DESC:CIGARETTE CARTON

Field of the invention:
The present invention relates to cigarette packs and more particularly the present invention relates to a carton adapted to accommodate a cigarette pack.
Background
A wide range of cartons for packing products like cigarettes are available in the related art. In these cartons, a user uses his fingers to draw out cigarettes or other products from the inside of the carton. The drawing out of product using fingers is prone to clumsiness and sometimes the product gets damaged or smudged in the process. There are cartons available in the prior wherein the product inside the carton is taken out using a slider mechanism. However, these cartons use more than one slider mechanism or sliders and , more importantly, the cartons are not made out of a single blank sheet. These prior art cartons are made of a plurality of blanks or pieces cut from the blank sheet that are configured together to form a carton. This process is labour intensive and also requires more packaging material. Further, there is great scope of improvement in the ergonomics of the prior art cartons.
What is needed is a carton for packaging products like cigarettes and the like that is formed out of single blank sheet and at the same time uses a slider mechanism for drawing out the products inside.
Summary
A carton and a blank for constructing a carton is described. The carton includes an insert panel having a plurality of panels and a plurality of panels that are configured to be folded along a predefined plurality of folded lines to form a box from the insert panel. The carton further includes a sleeve panel having a plurality of panels and a plurality of tabs that are configured to be folded along a predefined plurality of folded lines to form a box from the insert panel. The carton further includes a connector that is folded along a predefined plurality of fold lines thereon such that when the connector is folded along the folded lines the box erected out of the insert panel is insert panel inserted to the box erected out the sleeve panel and the connector acts as a slider for the box insert panel inserted.
A method for constructing a carton is described. The method includes steps of constructing a box from an insert panel having a plurality of panels and tabs that are configured to be folded along a plurality of predefined fold lines, constructing a box from a sleeve panel having a plurality of panels and tabs that are configured to be folded along a plurality of predefined fold lines, and folding a connector that connects the insert panel and the sleeve panel at a plurality of predefined lines to thereon such that the box constructed from the insert panel is insert panel inserted into the box constructed from the sleeve panel and the connector remains outside the sleeve panel to act as slider for the box inside.
Statement of the Invention
A carton constructed from a blank having an insert panel box that is insert panel inserted to a sleeve panel box using a connector connects the insert panel box and the sleeve panel box and wherein the connector also doubles up as a slider for drawing out the insert panel box.
Brief description of the drawings
FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a cigarette carton in accordance with the present invention in a partially opened three dimensional configuration;
FIG. 2 is a top view of a single die cut blank in a flat configuration adapted to make the cigarette carton of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a top view of the single die cut blank of the cigarette of FIG. 1 in the flat configuration;
FIG. 4 is a rear view of the single die cut blank of the cigarette carton of FIG. 1 showing a preferred method of formation of a three dimensional configuration of a sleeve panel;
FIG. 5 is a top view of the single die cut blank of the cigarette carton of FIG. 1 showing a preferred method of formation of a three dimensional configuration of an insert panel;
FIG. 6 is a top view of the single die cut blank of the cigarette carton of FIG. 1 showing a preferred method of formation of the three dimensional configuration of the insert panel;
FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the single die cut blank of the cigarette carton of FIG. 1 showing a preferred method of formation of the three dimensional configuration of the sleeve panel;
FIG. 8 is a side perspective view the cigarette carton of FIG. 1 showing the the three dimensional configuration of the sleeve panel;
FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the cigarette carton of FIG. 1 showing the three dimensional configuration of the insert panel;
FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the cigarette carton of FIG. 1 showing the method of folding of the insert panel with respect to the sleeve panel;
FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the cigarette carton of FIG. 1 showing the method of insertion of the insert panel within the sleeve panel;
FIG. 12 is a front perspective exploded view of the cigarette carton of FIG. 1 showing a method of insertion of a cigarette pack within the carton; and
FIG. 13 is front perspective view of the cigarette carton of FIG. 1.
Detailed description of the invention
Referring to FIG. 1, a packing carton 10 in a partially opened position is shown. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, cigarette carton 10 is bilaterally disposed along a central vertical axis X-X. Carton 10 includes an insert panel 12 and a sleeve panel 14. Insert panel 12 is adapted to slidably house a cigarette pack 16 within a sleeve panel 14. Insert panel 12 includes a bump or button 18 adapted to axially vertically slide within a window 20 defined by one of the side walls 22 of sleeve panel 16. Bump 18 controls axial movement of insert panel 12 within sleeve panel 14. In this one particular embodiment, vertical sliding movement of insert panel12 to/from sleeve panel 14 along the central axis X-X is indicated by an arrow ‘A1’. It is understood here that window 20 is primarily positioned with a covering tab 24 before carton 10 being used by a user. Tab 24 essentially needs to be lifted and/or pulled while using carton 10 for the first time. Insert panel 12 defines a lid that is configured to move between an open position and a closed position per the movement of bump 18 within window 20. The carton constructed in accordance with the present invention is not limited to be used for packing cigarettes. The carton may be used with a variety of products such as, for example, playing cards, jewellery items, chocolate products and other consumer goods.
