The invention relates to a package comprising a number of subpackages arranged in at least one series. Such a package is known from practice.

Loose, at least detachable products, in particular when they are intended for use as consumer products, are typically packaged in, for instance, cardboard boxes. A number of these boxes are packaged as subpackages in an outer package, such that they can be readily brought into a store or the like. In this known package, the outer package, for instance an outer box, which during transport is entirely closed around the loose subpackages, is removed entirely and discarded separately from the packages. The loose packages are displayed in a store in display racks, shelves or the like. This known package has as a disadvantage that after removing the outer packages, the individual packages are loose from each other, so that they cannot be readily picked up jointly anymore. Further, this means that the retailer must place the individual packages loosely in the display case, which is time consuming and costly. A further disadvantage is that the loose subpackages can only be manipulated laboriously as a series and moreover are difficult to take from the close-fitting outer package.

The invention contemplates a package of the type described in the opening paragraph hereof, in which the above-mentioned disadvantages of the known packages are avoided while maintaining the advantages thereof.

To that end, a package according to the invention is characterized by the features according to claim 1.

In a package according to the invention, the guiding part can be used to bring the series of subpackages onto a display surface of, for instance, a shelf, display rack or the like in a store and/or to displace them thereon. The

subpackages can be taken from the series individually or groupwise, off the respective display surface. With a package according to the invention, therefore, a series of subpackages can be simply manipulated, so that placement on a shelf, at least on a display surface, is considerably simplified, in particular when such a series comprises a relatively large number of boxes as subpackages. The guiding part then provides that the subpackages in the series, at least those that are still in the series, can be moved while guided, so that they will not leave the respective row.

In an advantageous embodiment, a package according to the invention is characterized by the features according to claim 4.

In such an embodiment, the subpackages can be arranged in a position of use on the bottom element on a display surface, so that by manipulation of the bottom element the subpackages in the position of use can be shifted, for instance such that the most forward package in the series can be brought to approximately the front edge of the respective display surface.

This is usually designated as alignment. Preferably, the bottom element is connected through tearing means with the further connecting means, such that the further connecting means are removable from the subpackages arranged on the bottom element. As a result, the subpackages can be individually or groupwise gripped and removed, separate from the further subpackages in the series, while the bottom element preferably remains behind at least partly on the display surface and is engageable for the purpose of shifting the subpackages which have remained on the bottom element.

In further elaboration, such a package according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 5.

Connecting the subpackages with the bottom element provides the advantage that upon manipulation of the bottom element, for instance shifting it over the display surface, the remaining subpackages in the series will not fall and hence remain neatly arranged in the series. Only when a

user grips one or more of the subpackages to take them along with him, will they be detached from the bottom element, for instance torn loose. It is then preferred that such a package is designed as described in claim 6. Such a connection between the subpackages and the bottom element enables a particularly simple and accurate separation of the subpackages and the bottom element, while a pleasant appearance of the subpackages is preserved, and the outwardly facing side of the bottom element likewise has a pleasant appearance, in particular in that the connecting parts are not visible from the outer side, since they are covered by the bottom element.

In an alternative embodiment, a package according to the invention is characterized by the features according to claim 7.

In such an embodiment, the tear strip, which forms part of the bottom part, is connected with the individual subpackages through adhesive surfaces. Upon pulling away a subpackage, the or each respective adhesive surface is torn loose from the tear strip, along the respective tear line, while the tear strip further remains behind on the display surface and enables manipulation of the remaining subpackage in the series in a simple manner.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a package according to the invention is characterized by the features according to claim 8.

In such an embodiment, the subpackages, after removal of the or each tear strip, stand loosely in the bottom element, enclosed between the sidewall parts and resting on the bottom surface. With such a package, the subpackages can be simply brought onto a shelf by placing an end thereof adjacent the front edge of the shelf and subsequently pushing the subpackages over the bottom surface, guided by the sidewall parts, onto the shel£ Guidance by the sidewall parts then provides that the subpackages cannot leave the series.

In a further alternative embodiment, a package according to the invention is characterized by the features according to claim 9.

