WO2010001335A1

WO2010001335A1 - Packet and corresponding blank

Info

Publication number: WO2010001335A1
Application number: PCT/IB2009/052831
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marco Vecchi
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-07-04
Filing date: 2009-06-30
Publication date: 2010-01-07
Anticipated expiration: 2011-01-04
Also published as: KR20110031487A; ITMO20080189A1; IT1391001B1; CN102083709A; KR101541788B1; CN102083709B

Abstract

A packet, in particular a packet for smoke articles, comprises an outer enclosure (2) including a containing body (3) and a closing body (4) that is rotatable around a hinge (35) obtained on an external wall of said packet (D, said packet (1) including closing elements (50) associated with main wall means (22, 23, 24) of said internal enclosure (2) for closing a base portion (6) and a top portion (7) of said packet (1), said outer enclosure (2) further comprising a secondary base wall (31) and a secondary top wall (11) connected to said main wall means (22, 23, 24) and arranged for wrapping said closing elements (50) and locking the latter respectively on said base portion (6) and on said top portion (7).

Description

Packet and corresponding blank

The invention relates to packets for smoke articles, such as cigars or cigarettes, and in particular it relates to a stiff packet and a corresponding blank from which it is possible to make said packet .

Stiff packets for cigarettes with a hinged lid are known, so- called ^λhinge-lid" packets, which are particularly appreciated by smokers for their great stiffness, which prevents damage to the cigarettes even when the packet is subjected to blows or kept in a pocket or a bag of a consumer .

These packets comprise a stiff outer shell or enclosure inside which an internal enclosure with a group of wrapped cigarettes is inserted, which are typically wrapped in a metallic sheet.

The outer stiff enclosure, which ' is made by folding from a suitable blank made of sheet material, such as card, cardboard, paper or the like, comprises a containing body and a hinged lid. The latter is joined to the containing body by a folded line, that acts as a hinge, made on a wall of the packet .

Recently, a tendency to customise traditional hinged-lid packets has emerged, in order to induce smokers to prefer a packet having a certain appearance that is more elegant or original than other packets with a more traditional appearance .

In order to customise the packets, it is possible to use writing, drawings or more in general promotional messages printed on the visible surfaces of the packet or vary the shape or the structure of the packet.

Traditional stiff packets, which are entirely formable by folding a single blank, in fact have a parallelpipedon shape, with flat walls, separated by right-angled corners or bevelled or rounded corners . The parallelpipedon shape gives the packet stability and robustness and ensures that the packet closes completely, preventing the product escaping to the exterior.

With normal packaging machines, which are used to produce traditional stiff packets, it is nevertheless not possible to make packets with curved walls or which have a rectangular, rounded, oval, elliptical or similar cross section. Such packets would in fact be instable, could not be completely closed at the base and at the top and would have an unacceptable aesthetic appearance. Stiff packets are known in which the outer enclosure is provided with curved walls or has an oval, elliptical or similar cross section.

EP 0414532 discloses a stiff packet with a hinged lid that is provided with an outer enclosure in which a front flat wall and a rear flat wall, that are parallel to and opposite one another are connected by curved side walls. The lid is hinged on a rear face of the body of the outer enclosure. The latter is made with a tubular shape that suitably wraps two layers of superimposed and glued sheet material obtained from respective blanks around a shaped shaft. The packet is then completed by gluing closing elements or caps to base and top portions of the tubular outer enclosure.

US 4923059 shows a stiff packet with a hinged lid that has an oval cross section, i.e. comprising an outer enclosure including curved walls. The outer enclosure comprises a body formed by an internal sleeve inserted inside an external sleeve, on which the lid is hinged. A base portion of the body and a top portion of the lid of the packet are closed by respective caps or lids, glued on an internal surface of the external sleeve. The caps prevent the product from escaping and maintain the packet stable in the desired curved shape.

US 5183523 shows a method and an apparatus for ultrasound welding of closing caps for closing containers for foodstuffs or tobacco comprising an oval cardboard pipe that is open at the ends. Adhesive material is applied to internal surfaces of said ends that enables the caps to be fixed stably.

