Transport package for individual packages of absorbent tissue paper material

Abstract

A transport package including a compressible packaging and a packing configuration, the packing configuration including at least three individual stacks of absorbent tissue paper material, and the packaging maintaining said individual stacks in the packing configuration, the transport package forming a rectangular parallelepiped delimited by six outer surfaces, defining three transport package extensions extending along three perpendicular dimensions in space defining a length, a width, and a height of the transport package. A relative deformation of the transport package is defined for each of the three dimensions, being the relative shortening of the transport package extension along a selected dimension when the entire transport package is compressed with a deformation pressure of 15 kPa between two outer surfaces and along the selected dimension, wherein, for said transport package, the relative deformation along at least two out of the three dimensions is less than 10%.

Claims

1. A transport package comprising a compressible packaging and a packing configuration, the compressible packaging being a flexible material, the packing configuration comprising at least three individual stacks of absorbent tissue paper material, wherein each stack of the packing configuration is provided in an individual package of a stack and a stack packaging, wherein the stack packaging is of a flexible material, and said packing configuration consists of the individual packages, the packaging maintaining said individual stacks in said packing configuration, said transport package forming a rectangular parallelepiped delimited by six outer surfaces, defining three transport package extensions extending along three perpendicular dimensions in space defining a length, a width and a height of said transport package, a relative deformation of said transport package being defined for each of said three dimensions, being the relative shortening of the transport package extension along a selected dimension when the entire transport package is compressed with a deformation pressure of 15 kPa between two outer surfaces and along the selected dimension, wherein, for said transport package, the relative deformation along at least two out of said three dimensions is less than 10%, and wherein the absorbent tissue paper material of at least one of said individual stacks of said packing configuration contributes to limiting said relative deformation.

2. The transport package according to claim 1, wherein the tissue paper material of at least 50% of said individual stacks in said packing configuration contributes to limiting said relative deformation.

3. The transport package according to claim 1, wherein said relative deformation along said at least two out of said three dimensions is less than 5%.

4. The transport package according to claim 1, wherein, a relative deformation of the transport package along a third dimension is defined by the relative shortening of the transport package extension along said third dimension when the entire transport package is compressed with a deformation pressure of 15 kPa between two outer surfaces and along said third dimension, said relative deformation being less than 15%.

5. The transport package according to claim 1, wherein, for each relative deformation along a selected dimension, at a deformation pressure of 15 kPa, a maximum elongation is defined being the maximum relative lengthening of the transport package extensions perpendicular to said selected dimension along which the transport package is compressed at 15 kPa, said maximum elongation being less than 5%.

6. The transport package according to claim 1, wherein said packaging is such that, when said transport package is compressed along a selected dimension with a deformation pressure of 15 kPa, the packaging is maintained in an intact condition.

7. The transport package according to claim 1, wherein said packaging comprises disposable material.

8. The transport package according to claim 1, wherein said packaging is collapsible.

9. The transport package according to claim 1, wherein said packaging is non-collapsible.

10. The transport package according to claim 1, wherein a relative deformation of said transport package as measured when the entire transport package is compressed with a deformation pressure of 25 kPa between two outer surfaces and along the selected dimension, is less than 10%, along at least two out of said three dimensions.

11. The transport package according to claim 1, wherein said packing configuration forms a rectangular parallelepiped delimited by six outer surfaces, generally corresponding to said rectangular parallelepiped formed by said transport package.

12. The transport package according to claim 1, wherein said stack packaging is collapsible.

13. The transport package according to claim 4, wherein, in each individual stack, said absorbent tissue paper material forms panels having a stack length and a stack width, perpendicular to said stack length, said panels being piled on top of each other to form a stack height.

14. The transport package according to claim 13, wherein, in said packing configuration of said transport package, at least two individual stacks in said transport package are arranged with their respective stack lengths extending in parallel to different transport package extensions.

15. The transport package according to claim 13, wherein, in said packing configuration of said transport package, at least 50% of said individual stacks are arranged with their respective stack lengths extending in parallel to the same transport package extension.

16. The transport package according to claim 13, wherein, in said packing configuration, less than 50% of the individual stacks are arranged with their respective stack lengths extending in parallel to one of said dimensions displaying said relative deformation.

17. The transport package according to claim 13, wherein, in said packing configuration, less than 50% of said individual stacks are arranged with their respective stack lengths extending in parallel to said third dimension.

18. The transport package according to claim 13, wherein, in said packing configuration, at least 50% of said individual stacks are arranged with their respective stack heights extending in parallel to said third extension.

