EP4041646A1

EP4041646A1 - Packaging box lid blank, two-part packaging box blank and a method of assembling

Info

Publication number: EP4041646A1
Application number: EP20874065.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Karl-Erik Andersson
Original assignee: Stora Enso Oyj
Current assignee: Stora Enso Oyj
Priority date: 2019-10-10
Filing date: 2020-10-09
Publication date: 2022-08-17
Also published as: SE1951152A1; EP4041646A4; WO2021070134A1; SE545464C2

Abstract

There is provided a packaging box lid blank (10) comprising a quadrangle shaped top panel (100), a first side wall panel (110), a second side wall panel (120), a first locking tab (151), a second locking tab (152), a third locking tab (153) and a fourth locking tab (154). The first and second locking tabs (151, 152) are arranged at opposite end edges (111, 112) of the first side wall panel (110). The third and fourth locking tabs (153, 154) are arranged at opposite end edges (121, 122) of the second side wall panel (120). The packaging box lid blank (10) is configured to selectively be used as a packaging box lid (11) to a packaging box (21) in a first state (S1) and a second state (S2). In the first state (S1), the packaging box lid blank (10) is configured to be oriented such that a first major surface (100a) of the top panel (100) is facing in an outward direction. In the second state (S2), the packaging box lid blank (10) is configured to be oriented such that a second major surface (100b), opposite to the first major surface (100a), of the top panel (100) is facing in an outward direction. Packaging box blanks (20) and methods of assembling a packaging box (21) in the first and the second state (S1, S2) are also provided.

Description

PACKAGING BOX LID BLANK, TWO-PART PACKAGING BOX BLANK AND

A METHOD OF ASSEMBLING

Field of invention

The present invention relates to a packaging box lid blank. The present invention also relates to a two-part packaging box blank. The present invention also relates to a method of assembling a two-part packaging box.

Background

Packaging boxes are commonly used for, among other uses, transporting goods and products. A common example is when a seller dispatches an article to a customer following a remote purchase e.g. over the internet. For many types of goods, e.g. apparel and clothing items, such remote purchases come with the disadvantage that neither the customer nor the seller can certify that the item will satisfy the customer. For example, the customer cannot know if a clothing item fits satisfactory until the intended wearer has physically tried or tested the item. Upon delivery, the customer may discover damages or defects to the item or that it does not match specifications. The customer may also wish to undo the purchase for other reasons. In these and other similar cases, the customer may want to return, exchange or replace the item. Sellers may, depending on jurisdiction, have to comply with consumer protection laws mandating rights of withdrawal and exchange. Sellers may also offer purchase on approval to display goodwill towards customers and promote future purchases.

As remote purchases become more common, it becomes more and more important for sellers to simplify or streamline the return process.

A typical approach used by the industry today is to include return details on a sticker among the various documents enclosed with the goods inside the transportation package. The intention is that the customer is to attach the sticker with the return details to the outside of the package prior to return delivery. This approach is associated with several problems, such as the customer forgetting to attach the sticker at all, or the customer attaching the sticker incorrectly and/or non-satisfactory. This may result In that there is in-sufficient or no information at all concerning the return delivery, which may result in that it becomes cumbersome or even impossible for the delivery service to perform the intended return delivery.

In view of the above if is clear that there is room for an improvement within the technical field, which improvement may be used to facilitate amongst others return delivery, such as return delivery within e-commerce.

Summary of invention

It is an object of the invention to provide a packaging concept which addresses or mitigates at least some the above issues associated with the prior art concepts.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a packaging box lid blank comprising a quadrangle shaped top panel. The packaging box lid blank further comprises a first side wall panel being foldably connected to and extending in a longitudinal direction from a transversely extending first edge of the top panel. The packaging box lid blank further comprises a second side wall panel being foldably connected to and extending in a direction opposite to the longitudinal direction from a transversely extending second edge of the top panel, the second edge being opposite to the first edge. The packaging box lid blank further comprises a first locking tab being foldably connected to and extending in the transversal direction from a longitudinally extending first end edge of the first side wall panel. The packaging box lid blank further comprises a second locking tab being foldably connected to and extending in the direction opposite to the transversal direction from a longitudinally extending second end edge of the first side wall panel. The first and second locking tabs are arranged at opposite end edges of the first side wall panel. The packaging box lid blank further comprises a third locking tab being foldably connected to and extending in the transversal direction from a longitudinally extending first end edge of the second side wall panel. The packaging box lid blank further comprises a fourth locking tab being foldably connected to and extending in the direction opposite to the transversal direction from a longitudinally extending second end edge of the second side wall panel. The third and fourth locking tabs are arranged at opposite end edges of the second side wall panel. The packaging box lid blank is configured to selectively be used as a packaging box lid to a packaging box in a first state and a second state, the second state being different from the first state. In the first state, the packaging box lid blank is configured to be oriented such that a first major surface of the top panel is facing in an outward direction, and the first and second side wall panels are configured to be folded in a first direction relative to the top panel. In the second state, the packaging box lid blank is configured to be oriented such that a second major surface, opposite to the first major surface, of the top panel is facing in an outward direction, and the first and second side wall panels, are configured to be folded in a second direction, opposite to the first direction relative to the top panel.

An advantage with the first aspect of the invention is that a packaging box lid erected from the packaging box lid blank makes it possible to provide a dual function of the lid. As the lid may be easily and quickly reoriented so that a packaging box may be assembled in two different states, several advantageous effects may be achieved. One such effect is that different external appearances may be achieved by designing the two majors surfaces differently and by assembling the box in the two different states. This may be used to facilitate sorting and handling of the packaging box. The different design of the two major surfaces may e.g. include differently coloured major surfaces. Another advantageous effect is that the different states may be used to comprise e.g. a return delivery form and/or a return address on the inward facing major surface of the top panel when using the packaging box for delivering a remotely purchased item to a customer. As such, the customer may simply and effortlessly reorient the lid so that the return delivery form and/or the return address faces outwardly before sending back the packaging box. Further advantageous effects may include using different material coatings on the two major surfaces of the top panel.

