WO2005110873A1

WO2005110873A1 - Modular package system

Info

Publication number: WO2005110873A1
Application number: PCT/EP2004/005342
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sarah Marinoni; Thami Chihani; Urban Widlund
Original assignee: Sca Hygiene Products Gmbh
Priority date: 2004-05-17
Filing date: 2004-05-17
Publication date: 2005-11-24

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular package system comprising at least one module, where each module comprises a predetermined number of packages. Each module comprises a predetermined number of packages releasably assembled into a first predetermined shape comprising a single layer of packages, which module is foldable from said single layer to assume at least one further predetermined shape. A package may be both generally box shaped or generally cylindrical, and may contain a single product, such as a roll of paper, or multiple products, such as paper tissues.

Description

MODULAR PACKAGE SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a modular package system having a basic shape, wherein the system comprises at least one module assembled from multiple packages that are attached to each other so that the modules and/or packages may be rearranged to change the basic shape of the module or modules.

BACKGROUND ART Current consumer units, or multi-packs, containing multiple separate or individually wrapped products tend to be cumbersome to transport and to take up considerable space when stored. Consumer units of this type may commonly be hygiene products, such as wrapped rolls of toilet tissue, diapers, packages of paper tissues or handkerchiefs, or similar products which are often marketed in multi-packs.

Typically, such consumer units come in packages of four, or multiples of four, individual products or packages. Both the individual product or package and the assembled unit often have a regular shape or outline, such as cubic, box shape or cylindrical, which shape lends itself to be stacked or assembled into a larger unit.

When transporting such a consumer unit from a store to the home in the back of a car or when storing the pack in a basement or cupboard (depending on the relative size or bulk of the unit), it often occurs that the said unit has a shape that does not conform with or fit into the available space. This may in turn require the consumer to break up the unit into two or more manageable sub-units to facilitate transport or storage. Apart from being an annoyance to the consumer, all such units are not suitable for dividing into smaller units. This may be because the products are wrapped in a single covering wrapper that looses its shape when broken up, or that the products are not individually wrapped, making them unsuitable to transport or store unless re-packaged. Hence there exists a need for a consumer unit that may be re-arranged without being broken up or sub-divided, but allows the.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a consumer unit that may be rearranged in order to change the basic shape of the said unit in order to solve the above problems. This is achieved by a modular package system according to claim 1 and its dependent claims.

In the text below, the term "layer" is used to denote a collection, or module, of interconnected packages which have been unfolded along joined edges or joining connections and placed in a single, substantially flat layer. This layer comprises a first basic shape from which it is possible to fold modules or groups of two or more packages around said edges or connections in a predetermined order to form one or more further basic shapes. The said further basic shapes may preferably, but not necessarily, be rectangular box shapes or cubic shapes.

The invention relates to a modular package system comprising at least one module, where each module comprises a predetermined number of packages. Each module comprises a predetermined number of packages releasably assembled into a basic shape comprising a single layer of packages, which module is foldable from said single layer to assume at least one further basic shape.

When folded from said basic shape, each module, or multiple of modules, is foldable around at least a first axis. Alternatively each module is foldable around a first axis and a second axis. The first axis and the second axis may either be parallel or orthogonal to each other.

Each such module may comprise a multiple of an even number of packages. Typically, each module would comprise a multiple of at least four packages, for instance 4, 8, 16, 32 or 64 packages per module. Although the embodiments below relate to even numbers, a module may comprise a multiple of an odd number of packages. This can, however, result in further basic shapes with irregular outer contours which are not box or cubic shaped. In the case of odd numbers, each module would preferably, but not necessarily, comprise a multiple of at least three packages, for instance 3, 9, 12, 18 or 21 packages per module.

The packages, and consequently the modules, are joined by a perforated section or by means of a line or strip of a releasable adhesive. It is also possible to use a combination of perforated sections and adhesive, for instance by joining the packages by perforated sections and modules by lines or strips of an adhesive. The method of joining packages and/or modules may also depend on the shape of the individual packages.

