WO2014111845A1

WO2014111845A1 - Package of loose articles and method for making this package

Info

Publication number: WO2014111845A1
Application number: PCT/IB2014/058252
Authority: WO
Inventors: Giuseppe Marchitto; Stefano Negrini
Original assignee: GD SpA
Current assignee: GD SpA
Priority date: 2013-01-21
Filing date: 2014-01-14
Publication date: 2014-07-24
Anticipated expiration: 2015-07-21
Also published as: ITBO20130023A1; JP2016507434A; DE112014000489T5; CN104995098A; RU2015132519A

Abstract

A package (1; 101) of loose articles, in particular smoke articles, comprises an outer wrapper (2; 102) provided with an opening (11; 111), an inner wrapper (3; 103), positioned inside the outer wrapper (2; 102), containing the loose articles and having, at its longitudinal end facing the opening (11; 111), an extraction opening (18; 118) for extracting the loose articles, and a lid (21; 121) for closing the extraction opening (18; 118). The package (1; 101) further comprises a sliding element (19; 119), surrounding the inner wrapper (3; 103), connected to the lid (21; 121) and operatable through operating zones formed in the outer wrapper (2; 102), to move the lid (21; 121) between a covered position (C), in which the lid (21; 121) covers the extraction opening (18; 118) to prevent the loose articles escaping, and an uncovered position (D), in which the lid (21; 121) uncovers the extraction opening (18; 118) to enable the loose articles to be extracted.

Description

"Package of loose articles and method for making this package."

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a package of loose articles, in particular smoke articles, or food articles such as candies, chewing gum and the like.

The invention further relates to a method for making this package of loose articles.

In the following description reference is made for the sake of brevity to a hard packet of cigarettes without the present invention thereby losing general validity.

BACKGROUND ART

A known hard packet of cigarettes, for example of the type defined as "hinge lid", has a substantially parallelepiped shape.

This packet is obtained from a pre-weakened and pre-cut flat cardboard blank and consists of an open outer wrapper that is open at one end and of a lid that is hinged on an end edge of the outer wrapper.

This packet further includes an internal element or collar, protruding from the open end of the outer wrapper, fixed thereto at a front wall and of two lateral walls and having a connecting function between the outer wrapper and lid.

In such packets, during the use thereof, a certain difficulty may be encountered in maintaining the lid in the correct closed position, despite the presence of contrasting elements obtained at the edges of the collar.

This drawback is the cause of the loss of humidity and aroma in cigarettes, and, in general, of the articles that are containable by such packets.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The aim of the present invention is to provide a package of loose articles, in particular smoke articles, which is free of the drawback disclosed above.

Another aim of the present invention is to provide a method for making a package of loose articles that is easy and cheap to be carried out.

According to the present invention a package of loose articles and a method for making such a package are provided as claimed in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ORIGINS

The present invention will now be disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate some embodiments thereof by way of non-limiting embodiments, in which:

figure 1 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a packet for cigarettes made in accordance with the present invention and in a closed configuration;

figure 2 is a front perspective view of the hard packet for cigarettes of figure 1 in an open configuration;

figures 3, 5 and 6 are perspective views of elements composing the hard packet for cigarettes of figures 1 and 2;

figure 4 is a plan view of a blank used for making a lid of the hard packet for cigarettes of figures 1 and 2;

figure 7 is a plan view of a blank used for making an inner wrapper of the hard packet for cigarettes of figures 1 and 2;

figure 7b is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a blank used for making an inner wrapper of the hard packet for cigarettes of figures 1 and 2;

figure 8 is a plan view of a blank used for making un outer wrapper of the hard packet for cigarettes of figures 1 and 2;

figure 9 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a packet for cigarettes made in accordance with the present invention and in a closed configuration;

figure 10 is a front perspective view of the hard packet for cigarettes of figure 9 in an open configuration;

figures 11, 13 e 14 are perspective views of elements composing the hard packet for cigarettes of figures 9 and 10;

figure 12 is a plan view of a blank used for making a lid of the hard packet for cigarettes of figures 9 and 10;

figure 15 is a plan view of a blank used for making an inner wrapper of the hard packet for cigarettes of figures 9 and 10;

figure 15b is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a blank used for making an inner wrapper of the hard packet for cigarettes of figures 9 and 10; and figure 16 is a plan view of a blank used for making un outer wrapper of the hard packet for cigarettes of figures 9 and 10.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With reference to figures 1-3, 5 and 6, a first embodiment of the invention is shown.

