Patent Publication Number: US-2018029784-A1

Title: Slide-open Packet of Smoke Articles

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a slide-open packet of smoke articles, i.e. with sliding opening. 
     In the description that follows reference will be made, for the sake of brevity, to a slide-open packet of cigarettes without the present invention thereby losing general validity. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Rigid hinged lid packets of cigarettes are currently the packets of cigarettes of the most widespread type on the market because they are simple to make, are easy and practical to use and provide good mechanical protection to the cigarettes they contain. 
     In addition to the aforementioned rigid hinged-lid packets of cigarettes, rigid slide-open, i.e. with sliding opening, packets of cigarettes have been proposed, comprising two containers, inserted one inside the other in a partly separable manner. 
     In other words, a rigid slide-open packet of cigarettes comprises an inner container which is suitable for receiving a group of cigarettes wrapped in a sheet of metallised wrapping paper and is housed inside an outer container so as to be able to slide with respect to the outer container between a closed configuration, in which the inner container is inserted inside the outer container, and an open configuration in which the inner container is partly outside the outer container. The sliding of the inner container with respect to the outer container can be determined by a translation between the two containers or by a rotation between the two containers about a hinge which connects the two containers. 
     Some embodiments of rigid packets of cigarettes that are slidable by translation have been disclosed in FR2499947A1, U.S. Pat. No. 4,534,463A1, U.S. Pat. No. 5,080,227A1 and IT1169163B. An embodiment of a rigid packet of cigarettes that is slidable by rotation is disclosed in WO2006021581. 
     A drawback that has been observed in rigid slide-open packets of cigarettes is that in some situations, typically when a packet of cigarettes is inside a relatively wide bag or pocket, undesired opening of the packet of cigarettes can occur, i.e. sliding of the inner container outside the outer container, with a consequent exit from the inner container of cigarettes and/or tobacco powder. 
     In rigid packets of cigarette that are slidable by rotation it has been proposed to create a certain interference between the inner container and the outer container when the inner container is in the closed configuration, in such a manner that in order to take the inner container to the open configuration it is necessary to deform slightly the upper corner of the inner container by applying an opening force that is sufficiently high to be able to determine this deformation. In this manner, the inner container remains in the closed configuration until a relatively high opening force is applied; nevertheless, it has been noted that the deformation to which the upper corner of the inner container is subjected at each opening locally ruins the cardboard constituting the inner container and causes an undesired compression of the cigarettes contained in the inner container (in particular the two cigarettes arranged in contact with the upper corner are “dented”). 
     Another embodiment of a rigid slide-open packet of cigarettes has been disclosed in EP2716564A1. EP2716564A1 discloses a rigid packet of cigarettes of the type sliding by horizontal translation or by rotation and the corresponding blank. The packet requires the use of both hands to be opened. Also, the packet disclosed there comprises an outer container and an inner box body sliding transversely with respect to the outer container: the outer container comprises an open vertical side and has a partial opening on the side opposite the open vertical side; the packet has a first snap closure provided with locking elements that limit sliding of the inner body; the locking elements are part of the inner box body and protrude from the inner box body into a space between the inner box body and the outer container; a second snap closure limits a possible separation of the inner box body from the outer container and is made by locking elements that protrude from the inner box body that interact with elements that protrude from the outer container. The opening locking and closing locking mechanisms disclosed in document EP2716564A1 are effective but bulky because they involve the use of double folded wings of significant size that cooperate with slots that are also significantly large: locking mechanisms of this type adapt poorly to vertical sliding rigid packets (in particular packets that can be opened with just one hand, by acting on a push window) in which the amount of sliding is contained within a few millimetres and up to a maximum of a centimetre. 
     DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
     The aim of the present invention is to provide a slide-open packet of smoke articles which is free from the drawbacks disclosed above and is in particular easy and cheap to make. According to the present invention, a slide-open packet of smoke articles is provided, as claimed in the appended claims and according to one or more of the following embodiments. 
     Example 1 
     Packet of smoke articles comprising: 
     an inner container, which houses a group of smoke articles;
 
an outer container, the interior of the outer container slidably houses the inner container so as to enable the inner container to slide with respect to the outer container between a closed configuration, wherein the inner container is inserted inside the outer container, and an open configuration, wherein the inner container is partly extracted from the outer container; and
 
at least one locking device which comprises a locking element and an engagement portion and locks, in a deactivatable manner by an external action of a user, sliding of the inner container with respect to the outer container when the inner container is in the closed configuration, in which:
 
the locking element protrudes inwards from a wall integral with the outer container and has a locking edge; and
 
the engagement portion protrudes outwards from a wall integral with the inner container and has a first engagement edge which faces, in the closed configuration of the inner container, the locking edge of the locking element, and engages the locking edge during the opening movement of the packet, and a second engagement edge which faces, in the open configuration of the inner container, the locking edge of the locking element, and engages the locking edge during the packet closing movement.
 
     Example 2 
     Packet of smoke articles according to example 1, wherein the engagement portion comprises two overlapping engagement panels which form a raised portion with respect to an inner lateral wall of the inner container. 
