EP4097014A1

EP4097014A1 - Blank for forming a kit of support structures for a package, and such a package

Info

Publication number: EP4097014A1
Application number: EP21746979.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Andreas BOSS
Original assignee: Stora Enso Oyj
Current assignee: Stora Enso Oyj
Priority date: 2020-01-27
Filing date: 2021-01-21
Publication date: 2022-12-07
Also published as: SE543883C2; EP4097014A4; SE2050071A1; WO2021152431A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a blank for forming a kit of support structures for a package. The blank comprises two side support panels, and two centre support panels. Each support panel extending in a longitudinal direction and each having two corner sections having a first extension along a transverse direction, and a centre section having a second extension along the transverse direction, wherein the first extension is greater than the second extension. The two support panels each comprises a recess configured to receive the other one of the centre support panels such that the two centre support panels intersect each other and forms a centre support structure. The side support panels are configured to be placed along side walls of a package. The invention also relates to a package comprising a bottom panel, two mutually opposing side walls, and two mutually opposing end walls, as well as two side support panels and a centre support structure.

Description

BLANK FOR FORMING A KIT OF SUPPORT STRUCTURES FOR A

PACKAGE. AND SUCH A PACKAGE

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a blank for forming a kit of support structures for a package. The invention also relates to a package making use of such a kit of support structures.

Background Art

When designing a package, it is often desirous to take into account a number of different design criteria. The package should e.g. often be designed such that it makes efficient use of the material, is easy to transport to the point of use, is easy to prepare for use, and provide a strong structure. It is often desirable that it is strong during handling and stable in an erected state.

It is common that packages are designed in such a way that several packages can be stacked upon each other to achieve a shelf like structure. This is for example desirous when designing packages that are to be used as display stands. When packages are stacked on top of each other, a package that has been emptied can be removed from the stack to open up easy access to the package underneath. Packages are often made such that an insert is placed in the package creating an upholding force for stacking another package on top. Packages made from cardboard are beneficial since they do not take up much space before they are erected, during for example transport. There exist numerous attempts to address the above design criteria in connection to designing a stackable package of cardboard material.

US5505371 discloses a partition insert for a package. The insert is folded from a single-sheet blank. During erection of the insert, the insert is configured to be folded such as to form three compartments when the insert is placed in a package. EP3063074 discloses a display package having a support insert. The insert is formed by a blank being folded and inserted in the package such that it extends alongside the insides of the package and forms a support for the corners of the package. However, as will be apparent in the following, there is still room for improvements when it comes e.g. to the set of design criteria that a support insert for the package should make efficient use of material, be easy to transport to the point of use, be easy to erect, and provide a strong structure when stacked.

Summary of the invention

In view of that stated above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improvement when it comes to addressing the set of design criteria that the support insert for the package should make efficient use of material, be easy to transport to the point of use, be easy to erect, and provide a strong structure when stacked.

This object has been achieved by a blank for forming a kit of support structures for a package.

The blank comprises: two side support panels, each extending in a longitudinal direction and each having two comer sections having a first extension along a transverse direction, and a centre section having a second extension along the transverse direction, wherein the first extension is greater than the second extension, wherein the centre section is arranged between the two corner sections as seen along the longitudinal direction, and wherein each comer section comprises a fold line extending in the transverse direction and dividing the comer section in an outer comer section and an inner comer section as seen along the longitudinal direction, wherein the blank further comprises two centre support panels configured to form a centre support structure, each centre support panel comprising a recess configured to receive the other one of the two centre support panels such that the two centre support panels intersect each other when forming a centre support structure, wherein the two side support panels are oriented such that the centre sections are arranged at a distance from each other as seen in the transverse direction, wherein the two side support panels are removably connected to each other at their respective two comer sections, and wherein the two centre support panels are positioned between the centre sections of the two side support panels, wherein the two centre support panels are at at least one transversal side removably connected to at least one centre section and/or wherein the two centre support panels are each, at each outwardly facing longitudinal side removably connected to an inwardly facing longitudinal side of the respective comer section.

For a package to be fully supported it is desirous that it is supported at critical points which may be around the perimeter of the package. For a package having a large footprint relative to the weight it is intended to carry, it may be desirous to ensure that a centre portion thereof is provided with a support, such that the stacking capability is not lost when heavy products are placed at a centre portion of the package. The blank provides a kit of support structures that may support a package at critical points such as the comers as well as at a centre portion of such a package. The side support panels may be supported by and held in place in the package by placement along walls of the package. The fold line in each comer section allows for a facilitated placement of the side support panels in a corner of a package. The configuration of the centre support panels is such that it may be placed at any suitable position in the package to provide efficient support. When the two centre support panels are intersected they form a standalone structure that may carry itself without requiring further support.

