Technical field

The present invention relates to a dispensing box, and particularly to a dispensing box for dispensing individual articles through a dispensing region formed in a top surface of the dispensing box. In particular, the present invention relates to dispensing boxes which may be more easily folded into a flat configuration, for example for disposal or recycling. The present invention also relates to blanks and tubes for forming such boxes.

Background

Dispensing boxes are known, for example of brick or cube shape, having a top surface or top wall in which a dispensing region is formed, through which dispensing region a stack of articles, contained in the dispensing box, may be individually withdrawn. The dispensing region may provide a hole or slit through which the articles may be withdrawn. Such dispensing boxes, for example, are particularly used for dispensing flat, relatively flexible articles such as absorbent paper products, for example facial tissues. However, such dispensing boxes may also be used for dispensing other flat, flexible articles from a stack contained in the box. In such use, each article of the stack of articles is folded with an adjacent article, such that fully withdrawing one article through the dispensing region also partially withdraws an adjacent article in the stack, thereby presenting the next article in sequence to the user for easy withdrawal.

Such boxes are conventionally formed by folding a single contiguous blank, being a flat sheet of structural material such as card, into the shape of the dispensing box, and fixing overlapping parts of the blank together, for example by glue or tape, to retain the box in its assembled, three- dimensional configuration.

Such a blank consists of panels, which form, in their entirety, a wall of the dispensing box, flaps, which overlap with other flaps to form other walls of the dispensing box, and tabs, which extend from panels to connect one panel to another. This construction is well known in the art.

It is also possible to partially assemble such a blank by fixing end parts of the blank together to form a tube consisting of circumferentially-adjoining walls of the dispensing box, which needs only to be erected and then stabilised by closing the remaining end walls to stabilise the assembled box.

With conventional construction, the user typically must pull apart the box, breaking glued regions, pulling away tape and/or tearing the material of the box to achieve a flattened configuration for convenient disposal. In recent years, there has been a desire to make such boxes more easily disposable, for example for the purposes of recycling.

However, this process is inconvenient for the user to perform, and moreover frequently does not provide a sufficiently flattened form for convenient and space- efficient disposal and storage. This is all the more important for those living in high-density accommodation, who may lack abundant space for storage of waste.

Accordingly, there is a need for dispensing boxes, and for blanks from which such dispensing boxes can be made, which allows a more convenient flattening process, to enable a more convenient disposal. One proposal for such a dispensing box which more easily may be flattened for disposal is shown in Figures 1A to 1C. Dispensing box 0000 shown in Figure 1A has a top wall 0300 in which a dispensing region 0350 is formed. Dispensing region 0350 defines a region through which a stack of articles, accommodated in the dispensing box 0000, can be withdrawn. Dispensing region 0350 is at least partially blocked by protective part 0352, which is separated from the remainder of top wall 0300 by perforations, such that protective part 0352 may be removed by user of the box to access the articles contained in dispensing box 0000. To assist in removal of protective part 0352, apertures 0354 are provided, into which a user may insert a finger to tear protective part 0352 away from the remainder of top wall 0300 to expose the articles contained in dispensing box 0000.

Dispensing box 0000 also has two side walls 0400 and 0500, two end walls 0100 and 0200, and a bottom wall 0600. Bottom wall 0600 faces top wall 0300, while end walls 0100 and 0200 and side walls 0400 and 0500 extend between top wall 0300 and bottom wall 0600. Side walls 0400 and 0500 face one another across a longitudinal axis of the dispensing box 0000, while end walls 0100 and 0200 face each other along the longitudinal axis of dispensing box 0000.

End walls 0100 and 0200 may also be regarded as side walls, but are referred to as end walls in connection with the dispensing box 0000 to distinguish them from the more elongate side walls 0400 and 0500. In a variant configuration, side walls 0400 and 0500 could be shorter than end walls 0100, 0200, which could be elongated. Alternatively, all walls 0400, 0500, 0100 and 0200 could be the same length.

End wall 0100 is formed of overlapping flaps 0110 and 0120. First flap 0110 overlaps second flap 0120, and first flap 0120 is glued to second flap 0120 at a region of overlap so as to maintain dispensing box 0000 in a stable configuration .

In the configuration shown in Figure 1A, second flap 0120 partially overlaps first flap 0120. First flap 0120 has a pressing portion 0112 extending from the end of second flap 0120, pressing portion 0112 being delimited by weakened portions, such as perforation lines. With the configuration shown in Figure 1A, a user can, by applying pressure to pressing portion 0112 push pressing portion 0112 inward, breaking first flap 0110 along the weakened portions surrounding pressing portion 0112, such that the user's finger or thumb is then inside the box. The user can then pull on second flap 0120 as shown in Figure IB to tear open end wall 0100. A similar procedure can be performed at the second end wall 0200 which has a similar configuration, again as shown in Figures 1A and IB. With the end walls opened, the box may then easily be flattened as shown in Figure 1C.

However, the process of Figure 1A and Figure IB is inconvenient, since it requires the application of firstly inward pressure and then secondly outward pulling force to collapse end wall 0100, 0200. Moreover, as most easily seen in Figure IB, end wall 0100 may also include third and fourth flaps 0130, 0140, which underlie first flap 0110 and second flap 0120, and which may be fixed to one or both of first and second flaps 0110, 0120.

