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EP 1 447 344 B1 |
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EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION |
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Mention of the grant of the patent: |
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17.05.2006 Bulletin 2006/20 |
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Date of filing: 12.02.2003 |
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International Patent Classification (IPC):
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Holder for packaged products and system including multiple holders
Halter für verpackte Produkte und System mehrerer solcher Halter
Support pour produits emballés et système de supports multiples
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Designated Contracting States: |
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AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE SI SK TR |
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Date of publication of application: |
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18.08.2004 Bulletin 2004/34 |
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Proprietor: Mars Incorporated |
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McLean,
Virginia 22101-3883 (US) |
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Inventors: |
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- Van Marle, Niels
5466 AE Veghel (NL)
- Lewerisa, Ronald
5466 AE Veghel (NL)
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Representative: Hooiveld, Arjen Jan Winfried et al |
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Arnold & Siedsma
Sweelinckplein 1 2517 GK Den Haag 2517 GK Den Haag (NL) |
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References cited: :
DE-U- 29 620 338
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NL-A- 9 101 139
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| Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European
patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to
the European patent
granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall
not be deemed to
have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent
Convention).
|
[0001] The invention relates to a holder for packaged products. The invention relates particularly
to a holder with which packaged confectionery, such as sweets, can be transported,
stored and displayed in a shop.
[0002] It has been usual heretofore to pack such packaged products, such as the known Mars®
or Snickers® bars which are packed in a foil envelope, in cardboard display boxes,
wherein a plurality of display boxes are then packed into a transport box for transport
and storage. In this manner the product is packed in three packing layers, i.e. the
product packaging, the display box and the transport box. It will be apparent that
such a method of packaging requires much packing material, which is undesirable from
cost and environmental considerations. Such a method of packaging is moreover relatively
labour-intensive during both packing and unpacking.
[0003] German patent publication no. 296 20 338 U (Gongea) describes a holder for bottles,
comprising an elongate profiled beam, which beam comprises a continuous longitudinal
recess in which - seen in cross-section - an outer end of a bottle can be fixed. Said
holder further comprises pin/slot means for connecting two holders together.
[0004] The invention has for its object a system for transport, storage and sale of such
packaged products which is less expensive, wherein less packing material is necessary,
and/or which is less labour-intensive.
[0005] The holder according to the invention comprises for this purpose an elongate profiled
beam, which beam comprises a first, substantially continuous longitudinal recess in
which, as seen in cross-section, an outer end of at least one packaging can be fixed
in form-retaining or form-fitting manner, in addition to connecting means with which
two substantially identical, mutually parallel holders can be connected against each
other. The invention also relates to a system for holding together packaged products
for transport, storage or for displaying the products at a retail outlet, wherein
first outer ends of substantially identical packagings are fixed in a first holder
and wherein second outer ends of the packagings are fixed in a second holder.
[0006] The connecting means preferably comprise a substantially longitudinal protruding
part and a second substantially continuous longitudinal recess, which protruding part
can, as seen in cross-section, be connected in form-retaining or form-fitting manner
in the second longitudinal recess of another substantially identical holder. The holders
can hereby slide easily in and out of each other in the longitudinal direction. Said
protruding part is preferably a substantially continuous longitudinal part.
[0007] A significant advantage of such beam-shaped holders is that when they are used both
the display boxes and the transport boxes are unnecessary, because the holders with
the products are suitable for stacking in for instance containers during transport
and storage, wherein the holders are preferably connected to each other such that
the first recesses are situated on sides facing in the same direction, and such that
two standing walls are formed between which the products are fixed. In order to enable
the two walls to be set down stably on a surface, the system further comprises pedestals
with corresponding recesses or protrusions with which two walls can be placed at a
mutual distance. This distance corresponds with the space required to fix a product
between the two walls. The dimensions of the holders are preferably such that in the
stacked structure the products are situated at a mutual distance, whereby the products
and/or the packagings are damaged as little as possible during transport and storage.
[0008] The holders with the products can also be suspended, wherein two holders at a time
are connected to each other, preferably such that the first recesses are situated
on sides facing in opposite directions, and wherein the holders are mutually connected
in twos such that the holders with the packagings fixed therein substantially form
a flat structure.
