TRAYLESS DISPLAY FOR A COMESTIBLE

Abstract

A display and packaging assembly (10) which is used to display and dispense consumable items. The assembly includes a plurality of consumable items arranged in plural individual packs (22). A flexible overwrap surrounds the plurality of packs (22). The overwrap has a configuration corresponding to the array of packs where the overwrap has a portion which is completely removable to access the packs. The overwrap maintains its configuration upon removal of one or more of the packs from the array.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No, 61/053,185 filed on May 14, 2008, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to display packages, and more particularly to a trayless display for a comestible.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typically, packaging of a small object, such as gum and other comestible product, includes individually wrapping the product and then placing it in a larger main package, such as a tray. The tray then serves as a display for the object.

For example, in some embodiments, a plurality of objects, such as gum packages, are frequently packaged in multiple packs, such as packs of twelve. Typically, the individual packages are assembled in an array of three or four columns on a cardboard tray and the whole is wrapped in a polythene sleeve. The polythene sleeve is then heated to cause the sleeve to shrink around the columns and secure the gum packages in their position on the tray. Once secured, the tray is transported to a point-of-sale where the tray provides a display for the objects.

Although this type of packaging has been effective, there are several disadvantages. For example, trays used to display the product can make up approximately ten percent (10%) of total packaging material. In addition, despite the added costs associated with providing the tray displays, such as the energy required to fabricate the trays, consumers also desire to help support the elimination of unnecessary packaging in the products they purchase. Accordingly, there exists a need in the art for improved display packaging.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a packaging assembly that is used to display and dispense a comestible item. The assembly includes an over-wrap which surrounds the item. The overwrap includes a portion that is completely removable to access the one or more comestible items. The comestible items can be included in a rigid package that, upon being surrounded by the overwrap, forms a rigid packaging assembly.

In one aspect, a display and dispensing package assembly includes an array of comestible items being arranged in a plurality of stacked columns and a flexible over-wrap surrounding the array. The over-wrap has a configuration corresponding to the array and having a portion which is completely removable therefrom so as to access the array of items. Preferably, the over-wrap maintains its configuration upon removal of one or more items from said array.

Preferably, the over-wrap includes opposed upper and lower surfaces and a perimetrical side wall extending therefrom for surrounding the array. The removable portion also can include at least a portion of the upper surface. Preferably, the removable portion is defined by a perimetrical boundary. The perimetrical boundary of the removable portion defines a separation location. The separation location can be formed by a process selected from the group consisting of die cutting, laser scoring, perforating and combinations thereof. The separation location can also include a removable tear strip so as to effect removal of the removable portion.

In one embodiment, the removable portion includes the upper surface and at least a portion of the perimetrical side wall. The removable portion is defined by a perimetrical boundary about the side wall. The perimetrical boundary also can define a separate location. Preferably, the separation location includes a removable tear strip so as to effect removal of the removable portion.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-C show perspective views of a first embodiment of a trayless display and dispensing package according to the present invention.

FIGS. 2A-C show perspective views of a second embodiment of a trayless display and dispensing package according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows an over-wrap film of the trayless display and dispensing package of FIGS. 1A-C.

FIG. 4 shows an over-wrap including a tear tape for use in the trayless display and dispensing package of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 5A-C show perspective views of a third embodiment of a trayless display and dispensing package according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a trayless display and dispensing package according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows an over-wrap film of the trayless display and dispensing package of FIG. 6.

FIGS. 8A-B show perspective views of a fifth embodiment of a trayless display and dispensing package according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic of a display stand supporting the display and dispensing package of the present invention.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1A-C, a trayless display and dispensing package 10 for a comestible is shown. As used herein the phrase “comestible item” refers to any purchasable food item that can be consumed by a consumer, including by not limited to one or more gum products. The trayless package 10 comprises a flexible flow-wrapped over-wrap material that is formed to include side walls 12, a back wall 16, a front wall 14, a bottom wall (lower surface) (not shown) and a top wall 18 (upper surface) that includes a completely removable portion. In one embodiment, one or more comestible items are included in rigid product packs 22 such that one or more of such product packs upon being wrapped in the over-wrap material, forms a rigid display and dispensing package assembly.

