WO2003035487A1

WO2003035487A1 - Package provided with supporting means for a row of subpackages, and blank for such package

Info

Publication number: WO2003035487A1
Application number: PCT/NL2002/000670
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hubertus Johannes Bernardus Schoeren
Original assignee: Kappa De Zeeuw Golfkarton B.V.
Priority date: 2001-10-23
Filing date: 2002-10-23
Publication date: 2003-05-01
Also published as: NL1019211C2; EP1441956A1

Abstract

Package (1) comprising a number of subpackages (6) arranged in at least one row, wherein the package in a closed position locks the at least one row and wherein in an opened position a part of the package (1A) is folded clear and/or removed, such as a residual package part (1B) support, preferably holds together, the at least one row of subpackages, and releases them for individual removal, wherein the residual package part is provided with supporting means (7) to keep the individual subpackage upright.

Description

Title: Package provided with supporting means for a row of subpackages, and blank for such package.

The invention relates to a package comprising a number of subpackages arranged in at least one row, wherein the package in a closed position locks the at least one row of subpackages and wherein in an opened position a part of the package has been folded clear and/or removed, such that a residual package part supports, preferably holds together, the at least one row of subpackages, and releases them for individual removal. Such a package is known from practice.

With this known package, the subpackages, after arrival at the destination, can be displayed on a shelf in a part of the package that is left after opening. As a consequence, the subpackages do not need to be manipulated separately, which saves much time when filling the shelves. The package further offers a remedy in the case of subpackages that do not easily remain upright by themselves, such as, for instance, sachets or flat boxes. Held together by a residual package part after opening, these can still be placed upright on a shelf or like display surface. However, as soon as a consumer takes individual subpackages from the package, the row will no longer be supported between a front wall and an end wall of the package, so that the residual subpackages may still fall over after all. If one subpackage falls over, this can easily lead to the whole row falling over. All this results in a messy shelf picture, where the subpackages are not optimally presented to the consumer. Moreover, when falling over, the subpackages may be dented, tear open or be damaged otherwise, which may result in consumer disapproval or rejection.

The object of the invention is to provide a package of the type described in the opening paragraph, in which the disadvantages mentioned have been eliminated, while maintaining the advantages thereof. To that end, a package according to the invention is characterized by the features according to claim 1. Providing a package, in accordance with the invention, with supporting means, which support the subpackages in a desired position, prevents the row of subpackages from falling over when after opening of the package and/or removal of individual subpackages, two opposite ends of the row are no longer supported by the package. Any inconvenience attending such falling over, such as damage to the packages, rejection by the consumer and disorganized, disorderly shelves, can thus be avoided. Furthermore, when filling the package, the supporting means can also help position the subpackages in a desired relative position and fix them in this position, so that these subpackages are not shaken up during transport. In this way, too, damage to the subpackages can be prevented or reduced.

Moreover, the supporting means can be designed such that the subpackages in this way can be presented to the consumer in a position as advantageous as possible, so that, for instance, the contents of the subpackages are optimally visible or the subpackages can be readily taken out.

In a further elaboration, a package according to the invention is characterized by the features according to claim 3.

By manufacturing the supporting means and the residual package part left after opening together from a single blank, a package that can be set up very simply can be obtained. The supporting means are preferably so designed that they can be readily introduced into existing box types, without this necessitating drastic adaptations to the blank and/or the manner of setting up the box, and without this necessitating much additional material.

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

By providing at least one upstanding sidewall or bottom of the residual package part left after opening with a relief edge extending in the longitudinal direction of the row of subpackages, which edge is preferably provided with a serration, subpackages placed on or against the edge can be inserted into the notch formed between two adjacent serrations, so that these subpackages are supported against shifting. Such a relief edge can be realized, for instance, by folding over a longitudinal edge of a panel forming a sidewall or bottom inwardly into the box. Also, in a sidewall and/or bottom a number of substantially parallel fold lines can be provided, preferably substantially in the longitudinal direction ofthe row of subpackages, after which the package part between these fold lines can be folded out of the respective plane inwardly into the box, so that an upstanding ridge is obtained. Such an unserrated upstanding ridge is advantageous, for instance, when the subpackages are relatively flexible. When such flexible subpackages are placed on or against the ridge, the subpackages will be dented to some extent adjacent the ridge, so that the contact surface with the edge increases, notably in the longitudinal direction of this ridge, which contributes to a more stable arrangement.

In a further elaboration of the first embodiment, a package according to the invention is characterized by the features according to claim 7 and claim 8.

The supporting means according to the invention can be incorporated into known boxes in a simple manner. Thus, for instance, in the bottom of an American folding carton, a relief edge can be arranged in a simple manner, by providing at least one of the closing flaps with a serrated longitudinal edge and furthermore choosing the dimensions of the two closing flaps such that they partly overlap in closed position. By proceeding, when setting up the box, to fold the closing flap with the serrated longitudinal edge inwards first, followed by the other closing flap and the two dust flaps, the serrated longitudinal edge will be pressed slightly inwards of the box due to the overlap between the two closing flaps. If desired, this effect can be enhanced by folding the serrated edge slightly inwards before folding the closing flap inwards. The supporting means realized in this manner require hardly any extra material and just a small change in the order in which the box is set up.

Also in the case of a package with an auto-lock bottom, supporting means can be provided in the bottom in a simple manner, by providing the parts of the closing flaps that interlock in a set-up position with a serrated longitudinal edge. This, too, requires hardly any extra material and no change in the manner of setting up.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a package according to the invention is characterized by the features according to claim 10. By providing the bottom of the package, in addition to or instead of a relief edge extending in the longitudinal direction, with at least one and preferably more relief edges extending in transverse direction of the row of subpackages, a partitioning is created, in each case permitting subgroups of subpackages from the row to be effectively held together. This partitioning, too, can be provided in a known American folding carton in a simple manner without major adaptations.

In a still other advantageous embodiment, a package according to the invention is characterized by the features according to claim 12.

