GB2516890A

GB2516890A - A package for a plurality of articles

Info

Publication number: GB2516890A
Application number: GB1313943.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jaswinder Singh Dhadda
Original assignee: Kraft Foods R&D Inc USA
Current assignee: Kraft Foods R&D Inc USA
Priority date: 2013-08-05
Filing date: 2013-08-05
Publication date: 2015-02-11
Also published as: WO2015019228A2; CN105492339A; CA2918820A1; WO2015019228A3; AR097205A1; GB201313943D0; EP3030499A2; AU2014304206A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a package for a plurality of articles 10, such as confectionary, the package comprising: a single sheet of packaging material, opposing ends of the one sheet being joined together such that the sheet surrounds the articles, and such that a join forms a lengthwise seal 12 that extends along a length of the package. The lengthwise seal is a re-sealable seal with one or more cross seals 14 extending across it, and the sheet, to form a plurality of sealed compartments 16 aligned in a linear manner. The lengthwise seal extends along the plurality of sealed compartments; each sealed compartment comprising an article such as chocolate. A divider 18 may be included with a line of perforations. The package may comprise an access configuration preferably comprising the lengthwise seal, a re-closable seal, a tear strip (52, figure 7) and a notch (82, figure 8). A method for producing the packaging is included (figure 3). The package may be used to produce multi-packs of sweets or chocolates.

Description

A PACKAGE FOR A PLURALITY OF ARTICLES

The present invention relates to a package for a plurality of articles, and a method of making such a package. In one example embodiment, the articles are confectionery items, and/or formed from a chocolate-related material.

Typically, a single confectionery item may be packaged in a single package. Access to the confectionery item is achieved by opening of the package. It is common for multiple confectionery items to be sold in a multi-pack. For instance, it is common for a plurality of individually packaged confectionery items to be located within a secondary or outer package.

The use of this secondary package may add to production time or production costs. Also, when the secondary package has been opened, it may be difficult or impossible to easily retain the individually wrapped confectionery items either within the secondary wrapper, or at least relative to one another.

It is also common to package what might be considered as large confectionery items in a single wrapper. For instance, it is common to wrap a large slab or similar of chocolate in a single wrapper. Access to the confectionery within the wrapper may be selective, for example by use of a re-sealable seal or the like. This allows the user to access the confectionery item in a convenient manner, but allows for a degree of sealing when access is no longer required, which may improve the life of the confectionery item. However, using such a re-sealable seal, it may be difficult or impossible to achieve or maintain an airtight seal, which might be useful.

Alternatively or additionally, there may be a desire to share portions of the confectionery item with more than one consumer, in which case each individual consumer may be provided with a portion of the confectionery item with no wrapping. Thus, it then becomes even more difficult to maintain the item in a sealed or at least partially sealed state, when there is no packaging for the consumer to use.

It is also common for a package to contain a plurality of confectionery items, for instance in a single compartment defined in or by the package. Again, a degree of freshness of the confectionery item can be maintained by providing the packaging with a re-sealable seal. That being said, it may again be desirable to share the contents of the package with multiple consumers, at which point the benefit of the package cannot be enjoyed by consumers provided with package contents, but no package. Without using some form of secondary container, for example a tub or bowl or sealed container, it may be difficult or at least inconvenient for the consumer to in some way retain and store the confectionery with which they are being provided, and especially in a manner which will maintain freshness.

It is an aim of an example embodiment of the present invention to provide a package for a plurality of articles, and/or a method of making such a package, that at least partially obviates or mitigates at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, whether identified herein or elsewhere, or to provide an alternative to an existing package and/or a method of making such a package.

According to the present invention, there is provided a package for a plurality of articles, and/or a method of making such a package, as set forth in the independent claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description and Figures which follow.

According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a package for a plurality of articles, the package comprising: a single sheet of packaging material, opposing ends of the sheet being joined together such that the sheet surrounds the articles, and such that a join forms a lengthwise seal that extends along a length of the package, the lengthwise seal being a re-sealable seal; one or more cross seals extending across the lengthwise seal and the sheet to form a plurality of sealed compartments aligned in a linear manner, the lengthwise seal extending along the plurality of sealed compartments; each sealed compartment comprising an article.

