Field of invention

The invention relates to a blank configured to be erected into a box. Technical Background

Boxes made of e.g. cardboards are typically used for protecting, storing and transporting a variety of goods. Such boxes may be produced by cutting out a blank from a flat sheet of a packaging material. The blank may be provided with fold lines. Such blank may be folded using the fold lines and may be erected into a folded state to form a box. The box is typically hold in the folded state using a connecting means such as a glue or a plurality of staples. The boxes are often placed on pallets and are stacked on top of each other to save space. In order to prevent the boxes from slipping or even sliding off the underlying box or pallet, the complete pallet is often wrapped with a plastic film. However, this wrapping introduces an additional step in the packaging process. Moreover, it introduces the risk that when the plastic film is to be removed, the boxes are accidentally cut by the person cutting the plastic film. Moreover, the necessity to use a knife to remove the plastic film is non-desirous from a work-hazard perspective. Thus, there is a need to provide a blank that addresses the abovementioned problems. In addition, it is desired to provide a solution which may be accomplished by the use of a blank formed as a single-piece, flat-laid and ready-to-erect state that may conveniently be erected into a box addressing the above mentioned problems.

Summary of invention

It is an object of the invention to provide a blank addressing the abovementioned problems. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a blank that may be erected into a box and which prevents or at least reduces slipping or sliding-off problems. In addition, it is an object of the invention to provide a blank that is configured to be erected into a box without the need, or at least with a minimum need, of any connecting means, such as staples or adhesives.

This object has been achieved by a blank configured to be erected into a box, the blank comprising a main panel configured to form a bottom wall of the box, two oppositely arranged side wall panels configured to form two oppositely arranged side walls of the box, wherein respective side wall panel is foldably connected to a respective one of two oppositely arranged longitudinally extending edges of the main panel, two oppositely arranged end wall panels configured to form two oppositely arranged end walls of the box, wherein respective end wall panel is foldably connected to a respective one of two oppositely arranged transversely extending edges of the main panel, wherein the longitudinally extending edges and the transversely extending edges of the main panel and geometrical extensions of the longitudinally extending edges and geometrical extensions of the transversely extending edges of the main panel define a geometrical rectangle, wherein the blank is cut such that at each geometrical corner portion of the geometrical rectangle a first and a second guiding tab are formed, wherein at least one of the first and the second guiding tabs are formed inside the geometrical rectangle, said at least one guiding tab being connected to an associated side wall panel of the two oppositely arranged side wall panels across the geometrical extension of the longitudinally extending edge, and wherein when the side wall panels are folded upwardly relative to the respective longitudinally extending edge of the main panel, the respective first guiding tabs extend downwardly relative to the respective longitudinally extending edge and when the end wall panels are folded upwardly relative to the transversely extending edges of the main panel, the respective second guiding tabs extend downwardly relative to the respective transversely extending edge. The cut of the blank at each geometrical corner portion of the geometrical rectangle provides a first and a second guiding tab at the respective corner portion of the geometrical rectangle. This in turn allows using the blank in an effective manner since the first and the second guiding tabs at each geometrical corner portion are formed by the geometrical extension at the respective geometrical corner portion of the geometrical rectangle. Thereby no extra material e.g. no extra blank material is required to form the first and the second guiding tabs. The first and the second guiding tabs at each geometrical corner portion extend downwardly relative to the respective longitudinally or transversely extending edges at the respective corner portion of the main panel. Thereby, the first and the second guiding tabs at each geometrical corner portion provide the box with support and stability and hence prevent or at least reduce the issues of slipping or even sliding off the underlying box or pallet. The inventive allows for a simple and efficient manner of using the blank material to provide the required support and stability to the box. In addition, the inventive concept provides a user-friendly and economical manner of providing support and stability to the box, as the box may not require any extra support e.g. wrapping with a plastic film. Moreover, it may be noted that although the box eliminates or reduces the need for a plastic wrapping, the box does not in any way make it difficult to add a separate plastic wrapping in case it still is desirous to add such a wrapping. Furthermore, the inventive concept allows a convenient way of erecting the blank into the box and forming the first and the second guiding tab at each geometrical corner portion of the box. This may easily be done by one person i.e. no extra support or help is required.

By a “box” is hereby meant an at least semi-rigid, typically rectangular container, with or without a cover. The box may be a top open-ended box. The box may be a top close-ended box.

By a “longitudinally extending edge” is hereby meant an edge extending along a length of the blank or the box. By a “transversely extending edge” is hereby meant an edge extending along a width of the blank or the box.

Preferred embodiments appear in the dependent claims and in the description.