In the first embodiment of the invention a packet 1 of loose articles is provided, in particular a packet of cigarettes. The packet 1 contains a group, which is not illustrated, of cigarettes, wrapped in a piece, which is not illustrated, of wrapping material, consisting, for example, of tinfoil.

The packet 1 substantially has the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with longitudinal axis A and comprises an outer wrapper 2, for example made of cardboard, and an inner wrapper 3, for example made of cardboard, arranged in direct contact with the group of cigarettes arranged parallel to the axis A and positioned inside the outer wrapper 2.

The outer wrapper 2, illustrated in detail in figure 6, comprises a box-shaped body 4 defined by a top wall, or head, 5, by a bottom wall, or bottom 6, parallel to the top wall 5, and by four lateral walls parallel to the longitudinal axis A, consisting of a larger front wall 7, a larger rear wall 8, parallel to the larger front wall 7, and of two smaller walls, or sides, 9.

On the larger front wall 7 and on the larger rear wall 8 of the outer wrapper 2 respective slots 10 with a substantially rectangular shape with rounded edges are obtained.

The slots 10, the function of which will be explained below, face one another and extend along an axis B, which is transversal to the axis A, and perpendicular to the smaller walls 9 of the box- shaped body 4.

Also, the slots 10 are positioned nearer the top wall 5 than the bottom wall 6.

The outer wrapper 2 further comprises an opening 11 of substantially square shape, arranged at and adjacent to, top wall 5.

The inner wrapper 3, illustrated in detail in figure 5, comprises a box-shaped body 12 defined by a top wall, or head, 13, by a bottom wall, or bottom 14, parallel to the top wall 13, and by four lateral walls parallel to the longitudinal axis A, consisting of a larger front wall 15, a larger rear wall 16, parallel to the larger front wall 15, and of two smaller walls, or sides, 17.

The inner wrapper 3 further comprises an extraction opening 18 for the extraction of cigarettes that is substantially square in shape, arranged at and adjacent to, the top wall 13. More precisely, the extraction opening 18 has substantially the same width and is arranged at the opening 11 of the outer wrapper 2.

In other words, the extraction opening 18 of the inner wrapper 3 faces the opening 11 of the outer wrapper 2.

Between the outer wrapper 2 and the inner wrapper 3 a sliding element 19 is interposed that is illustrated in detail in figure 3.

The sliding element 19, the function of which will be explained below, consists of a band 20, made for example of polypropylene, wrapped around the inner wrapper 3.

In this manner, in use, between the materials constituting the sliding element 19 and the inner wrapper 3, a low friction coefficient is generated.

In particular, the band 20 is closed in a loop, and is movable around the longitudinal axis A along which the packet 1 extends.

The packet 1 further comprises a lid 21, illustrated in detail in figure 3, for closing the extraction opening 18 of the inner wrapper 3.

The lid 21 comprises a larger top wall 22 interposed between the top wall 5 of the outer wrapper 2 and the top wall 13 of the inner wrapper 3, and two smaller lateral walls 23 connected on opposite sides to the larger top wall 22, the one interposed between the larger front wall 7 of the outer wrapper 2 and the larger front wall 15 of the inner wrapper 3, the other between the larger rear wall 8 of the outer wrapper 2 and the larger rear wall 16 of the inner wrapper 3.

In particular, the smaller lateral wall 23 interposed between the larger front wall 7 of the outer wrapper 2 and the larger front wall 15 of the inner wrapper 3 is connected to the sliding element 19, whereas the smaller lateral wall 23 interposed between the larger rear wall 8 of the outer wrapper 2 and the larger rear wall 16 of the inner wrapper 3 is disengaged from the sliding element 19.

In a closed configuration of the packet 1, illustrated in figure 1, the lid 21 is positioned in a covered position C, in which the lid 21 covers the extraction opening 18 to prevent the cigarettes escaping.

Vice versa, in an open configuration of the packet 1, illustrated in figure 2, the lid 21 is positioned in an uncovered position D, in which the lid 21 uncovers the extraction opening 18 to enable the cigarettes to be extracted.

In use, to open the packet 1, the user engages with two fingers, one through the slot 10 of the larger front wall 7, the other through the slot 10 of the larger rear wall 8, the annular band 20, and exerts on the latter a thrust action according to the axis B, directed according to the arrow Fl in the case of the finger engaging with the band 20 through the slot 10 of the larger front wall 7 and according to the arrow Fl' in the case of the finger engaging with the band 20 through the slot 10 of the larger rear wall 8.

