Patent Grant
12139312
The present disclosure relates to packaging and packaging blanks for creating packaging devices and packaging inserts for housing an aerosol delivery device and consumable components for use with aerosol delivery devices.
Popular smoking articles, such as cigarettes, conventionally have been sold in packages. Typically, each full package contains about 20 cigarettes. Cigarettes have been packaged in containers known as so-called “soft packs.” See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,695,422 to Tripodi; U.S. Pat. No. 4,717,017 to Sprinkel, Jr., et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,333,729 to Wolfe, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Cigarettes have also been packaged in containers known as so-called “hard packs” or “crush proof boxes.” See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,874,581 to Fox et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 3,944,066 to Niepmann; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,734 to Allen et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
However, many smoking devices have been proposed through the years as improvements upon, or alternatives to, smoking products that require combusting tobacco for use. Many of those devices purportedly have been designed to provide the sensations associated with cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking, but without delivering considerable quantities of incomplete combustion and pyrolysis products that result from the burning of tobacco. To this end, numerous alternative smoking products, such as, flavor generators, aerosol generators, and medicinal inhalers have been proposed. These devices utilize electrical energy to vaporize or heat a volatile material, or attempt to provide the sensations of cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking without burning tobacco to a significant degree. See, for example, the various alternative smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices and heat generating sources set forth in the background art described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,726,320 to Robinson et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2013/0255702 to Griffith, Jr et al, U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0000638 to Sebastian et al, U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No, 2014/0060554 to Collett et al, and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0096781 to Sears et al, which are all incorporated herein by reference.
Furthermore, aerosol delivery devices include, for example, vapor products commonly known as “electronic cigarettes,” “e-cigarettes” or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), as well as heat-not-burn products including tobacco heating products (THPs) and carbon-tipped tobacco heating products (CTHPs). Many of these products take the form of a system including a device and a consumable, and it is the consumable that includes the material from which the substance to be delivered originates. Typically, the device is reusable, and the consumable is single-use (although some consumables are refillable). Therefore, in many cases, the consumable is sold separately from the device, and often in a multipack. Moreover, subsystems and some individual components of devices or consumables may be sourced from specialist manufacturers.
Many aerosol delivery devices and in particular non-combustible aerosol provision systems include consumable components, such as cartridges to store an aerosol precursor useable in conjunction with a control body of an aerosol delivery device to form an aerosol and simulate smoking. The cartridges or other containers useable in conjunction with an aerosol delivery device may differ in size or shape from traditional smoking articles. These components generally require packaging for storage, transport, etc.
Thus, advances with respect to packaging devices that are formed from specialized blanks for packaging one or more consumable component would be desirable.
Example implementations of the present disclosure are directed to the concept of a packaging device including outer and inner packages configured to hold a consumer product such as disposable cartridges for an aerosol delivery device.
The present disclosure includes, without limitation, the following example implementations.
Some example implementations provide a packaging device configurable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The packaging device includes an outer package comprising a first plurality of panels configurable to define an inner cavity substantially enclosed by the panels in the closed configuration. The outer package includes a reconfigurable portion and a base portion, where the reconfigurable portion is configured to move relative to the base portion to define an opening to the inner cavity and to engage the base portion in the closed configuration. The packaging device also includes an insert having a second plurality of panels configured to form an inlay disposable within the outer package. The inlay has an external shape corresponding to an internal shape of the inner cavity and at least one of the second plurality of panels comprises a plurality of openings substantially evenly distributed across the at least one panel and configured to hold one or more components.
In some example implementations of the packaging device of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, an additional panel of the second plurality of panels includes a second plurality of openings substantially evenly distributed across the additional panel and substantially aligned with the first plurality of openings when the second plurality of panels are configured to form the inlay. The second plurality of openings are also configured to hold the one or more components.
In some example implementations of the packaging device of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, the first plurality of panels is embodied in a first blank having a first surface and a second surface. The first blank comprises a back panel having first and second lateral sides and first and second longitudinal ends; a first intermediate panel extending from the first lateral side of the back panel; a second intermediate panel extending from the second lateral side of the back panel; a first end panel extending from the first longitudinal end of the back panel and comprising an end tab, a first side tab, and a second side tab, each extending from a side of the first end panel, with an adhesive material at least partially disposed on the first surface of the first end panel; a second end panel extending from the second longitudinal end of the back panel and comprising an end tab, a first side tab, and a second side tab, each extending from a side of the second end panel, with the adhesive material at least partially disposed on the first surface of the first end panel; an inside panel extending from the first intermediate panel and comprising first and second lateral sides, first and second longitudinal ends, a first flap extending from the first longitudinal end of the inside panel, and a second flap extending from the second longitudinal end of the inside panel, the second surface of the inside panel configured to engage the first and second end panels via the adhesive, where a portion of the first intermediate panel and the second lateral side of the inside panel define a receptacle; and a front panel extending from the second intermediate panel and comprising first and second lateral sides, first and second longitudinal ends, and a tab extending outwardly from the second lateral side of the front panel, wherein the front panel is configured to at least partially overlap the inside panel and the tab is configured to removably engage the receptacle in the closed configuration. The back panel, the first intermediate panel, the first and second end panels, and the inside panel are configured to form the base portion and define the inner cavity when assembled. The second intermediate panel and the front panel are configured to form the reconfigurable portion.
