[0001] The present invention relates to packs for containing at least two hygiene products,
in particular for containing at least two toilet paper rolls, kitchen paper rolls,
household towel rolls, individual packs of handkerchiefs or other tissue paper products,
in particular uncompressed hygiene products.
TECHNICAL FIELD AND PRIOR ART
[0002] It is known to fill hygiene products for distribution, presentation and for retailing
to the end customer into packs, in particular into flexible packs made from a plastic
film material. The packs are usually made such that an appropriate number of hygiene
products can be retailed to the customer. For example, rolls of toilet paper are often
supplied to the end customer in packs of 1x2, 2x2, 2x5, 2x4, 3x3, 4x3 or 4x5 rolls.
However, other configurations for containing up to 25 toilet paper rolls are also
widely used. Typically, the rolls are arranged in these packs in single, double or
triple layer arrangements such that the respective winding axes of the toilet paper
rolls of a layer are situated in the plane defined by the layer and the winding axes
are substantially parallel to one another. In other typical packs, the winding axes
of the toilet paper rolls of one layer are parallel to one another but extend substantially
perpendicular to the plane defined by the layer such that the winding axes represent
the nodes of a substantially perpendicular grid.
[0003] Packs of this kind are also known in the field of other hygiene products that are
wound onto rolls, in particular kitchen towels and household towels. Due to the greater
axial extension of these rolls, the rolls are typically arranged parallel to one another,
particularly in single layer or double layer arrangements. In other words, packs of
1x2, 1x3, 1x4, 2x2 or 2x4 kitchen towels or household towels are customary. However,
other configurations for containing up to 16 rolls of kitchen towels or household
towels are also widely used.
[0004] Handkerchiefs, in particular tissue handkerchiefs, are typically distributed in small
flexible packs containing five to ten single handkerchiefs. However, other numbers
between three and 25 single handkerchiefs, and even higher numbers of handkerchiefs,
are also used. These small packs, referred to as individual packs in the following,
are very convenient for the customer to use and to carry. However, at least in supermarkets
and retail markets the individual packs of handkerchiefs are not sold singly, but
in packs of a plurality of individual packs. One example of an individual pack used
for tissue handkerchiefs is disclosed in
DE 41 21 914 A1.
[0005] The pack sizes of individual packs of handkerchiefs retailed to the end customer
are typically in arrangements of 2x2, 2x5, 2x3x5 or other typical configurations,
depending on the outer appearance the tissue handkerchief manufacturer aims to achieve.
However, it is customary in these distribution packs to fill at least two layers of
individual packs of handkerchiefs on top of one another. Three and more layers are
also widely used.
[0006] The packaging material of these packs is usually made of a plastic film material,
in particular a substantially transparent plastic film material, on which product
designations, trade names, trademark designations, decorations or the like can be
printed.
[0007] All the packs mentioned above have in common that they are used to distribute a plurality
of hygiene products, in particular rolls of toilet paper, rolls of household towels,
kitchen towels or individual handkerchief packs. The packs used for distribution and
for retailing the hygiene products need to be opened by the end consumer. Typically,
the end consumer opens the distribution package by ripping/tearing it open wherein
the end customer typically uses its hands or fingers to pierce through the plastic
film material at a random position, then tears the pack open and withdraws the intended
number of hygiene products. This tearing open results in a pack that is untidily torn
open at a random point and in which the hygiene products are scattered around in an
untidy manner. In many cases, the package even rips apart completely, bearing the
risk that the hygiene products fall out and possibly come into contact with the floor
with the inherent risk of contamination. In many cases, the packaging is also torn
open in the region of lettering or printing and, thus, any product information or
information with respect to expiry dates is lost.
[0008] Furthermore, it takes the end customer a great deal of force to use the fingers to
pierce the film material at a random point and a considerable force is necessary to
tear open the pack, which might be a problem, in particular for elderly people.
