Patent Description:
Hinge-lid packages are known to those skilled in the art and are in widespread use in the tobacco industry for holding delivery systems, such as smoking articles like cigarettes, in a crush resistant manner. Hinge-lid packages are typically produced from cardboard blanks.

However, conventional hinge-lid packages have a tendency to not close properly such that the contents of the package can become soiled by contaminants such as moisture and/or dirt. One option has been to use locking tabs in an attempt to keep the package fully closed. However, the locking tabs themselves can be damaged so that they cannot perform their function and also make the package complex to manufacture.

<CIT> discloses a hinge lid pack having rounded longitudinal edges. The hinge lid pack comprises a pack part and a lid hinged to a pack rear panel. To create an additional closing force, the collar side panels comprise outward directed deformations configured to abut the inner sides of the lid side panels to increase friction and thus create an increased closing force.

According to embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a package for one or more delivery systems comprising a container and a lid hingedly connected to the container about a hinge line, and an inner frame comprising a side wall having a portion which extends from the container and which is received in the lid when the lid is closed, wherein said portion of the side wall extending from the container comprises at least two regions having different coefficients of friction.

In an embodiment, the lid may have a side panel that overlaps a corresponding side wall of the inner frame when the lid is closed, and the at least two regions may comprise at least a first region and a second region, and wherein the first region has a lower coefficient of friction than the second region, the regions of the side wall being arranged such that when the lid is rotated towards a closed position, the side panel of the lid slides against the first region of its corresponding side wall before sliding against the second region of its corresponding side wall.

The inner frame may comprise an upper edge, and the first region may be located proximate to the upper edge of the inner frame and the second region is located distal to the upper edge of the inner frame.

Preferably, the first region may be located on an upper part of the side wall of the inner frame and the second region may be located on a lower part of the side wall of the inner frame.

In some embodiments, the package may further comprise at least a third region on the inner frame having a different coefficient of friction to the first and second regions, the third region being located between the first and second regions, and wherein at least one of the regions extends from the front wall edge of the side wall towards the rear edge.

At least one of the regions may extend fully across the width of the portion of the side wall which extends from the container between the front wall edge and the rear edge of the side wall.

In an embodiment of the invention, at least one of the regions is discrete and comprises peripheral edges which delimit the region, and wherein a peripheral edge of at least one of the regions extends parallel to a bottom wall of the container.

In some embodiments, a peripheral edge of each of the regions on the side wall extends parallel to the bottom wall of the container. Preferably, the upper and lower peripheral edges of each of the regions on the side wall extend parallel to the bottom wall of the container.

In some embodiments, at least one of an upper and lower peripheral edge of each region which delimit the regions on the inner frame extend radially from a point which originates at an axis extending along the hinge line.

The side wall of the inner frame may comprise a front wall edge and a rear wall edge, and the first region may be located proximate to the rear edge of the side wall and the second region may be located proximate to the front wall edge of the side wall.

In some embodiments, the first region may be located on a rearward part of the side wall of the inner frame and the second region may be located on a forward part of the side wall of the inner frame.

The package may further comprise at least a third region on the inner frame having a different coefficient of friction to the first and second regions, the third region being located between the first and second regions.

In some embodiments, the container comprises an upper edge and the inner frame comprises an upper edge, and at least one of the regions extends from the upper edge of the container towards the upper edge of the inner frame.

Preferably, at least one of the regions extends fully along the length of the portion of the side wall which extends from the container between the upper edge of the container and the upper edge of the inner frame.

At least one of the regions may be discrete and comprise peripheral edges which delimit the region, and a peripheral edge of at least one of the regions may extend parallel to a front wall of the container.

In some embodiments, upper and lower peripheral edges of each of the regions extend parallel to the front wall of the container.

In some embodiments, the coefficient of friction changes gradually between the at least two regions.

At least one of the regions may be formed by a coating on the side wall of the inner frame. In some embodiments, the second region is formed by a coating having a coefficient of friction greater than the coefficient of friction of the side wall of the inner frame. In some embodiments, a first region is formed by a coating having a coefficient of friction less than the coefficient of friction of the side wall of the inner frame.

The lid may comprise at least two regions having different coefficients of friction, and a first region on the lid may overlap the first region on the inner frame and a second region on the lid may overlap the second region on the inner frame when the lid is in its closed position.

So that the invention may be more fully understood, embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

As used herein the term "delivery system" is intended to encompass systems that deliver a substance to a user, and includes:.

According to the present disclosure, a "combustible" aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosolisable material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery to a user.

According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosolisable material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery to a user.

