TOBACCO PACK

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to packaging for tobacco. In particular, the invention relates to a packet and blanks for making the packet.

Traditionally, cut tobacco that is used by consumers in roll-your-own (RYO) products is packaged in tobacco pouches. The consumer removes a portion of tobacco from the pouch before constructing a smoking article, such as a cigarette with use of a separate cigarette paper.

Tobacco pouches are conventionally formed from a sheet of plastic material that is folded over along one edge to form a closed edge and an overlapping portion. The overlapping portion is sealed about two side edges to form a pocket in which the cut tobacco is contained. Pouches typically have a flap that extends from a rear wall of the pouch and folds over the open end to prevent spillage of the contents. Use of the pouch over prolonged periods may result in deterioration of the freshness and flavour of the cut tobacco. The deterioration in quality of the cut tobacco may be due to the loss of moisture or aroma from the cut tobacco. Simply folding a flap over the opening of the pouch may not be sufficient to eliminate the deterioration of the cut tobacco contained therein.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the present invention provides a packet for tobacco comprising a container and a lid attached to the container, the container comprising front and rear panels, two side opposing panels and an end panel, wherein an opening is provided opposite the end panel, the lid being hingedly attached to the rear panel and being operable to extend across the opening and at least part of the front panel, the lid comprising two or more consecutive lid panels, wherein a first of the two or more consecutive lid panels provides the hinged attachment to the rear panel and the last of the two or more consecutive lid panels has engaging means which is operable to engage with the container.

The lid may extend across the whole of the front panel. The lid may extend across the whole of the front panel and at least part of the bottom panel. The lid may extend across the whole of the front panel and the whole of the bottom panel. The lid may extend across the

whole of the front panel, the whole of the bottom panel and at least part of the rear panel. The lid may extend across the whole of the front panel, the whole of the bottom panel and the whole of the rear panel.

Advantageously, when open the lid panel suitably provides a surface upon which the consumer may prepare a roll-your-own (RYO) or a make-your-own smoking article, such as a cigarette.

In addition, the packet is suitable for use in vending stations, such as those conventionally used in the sale of other tobacco-related products such as cigarettes. Vending stations include vending machines, vending display cabinets and the like from which smoking articles are displayed and sold.

The container may provide complementary engaging means which is operable to engage with the engaging means. The engaging means and the complementary engaging means may be provided by hook and loop type fastener (Velcro®). Alternatively, the engaging means and/or the complementary engaging means may be provided by adhesive applied to the lid and/or the container. Suitable adhesive may be semi-permanent type, for example gummed paper or glued paper having a removable backing to reveal the adhesive surface. The complementary engaging means may be provided by an attachment to the container or by a surface or an edge of the container. The complementary engaging means is provided on the region of the container that the engaging means makes contact with on closing the lid.

In an alternative embodiment, the engaging means may be a tab and the complementary engaging means may be a slot into which the tab is insertable. A tab may extend from one or more edges of the lid. Accordingly, one or more slots may be provided on corresponding edges or panels which form the container; the corresponding edges or panels are provided .by the part(s) of the container that the engaging means comes into contact with on closing the lid.

One or more tabs may extend from an edge of the last of the two or more consecutive lid panels and is insertable in a complementary slot(s). The slot(s) may be provided proximate an edge of the packet. The edge, which includes the slot(s) thereon, may be any edge on the packet that is parallel with the opening; that is the edge of the container that corresponds with the location of leading edge of the lid when closed. Preferably, the slot is provided on an edge defined by the junction of the front panel and the end panel. Alternatively, the slot may be

provided on at least one of the front panel, end panel or rear panel, wherein the last of the lid panels coincides with and effects closure by resting against the front, end or rear panel.

In addition or alternatively, one or more tabs may extend from one or both side edges of the lid and -corresponding complementary slot(s) may be provided on a corresponding side edge or corresponding side panel of the container.

The tab and slot combination may provide the consumer with a reliable resealable container.

The lid may have suitable creases or lines of weakening that correspond with edges of the container such that the lid is foldable about the edges of the container.

In an alternative embodiment, wherein the lid may be operable to extend across the opening and at least the whole of the front panel of the container, the last of the two or more consecutive lid panels has three free edges provided by a first side edge, a second side edge and a leading edge; a first closure panel, a second closure panel and a third closure panel depend from the first side edge, the second side edge and the leading edge respectively, the third closure panel being joined to both the first and second closure panels at adjacent edges thereby providing a rim, which on closing the lid, the rim overlaps with corresponding panels of the container.

