The present invention relates to a container for consumer goods and a lifting means for lifting at least one consumer good, in particular a smoking article.

In the prior art, lifting means for consumer goods in containers are known, in particular lifting means for smoking articles, such as cigarettes and cigars.

Generally, the packing of elongated, rod shaped consumer goods such as smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, tends to be very compact. This helps to adequately protect the pack contents and reduces the amount of material needed. This can reduce cost and waste. Nevertheless, the removal of the first consumer good, in particular a smoking article, from a full pack requires a higher force than of subsequent consumer goods, due to frictional forces that can have a negative impact on the quality of the consumer good when removed. Furthermore, some consumers prefer not to touch the filter end of a smoking article.

EP-A-0 928 751 discloses a container with a lifting section of smoking articles, wherein a lifting strip is fixed by means of adhesive to the inside of the container box. A lifting section is provided, which is raised in an inclined manner when the lid of the container is moved from its closed to its open position. Smoking articles which are arranged on the lifting section will be lifted from the bottom wall of the container.

US-A-4,949,8 1 discloses a cigarette pack, wherein some cigarettes can be lifted by means of the inner liner. When the front wall of the inner liner is pulled, a part of the bottom wall of the inner liner is lifted together with the front row of the cigarettes.

EP-A-0 393 648 discloses a package for cigarettes with a pull tab, which his removably connected to a part of an inner liner. The inner liner is fixed by means of adhesive partially in the area of the back wall and the bottom of the outer container of the package. When it is pulled on the pull tab, foldings are straightened in the inner liner and an inclined surface is provided, such that cigarettes are lifted.

WO 03/008302 A1 discloses a rigid cigarette package, wherein a panel rests on an inner surface of a bottom wall of the container of the package and is divided into a first and a second portion by a hinge. When a pull tab is lifted, the second portion is lifted and helps to extract the cigarettes.

EP-A-0 567 241 discloses a hinge lid cigarette box, wherein a wrapper comprises a fixed portion which is glued to the walls of the box and a displaceable portion including a detachable cover flap. The displaceable portion includes a lifting strip defined in the wrapper by parallel cut lines, wherein the lifting strip comprises a lifting portion and a bridging portion such that when the cover flap is pulled, cigarettes in the box are lifted.

DE-C-605 428 discloses a cigarette package, wherein in the bottom area a flat spring is provided. The flat spring comprises a protrusion, which can be engaged by a user and moved within a slit, such that cigarettes are lifted.

The object of the present invention is to provide a lifting means in a container, which provides the consumer with an improved means to access the consumer goods within the container. Further, it would be advantageous to provide a lifting means that avoids or at least reduces the likelihood that the bottom of the consumer goods that is in contact with the lifting means is damaged.

According to the invention, a container for consumer goods is provided, wherein the container comprises a box with an opening arranged at the top thereof, and a lifting means provided in the box. The lifting means comprises a connection portion depending from a stationary portion inside of the box bottom wall. The lifting means further comprises a movable portion depending from the connection portion, such that the connection portion connects the stationary portion with the movable portion. The lifting means is adapted to lift at least one consumer good towards the opening when the movable portion is moved from a first position to a second position, wherein the movable portion and the box bottom wall remain substantially parallel throughout the lifting process. The stationary portion, connection portion and movable portion are arranged in the same plane and next to each other and form together a panel with at least one cutting line provided therein, when the movable portion is in the first position. Preferably, the size of the panel substantially corresponds in its size to the box bottom wall of the container. Thus, a stable lifting means that may lift several consumer goods is provided, as the whole box bottom wall area is used by the lower part of the lifting means. Furthermore, the correlation of the size of the lifting means and the box bottom wall facilitates the positioning of the lifting means in the container, as the side walls of the container may guide or hold the lifting means. A large stationary portion allows a stable fixation of the lifting means to the box bottom wall, while a large connection portion allows the lifting of several consumer goods, for example smoking articles, at a time. Alternatively, the stationary portion, connection portion and movable portion are arranged in the same plane and next to each other and form together a panel with at least one cutting line provided therein that has a size that is only a fraction of the bottom wall, for example a third or half of the size of the bottom wall. This embodiment has the advantage that less material is required to form the lifting means.

In the first position, the lifting means is not lifting any consumer goods. In the second position, at least one consumer good is lifted by the lifting means. Preferably, in the second position, the at least one consumer good is lifted such that the access to the lifted consumer good is facilitated for a consumer.

In particular, the connection portion is depending via a first folding line from the stationary portion, and the movable portion is depending a second folding line from the connection portion.

Due to the substantially parallel arrangement of the movable portion and the box bottom wall at all times throughout the lifting process, the adjacent ends of the consumer goods, in particular smoking articles, are not subjected to inclined surfaces which reduces the risk of damage, in particular on the particularly sensitive part of the open rod end of a smoking article. Most smoking articles comprise a smoking material section, in particular a tobacco rod section, which is wrapped in cigarette paper or other wrapping material. In particular, the smoking articles are cigarettes or cigars. However, the invention does not only apply to smoking articles, but to various consumer goods which are in particular elongated articles, and preferably elongated cylindrical articles.