Referring to <FIG>, a package <NUM> according to the present invention is shown. The package <NUM> comprises a container <NUM> and a lid <NUM>. The container <NUM> forms a delivery system receiving space <NUM> in which delivery systems (wrapped in a bundle 4a) such as smoking articles are receivable. The lid <NUM> is attached to the container <NUM> along a hinge line <NUM>, shown more clearly in <FIG>, in order to allow the package <NUM> to be opened and closed. It will be appreciated that delivery systems in the delivery system receiving space <NUM> are accessible when the lid <NUM> is in an open position, and the delivery systems are retained in the delivery system receiving space <NUM> when the lid <NUM> is in a closed position, shown in <FIG>.

The container <NUM> comprises a container front wall <NUM> and a container rear wall <NUM>. The container front and rear walls <NUM>, <NUM> are disposed parallel to but spaced from each other. The container <NUM> further comprises two opposing container side walls 8a, 8b which are disposed parallel to but spaced from one another. The two container side walls 8a, 8b extend between the container front and rear walls <NUM>, <NUM>. The container <NUM> further comprises a bottom wall <NUM> which forms a closed end of the container <NUM>. The bottom wall <NUM> extends from a lower part of the container front, rear, and side walls, <NUM>, <NUM>, 8a, 8b. An upper end <NUM> of the container <NUM> is located opposite the bottom wall <NUM> and forms an open end of the container <NUM>. The upper end <NUM> of the container <NUM> is covered by the lid <NUM> when the lid <NUM> is in its closed position. In the present embodiment, the hinge line <NUM> about which the lid <NUM> is hinged to the container <NUM> is formed along a top end of the container rear wall <NUM>.

The lid <NUM> comprises a lid front wall <NUM> and a lid rear wall <NUM>, shown in <FIG>. The lid front and rear walls <NUM>, <NUM> are disposed parallel to but spaced from each other. The lid <NUM> further comprises two opposing lid side walls 14a, 14b which are disposed parallel to but spaced from each other. The two lid side walls <NUM>, 14b extend between the lid front and rear walls <NUM>, <NUM>. The lid <NUM> further comprises a top wall <NUM> which forms a closed end of the lid <NUM>. The top wall <NUM> extends from an upper part of the lid front, rear, and side walls <NUM>, <NUM>, 14a, 14b. A lower end <NUM> of the lid <NUM> is located opposite the top wall <NUM> and forms an open end of the lid <NUM>.

When the lid <NUM> is closed, an upper edge <NUM> of the container front wall <NUM> abuts a lower edge <NUM> of the lid front wall <NUM> and the upper edges 20a, 20b of the container side walls 8a, 8b abut the lower edges 21a, 21b of the lid side walls 14a, 14b. A lower edge <NUM> of the lid <NUM> is formed by the lower edge <NUM> of the lid front wall <NUM> and the lower edges 21a, 21b of the lid side walls 14a, 14b. The hinge line <NUM> is formed where the container rear wall <NUM> and lid rear wall <NUM> meet.

The container <NUM> of the package <NUM> as described above forms an outer frame <NUM>. The outer frame <NUM> includes the walls of the container <NUM> of the package <NUM> that can be seen when the lid <NUM> in in its closed position. The package <NUM> further comprises an inner frame <NUM>. The inner frame <NUM> also forms a part of the container <NUM>. That is, the container <NUM> comprises the outer frame <NUM>, as described above, and an inner frame <NUM>, which will be described in more detail hereinafter. The upper edge <NUM> of the container front wall <NUM> and the upper edges <NUM> of the container side walls 8a, 8b form an upper edge <NUM> of the outer frame <NUM> of the container <NUM>.

The inner frame <NUM> is configured to be placed inside the receiving space <NUM> proximate to or against the inner surface of the container front wall <NUM>. As illustrated, the inner frame <NUM> partially extends from the open upper end <NUM> of the outer frame <NUM> of the container <NUM>. The inner frame <NUM> is configured to add strength to a portion of the outer frame <NUM> in order to protect the delivery systems received in the delivery system receiving space <NUM>.

The inner frame <NUM> of the container <NUM> comprises an inner front wall <NUM>. The inner front wall <NUM> extends from the upper edge <NUM> of the container front wall <NUM> and in a plane parallel to the plane in which the container front wall <NUM> extends. The inner frame <NUM> of the container <NUM> further comprises two inner side walls 27a, 27b. The inner side walls 27a, 27b extend from the upper edges 20a, 20b of the container side walls 8a, 8b and in a plane parallel to the plane in which the container side walls 8a, 8b extend. That is, the inner front wall <NUM> extends parallel to the container front wall <NUM> and the inner side walls 27a, 27b extend parallel to the container side walls 8a, 8b.

When the lid <NUM> is in the closed position, the lid front wall <NUM> lies substantially adjacent to and overlaps the inner front wall <NUM> of the container <NUM>, and the two lid side walls 14a, 14b lie adjacent to and overlap the corresponding inner side walls 27a, 27b of the container <NUM>. Therefore, the lid <NUM> fits snuggly over the inner frame <NUM> when the lid <NUM> is in its closed position.