In the opening process shown in Figure IB, it may not be possible easily to break the fixation between the third and fourth flaps 0130, 0140 and the first and second flaps 0110, 0120 without considerable force. This may lead to incomplete breaking of end walls 0100, 0200. Moreover, during the opening process shown in Figure IB, it is possible that portions of the flaps 0110, 0120, 0130, 0140 may tear at unexpected locations. An undesired consequence could be an inability completely to flatten dispensing box 0000 flat for disposal, as intended and shown in Figure 1C.

The present invention meets one or more needs and addresses one or more disadvantages, in particular in terms of an improved ability to flatten the dispensing box for disposal as compared with the proposal of Figure 1A, Figure IB and Figure 1C.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dispensing box for dispensing individual articles. The dispensing box has a top wall. A dispensing region is formed in the top wall. The dispensing box has a bottom wall. The dispensing box can, in use, rest on the bottom wall. The dispensing box has a plurality of side walls. The plurality of side walls extend between the bottom wall and the top wall. The plurality of side walls enclose a space. The space is suitable to accommodate a stack of articles. The stack of articles are to be withdrawn through the dispensing region. The plurality of side walls include a first side wall. The first side wall is formed of a plurality of flaps. At least some of the flaps are fixed together. The first side wall has at least one weakened portion formed therein. Application of pressure from an outside of the box to a pressing portion on the first side wall causes the side wall to fragment along the weakened portion. The fragmentation is into at least two parts. Further application of pressure to the pressing portion causes the part of the first side wall having the pressing portion to fold flat inside the box against a wall of the dispensing box from which the first side wall extends.

At the first side wall, one flap of the plurality of flaps may be fixed to another flap at a fixation position where the one flap at least partially overlies or underlies the other flap .

A weakened portion may be provided to the one flap extending from an edge of the one flap so as to surround the fixation position on the one flap.

The first side wall may include a first flap extending from one wall of the bottom wall, the top wall or another of the side walls. The first flap may be connected to that wall by a first fold line.

The first side wall may be flat.

The first side wall may include a second flap. The second flap may extend from another wall opposite to the one wall. The second flap may be connected to that side wall by a second fold line.

The first side wall may comprise third and fourth flaps. The third and fourth flaps may extend towards one another to at least partially underlie at least the second flap from respective walls of the box other than the one wall and the another wall. The third and fourth flaps may be connected to those respective walls by respective fold lines.

Each of the third and fourth flaps may be trapezoidal. Each of the third and fourth flaps may have at least one side inclined to and extending from the fold line associated with the flap. Each of the third and fourth flaps may have at least one curved side extending from the fold line associated with the flap.

The third and fourth flaps may each be fixed to the second flap . The third and fourth flaps may each be fixed to the first flap .

The first flap may at least partially underlie the second flap .

The second flap may at least partially underlie the first flap .

The first flap may comprise a first separation portion fixed to the second flap. The first flap may comprise a first remainder portion extending between the first separation portion and the first fold line. The first flap may have a first weakened portion extending across the flap from a point on a side of the flap at which the first separation portion joins the first remainder portion to a point on an opposite side of the flap at which the first separation portion joins the first remainder portion. The first separation portion may be detachable from the remainder portion along the weakened portion .

The first separation portion may at least partially underly the second flap.

The second flap may at least partially underlie the first separation portion.

The first remainder portion may be wider in a direction across the flap than the first separation portion.

An edge of the second flap may align with a straight line joining the points at opposite edges of the first flap at which the separation portion meets the remainder portion.

The first separation portion may comprise, as the pressing portion, a projecting portion. The projecting portion may project towards the remainder portion beyond a straight line joining the points at opposite edges of the first flap at which the separation portion meets the remainder portion.

The projecting portion may be semi-circular. The projecting portion may have the form of a circular segment. The projecting portion may be polygonal.

The projecting portion may have an area of greater than 1cm ² . The projecting portion may have an area of less than 4cm ² .

The projecting portion may have a length in a direction away from the straight line of greater than 1cm. The projecting portion may have a length in a direction away from the straight line of less than 3cm.

The projecting portion may have a width in a direction across from the straight line of greater than 1cm. The projecting portion may have a width in a direction across from the straight line of less than 3cm.

A fixation between the second flap and each of the third and fourth flaps may be weaker than a fixation between the first and second flaps.

A fixation between the first flap and each of the third and fourth flaps may be weaker than a fixation between the first and second flaps.

The third and fourth flaps may each comprise second separation portions at which the third and fourth flaps are fixed to one of the first and second flaps. The third and fourth flaps may each comprise a second remainder portion extending between the fold line of the respective flap of the third and fourth flaps and the separation portion.

The second flap may comprise second separation portions. The second separation portions may be arranged on opposite sides of the second flap across the second flap. The second separation portions may be spaced apart from the second fold line. The second separation portions may be adjoining an edge of the second flap opposite to the second fold line at which the third and fourth flaps are fixed to the second flap. The second flap may comprise a second remainder portion. The second remainder portion may extend between the second fold line and the separation portions. The second flap may have second weakened portions. The second weakened portions may extend from a point on a side of the flap at which a separation portion joins the remainder portion to a point on the edge of the flap at which the separation portion joins the second remainder portion. The separation portion may be detachable from the remainder portion along the weakened portion .

The first weakened portion may be contiguous on the surface of the first side wall with the second weakened portion.

The first weakened portion may be weaker than the second weakened portion.

The second remainder portions may be polygonal or have the form of a circular segment or a circular sector.