As smoking articles are usually arranged in a longitudinal direction extending vertically from the box bottom wall towards an upper opening in the box, the force provided by the lifting means on the smoking articles is in particular directly or substantially in the upwards direction. In particular, a lifting force can thus be applied on the circular end surface of the at least one smoking article, and not only on the edge of the smoking article as for many known lifting means. Thus, the invention avoids or reduces the risk that the at least one smoking article is damaged at the end of the wrapping material. The present invention can thus advantageously prevent or reduce the formation of unsightly "tobacco shorts". Tobacco shorts are small pieces of cut filler that have detached from the tobacco rod,

The terms "front", "back", "upper", "lower", "side", "top", "bottom" and other terms used to describe relative positions of the components of containers according to the invention refer to the container in an upright position with an opening to remove the smoking articles from the container situated towards the top of the container and a hinge between a lid and the box of the container, where present, on the back of the container. The terms "left" and "right" are used with reference to left and right walls of the container when the container is viewed from the front in its upright position. When the container in the upright position is open, the consumer goods contained in the box may be removed from the upper end of the container. The term "longitudinal" refers to a direction from bottom to top or vice versa. The term "transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction across the front wall, the back wall, the left wall, or the right wall.

The term "hinge line" refers to a line about which the lid may be pivoted in order to open the container. A hinge line may be, for example, a fold line or a score line in the back wall of the container. Alternatively, a hinge line may be a folding line or a scoring line in a piece of material bridging the lower edge of the back wall of the lid and the upper edge of the back wall of the box. Such a piece of material may be, for example, a label that is permanently or removably attached to the back wall of the lid and the back wall of the box. Preferably, the hinge line is positioned along the back wall of the container at a level below the upper edge thereof.

Preferably, the stationary portion of the lifting means is fixed to the box bottom wall with adhesive. Alternatively, the stationary portion of the lifting means is a part of the box bottom wall. In the latter case, the lifting means and the container can be formed from one blank. Alternatively, the lifting means and the container can be formed from separate blanks and fixed to each other. However, in some embodiments the lifting means may be an insert formed from a separate blank, which is fixed to the box. Preferably, such an insert may be held in its position by some of the consumer goods, in particular smoking articles. Alternatively, or in addition, where the container also comprises a lid, the lifting means may form a connection between the box and the lid, thus, when the lid is lifted, the lifting mechanism is automatically enabled.

The lifting means is preferably made from a sheet material, such as paper, cardboard, polymer sheet, film material or combinations thereof.

In particular, the connection portion and the movable portion are arranged parallel and adjacent to the box bottom wall of the container when the movable portion is in the first position. Preferably, the lifting means extends generally flat and requires only little space at the bottom of the container. Thus, a compact design of the container is enabled due to the flat arrangement of the connection portion and movable portion. Furthermore, no edges or inclined surfaces are provided at the box bottom wall when the movable portion is in the first position. Thus, the consumer goods, in particular smoking articles, are unlikely to be damaged by the lifting means.

In one embodiment, an inner liner is arranged around the consumer goods provided in the container. In this embodiment, preferably, the lifting means is arranged in between at least one container wall and the inner liner. The connection portion is adapted to apply a lifting force through the inner liner to the lower end of at least one consumer good. Thus, the inner liner may serve as an additional means of protection for the consumer goods. Furthermore, as the lifting means is arranged outside the inner liner, a common packing machine for the packing of smoking articles, in particular cigarettes, in containers may be used. This allows for a quick implementation of the invention on existing high speed manufacturing equipment.

The lifting means may either be provided in between an inner liner and the container box, or in between the inner liner and the smoking articles, for those types of smoking article containers, which comprise an inner liner. Preferably, the lifting means is provided in between a bundle of cigarettes, comprising an inner liner or not, and the container walls. However, in some embodiments, at least part of the lifting means may be provided in between the smoking articles.

In a preferred embodiment, the inner liner is provided with scoring lines which are severed during the lifting process, such that at least one consumer good is lifted together with the connection portion. In this embodiment, the lifting force of the lifting means severs the inner liner along the scoring lines. Thus, the inner liner allows a lifting of selected consumer goods, for example of only one, two or a plurality of smoking articles in a container. The severing of the inner liner allows the relative movement of the smoking articles. In particular, the scoring lines are provided along the borders of at least the connection portion, and in some embodiments of the movable portion of the lifting means.

In one embodiment, the lifting means comprises further a lifting portion which is depending from the movable portion. Preferably, the lifting portion is adapted to be lifted in the longitudinal upright direction together with the movable portion such that the second position of the movable portion is at a higher position with respect to the first position of the movable portion. In particular, the lifting portion extends from the movable portion in the longitudinal upright direction towards the opening of the container box. The lifting portion allows that the consumer pulls directly or indirectly thereon, to lift the movable portion, such that the movable portion and the connection portion lift at least some of the consumer goods. As the movable portion remains parallel to the box bottom wall, consumer goods arranged on the movable portion and on the box bottom wall are not subjected to inclined surfaces, and are therefore lifted gently, or remain in their position without being subjected to any lifting force.

Preferably, the lifting means is adapted such that the lifting portion extends substantially parallel to a box side wall throughout the lifting process, and the movable portion is adapted to extend substantially perpendicular to the lifting portion throughout the lifting process. The lifting portion may extend adjacent to a box side wall, or in between the consumer goods in the container. The perpendicular extension of the movable portion with respect to the lifting portion may be enabled by the arrangement of the connection portion and the movable portion. In particular this may be enabled where the connection portion does not allow the movable portion to be bent out of the perpendicular arrangement with respect to the lifting portion. In particular, a folding line in between the connection portion and the movable portion is arranged perpendicular to a folding line in between the movable portion and the lifting portion, wherein both folding lines extend horizontal, that is, in parallel to the box bottom wall. Furthermore, a folding line in between the box bottom wall and the connection portion may be parallel to the folding line in between the connection portion and the movable portion. Alternatively, the two folding lines may be non-parallel. Non-parallel folding lines may improve the rigidity of the connection between the lifting portion and the movable portion. This may improve the perpendicular extension of the movable portion with respect to the lifting portion during the lifting process.

