CONTAINER WITH INTERNAL RUNNER AND EXTERNAL COVER
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a container comprising an internal slide for consumer products and an external cover provided at least partially around the internal slide.
Background of the Invention
Such containers are commonly known as "slide and cover" containers, for example, from U.S. Patent No. US-A-3,881, 599, wherein a cigar packaging is disclosed, with an internal slide mounted on an external cover for rotary movement relative to the outer cover. This is allowed by a line marked on the bottom of the package that connects, in articulated form, the internal slide and the outer cover.
It would be desirable to provide a novel sliding container and cover for consumer products that provides the consumer with a novel way to open the container.
Brief Description of the Invention
In accordance with the invention, a container is provided comprising an internal slide for housing consumer products and an outer cover provided at least partially around the internal slide. The container according to the invention also comprises a first guiding means and a second guiding means with different guiding paths, wherein the first and second guiding means are adapted to allow relative movement of the inner slide with respect to the outer cover along a predetermined movement path.
The term "guiding path" is used throughout the specification to indicate the predetermined trajectory that a guiding means takes during the opening and closing movement of the container. A guiding path can be a straight line or a curve or a combination thereof.
The term "different guiding path" is used throughout the specification to indicate that the two predetermined guiding paths of the two guiding means are different in direction or in length or differ in both direction and length.
The term "movement path" is used throughout the specification to indicate a predetermined path that the inner slide takes relative to the outer cover during the opening or closing movement of the container. The path of movement of the internal slide is a combination of the two individual guide paths of the two guide means. In this way, the different guide paths of the two guide means allow a movement of predetermined translation and rotation of the internal slide with respect to the external cover. The use of the two different guiding paths of the guiding means allow a wide variety of
different trajectories of movement. This can create a surprising effect for the consumer when he opens the container. In addition, the movement path of the internal slide can be designed, so that in the open position of the container, the consumer's products can be easily accessed. In the closed position of the container, the consumer's products are well protected. In addition, the movement path of the internal slide with respect to the outer cover from the closed position to the open position can be designed with more geometric possibilities, wherein the internal slide is connected to the outer cover by a joint.
Preferably, the guiding paths of the two guiding means are linear and differ in length and in one direction with respect to the other. In this way, because one guide path is longer and is in a different direction than the other, the path of movement of the internal slide with respect to the outer shell results in the combination of a movement of translation and movement of rotation.
Preferably, the first guide means is arranged below the second guide means and the guide path of the second guide means is longer than the guide path of the first guide means. Thus, for the containers that are open at the top of the internal slide, a combined rotation and translation movement is allowed, so that in the open position of the container, there is access to the open upper side of the slide internal In the closed position of the container, the upper side of the inner slide is covered by the upper wall of the outer cover.
As used herein, the terms "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "side", "top", "bottom" and other terms used to describe the relative positions of the components of compliance containers with the invention refer to the container in a straight position with the opening through which the consumer products located, preferably at the upper end and where the translational component of the movement path of preference, are moved. directed inwards towards the front of the container.
Preferably, the outer cover is open on two sides that share a common edge. This allows a path of movement of the internal slide with the rotation component.
In one embodiment, a first angle between the guiding path of the first guiding means and the horizontal plane is greater than the second angle between the guiding path of the second guiding means and the horizontal plane. The inner slide can be moved inside the outer cover near the top of it while it is in transition between the open and closed position.
Preferably, the outer cover is open on the front side and on the bottom side, and the inner slide is open on the top side. Thus, in this embodiment, the outer cover comprises a left side wall, a right side wall, an upper wall and a rear wall. In the same way, the internal slide comprises a front wall, a left side wall, a right side wall and a bottom wall. The arrangement of the internal slide openings and the outer cover allow the internal slide to move along a predetermined movement path in the outer cover and access to the consumer products in the open position of the container and remain well protected inside the container in the closed position of the container.
In one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second guide means comprises a guide recess extending along the guide path and a guide protrusion engaged in the guide recess and movable along the guide recess . In accordance with this embodiment, one of the guide protrusion and the guide recess is provided on the outer side of the internal slider and the other is provided on the inner side of the outer cover. Advantageously, since the guiding means is provided between the inner and outer cover, the guiding means are not visible from the outside and are protected from damage.