The lid may comprise three panels such that in addition to extending over the opening and the whole of the front panel it may also extend over the whole of the end panel. Alternatively, the lid may comprise four panels, such that it extends over the opening, the whole of the front panel, the whole of the end panel and the whole of the rear panel.

The combination of closure panels and closure edges may provide the consumer with a reliable resealable container.

The closure arrangement may be such that there is an interference fit between the rim and the container, wherein opening is effected only by actively moving the lid.

The opening may be formed by a recessed portion in the front panel. The recessed portion may be any suitable shape to allow easier access to the contents of the container. The recessed portion may be formed by a (re)movable section, which may be hinged along one edge

to the container. Provision of a hinged attachment to the container helps to eliminate a potential problem of disposing of the removable section. Removal or opening of the removable section by a person other than the consumer may be indicative of tampering.

The contents ^" of the container may be a sealable pouch containing tobacco. Therefore, removal or opening of the removable section allows access to the seal on the pouch. Accordingly, removal or opening of the removable section by a person other than the consumer may be indicative of tampering with the seal and/or contents of the pouch.

The first of the consecutive panels forming the lid does not have any flaps or panels attached to its edges that correspond with the sides of the packet. Therefore, when closing the lid there may be a slight void between the side edge of the lid and the side panel of the container. To close the void the side panels of the container may each comprise a flap extending from an edge that corresponds with the opening of the container. The flaps are foldable in towards the container such that on closing, the lid abuts the flaps; thereby eliminating the void. The flaps are also operable to strengthen the side panels of the packet by reducing the incidence of deformation of the side panels that may be caused by the lid portion coming into contact with the top edge of the side panel that coincides with the opening of the container. The flaps may also be operable to reduce the ingress of dirt and dust into the container. Further aspects of the present invention set out in the claims provide blanks and methods for making a packet in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

The blank may be folded by manual folding or by an automated folding process or a combination of both to-form a packet in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention.

The method of folding the blank to form the packet may involve first placing a poueh containing tobacco onto the blank and then folding the blank around the pouch.

Alternatively, the packet may be partially erected such that the pouch is insertable into the container portion prior to completing erection of the packet. Partial erection of the blank may involve folding at least some of the panels forming the blank to make up a tube having two openings or folding at least some of the panels forming the blank to make up a container with an opening at one end. Erection of the packet may be completed after the contents are inserted and by folding any remaining panels of the container and the panels forming the lid around the pouch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure Ia is a perspective view of a packet when open;

Figure Ib is a perspective view of the packet of Figure Ia when partially closed;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a packet having a removable section in the front panel;

Figure 3a is a perspective view of an example of a pouch contained in the packet of Figure Ia, Ib and 2;

Figure 3b is a plan view of a blank for making the pouch of Figure 3a;

Figure 4a is a plan view of an alternative blank to that of Figure 3b for making the pouch of Figure 4b;

Figure 4b is a schematic representation of the process of forming a pouch from the blank of Figure 4a;

Figure 5 is a plan view of a first blank for making the packet of Figures Ia and Ib;

Figure 6a is a plan view of a second blank for making the packet of Figures 1 a and Ib;

Figure 6b is a perspective view of a partially erected packet as made from the blank of Figure 6a;

Figure 7a is a perspective view of a packet having an alternative closure arrangement to the packets of Figures Ia to 6b;

Figure 7b is a perspective view of a packet having the same closure arrangement as the packet of Figure 7a, but closure is effected about the rear panel of the container;

Figure 8a is a plan view of an example of a blank for forming the packet of Figure 7a; and

Figure 8b is a plan view of an example of a blank for forming the packet of Figure 7b, the blank is a variant of the blank in Figure 8a.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Generally, in the figures solid lines indicate edges or through cuts and dash lines indicate fold lines about which the components of the blanks are folded to make up the packet

100 and pouch P. Referring to Figure 2, the dashed line shown on the front panel 8 of the container 2 represents the boundary of a (re)movable section 18a of the front panel 8. In one embodiment, section 18a may be removed completely to allow access to the container. In another embodiment, the section 18a may be hinged to the container along one edge to allow access to the container.