The second remainder portions may each have an area of less than 3cm ² . The second remainder portions may each have an area of greater than 0.5cm ²

The second flap may comprise cut-out portions. The cut-out portions may be arranged on opposite sides of the second flap across the second flap. The cut-out portions may be spaced apart from the second fold line. The cut-out portions may adjoin an edge of the second flap opposite to the second fold line. The cut-out portions may align with positions on the first flap at which the first flap is fixed, respectively, to the third and fourth flaps. The weakened portions may include the fold lines of the third and fourth flaps.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dispensing box. The dispensing box is for dispensing individual articles. The dispensing box has a top wall. A dispensing region is formed in the top wall. The dispensing box has a bottom wall. The dispensing box can, in use, rest on the bottom wall. The dispending box has a plurality of side walls. The plurality of side walls extend between the bottom wall and the top wall. The plurality of side walls enclose a space. The space is suitable to accommodate a stack of articles. The articles of the stack are to be withdrawn through the dispensing region. The plurality of side walls include a first side wall. The first side wall is formed of a plurality of flaps. At least some of the plurality of flaps are fixed together. At least one weakened portion is formed between the first side wall and an inward portion of another wall from which the first side wall extends. Application of pressure from an outside of the box to a pressing portion on the another wall between the inward portion and the first side wall causes the another wall to fragment. The fragmentation is along the weakened portion. The fragmentation is into at least two parts. Further application of pressure to the pressing portion causes the part of the another wall having the pressing portion together with the first side wall to fold flat inside the box against a further wall of the dispensing box opposite to the another wall .

One flap of the plurality of flaps may be fixed to another flap at a fixation position where the one flap at least partially overlies or underlies the other flap. The first side wall may include a first flap. The first flap may extend from the another wall. The first flap may be connected to the another wall by a first fold line.

The first side wall may be flat.

The first side wall may include a second flap. The second flap may extend from the further wall. The second flap may be connected to that side wall by a second fold line.

The dispensing box may comprise third and fourth flaps. The third and fourth flaps may extend towards one another to at least partially underlie at least the second flap from respective walls of the box other than the another wall and the further wall. The third and fourth flaps may be connected to those respective walls by respective fold lines.

The third and fourth flaps may be trapezoidal. The third and fourth flaps may have at least one side inclined to and extending from the fold line associated with the flap. The third and fourth flaps may have at least one curved side extending from the fold line associated with the flap.

The third and fourth flaps may be each fixed to the second flap .

The third and fourth flaps may be each fixed to the first flap .

The first flap may at least partially underlie the second flap .

The second flap may at least partially underlie the first flap .

The another wall may comprise a separation portion. The separation portion may extend inwardly from the first fold line. The another wall may comprise a remainder portion. The separation portion may have the pressing portion. A first weakened portion may extend across the another wall from a point on one side of the another wall at which the separation portion joins the remainder portion to a point on an opposite side of the another wall at which the separation portion joins the first remainder portion. The separation portion may be detachable from the remainder portion along the weakened portion .

The first weakened portion may comprise at least a part of the first fold line.

The first weakened portion may extend along the first fold line at parts of the first fold line adjacent to the ends of the first fold line.

The first separation portion may extend inwardly from a part of the first fold line between the ends of the first fold line .

The first weakened portion may extend from one end of the first fold line to another end of the first fold line.

The first remainder portion may be wider in a direction across the another wall than the first separation portion.

The first weakened portion may not extend along the first fold line.

The first weakened portion may be inward of the first fold line .

Further weakened portions may be provided. The further weakened portions may be along edges of the another wall adjoining adjacent walls. The further weakened portions may connect the first weakened portion to an end of the another wall at which the first side wall is arranged. The first separation portion may comprise, as the pressing portion, a projecting portion. The projecting portion may project towards the remainder portion beyond a straight line joining the points at opposite edges of the another wall at which the separation portion meets the remainder portion.

The projecting portion may be semi-circular. The projecting portion may have the form of a circular segment. The projecting portion may be polygonal.

The projecting portion may have an area of greater than 1cm ² . The projecting portion may have an area of less than 4cm ² .

The projecting portion may have a length in a direction away from the straight line of greater than 1cm. The projecting portion may have a length in a direction away from the straight line of less than 3cm.

The projecting portion may have a width in a direction across from the straight line of greater than 1cm. The projecting portion may have a width in a direction across from the straight line of less than 3cm.

A fixation between the second flap and each of the third and fourth flaps may be weaker than a fixation between the first and second flaps.

A fixation between the first flap and each of the third and fourth flaps may be weaker than a fixation between the first and second flaps.

The third and fourth flaps may each comprise second separation portions. The second separation portions may be portions at which the respective flap of the third and fourth flaps are fixed to the first flap or the second flap. The third and fourth flaps may each comprise a second remainder portion extending between the fold line of the respective flap of the third and fourth flaps and the separation portion .

The second flap may comprise second separation portions arranged on opposite sides of the respective first flap or second flap across the second flap. The second separation portions may be spaced apart from the second fold line and adjoining an edge of the second flap opposite to the second fold line. The second separation portions may provide positions at which the second flap is fixed, respectively, to the third and fourth flaps.

The second remainder portions may be polygonal. The second remainder portions may have the form of a circular segment. The second remainder portions may have the form of a circular sector .

The second remainder portions may each have an area of less than 3cm ² . The second remainder portions may each have an area of greater than 0.5cm2.

