WO2018122175A1

WO2018122175A1 - Container having at least one movable panel

Info

Publication number: WO2018122175A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/084427
Authority: WO
Inventors: Timothee CAILLEAUX
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
Priority date: 2016-12-30
Filing date: 2017-12-22
Publication date: 2018-07-05
Also published as: CN110049931A; RU2019123596A3; KR20190103161A; CN110049931B; EP3562758A1; RU2760793C2; US20200017284A1; EP3562758C0; EP3562758B1; MX2019007576A; JP2020503219A; RU2019123596A

Abstract

A container(10) for consumer goods comprising a box portion (40) defining at least a first compartment for containing consumer good sand a first lid (30) connected to the box portion (40) by a first lid hinge line (32) extending across a first side wall of the container. The container further comprises a first panel (20) connected to the box portion (40) by a first panel hinge line (22) and configured to pivot relative to the box portion (40) of the container(10).

Description

CONTAINER HAVING AT LEAST ONE MOVABLE PANEL

The present invention relates to a container for consumer goods. The container of the present invention finds particular application as a container for aerosol-generating articles, such as cigarettes.

It is known to package smoking articles or aerosol-generating articles and other consumer goods in containers formed from folded cellulose-fiber based laminar blanks. Aerosol-generating articles, such as for example cigarettes, are commonly sold in hinge-lid packs having a box for housing the aerosol-generating articles and a lid connected to the box about a hinge line extending across the back wall of the container. In use, the lid is pivoted about the hinge line to open the pack and so gain access to the aerosol-generating articles held in the box.

One type of aerosol-generating articles are cigarettes or cigars. These typically comprise a rod of tobacco cut filler surrounded by a paper wrapper and a cylindrical filter aligned in end-to-end relationship with the wrapped tobacco rod, with the filter attached to the tobacco rod by tipping paper.

Other types of aerosol-generating articles include those in which an aerosol forming substrate, such as tobacco, is heated rather than combusted. For example, electrically operated smoking systems typically include an aerosol-generating device having a housing for receiving an aerosol-generating article or a smoking article. A charger unit is usually provided either integrally with a primary device for receiving the aerosol-generating device or additionally to a primary device for receiving the aerosol-generating device. The charger unit is used to provide power to the aerosol-generating device, for example by charging a battery in the device.

Users of such systems can therefore be required to carry not only a pack of aerosol- generating articles, but also a separate aerosol-generating device and, in some cases, an additional charger unit. This can make such aerosol-generating systems more cumbersome and less convenient for a consumer to transport and use.

It would therefore be desirable to improve the way in which a user can carry and handle their consumer goods, particularly where the consumer goods are aerosol-generating articles that require the use of one or more additional devices. It would also be desirable to provide such a solution, whilst still ensuring that the container for consumer goods can easily be manufactured without requiring major modifications to existing equipment.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container for consumer goods comprising: a first major wall, a second major wall, first and second opposed minor side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall; a box portion defining at least a first compartment for containing consumer goods and a first opening for accessing consumer goods in the first compartment; and a first lid connected to the box portion by a first lid hinge line extending across the first side wall of the container, the first lid being movable relative to the box portion between a closed position in which the first lid covers the first opening and an open position in which the first opening is uncovered. The container further comprises a first panel connected to the box portion by a first panel hinge line and configured to pivot between a first position in which the first panel overlies at least a portion of the first major wall of the container, and a second position in which the first panel extends substantially away from the box portion of the container.

By arranging for the container of the first aspect of the invention to have a first hinged panel the container can be attached to a separate external or distinct object, such as a charger unit for the aerosol-generating device, and thereby allow a consumer to carry their consumer goods and an accompanying item, such as a charger unit or aerosol-generating device, as a single ensemble. In particular, the first hinged panel can slide into a slot or sleeve in the separate external object to attach the container to said object. By being hinged, the first hinged panel can overlie the first major wall of the container when the container is not attached to the external object. This allows the container to have a more conventional appearance and dimensions.

Furthermore, arranging for the first lid to have a first lid hinge line extending across a side wall of the container, allows the first lid of the container to be movable between the open and closed positions, even when the container is attached to an external object by means of the first hinged panel. This means that a consumer can still access consumer goods contained within the container when the container is attached to the external object.