The packets disclosed above are not processable on normal packaging machines but require the use of different machines or production lines. It is clear that for manufacturers, choosing to produce such packets entails purchasing new dedicated packaging machines, with very high costs to be incurred .

A further drawback of the aforesaid hinged-lid packets consists of the fact that they are made using two layers of superimposed and glued sheet material in order to obtain a suitably stiff and stable shape. Such packets are therefore more expensive to produce than traditional packets.

In addition to this they require significant quantities of glue to be applied to ensure stable fixing of the closing elements, a peripheral edge of the closing element adhering to the body of the container. An object of the invention is to improve packets, in particular for smoke articles, such as cigarettes, and the blanks that are usable for making such packets . Another object is to make a stiff packet having great aesthetic appeal comprising ample curved walls, that can easily be produced on traditional packaging machines with substantially conventional productive processes. A further object is to obtain a packet having a stiff outer enclosure comprising curved walls, that is robust and stable and ensures that the contents are contained correctly. Still another object is to obtain a packet that is entirely formable by suitably folding a single blank.

In a first aspect of the invention a packet is provided, particularly a packet for smoke articles, comprising an outer enclosure including a containing body and a closing body that is rotatable around a hinge obtained on an external wall of said packet, said packet including closing elements associated with main wall means of said internal enclosure for closing a base portion and a top portion of said packet, characterised in that said outer enclosure further comprises a secondary base wall and a secondary top wall connected to said main wall means and arranged for wrapping said closing elements and locking the latter respectively on said base portion and on said top portion.

The secondary base wall and the secondary top wall are opposite one another and transverse, in particular substantially orthogonal, to the main wall means, in a closed configuration of said packet.

The main walls means comprise a front wall and a rear wall, that are opposite one another, and side walls interposed between and connecting said front wall and said rear wall. The front wall and the rear wall are substantially flat and parallel, whilst the side walls are curved.

Owing to this aspect of the invention it is thus possible to make a stiff packet that can be processed in a normal packaging machine inasmuch as it is creatable by suitably folding a single blank. The outer enclosure comprises, in fact, a containing body and a lid body hinged as in traditional packets.

The closing elements can be easily inserted into the outer enclosure during the process of folding the blank, the closing elements being fixed to end edges of the main wall means by the secondary base wall and the secondary top wall. Each closing element comprises a central portion arranged for abutting on the secondary base wall or the secondary top wall, said central portion being interposed between two end portions that are suitable for abutting on the end edges of the main wall means, in particular the side walls. The closing element further comprises first seat means made on said end portions for receiving end edges of said main wall means and second seat means made on said central portion for receiving the secondary base wall or the secondary top wall .

In this manner the closing elements constitute a support and a guide for the main walls of the containing body and give the packet 1 a stable shape and a robust structure. In a second aspect of the invention, a blank for producing a packet is provided, in particular a packet for smoke articles, comprising a first portion intended for forming a containing body of said packet, which portion is connected along an intended folded line to a second portion, intended for forming a closing body of said packet, said blank comprising:

— a first central panel, intended for forming a rear wall of said packet;

— a first transverse panel and a second transverse panel arranged at opposite ends of said first central panel and intended for forming respectively a base wall and a top wall of said packet;

— a second central panel and a third central panel connected respectively to said first transverse panel and to said second transverse panel and intended for forming a front wall of said packet;

— side panels arranged on the sides of said central panels and intended for forming side walls of said packet; said blank being characterised in that said first transverse panel and said second transverse panel have respective longitudinal dimensions that are greater than a depth of said formed packet .

The side panels and the transverse panels further form on said blank respective recesses at which the side panels and the transverse panels are devoid of foldable appendages, such as flaps, tabs or the like.

The transverse panels are provided with a plurality of respected lines of intended transverse folding so as to form respectively a base wall and a top wall that are at least partially curved. Similarly, the side panels can be provided with a plurality of respective intended longitudinal folded lines so as to form curved side walls.

