WO2002070357A1

WO2002070357A1 - Package for subpackages, provided with accessing means enabling subpackages to be readily released, removed and arranged on a display surface

Info

Publication number: WO2002070357A1
Application number: PCT/NL2002/000138
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hubertus Johannes Bernardus Schoeren
Original assignee: Kappa Golfkarton BV
Current assignee: Smurfit Kappa MNL Golfkarton BV
Priority date: 2001-03-02
Filing date: 2002-03-04
Publication date: 2002-09-12
Anticipated expiration: 2003-09-02
Also published as: EP1368242A1; WO2002070357A8; NL1017486C2

Abstract

The invention relates to a package (1) for subpackages (2) arranged in at least one series. The package is formed from at least one blank, which has been folded around the at least one series of subpackages and surrounds this on all sides. The package is provided with accessing means, in the form of tear lines, fold lines and/or folded-over blank parts with which the package can be taken apart so as to form mutually slidable, pivotable, unfolded and/or loose package parts (3, 4), the arrangement being such that after opening at least a boxlike package part is retained, which can contribute to supporting, holding together, releasing the subpackages and placing or sliding them on a shelf.

Description

PACKAGES FOR SUBPACKAGES, PROVIDED WITH ACCESSING MEANS ENABLING SUBPACKAGES TO BE READILY RELEASED, REMOVED AND ARRANGED ON A DISPLAY SURFACE

The invention relates to a package for at least one series of subpackages, which package is folded around the subpackages on all sides and locks these against lateral shifts.

Such packages are known from practice. They offer the advantage that 5 they can be relatively simply formed from one or more blanks by lining up the subpackages in one or more rows and folding the or each blank around them and fixing it against itself. As the subpackages can be packaged at once as a row and therefore do not need to be accommodated in the package one by one, much time can be saved. Moreover, in each case a fitting

10 package can be realized, which surrounds the row of subpackages with a close fit and thereby effectively prevents relative shifts of the subpackages. Such a package can further be realized with relatively little material and will therefore yield little packaging waste after use.

A disadvantage of this known package, however, is that with it, a

15 proportionally great deal of time is lost during the last phase of the transport path, from the moment of opening of the package until the removal and display of the subpackage on a shelf or like display surface. This is due to the circumstance that such a package normally cannot simply be opened in substantially one operation and, once opened, falls apart, so

20 that the subpackages are no longer supported and/or held together thereby. As a consequence, the subpackages, after opening of the enveloping package, can be less easily manipulated jointly, so that any further operation to be performed thereon becomes a relatively labor intensive and time consuming affair.

25 Further, wrap packages are known, where the wrap envelops the or each series of subpackages on four contiguous sides and where at least the first and last subpackages from the or each series are fixedly glued in the wrap to prevent the subpackages from leaving the wrap prematurely via the open ends. With such wrap packages, therefore, to release the subpackages, first the or each glued joint must be broken, which is again time consuming, and moreover can lead to damage of the subpackages. The invention contemplates a package of the type described in the opening paragraph hereof, in which the disadvantages mentioned have been eliminated, while maintaining the advantages thereof. To that end, a package according to the invention is characterized by the features according to claim 1. By providing the package with accessing means, in particular tear and/or fold lines, this package can be opened simply and rapidly, without special tools. The accessing means are so arranged that after breaking them, parts of the package can be removed or folded clear, so that, as a result, the subpackages are released in at least one direction, while the remaining part of the package supports and/or holds together the subpackages. In this way, the subpackages, after opening of the package, can be jointly manipulated, for instance be displayed as a row on a shelf, while or whereafter the residual package part can be removed. By virtue of the accessing means, therefore, time can be saved both during opening of the package and after the opening thereof, during the subsequent operations, such as inspection, removal and display of the subpackages and reducing the package. As the package in closed position confines the subpackages on all sides, and the subpackages therefore do not need to be glued to the package, they can moreover be removed from the package without damage.

The accessing means can be provided in the form of fold lines and tear lines in the or each blank underlying the package. Such accessing means require no, or hardly any, additional packaging material and can be simply provided in the blanks. In an advantageous embodiment, a package according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 2.

With accessing means in the form of one or more tear lines, the package can be separated into a number of separate package parts, which parts can subsequently be separately removed. The shape of the package parts can be fixed entirely at will through the choice of inter alia the location and the configuration of the tear lines. Thus, a package for a row of subpackages can be provided with such tear lines that by breaking them, one or more sides of the series of subpackages are released wholly or partly, while the remaining package constitutes a boxlike or tubular part with which the subpackages can be held together in the directions not released. The tear lines are preferably provided in the package in such mutual conjunction that this package can be accessed with a minimum of operations. Further, the package parts to be separated are preferably provided, adjacent the tear lines, with engaging means, with which these parts can be pulled apart and the tear lines can be simply broken. With such a package, a row of subpackages, after opening of the package, can be simply shoved onto a shelf or like display surface via the released side, while or whereafter the remaining package can be removed. Also, the subpackages can be placed on a shelf in a boxlike package part obtained after opening of the package.

In a second advantageous embodiment, a package according to the invention is characterized by the features according to claim 3.