[0009] The holders with the products can also be displayed at retail outlets, wherein the
holders with the products are set down in stacked form on for instance a counter or
are suspended in a rack. The holders are also very suitable for placing in a vending
machine, wherein the packaged products are removed substantially one by one from the
holders by means of mechanical removal means.
[0010] The holders connected to each other in the stacked form can further be readily removed
in one movement, wherein the products remain behind in a compact stack, for instance
in a permanent box-like container in a shop. The holders, which can for instance be
made of plastic or metal, can moreover be reused. So as to stimulate this reuse, a
deposit scheme can for instance be introduced herefor.
[0011] The protruding part and the second recess preferably extend on two opposite sides
of the holder so that the holders can readily be placed on top of one another and
connected to each other. The first recess herein preferably extends on another (third)
side of the holder, wherein the opening of the first recess points substantially in
the same direction as or in opposite direction to the opening of the second recess.
The holders can hereby be placed in the stacked form such that the openings in which
the outer ends of the products are fixed can point upward, so that the products remain
suspended in the recesses by means of the force of gravity and are not easily detached
by gravitation.
[0012] The protruding part and the second recess are preferably formed such that the protruding
part of a first holder can slide in longitudinal direction into the second recess
of a second holder, thereby realizing an easily releasable connection.
[0013] In a preferred embodiment the individual packagings are printed and placed in the
holders such that they together form an image. This can have a surprising effect,
particularly in the case of a flat, hanging structure. The packagings which are fixed
to a holder can also contain different types of product, so that it is for instance
possible to supply in a holder assembly combinations of Mars® , Snickers® and the
like which are geared to individual wishes.
[0014] In order to clamp the outer ends of packaging into the longitudinal recesses of the
holders clamping means are provided for. Such clamping means may have the form of
a strip or band mounted around the perimeter of each holder.
[0015] The invention will now be further elucidated with reference to a number of embodiments
shown in the figures, wherein:
Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of two holders in which a packaged candy-bar
is fixed so as to form a stacked structure;
Figure 2 shows a partial front view of a plurality of holders and candy-bars fixed
therein in a stacked structure;
Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of holders and candy-bars in a stacked structure;
Figures 4 and 7 are schematic perspective views of holders and candy-bars in a stacked
structure;
Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of stacked candy-bars after the holders
have been removed;
Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of holders and candy-bars in a stacked structure
in an alternative arrangement;
Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of two holders in which two candy-bars are fixed
so as to form a flat structure;
Figures 9, 10 and 11 shows schematic front views of holders and candy-bars in a flat
structure, and
Figure 12 shows a perspective view of two holders according to another embodiment
of the invention, wherein several packaged candy bars are fixed so as to form a stacked
structure;
Figure 13 corresponds to figure 12, on the understanding that the candy bars are released
relative to the holders;
Figure 14 refers to two structures of figure 12 put on top of each other;
Figure 15 shows a perspective view of one holder of figure 12, wherein several packaged
candy bars are fixed on one of their outer ends so as to form a suspended structure
with candy bars in vertical position;
Figure 16 corresponds to figure 13, on the understanding that the candy bars are released
in a shelve;
Figures 17, 18 and 19 relate to a perspective and cross-sectional view, respectively,
of a structure with holders of figure 12 but surrounded by strips; and
Figure 20 shows a perspective view on a unit of stacked structure according to figure
12 put on top of each other and wrapped in a package.
[0016] According to figure 1 a holder 1 is formed by an elongate profiled beam or strip
which is provided with continuous recesses 2, 3 and protruding parts 4, 5 in the length
direction. Recess 3 is herein formed or enclosed by protruding part 5. Holder 1 can
for instance be manufactured from a plastic or a metal.