The blank provided for by the second aspect of the invention thus enables the packet to be produced easily according to the first aspect of the invention even on traditional machines, inasmuch as this blank has an external outline that is similar to that of traditional blanks. The invention can be better understood and implemented with reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate some embodiments by way of non-limiting example, in which:

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a packet for smoke articles according to the invention, in a closed configuration;

Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the packet in Figure

1, in an open configuration;

Figure 3 is a rear bottom perspective view of the packet in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of the packet in Figure

1;

Figure 5 is a partially exploded perspective view of the packet in Figure 1 ; Figure 6 is a top plan view of a closing element of the packet in Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a front view of the closing element in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a side view of the closing element in Figure 6;

Figure 9 is a section along the line IX-IX in Figure 6 ; Figure 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the closing element in Figure 5 ;

Figure 11 is a frontal, partial, sectioned and enlarged view of the packet in Figure 1 ;

Figure 12 is a lateral, partial, sectioned and enlarged view of the packet in Figure 1;

Figures 13 and 14 are respectively front and rear perspective views of an internal enclosure of the packet in Figure 1; Figure 15 is a plan view of a blank for obtaining an outer enclosure of the packet in Figure 1. With reference to Figures 1 to 5 there is illustrated a packet 1 for smoke articles, particularly cigarettes. The packet 1, of stiff type, comprises an outer enclosure 2 provided with main wall means comprising a front wall 22 and a rear wall 23, which are substantially flat, which are parallel to and opposite one another, and partially curved side walls 24, interposed between and connecting said front wall 22 and said rear wall 23.

Each side wall 24 includes, for example, an almost flat central part 24a, connected to the front wall 22 and to the rear wall 23 by a pair of curved side parts 24b, that form a portion of cylindrical surface. The curvature radius of the side parts 24b is substantially the same.

A plurality of intended folded lines is provided on the side parts 24b of the side walls 24 to enable correct folding thereof during formation of the packet 1, as explained in detail further on in the description.

The packet 1 thus has a rectangular cross section with rounded longitudinal corners .

The outer enclosure 2 further comprises a secondary base wall 31 and a secondary top wall 11, respectively connected to the front wall 22 and to the rear wall 23, at a base portion 6 and at a top portion 7 of said packet. The secondary base wall 31 and the secondary top wall 11 are, in a closed configuration C of the packet 1, opposite one another and substantially parallel. Said secondary walls are, further, transverse and substantially orthogonal to the front wall 22 and to the rear wall 23.

The internal enclosure 2 includes a containing body 3, that can house the cigarettes, and a lid body 4 comprising a lid or cap that can be opened or closed to enable the user to access the contents of the packet. In particular, the lid 4 is movable between an open position A and a closed position C, rotating around a hinge 35 obtained on the rear wall 23 and substantially consisting of an intended folded line. The containing body 3 comprises the base wall 31, from which there extend a first front portion 22a of the front wall 22 and a first rear portion 23a of the rear wall 23. The first front portion 22a and the first rear portion 23a are connected by two first side portions 124 of the side walls 24. The containing body 3 forms a box provided with an upper opening for inserting and removing cigarettes. The lid 4 comprises the top wall 11 to which are connected a second front portion 22b of the front wall 22 and a second rear portion 23b of the rear wall 23. The second front portion 22b has, for example, a greater extent than the second rear portion 23b that is separated from the first rear portion 23a by the hinge 35.

The second front portion 22b and the second rear portion 23b are connected by two second side portions 125 of the curved side walls 24. When the packet 1 is in the closed configuration C, the first front portion 22a and the first rear portion 23a of the containing body 3 are respectively contiguous with and substantially coplanar with, the second front portion 22b and the second rear portion 23b of the lid 4 to form the front wall 22 and the rear wall 23.

Similarly, the first side portions 124 are contiguous with and substantially aligned with the corresponding second side portions 125 to form the respective curved side walls 24. The packet 1 further comprises closing elements 50 fixed to the base portion 6 and to the top portion 7 so as to abut on peripheral edges of the side walls 24. The closing elements 50 are maintained in position by the base wall 31 and by the top wall 11, that are folded thereupon.