In some other example implementations of the packaging device of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, the first plurality of panels is embodied in a first blank having a first surface and a second surface. The first blank comprises a back panel having first and second lateral sides and first and second longitudinal ends; a first side panel extending from the first lateral side of the back panel and having a first flap extending from a first longitudinal end of the first side panel and a second flap extending from a second longitudinal end of the first side panel; an engagement panel extending from the second lateral side of the back panel, with an adhesive material at least partially disposed on the first surface of the engagement panel; a first end panel extending from the first longitudinal end of the back panel and having a first end flap extending from a distal end of the first end panel; a second end panel extending from the second longitudinal end of the back panel and having a second end flap extending from a distal end of the second end panel; a front panel extending from the first lateral side of the first intermediate panel and having first and second lateral sides and first and second longitudinal ends, where each of the first and second longitudinal ends define a recess in the front panel; and a second side panel extending from the first lateral side of the front panel and having a first flap extending from a first longitudinal end of the side panel and a second flap extending from a second longitudinal end of the side panel, where the second surface of the second side panel is configured to overlap and engage with the engagement panel via the adhesive. The back panel, the first and second side panels, the front panel, and the engagement panel are configured to form the base portion and define the inner cavity when assembled. The first and second end panels comprise the reconfigurable portion. The first and second flaps of the first and second end panels are hingedly coupled to their respective end panels and configured to fold into the base portion in the closed configuration.
In some example implementations of the packaging device of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, the second plurality of panels is embodied in a second blank having a first surface and a second surface. The second blank comprises a back panel having first and second lateral sides; a first side panel extending from the first lateral side of the back panel; a top panel extending from a lateral side of the first side panel, the top panel comprising a plurality of openings substantially evenly distributed across the top panel and configured to hold one or more components; a second side panel extending from a lateral side of the top panel; a first intermediate panel extending from the second lateral side of the back panel, with an adhesive material at least partially disposed on the first surface of the first intermediate panel, a bottom panel extending from a lateral side of the first intermediate panel, the bottom panel comprising a second plurality of openings substantially evenly distributed across the bottom panel and configured to hold one or more components, wherein the bottom panel is oriented generally parallel with the top panel when the second plurality of panels are configured to form the inlay, such that the second plurality of openings substantially align with the first plurality of openings; and a second intermediate panel extending from a lateral side of the bottom panel, with the adhesive material at least partially disposed on the first surface of the second intermediate panel. The first surface of the first intermediate panel is configured to engage the second surface of the second side panel and the first surface of the second intermediate panel is configured to engage with the second surface of the first side panel.
In some other example implementations of the packaging device of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, the second plurality of panels is embodied in a second blank having a first surface and a second surface. The second blank comprises a back panel having first and second lateral sides and first and second longitudinal ends; a first side panel extending from the first lateral side of the back panel; a second side panel extending from the second lateral side of the back panel; a first upright panel extending from the first longitudinal end of the back panel; a second upright panel extending from the second longitudinal end of the back panel; a top panel extending from a lateral side of the second side panel, the top panel comprising a plurality of openings substantially evenly distributed across the top panel and configured to hold one or more components; a first intermediate panel extending from a lateral side of the top panel, with an adhesive material at least partially disposed on the first surface of the first intermediate panel; a spacer panel extending from a lateral side of the first intermediate panel, where the spacer panel is oriented generally parallel with the top panel when the second plurality of panels are configured to form the inlay; a second intermediate panel extending from a lateral side of the spacer panel, with the adhesive material at least partially disposed on the first surface of the second intermediate panel; a bottom panel extending from the second intermediate panel, the bottom panel comprising a second plurality of openings substantially evenly distributed across the bottom panel and configured to hold one or more components, where the bottom panel is oriented generally parallel with the top panel when the second plurality of panels are configured to form the inlay, such that the second plurality of openings substantially align with the first plurality of openings; and a third intermediate panel extending from a lateral side of the bottom panel, with the adhesive material at least partially disposed on the first surface of the third intermediate panel. The first surface of the first intermediate panel is configured to engage the second surface of the first side panel via the adhesive, the first surface of the second intermediate panel is configured to engage the second surface of the second side panel via the adhesive, and the first surface of the third intermediate panel is configured to engage the second surface of the first intermediate panel via the adhesive when the second plurality of panels are configured to form the inlay.
