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Title:
BLANK FOR FORMING A PACKAGE, AND A PACKAGE FORMED OF SUCH A BLANK
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2021/240339
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A blank (100) for forming a package (200), the blank (100) comprising a front wall panel (102), a bottom panel (104), a rear wall panel (106), and a lid panel (108), the blank further comprising a first end wall panel (110) and a second end wall panel (112) configured to form a double-walled end wall (202a), the blank further comprising a first handle panel (114) being foldab!y connected to one of the front wall panel (102) or the rear wall panel (106) and being configured to be inserted between the first and the second end wall panels (110, 112), wherein the first handle panel (114) comprises a first handle (116) cut from the first handle panel (114) and foldably connected to a remaining portion of the first handle panel (114), wherein the first handle (116) is accessible by the first end wall panel (110) comprising a through-going cut-out (118).

Inventors:
JANSSON ULRIKA (SE)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2021/054483
Publication Date:
December 02, 2021
Filing Date:
May 24, 2021
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
STORA ENSO OYJ (FI)
International Classes:
B65D5/22; B65D5/462
Domestic Patent References:
WO1998007629A11998-02-26
Foreign References:
US20080237322A12008-10-02
US20170183119A12017-06-29
FR1509158A1968-01-12
JPS4947039U1974-04-24
JPS5628917U1981-03-18
US20060118605A12006-06-08
EP2484597A12012-08-08
GB2324293A1998-10-21
DE19951806A12001-05-03
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
GLINDELL, Maria (SE)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. A blank (100) for forming a package (200), the blank (100) comprising: a set of major panels comprising a front wall panel (102), a bottom panel (104), a rear wall panel (106), and a lid panel (108), wherein the major panels are foldably interconnected and arranged one after another along a longitudinal direction (L1 ) as seen in a flat-laid state of the blank (100), a first end wall panel (110) and a second end wall panel (112) being foldably interconnected and arranged one after another along a first transverse direction (T1) as seen in a flat-laid state of the blank (100), the first end wall panel (110) being foldably connected to the bottom panel (104) at a first longitudinally extending side (TS1) of the set of major panels, wherein the first and second end wall panels (110, 112) are configured to be folded relative to each other to form a double-walled end wall (202a) at the first longitudinally extending side (TS1) when the blank (100) is erected into a package (200), at least one end wall panel (124, 126) configured to form an end wall (202b) at a second longitudinally extending side (TS2) opposing the first longitudinally extending side (TS1 ) when the blank (100) is erected into a package (200), a first handle panel (114) being foldably connected to, and extending in the first transverse direction (T 1 ) from, one of the front wall panel (102) or the rear wall panel (106) at the first longitudinally extending side (TS1 ) of the set of major panels, wherein the first handle panel (114) is configured to be inserted between the first and the second end wall panels (110, 112) forming the double-walled end wall (202a) at the first longitudinally extending side (TS1) when the blank (100) is erected into a package (200), wherein the first handle panel (114) comprises a first handle (116) being cut from the first handle panel (114) and being foldably connected to a remaining portion of the first handle panel (114), wherein the blank (100) is configured to be folded into a package (200) in a state suitable for storing, in which state the lid panel (108) is openable independently of the provision and use of the first handle (116) thereby allowing the lid panel (108) to be opened and closed while still allowing the first handle (116) to remain in a virgin state, wherein the first end wall panel (110) comprises a through-going cutout (118) being positioned in the first end wall panel (110) such that when the blank (100) has been folded into a package in a state suitable for storing, the first handle (116) is accessible through the through-going cut-out (118) in the first end wall panel (110) and such that the first handle (116) is foldable outwardly through the through-going cut-out (118) in the first end wall panel (110) and thereby transferring the package (200) from the state suitable for storing to a state allowing the package (200) to be carried using the first handle (116).

2. The blank (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the blank (100) further comprises a second handle panel (120) being foldably connected to, and extending in the first transverse direction (T1 ) from, the other one of the front wall panel (102) or the rear wall panel (106) at the first longitudinally extending side (TS1 ) of the set of major panels, wherein the second handle panel (120) is configured to be inserted between the first and the second end wall panel (110, 112) forming the double-walled end wall (202a) at the first longitudinally extending side (TS1) when the blank (100) is erected into a package (200).

3. The blank (100) according to claim 2, wherein the second handle panel (120) comprises a second handle (122) being cut from the second handle panel (120) and being foldably connected to a remaining portion of the second handle panel (120), wherein the second handle (122) is accessible through the through- going cut-out (118) in the first end wall panel (110) and such that the second handle (122) is foldable outwardly through the through-going cut-out (118) in the first end wall panel (110) and allows the package (200) to be carried using the second handle (122) when the blank (100) has been erected into a package (200).

4. The blank (100) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein said at least one end wall panel (124, 126) configured to form an end wall (202b) at a second longitudinally extending side (TS2) opposing the first longitudinally extending side (TS1) comprises a third end wall panel (124) and a fourth end wall panel (126) being foldably interconnected and arranged one after another along a second transverse direction (T2) being opposite the first transverse direction (T1), the third end wall panel (124) being foldably connected to the bottom panel (104) at a second longitudinally extending side (TS2), opposite the first longitudinally extending side (TS1), of the set of major panels, wherein the third and fourth end wall panels (124, 126) are configured to be folded relative to each other such that the end wall (202b) becomes a double- walled end wall (202b) at the second longitudinally extending side (TS2), opposite the double-walled end wall (202a) at the first longitudinally extending side (TS1) when the blank (100) is erected into a package (200).

