WO2015169698A1

WO2015169698A1 - Package assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2015169698A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/059580
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bengt HÅKANSSON; Göran DAHL; Carl NORDENSKJÖLD; Eric LUNDIN; Sinduja THRIKEDISWARENADEN
Original assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
Current assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
Priority date: 2014-05-08
Filing date: 2015-04-30
Publication date: 2015-11-12
Anticipated expiration: 2016-11-08
Also published as: WO2015169699A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a package assembly, comprising at least one primary package (2) adapted to contain a food product, a secondary package (3) attached to said at least one primary package (2) to retain said at least one primary package (2), a space (10) positioned between said at least one primary package (2) and said secondary package (3), said space (10) having an opening and being adapted to accommodate an item, and a removable cover (50) adapted to at least partly enclose said opening (51) of said space (10).

Description

PACKAGE ASSEMBLY

Technical field

The invention relates to a package assembly comprising a primary package adapted to contain a food product and a secondary package attached to said at least one primary package with a space between said primary package and said secondary package containing an item associated with said food product.

Background art

In the food packaging industry food is packaged into different types of packages, distributed to storing locations for further distribution to retail stores where the food is sold to the end consumer. Packages for beverages, such as fruit juices, still drinks and also dairy products or derivate thereof can be divided into portion packages and family packages. Those packages differ mainly by their respective volume size and consequently weight. Particularly, portion packs are available in different volumes ranging from about 80ml to several 100ml. Portion packages are normally consumed at once and due to their smaller volume suitable not only for adults, but also for children or teenagers.

Very often, items associated with the content of the primary package are to be enclosed with the same when the product is sold to a customer. The item may be placed in a supplementary package. For a juice package the item could be a straw inside a plastic bag attached to the primary package. With conventional methods, such supplementary packages with items are often attached to the exterior of the primary package. When the end consumer intends to use the attached item, the supplementary package is ripped off from the primary package and the end consumer will then open the supplementary package to reach the item. However, the supplementary package is often difficult to open which may lead to damage of the item and/or an annoyed end consumer.

A further problem with an attached item is that it may be damaged or get dirty during transportation or handling in retail stores as they normally are attached to the outside of the food product package. There is thus a need for improving the state of the art to provide better packaging solution for the items attached to and associated with the food product packages. Summary of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to improve the current state of the art, to solve the above problems, and to provide an improved package assembly. These and other objects are achieved by a package assembly, comprising at least one primary package adapted to contain a product, a secondary package attached to the at least one primary package to retain the at least one primary package, a space positioned between the at least one primary package and the secondary package, the space having an opening and being adapted to accommodate an item, and a removable cover adapted to at least partly enclose the opening of the space. The cover is

advantageous in that is will protect the content of the space between the primary and the secondary package. When the content of that space is an item associated with the food content of the primary package it is important that the item is protected from the environment to avoid being damaged and for sanitary reasons. With the inventive cover of the present invention, an additional supplementary package enclosing and protecting the item could potentially be avoided.

The product contained in the primary package may be a food product or a liquid product. However, any suitable product could be contained in the primary package.

The cover may be made of the same material as said secondary package. In this case, the cover is preferably integrally formed with the secondary package, wherein said secondary package comprises a weakened line to enable separation of said cover from said secondary package. This solution is both cost and time efficient for the manufacturer and thus for the end consumer. However, as an alternative, the cover may be made of a material different from said secondary package, such as a plastic material. Plastic material is good since it is a cheap material with a high impermeability to liquid which will supply a solid protection for the item. The package assembly may further comprise a supplementary package which is adapted to contain the item. The supplementary package provides additional protection for the item.

The cover may be attached to the supplementary package. With such an arrangement the supplementary package will follow the cover when the cover is removed from the package assembly. The risk of the supplementary package, and thus the item, getting stuck in the space is thereby eliminated.

The cover may completely enclose the opening, thereby also completely enclosing the item, which is advantageous for sanitary reasons.

The supplementary package may comprise a notch and be attached to the primary package or the secondary package at an attachment point, wherein the notch and the attachment point are positioned in relation to each other such that the supplementary package will break at the notch when pulled out of the space. With such an arrangement the supplementary package will automatically be opened when the cover is removed from the package assembly by the consumer. Thus, both the problem of potentially damaging the item in the supplementary package during the opening process and of annoying the consumer will be eliminated.