[0017] In the position as shown in figure 1, the recess 2 is situated on the top side of
holder 1 and the protruding part 4 is situated on the opposite underside. Protruding
part 4 has a form such that it can slide in the length direction into a recess 2 of
another identical holder, wherein as seen in cross-section these connect close-fittingly
into each other, while the holders remain movable relative to each other in the length
direction. Protruding part 4 can also be pushed in downward direction into a recess
2 of another holder, wherein the walls of recess 2 yield laterally in elastic manner
and then spring back close-fittingly round protruding part 4. Severall or pairs of
similar holders 1 can thus be mutually connected, wherein as desired the protruding
parts 5 with recesses 3 point in the same direction in each case or wherein they point
in opposing directions.
[0018] Figure 1 also shows how a packaged candy-bar 6 is fixed in two recesses 3 of holders
1 placed at a mutual distance. Candy-bar 6 is packed in known manner in for instance
a flow-wrap envelope of plastic foil which is sealed at both ends in a flat strip
7. Said flat strip 7 is also called an end seal or a crimped end. The flat strip is
preferably widened on its outer end by for instance folding it over during sealing.
This optionally widened outer end of strip 7 is slid in length direction into recess
3 of the holders, whereby it is fixed as seen in cross-section. In this embodiment
the opening of recess 3 points in the same direction as the opening of recess 2, although
these can also point in opposite directions, in which case the holder can be turned
over as a whole during use, i.e. with both the protruding part 4 and the opening of
recess 3 directed upward.
[0019] If the outer end of strip 7 is not widened, it can also be placed from above into
recess 3, wherein the candy-bar remains suspended in the recess through the action
of the force of gravity. Alternatively, protruding part 5 can be formed such that
it pushes against the remaining part of holder 1, so that the outer end of strip 7
is clamped therebetween.
[0020] Figure 2 shows how two holders are coupled to each other as discussed with reference
to figure 1. Protruding part 4 of the lower holder is placed close to the two outer
ends into two U-shaped pedestals 8, the two upward directed legs of which are provided
with recesses 9 which correspond in form to recesses 2 of holders 1. Studs or wheels
can be mounted under said pedestals 8. Although only two holders 1 are shown placed
onto each other in this figure, it will be apparent that an unlimited number of holders
1 can be placed onto each other in this manner, whereby two walls are formed between
which candy-bars 6 can be fixed. The height of holders 1 is such that candy-bars 6
placed one above another make no mutual contact here, or at least do not exert pressure
on each other, so that the packaging and the product are damaged as little as possible.
[0021] Figure 3 shows an assembly of holders 1, candy-bars 6 and pedestals 8 as described
above, wherein closing plates 10 are also arranged on both outer ends of the assembly.
The pedestals 8 are provided for this purpose with protruding parts 11 to which a
closing plate 10 can be fastened, and wherein for further fixing the closing plate
10 is provided with laterally protruding parts (not shown) which can engage in recesses
3 of the holders. In this manner the holders 1 and closing plates 10 together form
a more or less closed box in which the candy-bars are adequately protected during
transport and storage.
[0022] Figure 3 further shows how the holders can be removed in order to display candy-bars
6 at a retail outlet. While counterpressure is applied against closing plate 10, the
coupled holders 1 are pulled first on one side and then on the other side out of the
pedestals 8 in the direction of arrow 12, wherein the outer ends of strips 7 slide
out of recesses 3. If this takes place carefully and in controlled manner, candy-bars
6 herein remain behind in stacked formation as shown in figure 5, for instance in
a permanently arranged sales display on a counter.
[0023] Figure 4 shows schematically that holders 1 with candy-bars 6 fixed therein can also
be placed as a whole on a counter, wherein candy-bars 6 can be taken one by one out
of holders 1. Figure 6 shows the stacked structure in a special display pedestal 13
which supports holders 1 at an angle on the surface, whereby the products are shown
in a manner which is attractive to the public.
[0024] Figure 7 shows that different types of candy-bar 6 (A, B, C) can be fixed in holders
1. Different layers (X, Y) in a stacked structure can also have a different composition
adapted to the demands of the customer. The different layers can slide apart in simple
manner so that a stacked structure can be readily separated into a plurality of units.