In such an embodiment, after removal of the or each tear strip, the subpackages can be picked up by pressing the sidewall parts towards each other, whereafter the subpackages can be simply set down on a display surface such as a shelf, and the top element can be pulled away over them.

The invention further relates to a method for placing a series of boxes or like subpackages on a shelf, at least on a display surface, characterized by the features according to claim 10.

With such a method, subpackages can be particularly simply placed on a shelf or be manipulated thereon.

In a first advantageous embodiment, such a method according to the invention is characterized by the features according to claim 11.

In such a method, the subpackages are placed on a display surface while on the guiding part, whereafter subpackages can simply be taken off, individually or groupwise. While taking the subpackages off, at least a part of the guiding part remains behind on the display surface, so that it can be engaged to enable the subpackages still left in the series, standing on the guiding part, to be displaced on the display surface. It is then preferred that the subpackages are connected with the respective part of the guiding part, for instance through tearing means, so that displacement of the subpackages relative to the guiding part is simply prevented.

In the other subclaims, further advantageous embodiments of a package according to the invention are elucidated in more detail.

To clarify the invention, exemplary embodiments of a package and method according to the invention will be further. explained with reference to the drawings. In the drawings: Figs. 1A-lD show a first embodiment of a package according to the invention; Figs. 2A-C show a second embodiment; Figs. 3A-D show a third embodiment; Figs. 4A-C show a fourth embodiment;

Figs. 5A-C show a fifth embodiment; Fig. 6 shows in two positions a tear line for a package according to the invention, in a first embodiment; and Fig. 7 shows in side elevation, in two positions, a tear line for a package according to the invention in a second embodiment.

In this description, the same or corresponding parts have the same or corresponding reference numerals, increased by a hundred or multiples thereof. The packages, that is, the subpackages and connecting means and any loose parts applied in a package or method according to the present invention are preferably manufactured from such material that after use no separation of waste is necessary but that the material can be collectively reused. Used here, in particular, is cardboard or paper, optionally provided with a recyclable plastic layer such as polyethylene, at least on the side of the respective parts that faces the product. However, other materials can also be used. In this description, subpackage should be understood to mean at least boxes, in particular cardboard boxes such as consumer packages for sprinkling and pourable products. Subpackages according to the present invention are preferably packages closed in themselves which can be presented in one or more series to consumers, at least end users, and which are usually arranged on shelves, display racks and the like in stores and storehouses.

Figs. 1A-D shows a first embodiment of a package 1 according to the invention, comprising a series of boxlike subpackages 2, eleven in number in the embodiment shown. The subpackages 2 haye been individually folded from cardboard blanks and have been shoved against each other by their long sides 3, thereby forming a continuous row. Folded around the subpackages 2 is a wrapper 4, which is tubular and open at two opposite ends, such that at the ends the long sides 3 of the first and last subpackage, respectively, are visible outside the wrapper 4. The wrapper 4 has been folded from cardboard and is closely fits the subpackages 2. The wrapper 4

comprises a bottom element 5, two sidewall parts 6 extending on opposite sides of the series of subpackages 2 and a top surface 7 which connects the two sidewall parts 6. The sidewall parts 6 and the bottom element 5 are connected with each other through a lower longitudinal edge 8 of the sidewall parts 6, in particular through a tear line 8, for instance a perforation line, for reasons to be mentioned hereinafter. The sidewall parts 6 and the bottom element 5 are in principle of closed design but there may be windows incorporated in them through which the subpackages 2 are visible. In the top surface 7 a tear strip 9 is provided which extends along the longitudinal direction of the row of subpackages 2, which tear strip 9 is connected through two tear lines 10 extending parallel to each other, with edge parts extending on opposite sides of the tear strip 9 and connected with the sidewall parts 6. The tear strip 9 is provided, at its two ends, with a gripping tab 12 which is disposed loosely to some extent on the subpackages 2, such that the tear strip 9 can simply be seized to be torn loose. The tear lines 10 are preferably designed as shown in Fig. 6, with reference to which these tear lines will be discussed in more detail.

However, the tear lines 10 can also be designed differently, for instance as perforation lines. For that matter, it is noted that instead of, or in addition to, the top surface 7, one or both sidewall panels 6 may be provided with a tear strip.

