Display package

Abstract

The present invention relates to a self-standing package suitable for displaying an article. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a slide type blister package.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a self-standing package suitable for displaying an article. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a slide type blister package.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Packages for containing three dimensional items are commonly known in the art. Numerous packaging concepts have been developed in the art for displaying a variety of products in many different ways. The choice of packaging type depends upon the ultimate effect, which is desired to be conveyed to the consumer.

In that context, the so-called blister packages have long been used not only for packaging a wide variety of products but also for displaying these products for sale in e.g. retail stores. The standard blister package consists of a clear plastic thermoformed compartment or “blister” attached to a backing paperboard card by means of an integral flange on four sides. This type of package gives the consumer a clear view of the contents of the package, is economical to produce, and easy to load, close and ship. However, this type of package usually requires the consumer to cut, tear or deform the package in some way to access the content. Also, regular blister packages are generally not amenable to display other than in hanging position. Such device is for example described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,209,095.

Partial solutions to these drawbacks have been provided with for example in JP-A-2002337933, which discloses a slide type display package; however the latter does not allow for secure free-standing display. Another solution is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,702,368, which discloses a self-supporting display formed of a single paperboard blank. The described device however suffers from a complex way of producing and also makes use of a blister pocket, which is adhesively secured to display surface, rendering said package not openable without substantial damage.

It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide a package suitable for displaying an article, which is openable and reclosable without any substantial damage to the package while securely enclosing said article, and wherein said package allows for stable self-supporting display.

It has now been found that the above objective can be met by providing a package 1 suitable for displaying an article 2 according to the present invention.

Advantageously, the display package 1 according to the present invention may be quickly and easily erected by the consumer and disassembled after purchase.

A further advantage associated with the package 1 according to the present invention is that it requires only a minimum number of components and does not make use of heat or glue sealing, which greatly facilitates its manufacture and assembly, and substantially reduces the associated production costs.

Other advantages and more specific properties of the dispensing closure 1 according to the present invention will be clear after reading the following description of the invention in combination with the attached drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a self-standing package 1 suitable for displaying an article 2, said package 1 comprising:

• • (a) a compartment 3 comprising at least one sidewall 4 and suitable for housing the article 2,
  • (b) a plurality of panels 5 integrally formed from a blank 6, the panels 5 being joined to each other along pre-determined hinge 7 and cut lines 8 comprised into the blank 6, the panels 5 being foldable into a chair-like configuration comprising an aperture 9 adapted for receiving the compartment 3.
  • wherein the package 1 is allowed to stand on the at least one sidewall 4.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a process of manufacturing a self-standing package 1 suitable for displaying an article 2, wherein said process comprises the steps of:

• • (a) providing a blank 6 comprising pre-determined hinge 7 and cut lines 8 forming a plurality of panels 5 joined to each other along said hinge 7 and cut lines 8;
  • (b) providing a compartment 3 comprising at least one sidewall 4 and suitable for housing said article 2;
  • (c) folding said panels 5 into a chair-like configuration comprising an aperture 9 adapted for receiving said compartment 3; and
  • (d) inserting said compartment 3 into said aperture 9.

The present invention further encompasses a process of displaying an article 2, wherein said process comprises the steps of:

• • (a) providing a blank 6 comprising pre-determined hinge 7 and cut lines 8 forming a plurality of panels 5 joined to each other along said hinge 7 and cut lines 8;
  • (b) providing a compartment 3 comprising at least one sidewall 4 and suitable for housing said article 2;
  • (c) inserting said article 2 into said compartment 3;
  • (d) folding said panels 5 into a chair-like configuration comprising an aperture 9 adapted for receiving said compartment 3; and
  • (e) inserting said compartment 3 comprising said article 2 into said aperture 9.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan top view of a blank 6 suitable for forming a self-standing package 1 according to the present invention. The blank 6 is represented as comprising hinge 7 and cut lines 8.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view representing separately a blank 6 folded into a chair-like configuration and a compartment 3 suitable for forming a self-standing package 1 according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a self-standing package 1 according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side-view of the self-standing package 1 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a blank 6 suitable for forming a self-standing package 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein said package 1 comprises a double front panel 13.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view representing the blank 6 of FIG. 5 folded so as to form a single chair-like configuration suitable for forming a self-standing package 1 according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a self-standing package 1 according to the embodiment of FIG. 6, which comprises a double front panel 13.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a compartment 3 according to another embodiment of the invention, wherein said compartment 3 comprises locking grooves 36.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a blank 6 suitable for forming a self-standing package 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein said package 1 comprises locking tabs 27.