As a consequence of this relative sliding, the lid 21 moves from the covered position C to the uncovered position D.

Once the extraction has been made, the user exerts on the band 20 a thrust action according to the arrows F2, F2' in such a manner that the lid 21 moves from the uncovered position D to the covered position C.

In other words, in use, the band 20, which is closed in a loop and is movable around the longitudinal axis A, is operatable by the user, by operating zones defined by the slots 10 of the outer wrapper 2, to move the lid 21 along the axis B that is transversal to the longitudinal axis A between the covered position C, in which the lid 21 covers the extraction opening 18 to prevent the cigarettes escaping, and the uncovered position D, in which the lid 21 uncovers the extraction opening 18 to enable the cigarettes to be extracted. It should be observed that, in use, the lid 21 is guided and supported by upper edges 24, next to the wall 13 and the extraction opening 18, respectively of the larger front wall 15 and of the larger rear wall 16 of the inner wrapper 3, which define guiding and supporting means that is suitable for guiding and supporting the lid 21.

Also, it should be observed that the lid 21 rests, in the covered position C, on an upper edge 25, next to the extraction opening 18, of the smaller wall 17 of the inner wrapper 2, which upper edge 25 defines resting means that is suitable for supporting the lid 21 in the covered position C.

According to what has been illustrated in figure 4, the lid 21 is obtained from a corresponding flat blank 26, of substantially elongated rectangular shape, and the parts of which will be indicated, where possible, with accented reference numbers that are the same as the reference numbers that distinguish the corresponding parts of the lid 21.

The blank 26 comprises a pair of transversal weakness lines 27, defining between them a panel 22' constituting the larger top wall 22 of the lid 21.

The panel 22' has a pair of flaps 23', 23" that are arranged on opposite sides of the panel 22' and constitute the smaller lateral walls 23 of the lid 21.

According to what has been illustrated in figure 7, the inner wrapper 3 is obtained from a corresponding flat blank 28, of substantially elongated rectangular shape, and the parts of which will be indicated, where possible, with accented reference numbers that are the same as the reference numbers that distinguish the corresponding parts of the inner wrapper 3. The blank 28 has longitudinal weakness lines 29 and transversal weakness lines 30.

The transversal weakness lines 30 define, between the longitudinal weakness lines 29, a panel 14' constituting an external part of the bottom wall 14, a panel 15' constituting the larger front wall 15, a panel 13' constituting the top wall 13, a panel 16' constituting the larger rear wall 16 ed a panel 14" constituting an internal part of the bottom wall 14. In particular, the panel 13' is connected to the panels 15', 16' by transversal weakness lines 30.

The panel 15' has a pair of flaps 17', that are arranged on opposite sides of the panel 15', are separated from the panel 15' by the longitudinal weakness lines 29 and constitute respective external parts of the smaller walls 17.

Lastly, the panel 16' has a pair of flaps 17", that are arranged on opposite sides of the panel 16', are separated from the panel 16' by the longitudinal weakness lines 29 and constitute respective internal parts of the smaller walls 17.

According to what has been illustrated in figure 8, the outer wrapper 2 is obtained from a corresponding flat blank 31, of substantially elongated rectangular shape, and the parts of which will be indicated, where possible, with accented reference numbers that are the same as the reference numbers that distinguish the corresponding parts of the outer wrapper 2. The blank 31 has longitudinal weakness lines 32 and transversal weakness lines 33.

The transversal weakness lines 33 define, between the longitudinal weakness lines 32, a panel 6' constituting an external part of the bottom wall 6, a panel 7' constituting the larger front wall 7, a panel 5' constituting the top wall 6, a panel 8' constituting the larger rear wall 8 and a panel 6" constituting an internal part of the bottom wall 6.

The panel 7' has a pair of flaps 9', that are arranged on opposite sides of the panel 7', are separated from the panel 7' by the longitudinal weakness lines 32 and constitute respective external parts of the smaller walls 9.

The panel 8' has a pair of flaps 9", that are arranged on opposite sides of the panel 8', are separated from the panel 8' by the longitudinal weakness lines 32 and constitute respective internal parts of the smaller walls 9.

With the flaps 9" further flaps 6"' are connected, which constitute an internal part of the bottom wall 6.

Inside the panels 7', 8' the slots 10 are obtained.