     Example 3 
     Packet of smoke articles according to example 2, wherein the two engagement panels are connected along a folding line and are glued to each other, wherein the first engagement edge is formed by the folding line and the second engagement edge is formed by the two free edges, opposite the folding line, of the engagement panels. 
     Example 4 
     Packet of smoke articles according to example 2, or 3, wherein the two engagement panels comprise a first engagement panel and a second engagement panel obtained on an external lateral wall of the inner container, wherein the second engagement panel is folded 180° onto an outer surface of the first engagement panel and is glued to the outer surface of the first engagement panel. 
     Example 5 
     Packet of smoke articles according to any preceding example, wherein the locking element comprises a locking tab hinged to an inner lateral wall of the outer container, wherein the locking tab is folded by substantially 180° onto an internal surface of the inner lateral wall when the inner container is in the closed configuration and is substantially aligned with the inner lateral wall when the inner container is in the open configuration. 
     Example 6 
     Packet of smoke articles according to any preceding example, wherein the locking device comprises two abutting portions for abutting on the locking edge, wherein the two abutting portions are positioned on opposite sides of the engagement portion and are part of an inner lateral wall of the inner container, wherein the two abutting portions comprise a first abutting portion, bounded below by the first engagement edge of the engagement portion, and a second abutting portion, bounded above by the second engagement edge of the engagement portion. 
     Example 7 
     Packet of smoke articles according to any preceding example, wherein the locking element and the engagement portion are configured in such a manner that the interaction between the locking edge and the first engagement edge, and/or the interaction between the locking edge and the second engagement edge), produces a sound. 
     Example 8 
     Packet of smoke articles according to any preceding example, wherein the locking element is concealed by the outer container in the closed configuration and in the open configuration of the inner container. 
     Example 9 
     Packet of smoke articles according to any preceding example, and comprising two locking devices, wherein the locking devices are arranged on opposite sides of the packet with respect to a median plane of the packet. 
     Example 10 
     Packet of smoke articles according to any preceding example, and comprising a lid, which is hinged to the outer container along a hinge to close an open top end of the outer container; wherein the packet comprises at least one slot which is integral with a rear wall of the inner container and the lid comprises at least one engaging tab projecting inside the packet, wherein in the closed configuration of the inner container the at least one engaging tab is disengaged from the at least one slot and in the open configuration of the inner container the at least one engaging tab is engaged with the at least one slot to lock, in a deactivatable manner by an external action of a user, the inner container in the open configuration, and wherein the interaction between the at least one slot and the at least one tab produces a sound when the open configuration of the inner container is reached. 
     Example 11 
     Packet of smoke articles according to example 10, wherein in the open configuration of the inner container a free edge of the at least one engaging tab is received in the at least one slot and abuts on a top edge of the slot. 
     Example 12 
     Packet of smoke articles according to example 10, or 11, wherein the lid comprises a top wall and a stiffener panel folded 180° onto the top wall on the side of the internal surface of the lid. 
     Example 13 
     Packet of smoke articles according to example 12, wherein the at least one slot is obtained on an extension wall of the stiffener panel of the top wall of the lid. 
     Example 14 
     Packet of smoke articles according to example 13, wherein the extension wall of the stiffener panel of the top wall of the lid comprises a first panel, glued to the rear wall of the inner container, and a second panel folded 180° onto the first panel and glued to the first panel, wherein the at least one slot is obtained on the second panel and the first panel acts as a bottom wall for the at least one slot. 
     Example 15 
     Packet of smoke articles according to any one of examples 10 to 14, wherein the at least one engaging tab is hinged with respect to a top wall of the lid along a hinge line, wherein the hinge line of the at least one engaging tab is positioned near the hinge of the lid and extends substantially parallel to the hinge of the lid. 
     Example 16 
     Packet of smoke articles according to any one of examples 12 to 15, wherein the at least one engaging tab is hinged to and obtained on the stiffener panel of the top wall of the lid. 
     Example 17 
     Packet of smoke articles according to any one of examples 10 to 16, wherein two slots are provided that are integral with a rear wall of the inner container and wherein the lid comprises two engaging tabs projecting inside the packet, wherein in the closed configuration of the inner container each engaging tab is disengaged from the respective slot and in the open configuration of the inner container each engaging tab is engaged with the respective slot to lock, in a deactivatable manner by an external action of a user, the inner container in the open configuration, and wherein the interaction between each slot and the respective tab produces a sound when the open configuration of the inner container is reached. 
     Example 18 
     Packet of smoke articles according to example 17, wherein the two slots are positioned near respective longitudinal edges of the rear wall of the inner container, and wherein the two engaging tabs are hinged on opposite sides of a top wall of the lid along respective hinge lines that are aligned to one another. 
     Example 19 
     Packet of smoke articles according to any one of examples 10 to 18, and comprising a connecting tab, which connects the lid to the inner container to control automatically the rotation of the lid by sliding of the inner container with respect to the outer container. 
     Example 20 
     Packet of smoke articles according to any preceding example, wherein the outer container comprises at least one through window that leaves exposed an underlying part of the inner container to allow a user to slide the inner container with respect to the outer container. 
