AU2015258225A1 - Containers - Google Patents

Abstract

A container formed from a set of blanks comprising: a base blank component, and a pair of supplementary wall blank components, wherein said base component includes a flap sequence of two side wall flaps extending from each of two opposed sides of said base, the first side wall flap of each flap sequence being connected to the base at a first fold line, the second side wall of each flap sequence being connected to its associated first wall flap by at least a second fold line parallel to its said first fold line, wherein said container has said second side wall flap of each flap sequence inwardly of its associated first side wall flap, and wherein each of said supplementary wall blank components are sandwiched between a respective first and second side wall flap, and wherein an end wall flap extends from each of the other two sides of said base, and is secured at each end to a flap of a respective flap sequence. wherein each said end wall flap including a pair of securing tabs at each side thereof, and said end wall securing tabs are bonded to an outer face of a respective said first side wall flap. Figure 3

Description

CONTAINERS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to improvements in cardboard containers. More particularly, the invention relates to stackable cardboard containers with improved load bearing capabilities.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Cardboard containers are known for packing produce and/or meat for transport, both domestically and internationally. Typically, these containers are constructed from corrugated cardboard and are usually designed to stack one atop the other. For example our DEFOR containers include indexing projections located on the sidewalls, adapted to engage with the base (via a cutout) of a like container stacked on top.

While these and other known containers can work well, some circumstances require even greater stacking strength and/or reduced sag of the base of the container (especially when stacked very tall). In particular, some products are especially demanding because they can express significant moisture into the shipping container during long journeys. Some examples are mandarins, bananas, refrigerated vacuum-packed meat, and punnet fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries etc. Fruits sourced from tropical climates and/or transported in refrigerated environments can also experience high levels of humidity.

These humid conditions can significantly impair the load bearing performance of cardboard (or corrugated cardboard packaging), causing the boxes to collapse or bulge. Further, any collapse or bulge can lead to compression of the produce within the container leading to bruising and/or other compressive damage.

For example, packed meat containers can contain up to 30kg of chilled meat primal cuts and can be stacked 2.5 meters high in refrigerated containers. If the containers are allowed to bulge under compression, the meat may be exposed to pressure that can force liquid from the primal cuts into the vacuum bag. This can reduce the visual appeal and quality of the meat.

In particular, for export and domestic punnet fruit (e.g. strawberries, blueberries, cherries etc.) an empty head space at the top of a container (filled with punnets of fruit), is typically provided to allow a buffer for the container to sag without causing damage to the fruit within. This compromise between preventing damage to the goods, and the transport cost of shipping empty space can be expensive.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved stackable corrugated board container and/or at least to provide a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention broadly comprises a container formed from a set of blanks comprising: a base blank component, and a pair of supplementary wall blank components, wherein said base component includes a flap sequence of two side wall flaps extending from each of two opposed sides of said base, the first side wall flap of each flap sequence being connected to the base at a first fold line, the second side wall of each flap sequence being connected to its associated first wall flap by at least a second fold line parallel to its said first fold line, wherein said container has said second side wall flap of each flap sequence inwardly of its associated first side wall flap, and wherein each of said supplementary wall blank components are sandwiched between a respective first and second side wall flap, and wherein an end wall flap extends from each of the other two sides of said base, and is secured at each end to a flap of a respective flap sequence.

According to a further aspect each said end wall flap including a pair of securing tabs at each side thereof, and said end wall securing tabs are bonded to an outer face of a respective said first side wall flap.

According to a further aspect each second side wall flap having at each end thereof: i) a first extension flap beyond a third fold line extending substantially perpendicular to said second fold line, ii) a second extension flap extending from said first extension flap beyond a fourth fold line extending parallel to said third fold line, wherein each said first extension flap triangulates a respective corner of said container, and each said second extension flap is bonded to an inner surface of a respective end wall flap, to form a column like vertical load supporting structure.