5. The blank (100) according to claim 4, wherein the blank (100) further comprises a first comer flap (128) being foldably connected to, and extending in the second transverse direction (T2) from, one of the front wall panel (102) or the rear wall panel (106) at the second longitudinally extending side (TS2) of the set of major panels, wherein the first comer flap (128) is configured to be inserted between the third and fourth end wall panels (124, 126) forming the double-walled end wall (202b) at the second longitudinally extending side (TS2) when the blank (100) is erected into a package (200).

6. The blank (100) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the blank (100) further comprises a second comer flap (130) being foldably connected to, and extending in the second transverse direction (T2) from, the other one of the front wall panel (102) or the rear wall panel (106) at the second longitudinally extending side (TS2) of the set of major panels, wherein the second corner flap (130) is configured to be inserted between the third and fourth end wall panels (124, 126) forming the double-walled end wall (202b) at the second longitudinally extending side (TS2) when the blank (100) is erected into a package (200).

7. The blank (100) according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the blank (100) further comprises a closing flap (132) being foldably connected to the lid panel (108) at a first transversely extending side (LS1) of the lid panel (108) being opposite the rear wall panel (106) as seen in a flat-laid state of the blank (100).

8. The blank (100) according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the second end wall panel (112) comprises at least one locking tab (134) being positioned on a third longitudinally extending side (TS3) of the second end wall panel (112) opposite the first end wall panel (110) and extending from the second end wall panel (112) along the first transverse direction (T1) away from the second end wall panel (110).

9. The blank (100) according to claim 8, wherein the bottom panel (104) comprises, on the first longitudinally extending side (TS1), at least one recess (135), whereby the at least one locking tab (134) on the second end wall panel (112) is/are configured to be inserted into the respective recess (135) when the first and second end wall panels (110, 112) on the first longitudinally extending side (TS1 ) are folded to form the double-walled end wall (202a) and thereby lock the double-walled end wall (202a) in the erected state when the blank (100) is erected into a package (200).

10. The blank (100) according to any one of claims 4-6, wherein the fourth end wall panel (126) comprises at least one locking tab (136) being positioned on a fourth longitudinally extending side (TS4) of the fourth end wall panel (126) opposite the third end wall panel (124) and extending from the fourth end wall panel (126) along the second transverse direction (T2) away from the fourth end wall panel (124).

11. The blank (100) according to claim 10, wherein the bottom panel (104) comprises, on the second longitudinally extending side (TS2), at least one recess (137), whereby the at least one locking tab (136) on the fourth end wall panel (126) is/are configured to be inserted into the respective recess (137) when the third and fourth end wall panels (124, 126) on the second longitudinally extending side (TS2) are folded to form the double-walled end wall (202b) and thereby lock the double-walled end wall (202b) in the erected state.

12. The blank (100) according to any one of claims 1-11 , wherein the blank (100) is made of a paper-based material.

13. A package (200) formed from a blank (100) according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the bottom panel (104) forms a bottom of the package (200), the front wall panel (102) is folded in relation to the bottom panel (104) such that the front wall panel (102) forms a front wall of the package, wherein the front wall panel (102) preferably forms a right angle to the bottom panel (104), the rear wall panel (106) and the lid panel (108) are folded in relation to the bottom panel (104) such that the rear wall panel (106) forms a rear wall of the package, wherein the rear wall panel (106) preferably forms a right angle to the bottom panel (104), wherein the front wall panel (102) and the rear wall panel (106) preferably extend along parallel planes, the first and second end wall panels (110, 112) are folded relative to each other and relative to the bottom panel (104) to form a double-walled end wall (202a) at a first longitudinally extending side (TS1 ), wherein the double- walled end wall (202a) preferably forms a right angle to the bottom panel (104), with the first handle panel (114) being inserted between the first and the second end wall panel (110, 112), said at least one end wall panel (124, 126) forms an end wall (202b) at a second longitudinally extending side (TS2) opposing the first longitudinally extending side (TS1 ), the package being closable and openable by the lid panel (108) being folded in relation to the rear wall panel (106), wherein the lid panel (108) in a closed state preferably forms a right angle to the rear wall panel (106), and wherein in a closed state the lid panel (108) and the bottom panel (104) preferably extend along parallel planes, and wherein when the package (200) is in a state suitable for storing, in which state the lid panel (108) is openable independently of the provision and use of the first handle (116) thereby allowing the lid panel (108) to be opened and closed while still allowing the first handle (116) to remain in a virgin state, the first handle (116) is accessible through the through-going cut-out (118) in the first end wall panel (110) and such that the first handle (116) is foldable outwardly through the through-going cut-out (118) in the first end wall panel (110) and thereby transfer the package (200) from the state suitable for storing to a state allowing the package (200) to be carried using the first handle (116).

Description:
BLANK FOR FORMING A PACKAGE, AND A PACKAGE FORMED OF

SUCH A BLANK

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a blank for forming a package.

The invention also relates to a package formed from such a blank. Backaround art

When designing a package, it is often desirous to take into account a number of different design criteria. The package should e.g. often be designed such that it makes efficient use of the material, is easy to transport to the point of use, is easy to prepare for use, and provides a strong structure. It is often desirable that it is strong during handling and stable in an erected state. Moreover, it should often be capable of being erected into a box with a lid and used as a box with a lid without the use of any adhesive or any similar means of keeping the box erected and/or closed, or at least with a minimum use of such adhesive or similar means.