A package 1 according to Fig. 1 can be used, for instance, as follows.

The package 1, with the series of subpackages 2 enclosed by the wrapper 4, is delivered to a store and arranged adjacent to or on a shelf or like display surface 13, as schematically shown in Fig. 1C. Next, the tear strip 9 is seized at one of the gripping tabs 12 and pulled away upwards and in the direction of the opposite end of the row of subpackages 2, such that the tear strip 9 tears along the tear lines 10. The tear strip 9 is torn loose entirely, so that the sidewall parts 6 can be pulled away laterally, as schematically shown in Fig. 1B. Next, the sidewall parts 6 are torn loose

from the bottom element 5 along the lower longitudinal edge 8, which is possible in a relatively simple manner in that this longitudinal edge is designed as a tear line. In Fig. 1B, on the left side, the respective sidewall part 6 is represented in a condition when torn loose. The subpackages 2 then remain standing on the bottom element 5. It is preferred that the subpackages 2 are connected with the bottom element 5, at least the first and last subpackage 2 of the row, so that, when the wrapper is closed, the subpackages cannot fall out of the package 1, and moreover the position of the subpackages in the series, when they are arranged solely on the bottom element 5, is simply ensured. The subpackages 2 can, for instance, be glued to the bottom element 5 through relatively small adhesive surfaces, for instance circular as shown in Fig. 1C. Preferably, the subpackages 2 are connected with the bottom element 5 in a manner as represented in more detail in Fig. 7 and to be further discussed hereinafter. For that matter, the subpackages 2 can also be arranged loosely on the bottom element 5.

As shown in Fig. 1C, it is possible to arrange the series of subpackages 2 on the bottom element 5 on a shelf 13, which is also still possible after the wrapper 4 has been removed. Then, in a simple manner, the most forward subpackage 2 can be removed from the row, and this package 2 is optionally to be torn loose, at least pulled, from the bottom element 5. When one or more of the subpackages 2 have been removed from the series, the subpackage 2 then most forward will be located at a distance from the front edge 14 of the shelf 13, as appears from Fig. 1C. On a shelf, this leads to an undesired appearance and moreover the subpackage 2 the most forward is rendered relatively difficult to access and little conspicuous. This disadvantage can be simply removed with a package 1 according to the invention, by engaging the bottom element 5, whereafter this can be pulled forward in the direction F, to the extent where the foremost subpackage 2 in the remainder of the series of subpackages has its forward long side 3 approximately flush with the front edge 14 of the shelf 13. This position is

shown in Fig. 1D. The part of the bottom element 5 extending forward of the front edge 14 can then be folded downwards or be torn loose, there being optionally provided a bottom tear edge 15, readily enabling that part to be torn loose. Preferably, a number of bottom tear edges 15 are provided, so that a suitable portion of the bottom element 5 can be torn off.

In Fig. 6, in axionometric view, on a slightly enlarged scale, a tear line 10 is shown, in undivided (top) and in divided condition (bottom). In this embodiment, cardboard has been used having a core 16, provided on opposite sides with a layer 18 of paper. Other covering layers may also have been used, for instance polyethylene. Such tear lines are described in more detail in the international patent application filed on the same date, entitled:"Package, comprising a series of subpackages having improved carrying capacity", of the same applicant, which is understood to be incorporated herein by reference. The tear line 10 comprises two parallel cuts 20,22, staggeredly positioned with respect to each other in side view, which cuts 20,22 form a pair 24. The first cut 20 is provided from a first side of the top surface 7, the second cutting line 22 from the opposite side.