In some other example implementations of the packaging device of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, the second plurality of panels is embodied in a second blank having a first surface and a second surface. The second blank comprises a first base panel having first and second lateral sides; a second base panel having first and second lateral sides, where the first lateral side of the second base panel is hingedly coupled to the second lateral side of the first base panel; a first top panel extending from the first lateral side of the first base panel and a first inner side panel extending from a lateral side of the first top panel, where the first top panel and the first inner side panel define a first plurality of openings substantially evenly distributed across the first top and first inner side panels and configured to hold one or more components; a second top panel extending form the second lateral side of the second base panel and a second inner side panel extending from a lateral side of the second top panel, where the second top panel and the second inner side panel define a second plurality of openings substantially evenly distributed across the second top and second inner side panels and configured to hold one or more components; a first outer side panel extending from a lateral side of the first inner side panel; a second outer side panel extending from a lateral side of the second inner side panel; a first intermediate panel extending from a lateral side of the first outer side panel; a second intermediate panel extending from a lateral side of the second outer side panel; a first extension panel extending from a lateral side of the first intermediate panel; and a second extension panel extending from a lateral side of the second intermediate panel.
When the second blank is in a folded configuration, the first surface of the first outer side panel engages the first surface of the first inner side panel via an adhesive or other means as disclosed herein, the first surface of the second outer side panel engages the first surface of the second inner side panel via the adhesive, the second surface of the first extension panel engages the second surface of the second extension panel via the adhesive, and the second surface of the first base panel is oriented towards the second surface of the second base panel so as to nest the engaged first inner and outer side panels and the engaged second inner and outer side panels therebetween and orient at least a portion of the first and second plurality of openings to receive the one or more components. In some implementations, the adjacent panels that are not adhered to one another may be slidably disposed relative to one another. Certain panels of the inlay are able to flex relative to certain other panels after the inlay is folded to allow for the inlay be at least partially collapsed relative to a neutral orientation.
In some example implementations of the packaging device of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, the packaging device further comprises a second insert comprising a third plurality of panels. The third plurality of panels comprises a third blank having a first surface and a second surface. The third blank comprises a back panel having first and second lateral sides and first and second longitudinal ends; a first side panel extending from the first lateral side of the back panel; a second side panel extending from the second lateral side of the back panel; a first upright panel extending from the first longitudinal end of the back panel; a second upright panel extending from the second longitudinal end of the back panel; a top panel extending from a lateral side of the second side panel, the top panel comprising a plurality of openings substantially evenly distributed across the top panel and configured to hold one or more components; a first intermediate panel extending from a lateral side of the top panel, with an adhesive material at least partially disposed on the first surface of the first intermediate panel; a spacer panel extending from a lateral side of the first intermediate panel, where the spacer panel is oriented generally parallel with the top panel when the second plurality of panels are configured to form the inlay; a second intermediate panel extending from a lateral side of the spacer panel, with the adhesive material at least partially disposed on the first surface of the second intermediate panel; a bottom panel extending from the second intermediate panel, the bottom panel comprising a second plurality of openings substantially evenly distributed across the bottom panel and configured to hold one or more components, where the bottom panel is oriented generally parallel with the top panel when the second plurality of panels are configured to form the inlay, such that the second plurality of openings substantially align with the first plurality of openings; and a third intermediate panel extending from a lateral side of the bottom panel, with the adhesive material at least partially disposed on the first surface of the third intermediate panel. The first surface of the first intermediate panel is configured to engage the second surface of the first side panel via the adhesive, the first surface of the second intermediate panel is configured to engage the second surface of the second side panel via the adhesive, and the first surface of the third intermediate panel is configured to engage the second surface of the first intermediate panel via the adhesive when the second plurality of panels are configured to form the inlay.
In some other example implementations of the packaging device of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, the plurality of openings comprises at least ten openings, at least twenty openings or any number of openings necessary to suit a particular application. In some implementations, the first insert is disposed at one end of the outer package and the second insert is disposed at an opposite end of the outer package such that, for example, a user may access the component from either end of the outer package.
