WO2013153530A1

WO2013153530A1 - Package for housing a product.

Info

Publication number: WO2013153530A1
Application number: PCT/IB2013/052885
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sergio Mezzini
Original assignee: Eutecha S.R.L.
Priority date: 2012-04-12
Filing date: 2013-04-11
Publication date: 2013-10-17
Also published as: EP2836436A1

Abstract

A package (10) for housing a product (11), in particular in the form of a food product, preferably chewing gums or confectionery products in general, comprising one or more product units (11), in particular placed side by side, and a body (12), in particular in the form of a box-shaped body for containing the product (11) and having a product outlet end or mouth (14). The package also comprises a portion (16) for supporting the product (11) and which is movable relative to the containing body (12) between a position (A) where the product (11) is housed and at rest in the containing body (12), and a position (B) for taking out the product (11) through the respective outlet end or mouth (14) for taking out the product (11).

Description

PACKAGE FOR HOUSING A PRODUCT

Technical field

This invention relates to a package for housing a product, in particular a food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, homeopathic or other product.

Preferably, the food product consists of chewing gums, chocolates or confectionery in general.

Background art

Known in the prior art are packages which house chewing gums arranged side by side and which comprise a box-shaped product containing body having a respective product outlet end, or mouth, and a lid or tongue for closing the mouth. The lid is rigidly connected to the containing body, in particular to the rear wall of the box-shaped body.

In these prior art packages, the chewing gums - which are in the form of sticks or bars placed in respective wrappers - are thus contained in the respective box-shaped body in a fixed condition relative to the box-shaped body and can be pulled out manually from the box-shaped body through the outlet mouth of the box-shaped body.

In boxes of this kind, to allow the products housed in the box-shaped body to be easily gripped, a suitable indentation is made in the middle of the upper edge of the front wall of the selfsame box-shaped body. The indentation, however, is not fully effective in facilitating removal of the products, especially those at the sides.

Moreover, in prior art chewing gum boxes, the upper ends of the products, especially the products positioned centrally in the box-shaped body, are covered by the lid only, which does not provide adequate protection for the products. In effect, in the not infrequent event of unwanted opening of the lid, the products come into direct contact with the outside atmosphere, with the risk of being contaminated or spoiled. This occurs, for example, inside pockets, bags or handbags, where users place the package together with other personal belongings.

Another problem that often occurs when the package is placed in a pocket, bag or handbag is that the products it houses accidentally come out of the box-shaped body when they come into direct contact with and rub against the sides of the pocket or handbag or against other objects inside the pocket or handbag, resulting in friction which causes them to come out of the box-shaped body.

Another drawback of these prior art packages is that the indentation giving access to the product is obtained by a cutting and blanking operation, creating an excessive amount of waste which must be suitably treated and disposed of, with consequent costs and problems.

A need generally felt in the field is to have packages with an advantageous aesthetic or distinctive quality compared to similar packages of known kind.

Moreover, a need that is in any case generally felt is to have packages which are versatile, convenient to use and inexpensive to make and which, in particular, can advantageously be implemented on existing machines.

Summary of the invention

This invention therefore proposes a new solution as an alternative to the solutions known up to now and, more specifically, proposes to overcome one or more of the above mentioned drawbacks and/or problems and/or to meet one or more of the needs felt in the trade and inferable from the above.

Accordingly provided is a package for housing a product, in particular in the form of a food product, preferably chewing gums or confectionery products in general; the product preferably comprising one or more product units, each comprising one or more product pieces; the package comprising a body, in particular in the form of a box-shaped body which contains the product and which has a respective product outlet end or mouth; the package being characterized in that the product is connected to the containing body in such a way that it is movable relative to the containing body between a housed, rest position where the product is housing and at rest within the containing body and a protruding position where at least an end portion of the product protrudes from the product outlet end or mouth.

With this package the product can be kept well protected in the normal rest position when it does not need to be consumed and when necessary can be moved to an advantageous, different position where it can be easily taken out when it needs to be used or consumed.

According to another advantageous aspect, it is provided a package for housing a product, in particular a food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, homeopathic or other product; the product being preferably defined by chewing gums, chocolates or confectionery in general; the product preferably comprising one or more product units, each comprising one or more product pieces; the package comprising a body, in particular in the form of a box-shaped body which contains the product and which has a respective product outlet end or mouth; the package being characterized in that it comprises a product supporting portion, the supporting portion being connected to the containing body in such a way that it is movable relative to the selfsame containing body between a housed, rest position where the product is housed and at rest within the containing body and a protruding position where at least an end portion of the product protrudes from the product outlet end or mouth.