With reference to figures 9-11, 14 and 15, a second embodiment of the invention is shown. In the second embodiment of the invention a package 101 of loose articles, in particular a packet of cigarettes, is provided.

The packet 101 contains a group, which is not illustrated, of cigarettes, wrapped in a piece, which is not illustrated, of wrapping material, consisting, for example, of tinfoil.

The packet 101 substantially has the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with a longitudinal axis A and comprises an outer wrapper 102, for example made of cardboard, and an inner wrapper 103, for example made of cardboard, arranged in direct contact with the group of cigarettes arranged parallel to the axis A and positioned inside the outer wrapper 2.

The outer wrapper 102, illustrated in detail in figure 14, comprises a box-shaped body 104 defined by a top wall, or head, 105, by a bottom wall, or bottom 106, parallel to the top wall 105, and by four lateral walls parallel to the longitudinal axis A, consisting of a larger front wall 107, a larger rear wall 108, parallel to the larger front wall 107, and of two smaller walls, or sides, 109.

On the larger front wall 107 and on the larger rear wall 108 of the outer wrapper 102 respective slots 110, with a substantially rectangular shape with rounded edges are obtained.

The slots 110 face one another and extend along an axis B, which is transversal to the axis

A, and perpendicular to the smaller walls 109 of the box-shaped body 104.

Also, the slots 110 are positioned nearer the top wall 105 than the bottom wall 106.

The outer wrapper 102 further comprises an opening 111, including a top portion 140 of substantially square plan shape, arranged at and adjacent to, the top wall 105.

The opening 111 further comprises two lateral portions 141, of substantially rectangular trapezium shape, with the respective larger bases adjacent to, and positioned on opposite sides of the top portion 140.

More precisely, the two lateral portions 141 are arranged at longitudinal ends respectively of the larger front wall 107 and of the larger rear wall 108 of the outer wrapper 102.

The inner wrapper 103, illustrated in detail in figure 13, comprises a box-shaped body 112 defined by a top wall, or head, 113, by a bottom wall, or bottom 114, parallel to the top wall 113 and by four lateral walls parallel to the longitudinal axis A, consisting of a larger front wall 115, a larger rear wall 116, parallel to the larger front wall 115, and of two smaller walls, or sides, 117.

The inner wrapper 103 further comprises an extraction opening 118 for extracting the loose articles, of a shape that is substantially the same as that of the opening 111 of the outer wrapper 102.

In particular, the extraction opening 118, arranged adjacent to and at the opening 111 of the outer wrapper 102, includes a top portion 142 of substantially square shape, arranged at and adjacent to, the top wall 113.

The extraction opening 118 further comprises two lateral portions 143, of substantially rectangular trapezium shape, with the respective larger bases adjacent to, and positioned on opposite sides of the top portion 142, the two lateral portions 143 being arranged at longitudinal ends respectively of the larger front wall 115 and of the larger rear wall 116 of the inner wrapper 103.

Between the outer wrapper 102 and the inner wrapper 103 a sliding element 119 is interposed, illustrated in detail in figure 11.

The sliding element 119 consists of a band 120, made for example of polypropylene, wrapped around the inner wrapper 103.

In this manner, in use, between the materials constituting the sliding element 119 and the inner wrapper 103, a low friction coefficient is generated.

In particular, the band 120 is closed in a loop, and is movable around the longitudinal axis A along which the packet 101 extends.

The packet 101 further comprises a lid 121, illustrated in detail in figure 11, for closing the extraction opening 118 of the inner wrapper 103.

The lid 121 comprises a larger top wall 122 interposed between the top wall 105 of the outer wrapper 102 and the top wall 113 of the inner wrapper 103, and two smaller lateral walls 123 connected on opposite sides to the larger top wall 122, the one interposed between the larger front wall 107 of the outer wrapper 102 and the larger front wall 115 of the inner wrapper 103, the other between the larger rear wall 108 of the outer wrapper 102 and the larger rear wall 116 of the inner wrapper 103.

In particular, the smaller lateral wall 123 interposed between the larger front wall 107 of the outer wrapper 102 and the larger front wall 115 of the inner wrapper 103 is connected to the sliding element 119, whereas the smaller lateral wall 123 interposed between the larger rear wall 108 of the outer wrapper 102 and the larger rear wall 116 of the inner wrapper 103 is disengaged from the sliding element 119.

In a closed configuration of the packet 101, illustrated in figure 9, the lid 121 is positioned in a covered position C, in which the lid 121 covers the extraction opening 118 to prevent the cigarettes escaping.