The term packaging box may refer to any kind of a box shaped container. The packaging box need not but is preferably a box with an open top, where the packaging box lid is used to dose the packaging box. The packaging box lid may also be used as an outer lid outside an internal lid. The internal lid may e.g. be formed of flaps integrally formed with the other panels forming the packaging box. The term packaging box lid refers to a lid for a packaging box. The packaging box lid is especially useful in a packaging concept which may be referred to as a two-part packaging box. The term two- part packaging box refers to a packaging box comprising two main parts that are not integrally formed but connected to each other in an assembled state.

A two-part packaging box typically is formed of one part forming a box and one part forming a lid. It may be noted that the two parts may be integrally formed or inter-connected when in a flat-laid blanks form.

The term blank refers typically to a substantially planar sheet of material which has been cut and creased and which is intended to be foldably erected to form e.g. parts of a packaging box.

The longitudinal direction and the transversal direction, as well as their respective opposite directions may be understood as being confined in a plane corresponding to the blank as seen in a flat-laid state.

As the first and second directions are related to folding, the absolute direction may be understood as changing with the folding part. The directions may be understood as being normal to opposite major surfaces of the folding parts. The first direction may be understood as a direction at least initially corresponding to the normal of the first major surface of the top panel. The second direction, opposite to the first direction, may be understood as a direction at least initially corresponding to the normal of the second major surface of the top panel. Alternatively, the first and second directions may be understood as initially perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the transversal direction. Further alternatively, the first and second directions may be understood as general relative directions, e.g, up and down, inward and outward, etc.

According to some embodiments the first, second, third, and fourth locking tabs may be shaped such that a corner portion of respective locking tab being remote from the top panel is rounded or chamfered.

Having the corner portion of the locking tabs being rounded or chamfered typically facilitates the assembly of a packaging box lid with a packaging box bottom to form a packaging box. In particular, locking tabs with such rounded or chamfered corner portions are insertab!e into receiving portions of a packaging box bottom without requiring any deformation of the locking tabs, which typically would make assembly difficult and/or be detrimental for the locking effect intended to be provided by the tabs and thereby the structural integrity of the packaging box. To require deformation of the locking tabs during assembly would be especially detrimental for the packaging box lid of the present invention considering that is configured to be reused or reassembled in a different state.

According to some embodiments the packaging box lid blank may further comprise a third side wall panel being foldably connected to and extending in the transversal direction from a longitudinally extending third edge of the top panel, the third edge extending between the first edge and the second edge. The packaging box lid blank may further comprise a fourth side wall panel being foldably connected to and extending in the direction opposite to the transversal direction from a longitudinally extending fourth edge of the top panel, the fourth edge extending between the first edge and the second edge and being opposite to the third edge.

By providing such additional side wall panels it is possible to provide an extra stability to the assembled box. The extra side wall panels may also be used to provide an improved enclosing effect of the packaging box.

According to some embodiments the packaging box lid blank may be made of a paper-based material. The term paper-based material may be understood as material based on cellulose fibres. Blanks made of paper-based material may be manufactured quickly, cheaply, and efficiently in a sustainable manner.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a two-part packaging box blank comprising the packaging box lid blank according to the first aspect and a packaging box bottom blank being configured to be erected to form a packaging box bottom. The packaging box lid blank is separate from, or separable from, the packaging box bottom blank such that the packaging box bottom blank is configured to be put in a state where the packaging box bottom blank is separated from the packaging box lid blank and in which state the packaging box bottom blank is configured to be erected to form the packaging box bottom.

The term separable from may be understood as the packaging box lid blank and the packaging box bottom blank are physically connected initially and that the two blanks are physically separable by e.g. application of a tearing force or by cutting. Essentially the term separable implies that separation of the two parts is facilitated or at least advocated.

An advantage with such a blank is that blanks for both the packaging box bottom, and the packaging box lid may be comprised within the same sheet of material. Storing and handling such packaging box blanks may be logistically favourable as the entire box may be located on a thin sheet of material which in turn may be stacked for volume efficient storage or transport.

According to some embodiments the packaging box bottom blank may comprise a quadrangle shaped base panel. The packaging box bottom blank may further comprise a first side wall panel being foldably connected to and extending from a first edge of the base panel. The packaging box bottom blank may further comprise a second side wall panel being foldably connected to and extending from a second edge of the base panel, the second edge being opposite to the first edge. The packaging box bottom blank may further comprise a third side wall panel being foldably connected to and extending from a third edge of the base panel, the third edge extending between the first edge and the second edge. The packaging box bottom blank may further comprise a fourth side wall panel being foldably connected to and extending from a fourth edge of the base panel, the fourth edge extending between the first edge and the second edge and being opposite to the third edge. The packaging box bottom blank may further comprise a third side wall panel extension being foldably connected to and extending from a third side wall panel extension folding portion arranged at an opposite end of the third side wall panel relative to the third edge; the third side wall panel and the third side wall panel extension being configured to form a double panel side wall. The packaging box bottom blank may further comprise a fourth side wall panel extension being foldably connected to and extending from a fourth side wall panel extension folding portion arranged at an opposite end of the fourth side wall panel relative to the fourth edge, the fourth side wall panel and the fourth side wall panel extension being configured to form a double panel side wall.

Such a packaging box bottom blank provides in an erected state a packaging box bottom that is capable of receiving the packaging box lid in a simple and practical manner such that the packaging box is easily assembled in both the first and the second state.

According to some embodiments in the first state, the first and third locking tabs of the packaging box lid blank may be configured to be inserted between the third side wall panel and the third side wall panel extension. The second and fourth locking tabs of the packaging box lid blank may be configured to be inserted between the fourth side wall panel and the fourth side wall panel extension. The locking tabs may be configured for the insertion to be performed after the packaging box bottom blank has been erected into a packaging box bottom.