The first cutting line 20 and the second cutting line 22 both have a depth such that they do not entirely cut through the cardboard and do not reach at least the layer 18 located on the side opposite the side from which the respective cutting line 20,22 has been provided. The core 16 is wholly or partly cut through by each of the cutting lines 20,22. The combined depth of the cuts 20,22 is greater than the thickness of the material. As a consequence, the top surface 7 has a highbearing power, in particular upon exertion of a force F approximately parallel to tne plane V, at right angles to or parallel to the tear lines, and is yet relatively easy to tear loose. Upon tearing the tear strip 9 loose from the edge parts 11 along the tear lines 10, only the core 16 between the two cutting lines 20,22 will have to be broken, at least torn loose, which is possible relatively simply, in particular when the core 16 is manufactured from cardboard of a layered structure or

comparable material such as fiberboard. Such a tear line 10 provides the advantage that tearing yields relatively smooth edges, namely as a result of the respective cutting lines 20,22, so that a pleasant appearance is preserved and tearing at a suitable position is ensured. For that matter, in a comparable manner, a tear line can be provided in, for instance, solid cardboard, corrugated cardboard, or the like, or sandwich cardboard built up in any other way. It is also possible, however, to form a tear line 10 in a different manner, for instance by the provision of a weakened line from one side of the top surface 7. If material suitable for the purpose is used, the tear line 10 can also be designed as a breaking line, for instance when the wrapper 4 is formed from relatively brittle and fragile material. It will be clear that the cuts 20,22 can also be made of bent design and can actually intersect each other, optionally yielding loose elements which can remain behind on the subpackage, for instance as a decoration.

Fig. 7 shows connecting means for connecting a bottom element 5 with a subpackage 2, Fig. 7A showing a subpackage 2 in partly sectional side elevation, glued to a bottom element 5, Fig. 7B showing a bottom view of Fig. 7A, and Fig. 7C showing a subpackage 2 torn loose from the bottom element 5. In the embodiment, the connecting means comprise a cut 26 in the bottom element 5, which cut is at least substantially closed in itself, does not cut through the material of the bottom element 5 and is provided from the side facing the subpackages 2. Within the cut 26 substantially closed in itself, a material part 27 is enclosed, which is secured, in particular glued, to the bottom wall 28 of the respective subpackage 2. The further bottom element 5 is connected with the subpackages 2 only through the material part 27. On the outside of the bottom element 5, the cut 26 is preferably substantially not visible.

As shown, the subpackage 2 can be pulled away in the direction P, this giving rise to tearing between the bottom element 5 and the material 27 enclosed by the cut 26, approximately parallel to the outer surface V of the

bottom element 5. As a result, a material portion 27, circular in the embodiment shown, remains behind on the bottom panel 28 of the subpackage 2, while the subpackage 2 can be simply pulled loose from the bottom element 5, for individualizing the subpackage 2. The thickness of the material 27 pulled loose will be relatively small. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, in the bottom element, adjacent each of the two ends, two such cuts 26 are provided. It will be clear, however, that also adjacent each subpackage 2 one or more such cuts can be provided, which moreover can have shapes other than circular. It will further be clear that the subpackages can also be glued directly to the bottom element, for instance with relatively small surfaces of cold or hot melt adhesive or the like, such that the subpackages can yet be pulled loose relatively easily. In particular when all subpackages 2 are connected with the bottom element 5, the series of subpackages 2 can also be relatively simply manipulated in its entirety independently of the further wrapper 4.

Figs. 2A-2C show an alternative embodiment of a package 101 according to the invention, which is substantially built up like the package 1 according to Fig. 1, but the bottom element has been omitted. In this embodiment, the subpackages 2 in the series can therefore be arranged directly onto the bottom surfaces 128. In this embodiment, too, a tear strip 109 is provided, equipped with two gripping tabs 112, which are connected with longitudinal edges 111 through tear lines 110. Again, the tear strip 109 can be torn loose by way of the tear lines 110 for releasing the sidewall parts 106, as schematically shown in Fig. 2B. In this embodiment, however, the sidewall panels 106 remain connected with the subpackages 102, by connecting means as shown in and discussed with reference to Fig. 7, however, arranged adjacent the lower longitudinal edge 108 of the sidewall panels 106, between the sidewall panels 106 and side surfaces 129 of the subpackages 102. Again, cuts 126 are provided, in the sidewall panels 106, with the material 127 enclosed by the cuts having been glued to the

sidewall panels 129 of the subpackages. In this embodiment, each subpackage is connected in this way with the sidewall panels 106. During use, the tear strip 109 is torn loose and the subpackages are placed on a shelf 13 by their bottom surfaces 128, whereafter the sidewall panels 106 are pulled away laterally, so that the subpackages 102, arranged in a row, are individually released. Then they can simply be removed from the series.