Each package may be joined to an adjacent package along a single releasable connecting section. Such a connecting section may be used for packages having rounded edges or a general cylindrical shape, for instance rolls of toilet paper or household towels that may or may not be wholly or partially compressed. In this case a connection section may comprise a sheet or foil of a suitable plastic material or a length of tape having an adhesive coating on side may be used. Adjacent packages or rolls may then be connected by placing such a connecting section between adjacent packages along at least a part of the length of adjacent, non-contacting surfaces or contacting edges of said packages. When required, the adjacent packages may be separated by applying a force to release an adhesive connection or to tear a perforated line in said section. A number of examples of different ways of joining adjacent packages will be given below.

Alternatively each package is releasably joined to each adjacent package in said layer along a single edge. Such a connecting section may be used for packages having substantially well defined, right-angled edges or a general box shape, for instance packages or boxes containing paper tissues or handkerchiefs. In this case a connection section may comprise a sheet or foil of a suitable plastic material, a length of tape having an adhesive coating on one side, or a line or strip of adhesive may be used. An adhesive connection may also be in the shape of a regular or intermittent line or be applied at one or more individual spots. Adjacent packages or rolls may then be connected by placing such a connecting section between adjacent, non-contacting surfaces or contacting edges of the packages, along at least a part of the length of said surfaces or edges. When required, the adjacent packages may be separated by applying a force to release an adhesive connection or to tear a perforated line in said section.

The type and location of connecting sections may depend on the type and the shape of the adjacent packages or articles to be connected. Regular, box shaped packages with well defined edges and corners are better suited for lines of adhesive, while packages with round or rounded edges and corners may require tape connections. Further, adjacent articles of different shape may be attached at specific points, by short sections of tape or by a combination of connecting sections as listed above.

According to a first embodiment of the modular package system each package in a module may be joined to an adjacent package along an edge adjacent a first surface of said layer, in the plane of said surface. Furthermore, each module may be joined to an adjacent module along an edge adjacent a second surface of said layer, in a plane parallel to the first surface. More particularly, each module may be joined to an adjacent module in the plane of a first surface of said layer, along the edges of the packages located on opposing corners of the modules. A module according to this embodiment preferably comprises a multiple of four packages, for instance 4, 8, 16, 32 or 64 packages per module.

According to a second embodiment of the modular package system each package in said layer making up a module may be joined to a first and a second adjacent package along a first edge and a second edge, which edges are orthogonal and separated by one further edge. Furthermore, each module may be joined to an adjacent module in the plane of a first surface of said layer, along the edges of the packages located on opposing corners of the modules. A module according to this embodiment preferably comprises a multiple of eight packages, for instance 8, 16, 32 or 64 packages per module.

According to a third embodiment of the modular package system each package in said layer making up a module may be joined to a first adjacent package along a first adjacent section, or edge, in a first major surface of said layer and to a second adjacent package along a second adjacent section, or edge, where the first and second adjacent sections, or edge, are separated by. a third section, or edge, and said sections being located in mutually orthogonal planes. For cases where the packages comprise products with an oval or cylindrical cross-section, such as paper rolls, two of the said orthogonal planes are tangential planes in the axial direction of said products. Furthermore, each module may be joined to an adjacent module in the plane of a first surface of said layer, along the sections of the packages located on opposing corners of the modules. A module according to this embodiment preferably comprises a multiple of four packages, for instance 4, 8, 16, 32 or 64 packages per module.

In all the above embodiments, each package may comprise at least one individual product. Hence, a package may comprise a single product, such as a paper roll, or multiple products, ranging from a double pack of products to a collection of tissues packaged in a box or a rectangular pack. The packages are preferably, but not necessarily, substantially identical and have a basic box-shape, that is, a rectangular or cubic shape. Alternatively, the packages may be substantially identical and have a basic cylindrical or oval cross- sectional shape. According to a further alternative embodiment, packages having a different outer shape may be connected into a module, for instance a double roll of toilet tissue adjacent a single roll of household towels or a rectangular box of facial tissues. The packages of a module may also have different contents and/or be enclosed in dissimilar packaging materials, such as paper, paperboard, cardboard and/or a plastic film, foil or sheet of a predetermined thickness or stiffness.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the following text, the invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. These drawings are used for illustration only and do not in any way limit the scope of the invention. In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows a first module according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2A-C shows a second module according to the first embodiment; Figure 3A-C shows a third module according to the first embodiment;