Some example implementations provide a packaging device configurable between a planar configuration and a folded configuration to define a receptacle for retaining a component. The device includes an inner package blank having a first surface and a second surface. The inner package blank comprises a first engagement panel (A) having first and second lateral sides and first and second longitudinal ends, with an adhesive deposited over at least a portion of the first surface of the first engagement panel; a first inner side panel (B) having first and second lateral sides and first and second longitudinal ends, the panel (B) extending from the second lateral side of the first engagement panel (A); a support panel (C) having first and second lateral sides and first and second longitudinal ends, the panel (C) extending from the second lateral side of the first inner side panel (B), with the adhesive deposited over at least a portion of the second surface of the support panel; a second inner side panel (D) having first and second lateral sides and first and second longitudinal ends, the panel (D) extending from the second lateral side of the support panel (C); a second engagement panel (E) having first and second lateral sides and first and second longitudinal ends, the panel (E) extending from the second lateral side of the second inner side panel (D), with the adhesive deposited over at least a portion of the first surface of the second engagement panel; a third engagement panel (F) having first and second lateral sides and first and second longitudinal ends, the panel (F) extending from the second lateral side of the second engagement panel (E), with the adhesive deposited over at least a portion of the first surface of the third engagement panel; a back panel (G) having first and second lateral sides, first and second longitudinal ends, and first and second end flaps, the panel (G) extending from the second lateral side of the third engagement panel (F), with the adhesive deposited over at least a portion of the first surface of the first and second end flaps (alternatively or additionally, the adhesive may be deposited on a portion of the second surface of the back panel); a first outer side panel (H) having first and second lateral sides and first and second longitudinal ends, the panel (H) extending from the second lateral side of the back panel (G); a front panel (I) having first and second lateral sides, first and second longitudinal ends, and first and second end flaps, the panel (I) extending from the second lateral side of the first outer side panel (H), where the front panel defines at least one opening configured to form the receptacle configured to hold the component and with the adhesive deposited over at least a portion of the second surface of the front panel; and a second outer side panel (J) having first and second lateral sides and first and second longitudinal ends, the panel (J) extending from the second lateral side of the front panel (I), with the adhesive deposited over at least a portion of the second surface of the second outer side panel. When the packaging device is in the folded configuration, the second surface of the support panel (C) engages the second surface of the back panel (G) via the adhesive, the first engagement panel (A) and the second engagement panel (E) are folded inwardly to orient the first inner side panel (B) and the second inner side panel (D) substantially perpendicular to the back panel (G), the second surface of the front panel (I) engages the first surfaces of the first and second engagement panels (A), (E) via the adhesive, the second surface of the second outer side panel (J) engages the first surface of the third engagement panel (F), and the second surfaces of the first and second end flaps of the front panel (I) engage the first surfaces of the respective first and second end flaps of the back panel (G).
In some example implementations of the packaging device of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, the packaging device further comprises an outer sleeve configured to slidably engage with an outer surface of the folded inner package blank. The outer sleeve comprises a sleeve blank having a first surface and a second surface. The blank comprises a back panel comprising first and second lateral sides and first and second longitudinal ends; a first engagement panel extending from the first lateral side of the back panel, wherein the adhesive is disposed on at least a portion of the first surface thereof; a first side panel extending from the second lateral side of the back panel; a front panel extending from a lateral side of the first side panel; and a second side panel extending from a lateral side of the front panel. The second surface of the second side panel at least partially overlaps and engages the first surface of the engagement panel via the adhesive, such that the front and back panels are substantially parallel.
In some example implementations of the packaging device of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, the inner cavity provides a substantially uniform rectangular cross section along a lateral direction. The panels may be hingedly coupled to one another via fold lines created by stamping, indenting, pre-creasing, a series of perforations, or any combination thereof. Any one of the blanks may comprise paperboard, paper film laminations, corrugated board, chipboard, fiberboard, thermoplastic, or combinations thereof. Additionally, any one of the blanks may comprise indicia, such as an ornamental design, identifying information, or a date code. The inlay may be removably secured within the inner cavity of the outer package via, for example, an adhesive or a friction fit.
Some example implementations provide a method for forming a package. The method comprises providing a first blank comprising a first plurality of panels; configuring (e.g., folding) the first blank so that the first plurality of panels forms a base portion defining an inner cavity and a reconfigurable portion moveable relative to the base portion to have an open configuration and a closed configuration; providing a second blank comprising a second plurality of panels; configuring (e.g., folding) the second blank to form an inlay having an external shape corresponding to an internal shape of the inner cavity and having at least one panel with a plurality of openings substantially evenly distributed across the at least one panel and configured to hold one or more components; and positioning the inlay into the inner cavity of the base portion so that the one or more components is accessible to a user in the open configuration and the reconfigurable portion engages the base portion in the closed configuration to enclose the components. The method may include positioning the inlay into the inner cavity of the base portion comprises removably securing the inlay within the inner cavity via, for example, an adhesive or a friction fit. Additionally, the method may include printing indicia, such as an ornamental design, identifying information, or a date code on at least one of the panels.