The accessing means can also comprise such a combination of tear lines and fold lines that after breaking of the tear lines at least two package parts are obtained which are pivotally connected with each other or with the rest of the package. Here, at least one and preferably each of these pivotable package parts surrounds at least four sides of the series of subpackages at least partly, so that each package part separately can hold subpackages together. With such a package, subpackages received in the package can be displayed at once on a substrate by placing the package on a substrate by the side to be released, and subsequently, after breaking the tear lines, to pivot the two packaging parts apart simultaneously, while parts of the package located under the subpackages are pulled from under them. Also, one of the boxlike packaging parts can serve as a tray or holder on which or in which the subpackages can be supported and held together, while the separate subpackages are inspected or individually taken from the package or are slipped out of it as a series. In a third advantageous embodiment, a package according to the invention is characterized by. the features according to claim 9.

A package according to the invention can be assembled from two or more loose partial packages, which partial packages have each been set up from a separate blank and which, for closing the package, can be mutually coupled through coupling means provided for that purpose, such as, for instance, glue or interlocking blank parts. To enable the package to be opened, at least one of the partial packages is provided with accessing means, in particular tear lines, with which the coupling between the partial packages can be broken in at least one direction, whereafter the subpackages can be shifted relative to each other in this at least one direction for releasing the subpackages. At least one of the separate partial packages is then box-shaped, such that the subpackages can therewith be supported, held together and jointly manipulated after opening of the package. With such a package and accessing means, the subpackages can be released all simultaneously or one by one, by completely uncoupling the partial packages or shifting them only partly relative to each other, respectively. This embodiment too is reclosable and therefore suitable for interim inspection of the subpackages packaged therein.

In a fourth advantageous embodiment, a package according to the invention is characterized by the features according to claim 14. By providing the package with one or more blank parts which are double-folded in closed position, a package is obtained whose dimension can be increased in at least one direction by unfolding the double-folded blank parts. Through this enlargement, on the one hand, the lock of the subpackages in the respective direction is removed and, on the other, an opening in one of the sides of the package is created or enlarged, so that the subpackages can be taken or shoved from the package via this passage. Such a package provides the advantage that it can be simply accessed and moreover is reclosable. Thus, the package is suitable, for instance, for subpackages which require interim inspection. This package too, in accessed condition, can continue to support the subpackages and thus can offer advantages when, for instance, the series of subpackages is shoved onto a shelf.

The invention further relates to a method for realizing a package according to the invention and to methods for displaying subpackages on a shelf or display surface utilizing a package according to the invention.

In the further subclaims, further advantageous embodiments of packages and methods according to the invention are described.

To clarify the invention, exemplary embodiments of a package, method and use thereof according to the invention will be described with reference to the drawing. In the drawing:

Figs. 1A-D show a perspective view of a first embodiment of a package according to the invention, and a blank therefor and a variant thereof;

Figs. 2A-G show a second embodiment of a package according to the invention;

Figs. 2H-J show three variants of the package shown in Fig. 2G;

Figs. 3A-G show a third embodiment; and

Figs. 4A-C show a fourth embodiment.

The embodiments of a package according to the invention addressed in the following description of the figures all have in common that subpackages packaged therein can easily be taken from the package and can be displayed on a shelf, individually or in groups. This is achieved in that the packages are all provided with accessing means with which the respective package can, firstly, be simply opened and, secondly, be opened such that at least one side of the package is completely released and the remainder of the package can support and hold together the subpackages when placing them on a shelf. To that end, a package according to the invention can be equipped with different accessing means. These can comprise, for instance, break and/or fold lines, with which the package can be separated into separate package parts, or can be transformed into pivotably or slidably interconnected package parts. Also, the accessing means can comprise packaging material folded into or over each other, with which the package can be enlarged in at least one direction, so that the confinement of the subpackages can be removed in at least one direction. The different accessing means will be further elucidated in and by the following description of the figures.

In this description, subpackage should be understood to mean at least boxes, in particular paperboard-folded boxes such as consumer packages, which are preferably packages closed in themselves which can be presented in one or more series to a consumer or end user and which are usually displayed on shelves, display racks and the like in shops and warehouses.

Fig. 1A shows a first embodiment of a package 1 according to the invention, comprising a cover-shaped part 3 and a wrap-shaped part 4, which parts 3, 4 jointly enclose a series of, for instance six, juxtaposed subpackages 2 on all sides. The package 1 can be folded from a cardboard blank 10, as represented in Fig. IB. To that end, first, the cover-shaped part 3 is set up, from a substantially rectangular cover panel 5 and longitudinal edges 6 and sidewalls 7, pivotally connected therewith, by folding these edges 6 and sidewalls 7 approximately at right angles to the cover panel 5 and mutually connecting them via first fastening flaps 9. Next, the subpackages 2 are placed upside down in the cover 3, with the upstanding longitudinal edges 6 abutting against the backs of the subpackages 2, and the sidewalls 7 abutting against the front and rear side of the first and last subpackage 2 from the series. Thereafter, the wrap-shaped part 4 of the package 1 is formed by folding half bottom panels 8a,b, connected with the sidewalls 7, over the upwardly facing undersides of the subpackages 2 and fixing them onto each other with a second fastening flap 11, represented in hatching. The thus formed package 1 surrounds all sides of the row of subpackages 2 at least partly, with the cover 3 preventing shifts in horizontal directions and the wrap-shaped part 4 providing for confinement in vertical direction. After the package 1 has been reaHzed, it can be inverted, so that the subpackages 2 stand straight up.