It is noted that the cut 126 may optionally cut completely through the material in which they are provided, preferably in the form of perforation lines, so that the enclosed material 127 also comprises the outer surface of the sidewall panels 106 and remains behind on the subpackages 102.

Naturally, the cuts 126 can also be provided in the subpackages 102, while moreover cuts can be provided, for instance, both in the subpackage and in a sidewall panel or bottom panel, for instance concentrically. Such variations will be clear to those skilled in the art.

Figs. 3A-3D show an embodiment of a package 201 according to the invention, comprising a series of subpackages 202 which can be particularly simply separated from each other, removed and arranged on a display surface 13. In this embodiment, a strip 208 of sheetlike material has been folded along the upper side and two opposite sides of the subpackages 202, such that the subpackages 202 can stand on the bottom surfaces 228, with the sidewall panels 206 resting against the respective sides 229 of the subpackages 202. Each sidewall panel 206 comprises a tear strip 209, which extends along the length thereof and is connected therewith through a first tear line 210A, while the tear strip 209 is connected on the lower side through a second tear line 210B with a number of individual adhesive surfaces 230 separated from each other by cuts 210C, which adhesive surfaces 230 are secured to the individual subpackages 202, in particular glued to the sidewall panels 229 thereof, adjacent the bottom wall panels 228. The further strip 208 is not connected with the subpackages other than through the adhesive surfaces 230.

As shown in Figs. 3A and 3B, the tear strips 209 can be pulled away in the direction P, thereby tearing along the tear lines 210A, 210B, which are preferably designed as shown in Fig. 6. The sidewall panels 206 can then, as shown in Fig. 3B, be gripped over the top surface 207 and be pressed slightly towards each other, so that the subpackages 202 are clamped. After removal of the tear strips 209, the subpackages 202 can be removed from between the sidewall panels 206, for instance by shoving them over a display surface 13. Thereafter, the top surface 7 with the sidewall panels 206 can be upwardly removed, as shown in Fig. 3C, or be shoved forwards, so that the series of subpackages 202 remain behind on the display surface 13. The adhesive surfaces 230 are preferably provided on the outer side with prints that match the printings of the sidewall panels 229 of the subpackages 202. As appears from Fig. 3D, the subpackages 202 can then be individually removed from the row.

Figs. 4A-C show a further embodiment of a package 301 according to the invention, in which subpackages 302 are mutually connected for forming a series. To that end, on the upper side 307 a strip 304 is secured, in a manner to be further described hereinafter. A comparable strip 304 is provided against the underside of the series of subpackages. Each strip 304 comprises a tear strip 309 which is connected on opposite sides through tear lines 310 with adhesive surfaces 330 separated from each other by cuts 310C. Each adhesive surface 330, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the strip 309, has a width in agreement with the corresponding width of the subpackages 302, so that the adhesive surfaces 330 can be glued to individual subpackages 302. The tear strip 309 is not connected with the subpackages 302 other than through the adhesive surfaces 330.

As shown in Fig. 4B, the tear strip 309 on the upper side 307 can be pulled away in the direction P, which tear strip 309 can be engaged by the gripping tab 312. The tear strip 309 is thereby torn loose from the adhesive surfaces 330, along the tear lines 310, which are preferably designed as

shown in Fig. 6. When the tear strip 309 is pulled away entirely, as shown in Fig. 4C, the subpackages 302 are still connected at the underside by the strip 304 provided there, which is at least substantially equal to the strip described above. As shown in Fig. 4C, it is possible to arrange the series of subpackages 302 on the strip 304 on a surface 13, for instance a shelf in a supermarket. In Fig. 4C a portion of the series of subpackages 302 is shown, with only three subpackages 302 left. The other subpackages have already been removed in that they have been torn loose from the tear strip 309 at the underside. The respective adhesive surfaces 330 have been removed along with the removed subpackages 302, so that only the respective part 309D of the tear strip 309 still extends on the surface 313 in front of the remaining subpackages 302. The respective part 309D of the tear strip 309 can be gripped and pulled in the direction S, for instance to the extent where the front 303 of the foremost subpackage 302 is approximately flush with the front edge 314 of the display surface 313, for instance the front of the shelf. This means that in a particularly simple manner, the row of subpackages 302 can each time be so arranged as to be directly accessible.

