EP2322438B1

EP2322438B1 - Blank for a packaging, and box obtained making use of such a blank

Info

Publication number: EP2322438B1
Application number: EP10189815.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ann-Sofie Denoo; An Masschelein
Original assignee: SCA Packaging Belgium NV
Current assignee: DS Smith Packaging Belgium NV
Priority date: 2009-11-13
Filing date: 2010-11-03
Publication date: 2016-01-27
Anticipated expiration: 2030-11-03
Also published as: HUE028474T2; BE1019000A3; EP2322438A3; EP2322438A2

Description

The present invention relates to a blank for a wrap-around packaging, particularly a so-called wrap-around box manufactured from a foldable material such as cardboard, according to the preamble of claim 1. Such a blank typically comprises four adjacent panels which are mutually connected in each case via a main longitudinal fold line so as to form a peripheral wall of the wrap-around packaging, wherein each panel is connected on opposite first and second edges to respectively a first and second flap, in each case via a transverse fold line. The invention further relates to a box manufactured making use of such a blank.
Such blanks are generally known and are for instance folded and glued using the process illustrated in figures 8A-E. The drawback of such boxes is that they do not allow merchandise packaged in a box to be presented in convenient and attractive manner to the customer.
EP 2 1036 536 discloses a wrap around container which also functions as a display for the packaged product, by means of a configuration which includes tear lines which define the division into a base and a lid, displaying the product on the base. The container is characterised in that the sectors are provided with a configuration such that in the product display position the pre-cut lines are concealed by the extensions or the closing flap.
US 2005/0184139 discloses a shipping and storage container including a first tear seam along a lower portion of the front panel, which extends upward at an angle across side flaps attached to the front panel, and a second tear seam formed at a fold line between the top panel and back panel. US 4,553,666 discloses a shipping and display carton for a plurality of plastic containers wherein the carton is formed from a flat blank that is folded into a slotted style container configuration with end flaps of sufficient size to effectively close the ends of the tubular configuration with a double thickness of corrugated board.
GB 2 409 432 an apparatus for imparting a Z-fold to a connection portion of a box blank, the connection portion being a portion of the blank, which connects other, generally major, portions of the blank.
The present invention has for its object to provide a box of the type stated in the preamble with which merchandise can be presented in convenient and attractive manner to a customer in an opened box. It is more particularly recommended that a shop assistant can open the box in simple manner, wherein the merchandise in the box can be presented to a customer.
For this purpose the blank according to the invention is distinguished in that a first separating line extends from an outer edge of a first flap, through a first panel to an outer edge of a second flap, which first separating line divides the first panel into a first and second part; that at least one folding flap is provided which is bounded by a first and second longitudinal fold line, parallel to the main longitudinal fold lines, and two transverse edges between the first and second longitudinal fold lines, wherein the first separating line coincides with the transverse edges and is adapted to be broken through along its full length, except at the position of the first and second longitudinal fold lines, during erection of the wrap-around packaging; this such that in the erected position of the packaging the first part of the first panel is moved toward the second part thereof with interposing of the at least one folding flap.
Such a blank has the advantage that a wrap-around packaging can be erected therefrom in simple manner, wherein first and second parts of a panel are moved toward each other, this such that the first panel can be divided in two along the first separating line.
In this way it will be easily possible to open a box made from such a blank by separating the first and second parts from each other along the first separating line, whereby an opening is created in the first panel, this opening allowing the merchandise packaged in the box to be presented to a user.
According to a possible embodiment, the first and second parts will overlap each other in the erected position, although it is also possible to provide, adjacently of the at least one folding flap, recesses along the separating line such that the first and second parts for instance connect to each other.
The first separating line preferably consists substantially of a cut line, a perforation line or a combination thereof.
According to a preferred embodiment, a second separating line extends from an outer edge of a first flap adjacent to a second panel, through this second panel to an outer edge of a second flap. In this way the part between the first and second separating line is removable in the erected position of the packaging. This then results for instance in a tray in which the merchandise remains and can be displayed. This second separating line preferably consists of a cut line, a perforation line or a combination thereof.