[0009] US 2002/0112982 Al discloses a flexible pack for containing articles. A handle for carrying and ripping
open the pack is disclosed. However, this handle is provided in an asymmetric position
on the pack such that the pack cannot be easily carried.
SUMMARY
[0010] Starting from the aforementioned prior art, it is an object of the present invention
to provide a flexible pack for containing at least two hygiene products, which can
be easily opened and carried, in particular by elderly people.
[0011] Accordingly, a pack for containing at least two hygiene products, in particular at
least two uncompressed toilet paper rolls, kitchen paper rolls, household towel rolls,
individual packs of handkerchiefs or other tissue paper products, is provided. The
pack comprises a packaging for containing the hygiene products and an opening section
defined in the packaging for defining an opening for removing hygiene products. Furthermore,
a handle having a first section attached to the opening section and a second section
attached to the packaging in an area outside the opening section is provided.
[0012] The provision of the handle in this configuration enables the end customer to carry
the pack conveniently by using the handle. If it comes to opening the pack, the end
customer may use the first section of the handle to open the pack in the opening section
in order to withdraw/remove single hygiene products from the packaging.
[0013] This double function of the handle thus provided is very convenient and has many
advantages. In particular, using a single handle for the two functions results in
less material that needs to be processed, compared to a situation in which a separate
handle for carrying and for opening the pack are provided. The specific arrangement
of the handle also enables the end customer to conveniently carry the package as there
is less risk of accidental opening the pack compared to a situation of holding to
a handle that is only attached to an opening section. In addition, the pack may hang
more balanced on the handle when it is carried, as the first and second sections of
the handle are attached to positions spaced apart from one another.
[0014] The specific concept of providing a handle that is, in a first section, attached
to the opening section but is, in a second section, attached to the packaging outside
the opening section, provides a flexible pack which can easily be carried, in particular
by elderly people, as the handle can be situated such that the pack is well balanced.
This enables elderly people to carry the flexible pack, e.g. over the shoulders or
aids simply in lifting the pack.
[0015] Furthermore, the section of the handle attached to the opening section can be used
in aiding during opening of the pack such that the opening section can be easily opened,
in particular by elderly people.
[0016] As the handle is not only attached to the opening section alone, but also to the
packaging in an area outside the opening section, the force that is transmitted to
the opening section during carrying is considerably reduced. Due to this reduction
of the force transmitted to the opening section during carrying, the opening section
can be defined in the packaging with a reduced opening force. In other words, as the
force that is applied to the opening section during a carrying operation is relatively
low as it is distributed between two points spaced apart from one another, there is
no need to have a very strong attachment of the opening section to the rest of the
packaging. Accordingly, the opening section can be designed such that opening of the
pack is made easier.
[0017] Throughout the description, the term "packaging" will be understood to embrace at
least bags and wrappers. Bags provide a volume into which the hygiene products can
be filled. Bags are typically pre-manufactured by using a tube-like film material,
a folded film material or two webs of film material, the respective layers of the
film material being joined together on an appropriate number of edges in order to
form the bag, leaving open only one single side of the pre-manufactured bag. In contrast,
wrappers are provided in the form of a single layer of flat film material which is
wrapped around the already arranged hygiene products and is then attached to itself
in order to close in the hygiene products.
[0018] As a material for the film material for the packaging, in particular for a bag or
a wrapper, it is preferred using polypropylene films, polyethylene films, starch based
films, biodegradable films and/or material mixtures thereof. In other embodiments
it is envisaged using a paper material as the packaging. A shrink film material may
also be used. The packaging material may be provided in the form of different layers
of material, in particular as a multi-layer film and/or a laminate.
[0019] The hygiene products that can be contained in the pack include, but are not limited
to, toilet paper rolls, kitchen paper rolls, household towel rolls, individual packs
of handkerchiefs, napkins, facials, hand wiping towels, folded and unfolded tissue
paper, object wiping rolls and any other suitable hygiene product for personal hygiene
or for object wiping and cleaning. It will be appreciated that also the comparatively
big rolls and packs used in public or professional dispensers may be the hygiene products
contained in the pack. In a preferred embodiment, the hygiene products themselves
are also contained in a individual packaging, in particular in the form of individual
rolls wrapped in paper or in a plastic film material.