The second guiding tabs may also be formed inside the geometrical rectangle. Thereby the first and the second guiding tabs may both be formed out of the respective geometrical extensions at the respective geometrical corner portion of the geometrical rectangle. Thereby, the first and the second guiding tabs may be formed by the blank material of the geometrical corner portion of the geometrical rectangle. This may in turn reduce an amount of the blank material needed to form the first and the second guiding tabs at each geometrical corner portion.

The second guiding tabs may be connected to an associated end wall panel of the two oppositely arranged end wall panels across the geometrical extension of the transversely extending edge. The first guiding tab may be connected to an associated side wall panel of the two oppositely arranged side wall panels across the geometrical extension of the longitudinally extending edge. Thereby, subsequent to erecting the blank into the box, the respective side wall and end wall of the box may provide support and stability to the respective first and the second guiding tabs at each geometrical corner portion.

The blank is at each geometrical corner portion of the geometrical rectangle cut such that there is formed a first and a second guiding tab being separated from each other inside the geometrical rectangle. The cut of the blank at each geometrical corner portion of the geometrical rectangle may comprise a plurality of cuts. At least one cut of the plurality of cuts at each geometrical corner portion of the geometrical rectangle may separate the first and the second guiding tab from each other inside the geometrical rectangle. Thereby, the cut or the at least one cut of the plurality of cuts at each geometrical corner portion of the geometrical rectangle may define areas and shapes of the first and the second guiding tab arranged inside the geometrical rectangle. Thereby, the areas and shapes of the first and the second guiding tabs may be defined in an improved and flexible manner.

The blank is at each geometrical corner portion of the geometrical rectangle cut be a cut comprising a first cut. The first cut may extend from a corner of the geometrical rectangle inwardly into the geometrical rectangle. The first cut may separate the first and the second guiding tabs from each other. The first cut may define areas and shapes of the first and the second guiding tabs with respect to one another. The cut of the blank at each geometrical corner portion of the geometrical rectangle may comprise further cuts. For instance, cut of the blank at each geometrical corner portion of the geometrical rectangle may further comprise a second cut and a third cut for separating the first and the second guiding tabs from the main panel.

The first cut at each geometrical corner portion of the geometrical rectangle may bisect the geometrical corner portion. Thereby, the corner portion is divided into the first and the second guiding tabs in a manner which facilitates the folding operation and the first and the second guiding tabs may be more or less identical, i.e. have the same area and shape.

The first cut at each geometrical corner portion of the geometrical rectangle may have an angle of 45° with respect to the geometrical extension of the longitudinally extending edge and the geometrical extension of the transversely extending edge. In a preferred embodiment, the geometrical extensions at each geometrical corner portion of the geometrical rectangle may form a geometrical square. Thereby, the first cut at each geometrical corner portion having such geometrical square may bisect the respective geometrical corner portion. The first cut at each geometrical corner portion of the geometrical rectangle may have any angle than 45° with respect to the geometrical extension of the longitudinally extending edge and the geometrical extension of the transversely extending edge. In the preferred embodiment, the corner portion is formed as a square and the first cut bisects the squared corner portion along the diagonal of the quadratic corner portion.

The blank may be cut by a cut extending from a fold line between the main panel and the respective side wall panel, and may continue within the geometrical corner portion of the geometrical rectangle and may extend outside the geometrical corner portion of the geometrical rectangle across a longitudinally inner and transversely outer corner portion of the respective end wall panel or the blank may be cut by a cut extending from a fold line between the main panel and the respective end wall panel, may continue within the geometrical corner portion of the geometrical rectangle and may extend outside the geometrical corner portion of the geometrical rectangle across a transversely inner and longitudinally outer corner portion of the respective side wall panel. The second guiding tab may be formed by the outer corner portion of the respective end wall panel or the outer corner portion of the respective side wall panel. Thereby, the second guiding tab need not be formed inside the geometrical rectangle. This may hence provide the first and the second guiding tabs with an overall larger area than in an embodiment in which the first and the second guiding tabs are both formed inside the geometrical rectangle. Thereby, the areas of the first and the second guiding tabs, according to this embodiment, may be defined in a flexible manner. Hence, the first and the second guiding tabs, according to this embodiment, may provide an even more support and stability to the box due to their larger overall area. This may e.g. be desired when storing and/or transporting heavier goods.

The guiding tab or guiding tabs extending into the geometrical rectangle at each geometrical corner portion of the geometrical rectangle extends into the geometrical rectangle a distance being within a range of 20% to 60% relative to a height of the side walls and the end walls of the box. The guiding tab or guiding tabs may extend into the geometrical rectangle at each geometrical corner portion of the geometrical rectangle in a parallel manner with respect to the geometrical extension of the longitudinally or transversely extending edges. The guiding tab or guiding tabs may extend into the geometrical rectangle at each geometrical corner portion of the geometrical rectangle with an angle with respect to the geometrical extension of the longitudinally or transversely extending edges. Thereby, when the blank is erected into the box i.e. at an erected state, a height of the first and the second guiding tabs extending downwardly may be within a range of 20% to 60% relative to the height of the side walls and the end walls of the box. This may in turn provide an improved support and stability to the box.