Further, due to the kit of support structures being formed from a single blank it is easy to transport the complete support structure for a package. By the side support panels and the centre support panels being removably connected to one another it is simple to erect the kit of support structures. The support panels of the blank may be separable by pre-cut perforations in the blank, which may further facilitate erection thereof at the point of use. The general configuration of the blank makes it possible to design the blank such that all material of a rectangular blank is used, hence efficient use of material may be achieved. Efficient use of material may be achieved by the first extension being greater than the second extension, thereby providing space for forming the centre support panels between the centre sections of the two side support panels. As such, the centre support panels are formed by otherwise waste material, being the centre portion of the blank, no waste material, or at least a minimum of waste material, is left from the blank.

By the first extension being greater than the second extension, the package may be used as a display package in a facilitated manner. Such a configuration may further enable a greater variety of goods kept in the package since an airflow may enter the package in a facilitated manner. By way of example, fruits or vegetables may easily be stored in such a package since such products may benefit from an exchange of air during transport.

Through-out the description the phrase transversal side relates to a side encountered when moving along the transversal direction and the phrase longitudinal side relates to a side encountered when moving along the longitudinal direction. For a rectangular panel a transversal side will be positioned on a side as seen along the transversal direction and will have an extension along the longitudinal direction and a longitudinal side will be positioned on a side as seen along the longitudinal direction and will have an extension along the transversal direction.

The two side support panels may be configured to be positioned with the centre section and the inner comer section alongside a respective one of two opposing side walls of a package and with the outer comer sections alongside two opposing end walls of the package.

The outer comer section may be configured to be folded relative to the inner comer section such that each comer section forms a comer adapted to be positioned in a corner of the package. Thereby the support structure may form a strong comer support in the package, which may be a critical point for a stackable package. Such a configuration further allows for a package having four corners to be supported at each comer.

The two centre support panels may be removably connected to each other at a respective inwardly facing longitudinal side facing the other centre support panel. Thereby the two centre support panels will be kept together during transport of the blank to the site of use.

The two centre support panels may each be, at each outwardly facing longitudinal side removably connected to an inwardly facing longitudinal side of the respective corner section. Thereby the two centre support panels will be kept in place between the comer sections

The two centre support panels may at each transversal side be removably connected to the respective centre section of the side support panels. Thereby the two centre support panels will be kept in place between the centre sections.

Moreover, by such a configuration including one, two or three of the above discussed removable connections, the two centre support panels may be formed in the blank in a centre portion between the two side support panels. As such, the kit of support panels may be formed from a quadrilateral or quadrangular blank. Hence, efficient use of material when forming the kit of support structures may be achieved. Any unintentional separation of the support structures from the blank may further be prevented by such a configuration.

The two side support panels may be configured to be oriented when positioned in the package such that the comer sections extend upwardly to a greater extent compared to an upward extension of the centre sections. Thereby placing the side support panels in a standing mode where the first extension and the second extension are in an upright direction. With such a placement of the side support panels, another package may be placed on top of the support structure with the support structure holding the other package at a distance above the package comprising the side support panels.

The respective inner corner section may have an extension along the longitudinal direction being at least 10% of a distance between the fold lines of the two comer sections as seen along the longitudinal direction. By the inner corner section having an extension along the longitudinal direction as such, the side support panel may achieve desirous support powers for upholding a package placed thereon. The extension along the longitudinal direction should be enough to provide mechanical stability to the comer section of the side support panels since the comer panels will provide critical support for the support structures.

The respective inner corner section may have an extension along the longitudinal direction being less than 30% of a distance between the fold lines of the two corner sections as seen along the longitudinal direction. By such a configuration the kit of support structures is provided such that the package may have an opening along a side wall. As such, the package may be used as a display package.

The recesses of the centre support panels may each be an elongated cut extending in a cut direction. The respective cut may have a length along the cut direction being about 50% of a length of the respective centre support panel along the cut direction. By such a length of the cut, the intersecting of the two centre support panels to form the centre support structure may be facilitated. The two centre support panels may be intersected such that the centre support structure has a common height along the whole structure.

The recesses of the centre support panels may each be an elongated cut extending in the transverse direction.

Each support panel may have an extension along the longitudinal direction and an extension along the transverse direction. The extension along the longitudinal direction may differ from the extension along the transverse direction. Preferably the extension along the longitudinal direction is greater than the extension along the transverse direction.