     Example 21 
     Packet of smoke articles according to example 20, wherein the through window of the outer container is obtained on a front wall of the outer container, or on a bottom wall of the outer container. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will now be disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some exemplary and non-limiting embodiments thereof, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front lateral perspective view and in a closed configuration of a slide-open packet of cigarettes made in accordance with to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front lateral perspective view and in an open configuration of the packet of cigarettes of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear lateral perspective view of the packet of cigarettes of  FIG. 1  in a closed configuration; 
         FIGS. 4 to 6  are cross sections of the packet of cigarettes of  FIG. 1  in different configurations of the inner container with respect to the outer container; 
         FIGS. 7 to 9  are enlarged details of  FIGS. 4 to 6 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of the packet of cigarettes of  FIG. 1  in a closed configuration and devoid of certain elements to better show others; 
         FIG. 11  is a front lateral perspective view of the packet of cigarettes of  FIG. 1  in an open configuration and devoid of certain elements to better show others; 
         FIG. 12  is a view of a blank used to make an outer container of the packet of cigarettes of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a view of a blank used to make a stiffener panel of the outer container of the packet of cigarettes of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a view of a blank used to make an inner container of the packet of cigarettes of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a front lateral perspective view and in a closed configuration of a version of the packet of cigarettes of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a front lateral perspective view and in an open configuration of the packet of cigarettes of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a rear lateral perspective view of the packet of cigarettes of  FIG. 15  in a closed configuration; 
         FIGS. 18 to 20  are cross sections of the packet of cigarettes of  FIG. 15  in different configurations of the inner container with respect to the outer container; 
         FIG. 21  is a front perspective view of the packet of cigarettes of  FIG. 15  in a closed configuration and devoid of certain elements to better show others; 
         FIG. 22  is an enlarged detail of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a rear lateral perspective view of the packet of cigarettes of  FIG. 15  in an open configuration and devoid of certain elements to better show others; 
         FIG. 24  is a view of a blank used to make an outer container of the packet of cigarettes of  FIG. 15 ; and 
         FIG. 25  is a view of a blank used to make an inner container of the packet of cigarettes of  FIG. 15 . 
     
    
    
     PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     In this description, similar elements in common to the illustrated embodiments are shown with the same reference numbers. 
     In  FIGS. 1 to 3 , reference number  1  denotes a slide-open packet of cigarettes in its entirety, i.e. with sliding opening by translation (linear movement), which extends along a prevalent extension longitudinal axis A. 
     In particular, the packet  1  of cigarettes has a “vertical” type sliding opening, i.e. opening occurs parallel to the prevalent extension longitudinal axis A of the packet  1 . 
     The packet  1  of cigarettes illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 3  comprises a wrapped group  2  of cigarettes (schematically shown in  FIG. 2 ), i.e. a group of cigarettes wrapped in a sheet of metallised wrapping paper. 
     The packet  1  of cigarettes further comprises an inner container  3  ( FIG. 2 ) of rigid type, inside which the wrapped group  2  is directly placed, and an outer container  4  of rigid type, which slidingly houses the inner container  3  to allow the inner container  3  to slide with respect to the outer container  4  with a translation movement between a closed configuration (illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 10 ), wherein the inner container  3  is completely inserted inside the outer container  4 , and an open configuration (illustrated in  FIGS. 2, 6 and 11 ), wherein the inner container  3  is partly outside the outer container  4  so as to make possible access to the wrapped group of cigarettes  2  to extract the cigarettes. According to what has been illustrated in  FIG. 2  and in  FIGS. 4 to 6 , the inner container  3  is of parallelpiped shape, is cup-shaped and has an open top end  5 . 
     The inner container  3  further has a bottom wall  6  opposite the open top end  5 , a front wall  7  and a rear wall  8  that are parallel and opposite one another, and a first lateral wall  9 A and a second lateral wall  9 B that are parallel to one another and interposed between the walls  7  and  8 . 
     Between the walls  7  and  8  and the walls  9 A and  9 B four longitudinal edges are defined whereas between the walls  7 ,  8 ,  9 A,  9 B and the bottom wall  6  four transversal edges are defined. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in the attached Figures, all the longitudinal edges are rectilinear; according to alternative embodiments, which are not illustrated, some longitudinal edges could be bevelled or rounded. 
     Also the outer container  4  (illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 6 ) is cup-shaped, and has a bottom wall  10  opposite an open top end  11 , a front wall  12  and a rear wall  13  that are parallel and opposite to one another, and a first lateral wall  14 A and a second lateral wall  14 B that are parallel to one another and interposed between the walls  12  and  13 . Between the walls  12  and  13  and the lateral walls  14 A and  14 B four longitudinal edges are defined whereas between the walls  12 ,  13 ,  14 A,  14 B and the bottom wall  10  four transversal edges are defined. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in the attached Figures, all the longitudinal edges are rectilinear; according to alternative embodiments, which are not illustrated, some longitudinal edges could be bevelled or rounded. 
     According to what is illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 2  and in  4  to  6 , the front wall  12  of the outer container  4  has a through window  15  through which the underlying front wall  7  of the container  3  facing the front wall  12  of the outer container  4  is accessible to allow applying a push to the inner container  3  in order to move the inner container  3  between the closed configuration and the open configuration. In other words, through the through window  15  a user can apply a push to the inner container  3  in order to make the inner container  3  to slide with respect to the outer container  4  between the closed configuration and the open configuration. 