As such, the packaging box lid may be held in place, effectively enclosing the contents of the packaging box being assembled in the first state, such that the first major surface of the top panel is facing in an outward direction. According to some embodiments in the second state, the first and third locking tabs of the packaging box lid blank may be configured to be inserted between either the third side wall panel and the third side wall panel extension or the fourth side wall panel and the fourth side wall panel extension. The second and fourth locking tabs of the packaging box lid blank may be configured to be inserted between the pair of side wall panels into which the first and third locking tabs were not inserted. The locking tabs may be configured for the insertion to be performed after the packaging box bottom blank has been erected into a packaging box bottom.

As such, the packaging box lid may be held in place, effectively enclosing the contents of the packaging box being assembled in the in the second state, such that the second major surface of the top panel is facing in an outward direction.

According to some embodiments the packaging box bottom blank may further comprise a first locking tab being foldably connected to and extending from a first end edge of the first side wall panel. The packaging box bottom blank may further comprise a second locking tab being foldably connected to and extending from a second end edge of the first side wall panel. The first and second locking tabs may be arranged at opposite ends of the first side wall panel. The packaging box bottom blank may further comprise a third locking tab being foldably connected to and extending from a first end edge of the second side wall panel. The packaging box bottom blank may further comprise a fourth locking tab being foldably connected to and extending from a second end edge of the second side wall panel. The third and fourth locking tabs may be arranged at opposite ends of the second side wall panel.

By the inclusion of locking tabs to the packaging box bottom blank, the erected packaging box bottom, and thus also the assembled packaging box, may be provided with improved structural integrity. Enclosure of the contents of the packaging box may also be improved.

According to some embodiments the first and third locking tabs of the packaging box bottom blank may be configured to be inserted between the third side wall panel and the third side wall panel extension. The second and fourth locking tabs of the packaging box bottom blank may be configured to be inserted between the fourth side wall panel and the fourth side wall panel extension.

Such locking tabs may be used to further improve packaging box bottom structural integrity and enclosure of contents in the packaging box.

According to some embodiments an outer edge of the packaging box lid blank is separably connected to an outer edge of the packaging box bottom blank.

As such, by having the packaging box lid blank and the packaging box bottom blank share a common edge, more efficient area use of blank material may be enabled.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of assembling a two-part packaging box in a first state and a second state. The packaging box comprises a packaging box bottom and a packaging box lid formed by a packaging box lid blank according to the first aspect. The method comprises the step of erecting a packaging box bottom blank into the packaging box bottom having a bottom panel and four side walls. The four side walls include at least two oppositely arranged double panel side walls formed of inner box side wall panels and outer box side wall panels. The method further comprises the step of assembling the packaging box in a first state by folding the locking tabs of the packaging box lid blank in a first direction relative to the top panel, by folding the side wall panels of the packaging box lid blank in the first direction, and by inserting the locking tabs between an inner box side wall panel and an outer box side wall panel at respective end of the double panel side walls of the packaging box bottom. The method further comprises the step of disassembling the packaging box lid from the packaging box bottom. The method further comprises the step of reassembling the packaging box in a second state by reusing and re- orientating the packaging box lid, by folding the locking tabs of the packaging box lid in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, relative to the top panel, by folding the side wall panels of the packaging box lid in the second direction, and by inserting the locking tabs between the inner box side wall panel and the outer box side wall panel at respective end of the double walled side walls of the packaging box bottom. The first major surface of the top panel is facing outwardly when the packaging box is assembled in the first state. The second major surface of the top panel is facing outwardly when the packaging box is assembled in the second state.

The outer box side wall panels may alternatively be referred to as the third and fourth side wall panels and the inner box side wall panels may alternatively be referred to as the third and fourth side wall panel extensions. Regardless the names, the features together form the double walled side walls of the packaging bottom.

In general, such a method provides simple and quick change between the two states of the packaging box. The two different states may enable various alternate uses for an otherwise single use packaging box. For example, the packaging box may be assembled in the first state for an initial delivery of remotely purchased packaging box contents from a seller to a customer. The packaging box may then be reassembled in the second state, e.g. by the customer, prior to return delivery of the packaging box. The first state may in this example be configured for seller-to-customer delivery and the second state may be configured for return, i.e. customer-to-seller, delivery.

According to another aspect there is provided a packaging box lid foldably erected from a packaging box lid blank according to the first aspect by folding the locking tabs of the packaging box lid blank in a first direction relative to the top panel and by folding the side wall panels of the packaging box lid blank in the first direction.

As a general consideration, the terms packaging box lid blank and packaging box lid may refer to the same material structure with the same features, albeit when acting in different roles such as e.g. a flat sheet of material respectively an erected, assembled lid of a packaging box. The same consideration applies to the terms packaging box blank and packaging box as well as the terms packaging box bottom blank and packaging box bottom. According to another aspect there is provided an assembled two-part packaging box comprising an erected packaging box lid according to the first aspect. The two-part packaging box further comprises a packaging box bottom. The packaging box bottom comprises a bottom panel. The packaging box bottom further comprises four side walls. The four side walls include at least two oppositely arranged double panel side walls formed of inner box side wall panels and outer box side wall panels. The double panel side walls are arranged to receive and hold the first, second, third, and fourth locking tabs of the packaging box lid, as they are folded.

According to another aspect there is provided a packaging box, wherein the packing box bottom comprises at least one open-end face.

The term open-end face may be understood as referring to a missing face of a hexahedron or a cuboid shaped box.

Complete enclosure may still be achieved by the packaging box lid even if the packaging box bottom has one open-end face.