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view representing the blank 6 of FIG. 9 folded so as to form a chair-like configuration (without said locking tabs 27 being engaged) suitable for forming a self-standing package 1 according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a self-standing package 1 according to the embodiment of FIG. 10 (with said locking tabs 27 being engaged), which comprises an extended front panel 26.

FIG. 12 is a side-view of the self-standing package 1 according to the embodiment represented in FIG. 10 with the locking tabs 27 engaged, and comprising a compartment 3 suitable for use in the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a blank 6 suitable for forming a self-standing package 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein said package 1 comprises a front panel 13 centrally positioned with respect to the compartment 3.

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view representing the blank 6 of FIG. 13 folded so as to form a chair-like configuration suitable for forming a self-standing package 1 according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of a self-standing package 1 according to the embodiment of FIG. 14, which comprises a front panel 13 centrally positioned with respect to the compartment 3.

FIG. 16 is a side-view of the self-standing package 1 represented in FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of promoting and understanding the principles of the present invention, reference will be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, this specification and the accompanying drawings discloses specific forms as examples of the invention. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment so described.

Definitions

By “chair-like configuration” it is meant herein that when said panels 5 are folded into the required manner, they will substantially take the form of a chair, i.e. comprising a back, a seat and at least one leg, preferably when seen from the side.

By “self-standing”, it is intended to reflect that the package 1 according to the present invention is capable of standing, preferably in vertical position, without any additional and/or exterior supporting means, while still providing suitable display of said article 2.

Obviously, the case where the package 1 according to the present invention is resting flat on its back panel, is not encompassed by the above-definition.

In a first embodiment, the present invention is directed to a self-standing package 1 suitable for displaying an article 2, said package 1 comprising:

• • (a) a compartment 3 for housing the article 2 comprising at least one sidewall 4,
  • (b) a plurality of panels 5 integrally formed from a blank 6, the panels 5 being joined to each other along pre-determined hinge 7 and cut lines 8 comprised into the blank 6, the panels 5 being foldable into a chair-like configuration comprising an aperture 9 adapted for receiving the compartment 3.
  • wherein the package 1 is allowed to stand on the at least one sidewall 4.

Blank 6

According to the present invention, the self-standing package 1 comprises a plurality of panels 5 integrally formed from a blank 6.

The blank 6 for use herein may be formed from any material well known in the art of packaging. Suitable materials for use herein comprise but are not limited to cardboard, paperboard, carton, bleached kraft, newsboard, chipboard, corrugated board, foldable plastic and any other flexible material well known by those skilled in the art of packaging. Preferably, the blank 6 for use herein is made from cardboard or paperboard, most preferably from cardboard.

Suitable blank 6 may have any suitable configuration, form or dimension for accommodating the article 2 intended to be displayed. Suitable blank 6 for forming the package 1 according to the invention will easily be recognized by those skilled in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the blank 6 for use herein has a substantially rectangular shape, preferably a rectangular shape, although the present invention is not so limited.

Referring to FIG. 1, a blank 6 according to a first embodiment of the invention is represented. As above-mentioned, blank 6 for use herein comprises pre-determined hinge 7 and cut lines 8, which are represented in the attached figures, respectively in dotted lines and in solid lines. Pre-determined hinge 7 and cut lines 8 may be applied to the blank 6 using any suitable means well known in the art of packaging. Suitable means include but are not limited to folding and cutting machines. Alternatively, said pre-determined hinge 7 and cut lines 8 may be applied manually.