By designing at least one upstanding sidewall or bottom of the residual package part left after opening to be at least partly double-walled, and providing the wall part extending on the inner side of the package with recesses, in a simple manner indentations can be formed in which an edge and/or corner of a subpackage can be received at least partly. In this way, shifting of the respective subpackage is effectively prevented, and the subpackage will remain standing upright, at least in a position defined by the indentation.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a package according to the invention is characterized by the features according to claim 13. By designing the package such that, at least in a closed position, it covers the row of subpackages completely, the subpackages can be properly protected during transport against external influences.

In the further subclaims, further advantageous embodiments of a package according to the invention are described.

To clarify the invention, exemplary embodiments of a package according to the invention, as well as blanks suitable therefor, will be described with reference to the drawing. In the drawing:

Fig. 1 shows a blank for a package of the American folding carton type, with the bottom provided with supporting means according to the invention;

Fig. 2 shows the blank from Fig. 1 in set-up and opened position;

Fig. 3 shows a blank according to Fig. 1, at least one half thereof, provided with a second embodiment of supporting means according to the invention; Fig. 4 shows the blank from Fig. 3 in set-up position;

Fig. 5 shows a blank for a package with an auto-lock bottom, with supporting means according to the invention provided in the bottom;

Fig. 6 shows the blank from Fig. 5 in set-up position;

Fig. 7 shows a blank according to Fig. 5, provided with a second embodiment of supporting means according to the invention;

Fig. 8 shows the blank from Fig. 7 in set-up position;

Fig. 9A shows a hah⁰ blank for a tray, provided with supporting means in the sidewalls;

Fig. 9B shows a half blank according to Fig. 9A, provided with supporting means in the bottom;

Fig. 10 shows a tray set up from the blank according to Fig. 9A;

Fig. 11 shows a tray set up from the blank according to Fig. 9B;

Fig. 12 shows a blank for a tray provided with a further embodiment of supporting means according to the invention; Fig. 13 shows a tray according to the blank from Fig. 12, provided with supporting means in the form of a partitioning;

Fig. 14 shows a part of a package in perspective top plan view, provided with a still further embodiment of supporting means according to the invention;

Fig. 15 shows a blank for a package with an auto-lock bottom, provided with alternative supporting means;

Fig. 16 shows the blank from Fig. 15 in set-up position;

Fig. 17 shows a blank for a tray-shaped package, provided with a further embodiment of supporting means according to the invention;

Fig. 18 shows a tray set up from the blank from Fig. 17;

Fig. 19 shows a blank for a package with an auto-lock bottom, provided with supporting means according to the embodiment of Fig. 17;

Fig. 20 shows a blank for a package with an auto-lock bottom, double- walled, and provided with a further embodiment of supporting means according to the invention;

Fig. 21 shows the blank from Fig. 17 in set-up position;

Figs. 22A-C show three variants for a serrated edge of a closing flap, in replacement of the serrated edge shown in any one of Figs. 1-8, where these serrated edges have inclined notches and/or an increasing notch depth;

Figs. 23A, B show a variant of the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2, where the supporting means in the bottom of the package have been formed through adaptations to the dust flaps;

Fig. 24 shows a further variant of the package shown in Fig. 2, where the sidewalls of the package are provided with supporting means according to the invention;

Figs. 25A,B show a package with a second type of auto-lock bottom, provided with supporting means according to the invention, as well as a blank for such a package; Figs. 26 A, B show a further embodiment of a tray shown in Figs. 9-12, where the supporting means have been formed through adaptation of the transverse walls by means of an extra extension flap; and

Figs. 27A, B show a variant of the tray shown in Figs. 26A,B. In the following figures, various embodiments of supporting means according to the invention are shown, integrated into various known box types, such as an American folding carton, a tray and a box with auto-lock bottom. The supporting means all have in common that they can be simply incorporated into the respective box type, without this necessitating drastic adaptations to the blank and/or the manner of setting up. In a part of the embodiments to be discussed hereinbelow, this has been achieved by providing blanks substantially known per se with suitable recesses and/or notches, without essentially changing the basic form of the blank, so that it can be set up with substantially unmodified means. The recesses and/or notches can be simply die-cut from the blank, preferably simultaneously with the cutting out of the blank itself. This has further been achieved by providing the adaptations substantially adjacent the edges of the blank, as will appear hereinbelow.

Thus, Fig. 2 shows a package 1, at least a residual portion 1A thereof that is left after opening, which is based on an American folding carton.

This residual portion comprises a substantially rectangular bottom 3, which is surrounded by longitudinal walls 4A and transverse walls 5A located opposite each other in pairs. In the package part 1, a row of subpackages 6 are arranged, of which only three are shown, for clarity. In the example shown, these subpackages 6 are in the form of flat sachets, which do not easily stand up by themselves and so can readily slip down. In a package 1 according to the invention, however, this is prevented in that in the bottom 3 supporting means 7 are provided, formed by a serrated edge 7 directed slightly upwards out of the plane of the bottom 3 and extending in the longitudinal direction of the row of subpackages 6. Each subpackage 6 has a T NL02/00670

lower edge locked in the notch between two adjacent teeth of the serrated edge 7 and is thereby guarded from shifting.