According to another aspect there is provided a method of assembling a two-part packaging box in a first state and a second state. The packaging box comprises a packaging box bottom and a packaging box lid formed by a packaging box lid blank according to the first aspect. The packaging box bottom comprises a bottom panel and four side walls. The four side walls include at least two oppositely arranged double panel side walls formed of inner box side wall panels and outer box side wall panels. The method comprises the step of assembling the packaging box in a first state by folding the locking tabs of the packaging box lid blank in a first direction relative to the top panel, by folding the side wall panels of the packaging box lid blank in the first direction, and by inserting the locking tabs between an inner box side wall panel and an outer box side wall panel at respective end of the double panel side walls of the packaging box bottom. The method further comprises the step of disassembling the packaging box lid from the packaging box bottom. The method further comprises the step of reassembling the packaging box in a second state by reusing and re-orientating the packaging box lid, by folding the locking tabs of the packaging box lid in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, relative to the top panel, by folding the side wall panels of the packaging box lid in the second direction, and by inserting the locking tabs between the inner box side wall panel and the outer box side wall panel at respective end of the double walled side walls of the packaging box bottom. The first major surface of the top panel is facing outwardly when the packaging box is assembled in the first state. The second major surface of the top panel is facing outwardly when the packaging box is assembled in the second state.

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.

Fig. 1 shows a packaging box lid blank.

Fig. 2a-b shows a packaging box lid being erected by folding a packaging box lid blank in a first direction and a second direction respectively.

Fig. 3a-b shows a first and a second major surface of a packaging box lid blank.

Fig. 4 shows a packaging box lid blank comprising a return form.

Fig. 5 shows a packaging box blank.

Fig. 6a-b shows a packaging box bottom being erected by folding a packaging box bottom blank.

Fig. 7a-g shows a packaging box being assembled in a first state, being disassembled, and being reassembled in a second state.

Fig.8 Shows a flow chart of a method for assembling, disassembling, and reassembling a packaging box.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

Fig. 1 schematically shows a packaging box lid blank 10. The packaging box lid blank 10 comprises a plurality of panels. One such panel is a quadrangle shaped top panel 100. The top panel 100 may be substantially quadratic or rectangle shaped. The packaging box lid blank 10 further comprises a first side wall panel 110 being foldably connected to and extending in a longitudinal direction L from a transversely extending first edge 101 of the top panel 100. The packaging box lid blank 10 further comprises a second side wall panel 120 being foldably connected to and extending in a direction L' opposite to the longitudinal direction L from a transversely extending second edge 102 of the top panel 100.

The second edge 102 is on an opposite side of the fop panel 100 to the first edge 101. The first and second side wall panels 110, 120 may be considered arranged at opposite end edges 101, 102 of the top panel 100.

The panels 110, 120 may be substantially quadrangle or rectangle shaped.

As shown in Fig. 1 , the packaging box lid blank 10 may further comprise a third side wall panel 130. The third side wall panel 130 may be foldably connected to and extending in a transversal direction T from a longitudinally extending third edge 103 of the top panel 100. The third edge 103 may extend between the first edge 101 and the second edge 102.

As also shown in Fig. 1, the packaging box lid blank 10 may further comprise a fourth side wall panel 140. The fourth side wall panel 140 may be foldably connected to and extending in a direction T' opposite to the transversal direction T from a longitudinally extending fourth edge 104 of the top panel 100. The fourth edge 104 may extend between the first edge 101 and the second edge 102 and being opposite to the third edge 103.

The third and/or the fourth side wall panels 130, 140 may be substantially shaped as isosceles trapezoids, as shown in Fig. 1. The third and/or the fourth side wall panels 130, 140 may alternatively be substantially quadrangle or rectangle shaped.

The packaging box lid blank 10 further comprises four locking tabs. These include the first locking tab 151 , the second locking tab 152, the third locking tab 153, and the fourth locking tab 154. The first locking tab 151 is foldably connected to and extending in the transversal direction T from a longitudinally extending first end edge 111 of the first side wall panel. The second locking tab 152 is foldably connected to and extending in the direction T' opposite to the transversal direction T from a longitudinally extending second end edge 112 of the first side wall panel 110. The first and second locking tabs 151 , 152 are arranged at opposite end edges 111, 112 of the first side wall panel 110.

The third locking tab 153 is foldably connected to and extending in the transversal direction T from a longitudinally extending first end edge 121 of the second side wall panel 120. The fourth locking tab 154 is foldably connected to and extending in the direction T' opposite to the transversal direction T from a longitudinally extending second end edge 122 of the second side wall panel. The third and fourth locking tabs 151 , 152 are arranged at opposite end edges 121, 122 of the second side wall panel 120.

The first, second, third, and fourth locking tabs 151, 152, 153, 154 may be shaped such that a corner portion 151a, 152a, 153a, 154a of respective locking tab 151, 152, 153, 154 being remote from the top panel 100 is rounded or chamfered. The shaping of the corner portions 151a, 152a, 153a, 154a may facilitate insertion of the locking tabs 151, 152, 153, 154 into slits of a packaging box bottom, with which the packaging box lid 11 is configured to form a packaging box 21.

The corner portions 151a, 152a, 153a, 154a said to be rounded or have a chamfered shape may have a so-called a shark-fin shape. The corner portions 151a, 152a, 153a, 154a may feature, as is shown in Fig. 1, both a convex portion and a concave portion. The convex portion may be located relatively outwardly, and the concave portion may be located relatively inwardly when the blank is viewed in its flat state as is the case in Fig. 1.

In Fig. 1 the solid lines illustrate outer edges of the packaging box lid blank 10 and the dashed lines provide the fold lines of the packaging box lid blank 10. The outer edges may be cut by e.g. cutting machinery or a knife. The fold lines may be creased, from one or both sides.

Fig. 1 further illustrates the transversal direction T, the direction T' opposite to the transversal direction T, the longitudinal direction L, the direction L' opposite to the longitudinal direction L. The packaging box lid blank 10 is configured to selectively be used as a packaging box lid 11 to a packaging box 21 in a first state S1 and a second state S2. The second state S2 is different from the first state S1.

