PACKAGE, COMPRISING A SERIES OF INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT PACKAGES

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a package comprising a series of individual product packages, the package comprising a tubular wrapper open at at least one and preferably both ends, which wrapper abuts against the outside of the product packages. Such a package is known from the Offenlegungsschrift DE 29 34 493.

[0002] Product packages such as cardboard boxes with, for instance, foodstuffs, consumer products and the like are usually packaged in outer boxes. Such outer boxes are, for instance, folded from cardboard blanks and comprise a bottom, four longitudinal walls and a cover. The individual packages are densely stacked in the outer box, whereafter the outer box is closed above the individual packages, so that the individual packages are enclosed on all sides in the outer box.

[0003] Such a method of packaging individual product packages is unfavorable. Firstly, an outer package of this known type requires relatively much material, while forming it is relatively complicated and time-consuming. Further, the outer package must be set up completely before the individual packages can be placed in it. In order to obtain sufficient protection, a proper fit of a desired number of individual product packages in the outer box must be obtained. As a consequence, it is not easy to get the desired number of individual packages properly into the outer package. Moreover, this means for a user that the individual packages cannot be easily taken from the outer package, which is labor intensive and will lead to loss of time. A further disadvantage is that the used outer packages will take up relatively much space, which is undesirable for end use. Indeed, as a consequence, an end user will have to store and discard relatively much waste material. A further disadvantage is that such an outer package is environment-unfriendly, and that it is not at all times visible what kind of individual packages are accommodated in it.

[0004] The invention contemplates a package of the type described in the opening paragraph hereof, which obviates the above-described disadvantages thereof while maintaining the advantages thereof. To that end, a package according to the invention is characterized by the features according to claim 1.

[0005] A package according to the invention is substantially tubular, with the wrapper closely fitting the outside of the individual product packages, arranged in at least one row, while on the inside of the wrapper friction-increasing means are provided at least adjacent the open ends thereof. This means that a package according to the present invention abuts on four sides of the row of individual packages, such that the individual packages are prevented from leaving the row without the wrapper being at least partly removed. The friction-increasing means here ensure that any displacement of the individual packages within the wrapper is prevented. The friction-increasing means are provided, extending between an inner surface of the wrapper and an outer surface of the product packages, and include means that do not adhere to the individual packages to such an extent that the latter can only be detached by pulling or tearing them loose, with the respective individual packages thereby being damaged, but do increase the friction between the wrapper and the individual packages.

[0006] In a package according to the present invention, at at least one, and preferably both, ends of the series of individual packages, an individual package can be viewed from the outside of the package. A package according to the present invention requires relatively little material and yet offers sufficient protection for the individual products. The wrapper according to the present invention can be applied relatively easily, for instance by providing it around the series of product packages after their being arranged in the series.

[0007] In a first advantageous embodiment, a package according to the present invention is characterized by the features according to claim 2.

[0008] The use of tearing means for opening the wrapper along the length thereof provides the advantage that the individual packages can be taken out relatively easily, while the package can be folded flat for storage and removal while requiring relatively little space.

[0009] A package according to the present invention is preferably manufactured from cardboard or a like sheetlike material.

[0010] In a second advantageous embodiment, a package according to the present invention is characterized by the features according to claim 3.

[0011] The use of tearing means which are provided such that an upper part of the wrapper can be removed provides the advantage that the bottom surface of the wrapper continues to support the series of individual packages. The series of individual packages can be shoved off the bottom surface of the wrapper, in parts or as a whole. Moreover, the series as a whole is still transportable to, for instance, a display rack onto which the series can be shoved or otherwise transferred.

[0012] In a third advantageous embodiment, a package according to the present invention is characterized by the features according to claim 4.

[0013] The use of tearing means which are provided substantially parallel to the wrapping direction provides the advantage that the tubular wrapper, which comprises a series of individual product packages, is divisible into subpackages each comprising a subseries of individual packages.

[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment, a package according to the present invention is further characterized by the features according to claim 9.

[0015] Placement of the friction-increasing means along the entire length of the wrapper provides the advantage that each of the individual product packages is in contact with the friction-increasing means, thereby preventing individual product packages from shifting relative to each other and/or the wrapper.

[0016] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a package according to the present invention is further characterized by the features according to claim 11.