When designing a package being a box with a lid, it is often desirous that the package can be closed in a simple manner in an erected state. When designing packages of a smaller size it is typically desirous to consider also other aspects, such as that it should be easy to stack on shelves in the stores and that it should be easy to carry home.

Packages made from cardboard are beneficial since they do not take up much space before they are erected, during for example transport. There exist numerous attempts to address the above design criteria in connection to designing a package of cardboard material.

US10239654 B2 for instance discloses a packaging box and a blank forming such packaging box. The packaging box includes sidewall parts, bottom part and top part. The top part includes five top panels, wherein two of the top panels comprises handle portions and two of the top panels comprises cut-outs. The cut-outs are configured to receive the handle portions. However, it may be noted that the prior art document does not adequately address the set of design criteria that the package should make efficient use of the material, be formed of one single blank, be easy to erect, be closed in a simple manner in the erected state and provide a strong structure, while being capable of being erected into a box with a lid and used as a box with a lid without the use of any adhesive or any similar means of keeping the box erected and/or closed, or at least with a minimum use of such adhesive or similar means, while also being easy to stack and easy to carry.

Summary of the invention

It is an object of the invention to provide a package concept which addresses at least some of the set of design criteria described above, namely that the package should make efficient use of the material, be formed of one single blank, be easy to erect, be closed in a simple manner in the erected state and provide a strong structure. A further object of the invention is to provide a blank that may be erected into a box with a lid and used as a box with a lid without the use of any adhesive or any similar means of keeping the box erected and/or closed, or at least with a minimum use of such adhesive or similar means, while also being easy to stack and easy to carry.

This object has been achieved by a blank for forming a package, the blank comprising: a set of major panels comprising a front wall panel, a bottom panel, a rear wall panel, and a lid panel, wherein the major panels are foldably interconnected and arranged one after another along a longitudinal direction as seen in a flat-laid state of the blank, a first end wall panel and a second end wall panel being foldably interconnected and arranged one after another along a first transverse direction as seen in a flat-laid state of the blank, the first end wall panel being foldably connected to the bottom panel at a first longitudinally extending side of the set of major panels, wherein the first and second end wall panels are configured to be folded relative to each other to form a double-walled end wall at the first longitudinally extending side when the blank is erected into a package, at least one end wall panel configured to form an end wall at a second longitudinally extending side opposing the first longitudinally extending side when the blank is erected into a package, a first handle panel being foldably connected to, and extending in the first transverse direction from, one of the front wall panel or the rear wall panel at the first longitudinally extending side of the set of major panels, wherein the first handle panel is configured to be inserted between the first and the second end wall panels forming the double-walled end wall at the first longitudinally extending side when the blank is erected into a package, wherein the first handle panel comprises a first handle being cut from the first handle panel and being foldably connected to a remaining portion of the first handle panel, wherein the blank is configured to be folded into a package in a state suitable for storing, in which state the lid panel is openable independently of the provision and use of the first handle thereby allowing the lid panel to be opened and closed while still allowing the first handle to remain in a virgin state, wherein the first end wall panel comprises a through-going cut-out being positioned in the first end wall panel such that when the blank has been folded into a package in a state suitable for storing, the first handle is accessible through the through-going cut-out in the first end wall panel and such that the first handle is foldable, or alternatively phrased; may be folded, outwardly through the through-going cut-out in the first end wall panel and thereby transferring the package from the state suitable for storing to a state allowing the package to be carried using the first handle.

Alternatively phrased, the first end wall panel comprises a through- going cut-out being positioned in the first end wall panel such that the first handle is accessible through the through-going cut-out in the first end wall panel and such that the first handle may be folded outwardly through the through-going cut-out in the first end wall panel thereby allowing the package to be carried using the first handle.

With the above disclosed design, there is provided a blank for forming a package having a front wall panel, a bottom panel, a rear wall panel and a lid panel. Thus, the package may, and preferably is, formed by one single blank. There is also provided a blank for a package having an integrated handle. With the disclosed design, especially in an embodiment where one blank comprises all components, the provision of a package which makes efficient use of the material and at the same time is easy to erect is facilitated. It is preferred that the front wall panel, the bottom panel, the rear wall panel and the lid panel extend along a single, common plane, as seen in a flat-laid state of the blank. In a preferred embodiment, the blank is designed such that when the blank is erected to form the package, the front wall panel and the rear wall panel extend along parallel planes. In a preferred embodiment, the blank is designed such that when the blank is erected to form the package and the package is in a closed state, the bottom panel and the lid panel extend along parallel planes.

With the disclosed design, where the first handle panel comprises the first handle, and wherein the first handle is accessible through the through-going cut-out in the first end wall panel, it is made possible to carry the package as it is without any need of using a separate carrying bag. The first and second end wall panels and the first handle panel which comprises the first handle together facilitates the provision of a stable handle. Thus, with this provided design, the package may be used as a standard package, e.g. standing in shelves stacked on top of each other or the like. When the blank has been folded into a package in a state suitable for storing, the lid panel is openable independently of the provision and use of the first handle thereby allowing the lid panel to be opened and closed while still allowing the first handle to remain in a virgin state. Thereby the potential customer, or even a plurality of potential customers over time, may inspect and possibly try the product and thereafter return the product to the package while the package still remains in a state suitable for storing. However, the package may also be used as a carrying package similarly to how a carrying bag is used. Once it is desired to do so it is possible to transfer the package from the state suitable for storing to a state allowing the package to be carried using the first handle. It may be noted that this transfer may be accomplished without there being a need to once again open the package. The package may be any type of package but according to one non-limiting example, the package may be a shoe box. The shoe box may be placed on a shelf in a shoe store and when the customer wants to buy the shoes and take the shoe box from the store, the shoe box is easy to carry without any need of a carrying bag. With this design, the first handle can be folded, preferably folded 90°, outwards such that the first handle is pointing out from the package. Hence, with this provided design, a package which is formed of one single blank, is easy to erect and provides a strong structure is achieved. Further, with this provided design, a package with an integrated handle is achieved and there is no need for using carrying bags, such as plastic bags.