A length of the geometrical extension along the longitudinally extending edge of the main panel may be in the range of 10% to 20% relative to the length of the main panel. A length of the geometrical extension along the transversely extending edge of the main panel may be in the range of 10% to 20% relative to the length of the main panel. Each side wall panel or each end wall panel may comprise at least a locking flap, the locking flap may be foldably connected to a transversely extending edge of the side wall panels and may extend longitudinally therefrom or may be foldably connected to a longitudinally extending edge of the end wall panels and may extend transversely therefrom, wherein the other one of the side wall panels or end wall panels at respective corner may comprise at least a locking recess, and wherein the locking recess and the locking flap may be configured to interact and keep the respective side wall and the respective end wall of the box in an upwardly folded state, thereby forming a corner of the box. Thereby, no connecting means such as a glue or staples is required to keep the side walls and the end walls of the box in the upwardly folded state. The locking flaps and locking recesses provide a simple, user-friendly, environmental-friendly, economical and convenient way of keeping the side walls and the end walls of the box in the upwardly folded state. The locking of the side walls and end walls of the box may easily be performed by one person, i.e. no extra support or help is required.

The locking flap may be provided with a transversely extending protrusion formed at a longitudinal distance from the connection of the locking flap to the respective edge of the side wall panels or the locking flap may be provided with a longitudinally extending protrusion formed at a transversal distance from the connection of the locking flap to the respective edge of the end wall panels, wherein the protrusion of the locking flap may be configured to be received by the locking recess. Thereby, the locking flap may be formed by cutting the blank such that it may be provided with the protrusion. This may in turn provide a simple, user-friendly and convenient way of forming the locking flap and the protrusion of the locking flap.

The protrusion of the locking flap on the respective side wall panel may protrude transversely towards the respective end wall panel or the protrusion of the locking flap on the respective end wall panel may protrude longitudinally towards the respective side wall panel as seen in a flat-laid state of the blank. Thereby the protrusion of the locking flap may protrude towards the bottom wall of the box when the blank is erected into the box, and thereby the protrusion of the locking flap is neatly received in the locking recess.

The locking flap may be arranged such that it may form a longitudinal continuation of a transversally outer, longitudinally extending, edge of the respective side wall panel or such that it may form a transversal continuation of a longitudinally outer, transversally extending, edge of the respective end wall panel, whereby the locking flaps may form part of an upper edge of the corner of the box. Thereby, each locking flap may easily and conveniently be inserted into and/or removed from the respective locking recess from the upper edge of the box.

The respective locking recess may be outwardly open and the locking recess formed in the respective side wall panel and may present a mouth in a longitudinally extending, transversely outer, edge of the respective side wall panel or the locking recess may be formed in the respective end wall panel and may present a mouth in a transversely extending, longitudinally outer, edge of the respective end wall panel. Thereby, the locking recesses may form part of an upper edge of the corner of the box. This may in turn facilitate inserting the locking flaps into and/or removing the locking flaps from the locking recesses.

The blank may be formed of a paper-based material. The paper-based material may provide desired robustness and durability. The paper-based material may easily be folded and cut. Some examples of paper-based materials are paperboard, cardboard or corrugated cardboard.

The invention may in short be said to relate to a blank configured to be erected into a box, the blank comprising a main panel, two oppositely arranged side wall panels, and two oppositely arranged end wall panels. The blank is cut such that at each geometrical corner portion a first and a second guiding tab are formed, wherein when the side wall panels are folded upwardly relative to the respective longitudinally extending edge of the main panel, the respective first guiding tabs extend downwardly and when the end wall panels are folded upwardly relative to the transversely extending edges of the main panel, the respective second guiding tabs extend downwardly. 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.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will by way of example be described in more detail with reference to the appended schematic drawings, which shows a presently preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 1 illustrates a plan view of a blank intended to be erected into a box.

Figures 2a-2d illustrate a series of perspective views of a blank being erected into a box.

Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of three boxes, of the kind of box shown in Figure 2d, stacked on a pallet.

Figure 4 illustrates a plan view of a blank according to a second embodiment, the blank being intended to be erected into a box.

Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a box formed by erecting the blank shown in figure 4 into the box.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

Figure 1 shows a blank 10 configured to be erected into a box 20. In figure 1, direction X illustrate a longitudinal direction of the blank 10. In figure 1, direction Y illustrates a transversal direction of the blank 10.