Figure 4 shows a first module according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5A-B shows a second module according to the second embodiment;

Figure 6A-C shows a third module according to the second embodiment; Figure 7A-C shows a fourth module according to the second embodiment;

Figure 8 shows a first module according to a third embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9A-B shows a second module according to the third embodiment;

Figure 10A-C shows a third module according to the third embodiment; Figure 11 A-C shows a fourth module according to the third embodiment;

Figure 12 shows a first module according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 13A-C shows a second module according to the fourth embodiment;

Figure 14A-C shows a third module according to the fourth embodiment; MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows four individual packages making up a basic module for a first embodiment of the modular package system according to the invention. Each package Pi, P₂, P3, P4 in such a module M is joined to each adjacent package along an edge adjacent a first surface of a layer in the plane of said surface. In the figure, this layer is located in the surfaces 1, 2, 3, 4 in the x-y plane of the indicated coordinate system. The packages P_{1 s} P₂ and P₃, P₄ respectively are joined along the edges 1.2, 2.2 and 3.2, 4.2 respectively, which edges are located along the x-axis of the adjoining surfaces 1 , 2, 3, 4. Similarly, the packages Pi, P₃ and P₂, P respectively are joined along the edges 1.1 , 3.1 and 2.1 , 4.1 respectively, which edges are located along the y-axis of the adjoining surfaces 1, 2, 3, 4. The packages Pi, P₂, P₃, P₄ are attached by means of a strip of releasable adhesive applied to at least one of the said edges opposing edges. These strips are indicated by thicker lines in Figure 1. This results in a module with a first basic shape shown in Figure 1 A pair of handles 5, 6 may be attached to a pair of opposing end surfaces of an assembled module M, wherein each end of the respective handle is attached to a separate, adjacent end surface.

As an alternative to adhesive strips, or a line of adhesive applied to at least a part of an edge of the respective package, the attachment means may comprise a band or foil permanently or removably attached to the package. Such a band or foil can be made from a suitable plastic or fibrous material, and be provided with perforations to facilitate separation of adjacent packages.

In Figure 2A, the assembled module M of Figure 1 is shown lying flat, with its indicated faces 1, 2, 3, 4 facing upwards. According to one alternative, the module may be folded around the y-axis, as shown in Figure 2B, which axis passes through the joined edges 1.1, 3.1 and 2.1, 4.1 shown in Figure 1. This will result in a module having a second basic shape shown in Figure 2C, where the indicated faces 1, 3 and 2, 4 have ended up facing each other (indicated by hatched lines in Figure 2C). In this case, the handles 5, 6 remain located on opposite sides of the module M, allowing either handle to be used for carrying purposes.

According to this example, a module comprising packets having the relative dimensions 1 ^χ2 3, for instance, would in the basic shape shown in Figure 2A have the dimensions 6^χ2^χ2. However, in the folded shape shown in Figure 2C, the dimensions of the module would instead be 6^χ4^χ1.

A further example is shown in Figure 3A, where the assembled module M of Figure 1 is shown lying flat, with its indicated faces 1 , 2, 3, 4 facing upwards. According to this second alternative, the module may be folded around the x- axis, as shown in Figure 3B, which axis passes through the joined edges 1.2, 2.2 and 3.2, 4.2 shown in Figure 1. This will result in a module having a third basic shape shown in Figure 3C, where the indicated faces 1 , 3 and 2, 4 again have ended up facing each other (indicated by hatched lines in Figure 3C). Here, the handles 5, 6 previously located on opposite sides of the module M have ended up on the same side of the module, allowing both handles to be used for carrying purposes.

According to this example, a module comprising packets having the relative dimensions 1 x2x3 would in the basic shape shown in Figure 3A have the dimensions 6x2x2. However, in the folded shape shown in Figure 3C, the dimensions of the module would instead be 6^χ4^χ2.

According to a second embodiment, shown in Figure 4 four modules M-i, M₂, M₃, M of the type shown in Figure 1 may be joined to form a larger module, or unit U. The packages P-i, P₂, P₃, P₄ are attached together to form a module Mi as described in connection with Figure 1. Four identical such modules Mi, M₂, M₃, M comprising 16 packages are arranged in a single layer as generally indicated in Figure 4. The packages in each module are joined together along the edges 1.2, 2.2; 3.2, 4.2; 1.1 , 3.1 and 2.1 , 4.1 in the upper plane containing the upper surfaces 1 , 2, 3, 4 of each package in the module Mi as described above (see Figure 1 ). The said edges are joined by adhesive strips, indicated by thicker lines in Figure 4.