The supporting means 7 have been effected with minimal adaptations to the known blank for an American folding carton, which will be explained with reference to Fig. 1. In he known American folding carton, the bottom 3 is built up from two closing flaps 8 and two dust flaps 9, which are pivotally connected with the longitudinal walls 4A and the transverse walls 5A along respective first and second fold lines 11, 12, and in set-up position are folded inwards through an angle of about 90° relative to the walls 4A and 5A. In the known American folding carton, the closing flaps 8A have a width A, measured in a direction at right angles to the first fold line 11, which is approximately half the width B of the transverse wall 5B, so that the closing flaps 8A in erected position have their longitudinal edges 13 abutting against each other, and jointly cover exactly the whole bottom surface 3. In the package 1 according to the invention, the width A of the closing flaps 8 is slightly greater than half the width B of the transverse wall 5B, so that the closing flaps 8 partly overlap in set-up position. Further, the longitudinal edge 13 of one of the closing flaps 8 is provided with a serrated edge 7. The amplitude of the serrations is preferably less than the width by which the closing flaps 8 overlap in set-up position. As a consequence, the bottom 3 can be completely closed off in set-up position, so that the subpackages 6 placed in the package are properly screened from the external world. By presently, when setting up the package 1, contrary to the usual order of folding, first folding the closing flap 8 with the serrated longitudinal edge 7 inwards, then folding the second closing flap 8 and finally the two dust flaps 9 inwards and securing them against the closing flaps 8, a bottom 3 is obtained where the serrated longitudinal edge 7 extends on the inside of the package 1. By virtue of the overlap between the two closing flaps 8, the serrated edge 7 is pressed slightly upwards by the other closing flap 8 and the dust flaps 9. If desired, the serrated edge 7 can be folded over inwards through a particular angle relative to the closing flap 8 before this closing flap 8 itself is folded inwards during set-up, so that the serrated edge 7 in the set-up position extends, for instance, approximately at right angles to the bottom face 3 into the box. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the serrations 7 have a substantially rectangular shape. It will be clear that many other shapes and dimensions are possible, where the choice will be determined inter alia by the shape and dimensions of the subpackages 6 disposed in the package 1 in use. Also, the notches can be provided, not at right angles, but at a different angle relative to the longitudinal edge 13. This is shown in Fig. 22A. As a consequence, the subpackages inserted into these notches in use will be inclined slightly forwards or backwards, which may be favorable, for instance for reasons of presentation. Furthermore, it is possible to have the depth of the notches increase gradually, as shown in Figs. 22B and C, so that when the serrated edge 7 is folded upwards in the manner described above, the bottom sides of the notches form an ascending support surface for the subpackages 6, this support surface including an angle α with the bottom 3 of the package 1. As a result, the subpackages 6 inserted into the notches will likewise ascend gradually, which may be favorable from the viewpoint of presentation. In this ascending variant, too, the orientation of the notches can be varied, so that subpackages 6 inserted therein will, for instance, stand substantially upright (Fig. 22B) or, for instance, be inclined backwards (Fig. 22C).

After the box has thus been set up, the row of subpackages 6 can be placed therein, after which the package 1 can be closed in a known manner by folding inwards and securing to each other the dust flaps 9B and the closing flaps 8B, which are pivotally connected with sides of the respective transverse walls 5B and longitudinal walls 4B located opposite the bottom side. The row of subpackages 6 can thus be transported to a destination whilst properly protected from external influences. Having arrived there, the package 1 can be opened in a simple manner by breaking and pulling loose tear lines 15 and tear strips 16 provided in the transverse walls and longitudinal walls 4, 5 (see Fig. 1), so that the package is separated into two parts 1A, IB. Upon removal of the upper part IB, a tray-shaped lower part 1A is left, as shown in Fig. 2, in which the row of subpackages 6 can be placed on a shelf or like display surface.

In an advantageous embodiment, at least one of the closing flaps 8B at the top of the package 1 can also be provided with a serrated edge (not shown), so that this edge, upon closing the package 1, forms similar supporting means 7 to those on the bottom 3. Such an embodiment is especially advantageous when the package 1, after the tear strips 16 have been wholly or partly broken, is taken apart to form two tray-shaped parts 1A,B, which parts 1A,B can both be displayed on a shelf or the like with the subpackages 6 arranged therein. In that case, the upper side of the package 1 will function as underside of tray IB and the supporting means 7 will guard the subpackages 6 from shifting in the manner described above. It will be clear, for that matter, that for the purpose of such a package 1 that can be split into two trays, the tear strips 16 can take many shapes, configurations and orientations other than the variant shown. In a further advantageous embodiment, the closing flap 8A,B provided with a serrated edge 7 can be extended such that this closing flap 8A,B substantially completely covers the other, unserrated closing flap 8A,B in set-up position, so that the tops of the serrations abut against or stand up to some extent against the longitudinal wall 4A bounding the unserrated closing flap 8A. The serrations 7 thus form a relief edge adjacent the fold line between the bottom face 3 and the longitudinal wall 4A, in which subpackages 6 can be secured by a corner part thereof, to prevent falling or slipping.

Figs. 23A,B show in blank form and in set-up form a variant on the package shown in Figs. 1 and 2, where parts corresponding to Figs. 1 and 2 P T/NL02/00670

11

are provided with corresponding reference numerals. In this variant, in the bottom 3, supporting means 7 have been formed by providing elongate recesses in the dust flaps 9A'. These recesses extend substantially throughout the width of the dust flaps 9A', parallel to a fold line 12 through which these dust flaps 9A' are pivotally connected with a respective transverse wall 5A. The blank 2' can be set up in a standard manner like an American folding carton, whereby, accordingly, first the dust flaps 9A' and then the closing flaps 8A are folded inwards to form a bottom 3. The dust flaps 9A are preferably dimensioned such that in set-up position they cover the closing flaps 8A substantially completely and have their respective longitudinal edge abutting against each other. The elongate recesses thus constitute resistance-enhancing supporting means 7 on the bottom 3 which contribute towards the prevention of slipping of subpackages 6 placed on this bottom 3. This package 1, too, after breaking of the perforated lines 16, can, if desired, be split into two separate tray-shaped parts 1A, B. In that case, it is preferred to extend the upper dust flaps 9B as well and to provide them with similar recesses to those described for the lower dust flaps 9A'.

An advantage of the above-described embodiment is that the supporting means shown therein can all be realized with minimal adaptations to an existing American folding carton and with a minimum of additional material, as appears clearly from the blank shown in Fig. 1. In the cases shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 22, only the order of folding the closing flaps and dust flaps 8, 9 needs to be changed around with respect to the known folding manner. With a comparable minimal adaptation, also the longitudinal walls 4A can be provided with supporting means, as shown in Fig. 24. In this figure, parts corresponding to Figs. 1 and 2 have corresponding reference numerals. The longitudinal walls 4A are each provided with a serrated longitudinal edge 16A, which has been folded inwardly of the box through approximately 180° and, under the influence of the elasticity of the material, springs back upwards to some extent. The thus formed supporting means T work in a manner comparable to the serrated edge 7 in the bottom 3 of Fig. 2. That is, subpackages 6 can be placed by an edge portion thereof into a notch between two successive serrations and thus be guarded against shifting and or falling over. Naturally, in this embodiment, if desired, the serrated edge 7 in the bottom 3 can be omitted. It is also possible to provide just one of the longitudinal walls 4A with a serrated edge 16A. The serrations 7' can have any shape and dimension, preferably tailored to the shape of the edges of the subpackages 6 to be supported. It is even possible to design the edges 16A without serrations. In that case, the subpackages 6 will be clamped between the edges 16A as a result of the earlier mentioned spring force, and thus be held upright.