In figures 1, 2, and 4, solid lines represent cut lines and dashed lines represent fold lines of the blank 10. In figures 1 , 2, and 4 dotted lines represent geometrical extension of fold lines. Such geometrical extensions of the fold lined, such as the ones shown in the encircled enlargement of figure 1, are not intended to be folded. The blank 10 is a single piece blank 10. The blank 10 is formed from a two-dimensional material from which the blank is cut out. The blank 1o may be formed of a paper-based material such as paperboard, cardboard or corrugated cardboard. The blank 10 may be formed of a different material which is sufficiently rigid but still foldable.

Figure 1 shows that the blank 10 comprises a main panel A1. The main panel A1 is configured to form a bottom wall 1 of the box 20. The main panel A1 has a length L1 along the X direction. The length L1 may be in the range of 10 to 120 cm. The main panel A1 has a width along the Y direction. The width may be in the range of 10 to 80 cm. The length L1 and the width of main panel A1 may be the same. The length L1 and the width of main panel A1 may be different. Figure 1 further shows that the blank 10 comprises two oppositely arranged side wall panels A2, A3. The two oppositely arranged side wall panels A2, A3 are configured to form two oppositely arranged side walls 2, 3 of the box 20. The two oppositely arranged side wall panels A2, A3 may have the same lengths as the length L1 of the main panel A1 along the X direction. The length of the two oppositely arranged side wall panels A2, A3 along the X direction may be in the range of 10 to 120 cm. The two oppositely arranged side wall panels A2, A3 have respective extensions L2 and L3 along the Y direction. In other words, heights of the respective side walls 2 and 3 of the box 20, configured to be formed out of the blank 10, is L2 and L3. The heights of the side walls 2 and 3 of the box 20 may be in the range of 5 to 80 cm. The two oppositely arranged side wall panels A2, A3 are foldably connected to a respective one of two oppositely arranged longitudinally extending edges FL12, FL13 of the main panel A1. In other words, the side wall panel A2 is foldably connected to the longitudinally extending edge FL12 of the main panel A1. The side wall panel A3 is foldably connected to the longitudinally extending edge FL13 of the main panel A1.

As further shown in Figure 1 , the blank 10 comprises two oppositely arranged end wall panels A4, A5. The two oppositely arranged end wall panels A4, A5 are configured to form two oppositely arranged end walls 4, 5 of the box 20. As shown in Figure 1 , the two oppositely arranged end wall panels A4, A5 have similar length as the width of the main panel A1 along the Y direction. The two oppositely arranged end wall panels A4, A5 have extension L4 respectively L5 along the X direction. In other words, heights of the respective end walls 4 and 5 of the box 20, configured to be formed out of the blank 10, is L4 respectively L5. The heights of the end walls 4 and 5 may be in the range of 5 to 80 cm. The heights of the end walls 4 and 5 of the box 20 may preferably be the same as the height of the side walls 2 and 3 of the box 20. The two oppositely arranged end wall panels A4, A5 are foldably connected to a respective one of two oppositely arranged transversely extending edges FL14, FL15 of the main panel A1. In other words, the end wall panel A4 is foldably connected to the transversely extending edge FL14 of the main panel A1. The end wall panel A5 is foldably connected to the transversely extending edge FL15 of the main panel A1.

Still in connection with figure 1 , the longitudinally extending fold edges FL12, FL13 of the main panel A1 have geometrical extensions of GE121 ,

GE122, GE131 , GE132 along the longitudinally extending fold edges FL12, FL13. In addition, the transversely extending fold edges FL15, FL14 of the main panel A1 have geometrical extensions of GE141 , GE142, GE151,

GE152 along the transversely extending fold edges FL15, FL14. Figure 1 shows that the longitudinally extending fold edges FL12, FL13 and the transversely extending fold edges FL15, FL14 of the main panel A1 and geometrical extensions of the longitudinally extending edges GE121, GE122, GE131, GE132 and geometrical extensions of the transversely extending edges GE141, GE142, GE151, GE152 of the main panel A1 define a geometrical rectangle GR. The geometrical rectangle GR has four corners of P1, P2, P3, P4, as shown in figure 1. The geometrical rectangle GR comprises the main panel A1 and four geometrical corner portions C25, C24, C35, and C34 arranged at four respective corners P 1 , P2, P3, P4 of the geometrical rectangle GR. A length of the geometrical extensions GE122, GE121, GE131, GE132 along the longitudinally extending edge FL12, FL13 of the main panel A1 may be in the range of 10% to 20% relative to the length L1 of the main panel A1. A length of the geometrical extension GE141,

GE142, GE151, GE152 along the transversally extending edge FL14, FL15 of the main panel A1 may also be in the range of 10% to 20% relative to the length L1 of the main panel A1 . Figure 1 shows that the lengths of the geometrical extensions GE121 , GE122, GE131 , GE132, GE141 , GE142, GE151 , GE152 along the longitudinally and transversely extending edges FL12, FI13, FL14, and FL15 of the main panel A1 are the same. In other words, figure 1 shows that the four geometrical corner portions C25, C24, C35, and C34 have square shapes. The lengths of the geometrical extensions GE121 , GE122, GE131 , GE132, GE141 , GE142, GE151 , GE152 along the longitudinally and transversely extending edges FL12, F113, FL14, FL15 of the main panel A1 need not be the same.

