US3749234A

US3749234A - Cigarette dispensing package

Info

Publication number: US3749234A
Application number: US00150618A
Authority: US
Inventors: G Gero
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1968-10-25
Filing date: 1971-06-07
Publication date: 1973-07-31
Anticipated expiration: 1990-07-31

Abstract

A cigarette dispensing package and blank therefor are provided wherein an inner shell is movable within an outer shell between a fully contained closed position and a partially extending open position, the inner shell snapping into the respective positions and being shiftable therebetween by a simple single-handed squeezing operation. Additionally, novel structures are disclosed wherein a blank printed on a single side permits of the presentation of copy on all exposed surfaces; and also, there is disclosed herein certain unique structures affording the snaplock operation.

Description

ilnited States Patent [1 Gem [ July 31, 1973 CIGARETTE DISPENSING PACKAGE [75] Inventor: Gabriel Gero, Brooklyn, N.Y.

[731 Assignees: Andre Gero, Brooklyn; Anthony J.

Disteiano, Huntington Station; Domenik W. Distei'ano, Ridgewood, all of N.Y.; part interest to each [22] Filed: June 7,1971

[21] Appl. No.: 150,618

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 770,743, Oct. 25,

1968, Pat. No. 3,583,625.

[52] U.S. Cl..... 206/4l.2 B, 206/41 D, 206/DlG. 24

[51] Int. Cl. A241 15/00 [58] Field of Search 206/41 R, 41 C, 41 D, 206/4111, 41.2 R, 41.2 B, 45.1 1, 45.12, 56 R,

DIG. 24, 29; 229/7 R, 17 R, 44 CE, 51 C,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,052,398 9/1962 Benjamin 206/41 1-1 X 2,148,319

2/1939 Negbaur 206/41 D 3,127,083 3/1964 Guyer 206/412 B X 1,735,323 11/1929 LEnfant 206/41 D 2,929,542 3/1960 O'Gorman 206/41 H UX 3,107,008 10/1963 Margulies 206/412 B FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 766,586 9/1967 Canada 206/412 8 Primary Examiner-George E. Lowrance Assistant Examiner-Steven E. Lipman Attorneylsilling and Siegel and Henry A. Marzullo, Jr.

[57] ABSTRACT A cigarette dispensing package and blank therefor are provided'wherein an inner shell is movable within an outer shell between a fully contained closed position and a partially extending open position, the inner shell snapping into the respective positions and being shiftable therebetween by a simple single-handed squeezing operation. Additionally, novel structures are disclosed wherein a blank printed on a single side permits of the presentation of copy on all exposed surfaces; and also, there is disclosed herein certain unique structures affording the snap-lock operation.

25 Claims, 54 Drawing Figures PAIENIEU JUL 3 11913 SHEET 1 OF 9 INVENTOR. GABRIEL GERO ATTOR EYS PAIENHL 3 I915 j I 3. 749.234

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Y PATENTEUJULIB v ms SHEET 3 OF 9 INVENTOR. GABRIEL GERO ATTO NEYS' PATENIED JUL 3 1 75 sum 5 or 9 INVENTOR. A R 0 R0 I. G B IEL E @QLQ' ATTORNEYS PATENIEU JUL 3 1 SHEEI 6 [IF 9 INVENTOR. (,ABRIEL GERO PATENIEU 4m 3 I ma SHEET 7 OF 9 www l l l l l ll|llll'|||||||1l .lllll 0mm wvm ,lllllll IIIIIIIII'IIIII IIIII I.

INVENTOR. GABRIEL GERO ATTORNEYS PATENIEU JUL 3 SHEU 8 0F 9 INVENTOR. GABRIE L (:ERO

2 TO EYs PATENIEU JUL 3 1 ma SHEEY 9 BF 9 iii iiilti-5 m 5 w-- N gg llll II xfi @Q 4 wwi mmwmm 1 CIGARETTE DISPENSING PACKAGE CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a Continuation-in-Part of my copending Patent application Ser. No. 770,743, filed Oct. 25, I968 now US. Pat. No. 3,583,625.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to packaging, and more particularly is concerned with a novel package or container for cigarettes and the like and to a novel blank useful in the construction of such a container.

As is well known to those skilled in the art, the removal of cigarettes from a package presents certain difficulties in that the cigarettes are not conveniently exposed nor is access provided for convenient manual removal. While there have been proposed packaging structures-attempting to overcome these difficulties, such prior packages have not found general acceptance for many reasons, including the complexity of the structure and cost.

For example, attempts have been made to construct dispensing packages for cigarettes and the like which include an outer shell or container within which is pivotally mounted an inner container or shell movable between an inaccessible position completely within the outer shell and an accessible exposed position whereby cigarettes can be removed therefromJn addition to the complexity of the structure and the cost thereof, there have been two major problems associated with this type of outer shell inner shell construction which have prevented this type of cigarette dispensing package from becoming popularly accepted by manufacturers and consumers.

Specifically, to the present time, nobody has devised a simple method for maintaining the movable inner shell in the particular position, either in or out, as may be desired. Where tight frictional arrangements have been provided between the inner and outer shells, the cigarette dispensing package becomes difficult to use in the many situations where a consumer wishes quick and easy access to the cigarettes. On the other hand, a very free sliding arrangement between the inner and outer shells produced the very undesirable result of frequent, accidental openings.

A second problem inherent in a cigarette dispensing package employing an inner shell-outer shell construction, involves the adequate provision of an opening system which will positively retain the inner shell in its inaccessible position when the cigarette package is in its.

unopened state and which will permit the easy removal of the inner shell by the consumer when he wishes to open the package of cigarettes.

Both of the above-described problems are compounded by the fact that in the manufacture of such an inner shell-outer shell package, it is commercially expedient and, in fact, economically justifiable only if such an inner shell-outer shell construction can be manufactured from a single planar starting blank which can be operated on by existing packaging machinery. Thus, to the present time, there has not been devised a single planar blank, compatible with existing machinery, which, in addition to defining a package having an outer shell within which is pivotally secured an inner shell (when properly assembled), also includes means for maintaining the inner shell in either of its two oper- III ative positions, and further include means for establishing a simple removable opening arrangement which will seal the inner shell in its closed position when the cigarette package is unopened.

In addition to the above, prior inner shell-outer shell package constructions have been inconvenient in use, requiring a two-handed pulling apart or separating manipulation to effect opening of the package, and further, such packages were often excessively difficult to open by substantial friction between the relatively sliding inner and outer shells.

A further problem in the commercial utilization of relatively shiftable inner shell-outer shell package constructions, was the difficulty in utilizing a single-side blank (printed on only one side), which was capable of presenting copy on all its exposed surfaces.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a dispensing package for cigarettes and the like, and includes an outer shell within which there is pivotally mounted an inner shell. The inner shell is movable between a first inaccessible position, completely within the outer shell, and a second position, partially out of the outer shell, whereby the contents thereof are accessible. It further includes a simple snap-lock arrangement for firmly maintaining the inner shell in either of its two operative positions. As will be discussed hereinafter, this snaplock arrangement is preferably of overcenter toggle type construction and does nOt interfere in any manner .with the consumer's ability to rapidly move the inner shell between its inaccessible and accessible positions, nor does it interfere with the contentsof the package.

The present invention provides a one-piece starting blank which is adaptable to existing machinery and which, in addition to defining the properly oriented inner shell-outer shell construction when assembled, also includes a snap-lock provision and the aforementioned opening tab as integral portions thereof.

In addition, the present invention affords a highly improved and unique case of operation requiring only a one-hand squeezing manipulation to selectively open or close the package.

Finally, the present invention further discloses a novel structure wherein an inner shell-outer shell package construction may be forrned of a blank printed on one side only and present to view copy on all exposed surfaces.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a dispenser for cigarettes and the like which includes an outer shell within which is pivotally secured an inner shell movable between inaccessible and accessible positions, and which further includes snap-lock means for positively locating the inner shell in either of its two positions.