[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, the handle is a separate element attached to the packaging.
By using a separate element, the handle can be placed very flexibly to the packaging,
resulting in improved carrying/wearing comfort and improved opening characteristics.
The handle may also be made from a material different from the material of the packaging
in order to accommodate for the specific needs of the handle. For example, the handle
may have a higher tearing resistance than the packaging material itself, resulting
in a secure function of the handle, in particular as the handle has typically quite
small lateral dimensions. In particular, the handle could be formed of a combination
of a paper and a scotch tape-like strip.
[0021] The opening section may be defined by lines of weakness in the packaging, in particular
by perforation lines, in order to enable an easy opening process. The provision of
lines of weakness by perforation lines is a cost efficient way of defining an opening
section. The perforation lines may be provided in the form of circular, triangular,
rectangular, oval and/or wavy openings and may be provided as single, double or multi
perforation lines.
[0022] In order to keep the pack, and in particular the carrying properties of the handle,
intact after having opened it, the opening section may comprise a hinge portion for
keeping the opened opening section connected to the packaging. This embodiment also
enables an easy re-closing of the packaging once the desired amount of hygiene products
has been withdrawn from the packaging.
[0023] In an alternative embodiment, however, a hinge portion is not at all provided such
that the opening section can be completely removed from the remainder of the packaging,
leaving one section of the handle fixedly attached to the packaging and the other
section free. In other words, the perforation may extend completely around the opening
section.
[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the opening section has dimensions allowing the withdrawal
of a single one of the hygiene products through the resulting opening.
[0025] A specific appearance of the pack results when the first section and the second section
of the handle are attached to the same wall of the packaging. This wall is typically
the top wall of the pack such that the pack can be carried easily and opened in an
opening section situated on the top wall aided by the handle.
[0026] In an alterative embodiment, the first section and the second section of the handle
are attached to two separate walls of the packaging, the walls being situated opposite
to one another and are substantially parallel to one another. In this embodiment,
a handle design resembling that of a handbag results, which can be advantageous from
a stability point of view. This feature in combination with the proper arrangement
of a hinge section at the opening section on an edge opposite the direction in which
the carrying force is directed leads to a pack that can be easily carried without
the risk of accidental opening of the pack during carrying, but which can be opened
easily by using the handle. In particular, the hinge section is preferably placed
in a position of the opening section opposite the direction towards the second section
of the handle.
[0027] In yet another embodiment, a third section of the handle is attached to the packaging,
resulting basically in two separate loops of the handle. In a case in which the third
section is attached to the packaging in an area outside the opening section, a first
loop that is completely connected to the fixed sections of the packaging, and a second
loop that is connected to the opening section are provided. The first loop can be
used for carrying the pack safely, wherein the second loop can also be used for opening
the pack.
[0028] Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the first section, second section and/or
third section of the handle can be situated on the bottom wall of the packaging, even
though this is not shown in the Figures. This is also the case for the opening section
which may also be defined in the bottom wall of the packaging or may have at least
portions extending into the bottom wall.
[0029] However, in another preferred embodiment, two separate handle segments are used that
are joined to the packaging in different positions.
[0030] Preferably, the pack has a re-closable tab, in particular a re-closable stripe of
adhesive material or a re-closable stripe of mechanically attachable material, such
as Velcro, a button, a snap fastener or a zipper, in order to re-close the opening
section after opening.
[0031] In order to increase the convenience for an end customer even more, the opening mechanism
is identified by a colour coding of the packaging.
[0032] Preferably, the pack is a distribution pack for distributing a plurality of hygiene
products to the end customer.