Hinge 7 and cut lines 8 for use herein form a plurality of panels 5 joined to each other along said hinge 7 and cut lines 8. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the package 1 comprises a display panel 10, a rear panel 11, at least one side panel 12, and a front panel 13.

According to the present invention, the hinge 7 and cut lines 8 for use herein, are pre-determined so as for the resulting panels 5 to be foldable into a chair-like configuration comprising an aperture 9. Suitable hinge 7 and cut lines 8 for use herein may have any configuration, form or dimension as long as they are they would permit said blank 6 and the said resulting panels 5 to be folded into the required manner. Suitable dispositions for said hinge 7 and cut lines 8 will easily be apparent to those skilled in the art of foldable packages.

In one preferred embodiment, the blank 6 comprises two set of two parallel hinge lines 7 located at two extremities of the lower half-part of a preferably rectangular-shaped blank 6. Preferably, said two set of two parallel hinge lines 7 are separated by a shaped cut line 14, preferably a substantially U-shaped cut-line 14, more preferably a U-shaped cut line 14, preferably directed towards the lower extremity 15 of said blank 6. As derivable from FIG. 1 in combination with FIG. 2, said shaped cut line 14 will lead to both form the rear panel 11 and the aperture 9 suitable for receiving the compartment 3. Also apparent from FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the shape of said shaped cut-line 14 will directly determine the shape of both the aperture 9 and the rear panel 11. As for the two set of parallel lines, those will lead to both form the front panel 13 and the side panels 12, once said plurality of panels 5 are folded into a chair-like configuration.

In a very highly preferred execution of the present invention, the distance 18 between the base 16 and the top 17 of the U-shaped cut line 14 is substantially identical, preferably identical, to the distance 19 between the top 17 of the U-shaped cut line 14 and the lower extremity 15 of the blank 6. According to this very specific embodiment, the resulting front panel 13 and side panels 12 are substantially perpendicular, and said side panels 12 remain substantially horizontal, once said plurality of panels 5 are folded into a required manner as represented in FIG. 12. Packages where said side panels 12 remain substantially horizontal provide the consumer with a more appreciated aesthetic impression than packages where side panels 12 are not horizontal.

However, it will be easily apparent to those skilled in the art that, depending upon the particular aesthetic impression, which is ultimately aimed at, other configurations of hinge 7/cut lines 8 may be used. Although not represented in the accompanying drawings, the display package 1 according to the present invention may be provided with side panels, which are not substantially horizontal and/or, which are not substantially in the same plan.

According to a highly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shape of said cut-lines 8 is configured so as to permit a front screen 20 to extend out from the plan formed from said side panels 12 once said plurality of panels 5 are folded into a chair-like configuration. The front screen 20 will advantageously provide an additional 3D-type effect or impression to the overall package 1 according to the invention. The front screen 20 may also be used as additional branding element.

According to the present invention, it is preferred that said blank 6 be provided with an additional insertion cut line 21 intended to allow at least part of said compartment 3 to be inserted through it. Preferably, said additional cut line 21 is located in the upper half-part of the blank 6. The additional cut line 21 is intended to permit further improved stability, preferably vertical stability, and maintaining of said compartment 3 within said aperture 9. Suitable shape, form of configuration of said additional cut line 21 will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art as long as the corresponding additional cut line 21 allows said compartment to be inserted through it. Incidentally, the choice of suitable cut line 21 will permit achieving additional aesthetic effect.

Optionally, blank 6 for use in the present invention may be provided with an aperture portion 22 so that, if desired, said package 1 may be hung on a trail, hook, pin or nail on a point of purchase display.

In another preferred execution of the present invention, and as represented in FIG. 5 and FIG. 13, said blank 6 may be provided with two separate set of hinge 7/cut lines 8 combination.