Referring to FIG. 2, cigarette carton 10 (refer FIG. 1) is adapted to be made from a single die cut blank 30 wherein insert panel 12 and sleeve panel 14 respectively includes a plurality of subpanels that are connected along a respective plurality of fold lines. Insert panel 12 and sleeve panel 14 are connected to one another through a connector 17 that includes a plurality of connecting tabs. Insert panel 12 and sleeve panel 14 are coplanar in this one particular embodiment. Die cut blank 30 is preferably made of a material selected from one or more of the following hard paper, hard board, polythene and plastic. Die cut blank 30 has a first side and a second side that respectively define a printed side and an unprinted side of blank 30. It is understood, however, that die cut blank 30 can be printed on either side in alternative embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 3, insert panel 12 (As shown in FIG. 2) includes a first panel 32, a second panel 34, a third panel 36, a fourth panel 38, and a fifth panel 40. Second and fourth panels 34, 38 respectively define a first tab 42 and a second tab 44. Panels 32, 34 are connected along a fold line 46. Panels 34, 36 are connected along a fold line 48. Panels 36, 38 are connected along a fold line 50. Panels 38, 40 are connected along a fold line 52. Tab 42 is connected to panel 34 along a fold line 54. Tab 44 is connected to panel 38 along a fold line 56.
In this one particular embodiment, sleeve panel 14 (as shown in FIG. 2) includes a first panel 58, a second panel 60, a third panel 62, a fourth panel 64, and a fifth panel 66. Panels 58, 60, 62 and 64 are respectively connected to a first tab 68, a second tab 70, a third tab 72 and a fourth tab 74. First panel 58 and second panel 60 are connected along a fold line 76. Second panel 60 and third panel 62 are connected along a fold line 78. Third panel 62 and fourth panel 64 are connected along a fold line 80. Fourth panel 64 and fifth panel 66 are connected along a fold line 82. First panel 58 and first tab 68 are connected along a fold line 84. Second panel 60 and second tab 70 are connected along a fold line 86. Third panel 62 and third tab 72 are connected along a fold line 88. Fourth panel 64 and fourth tab 74 are connected along a fold line 90. Fourth panel 64 is designed to accommodate window 20 and covering tab 24.
In this one particular embodiment, connector 17 (As shown in FIG. 2) includes a first connecting tab 92, a second connecting tab 94 and a third connecting tab 96. First connecting tab 92 is connected to panel 34 along a fold line 98. First connecting tab 92 and second connecting tab 94 are connected to each other along a fold line 100. Second connecting tab 94 and third connecting tab 96 are connected to each other along a fold line 102. Third connecting tab 96 is connected to panel 58 along a fold line 104.
Now referring to FIGS. 4-9, a preferred method of formation of a three dimensional configuration of insert panel 12 and sleeve panel 14 from blank 30 is described. In the preferred method of the present invention, blank 30 is folded at a plurality of folding lines to form a closed position of insert panel 12 and sleeve panel 14 from their substantially flat configuration defined in blank 30.
As shown in FIG. 4, panel 64 is folded along a fold line 80, preferably at an angle of about 1800 and in the direction indicated by an arrow F1 in a first step. In this step, the first or printed side of panel 64 substantially positions above the second or unprinted side of panel 62. In this step, the printed side of tab 74 positions over the unprinted side of tab 72. In this step, the printed side of panel 66 positions partially over the unprinted side of panel 62 and partially over panel 60. In this step, panel 66 is applied with a glued area 106.
In next step, the unprinted side of panel 58 is folded along a fold line 76 (refer FIG. 3), preferably at an angle of about 1800 and in the direction indicated by an arrow F2 as shown in FIG. 4. In this step, the unprinted side of panel 58 preferably permanently connects with the printed side of panel 66 via glued area 106. In this position, the unprinted side of tab 68 positions over the unprinted side of tabs 70, 72.
Referring to FIG. 5, blank 30 is turned upside down in next step such that only the first or printed side of blank 30 is visible to the user. In this step, the printed side of panel 40 is applied with a glued area 108. In this step, button or bump 18 is attached on the printed side of panel 40. Bump 18 is preferably centrally located within panel 40 that has a circular shape in this one particular embodiment.
