Multi-Compartment Cigarette Package

Abstract

An improved cigarette package is provided. The cigarette package first includes a container which serves as a housing for two or more compartments, each compartment holding a plurality of cigarettes. The package also includes a lid which is hingedly connected to the container at an upper end. Opening and closing the lid provides selective access and closure to the container. The inner compartments each include a compartment tab that allows for opening and re-sealing of the respective inner compartments. Thus, a dual-compartment cigarette package is provided wherein the compartments may be independently opened and re-sealed. The configuration allows for selective opening of a single compartment while preserving the factory seal on the unopened compartment so that freshness and aromatic oils of the cigarettes within the package are preserved, even after opening of the package and compartments.

Claims

1. A cigarette package, comprising: an outer container configured to closely hold two or more cigarette inserts, wherein each insert comprises: a moisture-resistant lining forming a compartment configured to closely hold a plurality of cigarettes in parallel alignment, wherein each compartment comprises: an exterior surface having a top face, a bottom face, a front face, a back face, an upper portion and a lower portion; and a compartment tab configured to be peeled away from at least the upper surface of the compartment into an unsealed position, enabling access of cigarettes within the associated compartment, and configured to be re-sealed after the associated compartment is opened; a lid pivotally connected to the container proximate an upper end to provide selective access to the compartments and the cigarettes therein, the lid being movable between open and closed positions; and a sleeve configured to wrap around the two or more cigarette inserts and to hold the cigarette inserts in adjacent relation within the outer container.

2. The cigarette package of claim 1, wherein: the outer container comprises a front surface forming an upper shoulder, wherein a distal end of the lid lands on the shoulder when the lid is pivoted to its closed position; the sleeve comprises a front surface that serves as a recessed portion of the container, wherein the recessed portion extends above the shoulder and receives an under-surface of the lid when the lid is pivoted to its closed position; and each compartment tab has a proximal end integral to the moisture-resistant lining of an associated compartment, and a distal end that moves between the unsealed and re-sealed positions.

3. The cigarette package of claim 2, further comprising a substrate coupled to each compartment of the at least two cigarette inserts, the substrate comprising: a distal end, a proximal end, lateral boundaries and an under-surface, wherein: the proximal end is secured to the respective back surfaces of the compartments; the distal end is configured to pivot from a sealed position wherein the distal end adhesively lands on the front surfaces of the respective compartments above the sleeve, and an unsealed position; and the under-surface is adhesively secured to the compartment tabs such that moving the distal end of a substrate to its unsealed position causes a corresponding compartment tab to at least partially move to its unsealed position as well.

4. The cigarette package of claim 3, wherein: the two or more cigarette inserts represent two cigarette inserts such that first and second compartments are provided for the cigarette package; the substrate further comprises a first substrate tab associated with the first compartment and a second cigarette tab associated with the second compartment, wherein each of the first and second substrate tabs is disposed above the first and second compartment tabs, respectively, and adhesively coupled thereto; the first and second compartment tabs are each defined laterally by opposing lateral edges and distally by its distal end, enabling the substrate tabs to be independently peeled from the respective first and second compartments; and the substrate tabs are configured such that pulling of the distal end of the substrate adjacent one substrate tab results in the selective opening of the one substrate tab and simultaneous opening of the respective compartment tab coupled thereto to reversibly open a portion of the respective compartment for access to cigarettes.

5. The cigarette package of claim 4, wherein: each substrate tab extends beyond the lateral and distal edges of the respective compartment tab to form a perimeter of adhesive material that is exposed around the under-surface of each substrate tab; and the perimeter of adhesive material lands upon the exterior surface of the respective compartment to form a temporary seal when the substrate tab and compartment tab are closed.

6. The cigarette package of claim 5, wherein each substrate tab and corresponding compartment tab extend from a portion of the back face of the compartment and continue along the top face of the compartments to a portion of the front face of the compartment.

7. The cigarette package of claim 4, wherein each substrate tab further comprises a flap that extends beyond the distal end of the substrate that is configured to allow for easier grasping and pulling of each substrate tab.

8. The cigarette package of claim 4, wherein the compartments, the compartment tabs, the substrate, the substrate tabs, or combinations thereof are fabricated from blanks of moisture- and aroma oil-insulating material.

9. The cigarette package of claim 4, wherein the compartments, the compartment tabs, the substrate, the substrate tabs, or combinations thereof comprise a metallic material, cellulosic material, plastic material, or combinations thereof.

10. The cigarette package of claim 9, wherein the compartments, the compartment tabs, the substrate, the substrate tabs, or combinations thereof comprise aluminum, tin, nickel, or combinations thereof.

11. The cigarette package of claim 1, further comprising: an exterior layer of water-resistant foil residing around the outer container.

12. The cigarette package of claim 1, wherein the outer container is fabricated primarily from a rigid cellulosic material or a synthetic material and has a rectangular cross-section.