The flow-wrapped over-wrap material is a tearable plastic film that is preferably formed of polypropylene or similar materials and combinations thereof and which has the desirable characteristics of moisture impermeability, tearability, and sufficient strength to resist abrasion or impact damage. For example, the material forming the over-wrap material can be formed from a polypropylene/polyethylene structure. Advantageously, this allows for improved barrier and opening properties (polypropylene) for the over-wrap as well as advantageous sealing properties (polyethylene). The over-wrap material can also be formed from a thermoplastic, such as polypropylene, with a sealant coating.

The over-wrap material is preferably shaped to form a tray or tub that provides access to one or more products and maintains its configuration upon removal of one or more products.

In one embodiment, the over-wrap material is a tearable printed plastic film that includes indicia concerning items of the package. As shown in the FIGS. 1A-C example, indicia 20 concerning the type of product item, the taste of the product item or the purpose of the product item can be printed on the over-wrap material to provide information concerning product contents without removing the products from the display.

As shown in FIGS. 1A-C, an array of comestible items such as product packs 22 can be arranged in a plurality of stacked columns where the flexible over-wrap material surrounds the array of packs 22 to form the side walls 12, back wall 16, front wall 14, bottom wall and top wall 18. The array of comestible packs 22 can be arranged horizontally, vertically, or both horizontally and vertically, to form the stacked columns. While product packs 22 are shown, the items can include individually packaged or non-packaged items. Each of the packs 22 can be environmentally sealed with the over-wrap material and then arranged in stacked columns. Preferably, the over-wrap material forms a shape having a configuration corresponding to the array of packs 22 and a portion of the over-wrap material is completely removable.

In one embodiment, a portion of the over-wrap material is transparent. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, the top wall 18 of the package 10 can be transparent allowing for display of the array of comestible packs 22. Advantageously, product indicia 24 associated with each of the comestible packs 22 is viewable through the transparent portion.

As shown in FIGS. 1B-C, a portion of the top wall 18 is completely removable so as to allow access to the array of comestible packs 22. In addition, the over-wrap material forming the top wall 18 is perforated so as to allow for separation of the wall 18 from the package 10 upon grabbing and peeling the wall 18 in a direction toward the back wall 16. In one embodiment, a laser or die-cut opening is provided on the over-wrap that allows the top wall 18 to be separated from the package using a tab 28. The top wall 18 can be formed from a pressure sensitive label 44a that is applied over the opening. As shown in FIGS. 1A-C, a portion of the label 44a can operate as a tab 28 such that upon pulling the tab 28 of the label 44a upward and toward the back wall 16, a separation of the top wall 18 along the die cut opening occurs, providing access to the comestible packs 22.

As shown in FIGS. 1B-C, the separation location is positioned above a lower surface of upper packs included in the array of comestible packs. Preferably, the top wall 18 is pulled off the package 10 and discarded. The remaining fin sealed over-wrap operates as a tray or tub to display and house the comestible packs 22.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a schematic representation of the display and dispensing package 10 on a display stand 100 is shown. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the display stand 100 of the present invention can be utilized by any of the display and dispensing packages disclosed herein.

As shown in FIG. 9, the display stand 100 includes a support surface 102, a front wall 104 and a bottom wall 106. The stand 100 can be made from a variety of processes and materials, as for example, molded transparent polymeric material, stamped materials or combinations thereof.

The bottom wall 106 of the stand 100 is attached perpendicular to the support surface 102 and extends in a downward direction away from the support surface 102.

The support surface 102 of the stand 100 is generally planar and is supported at approximately a thirty (30) degree angle by the bottom wall 106. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the support surface 102 is not limited to being supported at a thirty (30) degree angle and can be supported at other advantageous angles by the bottom wall 106.

