well 68. The circumferential periphery 681 of the
well 68 may be a match for the shape of the vaping device around
sufficient of the periphery 681 as to provide a secure grip on the
vaping device 4 when it is inserted into the well 68. A sufficient
gap may be left between the periphery 681 and the vaping device 4
to enable a user to be able to insert a finger to be able to lever
the vaping device up out of the well 68.
[0066] When the tray 6 is in the first compartment 218, the tray is
stabilized in its position by being sandwiched between the first
and second main panels 211, 212 of the first box 21 as a result of
the top panel 66 abutting against the first main panel 211 and the
bottom panel 65 abutting against the second main panel 212. Also,
the four side panels 61-64 of the tray 6 abut against the four edge
panels 213-216 of the first box 21. In this way, the tray 6 is
securely held in position inside the first box 21.
[0067] The second box 22 of the container 2 has first and second
main panels 221, 222 which form front and rear faces of the second
box 22 when the container 2 has been folded open. The second box 22
also has first and second edge panels 223, 224 which form top and
bottom faces of the second box 22, and third and fourth edge panels
225, 226 which form left and right faces of the second box 22.
[0068] The top and bottom ends of the third edge panel 225 include
extensions 225A, 225B respectively, and the top and bottom ends of
the fourth edge panel 226 include extensions 226A, 226B
respectively.
[0069] In the second box 22, unlike in the first box 21, the top
edge panel (the first edge panel 223) extends from the second
(rear) main panel and not from the first (front) main panel.
Specifically, the first edge panel 223 extends from the second main
panel 222. The first edge panel 223 has an extension 223A with
rounded corners 223B so that the first edge panel 223 may function,
when the container 2 has been formed from the blank shown in FIG.
6, as a flap that may be opened and closed in order to open and
close access into a second compartment 228 provided inside the
second box 22.
[0070] The second edge panel 224 has an extension 224A which
includes a notch 224B at one end. The notch 224B cooperates with a
tab 225C of the third edge panel 225 in order to maintain the
bottom end of the second box 22 closed after the blank of FIG. 6
has been folded up to form the container 2. The third edge panel
225 has an extension 225D which includes the tab 225C at its bottom
end.
[0071] When the second box 22 is formed, the two extensions 225B,
226B tuck inside the second box 22 underneath the second edge panel
224 and are not visible. The two extensions 225A, 226A are visible
when the flap formed by the first edge panel 223 is opened.
[0072] A recess 221A is provided in the upper lip of the first main
panel 221 in order to assist a user in gripping and removing the
insert 3 from out of the second compartment 228.
[0073] The hinge panel 23 connects together the second (rear) main
panels 212, 222 of the first and second boxes 21, 22 and the hinge
panel 23 has a width which is slightly greater than the combined
depth dimension of the first box 21 and depth dimension of the
second box 22. This enables the first and second boxes 21, 22 to be
folded together to close the container 2 without putting strain on
the hinge panel 23 which might damage the hinge panel.
[0074] In relation to the blank shown in FIG. 6, the tray 6 may be
positioned behind the first main panel 211. Adhesive patches (not
shown) may be applied to the upper surfaces of the extension 216D
and the extension 225D shown in FIG. 6, and then the blank and the
tray 6 may be folded up to form the container 2 as shown in FIG.
4.
[0075] The insert 3 will now be discussed in more detail with
reference primarily to FIGS. 3, 7, 8 and 9. The insert 3 is formed
from a single blank (shown in FIG. 9) and comprises a third box 31
having first and second main panels 32, 33 which form front and
rear faces of the third box 31. The third box 31 also has first and
second edge panels 34, 35 which form top and bottom faces of the
third box 31, and third and fourth edge panels 36, 37 which form
left and right faces of the third box 31 and which function as
flaps for providing access into a third compartment 38 which is
inside the third box 31.
[0076] The first main panel 32 includes a top portion 32A which
extends beyond the first edge panel 34 in the finished insert 3. In
the blank (see FIG. 9), a first linking panel 39 links the top
portion 32A to the first edge panel 34. When the insert 3 has been
assembled from the blank, the top portion 32A overlaps the first
linking panel 39 to form a first bracing projection 311 which is of
double thickness and which projects beyond the first edge panel
34.
[0077] The first main panel 32 also includes a bottom portion 32B
which extends beyond the second edge panel 35 in the finished
insert 3. In the blank (see FIG. 9), a second linking panel 310
links the bottom portion 32B to the second edge panel 35. When the
insert 3 has been assembled from the blank, the bottom portion 32B
overlaps the second linking panel 310 to form a second bracing
projection 312 which is of double thickness and which projects
beyond the second edge panel 35.
[0078] The left and right ends of the first edge panel 34 include
extensions 34A, 34B respectively, and the left and right ends of
the second edge panel 35 include extensions 35A, 35B
respectively.
[0079] When the insert 3 has been formed from the blank of FIG. 9,
the extensions 34A, 35A are visible when the flap formed by the
third edge panel 36 is open, and the extensions 34B, 35B are
visible when the flap formed by the fourth edge panel 37 is
open.