This may be used to provide a centre support structure providing a distributed upholding force. Thus, heavier products or items may be stored in the package being upheld by the support structures. This configuration may increase simplicity of handling and transport of the package up to use.

By placing the longitudinal direction of the centre support panels in a horizontal plane of the package the centre support structure may be provided with a greater mechanical upholding power. Alternatively, by placing the longitudinal direction of the centre support panels in a vertical plane of the package, the centre support structure may be provided having a greater height such as to accommodate products having a greater height, such as bottles or the like. In any case or configuration of the kit of support structures, the support structures may be kept at the intended horizontal position and in the upright orientation by products placed in the package. This is typically the case when the package is used to carry bottles or other clearly defined uniform products.

The centre support panels may be formed such that their size and dimensions are in relation to the size of the side support panels. As such, the centre panels and side support panels may be configured in a variety of ways, while still being formed from a single blank, without any waste of material. By for example providing the blank with a 1 :1 ratio between the height of the centre support panels and the height of the comer sections, an even height of the kit of support structures may be achieved.

According to a second aspect there is provided a package comprising: a bottom panel, two mutually opposing side walls, and two mutually opposing end walls, two side support panels from the blank according to the first aspect, the two side support panels being positioned with the centre section and the inner corner sections alongside a respective one of the two opposing side walls of the package and with the outer comer sections alongside the two opposing end walls of the package, and a centre support structure formed by the two centre support panels from the blank according to the first aspect, wherein the first extension of the comer sections is greater than an extension of the side walls as seen in a height direction of the side walls, and preferably also greater than an extension of the end walls as seen in the height direction.

The centre support structure may have a height being greater than the extension of the side walls as seen in a height direction of the side walls, and preferably also greater than the extension of the end walls as seen in the height direction. By such a configuration a window may be formed when stacking two packages on top of one another.

The height of the centre support structure may be equal to the first extension of the comer sections. As such, the centre support structure and the comer sections of the side support panels may act together in forming a strong mechanical upholding force.

Generally, the package may have all advantages and configurations as the kit of support structures and reference is given to the discussion thereof.

The inventive concept may in short be said to relate to a blank for forming a kit of support structures for a package. The blank comprises two side support panels, and two centre support panels. Each side support panel extending in a longitudinal direction and each having two comer sections having a first extension along a transverse direction, and a centre section having a second extension along the transverse direction, wherein the first extension is greater than the second extension. The two centre support panels each comprises a recess configured to receive the other one of the centre support panels such that the two centre support panels intersect each other and forms a centre support structure. The side support panels are configured to be placed along side walls of a package.

Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a/an/the [element, device, component, means, step, etc]" are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of said element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, where the same reference numerals will be used for similar elements, wherein:

Fig. 1 illustrates a blank for forming a kit of support structures.

Fig. 2 illustrates the blank for forming the kit of support structures in a separated mode.

Fig. 3 illustrates a package comprising the kit of support structures. Fig. 4 illustrates a package stacked on top of the package of Fig. 3.

Description of Embodiments

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the invention to the skilled person.

With reference to Figs. 1-2, there is disclosed a blank 100 for forming a kit of support structures for a package. The blank 100 has an extension in a longitudinal direction and an extension along a transverse direction, as seen in the flat laid state of the blank 100. The blank 100 comprises two side support panels 102 and two centre support panels 200. The centre support panels 200 are configured to be intersected and form a centre support structure 310 (Fig. 3).

Each side support panel 102 has an extension in the longitudinal direction L. The side support panel 102 has two comer sections 104, each having a first extension E1 along the transverse direction T. Each support panel 102 further has a centre section 106 having a second extension E2 along the transverse direction T. The centre section 106 is arranged between the two comer sections 104, as seen along the longitudinal direction L. The first extension E1 is greater than the second extension E2.

Each comer section 104 comprises a fold line 105 extending in the transverse direction T. Said fold line 105 divides the comer section 104 into an outer corner section 104a and an inner comer section 104b as seen along the longitudinal direction L.

The respective inner comer section 104b of each side support panel 102 may have an extension along the longitudinal direction L being at least

10% of a distance d between the fold lines 105 of the two comer sections 104 as seen along the longitudinal direction L. As such, the inner comer section 104b may be provided with enough strength to provide a mechanically stable support structure.

The respective inner corner section 104b of each side support panel 102 may have an extension along the longitudinal direction L being less than 30% of the distance d between the fold lines 105 of the two comer sections 104 as seen along the longitudinal direction L. As such, a large enough window may be formed between the two inner comer sections 104b that may provide a package that can be used as a display package.