[0017] The use of friction-increasing means comprising an adhesion-increasing component provides the advantage that the individual product packages are held in place within the wrapper still better. The friction-increasing means can provide a mechanical resistance to shifting of the individual packages relative to the wrapper. In this case, the resistance is often based on roughness of a friction-increasing surface, so that a phenomenon known as interlocking of the contacting surfaces can occur. When the friction-increasing means comprise an adhesive component, this is to say that the surface material of the friction-increasing means is such that it exerts a force of attraction on a material with which this surface is in contact. These friction- and adhesion-increasing means can be manufactured such that no adhering bond arises between the individual packages and the wrapper, so that upon detachment of the individual product packages from the wrapper, the product packages are not damaged. Residues of friction- and adhesion-increasing means are left behind practically entirely on the wrapper.

[0018] In another advantageous embodiment, a package according to the present invention is further characterized by the features according to claim 12.

[0019] The use of friction-increasing means which comprise glue means provides the advantage that the individual product packages are held in position within the wrapper much better still.

[0020] In this case, a connection with the individual package, often chemical in nature, is formed, requiring the connection to be broken by tearing it loose to effect relative displacement of individual packages with respect to the wrapper.

[0021] Friction-increasing means in a package according to the present invention can be designed, for instance, as pressure-sensitive or hot- or cold-melt adhesives, such that when detaching the individual product packages from the wrapper the product packages are not damaged and preferably no residues of the friction-increasing means remain behind thereon.

[0022] The invention further relates to a blank for manufacturing a wrapper for use in a package according to the invention, characterized by the features according to claim 18.

[0023] The invention furthermore relates to a method for manufacturing a package, characterized by the features according to claim 19.

[0024] With such a method, for instance a package according to the present invention can be obtained. Such a method provides the advantage that relatively fast and simply, with relatively little material, a package for individual product packages can be obtained, which has a good bundling capacity, is simple in use and yields comparatively little waste.

[0025] Further advantageous embodiments of a package according to the invention are set forth in the further subclaims.

[0026] To clarify the invention, exemplary embodiments of a package and method according to the present invention will be further elucidated with reference to the drawing. In the drawing:

Fig. 1 shows in perspective view a first embodiment of a substantially closed package according to the present invention with a tear strip partly pulled away;

Fig. 2 shows in perspective view a partly opened package according to Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 shows in top plan view a blank for manufacturing a package according to Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 4 shows in perspective view a second embodiment of a substantially closed package according to the present invention with tear strips partly pulled away;

Fig. 5 shows in perspective view a package according to Fig. 4, with only a supporting part of the package still in contact with a series of individual packages;

Fig. 6 shows a blank for manufacturing a package according to Figs. 4 and 5;

Fig. 7 shows in perspective view a third embodiment of a substantially closed package according to the present invention with a tear strip oriented parallel to a wrapping direction and partly pulled away;

Fig. 8 shows in perspective view a package according to Fig. 7, divided into two parts; and

Fig. 9 shows a blank for manufacturing a package according to Figs. 7 and 8.

[0027] In this description, the same or corresponding parts have the same or corresponding reference numerals.

[0028] In Figs. 1 and 2, there is shown a package 1 according to the invention, comprising a series of identical, at least substantially identically shaped, individual product packages 2, with side surfaces placed against each other for forming a series 4. A wrapper 6, folded from a blank 7, such as shown, for instance, in Fig. 3, extends along four sides of the series 4 of individual packages 2, and is disposed with a proper fit against the side surfaces 8 on opposite sides of the series 4 and against the top surfaces 10 and bottom surfaces 12 of the series 4 of individual packages 2. Accordingly, the wrapper 6 in a simple manner prevents shifting of the individual product packages 2 relative to each other in lateral, upward and downward direction. At the short ends 14A, 14B, the package 1, at least the wrapper 6, is open, such that the end surfaces of the package 1 are formed by the end surfaces 16 of, respectively, the first and last individual package 2 in the series 4. The length of the wrapper 6 corresponds substantially to the length of the series 4.

[0029] Fig. 3 shows in elevation a blank 7 for a wrapper 6. This blank 7 comprises a bottom surface 18 with side surfaces 22A, 22B connected thereto through fold lines 20. Through a first further fold line 24, parallel to the first fold lines 20, there is connected with the side surface 22A a first top surface part 26, while through a second further fold line 28, parallel to the first fold lines 20 and the first further fold line 24, a second top surface part 30 is connected with the respective side surface 22B. The first top surface part 26 is provided along its free longitudinal edge with a glue flap 32 which, when the wrapper is closed, can be glued to the side of the second top surface part 30 then facing inwards. In this way, a closed wrapper 6 can be obtained. The glue flap 32 is then preferably glued relatively fixedly to the second top surface part 30, so that it cannot come loose therefrom. During gluing, the individual product packages 2 are enclosed in the wrapper and used as press-on surface for the gluing operation.