Fig. 2a shows the packaging box lid 11 being configured for the packaging box 21 in the first state S1. In the first state S1 , the packaging box lid blank 10 is configured to be oriented such that a first major surface 100a of the top panel 100 is facing in an outward direction. In the first state S1 , the first and second side wall panels 110, 120 are configured to be folded in a first direction A relative to the top panel 100.

Fig. 2b shows the packaging box lid 11 being configured for the packaging box 21 in the second state S2. In the second state S2, the packaging box lid blank 10 is configured to be oriented such that a second major surface 100b, opposite to the first major surface 100a, of the top panel 100 is facing in an outward direction. In the second state S2 the first and second side wall panels 110, 120 are configured to be folded in a second direction B, opposite to the first direction A, relative to the top panel 100.

Fig. 3a shows the packaging box lid blank 10 oriented with the first major surface 100a of the top panel 100 visible. A first image or representation of information may be comprised on the first major surface 100a of the top panel 100, as is shown in Fig. 3a.

Fig. 3b shows the packaging box lid blank 10 oriented with the first major surface 100b of the top panel 100 visible. A second image or representation of information may be comprised on the second major surface 100b of the top panel 100, as is shown in Fig. 3b. The second image or representation of information may be substantially different from the first image or representation of information, as is also shown by the examples of Fig. 3a-b.

The images or representations of information may e.g. be painted, drawn, printed, pressed, etched, burned, glued or adhesively attached to the packaging box lid blank 10 first and second major surfaces 100a, 100b. The image or representation of information may be applied, by any of the above exemplary methods, preferably before but alternatively or as a complement also after the packaging box lid blank 10 has been erected into the packaging box lid 11. Fig. 3a-b further illustrates an example of how the packaging box lid blank 10 may be flipped to orient the other of the major surfaces 100a,

100b in an, e.g. outwardly, direction.

Fig. 4 shows the packaging box lid blank 10 oriented with the second major surface 100b of the top panel 100 visible. Fig. 4 further shows the second major surface 100b comprising a return address and a return form. The second major surface 100b may comprise a return address and/or a return form. The return address may be provided to indicate a postal address of the initial sender. The second major surface 100b may be oriented outwardly when reassembling the packaging box 20, in the case of return delivery becoming relevant.

The return form may feature fields that may be filled in with details relating to e.g. a customer or recipient of the original package such as a name of the customer or contact information of the customer or refund payment information of the customer. The return form may further feature fields for submitting reasons for return and/or requests for exchanging a returned item for e.g. a different size item. The return form may further feature fields for submitting general comments to the seller. The return form may comprise check boxes for questions with predictable, commonly received answers relating to the return. Questions may e.g. be related to customer satisfaction.

Fig. 5 provides a schematic of a two-part packaging box blank 20. The two-part packaging box blank 20 may comprise the packaging box lid blank 10 and a packaging box bottom blank 30 configured to be erected to form a packaging box bottom 31. The packaging box lid blank 10 may be separate from, or separable from, the packaging box bottom blank 30. The packaging box bottom blank 30 may be configured to be put in a state where the packaging box bottom blank 30 is separated from the packaging box lid blank 10 and in which state the packaging box bottom blank 30 is configured to be erected to form the packaging box bottom 31.

The packaging box bottom blank 30 may comprise a plurality of panels. One such panel is a quadrangle shaped base panel 300. The base panel 300 may be substantially quadratic or rectangle shaped. The packaging box bottom blank 30 may further comprise a first side wall panel 310 being foldably connected to and extending from a first edge 301 of the base panel. The packaging box bottom blank 30 may further comprise a second side wall panel 320 being foldably connected to and extending from a second edge 302 of the base panel 300. The second edge 302 may be arranged on opposite ends of the base panel 300 to the first edge 301 .

The packaging box bottom blank 30 may further comprise a third side wall panel 330 being foldably connected to and extending from a third edge 303 of the base panel, the third edge extending between the first edge and the second edge. The packaging box bottom blank 30 may further comprise a fourth side wall panel 340 being foldably connected to and extending from a fourth edge 304 of the base panel. The fourth edge 304 may be arranged on opposite ends of the base panel 300 to the third edge 303. The packaging box bottom blank 30 may further comprise a third side wall panel extension 335 being foldably connected to and extending from a third side wall panel extension folding portion 333 arranged at an opposite end of the third side wall panel 330 relative to the third edge 303. The third side wall panel 330 and the third side wall panel extension 335 may be configured to form a double panel side wall 336.

The packaging box bottom blank 30 may further comprise a fourth side wall panel extension 345 being foldably connected to and extending from a fourth side wall panel extension folding portion 344 arranged at an opposite end of the fourth side wall panel 340 relative to the fourth edge 304. The fourth side wall panel 340 and the fourth side wall panel extension 345 may be configured to form a double panel side wall 346. The panels 310, 320,

330, 335, 340, 345 may all be substantially quadrangle or rectangle shaped.

The side wall panel extensions 335, 345 may comprise outer edge protrusions, as shown in Fig. 5. These may be provided to snap into corresponding cut-outs of the base panel 300 to lock the double panel side walls 336, 346 into place. Fig. 5 also shows the corresponding cut-outs of the base panel 300 close to the third edge 303 and the fourth edge 304. The double panel side walls 336, 346 are not shown in their assembled form in Fig. 5. They are shown assembled in Fig. 6b.

The packaging box bottom blank 30 may further comprise four locking tabs, as shown in Fig. 5. These may be the first locking tab 351 , the second locking tab 352, the third locking tab 353, and the fourth locking tab 354. The first locking tab 351 may be foldably connected to and extending from a first end edge 311 of the first side wall panel 310. The second locking tab 352 may be foldably connected to and extending from a second end edge 312 of the first side wall panel 310. The first and second locking tabs 351 , 352 may be arranged at opposite ends of the first side wall panel 310.

