Package

Abstract

A package ( 10 ) can support separate groups of cigarettes ( 12, 13 ) by an inner frame ( 14 ) which has a central fold or pleat ( 28 ) to locate the groups. A common single barrier layer wrapper ( 16 ) surrounds the groups. The package ( 10 ) may be contained in a sleeve-like shell ( 240 ) to form a packet similar to a slide and shell packet. Also disclosed is a package 410 which has a disposable cover ( 424 ) for an access aperture, the cover having a lower edge ( 424 B) which is inclined, curved or otherwise non-alignment to make minor differences in position of the edge lens noticeable.

1 . A package comprising first and second articles, an inner frame at least partly surrounding each article, and a sealed outer wrapper surrounding the articles and inner frame.  
     
     
         2 . A package according to  claim 1 , wherein the inner frame includes means for separating the articles.  
     
     
         3 . A package according to  claim 2 , wherein the separating means comprises a pleat, fold or other formation in or carried on the inner frame.  
     
     
         4 . A package according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the articles itself comprises a group of articles, e.g. rod-like articles.  
     
     
         5 . A package according to  claim 4 , wherein separate groups of rod-like articles are supported in separate locations by a common inner frame.  
     
     
         6 . A package according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer wrapper includes at least one aperture cut or line of weakening or other means of access to the articles.  
     
     
         7 . A package according to  claim 6 , wherein there are separate means of access affording access to each of said articles or group of articles.  
     
     
         8 . A package according to  claim 6  or  claim 7 , wherein the or each access means comprises a label or similar means adhesively secured over an access aperture or means defining an access aperture in the wrapper.  
     
     
         9 . A package according to any preceding claim, wherein the package is a self-contained consumer product, with or without further over wrap, or is contained within a slide and shell or hinged lid packet.  
     
     
         10 . A package comprising at least one article including or incorporating a frame, and a sleeve-like outer portion in which the article is contained.  
     
     
         11 . A package according to  claim 10 , wherein the article comprises one or more packages each containing at least one group of cigarettes and at least one inner frame at least partially supporting the group.  
     
     
         12 . A package according to  claim 10 , wherein the article is disposed in the sleeve-like portion on a slide having a base and either no or reduced height and/or width side flaps.  
     
     
         13 . A package, particularly for groups of rod-like articles, comprising a wrapper or other container having an access aperture disposed adjacent one end of the container and a displaceable cover providing for access to the package contents through said aperture, the cover having an edge defining a line which is not parallel to an opposite end of the article and/or not disposed in alignment with a corresponding line defined by the corresponding edge of the cover of a similar package disposed in abutment and alignment with said package.  
     
     
         14 . A package according to  claim 13 , wherein the package comprises a package of the kind disclosed in WO 01/15957, or in said WO 98/22367 or WO 98/22368, having a container comprising a wrapper forming a sealed barrier layer and a cover comprising a label adhesively secured over an aperture cut in the wrapper.  
     
     
         15 . A package according to  claim 13  or  claim 14 , wherein the edge is inclined, angles, curved or of any other irregular or other non-parallel shape.