The present invention relates to a pillow box or pillow package, preferably to be used for packaging of foodstuffs within the fast food field and provided with a transverse perforated line in the middle, so that it can be torn apart.

Background

Pillow boxes are used for a large variety of packaging purposes. They are usually manufactured on the basis of a flat punched blank, which is generally provided with bending lines. Normally, the blank is bent and assembled so that the product is constituted by two combined layers. When the pillow box is to be used, the outer edges of the blank are squeezed so that it arches, and subsequently two end sections at each end are bent inwards, thus arching the intermediate piece permanently. In this way, a pillow-shaped case is formed, wherein the ends bend inwards in a substantially regular arch. Thus, a box is created with a high degree of rigidity and a beautiful appearance. The beautiful appearance and the obtained rigidity make it suitable for a large variety of purposes. It can for instance be used as packaging for textiles, jewellery and the like. Pillow boxes are also used for packaging of foodstuffs. See for instance this website:

http://celestialblue.blogspot.dk/2005/10/tiberias-and-gol an.html for a description of a kebab packaging from a fast food chain in Israel. The packaging can be configured as a pillow box, and can be provided with a transverse perforation in the middle, so that it can be torn apart.

Description of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a pillow box that is improved relative to the known pillow box, especially in such a manner that the user can gradually expose the foodstuff during consumption. According to the invention, this object is achieved by a pillow box, which is preferably to be used for packaging of foodstuffs within the fast food area, and which is provided with a transverse perforation line in the middle, so that it can be torn apart, wherein the pillow box is being provided with at least one further transverse perforation and further being provided with perforations along both sides of the box.

In this manner, it will be easy to gradually expose increasingly more of the foodstuff as it is consumed. The further transverse perforations in addition to the transverse perforation in the middle may have a small section towards the sides of the box where they are not perforated, hereby creating a small gap between the side of the box and the start of one of the transverse perforation. One advantage of such a gap is that it has to be torn apart by the user before the rest of the transverse perforation is torn. This removes or limits unwanted breaking/tearing of the pillow box as such gap/part requires an increased amount of tearing compared to a perforated part. The transverse perforation line in the middle may be one or more lines, hence according to one embodiment; the pillow box is characterized in that it comprises two central middle lines aligned on each side of the middle of the box.

According to an embodiment, the pillow box is characterized in that the transverse perforation line in the middle is aligned with equal distance to upper and lower end of the box. It may be preferred for some food types that the transverse perforation line in the middle is aligned with equal distance to the upper and lower end of the box, as in that way a tearing of said line will split the box into two equally sized pieces.

According to an embodiment, the transverse perforation in the middle is in the middle third of the pillow box. According to an embodiment, the pillow box is characterized in that the transverse perforation line in the middle and/or the at least one further transverse perforation extend all the way from side to side of the box. A side- to-side perforation may be preferred if an easy tearing of the box is wanted.

According to an embodiment, the pillow box is characterized in that the perforations along both sides of the box extend all the way from upper to lower end of the box. By extending the perforations along both sides of the box all the way from upper to lower end, an easier folding of the box is achieved, as it is much easier to fold at a perforation.

According to an embodiment, the pillow box is characterized in that the transverse perforation line in the middle and/or the at least one further transverse perforation is perpendicular to both sides of the box. Constructing a box where the transverse lines are perpendicular to both sides of the box simplifies the manufacturing process and makes it possible to split the box into two equal halves, thirds, fourth, and so on.

According to an embodiment, the transverse perforation may be a perforation that is aligned up to 45 degrees in relation to the sides of the pillow box.

Constructing a box where the transverse lines are not perpendicular to both sides of the box ease the eating of a foodstuff e.g. a sandwich that needs to be eaten from the side instead of directly from the top since otherwise the filling in the sandwich may fall out.

According to a preferred embodiment, the pillow box is characteristic in that it is provided with at least three transverse perforations. Thus, an aesthetic and practical structure can be created. The end flaps of the pillow box should preferably be provided with

perforations that function as bending lines. This simplifies the manufacturing process.