Referring to Figures Ia, Ib and 2 the packet 100 is in the form of a rectangular box and is made of any suitable material such as card, paper or plastic. The packet 100 is intended to contain cut tobacco, which is preferably contained in a pouch P. An example of a pouch P is illustrated in figure 3 a and 4b. The cut tobacco (not shown) may be used to make "roll your own" (RYO) or make-your-own smoking articles such as cigarettes.

The packet 100 comprises a container 2 and a lid 4, wherein the container 2 has a rectangular shape and is open at one end A2 (not visible in figure 2). The container 2 comprises a front panel 8, two side panels 10 (not visible in figures Ia, Ib and 2) and 12, a rear panel 14 (not visible in figures Ia, Ib and 2) and an end panel 16, which is located opposite the open end A2.

In one embodiment (see figures Ia and Ib), the opening at the open end A2, is increased by the provision of a generally U-shaped cut out 18 in the front panel 8. The increased opening 18 facilitates access to the contents of the container 2. An alternative embodiment is illustrated in Figure 2, wherein the container 2 comprises a (re)movable section 18a in the front panel 8. The consumer may remove the section 18a to gain access to the tobacco pouch contained inside. The section 18a may be hinged along one edge to the front panel 8 or some other portion of the container as appropriate.

The lid 4 is integral with the container 2 and is hinged about the upper edge of the rear panel 14. The upper edge coincides with the open end A2 of the container 2.

Referring to figures Ia, Ib and 2, the lid 4 comprises two rectangular panels 20 and 22.

One of the panels 20 is sized to correspond with the end panel 16 of the container 2, which panel 20 will hereinafter be referred to as the lid end panel 20 and the other rectangular panel

22 is sized to correspond with the front panel 8 of the container 2, which panel 22 will hereinafter be referred to as the lid front panel 22.

On closing the packet 100 (see Figure Ib) ₅ the Hd end panel 20 covers the open end A2 and forms an end panel 20 of the closed packet 100. When closed the lid end panel 20 is opposite the container end panel 16. The lid front panel 22 is connected to the lid end panel 20 about a fold line LF2. On closing the packet 100, the lid front panel 22 rotates about the fold line LF2 such that the lid front panel 22 covers the front panel 8 of the container 2. When the packet 100 is closed the fold line LF2 forms an edge E2 of the closed packet 100 (see Figure Ib). The edge E2 is the junction of the lid end panel 20 and the lid front panel 22.

The lid 4 further comprises a closure tab 24, which projects from the leading edge El of the lid front panel 22. The tab 24 is attached to the lid front panel 22 about the hinge/fold line LF3 such that on closing, the tab 24 is foldable through 90 degrees and is inserted into a slot 26 provided on the edge E3 of the container. The slot 26 is a through cut on the common edge E3 of the container front panel 8 and the container end panel 16. When closed the tab 26 is opposite the lid end panel 20.

When the packet 100 is open, the lid 4 provides a tray upon which tobacco can be dispensed and a surface upon which the consumer may make a RYO smoking article such as a cigarette.

The packet 100 is dimensioned similar in size to a cigarette packet, which if purchased from a retail outlet such as a shop is generally displayed in a vending cabinet or alternatively is sold from a vending machine. An example of suitable packaging is those containing cigarettes that are 83mm long or cigarettes that are 100mm long. Other known packet sizes are suitable.

Referring to figure Ib, one example is a packet 100 that normally contains twenty

"king-size" cigarettes, which are 83mm long. The packet 100 has a length L of approximately

85mm, a width W of approximately 55mm and a depth D of approximately 20mm. Such a packet is suitable for containing approximately 25 grams of tobacco in either a single pouch or in two pouches, each containing 12.5 grams of tobacco.

Referring to Figures 3 a and 4b, examples of suitable pouches P are shown. The pouch

P is made of a flexible material, which is suited to containing cut tobacco. Examples of suitable materials are paper, which may be metallic paper or plastic or a combination of both.

Alternatively, a laminated plastic pouch having heat sealed edges may be used in the packet 100.

Glue may be applied to the inside of the rear panel of the container 2 of the packet 100, such that the pouch is retained in the packet.

The pouch P as illustrated in Figures 3 a and 4b have gusseted edges. The gusseted sides on the pouch P of Figures 3 a and 4b are extendable and therefore allow more tobacco to be carried in the pouch than in a laminated pouch of similar dimension and having heat sealed edges.

The pouch P comprises a container portion P2 and a closure flap P3. The pouch container portion P2 is deeper than the container portion 2 of the packet 100 such that when the pouch P is inserted into the packet 100, part of the pouch container portion P2 fits inside the container 2 of the packet 100 and when the packet 100 and the pouch P are opened the top section X of the pouch container portion P2 protrudes from the opening A2 of the container 2.