Yet another object of the present invention is to pro vide such a dispenser for cigarettes and the like wherein the aforementioned snapJock means includes an overcenter, naturally biased, toggle-arrangement.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novel one-piece blank, adaptable to existing commercial machinery, which blank facilitates the construction of a dispenser for cigarettes and the like having an outer shell within which is pivotally secured an inner shell movable between inaccessible and accessible positions.

A further object of the present invention is to provide such a blank which includes the aforementioned snaplock means as an integral portion thereof.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide such a blank which includes the aforementioned removable opening tab means as an integral portion thereof.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a dispenser for cigarettes and the like wherein a pair of inner and outer shells are relatively shiftable by an extremely simple, one-hand squeezing operation to open and close the package.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a dispenser package for cigarettes and the like, of the type described, wherein a blank printed on a single side may be employed to form the package and present copy on all exposed surfaces of the package.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a dispenser package for cigarettes and the like, and blank therefor, having the advantageous characteristics mentioned in the preceding paragraphs, which are extremely simple in construction and operation, and capable of rapid and economical manufacture. These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention and a further understanding thereof may be had by referring to the following specification and drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a dispenser constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the package in its open condition, an operators hand being illustrated in phantom.

FIG. 3 is a sectional elevational view taken generally along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the package, as taken from the right of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 3, but showing the package in its closed condition.

FIG. 6 is a horizontal sectional view taken generally along the line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the blank of FIG. 1 in an early stage of forming the package of FIGS. 2-6.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the opposite side of the blank of FIG. 1 in the stage of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a top view illustrating a quantity of cigarettes surrounded by an inner wrap preparatory to enclosure in a package of the present invention.

FKG. 10 is a side elevational view of the wrapped cigarettes of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the wrapped cigarettes of FIGS. 9 and 10.

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view illustrating the blank of FIGS. 1, 7 and 8 being folded about the wrapped cigarettes of FIGS. 9-11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 12, but illustrating a slightly later stage in the packaging operation of folding the package about the contents.

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view illustrating the finished package.

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view illustrating the initially opened condition of the package of FIG. 14, parts being broken away to illustrate interior construction.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 15, illustrating removal of a cigarette from the open package.

FIG. 17 is a plan view showing a slightly modified embodiment of blank of the present invention adapted to be formed into a dispensing package.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating a package of the present invention formed from the blank of FIG. 17, in an operative condition of use, and showing an operators hand in phantom.

FIG. 19 is a sectional elevational view taken generally along the line 19-19 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a rear view of the package of FIG. 19, taken from the right side thereof.

FIG. 21 is a sectional elevational view similar to FIG. 19, but illustrating the package in its closed condition.

FIG. 22 is a horizontal sectional view taken generally along the line 22-22 of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is an plan view showing another slightly modified embodiment of blank adapted to be formed into a dispensing package of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a package of the present invention formed from the blank of FIG. 23, illustrating the package in its open condition.

FIG. 25 is a sectional elevational view taken generally along the line 25-25 of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a rear elevational view taken generally from the right-hand side of FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a sectional elevational view similar to FIG. 25, but showing the package in a closed condition.

FIG. 28 is a horizontal sectional view taken generally along the line 28-28 of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a plan view showing one piece of a twopiece blank adapted to be formed into a package of the present invention in accordance with a slightly modified embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a plan view showing the other piece of the two-part blank.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view illustrating an intermediate stage in formation of a package from the blanks of FIGS. 29 and 30.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view illustrating a later stage in formation of the package.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view illustrating the package formed from the blank parts of FIGS. 25 and 30, and illustrating the package in an open condition.

FIG. 34 is a sectional elevational view taken generally along the line 34-34 of FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is a horizontal sectional view taken generally along the line 35-35 of FIG. 34.

FIG. 36 is a rear elevational view taken generally from the right-hand side of FIG. 34.

FIG. 37 is a generally horizontal sectional view taken generally along the line 37-37 of FIG. 34.

FIG. 38 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 34, but showing the package in closed condition.

FIG. 39 is a horizontal sectional view taken generally along the line 39-39 of FIG. 38.

FIG. 40 is a rear elevational view taken from the right-hand side of FIG. 38.

FIG. 41 is a horizontal sectional view taken generally along the line 41-41 of FIG. 38.

FIG. 42 is a plan view showing one piece of a twopart blank adapted to form another modification of the instant invention.

FIG. 43 is a plan view showing the other piece of the two-part blank of the instant modification.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view illustrating an intermediate stage in formation of a package of the instant invention utilizing the blank parts of FIGS. 42 and 43.

FIG. 45 is a perspective view showing the package of FIG. 4 in a slightly later stage of formation.

FIG. 46 is a perspective view showing'the completed package of FIG. 45 in an open position.

FIG. 47 is a sectional elevational view taken generally along the line 4747 of FIG. 46.

FIG. 48 is a horizontal sectional view taken generally along the line 48--48 of FIG. 47.

FIG. 49 is a rear elevational view taken from the right-hand side of FIG. 47.

FIG. 50 is a horizontal sectional view taken generally along the line 50-50 of FIG. 47.

FIG. 51 is a sectional elevational-view similar to FIG. 47, but showing the package in its closed condition.

FIG. 52 is a horizontal sectional view taken generally along the line 52-52 of FIG. 51.

FIG. 53 is a rear elevational view taken from the right-hand side of FIG. 51.

FIG. 54 is a horizontal sectional view taken generall along the line 54-54' of FIG. 51

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now more particularly to the drawings, and specifically the embodiment shown in" FIGS. 1-16, there is shown in FIG. 1 a one-piece startingblank 110 which may advantageously be integrally fabricated of a single sheet of resilient, stiff, bendable material, such as cardboard, or other suitable sheet material. When properly set up, the blank 110 will result inthe container 112 of FIGS. 2-6, wherein it will be seenthat the container stores a quantity of cigarettesfor dispensing from the container, but it is understood'that'other articles may be stored and dispensed by the container, if desired.

The container-dispenser or package 1120f the present invention is of the type which includes an outer shell 114 within which is pivotally secured a cigarette retaining inner shell 116. The inner shell 1 16 is movable between a first position completely within the outer shell 114, as seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, to a second position partially out of the outer shell, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3. The first position of FIGS. 5 and 6 may be considered as a closed position, the cigarettes or other contents of the inner shell 116 being completely retained therewithin and inaccessible, while the position of FIGS. 2 and 3 may be considered as an open position with the inner shell extending partially beyond the confines of the outer shell and presenting the cigarettes 118 for manually accessible removal by a user.

With specific reference to FIG. 1, the various portions of the blank 110 will now be described, it being initially noted that broken or dot-and-dash lines indicate folds, scores or creases, wherein solid lines define the actual outline of the various panels. The blank 110 includes a generally rectangular, elongated outer shell rear wall panel 122, along the opposite longitudinal or side edges 124 and 126 of which are secured generally rectangular, longitudinally coextensive, elongated, outer shell

side wall panels

128 and 130. The lower edge 132 of panel 122 is provided with an outer shell rear wall bottom tab 133, while the

lower edges

134 and 136 of the

side wall panels

130 and 128, respectively, are provided with outer shell side bottom wall panels or flaps 138 and 140, respectively. To the upper edge 142 of the rear wall panel 122 is hingedly secured a hinge panel 144, the purpose of which will be described hereinafter in greater detail. The upper edges 146 and 148 of the outer shell

side wall panels

128 and 130, respectively, each have hingedly connected thereto theouter

shell top panels

150 and 152, respectively.

A second edge 154 of the hinge panel 144 has hingedly connected thereto an inner shell rear wall panel 156, while a third edge 158 of the hinge panel 154 has hingedly secured thereto a triangular stop panel 160, the purpose of which will be described presently.