With the disclosed design where the first and second end wall panels are configured to be folded relative to each other to form a double-walled end wall, the provision of a strong structure is facilitated. Preferably, the first and second end wall panels are configured to be folded such that the first end wall panel forms an outside surface of the double-walled end wall and the second end wall panel forms an inside surface of the double-walled end wall. It may be noted that the double-walled end wall will for parts of its planar extension include more than two layers of material; the first and second end wall panels and for instance one or more handle panels being inserted between the first and second end wall panels. However, the term double-walled is here intended to refer to the fact that the end wall is formed of two major end wall panels being connected to and folded relative to each other.

When the blank has been erected to form the package, and the package is carried by using the handle, the load is divided between more than one end wall panel due to the double-walled end wall, which provides for a strong and stable structure. With the disclosed design, where the first handle panel is connected to the front wall panel or the rear wall panel and configured to be inserted between the first and second end wall panels, the provision for a stable structure is further facilitated since the first handle panel is on one hand connected to a first panel of the set of major panels and is on the other hand inserted between two end wall panels which are connected to another panel of the set of major panels which two panels of the set of major panels form an angle between them. The first handle panel may be frictionally locked in position between the first and second end wall panels forming the double-walled end wall. Moreover, since the first handle is part of the first handle panel being positioned behind the first end wall panel, but still being accessible via the through-going cut-out, the handle is protected by being positioned one material thickness inside of the outermost surface of the package.

With the disclosed design where the first handle panel comprises the first handle and where the lid panel is separated from the first handle, the lid panel may be opened independently of the provision and use of the first handle. This facilitates the provision of a user-friendly package. This is e.g. beneficial in that the lid may be opened and closed to load the goods into the package, to inspect the goods, or to remove the goods from the package for closer inspection or trying, and to return the goods to the package while still allowing the handle to remain in a virgin or non-affected state. This virgin or non-affected state may e.g. include that the handle is cut out from the handle panel while still being connected to the handle panel, not only along the intended fold line between the handle and the remaining portion of the handle panel, but also along some portions of the cut such that the handle is on one hand kept aligned with the handle panel until the handle is to be used for the first time and on the other hand still easy to fold outwardly by severing these connections along the cut to initiate the first time use of the handle. The material forming these connections may be used to aid in keeping the handle aligned with the handle panel.

The blank may further comprise a second handle panel, wherein the second handle panel may be foldably connected to, and may extend in the first transverse direction from, the other one of the front wall panel or the rear wall panel at the first longitudinally extending side of the set of major panels, wherein the second handle panel may be configured to be inserted between the first and the second end wall panel forming the double-walled end wall at the first longitudinally extending side when the blank is erected into a package. If the first handle panel is foldably connected to and extend in the first transverse direction from the front wall panel, the second handle panel is foldably connected to and extend in the first transverse direction from the rear wall panel, or vice versa.

With the disclosed design, where the second handle panel is configured to be inserted between the first and second end wall panels, the provision for a stable structure is further facilitated and the second handle panel is kept in place. The first and second handle panels may be configured to be inserted between the first and second end wall panel such that they overlay and abut each other, which provides for a stable and strong structure where both the first and the second handle panel are kept in place. Since the first handle panel is on one hand connected to a first panel of the set of major panels and is on the other hand inserted between two end wall panels which are connected to another of the set of major panels which two panels of the set of major panels form an angle between them in combination with the fact that the second handle panel is on one hand connected to a second panel of the set of major panels, being opposite to the first panel of the set of major panels to which the first handle panel is connected, and is on the other hand inserted between two panels which are connected to two panels of the set of major panels forming an angle between them, a strong connection between three neighbouring panels of the set of major panels, the first and second end wall panels, and the first and second handle panels, is formed.

The second handle panel may comprise a second handle being cut from the second handle panel and being foldably connected to a remaining portion of the second handle panel, wherein the second handle may be accessible through the through-going cut-out in the first end wall panel and such that the second handle is foldable outwardly through the through-going cut-out in the first end wall panel and allows the package to be carried using the second handle when the blank is erected into a package. By having the second handle accessible through the through-going cut-out, it allows for the second handle panel to be frictionally locked in position between the first and second end wall panels forming the double-walled end wall. By having both the first and second handle accessible through the through-going cut-out, it allows for the first and second handle panels to be frictionally locked in position between the first and second end wall panels. With the disclosed design, wherein the first and second handle panels comprise one handle each, the load is divided between more than one handle panel and is transferred to three panels of the set of major panels, when carrying the package using the first and the second handle. By having both the first and the second handle, the package may be carried by using both the first and the second handle. This facilitates for a strong and stable handle. It may be noted that the first and second handles preferably have essentially the same form and are positioned on their respective handle panel such that they coincide and jointly form a handle when they are folded outwardly relative to their respective handle panel. Preferably, the first and second handles are essentially mirrored relative to each other in a line which line extends in the transverse direction and which line is positioned centrally between the first and second handle panels as seen in the longitudinal direction.