Generally, there may be further folding lines provided in the connection portion. Several folding lines in the connection portion allow that the connection portion has several segments provided adjacent to each other to support the lifting of the consumer goods.

In a preferred embodiment, the stationary portion is substantially L-shaped, wherein the stationary portion, the connection portion and the movable portion form together a substantially rectangular shape. This rectangular shape may correspond to the shape of the box bottom wall. This may increase the structural strength of the bottom wall and hence of the entire pack. Alternatively, the rectangular shape corresponds to a section of the box bottom wall. In this embodiment less material is required. Therefore, the production cost of the container may be reduced. While the L-shaped stationary portion remains adjacent to the box bottom wall during the lifting process, the substantially rectangular connection portion and movable portion are lifted, such that the consumer goods arranged thereon are lifted as well.

In one embodiment, the lifting portion is in sliding engagement with a wall of the container. Thus, the container wall guides the lifting portion and provides stability. In particular, the lifting portion extends parallel to that container wall. The lifting portion may be arranged adjacent to the inner side of that container wall. That container wall may in particular be the box back wall or the box front wall. However, in other embodiments, that container wall may as well be the box right wall or the box left wall. Furthermore, the lifting portion may be in engagement with more than one wall of the container. In particular, the lifting portion may comprise at least at one side thereof a bent portion, which is in sliding engagement with a second container wall adjacent to a first container wall. In particular, the lifting portion may be in sliding engagement with the box back or box front wall, while the bent portion is in sliding engagement with the box left wall or the box right wall. In some embodiments, bent portions may be provided at both sides of the lifting portion. The bent portions facilitate the guiding of the lifting portion in the container. The provision of the bent portion is particularly advantageous for containers with round or beveled edges, where the back wall of the container is of smaller width than the distance between the front and back wall of the container.

Alternatively to providing the lifting portion in between the consumer goods and a container wall, the lifting portion may be provided in between the consumer goods. However, the lifting portion may still comprise bent portions, which are arranged in between the consumer goods and a wall of the container. The bent portions may in particular be in sliding engagement with that container wall. In one embodiment, an inner frame is provided in the container and the lifting portion is adapted to engage the inner frame at the end of the lifting process, such that a stop for the lifting process is provided. Inner frames are common, in particular in containers for smoking articles. In particular, the inner frame is arranged at the opening of the container and protrudes with respect to the container walls. More in particular, the inner frame is fixed, preferably by adhesive, to the inside of some of the container side walls. Preferably, the inner frame is fixed to the box front wall, box left wall and box right wall. The inner frame may comprise a cut-out at its upper end, to facilitate access to the consumer good. As the inner frame is arranged inside the box, an edge is provided at the lower end of the inner frame inside of the container wall. This edge can be used to be engaged by the lifting portion to provide a dead stop. Thus, it can be ensured that the lifting portion is not lifted to a too high position. This way damage of the lifting means can be prevented. A defined end position for the lifting with a dead stop improves the quality perception of the container.

In one embodiment, the lifting means comprises a pull tab which is provided at the top of the lifting portion. In this embodiment the pull tab is adapted to form a closing means which allows covering at least partially an opening of the container. Thus, the alternative or additional closing of the opening of the box may further protect the upper ends of the consumer goods. Furthermore, such a pull tab facilitates the pulling on the lifting portion. The pull tab in particular depends via a folding line from the lifting portion. In some embodiments, a first portion of the pull tab may correspond in its size to the box bottom wall of the container, such that the upper side of a container opening provided at the top of the container is covered. Thus, the upper sides of the consumer goods, in particular smoking articles, can be covered. The pull tab may comprise a further portion which depends from the first portion via a folding line and which is adapted to cover a front portion of the opening.

In an alternative embodiment, the lifting means comprises further a gripping portion which depends from the movable portion, wherein the gripping portion and the movable portion are adapted to be moved in parallel to the box bottom wall from the first position to the second position, such that the connection portion is bent to lift at least one of the consumer goods. In particular, the movable portion, connection portion and stationary portion depend from each other via folding lines. When the movable portion is moved towards the stationary portion, the connection portion is bent and lifted towards the interior of the box. In some embodiments, the gripping portion may be adapted to be pulled by the consumer, while in other embodiments it may be adapted to be pushed by the consumer.

The bent form of the connection portion has the advantage that the consumer goods are carefully lifted, substantially only from the bottom. This lifting movement is less likely to damage the consumer goods, as the connection portion is almost flat at its highest point. Thus, the side wall of a smoking article, in particular the edge of the lowermost end of the smoking article is not or only little subjected to forces which could damage the edge. Furthermore, as the gripping portion is pulled or pushed in a different direction than the lifting direction, a surprising lifting function is provided for the consumer. This applies in particular, when the gripping portion is able to be pulled at a side of the container, wherein the consumer goods are lifted through the top of the container. Furthermore, the bent form of the connection portion enables to lift smoking articles through the top opening of the box, such that several smoking articles form an arc-like lifted structure. This facilitates the access to individual smoking articles. Preferably, the folding lines in between the connection portion and the stationary portion and in between the movable portion and the connection portion are parallel, and the movement direction of the moveable portion is perpendicular to the folding lines.