13. A cigarette package comprising: an outer container configured to hold a plurality of cigarettes, the outer container having an exterior surface and a recessed portion inwardly indented from the exterior surface, the recess portion having a top edge and a first contour; a lid pivotally connected to the outer container at an upper back end of the outer container, the lid being movable between an open position and a closed position; at least two moisture-proof compartments positioned within the outer container, the compartments each having a front surface that extends above the top edge and first contour of the recessed portion to expose a peripheral margin portion of an exterior surface of each compartment; the at least two compartments each comprising a compartment tab that is integral with each compartment, each compartment tab having a distal end and lateral boundaries; a substrate coupled to and residing along a top face of the at least two compartments, wherein the under-surface of the substrate is coated in an adhesive material; the substrate further comprising at least two substrate tabs that are integral with the substrate, are generally concentric with the compartment tabs and are adhesively coupled to the compartment tabs; each of the at least two substrate tabs extending beyond the distal end and lateral boundaries of its respective compartment tab and onto the exterior surface of the respective compartment, the adhesive substrate being configured to contact the peripheral margin portion and the top face of the respective compartment to provide a moisture-proof seal when the substrate tabs and compartment tabs are in a closed position; each substrate tab being configured to allow for selective opening and re-sealing of its respective compartment. a sleeve configured to wrap around the two or more cigarette inserts and to hold the cigarette inserts in adjacent relation within the outer container.

14. The cigarette package of claim 13, further comprising: a sleeve configured to wrap around the at least two moisture-proof compartments configured to hold the compartments in adjacent relation within the outer container, wherein the sleeve is adhesively secured within the outer compartment; wherein: the at least two compartments represent first and second compartments, and the at least two compartment tabs represent first and second compartment tabs integral to the first and second compartments, respectively; the at least two substrate tabs represent first and second substrate tabs; the outer container comprises a front surface forming an upper shoulder, wherein a distal end of the lid lands on the shoulder when the lid is pivoted to its closed position; the sleeve comprises a front surface that serves as the recessed portion of the outer container, wherein the recessed portion extends above the shoulder and receives an under-surface of the lid when the lid is pivoted to its closed position; the lateral boundaries of the compartment tabs comprise perforations; each of the first and second substrate tabs is disposed above the first and second compartment tabs, respectively, and adhesively coupled thereto; and the substrate tabs are configured such that pulling of the distal end of the substrate adjacent one substrate tab results in the selective opening of the one substrate tab and simultaneous opening of the respective compartment tab coupled thereto to reversibly open a portion of the respective compartment for access to cigarettes.

15. The cigarette package of claim 14, wherein: the compartments, the compartment tabs, the substrate and the substrate tabs are fabricated from blanks of moisture- and aroma oil-insulating material; and the outer container is fabricated primarily from a rigid cellulosic material or a synthetic material and has a rectangular cross-section.

16. A cigarette package comprising: an outer container configured to hold a plurality of cigarettes, the outer container having a top edge; a lid pivotally connected to the outer container at an upper back end of the outer container, the lid being movable between an open position and a closed position; at least two moisture-proof compartments positioned within the outer container, said compartments each having a front surface extending past the top edge of the outer container to expose a peripheral margin portion of an exterior surface of each compartment, said compartments each having a notch to allow access to a grouping of cigarettes within each compartment; each compartment further comprising a compartment tab, wherein the number of tabs is equal to the number of compartments; each tab being configured to conform with the notch of each compartment; and an adhesive substrate residing on the compartments and extending to the peripheral portion of the compartment, the adhesive substrate being configured to contact the compartment at a location upon the compartment between the outer container top edge and the notch of the compartment wherein the adhesive substrate is thereby configured to allow for selective opening of a single tab to expose the notch of single compartment while allowing the other compartments to remain sealed; the adhesive substrate being further configured to allow for resealing of the compartment to prevent evaporation of aromatic oils and preserve freshness of cigarettes in a previously opened compartment when the container is in a closed position.

17. A method of opening and resealing a cigarette package comprising: providing a package of cigarettes, the package comprising: an outer container, the container configured to closely hold a plurality of cigarettes; a lid pivotally connected to the container proximate an upper end to provide selective access to the cigarettes, the lid being movable between open and closed positions; a first lining forming a first compartment and second lining forming a second compartment; the first and second compartments residing within the outer container; the first and second compartments each having an exterior surface with a top face, bottom face, front face, back face, upper portion, and lower portion; the first and second compartments further comprising a first compartment tab and a second compartment tab, respectively, that are configured to allow for resealing of each compartment after each compartment is opened; a substrate with an adhesive material along an under-surface that comprises a distal end; the substrate further comprising a first substrate tab and a second substrate tab that are disposed above the first and second compartment tabs, respectively, and coupled thereto; opening the lid; opening a substrate tab, which then causes the respective internal compartment tab coupled thereto to be opened, exposing cigarettes that are enclosed within the opened compartment; moving the substrate and coupled internal compartment tab from an open to a closed position to seal the opened inner compartment; and moving the lid from an open position to a closed position to complete closure of the cigarette package.