The weakened portions may include the fold lines of the third and fourth flaps.

The at least one weakened portion may comprise a line of perforations .

The fixation may be by glueing.

The glue for the fixation may be substantially free from synthetic polymers.

The glue may be a starch-based glue.

The box may be formed from recyclable material. A slitted portion may be arranged to overlie or underlie the dispensing region. The slitted portion may have a dispensing slit through which the articles may be withdrawn

The slitted portion may be fixed to an inner surface of the top wall.

The slitted portion may be fixed by glueing.

The glue for fixing the slitted portion may be substantially free from synthetic polymers.

The glue for fixing the slitted portion may be a starch-based glue

The slitted portion may comprise a plastic film.

The slitted portion may comprise a paper.

The paper may be a recyclable paper.

The slitted portion may have a rough side and a smooth side. The rough side may be arranged to face an outside of the box.

The slitted portion may be substantially transparent.

The dispensing box may have a second side wall opposed to the first side wall. The second side wall may have a corresponding configuration to that defined for the first side wall.

The dispensing box may have a cuboidal form.

The dispensing box may have a cube form.

The dispensing region may be at least partially delimited by weakened portions. The weakened portions may be perforations. A protective part of the upper wall arranged in the dispensing region and attached to a remainder of the top wall by the weakened portions may be removable. An uppermost article of the stack of articles may be able to be withdrawn through the dispensing region.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a contiguous blank for forming the dispensing box according to the first aspect or the second aspect.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figures 1A to 1C show a process of collapsing a dispensing box according to a prior proposal;

Figures 2A to 2C show a process of collapsing a dispensing box being an embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 3A and 3B show two views of a first embodiment of a dispensing box according to the present invention;

Figure 4 shows a blank for forming the dispensing box shown in Figures 3A and 3B;

Figure 5 shows an exploded view of an end wall of the dispensing box shown in Figures 3A and 3B;

Figure 6 shows how the elements shown in Figure 5 overlapped form the end wall of the dispensing box shown in

Figures 3A and 3B;

Figure 7 shows the end wall of the dispensing box shown in Figures 3A and 3B as perceived by a user;

Figure 8 shows an alternative blank for forming a first variant embodiment of the dispensing box according to the present invention;

Figure 9 shows an end wall of the dispensing box of the first variant of the present invention as perceived by a user;

Figures 10A and 10B show a second variant of a dispensing box being an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 11 shows a blank for forming the dispensing box shown in Figures 10A and 10B; Figures 12A and 12B show a third variant of the dispensing box according to the present invention;

Figure 13 shows a blank for forming the dispensing box according to Figures 12A and 12B.

Detailed Description

In order to address one or more problems or meet one or more needs of prior dispensing boxes, a general concept of the present invention will be explained with reference to Figures 2A to 2C, which represent a first embodiment of a dispensing box 100 according to the present invention.

In the explanations of Figures 2A, 2B and 2C and throughout the remainder of this description, elements bearing reference signs XABC correspond to elements shown and described as elements 0ABC in the description relating to the prior proposal of Figures 1A, IB and 1C. Moreover, between each disclosed embodiment and variant embodiment of the present invention, elements of the form XABC correspond to elements of the form YABC between different embodiments, X and Y depending on the embodiment or variant of the embodiment concerned. Accordingly, repetitious description of such elements will be omitted, and it may be assumed that such elements have identical or similar construction and function as corresponding elements already described, unless otherwise explained or apparent.

The embodiment shown in Figure 2A has a top surface 1300 with dispensing region 1350. Dispensing region has protective part 1352 and apertures 1354 similar to those explained with reference to Figure 1A. The dispensing box 1000 shown in Figure 2A also has side walls 1400 and 1500 and end walls 1100 and 1200. As shown in Figure 2A, end wall 1100 has a first flap 1110 and a second flap 1120 overlapping and adhered one to another at the region of overlap. End wall 1200, which cannot be seen in Figure 2A, has a similar or identical configuration to end wall 1100.

End wall 1100 is provided with a pressing portion 1112 at which force may be applied to end wall 1100. At least one weakened portion 1115 is formed in end wall 1100 which surrounds the pressing portion and extends across the side wall such that applying pressure to pressing portion 1112 causes end wall 1100 to fragment along the weakened portion into at least two parts. Particularly, the fragmentation is such as to disconnect the part of end wall 1100, at which flaps 1110 and second flap 1120 are adhered together, from the remainder of the flap having pressing portion 1112. An effect of this is that the part of end wall 1100 having pressing portion 1112 folds inwards, flat against an interior surface of dispensing box 1000, as shown in Figure 2B. Accordingly, by the application of pressure, the side wall can be collapsed into a state shown in Figure 2B, which then can be flattened shown in Figure 2C.

Notably, end wall 1100 fragments such that the part of end wall 1100, having the location at which the two flaps 1110 and 1120 are fixed together, separates from another part of end wall 1100 where the two flaps 1110 and 1120 are not fixed together, such that these parts of the end wall 1100 may each be folded at a fold line against an interior surface of the dispensing box. Further notably, one flap fragments along a weakened portion in that flap. The part of the flap at which the flap is fixed to another flap separates from the remainder of that flap, the remainder of the flap being connected to the remainder of the dispensing box by a fold line. The part of the flap which separates after fragmentation folds down against one interior surface of the dispensing box together with the another flap, while the part of the flap which remains after fragmentation folds down against another interior surface of the dispensing box. These interior surfaces are opposed to one another across the interior void of the dispensing box.