Still in connection with figure 1 , the blank 10 is cut such that at each geometrical corner portion C24, C25, C34, C35 of the geometrical rectangle GR a first and a second guiding tab GT124, GT142, GT125, GT152, GT135, GT153, GT 134, GT143 are formed. The guiding tabs GT124, GT142, GT125, GT 152, GT 135, GT 153, GT 134, GT 143, shown in figure 1 , are cut such that they have triangular shapes. The guiding tabs GT124, GT142, GT125,

GT 152, GT 135, GT 153, GT 134, GT 143 may be cut such that they may have any other shapes. At least one of the first and the second guiding tabs GT124, GT125, GT134, GT135 are formed inside the geometrical rectangle GR. The at least one guiding tabs GT124, GT125, GT134, GT135 are connected to an associated side wall panel A2, A3 of the two oppositely arranged side wall panels A2, A3 across the geometrical extension GE122, GE121 , GE131 , GE132 of the longitudinally extending edge FL12, FL13. According to the embodiment shown in figure 1 , the second guiding tabs GT 142, GT 152, GT 153, GT 143 are also formed inside the geometrical rectangle GR. The second guiding tabs GT142, GT152, GT143, GT153 are connected to an associated end wall panel A4, A5 of the two oppositely arranged end wall panels A4, A5 across the geometrical extension GE151 , GE152, GE141 , GE142 of the transversely extending edge FL15, FL14.

Still in connection with figure 1 , the cut of the blank 10 at each geometrical corner portion C24, C25, C34, C35 of the geometrical rectangle GR comprises a first cut CL24, CL25, CL34, CL35. The cut of the blank 10 at each geometrical corner portion C24, C25, C34, C35 of the geometrical rectangle GR may comprise a plurality of cuts. According to the embodiment shown in figure 1 , the cut of the blank 10 at each geometrical corner portion C24, C25, C34, C35 of the geometrical rectangle GR comprises three cuts: a first cut CL24, CL25, CL34, CL35, a second cut and a third cut. The first cuts CL25, CL24, CL35, CL34, shown in figure 1 , extend from a respective corners P1 , P2, P3, P4 of the geometrical rectangle GR inwardly into the geometrical rectangle GR. The cut of the blank 10 at each geometrical corner portion C24, C25, C34, C35 of the geometrical rectangle GR forms a first GT124, GT125, GT134, GT135 and a second guiding tab GT142, GT152, GT143, GT153 being separated from each other inside the geometrical rectangle GR. According to the embodiment shown in figure 1 , the first cuts CL25, CL24, CL35, CL34 of the blank 10 at each geometrical corner portion C24, C25,

C34, C35 of the geometrical rectangle GR separates the first guiding tabs GT124, GT125, GT134, GT135 from the second guiding tab GT142, GT152, GT143, GT153 inside the geometrical rectangle GR. Figure 1 further shows that the second cuts and the third cuts at each geometrical corner portion C24, C25, C34, C35 of the geometrical rectangle GR separate the guiding tabs GT124, GT142, GT125, GT152, GT135, GT153, GT134, GT143 from the main panel A1.

Still in connection with figure 1 , the first cut CL25, CL24, CL35, CL34 at each geometrical corner portion C25, C24, C35, C34 of the geometrical rectangle GR bisects the geometrical corner portion C25, C24, C35, C34. The first and the second guiding tabs GT124, GT142, GT125, GT152, GT135, GT153, GT134, GT143 shown in figure 1 are identical i.e. have the same shape and size. Figure 1 further shows that the first cut CL25, CL24, CL35, CL34 at each geometrical corner portion C25, C24, C35, C34 of the geometrical rectangle GR has an angle of a with respect to the geometrical extension GE122, GE121, GE131, GE132 of the longitudinally extending edge FL12, FL13. The first cut CL25, CL24, CL35, CL34 at each geometrical corner portion C25, C24, C35, C34 of the geometrical rectangle GR has an angle of b with respect to the geometrical extension GE151 , GE152, GE141 , GE142 of the transversely extending edge FL14, FL15. The angles a and b shown in figure 1 are both 45°. The angles a and b may be different. The angles a and b may be any other angle than 45 °. The guiding tab or guiding tabs GT124, GT125, GT134, GT135 extending into the geometrical rectangle GR at each geometrical corner portion C24, C25, C34, C35 of the geometrical rectangle GR may extend into the geometrical rectangle GR a distance being within a range of 20% to 60% relative to the height L2, L3, L4, L5 of the side walls 2, 3 and the end walls 4, 5 of the box 20. According to the embodiment shown in figure 1 , the guiding tabs GT 124, GT 142, GT 125, GT152, GT135, GT153, GT134, GT143 extend into the geometrical rectangle GR at each geometrical corner portion C24, C25, C34, C35 with an angle of 45° with respect to the geometrical extension GE 122, GE121, GE131, GE132 of the longitudinally extending edge FL12, FL13 and the geometrical extension GE151, GE152, GE141, GE142 of the transversely extending edge FL14, FL15.