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description together with the accompanying figures, which are briefly described below. The present disclosure includes any combination of two, three, four or more features or elements set forth in this disclosure, regardless of whether such features or elements are expressly combined or otherwise recited in a specific example implementation described herein. This disclosure is intended to be read holistically such that any separable features or elements of the disclosure, in any of its aspects and example implementations, should be viewed as combinable, unless the context of the disclosure clearly dictates otherwise.
It will therefore be appreciated that this Brief Summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example implementations so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above described example implementations are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the disclosure in any way. Other example implementations, aspects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of some described example implementations.
Having thus described aspects of the disclosure in the foregoing general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
Some implementations of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, in which some, but not all implementations of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, various implementations of the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the implementations set forth herein; rather, these example implementations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.
Unless specified otherwise or clear from context, references to first, second or the like should not be construed to imply a particular order. A feature described as being above another feature (unless specified otherwise or clear from context) may instead be below, and vice versa; and similarly, features described as being to the left of another feature else may instead be to the right, and vice versa. Also, while reference may be made herein to quantitative measures, values, geometric relationships or the like, unless otherwise stated, any one or more if not all of these may be absolute or approximate to account for acceptable variations that may occur, such as those due to engineering tolerances or the like.
As used herein, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, the “or” of a set of operands is the “inclusive or” and thereby true if and only if one or more of the operands is true, as opposed to the “exclusive or” which is false when all of the operands are true. Thus, for example, “[A] or [B]” is true if [A] is true, or if [B] is true, or if both [A] and [B] are true. Further, the articles “a” and “an” mean “one or more,” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Furthermore, it should be understood that unless otherwise specified, the terms “data,” “content,” “digital content,” “information,” and similar terms may be at times used interchangeably. Additionally, where multiples of the same components are described, the multiples may be referred to individually (e.g., ##a, ##b, ##c, etc.) or collectively (##).
Example implementations of the present disclosure are generally directed to packaging devices including outer packages and inlays, and the blanks for forming the same. Examples of packages and package blanks are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,549,823 and 9,738,049, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015/0321787, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
The inlay 150 is made up of a second plurality of panels that are configurable to form an outer shape generally corresponding to the size and shape of the inner cavity 130, so as to fit therein. The inlay 150 may be held within the inner cavity 130 by a frictional fit or an adhesive, either removably so or permanently. At least one of the second plurality of panels defines a plurality of openings or recesses distributed across a surface of the at least one panel that are sized and shaped to removably engage with one or more consumable components. In some implementations, the openings 170 are substantially evenly distributed across the at least one panel. Various implementations of inlays are described in greater detail below with respect to
The alternative packaging device 200 shown in
The inlay 250 is made up of a second plurality of panels that are configurable to form an outer shape generally corresponding to the size and shape of the inner cavity 230, so as to fit therein. The inlay 250 may be held within the inner cavity 130 by a frictional fit or an adhesive, either removably so or permanently. At least one of the second plurality of panels defines a plurality of openings or recesses distributed across a surface of the at least one panel that are sized and shaped to removably engage with one or more consumable components. In some implementations, the openings 270 are substantially evenly distributed across the at least one panel. Various implementations of inlays are described in greater detail below with respect to
The inside panel 108 extends from the first intermediate panel 110a. The inside panel 108 has first and second lateral sides, first and second longitudinal ends, a first flap 120a extending from the first longitudinal end of the inside panel, and a second flap 120b extending from the second longitudinal end of the inside panel 108. Portions of the second surface of the inside panel 108 are configured to engage the first and second end panels 112a, 112b, the first and second end tabs 114a, 114b, and the first side tabs 116a, 116b via the adhesive disposed thereon when the blank 103 is folded or otherwise assembled. A portion of the first intermediate panel 110a and the second lateral side of the inside panel 108 may define a receptacle 122, such as, for example, a slot formed in the joint where the first intermediate panel 110a and the inside panel 108 are joined. The receptacle 122 may be configured (e.g., sized and shaped) to receive a tab or other closure mechanism to secure the outer package 102 in a closed configuration.
The front panel 104 extends from the second intermediate panel 110b. The front panel 104 has first and second lateral sides, first and second longitudinal ends, and a tab 124 extending outwardly from the second lateral side of the front panel 104. The tab 124 is configured (e.g., sized and shaped) to removably engage the receptacle 122 in the closed configuration. In some implementations, the tab 124 may include one or more structures 142 (e.g., protrusions and/or cut-outs) to assist in securing the tab within the receptacle 122.
The various panels described herein are interconnected via boundaries between the panels, which may be defined by a plurality of predetermined fold lines 134, which allow the individual panels to be “hingedly” coupled to one another to allow folding in one or both directions. Some or all of the fold lines 134 (including 234, 534, and 634 in later figures) may be imaginary lines as shown in the figures for illustration purposes only. Alternatively, some or all of the fold lines 134 may be formed in the blank 103 by stamping, indenting or pre-creasing the corresponding sections of the blank. Further still, some or all of the fold lines 134 may be provided with a series of perforations to assist with folding of the blank 103 along the predetermined fold lines. Additionally, some of the panels may include additional structure 140 (e.g., cut-outs, recesses, chamfers, rounded corners, etc.) that assist with the folding the panels relative to one another.
