JP2010195489A - Composite package - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an improvement over known packages. <P>SOLUTION: A package includes two or more cartons each containing one or more articles. The two or more cartons are conjoined by virtue of a panel unitarily formed with a first one of the two or more cartons. The panel serves as part of a wall of the first carton and serves to connect the first carton to at least one other of the two or more cartons so that the two or more cartons form a single package. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to one or more blanks for forming packages, cartons and individual cartons. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a package comprising at least two coupled cartons.

  In the field of packaging, the package must be rugged and suitable for its purpose, and at the same time use a minimal amount of material in terms of forming the package for economic and environmental reasons. is important. In storage and retail environments, the compressive strength of the package and carton is important because many packages are often stacked on top of each other and the load placed on the lower carton is significant. The articles included in the package can provide some support, but not all articles. An article that is soft, flexible, or brittle, for example, does not support a carton loaded under compression or provides sufficient assistance to support it.

  In addition, in the field of packaging, durable packages that protect an article or group of goods that move from a manufacturing plant to a storage and / or retail point through a delivery chain are then eventually home by a consumer. It is important that it can be easily opened when taken home.

  The present invention seeks to provide improvements over known packages.

  According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a package comprising two or more cartons, each containing one or more articles, the two or more cartons being joined together thanks to a panel hinged to one carton. The panel serves as part of the wall of the carton and serves to connect one carton to at least one other two or more cartons so that the connected carton is essentially simply Forming a package that is one.

  Preferably, the package comprises two or more cartons, in which the first hinged panel of the carton is used as part of the end wall of the first carton, between the first carton and the second carton. A panel that is used to provide a first connection and in which a panel hinged to a second carton is used as part of the end wall of the second carton and separates the second carton and two or more cartons Used to provide a second connection between things.

  More preferably, the package comprises two cartons, in which a panel hinged to the second carton is used as part of the end wall of the second carton, and the second carton between the second carton and the first carton. Used to provide two connections, where the first and second connections are located on opposite sides of the package.

  Preferably, the two or more cartons are each formed from separate blank components.

  Optionally, one carton has a cylindrical structure, the end of which is closed by a composite end wall formed from a series of end flaps, where it is hinged to one carton A panel forms part of the composite end wall.

  Preferably, each of the two or more cartons is completely surrounded regardless of the panel hinged to one carton used to connect one carton to at least one other carton of the two or more cartons. Single carton.

  Optionally, the package comprises means for separating the carton of the package and / or means for each carton of the package to access the contents of that carton.

  Preferably, the panel hinged in one carton is dimensioned so that it overlaps and reinforces one other complete wall of two or more cartons. More preferably, the other one of the two or more cartons has a tubular structure, the end of which is closed by a composite end wall formed from a series of end flaps, and there is a panel The complete wall reinforced by is a composite end wall.

  Optionally, the at least two cartons provide support for a compressive load applied to the package in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the abutting walls of the abutting walls of the cartons. Be placed.

  Optionally, the first panel comprises an adhesive flap hingedly connected thereto.

  Preferably, the first panel is used as part of the end wall of the second carton, where the second panel is used as part of the end wall of the first carton.

  Optionally, the first panel comprises a first adhesive flap hingedly connected thereto, and the first adhesive flap is used as part of the front or rear wall of the second carton, the front or rear wall being Located near the end wall of the second carton.

  Optionally, the second panel comprises a second adhesive flap hingedly connected thereto, and the second adhesive flap is used as part of the front or rear wall of the first carton, the front or rear wall being Located near the end wall of the first carton.

  According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming a carton wall and comprising a hinged panel therein, the panel being a blank Can be folded to form part of the wall of a carton formed from and the panel is operable to provide a connection between the carton formed from the blank and the other carton.

  Another aspect of the present invention provides a partially formed blank comprising a blank according to the immediately preceding paragraph, wherein the two panels are secured together.

  Another aspect of the present invention provides a partially formed blank referred to in the preceding paragraph having a carton formed from the blank or a panel hinged thereto, the panel being part of the carton wall. And the panel is operable to connect the carton to another carton.

  Preferably, the carton has a cylindrical structure, the end of which is closed by a composite end wall formed from a series of end flaps, where the panel hinged to one carton is its Form part of a composite end wall.

  Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It is a top view which shows the blank for forming the carton by 1st Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the package provided with the pair of cartons each formed from the kind of blank shown by FIG. FIG. 3 shows the package of FIG. 2 with the tear pieces partially opened for opening the package and separating the carton. FIG. 4 shows the carton of the package of FIGS. 2 and 3 separated after the tear piece has been fully manipulated. FIG. 5 shows the separated carton in the open state. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a calm arrangement of multiple cartons to form a single package with many connected cartons. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a calm arrangement of multiple cartons to form a single package with many connected cartons. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a calm arrangement of multiple cartons to form a single package with many connected cartons. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a calm arrangement of multiple cartons to form a single package with many connected cartons. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a calm arrangement of multiple cartons to form a single package with many connected cartons.

The present invention relates to a package comprising one or more cartons each containing one or more articles. Although the illustrated example shows a pair of paperboard cartons C1, C2, it can be appreciated that other suitable foldable sheet materials can be used. The article held by the carton is not shown in the drawing. The size, configuration, number and shape of the articles to be packaged may affect the size, configuration and certain structural aspects of the carton, and the depicted cartons and the blanks to make them are only non-limiting examples It must be understood that. The present invention can be applied to a variety of carton structures useful for including a variety of articles. The formed package comprises at least two cartons, which need not be formed from the same material. However, in a preferred example, both cartons are formed from paperboard material and both cartons are similarly sized.
In FIG. 1, a blank 10 is shown for forming a carton C1 as seen in FIGS. The blank 10 includes a series of panels including a back panel 12, a bottom panel 14, a front panel 16 and a top panel 18. These main panels 12, 14, 16, 18 are hinged together in series along fold lines 22, 24 and 26, respectively.

  For carton construction, it is assumed that the carton can be formed by a series of continuous folding operations of a linear machine so that the carton does not need to be rotated or flipped to complete the construction. Has been. The folding process is not limited to that described below and can be varied according to specific manufacturing requirements.

  The adhesive panel 19 is hinged to the back panel 12 along the fold line 20. This allows the back panel 12 and the top panel 18 to be secured together, thereby forming a carton with an open end. This type of carton structure is known as a standard shipping carton “RSC”. In another application of the present invention, the specific order and arrangement of the panels forming the structural wall of the carton may differ from the examples shown here. Indeed, the adhesive panel 19 is completely optional and in other applications the carton may be held in an upright form by other means including but not limited to mechanical locks and / or mechanical fasteners. .

  To close the end of the carton, a series of end flaps are hingedly connected to the edge of each end of the main panel. The end flaps 30a, 32a, 34a, 36a are along their right hand side (as seen in FIG. 1) to the main panels 12, 14, 16, 18 and along fold lines 40a, 42a, 44a, 46a. It is hinged. Similarly, end flaps 30b, 32b, 34b, 36b extend along their left hand side (as seen in FIG. 1) to main panels 12, 14, 16, 18 and fold lines 40b, 42b, 44b, 46b. Is hinged along.

  It is known in the prior art to close the end of a carton using many foldable end flaps to create a composite end wall. The blank 10 is printed at a carton manufacturing plant, cut and creased, and an adhesive flap 19 is also placed and manipulated to attach the back panel 12 to the top panel 18. This is accomplished simply by applying adhesive beads to the adhesive flap 19 and folding the blank 10 around the fold line 24. This causes the top panel 18 to contact the adhesive beads. Pressure may be applied to affix the top panel 18 to the adhesive flap 19 and to the back panel 12. In this partially formed but flat folded state, the blank 10 is unrolled from the manufacturing plant into a cylindrical configuration and the article is loaded through one or both open ends. To the plant where the blank is converted into a carton. The end flaps 30a, 32a, 34a, 36a are folded into an overlapping relationship to close the right hand end of the carton. In application, the article is a top load or an end load from one end, and the right end of the carton may be closed first, the carton is loaded through the left hand end, and the left hand end is closed.

  The present invention differs from a normal carton by the provision of a considerably expanded end flap or connection panel 34b. This expanded end flap 34b is unitarily formed in the blank 10 and is hingedly connected to the front panel 16 along the fold line 44b and is used as the last closing flap to close the left hand end. The extended end flap 34b also connects the first carton C1 (eg, the carton described above) to the second carton C2 (eg, a carton formed from another blank that is essentially identical to the blank 10). Also works. To accomplish the second function, the enlarged end flap 34 b includes an adhesive flap 39 that is hinged to the enlarged end flap 34 b along the fold line 48.