This concept may be implemented in various ways as described in more detail below, in various embodiments and variations .

For example, according to a first embodiment, a detailed construction of dispensing box 1000 is shown in Figures 3A and 3B, although without the detailed construction of end wall 1100 being shown. The detailed construction of end wall 1100 is shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7 and will be further explained below.

The dispensing box 1000 shown in Figures 3A and 3B is formed from blank 2000 shown in Figure 4. Since a dispensing box, and the blank which forms it, have a direct relationship and direct correspondence of one part with another, the configuration of a given dispensing box may equally be understood and defined by considering the blank from which it is formed. Therefore, in the discussion of dispensing box 1000, reference will also be made to the corresponding parts of blank 2000. Within one embodiment, where an element is assigned reference JABC with regard to the dispensing box and KABC with regard to the blank, the elements shall be taken to correspond as between the blank and the assembled box.

As may be appreciated from Figure 4, blank 2000 has top panel 2300 having dispensing region 2350 formed therein. Dispensing region 2350 has protective part 2352 contained within dispensing region 2350, extending substantially all the way across it apart from apertures 2354 which are left open. Protective part 2352 is connected to the remainder of top panel 2300 by weakened portions, here perforation lines, to allow protective portion 2352 easily to be removed by a user, for example by inserting a finger into one of apertures 2354 and lifting protection portion 2352 clear of the remainder of top panel 2300.

Extending away from top panel 2300, and connected to it by fold lines, are side panels 2400 and 2500. Side panes 2400 and 2500 are arranged across a longitudinal axis of top panel 2300. Extending further away from side panel 2400, on an opposite fold line from the fold line connecting side panel 2400 to top panel 2300, is bottom panel 2600. Extending further away from bottom panel 2600 is tab 2700, which is connected to bottom portion 2600 by a fold line, which is on an opposite side of bottom panel 2600 to the fold line connecting bottom panel 2600 with side panel 2400. Tab 2700 is arranged, when blank 2000 is to be formed into a tubular configuration (a tube) , to underlie side panel 2500 and to be glued to side panel 2500.

Extending from a first remaining side of bottom panel 2600, and connected to it by a fold line, is first flap 2110, which, in the tubular configuration, may be overlapped with second flap 2120 and glued thereto in the tubular configuration to stabilise the three-dimensional form necessary to form dispensing box 1000. First and second flaps may be fixed together by glue provided at position b on first flap 2110. In the configuration shown in Figure 4, first flap 2110 underlies second flap 2120 in the assembled state. Also shown in Figure 4 are third and fourth flaps 2130 and 2140, which extend respectively from side panel 2400 and 2500, are connected to the respective side panels by fold lines, and which, during assembly of dispensing box 1000 are folded inwardly to underlie both first flap 2110 and second flap 2120. First flap 2110 is formed in a step configuration, with a first part, turned the separation part 2112 of reduced width, and a second part, designated the remaining part 2114 of greater width. Thereby, cut-out portions 2116 are formed on either side of first flap 2110, specifically on either side of separation part 2112. These cut-out portions 2116 are arranged to correspond to parts of third flap 2130 and fourth flap 2140 such that, even though second flap 2120 overlies first flap 2110, third flap 2130 and fourth flap 2140 can be fixed, by means of glue regions b, to second flap 2120. Second flap has regions, termed separation parts 2123, at either side of remaining part 2124 at which respectively third flap 2130 and fourth flap 2140 are to be fixed to second flap 2120.

First flap 2110 has a weakened portion extending from the cut-out portion 2116 on one side of separation portion 2112 to cut-out portion 2116 on an opposite side of separation portion 2112 which is weaker against tearing than other parts of first flap 2110. In particular, separation portion 2112 has a projecting portion 2113 which projects inwardly from the remainder of separation portion 2112 into remainder portion 2114 towards the fold line connecting the first flap 2110 and bottom panel 2600. Weakened portion 2115 may be formed, for example, as a row of perforations. A fold line may be formed between projection portion 2113 and the remainder of separation portion 2112.

Similarly, separation portions 2123 of second flap 2120 are delimited from remainder portion 2124 by weakened portions, which again may be perforation lines.

Notably, on each flap 2110 and 2120, the portions of the flap at which glue is to be provided, to affix the flap to another flap, are designated separation portions, and are delimited from a remainder portion of the flap by weakened portions, here perforation lines.

At the opposite end of blank 2000 to the end having first and second flaps 2110 and 2120, in other words at the end of blank 2000 which corresponds to end wall 1200 of box 1000, a corresponding configuration of first flap 2210, second flap 2220, and third and fourth flaps 2230, 2240 are provided, having corresponding features as shown in Figure 4.

The configuration of respective first flap 2110, second flap 2120, third flap 2130, fourth flap 2140 are shown in exploded form in Figure 5, again with the regions at which the flaps are respectively to be fixed to one another by glue being indicated with the letter b.

When blank 2000 is formed into dispensing box 1000, the elements shown in Figure 5 overlap as shown in Figure 6 with flap 1120 overlapping flap 1110 and glued between separation portion 1112 of first flap 1110 and remainder portion 1124 of second flap 1120. Meanwhile, second flap 1120 is fixed to third flap 1130 and fourth flap 1140 by glue provided between separation portions 1123 of second flap 1120 and the surfaces of flaps 1130 and 1140. As previously mentioned, the respective separation portions 1112 and 1123 are portions of the respective flaps at which the flap is fixed to another flap, here glue, and are delimited by weakened portions 1115 and 1125.

