Container, especially for cigarettes

The invention relates to a package, in particular for cigarettes, with a base body which comprises a bottom surface and a first wall, and a cap which comprises a top surface and a second wall, the base body and the cap on a first side of the first wall and a first side of the second wall are hingedly connected to one another, wherein in the closed state of the pack a gap is formed between the further sides of the first wall and the further sides of the second wall, a protective cover being arranged around the base body and the cap at least in the closed state of the pack, the protective cover being in the region of the gap has a perforation and is at least partially connected to the base body and / or the cap, in particular glued or the like. Is.

Known packaging of this type have a base body made of cardboard or the like. with a cellophane film as a protective cover. When the packaging is first opened, the protective cover is torn open by means of a strip and then the protective cover, which is arranged adjacent to the cap, and the strip are separated from the packaging. The disadvantage of this packaging is that the part of the protective cover which is arranged adjacent to the cap and the strip are incurred as waste when the packaging is opened for the first time and must be disposed of.

US Pat. No. 4,947,994 A discloses a pack for cigarettes with a tiltable cap which, in the closed state, is sealed by means of an outer casing. The outer cover has a tear strip and a perforation which can be opened by actuating the tear strip. The tear strip and the perforation are arranged along the edge of the cap and the tilt axis of the cap.

A disadvantage of a package according to US Pat. No. 4,947,994 A is that when the package is opened for the first time, the tear strip is separated from the outer casing and is produced as waste.

EP 0 395 249 A1 also discloses a pack for cigarettes with a tiltable cap which, in the closed state, is sealed by means of an outer casing, the outer casing having a tear strip formed in one piece with the outer casing and a perforation which can be opened by actuation of the tear strip is openable.

In EP 0 395 249 A1, too, it is disadvantageous that when the packaging is opened for the first time, the tear strip is separated from the outer casing and is produced as waste.

It is therefore the object of the invention to provide a package according to the preamble of claim 1 in which the base body is protected by a protective cover and in which no waste is produced when it is opened for the first time.

According to the invention, this is achieved in that the cap has a tab in the area of ​​the other sides of the second wall, which tab can be inserted into an opposing slot in the base body.

This has the advantage that the protective cover can be opened along the perforation without parts such as a strip or the like having to be removed from the protective cover. By connecting the protective cover to the base body and / or the cap, it is ensured that the protective cover moves with it when the cap is tilted, both when it is opened and when it is closed. The flap also offers additional protection against unintentional opening of the pack, so that loads occurring during handling of the pack, which could cause the pack to open unintentionally, can be absorbed by the flap.

In a further development of the invention it can be provided that the protective cover is glued to the base body and the cap by means of an adhesive at least over the entire length of the perforation and the adhesive seals openings in the perforation when the pack is closed. By connecting the protective cover to the base body and the cap, at least over the entire area of ​​the perforation, it can be ensured that the protective cover does not become detached from the cap and / or the base body in this area. The sealing of the perforation by the adhesive ensures in a simple manner that no moisture can penetrate through the openings of the perforation.

In this context, it can be provided according to another embodiment of the invention that the adhesive is waxy. With a wax-like adhesive, a good tightness of the perforation can be achieved in a simple manner and at low production costs for the packaging according to the invention, the protective cover along the perforation

AT 41 1 246 Β can still be opened easily.

According to a further embodiment of the invention it can be provided that the protective cover is formed in one piece from a film, in particular a cellophane film or the like. This embodiment ensures a simple and inexpensive production of the protective cover.

According to another embodiment of the invention it can be provided that - in a manner known per se - an insert is provided, which is arranged at least in the closed state of the pack on the base body and the cap, and that the insert, at least regionally, with the cap connected, in particular glued or the like. Is. In this way, the insert, which provides additional protection for the objects packed in the packaging according to the invention, can also be opened without generating waste when the packaging according to the invention is opened for the first time.

In a further embodiment of the invention it can be provided that the insert comprises a closure area which can be separated from the rest of the insert along a further perforation or the like, and that the closure area is connected to the cap, at least in some areas. This ensures that the closure area remains connected to the packaging even after it has been separated from the rest of the insert.

In a further embodiment of the invention it can be provided that the tab can be folded into the cap. This allows the cap to be reinforced for multiple opening and closing.

According to a further embodiment of the invention it can be provided that the tab has at least one extension which can be locked into a recess of the cap. The tab can be fixed in the cap through the extension.