In addition, arranging for a major wall of the container to be the wall of the container that lies against the external object, when the container is attached to said external object, results in a larger surface area of the container being in contact with the external object. This can result in a more secure attachment. This can also result in a more compact arrangement for the single ensemble. Furthermore, this can also result in the second major wall being the one that generally faces the consumer when they look at the single ensemble. This second major wall can provide a larger continuous surface area for communication with the consumer.

Advantageously, the construction of containers according to the first aspect of the invention means that they can be easy to manufacture and do not require any extensive modification to existing manufacturing apparatus.

Preferably, the first major wall of the container is the front wall of the container, and the second major wall is the back wall of the container.

As used herein, the terms "front", "back", "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom" and "side", refer to the relative positions of portions of containers according to the invention and components thereof when the container is in an upright position and the first access opening of the container is at the top of the container. When describing containers according to the present invention, these terms are used irrespective of the orientation of the container being described. The first side wall of the container is the wall comprising the first hinge line.

The term "longitudinal" refers to a direction from bottom to top or vice versa. The term "transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

The term 'major' is used to refer to the walls of the container, which have a greater surface area than that of any of the other walls of the container. The minor walls are the walls of the container are those having a surface area less than that of the major walls of the container. Where the container has the same height throughout its cross section, the major walls are those having a greater width than that of any of the other walls of the container.

The container of the first aspect of the present invention is preferably substantially in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped.

The term "inner surface" is used throughout the specification to refer to the surface of a component of the assembled container that is facing towards the interior of the container, for example towards the consumer goods, when the container is in the closed position. The term "outer surface" is used throughout the specification to refer to the surface of a component of the container that is facing towards the exterior of the container. For example, the first major wall of the package has an inner surface that is facing the inside of the package and the consumer goods, and an outer surface facing away from the consumer goods. It should be noted that the inside or outside surface is not necessarily equivalent to a certain side of a blank used in assembly of the container. Depending on how the blank is folded around the consumer goods, areas that are on the same side of the blank can either face towards the inside or the towards the outside of the container.

The term "hinge line" refers to a line about which a lid may be pivoted in order to permit access to goods disposed within the container. A hinge line may be, for example, a fold line or a score line in a panel forming a wall of the container.

The term "depending" is used herein to describe a physical connection between two elements of a container in accordance with the invention. In more detail, the term "depending" is used to indicate that there is a material continuity between two elements, such as two walls or panels of a container or blank. This encompasses both cases wherein a wall or panel depends directly from an adjacent wall or panel as well as cases wherein an intermediate wall or panel effectively connects two walls or panels.

By way of example, a side wall or panel may depend directly from an adjacent major wall or panel. In such case, the wall or panel typically depends along a fold line from the adjacent wall. As an alternative, especially in containers having curved or bevelled edges, a side wall or panel may depend indirectly from a major wall, such as the first major wall or panel. In such case a curved or bevelled edge wall or panel connects the side wall or panel and the major wall or panel. In the case of a bevelled edge, both side wall or panel and major wall or panel may depend from the connecting bevelled edge wall or panel along respective fold lines. This also applies to optional components of containers in accordance with the invention, for example to a reinforcing member provided in the form of an inner frame.

The term "lines of weakness" is used herein to describe a portion of a surface of the package (or the blank from which the package is formed) wherein the structural strength of the material, from which the package (or blank) is formed has been weakened by any suitable technique, for example with respect to bending, folding or tearing along the line of weakness. For example, a line of weakness may be formed as a scoring line, a creasing line, an ablation line, or a perforation line. Lines of weakness can be created by removal of material, by displacement of material, by compression of material, by locally reducing the forces that hold the material together, such as by breaking fibres in a fibrous material, as well as by combinations of all the above. A line of weakness may be straight, curved, segmented or continuous or a combination thereof. In many instances, a line of weakness is used to assist in positioning a fold line in a blank. A line of weakness can also be used to strengthen the material in a direction perpendicular to the line of weakness, for example by compression. Further, a line of weakness can be used for decorative purpose.

The term "scoring line" is used to describe a line formed by partially cutting into the material of the blank. A scoring line may be formed by removing material from the blank (in which case the scoring line forms a groove or trough in the blank). As an alternative, a scoring line may be formed without removing any material from the blank, typically involving a partial sideways displacement and compression of material, caused by a knife with a non-zero thickness penetrating the material. The depth of the scoring line will be less than the thickness of the blank.