According to a further developed possible embodiment, at least one recess is provided, which at least one recess is adapted so that a user could place their fingers therein to tear the packaging along the first separating line. According to a first variant hereof, the at least one recess is arranged at a distance from a folding flap of the at least one folding flap, and is adjacent to the first separating line. This further enhances the convenience with which shop staff can open the box. According to another variant hereof, a perforation line adjacent to the separating line can also be provided instead of a recess, this such that after pressing through thereof a recess is formed which facilitates tearing along the separating line.
According to a possible embodiment, the at least one folding flap in the first panel comprises a central folding flap which is provided roughly at the position of the centre of the first separating line. The at least one recess can then for instance be arranged close to the central folding flap, wherein the first separating line comprises at least two parts of uncut tear line between the at least one recess and the central folding flap.
According to yet another further developed embodiment, the at least one folding flap comprises a first and a second folding flap in respectively the first and the second flap adjacent to the first panel.
According to a preferred embodiment, the second separating line divides the second panel into a first and second part; and at least one additional folding flap is provided which has a first and second additional longitudinal fold line, wherein the second separating line extends therebetween and thus bounds the additional folding flap between the first and second additional longitudinal fold lines. In this way the first part of the second panel will, in the erected position of the packaging, be moved toward the second part of the second panel with interposing of the folding flap.
One or more openings adjacent to the first separating line can further be provided depending on the type of box, as will be better understood with reference to the figure description hereinbelow.
The invention will be further elucidated on the basis of a number of non-limitative exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a blank for a wrap-around packaging according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the first embodiment of the wrap-around packaging according to the invention making use of the blank of figure 1;
Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the first embodiment shown in figure 2, wherein the upper part of the packaging has been removed;
Figure 4 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a blank for a wrap-around packaging according to the invention;
Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the second embodiment of the wrap-around packaging according to the invention making use of the blank of figure 4;
Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the second embodiment shown in figure 5, wherein a part of the packaging has been removed;
Figure 7 illustrates schematically the pre-glueing of the blank of figure 1;
Figure 8 illustrates schematically the pre-glueing of the blank of figure 1;
Figures 9A-9E illustrate a standard process for the folding and glueing of a wrap-around box;
Figure 10 illustrates schematically a first variant of the first embodiment of figure 1;
Figure 11 illustrates schematically a second variant of the first embodiment of figure 1;
Figure 12 illustrates schematically a third variant of the first embodiment of figure 1;
Figure 13 is a schematic view of a third embodiment of a blank for a wrap-around packaging according to the invention; and
Figure 14 illustrates schematically a fourth variant of the first embodiment of figure 1.

Figure 1 illustrates schematically a top view of a blank for a wrap-around packaging (a so-called wrap-around box). Such a blank is typically manufactured from cardboard or any other suitable foldable material used in the packaging industry. The embodiment illustrated in figure 1 shows a blank with substantially four panels 1-4. In the shown variant panel 2 is intended to form a bottom wall, panel 3 is intended to form a front wall, panel 1 is intended to form a rear wall and panel 4 is intended to form an upper wall. Panel 1 is connected to panel 2 by means of a main longitudinal fold line 31, panel 2 is connected to panel 3 by means of a main longitudinal fold line 32 and panel 3 is connected to panel 4 by means of a main longitudinal fold line 33. A glue flap 5 is further provided for the purpose of connecting the longitudinal edge of panel 4 to the free longitudinal edge of panel 1 in the erected position of the box.
Each panel 1-4 is connected on opposite first and second transverse edges to respectively a first and second flap 11a, b - 14a, b, in each case via a transverse fold line. Panel 1 is thus connected on a first transverse edge to a first flap 11a by means of a first transverse fold line 21a, and connected on a second transverse edge to a second flap 11b via a second transverse fold line 21b. Note that these transverse fold lines 21a, 21b can be interrupted by openings, such as for instance the optional openings 34a, 34b. According to a variant of the first embodiment shown in figure 12, slots 1234a, 1234b adjacent to separating line 1225 are provided instead of openings 34a, 34b. In similar manner second panel 2 is connected at its transverse edges to a first flap 12a and a second flap 12b via a respective first fold line 22a and a second fold line 22b. Third panel 3 is also connected to flaps 13a and 13b via respective fold lines 23a, 23b, and fourth panel 4 is connected to flaps 14a and 14b via respective fold lines 24a and 24b. Fold lines 23a and 23b of third panel 3 are also interrupted by openings 35a, 35b, although this is optional. Provided in the variant of figure 12 are optional slots 1235a, 1235b adjacent to second separating line 1226.