19. The transport package according to claim 1, wherein said absorbent tissue paper material comprises a dry crepe material, a structured tissue material, a wet crepe material, or a combination material comprising at least two of the afore-mentioned materials.

20. The transport package according to claim 1, wherein said stacks have a stack density of at least 0.20 kg/dm3.

21. The transport package according to claim 1, wherein said transport package has a packing density of at least 0.20 kg/dm3.

22. A method for forming a transport package according to claim 1, said transport package comprising at least three individual stacks of absorbent tissue paper material, said method comprising: selecting a compressible packaging, arranging said individual stacks in a packing configuration, and arranging said compressible packaging so as to maintain said packing configuration to form said transport package.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In the following, the transport package will be described with reference to exemplary embodiments, being non-limiting examples only, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a transport package in accordance with an embodiment;

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a packing configuration of the transport package of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an individual stack which may be packed in a transport package;

(5) FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrate examples of an individual package comprising the stack of FIG. 3,

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a packing configuration for forming a transport package;

(7) FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate the method for determining the relative deformation along a selected dimension of a transport package

(8) FIGS. 7a-7h illustrate the results achieved in relative deformation measurements for different transport packages.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(9) FIG. 1 illustrates a transport package 1 comprising a packaging 2 and a packing configuration 3. The transport package 1 forms a rectangular parallelepiped delimited by six outer surfaces, defining three transport package extensions extending along three dimensions in space defining a length L, a width W and a height H of the transport package 1.

(10) The packing configuration 3 constitutes the content of the packaging 2, and may comprise at least three individual stacks 4 of absorbent tissue paper material.

(11) In FIG. 2, the packing configuration 3 of the transport package 1 is displayed without the packaging 2. It will be understood, that as it is the packaging 2 which maintains the individual stacks 4 in the packing configuration 3, the packing configuration 3 may not be achievable as a freestanding unit. For, example, it may be that the restriction provided by the packaging 2 is necessary to e.g. force the individual stacks 4 as close together as they will be in the packing configuration 3 inside the transport package 1. Accordingly, FIG. 2 is theoretical in the sense that it displays the packing configuration 3 as it appears when inside the transport package 1.

(12) Advantageously, the packing configuration 3 comprises at least 10 individual stacks 4. A suitable number of stacks 4 may be between 10 and 50.

(13) In the illustrated embodiment, the packing configuration 3 comprises 20 stacks 4. As understood by the term packing configuration, the stacks 4 shall be arranged in an orderly manner so as to form a configuration.

(14) To this end, the stacks may for example be arranged in rows and/or columns and/or layers. The exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a packing configuration 3 where the stacks are arranged in a LWH configuration including 522 stacks. Hence, the arrangement may be described as two layers LW of 52 stacks, arranged along the height direction.

(15) Optionally, the transport package may comprise a single layer, although a preferred option is that the transport package comprises a plurality of layers. The layers in a plurality of layers may be identical (as illustrated in FIG. 2) or they may be different.

(16) Advantageously, the transport package may comprise two to six layers, preferably two to four layers.

(17) A relative deformation of the transport package 1 may defined for each of the three dimensions L, W, H, being the relative shortening of the transport package extension along a selected dimension when the entire transport package is compressed with a deformation pressure of 15 kPa between two outer surfaces and along the selected dimension.

(18) The relative deformation along at least two out of the three dimensions (L, W, H) is less than 10%, and at least some of the individual stacks 4 of the packing configuration 3 contribute to limiting the relative deformation.

(19) In the illustrated embodiment, the relative deformation along the two dimensions being the height H and the length L of the transport package 1 fulfils the above-mentioned conditions for sufficient relative deformation.

(20) Accordingly, when the transport package 1 is to be transported or stored, and in particular when it is to be loaded onto a pallet, the transport package 1 may be oriented as illustrated in FIG. 1, i.e. with the height dimension H extending in a vertical direction, since the relative deformation along this dimension is limited such that the transport package may resist such loads as may appear e.g. when a second pallet of products is positioned on top of the first. However, the transport package 1 may also be oriented with the length dimension L extending in a vertical direction, since the relative deformation along this dimension is also limited to resist relevant loads.

(21) Accordingly, the transport package 1 displays two different orientations which are both suitable for transport and storage of the transport package. Accordingly, the versatility when handling or packing a number of transport packages within limited volume is increased.

(22) Advantageously, also the relative deformation of the transport package 1 along a third dimension (in this example being the width W), being defined by the relative shortening of the transport package extension along the third dimension when the entire transport package is compressed with a pressure of 15 kPa between two outer surfaces and along the dimension selected dimension, is less than 15%, preferably less than 10%, most preferred less than 8%.