Figs. 3 and 4 show a still further variant on the package shown in the Figs. 1 and 2, as well as a blank 2¹ therefor. Like parts are designated by like reference numerals. In this variant, both closing flaps 8A are provided with a serrated longitudinal edge 7. Further, in both closing flaps 8A, parallel to the longitudinal edges 7, a third fold line 18 is provided, at a perpendicular distance A from the first fold line 11. This distance A is approximately equal to half the width B of the transverse wall 5A„ so that in set-up position each closing flap 8A covers approximately one half of the bottom face 3 of the package 1A'. When setting up the package 1A', first the longitudinal edges 7 are folded inwards along the third fold lines 18 through an angle of approximately 90°. Next, the closing flaps 8A are folded inwards through an angle of approximately 90° relative to the longitudinal walls 4A, so that the folded-over edges 7 come to abut against each other. The edges 7 will then extend inwardly of the box approximately at right angles to the bottom surface 3, as shown in Fig. 4. Finally, the dust flaps 9A are folded inwards and secured against the closing flaps. The relief edge thus formed in the bottom face 3 is double-walled and hence extra strong. If desired, the teeth of the longitudinal edges 7 can also be provided in P T/NL02/00670

13

mutually staggered relation, so that they can interlock in the set-up position. As a result, a very robust bottom construction can be obtained. Moreover, in that case, the edges 7 can include an angle with the closing flaps 8A that is greater than 90°. As a consequence, the width of the relief edge 7, measured at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the edge, can be greater than the width of the embodiments shown in Figs. 2 and 4, so that the subpackages 6 can be supported along a greater part of their lower edge.

Figs. 5-8 show two embodiments of supporting means according to the invention, suitable for a package 100 with a so-called auto-lock bottom 103. Such a bottom 103 is built up from (see Fig. 5) two closing flaps 108 and two dust flaps 109 which are pivotally connected with longitudinal walls 104 and transverse walls 105 via respective first and second fold lines 111, 112. The outermost longitudinal wall 104 in the blank 200 is provided with a fastening strip 122. Each closing flap 108 is provided with a first diagonal fold line 120, extending from a corner point bounding the first fold line 111 up to a longitudinal edge 113 located opposite the first fold line, at an angle of approximately 45° with this first fold line 111. As a result, the closing flap 108 is subdivided into a substantially trapezium-shaped part 108A and a substantially triangular part 108C. The width A of each trapezium-shaped part 108A, measured from the first fold line 111 up to the longitudinal edge 113, is approximately half of the width B of the transverse wall 105. Each trapezium-shaped part 108A is furthermore provided, on a side remote from the triangular part 108C, with a wider portion, having a width C and a serrated longitudinal edge 107. These serrated longitudinal edges 107 extend over such a length Ll, L2 along the closing flaps 108 that the joint length L1+L2 is equal to or less than the total length L of each closing flap 108.

When setting up the blank from Fig. 5, the closing flaps 108 and dust flaps 109 are folded double along the first and second fold line 111, 112, 0670

14

respectively, against the longitudinal wall 104 and the transverse wall 105, respectively. Next, the corner parts 108C are folded back along the first diagonal fold hne 120 against the underside ofthe closing flaps 108 then facing up, and provided with glue. The fastening strip 122 is also folded double against the longitudinal wall 104 and provided with glue. Next, the transverse walls 105 are folded double onto the longitudinal walls 104 along third fold lines 119 extending substantially at right angles to the first and second fold fines 111, 112, so that the dust flaps 109, through a part of their underside, adhere to the corner parts 108C and the outermost transverse wall 105 in the blank adheres to the fastening strip 122. Thus, the package 100 is basically ready, but is still in a flat condition favorable for storage and empty transport. The package 100 can be brought into a position ready for use by pivoting the longitudinal walls 104 and transverse walls 105 apart so as to form a substantially rectangular tube, whereby the closing flaps 108 and dust flaps 109 are pivoted downwards, away from the longitudinal and transverse wall 104, 105 they were lying against, until the widened parts 108A of the closing flaps interlock, as shown in Fig. 6, so that the bottom is locked.

In this embodiment, the supporting means are formed by the serrated edges 107 of the two closing flaps 108. They form a relief edge extending in the longitudinal direction of the bottom 103, which can prevent shifting of subpackages (not shown) placed thereon. Naturally, the shape and dimension of the serrations can again be adapted as desired. Also, the serrated longitudinal edges 107 can, if desired, be folded over relative to the closing flaps 108, for instance into a position in which these edges 107 extend approximately at right angles to the bottom face 103.

Figs. 7 and 8 show a variant on the above-described auto-lock package, comparable to the variant from Figs. 3 and 4 of the American folding carton. In this variant, the closing flaps 108A are provided, substantially throughout their length, with a serrated longitudinal edge 107 and 02 00670

15

moreover, at a distance A from the first fold line 111, parallel thereto, a third fold line 118 is provided. The distance A is approximately half the width B of the transverse wall 105. Setting up this variant proceeds almost analogously to the above-described set-up procedure. However, before the closing flaps 108A are folded double against the longitudinal walls 104, first the edges 107 are folded double against the closing flaps 108A along the third fold lines 118.

The thus prepared blank 200' can then be brought into the position shown in Fig. 8 in a manner as described above, whereby the folded longitudinal edges 107 of the closing flaps 108A will come to abut against each other. The slightly projecting ends 123 of the longitudinal edges 107 (see Fig. 7) prevent the dust flaps 109 from being able to spring back towards the transverse walls 105, and thus provide for the lock function by which the box is maintained in the opened position. In this variant, the supporting means, just as in the variant shown in

Figs. 3 and 4, are of double-walled design and hence extra strong. Optionally, in this embodiment too, the serrated edges 107 can be shaped such that the teeth of the two closing flaps 108A in the set-up position of Fig. 8 are not disposed next to each other but interlock. Thus, a very good locking of the bottom 103 is obtained, as well as a relatively wide supporting means for the subpackages.