Along one longitudinal edge 162 of the inner shell rear' wall panel 156 is a partial inner shell side wall panel 164. Along the opposite longitudinal edge 166 of the inner shell rear wall panel 156 is a full or complete inner shell side wall panel 168.

The opposite longitudinal edge 170 of the full inner shell side wall panel 168 has hingedly connected thereto an inner shell front wall panel 172 whose opposite longitudinal edge 174 has hingedly secured thereto a second partial inner shell side wall panel 176. One edge 1780f the inner shell front wall panel 172 has an inner shell bottom tab 180 hingedly secured thereto, while the opposite edge 182 may be free in the instant embodiment.

While not specifically illustrated, it will be appreciated and can be shown that a pair of blanks 110 may be arranged in generally coplanar relation with their inner shell rear and

front panels

156 and 172 in an interfitting relationship; and further, that an additional pair of such interfitting blanks may be arranged alongside of and in interfitting relation with the firstmentioned pair of interfitting blanks. In such arrangement, it'will be apparent that four blanks 110 may be economically and conveniently cut from a single standard blank now presently employed in conventional cigarette packaging machinery.

In addition, the blank 110 of -FIG. 1 is formed in the outer shell rear wall panel 122 with a through opening or hole 89, which may be located medially in spaced relation between the end edges 132 and 142, and laterally coextensive with and terminating at the

longitudinal edges

124 and 126. The through opening or hole 89 may be of elongate or ovaloid configuration and serves as a finger receiving opening, in a manner which will appear more fully hereinafter.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-14, the steps necessary to convert the blank 110 of FIG. 1 to the finished dispenser-package 112 of FIG. 2 will now be described in detail.

In FIG. 7, the inner shell sub-blank (including the first partial side wall panel 164, the rear wall panel 156, the complete side wall panel 168, the front wall panel 172, and the second partial side wall panel 176)'has been swung about a pivotal axis including the edge or fold 142 of the outer shell rear wall panel 122, such that the inner shell sub-blank overlays the outer shell sub-blank, which latter includes the outer shell rear wall panel 122 and theouter

shell side panels

128 and 130. At this time, the upper surfaces as seen in FIG. 7 may be provided with suitable adhesive, say as illustrated by stippling in the drawings. Specifically, the adhesive maybe applied as in a trapezoidal configuration 91 to the side top wall panel 152, completely covering the side wall bottom panel 138, covering end portions 93 and of side wall bottom panel 140, and partially covering the partial inner shell side wall panel 164, as

at 97. As the adhesive 97 is on one side of the integral sheet of blank 110, and the other adhesive portions are on the other side of the sheet, it will be understood that application of the adhesive may be conveniently performed after the folding operation into the fonn of FIG. 7. However, as is well known, the printing of the sheet material of the blank 110 is advantageously performed before cutting and scoring of the blank, and economically it is desirable to print only a single surface of the blank. As shown in FIG. 8, the exterior surfaces of

outer shell panels

122, 128 and 130 would be the printed surfaces, while the surface of inner shell front wall panel 172 seen in FIG. 8 would be the opposite or unprinted surface.

In FIGS. 9-11 are shown a quantity of the cigarettes 118 surrounded by an inner wrap or flexible sheet 99 say having its end portions adhesively secured in overlapping relation, as at 101. The inner wrap 99 may be of a height less than that of the cigarettes 118, to expose the upper ends thereof, as seen in FIG. 10. Provided in covering relation with one corner of the upper cigarette ends is a corner piece 103, say of four walls in rectangular or right angular relationship with respect to each other and detachably secured in covering relation with the upper ends of certain of the cigarettes 118. The inner wrapping operation to form the assembly 9-11 is conventional and not part of the instant invention.

The blank 110 of FIGS. 7 and 8 is folded about the inner wrapped assembly of FIGS. 9-11, as shown in FIG. 12.

The blank 110 of FIG. 12 has been folded three times about the cigarette assembly from the condition of FIGS. 7 and 8. In particular, the partial inner shell side panel 176 has been swung 90 about fold line 174 relative to inner shell front panel 172; and further, the inner shell front panel 172 has been swung 90 about fold line 170 relative to the inner shell side panel 168. Additionally, inner shell rear panel 156, together with the coplanar hinge panel 144 and the underlying outer shell rear panel 122 are swung about the end to end aligned

fold lines

166 and 158, and the adjacent parallel fold line 124, all approximately 90 with respect to the overlying inner and outer

side wall panels

168 and 128.

From the condition shown in FIG. 12, the partial inner shell side wall panel 164 is swung, together with the outer shell side wall panel 130 about the axes of

fold lines

162 and 126 to the condition shown in FIG. 13. In this condition, the adhesive 97 is secured to the inner wrap 99 and the complementary, partial inner shell side wall 176.

To complete the package of FIG. 13, it is only necessary to close the top and bottom of the package, as by swinging top wall panel 150 inwardly and downwardly in the direction of arrow 105, and subsequently swinging top wall panel 152 into overlying adhesively secured relation with the panel 150, in the direction of arrow 107.

The bottom of the package of FIG. 13 may be closed by inward and upward swinging of tabs or flaps 180, followed by inward and upward swinging of bottom wall panel 140 in the direction of arrow 109, to secure the panel 140 by adhesive 93 and 95 to the

respective tabs

180 and 133. Completion of the package requires only that the adhesive coated bottom wall panel 138 be swung upwardly and inwardly in the direction of arrow 1 11, all of which results in the completed package 112 of FIG. 14 performing its storing function and ready to perform its dispensing function. While the folding of the blank into the package 1 12 has been illustrated and described as occurring about a quantity of cigarettes, it is appreciated that the package may be set up in the absence of cigarettes, and the latter inserted, if desired.

The completed package 112 of FIG. 14 may be quickly and easily used, in the manner illustrated in FIG. 2. It will there be seen that a users single hand 113 may hold the package 112, and at the same time squeeze the package so as to pass a finger or thumb 115 through the finger hole 89. That is, the finger pressure through the finger hole 89 against the rear wall 156 of the inner shell 116 serves to angularly displace the inner shell relative to the outer shell 114 to the open position shown in FIG. 115. In the open position, the corner covering piece 103 is presented for manual access to the user, and may be grasped by the users fingers, as in FIG. 15, and removed to expose the cigarettes 118 for finger gripping and removal.

In the swinging movement between the closed inaccessible position of FIG. 14 and FIG. 5, to the open accessible position of FIGS. 15 and 3, the hinge panel 144 functions as a snap-lock in the same manner as my hereinbefore referred to copending patent application, swinging across a dead center position in the manner of a toggle linkage, to yieldably urge and maintain the inner shell 116 in each of its closed and opened positions. Further, the triangular panel or stop member also functions in the manner described in said copending patent application to abuttingly engage the

top wall

150, 152 of the outer shell 1 14 to limit opening movement of the inner shell.

As described above, the opening movement of the inner shell is simply effected by a mere single-handed squeezing operation while passing a finger through the finger hole 89. Closure of the inner shell 116 is similarly quickly and easily effected by a mere singlehanded squeezing operation with the finger hole 89 unobstructed.

It will further be apparent, as from the blank 110, that the inner shell side wall 168, as by the relatively deep cutout or notch 117 is, for the most part, of considerably reduced depth or height. Similarly, the complementary partial inner

side wall panels

164 and 176, as by their relatively

deep cutouts

119 and 121, also form an inner shell side wall which is of relatively little height or depth. By this reduced depth or height of the inner shell side wall, frictional resistance to relative movement of the inner shell is substantially reduced, as are weight and material requirements substantially reduced. Further, the instant inner and outer shell package construction is not overly stiff and uncomfortable, as in prior inner and outer'wall package structures, but is rather less stiff and somewhat more flexible for increased comfort in one's pocket as well as in handling, and enhanced case of operation.

