Patent · US Expired

Sliding shell package for smoking articles and method

US6736261B1 · kind B1 · utility

21Cited by
38References
24Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 19, 2001
Grant dateMay 18, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 14, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S206/807
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Smoking articles, such as filter cigarettes, are packaged in a metal box which is curved to a shape that conforms to the curvature of the human body so that the box can be comfortably carried in a shirt or pant pocket. The metal box comprises a lid and a five-sided tray each of which has rolled lips which interengage to mechanically and slidably retain the lid to the tray. The lid covers the open front of the tray and is slidable along an arcuate path corresponding to the radius of curvature of the lid to selectively open or close the front of the tray. The metal box is sealed with a shrinkable band, further packaged in a paperboard box and overwrapped with a polymeric film having a tear tape. The package is unique and attractive and provides several product differentiation features.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.