Hinge Lid Package

Abstract

The present invention pertains to hinge lid packages, for example cigarette packages, with features that reduce the force required to open and close the package, keep the lid tightly closed when not in use and / or improve the luxurious feel of the package during opening and closing, in comparison to similar packages that do not include these features.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention pertains to the field of hinge lid packages and to blanks for making such packages. In particular, the present invention pertains to a hinge lid package with good opening and closing capabilities.BACKGROUND[0002]In the past, considerable effort has been invested in producing cigarette packages that are lightweight, easy to open and close and which are aesthetically pleasing to the eye.[0003]Conventional hinge lid cigarette packages are well known in the art and are usually produced from a either a single blank or two blanks as outlined in U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,600, U.S. Pat. No. 5,586,648 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,553,773 and constructed of paperboard substrate which may be coated with a fluidized mixture of finely particulated minerals and binders resulting in a smooth luxurious appearance.[0004]There are several problems that occur with extended use of prior art hinge lid cigarette packages. Such problems include damage to the paper-board ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a hinge lid package for cigarettes that requires less force to open and close than conventional packages, while preventing the package from smiling. The package includes a cam assembly and a set of latching tabs with a modified profile that smoothly engage with the cam assembly and a raised hinge lid pivot point. This results in a package that is more comfortable for consumers and easier to use. The invention also provides a unique hinge lid assembly and an improved opening and closing mechanism that enhances the performance of the package.

Problems solved by technology

There are several problems that occur with extended use of prior art hinge lid cigarette packages.

Such problems include damage to the paper-board material as a result of repeated openings and closings of the package lid and “smiling” which is defined in the art as a “popping open” or slight separation of the lid away from a fully closed position.

However, although the curved hinge lid reduces the occurrence of “smiling” the package becomes difficult to open and close due to the curvature of the lid perimeter.

This results in damage to the cigarette package itself, for example ripping and tearing, as well as damage to the contents (cigarettes) housed within the package.

Another problem associated with prior art cigarette packages is that they can be difficult to open, and excessive force is often required to open the package lid either because there is internal interference, or the lid distorts sideways from its closing position when opened.

Further, prior art cigarette package lids routinely “hang-up” or become snagged by interfering or catching on the inner frame or collar when being opened.

Although these material webs retain the lid in a tightly closed position, once these webs are broken upon the initial opening of the hinge lid of the package it becomes difficult to properly close the lid.

Not only is this a difficult and arduous task, but if used incorrectly this configuration prevents proper full closure of the lid onto the box part or main frame of the cigarette package.

However, the ever-widening shoulder of this type of package although functional, is not aesthetically appealing which is a major consideration in the field of tobacco packaging.

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