[0030] In the first top surface part 26 and the second top surface part 30, a perforation line 34A, 34B is provided, which extend parallel to the first further fold line 24 and the second further fold line 28. With the wrapper in closed condition, the perforation lines 34A, 34B are located at some distance from each other, with the part enclosed between them forming a tear lip 36. On each fold line 20, 24, 28, on the side facing inwards during use, throughout the length in the embodiment shown, there is provided a friction-increasing means 38, for instance in the form of a hot-melt or cold-melt adhesive, a pressure-sensitive adhesive or a rubbery means, such that, with individual product packages 2 enclosed in the wrapper 6, a friction is thereby obtained, such that especially the first and the last individual product package 2 in the series 4 are held in position, thereby enclosing the intermediate product packages 2 in the series 4. In principle, it is also possible to provide such a friction-increasing means at different points on the wrapper 6, as long as it also extends at least adjacent the ends 14A, 14B of the wrapper 6, open in use, at least over a part thereof. It is preferred, however, that the friction-increasing means extend adjacent the fold lines throughout the length of the wrapper 6, in continuous or interrupted strips. Retaining the product packages 2 adjacent the corners by means of the friction-increasing means provides the advantage that the corners of the individual packages 2 are relatively stiff and therefore can be more readily engaged without being damaged. Moreover, in a simple manner this still further reduces the risk of damage to any advertising utterances on the product packages 2.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 1, for opening the package 2, the tear strip 36 can be gripped adjacent an end and be pulled up and away, such that it tears loose along the perforation lines 34A, 34B. After removal of the tear strip 36, the wrapper 6 can be unfolded, as shown in Fig. 2. As a result, the individual packages 2 can be simply removed, individually or in groups, for instance as a complete series. Such a series 4 can be placed simply and directly in, for instance, a display rack. The wrapper 6 can subsequently be discarded in flat form.

[0032] In a special embodiment, tear strips 48 can be provided in the two side surfaces 22A, 22B of the wrapper, as shown in Fig. 6. A part of the wrapper 1 is then removable by tearing the two tear strips 48 from the side surfaces 22A, 22B of the wrapper 1. Fig. 4 shows this situation, where the top surface 44 is separated from the bottom surface 18 by tearing the tear strips 48 from the wrapper 1 along the perforation lines 34A. The parts 40 of the side surfaces 22A, 22B then remain attached to bottom surface 18 which supports the series 4. The parts 41 of the side surfaces 22A, 22B then remain attached to top surface 44. The tear strips 48 and the top surface 44 are completely removable from the wrapper 1, so that series 4 is still in contact only with the bottom surface 18, as shown in Fig. 5. An advantage is that the series of individual packages is still displaceable as a series by using the bottom surface 18 as a series-supporting surface and using the parts 40, when pressed against the side surfaces 8 of the individual packages 2 in the series 4, as an impediment to lateral displacement, If the friction-increasing means are arranged on the insides of the parts 40, then, when pressing the parts 40 against the series 4, the friction-increasing means 39 on the parts 40 are in contact with at least the individual packages of series 4 situated at the originally open end of the wrapper. The series 4 is thereby hampered in shifting in the longitudinal direction as well. When omitting such pressing-on, the parts 40 unfold away from the series 4, so that the series 4, while being shoved off part 18, will only experience friction from the friction-increasing means 38, if any are provided, on the inside of part 18.

[0033] A blank 46 for a wrapper according to Figs. 4 and 5 is shown in Fig. 6. The blank 46 to a large extent corresponds to the blank according to Fig. 3. Blank 46 comprises a bottom surface 18 with two side surfaces 22A, 22B connected thereto through fold lines 20, the side surfaces being provided with a tear strip 48. A closed wrapper can be obtained by fixedly gluing the glue flap 32 to the inwardly facing side of a part 41 of side surface 22B. The friction-increasing means 38 are provided on the inside of bottom surface 18 and top surface 44, for instance adjacent the ends. The insides of the parts of the side surfaces 40, 41 may likewise be provided with friction-increasing means 39.