The inner front wall <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM> comprises an upper edge <NUM> which is spaced from the upper edge <NUM> of the container front wall <NUM> of the outer frame <NUM> of the container <NUM>. Similarly, the inner side walls 27a, 27b of the inner frame <NUM> comprise upper edges 29a, 29b which are spaced from the upper edges <NUM> of the container side wall 8a, 8b of the outer frame <NUM> of the container <NUM>.

In the present embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the upper edge <NUM> of the inner front wall <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM> extends parallel to the upper edge of the container front wall <NUM> of the outer frame <NUM> of the container <NUM>. Furthermore, the upper edges 29a, 29b of the inner side walls 27a, 27b of the inner frame <NUM> extend from the upper edge <NUM> of the inner front wall <NUM> towards the rear wall <NUM> of the outer frame <NUM> of the container <NUM> parallel to the bottom wall <NUM> of the container <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, the upper edges <NUM>, 29a, 29b of the inner frame <NUM> are located at the same vertical distance from the bottom wall <NUM> of the outer frame <NUM> of the container <NUM>. Furthermore, the upper edges <NUM>, 29a, 29b are all located above the hinge line <NUM> connecting the lid <NUM> to the container <NUM>. However, in alternative embodiments, the upper edges of the inner frame <NUM> may have a different configuration. For example, the upper edges 29a, 29b of the inner side walls 27a, 27b may extend parallel to the upper edges 20a, 20b of the container side walls 8a, 8b of the outer frame <NUM> of the container <NUM> such that at least a part of the upper edges 29a, 29b of the inner side walls 27a, 27b are above the upper edge <NUM> of the inner front wall <NUM>. In one embodiment, each of the upper edges may be completely below the hinge line <NUM> of the package <NUM> and/or the edges may be curved, etc..

In one embodiment, a cut-out (not shown) may be formed in the inner front wall <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM> so that the upper edge <NUM> of the front wall <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM> is below at least a part of the upper edges 29a, 29b of the side walls 27a, 27b of the inner frame <NUM>.

The inner front wall <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM> also comprises a recess <NUM>. The recess <NUM> extends in the inner front wall <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM> of the container <NUM>. The recess <NUM> extends from the upper edge <NUM> of the inner front wall <NUM>. The recess <NUM> has a lower edge <NUM>, and side edges 35a, 35b which extend between the upper edge <NUM> of the inner front wall <NUM> and the lower edge <NUM> of the recess <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the lower edge <NUM> of the recess <NUM> extends parallel to, but spaced from the upper edge <NUM> of the inner front wall <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM>, and the side edges <NUM> of the recess <NUM> extend transverse to the lower edge <NUM>. The edges <NUM>, 35a, 35b define an opening <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM> to the delivery system receiving space <NUM>. Delivery systems are inserted and removed by a user through the opening <NUM> defined by the edges <NUM>, 35a, 35b of the inner frame <NUM>.

The lower edge <NUM> of the recess <NUM> is spaced from the upper edge <NUM> of the container front wall <NUM> of the outer frame <NUM> of the container <NUM>. The lower edge <NUM> of the recess <NUM> is spaced from the upper edge <NUM> of the container front wall <NUM> so that the front wall <NUM> of the lid <NUM> overlaps the inner front wall <NUM> of the container <NUM> along its entire width when the lid <NUM> is in its closed position. This reduces the gap through which contaminants can pass from outside of the package <NUM> into the delivery system receiving space <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the shape, size, and positioning of the recess <NUM> in the inner frame <NUM> of the container <NUM> may vary. For example, the recess <NUM> may be a shape other than rectangular and may extend in a different wall of the inner frame <NUM> or in more than one wall.

The inner frame <NUM> of the container <NUM> may be a separate part of the package <NUM> to the outer frame <NUM> of the container <NUM>. The inner frame <NUM> may be held in place in the outer frame <NUM> of the container <NUM> by, for example, but not limited to, glue. Alternatively, the outer and inner frames <NUM>, <NUM> may be integrally formed.

The inner frame <NUM> may comprise one side wall or two opposing side walls. A side wall 27a, 27b of the inner frame <NUM> comprises a portion which extends from the container <NUM> and which is received in the lid <NUM> when the lid <NUM> is closed. At least one of the side walls 27a, 27b of the inner frame <NUM> comprises at least two regions, which are not shown in <FIG> or <FIG>. Examples of the regions are shown in <FIG> and described in more detail hereinafter. The at least two regions have different coefficients of friction. The at least two regions include a first region and a second region. The first region has a lower coefficient of friction that the second region.