In order to be able to open the package 1 in a simple manner, it is provided with accessing means according to the invention, in the form of tear lines 11, 12, as shown in Fig. IB. The tear lines 11 extend between the sidewalls 7 and the first fastening flaps 9. The tear lines 12 extend on or adjacent to the boundary between the sidewalls 7 and the cover panel 5, and extend, approximately halfway this boundary, partly into the cover panel 5, while enclosing an engaging Up 14. With this package 1, a series of subpackages 2 packaged therein can simply be displayed on a shelf at once. To that end, the entire package 1 is placed on a shelf and opened by pulling the engaging lips 14 successively upwards and sidewards, so that the tear line 12 between the sidewalls 7 and the cover 3 is broken. As a result, the package 1 falls apart into two separate parts 3, 4, as represented in Fig. 1C, which can be separately removed, while the boxlike portion 3 can be used to keep the subpackages 2 in place, while the wrapping portion 4 is pulled from under them. An advantage of this embodiment is that the package parts 3, 4, after removal, can be brought simply, by pivoting, into a flat, space-saving condition, without further accessing means needing to be broken to that end. Fig. ID shows a variant of the package 1 shown in Figs. 1A-C, where material has been saved by designing the wrap portion 4 as a relatively narrow strip 4'. Conversely, however, it is also possible to cover all sides of the series of subpackages 2 completely with packaging material, for instance by lengthening the longitudinal edges 6 and/or providing the bottom face 8 on opposite sides with upstanding edges, in order to protect the subpackages optimally. Further, the location of the tear lines 11, 12 can be varied. Thus, the tear lines 12 can, for instance, be moved to a point just beyond the fastening flaps 9, viewed from the cover panel 5. As a result, after breaking of these tear lines 12, the boxlike cover 3 will be bounded by four edges instead of two, so that the series of subpackages 2 can be held together still more easily while the wrap-shaped part 4, 4' is being pulled away.

Also, the subpackages 2, when being packaged, can be positioned straight up, instead of upside down, in the cover 3, 3'. As a consequence, the cover 3, 3', after opening of the package 1, 1', can serve as a tray in support of the subpackages 2, these subpackages 2 being so exposed that they can be easily taken out individually from the cover 3, 3' or can be shoved as a series from the cover onto the shelf. Naturally, the subpackages 2 can also be placed on the shelf while in the cover 3.

Also, when opening the package 1, 1', the tear lines 11, 12 may be broken on just one side of the cover 3, 3', so that the cover 3, 3' remains attached, by the other side thereof, to the wrap-shaped part 4, 4' and both parts can be removed together, after the subpackages 2 have been taken or shoved out of them. Further, the engaging lips 14 can be formed in the sidewalls 7, instead of in the cover 3, by inverting the tear line 12 at that point. Also, the orientation of the package 1 can be turned a quarter turn relative to the subpackages 2, so that the sidewalls 7 abut against the juxtaposed backs of the subpackages 2, and the longitudinal edges 6 abut against, respectively, the front and rear face of the first and last subpackage 2 from the row. With such an orientation, the subpackages 2 can easily be displayed next to, instead of behind, each other on a shelf or display surface, in any one of the manners indicated above.

Fig. 2 shows second embodiments of a package according to the invention, in which the package 101, after breaking of the accessing means, comprises two package parts slidable relative to each other. The package 101 is composed of two partial packages, a box 103 and a cover 104, which have each been set up from a separate blank. Both partial packages 103, 104 are substantially U-shaped. The box 103 comprises a rectangular bottom panel 105, bounded on opposite sides by two upright sidewalls 107. Each sidewall 107 is provided, on a side remote from the bottom panel 105, with a first coupling edge 115, folded inwards through, for instance, about 180°, the usefulness of which will be discussed hereinafter. The opposed open sides of the U-shaped box 103 are partly closed off by an edge extending along the bottom panel 105 and the sidewalls 107, which has been formed from a bottom panel edge 106 and two sidewall edges 109 which have been folded over at right angles to the bottom panel 105 and the sidewalls 107, respectively, and have been secured to each other by way of overlapping parts. The U-shaped cover 104 comprises a top panel 108 and two opposed cover walls 116, whose free longitudinal edges have been folded outwards through, for instance, approximately 180°, to form a second coupling edge 118. After the box 103 has been filled with or has been formed around, for instance, two juxtaposed rows of subpackages 102 as shown in Fig. 2B, the package 101 can be closed, by placing the cover 104 over the box 103 and the subpackages 102, folding the longitudinal edges 115 of the box 103 about the edges 118 of the cover 103, so that the cover is locked in vertical direction, whereafter the bottom panel edges 106 can be secured on the sidewall edges 109, so that the package 101 and the subpackages 2 received therein can also be locked in horizontal directions. For accessing the package 101, in at least two of the four sidewall edges 109, which sidewall edges 109 are located on the same side of the package 1, accessing means are arranged in the form of tear strips 114. These tear strips 114 extend directly next to the connecting rib of the sidewall edge 109 with the sidewall 107, from a side remote from the bottom panel 105, to at least a point beyond the end edge of the folded-over first coupling edge 115.