(23) Accordingly, the transport package 1 displays three different orientations which are all suitable for transport and storage of the transport package, resulting in an increased versatility.

(24) To enable use of simple and cost efficient materials for the packaging 2, it is intended that the absorbent tissue material of at least some of the stacks 4 of the packing configuration contributes to limiting the relative deformation.

(25) In the illustrated embodiment, the packaging 2 comprises a flexible plastic material, in the form of a closed plastic bag of polymeric material. Such a plastic bag is an example of a collapsible packaging 2, being a packaging which is unable to span over a volume by itself. Instead, when using a collapsible packaging 2, the packing configuration 3 provides the stability of the transport package 1.

(26) The desired relative deformation is preferably to be achieved while maintaining the packaging 2 in an intact condition. With the packaging 2 forming a plastic bag as in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, this may easily be achieved.

(27) Advantageously, the packaging 2 comprises disposable material, such as the afore-mentioned plastic bag. Other disposable materials may be various forms of paper or suitable cardboard materials.

(28) As seen in FIG. 2, also the packing configuration 3 forms a rectangular parallelepiped delimited by six outer surfaces, defining a length CL, a width CW and a height CH of the packing configuration 3.

(29) The parallelepiped formed by the packing configuration 3 generally corresponds to the rectangular parallelepiped formed by the transport package 1, i.e. the length CL, width CW and height CH of the packing configuration 3 generally corresponding to the length L, width W and height H of the transport package 1.

(30) Accordingly, there is essentially no empty space formed inside the packaging 2 which, in a situation when the transport package 1 is subject to load, is not used for taking up the packing configuration 3. Moreover, the tight fit resulting by the packing configuration 3 generally corresponding to the shape of the packaging 2 enables efficient transfer of the load applied on the packaging 2 to the packing configuration 3, resulting in the load becoming distributed to the individual stacks 4.

(31) When using a collapsible packaging 2, e.g. made by a flexible material, the packaging 2 yields at the pressures applied when determining the relative deformation of the transport package 1.

(32) Preferably, the limitation to the relative deformation is essentially completely provided by the packing configuration, as exemplified by the illustrated embodiment. In this case, the role of the packaging is rather to maintain and support the packing configuration during loading, than to resist loading by itself.

(33) Generally, it is preferred that all of the individual stacks 4 in the packing configuration contribute to limiting the relative deformation of the transport package 1.

(34) When measuring a relative deformation along a selected dimension (for example along the height H), a maximum elongation may be defined being the maximum relative lengthening of the transport package extensions perpendicular to the selected dimension (in the example being the width W and the length L). The relative lengthening is the measured lengthening along an extension divided with the relevant original extension, as determined in accordance with the method below.

(35) Advantageously, the maximum elongation may be less than 5%, preferably less than 3%.

(36) FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an individual stack 4 of absorbent tissue paper material.

(37) In the individual stack 4, the absorbent tissue paper material 6 forms panels having a stack length SL and a stack width SW, perpendicular to the stack length SL, the panels being piled on top of each other to form a stack height SH. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the stack comprises a folded web of absorbent tissue paper material 6. However, the stack 4 may also comprise sheets of absorbent tissue paper material 6. Such sheets may be folded, in which case they may be separately folded, or interfolded with each other. Alternatively, the sheets may be sized so as to correspond to the size of the above-mentioned panels of the stack 4, in which case no folding is necessary.

(38) It will be understood that the dimensions of a stack 4 may vary, and likewise, the dimensions of a transport package 1 may vary. For example, a suitable size for a transport package may be 406020 cm. Generally, a transport package may advantageously have dimensions greater than about 403020 cm. The total weight of transport package may be between 4 and 15 kg. It may be preferred that the total weight of a transport package is less than or equal to 10 kg.

(39) Advantageously, and as illustrated in FIGS. 4a and 4b, the individual stacks 4 of absorbent tissue paper material 6 may be provided in an individual package 5 comprising the stack 4 and a stack packaging 4.

(40) The intention of the present disclosure being to utilize the properties of the absorbent tissue paper material in the stacks 4 for providing the required limited relative deformation, it will be understood that it is generally desired to use stack packaging 4 which do not hinder the distribution of loads to the stacks 4.

(41) Accordingly, the stack packaging 4 may advantageously be compressible, such that it yields at relevant loads as described herein. Typically, the stack packaging 4 would be collapsible.

(42) Many conventional stack packagings 4 are suitable for the above-mentioned purpose, and comprise flexible materials. Such a flexible material may be arranged to form a complete enclosure around the stack 4. However, it may be preferred to have the stack packaging 4 only to partially enclose the stack 4, e.g. by forming a wrapper or a wrap-around strip.