The different transverse and longitudinal fold lines can for instance be embodied as score lines, half-incisions, perforation lines and so on.
In the illustrated embodiment a first separating line 25 extends from the outer edge of a first flap 11a of panel 1 to the outer edge of second flap 11b of panel 2. This separating line is shown in dotted lines. This separating line is such that the blank can be easily torn along this line. The blank will typically either be cut along this line or be provided with a perforation or perforated score. In the illustrated variant the separating line 25 consists of a first perforated straight line 25a, a second cut line 25b directed perpendicularly thereof, a third cut line 25c extending in the longitudinal direction, a line 25d directed perpendicularly thereof, a perforated line 25e, and a cut line 25f, wherein separating line 25 is symmetrical relative to the centre of panel 1, so only half thereof is described in detail. Note that this is only a possible embodiment of the first separating line: line parts 25a-25c could thus also be formed for instance as one continuous straight or curved line. Furthermore, these line parts must not run parallel to fold line 31 (see also the second embodiment illustrated in figure 4), and must not be cut through. Perforation lines can for instance also be used. It is also perfectly well possible to envisage non-symmetrical variants, see for instance the variant of figure 13 in which a non-symmetrical separating line 1325 is used.
In similar manner a second separating line 26 extends between the outer edge of a first flap 13a of panel 3 and the outer edge of a second flap 13b of panel 3. Similarly, the second separating line is made up here of parts 26a-26f. Panels 1 and 3 are further provided with openings 27, 28 respectively adjacent to first separating line 25 and second separating line 26. In this way a user can easily initiate tearing along the separating line by placing their fingers in these openings. The first separating line divides first panel 1 into a first part 1a and a second part 1b. In similar manner the second separating line 26 divides third panel 3 into a first part 3a and a second part 3b.
Further provided in first panel 1 is a first folding flap 34 with a first longitudinal fold line 36a and a second longitudinal fold line 36b, these longitudinal fold lines being parallel to main longitudinal fold lines 31-33. This first folding flap 34 is adjacent to first separating line 25, wherein the first separating line more particularly extends between the first and second longitudinal fold lines 36a and 36b, this at two locations, such that a Z-fold can take place between first part 1a and second part 1b, wherein in the erected position of the blank of figure 1 the first part 1a partially overlaps the second panel 1b with interposing of folding flap 34. Note that recess 44 along first separating line 25 can also have different dimensions and that the first part could thus for instance also connect to the second part in the erected position. The choice of size for the recesses could even be so large that a distance remains between the first and the second part, except where the Z-fold is present. In similar manner two additional folding flaps 38a, 38b, bounded in each case by two longitudinal fold lines 40a, 41a and 40b, 41b, are provided in the first flap 11a and second flap 11b adjacent to first panel 1. In similar manner as for folding flap 34, folding flaps 38a and 38b will be interposed between a part of first part 1a and second part 2b in the erected position of the box. The first separating line 25 is thus cut through completely, except at locations where folding flaps 34, 38a, 38b are situated. Note that it is also possible for first and second separating lines 25, 26 not to be cut through completely, and to be connected to each other with for instance a number of attachment points. Such attachment points can then be wholly or partially broken through during the folding and glueing process.
In a first step the blank will be pre-folded as illustrated in figures 7 and 8, wherein determined overlapping parts are typically pre-glued. Figure 8 clearly shows the Z-fold which results in a partial overlap of parts 1a and 1b of the first panel.