The term "creasing line" is used to describe a line formed by displacing a portion of the material vertical to the plane of the blank, forming a groove or trough in the blank. The displacement may involve compression and typically involves the use of a compression tool, such as a roller. Alternatively, or in addition, the material in the creasing line may be displaced so as to at least partially protrude from the opposite side of the blank. Generally, no material is removed when a creasing line is formed.

The term "ablation line" is used to describe a line formed by removing material from a surface of the blank to a predetermined depth by way of ablation (for example, by way of a laser beam or a blade).

The term "perforated line" is used to describe a line or sequence of discrete holes or slots in the blank. The holes may be formed by pushing an object through the blank. This may result in material being removed from the blank, for example by punching. Alternatively, the holes could be created without removing material, and instead simply using the object to push the material outwardly from the centre of the hole. As another alternative, the holes may be formed by way of a laser beam.

The term "fold line" is used to describe any line of a blank about which the blank is folded. The fold line may be defined by a line of weakness to assist with the folding action. Alternatively, a fold can be formed without the presence of a weakening line, depending for example on the pliability of the blank material and other material characteristics.

Preferably, the container further comprises a slit or slot in the first major wall of the container for holding the first hinged panel in the first position. This allows the first hinged panel to be held flush against the first major wall of the container when the first hinged panel is in the first position. Preferably the slit is provided on the opposite side of the first major wall of the container to the side that is closest to the first panel hinge line. Preferably, the slit extends at an angle relative to the first panel hinge line. Preferably, the slit is configured to engage with a corner portion of the first hinged panel.

The first panel may comprise one or more free edges, more preferably at least two free edges, even more preferably at least three free edges. In some preferred embodiments the first panel consists of four edges, three of which are free edges with the other edge of the first panel being disposed at the first panel hinge line.

Preferably, first panel is free from a tab. That is, preferably the container does not comprise any panels or tabs that depend from the first panel.

Preferably, the first panel hinge line is disposed between the box portion first major wall and one of the first minor side wall and the second minor side wall. For example, if the container has a square edge connecting the first major wall to the first minor side wall or the second minor side wall, the first panel hinge line may extend along said square edge. As another example, if the container has a bevelled edge connecting the first major wall to the first minor side wall or the second minor side wall, the first panel hinge line may extend along one of the edges forming said bevelled edge. This can enable the first hinged panel to have substantially same dimensions as the box portion first major wall, and thereby allow the container to have a more conventional appearance when the first hinged panel is in the first position. Furthermore, this can also enable the first hinged panel to lie flush against first major wall when the first hinged panel is in the first position. In some particularly preferred embodiments the first panel hinge line is disposed proximate to the same minor side wall on which the first lid hinge line is provided. That is, preferably the first panel hinge line is disposed between the box portion first major wall and the first minor side wall.

In some preferred embodiments, the first panel hinge line may be provided on the first major wall of the container. That is, the first panel hinge line may be spaced from all edges of the first major wall of the container. Such embodiments may allow for improved attachment between the container and an external object, and reduce movement of the box portion of the container relative to the external object when the container is attached to the external object. This is because, in such embodiments, when the container is attached to the external object, the portions of the first major wall of the container that are disposed either side of the first hinge line can act to prevent the box portion of the container from being pivoted away from the external object, about the first hinge line. In such embodiments, the consumer may therefore be required to first slide the first panel at least partially out of the slot in the external object, before the container could be detached from the external object.

The first panel hinge line preferably extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal edge that connects the first major wall with the first minor side wall, the longitudinal edge that connects the first major wall with the second minor side wall, or both.

Preferably, the first hinged panel of the container is provided with an attachment mechanism for attaching the first hinged panel of the container to an external object. Preferably, the attachment mechanism comprises a microsuction layer on a first surface of the first hinged panel. Preferably, the first surface of the first hinged panel is the surface of the first hinged panel that faces towards the first major wall of the container when the first hinged panel is in the first position.

The term "microsuction layer" is used herein to refer to a layer formed of a flexible material having a plurality of micro cavities on the external surface of the material. The walls of the micro cavities are deformable, such that, when the external surface of the material is pressed against a contact surface, a sealed environment of reduced pressure is formed between the walls of the cavities and the contact surface. This provides a suction force between the walls of the cavities and the contact surface.

The micro cavities may have a diameter of from 5 microns to 300 microns. The material may be formed of an expanded resin having a plurality of internal air bubbles. The layer may have a thickness of from 30 microns to 500 microns.