     According to one embodiment that is not illustrated, the through window  15  is obtained on the bottom wall  10  of the outer container  4 . 
     The outer container  4  further comprises a lid  16 , which is hinged to the outer container  4  along a hinge  17  to close the open end  11  of the outer container  4  ( FIGS. 1 to 6, 10 and 11 ). 
     The lid  16  comprises a top wall  18  and a stiffener panel  19  folded 180° onto the top wall  18  of the lid  16  on the side of the internal surface of the lid  16 , i.e. towards the inside of the packet  1 . In particular, the stiffener panel  19  is glued to the internal surface of the top wall  18  of the lid  16  ( FIG. 11 ). 
     The lid  16  further includes an extension wall  20  of the stiffener panel  19  of the top wall  18  ( FIG. 11 ). The extension wall  20  of the stiffener panel  19  comprises a first panel  21 , glued to the rear wall  8  of the inner container  3 , and a second panel  22  folded 180° onto the first panel  21  and glued to the first panel  21 . 
     Also, the lid  16  is provided with a pair of engaging tabs  23  (illustrated in  FIGS. 4 to 6, 10 and 11 ) projecting inside the packet  1 , the function of which will be disclosed below. 
     The engaging tabs  23  have a substantially trapezoidal shape and are hinged with respect to the top wall  18  of the lid  16 . In particular, the two engaging tabs  23  are obtained on, and hinged along respective hinge lines to, the stiffener panel  19  of the top wall  18  of the lid  16 . The engaging tabs  23  are positioned at opposite ends of the stiffener panel  19  and the hinge lines, aligned to one another, extend substantially parallel to the hinge  17  of the lid  16 . 
     Also, starting from the respective hinge lines, the engaging tabs  23  extend at an angle with respect to the stiffener panel  19  towards the inside of the packet  1  ( FIG. 4 ). 
     In this manner, during rotation of the lid  16 , the engaging tabs  23  projects towards the inside of the packet  1  in order to interact each with a respective slot  24 , which is integral with the rear wall  8  of the inner container  3 . 
     The two slots  24  are positioned near respective longitudinal edges of the rear wall  8  of the inner container  3  and extend transversally to the prevalent extension axis A of the packet  1 . In particular, the two slots  24  have a substantially rectangular shape, extend towards the inside of the packet  1  of cigarettes, and each comprises a top edge  25  arranged for interacting with a respective free edge  26  of a respective tab  23 . 
     Each slot  24  is obtained on the first panel  21  and on the second panel  22  of the extension wall  20 , the rear wall  8  of the inner container  3  acting as a bottom wall for the slots  24 . Also, each slot  24  forms a depression at the rear wall  8  of the inner container  3 , this depression having a depth that is the same as the sum of the thicknesses of the first panel  21  and of the second panel  22 . 
     When the inner container  3  is in the closed configuration, illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 10 , the engaging tabs  23  do not interact with the respective slots  24 . In particular, in the closed configuration of the inner container  3  the engaging tabs  23  are disengaged from the slots  24  and lie in a rest position at an angle towards the inside of the packet  1 . 
     By moving the inner container  3  from the closed configuration to the open configuration ( FIGS. 4 to 6 ), the engaging tabs  23  take a substantially vertical position ( FIG. 5 ), i.e. they are substantially aligned with the stiffener panel  19 , until interacting, through the free edges  26 , with a top edge of the second panel  22 , producing a slight sound ( FIG. 6 ). 
     In the open configuration of the inner container  3 , illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the engaging tabs  23  are engaged in the respective slots  24 , i.e. they are positioned inside the depressions formed by the slots  24 . In other words, in the open configuration of the inner container  3  the free edges  26  of the engaging tabs  23  are received in the respective slots  24  and each abuts on a respective top edge  25  of the slots. In this manner, the inner container  3  is locked, in a deactivatable manner by an external action of a user, in the open configuration. In fact, in use, it is sufficient to exert a downward push on the inner container  3  to unlock the inner container  3  from the open configuration. During movement of the inner container  3 , the interaction between the free edges  26  of the engaging tabs  23  with the respective top edges  25  of the slots  24  produces a sound when the open configuration of the inner container  3  is reached. 
     Similarly, when the inner container  3  is moved from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the engaging tabs  23  exit from the depressions formed by the slots  24  and interact, through the free edges  26 , with the respective top edges  25  of the slots  24  to produce a further sound. This further sound can be the same as or different from the sound produced during opening of the packet  1 . 
     The packet  1  further comprises a connecting tab  28 , which connects the lid  16  to the inner container  3  to drive automatically the rotation of the lid  16  by sliding of the inner container  3  with respect to the outer container  4  ( FIGS. 4 to 6 ). 
     In other words, the mechanical constrain that the connecting tab  28  makes between the lid  16  and the inner container  3  allows controlling the rotation of the lid  16  automatically, i.e. without the user needing to touch the lid  16 , by means of the sliding of the inner container  3  with respect to the outer container  4 . In this way, the user must only apply the push needed to make the inner container  3  to slide with respect to the outer container  4  without the need to touch the lid  16 . 