The package 101 can be opened by pulling the tear strips 114 loose, whereby passages 120 are formed, via which the cover 104 can slide relative to the box 103 in a direction perpendicular to the sidewall edges 109. As a result, the subpackages 102, supported by the boxlike part 103, can be separately released and be taken out. In order to facilitate the individual removal of subpackages 102, the box 103 and the cover 104, in particular the respective sidewalls 107 and the cover walls 116 thereof, can be so dimensioned that the first and second coupling edges 115, 118 interlock at some distance below the upper side of the series of subpackages 102, so that after removal of the cover 104, the subpackages 102 partly project above the sidewalls 107. As a result, the subpackages 102 can be taken out of the box 103 even more readily. Also, the cover 104 can be shifted back, so that the package 101 is reclosable and hence suitable, for instance, for interim inspection of the subpackages 102. Moreover, with the package 101, all subpackages 102 can be displayed on a shelf in one go. To that end, the package 101 is placed, on the cover 104, on a shelf, whereafter the cover 104 can pulled, via the passages 120, from under the subpackages 102, as illustrated in Fig. 2D, whereby the subpackages 102 can be held in position with the aid of the boxlike part 103. After removal of the cover 104, the box 103 can be simply taken away.

If desired, the subpackages 102 can be surrounded completely by packaging material, by lengthening the bottom panel edges 106 and/or the sidewall edges 109. Further, the sidewall edges 109 can be provided on both sides of the box 103 with tear strips 14, so that the cover 104 can be opened in two directions.

In Figs. 2E, 2F, a variant is represented of the embodiment 101 shown in Figs. 2A-D. This variant 101', like package 101, is composed of two partial packages, viz. a cover 103' and a U-shaped box 104', which correspond largely to the above-described partial packages 103, 104, but are mutually coupled in a different manner. The cover 103' comprises a rectangular cover panel 105', surrounded by two pairs of opposed first and second cover edges 106', 107'. The box 104' comprises a rectangular bottom panel 108' and two sidewalls 116' extending on opposite sides from this bottom panel 108'. After the box 104' has been provided with a row of subpackages 102' (for clarity, Fig. 2E only shows one subpackage 102'), the top thereof is closed by the cover 103', with the second cover edges 107' being secured onto the sidewalls 116' with the aid of coupling means 113, for instance glue or double-sided tape.

For opening the package 101', the first and second cover edges 106', 107', are provided with first and second tear strips 114', 119, respectively. The first tear strips 114' correspond in design and function to the earlier described tear strips 114. They extend on opposite sides of one of the first cover edges 106', from the free longitudinal edge thereof as far as the cover panel 105' and, after removal, form passages 120' for the box 104', in particular the sidewalls 116'. The second tear strips 119 in the second cover edges 107' have a shape and location, such that by breaking them, the coupling means 113 are likewise broken and hence the connection between the cover 103' and the box 104'.

The thus described package variant 101' can be opened in various ways and contribute in different ways to the individual or groupwise manipulation of the subpackages 102. Thus, the subpackages 102, after breaking of the first and second tear strips 114', 119, can be released in an analogous manner to that described above with regard to package 101. Here, either the whole series of subpackages 102 can be placed on a shelf in one go by pulling the box 104' from under this series (Fig. 2F), or the cover 103' can be used as a tray from which the subpackages 102 can be individually removed, after lateral displacement of the box 104'.

Further, of package 101', just the second tear strips 119 may be broken, whereafter the cover 103* can be lifted and the subpackages 102 can be placed individually on a shelf. Optionally, the subpackages 102 can be shoved onto a shelf with the aid of the box 104', while this box 104' is held together manually. Finally, also, just the first tear strips 114' may be pulled loose, whereafter the cover edge 106' can be folded upwards and the series of subpackages 102 can be shoved via the thus released side out of the package 101'. If it is desired to utilize the package only in this latter manner, a simpler embodiment of package 101' may suffice, with the second tear strips 119 omitted and the first tear strips 114' each replaced with a single tear line on the boundary of the first and second cover edge 106', 107'. If desired, the bottom panel 108' and/or the sidewalls 116' can be provided, on opposite sides, with extension flaps (not shown) which are folded against the front and rear subpackage 102 and in a closed position are held together by the first cover edges 106', the arrangement being such that the series of subpackages is fully protected on all sides. When the cover edges 106' are pulled loose by breaking the tear lines 114', in the manner described above, the extension flaps automatically swing sideways, so that the respective package side is released, for the purpose of removing the subpackages 102 therefrom. In a still further simplified embodiment, the package 101' shown in Figs. 2E,F can be set up, not from two separate blanks, but from a single substantially rectangular blank, by folding this blank in transverse direction around the series of subpackages 102 and securing it against itself with the aid of a fastening flap 109". This is represented in Fig. 2G. For the purpose of locking the series of subpackages 102 in the longitudinal direction of the thus formed wrap 101", at least one of the sides of this wrap 101" is provided on opposite sides with longitudinal edges 106", which are folded against the first and last subpackages 102 from the series and have been secured against second fastening flaps 109B"of adjacent wrap sides. Naturally, also two opposed wrap sides can be provided with such longitudinal edges 106". The package 101" can, in a manner comparable to that described with regard to Figs. 2E, F, be opened by tearing one or both longitudinal edges 106" loose along tear lines 114" provided to that end in the second fastening flaps 109B". After the or each longitudinal edge 106" has been folded clear in the direction indicated by arrow A, the subpackages 102 can, via the thus released side, be shoved out of the wrap 101" onto a shelf or display surface. Such a package 101" offers the advantage that it can be realized in a very simple manner, that it protects the subpackages 102 well, that with it, with a minimum of operations, the subpackages can be simply released and can be placed on a shelf and that the package, after use, is moreover easy to bring into a flat condition.