With this package the product can be kept well protected in the normal rest position when it does not need to be consumed and when necessary can be moved to an advantageous, different position where it can be easily taken out when it needs to be used or consumed. Brief description of the drawings

These and other innovative aspects of the package are set out in the appended claims and its technical features and advantages are apparent from the detailed description which follows of preferred, advantageous embodiments of it, to be considered purely as non limiting examples of the invention; the description being made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the package according to the invention;

- Figures 2A and 3A are perspective views of the first preferred embodiment of the package according to the invention, in particular showing the package, respectively, in the open condition with the product inside the containing body and in the open condition with the product protruding from the containing body;

- Figures 2B and 3B are longitudinal cross sections corresponding to Figures 2A and 3A;

- Figure 4 is a perspective view of a product unit holding a plurality of product pieces housed inside the first preferred embodiment of the package;

- Figure 5 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a blank for making the package according to the invention;

- Figures 6A to 6H illustrate the steps in the process for making the first preferred embodiment of the package according to the invention;

- Figures 7 to 9 are respective perspective views showing a second preferred embodiment of the package according to the invention and corresponding to Figures 1 , 2A and 3A which illustrate the first preferred embodiment;

- Figure 10 is a plan view of a second preferred embodiment of a blank for making the second preferred embodiment of the package. Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

Figures 1 to 4 show a first preferred embodiment of a package for housing a respective product 11 , the product being in particular in the form of a food product, preferably chewing gums.

It will, however, be understood that the package could be used to house a cosmetic, pharmaceutical, homeopathic or other kind of product.

In particular, the packaged product could be chocolates or confectionery in general, or single-dose vials made of plastic material and containing a respective substance, for example for ophthalmic use.

As may be inferred from the drawings, the packaged product preferably comprises one or more product units 11 , each in turn comprising one or more single product pieces 11', in particular, perpendicularly aligned with each other, or stacked one on top of another, that is, such that the main faces of each piece 11' are in contact with the main faces of the adjacent product pieces.

In particular, each product piece 11 ' is in the form of a respective elongate element, especially a flattened stick, but which might also be a prismatic bar, wrapped in a respective protective wrapper placed in contact with the front, rear faces, top, bottom and side faces of the selfsame product stick or bar.

In the accompanying drawings, as may be inferred in particular from the enlarged view shown in Figure 4, only the protective outer wrapping, denoted by the reference numeral 13, is shown of the product piece 11'. The wrapping 13 is, in particular, in the form of a respective sheet of wrapping material placed round the product proper, that is to say, folded in contact therewith and having respective openable flaps, not shown in the drawings, which give access to the product and which are preferably provided at a respective rear face of the selfsame product. The sheet of wrapping material is preferably defined by a respective foldable piece of paper, plastic film and/or aluminium foil but might be made of any other suitable material. More specifically, as illustrated the product comprises a plurality of product units 11 placed side by side, in particular aligned along the respective main walls 12a, 12b of the box-shaped body or containing body, as will become clearer as this description continues.

More specifically, as illustrated purely by way of an example, this embodiment of the pack comprises three product units 11 , each containing five pieces, or sticks, of product 11 '.

In each unit 11 , the individual product pieces 11 ' are supported by a respective container element 15 from which each product piece 1 ' protrudes longitudinally.

As may be well inferred from Figure 4, the container element 15 supporting each product piece 11' has a longitudinal front wall 15a, a longitudinal rear wall 15b, opposite longitudinal side walls or flanks 15c, 15d, and a transversal bottom wall 15e.

The container element 15 also has an end edge 17 of the longitudinal walls 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, beyond which each product piece 11' extends and which thus defines a product outlet mouth of the container element 15.

In practice, the container element 15 is, in particular, defined by a respective sheet which is folded to define a hollow container element having a polygonal base, in particular a quadrangular base and, preferably, a rectangular base.

In practice, the supporting element 15 is in the form of a container element, from which each product piece 11 ' protrudes so that it can be easily taken out by the consumer.

The container sheet 15 is preferably defined by a respective piece of foldable foil, in particular of aluminium but might also be a piece of paper or plastic or any other suitable material.

In practice, each product unit 11 includes one or more product pieces 11' and, in particular, when it includes a plurality of product pieces 11', as illustrated, these are supported by a respective supporting element 15. More specifically, the product pieces 11' are supported removably by a respective supporting element 15 and being, in particular, able to be pulled out longitudinally from the selfsame supporting element 15.

As may be inferred from Figures 1 to 3B, the pack 10 comprises a body 12, in particular in the form of a box-shaped body made of a substantially stiff, foldable material, preferably paperboard, the body 12 containing the product 11 and having a respective outlet end or mouth 14 through which the product 11 can be easily taken out.

As may be inferred, the body 12 containing the product 11 comprises a large longitudinal front wall 12a, a large longitudinal rear wall 12b, a longitudinal side wall, in particular a first and a second opposite narrow longitudinal side walls 12c, 12d, connecting the front wall 12a and the rear wall 12b to each other, as well as a transversal bottom wall 12e, also connecting the front and rear walls 12a, 12b to each other.

Each longitudinal side wall of the containing body has a respective end edge 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d defining the outlet end or mouth 14 for taking out the product 11.