     The connecting tab  28  consists of a third panel  29  of the extension wall  20  of the stiffener panel  19  of the top wall  18  of the lid  16 . 
     The third panel  29 , having a substantially isosceles trapezoid shape, comprises one end (minor base) hinged to the stiffener panel  19  of the top wall  18  of the lid  16  and another end (major base) hinged to a top edge of the first panel  21 . 
     According to another embodiment that is not illustrated, only one engaging tab and one slot are provided that interact with one another to produce a sound when the open configuration of the inner container is reached and to lock, in a deactivatable manner by an external action of a user, the inner container in the open configuration. 
     The packet  1  of cigarettes further comprises a locking device  30  (illustrated in  FIGS. 4 to 11 ), to lock, in a deactivatable manner by an external action of a user, the sliding of the inner container  3  with respect to the outer container  4  when the inner container  3  is in the closed configuration. In other words, the locking device  30  maintains the inner container  3  in the closed configuration to lock, i.e. to prevent, reciprocal sliding between the two containers  3  and  4 ; this locking of reciprocal sliding between the two containers  3  and  4  exerted by the locking device  30  is deactivatable by an outer action of the user when the latter wishes to open the packet  1  of cigarettes, i.e. when the user wishes to slide the inner container  3  with respect to the outer container  4  to move the inner container  3  in the open configuration. 
     The locking device  30  comprises a locking element  31 , which protrudes inwards from the outer container  4  and comprises a locking edge  32 , and an engagement portion  33 , which protrudes outwards from the inner container  3  and has a first engagement edge  34  which faces, in the closed configuration of the inner container  3 , the locking edge  32  of the locking element  31 , and engages the locking edge  32  during the opening movement of the packet  1  of cigarettes, and a second engagement edge  35  which faces, in the open configuration of the inner container  3 , the locking edge  32  of the locking element  31 , and engages the locking edge  32  during the closing movement of the packet  1  of cigarettes. 
     The locking element  31  comprises two locking tabs  36 , having a substantially isosceles trapezoid shape, hinged on opposite side of a top edge of a stiffener panel  37  of the rear wall  13  of the outer container  4 , which stiffener panel  37  has an outer surface glued to an inner surface of the rear wall  13  of the outer container  4 . 
     More precisely, the locking tabs  36  are positioned at opposite ends of the stiffener panel  37  of the rear wall  13  of the outer container  4  and have respective hinge lines that are aligned to one another and extend substantially parallel to the hinge  17  of the lid  16 . 
     In use, the locking tabs  36  are folded substantially 180° onto an internal surface of the stiffener panel  37  of the rear wall  13  of the outer container  4  when the inner container  3  is in the closed configuration ( FIGS. 4, 7 and 10 ) and are substantially aligned with the stiffener panel  37  of the rear wall  13  of the outer container  4  when the inner container  3  is in the open configuration ( FIGS. 6, 9 and 11 ). 
     Also, between the two locking tabs  36 , the top edge of the stiffener panel  37  defines a portion  38 , having a substantially isosceles trapezoid shape, having a height, measured parallel to the prevalent extension longitudinal axis A starting from the hinge lines of the locking tabs  36 , that is much greater than the height of the locking tabs  36 . 
     The aforesaid engagement portion  33  comprises a first engagement panel  21  consisting of the first panel of the extension wall  20  of the lid  16 , and a second engagement panel  22  consisting of the second panel of the extension wall  20  of the lid  16 . 
     In this manner, the engagement portion  33  is defined by two overlapping engagement panels  21 ,  22  that form a raised portion with respect to the rear wall  8  of the inner container  3 . 
     In particular, the first engagement panel  21  and the second engagement panel  22 , which are glued together, are connected along a folding line  39 , which defines the second engagement edge  35  of the engagement portion  33 , whereas the first engagement edge  34  of the engagement portion  33  is formed by the two free edges, opposite the folding line  39 , of the first and second engagement panel  21 ,  22 . 
     More precisely, these free edges define a bottom edge  40  of the slots  24 , opposite the top edge  25  ( FIG. 10 ). It should be noted that the first engagement edge  34  and the second engagement edge  35  are substantially parallel to one another. 
     The locking device  30  further comprises two abutting portions  41 ,  42  for abutting on the locking edge  32 . 
     The two abutting portions  41 ,  42  are formed by respective portions of the rear wall  8  of the inner container  3  and comprise a first abutting portion  41 , bounded below by the first engagement edge  34  of the engagement portion  33  when the inner container  3  is in the closed configuration, and a second abutting portion  42 , bounded above by the second engagement edge  35  of the engagement portion  33  when the inner container  3  is in the open configuration. 
     When the inner container  3  is in the closed configuration ( FIGS. 4 and 7 ), the locking edges  32  of the locking tabs  36  face the first engagement edge  34  of the engagement portion  33 . 
     Further, in the closed configuration of the inner container  3 , the locking tabs  36  are folded substantially 180° onto the internal surface of the stiffener panel  37  of the rear wall  13  of the outer container  4 , are received in, and engage, the respective slots  24  and are at an angle towards the inside of the packet  1  of cigarettes. In the closed configuration, owing to the spring back of the cardboard that forms the locking tabs  36 , the respective locking edges  32  of the locking tabs  36  abut on the first abutting portion  41  of the rear wall  8  of the inner container  3 . 