With particular reference to Figures 6 to 9, each closing element 50 comprises a substantially concave and elongated body, having a shape corresponding to the cross section of the outer enclosure 2.

In particular the closing element 50 comprises a central portion 51, intended for abutting on the base wall 31 or the top wall 11, and interposed between two substantially rounded end portions 52 suitable for abutting on peripheral edges of the side walls 24. The aforesaid end portions 52 have a shape that is complementary to that of the side walls 24. The body of the closing element 50 includes, for example, a bottom wall 53 and a perimeter wall 54 connected by a rounded perimeter linking portion 57 and which define an internal cavity 55 inside which there are provided, for example, two transverse ribs 56. The transverse ribs 56, which are fixed to the bottom wall 53 and connect opposite longitudinal portions 54a, 54b of the perimeter wall 54, divide the internal cavity 55 into three compartments.

The transverse ribs 56 are arranged for stiffening the concave body and for abutting on an internal enclosure 10 positioned inside the outer enclosure 2, so as to give stiffness and solidity to the packet 1. First seats 58 are provided on the perimeter wall 54 at the end portions 52 for receiving end edges of the side walls 24. A second seat 59 is made on an external face of the bottom wall 53, on the longitudinal portions 54a, 54b of the perimeter wall 54 and on the perimeter linking portion 57 for receiving the base wall 31 or the top wall 11.

In order to adhere in an optimum manner to the perimeter linking portion 57 and enable correct folding during forming of the packet 1, the base wall 31 or the top wall 11 are provided with respective intended folded lines. The closing elements 50 ensure complete closure of the packet

1, preventing a possible leak of product to the outside, typically tobacco detaching from cigarettes or cigars contained therein.

With particular reference to Figure 11, the peripheral wall 54 substantially converges towards the inside from the bottom wall 53 to enable easier positioning and insertion of the closing element 50 in the base portion 6 or in the top portion 7. The first seats 58 on the peripheral wall 54 constitute a support and a guide for the side walls 24, so as to maintain the main walls 22, 23, 24 correctly shaped and to give the packet 1 a stable shape and a robust structure. The base wall 31 and the top wall 11 can be fixed to the second seats 59 of the respective closing elements 50 by means of an adhesive substance, distributed by points or in a uniform manner. In this manner, in addition to limiting the consumption of adhesive substance, the procedures for applying the adhesive substance are significantly simplified, which can be distributed over substantially flat surfaces. Additionally or alternatively, the side walls 24 can be fixed to the respective first seats 58 of the closing elements 50 by an adhesive substance.

The closing element 50 is made of stiff material, in particular of biodegradable plastics . Inside the outer enclosure 2 an internal enclosure 10 is positioned, shown in Figures 13 and 14, that houses an internal wrap 15, comprising a composition of cigarettes wrapped in a sheet of tinfoil or metallic foil. The internal wrap 15 is of known type and does not have substantial differences compared with internal wraps used in normal packets of cigarettes .

The internal enclosure 10 comprises an inner frame 5 of the type commonly used in cigarette packets for abutting on and guiding in closure the lid 4. The inner frame 5 is made of card, which may be combined with a sheet of metal such as aluminium.

The inner frame 5 during packaging of the packet 1 is folded around the internal wrap 15, to which it can be made to adhere by glue points . The inner frame 5 can be folded around the internal wrap 15 using a folding unit that is similar to the one used for traditional inner frames.

The internal enclosure 10 comprises a first wall 12 and a second wall 13 connected by two third partially curved walls 14. The latter have a shape that is substantially the same as that of the side walls 14. In the illustrated example, each third wall 14 comprises a respective substantially flat central part 14a, connected to the first wall 12 and to the second wall 13 by a pair of respective curved side parts 14b that form, for example, a portion of cylindrical surface. The first wall 12 and the second wall 13 are bound by respective upper outlines 16, 18 that are "U" -shaped and respective lower outlines 19, 21 which are also "U" -shaped and complementary to the upper outlines 16, 18. On the third walls 14, near the upper outline 16 of the first wall 12, respective closing tabs 20 protrude outwards, that are suitable for engaging with the lid 4 to maintain the latter in a closed configuration.