According to a further aspect each second side wall flap having at each end thereof: a second extension flap beyond a fourth fold line extending perpendicular to said second fold line, and bonded to an inner surface of a respective end wall flap.

According to a further aspect each of said supplementary wall flaps or said end walls include one or more indexing projections indexable by an identical container having a cut or aperture in its base for that purpose.

According to a further aspect above the level of said second fold line there is defined at least one indexing projection by said supplementary wall flaps, indexable by an identical container having a cut or aperture in its base for that purpose.

According to a further aspect the base blank is a laminate board including at least one corrugated core layer defining a flute run direction.

According to a further aspect the supplementary wall blanks are a laminate board including at least one corrugated core layer defining a flute run direction.

According to a further aspect the flute run direction is perpendicular to said first fold line.

According to a further aspect the flute run direction is vertical.

According to a further aspect the flute run direction is horizontal.

According to a further aspect a transition between said first side wall flap and said second side wall flap includes a fifth fold line parallel to said second fold line, thereby forming a horizontal ledge when assembled.

According to a further aspect each indexing projection extends through an aperture formed in said ledge and is flanked on either side, by a hinging transition of said ledge.

According to a further aspect said flap sequence extends at least almost the entire length of the side of said container.

According to a further aspect at least at about the level of said hinging transition, there is upwardly exposed by both side wall flaps, load supporting cut edges of the laminate.

According to a further aspect said base is rectangular having opposing long sides and opposing short sides, and said end walls depend from said short sides.

According to a further aspect said base includes a plurality of indexing apertures configured to receive a respective indexing projection from an identical container beneath.

According to a further aspect each said flap sequence is angled slightly inwards of vertical with respect to said base.

According to a further aspect said supplementary wall flaps are double layered and mirrored about a fold line located at the upper most extent of said indexing projections.

According to a further aspect said indexing projections comprise a fold line at the uppermost extent, and only one end is contiguous with said supplementary wall flap, and the other end of said indexing projection is adhesively bonded to said supplementary wall blank.

According to a further aspect said indexing projections are tapered such that the material thickness is greater at a region adjoining the supplementary wall blank and narrower at an uppermost extent.

According to a further aspect an outer face of said indexing projections are tapered, and an inner face is substantially in plane with said supplementary wall blank.

According to a further aspect said taper is formed by crushing at least an upper region of said indexing projection.

According to a further aspect said crushing is carried out at the same time as said supplementary wall blank is cut by a die.

According to a further aspect said crushing is carried out by a roller.

According to a further aspect each second side wall flap sits on a pre-crushed region of the base.

According to a further aspect said supplementary wall components are of the same material as said main body.

According to a further aspect said supplementary wall components are of a different laminate material as said main body.

According to a further aspect said main body is of a laminate material and includes a moisture impervious outer layer.

According to a further aspect said supplementary wall components are of different thickness laminate material and/or different grade laminate material than said main body.

According to a further aspect the invention broadly comprises a plurality of containers according to any one of the previous clauses and arranged in a stack one atop the other.

According to a further aspect the invention broadly comprises a method of tuning the mechanical properties of a container comprising selecting material properties of a laminate board for each component of a container according to any one of the previous clauses.

According to a further aspect the invention broadly comprises a set of blanks suitable for a container according to any one of the previous clauses.

According to a further aspect a container comprising: a base blank component, and said base component includes a flap sequence of two side wall flaps extending from each of two opposed sides of said base, the first side wall flap of each flap sequence being connected to the base at a first fold line, the second side wall of each flap sequence being connected to its associated first wall flap by at least a second fold line parallel to its said first fold line, wherein said container has said second side wall flap of each flap sequence inwardly of its associated first side wall flap, and an end wall flap extends from each of the other two sides of said base, and is secured at each end to a flap of a respective flap sequence, and wherein above the level of said second fold line there is defined at least one indexing projection on each flap sequence, indexable by an identical container having a cut or aperture in its base for that purpose, and wherein said indexing projections are tapered such that the material thickness is greater at a region adjoining the flap sequence, and narrower at an uppermost extent.