In this application the term coefficient of friction may be taken to mean the value of frictional force between each region and a specified surface. In a preferred embodiment, the coefficient of friction is given between each region and the surface of the second region. The coefficient of friction may be given as static friction or dynamic friction.

Referring now to <FIG>, a side view of a package <NUM> having an inner frame <NUM> according to the present invention is shown. The inner frame <NUM> shown in <FIG> is generally the same as the inner frame <NUM> described above in relation to <FIG> and <FIG> and so a detailed description will be omitted herein. Furthermore, features and components of the inner frame <NUM> that are the same as the features and components of the above described inner frame <NUM> will retain the same terminology and reference numerals.

<FIG> shows the inner frame <NUM> which has a portion 40a that extends from the container <NUM>. More specifically, <FIG> shows a portion of a side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM> which extends from the container <NUM> and the lid <NUM> of the package <NUM> in a position in which it is being rotated from an open position towards a closed position about the hinge line <NUM>.

The lid <NUM> of the package <NUM> may be considered to be in an open position when the lower edge <NUM> of the lid <NUM> has been rotated far enough away from the upper edge <NUM> of the outer frame <NUM> of the container <NUM> for a smoking article (not shown) to be removed from the receiving space <NUM> of the package <NUM>. The package <NUM> may be considered to be in a closed position when the lower edge <NUM> of the lid <NUM> contacts or is proximate to the upper edge <NUM> of the outer frame <NUM> of the container <NUM>. When the lid <NUM> is in its closed position a smoking article cannot be removed from the receiving space <NUM>.

The side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM> comprises at least two regions having different coefficients of friction. The at least two regions include a first region <NUM> and a second region <NUM>. The first region <NUM> has a lower coefficient of friction than the second region <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the at least two regions are discrete regions.

However, it will be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment, the at least two regions may not be discretely defined and instead a first region having a first coefficient of friction may gradually change into a second region having a second coefficient of friction. That is, the coefficient of friction may change gradually from a first region to a second region. The change may be gradual or may be formed by many small regions between the first region and the second region having increasing coefficients of friction.

The at least two regions <NUM>, <NUM> which have different coefficients of friction are arranged on the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM> such that when the lid <NUM> is moved from an open position towards a closed position, the lid <NUM> is moved into contact with the first region <NUM> of the side wall 27a before being moved into contact with the second region <NUM> of the side wall 27a.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, it can be seen that the lid <NUM> has been rotated from an open position towards a closed position and in doing so the lid <NUM> has already partially covered the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>. In doing so, the lid <NUM> has come into contact with the first region <NUM> of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM> but has not yet come into contact with the second region <NUM> of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>. However, upon further movement of the lid <NUM> about the hinge line <NUM> towards the closed position, it is clear that the lid <NUM> will come into contact with the second region <NUM> of the side wall 27a.

In the present embodiment, the first region <NUM> is located proximate to the upper edge <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM> and the second region <NUM> is located distal to the upper edge <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM>. That is, the first region <NUM> is located closer to the upper edge <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM> than the second region <NUM>.

More specifically, in the present embodiment, the first region <NUM> is located on an upper part <NUM> of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM> that extends from the container <NUM> and the second region <NUM> is located on a lower part <NUM> of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM> that extends from the container <NUM>. That is, the first region <NUM> is located above the second region <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM> comprises a front wall edge <NUM>. The front wall edge <NUM> is the edge of the side wall 27a which connects the side wall 27a to the front wall <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM>. The front wall edge <NUM> is located proximate to the front wall <NUM> of the container <NUM>. The side wall 27a further comprises a rear edge <NUM>. The rear edge <NUM> is the edge of the side wall 27a which is distal to the front wall <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM> and, in the present embodiment, is located opposite to the front wall edge <NUM>. The rear edge <NUM> is located proximate to the rear wall <NUM> of the container <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG> it can be seen that at least one of the regions <NUM>, <NUM> extend from the front wall edge <NUM> of the side wall 27a towards the rear edge <NUM> of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>. In fact, in this embodiment, both the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM> extend from the front wall edge <NUM> towards the rear edge <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, it may be that only one of the first and second regions <NUM>, <NUM> extend from the front wall edge <NUM> of the side wall 27a towards the rear edge <NUM> of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that at least one of the regions <NUM>, <NUM> may extend fully across the portion of side wall 27a which extends from the container <NUM> between the front wall edge <NUM> towards the rear edge <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM>. In the present embodiment, both the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM> extend fully across the side wall 27a from the front wall edge <NUM> to the rear edge <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, it may be that only one of the first and second regions <NUM>, <NUM> extends fully across the portion of the side wall 27a that extends from the container <NUM> from the front wall edge <NUM> of the side wall 27a to the rear edge <NUM> of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>. It will be understood that in alternative embodiments the regions <NUM>, <NUM> may extend only partially across the width of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>.