Figs. 25A,B show a package 100 with a so-called Swedish bottom, as well as a blank 200 therefor, the longitudinal edges of the closing flaps 108A again being provided at suitable points with serrations which form supporting means 107 on the bottom 103 of the package in the set-up position (Fig. 25B).

The blank 200 for this package with Swedish bottom shows similarities to that for the auto-lock package according to Figs. 5 and 7. Which is why corresponding parts are indicated by corresponding reference numerals and the blank will not be discussed here in more detail than is necessary. The 0670

16

blank is set up as follows. First, the glue flap 122 is secured against the transverse wall 105 farthest removed from this glue flap 122, thereby forming a rectangular tube. Next, the closing flap 108, which is provided with serrations only adjacent its corners, is folded inwards through approximately 90°, followed by the two dust flaps 109. Finally, the second, slightly tapering closing flap 108A is folded inwards and, by the serrated longitudinal edge thereof, inserted through a slit formed between an unserrated longitudinal edge part of the first closing flap 108 and straight edges 117 of the dust flaps 109. Thus, the closing flap 108A clamps itself and the other flaps 109 and flap 108 so as to be fixed, without intermediacy of glue or a like adhesive. The serrated edge parts of the two closing flaps 108, 108A thus form a more or less continuous relief edge, comparable to that of Fig. 6. In this variant too, with minimal adaptations (serrated edge parts) a package with supporting means 107 according to the invention has been obtained, whereby no additional material has been used and the blank can be set up in a fully standard manner, and hence no modifications to a set-up device used therefor are necessary.

Figs. 9-11 show further embodiments of supporting means according to the invention, suitable for, for instance, use in a tray-shaped package. This tray (see Figs. 10 and 11) can be filled with a row of subpackages (not shown) arranged in line and, for the purpose of transport, can be combined with, for instance, a hat, banderole or shrink film in order to confine the subpackages in the tray. Upon arrival at the destination, the locking means mentioned can be removed and the subpackages can be presented in the residual tray.

Figs. 9A,B each show half a blank 202, 302 for, respectively, a tray 201 provided with supporting means 207 in the upstanding longitudinal walls 204 (Fig. 10) and a tray 301 provided with supporting means 307 on the bottom 303 (Fig. 11). Both trays 201, 301 and the underlying blanks 202, 302 comprise a substantially rectangular bottom panel 203, 303 which is 02 00670

17

pivotally connected via respective first and second fold lines 211, 212; 311, 312 with respective longitudinal walls 204, 304 and transverse walls 205, 305. The transverse walls 205, 305 are pivotally connected on opposite sides, via fifth fold lines 224, 324 extending substantially at right angles to the second fold line 212, 313, with clamping flaps 225, 325. The longitudinal walls 204, 304 are pivotally connected with an inner longitudinal wall 226, 326 via a third fold line 218, 318 located opposite the first fold hne 211, 311. The inner longitudinal wall 226 of the blank 202 of Fig. 9A is provided with recesses 207, which extend from the third fold line 218, substantially at right angles thereto, as far as a point near a longitudinal edge of the inner longitudinal wall 226 located opposite this third fold hne.

Each inner longitudinal wall 326 of the blank from Fig. 9B is further pivotally connected with a bottom strip 328, along sixth fold lines 327 located opposite the third fold line 318. This bottom strip 328 is provided with cuts 307 extending from the longitudinal edge of this bottom strip as far as a point near the sixth fold Hne 327. Further, provided in both blanks 202, 302 are recesses 232, 332 in the bottom panel 203, 303 and, arranged in line therewith, projections 230, 330 on the inner longitudinal walls 226, 326. The blanks 202, 302 can be set up in a known manner by successively folding the clamping flaps 225, 325 and the transverse walls 205, 305 inwards through an angle of approximately 90°, along the fifth fold lines 224, 324 and the second fold lines 212, 312, respectively. Next, the longitudinal walls 204, 304 are folded inwards through an angle of approximately 90°, against the clamping flaps 225, 325, after which the inner longitudinal walls 226, 326 are folded double along the third fold line 218, 318 against the longitudinal walls 204, 304. The clamping flaps 225, 325 are thereby confined between the longitudinal walls 204, 304 and the inner longitudinal walls 226, 326. The inner longitudinal walls 226, 326 are subsequently secured by way of the projections 230, 330 in the recesses 232, 332. The tray 201 according to Fig. 10 is now ready. The recesses 207 in the inner longitudinal wall 226 form supporting means in which the side edges of subpackages arranged in the tray in use are partly received, supported against falling over. If desired, one or both longitudinal walls 204 of the tray can be provided with such supporting means.

For the purpose of the tray 301 from Fig. 11, one additional set-up operation is necessary. Before the longitudinal walls 304 and inner longitudinal walls 326 are folded inwards in the above-described manner, the bottom strips 328 should be folded outwards along the sixth fold lines 327 through an angle of approximately 90° relative to the inner longitudinal wall 326. As regards the other operations, setting up proceeds analogously to the above-described manner. In the thus obtained tray 301, the cuts 307 in the bottom strips 328 form supporting means in which the lower edges of the individual subpackages can be locked. The supporting means shown in Figs. 10 and 11 offer the advantage that they support the subpackages at two points so that a very stable arrangement is obtained. Moreover, the supporting means can in a very simply manner be introduced into the known trays, without this requiring major adaptations to the blank and the set-up procedure. Figs. 26 and 27 show two variants on the embodiments shown in

Figs. 9-11, in which the supporting means 207, 307 are formed with the aid of extension flap 226', 326', which is pivotally connected with one of the transverse walls 205, 305 and is provided with suitable notches or recesses. Fig. 26A shows a blank 202' for a tray comparable to the tray according to Fig. 10, the difference being that the tray according to Fig. 26A, B is provided with one high transverse wall 205', which in use can serve as rear side of the tray, against which subpackages arranged in the tray can lean. The opposite transverse wall 205 is provided with an extension flap 226', which, via fold Hne 218', is pivotally connected with the transverse wall 205, on a side thereof remote from the bottom panel 203. This extension flap 226' 0670

19

has a length F which is approximately equal to the length L of the bottom panel 203 and a width W which is sHghtly greater than the width B of the bottom panel 203. The extension flap 226' is further provided, on opposite sides, at right angles to the fold line 218', with serrations 207', while the notches between the serrations reach beyond the prolongation of the fold lines 211, which bound the bottom panel 203 in width direction.