(43) In the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 4a and 4b, the stack packaging comprises a paper material of e.g. 50-90 gsm.

(44) In the embodiment of FIG. 4a, the stack packaging 4 is in the form of a sleeve extending over the full length SL and height SH of the stack, but leaving the end portions of the stack 4 uncovered.

(45) In the embodiment of FIG. 4b, the stack packaging 4 is in the form of a strip extending centrally over the length dimension SL, and surrounding the stack 4 in a plane parallel to a plane including the stack height SH and stack width SW.

(46) Advantageously, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the packing configuration 3 consists of the individual packages 5 of stacks 4 of absorbent tissue paper material. Accordingly, the transport package 1 consists of the individual packages 5 and the packaging 2, with no additional material being required.

(47) As mentioned in the above, in the packing configuration 3 the stacks 4 may form rows and/or columns and/or layers.

(48) Advantageously, the packing configuration 3 may be formed with substantially no space between stacks 4.

(49) In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the individual stacks 4 are arranged in parallel to each other. All stacks 4 are arranged with the stack length SL extending in parallel to the same transport package extension, namely the height H of the illustrated embodiment. Also, all of the stacks are arranged with the stack height H extending in parallel to the same transport package extension, namely the width W of the illustrated embodiment.

(50) It may be noted, that in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the limited relative deformation may be achieved along both the height direction H and the width direction W of the transport package 1.

(51) Also, none of the individual stacks 4 is arranged with the stack length SL extending in parallel to the length direction L of the transport package 1. Instead, all of the individual stacks 4 are arranged with their respective stack heights SH extending in parallel to the width direction W of the transport package 1. Still, as mentioned in the above, a sufficient relative deformation may be achieved along the width direction W of the transport package 1.

(52) It will be realized that numerous embodiments of transport packages 1 are conceivable. Various packing configurations 3 may be assumed and tested to ensure whether they fulfil the relative deformation requirements as set out in the above.

(53) FIG. 5 illustrates a first variant of a packing configuration 3, comprising three different layers as seen along a height direction H of the transport package 1 (or CH of the packing configuration 3). Two layers are identical, each comprising a row of individual stacks 4 arranged such that the stack lengths SL coincide with the height H of the transport package 1. A third layer is positioned in between the two identical layers. In the third layer, the stacks 4 are instead arranged with the stack lengths SL extending in parallel to the width W of the transport package 1. In the illustrated example, the stack length SL is seen to be equal to the stack height SH.

(54) It will be understood that numerous alternatives may be formed where the respective stack lengths SL of the stacks extend in parallel to different transport package extensions W, L, H.

(55) Advantageously, the stacks may be selected so as to have a stack density of at least 0.20 kg/dm3, preferably between 0.20 kg kg/dm.sup.3 and 0.80 kg/dm.sup.3.

(56) The transport package 3 may have a packing density of at least 0.20 kg/dm.sup.3, preferably between 0.20 kg/dm.sup.3 and 0.80 kg/dm.sup.3.

(57) Accordingly, it will be understood that a transport package packing density including the packing configuration 3 may advantageously be approximately equal to the density of the stacks 4.

(58) As mentioned in the above, the absorbent tissue paper material may comprise a dry crepe material, a structured tissue material, a wet crepe material, or a combination material comprising at two of the afore-mentioned materials.

EXAMPLES

(59) FIGS. 7a-7h illustrate the results of relative deformation measurements, performed in accordance with the method as described in the below, on three different transport packages. TP1 and TP2 are transport packages available on the market today, whereas TP3 is a transport package in accordance with the present disclosure.

(60) TP1. Folded Towels System H2, SCA Art nr 100288.

(61) Absorbent Tissue Paper Material:

(62) Combination material (also called a hybrid material) comprising one ply structured tissue, virgin fibre 20.5 gsm and one ply Dry Crepe, virgin fibre 23.5 gsm. The combination material has a basis weight of totally 44 gsm.

(63) Stack:

(64) Every stack consists of 110 individual products in the form of folded towels. The folds are arranged so as to extend along the stack length SL.

(65) Stack Height (SH): 130 mm

(66) Stack Length (SL): 212 mm

(67) Stack Width (SW): 85 mm width,

(68) Stack density: 0.15 kg/dm.sup.3.

(69) Packing Configuration:

(70) The packing configuration comprises 21 stacks, arranged in three rows and forming 7 layers, as described and illustrated in relation to FIG. 7a.