In title example illustrated in Figures 3 a and 3b, the pouch P is made up from a rectangular sheet PS which has fold lines PFl and PF2 along its length which divide the sheet substantially into three separate rectangular sections PSl, PS2 and PS3. The rectangular sections are further divided by fold line PF3, PF4 into the front F of the pouch and the rear R of the pouch. The fold lines PF3 and PF4, define the edges PE3, PE4 respectively of the end panel P4 of me pouch container portion P2 (see Figure 3 a).

The pouch P is formed by folding the two outer rectangular sections, PSl and PS2 through 90 degrees about fold lines PFl and PF2 respectively to form upturned portions P5 and P6 (see figure 3a). The front panel F is then folded about the fold lines PF3 and PF4 such that the free edges PE5, PE6 (see figure 3a) of the upturned portion P5, P6, which are connected to the front F of the pouch container portion P2 meets with the corresponding free edges PE5, PE6 of the upturned portion P5, P6, which is connected to the rear of the pouch R. The corresponding edges PE5, PE6 on each side of the front and rear panels F, R are joined together to form the container portion P2, which has gusseted sides and the closure flap P3.

Figures 4a and 4b illustrate an alternative blank for forming a pouch P. The pouch P is made up from a substantially rectangular sheet PS in which is defined a rear panel RP, a front panel FP and a base panel BP; each of the panels being the same width. The base panel BP is defined between the front and rear panels FP, RP. Each of the front and rear panels FP, RP have a side panel P5, P6 extending from each of their longitudinal edges.

The boundary of each panel is defined, by external edges (shown as solid lines in Figure

4a) and fold lines (shown as broken lines in Figure 4a). The base panel BP is foldable about its centre line during construction of the pouch and as such a fold line PF5 is indicated as a broken line in Figure 4a. The fold lines PFl, PF2, PF3, PF4 and PF5 may be provided by a crease in the blank or by a line of perforations.

The rectangular sheet forming the blank PS is placed between two clear plastic sheets PS2, or in a clear plastic bag which is open at one or two ends to allow insertion of the blank PS. The sheets or bag PS2 are rectangular and are sized slightly larger than the overall dimension of the blank such that there is an overhang of plastic.

Referring to Figure 4b, the pouch P is formed by folding the base panel BP about fold line PF5 and folding the front and rear panels RP and FP about fold lines PF4 and PF3 respectively such that the folded base panel BP is sandwiched between the front and rear panels FP, RP. The edges of the side panels are brought together and the plastic at the edges is joined together to seal the side edges and the bottom of the pouch.

A pouch having an open end is formed. The side panels P5 and P6 are folded inwards to be sandwiched between the front and rear panels (see Figure 4b(ii)).

With tobacco in the pouch the pouch is sealed to keep the tobacco fresh. Sealing of the pouch is done first by folding the closure flap P3 about the top edge of the pouch container P2 such that the closure flap P3 comes into contact with the front panel FP (Figure 4b(ii)).

In both examples, after filling the pouch P with tobacco the pouch P is closed by folding the closure flap P3 about the top edge of the front panel of the pouch to bring the closure flap P3 into contact with the front panel F; FP; thereby, closing the open end of the pouch P. Subsequently, the top section X is folded over such that the edge of the closure flap P3 is

tucked within the subsequent fold and that the pouch P is sized such that it is contained within the container 2 when inserted in a packet 100.

A line of glue Gl, for example hot melt glue, may be applied to the front of the pouch container portion P2 to hold the closure flap in place such that the pouch P is held firmly closed until first use. A resealable tab 50 may be provided such that the pouch is resealable after the first time it is opened.

The closure flap P3 comprises a tray-like structure, which includes the upturned portions P5, P6 one on each side such that when the packet 100 is open, the upturned portions remain substantially upright and help reduce spillage of cut tobacco from the open packet 100.

The rear of the closure flap P3 and/or the inside surface of the lid 4 may have adhesive applied to it such that when the packet 100 is opened the rear of the closure flap P3 may be stuck to the lid 4 to keep the closure flap P3 in place whilst dispensing tobacco and rolling smoking articles.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6a, examples of a first blank Bl and a second blank B2 for making the packet 100 are shown. In Figures 5 and 6a, solid lines indicate edges or through cuts, and dash lines indicate fold lines about which the blanks Bl, B2 are folded to form the packet 100.