The third locking tab 353 may be foldably connected to and extending from a first end edge 321 of the second side wall panel 320. The fourth locking tab 354 may be foldably connected to and extending from a second end edge 322 of the second side wall panel 320. The third and fourth locking tabs 353, 354 may be arranged at opposite ends of the second side wall panel 320. The locking tabs 351, 352, 353, 354 may feature a substantially rectangular shape. The locking tabs 351, 352, 353, 354 may alternatively feature a chamfered edge as in the example of Fig. 5.

The first and third locking tabs 351 , 353 of the packaging box bottom blank 30 may be configured to be inserted between the third side wall panel 330 and the third side wall panel extension 335. This may also be understood as the first and third locking tabs 351 , 353 of the packaging box bottom blank 30 are configured to be inserted into the slit of the double panel side wall 336.

The second and fourth locking tabs 352, 354 of the packaging box bottom blank 30 may be configured to be inserted between the fourth side wall panel 340 and the fourth side wall panel extension 345. This may also be understood as the second and fourth locking tabs 352, 354 of the packaging box bottom blank 30 are configured to be inserted into the slit of the double panel side wail 346.

The packaging box lid blank 10 may feature an outer edge 325 that is separably connected to an outer edge 325 of the packaging box bottom blank 30. The outer edges 325 of respective blank 10, 30 may be considered a common outer edge 325, In the example of Fig, 5 the common outer edge 325 is shown to form the border between the second side wall panel 320 of the packaging box bottom blank 30 and the packaging box lid blank 10. More specifically the border formed in Fig. 5 is between the second side wall panel 320 of the packaging box bottom blank 30 and the first side wall panel 110 of the packaging box lid blank 10, assuming the same longitudinal and transversal directional reference system is used as in Fig, 1 ,

In Fig. 5, the solid lines provide outer edges of the packaging box blank 20 and the dashed lines provide the fold lines of the packaging box blank 20. The outer edge 325, of both the packaging box lid blank 10 and the packaging box bottom blank, provides the border between the packaging box lid blank 10 and the packaging box bottom blank 30,

The outer edges may be cut by e.g. cutting machinery or a knife. The fold lines may be creased, from one or both sides. The outer edge 325 may be cut to separate the packaging box bottom blank 30 from the packaging box lid blank 10.

Like Fig. 1 , Fig. 5 also illustrates the transversal direction T, the direction T' opposite to the transversal direction T, the longitudinal direction L, the direction L' opposite to the longitudinal direction L.

Fig. 6a illustrates the packaging box bottom blank 30 being erected, to eventually form a packaging box bottom 31 , by folding the locking tabs 351 , 352, 353, 354 and the side wall panels 310, 320, 330, 335, 340, 345 in a same direction relative to the base panel 300, i.e. upward in the illustration.

To facilitate efficient erecting, the locking tabs 351, 352, 353, 354 may be the first parts to be folded. The first and second side wall panels 310, 320 may follow. As such, the double panel side walls 336, 346 may be formed around the locking tabs 351 , 352, 353, 354 by the final folding of the third and fourth side wall panels 330, 340 and their respective extensions 335, 345.

Fig. 6b shows the erected packaging box bottom 31 from Fig. 6a. The third side wall panel 330 and the third side wall panel extension 335 here form the double panel side wall 336. The fourth side wall panel 340 and the fourth side wall panel extension 345 here form the double panel side wall 346. The packaging box bottom 31 of Fig. 6b comprises an open-end face on a top side, opposite to the base panel 300. The packaging box bottom 31 may comprise at least one open-end face.

As an alternative to the open-end face in Fig. 6b, the packaging box bottom 31 may comprise an inner lid for the packaging box bottom 31. Such a lid may be integrally formed with the packaging box bottom blank 30. Such an inner lid may provide better or at least more complete enclosure for the contents of the packaging box 21. The packaging box lid 11 would in such cases where an inner lid exists form an outer lid of the packaging box 21.

In the first state S1 , the first and third locking tabs 151, 153 of the packaging box lid blank 10 may be configured to be inserted between the third side wall panel 330 and the third side wall panel extension 335, i.e. into the slit of the double panel side wall 336. In the first state S1 , the second and fourth locking tabs 152, 154 of the packaging box lid blank 10 may be configured to be inserted between the fourth side wall panel 340 and the fourth side wall panel extension 345, i.e. into the slit of the double panel side wall 346. Insertion of the locking tabs 151, 152, 153, 154 may be performed after the packaging box bottom blank 30 has been erected into a packaging box bottom 31.

In the second state S2, the first and third locking tabs 151 , 153 of the packaging box lid blank 10 may be configured to be inserted between either the third side wall panel 330 and the third side wall panel extension 335 or the fourth side wall panel 340 and the fourth side wall panel extension 345. In the second state S2, the second and fourth locking tabs 152, 154 of the packaging box lid blank 10 may be configured to be inserted between the pair of side wall panels into which the first and third locking tabs 151, 153 were not inserted. Insertion of the locking tabs 151, 152, 153, 154 may be performed after the packaging box bottom blank 30 has been erected into a packaging box bottom 31.

Fig. 7a-g (schematically) and Fig. 8 (flowchart) illustrates a method of assembling a two-part packaging box 21 in a first state S1 and a second state S2. The packaging box 21 comprises a packaging box bottom 31 and a packaging box lid 11 formed by a packaging box lid blank 10.

Fig. 7a shows the method comprising the step of erecting a packaging box bottom blank 30 into the packaging box bottom 31 having a bottom panel 300 and four side walls 310, 320, 336, 346. The four side walls 310, 320, 336, 346 include at least two oppositely arranged double panel side walls 336, 346 formed of inner box side wall panels 335, 345 (third and fourth side wall panel extensions) and outer box side wall panels 330, 340 (third and fourth side wall panels). Alternatively, a packaging box bottom 31, with the above features, may be initially provided and as such, the need for the step of erecting the packaging box bottom 31 from a packaging box bottom blank 30 may be negated.