(71) Packing configuration dimensions:

(72) Height (CH): 590 mm

(73) Length (CL): 390 mm

(74) Width (CW): 212 mm

(75) Packaging

(76) The packing configuration was enclosed in a carry-bag type packaging, in the form of a plastic bag with a handle. The bag was sized and shaped so as to correspond to the dimensions of the packing configuration as set out in the above. The packing material was a PE mono film having a film thickness of 60 microm.

(77) Transport Package:

(78) Transport package dimensions:

(79) Height (H): 590 mm

(80) Length (L): 390 mm

(81) Width (W): 212 mm

(82) Transport package packing density: 0.15 kg/dm.sup.3.

(83) TP2. Folded Towels System H2, SCA Art nr 120288.

(84) Absorbent Tissue Paper Material:

(85) Combination material (also called a hybrid material) comprising one ply structured tissue, virgin fibre 18.5 gsm and one ply Dry Crepe, virgin fibre 18.5 gsm. The combination material has a basis weight of totally 37 gsm.

(86) Stack:

(87) Every stack consists of 136 individual products in the form of folded towels. The folds are arranged so as to extend along the stack length SL.

(88) Stack Height (SH): 130 mm

(89) Stack Length (SL): 212 mm

(90) Stack Width (SW): 85 mm width,

(91) Stack density: 0.15 kg/dm.sup.3.

(92) Packing Configuration:

(93) The packing configuration comprises 21 stacks, arranged in three rows and forming 7 layers, as described and illustrated in relation to FIG. 7a.

(94) Packing configuration dimensions:

(95) Height (CH): 590 mm

(96) Length (CL): 390 mm

(97) Width (CW): 212 mm

(98) Packaging:

(99) The packing configuration was enclosed in a carry-bag type packaging, in the form of a plastic bag with a handle. The bag was sized and shaped so as to correspond to the dimensions of the packing configuration as set out in the above. The packing material was a PE mono film having a film thickness of 60 microm.

(100) Transport Package:

(101) Transport package dimensions:

(102) Height (H): 590 mm

(103) Length (L): 390 mm

(104) Width (W): 212 mm

(105) Transport package packing density: 0.15 kg/dm.sup.3.

(106) TP3. Folded Towels System H2, Products Similar to Those of 100288

(107) Absorbent Tissue Paper Material:

(108) Combination material (also called a hybrid material) comprising one ply structured tissue, virgin fibre 20.5 gsm and one ply Dry Crepe, virgin fibre 23.5 gsm. The combination material has a basis weight of totally 44 gsm.

(109) Stack:

(110) Every stack consists of 119 individual products in the form of folded towels. The folds are arranged so as to extend along the stack length SL.

(111) Stack Height (SH): 70 mm

(112) Stack Length (SL): 212 mm

(113) Stack Width (SW): 87 mm width,

(114) Stack density: 0.30 kg/dm.sup.3.

(115) Packing Configuration:

(116) The packing configuration comprises 15 stacks, arranged in five rows and forming three layers, as described and illustrated in relation to FIG. 7b.

(117) Packing configuration dimensions:

(118) Height (CH): 267 mm

(119) Length (CL): 350 mm

(120) Width (CW): 212 mm

(121) Packaging:

(122) The packing configuration was enclosed in a carry-bag type packaging, in the form of a plastic bag with a handle. The bag was sized and shaped so as to correspond to the dimensions of the packing configuration as set out in the above. The packing material was a PE mono film having a film thickness of 60 microm.

(123) Transport Package:

(124) Transport package dimensions:

(125) Height (H): 267 mm

(126) Length (L): 350 mm

(127) Width (W): 212 mm

(128) Transport package packing density: 0.30 kg/dm.sup.3.

(129) FIGS. 7a and 7b illustrate different packing configurations each having a packing configuration length CL, width CW and height CH. It will be understood, that with the packaging as described in the above being a plastic bag, the corresponding transport packages' length L, width W and height H will correspond to the measures (CL, CW, CH) of the packing configurations.

(130) FIG. 7a illustrates the packing configuration 3 for TP 1 and TP 2. In the packing configuration 3, the stacks 4 is in a configuration LWH being 317, as illustrated.

(131) As seen in FIG. 7a, the stacks of the individual packages are arranged in parallel, i.e. with a similar orientation vis avi the dimensions of the packing configuration. Hence, the stack length SL of each stack is parallel to the width W of the transport package 1, the stack width SW is parallel to the height H of the transport package 1, and the stack height SH is parallel to the length L of the transport package 1.

