This invention relates to a package for products, in particular consumer products, with a number of subpackages connected in a row. Such a package is known from EP 0481695.

This known package comprises two cardboard boxes placed side by side, each folded from a blank. In a first embodiment, the boxes are open at the top and provided with a compartmentation, such that six bottles can be disposed in each of the boxes. Upon closure of the boxes, two are moved with respective side faces against each other, and a cardboard sheetlike cover is applied over the two boxes. This cover comprises a central portion, capable of fittingly closing off the open top, while on opposite sides of the central portion a longitudinal edge is folded over downwards and glued to the sides of the boxes. The longitudinal edges then extend over the seams formed by the boxes standing against each other. In this cover, a tear strip is provided, which is connected through two perforated lines extending substantially parallel to each other, with the parts of the central portion and the longitudinal edges, respectively, extending on opposite sides of the strip.

The tear strip extends over the center of the cover, parallel to the confronting sidewalls of the boxes. If the tear strip is pulled loose along the perforated lines, the cover is parted in the middle and the boxes part from each other.

In a second embodiment, the boxes are closed on all sides and placed on a base plate, comparable to the cover described earlier. A perforation line is provided in the base plate, centrally of and parallel to the confronting sidewalls.

These known packages have as an advantage that two boxes can simply be jointly picked up and displaced, while they can also be readily separated from each other. An important disadvantage of these packages,

however, is that the boxes are only connected with each other through the perforation lines. This means that the connection is relatively weak.

For packages described earlier, it has already been proposed for the boxes, at least in the variant with the base plate, to be glued to each other adjacent the top with adhesive surfaces. The stability of the package is thereby enhanced and hence the chance of unintentional tearing of the perforation line is reduced. This has as a disadvantage, however, that as a result the boxes will become damaged and residues of adhesive will remain behind at least on one of the boxes, which will adversely affect the appearance of the package, in particular the boxes.

A further advantage of this known package is that tearing the perforation lines loose will result in frayed edges of the boxes, which leads to an unpleasant appearance. Moreover, it has been found that perforation lines considerably increase the chance of irregular tearing, that is, in a manner other than along the perforation line. In other words, the perforation lines are often no guarantee that the boxes will be separated from each other along them. The appearance of the boxes is thereby adversely affected still further.

The invention contemplates a package of the type described in the opening paragraph hereof, in which the disadvantages mentioned are avoided while maintaining the advantages thereof. In particular, the invention contemplates a package comprising a series of subpackages which can be readily separated from each other, while the subpackages in a mutually separated condition maintain a pleasant appearance. To that end, a package according to the invention is characterized by the features according to claim 1.

Surprisingly, it has been found that in such a package an individual subpackage can be separated from the row relatively simply. A row of subpackages can be manipulated in its entirety, also when a subpackage has already been separated therefrom. The mutually connected

subpackages can function as display package and as take-away package. By making use of substantially sheetlike materials for the package, subpackages are obtained having a relatively small volume of packaging material, which moreover is relatively light. An additional advantage thus achieved is that transportation and storage of such packages is possible in an advantageous manner.

In addition, in such an embodiment, the advantage is obtained that the position where a subpackage is torn loose is accurately fixed, while tearing loose will occur such that a clean cut is obtained. The chance of inward tearing of the connecting means and/or a side of a respective subpackage other than along the or each tear line of breaking line is thereby reduced considerably, while the agreeable appearance of the subpackages in and outside the row is maintained.

Further, it has been found that connecting means thus designed can be made of considerably stronger design than perforation lines. The connecting means can take up relatively high pull and pressure forces, in particular in a direction parallel to the plane in which the or each cut has been provided, whilst these connecting means can be pulled loose relatively simply by a force including an angle with said plane, in particular an angle approximating 90°, for instance by tilting products, at least subpackages, relative to each other. When tearing loose in this way, layers are pulled from each other, whereby the edges are defined by the or each cut, so that only a taut surface becomes visible. As a result of this, too, the pleasant appearance is maintained.

The advantage thus obtained is that the subpackages have a pleasant appearance, also when subpackages have been separated from the row, while such separation is readily possible by means of the tear lines or breaking lines. For packers, a package according to the present invention has the advantage that packaging, for instance, individual batches of

products is possible in a simple manner, while the rows of subpackages, due to the mutual connections, can be manipulated in their entirety.

Preferably, a package according to the invention is further characterized by the features according to claim 2.

The use of two mutually staggered cuts, one on each side of the respective sheetlike part, leads to an enclosed strip, certainly when the two cuts overlap in side view in that the joint depth is greater than the thickness of the respective material. Upon tearing loose, the enclosed strip will tear in a plane approximately parallel to the outer surfaces of the respective material, between the cuts. As a result, a particularly clean tearing is obtained and the appearance is kept particularly pleasant, whilst in unparted condition of the subpackages, the connection is extremely strong.

In an advantageous embodiment, a package according to the invention is characterized by the features according to claim 5.