     By moving the inner container  3  from the closed configuration to the open configuration ( FIGS. 4, 5, 7 and 8 ), the locking tabs  36  abut with the respective locking edges  32  on the first engagement edge  34 , formed, as previously described, by the two free edges, opposite the folding line  39 , of the first and second engagement panel  21 ,  22 , i.e. by the lower edge  40  of the slots  24 . In this manner, the inner container  3  is locked, in a deactivatable manner by an external action of a user, in the closed configuration. In use, by exerting on the inner container  3  a sufficiently high opening force, it is possible to unlock the inner container  3  from the closed configuration. In fact, applying a sufficiently high opening force through the through window  15  makes the first engagement edge  34  rotate the locking edges  32  of the locking tabs  36  around the respective hinge lines until the locking tabs  36  take a substantially vertical position ( FIGS. 5 and 8 ) in which they are interposed between an external surface of the second engagement panel  22  and an internal surface of the rear wall  13  of the outer container  4  and are substantially aligned with the stiffener panel  37  of the rear wall  13  of the outer container  4 . 
     By continuing to move the inner container  3  from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the respective locking edges  32  of the locking tabs  36  abut on and slide (owing to the spring back that tilts the locking tabs  36  towards the inside of the packet  1  of cigarettes) along the external surface of the second engagement panel  22  until they interact with the second engagement edge  35  formed by the folding line  39 . 
     In the open configuration of the inner container  3 , illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 9 , the locking edges  32  of the locking tabs  36  face the second engagement edge  35  of the engagement portion  33 . In the open configuration of the inner container  3 , the locking tabs  36  are substantially aligned with the stiffener panel  37  of the rear wall  13  of the outer container  4  and are tilted towards the inside of the packet  1  of cigarettes. In the open configuration, owing to the spring back of the cardboard that forms the locking tabs  36 , the respective locking edges  32  of the locking tabs  36  abut on the second abutting portion  42  of the rear wall  8  of the inner container  3 . 
     By moving the inner container  3  from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the locking edges  32  of the locking tabs  36  abut on the second engagement edge  35 , this generating a slight force that opposes the closure of the packet  1  of cigarettes. Applying a sufficiently high closing force through the through window  15  makes the second engagement edge  35  rotate the locking edges  32  of the locking tabs  36  around the respective hinge lines until the locking tabs  36  are folded substantially 180° onto the internal surface of the stiffener panel  37  of the rear wall  13  of the outer container  4 . 
     By continuing the movement from the open configuration to the closed configuration of the inner container  3 , the locking tabs  36  are substantially folded 180° onto the internal surface of the stiffener panel  37  of the rear wall  13  of the outer container  4  and are interposed between the internal surface of the stiffener panel  37  and the external surface of the second engagement panel  22 . 
     When the closed configuration of the inner container  3  is reached, the locking tabs  36  return to the initial position. 
     It should be noted that the interaction between the first engagement edge  34  and the locking edges  32  and/or the interaction between the second engagement edge  35  and the locking edges  32  produces a slight sound that is audible from the user. 
     Also, it should be noted that the locking tabs  36  are hidden by the outer container  4  in the closed configuration and in the open configuration of the inner container  3 . 
     According to another embodiment that is not illustrated, the locking element comprises only one locking tab hinged to the top edge of the stiffener panel of the rear wall of the outer container. According to this embodiment, the locking tab is folded substantially 180° onto the internal surface of the stiffener panel of the rear wall of the outer container when the inner container is in the closed configuration and is substantially aligned with the stiffener panel of the rear wall of the outer container when the inner container is in the open configuration. 
     The outer container  4  is made by folding a blank  43 , illustrated in  FIG. 12 . The blank  43  consists of cardboard or thin cardboard, i.e. of rigid wrapping material that has to be previously weakened at the folding lines. According to what has been illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the blank  43  comprises a plurality of elements that have been labelled, where possible, with accented reference numbers that are the same as the reference numbers that distinguish the corresponding elements of the outer container  4 . 
     Similarly, the stiffener panel  37  of the rear wall  13  of the outer container  4  is made from a blank  44 , illustrated in  FIG. 13 . The blank  44  consists of cardboard or thin card, i.e. of rigid wrapping material that has to be previously weakened at the folding lines. According to what has been illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the blank  44  comprises a plurality of elements that have been labelled, where possible, with accented reference numbers that are the same as the reference numbers that distinguish the corresponding elements of the stiffener panel  37 . 
     Also the inner container  3  is made by folding a blank  45 , illustrated in  FIG. 14 . The blank  45  consists of cardboard or thin cardboard, i.e. of rigid wrapping material that has to be previously weakened at the folding lines. According to what has been illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the blank  45  comprises a plurality of elements that have been labelled, where possible, with accented reference numbers that are the same as the reference numbers that distinguish the corresponding elements of the inner container  3 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 15 to 23  a different embodiment is shown of the packet  1  of cigarettes according to the invention. 