In a further development of the invention it can be provided that the slot is formed by the first wall and a stiffening element. In this way, the slot can be produced without weakening the base body.

According to another embodiment of the invention it can be provided that the tab is offset from the second wall essentially by the wall thickness of the first wall in the region of the gap, in particular by means of a double fold or the like. This can ensure that no projections or the like are formed in the outer contour of the closed packaging according to the invention.

The invention further relates to a method for opening a closed package, in particular with a package as described above.

The object of the invention is to provide a method in which waste is avoided.

According to the invention, this is achieved in that, in a first step, a protective cover is separated along a perforation, then a cap is opened, a tab being pulled out of a slot and, if necessary, a closure area of ​​an insert connected to the cap is separated along a further perforation, then the tab is pivoted into the cap, the closure area being able to be arranged at least partially between the cap and the tab.

This has the advantage that a multi-layer packaging can be opened in a simple manner without removing parts or the like.

In a further development of the invention it can be provided that the tab is latched into recesses of the cap that are opposite to one another by means of projections. By engaging the tab in the cap by means of the extensions, it can be fixed in a simple manner. In this case, a part of the closure area can optionally be enclosed between the tab and the cap.

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments are shown. It shows:

1 shows a folding plan of a conventional insert;

2 shows a folding plan of a conventional base body and a cap;

3 shows a folding plan of a conventional stiffening element;

4 shows a folding plan of the insert of a first exemplary embodiment according to the invention;

5 shows a folding plan of the base body and the cap of the first exemplary embodiment according to the invention;

6 shows a folding plan of the stiffening element of the first embodiment according to the invention

AT 41 1 246 B approximately example;

7 and 8 the insert of the first embodiment in each case in an oblique view;

9 and 10 the protective cover of the first embodiment in each case in an oblique view;

11 to 14 four views when the first embodiment according to the invention is opened for the first time, each in an oblique view;

15 to 20 show six views during the first opening and reclosing of the first embodiment according to the invention, each in section;

21 shows a folding plan of the insert of a further exemplary embodiment according to the invention;

22 shows a folding plan of the base body and the cap of the further exemplary embodiment according to the invention;

23 shows a folding plan of the stiffening element of the further exemplary embodiment according to the invention;

24 and 25 the insert of the further embodiment in each case in an oblique view;

26 shows the insert according to FIGS. 24 and 25 in the open state

27 and 28 the protective cover of the first embodiment in each case in an oblique view;

29 to 32 four views when the further embodiment according to the invention is opened for the first time, each in an oblique view;

FIGS. 33 to 38 six views when the further embodiment according to the invention is opened and reclosed for the first time, each in section;

In Fig. 1, the insert 4 of a conventional cigarette packet is shown. The insert 4 has a closure area 41 which is delimited from the rest of the insert 4 by means of a further perforation 42. The insert 4 has two adhesive points, 404 and 407. The insert 4 is folded along the dotted lines.

In Fig. 2 the folding plan of a base body 1 and a cap 2 of a conventional cigarette box is shown. The base body 1 has a bottom surface 11 and a first wall 12, 13. The cap comprises a top surface 21 and a second wall 22, 23, the base body 1 and the cap 2 being tiltably connected to one another on a first side 12 of the first wall 12, 13 and a first side 22 of the second wall 22, 23. The base body has adhesive points 101 to 107. The cap has glue points 208 to 210, the two glue points 210 being glued to one another in the finished cigarette packet. The adhesive points 104 and 107 are glued to the adhesive points 404 and 407 of the insert 4.

In Fig. 3 the folding plan of a stiffening element 5 of a conventional cigarette box is shown. This has the adhesive points 503, 505 and 506, which are glued to the corresponding adhesive points 103, 105 and 106 of the base body.

In the closed state, a conventional cigarette packet is surrounded by a protective cover 3 which protects the base body 1 and the cap 2, which can be made of cardboard, from moisture. The closed state of the packaging indicates the state of the packaging before it was opened for the first time. If the packaging is closed again after it has been opened for the first time, the packaging is in the closed state.

When a conventional cigarette packet is opened for the first time, the protective sleeve 3 is divided in the region of the cap 2 by means of a strip and the section which is arranged adjacent to the cap 2 is removed together with the strip. The cap 2 is then opened and the closure area 41 of the insert 4 is pulled out of the packaging, being separated along the further perforation 42. After opening the packaging, both the section of the protective cover 3, the strips and the closure area 41 of the insert 4 are to be disposed of as waste.