The blank may further comprise a third end wall panel and a fourth end wall panel that may be foldably interconnected and arranged one after another along a second transverse direction, opposite the first transverse direction, the third end wall panel may be foldably connected to the bottom panel at a second longitudinally extending side, opposite the first longitudinally extending side, of the set of major panels, wherein the third and fourth end wall panels may be configured to be folded relative to each other to form a double-walled end wall at the second longitudinally extending side, opposite the double-walled end wall at the first longitudinally extending side. With the disclosed design, where the third and fourth end wall panels are configured to be folded relative to each other to form a double-walled end wall, the provision of a strong structure is facilitated. This may also be phrased as that said at least one end wall panel configured to form an end wall at a second longitudinally extending side opposing the first longitudinally extending side may further comprise a third end wall panel and a fourth end wall panel that may be foldably interconnected and arranged one after another along a second transverse direction, opposite the first transverse direction, the third end wall panel may be foldably connected to the bottom panel at a second longitudinally extending side, opposite the first longitudinally extending side, of the set of major panels, wherein the third and fourth end wall panels may be configured to be folded relative to each other such that the end wall becomes a double-walled end wall at the second longitudinally extending side, opposite the double-walled end wall at the first longitudinally extending side when the blank is erected into a package.

Preferably, the third and fourth end wall panels are configured to be folded such that the third end wall panel forms an outside surface of the double-walled end wall and the fourth end wall panel forms an inside surface of the double-walled end wall. It may be noted that the double-walled end wall will for parts of its planar extension include more than two layers of material; the third and fourth end wall panels and for instance one or more comer flaps being inserted between the third and fourth end wall panels. However, the term double-walled is here intended to refer to the fact that the end wall is formed of two major end wall panels being connected to and folded relative to each other.

The blank may further comprise a first comer flap being foldably connected to, and extending in the second transverse direction from, one of the front wall panel or the rear wall panel at the second longitudinally extending side of the set of major panels, wherein the first comer flap may be configured to be inserted between the third and fourth end wall panels forming the double-walled end wall at the second longitudinally extending side when the blank is erected into a package. With the disclosed design, where the first corner flap is configured to be inserted between the third and fourth end wall panels, the provision of a stable structure is facilitated where the third and fourth end wall panels and the first corner flap are kept in place.

The blank may further comprise a second comer flap being foldably connected to, and extending in the second transverse direction from, the other one of the front wall panel or the rear wall panel at the second longitudinally extending side of the set of major panels, wherein the second comer flap may be configured to be inserted between the third and fourth end wall panels forming the double-walled end wall at the second longitudinally extending side when the blank is erected into a package.

If the first corner flap is foldably connected to and extend in the second transverse direction from the front wall panel, the second comer flap is foldably connected to and extend in the second transverse direction from the rear wall panel, or vice versa.

With the disclosed design, where the second comer flap is configured to be inserted between the third and fourth end wall panels, the provision for a stable structure is facilitated where the third and fourth end wall panels and the second comer flap are kept in place. The first and the second comer flap may be configured to be inserted between the third and fourth end wall panels, which provides for a stable and strong structure where both the first and the second comer flap are kept in place.

In case the second end wall is formed of a single end wall panel, the first comer flap and/or the second comer flap may be connected or attached to the single end wall panel.

The blank may further comprise a closing flap that may be foldably connected to the lid panel at a first transversely extending side of the lid panel being opposite the rear wall panel as seen in a flat-laid state of the blank. By having the closing flap foldably connected to the lid panel, provision of a package which can be closed in a simple manner is facilitated. Thus, the closing flap may be inserted on an inside of the front wall panel, when the blank has been erected into a package. It may be noted that the lid may also comprise additional closing flaps on one or both longitudinally extending sides. Such additional closing flaps may be configured to be inserted along and inside of the respective end wall panel that forms an inside surface of the respective double-walled end wall.

The second end wall panel may comprise at least one locking tab that may be positioned on a third longitudinally extending side of the second end wall panel opposite the first end wall panel and extend from the second end wall panel along the first transverse direction away from the second end wall panel.

The bottom panel may comprise, on the first longitudinally extending side, at least one recess, whereby the at least one locking tab on the second end wall panel may be configured to be inserted into the respective recess when the first and second end wall panels on the first longitudinally extending side are folded to form the double-walled end wall and thereby lock the double-walled end wall in the erected state when the blank is erected into a package. With the disclosed design, wherein the locking tab on the second end wall panel being configured to be inserted into the respective recess, the double-walled end wall may be held in place when the package is in erected state. With the disclosed design, wherein the locking tab may be inserted in the respective recess, the double-walled end wall may be locked when in the erected state. This facilitates provision of a stable double-walled end wall and hence, also a stable package. This facilitates provision of the blank that may be erected into the package without the use of any adhesive or any similar means of keeping the package erected and/or closed, or at least with a minimum use of such adhesive or similar means.

The fourth end wall panel may comprise at least one locking tab that may be positioned on a fourth longitudinally extending side of the fourth end wall panel opposite the third end wall panel and extend from the fourth end wall panel along a second transverse direction, opposite the first transverse direction, away from the fourth end wall panel.

The bottom panel may comprise, on the second longitudinally extending side, at least one recess, whereby the at least one locking tab on the fourth end wall panel may be configured to be inserted into the respective recess when the third and fourth end wall panels on the second longitudinally extending side are folded to form the double-walled end wall and thereby lock the double-walled end wall in the erected state. With the disclosed design, wherein the locking tab on the fourth end wall panel being configured to be inserted into the respective recess, the double-walled end wall may be held in place when the blank is in the erected state. With the disclosed design, wherein the locking tab may be inserted in the respective recess, the double- walled end wall may be locked when in the erected state. This facilitates provision of a stable double-walled end wall and hence, also a stable package. This facilitates provision of the blank that may be erected into the package without the use of any adhesive or any similar means of keeping the package erected and/or closed, or at least with a minimum use of such adhesive or similar means.