In other embodiments of the invention, each of the first and second guide means comprises a countersunk guide groove in the outer cover extended along the guide path and a guiding element, for example, a guide pin, connected to the internal slide and coupled and that can be moved along the guide groove. The countersinking of the guide groove has the advantage that the guide pin does not protrude to the outside of the outer cover. In addition, providing the guide pin connected to the internal slider with advantage facilitates the production process of the container.
Preferably, a cover panel is provided on the outer cover to cover the guide groove. Because the guide slot is
Countersunk, the cover panel can be applied directly on the outer cover, without interfering negatively with the guide pin. In this way, the guide means are well protected and are not visible from the outside. The cover panel can be a sheet of metal, for example, a tin sheet.
Preferably, the first and second guide means are provided on the left side wall or on the right side wall of the inner slide and the outer cover. Alternatively, the first and second guide means are provided on the left longitudinal wall and on the right side wall of the internal slide and on the outer cover. Depending on the strength of the material used for the inner and outer covers, the guide means will only be required on one side wall.
Preferably, a cut is provided in at least one of the side walls of the outer cover to allow the consumer to hold the inner slider while the container is in the closed position. In this way, the consumer can directly hold the internal slide and apply force thereto to start the movement of the internal slide from the closed position of the container. By this, the movement of the internal slide is facilitated. Preferably, the cut is provided at the front end of both side walls of the outer cover. Preferably, the internal slide is provided with an increased friction section in the area of the cut in the outer cover to facilitate the fastening of the consumer. The increased friction section may comprise a high friction cover layer or an array of protuberances and notches.
Preferably, a closure means is provided to secure the inner slide within the outer cover in the closed position of the container. In this way, accidental opening of the container can be avoided. In addition, the closure means can offer the consumer a tactile or audible indication that the container is closed.
Preferably, the closure means comprises a notch and a protrusion that engage with each other in the closed position of the container, wherein the notch is provided on the outer side of the internal slide, and the protrusion is provided on the inner side of the inner slide. the outer cover. Alternatively, the protrusion is provided on the outer side of the inner slide and the notch is provided on the inner side of the outer cover. With the coupling of the protrusion in the notch a secure closed position of the container is allowed.
In one embodiment, the ends of the first and second guide means are configured as a stop portion that allows a neutral position for the fully open container. In this way, an open position of the container can be defined, where the movement path of the internal slide with respect to the outer cover is terminated. Preferably, the open position of the container reveals the full opening of the internal slide. In this way, the container according to the invention for example, can easily be filled with a new group of consumer products.
Preferably, at least one transparent section is provided in at least one of the walls of the outer cover to allow information in the internal slide to be visible. In addition, the at least one transparent section can be provided in the internal slide. The transparent sections of the outer cover and of the inner slide may be positioned so that they interact with each other, that is, the transparent sections of the inner slide and the outer cover are aligned in the closed position, in the open position or in the closed position. a position between the open position and the closed position of the container. Depending on the open position of the container, different information is visible through the transparent section of the outer cover. This information can be printed on the consumer products in the internal slide or on the outer cover of the internal slide. The transparent section may be a section of transparent material or may be an opening. The transparent section can have any geometric shape, for example, the transparent section can have the shape of rectangle, circle, logos or letters. The transparent sections in the inner slide and in the outer cover may be aligned so that they provide an indication of the content of the container, for example, by showing a section of the consumer products, which is indicative of the consumer's products, such as the color of the wrapper of a group of consumer products. In addition, the transparent sections in the inner slider and in the outer cover can be aligned so as to create a moving image during movement of the inner slider along the movement path.
In one embodiment, consumer products are provided in a packing of fill, wherein the consumer's products are preferably wrapped in a coating with a perforation line to allow access to the consumer's products. In this way, the container itself can be reused, while being filled with packing. The filling package comprises consumer products wrapped in a coating, so that consumer products are protected from environmental influences. The perforation line allows the filling package to be opened even when it is inserted inside the container, so that there is access to the consumer's products.
The containers according to the invention can have the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with longitudinal edges at right angles and transverse edges at right angles. Alternatively, the container may comprise one or more rounded longitudinal edges, rounded transverse edges, bevelled longitudinal edges or beveled transverse edges or a combination thereof. For example, the container according to the invention may comprise without limitation:
One or more longitudinal edges rounded or beveled in at least one of the side walls; I
one or two longitudinal rounded edges or transverse bevels on the rear wall.
One or two transverse edges rounded or beveled in at least one of the side walls; I
one or two transverse rounded or bevelled edges on the back wall.