The unit U is assembled by joining the modules Mi, M₂, M₃, M₄ is basically assembled in the same way as the packages making up the modules. Each module is joined to an adjacent module along an edge adjacent a second, lower surface of said layer, in a plane parallel and opposite to the first, upper surface. More particularly, each module M-t, M₂, M₃, M in such a unit U is joined to each adjacent module along edges adjacent the second surface of the layer in the plane of said surface. For example, the modules M₂ and M respectively are joined by adhesive strips along the edges 12.1 and 14.1. Similarly, the lines 12.2 and 14.2 are joined to corresponding edges on the modules Mi and M₃, respectively. The said edges are joined by adhesive strips, indicated by thicker, dashed lines in Figure 4. The assembled unit of Figure 4 makes up a first basic shape of the second embodiment. A unit according to this embodiment preferably comprises a multiple of four modules, for instance 4, 8, 16, 32 or 64 modules per unit.

In Figure 5A, the assembled unit U of Figure 4 is shown lying flat, with the indicated faces 1 , 2, 3, 4 of module Mi facing downwards. Handles 7, 8 are attached to a pair of opposing end surfaces of the modules M-i, M₃ and M₂, M of an assembled unit U, wherein each end of the respective handle is attached to a separate, adjacent end surface of said modules. According to one alternative, the module may be folded around the x-axis, as shown in Figure 5B, which axis passes through the joined edges 11.2, 12.2 and 13.2, 14.2 as shown in the figure. This will result in a module having a second basic shape, where the indicated faces 1 , 3 and 2, 4 have ended up on an outer surface as indicated in Figure 5B. In this case, the handles 7, 8 previously located on opposite end surfaces of the unit U have ended up on the same side of the unit, allowing both handles to be used for carrying purposes. In Figure 6A, the assembled unit U of Figure 4 is shown lying flat, with the indicated faces 1 , 2, 3, 4 of the upper surface of module Mi facing upwards. Handles 7, 8 are attached to a pair of opposing end surfaces of the modules M-i, M₃ and M₂, M of an assembled unit U, wherein each end of the respective handle is attached to a separate, adjacent end surface of said modules. According to a second alternative, the flat layer of the unit U may be folded around a first, central x-axis Xi in the lower surface of the layer, as shown in Figure 6B. This axis x-i passes through the joined edges 11.2, 12.2 and 13.2, 14.2, as shown in Figure 5A. Subsequently, the rows of packages in the sections of the unit U remote from the central axis Xi are folded around a pair of second axes x₂, x₃ in the upper surface of the layer. In practice, this can be achieved by lifting a first and a second central row R-i, R₂ of the unit vertically upwards, as indicated by the arrow A-i. A third and a fourth outer row R3, R₄ is then folded upwards into contact with the first and second row, as indicated by arrows A₂ and A₃. This will result in a unit having a third basic shape, as shown in Figure 6C, where the indicated faces 1 , 3 and 2, 4 have ended up facing each other inside the first module M-i. In this case, the handles 7, 8 previously located on opposite end surfaces of the unit U have ended up on the same side of the unit, allowing both handles to be used for carrying purposes.

In Figure 7A, the assembled unit U of Figure 4 is shown lying flat, with the indicated faces 1 , 2, 3, 4 of the upper surface of module Mi facing upwards. Handles 7, 8 are attached to a pair of opposing end surfaces of the modules M-i, M₃ and M₂, M₄ of an assembled unit U, wherein each end of the respective handle is attached to a separate, adjacent end surface of said modules. According to a third alternative, the flat layer of the unit U may be folded around a first, central y-axis yi in the lower surface of the layer, as shown in Figure 7B. This axis xi passes through the joined edges 11.1 , 13.1 and 12.1 , 14.1 , as shown in Figure 5A. Subsequently, the rows of packages in the sections of the unit U remote from the central axis y-] are folded around a pair of second axes y₂, y₃ in the upper surface of the layer. In practice, this can be achieved by lifting a first and a second central row Ri, R₂ of the unit vertically upwards, as indicated by the arrow A-i. A third and a fourth outer row R₃, R₄ is then folded upwards into contact with the first and second row, as indicated by arrows A₂ and A₃. This will result in a unit having a fourth basic shape, as shown in Figure 7C, where the indicated faces 1 , 3 and 2, 4 have ended up facing each other inside the first module Mi. In this case, the handles 7, 8 remain located on opposite end surfaces of the unit U, allowing either handle to be used for carrying purposes.