The blank is preferably made of a paper-based material. Paper-based material may provide a light weight package. Paper-based material is typically environmentally friendly and can often be recycled in a simple manner.

Paper-based material may provide a package initially formed as a blank that is easy to transport and handle before being erected into the package. It may be noted that the blank may be made of other materials.

The above-mentioned object has also been achieved by a package formed from a blank of the kind disclosed above. The package is formed from the blank, wherein the bottom panel forms a bottom of the package, the front wall panel is folded in relation to the bottom panel such that the front wall panel forms a front wall of the package, wherein the front wall panel preferably forms a right angle to the bottom panel, the rear wall panel and the lid panel are folded in relation to the bottom panel such that the rear wall panel forms a rear wall of the package, wherein the rear wall panel preferably forms a right angle to the bottom panel, wherein the front wall panel and the rear wall panel preferably extend along parallel planes, the first and second end wall panels are folded relative to each other and relative to the bottom panel to form a double-walled end wall at a first longitudinally extending side, wherein the double-walled end wall preferably forms a right angle to the bottom panel, with the first handle panel being inserted between the first and the second end wall panel, said at least one end wall panel forms an end wall at a second longitudinally extending side opposing the first longitudinally extending side, the package being closable and openable by the lid panel being foldable in relation to the rear wall panel, wherein the lid panel in a closed state preferably forms a right angle to the rear wall panel, and wherein in a closed state, the lid panel and the bottom panel preferably extend along parallel planes, and wherein when the package is in a state suitable for storing, in which state the lid panel is openable independently of the provision and use of the first handle thereby allowing the lid panel to be opened and closed while still allowing the first handle to remain in a virgin state, the first handle is accessible through the through-going cut-out in the first end wall panel and such that the first handle is foldable outwardly through the through-going cutout in the first end wall panel and thereby transfer the package from the state suitable for storing to a state allowing the package to be carried using the first handle.

The advantages associated with the various features have been discussed in detail above in relation to the blank and that discussion is equally applicable to the features of the package.

The invention may also in short be said to relate to a blank for forming a package, wherein the blank comprises a set of major panels, a first end wall panel, a second end wall panel and a first handle panel. The set of major panels may comprise a front wall panel, a bottom panel, a rear wall panel, and a lid panel. The first handle panel may comprise a first handle being cut from the first handle panel and being foldably connected to a remaining portion of the first handle panel, wherein the first end wall panel comprises a through-going cut-out being positioned in the first end wall panel such that the first handle is accessible through the through-going cut-out in the first end wall panel and such that the first handle may be folded outwardly through the through-going cut-out in the first end wall panel allowing the package to be carried using the first handle.

Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to “a/an/the [element, device, component, means, step, etc.]” are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of said element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order discussed, unless explicitly stated.

It may also be noted that panel names such as front wall panel, bottom panel, rear wall panel, and lid panel, etc are intended to be read as labels, not necessarily defining the orientation of the panel. As an example, the package does not need to be oriented such that the lid panel actually forms a top of the package. The package may be oriented such that the panel labelled the lid panel actually forms a side wall and that the panel labelled the bottom panel thereby forming an opposing side wall. The end wall panels being associated with the handle panels may for instance form a top of the package not only when the package is carried but may also form a top of the package during storing. However, in the preferred embodiment, the package will be oriented so that during storing, the bottom panel faces downward, and the lid panel faces upward.

It may be noted that the use of first, second, third, fourth, etc. are mainly to be seen as labels facilitating reading and that it does not necessarily mean that there need to be all the intervening numbers of panels or fold lines present. However, to facilitate reading, the numbering first, second, third, fourth, etc., have consistently been used as labels, and in a sense based the numbering on an embodiment including all conceivable panels.

Brief description of the drawings

The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, where the same reference numerals will be used for similar elements, wherein:

Figure 1 discloses a blank for forming a package.

Figure 2A discloses a package in a state suitable for storing.

Figure 2B discloses the package of figure 2A with a handle folded outwardly for carrying.

Figure 2C discloses the package of figure 2A in an open state.

Description of Embodiments

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be constructed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the invention to the skilled person.

Figure 1 shows a blank 100. The blank is for forming a package 200 as shown in Figures 2A, 2B and 2C.

The blank 100 comprises a set of major panels. The set of major panels comprises a front wall panel 102, a bottom panel 104, a rear wall panel 106, and a lid panel 108. The set of major panels are foldably interconnected and arranged one after another along a longitudinal direction L1. In a preferred embodiment, wherein the blank 100 is erected to form the package 200, the front wall panel 102 and the rear wall panel 106 extend along parallel planes. In a preferred embodiment, wherein the blank 100 is erected to form the package 200 and wherein the package 200 is in a closed state, as seen in Figures 2A and 2B, the bottom panel 104 and the lid panel 108 extend along parallel planes.

The blank 100 further comprises a first end wall panel 110 and a second end wall panel 112. The first end wall panel 110 and the second end wall panel 112 are foldably interconnected and arranged one after another along a first transverse direction T1. The first end wall panel 110 is foldably connected to the bottom panel 104 at a first longitudinally extending side TS1 of the set of major panels. The first and second end wall panels 110, 112 are configured to be folded relative to each other to form a double-walled end wall 202a at the first longitudinally extending side TS1 when the blank 100 is in an erected state. In a preferred embodiment, as the blank 100 is in the erected state, the double-walled end wall 202a is at a right angle to the bottom panel 104. Preferably, the first and second end wall panels 110, 112 are folded such that the first end wall panel 110 forms an outside surface of the double- walled end wall 202a.