The front wall 104 of the stand 100 is attached perpendicular to the support surface 102 and extends in an upward direction away from the support surface 102. As shown in FIG. 9, the front wall 104 provides additional support for the dispensing package 10 and can prevent the comestible packs 22 contained therein from undesirably sliding away from the stand 100.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the separation location 108 of the package 10 is positioned below an upper surface 104a of the front wall 104. Advantageously, positioning the separation location 108 below the upper surface 104a of the front wall 104 can result in preventing one or more comestible packs 22 included in the package 10 from undesirably sliding out of the stand 100.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an over-wrap film 40 used to form the display package 10 shown in FIGS. 1A-C is shown. The film can be un-reinforced or reinforced e.g., with fiber randomly dispersed or in the form of a woven or non-woven web. As shown in FIG. 3, the over-wrap film 40 includes perimetrical side walls 41 that extend therefrom.

The perimetrical side walls 41 of the film 40 include a heat seal area 42. The heat seal area 42 includes a heat sealant that is preferably clear but may also be translucent or opaque. The heat sealant includes a thermoplastic material having optimum tack characteristics and minimum sealing temperatures. For example, in one embodiment, the heat sealant is a polyester thermoplastic and the heat seal area measures 15 mm. In addition, the over-wrap film 40 size is 290 mm web with a 230 mm cut off. Of course, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art these sizes are merely exemplary and not limiting.

As shown in FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the over-wrap 40 includes a translucent window 44 that includes a perimetrical boundary 44 defining a separation location for the top wall 18 of the package 10. The separation location can be formed by either die cutting, laser scoring, or perforating the over-wrap 40 along the perimetrical boundary. In some embodiments, combinations of die cutting, laser scoring and/or perforating are used to form the separation location.

A forward portion of the window 44 includes an adhesive free area that is formed into the tab 28. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1A-C and 3, printed information 20 also can be provided on the tab 28 that conveys information concerning opening the display. For example, the tab 28 can be formed from a pressure sensitive label that includes package opening information.

The over-wrap 40 of the present invention can be set up by automatic machinery. In one embodiment, the over-wrap 40 is cut from a roll and then wrapped about the array of comestible packs 22 and heat sealed along the longitudinal edges of the film at the transverse heat seal area. Typically, this includes folding each of the perimetrical sidewalls 41 over the product array which are then heat sealed. Comestible items can be located side-by-side in the number of units which are required for a predetermined display array. This could be anywhere from a single unit to twelve and more.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-C, a second trayless display and dispensing package 10′ according to the present invention is shown. Similar to the dispensing package 10 shown in FIGS. 1A-C the second trayless display and dispensing package 10′ includes side walls 12′, a back wall 16′, a front wall 14′, a bottom wall (not shown) and a top wall 18′ that includes a removable portion.

As shown in FIG. 2A, a strip of polymeric material known as a “tear tape” 46 is provided for opening of the package 10′. Preferably, the tear tape 46 is positioned adjacent and parallel to the top wall 18′ of the display 10′. The tear tape 46 is positioned above a lower surface of upper packs 22 included in the array of products. For example, as shown in FIG. 2C, an upper pack 22 of each stacked column includes an upper surface 22a and a lower surface 22b. The tear tape 46 is positioned above the lower surface 22b of each upper package such that, upon pulling the tear tape 46 to slit the over-wrap, the top surface 22a of each of the comestible packs 22 are accessible to the consumer. One end of the tear tape normally projects slightly from the package as a tab 48. To open the package 10′, the tab 48 is pulled by the consumer to open the package 10′. In particular, the projecting tab 48 of the tear tape 46 is pulled to slit the polymeric over-wrap along both edges of the tear tape 46 resulting in the top wall 18′ and a portion 12a of the side walls 12′ of the package 10′ being removed. The consumer can then grasp one or more comestible packs 22 located in the package 10′. In operation, as shown in FIG. 2B, the action of pulling the tab 48 allows the top wall 18′ and tear tape 46 of the package 10′ to be torn off completely from the package 10′.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the over-wrap material with the aforementioned tear tape 46 extends peripherally around the side walls 12′ of the package 10′. Preferably, the tear tape 46 extends parallel to its own longitudinal dimension occupying a plane transverse to the longitudinal dimension of the package 10′.