The primary package may further comprise an opening for access to the food product, wherein the cover also covers that opening. The opening is used for easy access to the food product in the primary package and the cover will protect that opening for sanitary reasons.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the package assembly comprises at least one primary package adapted to contain a product, a secondary package attached to the at least one primary package to retain the at least one primary package, a space positioned between the at least one primary package and the secondary package, the space having an opening and being adapted to accommodate an item associated with the product, a supplementary package adapted to contain the item, and a flap attached to the supplementary package and arranged at the opening of the space, such that at least a portion of the supplementary package will follow the flap when the flap is removed from the package assembly. The flap may be integrally formed with the supplementary package. This solution is both cost and time efficient for the manufacturer and thus for the end consumer.

Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a/an/the [element, device, component, means, step, etc.]" are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of said element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Brief description of the drawings

The above objects, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention, will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a package assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a side view of the package assembly in Fig. 1 .

Fig. 3 is a side view of the package assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 4 is a side view of the package assembly according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 5 is a side view of the package assembly according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

Fig. 1 shows a package assembly 1 in accordance with one

embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. A plurality of primary packages 2 are arranged in a 3x1 pattern, meaning three primary packages in a single row. The primary packages 2 are from brick shape structure and are placed next to, but otherwise separated from each other. The package assembly 1 also comprises a secondary package 3 attached to the primary packages 2 in the defined 3x1 pattern.

The secondary package 3 comprises a bottom panel 32, on which the packages are placed and (not shown) slightly attached to. For example, a small adhesive portion can be used to fixate the primary packages to bottom panel 32. Secondary package 3 also comprises a main panel 3, which is divided by two weakened lines 36 in longitudinal direction L to form main portions 3a to 3c, respectively. The weakened lines 36 are perforated lines and also extend in the bottom panel (not shown) in extension to the cut-outs 37. The cut-outs and the perforation line enable a consumer to easily separate individual packages 2 from the assembly 1 .

A space 10 is formed between the primary and the secondary packages 2, 3. The space 10 is used to accommodate an item 4 associated with the food content of the primary package. The item is placed in a supplementary package 41 attached to the primary package or the secondary package in an attachment point 43. The attachment point 43 may e.g. be accomplished with glue. A notch 42 is present in the supplementary package at which notch the supplementary package is intended to break when pulling in the supplementary package so that the item 4 is exposed for the end consumer. In one preferred embodiment, the item 4 is constituted by a straw which is to be used by a consumer when drinking the content of the primary package 2. To access the space and remove the straw 4, each main portion 3a, 3b and 3c comprise a cut-out 39 of "U"-shape extending from the uppermost part of the respective main portion in downwards direction. The space 10 may for example be provided using the method (described in detail below) according another aspect of the present invention.

The secondary package 3 also includes a top panel, which is also separated by perforation lines 36a into different top portions 31 for simple separation. The top panel and more particular the top portion 31 is attached to the top side of the primary packages, in this example to the top notch seal of the primary package. Top portion 31 of the top panel exceeds to around the edge 22 of top notch seal 20. Top portions 31 also comprise a cut-out 38, which, in this example, is placed over the opening 5 of the primary package. In other words, due to cut-out 38 of the top panel, the top panel does not mask or conceal opening 5.

A cover 50 is placed over the cut-outs 38 and 39 and adjacent parts of top portion 31 and respective main portion 3a, 3b and 3c. Cover 50 is glued or otherwise rigidly attached to the top and main portion thereby at least partly sealing the space. In this example, cover 50 is transparent at least in the area of the cut-outs to provide visibility into the space. To open the space, cover 50 comprises a tab or lid 35a which is arranged on the top portion in this embodiment. A consumer may for example pull tab 35a towards the edge and main portion 3a, 3b and 3c, thereby ripping apart the cover and opening cutouts 38 and 39.

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the package assembly 1 according to the present invention according to a first embodiment of the invention. A space 10 is present between the primary package 2 and the secondary package 3 in which space 10 an item 4 is placed. In this

embodiment the item 4 is a straw 4. Part of the secondary package 3 creates a removable cover 50 covering the top opening 51 of the space 10 to prevent the item 4 from being dirty or damaged. If an end user removes the