[0080] The third edge panel 36 has an extension 36A with rounded
corners 36B so that the third edge panel 36 may function, when the
insert 3 has been formed from the blank shown in FIG. 9, as a flap
that may be opened and closed in order to open and close access
into the left side of the third compartment 38 provided inside the
third box 31.
[0081] Similarly, the fourth edge panel 37 has an extension 37A
with rounded corners 37B so that the fourth edge panel 37 may
function, when the insert 3 has been formed from the blank shown in
FIG. 9, as a flap that may be opened and closed in order to open
and close access into the right side of the third compartment 38 of
the third box 31.
[0082] A central protrusion 32C is provided on the top edge of the
first main panel 32 in order to assist a user in pulling the insert
3 up out of the second compartment 228 of the second box 22 of the
container 2. When the insert 3 is in the second compartment 228 and
the flap formed by the first edge panel 223 is folded shut in order
to close the second compartment 228, the central protrusion 32C is
bent over underneath the first edge panel 223, but the central
protrusion 32C will tend to spring up again when the first edge
panel 223 is next opened.
[0083] The first main panel 32 also has left and right recesses
32D, 32E positioned centrally in the left and right edges
respectively, and the recesses 32D, 32E assist the user in opening
the flaps formed by the third and fourth edge panels 36, 37
respectively.
[0084] A third linking panel 313 extends from the side of the
second edge panel 35 remote from the second linking panel 310 and,
in the finished insert 3, is glued to the second main panel 33 in
order to form the third compartment 38. The third linking panel 313
leads to a divider panel 314 which, in turn, leads to a foot panel
315 which, in the finished insert 3, forms a foot of a Z-shaped
dividing structure (formed by a Z-shaped configuration of the third
linking panel 313, divider panel 314, and foot panel 315) and is
glued to the first main panel 32 inside the third compartment 38 in
order to maintain the Z-shape of the dividing structure inside the
third compartment 38.
[0085] The functional dividing part of the dividing structure is
provided by the divider panel 314 which, in the finished insert 3,
functions as a divider which divides the third compartment 38 into
left and right sub-compartments which are accessible by opening the
third (left) edge panel 36 and the fourth (right) edge panel 37
respectively. The divider panel 314 provides a divider which
extends in the longitudinal direction of the insert 3 which is the
direction of insertion of the insert 3 into the second compartment
228 of the second box 22.
[0086] As shown in FIG. 9, the fold line 313A between the third
linking panel 313 and the divider panel 314, and the fold line 314A
between the divider panel 314 and the foot panel 315, are aligned
in the longitudinal direction of the insert 3.
[0087] The fold line 313A and the fold line 314A may instead be
aligned transverse to the direction of insertion of the insert 3
into the second compartment 228. This would enable the divider
panel 314 to provide a divider which extends transverse to the
direction of insertion of the insert 3 into the second compartment
228 and which divides the third compartment 38 into upper and lower
sub-compartments which are accessible by opening either one of the
third (left) edge panel 36 and the fourth (right) edge panel
37.
[0088] In some embodiments, sub-compartments may not be needed, and
the divider panel 314 and the foot panel 315 may be omitted.
[0089] Glue (adhesive) is used to stick the first and second
linking panels 39, 310 to the first main panel 32 when forming the
insert 3 from the blank of FIG. 9 and when forming the first and
second bracing projections 311, 312. The glue increases the
strength and the structural stability of the first and second
bracing projections 311, 312.
[0090] The glue that is used on the insert 3 in the various
positions when forming the blank of FIG. 9 into the finished insert
3 may be applied as adhesive patches to the relevant panels of the
insert 3 prior to forming the blank by folding it into the shape of
the finished insert 3.
[0091] The top edge 311A of the first bracing projection 311 is
flat (apart from at the central protrusion 32C) and is
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 316 of the
insert 3.
[0092] The bottom edge 312A of the second bracing projection 312 is
also flat and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
316 of the insert 3. The bottom edge 312A is provided with rounded
corners 312B which help to guide the insert 3 when the insert 3 is
being inserted into the second compartment 228 of the second box
22.
[0093] When the insert 3 is in the second compartment 228, the
length between the top edge 311A and the bottom edge 312A
substantially matches the internal length of the second compartment
228. Thus, when the flap formed by the first edge panel 223 of the
second box 22 is closed, the first and second bracing projections
311, 312 of the insert 3 abut against the inner surfaces of the
first and second edge panels 223, 224 of the second box 22, and the
insert 3 is prevented from sliding up and down in the second
compartment 228 if the container 2 is shaken.
[0094] The third box 31 of the insert 3 is held at a central
position in the second compartment 228 by the first and second
bracing projections 311, 312. The internal volume of the third
compartment 38 of the third box 31 is less than the internal volume
of the second compartment 228 and may be matched to the volume
needed to store the ancillary items (such as the charger 51,
instruction booklet 52, and e-liquid bottle 53), thereby helping to
prevent the ancillary items from being damaged if the container 2
is shaken. In other words, the room available for the ancillary
items to tumble around inside the third box 31 may be reduced to a
small amount because the third compartment 38 is smaller than the
second compartment 228 as a result of the bracing projections 311,
312 being provided.