A rounded longitudinal edge and a beveled longitudinal edge on at least one of the side walls; I
a rounded transverse edge and a transverse edge bevelled on the rear wall.
One or two rounded transverse edges or beveled edges in at least one of the side walls and one or two longitudinal edges beveled or rounded in the front wall.
Two rounded or bevelled longitudinal edges on the front wall or two rounded or bevelled transverse edges on the front wall.
The term "longitudinal" refers to the direction from the bottom to the top or vice versa. The term "transverse" refers to the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction through the front wall, the rear wall or one of the side walls.
When the container comprises one or more beveled edges, preferably, the beveled edge has a width of about 1 mm and about 10 mm, preferably between about 2 mm and about 6 mm. Alternatively, the container may comprise a double bevel formed by two different bevels formed on the edge of the container.
Alternatively, the container may have a rectangular cross section, the container may for example have a polygonal cross section, such as triangular, quadrangular or hexagonal, or an oval, semi-oval, circular or semi-circular cross section.
The container can be formed of any suitable material, including, but not limited to, cardboard, paperboard, plastic, metal or combinations thereof. Preferably, the body of the container is made of polystyrene, polyethylene or polyethylene terephthalate. Preferably, the outer cover also comprises a tin cover layer.
The containers according to the invention can be used as packaging for a variety of consumer products. In particularly preferred embodiments, the containers according to the invention can be used to pack smoking articles. The containers according to the invention can be used to pack smoking articles including, but not limited to, conventional, cigar-end cigars or cigarettes, heated smoking articles comprising a fuel element or a heat source and a generator substrate. aerosol (e.g., cigars of the type described in US-A-4,714,082) and smoking articles for use with electric smoking systems (e.g., cigars of the type described in US-A-5,692,525).
Through proper selection of the dimensions thereof, the container according to the invention can be designed to accommodate different number of smoking articles, or different arrangements of smoking articles. For example, with the proper selection of the dimensions thereof, the container according to the invention can be designed to accommodate a total of between ten and thirty smoking articles.
The containers according to the invention can accommodate one, two, three, four or five separate sets of consumer products. The separate assemblies may be arranged essentially parallel to the front wall and the rear wall or essentially perpendicular to the front wall and the rear wall.
Within a set, the smoking articles can be located in different configurations, depending on the total number of smoking articles, the dimensions of the smoking articles and the cross-sectional shape of the container. For example, smoking items can be arranged as a whole in a single row of five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten. Alternatively, smoking items can be arranged in two or more rows. The two or more rows may contain the same number of smoking items. For example, smoking items can be arranged in two rows of five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten; three rows of five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten or four rows of four, five, six or seven. Alternatively, the two or more rows may include at least two rows containing different number of smoking articles with each other. For example, smoking items can be arranged in: a row of five and a row of six (5-6); a row of six and a row of seven (6-7); a row of seven and a row of eight (7-8); an average row of five and two external rows of six (6-5-6); an average row of five and two outer rows of seven (7-5-7); an average row of six and two external rows of five (5-6-5); an average row of six and two rows of seven (7-6-7); an average row of seven and two external rows of six (6-7-6); a middle row of nine and two outer rows of eight (8-9-8) or a middle row of six with an outer row of five and an outer row of seven (5-6-7).
The containers according to the present invention can house smoking articles of the same type or brand or of different types or brands. In addition, smoking articles without filter and smoking articles with different filter tips can be accommodated, as well as smoking articles with different lengths (for example, between about 40 mm and about 180 mm), diameter (for example, between about 4). mm and approximately 9 mm). In addition, smoking items can vary in taste strength, smoking resistance and total delivery of particulate material. When the container comprises more than one assembly, each set within the same container can accommodate the same type or a different type of articles for smoking as described above.
Preferably, the dimensions of the container are adapted to the length of the smoking articles, and the configuration of the smoking articles. Typically, the external dimensions of the container are between about 0.5 mm and about 7 mm larger than the dimensions of the set of smoking articles housed in the container.
Preferably, the containers according to the invention have a height between about 60 mm and about 150 mm, more preferably, a height between about 70 mm
and approximately 125 mm, where the height is measured from the upper wall to the lower wall of the container.
Preferably, the containers according to the invention have a width of about 12 mm and about 150 mm, more preferably, a width of between about 20 mm and about 40 mm, wherein the width is measured from the first side wall to the second side wall of the container.
Preferably, the containers according to the invention have a depth of between about 6 mm and about 1080 mm, more preferably, a depth between about 50 mm and about 70 mm, wherein the depth is measured from the front wall to the back wall of the container.