The second separating line 26 is formed here similarly to first separating line 25. Three folding flaps 35, 39a, 39b are here also provided which ensure that a Z-fold can be made, whereby first part 3a partially overlaps second part 3b, as illustrated in figures 7 and 8. It is also noted here that, similarly to folding flap 34, folding flap 35 is bounded by longitudinal fold lines 37a, 37b and that, similarly to folding flaps 38a and 38b, folding flaps 39a and 39b are bounded by respective longitudinal fold lines 42a, 43a and 42b, 43b. Additional recesses 44 can optionally be provided along first separating line 25. Additional recesses 45 can be provided in similar manner along second separating line 26. Such openings 44, 45 are typically intended to ensure that in the erected position parts 1a and 3a do not extend further than main fold lines 31 and 32. Such openings will typically further enhance easy punching and glueing. The shape of such openings can vary and can also be used to arrange variations in the upper line of the tray after the upper part of the packaging has been removed, see figure 3. Other parameters which can play a part in the choice of the dimensions of the openings can relate to easy removal of the waste during the punching process.
Figure 2 illustrates the box obtained after the pre-folding/pre-glueing and the folding of the blank of figure 1. The pre-folding and pre-glueing is illustrated in figures 7 and 8. According to a possible embodiment, an adhesive is applied at the position of a number of Z-folds. According to a first variant, glue is provided only on central folding flaps 34, 35, although it is also possible to provide glue on all folding flaps 34, 35, 38a, 38b and 39a, 39b. The skilled person will appreciate that numerous other combinations are also possible. It will typically suffice to glue or otherwise secure one folding flap. An adhesive can further be provided on parts 1b and 3b, and particularly on surfaces 46 and 47, wherein glueing or otherwise securing of the folding flaps can be dispensed with.
After these prior operations the blank of figure 1 can be assembled making use of a standard process for folding wrap-around packagings. For the sake of clarity this standard process is illustrated in figures 8A-8E. Finally, figure 3 illustrates the tray which remains after the packaging is opened, and more particularly after the packaging is separated along the first and second separating lines 25 and 26.
Also note that in the erected position surfaces 46, 47 can be situated on the inner side as well as on the outer side of the Z-fold, depending on the folding direction during the prior operations and the folding process.
A second embodiment of a blank according to the invention will now be described with reference to figure 4. Similar components are designated here with the same reference numerals, to which 100 is added. In the second variant a first separating line 125 is arranged in third panel 103 and a second separating line 126 is arranged in fourth panel 104. First separating line 125 is similar to separating line 25 of the first variant, with the difference that only one folding flap 134 is provided and that the separating line takes a slightly different form. Folding flap 134 is provided in similar manner with first and second longitudinal fold lines 136a, 136b, wherein separating line 125 is adjacent to folding flap 134 and extends between these first and second longitudinal fold lines 136a, 136b. In this variant no additional folding flaps are provided in flaps 113a, 113b. Second separating line 126 is not provided with folding flaps, and is here a simple perforation line along which the packaging can be easily torn. An additional cut line 150 can further be provided, which is adjacent to separating line 126 in order to facilitate tearing along second separating line 126.
Figure 5 illustrates the box which results after the pre-folding and glueing and the folding erection of the blank of figure 4. The pre-folding and pre-glueing are similar to the first variant and are not illustrated. The erection of the box further takes place according to the standard wrap-around process, for which reference can be made to figures 8A-8E. Finally, figure 6 illustrates the second embodiment after the packaging has been opened, wherein the packaging is torn along first and second separating lines 125, 126.
Figure 10 illustrates a first variant of the embodiment of figure 1, in which a perforation line 1027 is provided instead of recess 27. Here the user could thus easily press away a piece of material along perforation line 1027, whereby an opening is created which allows first panel 1001 to be divided in two along first separating line 1025. A second recess 1028 is further provided at a distance from second separating line 1026, wherein a perforation line 1028' extends between this second recess 1028 and separating line 1026. Once again the user will here be able to divide third panel 1003 in two in practical manner along separating line 1026 via recess 1026.
Figure 11 illustrates a second variant of the first embodiment in which recesses 27, 28 are omitted. Recesses 1127, 1128 are however provided in respectively a first flap 1111a of first panel 1101 and in a first flap 1113a of third panel 1103. These recesses 1127, 1128 form as it were handgrips which allow first panel 1101 and third panel 1103 to be easily divided in two along their respective separating lines 1125 and 1126. Note that first and second separating lines 1125, 1126 extend here along the second fold lines of respectively first folding flap 1134 and second folding flap 1135.