Figure 8 shows a third embodiment of the modular package system. According to this embodiment, a unit U is made up of two larger modules, where in fact each module comprises two basic modules Mi, M₃ and M₂ M₄ respectively. Each such basic module M₁-M₄ comprises four individual packages P₁-P₄ where a first package in a layer making up the unit is joined to a second and a third adjacent package along at least a first edge and a second edge, which edges are orthogonal and separated by one further, third edge. The layer has an upper surface in a first plane and a lower surface in a second parallel plane. For instance, a first package Pi, located in an outer corner of a first module M1 , is joined to adjacent second and third packages P₂, P₃ along a first edge 1.4, 2.4 in the second plane and a second edge 1.1 , 3.1 in the first plane, which edges are orthogonal and separated by one further, vertical edge 1.3. The adjacent second package P₂ is joined to said corner package along a first edge 2.4, 1.4 in the second plane and to further adjacent fourth package P₄ along a second edge 2.1, 4.1 in the first plane. The third package P₃ is joined to said first package P1 along a first edge 3.1 , 1.1 in the first plane and to further adjacent package P'₃ in a corresponding adjacent, but reversed, module M₃ along a second edge 3.5 in a vertical plane adjacent an outer face of the assembled modules Mi, M₃. The fourth package P₄ is joined to said second package P₂ along a first edge 4.1 , 2.1 in the first plane and to a further adjacent fourth package P'₄ in the corresponding adjacent, but reversed, module M₃ along a second edge 4.5. The second edge 4.5 is in a vertical plane adjacent an outer face of the assembled modules M-i, M₃. Subsequently, a first and a second sub-unit are created by the first and the third module M-i, M₃ and the second and the fourth modules M₂, M , respectively. In the same way as the third module M₃ is a reversed copy of the first module M-i, the sub-unit containing the modules M₂ and M₄ is a reversed copy of the sub-unit containing the modules Mi and M₃. To complete a unit of four modules, the respective sub-units are joined along a third edge 2.6 on the second package P₂, P'₂ in the respective sub- unit., located in the first plane. This results in a module having a first basic shape. A module according to this embodiment preferably comprises a multiple of eight packages, for instance 8, 16, 32 or 64 packages per module.

In Figure 9A, an assembled unit U of Figure 8 is shown lying flat, with the indicated faces 1 , 2, 3, 4 of module Mi facing upwards. Handles 7, 8 are attached to a pair of opposing end surfaces of the modules Mi, M₃ and M₂, M , respectively, of the assembled unit U, wherein each end of the respective handle is attached to a separate, adjacent end surface of said modules. According to one alternative, the unit may be folded around the x-axis, as shown in Figure 9B, which axis passes through the joined edges 2.6 and 2.6' as shown in Figure 9A. This will result in a module having a second basic shape, where the indicated faces 1 , 3 and 2, 4 have ended up facing each other inside the first module Mi. In this case, the handles 7, 8 previously located on opposite end surfaces of the unit U have ended up on the same side of the unit, allowing both handles to be used for carrying purposes.

In Figure 10A, the assembled unit U comprising the modules Mi, M₂, M₃, M₄ of Figure 8 is shown lying flat, with the indicated faces 1 , 2, 3, 4 of the upper surface of module Mi facing upwards. According to a second alternative, the flat layer of the unit U may be folded around a first, central x-axis xi in the lower surface of the layer, as shown in Figure 10B. This axis xi passes through the joined edges 2.6 and 2.6', as shown in Figure 8. Subsequently, the rows of packages in the sections of the unit U remote from the central axis Xi are folded around a pair of second axes x₂, x₃ in the upper surface of the layer. In practice, this can be achieved by lifting the adjoining edges 1.4, 2.4 and 1.4', 2.4' on the axis x₂ between a first and a second row Ri, R₂ through modules M-i and M₃ of the unit vertically upwards, as indicated by the arrow A-i. Similarly, the axis x₃ between a third and a fourth row R₃, R₄ through modules M₂ and M are also lifted vertically upwards, as indicated by the arrow A₂. This action will at the same time fold the assembled unit around the first axis x-i.This will result in a unit having a third basic shape, shown in Figure 10C, where the indicated faces 1 , 3 and 2, 4 have ended up on opposite sides of the module Mi.