The adhesives 126 used to secure certain panels in overlapping contact may include double sided tape or glue and may be pressure sensitive, heat sensitive, UV cured, or as otherwise known in the industry. Other exemplary types of adhesives that may be used include vinyl acetates, hot melts, and dextrins, such as those available from Henkel AG & Co. Furthermore, any dimensions shown in the figures are in mm and are for exemplary purposes only, and the actual dimensions will vary to suit a particular application, for example, number, size, and types of components to be held within the packaging devices.
The blanks described herein are configured to form a package or an inlay. The blank(s) may comprise various materials, such as, for example, paperboard, paper film laminations (e.g., a metalized film), corrugated board, chipboard, fiberboard, and/or thermoplastic. However, various other materials may be employed in other implementations. In some implementations the material defining the blank may be laminated or coated with wax or other material. Further, the blank may be imprinted via any of various known methods to provide the blank with, for example, an ornamental design, identifying information, or other indicia 128, 228, 628. For example, the first surface 103a of the back panel 106 may include printed indicia 128, such as a date code or the like. Useful exemplary materials include paperboard of a suitable type and stock, such as 10 to 14 point SBS paper board (e.g., solid bleached sulfate paper), which may include a coating on one or both sides, such as a clay coating. Comparable board containing post-consumer recycled content likewise may be used. Suitable paper stock can be obtained commercially, such as from International Paper or WestRock.
Generally, the back panel 106, the first intermediate panel 110a, the first and second end panels 112a, 112b (sometimes referred to collectively as 112), and the inside panel 108 are folded relative to one another and secured in their folded configuration via the adhesive 126 to form the base portion 102b and define the inner cavity 130. The second intermediate panel 110b and the front panel 104 are configured to form the reconfigurable portion 102a, so that when in the closed configuration, the second intermediate panel 110b is oriented above the inner cavity 130 and the front panel 104 overlaps the inside panel 108, with the tab 124 inserted into the receptacle 122 to secure the reconfigurable portion 102a in place (see, e.g.,
A first side panel 210a extends from the first lateral side of the back panel 206 and includes a first flap 220a extending from a first longitudinal end of the first side panel 210a and a second flap 220b extending from a second longitudinal end of the first side panel 210a. An engagement panel 208 extends from the second lateral side of the back panel 206 and includes an adhesive material 226 at least partially disposed on the first surface 203a of the engagement panel 208. First and second end panels 224a, 224b extend from their respective first and second longitudinal ends of the back panel 206. Each end panel 224a, 224b includes and end flap 225a, 225b extending from their respective distal ends of the end panels 224a, 224b. The blank 203 also includes a front panel 204 extending from a first lateral side of the first side panel 210a and having first and second lateral sides and first and second longitudinal ends, wherein each of the first and second longitudinal ends define a recess 246 in the front panel 204, and a second side panel 210b extending from a first lateral side of the front panel 204 and including first and second flaps 220c, 220d extending from their respective first and second longitudinal ends of the second side panel 210b. The second surface 203b of the second side panel 210b is configured to overlap and engage with the first surface 203a of the engagement panel 208 via the adhesive 226.
Generally, the back panel 206, the first and second side panels 210, the engagement panel 208 and the front panel 204 are folded relative to one another and secured in their folded configuration via the adhesive 226 to form the base portion 202b and define an inner cavity 230 running along the entire length of the base portion. The first and second end panels 224 are configured to form two reconfigurable portions 202a, one on each end of the outer package 202. In the closed configuration, the first and second end panels 224 are oriented over the openings of the inner cavity 230, with the first and second flaps 225 folded about 90 degrees from their respective end panels 224 and inserted into the base portion 202b. The recesses 246 in the front panel 204 can assist a user with removing an end flap 225 from the base portion and opening the package 202.