[0033] In order to provide an easy opening mechanism, the opening section is defined by
a line of weakness that tears open when the packaging is held only at the first section
of the handle due to the own weight of the pack.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0034] The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings,
in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a pack according to a first embodiment
of the invention in a closed state;
Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the pack of Figure 1 in an opened state;
Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a pack according to a second embodiment
of the invention in a closed state;
Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the pack according to Figure 3 in an opened
state;
Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a pack according to a third embodiment
of the invention in a closed state;
Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the pack according to Figure 5 in an opened
state;
Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present
invention in a closed state;
Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of the pack according to Figure 7 in an opened
state;
Figure 9 is yet another embodiment of a pack in a perspective schematic view in its
closed state;
Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of the pack according to Figure 9 in an
opened state;
Figure 11 is another embodiment of a pack in a perspective schematic view in a closed
state;
Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view of the pack according to Figure 11 in an
opened state;
Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view of a pack according to yet another embodiment
in a closed state;
Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view of the pack according to Figure 13 in an
opened state;
Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view of still another embodiment of a pack in
a closed state; and
Figure 16 is the schematic perspective view of the pack according to Figure 15 in
an opened state.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0035] In the following description of the respective embodiments, the same reference numerals
are used for the same or similar features and a iterated description of the respective
features is not provided in order to improve the intelligibility of the disclosure.
[0036] Figure 1 shows a pack 1 for hygiene products 100, the hygiene products being shown
schematically in Figure 1 in the form of four household towel rolls.
[0037] The pack 1 comprises a packaging 2 for containing the hygiene products 100, such
that the packaging 2 completely encloses the hygiene products 100 and provides the
volume for containing the hygiene products. The packaging 2 has typically two main
walls 20, two side walls 22, a top wall 24 and a bottom wall 26. The two main walls
20 and the two side walls 22 are typically situated opposite to one another and basically
parallel to one another, respectively. The packaging 2 in this embodiment may be provided
in the form of a wrapped film or in the form of a pre-fabricated bag.
[0038] An opening section 3 is provided in the packaging 2 in an upper corner of the packaging
2. The upper corner is defined such that the opening section 3 includes at least sections
of main walls 20, one side wall 22 and the top wall 24. Nevertheless, depending on
the orientation of the pack 1, the opening section 3 could also be situated in a different
position. However, it is convenient for the consumer that the opening section 3 is
provided in a corner position of the packaging 2. This is in particular the case as
the opening section 3 permits then easy access to the hygiene products 100 contained
within the packaging 2 from one end of the contents of the packaging and the remaining
hygiene products 100 within the packaging 2 may retain their initial tidy arrangement.
[0039] The opening section 3 is typically defined in the packaging 2 by lines of weakness,
shown in Figure 1 by a perforation 30 in the main wall 20. Another section of the
perforation 32 extends through the top wall 24 of the packaging 2 and it is understood
that a perforation similar to the perforation 30 shown in Figure 1 is also present
in the opposite main wall 20.
[0040] The perforation 30 of the opening section 3 does not, however, extend through the
side wall 22. This leaves a section of the side wall 22 intact, such that the opening
section 3 is hinged to the side wall 22 in its opened position. This is shown, e.g.,
in Figure 2, in which the lid-shaped opening section 3 is opened and basically hinged
in a hinge position 34 to the side wall such that the opening section 3 cannot be
removed from the packaging 2.
[0041] However, it will be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment the perforation
could also be provided such that the opening section can be completely removed. With
other words, the perforation extends completely around the opening section.
[0042] Returning to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, a handle 4 is present, having a first
section 40, which is attached to the opening section 3, and a second section 42, which
is attached to the packaging in an area outside the opening section 3, as can be seen
in the bottom wall 26 in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2. In other words,
the handle extends from the opening section 3 to the bottom wall 26.
[0043] The handle 4 is made from a separate piece of material and may be provided from a
material that is different from the film material of the packaging 2.