Still in connection with figure 1 , each side wall panel A2, A3 or each end wall panel A4, A5 of the blank 10 comprises at least a locking flap A61 , A62, A63, A64. Figure 1 shows that the locking flaps A61 , A62, A63, A64 are foldably connected to a transversely extending edge FL261 , FL262, FL361 , FL362 of the side wall panels A2, A3, respectively. As shown in figure 1 , the locking flaps A61 , A62, A63, A64 extends longitudinally from transversely extending edges FL261 , FL262, FL361 , FL362 of the side wall panels A2, A3. Alternatively, the locking flaps A61 , A62, A63, A64 may be foldably connected to a longitudinally extending edge of the end wall panels A4, A5. The locking flaps A61, A62, A63, A64 may extend transversely from longitudinally extending edges of the end wall panels A4, A5. The other one of the side wall panels A2, A3 or end wall panels A4, A5 at respective corner i.e. the one not comprising a locking flap A61, A62, A63, A64, may comprise at least a locking recess A71, A72, A73, A74.

Still in connection with figure 1 , the respective locking flaps A61 , A62, A63, A64 are provided with a transversely extending protrusion A61 ^' , A62 ^' , A63 ^' , A64 ^' . The transversely extending protrusion A61 ^' , A62 ^' , A63 ^' , A64 ^' are formed at a longitudinal distance from the connection of the locking flap A61 , A62, A63, A64 to the respective edge of the side wall panels A2, A3. Figure 1 shows that the transversely extending protrusion A61 A62 ^' , A63 ^' , A64 ^' are formed at a longitudinal distance from the transversely extending edge FL261 , FL262, FL361 , FL362 of the side wall panels A2, A3. Alternatively, the locking flaps A61 , A62, A63, A64 may be provided with a longitudinally extending protrusion A61 A62 ^' , A63 ^' , A64 ^' formed at a transversal distance from the connection of the locking flap A61 , A62, A63, A64 to the respective edge of the end wall panels A4, A5. Figure 1 further shows that the protrusion A61 A62 ^' , A63 ^' , A64 ^' of the locking flap A61 , A62, A63, A64 on the respective side wall panel A2, A3 protrudes transversely towards the respective end wall panel A4, A5. Alternatively, the protrusion A61 ^' , A62 ^' , A63 ^' , A64 ^' of the locking flap A61 , A62, A63, A64 if positioned on the respective end wall panel A4, A5 may protrude longitudinally towards the respective side wall panel A2, A3 as seen in a flat-laid state of the blank. This alternative is not shown in the drawings. In figure 1 it is further shown that the locking flaps A61 , A62, A63, A64 are arranged such that each locking flap forms a longitudinal continuation of a transversally outer longitudinally extending edge of the respective side wall panel A2, A3. Alternatively, the locking flaps A61 , A62, A63, A64 may be arranged such that each locking flap may form a transversal continuation of a longitudinally outer transversally extending edge of the respective end wall panel A4, A5. In any case, the locking flaps A61 , A62, A63, A64 form part of an upper edge of the corner of the box 20.

Still in connection with figure 1 , each locking recess A71 , A72, A73,

A74 is outwardly open. The locking recess A71 , A72, A73, A74 formed in the respective side wall panel A2, A3 presents a mouth in a longitudinally extending, transversely outer edge of the respective side wall panel A2, A3. Alternatively, the locking recess A71, A72, A73, A74 formed in the respective end wall panel A4, A5 may present a mouth in a transversely extending, longitudinally outer edge of the respective end wall panel A4, A5. Figures 2a-2d illustrate a series of perspective views of a blank 10 being erected into a box 20. The blank 10 shown in figure 2a-2d is similar to the blank 10 shown in figure 1. Figure 2a shows that a side wall panel A2 and an end wall panel A4 of the blank 10 are being erected to form a side wall 2 and an end wall 4 of a box 20, respectively. Figure 2a further shows that a protrusion A61 ^' of the locking flap A61 is configured to be received by the locking recess A71. The locking recess A71 and the locking flap A61 are configured to interact and keep the respective side wall 2 and the respective end wall 4 of the box 20 in an upwardly folded state.