The top and bottom panels 160a, 160b each include a plurality of openings 170a, 170b that are substantially evenly distributed across the top and bottom panels 160. The openings 170 are configured to hold one or more components and extend through the panels 160. The first and second intermediate panels 166, 168 include an adhesive 126 disposed on at least a portion of the first surface 152a of each panel 166, 168. The first surface 152a of the first intermediate panel 166 is configured to engage the second surface 152b of the second side panel 164b and the first surface 152a of the second intermediate panel 168 is configured to engage with the second surface 152b of the first side panel 164a to form the folded configuration. When the blank 152 is in the folded configuration to form the inlay 150 (see
The top and bottom panels 260a, 260b each include a plurality of openings 270 that are substantially evenly distributed across the top and bottom panels 260. The openings 270 are configured to hold one or more components and extend through the panels 260. When the blank 252 is in the folded configuration to form the inlay 250 (see
The first, second, and third intermediate panels 264, 266, 268 include an adhesive 226 disposed on at least a portion of the first surface 252a of each panel 264, 266, 268. The intermediate panels 264, 266, 268 may dimensionally vary to suit a particular application. For example, the first intermediate panel 264 is wider than the second and third intermediate panels 266, 268 in the implementation shown, so that when the blank 252 is folded, the spacing between the parallel top panel 260a, bottom panel 260b, and back panel 262 is substantially equal; however, the widths of the intermediate panels may vary to vary the spacing between the panels when assembled.
The first surface 252a of the first intermediate panel 264 is configured to engage the second surface 252b of the first side panel 254a via the adhesive 226, the first surface 252a of the second intermediate panel 266 is configured to engage the second surface 252b of the second side panel 254b via the adhesive 226, and the first surface 252a of the third intermediate panel 268 is configured to engage the second surface 252b of the first intermediate panel 264 via the adhesive 226 when the second plurality of panels are configured to form the inlay. The inlay 250 is maintained in the folded configuration via the adhesive 226.
The first and second upright panels 258a, 258b are hingedly coupled to the base panel 256, which allows those panels 258 to move relative to the first and second longitudinal ends of the base panel 256. When the assembled inlay 250 is inserted into outer package 202, the uprights 258a, 258b are folded upwardly so that the insert slides into the base portion 202b up to a depth so that the reconfigurable portion 202a can be positioned into the closed configuration. The uprights may also assist a user in removing the inlay 250 from the outer package 202.
As shown in
A perspective view of the assembled inlay 350 is shown in
As shown in
The assembled inlays 450 are shown in greater detail in
In some implementations, the blank 752 includes an adhesive 726 disposed on the first surface 752a of certain panels (e.g., first and second inner side walls 764 and/or first and second outer side walls 768) and/or the second surface 752b of certain panels (e.g., first and second extension panels 758) to facilitate the assembly of the blank 752 into the inlay 750.
When the second blank 752 is in a folded configuration, the first surface of the first outer side panel 768a engages the first surface of the first inner side panel 764a via the adhesive 726 or others means as disclosed herein, the first surface of the second outer side panel 768b engages the first surface of the second inner side panel 764b via the adhesive 726, the second surface of the first extension panel 758a engages the second surface of the second extension panel 758b via the adhesive 726, and the second surface of the first base panel 762a is oriented towards the second surface of the second base panel 762b so as to nest the engaged first inner and outer side panels and the engaged second inner and outer side panels therebetween and orient at least a portion of the first and second plurality of openings 770 to receive the one or more components.
The inner package blank 552 further includes a second inner side panel (D) 556b having first and second lateral sides and extending from the second lateral side of the support panel (C) 558; a second engagement panel (E) 554b having first and second lateral sides and extending from the second lateral side of the second inner side panel (D) 556b and having the adhesive 526 deposited over at least a portion of the first surface 552a of the second engagement panel 554b; a third engagement panel (F) 554c having first and second lateral sides and extending from the second lateral side of the second engagement panel (E) 554b and having the adhesive deposited over at least a portion of the first surface 552a of the third engagement panel 554c; and a back panel (G) 506 having first and second lateral sides, first and second longitudinal ends, and first and second end flaps 512a, 512b extending from the first and second longitudinal ends. The back panel (G) 506 extends from the second lateral side of the third engagement panel (F) 554c and has the adhesive 526 deposited over at least a portion of the first surface 552a of the first and second end flaps 512, and in some cases also a portion of the second surface 552b of the back panel 506. The blank 552 further including a first outer side panel (H) 510a having first and second lateral sides and extending from the second lateral side of the back panel (G) 506; a front panel (I) 504 having first and second lateral sides, first and second longitudinal ends, and first and second end flaps 520a, 520b extending from the first and second longitudinal ends, with the panel (I) 504 extending from the second lateral side of the first outer side panel (H) 510a and defining a plurality openings 570 configured to hold the component and having adhesive 526 deposited over at least a portion of the second surface 552b of the front panel 504; and a second outer side panel (J) 510b having first and second lateral sides and extending from the second lateral side of the front panel (I) 504 and having the adhesive 526 deposited over at least a portion of the second surface 552b of the second outer side panel 510b. As shown, the plurality of openings 570 in the front panel 504 includes two narrow slits 570a, 570c disposed proximate their respective longitudinal ends and a larger, centrally located opening 570b. The larger opening 570b is configured to hold a component, such as, for example, an aerosol delivery device, while the smaller openings 570a, 570c are configured to hold an insert or pamphlet (e.g., user instructions). The size, shape, quantity, and placement of the openings 570 will vary to suit a particular application.