According to the embodiment represented in FIG. 5, said blank 6 is provided with the same combination of hinge 7/cut lines 8 as in the embodiment of FIG. 1, in addition to which a second combination of hinge 7/cut lines 8 is provided. This second combination of hinge 7/cut lines 8 is preferably located on the upper half-part of said blank 6 and comprises a shaped cut line 14, preferably a substantially U-shaped cut-line 14, more preferably a U-shaped cut line 14 directed towards the upper extremity 23 of said blank 6. In this embodiment of the invention, the U-shaped cut-line 14 comprised in the two separate sets of hinge 7/cut lines 8 combination are both directed towards the closer extremities of said blank 6. According to this specific execution, and as apparent from FIG. 7, said second combination of hinge 7/cut lines 8 will lead to obtain a package 1 comprising a double front panel 13, once said plurality of panels 5 are folded into a chair-like configuration. The additional front panel 13 advantageously provides improved stability and maintaining of said compartment 3 within the package 1, and also enhance surface available for labeling.

According to the embodiment represented in FIG. 13, said blank 6 is provided with the same combination of hinge 7/cut lines 8 as in the embodiment of FIG. 5 at the exception that the two separate sets of hinge 7/cut lines 8 combination are both directed towards the interior of said blank 6. According to this specific execution, and as apparent from FIG. 15, said two separate sets of hinge 7/cut lines 8 combination will lead to obtain a package 1 comprising a single a front panel 13 centrally positioned with respect to the compartment 3, as well as two pairs of side panels 12, two rear panels 11, a top display panel 24 and a bottom display panel 25, once said plurality of panels 5 are folded into a required manner.

The centrally positioned front panel 13 advantageously provides improved stability and maintaining of said compartment 3 within the package 1 and also offers the front panel 13 with a better visibility once on the point of purchase display.

In still another execution of the present invention, and as represented in FIG. 9, the blank 6 for use herein may be provided with two set of three parallel hinge lines 7 located at two extremities of the lower half-part of a preferably rectangular-shaped blank 6. Preferably, said two set of three parallel hinge lines 7 are separated by a shaped cut line 14, preferably a substantially U-shaped cut-line 14, more preferably a U-shaped cut line 14, preferably directed towards the lower extremity 15 of said blank 6. As derivable from FIG. 9 in combination with FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, said combination of hinge 7/cut lines 8 will lead to obtain a package 1 comprising an extended front panel 26 (when compared to the execution represented in FIG. 3), while said front panel 13 and said side panels 12 still remaining perpendicular, once said plurality of panels 5 are folded into a required manner as represented in FIG. 12.

In the context of this embodiment of the present invention, which involves a Z-type folding, it is highly preferred that the blank 6 be provided with at least one additional locking tab 27 as integral part of the said U-shaped cut line 14. Said at least one locking tab 27 is suitably positioned so as for it to be insertable into the slot 28 created by a portion of said cut-line 14 when said plurality of panels 5 are folded into a required manner as represented in FIG. 10, and therefore maintain said side panels 12 plated against the said display panel 10.

In an alternative execution of the present invention, said Z-type folding can also be maintained in place by any attachment means commonly known in the art. Such means of attachment include, but are not limited to adhesive attachment (e.g. cold glue or hotmelt), staple or tape.

Compartment 3

According to the present invention, the self-standing package 1 further comprises a compartment 3 comprising at least one sidewall 4 and suitable for housing an article 2. The compartment 3 for use herein may be formed from any material well known in the art of packaging. Suitable materials for use herein comprise but are not limited to cardboard, paperboard, carton, plastic and any other material well known by those skilled in the art of packaging. Preferably, the compartment 3 for use herein comprises a translucent or transparent material, most preferably a transparent plastic material. In a very highly preferred execution of the invention, said compartment 3 is a so-called thermoformed “blister”.