The centre support panels 200 preferably have an extension along the transverse direction and an extension along the longitudinal direction. The centre support panels 200 each comprises a recess 202 configured to receive the other one of the two centre panels 200 such that the two centre support panels 200 intersect each other and thereby form the centre support structure. Such a support structure does not require a large area of space whilst still providing a mechanically stable structure providing an upholding power for goods placed thereon. In some cases, goods that are durable, such as flasks or boxes, may provide additional upholding power to a package placed on top of the centre support structure. The extension of the centre support panel 200 along the longitudinal direction L may differ from the extension along the transverse direction T. It is preferred that the extension along the longitudinal direction L is greater than the extension along the transversal direction T. As such, when the centre support structure 310 is formed it may provide an evenly distributed upholding force. Such centre support panel, when formed into the centre support structure may not fall over easily.

In another example, the extension along the transverse direction may be greater than the extension along the longitudinal direction. As such, the centre support structure having a greater height may be provided, which may in turn allow for storage of a larger variety of goods.

The recess 202 of the centre support panel 200 may be an elongated cut 202 extending in a cut direction. The cut may have a length along the cut direction being about 50% of a length of the respective centre support panel 200 along the cut direction. The elongated cut 202 may have an extension in the transverse direction T as seen in the flat laid state of the blank 100.

As is evident from Fig. 2, the two side support panels 102 are removably connected to each other at their respective corner sections 104. The two centre support panels 200 are at at least one transversal side removably connected to at least one centre section 106. Alternatively, or in combination, the two centre support panels 200 are each, at each outwardly facing longitudinal side removably connected to an inwardly facing longitudinal side of the respective comer section 104.

As is shown in Fig. 2, the kit of support structures may be formed without any, or at least with a minimum of waste of material. This because the centre support panels 200 are formed from the material between the two side support panels 102 of the blank 100. This is achieved by the first extension being greater than the second extension, thus providing space between the two centre sections 106 of the side support panels 102.

Further, alternatively, or in combination, the two centre support panels 200 may be removably connected to each other at a respective inwardly facing longitudinal side facing the other centre support panel 200.

Further, alternatively, or in combination, the two centre support panels 200 may each, at each outwardly facing longitudinal side be removably connected to an inwardly facing longitudinal side of the respective corner section 104.

Further, alternatively, or in combination, the two centre support panels 200 may at each transversal side be removably connected to the respective centre section 106 of the side support panels 102.

The blank 100 may be pre-cut such that perforations are formed where the panels are removably connected to one another. Such a configuration typically facilitates transportation of the blank to the point of use and typically facilitates the separation of the components. Hence, the disassembly of the blank and assembly of the kit of support structures may be facilitated.

Now turning to Figs. 3 and 4, there is disclosed a package 300 comprising the kit of support structures. The package 300 comprises a bottom panel 302, two mutually opposing side walls 304, and two mutually opposing end walls 306. The two opposing side walls 304 has each an extension E3 along a height direction of the package 300. The two opposing end walls 306 respectively has an extension E4 along said height direction of the package 300.

The two side support panels 102 are positioned with the centre section 106 and the inner comer section 104b alongside a respective one of the opposing side walls 304 of the package. The outer comer sections 104a are positioned alongside the two opposing end walls 306 of the package.

Accordingly, the outer comer section 104a of the side support panel 102 may be configured to be folded relative to the inner comer section 104b such that each comer section 104 forms a comer adapted to be positioned in a comer of the package 300.

As is shown in Figures 3 and 4, when positioned in the package 300 the two side support panels 102 may be configured to be oriented such that the comer section 104 extend upwardly to a greater extent compared to an upwards extension of the centre section 106. Further, the transverse direction T as seen along the flat state of the blank may coincide with an upwardly facing height direction of the package.

It is preferred that the first extension E1 of the comer sections 104 is greater than the extension E3 of the side walls 304 as seen in a height direction of the side walls 304. It is further preferred that the first extension E1 of the comer sections 104 is greater than the extension E4 of the end walls 306 as seen in the height direction.

The first extension E1 of the comer sections 104 may be equal to the height h of the centre support structure 310. Hence, the height h of the centre support structure 310 may be greater than the extension E3 of the side walls 304 as seen in a height direction of the side walls 304. Preferably, the height of the centre support structure 310 is greater than the extension E4 of the end walls 306 as seen in the height direction.