Figs. 2H- J show three variants of the package shown in Fig. 2G, in unopened and opened condition. All three the variants have been set up as a wrap package and provided with such tear lines 114'" that by breaking them, at least one, and preferably two opposite sides of the wrap can be opened, so that a tube is left from which the at least one series of subpackages 102 can be shoved onto a shelf.

The embodiment shown in Fig. 2H corresponds largely to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2G, but the longitudinal edge 106'" is here connected with the wrap over just a part of its width and can be separated from the wrap in two separate parts with the aid of a tear strip 114'". Next, the second fastening flaps 109B'", no longer held together by the longitudinal edge 106'", can be swung outwards to release the wrap side in question. Optionally, the tear strip can be pulled loose over the whole length of the wrap, so that a substantially U-shaped box is left. In the variant shown in Fig. 21, the longitudinal edge 106"' is secured by two corner parts on the second fastening flaps 109B'", and tear lines 114*" are provided, with which a non-secured part of the longitudinal edge 106'" can be pulled loose, such that the connection between the second fastening flaps 109B'" and the longitudinal edge 106'" is broken.

In the variant shown in Fig. 2J, the second fastening flaps 109B'" are each connected via a tear line 114'" with the wrap. Along these; the second fastening flaps 109B'" can be separated, as shown on the right-hand side, with the fastening flaps being held together adjacent an upper side by the longitudinal edge 106'" pivotally connected to the wrap.

Figs. 3A-D show a third embodiment of a package according to the invention, in which the package 201, after breaking of the accessing means, comprises pivotally interconnected package parts 203, 204. The package 201 comprises a substantially U-shaped box, provided with a rectangular bottom panel 205, which is provided, on two opposed sides, with two upstanding sidewalls 207 and on the other two sides is bounded by two bottom panel edges 206, which are connected via fastening flaps 209 with the sidewalls 207. Each sidewall 207 is provided, on a side remote from the bottom panel

205, with a closing strip 208. These are folded inwards through approximately 90° and secured by second fastening flaps, not shown, on the first fastening flaps 209, to lock at least one or, as in the exemplary embodiment shown, two juxtaposed series of subpackages 202, which have priorly been positioned on the bottom panel 205. The package 201 is provided with accessing means in the form of two tear lines 212, which extend in a central area of, for instance, halfway the bottom panel edges

206, from a longitudinal edge remote from the bottom panel 205, up to this bottom panel 205 and which merge in the bottom panel 205 into a fold line 215 (see Fig. 3C). Further, in each sidewall 207 an engaging lip 214 is provided, with which the sidewalls 207 can be pulled apart relative to each other. As a result, the tear lines 212 can be broken, so that the package 201 can be split up into two package halves 203, 204, which are only connected to each other via fold line 215.

With this embodiment, too, the subpackages 202 can be released in different manners. Thus, one of the package halves 203, 204 can serve by way of tray in support of the subpackages 202, while the other package half is swung about fold line 215. As a result, the subpackages 202 can be released such that they can easily be taken individually from the package 201. Further, the subpackages 202 in this embodiment can all be positioned on a shelf simultaneously. To that end, the still closed package 201 is placed on the shelf by way of the closing strips 208, as shown in Fig. 3B. After breaking of the tear fines 212 by pulling the package halves 203, 204 apart by their engaging lips 214, the package halves 203, 204 are removed from the subpackages 202 as shown in Fig. 3C, by swinging these halves apart, whereby the closing strips 208 are pulled from under the series of subpackages 202. Another possibility is to display the subpackages 202 on the shelf while in the opened package 201. To that end, the two package halves 203, 204 are swung apart completely, so that the halves of the bottom panel 205 located on opposite sides of the fold line 215 abut against each other and the two sidewalls 207 jointly form one underside on which the package 201 can be placed on the shelf.

Fig. 3D shows an alternative embodiment in which the tear lines 212 are provided in the fastening flaps 209, on the boundary with the bottom panel edge 206, at right angles to the sidewalls 207. The tear lines 212 continue as far as the sidewalls 207 and there merge into a fold line 215, which extends parallel to the connecting line of these sidewalls 207 with the bottom panel 205. The tear lines 212 can be broken in a manner analogous to that described above, by pulling the sidewalls 207 apart by the engaging lips 214 connected therewith. After breaking, the sidewalls 207 can be swung apart about the fold lines 215, so that the subpackages 202 are partly released. With this variant too, the subpackages 202 either can all be simultaneously displayed on a shelf or display surface, or can be individually released, in which latter case the subpackages 202 can be supported and held together by the bottom panel 205 and the surrounding edges 206, 207' which jointly form a boxlike package part. Naturally, the subpackages 202 can also be displayed on the shelf while in this boxlike part. In that case, the fold lines 215 are preferably designed as tear lines, so that the package parts swung aside upon opening, can be torn off along these lines.