Advantageously, the pack 10 of the invention comprises a portion 16 for supporting the product 11 , the supporting portion 16 being connected to the containing body 12 in such a way that it is movable relative to the selfsame containing body 12 between a housed, rest position A where the selfsame product is housed and at rest within the containing body 12 and a protruding position B where at least an end portion of the product 11 protrudes from the outlet end or mouth 14 for taking out the product 11. It will be understood, however, that the invention might also contemplate a pack comprising a product 11 connected to the containing body 12 in such a way that it is movable relative to the selfsame containing body 12 between a housed, rest position A where the selfsame product 11 is housed and at rest within the containing body 12 and a protruding position B where at least an end portion of the product 11 protrudes from the outlet end or mouth 14 for taking out the product 11. Thus, thanks to the containing body, the product can be kept well protected in the normal rest position when it does not need to be consumed and when necessary can be moved to the removal position where it can be easily taken out when it needs to be used or consumed. As may be inferred in particular from Figures 2A and 2B, the product 11 , when it is in the housed, rest position, has a respective upper end at the edge 18 defining the outlet end or mouth 14 for taking out the product 11 and which, in particular, is slightly recessed relative to the edge 18.

As may be inferred in particular from Figures 3A and 3B, on the other hand, the product 11 , when it is in the removal position B, protrudes, in particular longitudinally, beyond the edge 18 defining the outlet end or mouth 14 for taking out the product 11.

More specifically, in the removal position B, the product 11 protrudes beyond the edge 18 defining the outlet end or mouth 14 for taking out the product 11 by an amount long enough to allow the user to grip the product 11 between his/her fingers.

In practice, in the removal position B, the product 11 protrudes beyond the edge 8 by a length greater than or equal to 5 mm.

More specifically, as may be well inferred from 2B and 3B, the product 11 is integral with the supporting portion 16, being in particular connected thereto by the respective supporting element 15, which is fixed, in particular glued, at 19, to the movable portion 16.

Advantageously, as will become clearer as this description continues, the product supporting portion 16 is made in one piece with the body 12 which contains the product 1.

In practice, connecting means 126 are provided between the product supporting portion 15 and/or the product 11 and the containing body 12 Advantageously, as will become clearer as this description continues, the connecting means 126 are made in one piece with the containing body 2. Further, the connecting means 126 are made in one piece with the portion 16 which supports the product 11. In practice, connecting means 126 are provided between the product 11 supporting portion 16 and/or the product 11 and the containing body 12, the connecting means 126 being designed to be positioned in a first configuration corresponding to the housed, rest position A of the product 11 in the containing body 12, as illustrated in Figure 2B, and in a second configuration, illustrated in Figure 3B, corresponding to a protruding position B where at least a respective end portion of the product 11 protrudes from the outlet end or mouth 14 for taking out the product 11. Advantageously, in the pack, the product and/or a portion 16 for supporting the product 11 is connected to the containing body 12 in such a way that it is movable relative to the selfsame containing body 12 between a first position A, in particular a position where the selfsame product 11 is housed and at rest within the containing body 12 and a second position B, in particular where the product can be taken out and/or where at least a respective end portion of the product 11 protrudes from the outlet end or mouth 14 for taking out the product 11.

As may be inferred from Figure 2B, means are provided for stopping the movement of the product 1 supporting portion 16 and/or of the selfsame product 11 in the position A, in particular the position where the product 11 is housed and at rest inside the containing body 12.

As may be inferred from Figure 3B, means are provided for stopping the movement of the product 11 supporting portion 16 and/or of the selfsame product 1 in the removal position B, in particular the position where at least a respective end portion of the product 1 protrudes from the outlet end or mouth 14 for taking out the product 11.

In practice, the means for stopping the movement of the containing body 12 in the housed, rest position A and/or the means for stopping the movement of at least one respective end portion of the product 11 in the position B where it protrudes from the product outlet end or mouth 14 are, advantageously, defined by the connecting means 126.

As may be inferred, also with reference in particular to the blank illustrated in Figure 5, the connecting means 126 are in the form of a tab, in particular a first and a second tab 126, 126 which extend between, and solidly connect, the product supporting portion 16 and the containing body 12.

More specifically, each connecting tab 126, in the position A where the product 11 is housed and at rest in the containing body 12, extends in the opposite direction to the outlet end or mouth 14 for taking out the product 11 , in particular towards the bottom of the containing body, especially remaining towards the bottom of the containing body, especially remaining under the movable portion 16, between the movable portion 16 and the rear wall of the containing support.

Further, each connecting tab 126, in the protruding position B where at least a respective end portion of the product 11 protrudes from the outlet end or mouth 14 for taking out the product 11 , extends towards the outlet end or mouth 14 for taking out the product 11 , in particular remaining substantially in the same plane as the movable portion 16.

As may be inferred, the movable product supporting portion 16 has, in particular, a rear panel or portion 16a for retaining the product .

The movable panel 16a is parallel to the longitudinal rear and/or front wall 12a, 12b of the containing body.