An example strip of over-wrap film 40′ including the tear tape 46 for use in the trayless display and dispensing package 10′ of FIGS. 2A-B is shown in FIG. 4. To advantage, and by way of example, the tear tape 46 is preferably bounded to the film 40′ utilizing an ultrasonic welding unit of familiar type, not described in detail. The step of applying the tear tape 46 to the over-wrap film 40′ is followed by a step of forming a U-shaped notch in the area of the tape to form the tap 48. The over-wrap 40′ is then wrapped about the array of products 22 and heat sealed along the longitudinal edges of the film, as described in connection with FIGS. 1A-C.

A trayless display and dispensing package 50 in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 5A-C. This package 50 is similar to the packages 10 and 10′ depicted in FIGS. 1A-C and 2, except that the package 50 is in the form of a gusset bag and includes a pinch-pull tab feature 58.

As shown in FIGS. 5A-C, the package 50 has a length extending in a longitudinal direction and a width having a direction transverse the longitudinal direction. The package 50 comprises a flexible over-wrap surrounding having a configuration that corresponds to one or more comestible items 60. In particular, the package 50 includes top 56 and bottom wall 57 opposite to each other, a front 52 and back wall 51 opposite to each other, and side surfaces 54 that each include an end portion 54a which is fin sealed.

The over-wrap used to form the gusset bag 50 is cut from a roll and then wrapped about the one or more comestible items 60 and heat sealed along the edges of the over-wrap in a manner as previously described.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the top wall 56 can be arranged transversely across the package 50 with the top wall 56 and a portion of the front wall 52 operating as a lid for the package 50. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5A-B, the top wall 56 and a portion of the front wall 52 includes a perimetrical boundary that defines a separation location 59 from the package 50. Preferably, the separation location is positioned above a lower surface of an upper item included in the package. Similar to the separation location described in connection with FIGS. 1A-C, the separation location 59 is formed by either die cutting, laser scoring, or perforating the over-wrap along the perimetrical boundary. In some embodiments, combinations of die cutting, laser scoring and/or perforating are used to form the separation location.

A forward portion of the perimetrical boundary adjacent the front wall 52 includes a pinch-pull tab 58. In operation, as shown in FIG. 5B, upon pinching the pinch-pull tab 58 and pulling the tab 58 toward the back wall 51, a separation of the top wall 56 and portion of front wall 52 occurs along the separation location 59. Advantageously, as shown in FIG. 5C, the entire top wall 56 and portion 52A of front wall 52 can be completely removed from the package thus allowing for display and dispensing of one or more comestible items 60 while the package 50 maintains its configuration upon removal of one or more of the items 60. Furthermore, indicia can also be provided on the over-wrap material used to form the package 50 as previously described in connection with FIGS. 1A-C.

Turning now to FIG. 7, an over-wrap film 80 used to form the display package 50 shown in FIGS. 5A-C is shown. Similar to the over-wrap film shown in connection with FIG. 3, the film 80 can be unreinforced or reinforced with fiber randomly dispersed or in the form of a woven or non-woven web. As shown on FIG. 7, perimetrical side walls of the film 80 include a heat seal area 75 and fin seal area 75a that preferably have optimum tack characteristics and minimum sealing temperatures.

Similar to the film shown in FIG. 3, an opening panel 72 is provided that operates as the top wall of the package 50. The opening panel 72 includes a periphery that defines a separation location 74 for the package 50. The separation location 74 can be formed by either partial die cut, laser scoring, or perforating the film 80 along the boundary. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, a forward portion of the panel 72 forms a pinch and pull tab 72 that is used to articulate and remove the too wall as discussed in connection with FIGS. 5A-C.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a fourth trayless display and dispensing package 70 according to the present invention is shown. This package 70 is similar to the package 50 shown in connection with FIGS. 5A-C, except that the top wall 72 and pinch pull tab 72a are arranged in a longitudinal direction of the package 70. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, in one preferred embodiment, the pinch-pull tab 72a is accessible from a side wall 74 section of the package 70. Upon pinching the pinch-pull tab 72a and pulling the tab 72a toward an opposing side wall 76, a separation of the top wall 72 and portion of side wall 72a occurs along a die or laser cut opening.

Turning now to FIGS. 8A-B, a fifth trayless display and dispensing package 80 according to the present invention is shown. This package 80 is constructed similarly to the display package 70 shown in FIG. 6, except that a tear tape 84 having a peel tab 84 is provided for opening the package 80.