It has turned out that practical and advantageous configurations of the pillow box are obtained according to the invention when the dimensions of the bonded and folded-up blank are between a width of 95 mm times a length at the shortest point of 246 mm and a width of 300 mm times a length at the shortest point of 268 mm. Thus, pillow packages are provided, which are suitable for various sizes of foodstuffs in the field from French hotdogs to larges sandwiches.

The pillow boxes should preferably be manufactured out of carton with a grammage of min. 170 g/square meter according to the invention.

Moreover, the carton should preferably be glossy to improve resistance to moisture from the foodstuff.

According to the invention, the pillow box can advantageously be provided with advertising text, and it can also be provided with specifications for guidance so that it will for instance be easier for restaurant staff to know the order in which the flaps are to be bent inwards and where the pillow box can suitably be parted.

The invention will be explained further in the following with reference to the drawing, in which

Fig. 1 shows a blank for folding up of a pillow box,

Fig. 2 shows a blank which has been dimensioned,

Fig. 3 shows the folded and bonded blank,

Fig. 4 shows the folded-up pillow box, and Fig. 5 shows various folded-up embodiments of pillow boxes according to the invention,

Fig 6 shows a second blank for folding up of a pillow box,

Fig 7 shows a third blank for folding up of a pillow box,

Fig 8 shows a fourth blank for folding up of a pillow box,

Fig 9 shows a fifth blank for folding up of a pillow box,

Fig 10 shows a sixth blank for folding up of a pillow box,

Fig 11 shows a seventh blank for folding up of a pillow box.

The principle of the invention will be explained in the following by means of the following embodiments, which is for instance suitable for a so-called durum wrap (fig 1 and 10), a burger (fig 6 and 8), French fries (fig 7), hotdog (fig 9), or a sandwich (fig 11 )

Fig. 1 shows a blank 1 for folding up of a pillow box according to one embodiment of the invention. Reference numerals 2 and 3 show a first end flap for the upper end and the lower end, respectively, on the drawing. Each of them are at the edge provided with a small cut-out, used for indicating that this section is to be folded inwards first. Reference numerals 4 and 5 show the second end flap for the upper end and the lower end, respectively.

Reference numeral 6 shows a glue flap, and nineteen transverse perforations are configured, where the central perforation is indicated by reference numeral 7. Reference numerals 8 and 9 show the left and right side perforations, respectively, which constitute the outermost edges of the blank when it has been glued together. Examples of perforations that function as bending lines are shown with reference numerals 10 and 11. From the manufacturer, the blank is supplied double-folded and bonded by means of the glue flap 6, which is provided with glue and bent inwards and attached to the longitudinal free edge of the opposite side, after which the product, which thus takes up minimal space, is ready for distribution. Fig. 2 shows a dimensioned drawing of a blank 1. The dimensions are stated in mm.

Fig. 3 shows an illustration of the folded and bonded blank. Flere it can i.a. be seen how the blank can be provided with advertising print and specifications for guidance.

Fig. 4 shows the folded-up pillow box according to one embodiment of the invention. To the left, the entire box with the upper part open is viewed, and it is thus ready for insertion of foodstuff. When the pillow box is to be used as packaging in connection with takeaway, it can subsequently be closed. To the right, half a pillow box is shown, which is suitable for foodstuffs that are to be consumed immediately.

Fig. 5 shows examples of embodiments of the pillow box according to the invention. From the left, a pillow box for a French hotdog is shown. In the shown configuration, the width in the not folded-up state is 95 mm and the length is 246 mm at the shortest point in the folded-up state. Then follows the pillow box that can advantageously be used for an ordinary durum wrap. It has a width of 105 and a length of 320 mm. As no. 3 from the left, an embodiment is shown that is particularly suitable for slightly thicker durum wraps and the like. Flere the width is 120 mm and the length is 318 mm. Subsequently follows a pillow box for an ordinary burger with a width of 183 mm and a length of 160 mm, and thereafter for a jumbo burger with a width of 243 mm and a length of 149 mm, and to the far right, a pillow box suitable for sandwiches is shown. It has a width of 300 mm and a length of 166 mm. The various embodiments thus cover a broad range, which will often be found at for instance a grill bar or a cafe.