Preferably, the container comprises a slot through which the gripping portion protrudes. This enables that the gripping portion can be grasped by a consumer and pulled or pushed. The opening can either be provided in the side walls or in the bottom wall of the container. In particular, the slot is provided at the lowermost edge of a side wall of the container. The slot in the container facilitates the operation of the lifting means, as the gripping portion can be easily accessed by the consumer. Preferably, when the movable portion is in the first position, the movable portion is fully arranged in the container. The gripping portion depends preferably via a folding line from the movable portion. In this configuration, the gripping portion can be folded, such that it extends parallel and adjacent to a side wall or the bottom wall of the container. Thus, the container comprising the lifting means is compact. Preferably, when an outer wrapper of the container is unwrapped, the gripping portion unfolds, such that it is protruding from the container and visible to the consumer. In some embodiments, a non-permanent adhesive may be provided in between the gripping portion and the outside wall of the container, such that the gripping portion remains in place, when the consumer arranges it with the respective side adjacent to a container wall.

Preferably, the movable portion comprises a protrusion which engages with the stationary portion when the movable portion is in the second position, such as to provide a stop for the lifting process. The protrusion may be provided on the outer edge of the movable portion or in a cut-out of the movable portion. In particular, it may engage the stationary portion in the region of the folding line between the stationary portion and the connection portion. The protrusion of the movable portion provides a defined end point for the lifting process. This defined end point prevents that the lifting means is damaged, for example if the gripping portion is pulled too far, such that the connection portion could break or fold in an unwanted manner. In one embodiment, the connection portion is in the same plane as the stationary portion when the movable portion is in the first position, and the connection portion is at least partially in a lifted position with respect to the stationary portion, when the movable portion is in the second position. Thus, at least the connection portion enables to lift the consumer goods which are arranged on the connection portion.

The lifting means may comprise several separate movable portions and connection portions, which depend from the stationary portion, to realize different lifting patterns. This allows separate lifting of separate groups of consumer goods, in particular smoking articles.

Also, the container may comprise several lifting means, in particular two lifting means, which are arranged separately.

The object of the invention is also attained by providing a lifting means for a container for consumer goods, in particular smoking articles, with a connection portion adapted to depend from the inside of a bottom wall of the container, and a movable portion depending from the connection portion. The lifting means is adapted to lift at least one consumer good when the movable portion is moved from a first position to a second position. According to the invention, the movable portion is adapted to remain parallel to the bottom wall of the container throughout the lifting process, wherein a stationary portion, the connection portion and the movable portion are adapted to be arranged in the same plane and next to each other and form together a panel with at least one cutting line provided therein, when the movable portion is in the first position. In particular, the connection portion depends via a first folding line from the stationary portion, and the movable portion depends via a second folding line from the connection portion.

Any features of the lifting means as described above with respect to the lifting means in the container, may be included in the separate lifting means as well.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for lifting a smoking article through an upper opening of a container, comprising moving a movable portion of a lifting means, such that a portion of the lifting means applies a force to the lower end of at least one smoking article, and thus lifting the at least one smoking article, wherein the movable portion remains substantially parallel to the container bottom wall throughout the lifting process.

In some embodiments, the container further comprises an inner frame mounted within the box, wherein the inner frame extends above the upper edges of at least the front wall of the box of the container. The inner frame is therefore visible to the consumer when the lid is opened. The front wall of the inner frame may be printed with indicia which may be the same as, or different to the indicia printed on the front wall of the box. Alternatively, or in addition, the front wall of the inner frame may be cut into a distinctive shape, for example, to reflect the branding of the consumer goods. If required, the inner frame may also comprise a line of weakness to facilitate flattening of the container.

Preferably, the front wall of the inner frame is provided with a cut out portion at the upper edge thereof. This enables more convenient access to the consumer goods within the container, without significantly reducing the surface area of the front wall of the inner frame.

Alternatively, or in addition to an inner frame, the consumer goods within the container may be wrapped with an inner liner, which is visible above the upper edge of the front wall of the box and the front wall of the inner frame (if present) when the container is open.

Containers according to the invention may be in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, with right-angled longitudinal and right-angled transverse edges. Alternatively, the container may comprise one or more rounded longitudinal edges, rounded transverse edges, bevelled longitudinal edges or bevelled transverse edges, or combinations thereof. For example, the container according to the invention may comprise, without limitation:

- One or two longitudinal rounded or bevelled edges on the front wall, and/or

- One or two longitudinal rounded or bevelled edges on the back wall.

- One or two transverse rounded or bevelled edges on the front wall, and/or

- One or two transverse rounded or bevelled edges on the back wall.

- One longitudinal rounded edge and one longitudinal bevelled edge on the front wall, and/or

- One transverse rounded edge and one transverse bevelled edge on the back wall.

- One or two transverse rounded or bevelled edges on the front wall and one or two longitudinal rounded or bevelled edges on the front wall.

- Two longitudinal rounded or bevelled edges on a first side wall or two transverse rounded or bevelled edges on the second side wall.

Where the container comprises one or more rounded edges and is made from a laminar blank, preferably the blank comprises three, four, five, six or seven scoring lines or creasing lines to form the rounded edge in the assembled container. The scoring lines or creasing lines may be either on the inside of the container or on the outside of the container. Preferably, the scoring lines or creasing lines are spaced apart from each other by between about 0.3 mm and 4 mm.