  A second carton C2 formed from another blank 10 can be attached to the first carton C2 by means of the enlarged end flaps 34b of the first and second cartons C1, C2. The two cartons C1, C2 to be fixed are calmed or juxtaposed, so that the panels 12 of the cartons C1, C2 are in front contact relationship (or the cartons C1, C2 are rear contact relationship) So, the end of each carton is lined up. Manipulating the two cartons C1, C2 in this way can be automated by packaging the device and can instead be accomplished manually.

  Adhesive is applied to the respective adhesive flaps 39 of the cartons C1, C2, and the enlarged end flaps 34b are folded at the respective folding lines 44b toward the cartons C1, C2, respectively, thereby closing the left hand end of each carton C1, C2. To complete. The enlarged end flap 34b of the first carton C1 is also overlapped at the right hand end of the second carton C2 in parallel, thereby further securing the closed right hand end of the second carton C2. The adhesive flap 39 of the enlarged end flap 34b of the first carton C1 is folded about the fold line 48 and is brought into flat front contact with the front panel 16 of the second carton C2, so that the two cartons C1, C2 are brought together. Connected together. Similarly, the enlarged end flap 34b of the second carton is folded to close the left hand end of the second carton C2 and overlaps the right hand end of the first carton (so that the first carton C1 Further secure the closed right hand end). The adhesive flap 39 of the enlarged end flap 34b of the second carton C2 is used (to the adhesive flap 39 of the first carton C1 to bond the second enlarged end flap 34b to the front panel 16 of the first carton C1. ) It operates in exactly the same way as described above. The resulting double carton, still single or unit package 50 is illustrated in FIG.

  The method described above is not limiting. In other constructions, the enlarged end flap 34b can be attached directly (by glue or other mechanical fastening) to another end flap 30b, 32b, 36b of the first carton C1, and / or Alternatively, it can be attached directly to the end flaps 30a, 32a, 34a, 36a of the second carton C2. Other attachment means can be deployed in other embodiments, and as such, the adhesive flap 39 is optional. Indeed, in envisaged embodiments, the enlarged end flap 34b can be glued directly to the second carton without the presence of the glue flap 39 as described above. In a further envisaged embodiment, the enlarged end flap 34b can be locked to the second carton C2 by a mechanical locking mechanism.

  Once the two cartons C1, C2 are joined or attached, the formed composite package 50 has a robust structure and improved compression resistance compared to RSC formed from similar caliper paperboard with similar overall dimensions. The In addition, forming the composite package 50 from the two cartons C1, C2 means that the individual blank dimensions have the same overall dimensions from one single blank (hence packaging the same internal capacity as the composite package 50) Provides an additional advantage in that it is reduced compared to the non-composite package formed. To ensure that the two cartons C1, C2 remain undamaged because each carton is self-contained and has the ability to contain the article securely on its own. It is individual in that it does not rely on the characteristics of other cartons. Each carton C1, C2 is formed from its own blank 10 material. In the preferred embodiment shown, the blank for each carton C1 is a single blank; however, in other embodiments, more than one blank can be utilized to form each carton. . However, each carton C1, C2 forming the composite package 50 is preferably formed from its own blank. In this way, a smaller blank 10 material is required to form the entire composite package 50. These blanks 10 are significant in size and can be nested more efficiently when cutting from a larger sheet of material compared to a single blank to form the package 50. Only one such “large” blank can be formed from the starting sheet of paperboard as compared to the so-called three “smaller” blanks 10 that can be cut from the starting sheet of the same size paperboard. As good as As such, a smaller blank 10 is formed to form smaller carton units C1, C2 with coupling means for attaching the carton units C1, C2 together to form a composite package 50 having unit properties. Utilizing can be more materially efficient compared to forming a single package unit.

  The presence of the carton walls 12, 12 having an upright structure inside the composite package 50 significantly contributes to the compressive strength or load carrying capacity of the package 50. As such, the combination of individual self-contained carton units C1, C2 to form a composite package can withstand loads applied parallel or substantially parallel to the plane of the internal structural walls 12,12. Provided for a stronger package in terms of ability.