Fig. 6 shows a blank 1 for folding up of a pillow box according to another embodiment of the invention. This pillow box is without upper flaps and hence is open in the upper end. Reference numeral 3 show a first end flap for the lower end. Reference numeral 5 show the second end flap for the lower end. When folding in the first end flap for the lower end 3 with the second end flap for the lower end 5, a flat bottom of the box is created. Reference numeral 6 shows glue flaps, and one transverse perforation is configured indicated by reference numeral 7. Reference numerals 8 and 9 show the left and right side perforations, respectively, which constitute the outermost edges of the blank when it has been glued together and the box has been formed. This embodiment further shows a missing part of perforation (gap)

12 at the part of the box, where the glue flaps 6 are to be attached. This entails that the box is more stable.

Fig. 7 shows a blank 1 for folding up of a pillow box according to another embodiment of the invention. Reference numerals 2 and 3 show a first end flap for the upper end and the lower end, respectively. The first end flap for the upper end is at the edge provided with a small cut-out, used for indicating that this section is to be folded inwards first. Reference numerals 4 and 5 show the second end flap for the upper end and the lower end, respectively. When folding in the first end flap for the lower end 3 with the second end flap for the lower end 5, a flat bottom of the box is created. Reference numeral 6 shows glue flaps, and three transverse perforations are configured, where the central perforation is indicated by reference numeral 7. These transverse perforations are slightly curved. Reference numerals 8 and 9 show the left and right side perforations, respectively, which constitute the outermost edges of the blank when it has been glued together and the box has been formed. Examples of perforations that function as bending lines are shown with reference numerals 10 and 11. This embodiment further shows a missing part of perforation (gap) 12, as a small triangle.

Fig. 8 shows a blank 1 for folding up of a pillow box according to another embodiment of the invention. Reference numerals 2 and 3 show a first end flap for the upper end and the lower end, respectively. The first end flap for the upper end is at the edge provided with a small cut-out, used for indicating that this section is to be folded inwards first. Reference numerals 4 and 5 show the second end flap for the upper end and the lower end, respectively. When folding in the first end flap for the lower end 3 with the second end flap for the lower end 5, a flat bottom of the box is created. Reference numeral 6 shows glue flaps, and three transverse perforations are configured, where the central perforation is indicated by reference numeral 7. Reference numerals 8 and 9 show the left and right side perforations, respectively, which constitute the outermost edges of the blank when it has been glued together and the box has been formed. Examples of perforations that function as bending lines are shown with reference numerals 10 and 11. This embodiment further shows a missing part of perforation (gap) 12 at the part of the box, close to where the glue flaps 6 are to be attached. This entails that the box is more stable.

Fig. 9 shows a blank 1 for folding up of a pillow box according to yet another embodiment of the invention. Reference numerals 2 and 3 show a first end flap for the upper end and the lower end, respectively, on the drawing. Each of them are at the edge provided with a small cut-out, used for indicating that this section is to be folded inwards first. Reference numerals 4 and 5 show the second end flap for the upper end and the lower end, respectively.

Reference numeral 6 shows glue flaps, and three transverse perforations are configured, where the central perforation is indicated by reference numeral 7. Reference numerals 8 and 9 show the left and right side perforations, respectively, which constitute the outermost edges of the blank when it has been glued together. Examples of perforations that function as bending lines are shown with reference numerals 10 and 11. This embodiment further shows a missing part of perforation (gap) 12 at the part of the box, close to where the glue flaps 6 are to be attached. This entails that the box is more stable. Fig. 10 shows a blank 1 for folding up of a pillow box according to yet another embodiment of the invention. Reference numerals 2 and 3 show a first end flap for the upper end and the lower end, respectively, on the drawing. Each of them are at the edge provided with a small cut-out, used for indicating that this section is to be folded inwards first. Reference numerals 4 and 5 show the second end flap for the upper end and the lower end, respectively.