Vice versa, in an open configuration o packet 101, illustrated in figure 10, the lid 121 is positioned in an uncovered position D, in which the lid 121 uncovers the extraction opening 118 to enable the cigarettes to be extracted.

In use, to open the packet 101, the user engages with two fingers, one through the slot 110 of the larger front wall 107, the other through the slot 110 of the larger rear wall 108, the annular band 120, and exerts on the latter a thrust action according to the axis B, directed according to the arrow Fl in the case of the finger engaging with the band 20 through the slot 110 of the larger front wall 107 and according to the arrow FT in the case of the finger engaging with the band 120 through the slot 110 of the larger rear wall 108.

As a consequence of this relative sliding, the lid 121 passes from the covered position C to the uncovered position D.

Once the extraction has been made, the user exerts on the band 120 a thrust action according to the arrows F2, F2' in such a manner that the lid 121 moves from the uncovered position D to the covered position C.

In other words, in use, the band 120, which is close in a loop and is movable around the longitudinal axis A, is operatable by the user, by operating zones defined by the slots 110 of the outer wrapper 102, to move the lid 121 along the axis B that is transversal to the longitudinal axis A between the covered position C, in which the lid 121 covers the extraction opening 118 to prevent the cigarettes escaping, and the uncovered position D, in which the lid 121 uncovers the extraction opening 118 to enable the cigarettes to be extracted.

It should be observed that, in use, the lid 121 is guided and supported by upper edges 124 of the larger front wall 115 and of the larger rear wall 116 of the inner wrapper 103, these upper edges 124 define guiding and supporting means that is suitable for guiding and supporting the lid 121.

In particular, it should be observed that in the packet 101 the upper edges 124 comprise respective first rectilinear portions 144, adjacent to the top wall 113, and second rectilinear portions 145, adjacent to the extraction opening 118, between the first rectilinear portions 144 and the second rectilinear portions 145 shaped portions 146 being interposed defining the respective contours of the lateral portions 143 of the extraction opening 118.

It should be observed that the second rectilinear portions 145 rise slightly towards an upper edge 125, adjacent to the top portion 142 of the extraction opening 118, of the smaller wall 117 of the inner wrapper 102, so as to facilitate, during a packet 101 closing step, positioning of the lid 121 in the covered position C.

Also, it should be observed that the lid 121 rests, in the covered position C, on the upper edge 125, which defines resting means that is suitable for supporting the lid 121 in the covered position C.

The difference between the packet 1 illustrated in figures 1-3, 5 and 6 and the packet 101 illustrated in figures 9-11, 14 and 15 lies in the shape of the openings 11, 111 and of the extraction openings 18, 118.

Owing to this difference, in the packet 101, in the covered position C, the smaller lateral walls 123 of the lid 121 remain partially visible whereas in the uncovered position D, extraction of the cigarettes is promoted.

According to what has been illustrated in figure 12, the lid 121 is obtained from a corresponding flat blank 126, of substantially elongated rectangular shape, and the parts of which will be indicated, where possible, with accented reference numbers that are the same as the reference numbers that distinguish the corresponding parts of the lid 121.

The blank 126 comprises a pair of transversal weakness lines 127, defining between them a panel 122' constituting the larger top wall 122 of the lid 121.

The panel 122' has a pair of flaps 123', 123" that are arranged on opposite sides of the panel 122' and constitute the smaller lateral walls 123 of the lid 121.

According to what has been illustrated in figure 15, the inner wrapper 103 is obtained from a corresponding flat blank 128, of substantially elongated rectangular shape, and the parts of which will be indicated, where possible, with accented reference numbers that are the same as the reference numbers that distinguish the corresponding parts of the inner wrapper 103.

The blank 128 has longitudinal weakness lines 129 and transversal weakness lines 130. The transversal weakness lines 130 define, between the longitudinal weakness lines 129, a panel 114' constituting an external part of the bottom wall 114, a panel 115' constituting the larger front wall 115, a panel 113' constituting the top wall 113, a panel 116' constituting the larger rear wall 116 and a panel 114" constituting an internal part of the bottom wall 114.

In particular, the panel 113' is connected to the panels 115', 116' by means of transversal weakness lines 130.

The panel 115' has a pair of flaps 117', that are arranged on opposite sides of the panel 115', are separated from the panel 115' by the longitudinal weakness lines 129 and constitute respective external parts of the smaller walls 117.