According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a package for a plurality of articles, the package comprising: one or more sheets of packaging material, one or more ends of the one or more sheets being joined together such that the one or more sheets surround the articles, and such that one or more joins form a lengthwise seal that extends along a length of the package; one or more cross seals extending across the lengthwise seal and the one or more sheets to form a plurality of sealed compartments aligned in a linear manner, the lengthwise seal extending along the plurality of sealed compartments; each sealed compartment comprising an article; and each sealed compartment comprising an access configuration for facilitating access to the article located within, the access configuration extending across the sealed compartment in a direction substantially perpendicular to the one or more cross seals, and offset from a centre of the compartment.

According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a package for a plurality of articles, the package comprising: one or more sheets of packaging material, one or more ends of the one or more sheets being joined together such that the one or more sheets surround the articles and a join forms a lengthwise seal that extends along a length of the package; one or more cross seals extending across the lengthwise seal and the one or more sheets to form a plurality of sealed compartments aligned in a linear manner, the lengthwise seal extending along the plurality of sealed compartments; each sealed compartment comprising an article; and each sealed compartment comprising an access configuration for facilitating access to the article located within, the access configuration extending across the sealed compartment in a direction substantially perpendicular to the one or more cross seals, wherein the access configuration comprises a tear strip.

According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of producing a package for a plurality of articles, the method comprising: joining together opposing ends of a sheet of packaging material, such that the sheet surrounds the articles, and such that a join forms a lengthwise seal that extends along a length of the package, the lengthwise seal being a re-sealable seal; forming one or more cross seals that extend across the lengthwise seal and the sheet to form a plurality of sealed compartments aligned in a linear manner, the lengthwise seal extending along the plurality of sealed compartments, and an article being located in each compartment.

According toan embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of producing a package for a plurality of articles, the method comprising: joining together one or more ends of one or more sheets of packaging material, such that the one or more sheets surround the articles, and such that one or more joins form a lengthwise seal that extends along a length of the package; forming one or more cross seals that extend across the lengthwise seal and the one or more sheets to form a plurality of sealed compartments aligned in a linear manner, the lengthwise seal extending along the plurality of sealed compartments, and an article being located in each compartment; and forming an access configuration for each sealed compartment, for facilitating access to the article located within, the access configuration extending across the sealed compartment in a direction substantially perpendicular to the one or more cross seals, and being offset from a centre of the compartment.

According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of producing a package for a plurality of articles, the method comprising: joining together one or more ends of one or more sheets of packaging material, such that the one or more sheets surround the articles, and such that one or more joins form a lengthwise seal that extends along a length of the package; forming one or more cross seals that extend across the lengthwise seal and the one or more sheets to form a plurality of sealed compartments aligned in a linear manner, the lengthwise seal extending along the plurality of sealed compartments, and an article being located in each compartment; and forming an access configuration for each sealed compartment, for facilitating access to the article located within, the access configuration extending across the sealed compartment in a direction substantially perpendicular to the one or more cross seals, and being offset from a centre of the compartment, the access configuration comprising a tear strip.

The lengthwise seal may be re-sealable, for example a cold-seal. The lengthwise seal may be permanent, for example a hot seal.

Each compartment may be sealed in an air-tight manner.

The package may be formed from a single sheet, opposing ends of which are joined together to surround the articles. The package may be formed from more than one sheet, one or more ends of the one or more sheets being joined another sheet to surround the articles.

The package may comprise a divider between adjacent compartments, for facilitating separation of adjacent compartments.

The divider may comprise a line of perforations.

Each sealed compartment may comprise an access configuration for facilitating access to the article located within.

The access configuration may extend across, and/or may facilitate access and/or opening across, the sealed compartment.

The extension and/or access and/or opening may be in a direction substantially perpendicular to the one or more cross seals.

The extension and/or access and/or opening may be along or parallel to a length of package.