(132) FIG. 7b illustrates the packing configuration 3 of the transport package according to TP 3. In this packing configuration 3, a total of 15 stacks are arranged in a LWH configuration being 513, as illustrated in FIG. 7b. The relative orientations of the stack dimensions and the transport package dimensions are similar to those described for FIG. 7a.

(133) FIG. 7c illustrates the results of relative deformation measurements at deformation pressures ranging from 0 to 48 kPa, for the transport packages TP1, TP2 and TP3, respectively, as measured along the height dimension H thereof. It is noted, that for the transport packages TP1, TP2, TP3, this means that the deformation pressure is applied along the stack width dimension SW of the individual stacks.

(134) The relative shortening of the height H of the transport packages TP1, TP2 and TP3 is plotted against the deformation pressures.

(135) As seen from FIG. 7c, the relative deformation in the height direction H of TP3 at 15 kPa is less than 10%. Indeed, the relative deformation of TP3 in the height direction H is less than 10% also at 25 kPa deformation pressure, or even 35 kPa deformation pressure. In contrast, at 15 kPa deformation pressure, TP1 displays more than 20% relative deformation, and TP2 about 15%.

(136) In FIG. 7f, the relative elongation of the length dimension L of the transport package is plotted versus the deformation pressure, during the tests performed for FIG. 7c. It is seen how the relative elongation remains less than 5% at 15 kPa.

(137) FIG. 7d illustrates the results of relative deformation measurements at deformation pressures ranging from 0 to 48 kPa, for the transport packages TP1, TP2 and TP3, respectively, as measured along the length dimension L thereof. It is noted, that for the transport packages TP1, TP2, TP3, this means that the deformation pressure is applied along the stack height dimension SH of the individual stacks.

(138) The relative shortening of the length L of the transport packages TP1, TP2 and TP3 is plotted against the deformation pressures.

(139) As seen from FIG. 7d, the relative deformation in the length direction L of TP3 15 kPa is less than 10%. Indeed, the relative deformation of TP3 in the length direction L is less than 10% also at 20 kPa deformation pressure. In contrast, at 15 kPa deformation pressure, TP1 displays more than 20% relative deformation, and TP2 between 15% and 20%.

(140) In FIG. 7g, the relative elongation of the height dimension H of the transport package is plotted versus the deformation pressure, during the tests performed for FIG. 7d. It is seen how the relative elongation remains less than 5% at 15 kPa.

(141) FIG. 7e illustrates the results of relative deformation measurements at deformation pressures ranging from 0 to 48 kPa, for the transport packages TP1, TP2 and TP3, respectively, as measured along the width dimension W thereof. It is noted, that for the transport packages TP1, TP2, TP3, this means that the deformation pressure is applied along the stack length dimension SL of the individual stacks.

(142) The relative shortening of the width W of the transport packages TP1, TP2 and TP3 is plotted against the deformation pressures.

(143) As seen from FIG. 7e, the relative deformation in the width direction W of TP3 at 15 kPa is less than 10%. Indeed, the relative deformation of TP3 in the width direction W is less than 10% also at 25 kPa deformation pressure, or even 35 kPa deformation pressure. At 15 kPa deformation pressure, it is seen that also TP1 and TP2 displays less than 10% relative deformation.

(144) In FIG. 7h, the relative elongation of the length dimension L of the transport package is plotted versus the deformation pressure, during the tests performed for FIG. 7c. It is seen how the relative elongation remains less than 5% at 15 kPa.

(145) In view of the above, it is understood that the prior art transport packages TP1 and TP2 displays a limited relative deformation along one direction only, namely the width direction W. Accordingly, both TP1 and TP2 should preferably be packed such that loads occurring during packing, transport and storage of the transport packages is primarily directed along the width direction.

(146) TP3 displays a limited relative deformation along all three dimensions, although the width W and the height H dimension display the most limited relative deformation. Accordingly, the transport package TP3 may be packed without concern to the direction in which the loads occurring during packing, transport and storage of the transport packages will appear. If it is desired to resist very high loads, loading along the width W and height H directions are however preferred.

(147) It may be assumed that the limited relative deformation resistance achieved for TP3 is primarily due to the density of the stacks 4 therein being larger than the density of the stacks of TP1 or TP2, which means that the stacks 4 per se should be more stable. However, other features may also be of importance. For example, the manner in which the stacks 4 are arranged inside the packaging 2 may be of importance. Also, in the transport package TP3, the stacks 4 are relatively densely packed, with little or no space between stacks 4.

Method for Determining Relative Deformation

(148) The methodology for a measuring the relative deformation of a transport package is the following:

(149) Description of the Equipment

(150) FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate schematically the equipment for the relative deformation measurement method.