As may be inferred from the drawings, the panel 16a of the movable portion moves between a first position A inside the containing body and a second position B, where it extends outside the containing body, in particular beyond the end or mouth 14 of the containing body 12.

Advantageously, the movable portion 16 which supports the product 11 also defines a cover or tongue 16' superposed on the product, in particular when in the housed, rest position A of the product 11 , that is, where the mouth 14 of the containing body 12 is closed.

In practice, the cover or tongue 16' superposed on the product, or for closing the containing body 12, extends from the selfsame panel 16a for retaining the product 1. Advantageous means are provided for gripping and pulling the movable portion 16 and/or the product 11 into the protruding position B.

Advantageously, the cover or tongue 16' also defines advantageous means for gripping and pulling the movable portion 16 into the protruding position B of the product 11.

Further advantageously, the cover or tongue 16' superposed on the product 1 has retaining means for holding it in the closed or superposed position and which can be engaged/disengaged with/from the containing body 12.

More specifically, the cover or tongue 16' has a front flap 16b, superposed on the front wall 12a of the containing body 12.

The engageable/disengageable means for holding the cover or tongue 16' in the closed position are provided between the front flap 16b of the movable portion 16 and the front wall 12a of the containing body 12.

The cover or tongue 16' superposed on the product 1 also has an intermediate flap 16c, in particular connecting the front flap 16b and the rear flap 16a of the movable portion 16.

More specifically, as illustrated, the engageable/disengageable means for holding in the closed position comprise a respective protruding fin, in particular a centrally protruding fin 116' which is inserted into a corresponding slit 116" made in the front wall 12a of the box-shaped containing body.

In the first preferred embodiment of the pack 10, as may be well inferred from the drawings, the movable supporting portion 16 is connected to a panel 127, which is integral, in particular glued, and superposed, in particular internally, to the rear wall 12b of the containing body 12.

In practice, the movable tabs 126, 126 for connecting the movable portion 16 to the containing body 12 are provided in an intermediate zone of the longitudinal extension of the containing body, in particular thanks to this superposed panel 127, which extends from upper mouth or upper end 18 of the containing body towards the inside of the containing body or of the chamber containing the product 11 and defined by the containing body 12. As illustrated, the tabs 126, 126, or tab means, which allow movement of the movable portion 16 relative to the containing body 2, extend from the fixed panel 127, in particular from the bottom edge of the panel 127.

Figure 5 shows a preferred embodiment 0s of a blank for making a pack

10 according to the first preferred embodiment of the pack described above.

The blank 10s is used to make a pack for housing a product 11 , in the form of a food product, preferably chewing gums or confectionery products in general and where the product preferably comprises one or more product units 11 , each comprising one or more product pieces 11'.

As illustrated, the blank 10s has panel means which are designed to define a body 12, in particular in the form of a box-shaped body for containing the product 11 and having an outlet end or mouth 14 for taking out the product 1 , as will become clearer as this description continues. Advantageously, the blank 10s also comprises panel means 16 which are designed to define a respective supporting portion for the product 11 and which are connected to the panel means defining the containing body 12, in such a way as to be, in use, movable relative to the selfsame containing body 12 between a respective housed, rest position A, where the product

11 is housed and at rest in the containing body 12, and a protruding position B, where at least a respective end portion of the product 11 protrudes from the outlet end or mouth 14 for taking out the product 11. According to another viewpoint, the blank 10s is also provided with the tab means 126, 126, defining, in use, connecting means which are located between the product 11 supporting portion 16 and/or the product 1 and the containing body 12, and which are, in use, designed to be positioned in a first configuration corresponding to the housed, rest position A of the product 11 in the containing body 12, and in a second configuration, corresponding to the protruding position B where at least a respective end portion of the product 11 protrudes from the outlet end or mouth 14 for taking out the product 11.

The blank 10s is made preferably of paperboard and comprises a wide end panel 12a defining a corresponding longitudinal front wall of the containing body and which is connected by a transversal crease line 12ae to a narrow panel 12e defining the bottom of the containing body 12, and which is in turn connected by a corresponding transversal crease line 12be to a wide central panel 12b defining the longitudinal rear wall of the containing body 12.

The panel 12b is also connected by a corresponding transversal crease line 127b to the panel 127, designed to be attached, in particular glued, to the inside face of the panel 12b and from which extend the tabs, or tab means, 126, 126 defining the movable means for connecting the containing body 12 to the movable portion 16 for supporting the product 11.

The tab means 126 are in the form of corresponding portions of the blank which extend longitudinally and which are separated from each other by a corresponding opening or slit 126' made in the blank, the opening 126' being the same in length as the lateral tabs 126, 126.

On the side of the tabs 126 opposite to the panel 127 there extends a further panel 16a which defines the movable portion for engaging and retaining the product 11.

The movable product supporting portion 16a is separated by a corresponding transversal crease line 16ac from a narrow panel 16c defining the top wall of the cover 16' of the pack, the panel 16c being in turn connected by a transversal crease line 16cb to the panel 16b which defines the front tongue for closing the pack.