The tear tape 84 is bounded to the over-wrap material used to fabricate the package 80 utilizing an ultrasonic welding unit, as discussed in connection with FIG. 4. Of course, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other bounding techniques of familiar type may be utilized to affix the tear tape 84 to the package 80.

Preferably, the tear tape 84 is positioned adjacent and parallel to a top wall 82 of the package 80. In one embodiment, the tear tape is positioned above a lower surface of upper items included in the array of purchasable items. Ends of the tape 84 extend over a sidewall 88 of the package 80 and operate as the peel tab 86 to open the package 80.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, upon pulling one or both of the tabs 86 of the tear tape 84 toward an opposing sidewall 90 of the package 80, the tear tape 84 slits the over-wrap material along edges of the tape 84 resulting in the top wall 82 being removed from the package 80. Advantageously, as shown in FIG. 8B, both the tear tape 84 and top wall 82 can be completely removed from the package 80 while the package 80 maintains its configuration upon removal of one or more comestible items 92.

Items:

Item 1. A display and dispensing package assembly comprising:

an array of comestible items, said items being arranged in a plurality of stacked columns of said items; and

a flexible over-wrap surrounding said array, said over-wrap having a configuration corresponding to said array, said over-wrap having a portion which is completely removable therefrom so as to access said array of items, wherein said over-wrap maintains said configuration upon removal of one or more items from said array.

Item 2. The assembly of item 1 wherein said over-wrap includes opposed upper and lower surfaces and a perimetrical side wall extending therefrom for surrounding said array.

Item 3. The assembly of item 2 wherein said removable portion includes at least a portion of said upper surface.

Item 4. The assembly of item 2 wherein said removable portion is defined by a perimetrical boundary.

Item 5. The assembly of item 4 wherein said perimetrical boundary defines a separation location.

Item 6. The assembly of item 5 wherein said separation location is formed by a process selected from the group consisting of die cutting, laser scoring, perforating and combinations thereof.

Item 7. The assembly of item 5 wherein said separation location includes a removable tear strip so as to effect removal of said removable portion.

Item 8. The assembly of items 1-7 wherein said removable portion includes said upper surface and at least a portion of said perimetrical side wall.

Item 9. The assembly of item 8 wherein said removable portion is defined by a perimetrical boundary about said side wall.

Item 10. The assembly of item 9 wherein said perimetrical boundary defines a separate location.

Item 11. The assembly of item 10 wherein said separation location includes a removable tear strip so as to effect removal of said removable portion.

Item 12. A display and dispensing package assembly comprising:

an array of comestible item packs arranged in a plurality of stacked columns; and

a flexible over-wrap surrounding said array, said over-wrap having a configuration corresponding to said array and a top portion which is completely removable therefrom so as to access said array of packs, said over-wrap maintaining said configuration upon removal of one or more comestible packs from said array.

Item 13. The assembly of item 12 wherein said over-wrap comprises a wall portion which is completely removable with said top portion.

Item 14. The assembly of item 13 wherein said wall portion is defined by a portion of a front wall of said assembly.

Item 15. The assembly of claim 13 wherein said wall portion is defined by a portion of a side wall of said assembly.

Item 16. The assembly of items 12-15 wherein said top portion is defined by a perimetrical boundary that defines a separation location of said assembly.

Item 17. A display and dispensing package assembly comprising:

an upper and lower comestible item arranged in a stacked column; and

a flexible over-wrap surrounding said stacked column, said over-wrap having a configuration corresponding to said stacked column and a top portion defined by a perimetrical boundary that defines a separation location of said assembly, said separation location positioned above a lower surface of said upper item, said top portion being completely removable from said assembly, said over-wrap maintaining said configuration upon removal of said upper and lower items from said assembly.

Item 18. The assembly of item 17 wherein a wall portion adjacent said top portion is completely removable upon removal of said top portion.

Item 19. The assembly of item 17 wherein said upper and lower items are packaged items.