The access configuration may be offset from a centre of the compartment and/or the package. The centre may be a longitudinal centreline of the package.

Access configurations for a plurality of compartments may be aligned with one another.

Access configurations for a plurality of compartments may be substantially continuous across adjacent compartments, with the exception of a divider between adjacent compartments. The divider may facilitate separation of adjacent compartments.

The access configuration comprises one or more of: the lengthwise seal, or another lengthwise seal; a re-sealable seal; a tear strip; and/or a notch that facilitate tearing away of a part of the package.

The lengthwise seal and cross seals may be substantially perpendicular with respect to one another.

The package may have a length that is longer that its width. In some embodiments, this may be implicit when referring to a length of the package.

The article may have a length greater than its width. The article may be arranged within its compartment such that the length of the article is substantially perpendicular to the direction in which compartments are aligned in the linear manner.

The or each article may comprise confectionery.

The article may comprise chocolate-related material.

Features of any embodiment may, where appropriate to the skilled person, be combined with and/or replace a feature of another embodiment, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the independent claims.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic Figures in which: Figure 1 schematically depicts a package for a plurality of articles, in accordance with an embodiment; Figure 2 schematically depicts a rear view of the package of Figure 1; Figure 3 schematically depicts principles associated with a method for making the package of Figures 1 and 2, in accordance with an example embodiment; Figures 4 and 5 schematically depict principles associated with the sealing of opposing ends of a sheet used in the formation of the package, in accordance with an example embodiment; Figure 6 schematically depicts a package provided with an access configuration that is offset from a longitudinal centre of the package and a centre of compartments of the package, in accordance with an example embodiment; Figure 7 schematically depicts a package for a plurality of articles provided with an access configuration in the form of a tear strip, in accordance with an example embodiment; Figure 8 schematically depicts exemplary details that may be associated with the packages of Figures ito 7; and Figure 9 schematically depicts a method for making a package for a plurality of articles, in accordance with an example embodiment.

The Figures have not been drawn to any particular scale, and are only given as an explanatory aid for understanding example embodiments of the present invention. The same features appearing in different Figures have been given the same reference numerals for consistency and clarity.

Example embodiments of the present invention at least partially obviate or mitigate disadvantages of the prior art, whether identified herein, or elsewhere, and/or provide an alternative to approaches taken in the prior art. Example embodiments of the present invention are related, and yet distinct, and may each have their own associated and specific advantages.

According to one example embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a package for a plurality of articles. The package comprises a single sheet of packaging material. Opposing ends (e.g. opposing lengths or widths) of the sheet are joined together such that the sheet surrounds the articles. The join of the opposing ends of the sheet is such that the join forms a lengthwise seal that extends along a length of the package. The length is longer than the width of the package. The lengthwise seal is a re-sealable seal. One or more cross seals extend across the lengthwise seal and the sheet to form a plurality of sealed (e.g. airtight) compartments aligned in a linear manner, for example along the length of the package. The lengthwise seal extends along the plurality of sealed compartments. Each sealed compartment comprises an article.

This embodiment may be advantageous for a number of reasons. One reason is that the package is formed from a single sheet of packaging material. The use of a single sheet may reduce the amount of material required to produce a package, or the number of production processes required to produce that package. This may reduce production time and/or costs. Due to the construction of the package as a whole, fewer sealing steps may be required in order to form and seal the sealed compartments than if the sealed compartments were formed separately. For instance, the lengthwise seal provides a seal across all the compartments in one single step, as opposed to having to seal ends of sheets together for each individual compartment in an individual, independent manner. Additionally, because the lengthwise seal is a re-sealable seal, access to each individual compartment can be achieved in a selective, that is re-sealable, manner. This means that the article in the compartment does not need to be wholly consumed at any one time, but can be located or relocated within the compartment in a selective manner. Also, the division of the package into sealed compartments allows a volume of confectionery material to be divided into each of those compartments in the form of articles, for example for more selective consumption. Sealed compartments not accessed in any way may remain sealed, maintaining the freshness of the article located within. Also, the use of individually sealed compartments allows the sealed compartments to be distributed in any convenient manner, allowing different consumers to consume different articles from different sealed compartments.