  In order to separate the mounted cartons C1, C2, the enlarged end flap 34b optionally comprises a separating means 52. In the illustrated embodiment, the separating means 52 comprises a pair of frangible connections 54a, 54b and an initiator tab 56, the frangible connections 54a, 54b defining a tear strip 58 therebetween. By grabbing the initiator tab 56 (access to it is provided by the opening 70), the user can pull the tear piece 58 down and can progressively break the fragile connections 54a, 54. it can. This is illustrated in FIGS. The separated cartons C1, C2 are shown in FIG.

  In order to obtain individual access to each carton C1, C2, each front and top panel 16, 18 is perforated or fragile line 60 and an initiator tab 62 located proximate to the fragile line 60. Is provided. By pushing against the upper portion of the tab 62, the user can break the portion of the fragile line 60 near the tab 62, and the user can grab the end of the portion of the front panel 16, In order to progressively break the fragile connection 60, it can be manipulated by pulling it away from the carton. Once removed, an opening “O” is created and access to the respective internal space can thereby be obtained (see FIG. 5).

  Many other means for gaining access to the carton are known in the prior art, many of which can be applied to cartons or packages having the carton coupling means of the present invention. The separating means 52 and the access means 60/62 shown in this embodiment constitute a few examples of such separating means, which is a non-essential feature of the present invention.

  In FIGS. 6-10, schematics are provided in an exemplary manner so that multiple cartons C1, C2, C3, etc. can settle together using the enlarged end flaps 34b to create a single composite package. Form. FIG. 6 shows two adjacent cartons C1, C2. FIG. 7 shows four adjacent cartons C1, C2, C3, C4. FIG. 8 shows six adjacent cartons C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6. FIG. 9 shows nine adjacent cartons C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9. FIG. 10 shows 16 adjacent cartons C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9, C10, C11, C12, C13, C14, C15, C16.

  The adhesive flap 39 of the enlarged end flap 34b of one carton C1 shown as used to attach the enlarged end flap to the front panel 16 of the adjacent carton C2 of FIGS. 2 and 3 is shown in FIG. ~ Omitted in another example of the present application shown in the schematic of FIG. The enlarged end flap 34b shown in FIGS. 6-10 may be attached using an adhesive applied to its inner surface and / or applied to the wall of an adjacent carton. In other embodiments, an optional adhesive flap 39 is used.

  In FIG. 6, only two cartons C1, C2 are connected together and the cartons are coupled to each other. Since the same carton blank is used for each carton C1, C2, they each have an enlarged end flap 34b and the like, and the enlarged end flap 34b of the first carton C1 is joined to the second carton. The enlarged end flap 34b of the second carton C2 is joined to the first carton. By using the enlarged end flap 34b available to join the cartons C1 and C2 together, the connecting loop is closed. However, in each of the arrangements having two or more cartons connected in a calm configuration (FIGS. 7-10), an enlarged flap 34b of one carton joins that carton to an adjacent carton. The adjacent cartons are coupled to different adjacent cartons. For example, consider FIG.

  In the application of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 7, a group of four cartons are joined together using an enlarged end flap 34b. The first carton C1 uses its enlarged end flap 34b to attach its first carton C1 to the adjacent second carton C2 to close its left hand end. The second carton C2 is arranged with its right-hand composite end (36a / 34a / 32a / 30a) in contact with the back panel of the first carton C1, and the second carton has its enlarged end flap 34b, Used to close the left hand end and to attach the second carton C2 to the third carton C3.

  The third carton C3 is disposed in contact with the second carton C2, but is not in contact with the first carton C1. The third right side carton C3 (30a / 32a / 34a / 36a) is disposed in contact with the back panel 12 of the second carton C2. The third carton C3 uses its enlarged end flap 34b to bring it closer to its left hand end and to attach the third carton C3 to the adjacent fourth carton C4.

  The fourth carton 4 has its right hand end (36a / 34a / 32a / 30a) in contact with the back panel of the third carton C3, and its back panel 12 has the right hand end (36a / 34a) of the first carton C1. / 32a / 30a) so as to contact each other. None of the panels of the fourth carton C4 are in surface contact with the panels of the second carton C2. The fourth carton C4 uses its enlarged end flap 34b to close its left-hand end and to attach the fourth carton C4 to the adjacent first carton C1, and thus settled four Make a carton arrangement. The resulting configuration is obtained in the same or similar manner as described above in connection with the separation of two cartons using the separation means 52 (or similarly suitable separation mechanism) in the individual cartons C1, C2, C3. , C4 can be separated.