Figure 11A shows the second basic shape of Figure 10C with the indicated faces 1 and 3 module Mi facing outwards. According to a third alternative, the module may be folded around a y-axis, as shown in Figure 11B, which axis passes through the joined edges 3.5, 4.5 as shown in Figure 8. This will result in a module having a fourth basic shape, where the indicated faces 1 and 3 have ended up on an outer surface as indicated in Figure 11C.

According to a fourth embodiment of the modular package system each package in said layer making up a module may be joined to a first adjacent package along a first adjacent section, or edge, in a first major surface of said layer and to a second adjacent package along a second adjacent section, or edge, where the first and second adjacent sections, or edge, are separated by a third section, or edge, and said sections being located in mutually orthogonal planes. For cases where the packages comprise products with an oval or cylindrical cross-section, such as paper rolls, one plane is in an end surface, and the said orthogonal planes are tangential planes in the axial direction of lines of contact between said products. Furthermore, each module may be joined to an adjacent module in the plane of a first surface of said layer, along the sections of the packages located on opposing corners of the modules. A module according to this embodiment preferably comprises a multiple of eight packages, for instance 8, 16, 32 or 64 packages per module. Figure 12 shows an exploded view of a modular package according to the fourth embodiment. The module MR comprises eight rolls Tι-T₈, assembled in two rows of four rolls. The outer pairs of rolls Ti, T₂ and T₇, T₈, respectively, are each joined by a first strip Si, S₂ in a lower plane of the module M_R, in a direction transverse to their longitudinal axes. Each of the outer pairs of rolls T-i, T₂ and T , T₈, respectively, are each joined to a pair of inner rolls T₃, T₄ and T₅, T₆, respectively. The outer and inner pairs of rolls Ti and T₃, T₂ and T₄, T₇ and T₅, T₈ and T₆, respectively, are each joined by a corresponding number of second strips S₃-S₆ in an upper plane of the module MR, in a direction parallel to their longitudinal axes. Finally, the inner pairs of rolls T₃, T₅ and T₄, T₆, respectively, are each joined by a pair of third strips S₇ and S₈ in an outer vertical plane of the module M_R, in a direction parallel to their longitudinal axes and at right angles to said second strips S₃-S₆ . With the rolls assembled into a first alternative shape and attached together by means of said strips, each strip will perform the function of a hinge between adjacent rolls.

Figure 13A shows bottom view of an assembled module MR as described in connection with Figure 12. The module MR is here shown with a pair of handles 9, 10 attached to the respective outer end surfaces of the outer rolls T-i, T₂ and T₇, T₈ , allowing the module to be carried by either handle 9, 10. In a first step, a line of rolls T-i, T₃, T₅, T located on a common longitudinal axis, is rotated 90° clockwise, as indicated by the arrow A₁₀. At the same time, the parallel line of rolls T₂, T , TQ, T₈, is rotated 90° anti-clockwise, as indicated by the arrow An, bringing the module MR into the position shown in Figure 13B. In a second step, the respective pair of inner and outer rolls T T₄ and T₅-T₈ are folded around an axis x through the third strips S and S₈ in the upper plane of the module MR. This brings the module into a second alternative shape, as shown in Figure 13C, where both handles 9, 10 have ended up on the upper surface of the module. Figure 14A shows an assembled module M_R as described in connection with Figure 12. The module MR is here shown with a pair of handles 9, 10 attached to the respective outer end surfaces of the outer rolls T-i, T₂ and T₇, T₈ , allowing the module to be carried by either handle 9, 10. In a first step, the outer pair of rolls T-i, T₂ is folded upwards around a first axis x-i, as indicated by the arrow A-_t2 in Figure 14B. The rotation is continued until the outer pair of rolls comes to rest against the corresponding inner pair of rolls. In a second step, the opposite pair of outer rolls T₇, T₈ is folded upwards around a second axis x , as indicated by the arrow Aι₃. This brings the module into a third alternative shape, as shown in Figure 14C. As the handles 9, 10 have ended up within the module, the first strips Si, S₂ may instead act as handles.