[0025] Figure 8 shows an alternative method of using holders 1. Two holders 1 at a time
are herein connected to each other, wherein protruding parts 5 which form recesses
3 point in different directions. The outer ends of strips 7 of the packagings of candy-bars
6 are fixed in the holders as described above, although here a flat structure is formed
as shown schematically in figure 9. This flat structure can for instance be suspended
in racks, wherein for instance the upper holder 1 has a form such that it can be attached
simply to the top side of the rack. Candy-bars 6 can be removed one by one from the
underside. A large flat structure can also be readily separated into a plurality of
smaller flat structures by sliding out of each other two holders 1 connected to each
other.
[0026] Here also it is possible to fix different types of candy-bar 6 in a flat structure
as shown in figure 10. Such a structure further provides the option of forming one
large image using packagings specially printed for the purpose, as shown schematically
in figure 11, for instance for the purpose of special advertising campaigns.
[0027] Figures 12 through 20 relate to a second embodiment of a holder 1 in accordance with
the invention.
[0028] With reference to figure 12 the present holder 1 consists of a profiled beam provided
with continuous longitudinal recesses 3 on opposite lateral sides of the beam. Several
packaged candy bars 6 numbered A, A, B, B, C are fixed with their outer ends in the
form of flat strips 7 in two recesses 3 of holders 1 by applying these flat strips
7 into these recesses 3, for example by sliding these flat strips 7 in length direction
therein. The beams may vary in length in order to hold a predetermined number of candy
bars 6.
[0029] By releasing the candy bars 6 relative to the holders 1 individual candy bars 6 are
easily put on a shelve 14 of a retail outlet (figures 13 and 16).
[0030] Figure 14 shows how two pairs of holders 1 as shown in figure 12 are mounted on top
of each other, wherein protrusions 4 extending downwardly relative to each beam of
a holder 1 rest on a recess 2 of an underlying beam of another holder 1 (figure 19)
thus ensuring a sturdy structure of two or more holders 1 put on top of each other.
[0031] Referring to figure 15, one or more candy bars 6 can be slid with their flat strips
7 in the recess 3 of a holder 1, while the candy bars 6 hang in a vertical position.
The structure of figure 15 can be suspended in a retail outlet, so that a person visiting
the shop is able to take out one or more candy bars 6 from the structure.
[0032] In figure 17 a strip 15 is wound around the perimeter of each holder 1. These strips
are compressing the holders 1 to some extent in order to clamp the outer ends 7 of
the candy bars 6 in the recesses 3. Figures 18 a and 19b refer to a situation wherein
the strips 15 are not mounted yet, whereas figures 18b and 19a relate to compressed
holders 1 wherein the outer ends 7 of the candy bars 6 are clamped in the recesses
3.
[0033] If considered expedient, several holders 1 mounted above one another are wrapped
as a single structure in a package 16 of preferably transparent material or printed
material, such as cardboard.
1. Holder (1) for packaged products, comprising an elongate profiled beam, which beam
comprises a first, substantially continuous longitudinal recess (3) in which, as seen
in cross-section, an outer end (7) of at least one packaging (6) can be fixed in form-retaining
or form-fitting manner, in addition to connecting means (2, 4) with which two substantially
identical, mutually parallel holders (1) can be connected against each other.
2. Holder (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting means (2, 4) comprise a substantially
longitudinal protruding part (4) and a second substantially continuous longitudinal
recess (2), which protruding part (4) can, as seen in cross-section, be connected
in form-retaining or form-fitting manner in the second longitudinal recess (2) of
another substantially identical holder (1).
3. Holder as claimed in claim 2, wherein the protruding part (4) and the second recess
(2) extend on two opposite sides of the holder (1).
4. Holder as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the first recess (3) extends on another
side of the holder, wherein the opening of the first recess (3) points substantially
in the same direction as or in opposite direction to the opening of the second recess
(2).
5. Holder as claimed in claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the protruding part (4) and the second
recess (2) are formed such that the protruding part (4) of a first holder (1) can
slide in longitudinal direction into the second recess (2) of a second holder (1).
6. Holder as claimed in any of the foregoing claims 1-5, wherein said holder comprises
clamping means for clamping the outer end (17) of at least one packaging (6) in the
recess (3).