  In an alternative not shown configuration for forming a composite four-carton package, the first and second cartons are back-back, the third and fourth cartons are back-back, and the left-hand composite of the second carton. The end abuts the right hand composite end of the third carton and the right hand end of the first carton abuts the left hand end of the fourth carton. In this arrangement, the end and the back need not be the same width. However, in this configuration, the enlarged end flaps 34b of the second and fourth cartons are folded and bonded in a corner arrangement. In this angular arrangement, the enlarged end flap 34b of the second carton overlaps the left hand end of the front panel 16 and the third carton, and the enlarged end flap 34b of the fourth carton is overlapped by the front panel 16 and the first carton. Stack the left hand edge.

  If the cartons are arranged in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 7-10, the composite end walls of each carton are preferably equal in width to the front panel. This is not always necessary, but when there is no wasted space in the core of the arrangement, a calm carton is packaged most efficiently. As an additional advantage, the multi-carton arrangement that is provided can have an outer wall that is completely formed from an enlarged end flap, which has a uniform and aesthetically pleasing exterior surface and an enlarged Billboards for brand and graphic media printed on end flaps 34b can be immediately provided.

  In FIG. 8, it is shown how the same mechanism is used to link a group of six cartons connected in a looped continuum, with the enlarged end flap 34b of the first carton C1 being The carton is attached to the second carton C2, the enlarged end flap 34b of the second carton C2 attaches the carton to the third carton C3, and the sixth carton C6 attaches the enlarged end flap 34b to the sixth carton. Continue until the carton is used to attach to the first carton.

  A similar mechanism is used for the nine connected cartons C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 and C9, which are shown in FIG. Are spiraled together to make a 3x3 carton arrangement. The most central carton, C9, is attached by one outer carton, in this case an end flap 34b enlarged to C8. Cartons C8, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7 are connected together and placed around the center carton C9. The outer loop carton, (cartons C8-C1), is connected together completely by a carton C7 located in the lower left hand corner to connect to the carton 8 using its enlarged end flap 34b. .

  Many and various multi-carton arrangements are possible. The illustrated example represents a sample of how the mechanism taught by the present invention can be implemented. One further example is shown in FIG. This final illustrated arrangement is in no way indicative of the final method and / or arrangement in which the cartons are connected. In FIG. 10, 16 cartons are looped together. The four innermost cartons (C13, C14, C15 and C16) are surrounded by twelve outermost cartons C1-C12. An arrangement can be made by collecting and connecting pairs of inner and outer cartons. As such, the innermost carton C13 is connected to carton C12 by its enlarged end flaps 34b (carton C12 continues to form part of the outer loop). In a similar manner, carton C14 is connected to carton C3 by its enlarged end flap 34b (carton C3 continues to form part of the outer loop). Two additional pairs of C6 in carton C15 and C9 in carton C16, and each of the four innermost cartons (C13, C14, C15 and C16) is the outermost carton (C12, C3, C6 and C9) It is formed so that it may be connected to. Each of these outermost cartons (C12, C3, C6 and C9) has a free unconnected enlarged end flap 34b. Then the four innermost cartons (C13, C14, C15 and C16) of each pair (C13 / C12, C14 / C3, C15 / C6 and C16 / C9) are in a 2 × 2 configuration (not shown), Assemble with their connected outermost cartons (C3, C6, C9 and C12) and begin to form the outermost loop. The outermost loop is completed by adding in the remaining cartons (C1, C2, C4, C5, C7, C8, C10, C11). The remaining cartons are assembled in connected pairs (C1, C2; C4, C5; C7, C8; and C10, C11) with free enlarged end flaps 34b. Other assembly methods may be possible. The resulting structure comprises 16 connected cartons as shown in FIG.

  It will be appreciated that various changes can be made within the scope of the present invention, for example, the size and shape of the panel can be adjusted to accommodate articles of different sizes or shapes. it can. The carton may have six or more faces and are nested together in various nesting arrangements suitable for the enlarged end flap 34b of one carton used to connect the carton to other adjacent cartons. May be. In other embodiments of the present invention, each carton comprises more than one enlarged end flap 34b, or a carton formed from a first rank comprising two enlarged end flaps 34b is enlarged. It is envisaged that it may be combined with a carton formed from a second blank without any end flaps made. In the illustrated example, the enlarged end flap 34b is rectangular and is sized to match the dimensions of the two end walls, but in other embodiments, the enlarged end flap 34b is the full dimension of the end wall. And graphics may be printed so that promotions are made and / or aesthetic features are created.