In embodiments where the regions are discrete, each of the regions <NUM>, <NUM> comprise peripheral edges <NUM>, <NUM> which delimit the regions <NUM>, <NUM>. It will be understood that in embodiments where the regions are not discrete, but instead a gradual change occurs, it may be difficult to define peripheral edges between regions. However, in some embodiment, regions may be defined as being within a range of coefficients of friction.

In other embodiments, the gradual change of the coefficient of friction may be provided by infinite infinitely small regions.

The first region <NUM> is defined by peripheral edges <NUM> including a top peripheral edge 48a and opposing bottom peripheral edge 48b as well as a front peripheral edge 48c and an opposing rear peripheral edge 48d. The peripheral edges <NUM> of the first region <NUM> also includes a sloped peripheral edge 48e where the side wall 8a of the container <NUM> overlaps the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first region <NUM> may extend across the portion of the inner frame <NUM> that is overlapped by the side wall 8a of the container <NUM>, such that the first region does not have a sloped peripheral edge 48e.

The second region <NUM> is defined by peripheral edges <NUM> including a top peripheral edge 49a and opposing bottom peripheral edge 49b as well as a front peripheral edge 49c. Due to the positioning of the second region <NUM> and the side wall 8a of the container <NUM> overlapping the second region <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM>, the second region <NUM> comprises a rear sloped peripheral edge 49e. In some embodiments, the first region <NUM> may extend across the portion of the inner frame <NUM> that is overlapped by the side wall 8a of the container <NUM>, such that the second region does not have a sloped rear peripheral edge 49c but a vertically extending rear peripheral edge similar to the rear peripheral edge 48d of the first region <NUM>.

The top peripheral edge 48a of the first region <NUM> may be in line with the upper edge 29a of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>. The front peripheral edges 48c, 49c may be in line with the front wall edge <NUM> of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>. The rear peripheral edges 48d of the first and second regions <NUM>, <NUM> may be in line with the rear edge <NUM> of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>.

It will be understood that in an alternative embodiment, the regions <NUM>, <NUM> may have any shape and the peripheral edges <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to realise the required shape, size, and location of the regions <NUM>, <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, at least one of the peripheral edges <NUM>, <NUM> of each region <NUM>, <NUM> extends parallel to the bottom wall <NUM> of the container <NUM>. That is, at least one of the peripheral edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second regions <NUM>, <NUM> extend horizontally. As shown in <FIG>, the top and bottom peripheral edges 48a, 48b of the first region <NUM> and the top and bottom peripheral edges 49a, 49b of the second region <NUM> extend horizontally and parallel to the bottom wall <NUM> of the container <NUM> and each other. The bottom peripheral edge 48b of the first region and the top peripheral edge 49a of the second region <NUM> abut along their length. Thus, the first and second regions <NUM>, <NUM> extend horizontally and parallel across the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>.

At least one of the regions <NUM>, <NUM> on the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM> may be formed by a coating on the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>. The coating may be formed from, for example, but not limited to, structured varnish or structured ink or soft touch varnish or soft touch ink. Examples of a structured varnish or ink that may be used are tactile inks, such as <NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM> WB TOB PV, or soft touch inks, such as <NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM> WB TOB OPV. A different coating may be used for each region <NUM>, <NUM> in order to obtain regions <NUM>, <NUM> having different coefficients of friction.

In the present embodiment, the second region <NUM> has a coating which has a coefficient of friction which is greater than the coefficient of friction of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>. Therefore, the friction between the second region <NUM> of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM> and an inner surface of the lid <NUM> is increased when the lid <NUM> is in the closed position. The increase in friction between the second region <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM> and the lid <NUM> helps to keep the lid <NUM> in the closed position so that the package <NUM> is closed more securely, does not suffer from yawning, and helps to prevent contaminants from entering the receiving space <NUM> of the package <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, the first region <NUM> has a coating which has a coefficient of friction which is less than the coefficient of friction of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>. Therefore, the friction between the first region <NUM> of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM> and an inner surface of the lid <NUM> is reduced when the lid <NUM> is initially moved from an open position towards the closed position. Therefore, a consumer does not have to apply as large a force to the lid <NUM> when initially moving the lid <NUM> from an open position towards a closed position.

Therefore, when moving the lid <NUM> into its closed position, the consumer will feel an increase in the force needed to close the lid <NUM> when the lid <NUM> comes into contact with the second region <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM> as the lid <NUM> is rotated about the hinge lid <NUM>. The increased force required to overcome the increase in friction makes the consumer aware that the lid <NUM> is almost in its closed position.

However, in an alternative embodiment, the first region <NUM> may not have a coating and instead may be formed by the material which forms the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM> such that the first region <NUM> has the same coefficient of friction as the inner frame <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that the various arrangements of the first and second regions <NUM>, <NUM> on the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM> as described above may be present on both side walls 27a, 27b of the inner frame <NUM> or on only one of the side walls 27a, 27b of the inner frame <NUM>.