18. A method for assembling a cigarette package comprising: providing at least two blanks of material to serve as at least two inner linings of moisture-resistant or moisture-proof material; providing at least two groupings of cigarettes; folding a first inner lining around a first grouping of cigarettes to form one of at least two inner compartments; folding a second inner lining around a second grouping of cigarettes to form another of the at least two inner compartments; each of the at least two inner compartments comprising a top face, back face, and a front face; each of the at least two inner compartments further comprising a compartment tab that is defined by opposing lateral edges and a distal edge; providing a blank of material to serve as a substrate; the substrate comprising an under-surface with an adhesive material placed along the under-surface; and the substrate further comprising at least two substrate tabs; adhering the under-surface of the substrate to a top face of each of the at least two inner compartments such that the at least two substrate tabs are generally collinear with the compartment tabs of the at least two compartments and coupled thereto; the at least two substrate tabs and the compartment tabs coupled thereto being configured to allow for the selective opening and resealing of each inner compartment; providing a blank of material to serve as a container that comprises a lid portion; folding the blank of material to serve as a container around the at least two inner compartments to form an outer container configured to closely hold the at least two groupings of cigarettes after assembly; and folding the lid portion of the bank of material to serve as a container to create a hinged lid.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: providing a blank of material to serve as a sleeve; folding the blank of material that serves as the sleeve around the at least two compartments, the sleeve being configured to hold the at least two inner compartments together and anchor the at least two inner compartments to the container, wherein the sleeve comprises a recessed portion that forms a shoulder on which the lid lands when the lid is pivoted to its closed position.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein: the substrate tabs are slightly larger than the compartment tabs and extend beyond the lateral and distal edges of the compartment tabs to form a perimeter of adhesive material that is exposed around an under-surface of the tabs; and pressing along the perimeter of adhesive material causes the compartment to be sealed after opening.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] So that the present inventions can be better understood, certain drawings, charts, graphs and/or flow charts are appended hereto. It is to be noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only selected exemplary embodiments of the inventions and are therefore not to be considered limiting of scope, for the inventions may admit to other equally effective embodiments and applications.

[0052] FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views showing a known cigarette package design.

[0053] FIGS. 2A through 2H present a series of views of a cigarette package in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the cigarette package of the present invention. The lid is shown in a closed position.

[0055] FIG. 2B is a front plan view of the cigarette package of FIG. 2A.

[0056] FIG. 2C is a back plan view of the cigarette package of FIG. 2A.

[0057] FIGS. 2D and 2E are left and right side plan views, respectively, of the cigarette package of FIG. 2A.

[0058] FIG. 2F is another perspective view of the cigarette package of FIG. 2A. In this view, the hinged lid is being moved from its closed position to an open position, revealing a substrate with two tabs covering two inner compartments within the container.

[0059] FIG. 2G is still another perspective view of the cigarette package of FIG. 2A. In FIG. 2G, the hinged lid is in its fully open position. A first tab is peeled away to reveal cigarettes within a first compartment. An adjacent second tab and corresponding second compartment remain sealed.

[0060] FIG. 2H is still another perspective view of the cigarette package of FIG. 2A. Here, certain internal components of the package are shown in exploded-apart relation. The substrate and inner compartment tabs are in a raised position, revealing two inner compartments. The cigarettes have been removed from the inner compartments for illustrative purposes.

[0061] FIG. 3 is an engineering plan view of a blank of material used to create an outer container for the package of FIG. 2A, in one embodiment.

[0062] FIGS. 4A through 4D are engineering views of blank materials used in forming the interior compartments of the cigarette package of FIG. 2A.

[0063] FIG. 4A is an engineering plan view showing a blank of material used to create one of the at least two inner compartments, or inner linings, for the package of FIG. 2A, in one embodiment. A sealing tab is shown there along.

[0064] FIG. 4B is an end view of ten cigarettes arranged in three rows in preparation for being wrapped in the inner compartment of FIG. 4A.

[0065] FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the arranged cigarettes of FIG. 4B being placed along the interior surface of the compartment of FIG. 4A, to be wrapped therein.

[0066] FIG. 4D is a perspective view showing the exterior surface of the compartment of FIG. 4A after being folded and wrapped around the cigarettes of FIG. 4B.

[0067] FIGS. 5A through 5C are engineering views of blank materials used in forming a sleeve for use in the cigarette package of FIG. 2A.

[0068] FIG. 5A is a plan view showing a blank of material used to create the sleeve in a flat, unfolded state.