Referring now to the embodiment of FIGS. 17-22, there is shown in FIG. 17 a blank, generally designated 110a, which is similar to the blank 110 of the first described embodiment, and which sets up to form a package 1120 similar to the package 112.

The blank 110a includes an elongated outer shell rear wall panel 122a along the opposite longitudinal edges 124a and 126a of which are secured elongated,

outer shell

side wall panels

128a and 130a. The lower edge 132a of panel 122a is provided with an outer shell rear bottom tab 133a, while the lower edges 134a and 1360 of the

side wall panels

128a and 130a are provided with outer shell side

wall bottom panels

138a and 140a, respectively.

To the upper edge 142a of the rear wall panel 122a is hingedly secured a hinge panel 144a, and the upper edges 146a and 148a of the outer shell

side wall panels

128a and 130a, respectively, each have hingedly connected thereto the outer

shell top panels

150a and 152a, respectively.

A second edge 154a of the hinge panel 144a has hingedly connected thereto an inner shell rear wall panel 156a, while a third edge 1580 of the hinge panel 1440 has hingedly secured thereto a triangular stop panel 160a.

Along one longitudinal edge 162a of the inner shell rear wall panel 156a is a partial inner shell side wall panel 164a, and along the opposite longitudinal edge 166a of the inner shell rear wall panel 156a is a full inner shell side wall panel 168a. The opposite longitudinal edge 1700 of the full inner shell side wall panel 168a has hingedly connected thereto an inner shell front wall panel 1720 whose opposite longitudinal edge 174a has hingedly secured thereto a second partial inner shell side wall panel 176a. One edge 178a of the inner shell front wall panel 172a may be free, while the opposite edge 182a of the inner shell front wall panel 172a has hingedly connected thereto an elongate front wall covering panel 184a generally congruent to the inner shell front wall panel 172a, as will appear presently.

Rather than the finger opening of the first described embodiment, the blank 110a is formed in outer shell rear wall panel 1220 with a severance line 89a of generally closed configuration, such as the ovaloid configuration illustrated, extending about and bounding a removable piece or portion 860 within the closed severable configuration 89a.

Also, the blank 110a of FIG. 17 may differ over the first described blank 110 in the provision of adhesive I 97a on a portion of partial inner shell side wall panel 176a, and elimination of the previously described adhesive coating 97a from the partial inner shell side wall panel 164a. The entire severable piece 86a may be adhesively coated, if desired. Also, the entire cover panel 1840 may be adhesively coated. The adhesive coating of trapezoidal configuration on outer shell top wall panel 152a may be applied, asv at 91a, and the adhesively coated

end portions

93a and 95a may be applied to the outer shell bottom wall panel 140a. Also, the complementary outer shell bottom wall panel 138a may be entirely adhesively coated.

The adhesively coated covering panel 184a may be provided on its end edge remote from the hinged connection 182a with a tab or flap 180a, for a purpose appearing presently.

The setting up of the package 112a from the blank 1100 may be essentially as described in connection with the first embodiment. However, it will be apparent that the inner shell front wall panel 172a is substantially completely covered by the covering panel 184a adhesively secured to the inner shell panel. Further, by this covering action, there is exposed in the completed package 112a only a single side of the blank 110a. Thus, all exposed surfaces of the package may carry suitable imprinting or copy. That is, while in the first described embodiment the exposed surface of inner shell front wall panel 172 is the reverse or unprinted side of a single sided blank, the cover panel 184 of the blank 110a permits all exposed surfaces to carry copy of a single sided or one side printed blank 110a.

Further, in the setting up operation, the detachable piece 86a is adhesively secured to the inner shell rear wall 156a, and upon initial opening of the package 112a, as by the single-handed squeezing operation described hereinbefore, the severance line 89a is completely severed to completely detach piece 86a from the outer shell rear wall or panel 122a, and permit free movement of the piece 86a with the rear wall 156a of the inner shell. Thus, while the completely detachable piece 86a does not effect relative movement between the inner shell 1 16a and outer shell 114a, it does permit of applying imprinting or copy to the entire exposed surface of the outer shell rear wall.

Considering now the embodiment of FIGS. 23-28, there is shown in FIG. 23 a blank, generally designated 110b, which is essentially similar to the blank 110a of FIG. 17. That is, the blank lb includes an outer shell rear panel 1122b of elongate configuration, having hingedly connected thereto on opposite longitudinal sides, a pair of outer shell side panels l28b and 13%. The outer shell side panel l28b is provided at its upper end with a top panel l50b and at its lower end with a bottom panel 140b, while the outer shell side wall panel 13Gb is provided at its upper end with a top wall panel 152!) and at its lower end with a bottom wall panel 13812. A hinge panel l44b extends from the upper end of outer shell rear wall panel 122b, and a flap or tab l33b extends from the lower end of the rear panel.

The inner shell panels include an inner shell rear wall panel l56b extending from the hinge panel 144b, while an incomplete or partial inner shell side wall panel l64b extends from one side of the inner shell rear wall panel 156b, and a complete inner shell side wall panel 168b extends from the other side of the inner shell rear wall panel. Additionally, an inner shell front wall panel l72b extends from one side of the inner shell side wall panel 168b, and a partial inner shell side wall panel 176b extends from the opposite side of the inner shell front wall panel. A front wall covering panel 184k extends from one end of the inner shell front wall panel 172b, and an end tab or flap l80b extends from the covering panel l84b remote from the inner shell front wall panel, all substantially as described in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 17.

However, the outer shell rear wall panel 12212 is formed with a severance line or cut 89b which defines an open configuration, such as the U-shaped configuration of the illustrated embodiment. Extending across and closing the open configuration of the cut or severance line 89b is a fold or crease 88b, which combines with the cut or severance line 89b to circumscribe a portion or piece 86b of the rear panel l22b. The panel portion or piece 8612 may be provided at one region with an adhesive coating 90b spaced from the fold line or crease 88b. In the illustrated embodiment, the fold line or crease 88b defines the upper boundary of the piece 86b, while the adhesively covered region 90b defines the lower region of the bounded piece.

The setting up or erection procedure of the blank 11% may be essentially the same as that of the blank 110a, to form a package 112b, as shown in FIG. 24.

The package 112!) is substantially the same as the package 112a, however the package ll2b is additionally held against movement beyond its desired open position. In particular, the lower adhesive coated region of rear wall piece 86b is secured in facing engagement with the rear wall 156b of the inner shell, while the upper, noncoated region of the piece 861; swings about the axis of fold 88b, and also relative to the adhesively coated lower region, to define, in effect, an additional hinged connection of the overcenter toggle type or snap-lock hinge. In the embodiment of FIGS. 23-28, the pair of snap-lock hinges 144b and 86b serve to further insure proper operation of the package, while enhancing resistance to abusive use.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 23-28, as well as in the first described embodiments, the package operation is simply effected by a one-handed squeezing manipulation. Further, the squeezing manipulation may be achieved by either the right or left hand of a user.

Considering now the embodiment shown in FIGS. 29-41, a package of the present invention is there illustrated, and as shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, is formed from a two-part blank, including an inner shell part 210 of FIG. 29, and an outer shell blank part 211 as shown in FIG. 30. The outer shell part 211 includes an elongate, generally rectangular bottom wall panel 212, having 'a pair of generally rectangular outer

side wall panels

213 and 214 extending respectively from fold lines 215 and 216'bounding opposite longitudinal sides of the bottom wall. The

side wall panels

213 and 214 may be generally congruent, being laterally coextensive with the longitudinal dimension of the bottom wall panel 212, and each having its front edge formed with a finger notch of cutout, as at 217 and 218, respectively. Hingedly connected to the rear edge of each

side wall panel

213 and 214, as along

respective fold lines

219 and 220, are outer shell

rear wall panels

221 and 222. Respective outer shell

top wall panels

223 and 224 are hingedly connected to the upper edges of

side wall panels

213 and 214 by

fold lines

225 and 226. In addition, a flap or tab 227 extends from the lower end of rear wall panel 221.