Compartment 3 for use herein may have any suitable configuration, form or dimension for accommodating the article 2 or plurality thereof, intended to be displayed. A suitable compartment 3 for housing an article 2 according to the invention will easily be recognized by those skilled in the art. Dimension and form of said compartment 3 should be adapted so as to tightly conform to the receiving aperture 9 and vice-versa. In one embodiment of the present invention, the compartment 3 for use herein has a substantially rectangular shape, preferably a rectangular shape, although the present invention is not so limited. Other suitable shapes include, but are not limited to round, oval, square, triangle, rhombus, crescent, star, heart, hexagon, diamond, and combinations thereof.

As indicated above, the compartment 3 for use herein, comprises at least one sidewall 4 on which the package 1 according to the invention is allowed to stand (see FIG. 4). According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and as represented in FIG. 8, said compartment 3 is provided with a rectangular shape comprising two lateral sidewalls 29, a bottom sidewall 30, a top sidewall 31, and front sidewall 32. According to this preferred execution, the package 1 according to the invention is, preferably allowed to stand on said a bottom sidewall 30. Alternatively, the package 1 of the invention may be allowed to stand on said at least one lateral sidewall 29.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said compartment 3 is provided with an opening 33 suitable for inserting said article 2 intended to be displayed. According to even more preferred embodiment, the compartment 3 for use in the present invention is provided with a flange 34 preferably surrounding said opening 33, and which is integrally part of said at least one sidewall 4.

Said flange 34 will advantageously help maintaining said compartment 3 plated against the display 10 and rear panel 11 preferably by means of adhesion, heat sealing, induction sealing or any other fixing means known in the art. More preferably, said compartment 3 is plated against the display 10 and rear panel 11 by inserting at least part of said flange 34 into said insertion cut line 21. According to this preferred execution, the package 1 according to the invention is preferably allowed to stand on said flange 34, preferably on the bottom edge 38 of said flange 34 (as represented in FIG. 4 and FIG. 12).

Depending upon the specific article 2 intended to be displayed, said opening 33 of said compartment 3 may be either left freely open or preferably may be at least partially covered with a suitable lid 35 (not represented). Although said lid 35 may be provided as tamper-evident covering, according to a preferred execution, said lid 35 is openable and reclosable.

In the particular case where food item is intended to be displayed, said lid 35 may be preferably adapted such as to provide a hermetic seal, by means of applying e.g. a plastic coating which is adhesively, heat-sealingly or induction sealingly applied to the surface of said flange 34.

The compartment 3 for use herein may be advantageously used by the consumer, after purchase, as a container for the article 2 being used, in particular for a re-usable solid article 2. In the particular case where articles 2 sensitive to air or moisture are comprised in the package 1 of the present invention, the use of reclosable lid 35 is particularly profitable.

In another preferred embodiment, said compartment 3 is provided with at least one locking groove 36, preferably located in said lateral sidewalls 29. The function of said at least one locking groove 36 is to improve maintaining of said compartment 3 within said receiving aperture 9 by preventing, in particular, up-and-down displacement of said compartment 3 within said receiving aperture 9. Accordingly, said at least one locking groove 36 shall be preferably configured and placed such as to receive at least one said side panel 12. In a preferred embodiment, said at least one locking groove 36 extends along the entire depth of said compartment 3, and is substantially perpendicular to the plan formed by said front sidewall 32. Suitable means for providing said at least one locking groove 36 to said compartment 3 will be readily apparent those skilled in the art.

Article 2

The self-standing package 1 according to the present invention is suited for displaying many types of article 2 (not represented), including but not limited to, relatively low or high viscosity liquids, creams, gels, lotions, pastes, particulates, granular products, solid products, and mixtures thereof. Typical products for use in the present invention may be those constituting a food product, a personal care product, an industrial or household cleaning product, or other compositions of matter for use in activities involving manufacturing, commercial or household maintenance, construction, agriculture.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said article 2 is a household cleaning product, preferably in solid form.