One or more of the above advantages may also be applicable to other embodiments of the present invention. However, other example embodiments of the present invention also have different distinct advantages.

According to another example embodiment of the present invention there is provided a package for a plurality of articles. The package comprises one or more sheets of packaging material. One or more parts of one or more sheets (e.g. ends thereof) are joined together such that the one or more sheets surround the articles. One or more of the joins form a lengthwise seal that extends along a length of the package. One or more cross seals may extend the lengthwise seal and the one or more sheets to form a plurality of sealed compartments aligned in a linear manner. The lengthwise seal extends along the plurality of sealed compartments. Each sealed compartment comprises an article. Each sealed compartment comprises an access configuration for facilitating access to the article located within. The access configuration extends across the sealed compartment in a direction substantially perpendicular to the one or more cross seals. The access configuration is also offset from a centre of the compartment, and for instance a longitudinal centre line of the package as a whole. In one example, the access configuration could, in fact, be the lengthwise seal. In another example, the access configuration could be a configuration distinct from the lengthwise seal.

An advantage of this example embodiment is that the access configuration facilitates easy access to the article located within. Locating the access configuration off centre may provide a more convenient arrangement for accessing and removing, and potentially replacing, the article in relation to the compartment. If the access configuration were to be located at a centre of the compartment, it may be difficult or impossible to remove the article from the compartment without breaking the article or the compartment. Breaking the article may be undesirable from an aesthetic point of view and for consumer satisfaction. Breaking or otherwise reducing the structural integrity of the compartment may be undesirable if, for instance, the compartment is to be re-used, should the access configuration comprising a re-sealable seal or similar.

In another example embodiment, there is provided a package for a plurality of articles.

The package comprises one or more sheets of packaging material. One or more parts of one or more sheets (e.g. ends thereof) are joined together such that the one or more sheets surround the articles. A join of the sheets forms a lengthwise seal that extends along a length of the package. One or more cross seals are provided, which extend across the lengthwise seal and the one or more sheets in order to form a plurality of sealed compartments aligned in a linear manner. The lengthwise seal extends along a plurality of sealed compartments. Each sealed compartment comprises an article. Each sealed compartment comprises an access configuration for facilitating access to the article located within. The access configuration extends across the sealed compartment in a direction substantially perpendicular to the one or more cross seals. In this example embodiment, the access configuration comprises a tear strip, sometimes referred to as a tear tape or the like. The tear strip may be embedded within the sheet or sheets, be attached to the sheet or sheets, or be a part of the sheet or sheets.

A distinct advantage of this particular example embodiment is the provision of a tear strip as the access configuration. Since the lengthwise seal extends across all of the compartments, which has advantages as discussed above, it may be difficult to tailor the position, location or configuration of the lengthwise seal in order to facilitate easy access to an article within the compartment. A tear strip is a particularly convenient way of achieving such access. The tear strip extends all the way across the compartment, therefore allowing the compartment to be entirely opened for accessing the article located within. This is in contrast, for example, with the simple provision of a notch at the edge of a compartment for use in tearing part of the packaging material away to gain access to the article. Such a notch may not result in a clean tear or similar, and may not result in it being easy or even possible to access the article within the compartment.

More detail of example embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to Figures 1 to 9.

Figure 1 schematically depicts a plan view of a plurality of packages, each in accordance with an example embodiment. One package (2) is shown in its entirety. Only the ends of other, adjacent packages (4) are shown. Curvy lines (6) indicate that the remainder of the further packages (4) is not shown. The packages (2, 4) are shown to emphasise how packages may leave a production process or the like, for example in a linear manner on a conveyor of some kind.

Figure 2 shows a rear view of the packages (2, 4). Figures 1 and 2 will be referred to in combination. Package (2) will be referred to mainly, but described principles will be equally applicable to other packages (4).