The connecting means joining the packages may comprise strips, bands or sections of plastic foil. These can be permanently attached to a respective package, connecting it to an adjacent package, and being separable by a perforated section. Alternatively, the packages are joined by such connecting means provided with a releasable adhesive, at least adjacent the ends of the said strip, bands, etc.. Also, the modules and units described above may be provided with or without the illustrated handles, which handles can be attached in the same way as the connecting means. As shown in Figures 14A-C, the connecting means can also be arranged to act as handles.

The embodiments of Figures 12-14A-C relate to generally cylindrical rolls, such as toilet paper and kitchen rolls. However, the arrangement for assembling packages as shown in the Figures 12-14A-C can also be applied to the box shaped packages of Figures 1-11 A-C, and vice versa. The main difference between the different types of packages is the means used for connecting adjacent packages.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and may be varied freely within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A modular package system comprising at least one module, where each module comprises a predetermined number of packages, characterized in that each module comprises a predetermined number of packages releasably assembled into a basic shape comprising a single layer of packages, which module is foldable from said single layer to assume at least one further basic shape.

2. Modular package system according to claim 1, characterized in that each module is foldable around at least a first axis.

3. Modular package system according to claim 2, characterized in that each module is foldable around a first axis and a second axis.

4. Modular package system according to claim 3, characterized in that the first axis and the second axis are parallel.

5. Modular package system according to claim 3, characterized in that the first axis and the second axis are orthogonal.

6. Modular package system according to any one of the above claims 1-5, characterized in that each package is joined to an adjacent package along a single releasable connecting section or edge.

7. Modular package system according to claim 6, characterized in that each package is releasably joined to each adjacent package in said layer along a single edge.

8. Modular package system according to claim 7, characterized in that each package in a module is joined to an adjacent package along an edge adjacent a first surface of said layer, in the plane of said surface.

9. Modular package system according to claim 8, characterized in that each module is joined to an adjacent module along a edges adjacent a second surface of said layer, in a plane parallel to the first surface.

10. Modular package system according to claim 9, characterized in that each module is joined to an adjacent module in the plane of a first surface of said layer, along the edges of the packages located on opposing corners of the modules.

11. Modular package system according to claim 10, characterized in that each module comprises a multiple of four packages.

12. Modular package system according to claim 7, characterized in that each package in said layer making up a module is joined to a first and a second adjacent package along a first edge and a second edge, which edges are orthogonal and separated by one further edge.

13. Modular package system according to claim 12, characterized in that each module is joined to an adjacent module in the plane of a first surface of said layer, along the edges of the packages located on opposing corners of the modules.

14. Modular package system according to claim 13, characterized in that each module comprises a multiple of eight packages.

15. Modular package system according to claim 6, characterized in that each package in said layer making up a module is joined to a first adjacent package along a first adjacent section (edge) in a first (major) surface of said layer and to a second adjacent package along a second adjacent section (edge), where the first and second adjacent sections (edges) are separated by a third section (edge) and said sections being located in mutually orthogonal (tangential) planes.

16. Modular package system according to claim 15, characterized in that each module is joined to an adjacent module in the plane of a first surface of said layer, along the sections of the packages located on opposing corners of the modules.

17. Modular package system according to claim 16, characterized in that each module comprises a multiple of four packages.

18. Modular package system according to any one of the above claims 1-17, characterized in that each package comprises at least one individual product.

19. Modular package system according to any one of the above claims 1-18, characterized in that the packages are substantially identical and have a general box-shape.

20. Modular package system according to any one of the above claims 1-18, characterized in that the packages are substantially identical and have a general cylindrical shape.

21. Modular package system according to any one of the above claims 1-20, characterized in that the packages are joined by a perforated section.

22. Modular package system according to any one of the above claims 1-20, characterized in that the packages are joined by a releasable adhesive.