7. System comprising first and second holders (1) according to any of the foregoing claims
1-6, for holding together packaged products for transport, storage or for displaying
the products at a retail outlet, and further comprising substantially identical packagings
(6) of a product, wherein first outer ends (7) of said substantially identical packagings
(6) are fixed in said first holder (1), and wherein second outer ends (7) of the packagings
(6) are fixed in said second holder (1).
8. System as claimed in claim 7, wherein at least two pairs of holders (1) are connected
to each other.
9. System as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the holders (1) are connected to each other
such that the first recesses (3) are situated on sides facing in the same direction.
10. System as claimed in claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein the holders (1) are connected to each
other such that the holders (1) with the packagings (6) fixed therein substantially
form a stacked structure.
11. System as claimed in claim 10, wherein the dimensions of the holders (1) are such
that in the stacked structure the products are situated at a mutual distance.
12. System as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the stacked structure is placed in a
transporting device, a storage device or a display device.
13. System as claimed in claim 10, 11 or 12, wherein the holders (1) connected to each
other in a stacked structure are removable simultaneously in substantially one movement,
such that after removal of the holders (1) the products remain lying in a compact
stacked formation.
14. System as claimed in any of the foregoing claims 7-13, wherein the holders (1) are
connected to each other such that the first recesses (3) are situated on sides facing
in opposite directions.
15. System as claimed in any of the foregoing claims 7-14, wherein the holders (1) are
mutually connected in twos such that the holders (1) with the packagings (6) fixed
therein substantially form a flat structure.
16. System as claimed in claim 15, wherein the flat structure is suspended in a transporting
device, a storage device or a display device.
17. System as claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein the individual packagings (6) are printed
and placed in the holders (1) such that they together form an image or characters.
18. System as claimed in any of the foregoing claims 7-17, wherein the packagings (6)
which are fixed to a holder (1) contain different types of product.
19. System as claimed in any of the foregoing claims 7-18, wherein the packaged products
are removable substantially one by one from the holder (1) by means of mechanical
removal means.
20. System as claimed in any of the foregoing claims 7-19, wherein the outer end (7) of
at least one packaging (6) is clamped in the recess (3).
1. Halter (1) für verpackte Produkte, der einen länglichen profilierten Träger aufweist,
wobei der Träger eine erste, im wesentlichen kontinuierliche in Längsrichtung verlaufende
Ausnehmung (3) aufweist, in der, im Querschnitt gesehen, ein äußeres Ende (7) von
zumindest einer Verpackung (6) in einer die Form beibehaltenden oder formschlüssigen
Weise fixiert werden kann, zusätzlich zu einem Verbindungsmittel (2, 4), mit dem zwei
im wesentlichen identische, parallel zueinander angeordnete Halter (1) miteinander
verbunden werden können.
2. Halter (1) nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Verbindungsmittel (2, 4) einen im wesentlichen longitudinalen vorstehenden Teil
(4) und eine zweite im wesentlichen kontinuierliche longitudinale Ausnehmung (2) aufweist,
wobei der vorstehende Teil (4), im Querschnitt gesehen, in einer die Form beibehaltenden
oder formschlüssigen Weise in der zweiten longitudinalen Ausnehmung (2) eines weiteren,
im wesentlichen identischen Halters (1) angeschlossen werden kann.
3. Halter nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der vorstehende Teil (4) und die zweite Ausnehmung (2) sich im wesentlichen auf zwei
gegenüberliegenden Seiten des Halters (1) erstrecken.
4. Halter nach Anspruch 2 oder 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß sich die erste Ausnehmung (3) auf einer anderen Seite des Halters erstreckt, wobei
die Öffnung der ersten Ausnehmung (3) im wesentlichen in die gleiche Richtung, oder
in die entgegengesetzte Richtung, in Bezug auf die Öffnung der zweiten Ausnehmung
(2) weist.
5. Halter nach Anspruch 2, 3 oder 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der vorstehende Teil (4) und die zweite Ausnehmung (2) so geformt sind, daß der vorstehende
Teil (4) eines ersten Halters (1) in longitudinaler Richtung in die zweite Ausnehmung
(2) eines zweiten Halters (1) geschoben werden kann.