[0034] Another variant of a package according to the invention is shown in Fig. 7. In this variant, the wrapper 1 is provided with a second tear strip 42, provided parallel to the wrapping direction. Thus, the tubular package is divisible into, for instance, two equal parts I and II, as shown in Fig. 8. These parts I and II further correspond to, for instance, a design as shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

[0035] On opposite sides of the tearing means 42 provided substantially parallel to the wrapping direction, the inside of the wrapper is provided with friction-increasing means 45 for the packages located adjacent the respective tear line. In the blank 47, as shown in Fig. 9, an opening 43 is provided in the tear strip 42 for engaging the tear strip 42. An advantage of this embodiment is that the series of individual packages can be supplied, for instance, as a large tubular wrapper, whereafter, for instance, a part, after unpacking the individual packages, can be placed in a display rack, while another part can be held in stock as a series.

[0036] In this description, friction-increasing means are to be understood to include at least means that do not adhere to the individual packages to such an extent that the latter can only be detached by pulling or tearing them loose, with the respective individual packages thereby being damaged, but do increase the friction between the wrapper and the individual packages. For that reason, preferably, types of adhesive used to that end and as such must either have such low bonding properties that upon detachment of the individual packages virtually residues of adhesive remain behind on them, or, after being applied onto the wrapper, dry prior to placement of the individual packages, such that at least substantially no bonding occurs anymore.

[0037] In a variant in which the first and last individual package of a series are secured in the wrapper, thereby clamping intermediate packages, it is also possible to use an adhesive that does adhere, preferably only in the corners and folding edges of the wrapper, but in that case too the friction-increasing means mentioned earlier are preferred.

[0038] The invention is not in any way limited to the exemplary embodiments described in the drawings. Many variations thereof are possible within the scope of the invention as outlined by the claims. Thus, for instance, a tear lip 36 can be provided in a different place than the top surface, for instance in a side surface or along a rib of the wrapper 6. Also, only one perforation line may be provided for tearing the wrapper open. In the drawing the wrapper 6 is shown with closed side, top and bottom surfaces. It will be clear, however, that openings may be provided in these surfaces as well, for instance such that large parts of the sides of the individual packages are visible through them. In the embodiment shown, identically-shaped, block-shaped product packages are shown, arranged in one row. Naturally, more rows of individual product packages can be accommodated next to and/or above each other in a package in a comparable manner, while the individual packages can be designed differently and/or be arranged differently in a series. Thus, for instance, the product packages received between the first and last product package in a row can be arranged transversely, as long as abutment against the inside of the wrapper, against each of the surfaces thereof, is obtained. The series of individual packages, when packaged in the divisible tubular wrapper, is preferably subdivided into subseries of individual packages, with each subseries, for instance, separately enveloped with a transparent plastic film or wrapped loosely. A blank for use in a package according to the present invention can naturally be formed differently. Thus, for instance, the glue flap can be provided at different positions or a different means may be provided for closing the wrapper around the product packages, for instance insertion means, clamping means, elastic means and the like. Instead of perforation lines, differently designed weakening lines, such as tear lines, breaking lines or different perforation lines can be used. For instance, on opposite sides of the wrapper incisions can be provided, slightly staggered with respect to each other, which incisions do not reach through the entire thickness of the blank, such that upon tearing the tear strip loose, the material between the respective incisions will come loose. Thus a particularly straight tearing line is obtained. Also, the perforation lines can be of a different design than a straight design, for instance wavy, curved or the like. These versions fall within the scope of the invention as laid down in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A package comprising a series of individual product packages (2), the package (1) comprising a tubular wrapper (6) open at at least one and preferably both ends (14A, 14B), which wrapper (6) abuts against the outside of the product packages (2), characterised in that on the inside of the wrapper (6), at least adjacent the ends (14A, 14B), friction-increasing means (38, 39) are provided, extending between an inner surface of the wrapper and an outer surface of the product packages (2) to increase the friction between said surfaces, wherein the friction-increasing means do not adhere to the individual packages (2) to such an extent that the latter can only be detached by pulling or tearing them loose, with the respective individual packages thereby being damaged.

2. A package according to claim 1, wherein tearing means (48) are provided in the wrapper (6) for opening the wrapper (6) along the length thereof, such that the product packages (2) come to lie clear.