[0044] As may be appreciated, the handle 4 can be used to carry the pack 1 easily. However,
as can be appreciated from Figure 2, the handle 4 can also be used for opening the
opening section 3 by pulling the handle 4 at its first section 40 basically in the
direction of the arrow 400.
[0045] Accordingly, the handle 4 has at least the double function of being usable for carrying
the pack 1 from the supermarket to the home of the end customer and to help the end
customer opening the opening section 3 when the hygiene products 100 are to be withdrawn
from the pack 1.
[0046] Another beneficial function of the handle is that the end customer may hang up the
pack 1 with the remaining hygiene products 100 contained therein, in order to provide
a secure, tidy and hygienically unobjectionable form of storage of the opened and
unopened packs.
[0047] It will be appreciated that the lines of weakness 30 and 32, that are used to define
the opening section 3, can be made such that they tear open relatively easy, e.g.
by adjusting the step width of the openings, as not the total weight of the pack 1
and the hygiene products 100 rests on the section 40 but this weight is distributed
between the first handle section 40 and the second handle section 42. Accordingly,
it is possible to design the opening section 3, and in particular the lines of weakness
30, 32, such that it can be more easily opened.
[0048] As can be seen from Figure 2, it will also be appreciated that the pack 1 can still
be carried by using the handle 4 when the opening section 3 is in the opened position.
In particular, even if some of the hygiene products 100 have been withdrawn from the
pack 1, the pack can still be carried, using the handle 4, in particular also because
the opening section 3 and the resulting opening are provided on an end of the pack
1 which ensures that the hygiene products 100 remaining in the pack do not fall out
of the opening due to gravity.
[0049] In a second embodiment, Figure 3 shows a pack 1 with a packaging 2 in which the arrangement
of the handle 4 as well as the design of the opening section 3 is slightly different
from that described with respect to Figures 1 and 2. In particular, the handle 4 is
attached to the top wall 24 of the packaging 2 only. In particular, the opening section
3 is defined by a perforation 30 in the main wall 20, another perforation 32 in one
of the side walls 22 and it is understood that the perforation 30 is also present
in the opposite main wall 20. In the top wall 24, a hinging portion 34 is present.
The hinging portion is provided by omitting a perforation in this section of the material
such that the packaging material remains intact. Accordingly, the opening section
3 opens, as it is shown in Figure 4, upwards by pivoting around hinging section 34.
[0050] The handle 4 is attached in a first section 40 to the opening section 3 and in a
second section 42 in an area outside the opening section 3 but still on the top wall
24 of the packaging 2.
[0051] The embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4 leads to a different handling of the pack.
[0052] In an embodiment not shown in the figures, an indication of the opening mechanism
is colour coded on the packaging 2 in order to enable an easy opening. Such a colour
coding may be achieved e.g. by printing icons on the packaging 2.
[0053] In Figures 5 and 6, yet another embodiment of the pack 1 is shown. In this embodiment,
the hygiene products 100 are shown as single handkerchief packs, wherein each of these
single handkerchief packs may contain five or ten tissue paper handkerchiefs.
[0054] The structure of the packaging 2 of the pack 1 of the third embodiment is similar
to the packaging 2 shown in Figures 3 and 4. In particular, the opening section 3
is, again, provided by a perforation 30 in the main wall 20 and another perforation
32 in the side wall 22. Furthermore, it is understood that the perforation 30 also
extends in the opposite side wall 20. A hinging portion 34 is also present, around
which the opening section 3 is pivoted in the opened state, as can be seen in Figure
6.
[0055] As may be appreciated from Figures 5 and 6, the handle 4 is attached to the opening
section 3 in its first section 40 in the area of the side wall 22. The second section
42 of the handle 4 is, consequently, attached to the opposite side wall 22. As can
be seen in Figures 5 and 6, this leads to yet another embodiment of a pack 1, which
can be easily opened by pulling the handle 1 at the first section 40 and can be used
for carrying the pack 1 easily, wherein the lines of weakness or perforations 30,
32 of the opening section 3 can be designed such that they can be opened more easily
than the ones known in the state of the art.