(151) A universal testing machine, e.g. Z100 supplied by Zwick/Roell, is used with a 50 kN load cell.

(152) The test method comprises compressing the transport package between two essentially parallel, planar pressure surfaces 100, 200.

(153) To provide the pressure surfaces 100, 200, two plywood boards 10, 20 are used.

(154) The two plywood boards 10, 20 provide the same pressure surface area. The pressure surface area of the plywood boards 10, 20 is selected to be larger than the area of the largest outer surface of the transport package 1 to be tested.

(155) The plywood boards 10, 20 shall be of sufficient thickness to ensure that they do not bend when subject to the pressures used in the method, typically minimum 25 mm.

(156) To further secure that the plywood boards do not bend or deform in any way during testing, each board is enforced by a support structure 30, being arranged on the side of the plywood board opposite the pressure surface 100, 200. Typically, the support structure 30 may be formed by two longitudinal beams extending over the full length of the plywood board and in parallel to the length dimension thereof. The two longitudinal beams may be centrally arranged with a transversal distance between them suitable to inhibit deformation of the board.

(157) In the tests performed in relation to FIGS. 7a to 7h, the plywood boards had the dimensions 80040025 mm. The longitudinal beams had the dimensions 80010025 mm, and were centrally arranged on the board with a transversal distance between the beams of 200 mm.

(158) However, it is envisaged that different support structures could be used to ensure that the pressure surfaces 100, 200 of the plywood boards 10, 20 which are to be pressed towards the transport package 1 are maintained in a planar condition during testing.

(159) A first plywood board 10 will form a bottom pressure surface 100 on which the transport package 1 will be positioned during testing. To this end, the first plywood board 10 should be stably positioned such that the bottom pressure surface 100 extends in a horizontal plane.

(160) A second plywood board 20 is mounted in the test equipment, so as to be movable in a vertical direction, and such that its pressure surface 200 extends in the horizontal plane. The second plywood board 20 should be arranged such that the extension of its pressure surface 200 corresponds to the extension of the pressure surface 100 of the first plywood board 10.

(161) The test equipment shall be set for compliance correction and so as to remove the thickness of the plywood boards from the results.

(162) Description of Testing Procedure

(163) A dimension D for which the relative deformation of the transport package 1 is to be determined is selected. The transport package is positioned on top of the bottom plywood board 10 such that the selected dimension D of the transport package 1 extends in a vertical direction.

(164) The second, movable plywood board 20 arranged in the testing machine is vertically lowered towards the bottom board of plywood 10, pressing the transport package 1 between the two pressure surfaces 100, 200. The movable board 20 is moved along the vertical direction only, i.e. perpendicular to the extension of the pressure surfaces 100, 200.

(165) The movable plywood board 20 comprising the movable pressure surface 200 is initially lowered at a speed of 50 mm/min, until a force corresponding to a pressure of 0.1 kPa is registered by the test equipment. The distance between the boards at this point (pressure=0.1 kPA) is recorded and is regarded as the initial extension D.sub.0 of the transport package at along the dimension D. Hence, the initial extension D.sub.0 corresponds to the initial height H.sub.0, width W.sub.0 or length L.sub.0 of the transport package.

(166) Thereafter, the movable plywood board 20 comprising the movable pressure surface 200 is lowered at a speed of 100 mm/min.

(167) The pressure and the distance between the boards in the vertical direction are recorded continuously by the testing machine. For each measured distance D.sub.1, the corresponding relative deformation of the transport package 1 in the vertical direction (corresponding to the dimension D of the transport package 1) is calculated as (D.sub.0D.sub.1)/D.sub.0. Accordingly, the relative deformation being the relative shortening along a selected dimension of the transport package at a specific pressure is obtained.

(168) For measuring the simultaneous extension of the transport package in the two other dimensions perpendicular to the selected dimension D, during compression of the transport package along a selected dimension D, the same test equipment as described in the above may be used for compressing the transport package. In this case, the lowering of the upper board is stopped at a number of selected pressures, advantageously at 1.5, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 kPa. Each stop lasts for 1 minute, during which measurement of the extension of the transport package along the dimensions perpendicular to the compression dimension D may be made using a sliding caliper, advantageously Mitutoyo 160-104. After each stop, the continuous lowering of the upper board is continued.

(169) The measure D.sub.1 of the selected dimension (L, W, H) achieved is compared to the initial length, width or height of the transport package. The initial dimension D.sub.0 being the initial length, width or height of the transport package is achieved as described in the above with a pressure of 0.1 kPa towards the relevant dimension. The elongation is determined to be (D.sub.1D.sub.0)/D.sub.0.