Process of Manufacturing a Display Package 1

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a process of manufacturing a self-standing package 1 suitable for displaying an article 2, wherein the process comprises the steps of:

• • (a) providing a blank 6 comprising pre-determined hinge 7 and cut lines 8 forming a plurality of panels 5 joined to each other along the hinge 7 and cut lines 8;
  • (b) providing a compartment 3 comprising at least one sidewall 4 and suitable for housing the article 2;
  • (c) folding the panels 5 into a “chair-like configuration” comprising an aperture 9 adapted for receiving the compartment; and
  • (d) inserting the compartment 3 into the aperture 9.

As above-indicated, the self-standing package 1 according to the present invention may be quickly, easily and intuitively erected from a flat blank 6 without exercising any excessive skills. Optionally, instructions for erecting said package 1 may be printed on or otherwise provided with directly onto said flat blank 6 and/or said compartment 3 to assist the operator, such as store personnel or merchandisers.

According to a preferred embodiment, and as represented in FIG. 4, once the display package 1 according to the invention has been erected in a recommended way, the bottom sidewall 4 of said compartment 3 preferably rests upon horizontal surface 40 along with the bottom edge 37 of said front panel 13. In another execution of the invention when said compartment 3 is provided with a flange 34, the bottom edge 37 of said front panel 13 preferably rests upon the horizontal surface 40 along with the bottom edge 38 of said flange 34.

In another preferred embodiment, represented in FIG. 16, once the display package 1 according to the invention has been erected in a recommended way, the bottom sidewall 30 of said compartment 3 preferably rests upon horizontal surface 40 along with the bottom edge 39 of said bottom display panel 25. In another execution of the invention when said compartment 3 is provided with a flange 34, the bottom edge 39 of said bottom display panel 25 preferably rests upon the horizontal surface 40 along with the bottom edge 38 of said flange 34. According to an alternative embodiment, the bottom edge 39 of said bottom display panel 25 rests upon the horizontal surface 40 along with the front bottom edge 41 of the compartment 3 or a special feet integrated into the compartment (not represented).

The process of manufacturing a self-standing package 1 according to the present invention may optionally comprise the step of affixing said compartment 3 onto said blank 6 using any suitable means well known in the art of package including but not limited to gluing, welding, heat sealing, stapling, perforation or rivet fastening. This optional affixing step may be performed either prior to folding said panels 5, or after inserting said compartment 3 into said receiving aperture 9, but any cases after inserting said article 2 into said compartment 3.

According to a very preferred embodiment of the present invention, and unlike the manufacturing process commonly known in the art of packaging, the process of manufacturing a self-standing package 1 of the present invention is free of any gluing or heat-sealing step.

The self-standing package 1 according to the present invention may be easily and quickly disassembled. In a very preferred embodiment of the invention, the package 1 may be disassembled without any substantial damage to the package 1 as a whole, and to the compartment 3 in particular.

Process of Displaying an Article 2

The present invention further encompasses a process of displaying an article 2, wherein the process comprises the steps of:

• • (a) providing a blank 6 comprising pre-determined hinge 7 and cut lines 8 forming a plurality of panels 5 joined to each other along said hinge 7 and cut lines 8;
  • (b) providing a compartment 3 comprising at least one sidewall 4 and suitable for housing said article 2;
  • (c) inserting said article 2 into said compartment;
  • (d) folding said panels 5 into a “chair-like configuration” comprising an aperture 9 adapted for receiving said compartment; and
  • (e) inserting said compartment 3 comprising said article 2 into said aperture 9.

The process of displaying an article 2 according to the present invention may optionally comprise the step of at least partially covering said opening 33 of said compartment 3 with a suitable lid 35 using any suitable means commonly known in the art of packaging. Suitable means for covering said opening 33 include, but are not limited to applying a plastic, carton, aluminium or laminated plastic coating adhesively, heat-sealingly or induction-sealingly applied preferably to the surface of said flange 34. Depending upon the specific article 2 intended to be displayed, suitable means for covering said opening 33 will readily be apparent to those skilled in the art. The optional covering step is preferably performed after inserting said article 2 into said compartment 3 and prior to inserting said compartment 3 comprising said article 2 into said aperture 9.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm”.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A self-standing package (1) suitable for displaying an article (2), said package (1) comprising: wherein said package (1) is allowed to stand on said at least one sidewall (4).