By designing the connecting means such that at least on one side of the row a strip of material is provided which is secured to the respective side of the subpackages and is provided with the tear lines or breaking lines, a row of subpackages is obtained, the subpackages of which can be simply torn loose or broken loose. Indeed, the tearing direction has been chosen such that the upper side of the subpackages can be held facing upwards, while a subpackage can be torn loose by tilting it about a line approximately at right angles to the or each respective tear line. When further the position of the tear lines is chosen such that they arejocated adjacent to, or preferably in, a plane forming the plane of contact between the respective subpackages, the detachment of a subpackage is simplifie still further, while moreover a pleasant appearance of both the respective subpackage and the remaining row is obtained. The connecting parts then remain connected with the respective subpackages, so that they will be taken along by the user and will not remain behind in the store.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a package according to the present invention is further characterized by the features according to claim 10.

In such an embodiment, the advantage is obtained that the connecting means at the same time interconnect the subpackages and cover them at the open upper side. The covering part of the connecting means will, upon detachment of a subpackage, remain positioned over the opening and therefore protect the products during further transportation. Moreover, this prevents the possibility that during transport and storage of the (sub) packages, products can be removed from them without this being subsequently visible from outside. Loose seals and the like are then not needed anymore, which simplifies use and reduces the risk of contamination.

It is preferred that the subpackages have a length and width such that rows formed therefrom are fittingly stackable onto a Euro pallet or in a Euro container or a different standardized package. Since the packages according to the present invention do not need to be packed in an outer package anymore, they can be stacked directly onto a pallet or in a container, thus yielding considerable advantages in terms of space and weight during storage and transport. Moreover, the operations required therefor have been limited to a minimum. Further, important environmental advantages are achieved herewith.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the package according to the invention is further characterized by the features according to claim 12, more particularly by the features according to claim 13.

By the use of one or more strips which are applied to the upper side and/or to the underside of the series of subpackages, with the or each cut provided in the respective strip, the connecting means are particularly simple to engage for a user, whilst moreover the strips have been provided precisely in those positions where the greatest moments arise with respect

to a median plane through the subpackages, or with respect to an opposite underside or upper side. Thus, in an optimum manner, a mutually connected series of subpackages is obtained. By additionally designing the or each strip with at least two pairs of cuts, as described earlier with respect to claim 2, that is, with the cuts of each pair of cuts located at a small relative distance and the joint depth of the cuts being greater than the thickness of the sheet material, the tear strip can be simply pulled away in a direction approximately at right angles to the plane defined by the respective top or bottom surface of the subpackages, such that the parts located on opposite sides thereof are released. Here, the parts located on opposite sides can be glued as separate adhesive surfaces to the individual subpackages and be so distributed that upon the strip being pulled away the subpackages are separated from each other. The parts located on opposite sides can also be provided loosely around the subpackages, whilst after pulling away the tear strip the loose parts can be removed and the subpackages can be engaged. Here, too, it holds that precisely these chosen cuts provide for a relatively high strength and for a pleasant appearance also with the tear strip removed.

In an alternative embodiment, the package according to the invention is characterized by the features according to claim 14.

In this embodiment, the or each strip comprises a number of cuts substantially closed in themselves, on one side of the strip, facing the subpackages. The material part enclosed by each cut is glued to a subpackage, while the further strip lies substantially loosely on the subpackages and is connected therewith only through the respective material enclosed by the cuts. This means that upon pulling away the strip, each material part enclosed by a cut and connected with a subpackage will be torn loose from the strip, precisely along the respective cut, so that the strip can be detached entirely from the respective subpackages and hence

the subpackage is individually approachable and removable, separate from the series.

Claims 15 and 16 set forth comparable embodiments in which the or each strip is secured to a side of the subpackages.

The invention further relates to a method for packaging products, characterized by the features according to claim 17.

Such a method provides the advantage that products can be packaged and transported in a particularly simple manner, whilst the storage and transport package can be used particularly well for presenting the products in a store or the like. In such a method, the subpackages can be simply detached by a consumer and be taken along, which provides the advantage that repacking the products is not necessary anymore, the subpackages do not need to be transferred. This method provides the advantage, in particular to the consumer, that the amount and the quality of the products are guaranteed and the user can simply take away the desired amount.

A method according to the present invention is further preferably characterized by the features according to claim 18.

By the use of connecting means folded from a sheetlike blank, with a central part covering the subpackages arranged and the longitudinal edges secured to the side of the subpackages for forming the connecting means, the subpackages, after being filled, can be rapidly and easily closed and simultaneously be interconnected. Upon subsequent detachment of a subpackage, the covering central part is thereby detached as well, so that a consumer can take away a closed subpackage with contents. In a simple manner, this prevents the possibility of the contents becoming dissociated from a subpackage, while moreover the contents are thereby guaranteed.

Indeed, no part of the contents can be removed or replaced without damaging or removing the central part.

The invention further relates to a method for presenting products, in particular consumer products, in a store or the like, characterized by the features according to claim 19.

Such a method provides the advantage that products can be simply and rapidly displayed in a store, while they moreover present a pleasant appearance. The products, packaged in the subpackages, can be rapidly and readily taken along by consumers, without any amounts needing to be weighed or measured.

Because the subpackages are joined together particularly firmly by the connecting means, which connecting means can be elegantly detached, at least broken, without damaging the subpackages, the subpackages can be conveniently handled jointly, for instance be picked up, moved, stored and shelved, while the individual subpackages can be simply detached from the series by the retailer or by the consumer. Relatively little packaging material then remains behind in the store.

Further advantageous embodiments are described in the further subclaims.