Fig. 7b shows the method further comprising the step of assembling the packaging box 21 in a first state S1. The step comprises folding the locking tabs 151, 152, 153, 154 of the packaging box lid blank 10 in a first direction A relative to the top panel 100, folding the side wall panels 110, 120, 130, 140 of the packaging box lid blank 10 in the first direction A, and inserting the locking tabs 151, 152, 153, 154 between an inner box side wall panel 335, 345 and an outer box side wall panel 330, 340 at respective end of the double panel side walls 336, 346 of the packaging box bottom 31. The step may feature placing of the packaging box lid blank 10 on top of the packaging box bottom 31 before the folding motion. The third and fourth side wall panels 130, 140 are not vital for the method and may thus be considered optional.

Fig. 7c shows the packaging box 21 being assembled in the first state S1. The first major surface 100a of the top panel 100 is facing outwardly when the packaging box 21 is assembled in the first state S1.

Fig. 7d shows the method further comprising the step of disassembling the packaging box lid 11 from the packaging box bottom 31.

Fig. 7e shows the packaging box lid 11 being re-orientated or rotated 180 degrees. This may also be understood as the first major surface 100a and the second major surface 100b switching places, as outer and inner surfaces of the packaging box lid 11.

Fig. 7f shows the method further comprising the step of reassembling the packaging box 21 in a second state S2 by reusing the re-orientated packaging box lid 11. The step comprises folding the locking tabs 151, 152,

153, 154 of the packaging box lid 11 in a second direction B, opposite to the first direction A, relative to the top panel 100, folding the side wall panels of the packaging box lid 110, 120, 130, 140 in the second direction B, and inserting the locking tabs 151, 152, 153, 154 between the inner box side wall panel 335, 345 and the outer box side wall panel 330, 340 at respective end of the double walled side walls 336, 346 of the packaging box bottom 31.

Fig. 7g shows the packaging box 21 assembled in the second state S2. The second major surface 100b of the top panel 100 is facing outwardly when the packaging box 21 is assembled in the second state S2. The packaging box lid blank 10 may be made of a paper-based material. The packaging box bottom blank 30 and the packaging box blank 20 blank may also be made of a paper-based material. Examples of paper-based material include paperboard, cardboard, and corrugated fibreboard. The packaging box lid blank 10 and/or the packaging box bottom blank 30 and/or the packaging box blank 20 may alternatively be made of or at least partially comprise other materials such as metals, alloys, plastics, polymer-based materials etc. Such materials may provide a number of advantageous effects. For example, metals and alloys may provide improved structural resilience. Plastics and polymer-based materials may provide improved enclosure and optica! properties such as transparency. The blanks 10, 20, 30 may comprise surface coatings based on the above alternate materials onto a paper-based structural material.

Claims

1. A packaging box lid blank (10) comprising: a quadrangle shaped top panel (100); a first side wall panel (110) being foldably connected to and extending in a longitudinal direction (L) from a transversely extending first edge (101) of the top panel; a second side wall panel (120) being foldably connected to and extending in a direction (L') opposite to the longitudinal direction (L) from a transversely extending second edge (102) of the top panel (100), the second edge (102) being opposite to the first edge (101); a first locking tab (151) being foldably connected to and extending in the transversal direction (T) from a longitudinally extending first end edge (111 ) of the first side wall panel; a second locking tab (152) being foldably connected to and extending in the direction (T') opposite to the transversal direction (T) from a longitudinally extending second end edge (112) of the first side wall panel (110), the first and second locking tabs (151 , 152) being arranged at opposite end edges (111, 112) of the first side wall panel (110); a third locking tab (153) being foldably connected to and extending in the transversal direction (T) from a longitudinally extending first end edge (121) of the second side wall panel (120); and a fourth locking tab (154) being foldably connected to and extending in the direction (T') opposite to the transversal direction (T) from a longitudinally extending second end edge (122) of the second side wall panel, the third and fourth locking tabs (151, 152) being arranged at opposite end edges (121, 122) of the second side wall panel (120), wherein the packaging box lid blank (10) is configured to selectively be used as a packaging box lid (11 ) to a packaging box (21) in a first state (S1) and a second state (S2), the second state (S2) being different from the first state (S1), wherein in the first state (S1), the packaging box lid blank (10) is configured to be oriented such that a first major surface (100a) of the top panel (100) is facing in an outward direction and the first and second side wall panels (110, 120) being configured to be folded in a first direction (A) relative to the top panel (100), and wherein in the second state (S2), the packaging box lid blank (10) is configured to be oriented such that a second major surface (100b), opposite to the first major surface (100a), of the top panel (100) is facing in an outward direction and the first and second side wall panels (110, 120) being configured to be folded in a second direction (B), opposite to the first direction (A) relative to the top panel (100).

2. The packaging box lid blank (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the first, second, third, and fourth locking tabs (151, 152, 153, 154) are shaped such that a corner portion (151a, 152a, 153a, 154a) of respective locking tab (151, 152, 153, 154) being remote from the top panel (100) is rounded or chamfered.

3. The packaging box lid blank (10) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a third side wall panel (130) being foldably connected to and extending in the transversal direction (T) from a longitudinally extending third edge (103) of the top panel (100), the third edge (103) extending between the first edge (101) and the second edge (102); a fourth side wall panel (140) being foldably connected to and extending in the direction (T') opposite to the transversal direction (T) from a longitudinally extending fourth edge (104) of the top panel (100), the fourth edge (104) extending between the first edge (101) and the second edge (102) and being opposite to the third edge (103).

4. The packaging box lid blank (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging box lid blank (10) is made of a paper-based material.