According to a further aspect an outer face of said indexing projections are tapered, and an inner face is substantially in plane with a flap of said flap sequence.

According to a further aspect said taper is formed by crushing at least an upper region of said indexing projection.

According to a further aspect said crushing is carried out at the same time as said blank is cut by a die.

According to a further aspect said crushing is carried out by a roller.

Definition of terms

The term "comprising" as used in this specification and claims means "consisting at least in part of". When interpreting each statement in this specification and claims that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a blank of the main body.

Figure 2 is a plan view of a blank of a side panel.

Figure 3 is a schematic exploded view showing a pair of side panels and a main body coming together during assembly.

Figure 4 is a partially assembled schematic view showing the side panels in place on the main body with side extension flaps partially raised.

Figure 5 is a partially assembled schematic view of the container of Figure 4 showing side extension flaps raised further.

Figure 6 is a schematic nearly completed assembled view of the container of figure 4.

Figure 7 is a plan view of an alternative side wall panel blank.

Figure 8 is a plan view of a further alternative side wall panel blank.

Figure 9 is a schematic nearly completed assembled view of the container including side wall panel blanks of figure 8.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a further alternative configuration of the side wall panel blank, including a tapered indexing projections.

Figure 11 schematically illustrates some alternative tapered indexing projection shapes.

Figure 12 illustrates an alternative container style including tapered indexing projections.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to Figure 1, a blank of the main body 1 is shown. Preferably, the main body is cardboard. Most preferably the main body is corrugated cardboard defining a flute run direction.

The main body 1 includes a rectangular (or square) base 2, and end wall extension flaps 3, on opposed ends. The end wall extension flaps 3, are hinged along fold lines 4 to base 2. Each end wall extension flap includes a depending tab 5 on each side, joined via fold lines 6 (generally perpendicular to fold lines 4).

The base 2, preferably further includes indexing apertures 16 for receiving indexing projections (of a like container in a stack) as described in more detain later.

The main body base 2 further includes first and second extension flaps 7,8 respectively, depending from each side. First extension flap 7, is connected to base 2 by fold lines 9. The second extension flaps 8 are connected to first extension flaps 7, via a bridging region 10. Bridging region 10 preferably comprises a pair of spaced fold lines 11, parallel to fold lines 9. Preferably the spacing is such that a further piece of board (described later) can be tightly sandwiched between the first and second extension flaps 7, 8 respectively.

At each end of each second extension flap 8, there is preferably a pair of depending sections 12,13 defined by fold lines 14,15 arranged generally perpendicular to fold lines 11.

Each second extension flap 8, also preferably includes a pair of apertures 17 (located adjacent bridging regions 10), and spaced to correspond to the spacing of base apertures 16. Each second extension flap 8, also preferably includes a pair of cut-outs 23 (located opposite bridging regions 10), and spaced to correspond to the spacing of apertures 17.

With reference to Figure 2, a supplementary side wall member 18 is shown. Side wall member 18 includes a pair of indexing projections 19. Each indexing projection includes a base portion 19 and a foldover portion 20, joined at fold line 21.

Indents 27, are preferably provided to accommodate bridging regions 10, in order to have the upper surface of the supplementary wall members present at the same level as the cut surface edges of the first and second extension flaps (regions 26).

Alternatively, foldover portion 20 may be omitted, resulting in the supplementary side wall member 18 configuration as shown in figure 8. In this alternative configuration, the supplementary side wall panel 18 is flat, and includes no folds.

This indexing projection lug configuration has the advantage of not requiring any further folding processes, or glueing processes.

With reference to figure 10, in a still further preferred configuration, the top edges of the indexing projections 19 are tapered. This tapered feature 28 has been found to assist with aligning the indexed containers in a stack. The taper 28 helps ensure that the indexing projection of a lower container enters the corresponding aperture 16 of a container stacked on top.