Preferably, the spacing of the creasing lines or scoring lines is in function of the thickness of the laminar blank. Preferably, the spacing between the creasing lines or scoring lines is between about 0.5 and about 4 times larger than the thickness of the laminar blank.

Where the container comprises one or more bevelled edges, preferably the bevelled one or more edges have a width of between about 1 mm and about 10 mm, preferably between about 2 and about 6 mm. Alternatively, the container may comprise a double bevel formed by three parallel creasing lines or scoring lines that are spaced apart such that two distinct bevels form on the edge of the container.

Alternatively to a container with a rectangular transverse cross section, the container may have a for example a polygonal cross section such as triangular, quadrangular or hexagonal, or a cross section which is oval, semi-oval, circular or semi-circular.

Where the container comprises a bevelled edge and is made from a laminar blank, the bevel may be formed by two parallel creasing lines or scoring lines in the laminar blank. The creasing lines or scoring lines may be arranged symmetrically to the edge between a first wall and a second wall. Alternatively, the creasing lines or scoring lines may be arranged asymmetrically to the edge between the first wall and the second wall, such that the bevel extends further into the first wall of the container than into the second wall of the container.

The container and the lifting means, may be formed from any suitable materials including, but not limited to, cardboard, paperboard, plastic, metal, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the cardboard has a weight of between about 100 grams per square meter and about 350 grams per square meter.

Containers according to the invention may be used as packages for a variety of consumer goods. In particularly preferred embodiments, containers according to the invention are used to package smoking articles. Containers according to the invention may be advantageously used to package smoking articles including, but not limited to, known lit-end cigarettes, cigars or cigarillos, heated smoking articles comprising a combustible fuel element or heat source and an aerosol-generating substrate (for example cigarettes of the type disclosed in US-A-4,71 ,082) and smoking articles for use with electrical smoking systems (for example cigarettes of the type disclosed in US-A-5,692,525).

Through an appropriate choice of the dimensions thereof, containers according to the invention may be designed to hold different total numbers of smoking articles, or different arrangements of smoking articles. For example, through an appropriate choice of the dimensions thereof, containers according to the invention may be designed to hold a total of between ten and thirty smoking articles.

Containers according to the invention may hold one, two, three four or five separate bundles of consumer goods. The separate bundles may be arranged substantially parallel to the front wall and to the back wall or substantially perpendicular to the front wall and to the back wall.

Within a bundle, the smoking articles may be arranged in different collations, depending on the total number of smoking articles, the dimensions of the smoking articles or the cross sectional shape of the container. For example, the smoking articles may be arranged in a bundle in a single row of five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten. Alternatively, the smoking articles may be arranged in two or more rows. The two or more rows may contain the same number of smoking articles. For example, the smoking articles may be arranged in: two rows of five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten; three rows of five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten; or four rows of four, five, six or seven. Alternatively, the two or more rows may include at least two rows containing different numbers of smoking articles to each other. For example, the smoking articles may be arranged in: a row of five and a row of six (5-6); a row of six and a row of seven (6-7); a row of seven and a row of eight (7-8); a middle row of five and two outer rows of six (6-5-6); a middle row of five and two outer rows of seven (7-5-7); a middle row of six and two outer rows of five (5-6-5); a middle row of six and two outer rows of seven (7-6-7); a middle row of seven and two outer rows of six (6-7-6); a middle row of nine and two outer rows of eight (8-9-8); or a middle row of six with one outer row of five and one outer row of seven (5-6-7).

Containers according to the present invention may hold smoking articles of the same type or brand, or of different types or brands. In addition, both filterless smoking articles and smoking articles with various filter tips may be contained, as well as smoking articles of differing length (for example, between about 40 mm and about 180 mm), diameter (for example, between about 4 mm and about 9 mm). In addition, the smoking articles may differ in strength of taste, resistance to draw and total particulate matter delivery. Wherein the container comprises more than one bundle, each bundle within the same container may hold the same or different types of smoking articles as listed above.

Preferably, the dimensions of the container are adapted to the length of the smoking articles, and the collation of the smoking articles. Typically, the outer dimensions of the container are between about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm larger than the dimensions of the bundle of smoking articles housed inside the container.

Preferably, containers according to the invention have a height of between about 60 mm and about 150 mm, more preferably a height of between about 70 mm and about 125 mm, wherein the height is measured from the top wall to the bottom wall of the container.

Preferably, containers according to the invention have a width of between about 12 mm and about 150 mm, more preferably a width of between about 70 mm and about 125 mm, wherein the width is measured from the first side wall to the second side wall of the container.

Preferably, containers according to the invention have a depth of between about 6 mm and about 100 mm, more preferably a depth of between about 12 mm and about 25 mm wherein the depth is measured from the front wall to the back wall of the container (comprising the hinge between box and lid). Preferably, the ratio of the height of the container to the depth of the container is in between about 0.3 to 1 and about 10 to 1 , more preferably between about 2 to 1 and about 8 to 1 , most preferably between about 3 to 1 and 5 to 1

Preferably, the ratio of the width of the container to the depth of the container is in between about 1 to 1 and about 10 to 1 , more preferably between about 2 to 1 and about 8 to 1 , most preferably between about 2 to 1 and 3 to 1.

Preferably, the ratio of the height of the lid back wall to the height of the box back wall is between about 0 to 1 (hinge located at the top edge of the container) to about 1 to 1 , more preferably, between about 1 to 5 and about 1 to 10, most preferably, between about 1 to 6 to about 1 to 8.