4 to 6 show folding plans of a first embodiment of a packaging according to the invention, in Fig. 4 the folding plan of the insert 4, in Fig. 5 the folding plan of the base body 1 and the cap 2 and in Fig. 6 the folding plan of the stiffening element 5 These folding plans are particularly suitable for packaging for cigarettes.

The base body 1 comprises a bottom surface 11 and a first wall 12, 13, which has a first side 12 and further sides 13. The cap 2 comprises a top surface 22 and a second wall 22, 23, which comprises a first side 22 and further sides 23. The base body 1 and the cap 2 are connected to one another in a tiltable manner on the first side 12 of the first wall 12, 13 and on the first side 22 of the second wall 22, 23. In the version shown, 4

AT 41 1 246 B approximately the tilting joint is formed by a fold 14 so that the base body 1 and the cap 2 are integrally connected to one another. In other embodiments of the invention, the base body 1 and the cap 2 can also be produced separately and connected to one another by means of a tilting joint. In the folded state of the base body 1 and the cap 2, in the closed state of the packaging, a gap is formed between the further sides 13 of the first wall 12, 13 and the further sides 23 of the second wall 22, 23.

The base body 1 has the adhesive points 101, 102, 104, 105, 106 and 107, the cap the adhesive points 208, 209 and 211, the insert the adhesive points 404, 407 and 411 and the stiffening element the adhesive points 505 and 506. The adhesive points 101, 102 are required when the base body 1 is folded and the adhesive points 208 and 209 when the cap 2 is folded. The remaining glued points are glued together in such a way that the same final digits come together, e.g. 211 with 411. It is sufficient here if an adhesive or the like is applied to one of the respective joining points of adhesion.

7 and 8, the insert 4 is shown according to the first embodiment of the invention. This can be folded from the folding plan according to FIG. 3 and has the closure area 41, which can be separated from the rest of the insert 4 by means of the further perforation 42.

The sealed package is shown in FIGS. This is surrounded by the protective cover 3, which has a perforation 31 and is connected to the base body 1 and the cap 2. The perforation 31 is arranged in the region of the gap which is formed by the further sides 13 of the first wall 12, 13 and the further sides 23 of the second wall 22, 23. The connection is shown in Figs. 9 and 10 by an adhesive 32 which is arranged between the base body 1 and the protective cover 3 and the cap 2 and the protective cover 3. In the embodiment shown, the adhesive 32 is applied over the entire length of the perforation, so that the protective cover 3 is glued to the base body 1 and the cap 2 over the entire length of the perforation 31. It also appears to be advantageous if the adhesive

Seals openings of the perforation 31 in the closed state of the packaging, so that no moisture can enter the packaging through the perforation 31. In this context it has been shown to be advantageous if the adhesive 32 is waxy. In other embodiments it is provided that the protective cover 3 is connected either only to the base body 1 or only to the cap 2. It can also be provided that the protective cover 3 is only partially connected to the base body 1 and / or the cap 2. The protective cover 3 can easily be formed in one piece from a film, for which a cellophane film appears to be particularly suitable. By using a cellophane film, the protective cover 3 can be made transparent, whereby an imprint or the like, if necessary. of the base body 1 and / or the cap 2 can be seen through the protective cover 3 in the closed state of the packaging. In other embodiments it can also be provided that the protective cover 3 is connected to the base body 1 and / or the cap 2 in further areas.

In the closed state of the packaging, the insert 4, which is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, is arranged adjacent to the base body 1 and the cap 2, the further perforation 42 in the area of ​​the gap between the further sides 13 of the first wall 12, 13 and the other sides 23 of the second wall 22, 23 is arranged. The insert 4 is connected to the adhesive points 404 and 407 with the adhesive point 104 and 107 of the base body and connected with an adhesive point 411 to the adhesive point 211 of the cap. The connection can also be made by other known means. In other embodiments of the invention, these adhesive points 104, 404, 107, 407, 211, 411 can also be arranged differently. If an insert 4 is present, the connection of the closure area 41 to the cap 2 appears to be particularly advantageous.

11 to 14 show the first opening of the closed packaging according to the invention according to FIGS. 4 to 10. From FIG. 11 it can be seen that the cap 2 has a tab 24 in the area of ​​the further sides 23 of the second wall 22, 23 which can be inserted into an opposite slot in the base body 1. From FIG. 13 it can be seen that the tab 24 can be folded into the cap 2. The tab 24 can have extensions 25 which can each be latched into a recess 26 of the cap 2. The recesses 26 of the cap 2 can be seen from FIGS. 5, 9 and 10. Embodiments with different numbers and configurations of the extensions 25 and recesses 26 are provided.