The internal enclosure 10 is arranged inside the outer enclosure 2 and is glued to the latter. In the closed configuration C of the packet 1 the internal enclosure 10 is abutted on below and above by the ribs 56 and by the perimeter walls 56 of the respective closing elements 50.

The outer enclosure 2 is formed by folding a blank 40 of the type shown in Figure 15, made, for example, of card or of similar material .

The blank 40 comprises a first portion 41, intended for forming the containing body 3 of the outer enclosure 2, and a second portion 42, intended for forming the lid body 4 of the outer enclosure 2. The blank 40 extends along a respective longitudinal axis Z.

The first portion 41 and the second portion 42 are joined to one another along an intended transverse folded line 43 intended to give rise to the hinge 35 in the packet 1. The intended folded line 43 is transverse, in particular almost orthogonal, to the longitudinal axis Z and is obtained inside a first central panel 45 of the blank 40. A first transverse panel 46 and a second transverse panel 47 are arranged at opposite ends of the first central panel 45, so that the first transverse panel 46, the first central panel 45 and the second transverse panel 47 are arranged in sequence along the longitudinal axis Z.

The first transverse panel 46 and the second transverse panel 47 have respectively a first longitudinal dimension or first length, H, and a second longitudinal dimension or second length, H' , that are greater than a depth or thickness D of the packet 1. The first longitudinal dimension H and the second longitudinal dimension H' are, for example, substantially the same.

The first transverse panel 46 and the second transverse panel 47 further have a first transverse dimension, or first width, L and a second transverse dimension, or second width, L' which are less than a width B of the formed packet 1. The first transverse dimension L and the second transverse dimension L' are, for example, substantially the same. The longitudinal dimensions H, H' and the transverse dimensions L, L' are detected along directions that are respectively parallel and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis Z.

The blank 40 further comprises a pair of first side panels 62, arranged on the two sides of the first central panel 45 in a region defined between the intended folded line 43 and the first transverse panel 46. A pair of second side panels 63 is further provided, arranged on the two sides of the first central panel 45 in a region defined between the intended folded line 43 and the second transverse panel 47. Each first side panel 62 is separated from the corresponding second side panel 63 by means of a tilted cutting line 44. The tilted cutting lines 44 are arranged at the ends of the intended folded line 43.

When the blank 40 is folded to form the packet 1, the first central panel 45 is intended to form the rear wall 23 of the outer enclosure 2, and in particular the first rear portion 23a of the containing body 3 and the second portion 23b of the lid body 4. The first transverse panel 46 is intended for forming the base wall 31 of the packet 1, whilst the second transverse panel 47 is intended for forming the top wall 11 of the lid 4.

A second central panel 48 is connected to the first transverse panel 46, which second central panel 48 is intended for forming the first front portion 22a of the containing body 3. Arranged on the two sides of the second central panel 48 a pair of third side panels 64 are further provided that are intended to form, in association with the first side panels 62, the first side portions 124 of the side walls 24 in the containing body 3.

The third side panels 64 substantially have a rectangular trapezium shape with an oblique side protruding externally, and are symmetrical and opposite the longitudinal axis Z . The oblique sides are tilted like the cutting lines 44. A third central panel 49 is connected to the second transverse panel 47, the third central panel 49 will form the second front portion 22b of the lid body 4.

A tab 66^ is joined to the third central panel 49 on an opposite side to the second transverse panel 47 along a transverse crease 60 that is arranged transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the longitudinal axis Z. The tab 66 is arranged for being folded towards the third central panel 49 so as to reinforce the second front portion 22b of the lid body 4. To opposite sides of the third central panel 49 a pair of fourth side panels 65 is connected that have a rectangular trapezium shape and are complementary to the third side panels 64 so as to form, in association with the second side panels 63, the second side portions 125 of the side walls 24 in the lid body 4.