[0069] FIG. 5B is a perspective view showing the interior surface of a blank of material used to create the sleeve of FIG. 5A in a partially folded state.

[0070] FIG. 5C is another perspective view showing the blank of material used to create the sleeve of FIG. 5A, in a partially folded state. Here, the blank of material has been reversed relative to the view of FIG. 5B.

[0071] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of two inner compartments of FIG. 4D aligned for wrapping by the partially folded sleeve of FIG. 5B.

[0072] FIG. 6B is a plan view showing a blank of material used to create a substrate.

[0073] FIG. 6C is a perspective view of two inner compartments of FIG. 4D being wrapped by the sleeve of FIG. 5B. The substrate of FIG. 6B is shown being placed along back faces of the two inner compartments, indicated by arrows.

[0074] FIG. 6D is a front perspective view of the two inner compartments of FIG. 6C after being wrapped by the sleeve. The substrate is shown in an unfolded state, extending up from the back faces of the two inner compartments.

[0075] FIG. 6E is a rear perspective view of FIG. 6D. The substrate attached to the back faces of the two inner compartments is more clearly seen. Perforations running along the length of the substrate are also visible.

[0076] FIG. 6F is front perspective view of a portion of the cigarette package of FIG. 2A. The two inner compartments of FIG. 4D are shown wrapped in the sleeve of FIG. 5B. The substrate is folded across the top faces of the inner compartments and extends along a peripheral portion of the front faces of the inner compartments.

[0077] FIG. 6G is a rear perspective view of the components of the cigarette package of FIG. 6F. The substrate is shown adhered to the back faces of the inner compartments and then folded across the top faces of the inner compartments.

[0078] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view showing the components of the cigarette package of FIG. 6F being positioned along the interior surface of the unfolded outer container of FIG. 3, in preparation for being enclosed therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

Definitions

[0079] As used herein, the term blank refers to a substrate that is folded along designated lines to form a three-dimensional object.

Description of Selected Specific Embodiments

[0080] The inventions are described herein in connection with certain specific embodiments. However, to the extent that the following detailed description is specific to a particular embodiment or a particular use, such is intended to be illustrative only and is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the inventions or claims.

[0081] FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views showing a design for a known cigarette package 100. The cigarette package 100 defines a container 110 for holding a plurality of cigarettes 150. In FIG. 1A, a few of the cigarettes 150 are shown extending from the container 110 for illustrative purposes.

[0082] The container 110 has a lower end 112 and an upper end 114. A lid 115 is hingedly connected to the container 110 at the upper end 114. A hinge line is shown at 116. It is understood that the hinge line extends along a back surface (seen best in FIG. 2C).

[0083] The lid 115 is movable from an open position wherein a cigarette 150 may be accessed, to a closed position wherein the lid 115 seats on a shoulder 118. It is observed that while closing the lid 115 may limit contact of the cigarettes 150 with the air, it does not provide a moisture barrier or an air tight seal.

[0084] FIGS. 2A through 211 present a series of views of a cigarette package 200 in accordance with the present invention, in one embodiment. The cigarette package 200 is a dual compartment package, meaning that groups of cigarettes 150 are held within separately sealable compartments 300A, 300B.

[0085] First, FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the cigarette package 200. An outer container 210 having a rectangular profile is first shown. The container 210 has a lower end 212 and an upper end 214. A lid 215 is disposed at the upper end 214. The lid 215 is pivotally connected to the container 210 through an integral hinge line 216. (best seen in FIGS. 2C and 2D) Preferably, the lid 215 is integrally connected to the container 210 as shown in the blank of FIG. 3.

[0086] The lid may further include a lid flap 220. The lid flap 220 extends beyond a lower end 219 of a front portion 215B (as seen in FIG. 2B) of the lid 215. The lid flap 220 is configured to facilitate opening of the container lid 215 by the consumer.

[0087] FIGS. 2B and 2C are front and back plan views of the cigarette package 200 of FIG. 2A, respectively. In FIG. 2B, a front panel 210B of the container 210 is seen; while in FIG. 2C a back portion 210C of the container 210 is shown. The front panel 210B includes a recessed portion (seen at 520 in FIG. 2F) that accommodates the lid 215 when the lid 215 is in its closed position. Stated another way, an inner surface 217 of the lid lands on the recessed portion 520 when the lid 215 is closed.

[0088] It is also noted that a front portion 215B of the lid 215 is seen in FIG. 2B, while a back portion 215C of the lid 215 is visible in FIG. 2C. The hinge line 216 is also shown in FIG. 2C, in dashed lines.

[0089] FIGS. 2D and 2E provide left and right side plan views of the cigarette package 200 of FIG. 2A, respectively. In these views, the lid 215 remains in its closed position.