To clarify the invention, a number of examples of packages and methods according to the present invention will be further described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a package according to the invention; Fig. 1A shows a blank for a subpackage according to Fig. 1; Fig. 1B shows a portion of a breaking or tear line; Fig. 1C shows a portion of a first alternative embodiment of a breaking or tear line according to the invention, in untorn and torn condition; Fig. 1D shows a portion of a second alternative embodiment of a breaking or tear line according to the invention, in untorn and torn condition;

Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of a package according to the invention; Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of a package according to the invention; Figs. 4A-C show a fourth embodiment of a package according to the invention; Fig. 5 shows a fifth embodiment of a package according to the invention; Fig. 6 shows a sixth embodiment of a package according to the invention; Fig. 7 shows examples of embodiments of a subpackage according to the invention'and Figs. 8A-C show three formation configurations with packages according to the invention.

Figs. 9A-C show a seventh embodiment of a package according to the invention; Figs. 10A-B show an eighth embodiment of a package according to the invention; Figs. 11A-C show a ninth embodiment of a package according to the invention; and Figs. 12A-C show a tenth embodiment of a package according to the invention.

In this description, the same or corresponding parts have the same or corresponding reference numerals, which may be increased by a hundred or multiples thereof. The packages, that is, the subpackages and connecting means and any other parts applied in a package or method according to the present invention are preferably all manufactured from such material that after use no waste separation is necessary and the material can be jointly reused. Used here, in particular, is cardboard or paper, optionally provided with a recyclable plastic layer such as polyethylene, at least on the side of

the respective parts that faces the product. However, other materials can also be used.

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a package 1 according to the present invention, comprising a series of boxlike subpackages 2, five in number in the embodiment shown. The subpackages 2 have been individually folded from cardboard blanks and have been moved against each other by their long sides 3, thereby forming a continuous row. A strip 4, made of cardboard, has been glued on opposite sides of the row of subpackages 2 to the short sides 5 thereof, such that the subpackages 2 are fixedly connected with each other in the respective row. Each strip 4 is provided, by way of connecting means, with a number of adhesive surfaces 6, corresponding in number with the number of subpackages. The adhesive surfaces 6 are mutually separated by breaking/tear lines 8, to be described in more detail hereinafter. Hereinafter in the description, these and comparable lines 8 will be further referred to as tear lines 8. In Fig. 1 a strip 4 is shown in loose condition, in perspective view, while two of such strips 4 have already been provided on the subpackages 2. Each adhesive surface 6 is provided along the upper edge 10 thereof with a projecting supporting flap 12, which, in a condition when glued to the subpackages 2, extend above the upper surface 14 of the series of subpackages 2, the arrangement being such that when two rows of subpackages 2 are placed onto each other, the supporting flaps 12 of the lower row of subpackages 2 abut against the short walls 5 of the upper row of subpackages 2. To that end, the height Ds of the strip 4 is slightly smaller than the height Dd of the subpackages 2. With the strip 4 in fitted condition, a part of the sidewall 5 of each subpackage 2 is left clear under the strip 4.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, each subpackage 2 has been folded from a blank 16 as shown in Fig. 1A. Such a blank and a box folded therefrom are known from practice. In this box, the longitudinal walls 3,5 are connected with the bottom surface 18 through respective fold lines 3A,

5A. Provided on the sidewall 5, through a fold line 20A, is an adhesive flap 20 which, when the box has been set up, is glued to the inside of the longitudinal wall 3. Through a further fold line 22A, a triangular supporting flap 22 is connected with the operatively upper longitudinal edge 24 of the sidewall 5, this triangular supporting flap 22 having a second adhesive flap 26 connected thereto, through a fold line 26A extending in line with the fold line 20A. In use, this second adhesive flap 26 is glued to the outer side of an adjacent longitudinal wall 3. As a consequence, the triangular supporting flap 22, when the box is set up, is disposed in a plane parallel to the bottom 18. In the series of subpackages 2, the triangular supporting flaps 22 of the subpackages 2 constitute the upper surface 14 and bound the filling and take-out openings 30 of the subpackages. In stacks of the series of subpackages 2 as shown in Fig. 1, the triangular flaps 14 of a lower row of subpackages 2 will carry the upper row. In the sidewall 3 a recess 32 is provided, so that each subpackage 2 obtains a pleasant appearance.

In Fig. 1B, in axionometric view, on a slightly enlarged scale, a tear line 8 is shown, in undivided and in divided condition. In this embodiment, cardboard has been used having a core 34, provided on opposite sides with a layer 36 of paper. Other covering layers may also have been used, such as, for instance, polyethylene. The tear line 8 comprises two parallel cuts 38, 40, staggered with respect to each other in side view, which two cuts 38,40 form a pair 39. The first cutting line 38 is provided from a first side of the strip 4, the second line from the opposite side. The first 38 and the second cutting line 40 both have a depth such that they do not entirely cut through the cardboard and do not reach at least the layer 36 located on the side opposite the side from which the respective cutting line 38,40 has been provided. The core 34 is wholly or partly cut through by each of the cutting lines 38,40. As a consequence, the strip 4 has a high bearing power, in particular upon exertion of a force F approximately parallel to the plane V,