The blank 202' can be set up to form the tray shown in Fig. 26B in a manner comparable to that described with reference to Fig. 9. Next, extension flap 226' can be folded inwards into the box, towards the bottom panel 203, along fold Hne 218'. The serrations 207' on opposite sides of the extension flap 226' will thereby be bent slightly upwards by the longitudinal walls 204 and thus form slotted supporting means 207', in which subpackages can be secured by an edge or corner part thereof. By virtue of the slightly resihent action of the serrations 207', the extension flap 226' can be clamped in any desired position between the longitudinal walls 204, without adhesives. The extension flap 226' is preferably placed at a slight inclination with respect to the bottom face 203, so that the extension flap 226' slopes gradually from the fold line 218' with transverse wall 205 in the direction of the opposite transverse wall 205'. As a result, subpackages placed in the tray will lean sHghtly backwards in the direction of the raised transverse waU 205', and be stably supported by this waU 205'.

In this variant, too, the orientation of the notches between the serrations 207' can be varied, so that in set-up position they are, for instance, inclined backwards to some extent. Further, both transverse walls 205 can be provided with such an extension flap 226'.

Figs. 27A,B show a variant on the embodiment shown in Fig. 26A,B, in which the extension flap 326' is provided with slotted recesses, instead of serrations, resulting in a relief edge on the bottom 303 of the tray, instead of against the longitudinal walls 304. The slotted recesses have a width W which is slightly greater than the width B of the bottom panel 303. The fold lines 311 between the bottom panel 303 and the longitudinal walls 304 have been continued into the extension flap 326'. The blank is set up in a known manner to form a tray 305. Next., the side edges of the extension flap 326' are folded up along the continued fold lines 311' through approximately 90° (out of the plane of the drawing), after which the extension flap 326' is folded along fold Hne 318 into the box, towards the bottom panel 203. The extension flap 326' is thereby clamped between the longitudinal walls 340 by the folded-over side edges, at some distance above the bottom panel 203, thereby forming a kind of raised second bottom, with the recesses forming slots in which products or subpackages can be secured by an edge thereof. Naturally, the extension flap 326' can also, as in Fig. 26B, take an incHned course relative to the bottom panel 203, to which end the folded-over side edges may optionally be beveled. Further, the slotted recesses can have different shapes, being designed, for instance, as U-shaped cuts, with flap parts bounded by these cuts being folded upwards.

Figs. 12 and 13 show a further embodiment of supporting means according to the invention, in which they are in the form of a partitioning. The starting package is again the American folding carton. The blank underlying this embodiment shows great similarities to blank 2' from Fig. 3. Corresponding parts have been indicated with the same reference numerals, increased by 400.

The closing flaps 408 are provided with a longitudinal strip 407, which, via a third fold line 418, is pivotally connected with the closing flaps 408. The longitudinal edge of the longitudinal strip 407 is provided with a notch 433 at approximately one-third and two-thirds of its length. The width A of the closing flaps, measured between the first and third fold fines 411, 418, is approximately half the width of the transverse waU 405. The dust flaps 409, just like the closing flaps 408, are provided with a transverse strip 434, which, via a seventh fold line 435, is pivotally connected with the dust flap 409. The width D of the dust flap 409, measured between the 02 00670

21

second and seventh fold line 412, 435, is approximately one-third of the length L of the longitudinal wall 404. In the dust flap 409, a slotted recess 436 is provided, which extends from the second fold line 412, substantially at right angles thereto, and continues into the transverse strip 434. The blank 402 is set up as foUows. Longitudinal and transverse strips

407, 434 are folded inwards through an angle of approximately 90° along the third and seventh fold Hne 418, 435, respectively. Next, the dust flaps 409 are folded inwards along the second fold lines 412, against the transverse walls 405. Next, the closing flaps 408 are folded inwards along the first fold fines 411, as described with reference to Fig. 3, whereby the longitudinal edges 407 come to lie against each other. After this, the dust flaps 409, from the transverse walls 405, are folded back in the direction of the closing flaps 408, as indicated by arrow P in Fig. 13. A part of the longitudinal strips 407 will thereby reach through the slotted recess 436 of the dust flaps 409, and the part of the recess 436 that extends in the transverse strip 434 and the notches 433 in the longitudinal strips 407 will interlock, so that the bottom 403 is locked in the position shown in Fig. 13. The partitioning formed by the longitudinal and transverse strips 407, 434 can help to keep subpackages arranged in the compartments upright. If desired, the longitudinal and/or transverse strips can be provided with a toothing, in accordance with the embodiments shown hereinabove.

Fig. 14 shows yet another embodiment of supporting means according to the invention, in which in a bottom panel 503 of a package three substantially parallel fold lines are provided, in the longitudinal direction of the row of subpackages 506. The bottom 503 has subsequently been folded along these fold lines so as to yield a ridge standing proud of the bottom surface, having a substantiaUy triangular cross section. Naturally, ridges having a different cross section can be reafized by providing several fold lines in the bottom panel 503. Also, in this way, several ridges can be provided side by side in a bottom panel. Such a supporting means can especially be advantageous in the case of relatively flexible, sack-shaped subpackages 506, as shown in Fig. 14. When such a subpackage 506 is placed on the ridge 507, this subpackage 506 is sHghtly indented at the ridge 507, so that the contact surface of the subpackage and the supporting ridge 507, viewed in the longitudinal direction of this ridge, increases. As a result, the standing surface of the subpackage is enlarged and a more stable arrangement thereof is obtained. Figs. 15-18 show further variants of supporting means for an auto-lock package, based on the same principle as the embodiments shown earfier in Figs. 9-11, where in a double-walled part of a longitudinal waU, recesses have been provided, in which an edge of a subpackage can be supported. To that end, one of the closing flaps 608 of the blank 602 from Fig. 15 is provided with an additional extension flap 626, which, via a third fold Hne 618, is pivotaUy connected with the closing flap 608, and which is provided with recesses 607. The width A of the respective closing flap 608 has moreover been made approximately as large as the width B of the transverse wall 605. As a result, this closing flap 608, in the set-up position as shown in Fig. 16, wiU cover substantiaUy the entire bottom, and the extension flap 626 will abut against one of the longitudinal waUs 604. Here, the recesses 607 in the extension flap 626 form supporting means in which the subpackages can be supported to prevent them slipping. In an alternative embodiment, the extra extension flap 626 can also be omitted. In that case, closing flap 608, when setting up the package, will have its edge provided with notches 607 abut against, or at least disposed a short distance from, longitudinal waU 104 and hence form a relief edge on the bottom, adjacent this longitudinal wall. The notches 607 are then preferred to have a depth such that they do not overlap the other closing flap 608, so that the bottom formed by the two closing flaps 608 is completely blind.