The panel 16b has a shaped end defining a protrusion or fin 116' designed to be inserted, in use, into a corresponding slit 116", which is, in particular, arcuate in shape and provided at an intermediate longitudinal position in the panel 12a defining the front wall of the containing body 12, on the opposite side of the blank. The central panel 12b defining the rear wall is in turn connected by corresponding longitudinal crease lines 12bc and 12bd to corresponding elongate panels 12c, 12d defining the opposite side walls of the containing body.

The elongate panels 12c, 12d are in turn connected by respective longitudinal crease lines 12'ca, 12'da to corresponding narrow panels 12ca, 12da for connection, in particular by gluing, to the front wall 12a of the containing body to define a box-shaped body forming an internal chamber for housing the product and having a product outlet mouth 14 at the top of it.

Figures 6A to 6H illustrate an advantageous process for making a pack 10 for housing a product 11 , in particular in the form of a food product, preferably, chewing gums or confectionery in general, where the product preferably comprises a plurality of products 11 , each comprising one or more product pieces 11' and where the pack comprises a body 12, in particular in the form of a box-shaped body for containing the product 11 and having an outlet end or mouth 14 for taking out the product 11 , as mentioned above.

Advantageously, the process starts from a flat, or unfolded, blank which is then formed into an intermediate or partly glued blank where the connecting means are already provided because the connecting panel 127 has been superposed on and attached to a respective longitudinal panel defining a respective longitudinal wall, in particular a rear longitudinal wall 12b of the containing body 12.

In practice, to start with, the flat, or unfolded, blank is formed into an intermediate blank having panel means 12 which, in use, are adapted to define a body 12, in particular in the form of a box-shaped body for containing the product 1 and having a respective outlet end or mouth 14 for taking out the product 11 , and panel means 16 which are adapted to define a supporting portion for the product 11 and which are connected to the panel means defining the containing body 12 by respective connecting means 126, 126 which are configurable, in use, in such a way as to allow the product supporting portion to move relative to the selfsame containing body 12 between a position A where the product 11 is housed and at rest in the containing body 12, and a position B where at least a respective end portion of the product 11 protrudes from the outlet end or mouth 14 for taking out the product 11.

More in detail, as may be inferred from Figures 6A to 6C, the process starts with a flat or unfolded blank made of a foldable material, preferably paperboard, and this blank is folded along the crease line 127a between the connecting panel 127 and the rear panel 12b, the connecting panel 127 being superposed on, and then attached, in particular by glue, to the longitudinal panel 12b defining a respective longitudinal rear wall of the containing body 12.

This operation is preferably performed by the paper processing company which manufactures the blank.

Next, at the packaging company where the product 11 is packaged, continuing the process of erecting the containing body proper, the side panels, the bottom panel 12e and the front panel 12a are lifted, as illustrated in Figure 6D, and the products 11 are placed on the movable portion 16, in particular on the panel 16a thereof, attaching them to the latter, preferably by gluing, that is to say, by gluing the retaining element 15 of each product or product unit 1 to the movable portion 16, to arrive at the configuration shown in 6E.

As illustrated in Figure 6F, the panels 12ca, 12da, protruding transversely from the respective side panels 12c, 12d defining the longitudinal side walls of the container, are then folded so they lie parallel to the rear panel 12b.

Next, the front panel 12a is positioned parallel to the rear panel 12b and connected thereto by the panels 12ca, 12da which protrude transversely from the respective side panels 12c, 12d defining the longitudinal side walls of the container, the front panel 12a being attached, in particular glued, to the panels 12ca, 12da, arriving at the configuration illustrated in Figure 6G. At this point, all that remains is to fold the protruding panels 16b, 16c of the movable portion 16 and to engage by corresponding retaining means the superposed tongue of the movable portion to the front face 12a of the containing body 12, arriving at the configuration illustrated in Figure 6H.

Figures 7 to 9 illustrate a second preferred embodiment 200 of the package of the invention, this second embodiment being very similar to the first preferred embodiment and differing only in the different configuration of the retaining means by which the cover, or tongue 16' is held to the containing body 12. As may be inferred in particular from these figures, the engageable/disengageable means by which the cover or front flap 16b of the movable portion is held in the closed position can also advantageously be adapted to hold the movable portion 16 in place by opposing the translational movement of the movable portion 16

In particular, in the second preferred embodiment, the engageable/disengageable means by which the movable portion 16, that is, the cover 6' defined thereby, is held in the closed position, are in the form of means for slotting the movable portion 16 into the containing body 12

In the second preferred embodiment 200, the slotting means comprise a slit 216", in particular a horizontal slit, in the wall 12a of the box-shaped containing body, and a fin 216' to be inserted into the slit and located on the front flap 16b of the movable portion 16, the protrusion 216' being formed by a respective cut, in particular an arcuate cut, made in an intermediate zone of the flap 16b of the movable portion 16.