The side panels 62, 63, 64, 65 comprise respective longitudinal internal portions that are adjacent to the central panels 45, 48, 49, and respective external longitudinal portions . The internal longitudinal portions are provided with a plurality of respective intended longitudinal folded lines 36, that are parallel to one another and to the longitudinal axis Z.

The first side panels 62, the third side panels 64 and the first transverse panel 46 define on the blank 40 a pair of first recesses 67.

Similarly, the second side panels 63, the fourth side panels 65 and the second transverse panel 47 define on the blank 40 a pair of second recesses 68.

At such recesses 67, 68, the side panels 62, 63, 64, 65 and the transverse panels 46, 47 are devoid of the blank of appendages such as flaps or tabs or the like.

The recesses 67, 68 have a longitudinal extent that is, for example, equal to the longitudinal dimensions H, H' of the respective transverse panels 46, 47. The recesses 67, 68 and the transverse dimensions L, L' of the transverse panels 46, 47, enable the curved walls 24 to be folded and the transverse panels 46, 47 to be wrapped on the closing elements 50.

When the blank 40 is processed on a packaging machine, to the internal surface of the latter an adhesive substance is applied, for example, at the external longitudinal portions of the first side panels 62 and of the second side panels 63 intended for being superimposed on the corresponding external longitudinal portions of the third side panels 64 and of the fourth side panels 65. Alternatively or additionally, the adhesive substance can be applied to end portions of the side panels 62, 63, 64, 65 intended for abutting on the first seats 58 of the closing elements 50 to ensure firmer closing of the packet 1. The outer enclosure 2 of the packet 1 is constructed by folding the blank 40 around the internal enclosure 10, with which corresponding closing elements 50 are associated respectively at a base portion and at a top portion. In particular, in the packaging machine the internal enclosure 10 and the respective closing elements 50 are supported and moved together during folding of the blank 40, which nevertheless occurs according to the traditional sequence of folding operations as this blank does not have additional panels compared with traditional blanks. The blank 40 can thus be processed in a common machine for producing stiff cigarette packets.

When the blank 40 is folded to form the outer enclosure 2, the first side panels 62 and the second side panels 63 are curved and partially superimposed on the third side panels 64 and on the fourth side panels 65, which are also curved, so as to form the curved side walls 24. In particular, the external longitudinal portions of the side panels 62, 63, 64, 65 form the central part 24a of the side walls 24, whilst the internal longitudinal portions of the side panels 62, 63, 64 65 form the side parts 24b of said side walls 24. The side panels 62, 63, 64, 65 are further wrapped to abut on the first seats 58 of the closing elements 50.

When folding the blank 40, the first central panel 45 and the second central panel 48 respectively form the rear wall 23 and the first front portion 22a of the containing body 3, that are opposite and parallel to one another. The third central panel 49 forms the second front portion 22b of the lid body 4, which is coplanar with the first front portion 22a.

During the process of forming the blank 40, the closing elements 50 close the base portion 6 and the top portion 7 of the packet, remaining interposed between the end edges of the side walls 24 and respectively the secondary base wall 31 and the secondary top wall 11 that are folded thereupon. In order to facilitate folding and in order to adhere in an optimal manner to the connecting portions 57 of the closing elements 50, the transverse panels 46, 47 are provided with respective intended transverse folded lines 37, which are parallel to one another and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis Z. From the foregoing remarks it is clear that the packet 1 can be made using packaging machines that do not substantially differ from existing machines.

In the displayed figures, only a packet has been shown that is provided with main walls comprising two substantially flat walls connected by curved side walls, provided with flat parts and curved parts, this packet thus having a cross section of rectangular shape with rounded corners . The packet according to the invention can nevertheless comprise one or more further curved or flat side walls and thus have a polygonal, for example hexagonal or octagonal cross section. The packet can further comprise main walls including, in addition to the two flat walls, a sole side wall and thus have a triangular cross section.

The front wall 22 and the rear wall 23 can also be curved so as to form with the curved side walls 24 a packet having an elliptical or oval cross section.