Now referring to FIGS. 5-7, the printed side of panel 36 is folded along edge 48 at an angle of 1800 and in the direction indicated by an arrow F3 (See FIG. 5) in next step. In this step, the second or unprinted side of panel 36 substantially positions above first or printed side of panel 34. In this step, the unprinted side of panel 38 positions partially above the printed sides of panel 34 and panel 32. In this step, panel 40 positions besides panel 32 such that fold line 52 aligns with an edge 110 defined by panel 32.
Referring again to FIG. 6, the unprinted side of panel 40 is folded along edge 52 preferably at an angle of 1800 and in the direction indicated by an arrow F3 in next step. In this step, the unprinted side of panel 32 preferably permanently connects to glued portion 108 (as shown FIG. 5) defined on the printed side of panel 40.
Referring to FIGS. 6-8, panels 40 (see FIG. 6) and panel 32 connect to define a lip 112 adapted to axially cantilever along the central axis X-X (refer FIG. 1) with respect to insert panel 12 in the three dimensional configuration of carton 10. In next step, fold line 76 is axially compressed with respect to central axis X-X, preferably in the direction indicated by an arrow C1. In this step, fold line 80 is axially compressed with respect to central axis X-X, preferably in the direction indicated by an arrow C2. In this position, panels 60, 64 (see FIG. 3) position in a substantially perpendicular position with respect to panel 62 (see FIG. 3). This facilitates carton 10 to achieve a three dimensional configuration of sleeve panel 14 (See FIG. 8).
Now referring to FIGS. 8-10, in next step, tabs 70, 74 are preferably inwardly folded along respective edges 86, 90 preferably at an angle of about 900 in the direction indicated by respective arrows F4, F5. In this position, tabs 70, 74 axially align along a common plane that is substantially perpendicular to central axis X-X. In next step, the printed side of tab 68 is applied with a glued portion 114 followed by folding of tab 68 along edge 84, preferably at an angle of 900 in the direction indicated by an arrow F6. In next step, tab 72 is folded along an edge 88, preferably at an angle of 900 in the direction indicated by an arrow F7. In this step, the unprinted side of tab 72 preferably permanently connects to glued portion 114 to define a closed bottom end 116 (See FIG. 9).
In next step, fold line 46 is axially compressed with respect to central axis X-X, preferably in the direction indicated by an arrow C3. In next step, fold line 50 is axially compressed with respect to central axis X-X, preferably in the direction indicated by an arrow C4. In this position, panels 32, 36, and 40 position in a substantially perpendicular position with respect to panel 38. This facilitates carton 10 to achieve a three dimensional configuration of insert panel 12 (See FIG. 9). In other
In next step, tab 42, 44 are inwardly folded along respective fold lines 54, 56 preferably at an angle of about 900 in the directions respectively indicated by arrows F8, F9. Tab 42 includes a glued area 129 that connects to tab 44. In this position, tab 44 rests over tab 42 to define a closed end 118 of insert panel (See FIG. 10).
A box is constructed or erected now from the insert panel 12 and is separated by connector 17 from another box constructed from sleeve. The box constructed from the insert panel 12 is now ready to be insert panel inserted into the box constructed or erected from sleeve panel 14.
In next step, sleeve panel 14 is turned upside down in the direction indicated by an arrow T (See FIG. 9). In next step, the unprinted side of panel 34 is folded for a first time with respect to panel 92. In this step, side panel 34 is folded along fold line 98, preferably at an angle of about 900 in the direction indicated by an arrow F10 (See FIG. 10). In next step, the unprinted side of panel 34 is folded for a second time with respect to panel 92. In this step, panel 34 is again folded along fold line 98, preferably at an angle of about 900 in the direction indicated by an arrow F11. In this step, the unprinted side of panel 34 rests totally on the unprinted side of connecting tabs 92, 94, and at least partially on the unprinted side of connecting tab 96.
Referring to FIGS. 10-11, insert panel 12 is axially pushed along the central axis X-X in the direction indicated by an arrow P1 in next step. In this step, connecting tabs 92-96 help assist in positioning of insert panel 12 within sleeve panel 14 such that insert panel 12 preferably totally positions within sleeve panel 14 and connecting tabs 92-96 remain positioned outside sleeve panel 14. Panel 34 defines a tab 130 adapted to engage with panel 66 to limit upward axial movement of insert panel 12 during use of carton 10.
Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, insert panel 12 positions within sleeve panel 14 to define an opening 120. Opening 120 is adapted to accommodate a cigarette pack 122. In next step, cigarette pack 122 is axially downwardly insert panel inserted along axis X-X within interior 120, preferably in a direction indicated by an arrow P2. In next step, covering tab 24 is manually removed to dispense the cigarette pack 122 for a first time. Button or buldge 18 positioned on lip 112 and is accessible only after removal of covering tab 24. Covering tab 24 indicates the user that the cigarette carton 10 is unused. Button 18 is adapted to move up and down within window 20 to dispense/withheld cigarettes from/to carton 10, preferably in the direction indicated by arrow A1 in this one particular embodiment. Button 18 controls movement of insert panel 12 within sleeve panel 14. For example, an upward movement of button 18 facilitates insert panel 12 and lip 112 to bulge out of sleeve panel 14 that makes cigarette pack 122 to at least partially come out of sleeve panel 14. Alternatively, a downward movement of button 18 facilitates insert panel 12 and lip 112 to move down within sleeve panel that positions cigarette pack 122 within sleeve panel 14. In the downward movement of button 18, connecting tabs 92, 94 move within sleeve panel and connecting tab 96 positions over sleeve panel 14 to act as a lid of cigarette carton 10.

TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE
The cartons for packing products like cigarettes in accordance with the present disclosure has several technical advantages including but not limited to the realization of:
• a carton that with improved ergonomics and made from a single blank sheet and not out of a plurality of cut pieces of the blank sheet;
• a carton that provides a clean, smooth and sophisticated handling of the products therein;
• a carton that provides an automated display of products inside using a single sliding mechanism;
• a carton that saves on material and time required for making the cartons;
• a carton for cigarettes and similar products wherein the user does not have to use fingers to draw out the products therein; and
• a carton for cigarettes that present a great user experience with an introduction of an element of drama while drawing out the products.
Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the invention to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the invention as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the invention, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the specific features of the preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated that many additional features can be added and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiment without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

We claim
1. A blank for creating a carton comprising:
an insert panel having a plurality of panels and a plurality of tabs that are configured to be folded along a predefined plurality of folded lines to form a box from the insert panel;
a sleeve panel having a a plurality of panels and a plurality of panels that are configured to be folded along a predefined plurality of folded lines to form a box from the insert panel; and
a connector that is folded along a predefined plurality of fold lines thereon such that when the connector is folded along the folded lines the box erected out of the insert panel is insert panel inserted to the box erected out the sleeve panel and the connector acts as a slider for the box inserted.
2. The carton of claim 1 wherein the connector has a predefined button that is adapted to move up and down within a window defined on the sleeve panel to dispense or withheld products within the box constructed from the insert panel.
3. The carton of claim 1 wherein the connector has a strip attached that is moved up and down to dispense or withheld products within the box constructed from the insert panel.
4. The carton of claim 1 wherein the sleeve panel has a covering tab that is adapted to indicate whether the carton is used.
5. A method for forming a carton comprising the steps of:
constructing a box from an insert panel having a plurality of panels and tabs that are configured to be folded along a plurality of predefined fold lines;
constructing a box from a sleeve panel having a plurality of panels and tabs that are configured to be folded along a plurality of predefined fold lines; and
folding a connector that connects the insert panel and the sleeve panel at a plurality of predefined lines to thereon such that the box constructed from the insert panel is insert panel inserted into the box constructed from the sleeve panel and the connector remains outside the sleeve panel to act as slider for the box inside.

Dated this _________ day of ___________2012.

_________________________
Chittaranjan Bhat (IN/PA/1869)
(Agent for applicant)

,CLAIMS:We claim
1. A blank for creating a carton comprising:
an insert panel having a plurality of panels and a plurality of tabs that are configured to be folded along a predefined plurality of folded lines to form a box from the insert panel;
a sleeve panel having a a plurality of panels and a plurality of panels that are configured to be folded along a predefined plurality of folded lines to form a box from the insert panel; and
a connector that is folded along a predefined plurality of fold lines thereon such that when the connector is folded along the folded lines the box erected out of the insert panel is insert panel inserted to the box erected out the sleeve panel and the connector acts as a slider for the box inserted.
2. The carton of claim 1 wherein the connector has a predefined button that is adapted to move up and down within a window defined on the sleeve panel to dispense or withheld products within the box constructed from the insert panel.
3. The carton of claim 1 wherein the connector has a strip attached that is moved up and down to dispense or withheld products within the box constructed from the insert panel.
4. The carton of claim 1 wherein the sleeve panel has a covering tab that is adapted to indicate whether the carton is used.
5. A method for forming a carton comprising the steps of:
constructing a box from an insert panel having a plurality of panels and tabs that are configured to be folded along a plurality of predefined fold lines;
constructing a box from a sleeve panel having a plurality of panels and tabs that are configured to be folded along a plurality of predefined fold lines; and
folding a connector that connects the insert panel and the sleeve panel at a plurality of predefined lines to thereon such that the box constructed from the insert panel is insert panel inserted into the box constructed from the sleeve panel and the connector remains outside the sleeve panel to act as slider for the box inside.