both at right angles to and parallel to the tear lines, and is yet relatively easy to tear loose. Upon tearing loose a first surface 6 from an adjacent second surface 6 along the tear line 8, only the core 34 between the two cutting lines 38,40 will have to be broken, at least torn loose, which is possible relatively simply, in particular when the core 34 is manufactured from cardboard of a layered structure or comparable fiber cardboard. Such a tear line 8 provides the advantage that tearing yields relatively smooth edges, namely as a result of the respective cutting lines 38,40, so that a pleasant appearance is preserved and tearing at a suitable position is ensured. For that matter, in a comparable manner, a tear line can be provided in, for instance, solid cardboard, corrugated cardboard, or the like, or sandwich cardboard built up in any other way. It is also possible, however, to form a tear line 8 in a different manner, for instance by the provision of a weakened line from one side of the strip 4. If material suitable for the purpose is used, the tear line 8 can also be designed as a breaking line, for instance when the strip 4 is formed from relatively brittle and fragile material.

It will be clear that the cuts 38,40 can also be made of bent design and can even intersect each other, possibly yielding loose elements that can remain behind on the subpackages, for instance as decoration.

Fig. 1C shows a first alternative embodiment of a breaking or tear line 8 according to the invention, in which in the upper part an undivided tear line is provided, that is, the surface V is continuous, while under the left side the tear line 8 when torn is shown. The tear line 8 again comprises a pair 39 of cuts 38,40, the upper cut 38 extending from an upper surface to a point near the lower surface, while the second cut 40 extends from the lower surface to a point near the upper surface. The two cuts 38,40 are provided approximately at right angles to the surfaces mentioned, and both have a bent, at least wavy configuration. The first cut 38 may, for instance, be sine- shaped and the second cut 40 may be cosine-shaped, such that viewed in an

elevation at right angles to one of the surfaces, the two cuts run out of phase. The joint depth of the two cuts 38,40 is again slightly greater than the thickness of the material, though smaller than twice the thickness of the material. As shown in Fig. 1C in the lower part, the tear line 8 can be torn loose along the two cuts 38,40, so that an attractive appearance is obtained with wavy lines and surfaces. In this figure, the material torn loose between the two cuts 38,40 is represented as hatched.

In Fig. 1D, a further alternative embodiment of a breaking and tear line 8 according to the invention is shown, in which the two cuts 38,40 include an angle a with the plane in which they are provided. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the angles a have been chosen to be equal, so that the cutis tend parallel to each other. In an elevation approximately at right angles to the surfaces in which the cuts are provided, they approximately overlie each other. As appears from the lower part of Fig. 1D, in which a part of the cut is shown as torn loose, again the material between the two cuts 38,40 has been torn loose, with the cuts 38,40 providing for straight, at least smooth edges. The torn material M is again represented as hatched. As a result of the inclined configuration of the two cuts 38,40, the torn material M is at least largely covered in a direction approximately at right angles to the surface in which the cuts have been provided, so that a still more pleasant appearance is preserved.

A package according to Fig. 1 can be used as follows.

From blanks 16, a suitable number of subpackages 2 are folded, which can be filled through the filling and take-out opening 30 with product to be packaged, for instance vegetables, fruit, candy or the like. Prior to filling, or following filling, the subpackages 2 can be arranged in the row shown in Fig. 1 and be interconnected by gluing or otherwise securing a strip 4 thereto on opposite sides, such that in each case a surface 6 is attached to a sidewall 5, with a tear line 8 adjacent a plane enclosed between two longitudinal walls 3 placed against each other. In this filled condition,

different series of subpackages 2 can be stacked onto and next to each other on, for instance ; a pallet, and be transported to a store, where the series of subpackages can be displayed directly. A consumer can simply separate a subpackage 2 from a series by tearing or breaking it loose from an adjacent subpackage. To that end, for instance, the respective subpackage can be tilted with respect to the adjacent subpackage along the upper or lower line of contact between two longitudinal walls 3 placed against each other. In this way, a loose subpackage 2 is obtained, with a pleasant appearance and with a measured amount of product. When all five subpackages have been removed from the respective series, the retailer is not left with any packaging material, while the customer does not need to perform any time- consuming operations, such as measuring the desired amount.

The packages according to the invention follow the European packaging covenants.

Fig. 2 shows a first alternative embodiment of a package 101 according to the present invention, again starting from a series of, in particular five, subpackages 102, with longitudinal sides 103 placed against each other, thereby forming a closed row. Again, on opposite sides of the respective row, a strip 104, forming a connecting means, has been adhered or otherwise secured, provided with adhesive surfaces 106 and intermediate tear lines 108, as discussed with reference to Fig. 1B. A loose strip 104 is also shown in Fig. 2. In this embodiment, the subpackages have been folded from a relatively simple blank, not shown, with a bottom face, rectangular sidewalls 103 connected to the bottom face through first fold lines, and sidewalls 105 connected to the bottom face through second fold lines.

Through two opposite parallel fold lines, the sidewalls are connected with adhesive flaps 120 through which, in the erected box, the sidewalls 105 are fixedly connected with the longitudinal walls 103. In this embodiment, each subpackage 102 has a rectangular block-shaped outer shape.

Each strip 104 substantially corresponds in shape to the strip 4 as shown in Fig. 1. However, in this embodiment, a substrip 111 is connected through a fold line 113 with the surfaces 106. Cutting lines 115 are provided in the strip 104, such that the supporting flaps 112 are formed.