3. A package according to claim 2, wherein the tearing means (48) are provided such that a part of the wrapper (6) can be removed, while the series (4) of individual packages (2) remains supported by another part of the wrapper (6), and the series (4) of individual packages (2) can as a whole be shoved off the supporting part of the wrapper (6) that is left behind.

4. A package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein tearing means (42) are provided substantially parallel to a wrapping direction, such that the tubular wrapper (6) comprising a series (4) of individual product packages (2) is divisible into at least two parts.

5. A package according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein the tearing means comprise a tear strip (36; 42; 48) , while means are provided for engaging the tear strip, in particular an opening (43).

6. A package according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the inside of the wrapper (6) is provided with friction-increasing means adjacent to and on opposite sides of the tearing means (42) provided substantially parallel to the wrapping direction.

7. A package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tearing means comprise a tear, breaking or perforation line (34A, 34B) or like weakening line for tearing open the wrapper(6).

8. A package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wrapper (6) is manufactured from cardboard or like sheetlike material, folded around the product packages (2).

9. A package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the friction-increasing means (38) extend along the full length of the wrapper (6) in the form of continuous or discrete surfaces.

10. A package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the friction-increasing (38, 39) means are provided at least adjacent to, preferably on, the fold lines (20, 24, 28) of the wrapper(6).

11. A package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the friction-increasing means (38, 39) are provided with an adhesion-increasing component.

12. A package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the friction-increasing means are adhesive means, in particular pressure-sensitive adhesive means.

13. A package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the friction-increasing means are designed as a hot-melt or cold-melt adhesive.

14. A package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the friction-increasing means (38, 39) comprise rubbery material.

15. A package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the product packages (2) are identical in shape and block-shaped.

16. A package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wrapper (6) is folded from a substantially rectangular blank (7), while along at least substantially the length of the blank (7) at least one tear line or like weakening line extends, substantially parallel to a longitudinal edge of the blank (7), and, with the wrapper (6) folded up, the part located between the longitudinal edge and the at least one tear line is secured on the part of the blank (7) located on the other side of the at least one tear line.

17. A package according to claim 16, wherein at least substantially throughout the width of the blank (7) at least one tear line or like weakening line extends.

18. A blank for manufacturing a wrapper for use in a package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least adjacent two opposite ends (14A, 14B) of the blank (7), which in use abut against an outer surface of the product packages, friction-increasing means (38, 39) are provided, to increase the friction between the abutting surfaces of the wrapper and the product packages, wherein the friction-increasing means do not adhere to the individual packages (2) to such an extent that the latter can only be detached by pulling or tearing them loose, with the respective individual packages thereby being damaged.

19. A method for manufacturing a package, characterised in that on a substantially rectangular blank (7), on one side, friction-increasing means (38, 39) are provided, at least adjacent two opposite ends (14A, 14B), which in use abut against an outer surface of the product packages, while in the blank (7) at least four fold (20, 24, 28) lines extending parallel to each other between said ends are provided, whereafter a series (4) of box-shaped product packages (2) are arranged on the blank (7), between two fold lines located next to each other, such that the series links up with the two ends (14A, 14B) of the blank (7), and the blank is subsequently folded around the product packages (2), such that the blank (7) abuts against the series of product packages (2) and the friction-increasing means, with the blank (7) forming a wrapper-shaped outer package, the friction-increasing means increasing the friction between the abutting surfaces of the blank (7) and the product packages (2), wherein the friction-increasing means do not adhere to the individual packages (2) to such an extent that the latter can only be detached by pulling or tearing them loose, with the respective individual packages thereby being damaged.

Ansprüche

1. Verpackung mit einer Reihe von einzelnen Produktverpackungen (2), wobei die Verpackung (1) eine schlauchförmige Umverpackung (6) aufweist, die an wenigstens einem und vorzugsweise an beiden Enden (14A, 14B) offen ist, wobei die Umverpackung (6) an der Außenseite der Produktverpackungen (2) anliegt, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß auf der Innenseite der Umverpackung (6), zumindest nahe den Enden (14A, 14B), reibungserhöhende Einrichtungen (38, 39) vorgesehen sind, die sich zwischen einer Innenfläche der Umverpackung und einer Außenfläche der Produktverpackungen (2) erstrecken, um die Reibung zwischen den Flächen zu erhöhen, wobei die reibungserhöhenden Einrichtungen an den einzelnen Verpackungen (2) nicht in derartigem Maße haften, daß die letzteren nur durch Ziehen oder Losreißen gelöst werden können, wodurch die jeweiligen einzelnen Verpackungen beschädigt würden.