[0056] In Figures 7 and 8, yet another embodiment of a pack 1 is shown. It will be appreciated
that the form of the packaging 2 of pack 1 is basically identical to that shown and
described with respect to Figures 5 and 6. In particular, the opening section 3 defined
by the perforations 30 and 32 as well as by the hinging portion 34 is designed basically
identical to that shown in Figures 5 and 6.
[0057] The main difference between the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6 and that shown
in Figures 7 and 8 is the provision of a differently arranged handle 4. Handle 4 is,
in its first section 40, attached to the side wall 22 within the opening section 3.
The second section 42 of handle 4 is attached to the opposite side wall 22. A middle
section or third section 44, of the handle 4 is also attached to the packaging 2 but
to the top wall 24. The third section 44 of the handle 4 is attached in an area outside
the opening section on the top wall 24.
[0058] As can be seen, e.g. in Figure 8, the first loop of the handle 4 that is defined
between the first section 40 and the third section 44, can be used to easily open
the opening section 3 or packaging 2 in order to be able to withdraw hygiene products
100 from packaging 2. The second loop of handle 4 remains even in the opened position
of the opening section 4 in an unchanged state. The second loop of the handle 4, which
extends between the second section 42 and the third section 44 of the handle 4, does
not change in this arrangement.
[0059] It will be appreciated that also different ways of providing the two loops of the
handle 4 may be provided. In particular, it is envisaged that the first loop of the
handle and the second loop of the handle are provided by means of two separate stripes
of material which are then attached to the packaging 2. In order to form the embodiment
shown in Figures 7 and 8, two separate handle segments can be provided which are joined
to one another as well as to the packaging 2 in the third section 44. However, in
another preferred embodiment, the two separate handle segments are joined to the packaging
2 in different positions (not shown in the Figures).
[0060] Furthermore, even though it is not explicitly shown in the Figures it will be appreciated
that the first section 40, second section 42 and/or third section 44 of the handle
4 could also be situated on the bottom wall 26 of the packaging 2. This is, naturally,
also the case for the opening section 3 which may also be defined in the bottom wall
26 of the packaging 2 or may have at least portions extending into the bottom wall
26.
[0061] Figure 9 shows a pack 1' in yet another embodiment. A packaging 2 is provided in
which an opening section 3 is defined by lines of weakness, in particular in the form
of perforations 30. A handle 4' is integrated into the packaging 2. The packaging
has one of the typical forms of a pre-fabricated bag.
[0062] Figure 10 shows this pack 1' in the opened state, in which the opening section 3
is opened by means of the integrated handle 4'.
[0063] Figures 11 and 12 show a pack 1" in still another embodiment. A packaging 2 is provided
with an opening section 3' wherein the opening section 3' is defined by perforations
30 in the main wall 20 of the packaging 2. The opening section 3' extends from a carrying
handle 4" downwards, and the opening section 3' can be opened by accessing the opening
section 3' from the carrying opening of the carrying handle 4''.
[0064] In Figures 13 and 14, yet another embodiment of a pack 1 is shown. As may be appreciated,
Figure 13 basically corresponds to the embodiment shown in Figure 1. However, the
hinge portion 34 of this embodiment is provided in the top wall 24 of the pack 1,
which results, as can be seen in Figure 14, in a different opening direction of the
opening section 3. In particular, the hinge portion 34 is situated opposite to the
direction towards the second section 42 of the handle 4. This specific arrangement
of the pack has the advantage that, during the carrying operation, the force that
is exerted from the handle 4 to the opening section 3 is mainly carried by the hinge
portion 34 such that an accidental opening of the opening section 3 can be avoided.
Even if any accidental opening of the opening section 3 occurs, the hygiene products
100 cannot fall out of the pack as the opening section 3 remains in its closed position
due to the pull of the handle 4. The perforation 30' is shown schematically in the
form of a double line perforation.