In the configuration shown in Figure 6, it can be seen how weakened portion 1115 aligns with an edge of flap 1120 opposed to a fold line of flap 1120, and meets weakened portions 2125 associated with separation portions 1123 to form a single contiguous line of weakness. Accordingly, by applying pressure to pressing portion formed on projection portion 1113 of first flap 1110, weakened portion first breaks at a position near the point of pressure, which breaks then extends along weakened portion 1115 and then along weakened portions 1125 so that the parts of the flaps which are fixed to other flaps separate from the remaining parts of those flaps, and at least second flap 1120 folds flat against an inside of the box. Moreover, due to the fragmenting of first end wall 1100 along weakened portions 1115 and 1125, the folding in of separation portion 1112 of first flap 1110 which remains fixed to second flap 1120 also causes third and fourth flaps 1130, 1140 to fold in against their respective walls. Then, a flattening of the whole box can be performed by compressing the top wall 1300 and bottom wall 1600 together. Such flattening causes the remainder portion 1114 of first flap 1110 also to fold flat against an inside of dispensing box 1000. Accordingly, a flat configuration as shown in Figure 2C can easily be obtained, which is compact, and which has a small number of operations necessary to permit flattening of the box .

For convenient reference, Figure 7 is provided, which corresponds to Figure 6 as seen by a user observing end 1100 of box 1000. In Figure 7, it can clearly be seen how weakened portion 1115 of first flap 1110 extends to meet weakened portions 1125 of second flap 1120, and aligns with an edge of second flap 1120, so as to provide for a neat appearance and an effective fragmentation of first end wall 1100.

Needless to say, second end wall 1200 may have an identical, similar or corresponding configuration to that shown in Figure 7.

When implementing the disclosure given in relation to dispensing box 1000 and blank 2000, it is preferable that projection portion 1113 is sufficiently large as to allow pressure to be applied thereto with a finger or thumb, but is not so large that the applied pressure is transferred to the weakened portion 1115 over too large a distance, which could lead to excess force being needed to fragment side wall 1100. Accordingly, the projecting portion may have a length in a direction away from the edge of flap 1110 of greater than 1 cm, but less than 3 cm. Moreover, the width of projecting portion 1113 may be also greater than 1 cm, and less than 3 cm. In some configurations, the projecting portion may have an area of greater than 1 cm ² and less than 4 cm ² . As shown in especially Figure 7, the projecting portion is semi circular. However, in other configurations it may be in the form of a circular segment, or may be polygonal.

In the embodiment of dispensing box 1000, the first side wall 1100 is flat. However, especially if fixation is not provided between third flap 1130 and fourth flap 1140 and second flap 1120, or if the third flap 1130 and fourth flap 1140 are absent, the side wall may curve inwardly or outwardly .

In the configuration of box 1000, the third and fourth flaps are trapezoidal. However, they may be provided with having only at least one side inclined to and extending from a fold line associated with the flap, or may have at least one curved side extending from a fold line associated with a flap. The curve line can be curved outwardly or inwardly with respect to the flap.

In the configuration of the dispensing box shown in 1000, the third and fourth flaps are each fixed to the second flap 1120. However, in an alternative configuration, these flaps can be fixed to the first flap 1110, and the first flap can be provided with second separation portions 1123 delimited by weakened portions at which the third and fourth flaps are fixed to the first flap.

In alternative configurations, the second separation portions 1123 need not be provided, if the fixation between the second flap and each of the third and fourth flaps, or respectively the first flap and each of the third and fourth flaps in a variant embodiment, is weaker than a fixation between the first and second flaps. Such weakening may be provided by, for example, providing less glue. Under such configuration, once the first side wall is fragmented by pressing on the pressing portion to break a weakened portion to separate the first and second flaps, the shearing of the fixation, for example the shearing of the glue, attached to the third and fourth flaps may be sufficient to break the bond between the third and fourth flaps and the respective one of the first and second flaps to which they are attached.

In a further alternative configuration, the third and fourth flaps are provided with separation portions at the positions at which they are fixed to a respective one of the first and second flaps, which separation portions are also delimited by weakened portions. In such a configuration, the third and fourth flaps can fragment at the weakened portions so as to detach the separation portions from the remainder portions of the third and fourth flaps, thereby to allow the flaps easily to be folded against respective interior walls of the box.

In some configurations, the first weakened portion surrounding the pressing portion 1113 or adjacent to the pressing portion, is weaker than other weakened portions, for example the second weakened portion. Such a configuration allows the fracturing process to be easily started by pressure of a finger or thumb, with the natural tearing along the weakened portion serving to propagate the tear during the fragmentation process.

Where second separation portions are provided, these may be of polygonal form as shown in Figure 7, or may alternatively have the form of a circular segment or a circular sector.

Preferably, the second separation portions have an area of less than 3 cm ² , but greater than 0.5 cm ² . This allows sufficient area to provide a fixation means such as glue, while ensuring that the forces introduced during fragmentation of the end wall can easily separate the separation portions from the remainder portions. In some configurations, instead of second separation portions being provided, the fold lines of the third and fourth flaps may be provided as weakened portions, for example with perforated portions, such that during the fragmentation process of the first side wall, these flaps simply tear away along the fold lines .