2. Verpackung nach Anspruch 1, bei der Reißeinrichtungen (48) in der Umverpackung (6) zum Öffnen der Umverpackung (6) über deren Länge vorgesehen sind, derart, dass die Produktverpackungen (2) zum Freiliegen kommen.

3. Verpackung nach Anspruch 2, bei der die Reißeinrichtungen (48) derart vorgesehen sind, daß ein Teil der Umverpackung (6) entfernt werden kann, während die Reihe (4) von einzelnen Verpackungen (2) durch einen anderen Teil der Umverpackung (6) gestützt bleibt und die Reihe (4) der einzelnen Verpackungen (2) als Ganzes von dem verbleibenden Stützteil der Umverpackung (6) geschoben werden kann.

4. Verpackung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei der Reißeinrichtungen (42) im wesentlichen parallel zur Umverpackungsrichtung vorgesehen sind, so daß die eine Reihe (4) von einzelnen Produktverpackungen (2) enthaltende schlauchartige Umverpackung (6) in wenigstens zwei Teile teilbar ist.

5. Verpackung nach einem der Ansprüche 2-4, bei der die Reißeinrichtungen einen Reißstreifen (36; 42; 48) aufweisen, wobei Einrichtungen zum Greifen des Reißstreifens, insbesondere eine Öffnung (48), vorgesehen sind.

6. Verpackung nach Anspruch 4 oder 5, bei der die Innenseite der Umverpackung (6) mit reibungserhöhenden Einrichtungen nahe und auf gegenüberliegenden Seiten der im wesentlichen parallel zur Umverpackungsrichtung vorgesehenen Reißeinrichtungen (42) vorgesehen sind.

7. Verpackung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei der die Reißeinrichtungen eine Reiß-, Bruch- oder Perforationslinie (34A, 34B) oder dergleichen Schwächungslinie zum Aufreißen der Umverpackung (6) aufweisen.

8. Verpackung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei der die Umverpackung (6) aus Pappe oder dergleichen bahnartigem Material besteht, das um die Produktpackungen (2) gefaltet ist.

9. Verpackung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei der die reibungserhöhenden Einrichtungen (38) sich über die volle Länge der Umverpackung (6) in Form durchgehender oder einzelner Flächen erstrecken.

10. Verpackung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei der die reibungserhöhenden Einrichtungen (38, 39) zumindest nahe, vorzugsweise auf den Faltlinien (20, 24, 28) der Umverpackung (6) vorgesehen sind.

11. Verpackung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei der die reibungserhöhenden Einrichtungen (38, 39) mit einer reibungserhöhenden Komponente versehen sind.

12. Verpackung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei der die reibungserhöhenden Einrichtungen klebende Einrichtungen, insbesondere Haftklebeeinrichtungen, sind.

13. Verpackung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei der die reibungserhöhenden Einrichtungen als Heißschmelz- oder Kaltschmelzkleber ausgebildet sind.

14. Verpackung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei der die reibungserhöhenden Einrichtungen (38, 39) ein gummiartiges Material aufweisen.

15. Verpackung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei der die Produktverpackungen (2) von identischer Form und blockförmig sind.

16. Verpackung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei der die Umverpackung (6) aus einem im wesentlichen rechteckigen Zuschnitt (7) gefaltet ist, wobei wenigstens entlang der Länge des Zuschnitts (7) wenigstens eine Reißlinie oder dergleichen Schwächungslinie im wesentlichen parallel zu einem Längsrand des Zuschnitts (7) verläuft, und wobei, bei aufgefalteter Umverpackung (6), der zwischen dem Längsrand und der wenigstens einen Reißlinie befindliche Teil, an dem Teil des Zuschnitts (7) befestigt ist, der sich auf der anderen Seite der wenigstens einen Reißlinie befindet.

17. Verpackung nach Anspruch 16, bei der wenigstens in wesentlichen über die gesamte Breite des Zuschnitts (7) wenigstens eine Reißlinie oder dergleichen Schwächungslinie verläuft.