Finally, figure 14 further shows a third variant of the first embodiment, in which a third separating line 1427 is also provided in a fourth panel 1404. This third separating line is comparable here to the first and second separating lines 1425, 1426. Such an embodiment will allow only a part of the upper wall (fourth panel 1404) to be removed, this such that the partially opened boxes remain stackable.
Although the invention has been described with reference to two specific embodiments, the skilled person will appreciate that many modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the following claims. Particularly the number of folding flaps associated with a determined separating line can thus be variable depending on the desired type of packaging, the dimensions thereof, the material used and so on. The number of openings 27, 28, 128a, 128b can also be variable depending on the application, the size of the packaging and so on. As illustrated in the second variant, the second separating line can for instance be a simple perforation line and does not necessarily have to be embodied with folding flaps. Note that the second separating line could also correspond with one of the main longitudinal fold lines 31, 32, 33 or with the fold line between panel 4 and glue flap 5. All the above described variants thus fall within the scope of the invention defined solely by the following claims.

Claims

Blank for a wrap-around packaging, manufactured from a foldable material such as cardboard, comprising four adjacent panels (1-4) which are connected in each case via a main longitudinal fold line (31-33) so as to form a peripheral wall of the wrap-around packaging, which main longitudinal fold lines are substantially parallel to each other, wherein each panel is connected on opposite first and second edges to respectively a first and second flap (11a,b-14a,b), in each case via a transverse fold line (21a,b-24a,b), wherein a first separating line (25) extends from an outer edge of a first flap, through a first panel to an outer edge of a second flap, which first separating line divides the first panel into a first and second part;
characterized in that
at least one folding flap (34) is provided which is bounded by a first and second longitudinal fold line (36a, 36b), parallel to the main longitudinal fold lines, and two transverse edges (25d) between the first and second longitudinal fold lines, wherein the separating line coincides with the transverse edges and is adapted to be broken through along its full length, except at the position of the first and second longitudinal fold lines, during erection of the wrap-around packaging;
this such that in the erected position of the packaging the first part of the first panel is moved toward the second part thereof with interposing of the at least one folding flap.
Blank as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the first separating line consists of a cut line, a perforation line or a combination thereof.
Blank as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a second separating line (26) extends from an outer edge of a first flap adjacent to a second panel, through this second panel to an outer edge of a second flap, such that the part between the first and second separating line is removable in the erected position of the packaging.
Blank as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the second separating line consists substantially of a cut line, a perforation line or a combination thereof.
Blank as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that at least one recess is arranged in the first panel, which at least one recess is adapted so that a user could place their fingers therein for the purpose of tearing the packaging along the first separating line.
Blank as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the at least one recess is arranged at a distance from the folding flap of the at least one folding flap, and is adjacent to the first separating line.
Blank as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that at least one perforation line is arranged in the first panel, which at least one perforation line is adapted to be easily broken through by a user so as to form a recess in which the user can place their fingers for the purpose of tearing the packaging along the first separating line.
Blank as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the at least one folding flap in the first panel comprises a central folding flap (34) which is provided roughly at the position of the centre of the first separating line (25).
Blank as claimed in claims 6 and 8, characterized in that the at least one recess is arranged close to the central folding flap, and that the first separating line comprises at least two parts (25e) of uncut tear line between the at least one recess and the central folding flap.
Blank as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the at least one folding flap comprises a first and a second folding flap (38a,b) in respectively the first and the second flap adjacent to the first panel.
Blank as claimed in claim 2 and any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the second separating line (26) divides the second panel into a first and second part; and that at least one additional folding flap (35) is provided which is bounded by a first and second additional longitudinal fold line, parallel to the main longitudinal fold lines, and two transverse edges (26d) between the first and second additional longitudinal fold line, wherein the second separating line coincides with the transverse edges, this such that in the erected position of the packaging the first part of the second panel is moved toward the second part of the second panel with interposing of the folding flap.
Blank as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that one or more openings (44, 144) are provided adjacent to the first separating line.
Blank as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that an outer longitudinal edge of the four adjacent panels is provided with a glue flap.
Blank as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that at least one incision is arranged close to the second separating line in order to facilitate tearing along this second separating line.
Box folded and glued making use of a blank as claimed in any of the foregoing claims.