The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

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

Claims

1. Blank (100) for forming a kit of support structures for a package, the blank (100) comprising: two side support panels (102), each extending in a longitudinal direction (L) and each having two comer sections (104) having a first extension (E1) along a transverse direction (T), and a centre section (106) having a second extension (E2) along the transverse direction, wherein the first extension (E1) is greater than the second extension (E2), wherein the centre section (106) is arranged between the two comer sections (104) as seen along the longitudinal direction, and wherein each corner section (104) comprises a fold line (105) extending in the transverse direction (T) and dividing the comer section (104) in an outer comer section (104a) and an inner comer section (104b) as seen along the longitudinal direction (L), two centre support panels (200) configured to form a centre support structure (310), each centre support panel (200) comprising a recess (202) configured to receive the other one of the two centre support panels (200) such that the two centre support panels (200) intersect each other when forming a centre support structure (310), wherein the two side support panels (102) are oriented such that the centre sections (106) are arranged at a distance from each other as seen in the transverse direction (T), wherein the two side support panels (102) are removably connected to each other at their respective two comer sections (104), and wherein the two centre support panels (200) are positioned between the centre sections (106) of the two side support panels (102), wherein the two centre support panels (200) are at at least one transversal side removably connected to at least one centre section (106) and/or wherein the two centre support panels (200) are each, at each outwardly facing longitudinal side removably connected to an inwardly facing longitudinal side of the respective comer section (104).

2. The blank (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the two side support panels (102) are configured to be positioned with the centre section (106) and the inner corner section (104b) alongside a respective one of two opposing side walls of a package (300) and with the outer comer sections (104a) alongside two opposing end walls of the package (300), when the blank is in an erected state.

3. The blank (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer comer section (104a) is configured to be folded relative to the inner corner section (104b) such that each comer section (104) forms a comer adapted to be positioned in a corner of the package (300), when the blank is in an erected state.

4. The blank (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the two centre support panels (200) are removably connected to each other at a respective inwardly facing longitudinal side facing the other centre support panel (200).

5. The blank (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the two centre support panels (200) are each, at each outwardly facing longitudinal side removably connected to an inwardly facing longitudinal side of the respective corner section (104).

6. The blank (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the two centre support panels (200) are at each transversal side removably connected to the respective centre section (106) of the side support panels (102).

7. The blank (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the two side support panels (102) are configured to be oriented when positioned in the package (300) such that the comer sections (104) extend upwardly to a greater extent compared to an upward extension of the centre sections (106), when the blank is in an erected state.

8. The blank (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the respective inner comer section (104b) has an extension along the longitudinal direction (L) being at least 10% of a distance (d) between the fold lines (105) of the two comer sections (104) as seen along the longitudinal direction (L).

9. The blank (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the respective inner comer section (104b) has an extension along the longitudinal direction (L) being less than 30% of a distance (d) between the fold lines (105) of the two comer sections (104) as seen along the longitudinal direction (L).

10. The blank (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein each of the recesses (202) of the centre support panels (200) is an elongated cut extending in a cut direction, wherein the respective cut has a length along the cut direction being about 50% of a length of the respective centre support panel (200) along the cut direction.

11. The blank (1 (X)) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein each of the recesses (202) of the centre support panels (200) is an elongated cut extending in the transverse direction.

12. The blank (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein each centre support panel (200) has an extension along the longitudinal direction (L) and an extension along the transverse direction (T), wherein the extension along the longitudinal direction (L) differs from the extension along the transverse direction (T), preferably such that the extension along the longitudinal direction (L) is greater than the extension along the transverse direction (T).

13. Package (300) comprising a bottom panel (302), two mutually opposing side walls (304), and two mutually opposing end walls (306), two side support panels (102) from the blank (100) according to any one of claims 1 -12, the two side support panels (102) being positioned with the centre section (106) and the inner corner sections (104b) alongside a respective one of the two opposing side walls (304) of the package and with the outer comer sections (104a) alongside the two opposing end walls (306) of the package (300), and a centre support structure (310) formed by the two centre support panels (200) from the blank (100) according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the first extension (E1 ) of the corner sections (104) is greater than an extension (E3) of the side walls (304) as seen in a height direction of the side walls (304), and preferably also greater than an extension (E4) of the end walls (306) as seen in the height direction.

14. Package (300) according to claim 13, wherein the centre support structure (310) has a height being greater than the extension (E3) of the side walls (304) as seen in a height direction of the side walls (304), and preferably also greater than the extension (E4) of the end walls (304) as seen in the height direction.

15. Package (300) according to claim 14, wherein the height of the centre support structure (310) is equal to the first extension (E1) of the comer sections (104).