[0090] Additional details of the package 200 are presented in FIGS. 2F and 2G. FIGS. 2F and 2G provide additional perspective views of the cigarette package 200 of FIG. 2A. In the view of FIG. 2F, the hinged lid 215 is being moved from its closed position to an open position. Arrow O is provided, indicating a direction of movement for pivoting the lid 215 to its open position. In FIG. 2G, the hinged lid 215 is in its fully open position.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 2F and 2G together, it is first noted that the outer container 210 includes a shoulder 218. The shoulder 218 defines the upper end 214 of the material forming the container 210 along a front surface 210B. Above the shoulder 218 is the recessed portion 520. The recessed portion 520 has a front profile that is generally rectangular or trapezoidal in shape, and is formed from a sleeve 500 that is wrapped around at least two inner compartments 300A, 300B.

[0092] The sleeve 500 is slidably received within the outer container 210 during fabrication. The recessed portion 520 is a front face of the sleeve 500, and serves as something of a landing surface for the lid 215 when the lid 215 is pivoted back from its open position (seen in FIGS. 2F and 2G) to its closed position (seen in FIG. 2A).

[0093] In FIGS. 2F and 2G, as the pivoting lid 215 is being moved from its closed position to its open position, a 400 substrate is revealed. The illustrative substrate 400 includes a pair of integral substrate tabs 440A, 440B. Also revealed in FIGS. 2F and 2G is a pair of inner compartments 300A, 300B. The inner compartments 300A, 300B are housed within the outer container 210, and are separately sealed. It is seen that the substrate tabs 440A, 44B cover a top face and a portion of the front face of the inner compartments 300A, 300B as part of the seal.

[0094] An adhesive material is provided along the substrate 400. Specifically, the adhesive material is coated along an under-surface of the substrate 400. This serves to releasably couple the substrate 400 to the inner compartments 300A, 300B along the top and, optionally, front faces.

[0095] In FIG. 2G, a first substrate tab 440A is open, having been peeled away from the first inner compartment 300A. It can be seen that a first inner compartment tab 340A is coupled to the under-surface of the first substrate tab 440A. When the first substrate tab 440A is peeled off of the first inner compartment 300A, the first inner compartment tab 340A moves with it. Cigarettes 150 may then be accessed within the first compartment 300A. Stated another way, the seal of the first inner compartment 300A is broken, and cigarettes 150 wrapped within the first inner compartment 300A are available for consumption.

[0096] Of interest, the substrate tab 440A is slightly larger than the first inner compartment tab 340A, providing a perimeter. As discussed above and in more detail below, this perimeter of exposed substrate may be coated in an adhesive material to allow for releasable resealing of the inner compartment 300A after a cigarette is removed for consumption. Meanwhile, in the view of FIG. 2G, an adjacent second tab 440B and corresponding second compartment 400B remain sealed, and cigarettes residing in the second inner compartment 400B are not visible. In this way, a consumer may selectively break the seal provided by the compartment tab 340A on only a portion of the cigarettes 150 within a single package 200, allowing the consumer to delay exposing the remaining portion of cigarettes 150 (under substrate tab 340B and compartment tab 440B) to ambient conditions until a first portion of cigarettes 150 within the package 200 is consumed.

[0097] Also visible in FIG. 2G, wherein the lid 215 and the first substrate and compartment tabs (440A and 340A, respectively) are open, is a front portion 325A of the first inner compartment 300A. The front face 325A includes a front notch, or upper contour 345. The contour 345 is generally rectangular or trapezoidal in shape. The front portion 325A is part of a larger inner compartment (seen more fully at 300 in the perspective view of FIG. 4D) that defines a lining of moisture proof or moisture-resistant material.

[0098] As shown in FIGS. 2F and 2G, when aligned side-by-side, the inner compartments 300A, 300B have an exterior surface that includes a peripheral margin portion 326. The peripheral margin portion 326 is exposed above the recessed portion 520. When all tabs 340A, 340B, 440A, 440B are in a closed position, the substrate 400 extends over the peripheral margin portion 326. The substrate 400 further covers top faces of the inner compartments 300A, 300B, which reside along a substantial portion of an inner surface 227 of the container 210. When the lid is moved to its closed position, an under-surface 217 of the lid 215 will land on and cover the recessed portion 520.

[0099] As noted above, and as seen in FIG. 2G, the under-surface of the substrate tab 440A is slightly larger and extends beyond the peripheral and distal edges of the compartment tab 340A. This allows a perimeter of adhesive material to be formed around the under-surface of the compartment tab 340A. Being so disposed, the perimeter of adhesive material allows a consumer to reversibly re-seal a selected inner compartment 300A or 300B after removing a cigarette for consumption. This is done by refolding the coupled substrate 440A and compartment 340A tabs to a closed position (as shown in FIG. 2F). Optionally, the perimeter of adhesive material is lightly pressed to form the releasable temporary seal. In this way, freshness of the cigarettes 150 may be preserved when the tabs 340A, 440A are returned to a closed position, even after the factory seal of an outer foil and an internal compartment 300A is broken.