  It can be seen that simple lines of cartons can be connected together by using enlarged end flaps, and more than two cartons can be connected in a linear manner. A carton that does not have an enlarged end flap 34b in such an arrangement may form a final carton in a straight line, or alternatively, the enlarged end flaps of two cartons may be overlapped. .

  Indicates the direction used here, for example, “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “rear”, “end”, “lateral” It is recognized that “inside”, “outside”, “upper” and “lower” do not limit each panel to such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these panels from each other. Will be done. Any reference to a hinged connection should not be construed as referring only to a single fold line, and in practice, without departing from the scope of the present invention, It is envisioned that it can be formed from the above, short slits, fragile lines or fold lines.

10 blank 12 back panel 14 bottom panel 16 front panel 18 top panel 19 adhesive panel 20 fold line 22 fold line 24 fold line 26 fold line 30a end flap 30b end flap 32a end flap 32b end flap 34a end flap 34b end flap 36a end flap 36a end flap 36a end flap 36a end flap 36a end flap 36a 36b End flap 39 Adhesive flap 40a Folding line 40b Folding line 42a Folding line 42b Folding line 44a Folding line 44b Folding line 46a Folding line 46b Folding line 50 Composite package 52 Separation means 54a Fragile connection 54b Fracture connection 58 56 Initiated tab 58 56 Piece 70 Opening 60 Fragile line 62 Tab

Claims (15)

  A package comprising two or more cartons (C1, C2, C3) each containing one or more articles, wherein the two or more cartons are unitarily formed of a first one (C1) of two or more cartons Combined thanks to the first panel (34b), the first panel is used as part of the wall of the first carton (C1) and the first carton is used as at least one other of two or more cartons (C2 ) In which two or more cartons form a single package (50).   The first panel (34b) is used as part of the end wall (34b, 36b, 32b, 30b) of the first carton (C1) and is first between the first carton and the second of the two or more cartons. The second panel (34b) used to provide the connection and hinged to the second carton (C2) is used as part of the end wall (34b, 36b, 32b, 30b) of the second carton (C2). The package according to claim 1, wherein the package is used to provide a second connection between the second carton and another one of the two or more cartons (C1, C3).   The package of claim 2, wherein the second connection includes a connection between the second carton and the first carton, the first and second connections being located on opposite sides of the package. .   4. A package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two or more cartons are each formed from separate blank components.   The first carton (C1) and / or at least one other carton has a cylindrical structure, and the opposite ends of the cylindrical structure are each closed by a composite end wall, each of the composite end walls being a series of ends. 5. The flap (36b, 34b, 32b, 30b; 36a, 34a, 32a, 30a), wherein the first panel (34b) forms part of one of the composite end walls. The package according to any one of the above.   Further comprising separating means (52) for separating two or more cartons and / or means (62, 60) for two or more cartons to access the contents of each carton. The package according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   7. The first panel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it is sized so as to overlap and reinforce the complete wall of at least one other carton. package.   8. A package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first panel is hingedly connected to the first carton and comprises a tear piece, and the separating means comprises a tear piece. .   9. Package according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first panel comprises an adhesive flap connected hinged thereto.   The package according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first panel is used as a part of the end wall of the second carton, and the second panel is used as a part of the end wall of the first carton.   The first panel has a first adhesive flap hingedly connected thereto, the first adhesive flap being used as part of the front or rear wall of the second carton, the front or rear wall being the end wall of the second carton The package according to claim 10, wherein the package is disposed adjacent to the package.   The second panel has a second adhesive flap hingedly connected thereto, the second adhesive flap being used as part of the front or rear wall of the first carton, the front or rear wall being the end of the first carton. The package of claim 11, wherein the package is disposed proximate to a wall.   A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising a carton wall and a plurality of wall panels for forming a connection panel hinged to the at least one wall panel, the connection panel comprising a carton formed from the blank A blank that is bendable to form part of a wall and the connection panel is operable to provide a connection between a carton formed from the blank and another carton.   14. The partially formed blank of claim 13, comprising a blank in which the two wall panels are secured together.   A carton formed from the blank of claim 13 or the partially formed blank of claim 14.

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