A further embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9, being a dispensing box 3000 formed from contiguous blank 4000. Corresponding elements to those described in connection with dispensing box 1000 and blank 2000 will not be repeated, and reference is made to the above disclosure to understand the function and structure of the corresponding elements.

In the configuration of blank 4000 shown in Figure 8, first flap 4110 is provided to overlie second flap 4120 and to be fixed to it by glue at location b. In this embodiment, weakened portion 4115 runs from one side of flap 4110 to another side of flap 4110. Weakened portion 4115 thus divides remainder portion 4114 from separation portion 4112, including projection portion 4113. The fixation between first flap 4110 and second flap 4120 is at separation portion 4112. Second flap 4120 has cut-out portions 4126 so that each of flaps 4130 and 4140 may be fixed to flap 4110 at remainder portion 4112, even though second flap 4120 is to lie between first flap 4110 and third and fourth flaps 4130, 4140.

A corresponding configuration is provided to second end flaps 4210, 4220, 4230 and 4240.

The end configuration as viewed by the user is shown in Figure 9, in which specifically first end 3100 is shown. By applying pressure on projecting portion 3113, first flap 3114 fragments along weakened portion 3115. Thereby, remainder portion 3114 detaches from separation portion 3112, at which second flap 3120 is glued to first flap 3110. The glue applied between third flap 3130 and fourth flap 3140 and first flap 3110 is relatively weak, such that as first wall 3100 fragments along weakened portion 3115, the glue between third flap 3130 and fourth flap 3140, and first flap 3110 shears and breaks. Accordingly, end wall 3110 easily folds inwards, and again may be flattened as shown in Figures 2B and 2C.

A further embodiment is shown in Figure 10A. Again, corresponding elements to those described in connection with dispensing box 1000 and blank 2000 will not be repeated, and reference is made to the above disclosure to understand the function and structure of the corresponding elements.

In Figure 10A, a cube-type box is shown. For the avoidance of any doubt, it may accordingly be appreciated that any of the other embodiments may also be provided in cube form, as well as in cuboid form (or brick form) . Moreover, the embodiment of Figures 10A and 10B, in other words dispensing box 5000, may equivalently be provided in cuboidal form (brick form) , as well as in cube form.

With reference to Figure 10A, dispensing box 5000, just as the previous embodiments, has a dispensing region 5350 formed in top surface 5300. However, the dispensing region 5350 extends beyond top surface 5300 to side walls 5400 and 5500, such that apertures 5354 are formed on side walls 5400 and 5500. Such a configuration may make it easier for protective cover 5352 to be removed from dispensing region 5350.

As shown in Figure 10B, end wall 5100 is formed of first flap 5110 which is overlaid by second flap 5120. Third and fourth flaps 5130 and 5140 underlie first flap 5110 and second flap 5120. The configuration shown in Figure 10B therefore has similarity with that given in the earlier described embodiments.

As shown in Figure 11, blank 6000 forms dispensing box 5000. Many elements of the blanks shown in Figure 11 correspond to those shown in the earlier-described blanks, and therefore again the details of these elements will not be repeated, but should be taken to correspond to those previously described. As is already explained, dispensing region 6350 extends onto side panels 6400 and 6500, across the fold lines joining top panel 6300 to side panels 6400 and 6500.

Also, as shown in Figure 11, first flap 6110, which cooperates with second flap 6120 to form end wall 5100 of dispensing box 5000, is provided with separation portion 6112 at which glue is provided to secure separation portion 6112 to flap 6120. Separation portion 6112 is provided with projection portion 6113 for providing a pressing portion for fragmenting the end walls 5100 of dispensing box 5000. As shown in Figure 11, separation portion 6112 including projection portion 6113 is delimited from remainder portion 6114 of first flap 6110 by weakened portion 6115. Weakened portion 6115 extends from an end of flap 6110 opposite to the fold line at which flap 6110 joins base portion 6600 such that, when assembled into dispensing box 5000, projecting portion 6113 projects above an end edge of flap 6120. Accordingly, by applying pressure to pressing portion 5113 of dispensing box 5000, end wall 5100 may be fractured to collapse box 5000. A corresponding configuration may be found at end wall 5200 of dispensing box 5000.

Further, again as shown in Figure 11, third and fourth flaps 6130 and 6140 of blank 6000 are glued at regions indicated with b to remainder portion 6114 of first flap 6110, such that these will separate under shearing between first flap 6110 and second flap 6130 and 6140 when the dispensing box is collapsed.

Another configuration of dispensing box is shown in Figures 12A and 12B, being dispensing box 7000. Again, dispensing box 7000 has corresponding elements to those described in relation to the earlier embodiments, and is formed from blank 8000 shown in Figure 13. Reference again may be made to the description of the earlier embodiments to appreciate the structure and function of these corresponding elements .

Unlike the previously-described dispensing box, dispensing box 7000 shown in Figures 12A and 12B and formed from blank 8000 shown in Figure 13, has weakened portions on a surface of the box adjacent to first flap 7110, or correspondingly first flap 8110 of blank 8000. In Figure 13, these weakened portions are shown as weakened portions 8605 and separate bottom surface 8600 into an inward remaining part 8604 and an outward separation part 8602. Separation part 8602 is associated with first flap 8110 and is joined to first flap 8110 by a fold line. First flap 8110 is adhered by glue at the regions indicated with b in Figure 13 to second flap 8120. Third and fourth flaps 8130 and 8140 underlie second flap 8120 and are adhered thereto (without particular limitation as to the positioning of the glue) to form the dispensing box.