Lastly, the panel 116' has a pair of flaps 117", that are arranged on opposite sides of the panel 116', are separated from the panel 116' by the longitudinal weakness lines 129 and constitute respective internal parts of the smaller walls 117.

According to what has been illustrated in figure 16, the outer wrapper 102 is obtained from a corresponding flat blank 131, of substantially elongated rectangular shape, and the parts of which will be indicated, where possible, with accented reference numbers that are the same as the reference numbers that distinguish the corresponding parts of the outer wrapper 102.

The blank 131 has longitudinal weakness lines 132 and transversal weakness lines 133.

The transversal weakness lines 133 define, between the longitudinal weakness lines 132, a panel 106' constituting an external part of the bottom wall 106, a panel 107' constituting the larger front wall 107, a panel 105' constituting the top wall 106, a panel 108' constituting the larger rear wall 108 ed a panel 106" constituting an internal part of the bottom wall 106.

The panel 107' has a pair of flaps 109', that are arranged on opposite sides of the panel 107', are separated from the panel 107' by the longitudinal weakness lines 132 and constitute respective external parts of the smaller walls 109.

The panel 108' has a pair of flaps 109", that are arranged on opposite sides of the panel 108', are separated from the panel 108' by the longitudinal weakness lines 132 and constitute respective internal parts of the smaller walls 109.

To the flaps 109" further flaps 106" ' are connected, which constitute an internal part of the bottom wall 106.

Inside the panels 107', 108' the slots 110 are obtained.

To make the packets 1, 101 disclosed above, the blank 28, 128 is folded in a known manner to form the inner wrapper 3, 103, associate the lid 21 121 and the sliding element 19, 119 with the formed inner wrapper 3, 103 and fold the blank 31, 131 to form the outer wrapper 2, 102.

More precisely, associating the lid 21, 121 and the sliding element 19, 119 with the formed inner wrapper 3, 103 comprises, in sequence, positioning the lid 21, 121 on the formed inner wrapper 3, 103 at the longitudinal end of the inner wrapper 3, 103 having the extraction opening 18, 118, wrapping in a loop the sliding element 19, 119 around the inner wrapper 3, 103 and fixing, for example by heat-sealing, the sliding element 19, 119 to the lid 21, 121.

Alternatively, to associate the lid 21, 121 and the sliding element 19, 119 with the formed inner wrapper 3, 103, there is provided, in sequence, wrapping the sliding element 19, 119 in a closed loop around the formed inner wrapper 3, 103, positioning the lid 21, 121 on the sliding element 19, 119 and on the formed inner wrapper 3, 103 at the longitudinal end of the inner wrapper 3, 103 having the extraction opening 18, 118, and fixing, for example by gluing, the sliding element 19, 119 to the lid 21, 121.

The aforesaid step of folding the blank 31, 131 to form the outer wrapper 2, 102 comprises folding the blank 31, 131 of the outer wrapper 2, 102 completely around the formed inner wrapper 3, 103.

Alternatively, the step of folding the blank 31, 131 to form the outer wrapper 2, 102 comprises inserting, for example by a cartoning machine, the formed inner wrapper 3, 103 in the blank 31, 131 of the outer wrapper 2, 102 which was previously partially folded, i.e. folded without folding the panels 6', 6", 6" ', 106', 106", 106" ', constituting the bottom wall 6, 106.

Further, the aforesaid step of folding the blank 31, 131 for forming the outer wrapper 2, 102 comprises gluing the bottom wall 14, 114 of the inner wrapper 3, 103 to the bottom wall 6, 106 of the outer wrapper 2, 102, so as to fix the inner wrapper 3, 103 to the outer wrapper 2, 102.

Also, the aforesaid step of wrapping the sliding element 19, 119 in a closed loop around the formed inner wrapper 3, 103 comprises connecting end portions of the sliding element 19, 119 so as to form a closed loop.

It should be noted how the packets 1, 101 during use maintain the lid 21, 121, in the correct closed position more effectively than known packets, thus safeguarding integrity of the loose articles contained therein.

According to a different embodiment of the invention that is not illustrated, the packets 1, 101 contain loose food articles such as, for example, candies, chewing gum and the like. In this embodiment inside the inner wrapper 3, 103, there is no piece of wrapping material. According to a different embodiment of the invention the inner wrapper 3, 103 is obtained from the blank illustrated respectively in figures 7b and 15b.

In this embodiment the inner wrapper 3, 103 comprises, instead of the bottom wall 14, 114, a lower opening.