6. Halter nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der genannte Halter ein Klemmittel zum Klemmen des äußeren Endes (17) von zumindest
einer Verpackung (6) in der Ausnehmung (3) aufweist.
7. System mit ersten und zweiten Haltern (1) nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche 1
bis 6, um verpackte Produkte für den Transport, die Lagerung oder zum Ausstellen der
Produkte in einem Einzelhandelgeschäft zusammenzuhalten, und weiter umfassend im wesentlichen
identische Verpackungen (6) eines Produkts, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß erste äußere Enden (7) der genannten im wesentlichen identischen Verpackungen (6)
in dem genannten ersten Halter (1) fixiert sind, und wobei zweite äußere Enden (7)
der Verpackungen (6) in dem genannten zweiten Halter (1) fixiert sind.
8. System nach Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß zumindest zwei Paare von Haltern (1) miteinander verbunden sind.
9. System nach Anspruch 7 oder 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Halter (1) so miteinander verbunden sind, daß die ersten Ausnehmungen (3) auf
Seiten angeordnet sind, die in die gleiche Richtung weisen.
10. System nach Anspruch 7, 8 oder 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Halter (1) so miteinander verbunden sind, daß die Halter (1) mit den darin fixierten
Verpackungen (6) im wesentlichen eine gestapelte Struktur bilden.
11. System nach Anspruch 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Abmessungen der Halter (1) so sind, daß sich die Produkte in der gestapelten
Struktur in einem gegenseitigen Abstand befinden.
12. System nach Anspruch 10 oder 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die gestapelte Struktur in einer Transportvorrichtung, einer Lagervorrichtung oder
einer Ausstellungsvorrichtung angeordnet ist.
13. System nach Anspruch 10, 11 oder 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Halter (1), die in einer gestapelten Struktur miteinander verbunden sind, gleichzeitig
im wesentlichen in einer Bewegung entfernt werden können, so daß nach dem Entfernen
der Halter (1) die Produkte in einer kompakten gestapelten Formation liegend zurückbleiben.
14. System nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche 7 bis 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Halter (1) so miteinander verbunden sind, daß die ersten Ausnehmungen (3) auf
Seiten angeordnet sind, die in entgegengesetzte Richtungen weisen.
15. System nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche 7 bis 14, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Halter (1) paarweise miteinander verbunden sind, so daß die Halter (1) mit den
darin fixierten Verpackungen (6) im wesentlichen eine ebene Struktur bilden.
16. System nach Anspruch 15, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die ebene Struktur in einer Transportvorrichtung, einer Lagerungsvorrichtung oder
einer Ausstellungsvorrichtung aufgehängt ist.
17. System nach Anspruch 15 oder 16, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die einzelnen Verpackungen (6) bedruckt sind und in den Haltern (1) so angeordnet
sind, daß sie gemeinsam ein Bild oder Zeichen bilden.
18. System nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche 7 bis 17, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Verpackungen (6), die an einem Halter (1) fixiert sind, unterschiedliche Produkttypen
enthalten.
19. System nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche 7 bis 18, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die verpackten Produkte mit Hilfe eines mechanischen Entnahmemittels im wesentlichen
eines nach dem anderen von dem Halter (1) entnommen werden können.
20. System nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche 7 bis 19, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das äußere Ende (7) von zumindest einer Verpackung (6) in der Ausnehmung (3) klemmend
gehalten ist.
1. Support (1) pour produits emballés, comprenant une poutre profilée allongée, laquelle
poutre comprend un premier retrait longitudinal sensiblement continu (3) dans lequel,
comme vu en coupe transversale, une extrémité extérieure (7) d'au moins un emballage
(6) peut être fixée de façon à retenir la forme ou à s'adapter à la forme, en plus
de moyens de connexion (2, 4) avec lesquels deux supports mutuellement parallèles
sensiblement identiques (1) peuvent être reliés l'un contre l'autre.