The closing strips 208 can be broadened at will, so that they cover a larger part of the subpackages 202. Optionally, the facing longitudinal edges of the strips 208 can be connected in a closed position by means of, for instance, a detachable tear strip. As a result, the package 201 remains easy and quick to open, while the subpackages 202 can be fully protected and confined all round. Also, the three substantially exposed sides of the one or more series of subpackages 202 can be covered with a separate U-shaped package part which is held in position by the edges 209 and 208 of the surrounding package 201. After opening of the package 201, this U-shaped part can be used to shove the subpackages 202 onto a shelf. Further, the bottom panel edges 206 can be provided with two perforated lines, which extend from the bottom panel edge corner points remote from the fastening flaps 209, at an acute angle, as far as a free upper edge of the bottom panel edge 206. Thus the package can be opened in a similar manner to that described with reference to Fig. 2H, whereby first a part of the bottom panel edge 206 that extends between the perforated lines is pulled loose, after which the residual parts of the bottom panel edge 206 that are connected with the fastening flaps 209 can be swung sideways to release the series of subpackages.

Figs. 3E-G show a further variant of a package according to the invention which, after breaking of the accessing means, can be taken apart so as to form two partial packages 203', 204' which can be pivoted relative to each other. The substantially wrap-shaped package 201', shown in Fig. 3F, is formed from a substantially rectangular blank 210', shown in Fig. 3E, which has been folded in longitudinal direction around the series of subpackages 202 and with the aid of a fastening flap 209' has been secured onto itself. In this position, the blank 210' has a bottom panel 208', a cover panel 205' and two sidewalls 207' respectively abutting against the underside and top side of the or each series of subpackages 202 as well as the front and rear face of the first and last subpackage 202 from the series. Further, the sidewalls 207' and the bottom and cover panel 208', 205' are provided, on opposite sides, with longitudinal edges 206A,B and 206', which in set-up position are folded against the flanks of the row of subpackages 202 and have been secured to each other through overlapping parts, so that the series of subpackages is confined on all sides.

Both sidewalls 207' of the package 201' are provided with an elongate recess 211 extending from longitudinal edge 206A as far as longitudinal edge 206B, which recess 211, in one of the longitudinal edges 206A,B, being longitudinal edge 206A in the version shown, merges into a tear strip 214'. In order to be able to open the package 201', the tear strips 214' can be removed, whereby the package 201' is split into two package parts 203', 204', which are only interconnected via the longitudinal edges 206B. These package parts 203', 204' can subsequently be swung apart and be positioned next to each other as shown in Fig. 3G, with each package part 203', 204' comprising a part of the subpackages 202. As the longitudinal edges 206B are relatively narrow, the package can simply be swung double along these edges without this requiring special fold lines to be provided in the blank. Moreover, the orientation of the wrap relative to the subpackages 202 is selected such that the subpackages 202 in the opened position project at least partly above the opened package, in particular the edges 206', so that they can be readily taken from the package. In an advantageous embodiment, the package 201' is filled with two superposed series of subpackages 202 in mutual abutment by their end faces, so that after breaking open the package 201, the two package halves 203', 204' comprise one series of subpackages 202. The subpackages 202 can subsequently be taken out of the package 201 or be displayed in the opened package 201' on a shelf. Optionally, the longitudinal edges 206B can be provided with a tear line or tear strip, with which the two package parts 203', 204', after being swung open, can be fully separated from each other into two separate trays. In addition to, or instead of, the tear strips 214', the sidewalls 207A,B, on the boundary with the longitudinal edges 206A, B, can be provided with tear lines 212' as represented in Fig. 3E. Thus, the wrap 201' can be opened in a manner corresponding to the embodiment shown in Figs. 2E-G, viz. by pulling loose the sidewall halves 207A, B on opposite sides of the recess 211 and folding them clear, so that the end faces of the wrap 201' are released and the series of subpackages 202 can be shoved out therethrough, guided and supported by the bottom panel 208'. If desired, the package can first, in the manner described above, be separated into two separate trays, whereafter the sidewall halves 207A,B can be pulled loose and the subpackages can be shoved from the separate trays into a shelf. Further, the package 201', in a plane at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the series of subpackages, can be split into two package parts 203", 204" by providing two tear strips 114" halfway the longitudinal edges 206' on opposite sides of the bottom panel 208', or providing two notches as far as the connecting fine with the bottom panel 208' and further providing in the bottom panel 205' a tear strip 114" extending over the full width thereof. After removal of these tear strips 114", the package 201' can be split into two halves, which are only connected to each other via the bottom panel 208' and can be arranged next to each other in a manner corresponding to that shown in Fig. 3G. Each package part 203", 204" will then comprise half a series of subpackages 202. An advantage of the package 201' shown in the Figs. 3E-G is that it can be realized with a minimal amount of packaging material. When using corrugated board for the blank 210', the orientation of the corrugations is preferably selected such that a package 201' is obtained which has its highest stacking strength in a direction at right angles to the longitudinal edges 206', approximately parallel to the surfaces 205', 208'. In this way, the packages 201' can be stacked onto each other by their partly open sides, so that these open sides cover each other in stacked condition, and the subpackages 202 are screened on all sides, also when they are stacked, for instance, on a pallet.