In one embodiment, an inner surface of the side wall 14a of the lid <NUM> may comprise at least two regions having different coefficients of friction including a first region <NUM> and a second region <NUM>. The first region on the lid <NUM> may overlap the first region <NUM> on the inner frame <NUM> and the second region on the lid <NUM> may overlap the second region <NUM> on the inner frame <NUM> when the lid <NUM> is in its closed position.

Referring now to <FIG>, a side view of a package <NUM> having an inner frame <NUM> according to the present invention is shown. The inner frame <NUM> shown in <FIG> is generally the same as the inner frame <NUM> described above in relation to <FIG> and so a detailed description will be omitted herein. Furthermore, features and components of the inner frame <NUM> that are the same as the features and components of the above described inner frame <NUM> will retain the same terminology and reference numerals.

The difference between the inner frame <NUM> shown in <FIG> and the inner frame shown in <FIG> is that the inner frame <NUM> shown in <FIG> further comprises a third region <NUM>. The third region <NUM> has a different coefficient of friction to the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM>. The third region <NUM> is located between the first and second regions <NUM>, <NUM> on the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>. That is, the third region <NUM> is located on a middle part <NUM> of the side wall 27a with the first region <NUM> located on the upper part <NUM> above the third region <NUM> and the second region <NUM> located on the lower part <NUM> of below the third region <NUM>.

The third region <NUM> extends from the front wall edge <NUM> of the side wall 27a towards the rear edge <NUM> of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the third region <NUM> extends fully across the portion of side wall 27a which extends from the container <NUM> between the front wall edge <NUM> towards the rear edge <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM>. However, it will be understood that in alternative embodiments the third region <NUM> may extend only partially across the width of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>.

In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> the regions are shown as discrete regions. The third region <NUM> comprises peripheral edges <NUM> which delimit the third region <NUM>. The third region <NUM> is defined by peripheral edges <NUM> including a top peripheral edge 54a and opposing bottom peripheral edge 54b as well as a front peripheral edge 54c and an opposing rear peripheral edge 54d. The peripheral edges <NUM> of the third region <NUM> also includes a sloped peripheral edge 54e where the side wall 8a of the container <NUM> overlaps the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>. In some embodiments, the third region <NUM> may extend across the portion of the inner frame <NUM> that is overlapped by the side wall 8a of the container <NUM>, such that the third region <NUM> does not have a sloped peripheral edge 54e.

The top peripheral edge 54a of the third region <NUM> may be in line with the bottom peripheral edge 48b of the first region <NUM>. The bottom peripheral edge 54b of the third region <NUM> may be in line with the top peripheral edge 49a of the second region <NUM>. The front peripheral edges 54c may be in line with the front wall edge <NUM> of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>. The rear peripheral edge 54d of the third region <NUM> may be in line with the rear edge <NUM> of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>.

At least one of the peripheral edges of each region extends parallel to the bottom wall <NUM> of the container <NUM>. That is, at least one of the peripheral edges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the first, second, and third regions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> extend horizontally. In the present embodiment, the top and bottom peripheral edges 48a, 48b of the first region <NUM>, the top and bottom peripheral edges 49a, 49b of the second region <NUM> and the top and bottom peripheral edges 54a, 54b of the third region <NUM> extend horizontally and parallel to the bottom wall <NUM> of the container <NUM> and each other. Thus, the first, second, and third regions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> extend horizontally and parallel across the width of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>.

The third region <NUM> may have a coating that has a coefficient of friction which is greater than or less than the coefficient of friction of the material which forms the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>. Preferably, the third region <NUM> has a coefficient of friction which is greater than the coefficient of friction of the first region <NUM>. Preferably, the third region <NUM> has a coefficient of friction which is less than the coefficient of friction of the second region <NUM>. That is, during movement of the lid <NUM> from its open position to its closed position, it is preferable that the lid <NUM> comes into contact firstly with the region which has the lowest coefficient of friction and finally with the region which has the highest coefficient of friction. In some embodiment, the third region <NUM> may be formed by the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>.

The difference between the inner frame <NUM> shown in <FIG> and the inner frame <NUM> shown in <FIG> is that the configuration of the first and second regions <NUM>, <NUM> on the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the lid <NUM> has been rotated from an open position towards a closed position and in doing so the lid <NUM> has already partially covered the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>. In doing so, the lid <NUM> has come into contact with the first region <NUM> of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM> but has not yet come into contact with the second region <NUM> of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>. However, upon further movement of the lid <NUM> about the hinge line <NUM> towards the closed position, it is clear that the lid <NUM> will come into contact with the second region <NUM> of the side wall 27a.