The strips 104 are secured to the series of subpackages 102, such that the fold line 113 approximately coincides with the upper longitudinal edge 114A of the sidewalls 105. Thus, the substrip 111 can be flanged inwards through an angle of about 90°, as represented by the arrows P, such that it comes to lie against the upper longitudinal edges 114B of the longitudinal walls 103.

Thus a surface 114 is formed that extends on opposite sides of the series of subpackages 102 and forms a supporting surface 114 for any further series of subpackages 102 to be placed on the instant series. As a result of the cutting lines 115, the supporting flaps 112 will then continue to extend in a vertical sense, so that a superjacent series of subpackages 102 is thereby secured from displacement, at least in transverse direction. The substrips 111 can be folded loosely against the sidewalls 103 but they can also be fixed to them. The substrips 111 at their two ends are provided with an adhesive flap 111B, which can be fixed against the free longitudinal wall 103 of the subpackage 102 adjacent the respective end. The substrips 111 are thereby fixedly connected with the subpackages in the condition where they are folded against the upper edges of the longitudinal walls 103.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the tear lines 108 extend into the substrip 111. However, the substrip 111 can also be cut inwards as far as the fold line 113, such that loose substrip parts are obtained at each subpackage 102. Further, the height H6 of the substrip 111 in the embodiment shown has been selected to be smaller than half the length of the longitudinal wall 103. As a result, with the substrips 111 folded down, an opening is left clear between the free longitudinal edges 111A of the substrips 111. It is also possible, however, to select the height Ha to be greater, for instance equal to half the length of the longitudinal walls 103,

so that at least substantially completely closed filling and take-out openings 130 can be obtained. When the height H8 is selected to be so great that the substrips 111 can at least partly overlap, they can be secured onto each other. In a simple manner, this prevents the possibility of product being removed from the subpackages 2 or otherwise manipulated.

Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of a package according to the present invention, in which, again, a series of substantially rectangular subpackages 202 have been shoved against each other by their long sides 203, thereby forming a row. In this embodiment, the connecting means 204 are designed as a central part 211 extending over the entire upper side 214 of the series of subpackages 202, this central part 211 having a width corresponding to the length of the longitudinal walls 203. Provided on opposite sides of the central part 211 is a strip 214A in the form of a longitudinal edge part, folded downwards along a fold line 213 against the sides 205 of the subpackages 202. Again, cutting lines 215 are provided, such that supporting flaps 212 project above the fold lines 213, for lateral stabilization of a further row of subpackages 202 placed on the central part 211. In the central part 211, in the embodiment shown, openings 216 are provided, through which the packed products 217, for instance apples as in the embodiment shown, cannot pass but can be seen.

The strips 214A are subdivided into adhesive surfaces 206 by tear lines 208 as shown, for instance, in Fig. 1B, C or D. The tear lines again lie adjacent two confronting longitudinal walls 203. In the central part 211, further tear lines 208A can be provided, which interconnect the tear lines 208 located on opposite sides, but these tear lines can also be designed as incisions such that the central part 211 is divided into separate parts 214B, each having a width corresponding to the width of the subpackages 202. In such an embodiment, a subpackage 202 can be detached by tearing loose only the tear lines 208. Because the tear lines 208 in the exemplary embodiment shown extend slightly beyond the fold line 213 into the central

part 211, a slightly better stabilization is obtained, while the subpackages 202 can yet be detached relatively simply.

Figs. 4A-C show an embodiment of a package 301 according to the invention, which comprises three subpackages 302 coupled by connecting means comprising on opposite sides a strip 304 which is attached to the side 305 of the subpackages 302. Each strip 304 comprises adhesive surfaces 306 which extend along the upper and lower side of a tear strip 334. The adhesive surfaces 306 are connected with the tear strip 334 through tear lines 308, preferably designed as represented in Fig. 1B, 1C or 1D, with each tear line 308 comprising one pair of cuts 338,340. The adhesive surfaces 306 are mutually separated by incisions 308A at the contact surfaces between two adjacent subpackages 302. On opposite sides of the subpackages 302 such a strip 304 is provided, with only the adhesive surfaces 306 secured, in particular glued, to the sides 305 of the subpackages. Each tear strip 334 comprises two tear parts 334A, 334B, which are provided such that the first tear part 334A, shown on the left in Fig. 4A, connects the left subpackage 302 with the central subpackage 302, while the tear part 334B shown on the right in Fig. 4A connects the central subpackage 302 with the right-hand subpackage 302 Fig. 4B schematically shows how the first, left-hand tear part 334A has been pulled loose from the left-hand subpackage 302 along the tear lines 308, so that it can be separated from the series of subpackages. Upon the tear part 334A being pulled further in the direction P, it will obviously come off the central subpackage 302 as well. Since the tear parts 334*, 334B are separate from each other, or optionally connected with each other through a further tear line, not shown, each tear part 334A, B can be pulled away independently of the other tearing part 334B, so that individual subpackages can be simply removed. Fig. 4C shows how the three subpackages 302 have been separated from each other, with the loose tear parts 334A, B shown in loose condition.