That way, as may be well inferred from Figures 7 and 8, a slotting protrusion or fin 216' is defined which, in the closed position, extends upwards, that is to say, towards the end corresponding to the product outlet mouth.

The second preferred embodiment also comprises lateral covering means 16d, 16d superposed on the product in the position B where a respective end portion of the product 11 protrudes from the outlet end or mouth 14 for taking out the product .

Advantageously, the lateral covering means 16d, 16d superposed on the product in the protruding position B are provided on the extension of the respective side wall 12c, 2d of the containing body.

Also, advantageously, the lateral covering means 16d, 16d superposed on the product in the protruding position B are provided on the movable, retaining portion 16 of the product 11.

Also, advantageously, the lateral covering means 16d, 16d superposed on the product in the protruding position B are in the form of respective side tongues 16d, 16d which can slide in the containing body 12 together with the movable portion 16.

This guarantees maximum product protection when the product is taken out.

As may be well inferred, the second preferred embodiment of the package is obtained in the same way as the first preferred embodiment from a respective blank 200s, illustrated in Figure 10, most of whose parts are the same as those of the first preferred embodiment of the blank and denoted by the same reference numerals and which will not be commented upon again in detail to avoid making this description too lengthy.

Unlike the first blank, as may be inferred, the second blank 200s has longitudinal tongues 16d, 16d which extend transversely to the movable portion 16a and which are separated from, or connected to, the movable portion 16 by respective longitudinal crease lines 16ad, 16ad.

The tongues 16d, 16d are suitably folded in such a way that , in use, they are inside the side walls 12c, 12d of the containing body 12, as may be well inferred from Figure 9.

Unlike the first blank 10s, the second blank 200s also has a slit 216" on the panel defining the front wall 12a of the box-shaped containing body, and an arcuate cut 216' on the panel defining the front flap 16b of the movable portion 16, which defines the fin to be slotted into the slit 216" to form the retaining means by which the cover or covering flap is held in the closed position.

As may be inferred, the cutting line 216' is on the extension of a crease line 217' defining a foldable end flap 217 of the cover 16'

The invention described above is susceptible of industrial application. It would be obvious to one skilled in the art that several changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, described in depth above. Also, further embodiments of the invention comprising one or more of the features described herein can be easily imagined. It will also be understood that all the details of the invention may be substituted for technically equivalent elements.

Claims

1. A package (10) for housing a product (11), in particular a food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, homeopathic or other product; the product being preferably defined by chewing gums, chocolates or confectionery in general; the product preferably comprising one or more product units (11) each comprising one or more product pieces (11 '); the package (10) comprising a body (12), in particular in the form of a box-shaped body which contains the product (11) and which has a respective outlet end or mouth (14) for taking out the product (11); the package being characterized in that the product (11) is connected to the containing body (12) in such a way that it is movable relative to the containing body (12) between a housed, rest position (A) where the product (11) is housed and at rest within the containing body (12) and a protruding position (B) where at least an end portion of the product (11) protrudes from the outlet end or mouth (14) for taking out the product (11).

2. The package according to claim 1 or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a supporting portion (16) for the product ( ), the supporting portion (16) being connected to the containing body (12) in such a way that it is movable relative to the containing body (12) between a housed, rest position (A) where the product (11) is housed and at rest within the containing body (12) and a protruding position (B) where at least an end portion of the product (11) protrudes from the outlet end or mouth (14) for taking out the product (11).

3. The package according to claim 2, characterized in that the product (11) is integral with the product supporting portion (16).

4. The package according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product supporting portion ( 6) is made in one piece with the body (12) which contains the product (11).

5. The package according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product supporting portion (16) and/or the product (11) move longitudinally relative to the body (12) containing the product (11) between a housed, rest position (A) where the product (11) is housed and at rest within the containing body (12) and a protruding position (B) where at least an end portion of the product (11) protrudes from the outlet end or mouth (14) for taking out the product (11).

6. The package according to any of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises connecting means (126) which are located between the supporting portion (16) for the product (11) and/or the product (11) and the containing body (12), and which are designed to be positioned in a first configuration corresponding to the housed rest position (A) of the product (11) in the containing body (12), and in a second configuration, corresponding to the protruding position (B) where at least a respective end portion of the product ( 1) protrudes from the outlet end or mouth (14) for taking out the product (11)

7. The package according to claim 6, characterized in that the connecting means (126) are made in one piece with the containing body (12).

8. The package according to any of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises means for stopping the movement of the product (11) supporting portion (16) and/or of the selfsame product (11) in the position (A), in particular the position where the product (11) is housed and at rest inside the containing body (12).

9. The package according to any of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises means for stopping the movement of the product supporting portion (16) and/or of the selfsame product (11) in the removal position (B), in particular the position where at least a respective end portion of the product (11) protrudes from the outlet end or mouth (14) for taking out the product (11).