18. Zuschnitt zur Herstellung einer Umverpackung zur Verwendung in einer Verpackung (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß zumindest nahe zwei entgegengesetzten Enden (14A, 14B) des Zuschnitts (7), die im Gebrauch an einer Außenfläche der Produktverpackungen anliegen, reibungserhöhende Einrichtungen (38, 39) vorgesehen sind, um die Reibung zwischen den aneinander liegenden Flächen der Umverpackung und der Produktverpackungen zu erhöhen, wobei die reibungserhöhenden Einrichtungen an den einzelnen Verpackungen (2) nicht in derartigem Maße haften, daß die letzteren nur durch Ziehen oder Losreißen gelöst werden können, wodurch die jeweiligen einzelnen Verpackungen beschädigt würden.

19. Verfahren zum Herstellen einer Verpackung, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß auf einem im wesentlichen rechteckigen Zuschnitt (7) auf einer Seite reibungserhöhende Einrichtungen (38, 39) wenigstens nahe zwei entgegengesetzten Enden (14A, 14B), die im Gebrauch an einer Außenfläche der Produktverpackungen anliegen, vorgesehen werden, während im Zuschnitt (7) wenigstens vier sich zwischen den Enden parallel zueinander erstreckende Faltlinien (20, 24, 28) vorgesehen werden, wonach eine Reihe (4) von schachtelförmigen Produktverpackungen (2) auf dem Zuschnitt (7) zwischen zwei einander benachbarten Faltlinien derart angeordnet wird, daß die Reihe mit den beiden Enden (14A, 14B) des Zuschnitts bündig ist, und der Zuschnitt anschließend um die Produktverpackungen (2) gefaltet wird, so daß der Zuschnitt (7) an der Reihe von Produktverpackungen (2) und den reibungserhöhenden Einrichtungen anliegt, wobei der Zuschnitt (7) eine hüllenförmige äußere Verpackung bildet, wobei die reibungserhöhenden Einrichtungen die Reibung zwischen den anliegenden Flächen des Zuschnitts (7) und der Produktverpackungen (2) erhöhen, wobei die reibungserhöhenden Einrichtungen an den einzelnen Verpackungen nicht in derartigem Maße haften, daß die letzteren nur durch Ziehen oder Losreißen gelöst werden können, wodurch die jeweiligen einzelnen Verpackungen beschädigt würden.

Revendications

1. Emballage comprenant une série d'emballages de produits individuels (2), l'emballage (1) comprenant une enveloppe tubulaire (6) ouverte à au moins une extrémité et de préférence aux deux extrémités (14A, 14B), ladite enveloppe (6) venant buter contre l'extérieur des emballages de produits (2), caractérisé en ce que, sur l'intérieur de l'enveloppe (6) et en position au moins adjacente aux extrémités (14A, 14B), sont prévus des moyens augmentant la friction (38, 39), qui s'étendent entre une surface intérieure de l'enveloppe et une surface extérieure des emballages de produits (2) pour augmenter la friction entre lesdites surfaces, lesdits moyens augmentant la friction n'adhérant pas sur les emballages individuels (2) dans une mesure telle que ces derniers puissent uniquement être détachés en les libérant par traction ou par déchirure, ce qui provoquerait un endommagement des emballages individuels respectifs.

2. Emballage selon la revendication 1, dans lequel des moyens de déchirure (48) sont prévus dans l'enveloppe (6) pour ouvrir l'enveloppe (6) le long de sa longueur, de sorte que les emballages de produits (2) sont libérés.

3. Emballage selon la revendication 2, dans lequel les moyens de déchirure (48) sont prévus de telle manière qu'une partie de l'enveloppe (6) peut être enlevée, tandis que la série (4) d'emballages individuels (2) reste supportée par une autre partie de l'enveloppe (6), et la série (4) d'emballages individuels (2) peut être détachée sur forme d'un tout depuis la partie de support de l'enveloppe (6) qui demeure.

4. Emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel des moyens de déchirure (48) sont prévus sensiblement parallèlement à une direction d'enveloppement, de cette sorte que l'enveloppe tubulaire (6) qui comprend une série (4) d'emballages de produits (2) individuels est divisible en au moins deux parts.

5. Emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 2 à 4, dans lequel les moyens de déchirure comprennent un ruban à déchirer (36 ; 42 ; 48), cependant que des moyens sont prévus pour engager le ruban à déchirer, en particulier une ouverture (43).