The blank 100 further comprises a first handle panel 114. The first handle panel 114 is foldably connected to one of the front wall panel 102 or the rear wall panel 106 at the first longitudinally extending side TS1 of the set of major panels. The first handle panel 114 extends in the first transverse direction T1 from the one of the front wall panel 102 or the rear wall panel 106. The first handle panel 114 may be configured to be inserted between the first and the second end wall panels 110, 112 forming the double-walled end wall 202a at the first longitudinally extending side TS1 when the blank 100 is in the erected state.

The first handle panel 114 comprises a first handle 116 being cut from the first handle panel 114. The first handle panel 114 may be foldably connected to a remaining portion of the first handle panel 114. The first end wall panel 110 comprises a through-going cut-out 118. The through-going cutout 118 may be positioned in the first end wall panel 110 such that the first handle 116 may be accessible through the through-going cut-out 118 in the first end wall panel 110. The first handle 116 may be folded outwardly through the through-going cut-out in the first end wall panel 110 allowing the package to be carried using the first handle 116.

The blank 100 may further comprise a second handle panel 120. The second handle panel 120 may be foldably connected to another one of the front wall panel 102 or the rear wall panel 106 at the first longitudinally extending side TS1 of the set of major panels. Thus, the second handle panel 120 may be foldably connected to the other wall panel 102, 106, compared to the wall panel 102, 106 the first handle panel 114 is foldably connected to.

The second handle panel 120 may extend in the first transverse direction T1 from the one of the front wall panel 102 or the rear wall panel 106. The second handle panel 120 may be configured to be inserted between the first and the second end wall panel 110, 112 forming the double-walled end wall 202a at the first longitudinally extending side TS1. Thus, the second handle panel 120 may be configured to be inserted between the first and the second end wall panels 110, 112 in the same way as the first handle panel 114 may be inserted. Thus, both the first and the second handle panel 114, 120 may be inserted between the first and the second end wall panel 110, 112.

The second handle panel 120 may comprise a second handle 122. The second handle 122 may be cut from the second handle panel 120. The second handle 122 may be foldably connected to a remaining portion of the second handle panel 120. The second handle 122 may be accessible through the through-going cut-out 118 in the first end wall panel 110. The second handle 122 may be folded outwardly through the through-going cut-out 118 in the first end wall panel 110 allowing the package 200 to be carried using the second handle 122. Thus, the second handle 122 may be accessible through the through-going cut-out 118 in the same way as the first handle 116 is accessible through the through-going cut out 118. Both the first and the second handle 116, 122 may be accessible through the through-going cut-out 118 at the same time.

The blank 100 may further comprise a third end wall panel 124 and a fourth end wall panel 126. The third and fourth end wall panels 124, 126 may be foldably interconnected and arranged one after another along a second transverse direction T2, the second transverse direction T2 being opposite the first transverse direction T1. The third end wall panel 124 may be foldably connected to the bottom panel 104 at a second longitudinally extending side TS2, opposite the first longitudinally extending side TS1 , of the set of major panels. The third end wall panel 124 may be foldably connected to the bottom panel 104, opposite the first end wall panel 110. The third and fourth end wall panels 124, 126 may be configured to be folded relative to each other to form a double-walled end wall 202b at the second longitudinally extending side TS2, opposite the double-walled end wall 202a at the first longitudinally extending side TS1. Preferably, the third and fourth end wall panels 124, 126 are folded such that the third end wall panel 124 forms an outside surface of the double-walled end wall 202b. In a preferred embodiment, as the blank 100 is in the erected state, the double-walled end wall 202a at the first longitudinally extending side TS1 and the double-walled end wall 202b at the second longitudinally extending side TS2 extend along parallel planes.

The blank 100 may further comprise a first comer flap 128. The first comer flap 128 may be foldably connected to one of the front wall panel 102 or the rear wall panel 106 at the second longitudinally extending side TS2 of the set of major panels. Thus, the first comer flap 128 may be foldably connected opposite the first or the second handle panel 114, 120. The first comer flap 128 may be configured to be inserted between the third and fourth end wall panels 124, 126 forming the double-walled end wall 202b at the second longitudinally extending side TS2.

The blank 100 may further comprise a second corner flap 130. The second comer flap 130 may be foldably connected to another one of the front wall panel 102 or the rear wall panel 106 at the second longitudinally extending side TS2 of the set of major panels. Thus, the second comer flap 130 may be foldably connected to the other wall panel 102, 106, compared to the wall panel 102, 106 the first comer flap 128 is foldably connected to. The second comer flap 130 may be configured to be inserted between the third and fourth end wall panels 124, 126 forming the double-walled end wall 202b at the second longitudinally extending side TS2. Thus, the second corner flap 130 may be configured to be inserted between the third and the fourth end wall panels 124, 126 in the same way as the first comer flap 128 may be inserted. Thus, both the first and the second comer flaps 128, 130 may be inserted between the third and the fourth end wall panels 124, 126.

The blank 100 may further comprise a closing flap 132. The closing flap 132 may be foldably connected to the lid panel 108 at a first transversely extending side LS1 of the lid panel 108. The closing flap 132 may be foldably connected to the lid panel 108 at the first transversely extending side LS1 of the lid panel 108 opposite the rear wall panel 106 as seen in Figure 1. Preferably, the first transversely extending side LS1 is at a right angle to the first and the second longitudinally extending sides TS1 , TS2.