Figs. 17-19 illustrate a further embodiment of supporting means according to the invention, applied in a tray and in an auto-lock package, in which, in the bottom of the packages, a number of paraUel cuts have been provided, thereby forming paraUel strips, which strips during the set-up of the package, under the influence of a number of fold lines provided adjacent the ends of these strips, are turned about their longitudinal axis, in such a manner that these strips in set-up condition include an angle with the bottom face.

Figs. 18 and 17 show an exemplary embodiment of a tray 701 and a blank 702 therefor, provided with the above-described supporting means. The blank 702 comprises a substantiaUy rectangular bottom panel 703, which is pivotaUy connected with longitudinal walls 704 and transverse walls 705 via respective first and second fold lines 711, 712. Each longitudinal waU 704 is provided on opposite sides with a fastening flap 722 which by means of fold lines extending substantially at right angles to the first fold line is pivotally connected with the longitudinal waU 704. The bottom panel 703 is provided with cuts 740, which extend substantiaUy at right angles to the first fold fines 711, at regular intervals, thereby forming strips 744. The cuts 740 extend throughout the width of the bottom panel 703, partly into the longitudinal waUs 704. In each longitudinal waU 704, between two successive cuts 740, a diagonal fold Hne 742 is provided, extending between an end point of the cut 740 and a point of intersection of the adjacent cut 740 with the first fold Hne 711. Each strip 744 therefore terminates on opposite sides in a triangular part 745 bounded by the first fold lines 711 and the diagonal fold Hnes 742.

The blank 702 can be set up in a known manner to form the tray 701 shown in Fig. 18 by folding the longitudinal and transverse walls 704, 705 inwards approximately at right angles to the bottom panel 703, and securing them against each other with the aid of the fastening flaps 722, which to that end have been folded inwards through an angle of approximately 90° relative to the longitudinal waUs 704. When folding the longitudinal waUs 704 inwards, each strip 744 is successively folded along the diagonal fold Hnes 742 in the direction of the adjacent longitudinal waU 704, and, via the first fold Hne 711, folded away from the longitudinal waU 704, aU in such a manner that the triangular end 745 of the strips 744 abuts against the inner surface of the longitudinal waUs 704. Through this manner of folding, each strip 744 includes an angle with the bottom face 3, which equals twice the angle between the diagonal fold line 742 and the first fold line 711. In the space thus formed between successive strips, subpackages can be received by a lower edge thereof. It is noted that the bottom of the tray 701 shown in Fig. 18 is open between successive strips 740. If this meets with objections, the tray can be simply provided with a bfind bottom, for instance by extending the longitudinal walls 704 of the blank 702 shown in Fig. 17 using two additional flaps 726, 728, as shown for one half of the blank 702, in broken Hnes. These flaps 726, 728 can be successively folded outwards against the longitudinal waU 704 and an underside ofthe bottom face, and there be secured onto each other by way of an overlapping edge, so that a closed bottom is obtained.

It will be immediately clear to a skUled person that the angle at which the strips 740 extend with respect to the bottom face can be varied by varying the length by which the cuts 740 extend into the longitudinal wall 704. As a result, the angle included between the diagonal fold Hnes 742 and the first fold line 711 will change and hence the eventual position of the strips 740.

Fig. 19 shows a blank 802 for an auto-lock package (not shown) provided with simUar supporting means to those described above. The closing flap of one of the longitudinal walls 804 has to that end been replaced with a paraUelogram-shaped panel 826 which is provided with mutuaUy paraUel cuts 840 and diagonal fold lines 842, which together with the first fold Hne 811 include triangular end parts 845. The blank 802 can be set up in a corresponding manner to that described above with reference to Fig. 5. This involves the panel 826 being folded along the different fold lines in such a manner that a bottom is created as shown in Fig. 18, with the strips 844 formed between the cuts 840 including an angle with the bottom face of the package. This bottom, too, is partly open. If desired, one of the walls 804, 805 of the blank 802 can be extended with one or more flaps, which can be folded outwards so that with them a closed bottom is formed under the panel 826.

It will be clear that combinations of the above-described supporting means are possible. Thus, Figs. 20 and 21 respectively show a blank 902 and an auto-lock package 901 set up therefrom, the closing flaps 908 of which are provided with the same supporting means 907 as shown in

Figs. 5 and 6 and where, further, the longitudinal waUs 904 are provided with a similar kind of supporting means to the tray from Figs. 9A and 10. To that end, the longitudinal waUs 904 have been extended, on a side remote from the closing flaps 908, with outer longitudinal walls 938, which, when setting up the packages, can be folded double in outward direction, as shown in Fig. 21, so that double-walled longitudinal walls are obtained. The longitudinal walls 904, which then He on the inside of the package 901, are provided with triangular recesses 907, which in set-up position form indents extending from the bottom, in which a corner and/or edge of a subpackage can be partly received.