[0100] FIG. 2H is still another perspective view of the cigarette package 200 of FIG. 2A. Here, certain inner components of the package 200 are shown in exploded-apart relation. In addition, the cigarettes 150 are removed for clarity. In FIG. 2H, two inner compartments 300A, 300B can be seen extending out from the container 210. The inner compartments 300A, 300B form two independent moisture-proof or moisture-resistant barriers for storing groupings of cigarettes within a single package 200.

[0101] It is understood that the cigarette package 200 may enclose more than two inner compartments. In one aspect, three separately sealable, or four separately sealable, inner compartments are employed. In any event, the sleeve 500 is wrapped around the two inner compartments 300A, 300B to secure them together.

[0102] The inner compartment tabs 340A, 340B are both shown in an open position, revealing a notch in the top face of the compartments 300A, 300B. This exposes interior chambers 380A, 380B of each compartment 300A, 300B. Also in FIG. 2H, the substrate 400 is shown exploded away from the inner compartments 300A, 300B. The substrate tabs 440A, 440B are seen extending vertically from a proximal end 455 of the substrate 400. A medial portion 430 of the substrate 400 is shown extending horizontally from the proximal end 455 of the substrate 400, and then folded downward toward a distal end 435 to define a medial front portion 432 of the substrate 400. The medial front portion 432 of the substrate 430 remains coupled to the top faces and a front portion 325A, 325B of the two inner compartment chambers 380A, 380B regardless of whether the substrate tabs 440A, 440B are open (as shown in FIG. 211) or closed (as shown in FIG. 2F).

[0103] Also visible in FIG. 2H is the proximal end 455 of the substrate 400. The proximal end 455 is shown exploded away from an upper part of the back faces of the two inner compartments (shown at 355 in FIG. 6E). For illustrative purposes, the lid 215 in FIG. 2H is shown separated from the container 210 at the hinge 216. It is noted that the lid 215 is integral with the blank of material forming the container, as more clearly shown in FIG. 3.

[0104] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a blank of material 310 used to create the container 210 for the package 200 of FIG. 2A, in one embodiment. The blank of material 310 offers front 210B and back 210C panels for the container 210. The blank of material 310 also includes opposing side panels. The lid 215 is shown integral to the container 210, and is defined as the portion of the blank 310 disposed above the hinge 216. The lid flap 220 is also visible as an integral part of the lid 215. Dashed lines show where the blank of material 310 is to be creased during manufacture.

[0105] FIG. 4A is a plan view of a blank of material 410 used to create one of the at least two inner compartments 300, or linings, in one embodiment. Dashed lines again show where the blank of material 410 is to be creased during manufacture of the inner compartment 300. Opposing ends 320, 330 are folded over each other to form a base. The blank of material 410 also includes opposing side panels, a front face 325, a top face 360, and a back face 327.

[0106] The compartment tab 340 can be seen extending from a small portion of the back face 327, continuing through a portion of the top face 360, and ultimately terminating at the upper contour 345 of the front face 325. The majority of the compartment tab 340 resides along the top face 360 of the compartment 300. The compartment tab 340 parallel sides 342.

[0107] The inner compartment 300 is preferably fabricated from a material that is moisture proof. For example, the material may comprise aluminum, tin, nickel, or combinations thereof. Alternatively, the material may comprise any substance known in the art to be moisture proof and capable of being folded into a lining, such as wax-coated heavy paper. Each of the inner compartments 300 helps to maintain the aromatic oils and moisture of the cigarettes 150 within the container 210, even after the package 200 has been opened by the consumer.

[0108] The compartment tab 340, in essence, is an extension of the inner compartment 300. The tab 340 is also fabricated from a moisture-proof material such as aluminum, tin, nickel, or combinations thereof.

[0109] FIG. 4B is an end view of a grouping of ten loose cigarettes that are arranged in three rows in preparation for being wrapped in one of the at least two inner compartments 300.

[0110] FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the grouping of cigarettes 150 of FIG. 4B being placed along the interior surface of the compartment 300 to be wrapped therein. Once folded, glue 700 may be applied at the locations 700 noted in FIG. 4C to secure the compartment 300 in the folded state.

[0111] FIG. 4D shows a perspective view of the inner compartment 300 that is folded around a grouping of cigarettes (not shown). In this way, the compartment 300 forms a moisture-proof or moisture-resistant barrier that preserves the freshness of the grouping of cigarettes enclosed therein. It is noted that the compartment tab 340 is in its sealed state. Parallel sides 342 and front notch 345 are perforated.