6. Emballage selon l'une ou l'autre des revendications 4 et 5, dans lequel l'intérieur de l'enveloppe (6) est pourvu de moyens augmentant la friction, en position adjacente à et sur des côtés opposés des moyens de déchirure (42) prévus sensiblement parallèlement à la direction d'enveloppement.

7. Emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les moyens de déchirure comprennent une ligne de déchirure, de rupture ou de perforation (34A, 34B), ou une ligne d'affaiblissement similaire pour ouvrir l'enveloppe (6) par déchirure.

8. Emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'enveloppe (6) est fabriquée en carton ou en un matériau analogue sous forme de feuille, replié autour des emballages de produits (2).

9. Emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les moyens augmentant la friction (38) s'étendent le long de la totalité de la longueur de l'enveloppe (6) sous la forme de surfaces continues ou discrètes.

10. Emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les moyens augmentant la friction (38, 39) sont prévus en position au moins adjacente aux, et de préférence sur, les lignes de pliage (20, 24, 28) de l'enveloppe (6).

11. Emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les moyens augmentant la friction (38, 39) sont pourvus d'un composant augmentant l'adhésion.

12. Emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les moyens augmentant la friction sont des moyens adhésifs, en particulier des moyens adhésifs sensibles à la pression.

13. Emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les moyens augmentant la friction sont réalisés sous tonne d'un adhésif fusible à chaud ou fusible à froid.

14. Emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les moyens augmentant la friction (38, 39) comprennent un matériau caoutchouteux.

15. Emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les emballages de produits (2) sont de forme identique, et présentent là forme de blocs.

16. Emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'enveloppe (6) est repliée à partir d'un flan sensiblement rectangulaire (7) dans lequel, sensiblement au moins le long de la longueur du flan (7), s'étend au moins une ligne de déchirure ou une ligne d'affaiblissement similaire, sensiblement parallèle à un bord longitudinal du flan (7) et, lorsque l'enveloppe (6) est repliée, la partie située entre le bord longitudinal et ladite au moins une ligne de déchirure est attachée sur la partie du flan (7) située de l'autre côté de ladite au moins une ligne de déchirure.

17. Emballage selon la revendication 16, dans lequel, sensiblement sur la totalité de la largeur du flanc (7), s'étend au moins une ligne de déchirure ou une ligne d'affaiblissement similaire.

18. Flan pour la fabrication d'une enveloppe à utiliser dans un emballage (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'au moins en position adjacente à deux extrémités (14A, 14B) du flan (7), qui viennent buter en utilisation contre une surface extérieure des emballages de produits, sont prévus des moyens augmentant la friction (38, 39), pour augmenter la friction entre les surfaces en butée de l'enveloppe et des emballages de produits, mais de telle sorte que les moyens augmentant la friction n'adhèrent pas sur les emballages individuels (2) dans une mesure telle que ces derniers puissent uniquement être détachés en les libérant par traction ou par déchirure, ce qui endommagerait les emballages individuels respectifs.

19. Procédé pour fabriquer un emballage, caractérisé en ce que, sur un flan sensiblement rectangulaire (7), on prévoit sur un côté des moyens augmentant la friction (38, 39), au moins en position adjacente à deux extrémités opposées (14A, 14B) qui viennent en butée en utilisation contre une surface extérieure des emballages de produits, tandis qu'au moins quatre lignes de pliage (20, 24, 28) qui s'étendent parallèlement les unes aux autres entre lesdites extrémités sont prévues dans le flan (7), suite à quoi une série (4) d'emballages de produits (2) en forme de boîte sont agencés sur le flan (7), entre deux lignes de pliage disposées l'une à côté de l'autre, de sorte que la série rejoint les deux extrémités (14A, 14B) du flan (7), et le flan est ensuite. replié autour des emballages de produits (2), de telle manière que le flan (7) vient buter contre la série d'emballages de produits (2) et les moyens augmentant la friction, de sorte que le flan (7) forme un emballage extérieur en forme d'enveloppe, lesdits moyens augmentant la friction ayant pour effet d'augmenter la friction entre les surfaces en butée du flan (7) et des emballages de produits (2), mais de sorte que les moyens augmentant la friction n'adhèrent pas aux emballages individuels (2) dans une telle mesure que ces derniers puissent être uniquement détachés en les libérant par traction ou par déchirure, ce qui endommagerait les emballages individuels respectifs.

Drawing