In the present embodiment, the first region <NUM> is located proximate to the rear edge <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM> and the second region <NUM> is located proximate to the front wall edge <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM>, i.e. distal to the rear edge <NUM>. That is, the second region <NUM> is located closer to the front wall <NUM> of the container <NUM> than the first region <NUM>.

More specifically, in the present embodiment, the first region <NUM> is located on a rear part <NUM> of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM> that extends from the container <NUM> and the second region <NUM> is located on a front part <NUM> of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM> that extends from the container <NUM>. That is, the second region <NUM> is located in front of the first region <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG> it can be seen that at least one of the regions <NUM>, <NUM> extends from the point at which the inner frame <NUM> extends beyond the upper edge <NUM> of the container <NUM> towards the upper edge <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM>. In fact, in this embodiment, both the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM> extend from the upper edge <NUM> of the container <NUM> towards the upper edge <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, it may be that only one of the first and second regions <NUM>, <NUM> extend from the upper edge <NUM> of the container <NUM> towards the upper edge <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that at least one of the regions <NUM>, <NUM> may extend fully along the length of the portion of side wall 27a which extends from the container <NUM> between the upper edge <NUM> of the container <NUM> and the upper edge <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM>. In the present embodiment, both the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM> extend fully along the length of the side wall 27a from the upper edge <NUM> of the container <NUM> to the upper edge <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM>.

In an alternative embodiment, it may be that only one of the first and second regions <NUM>, <NUM> extends fully along the length of the portion of the side wall 27a that extends from the container <NUM> from the upper edge <NUM> of the container <NUM> to the upper edge <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM>. It will be understood that in alternative embodiments the regions <NUM>, <NUM> may extend only partially along the length of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>.

In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> the regions are shown as discrete regions. The first region <NUM> is defined by peripheral edges <NUM> including a top peripheral edge 48a and opposing bottom peripheral edge 48b as well as a front peripheral edge 48c and an opposing rear peripheral edge 48d. The peripheral edges <NUM> of the first region <NUM> also includes a sloped peripheral edge 48e where the side wall 8a of the container <NUM> overlaps the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>.

The second region <NUM> is defined by peripheral edges <NUM> including a top peripheral edge 49a and opposing sloped bottom peripheral edge 49b as well as a front peripheral edge 49c and a rear peripheral edge 49d.

The top peripheral edge 48a, 49b of the first and second regions <NUM>, <NUM> may be in line with the upper edge 29a of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>. The rear peripheral edges 49d of the first region <NUM> may be in line with the rear edge <NUM> of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>. The front wall edge 49c of the second region <NUM> may be in line with the front wall edge <NUM> of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, at least one of the peripheral edges <NUM>, <NUM> of each region <NUM>, <NUM> extends parallel to the front wall <NUM> of the container <NUM>. That is, at least one of the peripheral edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second regions <NUM>, <NUM> extend vertically. As shown in <FIG>, the front and rear peripheral edges 48c, 48d of the first region <NUM> and the front and rear peripheral edges 49c, 49d of the second region <NUM> extend vertically and parallel to the front wall <NUM> of the container <NUM> and each other. The front peripheral edge 48c of the first region <NUM> and the rear peripheral edge 49d of the second region <NUM> abut along their length. Thus, the first and second regions <NUM>, <NUM> extend vertically and parallel along the length of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, the second region <NUM> has a coating which has a coefficient of friction which is greater than the coefficient of friction of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>. The increase in friction between the second region <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM> and the lid <NUM> helps to keep the lid <NUM> in the closed position so that the package <NUM> is closed more securely and helps to prevent contaminants from entering the receiving space <NUM> of the package <NUM>.

The first region <NUM> may have a coating which has a coefficient of friction which is less than the coefficient of friction of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>. Therefore, a consumer does not have to apply as large a force to the lid <NUM> when initially moving the lid <NUM> from an open position towards a closed position.

In the present embodiment, when a consumer moves the lid <NUM> towards its closed position, the consumer will feel an increase in the force needed to close the lid <NUM> when the lid <NUM> comes into contact with the second region <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM> as the lid <NUM> is rotated about the hinge lid <NUM>. As the lid <NUM> comes into contact with a larger amount of the second region during closing the force needed to overcome the frictional force will increase proportionally. The increased force required to overcome the increase in friction makes the consumer aware that the lid <NUM> is almost in its closed position. However, in an alternative embodiment, the first region <NUM> may not have a coating and instead may be formed by the material which forms the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM> such that the first region <NUM> has the same coefficient of friction as the inner frame <NUM>.