Alternative attachment mechanisms on the first hinged panel may include one or more of a low tack adhesive, flock material, embossing and debossing.

The attachment mechanism on the first hinged panel can allow the first hinged panel to slide into slot or sleeve on external object without significant interaction between the first hinged panel and the external object. However, once the container is pressed against the object, the attachment mechanism on the first hinged panel can engage with the external object and help to retain the container in a fixed position relative to said external object.

Preferably, the container comprises a mechanism for securing the first lid to the box portion when the first lid is in the closed position. Preferably said mechanism is provided in the form of a cut-out in the box portion and a flap in the first lid that engage with one another as the first lid is moved into the closed position. This can advantageously reduce the likelihood of the first lid accidentally opening; for example, when the container is being carried by the user, and in particular, when the container is placed in an upside-down orientation.

Preferably, the first lid comprises a first lid first major wall, a first lid second major wall, first lid first and second opposed minor side walls, and a first lid top wall, wherein the first lid top wall forms the top wall of the container.

Preferably, the first major wall of the container is provided with an attachment mechanism for attaching the first major wall of the container to an external object. Preferably said attachment mechanism is provided on the outer surface of the first major wall of the container. The attachment mechanism may comprise one or more of a low tack adhesive, flock material, embossing and debossing.

In some preferred embodiments, the attachment mechanism comprises a microsuction layer on the outer surface of the first major wall of the container.

The attachment mechanism on the first major wall of the container can allow the first hinged panel to slide into a slot or sleeve on the external object without significant interaction between the container and the external object. However, once the container is pressed against the object, the attachment mechanism on the first major wall of the container can engage with the external object and help to retain the container in a fixed position relative to said external object.

Preferably, the box portion of the container further defines a second compartment for containing consumer goods and a second opening for accessing consumer goods in the second compartment. In such embodiments, preferably the container further comprises: a second lid connected to the box portion by a second lid hinge line extending across the second side wall of the container, the second lid being movable relative to the box portion between a closed position in which the second lid covers the second opening and an open position in which the second opening is uncovered. The second compartment may be used to contain a further set of consumer goods, in addition to any contained in the first compartment. This can be advantageous when freshness is important, since a consumer will not need to open the second lid and access the goods in the second compartment, until they have finished with the goods of the first compartment. Alternatively, the second compartment may be used to house the remainders of the goods in the first compartment, after they have been used. As a further alternative, the second compartment may be used to house a portion of the consumer goods stored in the first compartment. For example, the consumer goods may be elongated consumer goods, such as aerosol generating articles, with a first end residing in the first compartment and a second end residing in the second compartment. The consumer can therefore have the choice of whether to remove said elongated consumer goods by accessing the first end through the first lid, or the second end through the second lid. The second compartment may be completely distinct from the first compartment. For example, an internal wall may be provided in the container to divide the second compartment from the first compartment. In such embodiments, one side of the internal wall can form the base surface of the first compartment, and the other side of the internal wall can form the base surface of the second compartment. Alternatively, the first compartment may be integral with the second compartment. In such cases, a single set of consumer goods may reside in both compartments. Alternatively, two bundles of consumer goods may reside in the container, with a first bundle being accessible via the first lid and first opening, and the second bundle being accessible via the second lid and second opening.

Preferably, the container further comprises a second panel connected to the box portion by a second panel hinge line and configured to pivot between a first position in which the second panel overlies at least a portion of the second major wall of the container, and a second position in which the second panel extends substantially away from the box portion of the container. In such embodiments, a consumer will have two compartments from which to store or choose their consumer goods. This enables a consumer to orientate the container however they please when they are attaching the container to an external object.

The second panel may comprise one or more free edges, more preferably at least two free edges, even more preferably at least three free edges. In some preferred embodiments the second panel consists of four edges, three of which are free edges with the other edge of the second panel being disposed at the first panel hinge line.