[0095] Instead of two bracing projections being provided, the
insert could be provided with just one bracing projection (e.g. the
upper or first bracing projection) which is lengthened so as to
compensate for the omission of the other bracing projection. The
overall length of the first main panel of the third box (including
the one bracing projection) would be made substantially the same as
the internal length of the second compartment of the second
box.
[0096] When the insert 3 is in the second compartment 228, the
first and second main panels 32, 33 of the insert 3 are co-planar
with and abut against the first and second main panels 221, 222 of
the second box 22. Also, the third and fourth edge panels 36, 37 of
the insert 3 are co-planar with and abut against the third and
fourth edge panels 225, 226 of the second box 22. Thus, the insert
3 (including the third box 31 of the insert 3) is securely held in
position inside the second box 22 and will not be jarred around
inside the second box 22 in response to any unwanted shaking of the
container 2. Also, because the flaps formed by the third and fourth
edge panels 36, 37 are unable to move and thus open, the contents
(the ancillary items) inside the third compartment 38 are prevented
from falling out of the third compartment 38. The contents (the
ancillary items) can only be removed by first of all extracting the
insert 3 from the second box 22 by opening the flap at the top of
the second box 22 (i.e. by opening the first edge panel 223). This
flap is the only way of gaining access to the second compartment
228 of the second box 22.
[0097] When the container 2 has been folded shut and has been
inserted into the sleeve 1, the first edge panel 223 of the second
box 22 is not accessible because it is covered by the top panel 13
of the sleeve. Thus, the container 2 must first of all be removed
from the sleeve 1 before the container 2 may be unfolded so that
(i) access is given to the aperture 217 of the first box 21 to
enable the product (the vaping device 4) in the well 68 of the tray
6 to be removed through the aperture 217 and (ii) access is given
to the first edge panel 223 to enable the insert 3 to be extracted
from the second box 22 after the first edge panel 223 (the top
flap) has been opened, whereby, as explained above, the contents
(the ancillary items) may then be extracted from the third
compartment 38 through the sides of the third box 31.
[0098] It may therefore be understood that, when the container 2 is
inserted in the sleeve 1, both the product (the vaping device 4)
stored in the first box 21 and the contents (the ancillary items)
stored in the third box 31 in the second box 22 are unable to fall
out of the packaging.
[0099] The differences of the third, fourth and fifth embodiments
of the packaging relative to the second embodiment will now be
described with reference to FIG. 12 (the third embodiment), FIG. 13
(the fourth embodiment) and FIG. 14 (the fifth embodiment). None of
FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 shows the sleeve 1 of the packaging.
[0100] In relation to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 12, it is
used to store a vaping device 4A which is of a different shape to
the vaping device 4 of the second embodiment. The vaping device 4A
is rectangular, and thus the aperture 217 of the first box 21 is
rectangular, and the well 68 of the tray 6 is also rectangular. The
vaping device 4A is thinner than the vaping device 4, and thus the
well 68 is less deep, and the first box 21 is less deep. The first
and second boxes are usually of the same depth, and thus the second
box 22 of the third embodiment is also less deep than in the second
embodiment. In relation to the insert 3 of the third embodiment,
only the right side flap (the fourth edge panel 37) opens. There is
no left side flap. Instead, the third (left) edge panel 36 is
secured to the first and second edge panels 34, 35 of the third box
31.
[0101] In relation to the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 13, it is
used to store a vaping device 4B which comprises two components 4B1
and 4B2 which may be assembled together. The platform surface 67 of
the tray 6 includes first and second dividers 672, 673 which
project into the well 68 from the outer annulus of the platform
surface 67 and which divide the well 68 into two zones for
receiving the two components 4B1 and 4B2 of the vaping device 4B.
The aperture 217 of the first box 21 is rectangular in order to
give access to the overall rectangular area formed by the two zones
which store the two components 4B1 and 4B2. In the fourth
embodiment, as with the third embodiment, the insert 3 has only one
side flap for providing access to the third compartment 38. The
vaping device component 4B2 is a mouthpiece which contains a
reservoir of e-liquid which will consumed during vaping, such that
the component 4B2 will need to be replaced by the user. In order to
provide the user with a number of replacement components 4B2, the
ancillary items of the fourth embodiment include a pack 54 of spare
components 4B2.
[0102] In relation to the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 14, it is
again of the type where the vaping device 4C comprises two
components 4C1 and 4C2 which may be assembled together. Thus the
tray again has dividers 672, 673 to provide separate zones in the
well 68 for the components 4C1 and 4C2. The components 4C1 and 4C2
of the fifth embodiment are smaller than the components 4B1 and 4B2
of the fourth embodiment, and thus in the fifth embodiment the
rectangular aperture 217 of the first box 21 is smaller than in the
fourth embodiment. The insert 3 has both left and right side flaps
for providing access to the third compartment 38.
[0103] The various embodiments described herein are presented only
to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These
embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments
only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be
understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions,
features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not
to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as
defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims,
and that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be
made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention.
Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist
of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the
disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means,
etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition,
this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed,
but which may be claimed in future.
* * * * *