10. The package according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the means for stopping the movement of the product (11) in the housed, rest position (A) in the containing body (12) and/or the means for stopping the movement of at least an end portion of the product (11) in the protruding position (B) where it protrudes from the outlet end or mouth (14) for taking out the product (11) are defined by the connecting means (126).

11. The package according to any of the claims from 6 to 10, characterized in that the connecting means (126) are in the form of a tab, in particular a first and a second tab (126, 126) which extend between the product supporting portion (16) and the containing body (12).

12. The package according to claim 11 , characterized in that each connecting tab (126), in the position (A) where the product (11) is housed and at rest in the containing body (12), extends in the opposite direction to the outlet end or mouth (14) for taking out the product (1 ).

13. The package according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that each connecting tab (126) in the protruding position (B) where at least a respective end portion of the product (11) protrudes from the outlet end or mouth (14) for taking out the product (11), extends towards the outlet end or mouth (14) for taking out the product (11).

14. The package according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product (11), when it is in the housed, rest position (A), has a respective end at the edge (18) which defines the outlet end or mouth (14) for taking out the product (11).

15. The package according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product (11), when it is in the removal position (B), protrudes beyond the edge (18) which defines the outlet end or mouth (14) for taking out the product (11).

16. The package according to claim 15, characterized in that the product ( ), when it is in the removal position (B), protrudes beyond the edge (18) defining the outlet end or mouth (14) for taking out the product (11) by an amount long enough to allow the user to grip the product (11) between his/her fingers.

17. The package according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (12) which contains the product (11) comprises a longitudinal front wall (12a).

18. The package according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (12) which contains the product (11) comprises a longitudinal rear wall (12b).

19. The package according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (12) which contains the product (11) comprises a longitudinal side wall, in particular a first and a second opposite longitudinal side walls (12c, 12d), connecting the front wall (12a) and the rear wall (12b) to each other.

20. The package according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (12) which contains the product (11) comprises a transversal bottom wall (12e), connecting the front wall (12a) and the rear wall (12b) to each other.

21. The package according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that each side wall of the containing body has a respective end edge (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d) defining the outlet end or mouth (14) for taking out the product (11).

22. The package according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable supporting portion (16) has a movable panel, in particular a rear panel (16a) for retaining the product (11).

23. The package according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable supporting portion (16) has a movable panel (16a) which is parallel to the respective longitudinal rear and/or front wall of the containing body.

24. The package according to any of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the movable portion (16) which supports the product (11) defines a cover or tongue (16') superposed on the product (11), in particular when the product (11) is in the housed, at rest position (A).

25, The package according to any claim 24, characterized in that the cover or tongue (16') superposed on the product (11) extends from the panel

(16a) which retains the product (11).

26. The package according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the cover or tongue (16') superposed on the product (1 ) has retaining means for holding it in the closed or superposed position and which can be engaged/disengaged with/from the containing body (12).

27. The package according to any of the claims from 24 to 26, characterized in that the cover or tongue (16') superposed on the product (11) has a front flap (16b) which is, in particular, superposed on the front wall (12a) of the containing body (12).

28. The package according to claim 27, characterized in that the engageable/disengageable means for holding in the closed position are provided between the front flap (16b) of the movable portion and the front wall (12a) of the containing body (12).

29. The package according to any of the claims from 24 to 28, characterized in that the cover or tongue (16') superposed on the product (11) has an upper flap (16c) which, in particular, connects the front flap (16b) and the rear flap (16a) of the movable portion (16) to each other.

30. The package according to any of the claims from 24 to 29, characterized in that the engageable/disengageable means for holding in the closed position are adapted to hold the movable portion (16) in place by opposing the translational movement of the movable portion (16).

31. The package according to any of the claims from 24 to 30, characterized in that the engageable/disengageable means for holding in the closed position are in the form of means for slotting the movable portion (16) into the containing body (12).

32. The package according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that each product piece (11 ') is in the form of a respective elongate element, in particular a bar or stick placed in a respective protective wrapper (13).

33. The package according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective wrapper (13) is in the form of a sheet of wrapping material defining a front wall, a rear wall, opposite longitudinal side walls or edges and opposite transversal top and bottom walls or edges.

34. The package according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product comprises a plurality of product units (11) placed side by side, in particular along a direction transversal or parallel to the respective main wall.

35. The package according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that each product unit (11) comprises one or more product pieces (11 ').

36. The package according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that each product unit ( 1) comprises a plurality of product pieces (11') supported by a respective supporting element (15).

37. The package according to claim 36, characterized in that the supporting element is in the form of a container element (15), in particular an element from which each product piece (1 ') protrudes.

38. The package according to claim 37, characterized in that the container element (15) supporting each product piece (11 ') has a longitudinal front wall (15a), a longitudinal rear wajl (15b), opposite longitudinal side walls or flanks (15c, 15d), a transversal bottom wall (15e) and an end edge (17) of the longitudinal walls which defines a product outlet mouth (19) of the container element (15) and beyond which each product piece (11') extends outside the selfsame container element (15).