Fig. 5 shows a further embodiment of a package according to the present invention, in which subpackages 402 are used which correspond at least substantially to the subpackage as shown in Fig. 1. In this embodiment, in each adhesive flap 428, for instance a rectangular incision or cut 432, substantially closed in itself, has been made, to a depth slightly smaller than the thickness of the material of the blank, comparably to a cut 38 or 40 as shown in Fig. 1B. The incisions 432 are so positioned that when the subpackages 402 are moved against each other in the manner shown on the left in Fig. 5, the incisions 432 of two adjacent subpackages 402 face each other. The subpackages 402 are glued to each other by way of the contact parts 433, hatched in Fig. 5, extending within the incisions 432.

Thus a closed, mutually connected row of subpackages 402 is obtained.

Upon separation of a subpackage 402, as shown on the right in Fig. 5, a portion of the contact part 433 within the incisions 432 will come off the subjacent part, in a manner as described for the tear lines in Fig. 1B, 1C and 1D, and remain attached to the other subpackage 402. Thus a pleasant appearance of each subpackage is preserved, since on the outer side no glue rests become visible. Only on one of the subpackages 402, the back of the part 433 of the respective adhesive flap 428 as pulled loose from the incision 432 will be visible. Such an embodiment provides the advantage that these subpackages are simple to manufacture and that no further material is necessary for the connecting means, which leads to a further reduction of the material used. Moreover, the connecting means are not visible from the outside of a series of subpackages 402. In principe, the incisions can have any desired shape closed in itself, for instance circular, or be in the form of a company logo or a product to be packaged. The cuts can be continuous but can also be designed as perforation lines, preferably with long, cut, at least die-cut, parts and small connecting parts.

Naturally, the incisions 432 can be provided at other points, while moreover there is the possibility of providing such cuts in each case on only

one side of a subpackage, while the cuts can extend through at least substantially the entire blank, at least the adhesive flap 428, such that upon detachment of the subpackages, the contact part 433 extending within the incision 432 is loosened from the cut 432, whereby, through the opening then formed, the outer side of the blank part becomes visible, against which the respective adhesive flap 428 has been glued, whilst the detached contact part 433 has an outwardly facing layer such as the further blank. Thus a still more pleasant appearance is preserved.

Fig. 6 shows a further alternative embodiment of a package 501 according to the invention, in which subpackages 502 as shown, for instance, in Fig. 2 have been combined into a row. The strips 504 have been glued to the subpackages 502 on opposite sides, which strips 504 comprise adhesive surfaces 506, which are secured to the sides 505 of the subpackages 502, as well as substrips 511 which have been folded along fold lines 513 onto the upper side 514 of the series of subpackages 502 in the manner described with reference to Fig. 2. Along the length of the strips 504, a tear strip 534 has been formed by providing two tear lines 508, extending parallel to each other and to the fold line 513, in the form of pairs of cuts 539 of a kind as described with reference to Figs. 1B, 1C and 1D. The strip 504 has been cut into from the upper longitudinal edge 511A as far as the upper tear line 508, and from the lower longitudinal edge 506A as far as the lower tear line 508, such that the cut-loose parts of the strip 504 are mutually connected only through the tear strip 534. In this embodiment, the mutually connected subpackages 502 can be detached by tearing the tear strip 534 loose along the tear lines 508, as shown in Fig. 6. Again, supporting flaps 512 are provided for laterally positioning a further series of subpackages 502 stacked onto the instant series. In this embodiment, the bearing power of the tear lines 508 is utilized in a particularly advantageous manner, while the tear strip 534 is at the same time locked by form closure. Thus, a still better connection is obtained which is

nonetheless simple to break by pulling the tear strips away, as shown.

Because the tear strips are provided on opposite sides, the subpackages can be completely separated from each other.

Fig. 7, in top plan view, shows ten examples of open box forms suitable for forming subpackages for use within a package according to the present invention. The box forms as schematically shown in top plan view in Fig. 7 are shown by way of exemplary embodiments only. Such box forms are known from practice.

The box forms of types I and J are of the folding carton type. This is advantageous in that the subpackages thus formed can be simply transported in flat, collapsed condition to a user and be arranged there, by hand or with simple equipment. Transport and storage thus require little space and cost, and so does the equipment needed. Naturally, other box forms, such as closed boxes, for instance American folding cartons, and the like, can be used. Boxes, at least subpackages according to the invention, and connecting means therefor can be manufactured partly or wholly from solid, corrugated and/or folding cardboard.

In a variant not shown, the subpackages are set up in a series from a single blank, with two longitudinal sides in each case being mutually connected through a breaking or tear line. It is also possible, for instance, that in each case two subpackages next to each other, or behind each other, are folded from a single blank.

The subpackages in a package according to the present invention can also be closed consumer packages, for instance for foodstuffs, detergent and the like.

Because packages 1-901 according to the present invention consist of series of subpackages 2-902, these can be stacked onto, for instance, pallets, without any further outer package.