Preferably, the second panel hinge line is disposed between the box portion second major wall and one of the first minor side wall and the second minor side wall. For example, if the container has a square edge connecting the second major wall to the first minor side wall or the second minor side wall, the second panel hinge line may extend along said square edge. As another example, if the container has a bevelled edge connecting the second major wall to the first minor side wall or the second minor side wall, the second panel hinge line may extend along one of the edges forming said bevelled edge. This can enable the second hinged panel to have substantially same dimensions as the box portion second major wall, and thereby allow the container to have a more conventional appearance when the second hinged panel is in its first position. Furthermore, this can also enable second hinged panel to lie flush against second major wall when the second hinged panel is in its first position. In some particularly preferred embodiments the second panel hinge line is disposed proximate to the same minor side wall on which the second lid hinge line is provided. That is, preferably the second panel hinge line is disposed between the box portion second major wall and the second minor side wall.

Where the container comprises a second hinged panel, a slit is preferably provided in the second major wall of the container for holding the second hinged panel in its first position. This can enable the second hinged panel to be held flush against the second major wall of the container when the second hinged panel is in its first position. Preferably said slit is provided on the opposite side of the second major wall of the container to the side that is closest to the second panel hinge line. Preferably, said slit extends at an angle relative to the second panel hinge line. Preferably, said slit is configured to engage with a corner portion of the second hinged panel.

Preferably, the second lid comprises a second lid first major wall, a second lid second major wall, second lid first and second opposed minor side walls, and a second lid bottom wall, wherein the second lid bottom wall forms the bottom wall of the container.

Preferably, the container further comprises a mechanism for securing the second lid to the box portion when the second lid is in the closed position. Preferably said mechanism is provided in the form of a cut-out in the box portion and a flap in the second lid that engage with one another as the second lid is moved into its closed position. This can advantageously reduce the likelihood of the second lid accidentally opening; for example, particularly where the second lid bottom wall forms the bottom of the container.

The container of the present invention may contain any suitable consumer goods. Preferably, the container of the present invention contains a plurality of aerosol-generating articles. The term "aerosol-generating article" is used herein to mean an article comprising at least one substrate that forms an aerosol when heated. The aerosol-generating article may be a combustible type of aerosol-generating article, such as a filter cigarette, cigars, cigarillos, where a tobacco substrate is combusted. However, the container of the present invention can be particularly suited for containing aerosol-generating articles for use in an electrically operated smoking system. In this case, the aerosol-generating article may comprise a tobacco or other nicotine-containing substrate that generates an aerosol comprising nicotine when the substrate is heated. Such aerosol-generating articles typically require the use of a separate device, and therefore the container of the present invention can be advantageously attached to such a device to allow the container and said device to be carried as a single ensemble.

Where the container comprises first and second compartments and houses aerosol- generating articles, the aerosol-generating articles may be housed in both the first and second compartments. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating articles may be housed in only one of the compartments. In this case, the other compartment may receive waste, such as ash or butts, or other consumer goods, for example matches, lighters, extinguishing means, breath- fresheners or electronics. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provide a system comprising a device and the container of any one of the preceding claims, wherein device comprises a housing and a slit in the housing for receiving the first panel of the container. Preferably, the device is for use in an electrically operated smoking system, more preferably the device is used to provide a power source for supplying power to a heater. It will be appreciated that any of the features described above in reference to the first aspect of the invention may also be equally applicable to the second aspect of the invention.

The first panel is preferably adapted to be retained to an external object, more preferably, adapted to be retained to the device of the second aspect of the present invention.

The second panel is preferably adapted to be retained to an external object, more preferably, adapted to be retained to the device of the second aspect of the present invention.

For example, one or both of the first panel may be sized and shaped for complementary engagement with a corresponding slot or slit on the external object. Such an arrangement may allow for the container of the first aspect to be attached to and detached from the external object.

Attachment of the container of the present invention to an external object is preferably non-permanent. That is, the container of the present invention should preferably be capable of attachment to an external object and subsequent detachment from an external object.

Preferably, the container is formed from one or more folded laminar blanks. The one or more folded laminar blanks may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials, including, but not limited to, cardboard, paperboard, plastic, metal, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the blank is a laminar cardboard blank having a weight of between about 100 grams per square metre and about 350 grams per square metre. In preferred embodiments, the blank has a thickness of from about 200 to about 400 micrometres, more preferably from 250 micrometres to 350 micrometres.

The container is generally a rectangular parallelepiped container comprising two wider major walls spaced apart by two minor narrower walls. The container may comprise two longitudinal rounded or bevelled edges on the first major wall, and/or two longitudinal rounded or bevelled edges on the second major wall. These may optionally be in combination with one or more rounded or bevelled transverse edges.