In one preferred configuration, the outside face of each indexing projection 19 is tapered, such that the upper edge is narrower than the base of the indexing projection 19, and the inner face is substantially in plane with the supplementary side wall member 19.

In an alternative configuration, both the inside and outside faces are tapered, such that the indexing projection is pointed in cross section. A further alternative configuration, the inside face of each indexing projection 19 is tapered, such that the upper edge is narrower than the base of the indexing projection 19.

It will be appreciated that the position, angle and extent of the taper 28 may be varied to accommodate various container constructions and indexing aperture configurations. The primary objective is to reduce the size of the portion of the indexing projection that initially enters the corresponding indexing aperture.

In order to minimise the potential weakening of the indexing projection, it may be preferred that only the upper extent of the indexing projection is tapered. That is, the base of the indexing projection maintains full blank material thickness, in order to preserve the structural integrity of the indexing projection, where it engages with a container stacked on top.

Figure 11 illustrates a number of cross-sectional shape examples of a suitable taper 28. For example, figure 11a schematically illustrates a single taper 28 on one side (preferably the outside face) of supplementary wall member 18. In this figure, the length of the taper is almost as long as the indexing projection.

Figure lib schematically illustrates a single taper 28, that is shorter in length.

Figure 11c schematically illustrates a double sided taper 28.

Figure lid schematically illustrates the opposite taper of figure 11a (i.e. on the inner facing supplementary wall member).

In order to form the taper, the corrugated blank may be crushed in the appropriate region of the indexing projection 19. Preferably the degree of crushing is varied to form a continuous tapered surface.

Is preferred that the local crushing of indexing projection 19 is achieved at the time of forming the blank. For example, if the blank is die cut, the die may include a corresponding tapered surface which will result in the appropriate crushing in order to form the taper.

Alternatively, the indexing projection 19 maybe crushed by at least one roller (preferably tapered roller) in order to form the tapered section 28 of the indexing projection 19.

At each end of supplementary side wall member 18 is preferably an extension tab 22. Along the base of supplementary side wall member 18 is a pair of cut-outs 24, spaced to correspond with the spacing of indexing projections 19.

With reference to Figures 3-6, a preferred assembly sequence will be described in detail. It will be appreciated however, that other suitable sequences will also result in an assembled container. In order to make a container, a main body 1 is assembled with a pair of supplementary side wall members 2.

As shown in Figure 4, supplementary side wall members 18 are arranged so that their bases align with respective fold lines 9 of main body 1, and first extension flaps 7 are folded upwards about fold lines 9. It is to be appreciated that figure 4 (and figure 5), are schematic illustrations and do not show the thickness of the cardboard material.

The extension tabs 22 of side walls 18 are folded inwards approximately 90 degrees (so they meet end wall 3 as it is folded upwards along fold lines 4). Preferably, the extension tabs 22 are adhesively bonded with the inner surfaces of end walls 3 (for example via a hot melt glue or any other suitable adhesive).

In alternative embodiments, it is envisaged that supplementary side walls 18 may be multi-layer. For example, supplementary side wall panels 18 may comprise two mirrored panels joined at the top indexing projection 19', as shown in Figure 7. When folded along the line 21' a composite supplementary panel 18 is formed. The resulting container will have a four ply sidewall with even further improved load bearing strength.

The configuration illustrated in figure 6 also includes an optional alternative indexing projection structure, being folded along its uppermost edge, but the supplementary wall is only one layer thick.

Alternatively still, multiple supplementary wall panels 18 may be employed. For the varied designs described above, the width of bridging section 10 can be adjusted to accommodate thicker supplementary side wall panels 18. In the most preferred configurations, the supplementary wall panel(s) 18, are tightly sandwiched between the indexing wall flaps. That is, the bridging sections 10, are dimensioned to provide little or no gaps between the indexing wall panels and the supplementary wall panel (or panels) 18.