Figure 2b shows that the side wall 2 and the end wall 4 at the upwardly folded state. Figure 2b shows that a corner of the box 20 has been formed. Figure 2b further shows that the other side wall panel A3 of the blank 10 is being erected to form another side wall 3 of the box 20.

Figure 2c shows that a protrusion A63 ^' of the locking flap A63 has been received by the locking recess A73. The locking recess A73 and the locking flap A63 keep the side wall 3 of the box 20 in an upwardly folded state. Figure 2c shows the side wall 3 at the upwardly folded state. Figure 3c shows that another corner of the box 20 has been formed.

Figure 2d shows that the other end wall panel A5 of the blank 10 has been erected to form the other end wall 5 of the box 20. Figure 2d shows that a protrusion A64 ^' of the locking flap A64 and a protrusion A62 ^' of the locking flap A62 have respectively been received by the locking recesses A74 and A72. The locking recesses A72 and A74 and the locking flaps A62 and A64 keep the end wall 5 of the box 20 in an upwardly folded state. Figure 2d shows the end wall 5 at the upwardly folded state. Figure 2d shows that the other two corners of the box 20 has been formed and the box 20 has been formed.

Still in connection with figures 2c-2d, when the side wall panels A2, A3 are folded upwardly relative to the respective longitudinally extending edge FL12, FL13 of the main panel A1 , the respective first guiding tabs GT 124, GT125, GT134, GT135 extend downwardly relative to, or alternatively expressed, downwardly beneath, the respective longitudinally extending edge FL12, FL13. In addition, when the end wall panels A4, A5 are folded upwardly relative to the transversely extending edges FL15, FL14 of the main panel A1, the respective second guiding tabs GT142, GT143, GT152, GT153 extend downwardly relative to, or alternatively expressed, downwardly beneath, the respective transversely extending edge FL14, FL15. Figure 2c shows that when the side wall panel A3 has been folded upwardly relative to a longitudinally extending edge FL13 of the main panel A1 , first guiding tabs GT134, GT135 extend downwardly relative to the respective longitudinally extending edge FL13. Figure 2d shows that when the end wall panel A5 has been folded upwardly relative to the transversely extending edge FL15 of the main panel A1, second guiding tabs GT152, GT153 extend downwardly relative to the respective transversely extending edge FL15.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of three boxes 20, similar to the box 20 shown in Figure 2d, stacked on a pallet 40. The boxes 20 may not be stacked on a pallet 40. The three boxes 20 shown in figure 3 are top close- ended boxes. The boxes 20, shown in figure 3, comprise a cover 30. The cover 30 may be formed in a manner which per se is known in the art. It should be noted that figure 3 shows only an example of stacking such boxes 20 on a pallet 40. Any number of boxes 20 may be stacked on a pallet 40.

Figure 4 shows a plan view of another blank 10 intended to be erected into a box 20. Some details of this blank 10 will be provided with reference to figure 4. Flowever, unless specifically contradicted, the disclosure related to details of the blank 10 with reference to figure 1 is equally applicable to the blank of figure 4. The design of the guiding tabs of the blank 10 of figure 4 is e.g. somewhat different from the guiding tabs of the blank 10 of figure 1. Flowever, the locking flaps and locking recesses may basically be of the same design in the two embodiments.

The blank 10 shown in figure 4 comprises a main panel A1. The main panel A1 is configured to form a bottom wall 1 of the box 20. The blank 10 shown in figure 4 further comprises two oppositely arranged side wall panels A2, A3. The two oppositely arranged side wall panels A2, A3 are configured to form two oppositely arranged side walls 2, 3 of the box 20. The two oppositely arranged side wall panels A2, A3 are foldably connected to a respective one of two oppositely arranged longitudinally extending edges FL12, FL13 of the main panel A1. The blank 10 shown in figure 4 further comprises two oppositely arranged end wall panels A4, A5. The two oppositely arranged end wall panels A4, A5 are configured to form two oppositely arranged end walls 4, 5 of the box 20. The two oppositely arranged end wall panels A4, A5 are foldably connected to a respective one of two oppositely arranged transversely extending edges FL14, FL15 of the main panel A1. In figure 4, the longitudinally extending edges FL12, FL13 and the transversely extending edges FL15, FL14 of the main panel A1 and geometrical extensions of the longitudinally extending edges GE121, GE122, GE131, GE132 and geometrical extensions of the transversely extending edges GE141, GE142, GE151, GE152 of the main panel A1 define a geometrical rectangle GR.