The package (2) is at least partially formed by joining opposing ends of a sheet (8) of packaging material. The ends may be opposing outer sides. The ends are joined together such that the sheet (8) surrounds articles (10) (shown in dashed outline) within a space or volume formed by the sheet(S). The ends of the sheet (8) are joined together such that the join forms a lengthwise seal (12) that extends along a length of the package (2).

The sheet (8) may be formed from material conventional in the art. For instance, the sheet may comprise a polymer or a foil.

The seal (12) is a re-sealable seal which allows access to the articles (10) to be achieved in a selective and repeatable manner. The seal (12), or any seal that extends across a face of the package (2), may be located on a rear of the package (2), and be referred to as a back seal. Being on the rear of the package, the seal (12) may be substantially hidden from a consumer when the consumer views the front of the package, where a brand or similar may be located.

The package (2) further comprises one or more cross seals (14) that extend across the lengthwise seal (12) and sheet (8). The seals (14) are provided to form a plurality of sealed compartments (16) that extend in a linear manner along the length of the package (2). The lengthwise seal (12) can be seen as extending along a plurality of sealed compartments (16).

Each sealed compartment (16) thus comprises an article (10). Each compartment (16) may be sealed in an air-tight manner.

The package (2) additionally comprises one or more dividers (18) that are located between adjacent compartments (16), and which facilitate separation of adjacent compartments (16). For example, the dividers (18) may facilitate tearing or pulling of one compartment (16) away from another, adjacent compartment (16). A convenient way of providing the divider (18) is the use of a line of perforations. The perforations do not necessarily need to be circular in shape, but could be dash-like in shape or any shape which facilitates the ready separation of adjacent compartments (16) from one another.

Although not shown in Figures 1 and 2, further lengthwise seals or reinforcement may be provided along one or both lengthwise edges of the package (4). Any seal may not be essential, since a functional seal may already be provided by the sheet (8) at this location.

However, a seal or crimping or similar may improve the sealing functionality, or the structural integrity of the sheet (4) at this point, and/or may provide an additional access configuration for facilitating access to the article (10) within each compartment (16). An access configuration may extend across, and/or facilitate opening across, a sealed compartment (16), for example in a direction substantially perpendicular to the one or more cross seals (18). This may provide for convenient access to the article (10) or interior of the compartment (16), and/or may also facilitate relatively easy provision of the access configuration during production of the package. That is, if the access configuration extends along a length of the package (2), and/or a length in which the package (2) moves during production, the configuration may be easier to provide during production of that package (2).

In Figures 1 and 2, the access configuration is the re-sealable lengthwise seal (12). It can be seen that the access configuration for each compartment (16) is thus aligned for each compartment (16). This means that the access configuration for each compartment can, again, be provided in one production process, for example a continuous production process such as the joining of opposing ends of the sheet (8). To that extent, it can be seen that the access configurations for the plurality of compartments (16) are substantially continuous across adjacent compartments (16), with the exception of the provision of the divider or dividers (18) between adjacent compartments (16).

In Figures 1 and 2, the access configuration is conveniently provided by the seal between opposing ends of the sheet (8) which form the re-sealable lengthwise seal (12). In other example embodiments, a different access configuration can be provided, and/or in a different location. For instance, the access configuration could be another lengthwise seal, a re-sealable seal, a tear strip, and/or a notch provided in a portion of the sheet. The access configuration could be located away from a centre of the compartment (16) and/or package (2) as a whole.

The lengthwise seal (12), or in other words join between the sheet (8) or sheets (not shown) may be substantially perpendicular with respect to the cross seals (14), which may allow for a more straight forward production process and/or usability of the resultant package (4).

The articles (10) may comprise confectionery. As already discussed above, confectionery is something which needs to be kept fresh, but which might also need to be rationed in some way, for example in a treat-like manner or for dietary requirements. Also, confectionery is often shared, either amongst family members or friends. Thus, the packaging (2) described herein might be particularly suited to confectionery. The confectionery may comprise chocolate-related material. That is, the chocolate-related material might be, or comprise, chocolate, chocolate flavouring or colouring, and/or be a chocolate-substitute or similar. In other example embodiments, the articles may be of another nature, for example articles that also need to be kept fresh, and which portions may need to be rationed or similar.