[0112] FIG. 5A is a plan view of a blank of material 510 used to create the sleeve 500 that will be wrapped around the at least two inner compartments 300A, 300B. The blank of material 510 also forms the recessed portion 520 of the container 210 (as shown in FIGS. 2F and 2G). Dashed lines again show where the blank of material 510 is to be creased during manufacture.

[0113] FIGS. 5B and 5C are perspective views showing the blank of material 510 used to create the sleeve 500 in a partially folded state. As shown, the sleeve 500 includes two walls 530A, 530B. The walls 530A, 530B are coupled together to form an inner wall 530 by folding the two walls 530A and 530B in the direction of the arrows F. FIG. 5C shows exemplary glue locations 700 on the face of one wall 530B that will receive the face of the other wall 530A. Thus, when folded together, the two walls 530A, 530B may be irreversibly coupled to form a single inner wall 530 placed between adjacent compartments 300A, 300B.

[0114] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of two inner compartments 300A, 300B of FIG. 4D aligned for wrapping by the partially folded sleeve 500 of FIG. 5B. The compartments 300A, 300B are moved in the direction of the arrows 5 to join the sleeve 500. Exemplary glue locations 700 are shown on the interior surface of what will become the back portion 527 of the sleeve 500. Thus, in this embodiment, the compartments 300A, 300B are being coupled to the sleeve 500.

[0115] FIG. 6B is a plan view of a blank of material 610 used to create the substrate 400. Dashed lines show where the blank of material 610 is to be creased during manufacture of the package 200. The under-surface of the substrate 400 may be coated with an adhesive material to allow for coupling with the compartments 300A, 300B after being folded (as shown in FIGS. 6F and 6G).

[0116] As shown in the blank of material 610 of FIG. 6B, the substrate 400 has a proximal end 455 that preferably resides along and is coupled to the upper portion of the back faces of the inner compartments (shown at 355A/355B in FIG. 6E). The proximal end 455 of the substrate 400 has a contour that matches the contour of the upper end of the back face 527 of the sleeve 500 when folded (as shown in FIGS. 6E and 6G). The contour may comprise an elongated U-shaped design. The elongated U-shaped design is so configured to promote easy opening and closing of the lid 215.

[0117] The blank of material 610 further includes substrate tabs 440A, 440B. The tabs 440A, 440B are separated by a medial portion 430. Both the medial portion 430 and the substrate tabs 440A, 440B have front faces (432A and 432B, respectively), which form a front face of the substrate 425 when folded and placed along the compartments 300A, 300B. Each substrate tab 440A, 440B is laterally defined by the lateral boundaries of the substrate 400 and medially defined by perforations 437A, 437B extending across a portion of the substrate 400 between the respective substrate tabs 440A, 440B and the medial portion 430. The substrate 400 is distally defined by a distal end 435 of the substrate 400.

[0118] The substrate 400 further comprises substrate flaps 445A, 445B. The substrate flaps 445A, 445B are collinear with the respective substrate tabs 440A, 440B. As shown, substrate flaps 445A, 445B extend beyond the distal end 435 of the substrate 400 and are configured to facilitate easy opening of the substrate tabs 440A, 440B by the consumer.

[0119] The substrate 400 and substrate tabs 440 are designed, fabricated, and configured to extend the life of the cigarettes 150 within the package 200. It is believed that the life of the cigarettes 150, calculated from when the consumer first opens the package, may be extended by up to 20%, or even up to 40%. It is also believed that the shelf life of the cigarettes 150 before the package 200 is opened is also extended.

[0120] FIG. 6C is a perspective view of two inner compartments 300A, 300B being wrapped by the sleeve 500. Here, the inner wall 530 of the sleeve 500 is folded into position between the two compartments 300A, 300B as the sleeve 500 and compartments 300A, 300B are coupled together. At the same time, the substrate 400 is shown being placed along an upper portion of the back faces (355 in FIG. 6E) of the inner compartments 300A, 300B in the direction of the arrows 9.

[0121] FIG. 6D is a front perspective view of the two inner compartments 300A, 300B after being wrapped by the sleeve 500. The inner wall 530 of the sleeve 500 can be partially seen disposed between the two compartments 300A, 300B. The recessed portion 520 of the sleeve 500 is shown covering a portion of the front faces 325 of the inner compartments 300A, 300B. The substrate 400 is shown in an unfolded state being placed onto an upper portion of the back faces 355A, 355B of the inner compartments 300A, 300B.

[0122] FIG. 6E is a rear perspective view of FIG. 6D. The unfolded substrate 400 can be more clearly seen as it is placed along the upper portion 355A, 355B of the back faces 327A, 327B of the compartments 300A, 300B. The complimentary contours of the proximal end 455 of the substrate 400 and the upper end of the back face 527 of the sleeve 500 are shown relative to one another. In the present embodiment, the contours are of an elongated U-shaped design.