Reference numeral 6 shows glue flaps, and four transverse perforations are configured, where one of the middle perforations are indicated by reference numeral 7. Reference numerals 8 and 9 show the left and right side perforations, respectively, which constitute the outermost edges of the blank when it has been glued together. Examples of perforations that function as bending lines are shown with reference numerals 10 and 11. This

embodiment further shows a missing part of perforation (gap) 12 at the part of the box, close to where the glue flaps 6 are to be attached. This entails that the box is more stable.

Fig. 11 shows a blank 1 for folding up of a pillow box according to yet another embodiment of the invention. Reference numerals 2 and 3 show a first end flap for the upper end and the lower end, respectively, on the drawing. Each of them are at the edge provided with a small cut-out, used for indicating that this section is to be folded inwards first. Reference numerals 4 and 5 show the second end flap for the upper end and the lower end, respectively.

Reference numeral 6 shows glue flaps, and four transverse perforations are configured, where one of the middle perforations are indicated by reference numeral 7. Is this embodiment, the transvers perforation are slightly angled when compared to the sides of the blank 1. Reference numerals 8 and 9 show the left and right side perforations, respectively, which constitute the outermost edges of the blank when it has been glued together. Examples of perforations that function as bending lines are shown with reference numerals 10 and 11. This embodiment further shows a missing part of perforation (gap) 12 at the part of the box, close to where the glue flaps 6 are to be attached and at the left side perforation 8. This entails that the box is more stable.

When the staff at the restaurant business is to use the product, they squeeze against the sides of the bonded blank so that a cross section is formed in the substantially lens-shaped tube consisting of two substantially circular parts with a maximum mutual distance in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 of for instance about one-third of the length of the end. Hereafter, the first end flap 2 and then the end flap 4 are bent inwards, and the object is turned so that the opposite open end faces nearly upwards. Through the open end, long foodstuff, such as a durum wrap or a French hotdog, can now be placed. Hereafter, the upper end can be closed by folding the end flaps 3 and 5 inwards, and when they have been bent inwards, the foodstuff is safely packaged and suitable for takeaway. When, later on, the user is to consume the foodstuff, a suitable piece is ripped off the pillow box to expose the foodstuff. When the user has eaten the exposed part, more of the pillow box can gradually be removed. If it is not for takeaway, the staff can tear off a suitable piece of the pillow box either before or after is has been folded at one end. Then it is possible to use the torn-off piece for e.g. French fries or chicken nuggets or the like. In this way, two foodstuff boxes are obtained on the basis of one single blank.

Before and during the meal, the perforations can be torn open in the sides, and the front and rear ends can be bent down, or the front and rear sides can be torn off as the foodstuff is consumed, so that a suitable piece of the foodstuff is constantly exposed.

The object is suitable for advertising print, and in addition to marketing print, the object can be provided with indications of folding order and certain, preferred tearing points, depending on the foodstuff for which the product is to be used. Thus, it will be easy to see where the preferred tearing point for specific foodstuff is placed.

In the above, the invention is described relative to use in connection with traditional Danish fast food. However, the invention will also be suitable for use in connection with the cooking of other countries, such as Mexican cooking, and it will also be suitable for serving food in connection with passenger transport, for instance on airplanes, as it has a low weight and does not take up much space after use. The invention can also be used in private homes as wrapping for packed food and serving of home-made fast food dishes, where it will also be possible to utilize that two food boxes are available based on a single blank.

List of reference numerals:

I Blank

2 First end flap for the upper end

3 First end flap for the lower end

4 Second end flap for the upper end

5 Second end flap for the lower end

6 Glue flap

7 Central perforation

8 Left side perforation

9 Right side perforation

10 Perforation for use as bending line

I I Perforation for use as bending line 12 Missing part of perforation (gap)