In all the aforesaid configurations, the closing elements 50, having a shape that is equivalent to the cross section of the packet 1, are inserted abutting on the main walls that are maintained in position by the secondary walls folded thereupon. The closing elements 50 constitute a support and a guide for the main walls of the outer enclosure and give the packet 1 a stable shape and a robust structure.

Claims

1. Packet, in particular for smoke articles, comprising an outer enclosure (2) including a containing body (3) and a closing body (4) that is rotatable around a hinge (35) obtained on an outer wall of said packet (1) , said packet (1) including closing elements (50) associated with main wall means (22, 23, 24) of said outer enclosure (2) for closing a base portion (6) and a top portion (7) of said packet (1) , characterised in that said outer enclosure (2) further comprises a base secondary wall (31) and a top secondary wall (11) connected to said main wall means (22, 23, 24) and arranged for wrapping said closing elements (50) and locking said closing elements (50) respectively on said base portion (6) and on said top portion (7) .

2. Packet according to claim 2 , wherein said base secondary wall (31) and said a top secondary wall (11) are opposite and transverse to one another, in particular substantially orthogonal, to said main wall means (22, 23, 24), in a closed configuration (C) of said packet (D -

3. Packet according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein said main wall means (22, 23, 24) comprises a front wall (22) and a rear wall (23) , that are opposite one another, and side walls (24) interposed between, and connecting, said front wall (22) and said rear wall (23) .

4. Packet according to claim 3, wherein said outer wall is said rear wall (23) .

5. Packet according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said rear wall (23) is substantially flat.

6. Packet according to any one of claims 3 to 5 , wherein said side walls (24) are at least partially curved.

7. Packet according to any preceding claim, wherein each closing element (50) comprises a central portion (51) arranged for abutting on said base secondary wall (31) or said top secondary wall (11) , said central portion (51) being interposed between two end portions (52) suitable for abutting on end edges of said main wall means (24) .

8. Packet according to claim 7, wherein said closing element (50) comprises first seat means (58) made on said end portions (52) to receive end edges of said main wall means (24) .

9. Packet according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said closing element (50) comprises second seat means (59) made at least on said central portion (51) to receive said base secondary wall (31) or said top secondary wall (11) .

10. Packet according to any preceding claim, wherein said closing elements (50) are made of biodegradable plastics .

11. Blank for producing a packet (1), in particular for smoke articles, comprising a first portion (41) intended for forming a containing body (3) of said packet (1) and connected along an intended folded line (43) to a second portion (42), intended for forming a closing body (4) of said packet (1), said blank (40) comprising:

- a first central panel (45) , intended for forming a rear wall (23) of said packet (1) ;

- a first transverse panel (46) and a second transverse panel (47) arranged at opposite ends of said first central panel (45) and intended for forming respectively a base wall (31) and a top wall (11) of said packet (1) ;

- a second central panel (48) and a third central panel (49) connected respectively to said first transverse panel (46) and to said second transverse panel (47) and intended for forming a front wall (22) of said packet

(D;

- side panels (62, 63, 64, 65) arranged on the sides of said central panels (45, 48, 49) and intended for forming side walls (24) of said packet (1) ; said blank (40) being characterised in that said a first transverse panel (46) and said second transverse panel (47) have respective longitudinal dimensions (H, H') that are greater than a depth (D) of said formed packet (1) .

12. Blank according to claim 11, wherein said side panels (62, 63, 64, 65) and said transverse panels (46, 47) form on said blank (40) respective recesses (67, 68) at which said side panels (62, 63, 64, 65) and said transverse panels (46, 47) are devoid of foldable appendages .

13. Blank according to claim 11 or 12, wherein said first transverse panel (46) and said second transverse panel (47) are provided with a plurality of respective intended transverse folded lines (37) so as to form respectively an at least partially curved base wall (31) and an at least partially curved top wall (11) .

14. Blank according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein said side panels (62, 63, 64, 65) are provided with a plurality of respective longitudinal intended folded lines (36) so as to form at least partially curved side walls (24) .