Preferably, the ratio of the height of the lid front wall to the height of the box front wall is between about 1 to 0 (lid covering the entire front wall) to about 1 to 10, more preferably, between about 1 to 1 and about 1 to 5, most preferably, between about 1 to 2 and about 1 to 3.

The exterior surfaces of containers according to the invention may be printed, embossed, debossed or otherwise embellished with manufacturer or brand logos, trade marks, slogans and other consumer information and indicia. Alternatively, or in addition, the exterior surfaces of containers according to the invention may be at least partially covered with lacquer, metallisation, holograms, luminescent material, or any other materials that alter the feel, odour or appearance of the container.

Where the inner housing of a container according to the present invention contains one or more bundles of smoking articles, the smoking articles are preferably wrapped in an inner liner of, for example, metal foil or metallised paper.

Where the container comprises smoking articles, the container may further comprise waste-compartments (for example for ash or butts) or other consumer goods, for example matches, lighters, extinguishing means, breath-fresheners or electronics. The other consumer goods may be attached to the outside of the container, contained within the container along with the smoking articles, in a separate compartment of the container or combinations thereof.

Once filled, containers according to the invention may be shrink wrapped or otherwise over wrapped with a transparent polymeric film of, for example, high or low density polyethylene, polypropylene, oriented polypropylene, polyvinylidene chloride, cellulose film, or combinations thereof in a conventional manner. Where containers according to the invention are over wrapped, the over wrapper may include a tear tape. The tear tape is preferably positioned around the container below the lower edge of the front wall of the lid, such that once the tear tape has been removed, the lid is free to be rotated about the first hinge line. Alternatively or in addition, there may be a second tear tape positioned around the container above the hatch, such that once the tear tape has been removed, the hatch is free to be rotated about the second hinge line. Alternatively, the tear tape may be provided lengthways around the container.

The container according to the invention may be of the hinged lid type, wherein a box and a lid are connected to each other via a hinge. Alternatively, the container according to the invention may be of the slide and shell type comprising an inner shell as a box and an outer sleeve that are movable relative to each other. Alternatively, the container according to the invention may be of the sliding lid type, wherein the container comprises a lid and a box and the lid and the box are connected to each other via a connection means. In this particular embodiment, the lifting means may be an integral part of the connection means. Alternatively, the container according to the invention may be of the soft pack type, wherein no lid is provided but a portion of the top wall of the box is removed to create an opening for the removal of consumer goods.

The invention will now be further described by means of exemplary embodiments as shown in the Figures.

Figure 1 shows a blank for a first embodiment of a lifting means according to the invention, which may be arranged in a first embodiment of a container according to the invention.

Figure 2 shows a blank for a second embodiment of a lifting means according to the invention, which may be arranged in a second embodiment of a container according to the invention.

Figure 3 shows the first embodiment of a container according to the invention.

Figure 4 shows the container according to Figure 3 with some smoking articles arranged therein.

Figure 5 shows a third embodiment of a container according to the invention. Figure 6 shows a blank for a fourth embodiment of a lifting means according to the invention, which can be arranged in a container according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7 shows the fourth embodiment of a container according to the invention. Figure 8 shows the fourth embodiment of a container according to the invention, with the lifting means being in a lifted position.

Generally, cutting lines are indicated as solid lines, while folding lines are indicated as dashed lines. In Figure 1 , a blank for a first embodiment of a lifting means according to the invention is shown in a plan view.

The lifting means 1 comprises a stationary portion 2, which is adapted to be fixed to a bottom wall of a container. The stationary portion 2 comprises a protruding portion 3 at one side thereof, from which a connection portion 4 depends via a first folding line 5. The connection portion 4 extends substantially perpendicular to the first folding line 5. A moveable portion 6 depends from the connection portion 4 via a second folding line 7. The first folding line 5 and the second folding line 7 are parallel. Alternatively, the first folding line 5 and the second folding line 7 could be arranged non-parallel. In that embodiment, non-rectangular, for example triangular or trapezoid connection portions may be implemented. Such non rectangular connection portions may improve the rigidity of the lifting means. The moveable portion 6 has the same width as the connection portion 4. The stationary portion 2, connection portion 4 and moveable portion 6 are arranged in a sub-panel of the blank by means of providing a cutting line 8. The cutting line 8 extends in between the moveable portion 6 and the connection portion 4 on one side and the stationary portion 2 on the other side. The cutting line 8 substantially extends perpendicular to the folding lines 5, 7. The width of the connection portion 4 and the movable portion 6 corresponds to the width of one row of smoking articles.

A lifting portion 9 depends via a third folding line 10 from the movable portion 6. The third folding line 10 is arranged substantially perpendicular to the first and second folding lines 5, 7. In continuation of the third folding line 10 a cutting line 11 is provided. The cutting line 11 extends in between the lifting portion 9 on one side and the connection portion 4 and stationary portion 2 on the other side.

By reducing the size of the stationary portion 2 and lifting portion 9, the cutting lines 8, 11 might not be necessary.

The lifting portion 9 comprises a designated bent portion 12, which depends via a folding line 13. In particular, the bent portion 12 extends longitudinally at the side of the lifting portion 9. Preferably, bent portions 12 are provided at both sides of the lifting portion 9. The bent portion 12 is adapted to engage an adjacent side wall of the container.