Both blanks Bl, B2 are formed from a single piece which is demarked by fold lines to define the panels of the formed packet 100. Like reference numerals are applied to the blanks Bl and B2 (see figures 5 and 6a) and to the packet 100 (see figure 1) such that the panels forming the blanks Bl, B2 are consistently indicated.

The first blank Bl is substantially rectangular in form and the second blank B2 is substantially L-shaped. Both blanks Bl and B2 each comprise a front panel 8, side panels 10, 12, an end panel 16, a rear panel 14, a lid end panel 20, a lid front panel 22, a reinforcing lid front panel 22' and a closure tab 24, which is cut from the reinforcing panel-22', but is hingedly connected to the lid front panel 22 about fold line LF3. In addition, each of the blanks Bl and B2 have flaps 17, 17' extending from the edge of side panels 10, 12 that is adjacent to the lid.

Additional panels 10', 12' are provided on the first blank Bl for the purpose of allowing the panels 10', 12' to be glued to panels 10, 12 respectively on erection of the packet 100. When joined together the combined additional panels 10', 12' and panels 10, 12 form the side panels 10, 12 of the packet 100. Tabs 10" and 12" are folded towards the inside surface of the end panel 16 to strengthen the packet 100. The tabs 10" and 12" may be fixed to inside surface of the end panel.

Referring to the second blank B2, an additional side panel 12' is provided and when the packet 100 is erected the side panel 12' is glued to the side panel 12 to form one of two side panels 10, 12 of the erected packet 100. Additional extension tabs 10", 12" and 16' are provided as part of the second blank B2. In the example shown, the tabs 10" and 12" extend from side panels 10 and 12' respectively and tab 16' extends from the end panel 16 and is foldable about the fold line CF26, which forms the common edge E2 of the rear panel 14 and the end panel 16 on the erected packet 100 (see figures 1 and 2). The extension tab 16' provides a closure flap (not visible in figures 1 and 2) which is located between the rear panel 14 and the pouch P in the erected packet 100. In an alternative arrangement (not shown) the panel 16' is not required, instead an additional end panel depends from the rear panel 14 such that on the erected pack, the end panel 16 and the additional panel overlap to close the pack.

In both the first and second blanks Bl, B2 a slot 26 is provided in part of the fold line CF6, which is between the front panel 8 and the end panel 16 and forms the edge E3 of the erected packet 100. The tab 24 is inserted in the slot 26 on closing the packet 100 such that the packet 100 is retained in a closed position until the tab 24 is removed from the slot 26.

The method of making the packet 100 from the blank Bl involves placing the filled pouch P on the rear panel 14 of the packet 100 and erecting the packet 100 around the filled pouch P. Alternatively, the packet 100 may be erected up to the step before the lid is formed and the pouch P may be inserted via the open end A2 that is adjacent the lid 4.

The method of making the packet 100 from blank B2 involves erecting the packet 100 and inserting the filled pouch P into the erected packet 100. The pouch P may be inserted via one of two open ends Al, A2 (see figures 1 and 6b).

Both examples of the blank Bl, B2 show a lid reinforcing panel 22' which in forming the packet 100 is folded through 180 degrees and may be stuck to the lid front panel 22 to form

a double-thickness lid, which is stiffer than a single panel/thickness lid. Alternatively, the lid reinforcing panel 22' may be merely folded against the lid panel 22 to provide a stiffer lid 4 on closing, but which on opening the packet 100, the reinforcing panel 22' can be unfolded about its junction LF3 with the lid front panel 22 to form an extended surface for preparing RYO smoking articles, such as cigarettes.

The lid reinforcing panel 22' may be omitted.

Alternatively, additional panels may be added to the lid 4, thereby extending the lid 4. Accordingly, the positions of the tab 24 and slot 26 may be altered such that closure of the assembled packet 100 may be effected about another edge or even on one of the front panel 8, end panel 16, rear panel 14 or lid end panel 20 of the packet 100.