The exterior surfaces of containers according to the invention may be printed, embossed, debossed or otherwise embellished with manufacturer or brand logos, trade marks, slogans and other consumer information and indicia.

The invention will be further described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings in which:

Figure 1 A is a perspective view of a container according to the present invention, as viewed from the back of the container; Figure 1 B is a perspective view of a container according to a first embodiment the present invention, as viewed from the front of the container;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 1 , shown with the first and second hinged panels in their respective first positions, as viewed from the back of the container;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a container according to the present invention, disposed alongside a device for use in an electrically operated smoking system;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the container of Figures 1 to 3, when attached to the device of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is an overhead view of a blank for forming a container according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 6 is an overhead view of a blank for forming a container according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in Figure 1A, a container 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention comprises a first major wall 1 1 , a second major wall (not visible), a first minor side wall (not visible), a second opposed minor side wall 13, a top wall 15 and a bottom wall (not visible). The container has a box portion 40 that defines first and second compartments for containing consumer goods. A dotted line is included in Figure 1A to show the divide point between the first and second compartments.

A first lid 30 is connected to the box portion 40 by a first lid hinge line 32 that extends across the first side wall of the container. The first lid 30 is movable relative to the box portion 40 between a closed position in which the first lid 30 covers the first opening and an open position in which the first opening is uncovered. The first lid is disposed in the closed position in Figure 1A. The first lid defines the top wall 15 of the container.

A first panel 20 is connected to the box portion 40 by a first panel hinge line 22 and is configured to pivot between a first position in which the first panel 20 overlies at least a portion of the first major wall 1 1 of the container 10, and a second position in which the first panel 20 extends substantially away from the box portion 40 of the container 10. The first panel 20 is disposed in the second position in Figure 1 A. A slot 42 is provided in the first major wall 1 1 of the container. This will be described in more detail with respect to Figure 2.

The container further comprises a second lid 60 that is connected to the box portion 40 by a second lid hinge line 62 that extends across the second side wall 14 of the container 10. The second lid 60 is movable relative to the box portion 40 between a closed position in which the second lid 60 covers a second opening in the box portion 40 and an open position in which the second opening is uncovered. The second lid 60 disposed in the closed position in Figure 1 A. The second lid defines the bottom wall of the container. As also shown in Figure 1A, the container further comprises a second panel 50 that is connected to the box portion 40 by a second panel hinge line 52.

As can be best appreciated from Figure 1 B, which shows a perspective view of the back of the container of Figure 1A, the second panel 50 is configured to pivot between a first position in which the second panel 50 overlies at least a portion of the second major wall 12 of the container 10, and a second position in which the second panel 50 extends substantially away from the box portion 40 of the container 10. The second hinged panel 50 is disposed in the second position in Figure 1 B.

Figure 2 shows the container of Figures 1A and 1 B, as viewed from the back of the container, with the first panel 20 and second panel 50 now disposed in their respective first positions. As can be seen from Figure 2, a corner portion of the second hinged panel 50 has been disposed in the slot 44 on the second major wall 12 of the container to hold the second hinge panel 50 flush against the second major wall of the container.

Figure 3 shows the container of Figures 1 B disposed adjacent to an external device, which may be a charger unit for an aerosol generating article. The device 100 has a main body 150 and a lid 130 connected to the body 150 by a device lid hinge line 132. The first major wall 1 1 1 of the device 100 is provided with a slot 142 that defines an access opening to an internal cavity in the device that is shaped and sized to accommodate the first hinged panel 50 or the second hinged panel 20 of the container 10.

As illustrated by Figure 4, in use, a consumer can choose to insert the first hinged panel 20 of the container 10 through the slot 142 of the device to thereby attach the container 10 to the device 100. In this way, the container 10 and the device 100 can be carried as a single ensemble. Although not visible from the drawings, to further fix the container is place relative to the device 100, a microsuction layer may be provided on the outer surface of the first panel 20 or the second panel 50.

Figure 5 shows an overhead view of a blank 200 for forming a container according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The container of the second embodiment of the invention is similar to that of the first embodiment of Figures 1 to 4. However, the container of the second embodiment only has one lid connected to its box portion and only has one hinged panel for attaching the container to an external object.

The blank 200 of Figure 5 is shown in an unfolded condition. The blank comprises a first portion 210 which comprises a plurality of panels connected by a plurality of fold lines. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the panels of the first portion 210 of the blank 200 are arranged to be folded about the fold lines of the first portion 210 of the blank to form a box portion and a first lid of the container.