The bent portion 12 is bent along the folding line 13, and is elastically deformed such that it remains in engagement with the adjacent side wall of the container. In particular, the bent portion 12 is adapted to compensate a movement of the lifting portion 9 towards the side during lifting caused by the kinematics of the arrangement of the connection portion 4. This is particularly advantageous for containers that have a non-rectangular cross section, for example where the container comprises one or more rounded or bevelled edges.

At the top of the lifting portion 9 a pull tab 14 depends via a folding line 15. The pull tab 14 comprises a first portion 16 and a second portion 17, wherein the second portion 17 depends from the first portion 16 via a folding line 18. The first portion 16 depends from the lifting portion 9 via the folding line 15. The folding lines 15 and 18 are arranged substantially parallel with respect to each other and are spaced from each other, such that the distance in between the folding lines 15, 18 is equal or smaller than the depth of the container top opening, that is the distance in between the front and back wall of the container. Thus, the first portion 6 is adapted to be folded to extend horizontally and at least partially over the container opening, and the second portion 17 can be folded downwards to extend in parallel or adjacent with a side wall or inner frame of the container.

The lifting portion 9 may be provided with a protrusion 19 which is adapted to engage an inner frame of a container, when the lifting means 1 is in the lifted position. In particular, the protrusion 19 is provided at the bent portion 12 of the lifting portion 9.

When the bent portions 12 are elastically deformed to compensate the movement to the side, the protrusions 19 remain in contact with the side walls, and are thus ensured to engage the inner frame.

In Figure 2 a blank for a lifting means 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown in a plan view. In the following, only the differences with respect to the first embodiment will be described. In particular, the movable portion 6 has been amended in its size such that it engages smoking articles in two rows. The cutting line 8 does not extend straight, but comprises a step in the region of the second folding line 7. Thus, with the second embodiment of the lifting means 1 applied in a container for smoking articles arranged in several rows, a subset of smoking articles of one row will be lifted by means of the connection portion 4, while a subset of smoking articles of two rows will be lifted by the movable portion 6.

The lifting means 1 according to the second embodiment does not comprise protrusions in the bent portions 12. The outside edge of the bent portions 12 extends straight.

According to the second embodiment of the lifting means 1 , the first portion 16 of the pull tab 14 has substantially the size of the upper opening of the container, such that it is adapted to cover all smoking articles at their upper ends.

It is emphasized, that the individual differences of the first and second embodiment of the lifting means 1 may be applied or combined separately as well.

In Figure 3, the lifting means 1 according to the first embodiment is shown in a first embodiment of a container 20. The container 20 comprises a box bottom wall 21 , a box front wall 22, a box back wall, a box left wall 24 and a box right wall 25, which form a container box 23.

At the top, the container 20 comprises an opening 26, which is preferably adapted to be closed by means of a hinged lid, which is not shown in the figure. The hinged lid may be connected by a hinge line to the upper edge of the back wall of the box 23. The upper edge 27 of the box front wall 22 is lower than the upper edge of the box back wall. The upper edges 29, 30 of the box left and box right walls 24, 25 are arranged inclined in between the upper edge 27 of the box front wall 22 and the upper edge of the box back wall. An inner frame 31 is provided at the inside of the box front wall 22, box left wall 24 and box right wall 25, and protrudes over the front upper edge 27, right side upper edge 29 and left side upper edge 30. The inner frame 31 comprises a cut-out 32 facilitating the removal of smoking articles 28, comprised in the container 20.

The lifting means 1 is arranged inside the container 20, with the stationary portion 2 being fixed with adhesive to the box bottom wall 21 and the lifting portion 9 being arranged adjacent to the box back wall. The box front wall 22, box right wall 25 and inner frame 31 are depicted transparent, to enable to show the arrangement of the lifting means 1 inside the container 20.

In Figure 3, the movable portion 6 is in a second position, as the lifting portion 9 is in its lifted position. Thus, the connection portion 4 extends in an inclined manner in between the stationary portion 2 and the movable portion 6. In the configuration of the lifting means 1 as shown in Figure 3, the protrusions 19 as can be seen in Figure 1 and 2 engage with the lower side edges 33 of the inner frame 31.

The first portion 16 and second portion 17 of the pull tab 14 may provide the functionality to reclose the container 2. Instead of a hinged lid, the pull tab 14 with its first portion 16 and second portion 17 may provide a lid for the container 20, which fully closes the container opening 26. Thus, the folding line 15 is provided at the back edge of the container opening 26, while the folding line 18 is provided at the front edge of the container opening 26. The first portion 16 forms the top wall of the container, while the second portion 17 is adapted to inserted in the container opening 26, or to be fixed to the front of the front wall 22 of the container 20. To fix the first portion 17 to the front wall of the container, adhesive, stickers, labels, tapes or other means of fixation may be provided.