The bottom wall panel 212 may be provided at its op posite ends with regions of adhesive coating, as at 230 and 231, respectively adjacent to the forward and rearward end regions of the bottom wall panel. The top wall panel 223 may be entirely adhesive coated, as at 232, and similarly the entire rear wall panel 222 may be adhesive coated, as at 233. One end portion, the rear end portion of top wall panel 224 may be adhesive coated, as at 234.

Considering now the inner shell blank 210, the blank may be cut and scored to define a rear wall panel 236 bounded on opposite sides by respective

parallel fold lines

237 and 238, and bounded along its upper edge by a fold line 239. A partial side wall panel 240 extends from one side edge of the rear wall panel 236, being hingedly connected to the latter by fold line 238, and a full or complete side wall panel 241 extends from and is hingedly connected to the opposite side of rear wall panel 236 by the fold line or crease 237. A hinge panel 240 extends from and is hingedly connected to the upper edge of rear wall panel 236, by the fold line 239. The hinge panel 240 is bounded on its upper edge by a fold line or crease 241, and a flap or tab 242 extends from the upper edge of the hinge panel 240, being hingedly connected thereto by the fold line 242. Ex-

tending from .one side of the hinge panel 240, being hingedly connected thereto by a fold line 243, is a generally triangular stop panel 244.

Remote from the rear wall panel 236, there extends from the side wall panel 241, being hingedly connected thereto by a fold line 245, a generally rectangular front wall panel 246. Extending from the other side of the front wall panel 246, as by a hinged connection or fold line 247, is a partial side wall panel 248. Extending from the lower end of the front wall panel 246, being connected thereto by a fold line 249, is a tab or flap 250.

The assembly and formation of

blanks

210 and 211 is illustrated in FIG. 1, where it will be seen that the inner blank 210 has been wrapped around a quantity of cigarettes 118, which may be previously bound with an inner wrap 99, as in the first described embodiment. As shown in FIG. 31, the partial side wall panel 240 has been swung into facing, adhesive engagement with the inner wrap 99 and the complementary partial side wall panel 248. Also, the hinge member tab or flap 242 has been swung downwardly to overlie the upper ends of adjacent cigarettes 118, while the tab or flap 250 has been swung upwardly and inwardly to underlie the lower front region of the adjacent cigarettes.

Further in FIG. 31, the outer shell bottom wall 212 has been folded upwardly with respect to the outer shell side wall 213, and the outer shell rear wall panel 221 has been folded ninety degrees inwardly with respect to the side wall 213. The tab or flap 229 on the lower end of the rear wall panel 221 has been swung into overlying secured engagement with the adhesive coating 231 of the bottom wall 212.

With the folded and secured blank 210 of FIG. 1 seated on the bottom outer shell wall 212, the side wall panel 214 may be swung upwardly and the rear wall panel 222 swung inwardly into adhesive engagement with the associated rear wall panel 221, all to assume the conditions shown in FIG. 2.

To complete the package from the conditions-shown in FIG. 32, it is only necessary to swing the top wall panel 224 downwardly and inwardly to adhesively engage the coated region 234 with the upper surface of tab 242. The other top wall panel 223 may then be swung inwardly and downwardly to adhesively overlie the top wall panel 224 to complete the package.

The completed package is shown in FIG. 33, and there generally designated 260, including the inner shell 261 and outer shell 262, respectively formed from the inner shell blank part 210 and outer shell blank part 211. The inner shell 261, as seen in FIG. 33, has been shifted to its open position, wherein the inner shell has pivoted about its lower front corner, being held against other than pivotal movement by adhesive securement of the tab 250 to the adhesive coating 230. Upon this pivotal shifting movement, the hinge panel 240 swings about its hinged connection 239 through an over-deadcenter position in the manner of a toggle, as described hereinbefore and in said copending patent application. It will be observed that the upper end of the hinged panel or snap lock 240 is anchored to the top wall 223, 2240f the outer shell 262 by the tab or flap 242 being secured to the adhesive coating 234. Thus, while the previously described embodiments illustrate the hinged panel or snap lock as having its upper end connected to the rear wall of the outer shell, the connection may also be made to the upper or top wall of the outer shell, if desired.

While the

side wall

213 and 214 of the outer shell 262 are illustrated as provided with

finger notches

217 and 218 for withdrawing the inner shell 261 to its open position, it is appreciated that the outer shell back

wall

221, 22 may be provided with an opening or other suitable means for engaging a finger to open the package 260 by a squeezing manipulation, in the manner of the aforedescribed embodiment.

Considering. now the additional embodiment shown in FIGS. 42-54, a package is there generally designated 360, as in FIG. 46, and is advantageously formed from a pair of

blank parts

310 and 311, respectively shown in FIGS. 42 and 43.

The blank part 311 of FIG. 43 is adapted to form the outer shell 362 of the package 360, and includes a generally rectangular outer shell bottom wall 312, and a pair of generally rectangular outer

shell side walls

313 and 314 extending respectively from opposite sides of the bottom wall and hingedly connected thereto by

fold lines

315 and 316. The

side wall panels

313 and 314 may be respectively formed along their forward edges with finger notches or

cutouts

317 and 318, and are further provided at their outer or upper ends with respective

top wall panels

323 and 324 hingedly connected, as by

fold lines

325 and 326 to the adjacent side wall panels. As thus far described, the outer shell blank part 311 is substantially identical to the outer shell blank part 211 of FIG. 30.

Extending from the rear edge of side wall panel 313, being hingedly connected thereto by fold line 319, is a rear wall panel 321. The side wall panel 314 has its rear edge defined by a fold line 320, and a rear wall panel 322 hingedly connected by the fold line 320 to the side wall panel 314. A tab 327 extends from the lower end of rear wall panel 321, being hingedly connected to the latter by a fold line 328.

In addition, the bottom wall panel 312 is provided at opposite ends with adhesive coatings, a forward coating 330, and a rear adhesive coating 331. The top wall panel 323 may be covered with adhesive 332, while the complementary top wall panel 324 of the instant embodiment does not require any adhesive coating.

The rear wall panel 321 may be formed with an angulate, generally L-shaped cut or slit 334 extending generally horizontally inwardly from the longitudinal edge, and thence vertically upwardly along the fold line 319 and terminating short of the upper end of the latter fold line. From the upper end of the angulate cut 334, generally horizontally toward the longitudinal edge of rear wall panel 321, there extends a fold line 335. As best seen in FIG. 43, the fold line 335 combines with the angulate cut 334 to define therebetween of the intermediate material of rear wall panel 321 a flap or tab 340. The lower end region of the flap or tab 340 may be adhesively coated, as at 341 the rear wall panel 322 is adhesively coated in separate regions, as at 342 and 343, leaving an uncoated region, for a purpose appearingpresently.

The inner shell blank part 310 is shown in FIG. 42, and includes an inner rear wall panel 345 bounded on opposite side edges by a pair of

parallel fold lines

346 and 347. Extending from the rear wall panel 345 and hingedly connected thereby by fold line 346 is a partial side wall panel 348. Extending from and hingedly connected to the other side of the rear wall panel 345, as

by the fold line or crease 347, is a full or complete side wall panel 349, and a front wall panel 350 is hingedly connected to the side wall panel 349 by a fold line or crease 351. Extending from the other side of the front wall panel 350, and hingedly connected thereto by a fold line or crease 352, is an additional partial side wall panel 353. A lower end flap 354 extends from the lower end of the front wall panel 350, being hingedly connected thereto by a fold line 355. The partial side wall panel 348 may be adhesively coated, as at 356.