Still in connection with figure 4, the blank 10 is cut such that at each geometrical corner portion C24, C25, C34, C35 of the geometrical rectangle GR a first and a second guiding tab GT124, GT142, GT125, GT152, GT135, GT 153, GT 134, GT 143 are formed. Figure 4 shows that the cut of the blank 10, at each geometrical corner portion C24, C25, C34, C35 of the geometrical rectangle GR, extends from a fold line FL12, FL13 between the main panel A1 and the respective side wall panel A2, A3. In figure 4, the cut continues within the geometrical corner portion C24, C25, C34, C35 of the geometrical rectangle GR. In figure 4, the cut extends outside the geometrical corner portion C24, C25, C34, C35 of the geometrical rectangle GR across a longitudinally inner and transversely outer corner portion of the respective end wall panel A4, A5.

Alternatively, the cut of the blank 10 may extend from a fold line between the main panel A1 and the respective end wall panel A4, A5. The cut of the blank 10 may continue within the geometrical corner portion C24, C25, C34, C35 of the geometrical rectangle GR. The cut of the blank 10 may extend outside the geometrical corner portion C24, C25, C34, C35 of the geometrical rectangle GR across a transversely inner and longitudinally outer corner portion of the respective side wall panel A2, A3.

Figure 4 shows that the first guiding tabs GT 124, GT 125, GT 134, GT135 are formed inside the geometrical rectangle GR. The first guiding tabs GT124, GT125, GT134, GT135 are connected to an associated side wall panel A2, A3 of the two oppositely arranged side wall panels A2, A3 across the geometrical extension GE122, GE121, GE131, GE132 of the longitudinally extending edge FL12, FL13. Figure 4 further shows that the second guiding tabs GT142, GT152, GT153, GT143 are formed outside the geometrical rectangle GR. According to the embodiment shown in figure 4, the second guiding tabs GT142, GT152, GT143, GT153 are connected to the outer corner portion of the respective end wall panel A4, A5. The first and the second guiding tabs GT124, GT142, GT125, GT152, GT135, GT153, GT134, GT143, shown in figure 4, are cut such that they have rectangular shapes. According to the embodiment shown in figure 4, the guiding tabs GT124, GT142, GT125, GT152, GT135, GT153, GT134, GT143 extend into the geometrical rectangle GR at each geometrical corner portion C24, C25, C34, C35 with an angle of 90° with respect to the geometrical extension GE122, GE121, GE131, GE132 of the longitudinally extending edge FL12, FL13 and the geometrical extension GE151 , GE152, GE141, GE142 of the transversely extending edge FL14, FL15. Still in connection with figure 4, each side wall panel A2, A3 or each end wall panel A4, A5 of the blank 10 comprises at least a locking flap A61 , A62, A63, A64. The other one of the side wall panels A2, A3 or end wall panels A4, A5 at respective corner i.e. the one not comprising a locking flap A61 , A62, A63, A64, may comprise at least a locking recess A71 , A72, A73, A74. The locking flaps A61 , A62, A63, A64 and the locking recesses A71 , A72, A73, A74 are similar to the locking flaps and the locking recesses of the embodiment shown in figure 1 and the details provided in respect of the locking flaps and the locking recesses of the embodiment shown in figure 1 are equally applicable to the locking flaps and the locking recesses of the embodiment shown in figure 4. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a box 20. The box 20 has been formed by erecting the blank 10, as shown in figure 4, into the box 20. The box 20 shown in figure 5 is a top open-ended box. The box 20 may be a top close-ended box. The box 20 may have a cover similar to the cover 30 shown in figure 3. Figure 5 shows only one box 20. There may be several boxes 20, of the kind of box shown in figure 5, stacked on each other or on a pallet 40 as shown in figure 3 in respect of the box 20 formed of the blank of figure 1.

Even though it is preferred that the blank is designed in accordance with the disclosure in the detailed disclosure of preferred embodiments and the appended drawings, it should be noted that a specific preferred embodiment of a specific component does not necessarily have to be combined with a specific embodiment of another component. Thus, advantages associated with a specific embodiment, including one or more features, of a specific component may be accomplished even though the other components are designed in accordance with the more general disclosure under the summary of the invention rather than being defined in accordance with the specific embodiment disclosed in the detailed description.

It is contemplated that there are numerous modifications of the embodiments described herein, which are still within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage.

It may e.g. be noted that the specific combination of the first guiding tab provided on or associated with the same panel as the one being provided with the locking flap, as e.g. shown in figure 1, is a preferred combination but that it is possible that e.g. the first guiding tab may be associated with the side wall panel and the locking flap may be provided on the end panel.