Optionally, the respective part 309D of the tear strip 634 can be torn off. It is then preferred that tear lines relevant for the purpose. as shown in Fig. 1, have been provided in the tear strip 309. In Fig. 4, the cuts 20,22 of the tear lines 310, designed as shown in Fig. 6, are clearly visible.

Figs. 5A-C show an embodiment of a package 401 according to the invention, comprising a series of subpackages 402 which can be particularly simply separated from each other, removed and arranged, for instance, on a shelf. In this embodiment, a strip 404 of sheetlike material has been folded along the underside and two opposite sides of the subpackages 402, such that the subpackages 402 rest on a bottom surfaces 405, with the sidewall surfaces 406 resting against the respective sides of the subpackages 402.

Each sidewall panel 406 comprises a tear strip 409, which extends along the length thereof and is connected therewith through a first tear line 410A,

while the tear strip 409 is connected on the upper side through a second tear line 410B with a number of individual adhesive surfaces 430 separated from each other by cuts 410C, which adhesive surfaces 430 are secured, in particular glued, to the individual subpackages 402. The tear strip 409, the sidewall panels 406 and the bottom surface 405 are not connected with the subpackages 402 other than through the adhesive surfaces 430.

As shown in Fig. 4B, the tear strips 409 can be pulled away in the direction P, thereby tearing along the tear lines 410A, B, which are preferably designed as shown in Fig. 6. The sidewall panels 406 can then be pulled away laterally, while the subpackages 402 can be individually removed from the position between the sidewall panels 406, as shown in Fig. 4C on the right side. However, by means of the sidewall panels 406 and the bottom panel 405 the subpackages 402 can also be simply moved, in the direction S, onto a shelf 13 by having a first end 441 of the bottom surface 405 rest on a front edge 414 of a shelf 413 and subsequently exerting a force F on the rearmost subpackage 402 in the series, so that the subpackages 402 are shoved between the sidewall panels 406 over the bottom surface 405 onto the shelf 413. The sidewall panels 406 can then be pressed towards each other to some extent in order to obtain proper guidance of the movement of the subpackages. This simplifies filling shelves considerably.

Subpackages according to the invention can be combined into series prior to, during and after filling. When this is done after filling, the advantage achieved is that a great freedom is obtained for composing the series, so that they can be individually formed, depending on, for instance, buyer preferences, advertisements, campaigns, and the like. Thus a great freedom is obtained in the distribution chain, the more so since combining the subpackages can also take place in a distribution center or the like, for instance a supermarket, which additionally allows subpackages from different manufacturers to be combined into a series.

The invention is not in any way limited to the embodiments presented in the description and the drawings. Many variations thereof are possible within the scope of the invention as outlined by the claims.

Thus, the tear lines have been described as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. It will be clear, however, that the tear lines can also be designed differently, for instance as perforation lines or otherwise weakened lines. Also, so-called tearstrips such as thin wires can be incorporated in the outer package, which provide for tearing of the package when they are being pulled away.

The sidewall panels in the exemplary embodiments shown can naturally have a smaller height than shown, notably in embodiments where guiding parts have been used having a substantially U-shaped cross section with bottom or top surface and sidewall panels. The adhesive surfaces as shown in Figs. 3,4, and 5 may also be mutually connected, for instance by tear lines, perforation lines or the like, such that the subpackages, also after the tear strips having been torn loose, are still connected with each other to some extent. Also, in packages according to the present invention, naturally subpackages open on one side can be used. Further, two or more series of subpackages can be applied next to and/or above each other in a package according to the present invention, which subpackages do not necessarily all need to have the same shape and dimensions.

Further, it will be clear that different numbers of subpackages than shown can be included in packages according to the present invention.

These and many variations thereof are understood to fall within the scope of the invention outlined by the claims.