In Figure 4 an arrangement of smoking articles 28 is shown in a container 20 according to Figure 3, wherein the details regarding the upper opening 26 and the inner frame 31 are not shown. The upper ends of the smoking articles 28 are shown in the opening 26, however only the lower parts of the back row of smoking articles 28 are shown inside the container box 23. Two smoking articles 28 are arranged on the movable portion 6, while three smoking articles 28 are arranged on the connection portion 4. Finally, one smoking article 28 is arranged on the stationary portion 2. It is emphasized that the front row of smoking articles 28 and the middle row of smoking articles, which is not shown in Figure 4 are arranged on the stationary portion 2 as well. Thus, five smoking articles 28 are lifted, wherein the inclination of the connection portion 4 is relatively small, and the movable portion 6 is parallel to the stationary portion 2 and the box bottom wall 21 , such that the lower edges of the smoking articles 28 are not damaged. In Figure 5, a third embodiment of a lifting means 1 is shown in a container 20 according to a third embodiment, wherein the details regarding the upper opening 26 and the inner frame 31 are not shown. The lifting means 1 has a stationary portion 2, which is fixed to the box bottom wall 21 , and a movable portion 6, which depends from the lifting portion 9. The connection portion 4 comprises a first portion 34 and a second portion 35, which depend from each other via a folding line 36. The first portion 34 depends from the stationary portion 2 via a first folding line 5, wherein the second portion 35 depends from the movable portion 6 via the second folding line 7. Preferably, the folding lines 5, 7 and 36 are all parallel. The first portion 34 of the connection portion 4 is L-shaped, while the second portion 35 has a rectangular form. However, in other embodiments, the first portion 34 may be rectangular, while the second portion 35 may be L- shaped. The connection portion 4 as shown in Figure 5, allows that the lifting portion 9 can be lifted higher, without causing high inclinations on the connection portion 4, as both the first and the second portion 34, 35 of the connection portion 4 are inclined. Thus, a higher lifting of smoking articles 28, without damaging the lower end of the smoking articles 28 is enabled.

In Figure 6, a plan view of a blank for a lifting means 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention is shown. The lifting means 1 comprises a stationary portion 2, which is adapted to be fixed to the box bottom wall 21 of a container 20. A connection portion 4 depends from stationary portion 2 via a first folding line 5. A movable portion 6 depends from the connection portion 4 via a second folding line 7.

The movable portion 6 comprises a protrusion 37, and is adapted to engage the stationary portion 2 in the region of the first folding line 1 , while the movable portion 6 is moved to the second position. Thus, a dead stop is provided.

A gripping portion 38 depends via a folding line 39 from the movable portion 6. The first folding line 5 and the second folding line 7 are arranged parallel. In particular, the first folding line 5 and the second folding line 7 extend in parallel to the box left wall 24 or box right wall 25 of the container. Furthermore, the folding line 39 is arranged in parallel to the box left or box right wall 24, 25 of the container 20.

In the embodiment according to Figure 6, the stationary portion 2 and the connection portion 4 are arranged centrally in the movable portion 6. A cutting line 40 extends in between the inner stationary portion 2 and parts of the connection portion 4 and the outer movable portion 6. The cutting line 40 may be generally U-shaped. To be able to provide the protrusion 37 in the movable portion 6, the cutting line 40 separating the connection portion 4 and the movable portion 6 is slightly recessed towards the connection portion 4. Further, a cut-out 41 is provided in between the protrusion 37 and the stationary portion 2, to enable movement of the movable portion 6 with respect to connection portion 4 and stationary portion 2. Alternatively, cut outs on either side of the connection portion 4 are provided.

Thus, when the gripping portion 38 is pulled, the movable portion 6 moves from the first position to the second position. As the folding lines 5 and 7 are moved closer to each other the connection portion 4 is bent and lifted towards the interior of the box.

In Figure 7, the arrangement of the lifting means 1 according to the fourth embodiment is shown. The container 20 comprises the opening 26 at the upper side of the box 23, and the inner frame 31 is arranged in the opening 26. Furthermore, the container 20 comprises a hinged lid 42 which depends via a hinge line from the upper edge of the back wall of the box 23.

The same type of container design can be used for the containers as shown in Figures 3 to 5, wherein no hinged lid is shown for the sake of clarity.

At the lower edge in between a box side wall, in particular the box right wall 25, and the box bottom wall 21 an opening in the form of a slot is provided, through which the gripping portion 38 protrudes, while the movable portion 6 is in the first position as shown in Figure 7. The folding line 39 is arranged in the slot, such that the gripping portion 38 can be folded against a container wall, in particular the box right wall 25 or the box bottom wall 21. On one side of the gripping portion 38 a non-permanent adhesive may be provided which allows fixation of the gripping portion 38 against the box side wall or box bottom wall 21.

When the gripping portion 38 is pulled as shown in Figure 8, the movable portion 6 is moved in the second position, wherein the protrusion 37 engages the stationary portion 2. Depending on its flexibility or arrangement, the protrusion 37 may as well engage with the lower part of the connection portion 4. As can be seen in Figure 8, the connection portion 4 is bent and lifted, such that the smoking articles, arranged on the connection portion 4 are lifted. The bent, round form of the connection portion 4 does not damage the lower ends of the smoking articles and therefore allows a gentle lifting process.

In some embodiments, two connection portions and two movable portions can be provided in one lifting means.

The lifting portion can be arranged at the back of the container or at the front of the container. It is further possible to arrange the lifting portion at the left or right walls of the container.

The lifting means may be provided integral with the blank for the container. Thus, no lifting means has to be fixed to the inside of the container.

The number of smoking articles engaged by the lifting means may vary. In some embodiments, only one smoking article is lifted. However, in other embodiments two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or even more smoking articles may be lifted. The range of lifting of the smoking articles may vary from 2 mm to 30 mm.

Lifting of smoking articles in the front, middle row or back row is possible, as most containers comprise three rows of smoking articles, in between the front and back wall.

The lifting means may be transparent or opaque, printed or unprinted, and may also have additional features, such as scratch and sniff lacquers, or non-permanent adhesive for reclosing the inner liner. The lifting means may be fixed to the inner liner, which is wrapped around a bundle of cigarettes, such as to open the inner liner, when the lifting means is moved into the lifted position for the first time.