The outer surfaces of the containers according to the invention may be printed, embossed, without relief or otherwise decorated with the manufacturer's or brand's logo, trademarks, slogans and other information and indications for the consumer. Alternatively, or in addition, the external surfaces of the containers according to the invention may be partially covered with lacquer, metallization, holograms, luminescent material or any other material that alters the flavor, aroma or appearance of the container.
When the internal slider of the container according to the present invention contains one or more sets of smoking articles, preferably the smoking articles are wrapped in an internal lining of for example, a sheet of metal or paper
metallic
When the container comprises articles for smoking, the container may also comprise garbage compartments for example, for ashes or cigarette butts or other consumer products, such as, for example, matches, lighters, extinguishing media, breath or electronic pads. The other consumer products may be coupled to the exterior of the container, contained within the container together with the smoking articles, in a separate compartment of the container or combinations thereof.
Once filled, the containers according to the invention can be shrink-wrapped or otherwise wrapped with a transparent polymeric film of eg high or low density polyethylene, polypropylene, oriented polypropylene, polyvinylidene chloride, cellulose film or combinations thereof in a conventional manner. When the containers according to the invention are overwrapped, the overwrap may include a rupture tape.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The invention will now be described as an example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a side view of one embodiment of the container according to the invention in a closed position.
Figure 2 is a side view of one embodiment of the container according to the invention in an open position.
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a guide and rail structure of the embodiment of the container according to the invention.
Detailed description of the invention
In Figure 1, a container 1 according to the invention is illustrated, comprising an internal slide 2 and an external cover 3 in a closed position. A first guiding means 4 and a second guiding means 5 are provided, which movably connect the inner slide 2 and the outer cover 2.
The first guiding means 4 and the second guiding means 5 are composed of a guide pin 6, 7, which is connected to the internal slide 2 and a guiding groove 8, 9 in the outer cover 3. The guide grooves 8, 9 define 1 0, 1 1 trajectories that are indicated by the dashed lines in Figure 1.
The guide groove 9 of the second guide means 5 is arranged on the guide groove 8 of the first guide means 4. The guide groove 9 has a longer extension than the guide groove 8. The guide groove 9 extends in a linear fashion at an angle to the horizontal plane, which is smaller than the angle of the guide groove 8 with respect to the horizontal plane. The guide grooves 8, 9 ascend in the direction towards a rear wall 1 2 of the outer cover 3.
In the closed position of the container, as illustrated in Figure 1, the guide pins 6, 7 are arranged in the end position of the guide grooves 8, 9 closer to the rear wall 12 of the outer cover
3.
The outer cover 3 also comprises a left side wall 13, an upper wall 14 and a right side wall which is not visible in Figure 1. The internal slide 2 comprises a front wall 15, a lower wall 16, a left side wall 17 and a right side wall and a rear side wall.
The guide pins 6, 7 are inserted in a fixed position in the left side wall 17 and the right side wall of the internal slide 2. The guide grooves 8, 9 are provided in the left side wall 13 and the right side wall of the 3 outer cover.
The outer cover 3 also comprises a cut 18 in the left side wall 13 and also a cut in the right side wall. The cut 18 allows the consumer to directly hold the inner slide 2 by the left side wall 17 and the right side wall and moves on the inner slide 2 towards the open position of the container.
In the open position, as illustrated in Figure 2, the guide pins 6, 7 are in the front position in the guide grooves 8, 9. The guide grooves 8, 9 also provide a dead center, so that the slide Inner 2 can not move further forward to the outer cover 3 in the open position, as illustrated in Figure 2.
The internal slide 2 has a cut 19 in the upper portion of the right side wall and the left lateral wall 17 facilitates access to consumer products contained in the outer cover 2.
Preferably, the consumer's products are articles for smoking, in particular, cigars that are housed in an inner liner and in a wrapping film. The inner liner has a perforation line defining a removable portion at the upper end of the inner lining in the region of the cut 19 of the inner slider 2. The removable portion can be pulled by the consumer, so that it breaks away from the inner lining remaining, which leaves accessible smoking items. Preferably, the wrapping film comprises a rupture tape to facilitate the opening of the wrapping film along the perforation.