Again, as with the previous embodiments, a portion of the first flap 8110, and in this embodiment the entirety of first flap 8110, which is secured to second flap 8120 by fixation with glue, is separable from the rest of the box by a weakened portion 8605. Notably, a difference from the configuration of the previously-described embodiments is that weakened portion 8605 is here provided to bottom surface 8600. When weakened portion 8605 separates, the entirety of flap 8110 and also a portion of surface 8600, being separation portion 8602, also separates at weakened portion 8605.

Also, second and third flaps 8130 and 8140 are attached to respective side panels 8500 and 8400 by fold lines which themselves have weakened portions 8135, 8145, in the form of perforations. Therefore, as pressure is applied to separation portion 8602, weakened portion 8605 fragments and separates from the remainder portion 8604 of bottom panel 8600. First panel 8110 folds inwardly together with second panel 8120 while remaining fixed thereto. Third and fourth flaps 8130 and 8140 separate from their respective panels 8400 and 8500 by tearing along weakened portions 8135 and 8145 corresponding to the fold lines between the flaps and the respective panels. By this process, the whole of end surface 7100 folds inwardly against an interior surface of dispensing box 7000, together with the separation part 8602 of bottom surface 8600.

It may be appreciated from Figures 12A and 12B, with reference also to Figure 13, that the dispensing box can be formed with certain fold lines being sharp fold lines, or with certain fold lines being replaced by curved portions. This is apparent from the curved portion formed between top panel 8300 and side panel 8400 of blank 8000 as well as the curved portion formed between side panel 8500 and top bottom panel 8600 of blank 8000. In order to provide a well-enclosed dispensing box 7000 which securely contains a stack of articles therein, flaps 8110 and 8120, as well as flaps 8210 and 8220 associated with second end wall 7200 of box 7000, are provided with rounded corners corresponding to the curved portions of the dispensing box 7000 as shown in Figures 12A and 12B.

In a variant embodiment of the box shown in Figures 12A and 12B and the blank shown in Figure 13, rather than providing weakened portion 8605 on bottom surface 8600, weakened portion 8605 may be formed along the fold line between flap 8110 and bottom portion 8600, or may be formed substantially to correspond to the fold line except for a portion which surrounds the projecting portion extending onto bottom surface 8600 or onto first flap 8100.

In the foregoing description, it is not essential that the first and second flaps extend from the top and bottom of the box, another configuration of the first and second flaps may extend from the side panels of the box. In such configurations, where third and fourth flaps are present, such flaps may then extend from top and bottom panels of the box .

Moreover, the designations top wall, side wall, bottom wall, end surface and the like are arbitrary, and the position of the dispensing opening can be on another wall than the wall designated as the top wall, for example on a wall designated as a side wall or on a wall designated as a bottom wall. In such a case, the wall having the dispensing opening will be regarded as the top wall, with the designations of the other walls appropriately changing.

In all the foregoing embodiments, the folding process shown and described with reference to Figures 2A to 2C may be performed. This process is particularly advantageous for allowing the box to be flattened for recycling, that is, to allow the flattened box to be stored and then conveyed for further processing such that the material of the box may be processed for re-use. Accordingly, it is preferable that the box is formed of recyclable material, such as card, especially uncoated card. Moreover, it is preferable that any glue used is free from polymer, and is preferably a starch- based glue.

In some configurations, with reference, for example to Figures 3A and 3B, it may be preferable if the dispensing region 1350 is provided with a slitted portion, arranged to overlie or underlie the dispensing region, having a dispensing slit through which the articles stored in the dispensing box 1000 may be withdrawn. Such a slitted portion may be formed as a film fixed to, and preferably underneath, the top surface 1300 of dispensing box 1000. To improve recyclability, the slitted portion may comprise, instead of a plastic film, a paper, preferably a recyclable paper.

In some configurations, the slitted portion may have a rough side and a smooth side, the rough side being arranged to face an outside of the box and a smooth side being arranged to face an inside of the box. Such a configuration allows the articles stored within the box to be easily accessed by a user, while allowing the articles easily to be withdrawn through the dispensing slit.

In some configurations, the slitted portion may be substantially transparent, to allow the user to view the articles in the dispensing box. In all the foregoing embodiments, discussion has been made with reference to a box of substantially cuboidal or cube-shaped form. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and a variety of alternative configurations may be contemplated. In particular, the overall shape of the box may significantly vary from those shown and described, provided that the provision of a first end wall, and advantageously a second end wall, is provided having weakened portions to allow the end wall to fragment, as hereinbefore described.

In some configurations, areas of the blank (and hence the box) which are provided or to be provided with glue for bonding, and where it is desired that the bond may be broken, may be provided with a scored surface region to underlie or surround the region provided with the glue. The scored surface region can comprise a region having one or a plurality of score lines formed therein. The score lines are formed by partially cutting the surface so as to partially penetrate into the material of the blank (or the box) . When force is applied to the bond formed by glue on such a surface, the score lines enable a surface layer of the region to more easily peel away. As a result, the glue bond can more easily be broken.

Accordingly, since the previously-given configuration should be understood as being exemplary only, the scope of the present invention is accordingly defined by the appended claims .