With particular reference to Figure 5, first extension flaps 7 are folded perpendicular to base 2, and end wall tabs 5, are folded 90 degrees to abut the outside of respective first extension flaps 7. Preferably, end wall tabs 5 are glued to first extension flaps 7 (for example via a hot melt glue or any other suitable adhesive).

As shown in Figure 6, second extension flaps 8 are folded over so that they take up a position inwards of first extension flaps 7. Bridging region 10 (defined by parallel fold lines 11), sandwiches supplementary side walls 18 between the first and second extension flaps 7,8. Accordingly, the side walls of the assembled container are triple layered across the entire side, and provide excellent strength against compressive loads without bulging. Accordingly, these containers can reach levels of stacking performance unattainable with other designs, and can resist failure and/or prevent damage to produce within, even in the most demanding high load and/or humidity environments.

When folded over, the indexing projections 19 of supplementary side wall members 18, protrude through apertures 17, while bridging region 10 provides a supporting ledge, on the upper side walls of the container. Preferably, the main body blank 1, includes exposed cut edges 26 along the line of bridge fold lines 11. In the assembled container, these exposed cut edges provide a strong load bearing surface for containers in a stack. These sections have been found to perform better than a fold due to a reduced tendency to buckle.

In order to complete assembly and provide additional reinforcement against bulging, depending sections 12,13 are folded inwards so that section 12 triangulates the corner, and section 13 is bonded to the inner surface of end wall 3. Alternatively, section 12 may be omitted and 13 may be directly bonded to the inner surface of end wall 3.

The resulting assembled structure provides a container with exceptionally good stacking strength.

In some preferred embodiments the main body is of corrugated board and the flute run direction 25 is such that the side walls have a vertical flute run when assembled. Alternatively, the flute run direction of the main body may be perpendicular to 25.

Similarly, in some preferred embodiments the supplementary side wall members 18, may be of corrugated board. In some embodiments the flute run direction of the supplementary side wall members 18 is vertical (when assembled). In alternative embodiments the flute run direction of the supplementary side wall members 18 may be horizontal (when assembled).

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the properties of the container can be tailored to suit specific applications by varying the relative flute run directions of the main body and the supplementary side walls. For example, configurations where the flute run directions are not parallel may resist bulging from produce pressing from the inside. Less bulging can result in the containers fitting within shipping containers (or other rigid transport modes) better.

Similarly, the multi piece construction of the container allows the properties of the assembled container to tailored by selecting different board grades for the main body and the supplementary side walls respectively. In particular, the stacking strength and base sag performance can be independently varied by utilising different board grades and/or board of varying thickness and/or lay-up.

An optimum mix of stacking strength and base sag for varying applications can be selectively tuned, resulting in more efficient use of paper fibre. This leads to significant cost savings in board.

Further, the multi piece construction of the container allows the selective introduction of high moisture resistance. For example, the main body may be coated on one (or both) sides with a moisture resistant polymer or metallic film, or other coating. These films are expensive, and the supplementary side wall members may remain uncoated to reduce cost as they are relatively protected by being sandwiched between the first and second extension flaps.

Alternatively, the supplementary side wall members 18 may be coated on one (or both) sides, to provide additional moisture resistance.

Importantly, the above variations can be achieved simply without needing significantly different equipment (and in some cases no differences at all). This feature makes the present system very versatile, and many individual combinations of features are possible.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that these containers, are designed to be stacked one atop another to form an interlocking tower. The upwardly extending indexing projections 19, are positioned to engage with corresponding apertures 16 in the base of the container. In order to ensure proper alignment, the side walls are preferably slightly inclined inwards. Further, cutouts 23,24 are preferably provided in the indexing walls and/or supplementary side walls, in order to allow for indexing projections 19 protruding through base 2, to be accommodated.