Item 20. A display and dispensing package assembly comprising:

an array of comestible items being arranged in a plurality of stacked columns of said items, said comestible items arranged in plural individual rigid packs; and

a flexible over-wrap surrounding said packs, said over-wrap having a configuration corresponding to said plural packs, said over-wrap having a portion which is completely removable therefrom so as to access said packs, wherein said over-wrap maintains said configuration upon removal of one or more packs and forms a rigid assembly.

Item 21. The assembly of item 20 wherein said over-wrap material is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene and combinations thereof.

Item 22. The assembly of items 20-21 wherein each of said comestible items are environmentally sealed with said over-wrap.

Item 23. The assembly of items 20-22, further comprising an angular display stand to support said package assembly.

Item 24. The assembly of items 20-23 further including a sealant coating.

A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, alternative embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A display and dispensing package assembly comprising:

an array of comestible items, said items being arranged in a plurality of stacked columns of said items; and

a flexible over-wrap surrounding said array, said over-wrap having a configuration corresponding to said array, said over-wrap having a portion which is completely removable therefrom so as to access said array of items, wherein said over-wrap maintains said configuration upon removal of one or more items from said array.

2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said over-wrap includes opposed upper and lower surfaces and a perimetrical side wall extending therefrom for surrounding said array.

3. The assembly of claim 2 wherein said removable portion includes at least a portion of said upper surface.

4. The assembly of claim 2 wherein said removable portion is defined by a perimetrical boundary.

5. The assembly of claim 4 wherein said perimetrical boundary defines a separation location.

6. The assembly of claim 5 wherein said separation location is formed by a process selected from the group consisting of die cutting, laser scoring, perforating and combinations thereof.

7. The assembly of claim 5 wherein said separation location includes a removable tear strip so as to effect removal of said removable portion.

8. The assembly of claim 2 wherein said removable portion includes said upper surface and at least a portion of said perimetrical side wall.

9. The assembly of claim 8 wherein said removable portion is defined by a perimetrical boundary about said side wall.

10. The assembly of claim 9 wherein said perimetrical boundary defines a separate location.

11. The assembly of claim 10 wherein said separation location includes a removable tear strip so as to effect removal of said removable portion.

12. A display and dispensing package assembly comprising:

an array of comestible item packs arranged in a plurality of stacked columns; and

a flexible over-wrap surrounding said array, said over-wrap having a configuration corresponding to said array and a top portion which is completely removable therefrom so as to access said array of packs, said over-wrap maintaining said configuration upon removal of one or more comestible packs from said array.

13. The assembly of claim 12 wherein said over-wrap comprises a wall portion which is completely removable with said top portion.

14. The assembly of claim 13 wherein said wall portion is defined by a portion of a front wall of said assembly.

15. The assembly of claim 13 wherein said wall portion is defined by a portion of a side wall of said assembly.

16. The assembly of claim 13 wherein said top portion is defined by a perimetrical boundary that defines a separation location of said assembly.

17. A display and dispensing package assembly comprising:

an upper and lower comestible item arranged in a stacked column; and

a flexible over-wrap surrounding said stacked column, said over-wrap having a configuration corresponding to said stacked column and a top portion defined by a perimetrical boundary that defines a separation location of said assembly, said separation location positioned above a lower surface of said upper item, said top portion being completely removable from said assembly, said over-wrap maintaining said configuration upon removal of said upper and lower items from said assembly.

18. The assembly of claim 17 wherein a wall portion adjacent said top portion is completely removable upon removal of said top portion.

19. The assembly of claim 17 wherein said upper and lower items are packaged items.

20. A display and dispensing package assembly comprising:

an array of comestible items being arranged in a plurality of stacked columns of said items, said comestible items arranged in plural individual rigid packs; and

a flexible over-wrap surrounding said packs, said over-wrap having a configuration corresponding to said plural packs, said over-wrap having a portion which is completely removable therefrom so as to access said packs, wherein said over-wrap maintains said configuration upon removal of one or more packs and forms a rigid assembly.

21. The assembly of claim 20 wherein said over-wrap material is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene and combinations thereof.

22. The assembly of claim 20 wherein each of said comestible items are environmentally sealed with said over-wrap.

23. The assembly of claim 20, further comprising an angular display stand to support said package assembly.

24. The assembly of claim 21 further including a sealant coating.