5. A two-part packaging box blank (20) comprising: the packaging box lid blank (10) according to any of claims 1-4; and a packaging box bottom blank (30) being configured to be erected to form a packaging box bottom (31); wherein the packaging box lid blank (10) is separate from, or separable from, the packaging box bottom blank (30) such that the packaging box bottom blank (30) is configured to be put in a state where the packaging box bottom blank (30) is separated from the packaging box lid blank (10) and in which state the packaging box bottom blank (30) is configured to be erected to form the packaging box bottom (31).

6. The two-part packaging box blank (20) according to claim 5, wherein the packaging box bottom blank (30) comprises: a quadrangle shaped base panel (300); a first side wall panel (310) being foldably connected to and extending from a first edge (301) of the base panel; a second side wall panel (320) being foldably connected to and extending from a second edge (302) of the base panel, the second edge being opposite to the first edge; a third side wall panel (330) being foldably connected to and extending from a third edge (303) of the base panel, the third edge extending between the first edge and the second edge; a fourth side wall panel (340) being foldably connected to and extending from a fourth edge (304) of the base panel, the fourth edge extending between the first edge and the second edge and being opposite to the third edge; a third side wall panel extension (335) being foldably connected to and extending from a third side wall panel extension folding portion (333) arranged at an opposite end of the third side wall panel (330) relative to the third edge (303); the third side wall panel (330) and the third side wall panel extension (335) being configured to form a double panel side wall (336); and a fourth side wall panel extension (345) being foldably connected to and extending from a fourth side wall panel extension folding portion (344) arranged at an opposite end of the fourth side wall panel (340) relative to the fourth edge (304), the fourth side wall panel (340) and the fourth side wall panel extension (345) being configured to form a double panel side wall (346).

7. The two-part packaging box blank (20) according to claim 6, wherein in the first state (S1), the first and third locking tabs (151, 153) of the packaging box lid blank (10) are configured to be inserted between the third side wall panel (330) and the third side wall panel extension (335), and wherein the second and fourth locking tabs (152, 154) of the packaging box lid blank (10) are configured to be inserted between the fourth side wall panel (340) and the fourth side wall panel extension (345), after the packaging box bottom blank (30) has been erected into a packaging box bottom (31).

8. The two-part packaging box blank (20) according to claim 6, wherein in the second state (S2), the first and third locking tabs (151, 153) of the packaging box lid blank (10) are configured to be inserted between either the third side wall panel (330) and the third side wall panel extension (335) or the fourth side wall panel (340) and the fourth side wall panel extension (345), and wherein the second and fourth locking tabs (152, 154) of the packaging box lid blank (10) are configured to be inserted between the pair of side wall panels into which the first and third locking tabs (151, 153) were not inserted, after the packaging box bottom blank (30) has been erected into a packaging box bottom (31).

9, The two-part packaging box blank (20) according to any one of claims 6-8, wherein the packaging box bottom blank (30) further comprises: a first locking tab (351) being foldably connected to and extending from a first end edge (311) of the first side wall panel (310); a second locking tab (352) being foldably connected to and extending from a second end edge (312) of the first side wall panel (310), wherein the first and second locking tabs (351 , 352) are arranged at opposite ends of the first side wall panel (310); a third locking tab (353) being foldably connected to and extending from a first end edge (321) of the second side wall panel (320); and a fourth locking tab (354) being foldably connected to and extending from a second end edge (322) of the second side wall panel (320), wherein the third and fourth locking tabs (353, 354) are arranged at opposite ends of the second side wall panel (320).

10. The two-part packaging box blank (20) according to claim 9, wherein the first and third locking tabs (351 , 353) of the packaging box bottom blank (30) are configured to be inserted between the third side wall panel (330) and the third side wall panel extension (335), and wherein the second and fourth locking tabs (352, 354) of the packaging box bottom blank (30) are configured to be inserted between the fourth side wall panel (340) and the fourth side wall panel extension (345).

11. The two-part packaging box blank (20) according to any one of claims 5-10, wherein an outer edge (325) of the packaging box lid blank (10) is separably connected to an outer edge (325) of the packaging box bottom blank (30).

12. A method of assembling a two-part packaging box (21) in a first state (S1) and a second state (S2), the packaging box (21) comprising a packaging box bottom (31 ) and a packaging box lid (11) formed by a packaging box lid blank (10) according to any one of claims 1-4, the method comprising the steps of: erecting a packaging box bottom blank (30) into the packaging box bottom (31) having a bottom panel (300) and four side walls (310, 320, 336, 346), the four side walls (310, 320, 336, 346) including at least two oppositely arranged double panel side walls (336, 346) formed of inner box side wall panels (335, 345) and outer box side wall panels (330, 340); assembling the packaging box (21) in a first state (S1) by folding the locking tabs (151 , 152, 153, 154) of the packaging box lid blank (10) in a first direction (A) relative to the top panel (100), by folding the side wall panels (110, 120, 130, 140) of the packaging box lid blank (10) in the first direction

(A), and by inserting the locking tabs (151, 152, 153, 154) between an inner box side wall panel (335, 345) and an outer box side wall panel (330, 340) at respective end of the double panel side walls (336, 346) of the packaging box bottom (31); disassembling the packaging box lid (11) from the packaging box bottom (31); reassembling the packaging box (21) in a second state (S2) by reusing and re-orientating the packaging box lid (11), by folding the locking tabs (151 , 152, 153, 154) of the packaging box lid (11) in a second direction (B), opposite to the first direction (A), relative to the top panel (100), by folding the side wall panels of the packaging box lid (110, 120, 130, 140) in the second direction (B), and by inserting the locking tabs (151, 152, 153, 154) between the inner box side wall panel (335, 345) and the outer box side wall panel (330, 340) at respective end of the double walled side walls (336, 346) of the packaging box bottom (31), wherein the first major surface (100a) of the top panel (100) is facing outwardly when the packaging box (21) is assembled in the first state (S1), and wherein the second major surface (100b) of the top panel (100) is facing outwardly when the packaging box (21) is assembled in the second state (S2).