An example of the method steps used in erecting a packet 100 from the first blank Bl is as follows:

a. Fold the reinforcing lid panel 22' (if used) about fold line LF3 into face-to-face contact with the lid front panel 22;

b. Fold up the side panels 10', 12' about fold lines CFl and CF5 respectively so that the side panels 10', 12' upstand from the rear panel 14;

c. Place the filled pouch P on the rear panel 14;

d. Fold tabs 10" and 12" inwards (towards the filled pouch P) about fold lines CF2 and CF4 respectively;

e. Fold tabs 17 and 17' inwards (towards the filled pouch P) about fold lines CFlO and CF 12 respectively;

f. Fold blank Bl about fold line CF3 such that end panel 16 rests against the filled pouch P;

g. Fold the front panel 8 about fold line CF6 onto the filled pouch P;

h. Fold side panels downwards 10, 12 about fold lines CF7 and CF8 into engagement with the side panels 10' and 12';

i. Fold the lid end panel 20 about fold line LFl onto the filled pouch P; and

j . Fold the lid front panel 22 about fold line LF2 onto the filled pouch P.

The tab 24 is foldable through 90 degrees about the fold line LF3 and is insertable in the slot 26, thereby enclosing the filled pouch P and locking the packet 100. This step may be done by the consumer after first opening of the packet 100 such as to reseal it.

An alternative method of forming the packet 100 from the blank Bl ₅ may be to insert the pouch P containing tobacco after the container 2 has been formed. Subsequent to inserting the pouch P the dust flaps 17, 17' are foldable against the pouch and the lid is foldable about fold lines LFl and LF2 to close the packet 100.

The second blank B2 of Figure 6a may be partially erected before the pouch Pl is inserted into the packet 100.

The second blank B2 is partially erected such that it provides a tube 30 (see figure 6b). The pouch P, filled with tobacco, is insertable into the tube 30 and the remaining panels of the container 2 and the lid 4 are folded about the pouch to form a fully erected packet 100.

An example of the sequence of erecting the packet 100 from the second blank B2 is as follows:

a. Fold reinforcing panel 22' about fold line LF3 into contact with the lid front panel 22;

b. Fold side panel 12' about fold line CF23 to upstand from the rear wall 14;

c. Fold the side panel 10 about fold line CF21 such that the side panel 10, the front panel 8 and the side panel 12 upstand from the rear wall 14;

d. Fold the front panel 8 about fold line CF28 such that it is substantially parallel to the rear panel 14;

e. Fold downwards the side panel 12 about fold line CF27 to depend from the front wall 8 and into engagement with side panel 12', thus the tube 30 (see figure 6b) is formed;

f. Insert the pouch P into the tube 30 through one of the open ends Al ₅ A2. The tube 30 has two open ends Al, A2; the open end A2 of the tube 30 is where the lid 4 is attached and the open end Al is where the base/end 16 of the packet 100 is formed;

g. Fold inwards tabs 17 and 17' about fold lines CFlO and CF12 respectively towards the pouch P;

h. Fold inwards tabs 10" and 12" about fold lines CF22 and CF24 respectively towards the pouch P ;

i. Fold the closing tab 16' on the end panel 16 about fold line CF26 such that the closing tab upstands from the end panel 16;

j. Fold the end panel 16 inwards through 90 degrees about fold line CF26 such that the flap 16' enters the packet to form a closed end, wherein the closing tab 16' is located inside the packet 100 between the rear panel 14 and the pouch P;

k. Fold the lid end panel 20 about fold line LFl such that the lid end panel 20 comes into contact with the pouch P and upstands from the rear panel 14; and

1. Fold the combined panels 22 and 22' about fold line LF2 such that the lid front panel 22 covers the container front panel 8;

As in the packet 100 formed from the blank Bl, the closure tab 24 is intended to be used by the consumer to use a pack that can be reopened and reclosed by the interaction of the closure tab 24 with the slot 26. When the reinforcing panel 22' is used, the closure tab 24 may remain embedded in the reinforcing panel 22' until the consumer prises the closure tab 24 from the reinforcing panel 22'. The closure tab 24 is foldable through 90 degrees about the fold line LF3 and is insertable in the slot 26, thereby enclosing the filled pouch P and locking the packet 100. The packet 100 may be reopened and reclosed easily by the consumer.

The blank B2 may be supplied for insertion of the pouch P in a partially erected form, wherein the blank B2 is made up to step (e) above. The parts of the tube 30 may be flattened for shipment by for example folding about fold line CF21 or CF23 through 90° to provide a substantially flat piece which is suitable for stacking. To insert the pouch P the tube 30 is

reformed by reverse folding about the same fold line. Thereafter, the remaining stages (f) to (1) of the assembly process.detailed above are completed to form the packet 100.