It is most preferred that the container of the present invention is erected/glued by machine.

Alternatively, the container may be erected by hand. For hand erect embodiments, it is anticipated that additional lugs (or protrusions) could be added to the bottom edge of second extension flaps 8 (not shown), to engage with corresponding cutouts in base 2. These features combine to keep the folded over first and second extension flaps 7,8 in position.

In the foregoing described examples, the main load support sides (including supplementary wall panels 18 sandwiched between first and second extension flaps 7, 8), are located on the long sides of the container. However, alternative embodiments are envisaged where the main load support sides are located on the (opposing) short sides of the container. Further still, containers with a square base are also contemplated.

Further still, it is anticipated that the number and location of the indexing projections may also vary. In the embodiments described and illustrated, the container includes a pair of indexing projections on each of the main load supporting walls (long side of container), however there may be anywhere between one and five indexing projections on the side wall.

Further still, the end walls may also include one or more indexing projections, either in combination with, or instead of, indexing projections on the side walls.

Is also envisaged that the load performance may be improved by providing precrushed regions on the base of the main body (particularly around the perimeter of the base where the supplementary sidewall components abut the base).

With reference to figure 12, a further example container is schematically illustrated. It will be appreciated that the previously described tapered indexing projection 19, will have application to other styles of indexing containers. For example, as illustrated in figure 12, and indexing container formed of a single blank is shown schematically.

It is intended that the tapered indexing projection feature 28 may be utilised on any style indexing container manufactured from corrugated cardboard.

The foregoing description of the invention includes preferred forms thereof. Modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying indicative claims.

Claims (38)