Figs. 8A-C represent, by way of example, a number of stacking variants for three external dimensions of subpackages, which are

represented in centimeters. In Fig. 8A, starting from a subpackage having a bottom surface of 12 x 20 cm, a series of five subpackages 2 has been formed, having an outside dimension of 20 x 60 cm. Two of such series of subpackages 2 then yield an outside dimension of 60 x 40 cm. In Fig. 8B, starting from a subpackage 2 having a bottom dimension of 15 x 20 cm, a series of four subpackages has been formed, having an outside dimension of 20 x 60 cm. Two of such series side by side have a surface area of 40 x 60 cm. In Fig. 8C, starting from a subpackage 2 having outside dimensions of 20 x 20 cm, a series of three subpackages has been formed, having outside dimensions of 20 x 60 cm. Two of such rows yield a surface area of 40 x 60 cm. This means that two series of subpackages 2 according to Fig. 8A, two series of subpackages 2 according to Fig. 8B and two series of subpackages 2 according to Fig. 8C each have the same surface area. Three series in each case have a surface area of 60 x 60 cm, thus also enabling stacking in interlocking patterns particularly well. Moreover, series of different subpackages can be combined on a single pallet. Sizes of 60 x 60 cm and 40 x 40 cm are particularly suitable for use with standard Euro palets, Euro containers and the like.

Figs. 9A-C show a variant of a package 601 according to the invention, in which a series of subpackages 602, closed in themselves, are mutually connected for forming a series, through connecting means 604 in the form of a strip, which is attached on the upper side. A comparable strip 604 is attached to the undersides of the subpackages. Each strip 604 comprises a tear strip 634 which is connected on opposite sides through tear lines 608 with mutually separate adhesive surfaces 606. Each adhesive surface 606, viewed in the direction of the tear strip 634, has a width corresponding to the respective width of the subpackages 602, so that the adhesive surfaces 606 can be glued onto individual subpackages 602. The tear strip 634 is not connected with the subpackages in any way other than through the adhesive surfaces 606 mentioned.

As shown in Fig. 9B, the tear strip 634 can be pulled away in the direction P, a loose end 634C of the strip enabling the strip to be engaged.

The tear strip 634 is thereby torn from the adhesive surfaces 606 precisely along the cuts 638,640, thereby forming a relatively level surface of fracture through the intervening material, as described earlier with reference to Figs. 1B, 1C and 1D. When the tear strip 634 has been pulled away entirely, as shown in Fig. 9C, the subpackages 602 are still connected at the underside by the strip 604 provided there, which is at least substantially identical to the strip described above. As shown in Fig. 9C, it is possible to arrange the series of subpackages 602 on the strip 604 on a surface K, for instance a shelf in a supermarket. In Fig. 9C a portion of the series of subpackages 602 is shown, with only the last three subpackages 602 left. The other three subpackages have already been removed in that they have been torn loose from the tear strip 634 at the underside. The respective adhesive surfaces 606 have been removed along with the removed subpackages 602, so that only the respective part 634D of the tear strip 634 still extends on the surface K in front of the remaining subpackages 602. The respective part 634D of the tear strip 634 can be gripped and pulled in the direction S, for instance to the extent where the front 603 of the foremost subpackage 602 is approximately flush with the front VK of the setup surface K, for instance the front of the shelf. This means that in a particularly simple manner, the row of subpackages 602 can each time be so arranged as to be directly accessible. This is usually designated by the term alignment. Optionally, the respective part 634D of the tear strip 634 can subsequently be torn off. It is then preferred that tear lines relevant for the purpose (not shown) have been provided in the tear strip.

Figs. 10A and B show a package 701 according to the invention comprising a series of subpackages which are mutually connected by strips 704, forming connecting means, on opposite sides of the subpackages 702. In

construction, these strips 704 largely correspond to those as shown in Fig. 6, but here they are used with subpackages 702 closed in themselves, for instance for consumer goods, such as candy or the like. Again, a tear strip 734 is connected through tear lines 708 of the type discussed earlier, with adhesive surfaces 706, which have been glued to the sides of the subpackages, the adhesive surfaces 706 being mutually separated by cuts 708A. As shown in Fig. 10B, the tear strips 734 can be pulled away in the direction P, so that they come loose along the cuts 738,740 for releasing the individual subpackages.

Figs. 11A-C show an embodiment of a package 801 according to the invention, comprising a series of subpackages 802, which can be particularly simply separated from each other and taken away. In this embodiment, a strip 804 of sheetlike material is folded along the underside and two opposite sides of the subpackages 802, such that the subpackages 802 rest on a bottom surface 809, with sidewall surfaces 807 resting against the respective sides of the subpackages 802. Each sidewall panel 807 comprises a tear strip 834, which extends along the length thereof and is connected therewith through a first tear line 808A, while on the upper side the tear strip 834 is connected through a second tear line 808B with a number of individual adhesive surfaces 806 mutually separated by cuts, which adhesive surfaces 806 have been secured, in particular glued, to the individual subpackages 802. Other than through these adhesive surfaces 806, the further strip 804 is not connected with the subpackages.

As shown in Fig. 11B, the tear strips, 834 can be pulled away in the direction P, the tear strips thereby tearing along the cuts 838,840 of the two tear lines 808A, 808B. The side panels 807 can then be pulled away laterally, while the subpackages 802 can be individually removed from the position between the sidewall panels 807, as shown in Fig. 11C. However, by means of such a strip 804, the subpackages 802 can also be simply introduced, in the direction S, in a storage rack, for instance a shelf of a

supermarket, by having a first end 841 of the bottom surface 809 rest on a front edge of a shelf and subsequently exerting a force F on the rearmost subpackage 802 in the series, such that the subpackages 802 are shoved between the sidewall panels 807 over the bottom surface 809 onto the shelf referred to. In the process, the sidewall panels 807 can be slightly pressed towards each other in order to obtain a proper guidance of the movement of the subpackages.