The method of setting up the pair of

blank parts

310 and 311 to form the package 360 is shown in FIG. 44, the blank part 310 havingbeen folded about a group of cigarettes 118 inner wrapped, as at 99, the adhesive coated partial side wall panel adhesively engaging the inner wrap 99 and the partial side wall panel 248.

The outer shell blank part 311 is shown in FIG. 44 with the side wall panel 313 swung upwardly about the fold line 315, the rear wall panel 321 swung forwardly about its hinged connection 319, and the lower end flap 327 secured to the adhesive region 331. With the forward lower end tab or flap 354 of the inner shell 361 swung inwardly and upwardly, the inner shell-is seated on'the bottom wall 312 to secure the flap 354 to the adhesive region 330.

It is then only necessary to swing the side wall panel 314 upwardly and swing the rear wall panel 322 inwardly against the rear wall panel 321, to assume the condition shown in FIG. 45. In this condition, the rear wall panel 322 will be adhesively secured to the rear wall panel 321 except at the uncoated intermediate region of the panel 322. Thus, the hinge panel or flap 340 remains unsecured to the outer rear wall panel 322 for a purpose appearing presently.

In order to complete the package 360 from the condition shown in 345, it is only necessary to swing the top wall section 324 inwardly and downwardly, and subsequently swing.the outer top wall section 323 inwardly and downwardly into adhesive securement with the inner top wall section. I

The instant package 360 may then be conveniently opened, as by grasping through the

finger notches

317 and 318 to swing the inner shell 361 to its open position shown in FIGS. 46 and 47. In the latter figure it will be seen that the hinge panel 340 defines a snap lock swingable to overcenter positions in the manner of a toggle linkage, being integral with the inner rear wall panel 321 of the outer shell 362, and adhesively secured to the rear wall 345 of the inner shell.

While the

rear walls

321, 322 of the outer shell 362 is imperforate, it will be appreciated that the outer shell rear wall may be provided with a finger opening, if desired, to enable the hereinbefore described singlehanded squeeze-type operation.

From the foregoing, it will now be appreciated that, in each of the several embodiments, the outer shell is constituted of a generally rectangular or multi-edge bottom wall or surface, as provided by the overlying

bottom wall panels

138 and 140 of the first described embodiment. A plurality of side walls upstand from the bottom wall along the edges thereof, the

side walls

128 and 130 of the first described embodiment upstanding from opposite sides of the

bottom wall

138, 140, and a rear wall 122 upstanding from the rear edge of the bottom wall. The number'of

upstanding walls

128, 130 and 122 is less than the number of edges of the

bottom wall

138, 140, so that the outer shell 114 has its front open, as between the front edges of the

upstanding side walls

128 and 130.

The inner shell 116 is pivotally connected to the outer shell 114 by adhesive securement of the flap 180 at the lower front region to the adhesive coating 93 of the bottom wall panel 140. By this pivotal connection of flap 180, the inner shell 116 is swingable between its open and closed positions of FIGS. 3 and 5, respectively. The panel 144 functions in the manner of a snaplock as described in said copending patent applications.

Of course, the several embodiments described herein may each be considered as including an outer shell having a multi-edge bottom surface and a plurality of side walls upstanding from the bottom surface, with the number of side walls being less than the number of bottom surface edges so as to leave an opening in the outer shell. Also, the inner shell of each embodiment is pivotally connected to the outer shell for movement between the closed and open positions for storing and dispensing the contents.

In view of the foregoing description and illustration, it is now understood that the instant invention provides a container-dispenser for cigarettes and the like which is extremely simple in operation, permitting of a simple single-handed opening and closing, being operative with a minimum of frictional resistance, which is economical in manufacture to achieve production with an absolute minimum of waste, being capable of utilizing conventional machinery, and which otherwise fully accomplishes its intended objects.

Although the present invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it is understood that certain changes and modifications may be made within the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A package for cigarettes and the like, said package comprising an outer shell having a multi-edge bottom surface and a plurality of side walls upstanding therefrom, the number of side walls being at least one less than the number of edges of said bottom surface such that said outer shell includes an elongate opening therein; one of said side walls constituting a rear wall oppositely disposed with respect to said elongated opening, an inner shell pivotally connected to said outer shell and movable between a first position within said outer shell in which the interior of said inner shell is inaccessible and a second position partially out of the confines of said outer shell in which the interior of said inner shell is accessible; and snap-lock means joining a rear wall of said inner shell with said outer shell for firmly seating said inner shell in either of said first and second positions only, and for precluding said inner shell from being withdrawn completely out of the confines of said outer shell, said snap-lock means further maintaining said inner shell rigid and for precluding said inner shell from moving from either of its two positions accidentally, said outer shell rear wall having a through finger opening, whereby a single-handed squeezing of said outer shell to pass a finger through said finger opening toward said inner shell shifts the latter from said first position to said second position, and single-handed squeezing against the exposed part of said inner shell returns the latter from said second position to said first position.

2. The package of claim 1, in combination with a closure extending across said finger opening and sevcrably connected to said outer shell, said closure being adhesively secured to said inner shell for movement therewith and severance from said outer shell upon inner shell shifting from said first position to said second position.

3. The package of claim 2, said closure being severably connected to said outer shell about a closed configuration for complete detachment from said outer shell upon severance by said shifting.

4. The package of claim 2, said closure being severably connected to said outer shell about an open configuration for partial detachment from said outer shell upon severance by said shifting to leave a connecting portion extending swingably between said shells.

5. The package of claim 4, said connecting portion comprising an auxiliary snap-lock swingable between overcenter positions upon said shifting.

6. A package for cigarettes and the like, said package comprising: an outer shell having a multi-edge bottom surface and a plurality of side walls upstanding therefrom, the number of side walls being at least one less than the number of edges of said bottom surface such that said outer shell includes an elongated opening therein: one of said side walls constituting a rear wall oppositely disposed with respect to said elongated opening, an inner shell pivotally connected to said outer shell and movable between a first position within said outer shell in which the interior of said inner shell is inaccessible and a second position partially out of the confines of said outer shell in which the interior of said inner shell is accessible; and snap-lock means joining a rear wall of said inner shell with said outer shell for firmly seating said inner shell in either of said first and second positions only, and for precluding said inner shell from being withdrawn completely out of the confines of said outer shell, said snap-lock means further maintaining said inner shell rigid and for precluding said inner shell from moving from either of its two positions accidentally, said inner and outer shells being integrally fabricated of a sheet printed on a single side with said inner shell folded into said outer shell so that the unprinted side of said inner shell faces outwardly through said elongated opening.

7. The package of claim 6, in combination with a cover panel extending integrally from one edge of said inner shell and folded in externally overlying relation therewith facing outwardly and presenting the printed side through said elongated opening.

8. A package for cigarettes and the like, said package comprising: an outer shell having a multi-edge bottom surface and a plurality of side walls upstanding therefrom, the number of side walls being at least one less than the number of edges of said bottom surface such that the outer shell includes an elongated opening therein; one of said sidewalls constituting arear wall oppositely disposed with respect to said elongated opening, an inner shell pivotally connected to said outer shell and movable between a first position within said outer shell in which the interior of said inner shell is inaccessible and a second position partially out of the confines of said outer shell in which the interior of said inner shell is accessible; said rear wall having a through finger opening with a closure extending across said finger opening and severably connected to said outer shell, said closure being adhesively secured to said inner shell for movement therewith and severance from said outer shell upon inner shell shifting from said first position to said second position, whereby a singlehanded squeezing of said outer shell to pass a finger through said finger opening toward said inner shell shifts the latter from said first position to said second position, and single-handed squeezing against the exposed part of said inner shell returns the latter from said second position to said first position.