     In the packet  1  of cigarettes illustrated in  FIGS. 15 to 23 , the engagement portion  33 , having a substantially rectangular shape, is defined by two overlapping engagement panels  51 ,  52  ( FIGS. 22 and 23 ) that form a raised portion with respect to an inner lateral wall  9   a  of the inner container  3  ( FIG. 23 ). 
     In particular, in this embodiment, the first engagement panel  51  and the second engagement panel  52 , which are glued together, are connected along a folding line  39 , which defines the first engagement edge  34  of the engagement portion  33 , whereas the second engagement edge  35  of the engagement portion  33  is formed by the two free edges, opposite the folding line  39 , of the first and second engagement panel  51 ,  52 . 
     According to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 15 to 23 , the first engagement edge  34  and the second engagement edge  35  are parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the hinge  17  of the lid  16 . 
     In this embodiment, the first engagement panel  51  and the second engagement panel  52  are obtained on an outer lateral wall  9   aa  of the inner container  3 , which is intended to be glued to the inner lateral wall  9   a  of the inner container  3  to form the lateral wall  9 A. 
     In particular, the first engagement panel  51  consists of a first portion  51 ′ ( FIG. 25 ), having a substantially rectangular shape, of the outer lateral wall  9   aa  of the inner container  3  nearer the open top end  5  of the inner container  3 , whereas the second engagement panel  52  consists of a second portion  52 ′ ( FIG. 25 ) of the outer lateral wall  9   aa  of the inner container  3 , which has an identical shape to that of the first portion  51 ′ and is adjacent to the latter. 
     More precisely, the second portion  52 ′ is folded 180° onto an external surface of the first portion  51 ′ along the folding line  39  and is glued to the external surface of the first portion  51 ′. 
     In the packet  1  of cigarettes illustrated in  FIGS. 15 to 23 , the locking element  31  comprises a locking tab  36  hinged to an inner lateral wall  14 A′ of the outer container  4 . In particular, the locking tab  36  is defined by a cutting line  46 , which is substantially “L”-shaped and made on an inner lateral wall  14   a  of the outer container  4 , and is folded substantially 180° onto an internal surface of the inner lateral wall  14   a  when the inner container  3  is in the closed configuration and is substantially aligned with the inner lateral wall  14   a  when the inner container  3  is in the open configuration. 
     Also in the packet  1  of cigarettes illustrated in  FIGS. 15 to 23  the locking device  30  comprises two abutting portions  41 ,  42  for abutting on the engagement edge  32 . 
     In this embodiment, the two abutting portions  41 ,  42  are positioned on opposite sides of the engagement portion  33 , are respective portions of the inner lateral wall  9   a  of the inner container  3 , and comprise a first abutting portion  41  and a second abutting portion  42 . 
     In particular, the first abutting portion  41  is bounded above by an edge of the open top end  5  of the inner container  3  and below by the first engagement edge  34  of the engagement portion  33  (i.e. by the folding line  39 ), whereas the second engagement portion  42  is defined by a slot  47  obtained on the outer side wall  9   aa  of the inner container  3 . 
     The slot  47  is bounded above by a top edge consisting of the free edge of the first engagement panel  51 , below by a bottom edge  48  parallel to the free edge of the first engagement panel  51 , and has a bottom wall formed by a portion of the inner lateral wall  9   a  facing the slot  47 . 
     Also, in the packet  1  of cigarettes illustrated in  FIGS. 15 to 23 , each slot  24  is obtained on the second panel  22  of the extension wall  20 , the first panel  21  acting as a bottom wall for the slots  24 . Also, in this embodiment, each slot  24  forms a depression at the rear wall  8  of the inner container  3 , this depression having a depth that is equal to the thickness of the second panel  22 . 
     When the inner container  3  is in the closed configuration ( FIGS. 18, 21 and 22 ), the locking edge  32  of the locking tab  36  faces the first engagement edge  34  of the engagement portion  33 , i.e. towards the folding line  39 . 
     Further, in the closed configuration of the inner container  3 , the locking tab  36  is folded substantially 180° onto the inner surface of the inner lateral wall  14   a  of the outer container  4  and is at an angle towards the inside of the packet  1  of cigarettes. In the closed configuration, owing to the spring back of the cardboard that forms the locking tabs  36 , the locking edge  32  of the locking tab  36  abuts on the first abutting portion  41  obtained on the inner lateral wall  9   a  of the inner container  3 . 
     By moving the inner container  3  from the closed configuration to the open configuration ( FIGS. 18, 19, 21 and 22 ), the locking tab  36  abuts with the locking edge  32  on the first engagement edge  34 , formed, as previously disclosed, by the folding line  39 . In this manner, the inner container  3  is locked, in a deactivatable manner by an external action of a user, in the closed configuration. In use, by exerting on the inner container  3  a sufficiently high opening force, it is possible to unlock the inner container  3  from the closed configuration. In fact, applying a sufficiently high opening force through the through window  15  makes the first engagement edge  34  rotate the locking edge  32  of the locking tab  36  around the respective hinge line until the locking tab  36  takes substantially a vertical position in which it is interposed between an external surface of the second engagement panel  52  and an internal surface of an outer lateral wall  14   aa  of the outer container  4  and is substantially aligned with the inner lateral wall  14   a  of the outer container  4 . 