(a) a compartment (3) comprising at least one sidewall (4) and suitable for housing said article (2),

(b) a plurality of panels (5) integrally formed from a blank (6), said panels (5) being joined to each other along pre-determined hinge (7) and cut lines (8) comprised into said blank (6), said panels (5) being foldable into a “chair-like configuration” comprising an aperture (9) adapted for receiving said compartment (3).

2. A package (1) according to claim 1, which comprises a display panel (10), at least one rear panel (11), at least one side panel (12), and at least one front panel (13).

3. A package (1) according to claim 1, wherein said pre-determined hinge lines (7) comprise a set of two parallel hinge lines.

4. A package (1) according to claim 1, wherein said cut lines (8) comprise a substantially U-shaped cut-line (14).

5. A package (1) according to claim 4, wherein said U-shaped cut-line (14) is provided with a base (16) and a top (17), said blank (6) has a lower (15) and an upper extremity (23), wherein the distance (18) between said base (16) and said top (17) of said U-shaped cut line (14) is substantially identical to the distance (19) between said top (17) of said U-shaped cut line (14) and said lower extremity (15) of said blank (6).

6. A package (1) according to claim 1, wherein the shape of said cut-lines (8) is configured so as to permit a front screen (20) to extend out from the plan formed from said side panels (12) once said plurality of panels (5) are folded into a chair-like configuration.

7. A package (1) according to claim 1, which further comprises an additional cut line (21), preferably located in the upper half-part of said blank (6).

8. A package (1) according to claim 1, wherein said blank (6) further comprises at least one additional locking tab (27).

9. A package (1) according to claim 1, which is capable of standing in vertical position.

10. A package (1) according to claim 1, wherein said blank (6) comprises cardboard, paperboard, carton, bleached kraft, newsboard, chipboard, corrugated board, foldable plastic and mixtures thereof.

11. A package (1) according to claim 1, wherein said compartment (3) comprises a translucent or transparent material.

12. A package (1) according to claim 1, wherein said compartment (3) is provided with an opening (33) and comprises a flange (34) surrounding said opening (33).

13. A package (1) according to claim 12, wherein said opening (33) is at least partially covered with a lid (35).

14. A package (1) according to claim 1, wherein said compartment (3) is provided with at least one locking groove (36).

15. A package (1) according to claim 1, wherein said article (2) is a household cleaning product,

16. A package (1) according to claim 15, wherein said article (2) is in solid form.

17. A process of manufacturing a self-standing package (1) suitable for displaying an article (2), wherein said process comprises the steps of:

(a) providing a blank (6) comprising pre-determined hinge (7) and cut lines (8) forming a plurality of panels (5) joined to each other along said hinge (7) and cut lines (8);

(b) providing a compartment (3) comprising at least one sidewall (4) and suitable for housing said article (2);

(c) folding said panels (5) into a “chair-like configuration” comprising an aperture (9) adapted for receiving said compartment (3); and

(d) inserting said compartment (3) into said aperture (9).

18. A process according to claim 17, which further comprises the step of affixing said compartment (3) onto said blank (6).

19. A process according to claim 17 wherein said process is free of any gluing or heat-sealing step.

20. A process of displaying an article (2), wherein said process comprises the steps of:

(a) providing a blank (6) comprising pre-determined hinge (7) and cut lines (8) forming a plurality of panels (5) joined to each other along said hinge (7) and cut lines (8);

(b) providing a compartment (3) comprising at least one sidewall (4) and suitable for housing said article (2);

(c) inserting said article (2) into said compartment (3);

(d) folding said panels (5) into a “chair-like configuration” comprising an aperture (9) adapted for receiving said compartment (3); and

(e) inserting said compartment (3) comprising said article (2) into said aperture (9).

21. A process according to claim 20 wherein said compartment (3) comprises an opening (33) and wherein said process further comprises the step of at least partially covering said opening (33) with a lid (35).