Fig. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of a package 301 according to the invention, in which a part of the package is folded over, such that upon unfolding thereof, the package can be enlarged in one direction, so that the subpackages are released. Fig. 4A comprises a substantially tubular package 301, provided with a cover panel 305 and a bottom panel 308 which are mutually connected by two sidewalls 307. The cover panel 305, further, on two sides located at right angles to the sidewalls 307, is bounded by cover edges 306. In this package 301 the accessing means are formed by a part 330 of the sidewalls 307 bounding the cover panel 305, said part 330 being folded over such that this part 330 in closed position is clamped between the subpackages 302 and a strip 325 of the sidewall 307, immediately adjacent to the cover panel 305, as represented in the enlarged detail of Fig. 4B. The package 301 shown in Fig. 4B can be realized in substantially the same manner as a normal wrap, the difference being that the wrap is secured to itself with a fastening flap 325 of which a free longitudinal edge 330 is double-folded inwards before the fastening flap 325 has been secured by this edge 330 against the end edge of sidewall 307. In a variant thereof, the edge 330 can also be an outwardly folded-over end edge of sidewall 307, against which the fastening flap 325 has been secured. The package 301 can be opened by pulling up the cover panel 305, so that the double-folded sidewall parts 330 are folded apart and the dimension of the package 301 increases in the direction involved. Moving up along with the cover panel 305 are the cover edges 306 connected thereto. As a result, the subpackages 302 are no longer confined on all sides and they can be shoved out via one of the released ends of the enlarged tube, while being supported and guided by the bottom panel 308 and the sidewalls 307, respectively.

In Fig. 4A, both sidewalls 307 are provided with a double-folded part 330. Figs. 4B and C respectively show in closed and open condition an asymmetric embodiment in which only one of the sidewalls 307 is provided with a double-folded part 330. The package 330 can be accessed by swinging the cover panel 305 in the direction of arrow A (Fig. 4C), whereby the double-folded sidewall part 330 is unfolded, and the cover panel 305 with the cover edge 306 pivot jointly about the fold line between the cover panel 305 and the opposite sidewall 307. As a result, the subpackages 302 are again released in a direction perpendicular to the cover edge 306, and the subpackages can be shoved in said direction out of the package 301.

All combinations of parts of the embodiments shown and described in this description are understood to be incorporated within this description. In this description, in particular packages are described that fall within the category of wrap packaging, in particular also such packages as are conventionally designated as "zieh-und-knack" packages (Figs. 3A-C, 3F,G). Precisely the combination of this kind of packages and the simple accessing means offer particular economic and logistic advantages both to the packer and to the end user of the packages.

The invention is not limited in any way to the exemplary embodiments shown in the description and the drawings. Many variations thereon are possible within the scope of the invention as outlined by the claims. Thus, the reclosable packages can be sealed in order to prevent unauthorized opening thereof, at least to enable detection thereof. These and many variations are understood to lie within the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A package provided with at least one series of subpackages, wherein from at least one blank a package has been folded substantially around the at least one series, such that at least a part of the package extends on all sides of the one or more series of subpackages, and the package has been secured against itself for closure thereof, while in the blank, at any rate at least one blank, at least one tear or fold fine is provided for forming accessing means, the accessing means being provided such that upon opening of the package by breaking the accessing means at least a boxlike part of the package is retained, which boxlike part surrounds the one or more series of subpackages on at least three and preferably four sides, of which sides at least one side covers at least one series of subpackages at least substantially completely.

2. A package according to claim 1, wherein the accessing means comprise tear lines (11, 12) for separating the package (1; 1') into at least one, preferably two separately removable package parts (3. 4; 3', 4').

3. A package according to claim 1, wherein the accessing means comprise tear fines (212), after the breaking of which, one or more parts of the package (203, 204), which parts each, in the closed condition, at least partly surround at least four sides of the row of subpackages (202), are pivotally connected with the residual package (201).

4. A package according to claim 3, wherein the package, after breaking of the accessing means, comprises two package parts (203, 204; 203', 204'), which via a common fold line (215) are pivotally connected with each other, such that first sides (205; 206B) of the package parts (203, 204; 203', 204') that bound on this fold line (215) can be folded against each other, and second sides (207, 205'; 208') located substantially at right angles to these first sides (205; 206B) jointly constitute a substantially flat surface on which the opened package (201; 201') can be placed on a shelf.

5. A package according to claim 3 or 4, wherein each of the package parts (203, 204; 203', 204'), after breaking of the accessing means, comprises a part of the subpackages (202).

6. A package according to any one of claims 3-5, wherein the package (201') is substantially wrap-shaped, folded from a substantially rectangular blank (210'), which is folded in the longitudinal direction around the at least one series of subpackages (202), thereby abutting through, respectively, a bottom panel (208'), a cover panel (205') and two sidewalls (207') against, respectively, an underside and upper side of the series of subpackages (202), as well as a front and rear side of a first and last subpackage (202) from the series, and further abutting through longitudinal edges (206'), connected on opposite sides of the bottom and cover panel (208', 205') and the sidewalls (207'), against two flanks of the series of subpackages (202), whilst in two opposed sides (206') of the package (201') and a third side (207'; 205') connecting these sides, there are provided mutually linked accessing means, in particular tear lines or tear strips (214'), by the breaking of which the three continuous sides can be separated into two halves (203'; 204), which are connected to each other only by way of a fourth side (206B; 208').