AT 41 1 246 B

The slot can be made in the further sides 13 of the first wall 12, 13, or it can be formed by the first wall 12, 13 and the stiffening element 5. The formation between the first wall 12, 13 and the stiffening element 5 can be produced in a simple manner, the packaging not being weakened by the slit.

In FIGS. 15 to 20, the process of first opening and reclosing the first embodiment of the packaging according to the invention is shown in section. Glued areas are indicated by a dotted line.

In FIG. 15, the first embodiment of the packaging according to the invention is shown in the closed state, the boundary of the base body 1 and the cap 2 being indicated by means of the dashed line. In the area of ​​the gap between the base body 1 and the cap 2, the tab 24 is formed on the cap 2, the tab 24 being offset from the second wall 22, 23 essentially by the wall thickness of the first wall 12, 13 in the area of ​​the gap is. It can thereby be achieved that the transition between the base body 1 and the cap 2 is essentially flat and has no protrusions. A double fold, as shown in FIG. 15, appears to be suitable for the offset arrangement. However, other known means can also be used. The slot is formed by the base body 1 and the stiffening element 5, so that the tab 24 is arranged at least in some areas between the base body 1 and the stiffening element 5 in the closed state. The insert 4 is arranged in the interior of the base body 1 and the cap 2. The protective cover 3 is arranged around the base body 1 and the cap 2.

When the closed packaging according to the invention is opened, the protective cover 3 is separated along the perforation 31 in a first step. This can be done with a preferably blunt object, in particular a fingernail or the like. The perforation 31 can, however, also be separated by applying a tilting moment to the cap 2. The cap 2 is then tilted up, the tab 24 being pulled out of the slot. If an insert is provided, the closure area 41 is separated from the rest of the insert along the further perforation 42. When the cap 2 is tilted up, the tab 24 is pivoted into the cap 2, the closure area 41 optionally being able to be arranged at least partially between the cap 2 and the tab 24. The packaging can then be brought into the closed state by tilting the cap 2 back. In contrast to the locked state (Fig. 15), in the closed state (FIG. 20) of the packaging according to the invention, the perforation 31 of the protective cover 3 is separated and, if necessary, the closure area 41 is separated from the rest of the insert 4 along the further perforation 42. Advantageously, the tab 24 is pivoted into the cap 2, with it being locked into the recesses 26 which are opposite to one another by means of the projections 25.

The tab 24, which provides frictional resistance to opening the packaging according to the invention, ensures that a predeterminable force is required to open the packaging according to the invention, so that the risk of inadvertent opening during storage or transport can be largely excluded. In other embodiments of the packaging according to the invention it can also be provided that the flap 24 is guided through the slot again in the closed state.

A further embodiment of a packaging according to the invention is shown in FIGS. 21 to 38. This differs from the first embodiment, which is shown in FIGS. 4 to 20, essentially by a different configuration of the insert 4, the folding plan of which is shown in FIG. In FIGS. 24 to 26, the folded insert 4 is shown. The advantage of this embodiment is that the insert 4 remains in one piece even after the packaging has been opened and the closure area 41 is not completely separated from the rest of the insert 4, as can be seen from FIG.

22 and 23 show the folding plans of the base body 1 and the cap 2 or the stiffening element 5. FIGS. 27 and 28 show the closed packaging according to the further embodiment, which does not differ in its appearance from the first embodiment . 29 to 32 show the first opening of the further embodiment of the packaging according to the invention. It can be seen that, in contrast to the first embodiment, no part of the insert 4 remains on top of the packaged goods. This can be seen in particular by comparing FIGS. 13 and 31.

AT 41 1 246 B

The base body 1 has the adhesive sites 101, 102, 104, 105 and 106, the cap the adhesive sites 208, 209 and 211, the insert the adhesive sites 404 and 411 and the stiffening element the adhesive sites 505 and 506. The adhesive points 101, 102 are required when the base body 1 is folded and the adhesive points 208 and 209 when the cap 2 is folded. The remaining glued points are glued together in such a way that the same final digits come together, e.g. 211 with 411. It is sufficient here if an adhesive or the like is applied to one of the respective joining points of adhesion.

In FIGS. 33 to 38, the process of first opening and reclosing of the further embodiment of the packaging according to the invention is shown in section, which corresponds to that of the first embodiment. Glued areas are indicated by a dotted line.