39. The package according to any of the claims from 36 to 38, characterized in that the container element (15) is defined by a respective sheet which is folded into a hollow shape.

40. The package according to any of the claims from 36 to 39, characterized in that the product pieces (11') are supported removably by the respective supporting element (15).

41. The package according to any of the claims from 36 to 40, characterized in that the product pieces (11') can be pulled, in particular longitudinally from the respective supporting element (15).

42. The package according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable supporting portion (16) is connected to a panel (127) which is integral with, and superposed on, the rear wall (12a) of the containing body (12).

43. The package according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for gripping and pulling the movable portion (16) and/or the product (11) into the removal position (B) for taking out the product (11).

44. The package according to claim 43, characterized in that the means for gripping and pulling the movable portion (16) into the removal position

(B) for taking out the product (11) are defined by the cover or tongue (16') of the movable portion (16).

45. The package according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises lateral covering means (16d, 16d) superposed on the product in the position (B) where a respective end portion of the product (11) protrudes from the outlet end or mouth (14) for taking out the product (11).

46. The package according to claim 45, characterized in that the lateral covering means (16d, 16d) superposed on the product in the protruding position (B) are provided on the extension of the respective side wall (12c, 12d) of the containing body.

47. The package according to claim 45 or 46, characterized in that the lateral covering means (16d, 16d) superposed on the product in the protruding position (B) are located on the movable portion (16) for retaining the product (11 ).

48. The package according to any of the claims from 45 to 47, characterized in that the lateral covering means (16d, 16d) superposed on the product in the protruding position (B) are in the form of respective side tabs (16d, 16d) which can slide in the containing body (12).

49. A blank for making a package (10) for housing a product (11), in particular in the form of a food product, preferably chewing gums or confectionery products in general; the product preferably comprising one or more product units (11) each comprising one or more product pieces (11'); the blank comprising panel means (12) which are designed to define a body (12), in particular in the form of a box-shaped body for containing the product (11) and having an outlet end or mouth (14) for taking out the product (11); the blank (10s) being characterized in that it comprises panel means (16) which are designed to define a supporting portion for the product (11) and which are connected to the panel means defining the containing body (12), in such a way as to be movable relative to the selfsame containing body (12) between a respective housed, rest position (A), where the product ( 1) is housed and at rest in the containing body (12), and a protruding position (B), where at least a respective end portion of the product (11) protrudes from the outlet end or mouth (14) for taking out the product (11).

50. The blank according to claim 49 or according to the preamble to claim 49, characterized in that it comprises tab means (126) which, in use, define connecting means located between the supporting portion (16) for the product (11) and/or the product (11) and the containing body (12), and designed to be positioned in a first configuration corresponding to the housed rest position (A) of the product (11) in the containing body (12), and in a second configuration, corresponding to the protruding position (B) where at least a respective end portion of the product (11) protrudes from the outlet end or mouth (14) for taking out the product (11).

51. The blank according to claim 49 or 50, characterized in that it comprises corresponding means, or panels, for making a package according to any of the claims from 1 to 48.

52. A process for making a package (10) for housing a product (11), in particular in the form of a food product, preferably chewing gums or confectionery products in general; the product preferably comprising one or more product units (11) each comprising one or more product pieces (11 '); the package comprising a body (12), in particular in the form of a box-shaped body which contains the product (11) and which has a respective outlet end or mouth (14) for taking out the product (11); the process being characterized in that, to start with, a flat, or unfolded, blank is formed into an intermediate blank having panel means (12) which are adapted to define a body (12), in particular in the form of a box-shaped body for containing the product (11) and having a respective outlet end or mouth (14) for taking out the product ( 1), and panel means (16) which are adapted to define a supporting portion for the product (11) and which are connected to the panel means defining the containing body (12) by respective connecting means which are configurable, in use, in such a way as to allow the product supporting portion to move relative to the selfsame containing body (12) between a position (A) where the product

(11) is housed and at rest in the containing body (12), and a position (B) where at least a respective end portion of the product (11) protrudes from the outlet end or mouth (14) for taking out the product (11) .

53. The process according to claim 52, characterized in that the connecting means are provided between a connecting panel (127) which is superposed on and attached to a respective longitudinal panel defining a respective longitudinal wall, in particular a rear longitudinal wall (12b) of the containing body (12) and a panel (16a) defining the movable portion (16) for retaining the product (11).

54. The process according to claim 52 or 53, characterized in that it comprises steps for making a package according to any of the claims from 1 to 48.

55. The package according to any of the claims from 1 to 48 or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the product (11) and/or a portion (16) for supporting the product (11) is connected to the containing body (12) in such a way that it is movable relative to the containing body

(12) between a respective first position (A), in particular a position where the product (11) is housed and at rest within the containing body (12) and a second position (B), in particular a position for taking out the product and/or where at least an end portion of the product (11) protrudes from the outlet end or mouth (14) for taking out the product (11).