Figures 3 to 5 will now be used to describe an exemplary method for making the package of Figures 1 and 2, and also packages similar to those shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 3 indicates with arrow (20) that articles may be loaded onto the sheet of packaging material (8). The sheet (8) may be carried and/or conveyed by a conveyor (not shown). It is worth noting that in order to package the articles (10), the articles (10) do not need to be individually dropped into or placed into a pre-formed package, which could assist in the rapid and efficient packaging of such articles. It is also worth noting that the articles (10) may have a length greater than their width, and that the article (10) is loaded onto the sheet (8) such that the article (10) is loaded with its length substantially perpendicular to the length of the resultant package. This may allow the package to be formed in an efficient space-saving manner, in comparison with if the articles (10) were arranged lengthwise within the package.

Adjacent the arrow (20) the sheet (8) is shown having a distinct beginning or end.

However, in practice, the provision or feeding of the sheet (8) may be substantially continuous, and for example fed from a reel, or similar, of sheet material.

Once loaded onto the sheet (8), the sheet (8) and articles (10) may together be conveyed on a conveyor or similar. Ends of the sheet are then folded or in some way manipulated into contact with one another as indicated by arrow (22). For instance, one or more arms, levers or guides may be used to achieve this. The ends of the sheet (B) are then sealed with respect to one another to ensure that the articles (10) are then located within the sheet (4), the sealing being indicated by arrow (24). A combination of heat, adhesive and/or pressure may be used to achieve the seal.

Cross seals (14) and dividers (18) are then be provided as indicated by arrows (26, 28) respectively. A combination of heat, adhesive and/or pressure may be used to achieve the sealing (26). Perforating may be used to form (28) the divider (18). One or more cutting operations denoted by arrows (28) are then implemented to separate the sheet (8) forming the package (2) from sheet (8) not forming the package (2). Sheet (8) not forming a particular package may be upstream and/or downstream portions, which portions may be part of an upstream or downstream package.

The cross sealing (26), dividing (28) and cutting (30) may be provided substantially at the same time, or in a certain sequence, or whatever might be appropriate depending on the apparatus that has been used to provide these functions. For instance, the sealing (26) and dividing (28) may be provided by one and the same apparatus at the same or different times, or by different apparatus at the same or different times.

Figure 4 shows an end on cross-section of the package (2). The Figure shows that the lengthwise seal (12) that is formed when the opposing ends of the sheet (8) are brought and sealed together may be a fin seal. A fin seal may be advantageous over, for instance, a lap seal. An advantage might be ease of access to articles contained within the package (4). For instance, it may be easier to grip and/or unseal such a fin seal (12) Figure 5 shows that after being formed, the seal (12) may not, and likely will not, stand proud, but will lie instead lie flat.

Figures 6 to 8 will now be used to describe some detail of different example embodiments of a package. The different details may be applied to other embodiments described herein, either replacing or adding to features of those other embodiments.

Figure 6 shows a rear view of a package (40) according to en exemplary embodiment.

The package (40) is much the same as the package described in relation to Figures 1 and 2.

However, in contrast to the package of Figures 1 and 2, the package of Figure 6 has a lengthwise seal (42) -which might additionally or alternatively be described as an access configuration -that is offset with respect to a longitudinal centre of the package (40), and thus a centre of compartments (44) defined in the package (40). An advantage of this offsetting might be that it might be easier to access an article (46) within a compartment (44), remove an article (46) from a compartment (44), and/or re-locate an article within a compartment (44) defined in the package (40), in comparison with if the lengthwise seal/access configuration (42) was located at a centre of the package (40). This arrangement might also serve to make it easier to undertake such actions without damaging the package (40) or specific compartment (44) Figure 7 shows a rear view of a package (50) according to another example embodiment. Again, the package (50) is much the same as the package shown in and described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. A difference is that the package (50) in Figure 7 is provided with an access configuration in the form of a tear strip (52). The tear strip (52) extends substantially across all compartments (54) of the package (50), and may be provided in a single and continuous manner during the production process. For instance, the tear strip (52) may be preformed in the sheet (56) used to form the package (50).