1. Claims:

   1. A container formed from a set of blanks comprising: a base blank component, and a pair of supplementary wall blank components, wherein said base component includes a flap sequence of two side wall flaps extending from each of two opposed sides of said base, the first side wall flap of each flap sequence being connected to the base at a first fold line, the second side wall of each flap sequence being connected to its associated first wall flap by at least a second fold line parallel to its said first fold line, wherein said container has said second side wall flap of each flap sequence inwardly of its associated first side wall flap, and wherein each of said supplementary wall blank components are sandwiched between a respective first and second side wall flap, and wherein an end wall flap extends from each of the other two sides of said base, and is secured at each end to a flap of a respective flap sequence.
2. 2. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein each said end wall flap including a pair of securing tabs at each side thereof, and said end wall securing tabs are bonded to an outer face of a respective said first side wall flap.
3. 3. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein each second side wall flap having at each end thereof: i) a first extension flap beyond a third fold line extending substantially perpendicular to said second fold line, ii) a second extension flap extending from said first extension flap beyond a fourth fold line extending parallel to said third fold line, wherein each said first extension flap triangulates a respective corner of said container, and each said second extension flap is bonded to an inner surface of a respective end wall flap, to form a column like vertical load supporting structure.
4. 4. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein each second side wall flap having at each end thereof: a second extension flap beyond a fourth fold line extending perpendicular to said second fold line, and bonded to an inner surface of a respective end wall flap.
5. 5. A container as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein each of said supplementary wall flaps or said end walls include one or more indexing projections indexable by an identical container having a cut or aperture in its base for that purpose.
6. 6. A container as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein above the level of said second fold line there is defined at least one indexing projection by said supplementary wall flaps, indexable by an identical container having a cut or aperture in its base for that purpose.
7. 7. A container as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein the base blank is a laminate board including at least one corrugated core layer defining a flute run direction.
8. 8. A container as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein the supplementary wall blanks are a laminate board including at least one corrugated core layer defining a flute run direction.
9. 9. A container as claimed in claim 7, wherein the flute run direction is perpendicular to said first fold line.
10. 10. A container as claimed in claim 8, wherein the flute run direction is vertical.
11. 11. A container as claimed in claim 8, wherein the flute run direction is horizontal.
12. 12. A container as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein a transition between said first side wall flap and said second side wall flap includes a fifth fold line parallel to said second fold line, thereby forming a horizontal ledge when assembled.
13. 13. A container as claimed in the previous claim, wherein each indexing projection extends through an aperture formed in said ledge and is flanked on either side, by a hinging transition of said ledge.
14. 14. A container as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein said flap sequence extends at least almost the entire length of the side of said container.
15. 15. A container as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein at least at about the level of said hinging transition, there is upwardly exposed by both side wall flaps, load supporting cut edges of the laminate.
16. 16. A container as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein said base is rectangular having opposing long sides and opposing short sides, and said end walls depend from said short sides.
17. 17. A container as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein said base includes a plurality of indexing apertures configured to receive a respective indexing projection from an identical container beneath.
18. 18. A container as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein each said flap sequence is angled slightly inwards of vertical with respect to said base.
19. 19. A container as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein said supplementary wall flaps are double layered and mirrored about a fold line located at the upper most extent of said indexing projections.
20. 20. A container as claimed in any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein said indexing projections comprise a fold line at the uppermost extent, and only one end is contiguous with said supplementary wall flap, and the other end of said indexing projection is adhesively bonded to said supplementary wall blank.
21. 21. A container as claimed in any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein said indexing projections are tapered such that the material thickness is greater at a region adjoining the supplementary wall blank and narrower at an uppermost extent.
22. 22. A container as claimed in claim 21, wherein an outer face of said indexing projections are tapered, and an inner face is substantially in plane with said supplementary wall blank.
23. 23. A container as claimed in any one of claims 21 or 22, wherein said taper is formed by crushing at least an upper region of said indexing projection.
24. 24. A container as claimed in claim 23, wherein said crushing is carried out at the same time as said supplementary wall blank is cut by a die.
25. 25. A container as claimed in claim 23, wherein said crushing is carried out by a roller.
26. 26. A container as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein each second side wall flap sits on a pre-crushed region of the base.
27. 27. A container as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein said supplementary wall components are of the same material as said main body.
28. 28. A container as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein said supplementary wall components are of a different laminate material as said main body.
29. 29. A container as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein said main body is of a laminate material and includes a moisture impervious outer layer.
30. 30. A container as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein said supplementary wall components are of different thickness laminate material and/or different grade laminate material than said main body.
31. 31. A plurality of containers as claimed in any one of the previous claims arranged in a stack one atop the other.
32. 32. A method of tuning the mechanical properties of a container comprising selecting material properties of a laminate board for each component of a container according to any one of the previous claims.
33. 33. A set of blanks suitable for a container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 27.
34. 34. A container comprising: a base blank component, and said base component includes a flap sequence of two side wall flaps extending from each of two opposed sides of said base, the first side wall flap of each flap sequence being connected to the base at a first fold line, the second side wall of each flap sequence being connected to its associated first wall flap by at least a second fold line parallel to its said first fold line, wherein said container has said second side wall flap of each flap sequence inwardly of its associated first side wall flap, and an end wall flap extends from each of the other two sides of said base, and is secured at each end to a flap of a respective flap sequence, and wherein above the level of said second fold line there is defined at least one indexing projection on each flap sequence, indexable by an identical container having a cut or aperture in its base for that purpose, and wherein said indexing projections are tapered such that the material thickness is greater at a region adjoining the flap sequence, and narrower at an uppermost extent.
35. 36. A container as claimed in claim 35, wherein an outer face of said indexing projections are tapered, and an inner face is substantially in plane with a flap of said flap sequence.
36. 37. A container as claimed in any one of claims 35 or 36, wherein said taper is formed by crushing at least an upper region of said indexing projection.
37. 38. A container as claimed in claim 37, wherein said crushing is carried out at the same time as said blank is cut by a die.
38. 39. A container as claimed in claim 37, wherein said crushing is carried out by a roller.