In various implementations, the panels may have differing lengths so as to accommodate certain features or uses for the inner package. For example, in some implementations, the receptacle 570b for holding the device includes a tear-away portion 571 to assist in removing the device. If the engagement panels 554a, 554b were longer the adhesive may bond to the tear-away portion 571 rendering it ineffective. Additionally, where receptacles 570a, 570c are configured to have an insert or pamphlet slid therein, inner side panels 556a, 556b are preferably notched or slightly shorter to allow the insert to pass through the entire width of the receptacles 570a, 570c.
In some implementations, the order of folding or otherwise positioning the various panels is preferably done in a particular order for simplicity. For example, when the inner package blank 552 is transitioned into the folded configuration (see
The present disclosure is also directed to methods of forming the above-described packaging devices. In one implementation, the method includes providing a first blank comprising a first plurality of panels, configuring the first blank so that the first plurality of panels forms a base portion defining an inner cavity and a reconfigurable portion moveable relative to the base portion to have an open configuration and a closed configuration, providing a second blank comprising a second plurality of panels, and configuring the second blank to form an inlay having an external shape corresponding to an internal shape of the inner cavity and having at least one panel with a plurality of openings substantially evenly distributed across the at least one panel and configured to hold one or more components. The method may further include positioning the inlay into the inner cavity of the base portion so that the one or more components is accessible to a user in the open configuration and the reconfigurable portion engages the base portion in the closed configuration to enclose the components. Positioning the inlay into the inner cavity of the base portion comprises removably securing the inlay within the inner cavity via, for example, an adhesive or a friction fit. The method may further include printing indicia, such as an ornamental design, identifying information, or a date code on at least one of the panels.
In various implementations, the different blanks may comprise a variety of materials to suit a particular application, such as those described with respect to
Generally, when the blanks are assembled into their finished configurations, the assembly may involve folding the blanks. Unless otherwise noted, each of the folds employed in forming the blanks into their finished configurations involves moving a first surface of the referenced panels toward one another or may involve moving the second surface of the referenced panels toward one another. Folds that are conducted in a differing direction from other folds are referenced as being “opposing.”
Furthermore, the blanks should be understood as a substantially two-dimensional structures configured to be manipulated into a three-dimensional package. The blanks may comprise one or more layers of one or more materials suitable to provide structure to the blank such that it may form a package as described herein. The blanks may define various sizes and shapes and, accordingly, it should be understood that the illustrated blanks are provided for example purposes only.
Having described in the individual panels of the blanks in the illustrated implementations, it should be appreciated that additional panels may be added to the blanks without deviating from the scope of this disclosure. However, it should also be appreciated that in some implementations, advantages may stem from the blanks exclusively defined by surface defined by the set of illustrated panels without more.
Although directional terms such as top, bottom, front, back, etc. have been employed herein, it should be understood that these terms have been provided for explanatory purposes only. In this regard, the blanks and packages disclosed herein may be employed in other configurations and orientations beyond those described above.
In various implementations, the present disclosure may also be directed to kits that provide packaging, carrying, or storage components that may be configured or otherwise assembled to accommodate one or more components. For example, in some implementations a kit may comprise a packaging device, and a plurality of components (e.g., a plurality of consumable components). In another implementation, a kit may comprise a packaging device, one or more aerosol delivery devices (or aerosol delivery device control bodies), and a plurality of components (e.g., a plurality of consumable components). In another implementation, a kit may comprise a plurality of packaging devices, each packaging device being associated with a plurality of components (e.g., a plurality of consumable components). In another implementation, a kit may comprise a packaging device, and a plurality of aerosol delivery devices (or aerosol delivery device control bodies). In another implementation, a kit may comprise a plurality of packaging device, each packaging device being associated with a plurality of aerosol delivery devices (or aerosol delivery device control bodies).
Many modifications and other implementations of the disclosure will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated figures. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific implementations disclosed herein and that modifications and other implementations are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/150,355; filed Feb. 17, 2021, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1021998 | Myers | Apr 1912 | A |
| 2176274 | Parnin | Oct 1939 | A |
| 3682597 | Husch | Aug 1972 | A |
| 4434890 | Sieck | Mar 1984 | A |
| 5057282 | Linder | Oct 1991 | A |
| 5871145 | Hermann | Feb 1999 | A |
| 8091705 | McCutchen | Jan 2012 | B1 |
| 20070261990 | Weston | Nov 2007 | A1 |
| 20140312109 | Weston | Oct 2014 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20220258911 A1 | Aug 2022 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63150355 | Feb 2021 | US |