This embodiment further provides for the bottom wall 6, 106 of the outer wrapper 2, 102, facing the lower opening of the inner wrapper 3, 103, being openable/clo sable to enable access to the inner wrapper 3, 103 by this lower opening, this access enabling, for example, recharging of the loose articles in the inner wrapper 3, 103.

It should be noted that in this embodiment, as the inner wrapper 3, 103 is devoid of the bottom wall 14, 114, the top wall 5, 105 of the outer wrapper 2, 102 defines, in use, blocking means that is suitable for retaining the inner wrapper 103 within the outer wrapper 102.

According to a further different embodiment that is not illustrated, the outer wrapper 2, 102 is made of paper of a lower weight than that of the cardboard, or of plastic material.

According to a different embodiment that is not illustrated, the slots 10, 110 are positioned nearer the bottom wall 6, 106 than the top wall 5, 105.

According to still another embodiment that is not illustrated, the lid 21, 121 and the sliding element 19, 119 are made as a single body.

Claims

1. A package (1; 101) of loose articles, in particular smoke articles, comprising:

an outer wrapper (2; 102) provided with an opening (11; 111);

an inner wrapper (3; 103) positioned inside the outer wrapper (2; 102), the inner wrapper (3; 103) containing the loose articles and having an opening (18; 118) for extracting the loose articles at its longitudinal end towards the opening (11; 111); and

a lid (21; 121) for closing the extraction opening (18; 118),

the package (1; 101) is characterised in that a sliding element (19) is provided which surrounds the inner wrapper (3; 103), is connected to the lid (21; 121) and is operatable, through operating zones formed in the outer wrapper (2; 102), to move the lid (21; 121) between a covered position (C), in which the lid (21; 121) covers the extraction opening (18; 118) to prevent the loose articles escaping, and an uncovered position (D), in which the lid (21; 121) uncovers the extraction opening (18; 118) to enable the loose articles to be extracted.

2. A package (1; 101) according to claim 1, wherein the sliding element (19; 119) consists of a band (20; 120) which forms a loop and is movable around a longitudinal axis (A) along which the package (1; 101) extends, in such a manner as to move the lid (21; 121) along an axis (B) which is transversal, in particular perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis (A).

3. A package (1; 101) according to claim 1, or 2, wherein the sliding element (19; 119) and the inner wrapper (3; 103) are made of respective materials which are such as to generate a low coefficient of friction between them.

4. A package (1; 101) according to claim 2, or 3, wherein the outer wrapper (2; 102) comprises a box-shaped body (4; 104) including a top wall (5; 105), a bottom wall (6; 106) and four lateral walls which are parallel to the longitudinal axis (A) and consist of a larger front wall (7; 107), a larger rear wall (8; 108) and two smaller lateral walls (9; 109), and the inner wrapper (3; 103) comprises a box-shaped body (12; 112) including a top wall (13; 113), a bottom wall (14; 114) and four lateral walls which are parallel to the longitudinal axis (A) and consist of a larger front wall (15; 115), a larger rear wall (16; 116) and two smaller lateral walls (17; 117).

5. A package (1; 101) according to claim 4, wherein the larger front wall (7; 107) and the larger rear wall (8; 108) of the outer wrapper (2; 102) are provided with respective slots (10; 110) forming the operating zones of the sliding element (19; 119).

6. A package (1; 101) according to claim 5, wherein the slots (10; 110) face one another and extend transversally to the longitudinal axis (A).

7. A package (1; 101) according to any of the claims 4 to 6, wherein the lid (21; 121) comprises a lateral wall (23) which is connected to the sliding element (19; 119) and is interposed between the larger front wall (7; 107) of the outer wrapper (2; 102) and the larger front wall (15; 115) of the inner wrapper (3; 103), and a top wall (22; 122) which is connected to the lateral wall (23; 123) and is interposed between the top wall (5; 105) of the outer wrapper (2; 102) and the top wall (13; 113) of the inner wrapper (3; 103).

8. A package (1; 101) according to claim 7, wherein the lid (21; 121) comprises another lateral wall (23; 123), opposite the lateral wall (23; 123), which is interposed between the larger rear wall (8; 108) of the outer wrapper (2; 102) and the larger rear wall (16; 116) of the inner wrapper (3; 103), this lateral wall (23; 123) being disengaged from the sliding element (19; 119).