7. A package according to claim 6, wherein each sidewall (207') is provided with accessing means in the form of two tear lines (212') extending adjacent the boundary with the longitudinal edges (206'), from the bottom panel (208') as far as the cover panel (205'), and one third tear line or cut (211) extending between the aforementioned two tear lines (212'), substantially at right angles thereto, the arrangement being such that, after breaking thereof, each sidewall (207') can be folded away in one or two parts (207A,B) to release the series of subpackages (202).

8. A package according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the blank (210') is manufactured from corrugated board, and the direction of the corrugations is such that the package (201') set up from the blank (210') has its greatest stacking strength in a direction lying substantially at right angles to the sides of the package (201') formed by the longitudinal edges (206').

9. A package according to claim 1, comprising two partial packages (103, 104; 103', 104'), folded from two separate blanks, which in a closed condition are mutually connected through coupling means, while at least one of the partial packages (103, 103') comprises accessing means, for releasing in at least one direction the coupling between the partial packages (103, 104; 103', 104'), such that the partial packages (103, 104; 103', 104') can slide relative to each other in that specific direction.

10. A package according to claim 9, comprising a first and a second partial package (103, 104; 103', 104'), wherein the first partial package (103; 103*) comprises a rectangular cover panel (105, 105'), surrounded by first (107; 107') and second cover edges (106, 109; 106'); wherein the second partial package (104, 104') comprises a rectangular bottom panel (108; 108') bounded on opposite sides by upstanding sidewalls (116; 116'); wherein, in a closed condition, the first cover edges (107; 107') are connected with the sidewalls (116; 116') of the second partial package (104; 104') through coupling means (115, 118; 113); wherein in at least one of the second cover edges (109; 106') accessing means are provided in the form of two tear lines or tear strips (114; 114'), which, after being broken or removed, form slots, such that the second partial package (104; 104'), in particular the sidewalls (116; 116') thereof, can slide therethrough relative to the first partial package (103; 103') in a direction perpendicular to the second cover edge (106, 109; 106').

11. A package according to claim 10, wherein the coupling means are formed by outwardly folded longitudinal edges (118) of the sidewalls (116) and inwardly folded longitudinal edges (115) of the first cover edges (107), which interlock in closed condition.

12. A package according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the coupling means between the first cover edges (107') and the sidewalls (116') comprise at least one attachment point (113) and the accessing means comprise tear lines in the first cover edges (107'), which surround this at least one attachment point (113), such that, by breaking these tear lines, the coupling between the cover edges (107') and the sidewalls (116') can be broken.

13. A package according to claim 1, wherein the package (101") comprises a substantially rectangular blank, which has been folded in transverse direction around the at least one series of subpackages (102) and has been secured against itself with a first fastening flap (109'") thereby forming a substantially wrap-shaped package (101"), while on opposite sides of the wrap-shaped package (101") longitudinal edges (106") are provided which in closed position are folded against a first and last subpackage (102) from the series and are secured with second fastening flaps (109B") to adjacent sides of the wrap- shaped package (101"), while in at least one of the longitudinal edges (106") on or adjacent the two boundaries with the second fastening flaps (109B") tear lines (114") are provided, the arrangement being such that after breaking of the tear lines (114") the or each longitudinal edge (106") can be folded outwards and the series of subpackages (102) can be shoved, via the thus released side, out of the package (101").

14. A package according to claim 1, wherein the accessing means comprise at least one blank part (330), folded over in closed condition, which is unfoldable under the influence of an external force, such that the confinement of the subpackages (302) can thereby be removed in at least direction.

15. A method for forming a package, which comprises the steps of: forming at least one series of subpackages; folding a package from at least one blank around the at least one series, such that on all sides of the one or more series of subpackages at least a part of the package abuts thereagainst; securing the package against itself for closure thereof; wherein, prior to the folding of the package, in the blank, at any rate at least one blank, at least one tear or fold line is provided for forming the accessing means; wherein the accessing means are provided such that upon opening of the package, by breaking the accessing means, at least a boxlike part of the package is retained, which boxlike part surrounds the one or more series of subpackages on at least three and preferably at least four sides, of which sides at least one side covers at least one series of subpackages at least substantially completely.

16. A method for use of a package according to any one of the claims 1-12, wherein the subpackages, after the package has been opened, and pivotable, slideable or loose package parts have respectively been folded away, shoved away or removed, are placed on a shelf in the at least one retained boxlike package part.

17. A method for use of a package according to any one of claims 1-12 for placing series of subpackages received in the package on a shelf at once, wherein the package, by a side to be cleared, is placed on a shelf, whereafter the accessing means are broken and the slideable or pivotable package parts under the subpackages placed on the shelf and held together by the residual package are pulled away or swung away, whereafter the residual package is lifted off the series.

18. A method for use of a package according to any one of claims 1 and 4-8, wherein the package parts which, after breaking of the accessing means, are pivotally connected with each other, are pivoted apart, to a position in which the package parts are disposed next to each other, and each package part comprises a part of the subpackages and releases same for removal.

19. A method for use of a package according to any one of claims 1, 2, 7, 8, 13 or 14 when placing series of subpackages received in the package on a shelf, wherein the at least one boxlike part retained after opening of the package, having therein the at least one series of subpackages, is held with an open end thereof opposite a shelf, whereafter the subpackages, supported by the boxlike part are shoved as a series onto the shelf.