[0123] FIG. 6F is front perspective view of an insert 600. The insert 600 is comprised of two (or more) inner compartments 300A, 300B wrapped in the sleeve 500. The substrate 400 is shown folded across the top faces 360A, 360B of the inner compartments 300A, 300B and extending along a portion of the front faces 325A, 325B of the inner compartments 300A, 300B to define the peripheral margin portion 326. As shown in the exemplary embodiment, the peripheral margin portion 326 extends to the top of the recessed portion 520 of the sleeve 500.

[0124] The medial portion 430 of the substrate 400 is shown extending across the gap between the top faces 360A, 360B of the compartments 300A, 300B. In this way, the inner wall 530 of the sleeve 500, which was visible before folding of the substrate 400, is now covered.

[0125] Also in FIG. 6F, the substrate flaps 445A, 445B are shown extending out from the substrate tabs 440A, 440B. Note that the substrate 400 is closed over the compartment tabs 340A, 340B. The insert 600 is to be enclosed within the container 210 to form the complete cigarette package 200 (shown in FIG. 7, and discussed in more detail below).

[0126] FIG. 6G is a rear perspective view of the insert 600. In this embodiment, the substrate 400 is again shown folded across the top faces 360A, 360B of the inner compartments 300A, 300B. The substrate 400 extends along a portion of the back faces 355A, 355B of the inner compartments 300A, 300B. The contours of the proximal end 455 of the substrate 400 and the upper end of the back face 527 of the sleeve 500, which are complimentary to one another, are shown once again. The contours are in the form of an elongated U-shaped design and configured to allow for efficient opening and closing of the lid 215.

[0127] Of interest, the location of the inner wall 530 of the sleeve 500 can be seen as a gap between the two compartments 300A, 300B. The medial portion 430 of the substrate 400 is shown extending across the gap between the top faces 360A, 360B of the compartments 300A, 300B, to cover a portion of the inner wall 530 of the sleeve 500.

[0128] Finally, FIG. 7 is a front perspective view showing the insert 600 of FIGS. 6F and 6G being positioned along the interior surface of the unfolded container 210 in preparation for being enclosed therein. The insert 600 is placed along the back wall 210C of the container 210, and the container 210 and lid 215, are folded around the insert 600. Exemplary glue locations 700 are shown as darkened areas along the interior surface of the container 210 and lid 215. Dashed lines show where the container 210 and lid 215 are to be creased during manufacture. In this way, the insert 600 is irreversibly coupled to the container 210 and enclosed therein to form the complete cigarette package 200 as shown in FIGS. 2A-211.

[0129] As discussed above and as shown in FIG. 2G, the under-surface of the substrate tab 440A is slightly larger and extends beyond the peripheral and distal edges of the compartment tab 340A. Since the under-surface of the substrate 400 is covered in adhesive material, a perimeter of adhesive material is formed around the under-surface of the compartment tab 340A. Being so disposed, the perimeter of adhesive material allows a consumer to reversibly re-seal an inner compartment 300A after removing a cigarette for consumption. To provide a temporary seal after removal of a cigarette 150 from the package 200, the open substrate tab 440A and coupled compartment tab 340A are folded in the direction of arrow C until the tabs are in a closed position (as shown in FIG. 2F). In the closed position of FIGS. 2F and 6F, the substrate tab 440A is received along a portion of the top face 360A and front face 325A of the compartment 300A. The substrate tab 440A is then pressed such that the perimeter of adhesive material exposed on the under-surface of the substrate tab (440A in FIG. 2G) becomes coupled to the inner compartment 300A, which forms the temporary seal. Following resealing of the inner compartment 300A, the lid 215 may be moved in the direction of the arrow C to rest on the shoulder 218 of the container 210. In this way, freshness of the cigarettes may be preserved when the tabs 340A, 440A and lid 215 are moved to a closed position, even after the factory seal of an internal compartment 300A, 300B is broken.

[0130] To break either the factory or temporary seal, the lid 215 is first opened by moving the lid flap 220 in the direction of the arrow O, as shown in FIG. 2F. Next, the substrate flap 445A may be grasped and pulled in the direction of the arrow O, which breaks the perforation 437A along the medial edge of the substrate tab 440A and causes the substrate tab 440A to peel upward. As the substrate tab 440A is pulled upward, the inner compartment tab 340A coupled thereto is likewise pulled in an upward direction, which breaks the seal and exposes the cigarettes 150 enclosed within the compartment 300A (as shown in FIG. 2G). After selection of a cigarette 150, the package 200 may be re-sealed and closed multiple times as described above due to the adhesive.

[0131] As can be seen, an improved cigarette package is provided herein. The cigarette package operates to extend the life of a conventional package of cigarettes by at least 20% to 40%. While it will be apparent that the inventions herein described are well calculated to achieve the benefits and advantages set forth above, it will be appreciated that the inventions are susceptible to modification, variation, and change without departing from the spirit thereof.