9. The package of claim 8, said closure being severably connected to said outer shell about a closed configuration for complete detachment from said outer shell upon severance by said shifting.

10. The package according to claim 8, said closure being severably connected to said outer shell about an open configuration for partial detachment from said outer shell upon severance by said shifting to leave a connecting portion extending swingably between said shells.

11. The package according to claim 10, said connecting portion comprising an auxiliary snap-lock swingable between overcenter positions upon said shifting.

12. A package for cigarettes and the like, said package comprising: an outer shell having a multi-edge bottom surface and a plurality of side walls upstanding therefrom, the number of side walls being at least one less than the number of edges of said bottom surface such that said outer shell includes an elongated opening therein; one of said side walls constituting a rear wall oppositely disposed with respect to said elongatedopening, an inner shell pivotally connected to said outer shell and movable between a first position within said outer shell in which the interior of said inner shell is inaccessible and a second position partially out of-the confines of said outer shell in which the interior of said inner shell is accessible; said inner and outer shells being integrally fabricated of a sheet printed on a single side with said inner shell folded into said outer shell so that the unprinted side of said inner shell faces outwardly through said elongated opening, and a cover panel extending integrally from one edge of said inner shell and folded in externally overlying relation therewith facing outwardly and presenting the printed side through said elongated opening.

13. A package for cigarettes and the like, said package comprising: an outer shell having a multi-edge bottom surface and a plurality of side walls upstanding therefrom, the number of side walls being at least one less than the number of edges of said bottom surface such that said outer shell includes an elongated opening therein; one of said side walls constituting a rear wall oppositely disposed with respect to said elongate opening, an inner shell pivotally connected to said outer shell and movable between a first position within said outer shell in which the interior of said inner shell is inaccessible and a second position partially out of the confines of said outer shell in which the interior or said inner shell is accessible; and snap-lock means joining a rear wall of said inner shell with said outer shell for firmly seating said inner shell in said first and second positions, and for precluding said inner shell from being withdrawn completely out of the confines of said outer shell, said snap-lock means further maintaining said inner shell rigid and for precluding said inner shell from moving from either of its two positions accidentally, said inner shell including a front wall which closes said elongated opening when said inner shell is in its first position and is hingedly secured to the one edge of said bottom surface of said outer shell which does not include a side wall upstanding therefrom, said rear wall of said inner shell substantially abutting said rear wall of said outer shell when said inner shell is in its first position; and said snap-lock means comprising a joining member hingedly connected at opposite ends to the upper end of said rear wall of said inner shell and the upper end of said outer shell respectively, said joining member passing over center with respect to a first imaginary diagonal joining the upper end of the rear wall of said outer shell with said one edge of said bottom surface whenever said inner shell is moved between its first and second positions.

14. The package of claim 13, said joining member extending integrally from said inner shell and being adhesively secured to said outer shell.

15. A package for cigarettes and the like, said package comprising: an outer shell having a multi-edge bottom surface and a plurality of side walls upstanding therefrom, the number of side walls being at least one less than the number of edges of said bottom surface such that said outer shell includes an elongated opening therein; one of said side walls constituting a rear wall oppositely disposed with respect to said elongated opening, an inner shell pivotally connected to said outer shell and movable between a first position within said outer shell in which the interior of said inner shell is inaccessible and a second position partially out of the confines of said outer shell in which the interior of said inner shell is accessible; and snap-lock means joining a rear wall of said inner shell with said outer shell for firmly seating said inner shell in said first and second positions, and for precluding said inner'shell from being withdrawncompletely out of the confines of said outer shell, said snap-lock means further maintaining said inner shell rigid and for precluding said inner shell from moving from either of its two positions accidentally, said inner shell including a front wall which closes said elongated opening when said inner shell is in its first position and is hingedly secured to the one edge of said bottom surface of said outer shell which does not include a side wall upstanding therefrom, said inner shell rear wall substantially abutting the rear wall of said outer shell when said inner shell is in its first position; said snap-lock means comprising a joining member hingedly connected at opposite ends to the rear walls of said inner and outer shells, respectively spaced below the upper end of said outer member rear wall.

16. The package according to claim 15, said joining member extendinG integrally from said outer shell and being adhesively secured to said inner shell.

17. A non-piece blank for forming a package for ci'garettes and the like, said blank comprising: an outer shell rear wall panel having a pair of parallel longitudinal side edges and a pair of parallel end edges; a pair of outer shell side wall panels hingedly connected to respective ones of said pair of londitudinal edges of said 7 outer shell rear wall panel; a snap-lock panel having two pairs of oppositely disposed parallel edges, one edge thereof hingedly secured to one of said end edges of said outer shell rear wall panel; an inner shell rear wall panel hingedly secured to the edge of said snaploek panel which is opposite said one edge thereof; a partial inner shell side wall panel hingedly secured to one longitudinal edge of said inner shell rear wall panel;

a complete inner shell side wall panel hingedly secured to the opposite longitudinal edge of said inner shell rear wall panel; an inner shell front wall panel hingedly secured along one longitudinal edge thereof to the opposite longitudinal edge of said complete inner shell side wall panel; a second partial inner shell side wall panel hingedly secured to the opposite longitudinal edge of said inner shell front wall panel; and a triangular panel hingedly secured to one edge of said other pair of oppositely disposed parallel edges of said snap-lock panel to serve as a stop member for said inner shell in said open position, said rear wall panel being formed with a through finger hole for passing a users finger to shift the inner shell to open position.

18. The blank of claim 19, in combination with a closure detachably secured in closing relation with said finger hole for removal therefrom in use.

19. The blank of claim 18, in combination with adhesive on said closure for securement of the latter to the inner shell for movement therewith.

20. The blank according to claim 19, said closure being severably connected to said rear wall panel about a closed configuration for complete detachment from said rear wall panel upon severance by said shifting.

21. A blank according to claim 19, said closure being severably connected to said rear wall panel about an open configuration for partial detachment from said rear wall panel upon severance by said shifting to leave a connecting portion extending swingably between said shells.

22. A one-piece blank printed on a single side for forming a package for cigarettes and the like, said blank comprising: an outer shell rear wall panel having a pair of parallel longitudinal side edges and a pair of parallel end edges;'a pair of outer shell side wall panels hingedly connected to respective ones of said pair of longitudinal edges of said outer shell rear wall panels; a snap-lock panel having two pairs of oppositely disposed parallel edges, one edge thereof hingedly secured to one of said end edges of said outer shell rear wall panel; an inner shell rear wall panel hingedly secured to the edge of said snap-lock panel which is opposite said one edge thereof; a partial inner shell side wall panel hingedly secured to one longitudinal edge of said inner shell rear wall panels; a complete inner shell side wall panel hingedly secured to the opposite longitudinal edge of said inner shell rear wall panel; an inner shell front wall panel hingedly secured along one longitudinal edge thereof to the opposite longitudinal edge thereof to the opposite longitudinal edge of said complete inner shell side wall panel; a second partial inner shell side wall panel hingedly secured to the opposite longitudinal edge of said inner shell front wall panel; a triangular panel hingedly secured to one edge of said other pair of oppositely disposed parallel edges of said snap-lock panels to serve as a stop member for said inner shell in the open position, and a cover panel extending from and hingedly connected to one end edge of said inner shell front wall, for doubling into facing engagement with the latter to expose the single side of the blank.