Figs. 12A-C, furthermore, show a further embodiment of a package 901 according to the invention, with a tear strip 934 provided on opposite sides of a series of subpackages 902. Each tear strip 934 is provided, on the side facing the subpackages 902, with a series of cuts 938 at least substantially closed in themselves, which do not entirely cut through the material of the tear strip 934, as shown in Fig. 12C, which schematically shows a portion of a subpackage 902 with a cross section of a portion of a tear strip 934. Within the cuts 938 substantially closed in themselves, a material part 937 is enclosed which is secured, in particular glued, to the sidewalls 905 of the subpackages 902. The further tear strip 934 is only connected with the subpackages 902 through the material part 937 mentioned. On the outside of the tear strips 934, therefore, the cut 938 is substantially not visible.

As shown in Fig. 12B, the tear strip 934 can be pulled away in the direction P, giving rise to tearing between the tear strip 934 and the material 937 enclosed by the cut 938 substantially closed in itself, approximately parallel to the outer surface V of the tear strip 934. As a result, a material portion 937, circular in the embodiment shown, remains behind on the side 905 of the subpackage 902, while the tear strip 934 can be simply pulled loose entirely to obtain individual subpackages 902.

Surprisingly, it has been found that as a result, even in the case of relatively small adhesive surfaces, a very good connection of the subpackages 902 can be obtained, while a pleasant appearance of the

subpackages 902 is preserved when the tear strips 934 have been pulled away.

In the exemplary embodiments shown, tear lines 8-808, at least cuts 38-938 and 40-480 are shown which are of uninterrupted, continuous design. It will be clear, however, that the cuts 38-938 and 40-840 can also be made of different design, for instance as perforation lines. It is then preferred that the interruptions of the material (the perforations) have a relatively great length with respect to the intervening material connections.

The use of perforation lines provides the advantage that the connections are rendered slightly stronger still. Continuous cuts have as an advantage that even tauter tearing boundaries are obtained.

In the exemplary embodiments shown, the tear strips can be torn loose in any desired direction. In particular, the tear strips can be torn loose in the longitudinal direction of the series of subpackages in two opposite directions. This provides the advantage that the consumer does not need to keep the subpackages in a particular direction to be able to separate them.

It will be clear that the tear lines of, for instance, the exemplary embodiments according to Figs. 1,2 and 3 can also be designed with tear strips as shown in, for instance, Fig. 6, which tear strips then extend approximately at right angles to the bottom surfaces of the subpackages, in the direction of the tear lines as shown in those figures. Since in the exemplary embodiments shown the tear strips are connected on two opposite sides with adhesive surfaces which are secured to the subpackages, the tear strips themselves do not need to be glued to the subpackages, so that they can be readily pulled away without damage to the subpackages.

Moreover, in this way, in a particularly simple and convenient manner, a particularly good connection can be obtained between different subpackages. In each of the exemplary embodiments shown, the tear strips are provided such that, in the case of normally disposed subpackages, they extend approximately horizontally over a series of subpackages. It will be

clear, however, that subpackages can also be disposed in a vertical series and be equally, at least correspondingly, connected by means of the strips described herein.

Subpackages according to the invention can be combined into series prior to, during and after filling. When this is done after filling, the advantage achieved is that a great freedom is obtained for composing the series, so that they can be individually formed, depending on, for instance, buyer preferences, advertisements, campaigns, and the like. Thus a great freedom is obtained in the distribution chain, the more so since combining the subpackages can also take place in a distribution center or the like, for instance a supermarket, which additionally allows subpackages from different manufacturers to be combined into a series.

The invention is not in any way limited to the exemplary embodiments presented in the description and the drawings. Many variations thereof are possible within the scope of the invention.

Thus, the connecting means, such as for instance the strips, can be made of a relatively brittle material, such that the tear lines can be designed as breaking lines, such as local thinning or weakening, as shown in Fig. 1B, 1C or 1D, in Fig. 5 or Fig. 6. Suitable material for that purpose may be, for instance, material based on starch, paper pulp or the like.

Naturally, the connecting means can be designed without supporting flaps, so that stacking in interlocking patterns is further simplified, or the supporting flaps can be designed such that they, when the series of boxes are stacked in an interlocking pattern, are received between mutually abutting longitudinal walls of a superjacent series. The connecting means are preferably glued to the subpackages, but other jointing techniques can also be used, such as stapling, sealing and the like. It will be clear that also subpackages with loose covers can be used within packages according to the present invention. The central parts as shown in Fig. 3 can naturally be made of closed design. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6 the tear strip may

be glued to the subpackages but preferably it lies loosely against them, being connected solely by way of the tear lines with the adhesive flaps 506 which are glued to the subpackages. This prevents the sides of subpackages from being damaged when the tear strip is being torn loose.

In each of the exemplary embodiments shown, a series of four or five subpackages is shown. It will be clear, however, that more or fewer subpackages can be included in one series, while within a package according to the present invention two series of subpackages may be arranged side by side, with the series being mutually connected, for instance, in a manner comparable to that described in Fig. 5.

These and many comparable variations are understood to fall within the scope of the invention.