The blank 200 further comprises a second portion, which comprises a first panel 220, connected to the edge of a first side wall panel 214 of the first portion of the blank 200 by a first hinge line 222. When the blank 20 is folded to form the container of the second embodiment the invention, the first panel 220 is configured to pivot about the first hinge line 222 between a first position in which the first panel 220 overlies at least a portion of the first major wall 21 1 of the container, and a second position in which the first panel 220 extends substantially away from the box portion of the container.

Figure 6 shows an overhead view of a blank 300 for forming a container according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The blank 300 comprises a first portion 310, which is the same as the first portion 210 of the blank 200 of the second embodiment, shown in Figure 5.

The blank 300 further comprises a second portion 315 which is configured to form a first 320 and second 350 hinged panels on the assembled container. In particular, the second portion 315 comprises a first panel 320 connected to the edge of a first side wall panel 314 of the first portion of the blank 300 by a first hinge line 322. A cut line 325 divides the first panel 320 from a connecting major panel 327 that is configured to be held flush against a portion of the panel 31 1 forming the front wall of the container. The connecting major panel 327 is connected to a connecting minor side panel 353, which is in turn connected to a second panel 350.

When the blank 300 is folded to form the container of the third embodiment the invention, the connecting minor side panel 353 lies flush against the panel 313 forming the second minor side wall of the container. The second panel 350 is free to pivot about a second hinge line 352 between a first position in which the second panel 350 overlies at least a portion of the first major wall of the container, and a second position in which the first panel 220 extends substantially away from the box portion of the container.

Claims

1 . A container for consumer goods comprising:

a first major wall, a second major wall, first and second opposed minor side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall;

a box portion defining at least a first compartment for containing consumer goods and a first opening for accessing consumer goods in the first compartment; and

a first lid connected to the box portion by a first lid hinge line extending across the first minor side wall of the container, the first lid being movable relative to the box portion between a closed position in which the first lid covers the first opening and an open position in which the first opening is uncovered;

wherein the container further comprises a first panel connected to the box portion by a first panel hinge line and configured to pivot between a first position in which the first panel overlies at least a portion of the first major wall of the container, and a second position in which the first panel extends substantially away from the box portion of the container.

2. A container according to claim 1 , further comprising a slit in the first major wall of the container for holding the first hinged panel in the first position.

3. A container according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first panel hinge line is disposed between the box portion first major wall and one of the first minor side wall and the second minor side wall.

4. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first panel of the container is provided with an attachment mechanism for assisting with attaching the first panel of the container to an external object.

5. A container according to claim 4, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a microsuction layer on a first surface of the first panel.

6. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a mechanism for securing the first lid to the box portion when the first lid is in the closed position.

7. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first lid comprises a first lid first major wall, a first lid second major wall, first lid first and second opposed minor side walls, and a first lid top wall, wherein the first lid top wall forms the top wall of the container.

8. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first major wall of the container is provided with an attachment mechanism for attaching the first major wall of the container to another object.

9. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the box portion further defines a second compartment for containing consumer goods and a second opening for accessing consumer goods in the second compartment, and wherein the container further comprises:

a second lid connected to the box portion by a second lid hinge line extending across the second side wall of the container, the second lid being movable relative to the box portion between a closed position in which the second lid covers the second opening and an open position in which the second opening is uncovered.

10. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a second panel connected to the box portion by a second panel hinge line and configured to pivot between a first position in which the second panel overlies at least a portion of the second major wall of the container, and a second position in which the second panel extends substantially away from the box portion of the container.

1 1 . A container according to claim 10, wherein the second panel hinge line extends along an edge separating the box portion second major wall from the first minor side wall or the second minor side wall.

12. A container according to claims 10 or 1 1 , wherein the second lid comprises a second lid first major wall, a second lid second major wall, second lid first and second opposed minor side walls, and a second lid bottom wall, wherein the second lid bottom wall forms the bottom wall of the container.

13. A container according to any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising a mechanism for securing the second lid to the box portion when the second lid is in the closed position.

14. A container according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the consumer goods are aerosol-generating articles.

15. A system comprising a device for use in an electrically heated smoking system and the container of any one of the preceding claims, wherein device comprises a housing and a slit in the housing for receiving the first panel of the container.