removable cover 50 the straw 4 can be removed from space 10 and be used for consuming the food product in the primary package 2.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the package assembly 1 according to the present invention according to a second embodiment of the invention. A space 10 is present between the primary package 2 and the secondary package 3 in which space 10 a supplementary package 41 containing an item 4 is placed. In this embodiment the item 4 is a straw 4. Part of the secondary package 3 creates a removable cover 50 covering the top opening 51 of the space 10 to prevent the item 4 from being dirty or damaged. The supplementary package 41 is attached to the primary package 2 in an attachment point 43. The supplementary package 41 further comprises notches 42 functioning as break points where the supplementary package 41 is supposed to break if pulled. The top part of the supplementary package 41 is further attached to the removable cover 50. If an end user removes the removable cover 50 the supplementary package 41 will be pulled upwards and break at the notches 42. The straw 4 can then be conveniently removed from the supplementary package 41 and from the space 10 and be used for consuming the food product in the primary package 2.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the package assembly 1 according to the present invention according to a third embodiment of the invention. A space 10 is present between the primary package 2 and the secondary package 3 in which space 10 a supplementary package 41 containing an item 4 is placed. In this embodiment the item 4 is a straw 4. A removable cover 50 made of a separate piece of material is covering the top opening 51 of the space 10 to prevent the item 4 from being dirty or damaged. The supplementary package 41 is attached to the primary package 2 in an attachment point 43. The supplementary package 41 further comprises notches 42 functioning as break points where the supplementary package 41 is supposed to break if pulled. The top part of the supplementary package 41 is further attached to the removable cover 50. If an end user removes the removable cover 50 the supplementary package 41 will be pulled upwards and break at the notches 42. The straw 4 can then be conveniently removed from the supplementary package 41 and from the space 10 and be used for consuming the food product in the primary package 2.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the package assembly 1 according to the present invention according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. A space 10 is present between the primary package 2 and the secondary package 3 in which space 10 a supplementary package 41 containing an item 4 is placed. In this embodiment the item 4 is a straw 4. The supplementary package 41 is attached to the primary package 2 in an attachment point 43. The supplementary package 41 further comprises notches 42 functioning as break points where the supplementary package 41 is supposed to break if pulled. The top part of the supplementary package 41 is attached to a flap 52. If an end user pulls the flap 52 the supplementary package 41 will be pulled upwards and break at the notches 42. The straw 4 can then be conveniently removed from the supplementary package 41 and from the space 10 and be used for consuming the food product in the primary package 2.

The skilled person realizes that a number of modifications of the embodiments described herein are possible without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the appended claims. It is e.g. understood that the concept of the invention may be realized also without the attachment point 43 and the notches 42.

Claims

1 . Package assembly, comprising

at least one primary package (2) adapted to contain a product, a secondary package (3) attached to said at least one primary package

(2) to retain said at least one primary package (2),

a space (10) positioned between said at least one primary package (2) and said secondary package (3), said space (10) having an opening and being adapted to accommodate an item, and

a removable cover (50) adapted to at least partly enclose said opening

(51 ) of said space (10).

2. The package assembly (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein said cover (50) is made of the same material as said secondary package (3).

3. The package assembly (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said cover (50) is integrally formed with said secondary package (3), wherein said secondary package (3) comprises a weakened line to enable separation of said cover (51 ) from said secondary package (3).

4. The package assembly (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein said cover (50) is made of a material different from said secondary package (3), such as a plastic material.

5. The package assembly (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a supplementary package (41 ) adapted to contain said item (4).

6. The package assembly (1 ) according to claim 5, wherein said cover (51 ) is attached to said supplementary package (41 ).

7. The package assembly (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said cover (50) completely encloses said opening (51 ).

8. The package assembly (1 ) according to any one of claims 5-7, wherein said supplementary package (41 ) comprises a notch (42) and being attached to said primary package (2) or said secondary package (3) at an attachment point (43), and wherein said notch (42) and said attachment point (43) are positioned in relation to each other such that said supplementary package (41 ) will break at said notch (42) when pulled out of said space (10).

9. The package assembly (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said primary package (2) further comprises an opening (51 ) for access to said food product, and wherein said cover (50) also covers said opening (51 ).

10. A package assembly (1 ), comprising

at least one primary package (2) adapted to contain a product, a secondary package (3) attached to said at least one primary package to retain said at least one primary package (2),

a space (10) positioned between said at least one primary package (2) and said secondary package (3), said space (10) having an opening (51 ) and being adapted to accommodate an item (4),

a supplementary package (41 ) adapted to contain said item (4), and a flap (52) attached to said supplementary package (41 ) and arranged at said opening (51 ) of said space (10), such that at least a portion of said supplementary package (41 ) will follow said flap (52) when said flap (52) is removed from said package assembly (1 ).

1 1 .The package assembly according to claim 10, wherein said flap (53) is integrally formed with said supplementary package (41 ).

12. The package assembly (1 ) according to claim 10 or 1 1 , wherein said supplementary package (41 ) comprises a notch (42) and being attached to said primary package (2) or said secondary package (3) at an attachment point (43), and wherein said notch (42) and said attachment point (43) are positioned in relation to each other such that said supplementary package (41 ) will break at said notch (42) when pulled out of said space (10).