The difference between the inner frame <NUM> shown in <FIG> and the inner frame <NUM> shown in <FIG> is that the inner frame <NUM> shown in <FIG> comprises a third region <NUM>. The third region <NUM> has a different coefficient of friction to the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM>. The third region <NUM> is located between the first and second regions <NUM>, <NUM> on the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>. That is, the third region <NUM> is located on a middle part <NUM> of the side wall 27a with the first region <NUM> located on the rear part <NUM> behind the third region <NUM> and the second region <NUM> located on the front part <NUM> of the inner frame 27a in front of the third region <NUM>.

The third region <NUM> extends from the upper edge <NUM> of the container <NUM> towards the upper edge 29a of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the third region <NUM> extends fully along the length of the portion of side wall 27a which extends from the container <NUM>. However, it will be understood that in alternative embodiments the third region <NUM> may extend only partially along the length of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>.

In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> the regions are shown as discrete regions. The third region <NUM> comprises peripheral edges <NUM> which delimit the third region <NUM>. The third region <NUM> is defined by peripheral edges <NUM> including a top peripheral edge 54a and opposing sloped bottom peripheral edge 54b as well as a front peripheral edge 54c and an opposing rear peripheral edge 54d.

The top peripheral edge 54a of the third region <NUM> may be in line with the upper edge 29a of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>. The sloped bottom peripheral edge 54b of the third region <NUM> may be in line with the upper edge 20a of the side wall 8a of the container <NUM>. The front peripheral edge 54c of the third region <NUM> may be in line with the rear peripheral edge 49d of the second region <NUM>. The rear peripheral edge 54d of the third region <NUM> may be in line with the front peripheral edge 48c of the first region <NUM>.

At least one of the peripheral edges of each region extends parallel to the front wall <NUM> of the container <NUM>. That is, at least one of the peripheral edges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the first, second, and third regions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> extend vertically. In the present embodiment, the front and rear peripheral edges 48c, 48d of the first region <NUM>, the front and rear peripheral edges 49c, 49d of the second region <NUM> and the front and rear peripheral edges 54c, 54d of the third region <NUM> extend vertically and parallel to the front wall <NUM> of the container <NUM> and each other. Thus, the first, second, and third regions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> extend vertically and parallel along the length of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>.

The third region <NUM> may have a coating that has a coefficient of friction which is greater than or less than the coefficient of friction of the material which forms the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>. Preferably, the third region <NUM> has a coefficient of friction which is greater than the coefficient of friction of the first region <NUM> and which is less than the coefficient of friction of the second region <NUM>. In some embodiments, the third region <NUM> may be formed by the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a side view of a package1 having an inner frame <NUM> according to the present invention is shown. The inner frame <NUM> shown in <FIG> is generally the same as the inner frame <NUM> described above in relation to <FIG> and so a detailed description will be omitted herein. Furthermore, features and components of the inner frame <NUM> that are the same as the features and components of the above described inner frame <NUM> will retain the same terminology and reference numerals.

In <FIG>, the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM> comprises three regions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> the regions are shown as discrete regions. The regions are delimited by peripheral edges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, at least one of the peripheral edges of each region extends at an angle to the front wall <NUM> of the container and the bottom wall <NUM> of the container <NUM>. That is, at least one of the peripheral edges of each of the regions extends neither horizontally or vertically. Instead, the peripheral edges of the regions diverge from the rear edge <NUM> of the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM> towards the front wall edge <NUM>. In some embodiments, the diverging peripheral edges are arranged such that they share a common point of origin. Preferably, the point of origin of the converging peripheral edges is located on the axis that extends along the hinge line <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the side wall 27a of the inner frame <NUM> further comprises a fourth region <NUM> and a fifth region <NUM> instead of the three regions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> shown in the embodiment in <FIG>. In the present embodiment, at least one of the peripheral edges of at least one of the regions extends horizontally. It will be understood that in an alternative embodiment, the number of regions may vary. Furthermore, instead of being discrete regions, the coefficient of friction may change gradually between the regions.

The embodiments of the package may comprise a pair of ears, which are not shown in the drawings but are well known in the art. The pair of ears extend outwardly sideways from the container side walls 8a, 8b. Each ear extends perpendicularly from the container side walls 8a, 8b parallel to and from the container front wall <NUM>. Each ear is formed by means of a cut line formed in the container side walls 8a, 8b. An advantage of the package having ears if that the ears are able to be disposed to extend from the container side walls to help retain the lid <NUM> in the closed position. In some embodiments, the ears may also comprise one or more of the regions of different coefficients of friction depending on the configuration of the package. The coatings may be applied to the ears before they are cut from the blank.

Claim 1:
A package (<NUM>) for one or more delivery systems, the package comprising:
a container (<NUM>) and a lid (<NUM>) hingedly connected to the container about a hinge line (<NUM>); and
an inner frame (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a side wall (27a, 27b) having a portion which extends from the container and which is received in the lid when the lid is closed;
characterised in that
said portion of the side wall extending from the container comprises at least two regions (<NUM>, <NUM>) having different coefficients of friction.