The erected packet 100, including its contents (tobacco pouch P) may be wrapped in a suitable outer wrapper, for example cellophane, which is removable by the consumer.

The blanks Bl and B2 are illustrated in Figures 5 and 6a with a U-shaped recess in the front panel.

Referring to Figure 2, an alternative arrangement is illustrated, wherein the packet comprises a removable section 18a. Such packets can be formed from blanks having the same layout as those illustrated in Figures 5 and 6a except that the blanks include a (re)movable section 18a occupying the void corresponding to the U-shaped recess. The section 18a may be hinged along one of its edges to the container to allow access into the container without having to fully detach the section 18a from the container.

The recess is illustrated as being generally U-shaped. In particular, the recess left when the section 18a is opened is illustrated as a combination of two substantially U-shapes; a larger U-shape depends from the open end A2 and a smaller U-shape depends from the bottom of the larger U-shape towards the closed end of the packet. The recess provided on the front panel is shaped to facilitate access to the pouch and the contents within it.

Referring to figures 7a and 7b, there is illustrated an example of a packet 100 for containing a tobacco pouch P, wherein the leading edge El of the lid and the free edges El 1, E12 of the last panel that forms the lid have closure panels CPl, CP2 and CP3 depending from them. On closing the lid, the closure panels CPl, CP2, CP3, overlap corresponding panels of the container to close the packet 100.

In Figures 7a and 7b the lid 4 is shown in a contrasting colour to the container 2 for clarity.

In the example illustrated in Figure 7a, the lid 4 comprises two panels; a lid end panel

(not visible in figures 7a) which covers the open end A2 of the container 2 and a lid front panel 22, which covers the whole of the container front panel. The closure panels CPl, CP2 and CP3 depend from the edges El, El 1 and E12 respectively of the lid front panel 22. Adjacent edges

of the closure panels CPl and CP2 and the adjacent edges of closure panels CP2 and CP3 are joined together by means of tabs Tl and-T2 respectively (see figures 8a and 8b), which fix to the inside face of closure panel CP2 to form a rim comprising closure panels CPl, CP2, CP3 that overlap with corresponding panels 12, 16 and 10 of the container when closed. The rim may close against the container with an interference fit such that the packet 100 remains closed until the lid is actively moved to open the packet 100.

In the example illustrated in Figure 7b, the lid comprises an end panel (not visible in Figure 7b) that overlaps the opening A2, a lid front panel 22 that overlaps the full depth of the container front panel, an additional end panel 30 that overlaps with the container end panel and a lid rear panel 32 which overlaps the whole of the depth of the container rear panel 14 when the packet 100 is closed. Therefore, to close the packet 100 the lid wraps around the pack and closure is effected when the lid rear panel 32 comes into contact with the container rear panel 14 such that the rim comprising closure panels CPl, CP2, CP3 overlaps with corresponding panels 12, 16 and 10 of the container. The rim may close against the container with an interference fit such that the packet 100 remains closed until the lid is actively moved to open the packet 100. Closure by the rim is effected in the same way as in the packet 100 illustrated in Figure 7a.

Examples of blanks for forming the packet 100 as illustrated in Figures 7a and 7b are illustrated in Figures 8a and 8b respectively.

Referring to figures 8a and 8b, the container portion of the pack is formed in the same way as described above in respect of figures 5 and 6a. The closure panels CPl, CP2 and CP3 which form the rim when folded are included in the Figures 8a and 8b instead of Hie closure tab 24 (Figures 5 and 6a). The rim comprising closure panels CPl, CP2 and CP3 is formed by firstly folding the tabs Tl and T2 about fold lines RF4 and RF2 respectively such that they upstand from the closure panels CPl, CP3; secondly closure panels CPl and CP3 are folded about fold lines RFl and RF5 such that they upstand from the lid front panel 22; thirdly, the closure panel CP2 is folded about fold line RF3 such that it upstands from the lid front panel 22; and finally the tabs Tl and T2 are stuck to the inner face of the closure panel CP2.

The embodiments described and illustrated refer to packets, wherein the edges are formed by the panels at right angles, thereby producing substantially sharp edges. However,

this is not to be considered limiting, because the blanks for making the packet and the edges of the packet can be formed such that resultant edges are rounded or bevelled or elliptical or any other shape including those known in the art.

Although a variety of embodiments have been described herein, these are provided by way of example only, and many variations and modifications on such embodiments will be apparent to the skilled person and fall within the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.