The second end wall panel 112 may comprise at least one locking tab 134. The locking tab 134 may be positioned on a third longitudinally extending side TS3 of the second end wall panel 112 opposite the first end wall panel 110. The locking tab 134 may be extending from the second end wall panel 112 along the first transverse direction T1 away from the second end wall panel 110. It may be noted that the use of first and third in the terms first longitudinally extending side TS1 and the third longitudinally extending side TS3 are to be seen as labels to facilitate differentiation between longitudinally extending sides of different panels. As is apparent from figure 1 , the different longitudinally extending sides TS1 , TS2, TS3, TS4 are used to indicate different positions as seen along the transverse direction. It may in this context be noted that most of the panels are mainly rectangular in shape and thereby each have two opposing longitudinally extending sides and two opposing transversely extending sides.

The bottom panel 104 may comprise, on the first longitudinally extending side TS1 , at least one recess 135. The locking tab/-s 134 on the second end wall panel 112 may be configured to be inserted into the respective recess 135 when the end wall panels 110, 112 on the first longitudinally extending side TS1 are folded to form the double-walled end wall 202a. Thereby, the double-walled end wall 202a may be locked in the erected state.

The fourth end wall panel 126 may comprise at least one locking tab 136. The locking tab/-s 136 may be positioned on a fourth longitudinally extending side TS4 of the fourth end wall panel 126 opposite the third end wall panel 124. The locking tab 136 may be extending from the fourth end wall panel 126 along a second transverse direction T2, opposite the first transverse direction T1 , away from the fourth end wall panel 124. The bottom panel 104 may comprise, on the second longitudinally extending side TS2, at least one recess 137. The locking tab/-s 136 on the fourth end wall panel 126 may be configured to be inserted into the respective recess 137 when the end wall panels 124, 126 on the second longitudinally extending side TS2 are folded to form the double-walled end wall 202b. Thereby, the double-walled end wall 202b may be locked in the erected state.

Figures 2A-2C shows the blank 100 of Figure 1 in the erected state forming the package 200. Figure 2A generally illustrates the package 200 formed from the blank 100. In this state shown in figure 2A, the package 200 is in a state suitable for storing or transportation together with other packages. The lid panel 108 is openable independently of the provision and use of the first handle 116. Figure 2B illustrates the package 200 of figure 2A with a handle folded outwardly from the double-walled end wall 202a. The handle may be the first handle 116 or the second handle 122. Alternatively, or in combination, the handle may be both the first and the second handle 116,

122. The first and/or second handle 116, 122 is folded outwardly through the through-going cut-out 118 in the first end wall panel 110, thereby transferring the package 200 from the state suitable for storing to a state allowing the package 200 to be carried using the first and/or second handle 116, 122. Preferably, the handle is formed of both the first and the second handles 116, 122. Figure 2C illustrates the package 200 of figure 2A, wherein the package 200 is in an open state.

In a preferred embodiment, wherein the blank 100 is in the erected state forming the package 200, as illustrated in figures 2A-2C, the bottom panel 104 is configured to form a bottom of the package 200. The front wall panel 102 is configured to form a front wall of the package 200, wherein the front wall panel 102 is at a right angle to the bottom panel 104. The rear wall panel 106 is configured to form a rear wall of the package 200, wherein the rear wall panel 106 is at a right angle to the bottom panel 104. Preferably, the front wall panel 102 and the rear wall panel 106 extend along parallel planes. The lid panel 108 is configured to form a lid of the package 200, wherein the lid panel 108 is at a right angle to the rear wall panel 106. Preferably, the lid panel 108 and the bottom panel 104 extend along parallel planes.

The first and second end wall panels 110, 112 are configured to be folded relative to each other to form the double-walled end wall 202a at the first longitudinally extending side TS1 , wherein the double-walled end wall 202a is at a right angle to the bottom panel 104. The first handle panel 114 is configured to be inserted between the first and second end wall panels 110, 112, and the first handle 116 is accessible through the through-going cut-out 118 in the first end wall panel 110. Alternatively, or in combination, the second handle panel 120 is configured to be inserted between the first and second end wall panels 110, 112, and the second handle 122 is accessible through the through-going cut-out 118 in the first end wall panel 110. Preferably, both the first and the second handles 116, 122 are accessible through the through-going cut-out 118 in the first end wall panel 110 such that they may jointly form a handle. It may be noted that before the handles 116, 122 are folded outwardly, one of the handles 122 will be positioned behind the other one 116. If they are shaped in the same shape and positioned at the same position, only the outer one will be visible. It is conceivable to use some kind of adhesive, such as an adhesive strip, to interconnect the two handles 116, 122 during the erection of the blank 100 into a package 200.

The third and fourth end wall panels 124, 126 are configured to be folded relative to each other to form the double-walled end wall 202b at the second longitudinally extending side TS2, wherein the double-walled end wall 202b is at a right angle to the bottom panel 104. Preferably, the two double- walled end walls 202a, 202b extend along parallel planes.

The closing flap 132 may as such comprise a closing mechanism recess. Alternatively, a closing mechanism recess may be provided at an interface between the lid panel 108 and the closing flap 132. The front wall panel 102 may comprise a closing mechanism, such as a tongue. The closing mechanism may be configured to be inserted in the closing mechanism recess. Thereby, the package 200 may be closed as the blank 100 being in the erected state. The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.