The outer cover 3 comprises on the inner side of the side wall 13 a protuberance 20, which in the closed position of the container engages with a notch 21 which is provided on the external side of the side wall 17 of the internal slide. The engagement of the notch 21 and the protrusion 20 provide a closure means securing the container in the closed position of Figure 1. In Figure 2, the notch 21 and the protrusion 20 are at a distance from each other . However, a closure means can also be provided in the inner slide 2 and in the outer cover 3 to secure the container 1 in the open position of Figure 2.
In addition, the transparent sections 22, 23 and 24 are provided in the outer cover 3 and another transparent section 25 is provided in the inner slide 2. The transparent sections 22, 23 and 25 are aligned with each other in the closed configuration of the container, so that the article set for smoking in the internal slide 2 is visible from the outside. Thus, depending on the color of the smoking article set, the type of smoking articles in the container 1 can be determined from the outside of the container.
Furthermore, during the relative movement of the inner slide 2 with respect to the outer cover 3, the transparent sections 24 and 25 are allowed to have a certain cross-section indicating the relative position of the inner slide 2 with respect to the outer cover 3. During the opening of the container, a moving image is created once the transparent sections 24 and 25 overlap. In the embodiment shown, the lower section of the vertical transparent section 25 is shown first and then the section of the assembly within the internal slide 2 is next. Depending on the design of the assembly inside the internal slide, this can create a visible color change in the exposed section or a text message can be read during the movement.
In Figure 3, an amplification of the second guide means 5 in the cross section A-A of Figure 1 is shown. The first guide means 4 is designed in accordance therewith.
The guide means 5 engages the internal slide 2 with the external cover
3 by the guide pin 7, which is inserted movably into the guide slot 9 and connects with the internal slide 2. The guide slot 9 is countersunk and comprises protuberances 26 which interact with the protrusion 27 and a side wall 28 of the Guide pin 7 to allow a defined sliding movement.
The guide pin 7 also comprises a recess 29, which provides an abutting surface for the internal slide 2, such that the guide pin 7 can be fixed in a defined position in the internal slide 2. This is particularly important, as in If the position of the guide pin 7 can vary within the internal slide 2, the guide means 5 can be blocked inadvertently.
In addition, the container comprises a cover panel 30, which is illustrated in Figure 3, but which is omitted in Figures 1 and 2. The cover panel 30 covers guide means 4 and 5, so that they are not visible from the outside and they are protected. The cover panel 30 comprises openings in the regions of the transparent sections 22, 23, 24 of the outer cover 3. The cover panel 30 preferably covers the left side wall 13, the rear wall 12 and the right side wall of the outer cover 3 of the container 1.
The cover panel 30 can be received in the recessed portion of the outer cover 3 to provide a ready external surface. The cover panel 30 can be an integrated part or can be composed of three parts, which are provided in the respective walls of the outer cover 3. In particular, the cover panel 30 can be made of a metal sheet, which is provided in a bent and fixed form by a fixing means 31 in the outer cover 3. The outer cover has a round portion 32 on the edges of the outer cover 3 on which the cover panel 30 extends.
In the following, it will be described in the manufacturing process of the container. First, both the inner slide 2 and the outer cover 3 are molded of a plastic material, in particular, polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate. Then, the internal slide 2 is arranged in the outer cover 3 in the closed position as indicated in Figure 1. The guide pins 67 are inserted through the guide grooves 8, 9 and fixed with the internal slide 2. The fixing of the guide pins 6, 7 in the internal slide 2 can be obtained by gluing or only by the friction contact in a hole of the internal slide 2. The guide pins 6, 7 can also be secured in the guide groove 8, 9. by the cover panel 30.
The invention provides a refillable container which is environmentally friendly due to material savings, since only the inner liner and the wrapping film around the consumer products of the refillable container must be disposed of.
The internal slide offers an additional area to provide information to the consumer.
The manufacture of the refillable container for consumer products is cheaper than the manufacture of the disposable containers of the prior art.
The filling operation of the container is facilitated since the upper side of the internal slide is exposed, due to the capacity of the movement of the internal slide with respect to the external cover enabled by the first and the second guide means.
Preferably, the cover panel fabricated from a sheet of metal, for example tin, which provides greater structural strength and optical effects. The openings in the cover panel can be
stamped, engraved or laser cut on the metal sheet. The cover panel can be fastened with metal fins that pass through the slots in the rear wall of the outer cover. The openings in the cover panel may be smaller and more delicate than the transparent sections in the side walls of the outer cover with which they are aligned.
The guide pins are formed of a material having a low coefficient of friction, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene.
The inner and outer covers are preferably molded by injection.