23. A package for cigarettes and the like, said package comprising: an inner shell and an outer shell and means connecting said shells for pivotally moving said inner shell between a first position within said outer shell in which the interior of said inner shell is inaccessible and a second position partially out of the confines of said outer shell in which the interior of said inner shell is accessible; said inner shell being formed from a first blank having an elongate outer shell end panel, a pair of outer shell side panels extending from and hingedly secured to opposite longitudinal sides of said end panel, a pair of partial outer shell end panels hingedly secured to opposite ends of said side panels, and a pair of partial outer shell rear panels hingedly secured to the side of respective side panels; said inner shell being formed from a second blank having an inner shell rear panel, a partial inner shell side panel hingedly secured to one side of said inner shell rear panel, a complete inner shell side panel hingedly secured to the other side of said inner shell rear panel, an elongate inner shell front panel having one side edge hingedly secured to said complete inner shell side panel remote from said inner shell rear panel, and an additional partial inner shell side panel hingedly secured to the other side edge of said inner shell front panel; and said means connecting said shells being a snap-lock panel hingedly secured to one of said inner and outer shell rear panels.

24. A package according to claim 23, said snap-lock panel being hingedly secured to the upper edge of said inner shell rear panel.

25. A package according to claim 23, said snap-lock panel being hingedly secured to one of said partial outer shell rear panels.

Claims

1. A package for cigarettes and the like, said package comprising an outer shell having a multi-edge bottom surface and a plurality of side walls upstanding therefrom, the number of side Walls being at least one less than the number of edges of said bottom surface such that said outer shell includes an elongate opening therein; one of said side walls constituting a rear wall oppositely disposed with respect to said elongated opening, an inner shell pivotally connected to said outer shell and movable between a first position within said outer shell in which the interior of said inner shell is inaccessible and a second position partially out of the confines of said outer shell in which the interior of said inner shell is accessible; and snap-lock means joining a rear wall of said inner shell with said outer shell for firmly seating said inner shell in either of said first and second positions only, and for precluding said inner shell from being withdrawn completely out of the confines of said outer shell, said snap-lock means further maintaining said inner shell rigid and for precluding said inner shell from moving from either of its two positions accidentally, said outer shell rear wall having a through finger opening, whereby a single-handed squeezing of said outer shell to pass a finger through said finger opening toward said inner shell shifts the latter from said first position to said second position, and single-handed squeezing against the exposed part of said inner shell returns the latter from said second position to said first position.

2. The package of claim 1, in combination with a closure extending across said finger opening and severably connected to said outer shell, said closure being adhesively secured to said inner shell for movement therewith and severance from said outer shell upon inner shell shifting from said first position to said second position.

8. A package for cigarettes and the like, said pacKage comprising: an outer shell having a multi-edge bottom surface and a plurality of side walls upstanding therefrom, the number of side walls being at least one less than the number of edges of said bottom surface such that the outer shell includes an elongated opening therein; one of said side walls constituting a rear wall oppositely disposed with respect to said elongated opening, an inner shell pivotally connected to said outer shell and movable between a first position within said outer shell in which the interior of said inner shell is inaccessible and a second position partially out of the confines of said outer shell in which the interior of said inner shell is accessible; said rear wall having a through finger opening with a closure extending across said finger opening and severably connected to said outer shell, said closure being adhesively secured to said inner shell for movement therewith and severance from said outer shell upon inner shell shifting from said first position to said second position, whereby a single-handed squeezing of said outer shell to pass a finger through said finger opening toward said inner shell shifts the latter from said first position to said second position, and single-handed squeezing against the exposed part of said inner shell returns the latter from said second position to said first position.

12. A package for cigarettes and the like, said package comprising: an outer shell having a multi-edge bottom surface and a plurality of side walls upstanding therefrom, the number of side walls being at least one less than the number of edges of said bottom surface such that said outer shell includes an elongated opening therein; one of said side walls constituting a rear wall oppositely disposed with respect to said elongated opening, an inner shell pivotally connected to said outer shell and movable between a first position within said outer shell in which the interior of said inner shell is inaccessible and a second position partially out of the confines of said outer shell in which the interior of said inner shell is accessible; said inner and outer shells being integrally fabricated of a sheet printed on a single side with said inner shell folded into said outer shell so that the unprinted side of said inner shell faces outwardly through said elongated opening, and a cover panel extending integrally from one edge of said inner shell and folded in externally overlying relation therewith facing outwardly and presenting the printed side through said elongated opening.

15. A package for cigarettes and the like, said package comprising: an outer shell having a multi-edge bottom surface and a plurality of side walls upstanding therefrom, the number of side walls being at least one less than the number of edges of said bottom surface such that said outer shell includes an elongated opening therein; one of said side walls constituting a rear wall oppositely disposed with respect to said elongated opening, an inner shell pivotally connected to said outer shell and movable between a first position within said outer shell in which the interior of said inner shell is inaccessible and a second position partially out of the confines of said outer shell in which the interior of said inner shell is accessible; and snap-lock means joining a rear wall of said inner shell with said outer shell for firmly seating said inner shell in said first and second positions, and for precluding said inner shell from being withdrawn completely out of the confines of said outer shell, said snap-lock means further maintaining said inner shell rigid and for precluding said inner shell from moving from either of its two positions accidentally, said inner shell including a front wall which closes said elongated opening when said inner shell is in its first position and is hingedly secured to the one edge of said bottom surface of said outer shell which does not include a side wall upstanding therefrom, said inner shell rear wall substantially abutting the rear wall of said outer shell when said inner shell is in its first position; said snap-lock means comprising a joining member hingedly connected at opposite ends to the rear walls of said inner and outer shells, respectively spaced below the upper end of said outer member rear wall.

17. A non-piece blank for forming a package for cigarettes and the like, said blank comprising: an outer shell rear wall panel having a pair of parallel longitudinal side edges and a pair of parallel end edges; a pair of outer shell side wall panels hingedly connected to respective ones of said pair of londitudinal edges of said outer shell rear wall panel; a snap-lock panel having two pairs of oppositely disposed parallel edges, one edge thereof hingedly secured to one of said end edges of said outer shell rear wall panel; an inner shell rear wall panel hingedly secured to the edge of said snap-lock panel which is opposite said one edge thereof; a partial inner shell side wall panel hingedly secured to one longitudinal edge of said inner shell rear wall panel; a complete inner shell side wall panel hingedly seCured to the opposite longitudinal edge of said inner shell rear wall panel; an inner shell front wall panel hingedly secured along one longitudinal edge thereof to the opposite longitudinal edge of said complete inner shell side wall panel; a second partial inner shell side wall panel hingedly secured to the opposite longitudinal edge of said inner shell front wall panel; and a triangular panel hingedly secured to one edge of said other pair of oppositely disposed parallel edges of said snap-lock panel to serve as a stop member for said inner shell in said open position, said rear wall panel being formed with a through finger hole for passing a user''s finger to shift the inner shell to open position.

22. A one-piece blank printed on a single side for forming a package for cigarettes and the like, said blank comprising: an outer shell rear wall panel having a pair of parallel longitudinal side edges and a pair of parallel end edges; a pair of outer shell side wall panels hingedly connected to respective ones of said pair of longitudinal edges of said outer shell rear wall panels; a snap-lock panel having two pairs of oppositely disposed parallel edges, one edge thereof hingedly secured to one of said end edges of said outer shell rear wall panel; an inner shell rear wall panel hingedly secured to the edge of said snap-lock panel which is opposite said one edge thereof; a partial inner shell side wall panel hingedly secured to one longitudinal edge of said inner shell rear wall panels; a complete inner shell side wall panel hingedly secured to the opposite longitudinal edge of said inner shell rear wall panel; an inner shell front wall panel hingedly secured along one longitudinal edge thereof to the opposite longitudinal edge thereof to the opposite longitudinal edge of said complete inner shell side wall panel; a second partial inner shell side wall panel hingedly secured to the opposite longitudinal edge of said inner shell front wall panel; a triangular panel hingedly secured to one edge of said other pair of oppositely disposed parallel edges of said snap-lock panels to serve as a stop member for said inner shell in the open position, and a cover panel extending from and hingedly connected to one end edge of said inner shell front wall, for doubling into facing engagement with the latter to expose the single side of the blank.