Naturally, in this embodiment too, the shape, dimensions and orientation of the cuts 907 can be varied, depending on the shape, dimensions and desired position of the subpackages to be arranged in the tray. The tray-shaped packages shown in Figs. 4, 6, 8, 13, 16 and 18 may be provided with known dust flaps and closing flaps or a hat or cover with which the package can be closed for transport. Also, use can be made of a film or banderole to lock the subpackages in the package for transport. Optionally, in the upstanding walls of the packages, tear lines, known per se, may be provided, such as shown, for instance, in the blank of Fig. 1, 0670

26

allowing the packages to be readily opened after transport. Also, a number of the tray-shaped packages can be placed as such, along with the row of subpackages, without film, banderole, cover or like closing means, in an outer package, and be transported therein to a destination. Having arrived there, the packages with the row of subpackages can be taken from the outer package and without further removal of package parts be displayed on a shelf.

All combinations of parts of embodiments shown and described in this description are understood to be incorporated in this description. More particularly, all possible combinations of serrated edges and serrated profiles are understood to fall within the scope of the invention.

When the package is of the "zieh-und-knack" (pull-and-snap) type, that is, when the package can be spfit into separate tray-shaped package parts by breaking the breaking means provided in the package, the supporting means are preferably positioned in the package such that, after breaking the package into two separate tray-shaped parts, each tray-shaped package part comprises at least a portion of the supporting means, so that subpackages in the two tray-shaped package parts can be adequately supported against shifting and falfing over. Thus, for instance, the above- shown embodiments with an American folding carton bottom (Figs. 1-4, 23), an auto-lock bottom (Figs. 5-8, 15, 16, 19) or a Swedish bottom (Fig. 25) can be combined with a top formed by two closing flaps and two dust flaps, one or both closing flaps or one or both dust flaps being provided with supporting means according to any one of Figs. 1-4, 22, 23, 25, while further between the bottom and top, breaking means are provided, such as, for instance, perforated lines 16, as shown in Figs. 1 and 23A, through which the package can be broken into two tray-shaped package parts, which package parts in that case will both be provided with supporting means. These supporting means, further, have preferably been so designed as not to form any openings in the tray-shaped parts, so that the trays are not weakened and the package in the unbroken position covers the subpackage completely and protects it against external influences.

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

Claims

1. A package comprising a number of subpackages arranged in at least one row, wherein the package in a closed position locks the at least one row of subpackages and wherein in an opened position a part of the package has been folded clear and/or removed, such that a residual package part supports, preferably holds together, the at least one row of subpackages, and releases them for individual removal, wherein said residual package part is provided with supporting means for keeping the individual subpackages upright.

2. A package according to claim 1, wherein the residual package part left after opening of the package, and the supporting means are manufactured from cardboard, in particular corrugated board.

3. A package according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the residual package part left after opening of the package, and the supporting means are manufactured from a single blank.

4. A package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supporting means comprise at least one reUef edge, which extends against the inner side of the residual package part left after opening, in a bottom and/or one or more of the sidewalls thereof, substantially in the longitudinal direction of the at least one row of subpackages.

5. A package according to claim 4, wherein the bottom and/or one or more sidewalls are formed from several at least partly overlapping panels, while a longitudinal edge, extending in the longitudinal direction of the row of subpackages, of at least one of these panels is turned inwards to some extent out of the plane of the respective sidewall and/or bottom, thereby forming a refief edge.

6. A package according to claim 5, wherein the inwardly turned longitudinal edge is serrated.

7. A package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the package comprises a bottom of the American folding carton type, formed from a pair of closing flaps and a pair of dust flaps, which, along respective first and second fold Hnes, are pivotaUy connected with sidewaUs of the package located opposite each other in pairs, while in succession the closing flaps and the dust flaps have been folded inwards through an angle of approximately 90°, and the dust flaps have been secured against the closing flaps, the closing flaps having such dimensions as to mutually overlap by a longitudinal edge, and the longitudinal edge of the closing flap having been folded inwards first being provided with a serrated edge.

8. A package according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the package comprises a bottom ofthe auto-lock type, provided with a pair of closing flaps and a pair of dust flaps, which, along respective first and second fold lines, are pivotaUy connected with sidewaUs of the package located opposite each other in pairs, each closing flap being provided with a diagonal fold line extending from two corner points of the bottom located diagonally opposite each other in the set-up position, at an angle of approximately 45° from the first fold line as far as the longitudinal edge of the closing flap, while each closing flap, by way of a first corner part located on a side of the diagonal fold line remote from the first fold line, is secured against a side of an adjacent dust flap facing down in the set-up position, and a second corner part of the closing flap located opposite the first corner part abuts against a side of the other dust flap facing up in the set-up position, the longitudinal edge of each closing flap being serrated at least adjacent said second corner part.

9. A package according to claim 4, wherein in at least one of said sidewalls and/or the bottom at least three fold lines are provided, which extend substantially parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the row of subpackages received in the package during use, while a waU part located between the two outermost fold Hnes has been folded inwards along said fold Hnes, thereby forming an inwardly extending relief edge. 02 00670

30

10. A package according to claim 5, wherein the relief edge extends in the bottom, and the bottom is provided with a second relief edge extending approximately at right angles to said first-mentioned relief edge, thereby forming a partitioning.

11. A package according to claim 10, wherein the bottom is formed from a pair of closing flaps and a pair of dust flaps, which, along respective first and second fold lines, are pivotally connected with sidewalls of the package located opposite each other in pairs, while the closing flaps, on a side located opposite the first fold line, are pivotaUy connected with first partition flaps, and the dust flaps, on a side located opposite the second fold line, are pivotally connected with second partition flaps, the first and second partition flaps and the dust flaps being provided with mutuaUy cooperating cuts, the arrangement being such that in a set-up position the dust flaps and the closing flaps are folded inwards relative to the respective sidewaUs through an angle of approximately 90°, and the first and second partition flaps are folded inwards, at least upwards, relative to the respective closing flaps and dust flaps, while the first partition flaps are located substantially against each other and the second partition flaps extend on opposite sides of said first partition flaps, approximately at right angles thereto.

12. A package according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the overlapping panels extending on the inner side against the bottom and/or one of the sidewaUs is provided, adjacent the overlap, with a row of recesses extending in the longitudinal direction of the subpackages.

13. A package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closed package covers the at least one row of subpackages completely on all sides.

14. A package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the individual subpackages have a relatively unstable standing surface.

15. A blank for use for manufacturing a package according to any one of the preceding claims.