9. A package (1; 101) according to any of the claims 1 to 6, wherein the lid (21; 121) and the sliding element (19; 119) are a single body.

10. A package (1; 101) according to any of the claims 4 to 9, wherein the opening (11; 111) and the extraction opening (18; 118) are arranged respectively at the top wall (5; 105) of the outer wrapper (2; 102) and at the top wall (13; 113) of the inner wrapper (3; 103).

11. A package (1; 101) according to any of the claims 4 to 9, wherein the opening (11; 111) is arranged at the top wall (5; 105), at the larger front wall (7; 107) and at the larger rear wall (8; 108) of the outer wrapper (2; 102) and the extraction opening (18; 118) is arranged at the top wall (13; 113), at the larger front wall (15; 115) and at the larger rear wall (16; 116) of the inner wrapper (3; 103).

12. A package (1; 101) according to any preceding claim, and comprising guiding and supporting means (124) of the lid (21; 121).

13. A package (1; 101) according to claim 12, wherein the guiding and supporting means of the lid (21; 121) comprises upper edges (24; 144, 145) of the larger front wall (15; 115) and of the larger rear wall (16; 116) of the inner wrapper (3; 103).

14. A package (1; 101) according to any of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the inner wrapper (3; 103) comprises a lower opening and the outer wrapper (2; 102) comprises a bottom wall

(6; 106) facing the lower opening, the bottom wall (6; 106) being openable/closable to permit access to the inner wrapper (3; 103) through the lower opening.

15. A package (1; 101) according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer wrapper (2; 102) and the inner wrapper (3; 103) are formed by folding respective blanks (28, 31; 128, 131).

16. A method for forming a package of loose articles, in particular smoke articles, the package comprising an outer wrapper (2; 102) provided with an opening (11; 111); an inner wrapper (3; 103) positioned inside the outer wrapper (2; 102), the inner wrapper (3;

103) containing the loose articles and having an opening (18; 118) for extracting the loose articles at its longitudinal end towards the opening (11; 111); a lid (21; 121) for closing the extraction opening (18; 118), and a sliding element (19; 119) which surrounds the inner wrapper (3; 103), is connected to the lid (21; 121) and is operatable, through operating zones formed in the outer wrapper (2; 102), to move the lid (21; 121) between a covered position (C), in which the lid (21; 121) covers the extraction opening (18; 118) to prevent the loose articles escaping, and an uncovered position (D), in which the lid (21; 121) uncovers the extraction opening (18; 118) to enable the loose articles to be extracted, the method comprises the steps of:

folding a blank (28; 128) to form the inner wrapper (3; 103);

associating the lid (21; 121) and the sliding element (19; 119) with the formed inner wrapper (3; 103); and

folding a blank (31; 131) to form the outer wrapper (2; 102).

17. A method according to claim 16, wherein associating the lid (21; 121) and the sliding element (19; 119) with the formed inner wrapper (3; 103) comprises, in sequence, positioning the lid (21; 121) on the formed inner wrapper (3; 103) at the longitudinal end of the inner wrapper (3; 103) having the extraction opening (18; 118),

wrapping the sliding element (19; 119) around the inner wrapper (3; 103) to form a closed loop and

fixing the sliding element ( 19 ; 119) to the lid (21 ; 121 ) .

18. A method according to claim 16, wherein associating the lid (21; 121) and the sliding element (19; 119) with the formed inner wrapper (3; 103) comprises, in sequence, wrapping the sliding element (19; 119) around the formed inner wrapper (3; 103) to form a closed loop,

positioning the lid (21; 121) on the sliding element (19; 119) and on the formed inner wrapper (3; 103) at the longitudinal end of the inner wrapper (3; 103) having the extraction opening (18; 118), and

fixing the sliding element (19; 119) to the lid (21 ; 121).

19. A method according to any of the claims 16 to 18, wherein folding a blank (31; 131) to form the outer wrapper (2; 102) comprises folding completely the blank (31; 131) of the outer wrapper (2; 102) around the formed inner wrapper (3; 103).

20. A method according to any of the claims 16 to 18, wherein folding a blank (31; 131) to form the outer wrapper (2; 102) comprises inserting the formed inner wrapper (3; 103) into the blank (31; 131) of the previously partially folded outer wrapper (2; 102).

21. A method according to any of the claims 17 to 20, wherein wrapping the sliding element (19; 119) to form a closed loop around the formed inner wrapper (3; 103) comprises connecting end portions of the sliding element (19; 119) so as to form a closed loop.