(170) Sample Conditioning

(171) Sample transport packages are conditioned during 24 hours to 23 C., 50% RH. The same conditions are present also during performance of the test procedures. A representative amount of samples is tested for each product, typically minimum 5 samples.

(172) It will be understood, that the performance of the test procedure on a sample transport package may alter the properties of the sample transport package. Accordingly, for each test to be performed, a new sample package should be used.

(173) Measurements of a transport package are performed on the entire transport package, including the packing configuration and the packaging.

(174) Measurements to be performed on a packaging only are made on an empty packaging from which the packing configuration has been removed.

Method for Determining the Packing Density of the Transport Package

(175) The packing density of the transport package is to be a measure of the amount of content of the transport package versus its outer dimensions. Accordingly, for determining the packing density, the weight of the packing configuration 3 (content) is to be divided with the volume of the transport package 1.

(176) The volume of the transport package is determined by determining the height H, width W and length L of the transport package using the test procedure as described in the above, and subjecting the transport package to a pressure of 0.1 kPa along the dimension to be measured. The volume of the transport package is hence approximated to HWL as measured.

(177) The weight of the packing configuration is determined by first weighing the transport package and then removing the packaging and weighing the packaging alone. The weight of the packing configuration is to be the weight of the transport package minus the weight of the packaging. The measurements may be made using a suitable calibrated scale.

Method for Determining the Stack Density

(178) Density is defined as weight per volume and reported in kg/dm.sup.3.

(179) As defined in the above, in the stack of tissue paper material the tissue paper material forms panels having a stack length (SL), and a stack width (SW) perpendicular to the length (SL), the panels being piled on top of each other to form a stack height (SH). The height (SH) extends perpendicular to the length (SL) and width (SW), and between a first end surface and a second end surface of the stack.

(180) The volume of a stack is determined as SLSWSH.

(181) Sample stacks are conditioned during 48 hours to 23 C., 50% RH.

(182) Height Determination

(183) For determining the height (SH) of a stack, the stack, including any stack packaging, is positioned on a generally horizontal support surface, resting on one of its end surfaces, so that the height (SH) of the stack will extend in a generally vertical direction.

(184) At least one side of the stack may bear against a vertically extending support, so as to ensure that the stack as a whole extends in a generally vertical direction from the supported end surface.

(185) The height (SH) of the stack is the vertical height measured from the support surface.

(186) A measurement bar held parallel to the horisontal support surface, and parallel to the width (SW) of the stack is lowered towards the free end surface of the stack, and the vertical height of the bar when it touches the stack is recorded.

(187) The measurement bar is lowered towards the free end surface of the stack at three different locations along the length (SL) of the stack. The first location should be at the middle of the stack, i.e. L from each longitudinal end thereof. The second location should be about 2 cm from the first longitudinal end (measured along the length (SL)) and the third location at about 2 cm from the second longitudinal end (measured along the length (SL)).

(188) The height (SH) of the stack is determined to be a mean value of the three height measurements made at the three different locations.

(189) It will be understood, that when the above-mentioned height determination method is performed, and when the stack is not perfectly rectangular but for example the end surfaces bulges outwards, the height will correspond to a maximum height of the stack.

(190) The density to be determined is the density of the stack, and hence the stack packaging is not to be included in the volume or weight measurement.

(191) However, many packaging materials used in the art are rather thin, and their thickness will not affect the measurement significantly. Should a packaging material have a thickness such that the material may significantly include the measurement, the thickness of the stack packaging material may be determined after removal thereof from the stack, and the value achieved during the height measurement procedure may be adjusted accordingly.

(192) Length and Width Determination

(193) The length (SL) and width (SW) of the stack is determined by opening the stack and measuring the length (SL) and width (SW) of the panels of in the stack. Edges and/or folds in the tissue paper material will provide necessary guidance for performing the length (SL) and width (SW) measurements.

(194) Under practical circumstances, it is understood that the length and width of a stack may vary for example during compression and relaxation of the stack. Such variations are however deemed not significant for the density to be determined herein. Instead, the length (SL) and width (SW) of the stack are regarded to be constant and identical to the length (SL) and width (SW) as measured on the panels.

(195) Weight

(196) The weight of the stack is measured by weighing to the nearest 0.1 g with a suitable calibrated scale.

(197) To determine the density of a stack when inside a stack packaging, the stack packaging should naturally be removed before weighing the stack.

(198) It will be realized that numerous embodiments and alternatives are available without departing from the scope of the claims. In particular, different packing configurations may be formed and evaluated so as to achieve the desired limited deformation of the transport package. Also, numerous options are available for forming a suitable packaging.