2. Support (1) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les moyens de connexion (2, 4) comprennent
une partie en saillie sensiblement longitudinale (4) et un second retrait longitudinal
sensiblement continu (2), laquelle partie en saillie (4) peut, comme vu en coupe transversale,
être reliée de façon à retenir la forme ou à s'adapter à la forme dans le second retrait
longitudinal (2) d'un autre support sensiblement identique (1).
3. Support selon la revendication 2, dans lequel la partie en saillie (4) et le second
retrait (2) s'étendent sur deux côtés opposés du support (1).
4. Support selon la revendication 2 ou 3, dans lequel le premier retrait (3) s'étend
sur un autre côté du support, dans lequel l'ouverture du premier retrait (3) pointe
sensiblement dans la même direction que ou dans une direction opposée à l'ouverture
du second retrait (2).
5. Support selon la revendication 2, 3 ou 4, dans lequel la partie en saillie (4) et
le second retrait (2) sont formés de telle sorte que la partie en saillie (4) d'un
premier support (1) puisse coulisser dans une direction longitudinale dans le second
retrait (2) d'un second support (1).
6. Support selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, dans lequel ledit support
comprend des moyens de serrage pour serrer l'extrémité extérieure (17) d'au moins
un emballage (6) dans le retrait (3).
7. Système comprenant des premier et second supports (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications
1 à 6, pour tenir ensemble des produits emballés pour le transport, le stockage ou
la présentation des produits dans un point de vente au détail et comprenant en outre
des emballages (6) sensiblement identiques d'un produit, dans lequel des premières
extrémités extérieures (7) desdits emballages (6) sensiblement identiques sont fixées
dans ledit premier support (1), et dans lequel des secondes extrémités extérieures
(7) des emballages (6) sont fixées dans un second support (1).
8. Système selon la revendication 7, dans lequel au moins deux paires de supports (1)
sont reliées l'une à l'autre.
9. Système selon la revendication 7 ou 8, dans lequel les supports (1) sont reliés l'un
à l'autre de telle sorte que les premiers retraits (3) soient situés sur des côtés
faisant face à la même direction.
10. Système selon la revendication 7, 8 ou 9, dans lequel les supports (1) sont reliés
l'un à l'autre de telle sorte que les supports (1) avec les emballages (6) fixés à
l'intérieur forment sensiblement une structure empilée.
11. Système selon la revendication 10, dans lequel les dimensions des supports (1) sont
telles sur dans la structure empilée les produits sont situés à une distance mutuelle.
12. Système selon la revendication 10 ou 11, dans lequel la structure empilée est placée
dans un dispositif de transport, un dispositif de stockage ou un dispositif d'affichage.
13. Système selon la revendication 10, 11 ou 12, dans lequel les supports (1) reliés les
uns aux autres dans une structure empilée sont retirés simultanément dans sensiblement
un mouvement, de telle sorte qu'après l'enlèvement des supports (1) les produits restent
dans une formation empilée compacte.
14. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications 7 à 13, dans lequel les supports
(1) sont reliés les uns aux autres de telle sorte que les premiers retraits (3) soient
situés sur les côtés faisant face à des directions opposées.
15. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications 7 à 14, dans lequel les supports
(1) sont mutuellement connectés en paires de telle sorte que les supports (1) avec
les emballages (6) fixés à l'intérieur forment sensiblement une structure plate.
16. Système selon la revendication 15, dans lequel la structure plate est suspendue dans
un dispositif de transport, un dispositif de stockage ou un dispositif de présentation.
17. Système selon la revendication 15 ou 16, dans lequel les emballages (6) individuels
sont imprimés et placés dans les supports (1) de telle sorte qu'ils forment ensemble
une image ou des caractères.
18. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications 7 à 17, dans lequel les emballages
(6) qui sont fixés à un support (1) contiennent différents types de produit.
19. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications 7 à 18, dans lequel les produits
emballés peuvent être enlevés sensiblement un par un du support (1) au moyen des moyens
d'enlèvement mécaniques.
20. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications 7 à 19, dans lequel l'extrémité
extérieure (7) d'au moins un emballage (6) est serrée dans le retrait (3).