[0065] In order to open the pack 1, the second section 40 of the handle 4 is moved into
the direction schematically shown by arrow 400.
[0066] In Figures 15 and 16, yet another embodiment of a pack 1 is shown, in which the hinge
portion 34 is situated in a structurally similar position as shown in Figures 13 and
14. Here, again, the hinge portion 34 is situated opposite to the direction of the
handle 4 towards the second section 42 of the handle 4.
[0067] While only preferred embodiments have been described in terms of particular variations
and illustrative figures, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the
invention is not limited to the variations or figures described. Therefore, it will
be understood that various modifications, variations, changes and adaptations will
be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope
of the appended claims and it is the intent that this patent will cover those modifications,
variations, changes and adaptations, as well as equivalents to the subject-matter
found in the claims.
1. Pack (1) for containing at least two hygiene products (100), in particular at least
two uncompressed toilet paper rolls, kitchen paper rolls, household towel rolls, individual
packs of handkerchiefs or other tissue paper products, the pack comprising:
- a packaging (2) for containing the hygiene products;
- an opening section (3) in the packaging defining an opening for removing hygiene
products;
- a handle (4) having a first section (40) attached to the opening section (3) and
a second section (42) attached to the packaging (2) in an area outside the opening
section (3).
2. Pack according to claim 1, wherein the handle (4) is a separate element attached
to the packaging (2).
3. Pack according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the handle is made from a material
different from the material of the packaging (2).
4. Pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening section (3)
is defined by lines of weakness in the packaging (2), in particular by perforation
lines (30, 32), in particular in the form of circular, triangular, rectangular, oval
and/or wavy perforation openings, in particular single, double or multi perforation
lines.
5. Pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening section (3)
comprises a hinge portion (34) for keeping the opened opening section (3) connected
to the packaging (2).
6. Pack according to claim 5, wherein the hinge portion (34) is situated in a position
of the opening section (3) opposite the direction towards the second section (42)
of the handle (4).
7. Pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening section (3)
has dimensions allowing the removal of a single one of the hygiene products (100)
through the resulting opening.
8. Pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first section (40)
and the second section (42) of the handle (4) are attached to the same wall (24) of
the packaging (2).
9. Pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first section (40)
and the second section (42) of the handle (4) are attached to two separate walls of
the packaging (2), the walls being situated opposite to one another and substantially
parallel to one another (22).
10. Pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a third section (44) of
the handle (4) is attached to the packaging (2).
11. Pack according to claim 10, wherein the third section (44) is attached to the packaging
in an area outside the opening section (3).
12. Pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a re-closable tab, in
particular a re-closable stripe of adhesive material or a re-closable stripe of mechanically
re-closable material, such as Velcro, a button, a snap fastener or a zipper is provided
in order to re-close the opening section (3) after opening.
13. Pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening mechanism
is identified by a colour coding of the packaging.
14. Pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pack is a distribution
pack for distributing a plurality of hygiene products (100) to the end customer.
15. Pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging (2) is made
from a film material, in particular polypropylene films, polyethylene films, starch
based films, biodegradable films, shrinkable films and/or mixtures thereof, and/or
a paper material, in particular in the form of different layers of material, in particular
as a multi-layer film and/or a laminate.
16. Pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening section is
defined by a line of weakness that tears open when the packaging (2) is held only
at the first section (40) of the handle (4) due to the weight of the pack (1).
17. Pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging is a bag
or a wrapper, in particular a pre-manufactured bag made from a tube-like film material,
a folded film material or two webs of film material, or a wrapper in the form of a
flat film wrapped around the hygiene products.
18. Pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hygiene products include
toilet paper rolls, kitchen paper rolls, household towel rolls, individual packs of
handkerchiefs, napkins, facials, hand wiping towels, folded and unfolded tissue paper,
object wiping rolls and any other suitable hygiene products for personal hygiene,
for object wiping and/or cleaning purposes.
20. Pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a second handle is provided,
both ends of which being joined to the package outside the opening section.