The tear strip (52) may provide a convenient access configuration for accessing articles (58) located within compartments (54) of the package (50). The access configuration in the form of the tear strip (52) may be in addition to a lengthwise seal (60), as previously described.

If the lengthwise seal (60) is not re-sealable in nature, and for example be permanent in nature, then the tear strip (52) may provide a convenient way of accessing the articles (58) located within the compartments (54). The tear strip (52) also provides a very convenient way of quickly accessing the respective compartment (54), and also ensures that the compartment (54) is totally open and remains open, rather than providing a partial opening at a corner, or a partially removed flap that might hinder access to the compartment.

Figure 8 shows some further detail of a part of a package (70). Curved lines (72) are provided simply to delineate part of the package (70) that is shown from parts of the package (70) that are not shown. The package is similar to that already shown in and described with reference to Figures 1-7. As with all other example embodiments described herein, the detail shown and described may be used with any other package described herein, if appropriate.

Figure 8 shows that a divider (74) that divides adjacent compartments (76) may comprise or be further supplemented with one or more cut outs (78). The cuts outs (78) may extend across and cut through a lengthwise seal (80) and any sheet portion forming a part of that seal (80). This facilitates or assists in allowing for the separation of adjacent compartments (76) when the adjacent compartments (76) are pulled apart from one another along the divider (74).

For the same or similar reasons, one or more notches, or notches connected by a cut out (82), may be provided which are located either side of, and/or extend across and cut through, a tear tape (84). Such a cut through the tear tape (84) may prevent the tear tape (84) from keeping adjacent compartments (76) attached when relative separation is attempted.

Notches (82) may provide a visual and/or physical guide for identifying, using and/or guiding the tear tape (84) when used. This may assist in more easily accessing articles (86) in the package (70).

Figure 9 schematically depicts a method for forming a package in accordance with an example embodiment. It will be appreciated that the method may be subtly different for the formation of subtly different packages, for example the different packages described above.

Referring to Figure 9, in one example embodiment the method comprises joining together opposing ends of a sheet of packaging material, such that the sheet surrounds articles, a join forming a lengthwise seal that extends along a length of the package (90).

Next, the method comprises forming one or more cross seals that extend across the lengthwise seal and the sheet to form a plurality of sealed compartments aligned in a linear manner, an article thus being located in each compartment, and the lengthwise seal extending along the plurality of sealed compartments (92).

Different specific methods may comprise different specific steps or similar. Also, different parts of the method do not necessarily need to be undertaken in a particular order, and the parts of the method may be undertaken in an order different to that shown in Figure 9, or described herein, so long as the finally formed package is as intended. For example, sealing, cutting, dividing, perforation, or the like, processes may be undertaken in a certain sequence, in any sequence, at different times, at the same time, and so on.

Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), andlor all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A package for a plurality of articles, the package comprising: a single sheet of packaging material, opposing ends of the sheet being joined together such that the sheet surrounds the articles, and such that a join forms a lengthwise seal that extends along a length of the package, the lengthwise seal being a re-sealable seal; one or more cross seals extending across the lengthwise seal and the sheet to form a plurality of sealed compartments aligned in a linear manner, the lengthwise seal extending along the plurality of sealed compartments; each sealed compartment comprising an article.
2. The package of claim 1, wherein the package comprises a divider between adjacent compartments, for facilitating separation of adjacent compartments.
3. The package of claim 2, wherein the divider comprises a line of perforations.
4. The package of any preceding claim, wherein each sealed compartment comprises an access configuration for facilitating access to the article located within.
5. The package of claim 4, wherein the access configuration extends across, and/or facilitates opening across, the sealed compartment in a direction substantially perpendicular to the one or more cross seals.
6. The package of claim 5, wherein the access configuration is offset from a centre of the compartment.
7. The package of any of claims 4 to 6, wherein access configurations of a plurality of compartments are aligned with one another.
8. The package of any of claims 4 to 7, wherein access configurations of a plurality of compartments are substantially continuous across adjacent compartments, with the exception of a divider between adjacent compartments, the divider facilitating separation of adjacent compartments.
9. The package of any of claims 4 to 8, wherein the access configuration comprises one or more of: the lengthwise seal, or another lengthwise seal; a re-sealable seal; a tear strip; a notch.
10. The package of any preceding claim, wherein the lengthwise seal and cross seals are substantially perpendicular with respect to one another.
11. The package of any preceding claim, wherein the article has a length greater than its width, and the article is arranged within its compartment such that the length is substantially perpendicular to the direction in which compartments are aligned in the linear manner.
12. The package of any preceding claim, wherein the article comprises confectionery.
13. The package of any preceding claim, wherein the article comprises chocolate-related material.
14. A package for a plurality of articles, the package comprising: one or more sheets of packaging material, one or more parts of the one or more sheets being joined together such that the one or more sheets surround the articles, and such that one or more joins form a lengthwise seal that extends along a length of the package; one or more cross seals extending across the lengthwise seal and the one or more sheets to form a plurality of sealed compartments aligned in a linear manner, the lengthwise seal extending along the plurality of sealed compartments; each sealed compartment comprising an article; and each sealed compartment comprising an access configuration for facilitating access to the article located within, the access configuration extending across the sealed compartment in a direction substantially perpendicular to the one or more cross seals, and offset from a centre of the compartment.
15. A package for a plurality of articles, the package comprising: one or more sheets of packaging material, one or more parts of the one or more sheets being joined together such that the one or more sheets surround the articles and a join forms a lengthwise seal that extends along a length of the package; one or more cross seals extending across the lengthwise seal and the one or more sheets to form a plurality of sealed compartments aligned in a linear manner, the lengthwise seal extending along the plurality of sealed compartments; each sealed compartment comprising an article; and each sealed compartment comprising an access configuration for facilitating access to the article located within, the access configuration extending across the sealed compartment in a direction substantially perpendicular to the one or more cross seals, wherein the access configuration comprises a tear strip.
16. A method of producing a package for a plurality of articles, the method comprising: joining together opposing ends of a sheet of packaging material, such that the sheet surrounds the articles, and such that a join forms a lengthwise seal that extends along a length of the package, the lengthwise seal being a re-sealable seal; forming one or more cross seals that extend across the lengthwise seal and the sheet to form a plurality of sealed compartments aligned in a linear manner, the lengthwise seal extending along the plurality of sealed compartments, and an article being located in each compartment.
17. A method of producing a package for a plurality of articles, the method comprising: joining together one or more parts of one or more sheets of packaging material, such that the one or more sheets surround the articles, and such that one or more joins form a lengthwise seal that extends along a length of the package; forming one or more cross seals that extend across the lengthwise seal and the one or more sheets to form a plurality of sealed compartments aligned in a linear manner, the lengthwise seal extending along the plurality of sealed compartments, and an article being located in each compartment; and forming an access configuration for each sealed compartment, for facilitating access to the article located within, the access configuration extending across the sealed compartment in a direction substantially perpendicular to the one or more cross seals, and being offset from a centre of the compartment.
18. A method of producing a package for a plurality of articles, the method comprising: joining together one or more parts of one or more sheets of packaging material, such that the one or more sheets surround the articles, and such that one or more joins form a lengthwise seal that extends along a length of the package; forming one or more cross seals that extend across the lengthwise seal and the one or more sheets to form a plurality of sealed compartments aligned in a linear manner, the lengthwise seal extending along the plurality of sealed compartments, and an article being located in each compartment; and forming an access configuration for each sealed compartment, for facilitating access to the article located within, the access configuration extending across the sealed compartment in a direction substantially perpendicular to the one or more cross seals, and being offset from a centre of the compartment, the access configuration comprising a tear strip.
19. A package or method substantially as herein described, as depicted in the accompanying Figures, and/or as described with reference to the accompanying Figures.