     By continuing the movement of the inner container  3  from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the locking edge  32  of the locking tab  36  abuts on and slides (owing to the spring back that tilts the locking tabs  36  towards the inside of the packet  1  of cigarettes) along the external surface of the second engagement panel  52  until it interacts with the second engagement edge  35  formed, as previously described, by the two free edges, opposite the folding line  39 , of the first and second engagement panel  51 ,  52 . 
     In the open configuration of the inner container  3 , illustrated in  FIGS. 20 and 23 , the locking edge  32  of the locking tab  36  faces the second engagement edge  35  of the engagement portion  33  and is at a certain distance from the latter. In the open configuration of the inner container  3 , the locking tab  36  is substantially aligned with the inner lateral wall  14   a  of the outer container  4  and is at an angle towards the inside of the packet  1  of cigarettes. In the open configuration, owing to the spring back of the cardboard that forms the locking tab  36 , the locking edge  32  of the locking tab  36  abuts on an external surface of the outer lateral wall  9   aa  of the inner container  3 . 
     By moving the inner container  3  from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the locking edge  32  of the locking tab  36  abuts in sequence on the external surface of the outer lateral wall  9   aa  of the inner container  3 , and the second abutting portion  42 , until it engages with the second engagement edge  35 , this generating a slight force that opposes the closure of the packet  1  of cigarettes. Applying a sufficiently high closure force through the through window  15 , makes the second engagement edge  35  rotate the locking edge  32  of the locking tab  36  around the respective hinge line until the locking tab  36  is folded substantially 180° onto the internal surface of the inner lateral wall  14   a  of the outer container  4 . 
     By continuing the movement from the open configuration to the closed configuration of the inner container  3 , the locking tab  36  is folded substantially 180° onto the internal surface of the inner lateral wall  14   a  of the outer container  4  and is interposed between the inner surface of the inner lateral wall  14   a  of the outer container  4  and the external surface of the second engagement panel  52 . 
     When the closed configuration of the inner container  3  is reached, the locking tab  36  returns to the initial position. 
     It should be noted that the interaction between the first engagement edge  34  and the locking edge  32  and/or the interaction between the second engagement edge  35  and the locking edge  32  produces a slight sound that is audible from the user. 
     Also, it should be noted that the locking tab  36  is hidden by the outer container  4 , in particular by the outer lateral wall  14   aa , in the closed configuration and in the open configuration of the inner container  3 . 
     According to another embodiment that is not illustrated, the packet  1  of cigarettes illustrated in  FIGS. 15 to 23  comprises two locking devices arranged on opposite sides of the packet  1  of cigarettes with respect to a median plane of the packet  1 . 
     The outer container  4  of the packet  1  of cigarettes illustrated in  FIGS. 15 to 23  is made by folding a blank  49 , illustrated in  FIG. 24 . The blank  49  consists of cardboard or thin cardboard, i.e. of rigid wrapping material that has to be previously weakened at the folding lines. According to what has been illustrated in  FIG. 24 , the blank  49  comprises a plurality of elements that have been labelled, where possible, with accented reference numbers that are the same as the reference numbers that distinguish the corresponding elements of the outer container  4 . 
     Similarly, the inner container  3  of the packet  1  of cigarettes illustrated in  FIGS. 15 to 23  is made by folding a blank  50 , illustrated in  FIG. 25 . The blank  50  consists of cardboard or thin cardboard, i.e. of rigid wrapping material that has to be previously weakened at the folding lines. According to what has been illustrated in  FIG. 25 , the blank  50  comprises a plurality of elements that have been labelled, where possible, with accented reference numbers that are the same as the reference numbers that distinguish the corresponding elements of the inner container  3 . 
     The packets  1  of cigarettes disclosed above have several advantages, as they are easy and cheap to make and have a locking device  30  that locks, in a deactivatable manner by an external action of the user, sliding of the inner container  3  with respect to the outer container  4  when the inner container  3  is in the closed configuration. In this manner undesired opening of the packet  1  of cigarettes is avoided. 
     Further, these packets  1  of cigarettes provide the user with a clear indication of the correct opening/closing of the packet  1  of cigarettes. This is owing to the fact that these packets  1  of cigarettes produce a sound both when the open configuration and the closed configuration of the inner container  3  is reached. 
     Also, the packets  1  of cigarettes disclosed above have a locking device  30  that is particularly effective and reliable over time. This is owing to the fact that the engagement portion  33  has a greater thickness, in particular double, with respect to the thickness of the locking element  31 . 
     Further, the packets  1  of cigarettes according to the invention make extracting the cigarettes easier. This is owing to the fact that it is possible to lock the inner container  3  in the open configuration. 
     Also, the packets  1  of cigarettes disclosed above are particularly aesthetically pleasing. This is because the locking element  31  is concealed by the outer container  4  both in the closed configuration and in the open configuration of the inner container  3 . 
     Following the numerous advantages presented by the packets  1  of cigarettes disclosed above, the shape of the packets  1  of cigarettes can be repeated entirely also to make a carton of cigarette packets, which carton is substantially the same as the packets  1  of cigarettes disclosed above with the sole exception of containing a group of cigarette packets instead of a group of cigarette.